Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for administering game play include displaying an electronic reel simulation including a multiple reel array for a wagering game on a display. A user input indicates a selected play option from a plurality of play options. All play options enable all displayed positions of the multiple reel array to be considered in winning outcomes. A game outcome is determined and presented as game symbols on the display. Winning combinations of the game symbols are determined, wherein each winning combination includes three or more matching game symbols appearing in the displayed positions on each of three or more adjacent reels and at least one of the three or more matching game symbols is not used in another winning combination. A payout is determined and multiplied by a multiple correlated to the selected play option when a substitute multiplier symbol appears as one of the game symbols.

Abstract: Devices and methods for generating and/or communicating using optically formatted image data are provided. One method includes receiving first gaming information from a first wager-based gaming device via a local area network. The method further includes receiving from the first wager-based gaming device a request to include the first gaming information in a machine readable optically formatted image data. The method further includes generating the machine readable optically formatted image data or instructions for creating the machine readable optically formatted image data. Data encoded in the machine readable optically formatted image data comprises a unique identifier and the first gaming information. The method further includes sending the generated machine readable optically formatted image data or the instructions for creating the machine readable optically formatted image data to the first wager-based gaming device. The machine readable optically formatted image data is output to a display device.

Abstract: A casino gaming system includes gaming machines which are configured to accept and read tickets. The ticket may comprise cash-value tickets or non-cash value/promotional tickets. The tickets may also include secondary feature triggering indicia. The player may present the cash-value ticket having a feature triggering indicia or a non-cash value/promotional ticket to a gaming machine, such as by inserting it into a media reader such as a bill acceptor. Associated monetary value or non-monetary credits may be credited to the machine. In addition, if the ticket includes a feature triggering indicia, when such an indicia is detected, the gaming machine preferably triggers or initiates the feature.

Abstract: In a gaming method and system, a player is permitted to move funds from a gaming machine at a casino, such as funds won at the gaming machine or input into the gaming machine, with a funds account which the player can utilize to fund remote or mobile gaming. When a player of a gaming machine is identified, such as by detecting or sensing the player's mobile communication device or by a player's use of a player card or the like, a gaming machine may be configured or triggered to activate one or more funds association options, such as to offer the player the opportunity to associate funds provided to the gaming machine with their account for use in remote or mobile gaming.

Abstract: A video gaming system is disclosed that includes one or more game processors, one or more video displays, an apparatus for a player to control the play of the game, and a memory device. The memory device stores a set of fixed instructions to control the game processor and is configured to: enable the player to interact with the game interface to select a game from a list of games offered by the video gaming machine, wherein the game is represented by a game bubble floating in the game interface; display a game selection interface to enable the player to select the game and add the game in a control panel, wherein the control panel is configured to display multiple games selected by the player; and enable the player to switch among the plurality of games and control a game play of the plurality of games concurrently.

Abstract: In various embodiment, the gaming system provides a new gaming currency which is in addition to and different than current known land-based gaming establishment currencies, such as monetary credits, promotional credits and player tracking points and also in addition to and different than current known casual or social game currencies, such as virtual currencies. This gaming currency is accumulated and redeemed in association with the plays of games occurring at land-based gaming establishments as well as in association with the plays of casual or social games.

Abstract: A system and method for incentivizing users to alter virtual item balances in an online game are disclosed. The incentives may include rewards for users to reach balance goals. The balance goals may specify target balances of virtual items to be reached in user inventories, and a time by which such target balances must be reached in order for the users to receive a reward. Such target balance may include minimum or maximum balances levels, a range of absolute balance levels, a change in the current balance levels of virtual items in the user inventories and/or any other target balances. Determinations whether a given user has reached such target balance in accordance with a balance goal may be made at or before the time specified in the balance goal.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for integrating system functions with gaming functions via a display screen of a gaming device. The system includes a gaming interface in communication with at least a first processor and a systems interface in communication with at least a second processor. The gaming interface is incorporated within the display screen of the gaming device, displays wagering game content received from the first processor, and receives first inputs delivered to the first processor to perform the gaming functions associated with the wagering game content. The systems interface is incorporated within the display screen of the gaming device, displays non-gaming system content received from a system network via the second processor, and receives second inputs delivered to the system network via the second processor to perform the system functions.

