Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein concern mobile gaming environments. Portable electronic devices can be supported by the mobile gaming environments. The locations of the portable electronic device can influence how the portable electronic devices operate or what services or features are available to the portable electronic device or their users. According to one embodiment, a mobile gaming system can concern gaming/betting opportunities that can be secured using a portable electronic device even when an individual is located in a location where betting or games of chance are not permitted. According to another embodiment, a mobile gaming system can concern an application program operating on a portable electronic device that supports multiple modes of operation depending upon whether the portable electronic device is in a location where betting or games of chance are permitted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gaming machines, systems and methods of gaming. There are a number of different ways available for determining an award by current gaming machines and systems. In this embodiment, a game controller is arranged to determine an award depending on the number of columns spanned by a cluster of symbols and the number of symbol positions in the cluster.

Abstract: An electronic gaming machine includes a processor configured to control at least one display device to display at least one of a matrix of symbol positions and a plurality of multipliers, and to evaluate a bingo card to determine a bingo game outcome. The processor is also configured to evaluate a bingo card to determine a bingo game outcome, and to determine whether the bingo game outcome is a winning outcome. If the bingo game outcome is a winning outcome, the processor is also configured to determine an award value associated with the winning outcome, and to obtain an award quotient based at least in part on the award value and a value of at least one multiplier of the plurality of multipliers. In addition, the processor is configured to determine a winning reel outcome associated with the award quotient, where the winning reel outcome includes a winning plurality of symbols.

Abstract: A gaming device comprises a display, a processor, and a memory storing (a) a current symbol position state defining, for each of a plurality of columns of symbol positions, a number of symbol positions for which symbols are to be selected; (b) a pay table; and (c) instructions. When the instructions are executed by the processor cause the processor to control the display to display a plurality of columns of symbol positions corresponding to the current symbol position state, select symbols for the displayed symbol positions by selecting stopping positions of a plurality of reel strips, wherein at least one of the reel strips comprises at least one designated symbol, evaluate the selected symbols for winning combinations based on the pay table, and responsive to the selected symbols of a column including a designated symbol, modify the symbol position state for the respective column to include at least one additional symbol position for a next symbol selection.

Abstract: Systems and methods which utilize a player account to place one or more wagers on one or more sporting event wagering opportunities remote from a gaming establishment sports book such as in association with a hotel room system.

Abstract: A gaming system and method utilize an electronic display device configured to display a plurality of symbol-bearing reels and an array of symbol positions. The array of symbol positions comprises a plurality of rows and columns. The plurality of symbol-bearing reels are spun and stopped to land symbols on the reels in the symbol positions of the array. Payouts are awarded for any winning symbol combinations along horizontal and vertical ways. In response to a triggering event, the array is expanded by expanding one or more of the rows of the array to add one or more symbol positions to each expanded row. The plurality of symbol-bearing reels are again spun and stopped to land symbols on the reels in the symbol positions of the expanded array. Payouts are again awarded for any winning symbol combinations along the horizontal and vertical ways.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a table having at least one betting area, at least one camera, at least one antenna and a processing device. The camera captures an image of the betting area, and the antenna receives a signal from at least one RFID-enabled betting chip. The processing device analyzes the image and the signal to identify a value and identity of chips, to calculate a total value of bets based on a sum of the chip values, and to determine authenticity of a chip. A method for playing a modified Baccarat card game includes providing a gaming table having various betting options, receiving one or more Variable Value Tokens from a gambler, determining whether the wager placed in the stage of receiving is a winning wager in the Baccarat game and on the Bigger Win side bet and other side bets (if any), and dispensing a payout.

