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.

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 matching game involves attempting to match one or more sets of base symbols with two or more sets of player symbols, such as player symbols in two matrices. In a single player variation, a player attempts to achieve combinations of matches. One or more winning combinations comprise matches of all symbols along contiguous rows, columns or diagonals of two or more of the matrices. In a multi-player variation, individual players attempt to achieve patterns of matches across their own matrix and combinations of contiguous matches spanning the matrices of two or more of the players.

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: Methods and systems for facilitating networked bingo matches are presented. Bingo cards may be generated by distributing symbols from a set of symbols into grid positions on each card. One or more patterns of marked positions on a bingo card may be pre-defined. An example embodiment includes the ability for a client devices to join a networked bingo game, each being associated with one or more potentially different special symbols. When a client device achieves a pre-defined pattern of marked positions on one or more of the client device's cards where one of the client device's special symbols is used to complete the pre-defined pattern(s), the client device may be awarded a prize.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for offering a benefit to a player of a first electronic game device. In an embodiment, the method includes determining if a player of a first electronic game device qualifies to receive at least one benefit associated with an award value, and then outputting an offer to provide the at least one benefit. In some embodiments, the offer requires use of a second electronic game device. The method may also include receiving a request for the benefit at the second electronic game device, and then providing at least one benefit to the player. In some embodiments, the offer includes such benefits as additional game play, one or more bonus-round game outcomes, a monetary payout, a game play modification, additional comp points, loss insurance, a multimedia option, and acquisition of at least one unit of media content.

Abstract: A method of gaming comprising: receiving a bet from a player; awarding to the player an entitlement to a plurality of game outcomes in exchange for the bet; determining that the player has exhausted the entitlement; and determining, subsequent to exhaustion of the entitlement, whether the player is entitled to an award based, at least in part, on at least one of the game outcomes.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a gaming system for coordinating a distributed game in a gaming environment are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, the gaming system includes a polymorphous network of game managers. In the polymorphous network, each game manager is dynamically interconnected with one or more of the other game managers, and the dynamic interconnections are based on a game manager criteria or gaming data. The gaming system also includes a plurality of groups of gaming machines where a first group of gaming machines is only in communication with a first game manager. The first game manager receives game requests from the first group of gaming machines to initiate a game. The first game manager initiates the game if a sufficient number of game requests are received by the first game manager. Alternatively, the first game manager forwards the game requests to an appropriate game manager if the first gaming machine manager receives an insufficient number of game requests.

Abstract: A gaming machine having a display means and a game control means arranged to control images displayed on the display means, the game control means being arranged to play a game wherein at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the display means and, if a predefined winning event occurs, the machine awards a prize, wherein, when a special symbol is carried by a symbol-carrying element into a display position on the display means, the special symbol substitutes as more than one occurrence of a standard symbol of the game.

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

Abstract: Methods, computer readable media and systems related to wagering games, and in particular those that concern providing and redeeming partial game outcomes. One example method includes receiving a completion request from a player who is operating a gaming device to complete at least one partial game outcome. The partial game outcome was previously provided to the player, who used a first device that is different than the gaming device. This example method includes determining that the player is entitled to a complete game outcome, displaying the partial game outcome on the gaming device, determining the complete game outcome, and then displaying the complete game outcome.

Abstract: Wagering games, gaming machines, networked gaming systems and associated methods are disclosed that include a randomly selected feature game. One disclosed aspect provides for a wagering game including a primary game and a plurality of feature games. One or more of the plurality of feature games is selected for play upon a triggering event associated with the primary game. In another disclosed aspect, the wagering game may also include at least two types of progressives including wide-area progressives, casino-wide progressives, bank progressives and stand-alone progressives. Another disclosed aspect provides a pay table, wherein the pay table changes dynamically according to the size of a wager.

Abstract: Disclosed are a game and method for a game including a perceived skill component comprising a skill-based award and a supplemental award that, when summed, are equal in value to a predetermined award.