Abstract: A method for wagering on a skills-based digital gaming competition, the method executing on a computing device including storage storing a peer-wagering module that is external and distinct from at least one game stored on the storage device or another storage device, the method including: receiving potential game and competitor player data; receiving game competition selection information from the player that includes at least one selected game instance and at least one wager amount; receiving game instance match ID data generated by the transactional server, wherein the game instance match ID data includes at least one of: credential data associated with the player, player wager amount or a board, level, or difficulty setting associated with the selected game instance; and transmitting the game instance match ID data and game initiation data to the game, thereby activating the at least one selected game instance on the computing device.

Abstract: Methods for secure transactions between gaming machines and portable devices are described. A logic device, separate from a master gaming controller on the gaming machine and placed in the gaming machine, may be operable to authenticate a portable device, such as a smart card, and authorize transactions involving transfers of indicia of credit between the portable device and the gaming machine. The logic device may be operable to send authentication information relating to the portable device to a remote host where a value amount of transactions involving the portable device authorized by the logic device may be higher when the logic device and the remote host authenticate the portable device as opposed to when the portable device is only authenticated by the logic device.

Abstract: A system and method of providing a player loyalty program to award a player of an electronic gaming machine, including conducting games with enhanced payouts based on a cash in or initial investment amount. In response to a player's initial investment or cash in amount, a payout schedule is selected. The larger the initial investment the better the selected payout schedule for the player. Live games facilitated by electronic gaming machines or devices and server-based games may utilize the method disclosed herein. Players may also receive enhanced awards such as enhanced player points based on the amount of the initial investment. Awards and bonuses may also be provided to players who exhaust an initial investment exceeding a threshold amount.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to a multi-prize mystery box that provides an award to users who activate the mystery boxes and benefits to members of affiliations associated with the activating users. Users of an association may be provided notifications informing the users that the activating user has provided them with a benefit, increasing recognition of the activating user in the game.

Abstract: Systems and methods for live sporting event wagering with data security and integrity are disclosed. At least one input capture device and at least one user device are constructed and configured in network communication with at least one computing platform. The at least one input capture device is configured to transmit live input data relating to a live sporting event to the at least one computing platform in real time or near real time. The at least one computing platform is configured to aggregate and analyze the live input data, thereby creating analyzed data. The at least one computing platform is further configured to set odds for wagering in the live sporting event based on the analyzed data in real time or near real time. The at least one user device is configured to display the odds, receive bets, and transmit the bets to the at least one computing platform.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a slot machine game which has a non-skill main game component (spinning reels) and a skill bonus round. The skill bonus round can be triggered randomly based on an individual player's own bonus round trigger probability. Each player's bonus round trigger probability is adjusted in order to offset the player's own skill in comparison to the skill of the other players on the platform.

Abstract: Embodiments of this concept are directed to gaming devices that are configured to initiate multiple gaming events in response to a player input. The gaming device may include game initiating inputs that initiate a predetermined number of gaming events in response to the player input, or the gaming device may include configurable game initiating inputs that initiate a number of gaming events specified by the player, specified the gaming device, or specified by a gaming server. The gaming device or gaming server may set the number of initiated game events in response to the occurrence of a triggering event.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a local computer network includes profile information local identifications for multiple organizations. Remote profile information is stored on a remote computer network and transferred to the local network to perform secure transactions with other computer networks. Embodiments of the disclosure include linking remote and local identifications. In another embodiment, remote and local identifications are linked by generated multiple messages to different users in different roles to prevent fraud, for example.