Abstract: Rather than typical slot type games where specific matching combinations of symbols along paylines through a row-by-column grid or matrix indicate the outcome of the game, a slot type concatenation game concatenates value symbols along a payline to form a numerical outcome. Non-value symbols may be omitted and/or ignored. Further, the payline may be indicated by the presence of a trigger symbol, which may allow the payline to change between different plays of the slot type concatenation game. Further, the slot type concatenation game may be user-configurable. Users may be allowed to indicate the number of the symbol reels that may include value symbols that will be concatenated along a payline defined by the trigger symbol. Users may be allowed indicate the denomination set that is used to configure the symbol reels with value symbols, such as from one or more value symbol tables.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for providing reel-strip-based wagering games in which the reel strips include one or more feature symbols and one or more configurable symbols. Each time a feature symbol of a reel strip is displayed in a window of the wagering game associated with that reel strip, one or more “hot spot windows” associated with that window may be determined. Hot spot windows may have a modified status applied to them that may last for a predetermined number of gameplay instances. Awards associated with the configurable symbols may, if a configurable symbol is selected for display in a window with one or more modified statuses currently applied, be modified by a modifier that is based on the applied one or more modified statuses.

Abstract: To provide a gaming machine that can provide a novel game in which the game progression is varied, a method, and a program for providing a game. In the gaming machine 1, the symbol blocks B1 and B2 displayed in the block display region 66 move in the directions D1 and D2, which intersect in the direction of reel rotation, when moving in the symbol display region 60. That is, the symbol blocks B1 and B2 are added to the movement in the direction of reel rotation, and also move in a direction orthogonal to the direction of reel rotation. Therefore, compared to a case in which a symbol block moves in the direction of reel rotation, prediction by a player of the positions where the symbol blocks B1 and B2 are finally disposed is difficult.

Abstract: A gaming machine provides a spinning reel game having a base game, from which a hold and spin feature game is triggered when a determined number of configurable symbols are displayed in a base game outcome. When the feature game is triggered, the configurable symbols are held in place on the display and the player is provided one or more spins during the feature game in which to collect additional configurable symbols. Any additional configurable symbols are retained on the display during subsequent spins until the feature game is completed. For each spin that includes additional configurable symbols, one or more awards are determined in an iterative manner that includes award values from any configurable symbols in the previous outcomes.

Abstract: A gaming device comprises a display, a processor, and a memory storing (a) a current symbol position state defining, for each of a plurality of columns of symbol positions, a number of symbol positions for which symbols are to be selected; (b) a pay table; and (c) instructions. When the instructions are executed by the processor cause the processor to control the display to display a plurality of columns of symbol positions corresponding to the current symbol position state, select symbols for the displayed symbol positions by selecting stopping positions of a plurality of reel strips, wherein at least one of the reel strips comprises at least one designated symbol, evaluate the selected symbols for winning combinations based on the pay table, and responsive to the selected symbols of a column including a designated symbol, modify the symbol position state for the respective column to include at least one additional symbol position for a next symbol selection.

Abstract: An electronic gaming machine includes a game controller that executes instructions that cause the game controller to at least: (i) display, on a display, a plurality of reels, each reel of the plurality of reels comprising a plurality of symbols, each symbol representing a puzzle piece including a plurality of connectors; (ii) simulate spinning and stopping each reel of the first plurality of reels, whereby symbols from each reel of the first plurality of reels are stopped and displayed; (iii) evaluate the plurality of symbols displayed on of the plurality of reels; (iv) determine, in response to the evaluating, which of the displayed symbols match with adjacent symbols, wherein matching an adjacent symbol includes interconnecting between adjacent connectors on adjacent symbols; and (v) provide a game award in response to the determining.

Abstract: Multiple different game symbol weighting sets are defined for selection in a given play of a reel-type game. Each game symbol weighting set defines a probability of each reel strip in the reel-type game landing at each particular stop position for that reel strip. By providing multiple different game symbol weighting sets, certain game symbols such as special themed game symbols may be favored for one or more plays of the game to increase the chance of hitting winning symbol combinations using that game symbol.

Abstract: An electronic gaming device having a display and a game controller, and playing an iterative game. During the iterative game, the game controller controls the display to display a set of columns of symbol positions, and selects symbols for display at the symbol positions. When a configurable symbol is selected for display in one of the columns, the game controller adjusts at least a portion of a background of the one of the columns. When the one column is completely filled with modified backgrounds, the electronic gaming device presents an award based on a prize associated with the one column, in addition to any prizes presented as a result of payline combinations.

