Abstract: A system and method may provide playing cards which are selected based on a desired set of payout or house odds and/or house advantage. The system and method may display payout odds for respective player positions. The system and method may operate a playing card handling device to provide the playing cards in a random or pseudo-random fashion, based at least in part on the selected payout or house odds and/or house advantage.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a wager input device and a display for displaying a wagering game. The gaming system further includes a manufacturer player identification reader for receiving a manufacturer player identifier and a casino player identification reader for receiving a casino player identifier. The system further includes a controller operative to associate the casino player identifier with the manufacturer player identifier.

Abstract: The gaming system disclosed herein accounts for game play over a gaming session in determining a bonus game attribute for a triggered bonus game. The gaming system maintains a plurality of different bonus game attributes. Each different bonus game attribute is associated with a different bonus game attribute modification event and an initial probability of that bonus game attribute being selected for a play of a bonus game. For each bonus game attribute modification event that occurs, the gaming system modifies the probability that the associated bonus game attribute will be selected for a play of a bonus game. Upon an occurrence of a bonus game triggering event, the gaming system randomly selects one of the maintained bonus game attributes. The gaming system then displays a bonus game and determines a bonus game award utilizing the selected bonus game attribute.

Abstract: A gaming machine is described wherein a player first plays a primary game, such as the spinning and stopping of mechanical or video reels displaying symbols. A plurality of progressive jackpots is displayed to the player, where the progressive jackpots are incremented at different random rates. Upon a jackpot-winning outcome of the primary game, the number of different progressive jackpots paid to the player depends on the number of credits bet by the player. The jackpots are incremented upon jackpot-incrementing symbols being displayed by the reels. In one embodiment, the jackpot above each column of symbols gets incremented upon a special symbol, such as a credit value, being displayed in that column.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system and method for conducting a wagering game on a plurality of gaming machines is disclosed. A first community event is triggered and two or more gaming machines from the plurality of gaming machines are selected to participate in the first community event. A second community event is triggered—prior to completion of the first community event—and at least one gaming machine is selected from the plurality of gaming machines to participate in the second community event. The at least one gaming machine being different from the two or more gaming machines selected to participate in the first community event. A substitute-community-event award is provided to the at least one gaming machine without playing the second community event.

Abstract: A method of gaming comprising: selecting in at least one game round a plurality of symbols for display to a player in a set of display positions; modifying the displayed symbols copying each symbol in an original subset of the display positions to at least one clone subset of the display positions which is identical to or laterally displaced from the original subset, in response to determining that a subset of the symbols should be cloned; and determining an outcome based on the modified symbols.

Abstract: An online lottery game system and methodology involves, for each play of the game, a player choosing a number of player indicia from a field of the indicia. A subset of the indicia is randomly generated, and the player's indicia is compared to the subset to determine a winning game play. The number of indicia in the subsets is varied between different game plays such that a blend of the winning probabilities for each subset for all of the game plays produces a desired overall winning probability.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a reel spinning game having one or more shared award-modifier reels that enhance any winning outcome in a reel spinning game.

Abstract: Upon a trigger event occurring during a main game on a video slot machine, a number of free games having a special feature are awarded to the player. For each trigger event that occurs during the free games, the lowest value symbol displayed for each free spin becomes a wild symbol or other high value symbol. The converted symbols remain converted during the entire free game session in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the converted symbols revert back to the original symbol if no further trigger event occurs in the free games. The accumulation of high value symbols over multiple spins increases the chances of the player winning an especially large award, such as a jackpot.

Abstract: A system for varying the symbols used on a mechanical reel strip are disclosed. A reel strip comprises a plurality of symbols, each of the symbols associated with a symbol group. Each of the symbol groups is associated with a symbol group designation position on the reel strip. By varying the designation position on the reel strip, the symbols used with each reel strip can be modified. When multiple mechanical reels are used in a gaming machine, the symbol designating position for each reel strip can be the same as any other reel strip or can vary from any of the other reel strips. As such, an endless number of games and game variations may be created and deployed.

