Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, a method is provided for receiving an indication of a wager, determining at least one balance of a gaming device having a plurality of balances, the at least one balance being associated with the wager, and determining an outcome of a play of the gaming device based on the at least one balance.

Abstract: A mystery-bingo jackpot provides a bingo triggered jackpot with a maximum or upper limit. In one or more embodiments, the jackpot is guaranteed to be paid out before the jackpot increments beyond the upper limit. This allows the upper limit to published to entice players to play one or more base games associated with the jackpot. A plurality of trigger values may be generated to trigger bingo ball draws. The trigger values may be between a lower limit and the upper limit to ensure that a winning outcome occurs before the upper limit is reached. One or multiple jackpots may be offered.

Abstract: A system and method for processing game sessions of a game having a common playing card is provided where the game sessions are initiated from communication devices in a network. For the system, there is a server and a database. The server is for managing execution of a plurality of game sessions in a game pool for the game accessed by the plurality of communication devices in the network. The server is also for a game session of the game sessions evaluating credentials and restrictions of an account associated with a user of a communication device that initiated the game session; providing a set of numbers to be played for the game session; tracking winning conditions for the game session; tracking a log time for the game session for the communication device; and generating a report of the log time when the game is completed at the communication device. The database is for storing and updating a record of the game session and the log time with records of other game sessions associated with the game sessions.

Abstract: A gaming device including a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols including at least one replicator symbol. The replicator symbol includes at least two of the same symbols in a single symbol position on the reels. The replicator symbol may include any suitable number of the same symbols. The replicator symbol thereby increases the likelihood that a player will obtain a winning symbol combination on the reels and also an award in a game. In one embodiment, a winning symbol combination includes at least one replicator symbol and at least one other symbol at a plurality of symbol positions on a payline associated with the reels. In another embodiment, the winning symbol combination at least one replicator symbol and at least one other symbol at a plurality of symbol position in at least one symbol position on a plurality of paylines associated with the reels.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a game involving the elimination of game elements are described. Various methods and apparatus of described. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: A gaming system that includes a server and a first gaming machine communicatively coupled to the server, wherein the first gaming machine includes an input device configured to receive game play events from a first player operating the first gaming machine. The gaming system further includes one or more additional gaming machines communicatively coupled to the server, wherein each of the one or more additional gaming machines is operated by a respective player. The gaming system also includes a processor programmed to provide a game of chance on the first gaming machine, determine that a triggering event as occurred, and based on the triggering event, enable one of the one or more players on one of the one or more additional gaming machines to execute a game play event for the first player.

Abstract: The gaming system that includes a first gaming machine operated by a first player, wherein the first gaming machine is configured to present a game to the first player upon receipt of a wager from the first player, and a second gaming machine operated by a second player, wherein the second gaming machine is configured to present the game to the second player upon receipt of a wager from the second player. The gaming system further includes a processor programmed to receive, from the first player, a request to execute a game play event, and in response to receiving the request to execute the game play event from the first player, execute the game play event for the first player and the second player.

Abstract: A method and system plays a side bet wagering game: a wager on a game is received by a wager resolver; a random set of 20 numbers is provided; the random set of numbers is organized into two columns or two rows of number pairs; the wager resolver sums the sets of numbers in the number pairs to form a number pair total outcome; the number pair outcomes are ordered in accordance with an order of highest number pair total outcome to lowest total number pair outcome; and the side bet wager are resolved on correspondence of the ordered number pair outcomes to a preselected number pair outcome associated with the wager on the game.

Abstract: A result represented by a matched bingo card representation is displayed to a player in a bingo-type game through a result representation provided at a suitable player station. Each result representation includes a graphical representation unrelated to the bingo-type game. That is, although the game results are simply bingo game results defined by predetermined patterns of matches between the various card designations and the designation set produced or called for a particular bingo-type game, the game results are displayed to the players with a graphical display including a graphic that is not merely a graphical representation or reproduction of a bingo card.