Abstract: Method and systems of gaming are provided herein. One method includes receiving a credit wager to initiate play of a base game. The method also includes awarding, in a feature game, at least two game rounds including at least an initial game round and a subsequent game round. The method also includes generating a plurality of candidate game outcomes for a plurality of game rounds, and determining, for each of the plurality of candidate game outcomes, an expected benefit to be gained from the respective candidate game outcome when generating a subsequent game outcome in the subsequent game round. The method still further includes selecting a candidate game round of the plurality of candidate game rounds having a candidate game outcome of the plurality of candidate game outcomes associated with a greatest expected benefit, and displaying the selected candidate game round on a display as the initial game round.

Abstract: A symbol frame mechanic for a gaming device is described. The symbol frame mechanic generates a random based game outcome in a game instance of a base game that triggers a supplemental game feature. The random based game outcome includes a plurality of target feature symbols. The symbol frame mechanic generates a plurality of feature symbol frames at symbol window positions with the target feature symbols. The target feature symbols trigger generation of the feature symbol frames. The symbol frame mechanic determines a current symbol frame state according to the feature symbol frames and generate a random based game outcome in a game instance of the supplemental game feature. The symbol frame mechanic updates the current symbol frame state based on combining the random based game outcome in the game instance of the supplemental game feature with the current symbol frame state.

Abstract: Systems and methods of gaming are disclosed herein. An example method includes receiving a credit wager to initiate play of a base game. The method also includes designating a first symbol display position on the display, selecting a first symbol from a symbol set for display at the first symbol display position, evaluating whether the first symbol is an award symbol, and controlling the display to display a secondary game in response to a determination that the first symbol is an award symbol.

Abstract: An electronic gaming machine includes a display, a digital camera device, a credit input mechanism, and a processor programmed to perform operations comprising: (i) receiving, from the digital camera device, a digital image of the player; (ii) determining an emotional state of the player by performing facial expression analysis on the digital image; (iii) determining an emotion level of the player by categorizing the emotional state of the player based on the determined emotional state, the categorizing includes a first state representing a positive emotional level and a second state representing another emotional level; (iv) determining that the emotional level is the other emotional level; and (v) automatically initiating a game session action during the game play session, the game session action is configured to cause the player to transition to the positive emotional level.

Abstract: A method of dynamically forming a dynamic reel strip to be used to generate a game outcome in an electronic gaming system. The method includes defining a dynamic reel strip. A plurality of reel strip positions of each reel includes a group of dynamically determined symbol positions, and fixed symbol positions. The method includes initiating a play of the game then updating each dynamic reel strip by selecting, at random, a fixed symbol position from a subset of the fixed symbol positions of the respective reel strip. The method further includes determining a symbol of the set of game symbols to occupy each dynamically determined symbol position of the group of dynamically determined symbol positions based on the selected fixed symbol position of the respective reel strip. Displaying, via a game controller, symbols in symbol display positions on a display of the gaming system.

Abstract: A computing system architecture includes a service server and a first validator. The first validator is communicable to the service server. A validation request is sent from the service server to the first validator for validating a transaction. The validation request including a first facial image of a party of the transaction. The validator performs a facial recognition using the first facial image of the party for validating the transaction.

Abstract: Some methods involve receiving user input for initiation of an instance of a slot game, determining a game outcome that includes corresponding display symbols and an award determination, controlling a display system to display the display symbols at a plurality of display symbol positions and controlling the display system to present award effects corresponding to the award determination. The display symbol positions may be arranged in display symbol rows and display symbol columns. At least one of the display symbols may be a metamorphic display symbol that includes a metamorphic image. A state of the first metamorphic image may correspond to a level of progress towards attaining a goal. Progress towards the goal may be based, at least in part, in the number of occurrences of the metamorphic display symbol.

