Abstract: A method of leasing a gaming machine is provided that includes determining a monetary average machine net win in monetary units per gaming machine per unit of time for a group of existing gaming machines, receiving the leased gaming machine, and determining a monetary payment amount for the leased gaming machine for a second time period based on the average machine net win, the monetary payment amount equaling a percentage of a new gaming machine net win amount.

Abstract: A method of gaming is disclosed wherein progressive award values may be increased in response to certain pre-established game outcomes, wager amounts or random events. The increased progressive award values may be based on a primary game or secondary game outcome. Another innovation is the resetting of progressive awards upon completion of a bonus event whether or not award actually won in said bonus event. Player tracking systems permit progressive award values to be linked to a particular player such that the progressive award values remain personal to the player. Re-setting increased progressive award values is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gaming device system in which a plurality of gaming devices are linked by a common bonus event is provided. In one embodiment, the linked gaming device system includes a shared symbol generation display that is positioned adjacent to each of a plurality of associated gaming devices and has a plurality of sections and values displayed at each section. Upon a triggering of the bonus event, any player eligible to participate in the bonus may achieve an outcome generated from the bonus event including the shared display. When the shared display is activated, it simultaneously generates a separate or individual outcome associated with each of the gaming devices. The outcomes are spatially related to one another so that a random generation of an outcome associated with one gaming device automatically generates random outcomes associated with each gaming device. Each gaming device however receives the outcome only if it has participated in the random generation.

Abstract: A wagering game award system is described herein. In some embodiments, the wagering game award system detects a player identifier associated with a wagering game award system, where the wagering game award system supports a plurality of award types. The system can also determine a number of awards of a first type, wherein the number of awards are associated with the player identifier, and wherein the first type is one of the award types. The system can also detect a request to exchange some of the number of awards for awards of a second type, wherein the second type is one of the award types. The system can also submit the request.

Abstract: A method of playing a game of chance by mapping pari-mutuel racing event results to a die or a playing card value to represent a roll of a pair of dice or to represent a dealt hand for a player in games of chance is presented. Wagers are made based on the predicted outcome of the pari-mutuel racing event. Players may select either a house or a player pool from which to wager. The die or player card value is assigned based on the order of outcome of participants in the pari-mutuel event. A pool of wagers for either the player or the house is divided amongst the players who selected the winning pool. Games for chance could craps, backgammon or any number of card games, such as Blackjack or poker, or any other suitable games of chance.

Abstract: A method of awarding a jackpot prize to a gaming device which contributes a percentage of turn-over to a jackpot prize pool comprises setting an accumulated turn-over trigger value for the gaming device, the accumulated turn-over trigger value set based on a jackpot prize pool trigger value which is, at least in part, randomly selected. Responsive to determining that the accumulated turn-over trigger value has been reached, the method further comprises awarding a prize to the gaming device.

Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. Upon a suitable triggering event at a triggering gaming device in the gaming system a bonus event occurs. When the bonus event occurs, the players actively playing each auxiliary gaming device in the gaming system are each provided a chance to participate in the bonus event as well. Each remaining gaming device's chance of participating in the bonus event is based on the individual accumulated bonus event pool for that gaming device.

Abstract: The invention is a method and a device for adding a bonus prize component to wagering games such as those played in gambling casinos. A player obtaining a predetermined combination in the underlying game wins the bonus prize. This might be a predetermined combination of playing cards in a card game or a predetermined combination on the reels of a slot machine. The bonus prize may require a separate side wager to qualify. The bonus prize is randomly chosen from a group of bonus prizes that includes an incrementing jackpot. The device for practicing the method includes a prize wheel that is spun to randomly choose the bonus prize, and an incrementing device with attached jackpot display for generating and showing the current amount of the incrementing jackpot. Upon winning the incrementing jackpot, the incrementing stops and the player wins the current amount shown on the display. The incrementing jackpot is subsequently reset and the incrementing resumed.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a first gaming device, a second gaming device and an outcome display shared by the first and second gaming devices. The outcome display includes multiple symbols, the symbols in combination with an available amount defining mathematically a portion of the available amount to be provided to a player playing one of the gaming devices.

Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The central server monitors wagers on the gaming machines. Based at least in part on the wagers the central server determines when bonus events will occur and which gaming machine(s) will provide the bonus awards. In one embodiment, the central server determines which gaming machine(s) will provide progressive awards and/or supplemental bonus awards, wherein the number of provided supplemental awards is determined based on the number of active gaming machines. Each supplemental bonus award provided by each gaming device is based on any accumulated wagers placed at that gaming device.

