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 includes defining a spatial sequence for the plurality of gaming consoles and running a feature in which at least one of the gaming consoles is selected as a terminus. The gaming consoles are activated in turn to emit a predefined output, the activation cycling through the gaming consoles according to the spatial sequence. The cycle of activation halts at the terminus.

Abstract: A gaming machine has a random percentage selection device for randomly selecting a percentage value of a jackpot amount. The gaming machine may have a plurality of random percentage selection devices for selecting a plurality of individual percentage values and a summation unit for summing the individual percentage values to provide a summed percentage value. A display means is provided for displaying the individual percentage values and the summed percentage value. The gaming machine is particularly used together with a plurality of primary slot machines. Each of the primary slot machines has a supplementary winning combination which entitles the player thereof to operate the gaming machine to try and win a part, or all of, the jackpot.

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 lottery pool management system for lottery pool management is provided that includes a participant interface in communication with participant computers having pool participants, a lottery interface, and a notification interface. The participant interface receives lottery numbers entered by pool participants into lottery pools associated with a lottery. The participant interface also enables the pool participants to participate together in the lottery pools, exchange information regarding at least one of the lotteries prior to a drawing thereof, and to be informed of lottery numbers that are associated with respective pool participants in the lottery pools prior to the drawing of a lottery. The lottery interface receives drawing results for the lotteries, compares the drawing results with the lottery numbers, and recognizes that a winning event has occurred. The notification interface notifies the pool participants about activity in the lotteries.

Abstract: Disclosed in this specification are methods by which an operator of networked games may offer wagering platforms or sell insurance policies. The operators receive game based currencies from players who place wagers or buy insurance to bet on or insure against certain outcomes in the games.

Abstract: A disclosed cashless instrument transaction clearinghouse includes a network interface allowing the cashless instrument transaction clearinghouse to communicate with a number of gaming properties and a processor configured to enable the validation of cashless instruments at a gaming property different from where the cashless instrument was generated. Methods are provided at the cashless instrument transaction clearinghouse and at the gaming properties that enable cashless instrument transactions across multiple gaming properties including multi-site promotions.

Abstract: A gaming system is disclosed that comprises at least one gaming device that allows a player to place a wager and play a game. The gaming system allows the payback of the gaming device to be varied dependent on the size of a wager placed by a player. Once the player has placed a wager, an active pay table is determined, for example using a formula having the wager as a variable or by using look-up tables. A random number is then generated and compared to the active pay table to determine the game outcome. The gaming system encourages and rewards placing higher wagers by providing high payback percentages for higher wagers.

Abstract: A method for an online game run by a house proprietor. The method includes logging on by a game player. Then the game player chooses a game arena. Subsequently, the game player and the other game players in said arena pay into the pot. Then the house proprietor takes a percentage. Finally, the remainder of the pot is received by the winner of the online game.

Abstract: A method for simulating bonus awards in a finite award pool system is disclosed. The finite award pool comprises a plurality of primary awards and at least one simulated bonus award, where at least one of the primary awards indicate further entitlement to one of the simulated bonus awards. The simulated bonus awards may not be selected as a primary award per se, but constitute a portion of the actual primary award when combined with the primary award associated therewith. Additionally, the present arrangement allows simulation of more complex bonus award in finite pool systems by providing multiple or nested bonus level selections from either primary prizes or bonus prizes.

Abstract: An individual electronic game for playing lotto wherein acknowledgment as to the player's win or loss status is rapidly displayed. The player plays his/her selected numbers against the electronic lotto gaming apparatus randomly generated win numbers. In addition, the lotto gaming apparatus can transfer and receive lotto game information to a central processing system which is capable of handling multiple players from multiple lotto gaming apparatus either within a certain gaming facility or on a more universal, state wide, nationally or internationally. An additional embodiment of the invention allows individual players of the lotto games, with rapid determination of win status, via an electronic telecommunications network.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a storage and a processor. The storage stores a plurality of return plan information each related to a return plan defining a condition for a player to receive a return of a gaming value used in a game. The processor returns the gaming value based on one of the plurality of the return plan information stored in the storage.

Abstract: A gaming system and method is disclosed that comprises a plurality of gaming devices in communication with a server. The server is configured to measure play level and adjust payback percentage based on the play level. The play level may comprise one of several gaming factors related to the number of players, wagering, the number of games played, and others. A portion of each wager made during low play level may be contributed to a pool to be distributed during a period of high play level. A method of providing a wagering game wherein payback percentage is adjusted according to play level is also provided. An advantage provided is increased enjoyment of the gaming experience of players due to enhanced expectation of receiving additional awards when play level is high.

Abstract: A system in which a user accessing a web environment can request advertising information without leaving the currently displayed web page. A server is communicatively coupled to a client device, such as a personal computer, and is configured to communicate content to the client device for display to the user. The content includes media, such as a web-based interactive game, an advertisement and an input area for requesting advertising information. One or more software modules executing in an operating environment provided by the server are configured to receive input from the client device when a user interacts with the media, such as taking a turn in the interactive game. The software modules communicate advertising information to the user, such as sending an email message, based on the received input, thereby allowing the user to request advertising information without interrupting his or her interaction with the currently displayed media.