Abstract: Exemplary communication system 1 includes communication terminal 10, game device 20, and setting management server 30, each of which is connectable to network 50. Communication terminal 10 includes a processing requesting unit configured to request to setting management server 30 execution of processing on game device 20. Setting management server 30 includes a processing instruction unit configured to instruct game device 20 to perform the requested execution of processing. Game device 20 is a communication terminal not always connected to network 50, which device includes a network connection control unit configured to control connection to network 50, and a processing execution unit configured to perform the instructed execution of processing, upon detecting that game device 20, which was not connected to network 50, has been caused to connect to the network by the network connection control unit.

Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. In one embodiment, the gaming system provides players with one or more enhanced wagering opportunities. One enhanced wagering opportunity enables a player to continue playing one or more primary games at the maximum wager even if the player's continued play causes the gaming device's credit meter to fall below zero credits. In one such embodiment, after playing one or more maximum wager games which cause the credit meter to drop below zero, the player's player tracking account is utilized to cover any amount of credits the gaming device's credit meter is below zero.

Abstract: A system and method of providing wagering over a computerized system. The system includes a computerized multi-player game. The game includes an integral game mechanics module for providing a game-play session over a computerized network. The game mechanics module is in real-time communication with a wagering module and therethrough the wagering module automatically receiving real-time game event information. The game mechanics module provides a wagering option to a player in real-time that is selectable by a game-play action.

Abstract: User action data characterizing action by a player in a game environment executing at a user client is received at a server. The game environment is created by the user client separate from the server. Data characterizing a selected viewing position is received. The selected viewing position is different than a player viewing position. The selected viewing position characterizes a viewing location within the game environment. A recreated game environment is generated from the user action data at the server. A video stream of the recreated game environment is generated. The video stream includes video from a perspective of the selected viewing position. The video stream is transmitted to a viewing client. Related apparatus, systems, articles, and techniques are also described.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for allowing a plurality of consumers to each select his or her own fixed odds and associated winning payoff from a common universal drawing. The consumer selected custom odds are derived by subdividing one drawing event into a series of variable sized “bins” that reduce wagered odds to a subset of the greater odds of the universal drawing where the totality of generated bins thereby contains 100% of the possible drawing outcomes. A modulo operation is then performed to create a unique pointer position to a congruence number for each of the created previously created bins. Thus, any desired subset of reduced wagering odds can be achieved with the virtual creation of the corresponding number of bins.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a mystery degressive bonus system. Instead of a bonus that increases its value as the likelihood of winning the bonus increases, embodiments of the invention disconnect the likelihood of winning a mystery bonus from the amount awarded for triggering the mystery bonus. In some embodiments as the likelihood of winning the mystery bonus increases, the award for winning the mystery bonus decreases. Some embodiments include a minimum value for winning the mystery bonus. Additional embodiments are directed to an indicator system to show to the player a present amount of the mystery bonus award as well as the likelihood of winning the award. Further embodiments include a gaming device that includes a bonus game in which the amount awarded to the player decreases over time.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a gaming system and method providing a gaming tournament with a dynamic equalizer feature. In various embodiments, responsive to the dynamic equalizer feature being triggered, the gaming system may select a player who is not performing well in the tournament and provide that player enough tournament points to bring that player back into contention in the tournament. The dynamic equalizer feature provides a way to compensate for the inherent variability of tournament play—i.e., some players by chance accumulating more tournament points than others during the same time period—so players with low tournament point balances always feel like they have a chance to win the tournament regardless of their bad luck during tournament game play. This ensures that at all players remain engaged and entertained throughout the duration of the tournament.