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 distributing, managing, and exchange entries in one or more activities is provided. The entries may be distributed by any suitable process including, without limitation an auction or lottery process. The distributed entries may be exchanged in a market environment. The exchange may operate on an electronic platform. Revenues may be collected from distributions and/or exchanges of entries. A portion of the revenues may be paid to one or more users who hold an one or more particular winning entries determined by any number of parameters and at the occurrence of any number of events.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a clock hand bonus game is provided. Moreover, in various embodiments, a system, method and apparatus is provided for a bonus gaming machine. The bonus gaming machine operates with a face and two clock hands which rotate about the face. The bonus gaming machine operates in conjunction with a base gaming apparatus. The face displays a set of indicia which the two clock hands may point to as indication of a prize. The prize may be awarded in conjunction with a prize of the base gaming machine or independently.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for facilitating group play by a learn of members associated with a casino slot club. The method includes the steps of identifying the team members, identifying a set of rules designated by the team for rewarding the team members when a payout is due to one of the team members, detecting a payout due to one of the team members, and rewarding the team members in accordance with the set of rules.

Abstract: Ticketing systems and methods are provided specifically relating to a player's ticket. A player's ticket references at least one player and allows the player's ticket holder to attend all sporting events played in by the at least one player referenced on the player's ticket. Information about a tournament, including the players, the tournament draw, and historical data, is acquired and used to determine the probabilities of players winning matches in the tournament. Different possible allocations of admissions (e.g., seats) for player's tickets to matches of the tournament are determined based on the tournament draw and how many player's tickets are provided for the matches. One of the allocations of seats of the possible allocations is chosen based on the probabilities of players winning matches in the tournament which aids in determining the likelihood of accommodating all player's ticket holders for each match.

Abstract: A method of multiple pricing for a predetermined or progressive single jackpot in a single lottery game is disclosed. For instance, a lottery ticket purchased for one dollar can result in a ten million dollar win, a lottery ticket purchased for two dollars can result in a twenty million dollar win, a lottery ticket purchased for three dollars can result in a thirty million dollar win, etc. Further, different winnings increments can be used. For instance, the three-dollar ticket can result in a forty million dollar win to induce the purchase of higher-priced tickets. The potential distributions can be established according to a constant ratio, a variable ratio, or a combination of a constant ratio and a variable ratio. In addition, the lottery prize can also be a variable prize that progressively increases with a percentage of each ticket sold. The prizes are won from a single pool.

Abstract: A multi-priced lottery ticket dispensing machine is disclose. A price category reception module receives a first price category of a first distribution. The price category reception module receives a second price category of a second distribution. The second distribution is established so that a first association between the first distribution and the first price category has a variable ratio with a second association between the second distribution and the second price category. The multi-priced lottery ticket dispensing machine also has a user input module. Further, the multi-priced lottery ticket dispensing machine has a lottery ticket printer. The multi-priced lottery ticket dispensing machine also has a controller that receives the price categories, receives an input from the user, and provides an instruction to the lottery ticket printer.

Abstract: A virtual lottery unit can be utilized by a player to play a virtual lottery. A virtual lottery ticket display is provided to display a plurality of virtual lottery ticket prices. Each of the virtual lottery ticket prices corresponds to a distinct known percentage of a progressive jackpot that can be won with a winning virtual lottery number. The progressive jackpot increases progressive jackpot increases in size based on a portion of ticket sales revenue and that can be won with a winning virtual lottery number. A price selection input receives a selection of the virtual lottery ticket price of which the lottery ticket is to be purchased. Further, a number selection input receives a selection of a virtual lottery ticket number from the player. In addition, a random number generator generates the winning virtual lottery ticket number. A virtual lottery processor compares the selection of the virtual lottery ticket number form the player with the winning virtual lottery ticket number.

Abstract: A Bingo game apparatus with variable payout capability has a server apparatus, a random number generator and multiple player terminals. The server apparatus runs a Bingo game program with variable payout capability. The Bingo game program with variable payout capability comprises acts of: setting up and buying Bingo cards, accumulating prizes, judging preset Jackpot prize, drawing balls, paying out the Jackpot prize and generating new Jackpot prize target, judging BINGO occurrence, paying out BINGO prize, judging special BINGO occurrence and paying out the special BINGO prize and generating a new special BINGO prize. Flexibility of payout rules of the Bingo game apparatus is increased since players may define preferred pay rule settings and credit value before play and have chances to win a normal Jackpot prize, the special BINGO prize or both.

