Abstract: A jackpot triggering method comprising: determining a jackpot trigger value from a current value of at least one jackpot trigger parameter; generating a submission value in response to receipt of a contribution associated with a gaming device participating in the jackpot, by using a value of at least one contribution parameter associated with the contribution as a seed value to randomly generate the submission value; and making a jackpot award if the submission value corresponds to the jackpot trigger value.

Abstract: A gaming device having a reservoir for holding a plurality of display objects, an emptying mechanism for causing the display objects to fall out of the reservoir, an actuator for activating the emptying mechanism, and a controller configured to activate the actuator, is disclosed. The gaming device may further include a display area and a display object transport device to move the display objects from the display area to the reservoir. The reservoir of the gaming device may simulate a bank vault where the display objects further simulate coins as they fall out of the bank vault. A gaming method involving the aforementioned device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that can be used by a casino to maintain a bonus round progressive jackpot that can be earned during a bonus round. When a player plays a slot machine and gains entry into a bonus round, the player then has the opportunity to win the bonus round progressive jackpot. The bonus round can involve player skill, and the lack of player skill can cause a contribution of a monetary amount to the bonus round progressive jackpot so that the player, or a successive player, has an opportunity to win the bonus round progressive jackpot.

Abstract: A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a display for displaying a plurality of symbols indicating a randomly selected outcome and a selection-input device for selecting at least one bonus item from a plurality of bonus items. Each time a winning outcome is achieved, the selected bonus item reveals at least one of a plurality of bonus awards.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes plural stations and a processor. Each station can determine a game result and execute a game independently. The processor accepts each station's entry to an event game when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The gaming machine awards an event game payout and an opportunity to execute a chance game, to a station which has achieved the best game result, among stations that have participated in the event game. Then, if the chance game is won, the gaming machine awards a chance game payout to the station. If the chance game is lost, the gaming machine carries over the chance game payout to the next chance game payout or later.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes plural stations and a processor. Each station can determine a game result and execute a game independently. The processor executes an event game at each station when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The gaming machine awards an event game payout and an opportunity to execute a chance game to a station which has achieved the best game result. In a lottery concerning a chance game payout, the gaming machine changes the setting of the winning probability based on the used credit information of the station. If the chance game is won, the gaming machine awards a chance game payout to the station.

Abstract: A method of processing a jackpot win in a gaming network comprising: providing a jackpot server: receiving jackpot claim data at the jackpot server; locking a jackpot record corresponding to the jackpot claim data; aggregating any outstanding jackpot contributions for the jackpot record from contributing parts of the gaming network to form a prize; and communicating prize data corresponding to the prize to a network destination identified by the jackpot claim data.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes plural stations and a processor. Each station can determine a game result and execute a game independently. The processor accepts each station's entry to an event game when a predetermined condition is satisfied. An event game consists of a plural number of unit event games. When executing unit event games, the processor collects a game charge from a station whose entry to the event game has been accepted.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes plural stations and a processor. Each station can determine a game result and execute a game independently. The processor accepts each station's entry to an event game when a predetermined condition is satisfied. There is collected an entry fee depending on a contribution degree of a station whose entry to the event game has been accepted. Then, there is executed the event game in common at each station whose entry to the event game has been accepted.

Abstract: A gaming device that incorporates mechanical display devices to provide a player-selectable award feature that may be implemented with a primary or bonus game. The gaming device randomly generates a plurality of digit positions or places of an award and enables the player to pick which position or digit receives a first randomly generated number, which digit receives a second randomly generated number, etc., until each of the positions have a number, whereby the gaming device determines the player's original award. The player can elect to modify the original award using a plurality of methods to create an ultimate award. The gaming device display the digits, digit positions, and modification methods.

Abstract: Described herein are various systems and methods for providing gaming activities, these particularly relating to gaming activities where a plurality of players provide respective entry fees. Traditional gaming activities necessarily involve the player putting his or her entry fee at risk. The present invention, at least in some of its preferred forms, modifies the traditional approaches of operating such gaming activities so that the player's entry fee is not necessarily placed entirely at risk. Indeed, in some embodiments a player is provided with an option to participate on the basis that his or her entry fee is wholly refundable while retaining the opportunity to win prizes, potentially alongside more risky though still modified participation by other players.