Abstract: Some implementations may involve providing a slot game in which the game outcome presentation may involve displaying a persistent moving symbol. In some examples, an initial persistent moving symbol position may be based, at least in part, on a first bet level. Determining a game outcome may involve determining whether a persistent moving symbol position is a prize-triggering persistent moving symbol position. If an initial persistent moving symbol position is not a prize-triggering persistent moving symbol position, a persistent moving symbol may be presented in a secondary persistent moving symbol position of a next game outcome. The secondary persistent moving symbol position may be closer to the prize-triggering persistent moving symbol position than the initial persistent moving symbol position.

Abstract: An gaming system includes a display that displays a wagering game having adjacent virtual spinnable reels having a plurality game symbol positions on the reels. The gaming system also includes a game controller communicatively coupled to the display and a tangible non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The game controller, is configured to initiate a first round of play of a base game upon receipt of a player input, thereby causing a simulated spinning of the plurality of adjacent spinnable reels, determine, to change the base game to a metamorphic reel game, create a morphed reel during the first round of play, replace the reels with the morphed reel, determine a metamorphic reel game outcome for the first round of play based on a metamorphic reel game paytable and a reduced number of reels including the morphed reel. The game awards credit based on the metamorphic reel game outcome.

Abstract: Methods are provided for allowing a plurality of players to wager on one of a plurality of real world events being displayed on virtual video displays that are viewable by Augmented Reality (AR) devices, and monitor progress of the real world events and status of wagers or votes on the real world events using the AR devices. Each of the real world events are represented by a respective virtual video feed that becomes displayed on the virtual video displays. The AR devices are pointed at the virtual video displays to identify the real world event.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide a player zero, one or more awards based on the accumulation of triggering elements independent of the generation of a plurality of symbols of a plurality of reels.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention set forth systems, apparatuses and methods for bonusing symbols in subsequent games of gaming devices based on a current game outcome. Accordingly, a gaming device can be configured to initiate and display a first gaming event on a game display of the gaming device. If one or more symbols appear as part of a predefined criterion, such as being part of a winning symbol combination, the one or more symbols may be associated with a modifier, such as a multiplier, in one or more subsequent gaming events.

Abstract: Gaming systems and methods for employing one or more aspects of player influence to alter or modify one or more parameters of a random generation of one or more game outcomes.

Abstract: Gaming systems and methods for providing one or more awards in association with the accumulation of symbols and the activation of accumulated symbols at related symbol display positions.

Abstract: Gaming systems and methods which utilize zero, one or more limited term persistent elements in association with a Class II bingo game.

Abstract: An electronic gaming device comprising a display that displays a plurality of symbols in a plurality of symbol positions, a game controller that determines if the plurality of symbols include a trigger symbol, in response to determining that the plurality of symbols include the trigger symbol, controls the display to display the trigger symbol being transformed into a prize component symbol, incrementally animates a filling of a prize component of a first prize with the prize component symbol, and awards the first prize when a plurality of first prize components have been completely filled.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a game mechanic for an electronic game (e.g., a reel-based slot machine type game) which includes a cascade feature provides for a block of symbol(s) to be moved into and out of a game interface. The block of symbol(s) is moved or manipulated as a single unit and may be stepped into and/or out of the game interface over a course of a plurality of game events (e.g., cascades or spins of the game). The block of symbol(s) may, in some embodiments, comprise at least one symbol which spans a plurality of symbol positions of a symbol matrix when the entirety of it is placed into the symbol matrix. In some embodiments, the block of symbol(s) may function as at least one wild symbol.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to gaming devices and gaming systems that are configured to implement event-based gaming operations. Here, a gaming device includes a game event list that has game outcomes associated with each entry in the game event list. The game event list is generated before game play on the gaming device by selecting general game outcome types or specific game outcomes for each of the entries in the game event list. During game play, a game counter is incremented to a next entry in the game event list and an associated game outcome is displayed on the gaming device during the gaming event.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a gaming system and method are disclosed as enabling improvements to game outcomes. In some embodiments, the gaming system enables the player to adjust game elements to different positions to improve game outcomes. In some embodiments, the gaming system enables the player to move one or more symbols to different symbol positions to improve a game outcome. In some embodiments, the player purchases the opportunity to move one or more symbols to different symbol positions to improve a game outcome.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gaming system including a gaming machine. In response to a triggering event, the gaming system initiates play of a feature game including a plurality of standard symbols and value symbols, the value symbols being associated with one or more values. Value symbols adjacent to one another are combined into a larger composite symbol and held in place on a display device, the standard symbols then replaced with replacement symbols randomly selected from the standard and value symbols. When the replacement symbols include another value symbol adjacent to the composite symbol, the new value symbol is also combined with the composite symbol, increasing its size. At the conclusion of the feature game, a reel associated with the composite symbol is displayed and spun to select an award from a set of possible awards based on the size of the composite symbol.