Abstract: Games related to the provision of information are described. Games may be formulated to exploit biases such as long shot bias and favorite bias. Games related to the provision of information are described. Games may be formulated to exploit biases relating to the Monty Hall paradox. Games related to the provision of information are described. Games may include wagering on hands of cards, e.g., poker wagering games.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a reel spinning game having one or more shared award-modifier reels that enhance any winning outcome in a reel spinning game.

Abstract: A method of simulating a traditional casino roulette game experience using a specially designed deck of thirty eight (38) playing cards to determine a winning number rather than via a spin of the roulette wheel. The deck includes one card for each single unique number from the roulette wheel, i.e. 00, 0, and numbers 1-36. The deck is shuffled so that the cards are drawn at random to simulate a spin of the roulette wheel. The dealer activates the shuffler to draw a card from the shuffled deck. A bar code on the drawn card is read into a computer via a scanner. Scanning the card activates the computer to provide a visual representation of a spin of the roulette wheel on a monitor located near the roulette table. The visualization shows the ball landing on the unique number of the roulette wheel dictated by the drawn card.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, systems and programs for conducting a feature in relation with a wagering game. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving a first wager value and a second wager value; establishing evaluation conditions and increment a progressive prize based on this first wager value; and establishing an enhancement level of the progressive prize based on this second wager value. The method further comprising generating game outcomes, evaluating game outcomes, and awarding payouts based on evaluation of these game outcomes, wherein the prize value awarded for a progressive-prize winning outcome is based on the established enhancement level.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wagering on game outcomes allow a player to wager on game outcomes resulting from linked gaming devices linked to a primary gaming device being played by the player. A primary game display shows game plays and outcomes and allows wagering on a primary game and a linked game display shows game plays and outcomes and allows wagering on linked games. Both the primary and linked gaming devices may be the same type of gaming device, or they may be two different types of gaming devices, such as gaming devices for playing slot games, card games, keno, and the like. Further, either or both of the primary and linked games may allow bonus game outcomes resulting in a bonus game having bonus game awards.

Abstract: Disclosed is a non-transitive casino game which utilizes a group of non-transitive gaming devices, One embodiment uses dice. Accordingly, each pair of dice has advantage over one other pair of non-transitive dice in the group. Each pair of dice has a different color to allow a banker or dealer to identify the hierarchy of the dice. In a table game version, a player first selects one pair of non-transitive dice from a group of non-transitive dice. A dealer then selects one of the remaining pair of the non-transitive dice. The dealer's selection ensures the dealer dice have a better than fifty percent advantage over the player-selected dice, neglecting any ties. A game comprises the player rolling the player-selected dice and the dealer rolling the dealer selected dice three successive times. Each of the player roll outcomes are compared to the corresponding dealer roll outcomes. Players are able to wager on either the player or dealer, and on a number of ties and other related outcomes.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for incentivizing players to visit a gambling location. In one aspect, a qualified person is invited to play an electronic game which has a plurality of outcomes, at least one of which is a winning outcome. In one embodiment, the qualified person may be required to redeem the outcome at the gambling location. In another embodiment, the person may be required to redeem the outcome at a redemption location.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for configuring a gaming device that provides a player selectable award profile. The award profile is further selectable by the player with respect to a payout scheme, a bonusing option or both. A player may select a preferred bonusing option form a group of available bonusing options prior to commencing play of the gaming device. A gaming device is provided that offers the player a choice of several bonusing options from a single source gaming device. Additionally, the player may also select a modified payout scheme that suits the player's preferences.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a plurality of gaming machines and a continual game sequence including a plurality of symbols and a plurality of sessions. Each session includes a number of games. At the beginning of a game sequence, the gaming system draws all of the symbols. When the number of games of the current session has been played without a winner, the game sequence proceeds to the next session. For each session, the gaming system activates a number of the drawn symbols based on the session number. Upon player activation, a gaming machine generates a symbol subset, marking each symbol in the subset which matches the activated symbols. If the marked symbols match a predetermined pattern, the gaming system provides an award for a player, basing the award on an award pool amount and the session number. As the session number increases, the award provided to the player decreases.