Abstract: An electronic wagering event is performed on a gaming platform. The wagering event is based upon providing predetermined alignment of virtual symbols within a grid of frames in columns and rows. The processor provides a display of a random distribution of symbols within the frames of the grid on the video display The processor assigns a specific maximum number of symbol transfer steps that the player position may input from the player input controls at the player position. A visual display indicates how symbols are to be transferred within the frames of the grid on the video display to increase winning paylines. Upon exhaustion of the specific maximum number of symbol transfer steps that the player position may input, the processor determining correspondence of symbol distribution within the grids with respect to the paytable and resolves all wagers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present concept provide an electronic gaming device that facilitates wagering by multiple players on a single gaming device. Also provided is a method of sharing game play on such a gaming device, where the method includes receiving a wager from a first player at a first gaming station, receiving a wager from a second player at a second gaming station, initiating a gaming event that is displayed at the first and second gaming stations, and awarding prizes associated with gaming outcomes displayed at the first and second gaming stations.

Abstract: A method of and system for conducting multiple competitions of skill for a single performance are described herein. User generated competition groups and system generated competition groups allow users to participate in multiple competitions at once based on answering the same questions or making the same selections related to a single event. The users are informed of each competition either via email, text message or when logging into the network via a website. The users select which competitions groups to join. After joining the desired groups, the users then make their selections related to the event which are transmitted to the network where results are tabulated and transmitted back to the users. The results are separated based on each competition group, so that users can continually know where they stand in each separate competition. With multiple competition groups, users are able to have varying success from the same performance in multiple competitions.

Abstract: In at least one aspect, methods and corresponding systems operable to perform the methods are provided herein that allow multiple players, registered and unregistered, to play a game wherein players submit predictions for box office revenue for a plurality of films and, in certain instances, are awarded points for the proximity of the prediction to actual revenues.

Abstract: A system for electronic gaming is described which includes a plurality of individual game stations each of which is constructed and arranged with a user interface. Upstream from each game station is a third party subsystem which includes a corresponding database. This third party subsystem is in data communication with each game station. Also upstream from the plurality of game stations is a gaming server subsystem which includes a database. A central determinate translator system is constructed and arranged in communication either directly or indirectly with each game station and provides a communication link and interface between the gaming server subsystem and each game station.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a system and method for wireless gaming with location determination are provided. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a gaming server; a wireless network at least partially covering a property, the wireless network comprising a plurality of signal detection devices; and a gaming communication device operable to transmit and receive gaming information to and from the gaming server via the wireless network. A location of the gaming communication device on the property may be determined based upon a signal received by the plurality of signal detection devices from the gaming communication device. Based upon the location of the gaming communication device on the property, a predetermined functionality of the gaming communication device may be enabled.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a slot machine game which has a non-skill main game component (spinning reels) and a skill bonus round. The skill bonus round can be triggered randomly based on an individual player's own bonus round trigger probability. Each player's bonus round trigger probability is adjusted in order to offset the player's own skill in comparison to the skill of the other players on the platform.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for providing an alternative payment platform, including method and systems for providing a platform for presenting an alternate offer to a user who is engaged with a primary offer and receiving an indication of the user's engagement with the alternate offer, wherein the user's engagement with the alternate offer serves as an alternative form of payment for an item associated with the primary offer. Such methods and systems may further include methods and systems for selecting one or more alternate offers engagement with which serves as an alternative form of payment for an item associated with a primary offer, presenting the selected alternate payment offers to a user, receiving an indication of engagement with at least one of the alternate offers, receiving payment in exchange for presenting the accepted offer and providing payment to the offeror of the primary offer.

Abstract: System, processes and devices for monitoring betting activities using bet recognition devices and a server. Each bet recognition device has an imaging component for capturing image data for a gaming table surface. The bet recognition device receives calibration data for calibrating the bet recognition device. A server processor coupled to a data store processes the image data received from the bet recognition devices over the network to detect, for each betting area, a number of chips and a final bet value for the chips.

