Abstract: A system and method for conducting a multi-player wagered networked bingo game. The system comprises a game controller operatively connected to at least two client devices. The game controller is preferably programmed to operate the networked bingo game and form patterns on a playing pieces associated with each client device. The game controller is preferably programmed to compare a plurality of intermediate patterns on each playing piece associated with each client device to determine if one of the intermediate patterns from the playing piece on at least two different client devices identically matches. The game controller can also be programmed to award an intermediate prize to each client device with the identically matched intermediate pattern and to conclude the networked bingo game when at least one pattern on the playing piece of at least one client device matches a game ending pattern.

Abstract: A bingo game system with a wheel game simulation feature including a wheel divided into a plurality of sections, wherein each section is associated with a wheel game outcome, and a processing device for facilitating the steps of assigning one or more unique numbers from a pool of bingo numbers to each section of the wheel game simulation feature, randomly drawing numbers from the pool of bingo numbers, determining if the randomly drawn numbers include the one or more unique numbers assigned to one of the sections of the wheel; responsive to the determination that the one or more unique numbers assigned to one of the sections of the wheel has been randomly drawn, actuating the wheel game simulation feature to simulate the operation and conclusion of a wheel game in which the section assigned to the one or more unique numbers is identified as the game outcome.

Abstract: A proxy system for playing a game on behalf of a player is described herein. The proxy system includes a database for storing a plurality of game request records and a proxy controller that is coupled to the database. The proxy controller is configured to receive, from a player via a user computing device, a first request to play a game, generate an outcome of the game and store the outcome in the database, receive a second request from the player to display a replay of the stored outcome, and generate a game replay indicative of the generated game outcome and display the game replay to the player in response to the second request.

Abstract: A bingo game system with a roulette game simulation feature in which a processing device facilitates the steps of assigning one or more unique numbers from a pool of bingo numbers to each roulette game outcome of a plurality of possible roulette game outcomes; randomly drawing numbers from the pool of bingo numbers; determining if the randomly drawn numbers include the one or more unique numbers assigned to one of the roulette game outcomes; responsive to the determination that the one or more unique numbers assigned to one of the roulette game outcomes has been randomly drawn, actuating the roulette feature to simulate the roulette game outcome assigned to the one or more unique numbers; and settling the wager based on the one or more unique numbers randomly drawn.

Abstract: A game for a gaming machine having a plurality of different items to be selected by a player, each item having a value in an amount preset for a given bonus round, and a respective initial quantity in a preset amount. The player selects an item, such as one of many items for purchase in a store, and the value for that item is registered, along with subtraction of a unit from the quantity of that item. Provided that the quantity for that item selected is not then zero, the player continues to select another item, with registration of the value for that item and subtraction until an item is selected thereby having a zero quantity.

Abstract: The gaming system and method disclosed herein provides and tracks bonus event eligibility points accumulated by players playing the gaming devices in the gaming system. Upon a triggering of a bonus event, the gaming system generates, for each bonus event eligibility point accumulated for each player, a random number from a predefined range of numbers. The gaming system determines which one of the accumulated bonus event eligibility points is the designated bonus event eligibility point, such as by determining which bonus event eligibility point is associated with the highest valued random number generated. The gaming system then enables the player that accumulated the designated bonus event eligibility point to participate in the bonus event. In the bonus event, one or more awards are provided to the player that accumulated the designated bonus event eligibility point.

Abstract: The invention relates to charitable gaming, and particularly the association of a player's wagering game play with one or more charitable entities. Other aspects of the invention comprise grouping of players with charitable entities and the allocation of gaming sessions, such as periods of time, with one or more charitable entities.