Abstract: When a predetermined amount of credits has been inserted into a slot machine, the game mode is switched from a non-insurance mode to an insurance mode according to the player's input operation via a touch panel. In the insurance mode, the number of games is counted. When the counted game number has reached a predetermined number, a predetermined amount of credits is paid out. In a case where the amount of credits paid out according to the rearranged symbols is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the counted number of games is reset. On the other hand, the predetermined amount is changed based on the change in the maximum bet amount according to the input operation via a setting change switch, which allows the set value of the maximum bet amount to be changed.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and article generates a pseudo-random playing card sequence and distributes playing cards according the pseudo-random playing card sequence. For example, the method, apparatus and article generates a pseudo-random playing card sequence and prints playing cards in order of the pseudo-random playing card sequence. Further, the method, apparatus and article generates a pseudo-random playing card sequence based on a house advantage. Yet further, the method, apparatus and article can generate a promotional message on one or more playing cards.

Abstract: A method in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is provided, the method comprising the steps of generating a first outcome of a game of chance, determining a target outcome, receiving a first wager, generating a second outcome based on the first outcome, and repeating the step of generating the second outcome until the second outcome matches the target outcome, before receiving any second wager.

Abstract: An electronic roulette-type betting device and method is disclosed. The device comprises a display unit and an associated display control unit for the graphic reproduction of a roulette bowl device together with a rotating ball, at least one input unit for inputting symbols on which to bet, a time control unit for setting time limits for the betting process, said limits being reproducible on the display unit as ball rotating limits by means of the display control unit, an odds determining module that determines different winning odds for the individual symbols according to the pre-defined time limits supplied by the time control unit, a random generator for producing and transmitting random variables as winning symbols, and a comparison and evaluation unit for comparing the symbols bet on with winning symbols, and for determining and displaying wins in the event of a correlation of the symbols.

Abstract: A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a value input device for receiving a wager, an array of positions for displaying respective randomly selected symbols, and a controller. The displayed symbols include a special symbol and a chain of adjacent symbols at least partially encompassing the special symbol. The controller is operative to progressively move and stop the chain of adjacent symbols at each of a plurality of locations and evaluate the array for any winning combinations of the displayed symbols when the chain of adjacent symbols is stopped at each location.

Abstract: A gaming device including a plurality of reels or cards having several symbols and a plurality of sub-symbols each associated with one of the several symbols. Each sub-symbol has a designated number of complementary sub-symbols that share at least one characteristic or are otherwise related to such sub-symbol. In one embodiment, when at least two complementary sub-symbols are adjacently displayed, the gaming device transforms the symbols associated with the adjacently displayed complementary sub-symbols into a group wild symbol to allow the player an additional opportunity to obtain a winning symbol combination. In another embodiment, when at least two complementary sub-symbols are adjacently displayed, a bonus award is generated.

Abstract: A gaming system for playing a wagering game includes a display configured to displaying a wagering game outcome on a plurality of video reels and a controller in communication with the display. The controller is operative to randomly determine an outcome of the wagering game and to display the wagering game outcome on the plurality of reels. The wagering game outcome includes a plurality of symbols disposed on a first subset of the plurality of reels and further includes at least one meta-symbol disposed on a second subset of the plurality of reels. The controller is further operative to award an award if the displayed wagering game defines a winning wagering game outcome.

Abstract: According to a slot machine of the present invention, synthetic symbol images each including a first symbol image and a second symbol image are rearranged to a display. The first symbol image is associated with a predetermined prize. In a case where the first symbol images included in the rearranged synthetic symbols or a combination thereof constitute the predetermined prize, special first symbol images are displayed in place of the synthetic symbols including the first symbol images constituting the predetermined prize. The special first symbol images correspond to the first images constituting the predetermined prize.