Abstract: A method of playing a bingo-type game includes the steps of generating a result of the game and displaying a representation of the result. More specifically, the representation of the result of the game is displayed through a mechanical technological aid at an electronic play station. An apparatus for playing the game includes a server and the electronic play station in operative communication with the server. The server generates the called numbers, which correlate to the result of the game, and the electronic play station includes the mechanical technological aid for displaying the representation of the result of the game. A program product for playing the game is stored on computer readable media and includes a result program code for generating the result of the game and a display program code for displaying the representation of the result through the mechanical technological aid.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games. In one example, the online game is a bingo game.

Abstract: A gaming device that does not employ pay lines is provided, and has a playfield that is subdivided into a plurality of groups. The configuration of the groups could be done manually by the player, or at random, and changes for each game. At least one key group is used to define key symbols that must be repeated at other groups for a winning combination of symbols to occur.

Abstract: One or more instances of a bonus game (e.g., Class II games such as Bingo games) may be provided to players of another wagering game (e.g., a Class III game such as a slot game, a poker game, etc.). Some implementations of the invention allow players to exchange indicia of credit (e.g., money, game credits, or player loyalty points) for bonus opportunities. For example, players may be able to purchase one or more Bingo cards for Bingo bonus games. Some implementations award bonus opportunities to players based on wager levels, game results, a player's level in a player loyalty program and/or other criteria.

Abstract: In a gaming environment, a method of periodically downloading dynamically generated executable modules at random intervals that perform system configuration integrity checks in a secure and verifiable manner is disclosed. The dynamically generated executable module returns the signature to a server from which it was downloaded and deletes itself from the system being checked. The next time such an executable module is downloaded, it will contain a different randomly chosen subset of hashing and encryption algorithms. The server that is performing the system configuration integrity check maintains a database of expected system configurations and performs subset of hashing and encryption algorithms as contained in the dynamically generated executable module. The result returned by the downloaded executable module is compared to that computed locally, and an error condition is raised if they do not match.

Abstract: A mystery-bingo jackpot having increased payout opportunities provides a dynamic bonus game where achievement of a secondary winning outcome initiates an award payout without resetting the jackpot's amount. The secondary winning outcome will typically be configured to have a higher likelihood of occurrence as compared to other winning outcomes of the mystery-bingo jackpot. In this way, the mystery-bingo jackpot provides payouts relatively often while preserving the value of the jackpot.

Abstract: In various embodiments, secondary players may participate in games originally played by primary players. Secondary players may make bets and receive winnings based on such games. Secondary players may participate in games from the past. Secondary players may participate in games from locations that are remote to the locations in which the games were first played.

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 game-winning pattern of game indicia on one or more game arrays having unique combinations of game indicia based on matching the game indicia on the game arrays to game indicia randomly selected for the occurrence of the wagering game. Each player matching a game-winning pattern may receive game winning award, and may receive a game-winning award for each game array on which a game-winning pattern is matched. The method and gaming unit may further include an alternate outcome display wherein an outcome of a second wagering game may be displayed that corresponds to the outcome for the player on the one or more game arrays for the occurrence of the multi-player wagering 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 embodiments of the gaming system of the present disclosure enable a player to play a secondary or bonus game, in which the player has the chance to play for a designated award in the triggered secondary or bonus game. The probability of triggering the secondary or bonus game varies based on the player's primary game wager. Additionally, the probability of winning a designated award in the triggered secondary or bonus game varies based on the player's primary game wager. In one embodiment, as the primary game wager increases, the odds of triggering the secondary or bonus game increase, but not in direct proportion to the wager. Similarly, the odds of winning the designated award in the triggered secondary or bonus game increases, but not in direct proportion to the wager.

Abstract: A multiple bonus modifier game includes a base game and two or more base award modifiers. The multiple bonus modifier game comprises a single spin game that includes a plurality of spinning reels in a base game, a first base award modifier that includes at least one spinning reel, and a second base award modifier that includes at least one additional spinning reel. The outcome of the spinning reels in the base game defines a base game award. The outcome of the spinning reel in the first base award modifier defines a first modifier award, which potentially adjusts the base game award. The outcome of the additional spinning reel in the second base award modifier defines a second modifier award, which potentially adjusts the base game award.