Abstract: Various methods for interacting with mechanical reels via a video screen are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a gaming machine having one or more mechanical reels positioned behind a video screen, wherein the video screen includes a touch screen and user interface for receiving user input. The mechanical reels spin and generate a game outcome, visible to the player through a video screen. A request is received, via the user interface, to rearrange the placement order of the mechanical reels, and the rearranged order of the mechanical reels is displayed on the video screen.

Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include managing multiple instances of gaming applications associated with a wagering game client device and determining event data from the multiple instances of gaming applications. The operations can further include aggregating the event data into an event repository and determining that a requesting application requests some portion of the event data. The operations can further include opening a communication channel between the event data repository and the requesting application, formatting the requested portion of the event data in a format understandable to the requesting application, and communicating the requested portion of the event data to the requesting application via the communication channel.

Abstract: Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may utilize bingo mapping gaming options. The systems and methods may include bingo mapping functionality in a Class II environment.

Abstract: Techniques are describe for providing group play events with multiple game devices. Group play events are triggered by any game device that qualifies to participate, so that when any qualifying game device triggers a group play event, all qualifying game devices participate in the group play event. In some situations, a probability for triggering a group play event is adjusted to accommodate for a dynamically changing number of game devices that qualify over time.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a gaming system including a central controller, a central display which includes a plurality of display segments and a plurality player stations. The display segments are configured to each separately display one of a plurality of games, to co-act to display a plurality of games, or to co-act to display one game. Each player station is configured to enable a player to play one or more of the games displayed by the display segments. The gaming system enables a plurality of players to play a group game on the central display, a plurality of players to simultaneously play multiple group games on the central display, and a plurality of players to each simultaneously play multiple individual games on the central display.

Abstract: A gaming system is provided. The gaming system allows users to access applications via gaming communication devices coupled to a communication network. At least a portion of the network may be wireless. The gaming applications include gambling, financial, entertainment service, and other types of transactions. The system may include a user location determination feature to prevent users from conducting transactions from unauthorized areas. The gaming system may incorporate a user profile feature according to which certain information regarding users of the system may be maintained. Such information can include, without limitation, information relating to preferences, finances, activities participated in by the users, and trends and habits of the users.

Abstract: Gaming apparatus, e.g. an Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) (1), includes a controller (2) for implementing e.g. a slot-machine game, a poker game or the like. The EGM (1) displays a gaming image on a display (5), e.g. virtual symbol reels or card hands, and receives player instructions via an input (6) or the like, e.g. to spin the reels or manage the cards. The EGM (1) includes a guarantee feature in which an event is guaranteed to trigger if a monitored event (e.g. of the same type as the guaranteed event) does not occur within a set amount of gameplay. A guarantee indicator (9), e.g. a numerical countdown or gauge, indicates the remaining amount of gameplay required before the guarantee feature triggers. The monitored and/or guaranteed event may be a win event or a feature event, e.g. the triggering of a bonus round, free game or the like.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for preserving game state data for an asynchronous persistent group bonus game may have a plurality of gaming machines associated with the asynchronous persistent group bonus game and at least one network server having at least one processor and at least one non-volatile memory. The processor may be configured to determine whether a bonus game session is triggered on any of the plurality of gaming machines; and if the bonus game session is triggered, display live game monitor activities, and periodically save the persistent bonus game state and other data on the at least one non-volatile memory.

Abstract: The gaming system and method disclosed herein provides a plurality of players with an opportunity to win a plurality of progressive awards maintained by the gaming system. The gaming system accumulates a quantity of progressive event points for each player playing at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system. In one embodiment, the gaming system uses an accumulated quantity of progressive event points for a designated player to determine which one or more of the progressive awards the designated player wins. In another embodiment, the gaming system uses an accumulated quantity of progressive event points to determine the designated player's probability of winning one or more of the progressive awards. Accordingly, the gaming system provides a point-based system in which either a progressive award to win or a probability of winning a progressive award is determined based on the quantities of progressive event points accumulated by the players.