Abstract: A networked gaming system administering a multi-user entertainment game; modifying player actions based on wagers, modifying the game state based on the player actions, and distributing the modified game state to a second player using entertainment software controllers wherein each entertainment software controller is connected to one of a plurality of game world controllers; a plurality of game world controllers, wherein each game world controller is connected to the game server and one of a plurality of real world controllers.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a system that utilizes a mobile device to facilitate the transfer of funds from a cashless wagering account to an EGM while tracking the source of such funds in association with the transfer and in association with one or more events occurring on the EGM.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a gaming system and method are disclosed as having placeholder symbols and replacement symbols. In some embodiments, the gaming system generates a plurality of replacement symbols. If the gaming system also randomly generates a placeholder symbol, the gaming system randomly determines which one of the generated plurality of replacement symbols to associate with the generated placeholder symbol. The gaming system may replace the generated placeholder symbol with the associated replacement symbol. In some embodiments the plurality of replacement symbols are generated and displayed above the generated placeholder symbol such that the associated replacement symbol is pulled down to be applied in place of the generated placeholder symbol.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a system that utilizes a mobile device to facilitate the transfer of funds between a gaming establishment retail account and a cashless wagering account, and further between the cashless wagering account and an electronic gaming machine.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a skill level input specifying a first skill level from a set of different skill levels, and in response to the skill level input, placing the gaming machine in a first state. Each respective skill level in the set of different skill levels is correlated to a different respective proportion between a player skill-dependent component and random component of the wagering game. Thus placing the gaming machine in the first state has the effect of setting that skill-dependent to random proportion to a desired value. After placing the gaming machine in the first state, the method includes receiving player inputs for which a prize may ultimately be awarded. This prize is determined by (i) any player inputs included in the player input set for the player skill-dependent component and (ii) the random component in an award proportion based on the desired value.

Abstract: A system and method configured to provide limited-time events to users in an online game. The system and method may include executing an instance of an online game and effectuating presentation of offers to users to activate a limited-time event within the online game. Activation of the limited-time event may enable users to perform event runs through the limited-time event for a duration. The execution of event runs through the limited-time event in response to user commands received from a client computing platform associated with the user may deplete the virtual resource in an inventory of the user. The system and method may maintain inventories of the users and recharge the virtual resource as a function of time. The performance of users may be assessed and awards may be distributed to the users based on the assessment of their performance during the event runs. The system and method may include effectuating exchanges by the users of virtual items for the first virtual resource.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for enhancing social collaboration in an online casino game. One method includes receiving game inputs from client devices facilitating play in a first mode for an online room. Then, determining contributions to a community metric based on outcomes of the game inputs in the first mode, such that client devices facilitate play in the online room contribute toward the community metric as play progresses in the first mode. Progress of the community metric is indicated by a community progress indicator, and the community progress indicator has a characteristic that indicates increases in the community metric. The method includes moving each of said client devices connected to the online room into a second mode different from the first mode when a predetermined goal is reached for the community metric.

Abstract: Servers and method for use in creating a random reward are disclosed. One exemplary method includes receiving a request for a random reward from an organizer, establishing a random reward in response to the request, transmitting a credential associated with the random reward to a player, and crediting gaming activity associated with the credential to the random reward. Access to the random reward is limited to players presenting the credential.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method for creating an electronic log for documenting entries into electronic gaming machines on a network. The network is monitored by a network computing device. People who enter the machines carry mobile computing devices that communicate over a normally operating wireless network. Cooperating among the network computing device and the wireless network results in creating an entry that includes the identify of a person entering one of the gaming machines, the identity of the gaming machine entered, and the reason for entry. The entry is stored in an electronic log.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer program products are presented for multi-platform testing automation. An apparatus includes one or more hardware server devices in communication with an array of mobile hardware devices over a data network. A hardware server device is configured to simulate one or more touch input events on mobile hardware devices over a data network. A hardware server is configured to receive data associated with simulated one or more touch input events from mobile hardware devices over a data network.