Abstract: A gaming system including a number of host devices each coupled to one or more gaming machines, wherein content provided by the host device is output on the gaming machine. To output the content provided by the remote host, a host-controlled process that is authenticated by the gaming machine and executed in a secure memory location such that it is isolated from other processes executing on the gaming machine may be utilized. The host-controlled processes can be executed on a processor-based gaming machine with layered displays. The layered displays may include a front screen and back screen that provide actual physical separation between visual representations on the front and back screens. The downloaded content from a host to a gaming machine with layered displays may be monitored to ensure that content needed for each of the display layers is received prior to instantiating the display of the downloaded content via the host-controlled process.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the gaming system, gaming device, and gaming method disclosed herein provide a primary game and a free activation bonus sequence, wherein the gaming system enables the player to select one or more of a plurality of different volatility options for use in the free activation bonus sequence. Each option is associated with a different number of free activations and a different pool of symbols or different symbol functionality. The gaming system provides this variation in the pool of symbols or symbol functionality in various embodiments by enabling the player to replace one or more symbols of a pool or set of symbols of the primary game (i.e., the primary set of symbols) with the symbol associated with a player selected option. The symbols of this modified set of symbols (i.e., the secondary set of symbols) are used in the free activation bonus sequence.

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: 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 (or vice versa). Some implementations of the invention provide multi-card bingo games. A player may be 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 one or more additional bingo numbers after the main ball drop of a bingo game. A player may be provided the option of purchasing a block of more than one additional bingo number after the main ball drop.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to facilitate a player re-entering a card game, even though they may have “folded” their hand on a previous turn in the card game. Conventionally, in traditional forms of community card poker games, once a player has folded their hand they are unable to take part in the game currently being played. Rather than folding their hand, a player can “hold” their hand with the possibility of returning to the game. By enabling a buy-back-in feature a player can re-enter the game to continue betting, etc. Further the sequence of game play can be altered compared with the conventional play. The card game can be played in a physical environment as well as a digital environment.

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: A slot machine executes rescue pay when a value Ta of a unit game counter reaches Ta max.

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: A gaming system having one or more reconfigurable gaming machines and reconfigurable gaming displays is disclosed herein. Each gaming machine includes three reconfigurable video screens, wherein the reconfigurable first video screen, the second reconfigurable video screen, and the third reconfigurable video screen display a first game, information associated with the first game, casino specific features, or combinations thereof. The one or more gaming machines are reconfigurable to display a second game on the three reconfigurable video screens in response to receiving a reconfiguration command and downloading the second game from a server via a network so that the first reconfigurable video screen, the second reconfigurable video screen, and the third reconfigurable video screen display the second game, information associated with the second game, casino specific features, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a wager-input device for receiving a wager from a player to play a wagering game. A display displays a plurality of moveable reels having symbols located thereon during the wagering game. The symbols indicate a randomly selected outcome selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to the wager. The plurality of outcomes include at least a first winning outcome along a first active payline and a second winning outcome along a second active payline. In response to the first winning outcome and the second winning outcome being achieved, the first active payline and the second active payline are successively displayed to the player before the first winning outcome and the second winning outcome are indicated to the player.

Abstract: A slot machine has a player selection bonus game where a player selects concealed gamepieces from a group to reveal the value of the gamepiece. The preferred game has a burger building theme in which the game rules are related to building one or more hamburgers, and the hidden gamepieces represent burger ingredients. A particular selection allows the player to win larger prizes for future selections. Other designated selections may modify future selections still further (2× and 3× multipliers for double-decker and triple-decker bun selections). Certain gamepieces may change their function based on the context or state of the bonus game.