Abstract: An electronic video poker machine configured to allow play of multiple hands of video poker. The electronic video poker machine comprises at least one display device, at least one input device, and at least one computer configured to display at least a first hand and a second hand of at least three cards all face up, wherein a computer uses selected hold cards of the first hand to select the best poker hand for a second and subsequent poker hands. If the hold cards from the first hand make the best possible poker hands, they are used to replace one or more selected cards of the second and subsequent hands.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gaming system and method providing one or more incentives to delay termination of a gaming session. In general, for a player, the gaming system utilizes gaming session data collected from the player's previous gaming sessions to determine one or more termination causation events for the player. When a designated number of the termination causation events occur during a current gaming session of the player, the gaming system provides an incentive to the player, wherein the incentive is configured to cause the player to delay expected termination of the player's current gaming session. In certain embodiments, the gaming system optimizes an incentive available to be provided to a player based on the effectiveness of prior incentives provided to the player.

Abstract: Various card devices and methods involving card devices are described. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method that uses digital signature technology to authenticate the contents of one or more manifests located on a storage device. Each manifest contains a list of file records, where each record contains the name of a file stored on the storage device, and a SHA1 hash value derived from the contents of the file. At boot time, the gaming machine first authenticates the contents of the manifest and then verifies the contents of the files using the SHA1 value stored in the manifest. Files are verified using the SHA1, as they are needed, during the boot up of the operating system and throughout normal operation. This method reduces the boot time of the gaming machine and eliminates the need to check digital signatures for each individual file or over the entire contents of a non-secure media.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the gaming system and method disclosed herein employs a symbol accumulation sequence and a symbol evaluation sequence. The symbol accumulation sequence includes an accumulation of a designated quantity of symbols in association with a persistence game. The symbol accumulation sequence also includes the maintenance of a persistence game arrangement that displays a designated quantity of currently accumulated symbols (which in certain instances, includes some, but not all of the total number of symbols accumulated). In one embodiment, the symbol evaluation sequence includes the gaming system determining and providing an award based on the accumulated symbols of the persistence game. In another embodiment, the symbol evaluation sequence includes the gaming system determining and providing an award based on at least one of the accumulated symbols of the persistence game and at least one symbol generated for a current play of a wagering game.

Abstract: A method of playing a wagering game on an electronic gaming system provides: i) an image of a virtual playing card having frames within m columns and n rows wherein each of m and n are at least 3; ii) providing a random distribution of individual numbers within the frames, the individual numbers selected from within a complete defined set of numbers; iii) recognizing a wager; iv) selecting a second set of numbers smaller than the complete defined set; v) identifying on the monitor selected numbers matching individual random numbers within the frames; vi) identifying when consecutive frames have at least p matched individual random numbers within frames in a column, row or diagonal; vii) resolving the at least wager such that a) when matched individual random numbers do or do not form at least p adjacent frames.

Abstract: A system and method of use wherein players are allowed to vote on a game number from multiple game numbers wherein the game number receiving the most votes is selected as a next game number. Games involving multiple player, including bingo and lottery-style games, may benefit from the disclosed system and method. Given a large set of players and over the course of the game, the voting scheme does not impact the random nature of the game outcome. Advantageously, and despite the continued randomness of game outcomes, players tend to believe that the voting scheme impacts the game outcome by skewing the game outcome in the player's favor. Accordingly, the interactive nature of the game is attractive to players especially new and young players having grown up with interactive video games and also provides more experienced players with a new spin on old games.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus having a display area with a prize object holder that releasably holds a plurality of prize objects in an individually controlled manner; a rotatable display element having a cavity to receive at least one of the prize objects; and a positioning mechanism which transfers a selected prize object from the prize object holder to the rotatable display element, is disclosed. A controller causes the positioning mechanism to transfer the selected prize object from the prize object holder to the rotatable display element. In one embodiment, the cavity of the rotatable display element may include a plurality of barrier elements which at least partially impede movement of a selected prize object disposed within the rotatable display element. A method of playing a game using the aforementioned apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the gaming system, gaming device, and gaming method disclosed herein includes an accumulation sequence and a competition sequence. In one embodiment, the gaming system includes competitor points which determine (i) a competitor's eligibility to participate in the competition sequence and (ii) the competitor's relative probability of success in the competition sequence. In this embodiment, a competitor (which is either representative of an actual player or a virtual, gaming system controlled player) accumulates competitor points during one or more point accumulation sequences which occur in association with designated events. For a subsequent competition sequence, the gaming system determines if a competitor will participate in the triggered competition sequence based on the competitor's accumulated competitor points.