Abstract: One or more gaming machines include an external attendant paid bonus win meter. More particularly, when the casino gaming system generates a jackpot, and awards the jackpot to a player at a gaming machine, the amount of the winning jackpot is recorded on the external attendant paid bonus win meter. Otherwise stated, the system-based jackpot is awarded to a player at a gaming machine, and the amount of the winning jackpot is recorded on a gaming machine-based meter. The player may be randomly determined. Additionally, the trigger for awarding the jackpot may be randomly determined based on predetermined criteria set by the casino or gaming system manufacturer. Once the jackpot win occurs, the player at the selected gaming machine is notified, usually by a visible sign or message. In one embodiment, the amount of the jackpot win (or bonus win) is recorded on the external attendant paid bonus win meter.

Abstract: A regulated skill-based game includes a plurality of reward generating assets configured such that successful player interactions therewith increase the player's score and give rise to wagers whose outcomes are randomly determined. The amount of the wager may be a function of a time elapsed since the last wager was placed. The regulated game may be configured such that a predetermined duration of game play time thereon is purchased for a predetermined amount of money. A first portion of the predetermined amount of money funds the wagers and a second portion thereof funds a progressive jackpot to be awarded to a player having earned the highest score that is not been exceeded after a predetermined point in time. The regulated game is further configured to award credits when the randomly determined outcome is a reward generating outcome. Both the score of the skill-based game and awarded credits may be shown onscreen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming machine having of a display screen, a plurality of grids displayed on the display screen, one or more pay-lines equipped on the plurality of grids, a symbol equipped in each of the grids, and a payout for paying back awards according to results of play, wherein a plurality of symbols change in case that the symbols are in a winning condition, and the changed symbols are compared with one or more symbols existing around the changed symbols on the one or more pay-lines to change again.

Abstract: A prize progression graphic displayed at a gaming machine includes a number of prize progressions with each respective prize progression including a respective prize and a respective set of progression segments. The respective prize associated with a prize progression represents a prize that may be won if all of the steps are taken, that is, all of the progression segments for the given prize progression are completed. In addition to displaying the prize progression graphic, a number of player selectable objects are displayed at the gaming machine. In the course of play, a player is enabled to select from among the player selectable objects to reveal prize progression affecting elements. Some prize progression affecting elements cause a corresponding change in progress along of one or more prize progressions, while other such elements modify the prize progressions such as by shifting prizes associated with the prize progressions.

Abstract: The invention provides for methods of playing video poker type games in multi-player environments. Some embodiments adapt conventional video poker for use as a live table based community game. Alternate embodiments of the present invention are suitable for implementation through linked video poker machines. The common feature is that the initial hand of cards in play are shared by a plurality of players, giving each player the same starting hand and yet the means to individually select cards to hold according to their personal preference. In the preferred embodiment an initial community stud hand is dealt face up to a bottom row. All players make hold selections of the community cards in accordance with draw poker. A second community stud hand is dealt face up to a top row. A dealer moves each player's hold selections from the bottom community hand row into a provided blank center row.

Abstract: A gaming system and method disclosed herein enable players to earn promotional awards at gaming machines without sacrificing or surrendering player tracking points. The gaming system and method also provide value to players without the casino absorbing the cost of such value. The gaming system and method disclosed herein creates a new type of currency redeemable for a good or service (or a discount on a good or service) associated with a point-of-sale independent of the casino. In one form, the player tracking currency does not cost the casino or the player anything.

Abstract: A group of linked gaming machines generates one or more progressive jackpots, common to all the linked machines, where the amount of each jackpot is increased by a percentage of the wagers made by the players. In accordance with the invention, in order to provide incentive for the player to keep playing the machines and to add additional excitement, non-jackpot awards are paid out to players of the linked gaming machines based on triggering thresholds met by each jackpot. One type of triggering threshold may be a threshold value reached by a jackpot. Upon a jackpot reaching the threshold, one or more players will win an award. After an award win, another threshold level will then be set for the jackpot. Since the frequency of the awards being granted is generally higher than the frequency of the full jackpots being won, the players will anticipate awards being granted and will continue to play the machines.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments described herein relate to gaming machines and/or table games having interfaces provided thereto so as to allow players to control their participation in base games and random rewards scenarios. More particularly, an interface provided to the gaming machines and/or table games enables separate and/or separable credit meters to be maintained such that players may determine whether, and to what extent, to allocate credits to base games and one or more random rewards scenarios. This advantageously provides players with further control over their gaming opportunities. Also, certain exemplary embodiments may enable players to wager credits in excess of those capped by a particular gaming machine or table game. This advantageously provides additional revenue possibilities for gaming operators.