Abstract: The present invention provides new player excitement during the play of a game of chance by providing a controlled random event during the execution of a secondary or bonus round. When bonus game play is invoked during play of the primary game, an amount to be issued during secondary game play is generated. This amount is not awarded directly; instead a plurality of possible winnings is available, each equal to or less than the amount to be issued. A random event separate from the primary game is used to pick one of the plurality of possible winnings which is awarded to a player. The separate random event may be a mechanical event or an electronic event. The difference between the amount given to a player and the original amount to be issued may be used to generate further bonus game play, or may be used to fund a progressive.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and gaming units for conducting a multi-player wagering game, such as a Bingo game, in which at least one of the players may win the occurrence of the wagering game by matching a predetermined game-winning pattern of game indicia on 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. Once a player matches a game-winning pattern to win the occurrence of the wagering game, the gaming unit may display a plurality of selection symbols, at least one of which may correspond to a game-winning award or a further game array. In the embodiment with the further game array, the indicia on the game array may be compared to the randomly selected game indicia to determine the amount of game-winning award for the player.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus, systems and methods for a gaming device operable to support a negative credit balance. For example, in some embodiments, a gaming device may be configured to: (i) determine a current credit balance, (ii) determine a wager amount, (iii) determine whether the wager amount would result in a negative balance of credits, (iv) determine if it is permissible to allow a negative balance of credits, and if so (v) adjust a current balance such that is equal to the negative balance, and (vi) display an indication of the negative credit balance.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and gaming units for conducting a multi-player wagering game in which at least one of the players may win the occurrence of the wagering game by matching a predetermined game-winning pattern of game indicia on a game array having a unique combination of game indicia based on matching the game indicia on the game array to game indicia randomly selected for the occurrence of the wagering game. The wagering game may various methods for determining a game-winning award amount for a player being the first to match the game-winning pattern on a game array. The game-winning award may be determined based on the game-winning pattern matched by the player, on the number of randomly selected game indicia required to match the game-winning pattern, on the amount wagered by the player on the occurrence of the wagering game, on the outcome of a secondary wagering game, and on other factors as discussed herein.

Abstract: An electronic gaming device, such as a slot machine, is provided which initiates a game without input from a player. After initiating the game, the device may present one or more active game elements, such as rotating slot reels, to the player. The device determines an outcome of the game corresponding to a final position of the active game elements. The device further provides an interval to the player to make payment before the final outcome of the game is displayed. Payouts to the player are based on the final outcome and whether the player has made payment. Payouts may be increased based on a measurement of the player's participation rate in a series of games and the frequency of the games played, as measured by the device.

Abstract: Games related to the provision of information are described. Games may be formulated to exploit biases such as long shot bias and favorite bias. Games related to the provision of information are described. Games may be formulated to exploit biases relating to the Monty Hall paradox. Games related to the provision of information are described. Games may include wagering on hands of cards, e.g., poker wagering games.

Abstract: A gaming device including a plurality of reel sets connected where at least one of the reel sets includes concentric reels having an inner reel and an outer reel. The inner reel includes a plurality of symbols and a plurality of symbol positions where at least two of the symbols are displayed by one of the symbol positions. The outer reel defines a plurality of different viewable areas where one of the outer reel is positionable to enable a player to view at least one of the symbols through a first viewable area and a different number of the symbols through a second viewable area. A processor causes the inner reel and the outer reel to move and provides any outcome to the player based on the number of winning symbol combinations which are displayed on the reels (i.e., not based on any paylines that would have passed through such displayed winning symbol combinations).

Abstract: A printing and dispensing bonusing system for gaming devices has been developed. The system includes a gaming device with a main processor unit containing that generates event signals according to the gaming logic, a signal transmission device that detects the event signals, and a peripheral device processor that receives the event signals from the signal transmission device. The peripheral device processing unit is isolated from the main processor unit and cannot influence the generation of the event signals.