Abstract: A method of gaming comprises providing a jackpot game in addition to a main game, the jackpot game being displayed independently of the main game. Play of the jackpot game affects at least one of the awarding of a jackpot prize and value of a jackpot prize pool from which the jackpot prize is awarded.

Abstract: At least one gaming machine in a network of gaming machines includes displays for a main game and a bonus game. The bonus game is activated when a particular outcome of the main game is achieved. A jackpot that is common to a plurality of the gaming machines in the network may be awarded when certain criteria are achieved in the bonus game. The certain criteria may occur entirely within the bonus game, or may be distributed between the main game and the bonus game. The certain criteria may be, for example, the display of a particular symbol or symbol combination, or a particular outcome of the bonus game.

Abstract: A gaming system arranged to implement a probabilistic game is disclosed. The system includes an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether an outcome of an implemented game corresponds to a winning outcome, and a game recorder arranged to record video information indicative of a winning outcome occurring in a game implemented by the gaming system. The system is arranged to provide a player with access to video information relating to a winning outcome obtained by the player. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus to enhance “Bonus Pay-Outs” and give instant gratification when the player position catches the light. Combining this gaming platform with any traditional live casino game will induce players to interact with other players seated at any live gaming table and with the dealer. This method can be used as an additional betting platform for live casino games including but not limited to Black Jack, Poker, Pai Gow Poker, Pontoon, Mini Baccarat, Baccarat, Craps, Roulette, Three Card Poker, Let It Ride, Caribbean Stud Poker and other games of chance including all Video Reel, Mechanical Reels, Video Keno, Video Roulette, Video Bingo, Video Black Jack, Video Poker, Multi-Hand Video Poker and Nifty Numbers pay-out schedules. The pay-out will differ from game to game depending on what game is utilized by this method.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of gaming and a game controller and gaming system for implementing the method. The method includes selecting at least one symbol to form at least one player hand comprised of a plurality of symbols, selecting at least one symbol to form a jackpot hand comprised of a plurality of symbols, and making a jackpot award to the player if the player hand corresponds to the jackpot hand.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and gaming units for conducting a wagering game and an associated progressive jackpot, wherein each player has a unique game array of game indicia for the occurrence of the wagering game and individual game indicia are sequentially selected from a range of available game indicia. Players may win the wagering game, interim pattern awards and/or progressive jackpot awards by matching predetermined patterns with patterns formed on their unique game array with indicia matching selected indicia. The players may sleep interim pattern awards and progressive jackpot awards by failing to claim the awards by acknowledging the awards at the gaming unit within a finite sleep time period. The slept interim pattern awards and slept progressive jackpot awards may be added to a progressive jackpot pool.

Abstract: A card game method and system having multiple pots. A first conventional pot is created using wagers placed prior to a final common card or game card and the second pot is created using wagers placed after a final common card or game card is dealt or provided. A player holding a winning poker hand wherein all but the final card is available to form a poker hand wins the first pot. The second pot or at least a portion thereof is won by a player holding a winning hand wherein all common cards are available to form a poker hand. Alternatively, the first and second pots may be paid in the opposite manner or in other designated manners. A jackpot is also conceivable as set forth herein.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for a gaming system is provided. The gaming system includes a rewards server and a separate gaming or slot accounting server. The system may further include a separate player tracking server. The system further includes one or more game machines. The game machines may include a base game, rewards tracking module, and a game management module. Further details will be apparent from the description, drawings and claims.

Abstract: Some implementations of the invention allow a player to specify type(s) of wagering conditions about which the player would like to receive notification. The player may also be able to specify the mode of notification desired, e.g., text message, email, voice message, etc. Wager gaming notification parameters may, for example, comprise information regarding an occurrence of a wager gaming outcome. Some such wager gaming notification parameters may involve an occurrence (or a non-occurrence) of a wager gaming outcome within a specified time or a specified number of plays. Player notifications may include raw data, probability data, graphical data, navigation data and/or location data.

Abstract: A gaming system of the present invention comprising a plurality of gaming machines each including a controller and a control device including a processor, wherein the processor is programmed to execute the processing of (A) cumulatively counting a part of a number of betted game media as a cumulative value based on number-of-game-media information received from the gaming machine, and (B) transmitting a common-game execution signal to the gaming machine, when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined value.