Abstract: A method for controlling a bingo game comprising randomly selecting a first game number representing one of a predetermined set of game numbers. Displaying the first game number in an active number area. Receiving a user-entered command to randomly select a second game number. Determining whether the first game number has been marked on each of one or more bingo game cards. Randomly selecting a second game number representing a second of the predetermined set of game numbers, if the first game number has been marked where it appears on each of the one or more bingo game cards. Deducting a predetermined time penalty from a countdown timer if the first game number has not been marked where it appears on each of the one or more bingo game cards.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed with one or more dynamic bingo cards or artifices wherein each daubed number on a bingo card is removed from its initial location and re-located to the last position of the payline on which the daubed number is positioned and at least one other number on the associated payline is moved to replace the position vacated by the daubed number. Once the final number is drawn, paylines with all daubed numbers are paid according to the paytable. If all positions on a bingo card are daubed, then a progressive or other jackpot award may be paid.

Abstract: An asynchronous persistent group bonus game system, method and apparatus may have a plurality of gaming machines including a first processor and a bonus server having a second processor. The first processor may be configured to: determine when a bonus game session event is triggered, transmit a bonus game session request to the second processor, and receive an end session notification from the second processor. The second processor may be configured to execute and maintain the always-on asynchronous persistent group bonus game, receive a bonus game session request from at least one of the plurality of gaming machines, instantiate a bonus game session inside the continuous asynchronous persistent group bonus game for the at least one gaming machine, determine when an end session trigger has been triggered for the bonus game session, and transmit an end session notification to the at least one gaming machine if it is determined that the end session condition has been triggered.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a gaming system includes a multi-player wheel game. The game includes a wheel having a plurality of sections. Each of the sections is associated with an award symbol. Each of the sections is also associated with a characteristic independent of the award symbol, such as a color. The gaming system enables each of a plurality of active players to select at least one of the characteristics associated with the wheel. The gaming system activates the wheel and indicates at least one section of the wheel. The gaming system and at the gaming devices associated with the gaming system provide an award associated with the award symbol of the indicated section. For each active player that selected the characteristic associated with the indicated section, the gaming system and the gaming devices associated with the gaming system provide a modified award.

Abstract: An automated raffle game and method making use of prize pools, the prize pools having elements, the elements representing one of: winning prizes; or, both winning prizes and no-win (0 value) prizes. Raffle tickets are associated with a prize pool. Upon closure of the game, either by a time-out or by number of tickets sold, a number of elements are taken from the pool. The number of elements taken from the pool is directly related to the number of tickets associated with the pool and further depends on which type of pool is being used (one having only win-elements or both win and 0-value elements). The results are sent to the player terminal, where a player may simply take a winning voucher or ticket, or, may chose to view an entertainment display.

Abstract: A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a display for displaying a bonus game triggered by a start-bonus outcome and for presenting a plurality of player-selectable elements. Each of the player-selectable elements has a predetermined random outcome associated therewith. A game feature associated with the bonus game is configured to introduce a computer-generated player on the display. The computer-generated player randomly selects at least one player-selectable element from the plurality of player-selectable elements.

Abstract: A gaming system and method providing a plurality of games, including a first type of game and a second type of game. The gaming system includes a progressive award which includes or is in the form of a progressive number or quantity of plays of the second type of game. The gaming system enables the player to play the first type of game. The gaming system increases the progressive award based on an occurrence of one or more incrementing conditions. Upon an occurrence of a triggering event, the gaming system determines the progressive award to provide to the player and provides the determined award to the player.