Abstract: An interleaved wagering system including an interactive controller constructed to communicate application telemetry associated with an interactive application provided by the interactive controller. The system also includes a wager controller constructed to communicate a wager result associated with a received wager request. The system also includes the application controller operatively connected to the interactive controller and the wager controller, and constructed to: receive application telemetry; upon receiving application telemetry, determine whether to trigger a supplementary mode based on a threshold value; and communicate a notification to provide a supplementary mode session. The interactive controller is further constructed to: provide the supplementary mode session upon receiving the supplementary mode notification; communicate results of the supplementary mode session.

Abstract: A method for executing a training program based on player DNA is described. The method includes executing a video game and determining whether a skill level of a user is below a threshold level of play. The method includes generating a task that relates to a current level of play of the video game in which the skill level is below the threshold level and transitioning the video game to a training video game program having the task to increase the current level of play. The method includes executing the training video game program and monitoring the skill level for the task in the training video game program. The method includes determining whether the skill level for the task exceeds the threshold level. The method includes returning to an execution of the video game upon determining that the skill level for the task exceeds the threshold level.

Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting a request to pair a mobile device with a secondary content controller that is communicatively coupled to a wagering game machine. In some examples the secondary content controller is independent of a primary content controller for the wagering game machine. The operations can further include determining, by the secondary content controller, that primary wagering game content of the wagering game machine is in a state that would permit secondary wagering on the primary wagering game content. Further, the operations can include pairing the mobile device with the secondary content controller after determining that the primary wagering game content is in the state that would permit the secondary wagering.

Abstract: A method is described for running a feature on a gaming system comprising a plurality of gaming consoles linked by a communication network. The method comprises running at least one elimination round of the feature. A set of participating gaming consoles are determined for the elimination round and a group of options is displayed on the participating gaming consoles. Selections of options from the group are entered by players at the participating gaming consoles and a winning option is displayed from the group of options. Consoles are eliminated from the set of participating consoles unless the winning option was selected at the respective console; and further elimination rounds are commenced unless termination criteria are met. A flashing sequence of lights and sounds may be exhibited to reveal the winning option.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products for utilizing wearable devices in an entertainment environment are provided. Aspects include creating associations between a plurality of individuals and a plurality of wearable devices and classifying each of the plurality of individuals into one or more groups, wherein each group includes at least one child and at least one parent. Aspects also include tracking a location of one of the plurality of wearable devices associated with a first child of a first group and based on a determination that the first child is attempting to leave a predetermined area, determining whether the first child is accompanied by a first adult, wherein the first adult is a member of the first group.

Abstract: An electronic gaming machine comprising a display, a memory storing program instructions for each of a plurality of different games, a game controller for executing the program instructions, the game controller configured to conduct plural game instances in respective ones of a plurality of game areas on the display based on one or more player selections from among the different games, the game controller configured to operate in a first mode when conducting less than a defined number of game instances and a second mode when conducting a defined number of game instances, wherein when operating in the second mode, the game controller is configured to add at least one additional game feature to each of the defined game instances irrespective of the player game selections of games for the respective game areas.

Abstract: A gaming machine has a main or master gaming controller for presenting primary games based upon wagers of primary credits associated with a primary credit balance. A secondary controller is associated with the gaming machine for presenting secondary games based upon wagers of secondary credits associated with a secondary credit balance. The secondary controller may effectuate transfers of credits between the primary and secondary credit balances.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gaming system and method providing a plurality of different player-selectable wager alternatives if a credit balance of a player is less than a designated wager amount (such as a cost to cover a play of a wagering game or a maximum wager amount for the play of the wagering game) and greater than or equal to a lowest eligible credit balance (such as 1 credit). Generally, selecting one of the different wager alternatives when the player's remaining credit balance is less than the designated wager amount and greater than or equal to the lowest eligible wager amount enables the player to utilize the player's remaining credit balance (or any suitable portion thereof) in a manner that is different than, separate from, and in addition to wagering on one or more plays of the wagering game.