Abstract: The gaming system and method disclosed herein provides a bingo game wherein a single bingo pattern is associated with a plurality of outcomes. In one such embodiment, a first bingo pattern is associated with a static outcome, such as an award of a designated value, and a second bingo pattern is associated with an open-ended outcome, such as a progressive award. If a bingo pattern associated with a progressive award is covered, the disclosed gaming system and method causes the bingo game to display a symbol combination associated with the progressive award. In one embodiment, the disclosed gaming system and method selects the symbol combination from a plurality of symbol combinations associated with the progressive award.

Abstract: Some implementations of the invention provide a Keno game on a gaming machine wherein an outcome of a second game is also presented. The second game may be a Class III game such as a slot game, a video poker game, etc. Some such aspects of the invention involve providing a Keno game in which the Keno card is divided into N areas and a single number within each of the N areas is selected for the Keno game. Other aspects of the invention provide methods of populating a pay table of another game with outcomes of a Keno game.

Abstract: A gaming system receives information over a network from a user of a remote player device for the gaming system. The gaming system includes a central gaming controller and a random number generator for a gambling game. The information includes a password and an age. The gaming system authenticates the user using the password and determines that the user is of age to gamble on the gambling game using the age, based on data stored in a database for the gaming system. The gaming system accepts a wager from the user over the network and executes a play of the gambling game. Then the gaming system causes a result for the play to be displayed on the remote player device.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a game apparatus are described that include a digital memory storage apparatus configured to store a plurality of musical recordings, wherein each musical recording includes a portion of a recording of a song wherein such song includes an identifiable and publicly-known title, a sound generation apparatus for broadcasting at least a portion of the plurality of musical recordings as mechanical waves, a controller controlling the broadcasting of the at least a portion of the plurality of musical recordings as mechanical waves, and a plurality of playing cards for game participants, each playing card including a matrix of song titles, each playing card including a different selection and orientation of the song titles, where the song titles included on the whole of the plurality of playing cards are the same as the publicly-known titles of the professional released recordings of songs defining the plurality of musical recordings.

Abstract: The present invention is a small tablet that wirelessly communicates with a stationary gaming machine. The player makes bets using the tablet. The gaming machine, and not the tablet, determines the outcome of the game and transmits the award information to the tablet. The gaming machine may be an ordinary slot machine displaying random symbols in an array or displaying another game. The player using the tablet views the display on the gaming machine to see the outcome of a game, so the tablet does not need a large display to play a game. The player who operates the gaming machine bets independently from the player using the tablet. In another embodiment, the gaming machine is operated automatically, and multiple players with tablets independently bet on a common game.

Abstract: A gaming device having at least one target reel having target values, a plurality of value reels each having accumulative values, and a processor programmed to cause a spin of the target reel and value reels, accumulate the accumulative values generated on the value reels to form a cumulative value, compare the cumulative value to a designated one of the generated target values on the target reel, and provide an award to a player if the cumulative value meets a predefined mathematical threshold with respect to the designated one of the target values.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus and a game controller for a gaming apparatus is provided. A game provided on the gaming apparatus under the control of the game controller is arranged to play a first game in the form of a wheel game having a number of outcome indicating parts. It is also arranged to play a further game, in the form of a symbol game, a function of which is based on an outcome of the wheel game. In one embodiment, a function of one or more symbols in the symbol game is determined by an outcome of the wheel game.

Abstract: A gaming device including a plurality of symbol generators with a plurality of symbols associated with each symbol generator. In operation, after providing the player any award based on the symbols generated on any wagered on paylines, the gaming device determines if at least one designated symbol is generated on at least one of the wagered on paylines. If at least one designated symbol is generated on at least one of the wagered on paylines, the gaming device forms a supplemental payline in association with the generated designated symbol. The gaming device determines if an award is associated with any of the symbols or symbol combinations generated on the supplemental payline and provides any determined award to the player.