Abstract: An embodiment of a gaming device includes a game having at least three choices, wherein each of the choices either trumps or is trumped by one of the other choices, and a processor programmed to determine if an outcome enhancing condition is satisfied, enable a player to elect to enhance an outcome if an outcome enhancing condition is satisfied, enable the player to select one of said choices, select one of said choices, determine an outcome based on a comparison of the player's choice with the processor's choice, provide a win outcome if the player elected to enhance an outcome and the comparison of the player's choice with the processor's choice results in a draw determination, provide a draw outcome if the player elected to enhance an outcome and the comparison of the player's choice with the processor's choice results in a lose determination.

Abstract: In a bonus game, a slot machine associates a bonus reel band made up of condor symbols and feather symbols to reel display portions. Thereafter, the slot machine accepts a selection operation made by the player to select one pay line. The slot machine displays the symbols in a variable fashion and stopped fashion based on the bonus reel band. The slot machine determines the bonus contents such as award of a MAJOR JACKPOT in accordance with the number of condor symbols displayed on the selected pay line in a stopped fashion. Then, the slot machine awards to the player a bonus having the contents thus determined.

Abstract: In various embodiments players may compete with one another in a gaming context.

Abstract: A gaming device having a primary game and a secondary game is provided. The gaming device includes a primary game operable upon a wager by a player, and a secondary game, wherein a play provides a gaming element for the secondary game. The gaming element of the secondary game is provided by playing the primary game regardless of any event or outcome in the primary game. The secondary game can achieve a winning outcome with the gaming elements provided by playing the primary game.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing a limited-time bonus period are disclosed herein. According to one method, one or more triggering events are established for the gaming machines, wherein the triggering events are winning game outcomes. A gaming period is initiated on the gaming machines, wherein each gaming machine generates a game outcome. If necessary, a system host is notified that one or more triggering events have been satisfied. The gaming machines then receive instructions from the system host to initiate a limited-time bonus period, wherein the limited-time bonus period is presented on a player tracking and interactive system gaming devices on a selected number of gaming machines. A notification message is displayed on the gaming machines regarding the initiation of the first limited-time bonus period, and a prize is awarded if a winning outcome is achieved by one or more of the networked gaming machines during the first limited-time bonus period.

Abstract: The disclosed device and method comprise configuring a gaming device to offer one or more “As Is” prizes when a bet at a threshold limit less than a maximum bet is placed without apparently or actually reducing the expected return to player (“ERTP”) on bets larger than the threshold limit. In one version, one or more standard awards are sweetened for bets less than the maximum amount. In an alternative version, multiple “As Is” prizes are provided. Players are eligible for each “As Is” prize based on an amount of their wager. Consequently, to be eligible for a first “As Is” prize the player may need to place a first wager amount and to be eligible for a second “As Is” prize the player may need to place a second wager amount greater than the first amount.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, systems, methods, and/or articles of manufacture are associated with operating a gaming device having a flat rate play session or contract costing a flat rate price. The flat rate play session or contract spans multiple plays on the gaming device over a pre-established duration. In some embodiments, an expected cost of the flat rate play session or contract may be determined. In some embodiments, a flat rate play session or contract and/or one or more parameters thereof may be determined based upon a price (or other parameter) that a player is wiling to pay for flat rate play at a gaming device.

Abstract: A method of awarding an award on a gaming machine, the method comprising: a) in a random selection process selecting an eligibility criterion or eligibility criteria from a plurality of possible eligibility criteria, whereby the selected criterion or criteria is deemed an active award trigger event; b) monitoring game play activity on the gaming machine for occurrence of the active award trigger event; c) when the active award trigger event occurs as a result of game play activity on the gaming machine, awarding the award; and d) following the completion of step c), or following the occurrence of another event: i) deeming the selected eligibility criterion or criteria an inactive award trigger event; and ii) repeating steps a) to c).