Abstract: A remote player at a first location which is remote from a second location where a bingo game is being presented is able to participate in the bingo game via a proxy player at the second location. The remote player may provide instructions to the proxy agent who uses financial account information to purchase and play bingo cards on behalf of the remote player. Winning and losing outcomes are reported to the remote player. Awards for winning outcomes may comprise the award of one or more additional game cards for the same bingo game or other bingo games.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention set forth systems, apparatuses and methods for providing game features. In a game of chance involving at least one outcome, a plurality of alternative outcomes can be derived for a gaming event, such as when one of the outcomes will provide a payout at or above a certain level. The player is presented with an opportunity to select among the alternative outcomes, without being aware of the particular characteristics or values associated with the outcomes. While the player will only select the outcome having the payout at/above the threshold level a certain percentage of the time, the opportunity can be presented to the player more often, while keeping the mathematical probabilities the same or similar if desired, thereby providing the player with the feeling of getting higher value opportunities more often.

Abstract: Techniques for providing progressive games in a gaming environment are disclosed. Progressive configuration data can effectively define one or more progressive games for a gaming environment that includes one or more gaming machines. The progressive gaming data can, for example, be provided as a set of rules (e.g., rules in an XSLT form). A progressive configurator uses the progressive configuration data and gaming data received from the gaming machines in order to effectively implement one or more progressive games. The gaming data can, for example, include information about a gaming machine (e.g., serial number, network, location), one or more games available on the gaming machine (e.g., type of the game, minimum and maximum bet for a game), and data regarding a specific game instance (e.g., amount wagered, outcome of a game instance).

Abstract: A gaming system is disclosed that comprises at least one mechanical reel, and a video display device disposed over the at least one mechanical reel. The video display device is controllable to display for each mechanical reel a virtual reel representative of the mechanical reel, and so as to be disposed in an operative first state wherein the at least one virtual reel is viewable on the video display device, or a substantially transparent second state. The gaming system also comprises a shutter device positioned between the video display device and the at least one mechanical reel and disposable in a first state wherein the at least one mechanical reel is revealed or a second state wherein the at least one mechanical reel is concealed. During use, either the mechanical reel(s) or the virtual reel(s) representative of the mechanical reel(s) are viewable by a player.

Abstract: Various card devices and methods involving card devices are described. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes: a reel having an outer circumferential surface on which symbols are lined up; a reel driving mechanism which rotates the reel to rearrange the symbols; a magnet which is provided in the reel driving mechanism to change an external magnetic field in accordance with the rotation of the reel; a magnetic force detecting mechanism which detects a magnetic force of the external magnetic field so as to output a magnetic force detection signal; a reel setting unit by which the magnetic force detection signal and arrangement positions of the symbols are associated with one another; and a reel drive control unit which controls the reel driving mechanism so that the symbols are rearranged in a predetermined arrangement based on the magnetic force detection signal and the arrangement positions of the symbols.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a gaming system and method providing a keno game including an additional number triggering event that causes at least one additional number to be added to a selected number set to form a modified number set. A player number set and a gaming system number set are selected from a plurality of numbers. Upon an occurrence of an additional number triggering event, the gaming system adds at least one of the numbers to one of: the player number set to form a modified player number set, and the gaming system number set to form a modified gaming system number set. The gaming system determines any awards based on a comparison of the player number set (or the modified player number set) with the gaming system number set (or the modified gaming system number set), and provides any determined awards.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, systems and programs for conducting a game of bingo, comprising an enrollment process in which at least one player enrolls to join a team of players to participate in the bingo game. Virtual players may be generated to join the team of players. Bingo indicia are drawn and compared to the players' (participating or virtual) bingo cards and an ending process is triggered when an ending pattern is formed on a bingo card.