Abstract: A casino player loyalty system is configured to offer patrons with bonus opportunities. Patrons identified in a player database are selected, at random or in accordance with particular criteria. Each patron is contacted via a communication link, such as by a phone call. The patron is offered the opportunity to participate in a bonus event. The patron may participate over the communication link or travel to the casino and play a gaming machine configured to present the bonus event. The bonus event has at least one winning outcome for which a bonus award is yielded without requirement of a bet or wager. The bonus award may be monies, points or prizes.

Abstract: Certain non-limiting exemplary embodiments are taught which include a game comprising, a digital processor, digital storage coupled to the digital processor for storing instructions, a display coupled to the digital processor displaying a first plurality of indicia arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns such that there are a plurality of paylines through a contiguous plurality of indicia, a user interface coupled to the digital processor to select a subset of the first plurality of indicia taken along at least one column and to initiate a display of a second plurality of indicia which includes the selected subset of the first plurality of indicia on the display, and an award dispenser providing an award which is at least as large as the largest award associated with the plurality of paylines.

Abstract: A gaming machine has at least one video screen, but preferably three. One screen displays a primary game and the other two screens preferably display pay tables, a secondary game, or artwork related to the primary and/or secondary game. The content of the video screens is reconfigurable. The content may be downloaded over a network connecting a plurality of gaming machines to a central computer or the content of several different games may be stored locally within the gaming machine.

Abstract: A gaming environment is described. In a base game, one or more paylines to be activated and a bet number for the activated paylines are set. If a combination of displayed symbols on the activated payline is a winning combination, an outcome amount is calculated by multiplying a payout number corresponding to the realized winning combination by the bet number, and the calculated outcome amount will be provided to the player. Also, a payout number corresponding to the number of the activated paylines will be additionally provided to the player.

Abstract: The invention includes a system and method for providing linked play via gaming and other devices. In some embodiments, a casino server registers a group for linked play and a group objective and format are established. The linked play commences according to the group format on the gaming devices while the casino server, or another device, concurrently facilitates interaction between the group members operating the gaming devices. The linked play is terminated according to the group format and a determination is made by the casino server whether the group objective has been achieved. Prizes are awarded via the gaming devices if the group objective was achieved.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, methods, media, and apparatus are described for facilitating play of a lottery game. An indication of a lottery entry is received, the lottery entry being active in at least a first lottery drawing. An indication is received that the lottery entry is to be active in at least one second lottery drawing if the lottery entry fails to qualify for a prize in the first lottery drawing. A result of the first lottery drawing is determined with respect to the lottery entry, and the lottery entry is activated in each second lottery drawing, in turn, until the lottery entry is a winner.

Abstract: A method for at least one player and a dealer to play a card game with a plurality of cards by sequentially dealing a first card to each player and a first card to the dealer, sequentially dealing a second card to each player and a second card to the dealer, and dealing additional cards to each of the at least one player and the dealer selecting to receive additional cards, wherein the winner is one with the hand closest to 31 without exceeding 31.

Abstract: The gaming apparatus of the present invention provides a gaming apparatus comprising: a display capable of displaying a plurality of cards; an input switch with which a player can input a hold and/or a change; and a controller programmed so as to execute the processing of: (a) displaying a plurality of cards to the display; (b) detecting the input of a hold and/or a change from the input switch; (c) exchanging a card according to the detection; (d) determining a prize according to a combination of the plurality of cards after the exchange; and (e) generating a bonus when the determined prize is a higher prize among a plurality of prizes.

Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines, gaming tables, hand held gaming devices and/or community gaming displays. The central server monitors wagers placed on any games played. Based at least in part on the wagers placed, the central server determines when one or more bonus events will occur and which players to provide any bonus awards.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, methods, media, and apparatus are described for receiving from a terminal a request of a customer to purchase a lottery entry for a first lottery drawing. If the lottery entry is not a winning entry in the first lottery drawing the lottery entry is eligible automatically for a second lottery drawing subsequent to the first lottery drawing. The second lottery drawing is associated with at least one lottery entry that was not entered in the first lottery drawing. If the lottery entry is not a winning entry in the second lottery drawing the lottery entry is eligible automatically for subsequent lottery drawings until the lottery entry is a winner.

Abstract: The specification discloses a progressive gaming system having a central system, at least one prize, a progressive method, and at least one monetary transaction acceptor. The central system is adapted to associate the progressive method with the prize and the monetary transaction acceptor thereby allowing the monetary transaction acceptor to participate for the prize. The progressive method is adapted to determine a participation outcome based at least on the monetary transaction acceptor's contribution percent factor. The specification also discloses a progressive gaming system and methods having the ability to expand the participation base for a progressive prize to include a wide variety of monetary transaction acceptors. The progressive gaming system and methods may have the capability to accept a monetary transaction value in a plurality of currencies or a plurality of denominations of the same currency. The progressive gaming system and methods may support multiple prizes simultaneously.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, methods, media, and apparatus are described for operating a lottery. One example provides for receiving a result of a lottery drawing and comparing the result to a plurality of stored lottery entries. If the result corresponds to one of said plurality of stored lottery entries, the entry is identified as a winning lottery entry. A non-winning lottery entry is identified from the plurality of stored lottery entries, and automatically entered in a subsequent lottery drawing, in which at least one lottery entry eligible to win the subsequent lottery drawing was not eligible to win the first lottery drawing. If the non-winning lottery entry is not a winning entry in the subsequent lottery drawing, the non-winning lottery entry is entered into further subsequent lottery drawings until the non-winning lottery entry is identified as a winning entry.