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 Return Driven Casino Game Outcome Generator makes the first true class of casino video game possible by creating games that measure and reward skills like fast reflexes and manual dexterity while earning consistent and reliable profits for game operators. An RDOG gaming machine may include a game that includes a reward generating assets and a graphic shown on a display. The graphic is at least partially controlled by the player and configured to interact with the reward generating asset. A reward table is associated with the reward generating assets and is configured such that when the graphic successfully interacts therewith on the display, a random number is obtained and used as an index into the reward table to derive a reward multiplier.

Abstract: The Return Driven Casino Game Outcome Generator makes the first true class of casino video game possible by creating games that measure and reward skills like fast reflexes and manual dexterity while earning consistent and reliable profits for game operators.

Abstract: The Return Driven Casino Game Outcome Generator makes the first true class of casino video game possible by creating games that measure and reward skills like fast reflexes and manual dexterity while earning consistent and reliable profits for game operators. In RDOG, a method of determining a reward due to a player of a regulated game may include steps of enabling the player to interact with one or more reward generating assets within the regulated game; measuring a level of skill of the player in interacting with reward generating assets, and determining the reward due to the player for each successful interaction with a reward generating asset, the reward being determined according to the measured skill level, a random number and a time elapsed since a last successful interaction with any one of the reward generating asset.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus of the present invention accepts a high-amount bet with an upper limit of bets being higher than an upper limit of bets for the normal bet, when game media in a prescribed amount or more have been betted as the normal bet; and offers an award based on the normal bet and a result of the race, and also offers an award based on the high-amount bet and the result of the race.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatus are provided for receiving a request for a lottery ticket, the request including a purchase amount that is less than a price of a full lottery ticket. A fractional amount of the full lottery ticket is calculated, the fractional amount being based on the purchase amount and the price of the full lottery ticket. An indication of the fractional amount and an indication of the full lottery ticket is stored.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure present systems, methods, and apparatus for server-based gaming. Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to systems and methods that include gaming system functionality on a host computer that provides such to individual player-operated electronic gaming machines as thin clients in thin-client architecture. Embodiments of the disclosure can provide systems and methods for tracking and/or downloading a downloadable game, and may include royalty calculation functionality for the use of proprietary gaming software at one or more electronic gaming machines.

Abstract: A system for managing bets comprises a memory and a processor. The memory stores one or more first type of bets and one or more second types of bets. Each first type of bet is associated with a bet amount and comprises a bet that a participant selected from a set of participants in an event will finish in a predetermined subset of finishing positions associated with the event. Each second type of bet is associated with a bet amount and comprises a bet that the selected participant will not finish in the predetermined subset of finishing positions associated with the event. The processor adds the bet amounts associated with the first type of bets with the bet amounts associated with the second type of bets to form a betting pool. The processor determines an amount of a payout based at least in part on the betting pool.

Abstract: A method and system for playing jackpot and casino games are provided.

Abstract: A method of mechanical, electromechanical or video slot play is disclosed. The method comprises networked gaming machines, each machine comprising a base game and a communal second screen bonus feature that is perpetually displayed and viewable in real time. A predetermined symbol or symbol set result in a base game determines a specific number of chances for a qualified player and triggers the play of the communal bonus feature, the number of chances determining a gaming segment. Qualified players play their game segments one at a time in sequential order. Upon the completion of a gaming segment, the player collects awards and returns to the base game. If at any time a predetermined special symbol or event has been activated during a gaming segment in the bonus game event, the game is terminated, and a next bonus game event is initiated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for online pool wagering wherein a first user may be provided with a representation of a ticket submitted by at least a second user. The system may include software modules operative to provide a user with wager distribution statistics.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein are directed to an electronic video poker game that combines traditional draw poker games with bonus games that include aspects of puzzle games. Successful completion of one or more bonus games qualifies the user to enter into a community game that allows the user to play against other players through a series of poker rounds and/or puzzle solving rounds. The community game features a shared progressive jackpot that pays out to the players on the basis of one or more winning events. The values and relevant parameters related to the shared jackpot are displayed to all qualified participating players through a common display device or an identical display window on each player game console. A persistent notification process updates the jackpot value and share notification on a defined periodic basis.