Abstract: A gaming machine may be configured for supporting games that include use of pay modalities, which are overlaid on selected symbols. The gaming machine includes a credit input mechanism configured for establishing a credit balance that is increasable and decreasable based on wagering activities, a display having a plurality of display positions, and a game controller to select a plurality of symbols, to cause the display to display the selected symbols, to determine if the selected symbols associated with at least one of one or more predetermined reels of the plurality of reels include a special symbol, and if so, to determine one or more special values associated with the special symbol, and to overlay a particular one of the one or more special values on each displayed instance of the special symbol. The game controller determines a payout based on assigned special values associated with the displayed special symbol.

Abstract: Method and systems of gaming are provided herein. One method includes receiving a credit wager to initiate play of a base game. The method also includes awarding, in a feature game, at least two game rounds including at least an initial game round and a subsequent game round. The method also includes generating a plurality of candidate game outcomes for a plurality of game rounds, and determining, for each of the plurality of candidate game outcomes, an expected benefit to be gained from the respective candidate game outcome when generating a subsequent game outcome in the subsequent game round. The method still further includes selecting a candidate game round of the plurality of candidate game rounds having a candidate game outcome of the plurality of candidate game outcomes associated with a greatest expected benefit, and displaying the selected candidate game round on a display as the initial game round.

Abstract: A gaming machine including a display device and game controller is provided. The display device includes reels having display positions for presenting symbols that include non-blank symbols and blank symbols. The game controller is configured to spin the reels horizontally to obtain a first game outcome including a first arrangement of the symbols at the display positions. In response to a determination that the first arrangement includes blank symbols, the game controller is configured to determine whether horizontally shifting non-blank symbols in either direction with respect to the blank symbols in each reel results in an optimal win. The game controller horizontally shifts the non-blank symbols with respect to the blank symbols in each reel to obtain a second game outcome in response to a determination that the shifting results in the optimal win. The game controller increases a credit balance by an award associated with the optimal win.

Abstract: A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a plurality of reels, each reel comprising a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols, a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from each reel for display, a reel selector arranged to select at least one reel, a function allocator arranged to allocate a function to at least one selected reel such that each displayed symbol on said at least one selected reel acquires the function, and a game outcome generator arranged to determine a game outcome based on the displayed symbols and on the function allocated to said at least one selected reel. A corresponding method of gaming is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a cascading symbol or tumbling reel game which utilizes one or more different classes or sets of symbols. Each class or set of symbols includes one or more related symbols. If a symbol class triggering event occurs in association with a class or set of symbols, the gaming system removes each of the related symbols in that class of symbols which are displayed at symbol display positions of one or more symbol display position matrices.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, an online game server provides a reel-type slot machine game interface that is modified over a course of a game and wherein the game includes a bonus feature that is triggered once a sufficient number of special symbols (e.g., scatter symbols) are accumulated by a player. In accordance with some embodiments, in order to qualify for the bonus feature, the special symbols need to be accumulated as a result of a single wager and original spin and any cascades that are triggered by an outcome of the original spin.