Abstract: The gaming system that includes a server, a Class II gaming machine communicatively coupled to the server, and a processor. The processor is programmed to, upon an input of a wager by a player operating the Class II gaming machine, provide a bingo based game on the Class II gaming machine, the bingo based game including gaming content that includes at least one bingo game card, determine that a triggering event has occurred during play of the bingo based game, and based on the triggering event, providing the player with at least one free bingo card in a bingo based bonus game.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a secondary gaming feature across affiliated properties, which includes enabling secondary game elements based upon based upon the wagering activity of the player at a base game. When the elements have been enabled a winning or losing outcome for the secondary game may be derived. In certain embodiments the player may select from one or more secondary games. The player may wager upon the secondary game using promotional funds. The secondary game may be a progressive game whose prize is funded based upon player wagering activity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for synchronizing audio in a bank of gaming machines, such as video slot and video poker machines. Audio tracks of a game may be provided to a plurality of gaming machines and synchronized. An audio track provided to one of the gaming machines may be changed to a second audio track, in response to receiving an indication of a status change for the game. The second audio track may be synchronized with the audio tracks provided to the other gaming machines in the plurality.

Abstract: A gaming system is disclosed that comprises a plurality of rotatable reels, each reel comprising a plurality of selectable symbols corresponding to respective reel stopping positions. The system includes a symbol selector arranged to select a stopping position for each reel and thereby select at least one symbol from each reel, and a reel controller arranged to control rotation of the reels such that the reels rotate during implementation of a game in order to move the reels to the selected stopping positions and thereby display the selected symbols in a display area. The reel controller is arranged to control rotation of the reels such that each reel rotates less than one full rotation to the selected reel stopping position. A corresponding method of gaming is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method providing at least one input device which enables a player to deposit an amount of money into a gaming device and a memory device configured to store the deposited amount of money. The gaming device displays the deposited amount of money on a credit display. The gaming device includes a wagering game and at least one input device configured to enable the player to initiate a play of the game by inputting a wager using the deposited amount of money. The game includes a plurality of award opportunities. The gaming device determines which of the award opportunities to employ based on the deposited amount of money. In one embodiment, the gaming device provides an enhanced award opportunity if the deposited amount of money is at least a designated amount.

Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines and a plurality of bonus awards. The central server monitors wagers on the gaming machines. Based at least in part on the wagers the central server determines when bonus events will occur and which gaming machine(s) will provide the bonus awards. In one embodiment, the central server determines which gaming machine will provide a primary bonus award and any secondary bonus awards, wherein at least one gaming machine may be provided a plurality of bonus awards.

Abstract: A gaming device having a bonus scheme wherein a combination of bonus symbols trigger a bonus game and any one of the bonus symbols in the bonus game provides a player with an award. The award may be an extension of the bonus game by providing the player with additional spins or games. Also, the award may modify the combination and type of bonus symbols needed to enter the bonus game. Furthermore, the award may modify the award values in the bonus game. Therefore, a combination of bonus symbols triggers the bonus game and also triggers the gaming device to provide bonus awards in the bonus game. The re-triggering symbol award bonus scheme changes the probability of winning for the player and therefore creates a higher level of excitement and enjoyment of the game.

Abstract: Methods and systems of providing a game in an interactive media application based on information stored in a database are provided. The game is provided in part by using a database to select a source individual and a destination individual. Based on the source individual and information stored in a database and associated therewith, a plurality of associated candidates are selected, each of which has a defined relationship with the source individual. Representations of the source individual, the destination individual, and the first plurality of candidates are provided on a display. Based on user input, one candidate of the first plurality of candidates is selected, and it is determined whether the database defines a relationship between the selected candidate and the destination individual. If such a relationship exists, a user is alerted. If no such relationship exists, then a new set of candidates is retrieved based on the selected candidate.