Abstract: A tournament system (1) for conducting a multiplayer tournament, in which a plurality of players compete in a multiplayer game to determine a winner thereof, comprises a gaming server (7) and a number of Internet-enabled computer workstations (9) for conducting a number of online elimination rounds of the multiplayer game. Each online elimination round includes a plurality of online instances of the multiplayer game. The gaming server (7) is arranged to determine a winner for each online instance of the multiplayer game. The gaming server (7) also provides for conducting a plurality of successive online elimination rounds of the multiplayer game and enable only the winner of each online instance of the multiplayer game in any online elimination round to participate in an immediately succeeding online elimination round.

Abstract: Some preferred implementations of the invention provide a kiosk that can read a cashless instrument, determine one or more corresponding items of merchandise for which the cashless instrument may be redeemed and provide the corresponding item(s) of merchandise. The cashless instrument may be, for example, an ordinary “cash out” ticket, a ticket formed according to the invention, a player loyalty instrument, etc. Some implementations of the invention provide EGMs configured to issue cashless instruments that may be exchanged for various types of merchandise. The cashless instruments may be, for example, encoded tickets. Some implementations provide EGMs configured for encoding a prize code that indicates a corresponding item of merchandise for which the cashless instrument may be redeemed. However, a cashless instrument may or may not indicate a prize code. If a cashless instrument includes a prize code, the prize code may or may not be indicated in human-readable form.

Abstract: A wagering game that allows a player to adjust a positive expectation game situation to a lower expectation game situation. In return, the player can increase the paytable so that awards the player wins will be paid at a higher rate. Alternatively, the player can increase the paytable in exchange for a less favorable game state.

Abstract: A gaming device adapted to operate in a flat rate play mode has two credit meters. The first credit meter shows a credit balance associated with the flat rate play session. The second credit meter shows a concurrent credit balance associated with a parallel transactional play session. The player may cash out the balance of one, but not both credit meters.

Abstract: An interactive wagering application is provided that allows users to place parimutuel wagers on future events. An interactive wagering system may enable the user to place a wager on the future event by providing multiple wagering pools. When a future event wagering pool is closed, final odds and payouts may be determined for that wagering pool and a new wagering pool, for the same future event, may be made available. The interactive wagering application may also monitor the user's activities to create a user profile. The interactive wagering application may use the user profile to find future race events that may be of interest to the user. The interactive wagering application may also provide the user with the ability to search for future races according to the future race date, race name, or any other suitable criteria.

Abstract: A gaming device including a plurality of award values and a plurality of modifier values. A characteristic is associated with at least one award value position and at least one modifier value position. The gaming device provides an award to a player associated with at least one award value position and at least one modifier value position, wherein the award includes an additional award when the award value position and the modifier value position contain the same or related characteristics.

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: Methods and systems for operating one or more linked casino activities, and for distributing awards to two or more eligible participants of the one or more linked casino activities are disclosed. A method can include: establishing a jackpot for one or more linked casino activities; establishing a criterion for selecting one or more primary winners from the two or more eligible participants; selecting one or more primary winners using the established criterion; awarding a first portion of the jackpot to the one or more primary winners; and awarding the remainder of the jackpot to one or more eligible participants.

Abstract: Described herein are various systems and methods for providing gaming activities, these particularly relating to gaming activities where a plurality of players provide respective entry fees. Traditional gaming activities necessarily involve the player putting his or her entry fee at risk. The present invention, at least in some of its preferred forms, modifies the traditional approaches of operating such gaming activities so that the player's entry fee is not necessarily placed entirely at risk. Indeed, in some embodiments a player is provided with an option to participate on the basis that his or her entry fee is wholly refundable while retaining the opportunity to win prizes, potentially alongside more risky though still modified participation by other players.

Abstract: A system and method for connecting remote player devices to regulated host gaming devices in a network to provide remote game play. A host gaming device is configured to provide game information to a plurality of remote player devices to allow remote play of the host game device. Whether each remote player device is permitted to receive gaming data is based upon, at least in part, the geographic location of the remote player device.

Abstract: A wagering game in a gaming machine includes symbols that are associated with multiple payoff levels. The symbols may have their payoff levels incremented and decremented based on certain predefined criteria. The criteria may be based on a winning outcome, random selection, the position of the symbols, the configuration of the symbols, and the like. As some symbols have their payoff levels incremented, other symbols have their payoff levels decremented. Each symbol may be graphically rendered in a manner to distinctively indicate the particular payoff level currently assigned to that symbol. In this way, the wagering game maintains a dynamic mix of symbols having different payoff levels and graphical renderings.