Abstract: A method for conducting bingo games includes using a server to collect game play requests from a plurality of electronic player stations. The server determines if a group of the collected game play requests meets one or more predefined conditions for establishing a quorum, and if so conducts a game with the group of game play requests. Even after the game is started, the server continues to collect game play requests in preparation for conducting additional games. When enough game play requests are collected, the server starts the next game, even if previous games are still in progress.

Abstract: After the main ball drop of a bingo game, a player may be given a free extra bingo number. A probability of awarding a free ball may be determined, at least in part, according to a desired paytable percentage for the bingo game. In some implementations providing multi-card bingo games, a player is required to hit a predetermined pattern on more than one bingo card in order to obtain a progressive award. The number of hits in the pattern(s) and/or the number of bingo cards involved may be determined according to a desired progressive award size and/or a desired probability of obtaining the progressive award. Players may have an opportunity to purchase an additional bingo number or a block of a plurality of additional bingo numbers after the main ball drop. The block may be offered at a discount compared to the price of an individual additional bingo number.

Abstract: The gaming device and method disclosed herein produces an indication of an appearance of a notable or designated symbol in a symbol display region while at least one reel is spinning. The indication continues while the notable symbol appears in the symbol display region and while the at least one reel is spinning. Different indications are produced for the different notable symbols when appearing in the symbol display region while the at least one reel is spinning.

Abstract: An account is established for a player of a gaming device. The balance of the account is increased if a predetermined condition is satisfied. Disbursements from the account may be made if a predetermined condition is satisfied. A disbursement may be in the form of a payout, bonus, or other benefit.

Abstract: A method for adapting a game of bingo to a lottery, includes predetermining a plurality of bingo faces to achieve a desired liability profile. One or more of the plurality of bingo faces are distributed. Random call numbers are generated until a desired pattern is achieved on one or more of the distributed bingo faces.

Abstract: In some example embodiments, a method includes executing a wagering game that generates instructions for control of a number of mechanical reels. The method also includes converting the instructions for controlling the number of mechanical reels into identifiers of video sequences stored in machine-readable media. The video sequences comprising a display representative of a stop result of the mechanical reels. The method includes retrieving the video sequences from the machine-readable media. The method includes displaying the video sequences on displays for video reels of a wagering game machine.

Abstract: Various methods for coordinating a distributed game in a gaming system are disclosed herein. According to one method, a player request is received at a dedicated game manager to participate in a distributed game where the dedicated game manager is in communication with other game managers in the polymorphous network. The dedicated game manager then determines whether it is an appropriate session host to satisfy the player request. If the dedicated manager is deemed the appropriate session host for the distributed game, play of the distributed game is managed at the dedicated game manager. Otherwise, the player request is forwarded to the appropriate session host.

Abstract: A wagering game is played with symbol indicia having an order or rank. A player places a first wager to play in an underlying game. The player receives at least or exactly two indicia which are positioned among three possible orientations by the player. There is one indicia each, in any of three indicia positions defining a player's hand. The player places the two indicia, leaving one indicia position unfilled. A third indicia is provided to the player in the unfilled indicia position. The first wager is resolved at least in part based on whether the third indicia forms a sequence of order or ranks among the three indicia provided to the player. There may be a similar dealer hand against which the player hand is compared. Playing cards are preferred indicia.

Abstract: A video output signal analyzes that analyzes a video output signal to determine game play information. In video poker, card values and player strategies can be determined based on a “reverse encoding” of the video signal to determine the original video bitmap. The bitmap can then be analyzed to determine what is taking place during a game, without having to receive this information directly from the processing unit that is actually implementing the game.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for adapting a Class II game to provide play characteristics of a Class III game are provided. Plays of the Class III game are simulated in a computer to obtain frequencies of occurrence of at least one Class III award. Plays of the Class II game are simulated in a computer to obtain frequencies of occurrence of at least one Class II outcome. A Class III award is selected. A Class II outcome having a similar frequency of occurrence to the selected Class III award is selected. An award is defined for the selected Class II outcome according to the selected Class III award.