Abstract: In an embodiment of a gaming method, an identifier may be received from a first gaming unit, wherein the identifier is associated with a tournament game card, wherein the tournament game card is provided to a player in response to paying a fee. Whether the identifier received from the first gaming unit is authentic may be determined. A duration the player may play in a tournament may be determined based on the identifier, and the first gaming unit may be enabled for play in the tournament for the duration if the identifier is authentic. A tournament score of the player may be received, and a winning player of the tournament, if any, may be determined. Data indicative of a value payout to be awarded to the winning player may be generated if the winning player of the tournament is determined.

Abstract: A gaming system and method providing a multi-dimensional symbol wagering game is provided. A player selects a payline, places a wager on the selected payline, and selects a plurality of a plurality of different symbols in a selection order. Symbols are generated and displayed at each of a plurality of symbol display positions. If at least a designated quantity of the symbol display positions associated with the selected payline displays any one of the selected symbols, the gaming system determines a display order of the generated and displayed symbols associated with the selected payline, and determines any awards associated with the selected payline based on a quantity of the symbol display positions associated with the selected payline that display the player selected symbols and a comparison of the selection order with the display order. Any awards are provided to the player. Cascading and rotating symbol features are provided.

Abstract: Generally, the systems and methods presented herein (the “utility”) provide for reverse gaming. This utility allows players to vote for the next number to be chosen, in essence, shifting the odds of winning to the card that the players are holding. To illustrate, each player in a game may be given a card with a random selection of numbers. Instead of the House drawing certain numbers or balls, the players of the game vote on numbers to be selected. The number with the most votes, for example, may be selected and the players with that number may accordingly mark their cards. Players may also conspire together to hopefully increase the chances of their winning. For example, two players may compare cards to ascertain any common numbers between the two cards such that the two players may vote as one for a particular number.

Abstract: A bonus game for a slot machine operable in a basic mode and a bonus mode. The bonus game is entered upon the occurrence of a special start-bonus game outcome in the basic mode. In the bonus game, a player selects, one at a time, 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 ends upon selection of a window associated with an end-bonus outcome but otherwise continues, allowing the player to make further selections and accumulate further credits until encountering an end-bonus outcome. In one embodiment, a bonus game resource obtained in the basic game may be exercised in the bonus game to affect the bonus game outcome. In one embodiment, 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 upon encountering an end-bonus outcome to continue playing the bonus game.

Abstract: An electronic amusement device and a method for operating the device are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, a slot machine server controls a secondary game of chance played at a client slot machine. The server receives a player identifier corresponding to a player and a client identifier corresponding to a client slot machine. The server retrieves registration data relating to a secondary game of chance corresponding to the player identifier and the client identifier. The server further receives an outcome from the client slot machine and analyzes the outcome based on game requirements associated with the secondary game of chance, thereby determining whether the outcome satisfies at least one of the game requirements. Once all of the game requirements have been satisfied, the server updates a session status indicating the completion of the game requirements.

Abstract: A feature game in a gaming machine includes a first portion during which a set of bonus slots is accumulated. A second portion includes selecting at least one set of a predetermined number of target symbols, associated with a bonus award, from among a pool of bonus symbols during which selected bonus symbols are not removed from the pool, and selecting a set of match symbols, equal in number to the accumulated number of bonus slots, from among the pool of bonus symbol during which selected bonus symbols are removed from the pool. The match symbols are compared to the at least one set of target symbols. If all the symbols in the at least one set of target symbols correspond to match symbols, the bonus award associated with the at least one set of target symbols is awarded to the player.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present concept provide gaming devices configured for linked game play. First and second gaming devices that are separately playable by first and second players are electronically linked so that a gaming event being played at the first gaming device may also be being played at the second gaming device. Also provided is a method of sharing game play across multiple gaming devices, where the method includes receiving a wager from a first player at a first gaming device, receiving a wager from a second player at a second gaming device, initiating a gaming event that is displayed at the first and second gaming devices, and awarding prizes associated with gaming outcomes displayed at the first and second gaming devices. These and other arrangements of the present concept may allow cooperative or competitive game play between the first and second player.