Abstract: A video bingo poker game comprising: providing each player with an individual flashboard, each flashboard having an equal number of spaces, each space defined by a column label and a space number, wherein the space number is randomly selected from a predefined number range for each column; providing a plurality of bingo balls, wherein each bingo ball has markings associated with one of the plurality of spaces; randomly selecting a first group of bingo balls; displaying to each player the markings associated with each selected bingo ball of the first group of bingo balls; marking each square associated with each of the first group of bingo balls on each individual flashcard; and determining any winning flashboard.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and gaming units for conducting a multi-player wagering game in which at least one of the players may win the occurrence of the wagering game by matching a predetermined game winning pattern of game indicia on a game array having a unique combination of game indicia based on matching the game indicia on the game array to game indicia randomly selected for the occurrence of the wagering game. The wagering game may include a plurality of game awards that may be awarded to the players. The game awards may be divided into pay groups, with each pay group being associated with a primary pattern on the game array, and with each game award within a pay group being associated with a secondary pattern on the game array. A gaming award may be awarded to a player in response to determining that the primary pattern and the secondary pattern associated with the gaming award are matched by patterns formed by the game indicia of the game array matching the randomly selected game indicia.

Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The gaming system includes a plurality of different types of progressive awards adapted to be provided to one or more players of the gaming machines in the gaming system. In one embodiment, one or more progressive awards are each associated with a progressive hit value, wherein when each progressive award increments to its respective progressive hit value, a triggering event occurs and such progressive award is provided to a player. In one embodiment, one or more progressive awards are each associated with a secondary game, wherein if the secondary game is triggered, a player is provided either a fixed award or one of the progressive awards associated with the secondary game based on a play of the secondary game.

Abstract: Methods for facilitating cooperative group play of an online casino game are provided. One method includes initiating a group session of the online casino game over the Internet, the group session defined to include a plurality of players, and defining at least one group objective for the group session. The method then combines outcomes from gameplay of the online casino game of each of the plurality of players during the group session and compares the combined outcomes against the group objective. If the combined outcomes meet the group objective, then the method administers a prize associated with the group objective. The methods further facilitate game play in a social online environment, where the social interactions assist in advancing game play.

Abstract: A method and game server for selecting a plurality of winners of a game is provided. The method comprises receiving a plurality of sets of player numbers from a plurality of game terminals. Each set has a predetermined number of player numbers. Each number is selected from a predetermined set. The method also comprises determining the plurality of winners of the game by conducting iterative drawing rounds until the number of winners exceeds a winner threshold. Each drawing round comprises: selecting a set of random numbers, the number of random numbers in the set of random numbers being equal to the number of player numbers in the set of player numbers; and identifying as winners any sets of player numbers in which each player number of the set corresponds to one or more of the random numbers selected in either the current drawing round or any previous drawing rounds.

Abstract: An electronic gaming console is illustrated having a console cabinet 10 including a prize display 12, a coin entry slot 13, a payout tray 14 and internally mounted game control processor circuits. A video game is provided for play on the console in which images of spinning reels spin and objects (balls) are dropped through a series of obstacles (pins) and eventually land in one or more of a set of containers. Prizes are paid according to either the state of the reels after spinning or the number of balls which are in each container at the end of the ball drop and/or the manner in which the pins are hit.

Abstract: A slot machine operable is in a basic mode and a bonus mode. The bonus game is entered upon the occurrence of start-bonus game outcome in the basic mode. In the bonus game, a player may select from an array of windows, each associated with a bonus game outcome. Credits are awarded based upon which ones of the windows are selected. The bonus game may end upon selection of a window associated with an end-bonus outcome but otherwise continues, allowing the player to make further selections until encountering an end-bonus outcome. A bonus game resource obtained in the basic game may be exercised in the bonus game to affect the bonus game outcome. For example, where the occurrence of an end-bonus outcome would otherwise end the bonus game, a player having a bonus game resource may exercise the bonus game resource to continue playing the bonus game.

Abstract: To encourage viewer participation, games, contests and social interactions are able to be synchronized with programming such as television shows or commercials utilizing a second screen such as a cell phone, iPad® or laptop computer. The programming is able to be television programming, Internet programming (e.g. a video displayed on a webpage or mobile device) or any other programming. The gaming is able to be any game such as a game of skill or chance, for example, a scavenger hunt or a treasure hunt.