Abstract: A gaming device including a housing, a symbol display connected to the housing, and a symbol indicator rotatably connected to the housing which includes at least one section having a viewable area to enable a player to view at least a portion of the symbol display. In one embodiment, after a triggering event associated with a game, the symbol display generates a plurality of first symbols. The symbol indicator moves and positions the viewable area to indicate one or more of the first symbols on the symbol display. The gaming device provides an outcome to the player based on the order of the first symbols indicated on the symbol display. The outcome is based on the position of first symbols indicated on the symbol display.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to a method and apparatus for operating a gaming device having a flat rate play session costing a flat rate price. The flat rate play session spans multiple plays on the gaming device over a pre-established duration. The gaming device identifies price parameters and determines the flat rate price of playing the gaming device based on those price parameters. In one embodiment, identifying price parameters includes receiving player selected price parameters. In another embodiment, price parameters further incorporate operator selected price parameters. Should the player decide to pay the flat rate price, the player simply deposits the necessary funds into the gaming device or makes a credit account available for the gaming device to debit. Once the player initiates play, the gaming device tracks the duration remaining in the flat rate play session and stops the play when the given period has elapsed.

Abstract: Use of the present invention provides a method and system for generating the winning combination of numbers in a lottery game. The method determines a winning number combination from among a plurality of number combination entries submitted by a plurality of players, each of which could submit their entries from a plurality of locations. A unique algorithm assigns significance to the position of the numbers in each number combination entry by presenting the players with a template comprised of a plurality of sections. After all number combination entries have been received, the winning numbers are generated by a hybrid process. In at least one of the sections, the winning selection is the selection in that section that received the least bets among all the possible selections in the current game cycle. The winning numbers for the remaining sections are generated by a traditional random drawing. Concatenating the winning selections in all sections thus forms the winning number combination.

Abstract: A gaming system has a central authority connected to a plurality of gaming machines. Player activity is tracked at the gaming machines during regular gaming sessions and during virtual gaming sessions. Such data is transmitted to the central authority for providing player points in a player account file of a central database. Regular gaming sessions occur between player card insertion and player card removal. Virtual gaming sessions may occur prior to player card insertion as well as after player card insertion. For example, a coin-in event prior to player card insertion will establish a virtual session, and credits remaining on the credit meter at a card-out event will establish a virtual gaming session.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to wagering games and, more particularly, to a gaming machine which determines game outcomes with a mechanical selector mechanism. Wagering games with game outcomes produced by a mechanical mechanism have not been widely accepted. Mechanical gaming machines are susceptible to bias from both inherent manufacturing defects and wear related degradation. Because gaming machines must meet regulatory required payback percentages, deviation from random operation may jeopardize the gaming machine's license. To overcome bias that may cause operation of the gaming machine outside its regulatory approved technical specifications, a feedback control loop can be implemented in the gaming machine to detect and correct bias as it occurs.

Abstract: A method for lottery wagering on actual events. The method according to the present invention includes selecting a subset of wagering data DW from a set of pre-qualifying data DPQ prior to, conclusion of a pre-qualifying event of a phased competition consisting of a pre-qualifying event and a final event. The method further includes assembling pre-qualifying data DPQ for preliminary participants after conclusion of a pre-qualifying event and assembling concluding data DC for final participants after conclusion of the final event. Winners are selected from the final participants after the final event based on the concluding data. Winning lottery data DL is determined from a correlation between the winners' and their respective pre-qualifying data.

Abstract: A system for detecting and controlling collusion in a game with a plurality of participating players includes a gaming server and a number of portals in the form of websites on the World Wide Web in the Internet. Each of the portal websites is an online casino website hosted on a corresponding casino web server (not shown). Each of the casino websites is accessible by one or more would-be poker players. Each player accesses the website using a computer with a display and an associated pointing device. The system further includes an administration facility, which communicates with the gaming server along a communication channel, and a collusion detection server in communication with the gaming server via the communication channel.