Abstract: A method for controlling a game comprising randomly selecting a first set of four items from a second set of fourteen items using a processor. Randomly selecting a third set of four items from a fourth set of thirteen items using a processor. Randomly selecting a fifth set of four items from a sixth set of thirteen items using a processor. Randomly selecting a seventh set of four items from an eighth set of fourteen items using a processor. Generating a game card displaying the first set of four items, the third set of four items, the fifth set of four items and the seventh set of four items on a user display.

Abstract: A method for lottery wagering on real-world events. One method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes selecting a set of variables, each variable representing a time-varying value capable of having a fixed value at a specified time. For each variable, the method includes selecting a range of values for the fixed value of the variable at the specified time, dividing the range of values into a set of n increments, randomly assigning a lottery number from a set of lottery numbers, 1 to n, to each increment, selecting a winning lottery number from the set of lottery numbers based on correlating the fixed value of the variable at the specified time with the increment associated with the winning lottery number; and determining a set of winning lottery numbers from the winning lottery numbers selected for each variable.

Abstract: A game of chance is provided in which a predetermined fixed number of winning cell content drawn from a predetermined set of cell content. The drawn content is matched to the content on game cards and if the matched game card content covers a predetermined winning pattern then the game card is a winner. In one example, numerous winners may occur per game session because the game continues until the predetermined fixed number of winning cell content is drawn and not until a win occurs.

Abstract: A video-based gaming device and method of using the same. The gaming device includes a primary game configured to present a game of chance wherein outcomes of the game of chance are based on bingo ball draws and patterns formed on bingo cards, and a bonus game activated by certain pre-established primary game outcomes wherein the bonus game presents one or more bonus game icons each associated with a separate bonus game award from a set of bonus game awards wherein each bonus game award is determined by mapping a set of bonus game patterns to the set of bonus game awards by an order that the bonus game patterns forming the set of bonus game patterns are achieved by applying an original ball draw, in an order bingo balls were originally drawn, to an original bingo card, and randomly assigning the bonus game patterns to the bonus game icons.

Abstract: A method of operating a wagering game comprises receiving one or more configuration inputs to create at least one wagering game configuration. The at least one wagering game configuration comprises at least one base game and at least one portal game. The at least one base game is operable in response to receipt of a primary wager, the primary wager being within a range of allowable wagers. The range includes minimum and maximum allowable wagers. The at least one portal game having a set of eligibility criteria. The method further comprises creating a plurality of wager categories based upon the set of eligibility criteria and a size of the primary wager, activating participation in the at least one portal game if the set of eligibility criteria is satisfied, and metering the entire primary wager to a single wager category.

Abstract: Time Based Wagering with Optional Reinvestment allows casino players to play their favorite casino games in a mixed time-based and credit-based fashion. The player purchases a contract for a window of time on the gaming machine at a set price that guarantees him or her the ability to play at a pace of his choosing over the entire duration of his contract. As the player accumulates winnings dining the execution of the time contract, the player may elect to protect his or her accrued winnings by cashing them out at the end of his contract or may elect to re-invest part or all of his accrued winnings for the opportunity to achieve even larger wins as the time contract progresses. The player may activate this optional feature by placing additional wagers via a dynamic wager selection menu.

Abstract: Methods for direct wagering and lottery wagering on real-world events including outcomes based on fantasy sports league performance. One method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes selecting a set of variables, each variable representing a time-varying value capable of having a fixed value at a specified time. For each variable, the method includes selecting a range of values for the fixed value of the variable at the specified time, dividing the range of values into a set of n increments, randomly assigning a lottery number from a set of lottery numbers, 1 to n, to each increment, selecting a winning lottery number from the set of lottery numbers based on correlating the fixed value of the variable at the specified time with the increment associated with the winning lottery number; and determining a set of winning lottery numbers from the winning lottery numbers selected for each variable.