Abstract: Session blackjack is modified by providing group sessions of blackjack in which each player may purchase a separate session of blackjack and cooperatively or competitively play towards group awards based on game play within the respective sessions of the group players.

Abstract: A method of playing a wagering game comprises permitting a first configuration of the wagering game to be played via a gaming terminal, detecting a loss of communication between the gaming terminal and a server, and in response to detecting the loss of communication, permitting a second configuration of the wagering game to be played via the gaming terminal.

Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The central server monitors wagers on the gaming machines. Based at least in part on the wagers the central server determines when bonus events will occur and which gaming machine(s) will provide the bonus awards. In one embodiment, the central server determines which gaming machine(s) will provide progressive awards and/or supplemental bonus awards, wherein the number of provided supplemental awards is determined based on the number of active gaming machines. Each supplemental bonus award provided by each gaming device is based on any accumulated wagers placed at that gaming device.

Abstract: A process establishes a first price category corresponding to a first prize in a lottery game. The first prize funded from lottery ticket sales from the first price category. Further, the process establishes a second price category corresponding to a second prize in the lottery game. The second prize is distinct from the first prize. In addition, the second prize is funded from lottery tickets sales from the second price category without funding from the lottery ticket sales from the first price category. The process also indicates a predetermined multiple such that a potential prize distribution of the second prize is at least the multiple of a potential prize distribution of the first prize.

Abstract: The present invention involves a gaming device that provides a primary game which utilizes multiple sets of identical reels. The sets of reels simultaneously spin. A player is able to wager on paylines on one or more of said sets of reels. The gaming device also allows a player to wager on predetermined combinations of gaming symbols which occur over the plurality of sets of reels. The method of the present invention enables a player to simultaneously play multiple paylines on a plurality of identical sets of reels. The method enables a player to easily see different paylines by reducing the complexity of such paylines and duplicating paylines on sets of reels. The method provides novel arrangements of wagering combinations between the sets of reels which provide additional excitement to players. The method also reduces the complexity of software needed to evaluate multiple paylines.

Abstract: A gaming terminal comprises: a base game offering a chance of winning a payout according to a predetermined combination; a chance game offering a chance of obtaining a chance flag which qualifies a player to join a special game offering a chance of winning a higher payout than the base game; a terminal storage unit storing the number of chance flags; a terminal display which displays images of the base game, the chance game, and the special game; a count unit that increases/decreases a count value under a first predetermined condition; and a terminal controller.

Abstract: In the horse race gaming machine 60001, orders of arrival in racing games are stored for each of the player's racehorses. If the player's racehorses, in consecutive racing games equal to or more than a predetermined number of times including a result of this racing game, have finished consecutively in a place equal to or lower than a predetermined place (S60602:YES), a part of total BET amount specified by the player for this racing game is refunded to the player (S60603). Otherwise, a part or all of insurance is paid to the player in accordance with the predetermined number. Incidentally, to have a player's racehorse run in this racing game, there may be a case that the player is required to pay an entry point given to the player in accordance with BET amount specified by the player. By the player's specifying a side bet, the player's racehorse is able to be made a race entry in any of the racing games.

Abstract: A gaming terminal includes a base game offering a chance of winning a payout according to a predetermined combination; a chance game offering a chance of obtaining a chance flag which qualifies a player to join a special game offering a chance of winning a higher payout than the base game; a terminal storage unit storing the number of chance flags; a terminal display which displays images of the base game, the chance game, and the special game; and a terminal controller.

Abstract: A gaming system is provided including a game controller arranged to control play of a game, and a display arranged to display a representation of play of the game. The game controller is arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for play of the game, and to control the display to display a plurality of the selected symbols. The game controller is arranged to control the appearance of at least one of the symbols of the set of symbols so that the appearance of the at least one of the symbols is indicative of a probability of winning a prize based on the at least one of the symbols.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a gaming system which comprises a player symbol selector arranged to select player symbols from a plurality of player symbols. The plurality of player symbols includes at least one special player symbol. The gaming system also comprises a display having a plurality of individual display positions for displaying at least one selected player symbol. Further, the gaming system comprises a display position selector for selecting at least one individual display position prior to displaying a selected player symbol at that display position. The gaming system also comprises a prize allocator for allocating a prize when the at least one special player symbol is displayed at least one selected individual display position.