Abstract: A tournament feature is herein disclosed. In an embodiment, a method of providing the tournament feature comprises receiving a tournament participation authorization for a player to participate in said tournament feature; assigning a handicap to a tournament participation in said tournament feature; providing said player on one game machine with said tournament participation comprising a tournament play sequence depending on which a tournament score is obtained; storing said score in storing means with a plurality of scores throughout conduct of said tournament feature; evaluating stored scores upon or after detection of the conduct of said tournament feature having ended to establish a winning score and a winning player who obtained said winning score; and awarding a prize to said winning player.

Abstract: A method and gaming device, such as a slot machine, is disclosed that generates a spin results which are used to determine a player's progress toward a secondary or overall game objective. The secondary game objective may include completing a set or a collection. A game objective may instruct a player to attempt to assemble a picture or image. Portions of the complete image may be displayed on a first game area, such as the reel area of the gaming device. A player executing a spin on the gaming device may acquire or utilize portions of the image as they occur in the context of a reel-based game. Image portions may “occur” when they appear on the gaming device payline as part of a traditional reel-based game. The image portion may be utilized on a second game area of the gaming device (e.g. a screen located above the gaming device reel area) in order to depict progress toward the secondary game objective of completing the image.

Abstract: An award frequency analysis auditor is employed in wager based gaming systems and reduces the time necessary to detect award frequency and return to player that is out of a desired range. User configurable thresholds may be set with the auditor and user configurable actions may also be configured to be performed when the thresholds are reached. Increased accuracy and reduction of false positives are achieved.

Abstract: In the application, embodiments for providing an interdependent combination of a primary game and a bonus feature are described. According to one embodiment of the invention, a method comprises the steps of conducting the primary game, conducting the bonus feature upon fulfillment of a triggering criterion, resuming conduct of the primary game upon fulfillment of primary-game ticket criterion with a bonus-feature resuming criterion being established during the conduct of the bonus feature, and resuming conduct of the bonus feature upon fulfillment of the bonus-feature resuming criterion. Between the times the primary game and the bonus feature are resumed, data relative to the bonus feature are maintained to permit resuming of the bonus feature in the state is was left. Embodiments of gaming machines, gaming devices, and game servers involved in providing embodiments of the invention are also described.

Abstract: A progressive jackpot system for allowing access to multiple wide area progressive jackpots at a gaming machine is described. The gaming machine connected to the progressive systems can be switched between two or more different progressive games where each progressive game provides the chance to win a different wide area progressive jackpot. The gaming machine may be operable to dynamically connect to and communicate with one or more different progressive systems. Switches can be triggered based upon a player input at the gaming machine or based upon a command received from a remote gaming device.

Abstract: A gaming device including a free spins game having a plurality of reels with a plurality of symbols. The symbols include at least one prize symbol, where a physical prize is associated with the prize symbol. In one embodiment, the gaming device activates or spins the reels for a designated number of spins in a game. The gaming device spins the reels in the game and accumulates any prize symbols indicated on the reels. If the accumulated number of prize symbols reaches a designated number of prize symbols necessary to win the physical prize, the gaming device awards the physical prize to the player.

Abstract: A gaming device including a plurality of reels having several symbols with at least one wild symbol. In one embodiment, the gaming device spins the reels for at one spin. If a wild symbol is indicated on a payline associated with the reels and no winning symbol combinations are indicated on the payline, the gaming device holds the reel including the wild symbol, stationary. The gaming device then re-spins the other reels for a designated number of spins, not including the reel having the wild symbol, in the game. The gaming device provides an award associated with any winning symbol combinations on the payline. In another embodiment, the gaming device holds one of the reels stationary when a wild symbol is indicated on a payline associated with the reels the award amounts associated with any indicated winning symbol combinations on the payline are less than a designated award value.

Abstract: A system and method for providing multiple randomly selectable primary games in a gaming device are disclosed. In one embodiment a gaming machine comprises a player input means and a central processing unit for receiving a trigger to activate game play. Additionally, the gaming machine comprises a selection means for selecting a primary game for game play. Also included are a first primary game presented on a first primary game display and a second primary game presented on a second primary game display.