Abstract: A gaming system, apparatus, and method are disclosed providing a wagering games, gaming machines, networked gaming systems that provide a persistent gaming mode including a persistent game mode with multiple rounds in which each round includes a randomization of the matrix of symbol locations, a chance to win an award, and a chance to include a persistent feature event. An adjustable meter may be used to allow players to compete for the same bonuses or jackpots no matter what their bet level. A rolling meter shows special features scheduled to appear in future rounds using a rolling group of status indicators. A persistent game mode control process sets the frequency of scheduled special features and adjusts reel weights to achieve a desired payout.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture provide for systems and methods slot-style games having a locking feature. In one example, the locking feature may be activated based on whether a winning outcome was determined.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a game mechanic for an electronic game (e.g., a reel-based slot machine type game) which includes a cascade feature provides for a block of symbol(s) to be moved into and out of a game interface. The block of symbol(s) is moved or manipulated as a single unit and may be stepped into and/or out of the game interface over a course of a plurality of game events (e.g., cascades or spins of the game). The block of symbol(s) may, in some embodiments, comprise at least one symbol which spans a plurality of symbol positions of a symbol matrix when the entirety of it is placed into the symbol matrix. In some embodiments, the block of symbol(s) may function as at least one wild symbol.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, an electronic gaming machine and method for a game of play is provided for use in a gaming establishment, or on a general purpose computing device for offering games with multiple outcomes. The outcome of game play is displayed as a symbol array on a display device. The size of the symbol array may be varied dynamically (expanded or contracted) from one game play to another by adding or removing at least one symbol position once a trigger event has been detected.

Abstract: A gaming system comprising a plurality of betting terminals and a computer server comprising: a plurality of betting terminals for selecting and playing one or more live casino game(s) being played at a plurality of tables; each of the plurality of betting terminals has at least one first portion of a first screen for displaying the one or more live-casino game(s) to said player wherein the one or more live casino game(s) is a game offered in at least one casino resort, wherein a results history for each table is displayed in at least one first portion of a first screen to provide a results history display, and a switching mechanism for selecting, switching and playing one or more casino slot machine game(s) adapted to allow the player to switch between the live casino games according to at least the results history display for each table.

Abstract: Systems and methods of electronic gaming are disclosed. In various embodiments, a gaming system may implement a method for electronic gaming, which may comprise receiving a credit wager to initiate play of a game, selecting a plurality symbols from a plurality of reel strips stored in the memory, displaying the selected plurality of symbols in a plurality of adjacent columns of symbol display positions, dividing the symbol display positions in each of the plurality of columns into a first subset of symbol display positions and a second subset of symbol display positions, determining whether an evaluation change condition has been met with respect to a column in the plurality of columns, a first game evaluation based upon the evaluation change condition, and performing a second game evaluation based upon the evaluation change condition.

Abstract: A gaming system which employs a plurality of randomly generated stacks of symbols, wherein a stack of symbols includes a plurality of related symbols positioned adjacent to each other. If a symbol stack modification event occurs, the gaming system modifies a plurality of such symbols not included in any stack of symbols into a stack of symbols. The gaming system then evaluates the displayed symbols (including this newly formed stack of symbols) for any additional awards to provide to the player.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention set forth systems, apparatuses and methods for bonusing symbols in subsequent games of gaming devices based on a current game outcome. Accordingly, a gaming device can be configured to initiate and display a first gaming event on a game display of the gaming device. If one or more symbols appear as part of a predefined criterion, such as being part of a winning symbol combination, the one or more symbols may be associated with a modifier, such as a multiplier, in one or more subsequent gaming events.

Abstract: To provide a gaming machine that can provide a new type of game that maintains or improves the interest of a player, and a method and program for providing a game. In the gaming machine 1, by removing symbols of a particular type and moving a following symbol, the ratio of symbols of types other than the particular type becomes higher in the symbol array formed on the display unit 27, and it is easier for the symbol array to configure a winning combination. Because the chance of winning is higher after the particular type of symbol is removed in this manner, it is possible to provide a new type of game where the interest of the player can be maintained or improved after the symbols are removed.