Abstract: A POS terminal determines an upsell to offer in exchange for the change due to a customer in connection with a purchase. The point-of-sale terminal preferably maintains a database of at least one upsell price and a corresponding upsell to offer a customer in exchange for the change due to him. If the customer accepts the upsell, the cashier so indicates by pressing a selection button on the POS terminal. The required payment amount for the customer to pay is then set equal to the rounded price, rather than the purchase price. Thus, the customer receives the upsell in exchange for the coins due to him, and the coins need not be exchanged between the customer and the POS terminal.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a pari-mutuel wagering system that includes a first wagering facility communicably coupled with a network and operable to receive a bet on a wagering event hosted by a second wagering facility. The first wagering facility is further operable to transmit the bet to the second wagering facility via the network. The system further includes a clearinghouse communicably coupled with the network and operable to capture audit information associated with the bet from the network.

Abstract: Provided in embodiments of the present invention is a method of wagering on a plurality of events. In one embodiment, the method includes accepting a plurality of participants to wager on the events and providing each participant with a fantasy bankroll of money to wager on the events. After the participants have been provided with their respective fantasy bankrolls, wagers from the participants on a first event are received. After the event has been completed, a finishing order of the participants is determined. Next, a portion of the participants is cut based on the finishing order to form a group of finalists. The finalist wager on a second event and a finishing order of the finalists is determined from the outcome of the second event. Prizes are then awarded based on the finishing order of the finalists.

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. 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. 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. As the jackpots are won, other jackpots are shifted over the columns to replace the won jackpots. In another embodiment, the determination of which jackpot is won depends on the outcome of the primary game.

Abstract: A method of providing a game for a gaming device is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of average values. Average values in the plurality of average values represent different values of a prize pool. A wager amount and an input to initiate game play are received. An average value is selected from the plurality of average values and a random award is determined from the prize pool. The random award is determined from the average value selected from the plurality of average values.

Abstract: A gaming machine comprising a controller programmed to execute the processing of accepting from an input device an input indicating placement of a normal BET of game media on outcomes of dice, cumulatively accumulating a predetermined ratio of the game media which have been bet as the normal BET, rolling and stopping a plurality of dice in a gaming portion, and, offering the cumulatively accumulated game media in a case where outcomes of the stopped plurality of dice satisfy a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A gaming device is disclosed that includes a housing and a display device associated with the housing. The display device displays several indicia. A positioning mechanism is configured to move the display device. Several indicators are associated with the display device. A controller is in communication with the positioning mechanism and the indicators. The controller determines a game outcome and directs movement of the display device. The controller can illuminate at least one of the indicators in order to display the game outcome.

Abstract: A wagering game between a dealer and one or more players involving one or more decks of cards, a plurality of betting boards and player markers. Each betting board has four betting places, each place corresponding to one of four card suits, said betting places being arranged near the bottom of the betting board. Each player makes a bet by selecting a betting place with a marker. A dealer deals one card. If the betting place matches the suit of the card dealt, the player is a winner. If the player's betting place does not match the suit of the card dealt, the player loses and the dealer moves the losing player's wager to a jackpot area. The winner of the jackpot is the player having a bet matching the suit of the card dealt and having a card with the highest rank of other cards matching suits.

Abstract: Certain embodiments relate to a gaming system and method for playing a game which is able to achieve a jackpot outcome when a jackpot trigger condition is satisfied. The jackpot trigger condition may be changed on instructions from a jackpot controller. In one embodiment, the jackpot trigger condition of an electronic gaming machine is re-set from time to time by a jackpot controller. The system may be used to play games like Keno or Bingo on EGMs, the jackpot controller downloading jackpot trigger conditions for the Keno or Bingo game (e.g. Keno or Bingo numbers).

Abstract: A method of gaming comprising: selecting a plurality of symbols and displaying the selected symbols at respective ones of a plurality of display positions arranged in a grid having a plurality of display positions arranged between a plurality of pairs of opposing sides, each symbol being selected from a symbol set; determining whether a line of contiguous symbols is formed by one or more designated symbols between a pair of opposing sides of the grid; and making an award in response to a positive determination.

Abstract: A method of gaming comprises initiating a jackpot event responsive to receiving an event trigger; determining whether to award a prize to a player in the jackpot event, the probability of awarding the prize in the jackpot event being dependent on a value of a jackpot evaluation parameter accumulated over a plurality of games; and awarding the prize in response to making a positive determination.