Abstract: A system and method for playing a game of chance, either as a primary or secondary game offering, having a first winning criterion associated with matching player indicia on a player card to house indicia selected or otherwise determined by operator calls include awarding a first prize for every player card that satisfies the winning criterion after each operator call less than or equal to a first number of operator calls and awarding a subsequent prize for every player card that satisfies the same winning criterion after each call up to and including a second number of operator calls and continuing the game until at least all calls up to and including the second number of calls have been made.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus are described for producing wagering products and conducting wagering games. In one embodiment, a method for producing a lottery product comprises producing a play slip that includes an indication of at least one event that potentially occurs in a corresponding content (e.g., audio/video content) component of the lottery product. In one embodiment, a unit of the corresponding content is provided to a player along with a play slip.

Abstract: Certain examples provide gaming systems and methods. An example gaming system includes a display and a game controller arranged to: cause the display to display a plurality of game displays in which a plurality of games will be carried out; receive a player selection of a game of the plurality of games; carry out the plurality of games in their respective game displays; and make an award upon a comparison of an outcome of the player selected game with an outcome of a non-selected game or games satisfying an award criteria.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for playing video games in a network environment are provided. One method includes receiving a request to initiate a game for a player of a first network connected device and enabling a second player from a second networked connected device to play the game. The method also enables transfer of currency between the first and second players using the network for playing the game. The method debits an account of a player that transferred the currency and credits an account of a player that that received the currency. The method then enables purchases in the game using the credited currency and displays an avatar of the first player on a display of the second networked connected device, and displays an avatar of the second player on a display of the first networked connected device.

Abstract: Disclosed are games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods including a primary game award at least partially based on the outcomes of one or more sub-games. The outcomes are related according to a pay table associated with the primary game.

Abstract: A gaming device which includes a variety of methods to allow the player to select patterns of wildcard symbols, from a plurality of wildcard symbol patterns, and use those patterns during subsequent games. One embodiment allows the player to select a pattern of wildcard symbols and use the selected pattern during a free spin bonus game.

Abstract: A game playing information integration system is provided which is capable of objectively performing selection and/or settings according to preference of a player, and is capable of effectively making entry into market, based on a result of logical analysis of a gaming machine invoking demands of a player and a manger in gaming facility in a well-balanced manner. The system includes a plurality of gaming machine units and a server connected to enable communication with each of the gaming machine units. Each of the gaming machine units includes player identification information reading means, number-of-consumptions data output means, and number-of-payouts data output means. Gaming machine unit identification information is individually assigned to each of the gaming machine units.

Abstract: A card game and method for playing a card game are provided for a plurality of players. A pre-determined number of cards are included in the card deck. A preset number of cards from the card deck are dealt to each player. Each card has a face with a variety of characters, written instructions, numeric fractional values, shapes, mathematical symbols, special characters, or lines. In embodiments of the card game, a designated winning word is spelled or a designated number of matching cards are obtained, with consideration to the operation instructions of a number of cards that can alter the arrangement of the cards in a player's hand or can alter the order of play of the card game. Once a current designated player obtains the designated word or the designated number of matching cards and has a winning combination of cards, that player wins and the game is over.

Abstract: A system and method for playing a game of chance, either as a primary or secondary game offering, having a first winning criterion associated with matching player indicia on a player card to house indicia selected or otherwise determined by operator calls include awarding a first prize for every player card that satisfies the winning criterion after each operator call less than or equal to a first number of operator calls and awarding a subsequent prize for every player card that satisfies the same winning criterion after each call up to and including a second number of operator calls and continuing the game until at least all calls up to and including the second number of calls have been made.

Abstract: Described is a proxy mechanism for allowing a gaming system such as bingo to be played over the internet from a location situated outside a geographical area within which at least a portion of the gaming system is physically located. The proxy mechanism can include a proxy terminal located within the geographical area that communicates with both players located outside the area and the gaming system within the area.