Abstract: Systems, gaming machines, games, and methods for displaying an exploding icon are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a gaming device comprises a display screen that presents a game. The game presented on the display screen comprises one or more game icons for display in various locations on the display screen, wherein the game presents an animated icon upon the occurrence of a triggering event such that the animated icon produces one or more wild icons that move about the display screen before being positioned in fixed locations on the display screen. Additionally, the gaming device includes a means for activating the game and triggering the presentation of the animated icon, and a means for determining whether one or more combinations of the game icons and the wild icons form any winning combinations.

Abstract: A method includes displaying playing card face representations at an electronic player station. The displayed playing card face representations include card face representations that are included in a group of card face representations that has been assigned to the player in response to a bingo pattern achieved by the player in a bingo game. The player then selects one or more of the displayed card face representations to be replaced with one or more card face representations that are also included in the assigned group but have been concealed from the player. A prize is awarded to the player based on the card face representations remaining in the player's hand after replacement of the selected card face representations. This prize represents the player's prize for achieving the bingo pattern, but is based on the player's card hand produced after the player replaces the desired cards.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided allowing a player to play a gaming device and receive a predetermined number of outcomes in exchange for a payment. The gaming device generates at least the predetermined number of outcomes, and adjusts a balance of the player device based on the outcomes. The player can continue playing regardless of whether the balance is less than zero.

Abstract: An arcade type amusement game is disclosed having a housing with a playing field therein, the game further comprising a turntable and a counter rotating pointer. A pair of motors control the rotation and counter rotation of the turntable and pointer, initiated and stopped by player controls. The coincidence of the pointer over the turntable's sectors determine a reward for the player, modified by a quadrant of the playing field to which the pointer comes to rest.

Abstract: A game system and method plays an electronic game and simulates the outcome as a blackjack game. The game system allows a player to place a wager. The outcome of the electronic game includes a payout according to a first pay table if a set of predetermined winning conditions has been achieved. The outcome of the bingo game is simulated as a blackjack game. The outcome of the blackjack game is equivalent to the outcome of the electronic game.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for providing a first wagering game (such as a bingo game) that presents a changing pool of displayed game outcomes for a second wagering game (such as a Class III game), preferably on a network of gaming machines. Some implementations of the invention provide a bingo game that presents a changing pool of displayed game outcomes for a slot game or a poker game. In some preferred implementations, game outcomes are generated, e.g., by individual gaming machines, on an ongoing basis and stored in memory. Each of the game outcomes corresponds with a bingo outcome. Preferably, the game outcomes are sorted and stored according to payout amounts for various bingo outcomes. In some implementations, the game outcomes are stored in the form of random number generating (“RNG”) seeds, but in other implementations the game outcomes are stored in a variety of other forms.

Abstract: A system and method for playing component games in a gaming environment, where a component game is a game in which a physical prize, the prize to be won, is rendered in a graphical format and further divided into components (clearly recognizable parts of the graphical image). Individual component prizes are designed to be won by a player during individual game plays, that is, upon the occurrence of specific winning events while playing a chance or fixed-pool game. To win the component game prize, each of the components must be won and the combination redeemed. The component prizes are not intended to be separately redeemable game credits. In particular, the player may play for regular game credits or may choose to play for component prizes or portions thereof, not both. Component games create a highly enticing situation where players can be rewarded for long term play over a variety of machines.

Abstract: A game system including a lottery apparatus which is coupled to a plurality of player terminal devices in a manner capable of information communication. The lottery apparatus includes the same number of rotation bodies as the number of rows M or columns N of a card. Each rotation body performs a lottery draw in association with the corresponding one of the rows or columns. The player terminal device includes an arrangement-determination section that sets an arrangement of symbols allocated in the cells included in each row or column of the card such that each of the allocated symbols is the same as any one of the symbols to be determined by a lottery draw in the corresponding rotation body to the each row or column.