Abstract: A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming machine includes the steps of displaying a selectable game element on a display and associating each potential outcome associated with the selectable game element with a predetermined haptic output selected from a plurality of predetermined haptic device outputs. The method also includes the steps of selecting the selectable game element to reveal an outcome associated therewith and causing a haptic device to output the predetermined haptic output corresponding to the outcome of the selectable game element.

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

Abstract: A gaming machine that provides a game in which a plurality of symbols from a symbol set are displayed on a display to represent at least one game outcome. A winning combination is a bonus feature, which results in a game controller of the gaming machine controlling game play of the game to provide at least a chance to win a bonus prize from a set of one or more bonus prizes. The game controller further controls the gaming machine to award at least one special prize that is different from the one or more bonus prizes. Award of the special prize is dependent on a random selection process, the performance of which is dependent on occurrence of the bonus feature.

Abstract: A gaming system including a plurality of gaming devices each having a base game and a bonus pool available to each of the plurality of gaming devices. A processor programmed to provide shares of the bonus pool to one or more actively played gaming device of the plurality of gaming devices and to distribute the bonus pool to each eligible gaming device according to an amount of the bonus pool and each gaming device's obtained shares.

Abstract: A method of controlling a gaming device is provided in which a set of a plurality of selections is displayed. The player is enabled to pick one of the selections. After one of the selections is picked by the player, an award is generated and provided from an award pool. One of the selections is eliminated from the set. The above steps are repeated until the player's picked selection is the same as the eliminated selection, wherein the set in each repeated step is reduced to include non-eliminated selections.

Abstract: In a gaming system according to the present invention, a server monitors jackpot values and the availability of a plurality of jackpot systems, and thereby produces list outputs of the jackpot values and the available gaming machines. The gaming system provides players with the lists displayed in a screen, and allows each player to select one of the available gaming machines in accordance with the jackpot values. When the jackpot systems are separated from each other and the server, the server reserves the gaming machine selected by a player by using the lists. The selected gaming machine is locked unless the server verifies customer ID data entered into the selected gaming machine. When the server virtually constructs all the jackpot systems, the server will link a virtual gaming machine, which a player has selected by using the lists, to a gaming terminal that the player actually operates.

Abstract: A gaming environment is described. Each of values which betted by a player is compared. One of the players, who betted the largest accumulated value, can obtain a right of choice for a dealer image (or actual dealer). A game session is conducted by the selected dealer (or actual dealer).

Abstract: A gaming system including at least one server configured to access and/or store at least one primary and at least one secondary game pay table. The primary game pay table can be adapted to provide a first payout percentage while the secondary game pay table can be adapted to provide a second payout percentage. The gaming system can include at least one gaming device in communication with the server, the gaming device being configured to allow a player to place a wager and initiate a game, download the primary game pay table from the server, use the primary game table to produce an outcome of a game, download the secondary pay table from the server after occurrence of a predetermined event (e.g., player qualification) and use the secondary pay table to produce a game outcome (e.g., higher valued payout, alternate prize, progressive prize), which can be produced for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A system and method for rewarding players of wagering game with a bonus is disclosed. A database is provided for collecting and storing personal interest information from two or more players. The database comprises data fields each representing a category of personal interest information. A player tracking server is utilized to monitor the player's gaming activity. A bonus server operates in conjunction with the gaming server to determine when a bonus is to be awarded to one or more players. A player qualifies for a share of the bonus based on the common personal interest information as compared to the player that triggered the bonus award. The bonus may be shared equally or unequally by players who qualify to receive the bonus.

Abstract: A slot machine gaming device and method which targets a monetary ticket to operate in selected gaming devices. A video poker game can also provide a player with an improved paytable. The slot machine can also pay a player using a special ticket instead of cash.

Abstract: In a slot machine, a plural symbols having been displayed in each of matrix display areas on an LCD are firstly slid longitudinally and transversely when rearranging the plurality of symbols. Then, the symbols are newly rearranged in display areas 28 which have become blanked after the slide of the symbols. As a result, a payout is provided to a player if a winning combination is achieved. The slot machine can provide the player with a stronger feeling of expectation for a payout.

Abstract: This invention provides a slot machine having a re-scrolling function for forming a combination of combination symbols, and a method of controlling the slot machine. A CPU 106 is included, which provides functions of: scrolling the symbols displayed on a display 10 in each of mechanical reels 30A through 30E; stopping scrolling after a predetermined period of time; re-scrolling the mechanical reels 30B through 30E other than the mechanical reel 30A on which a first symbol of a predetermined combination is stopped; and stopping re-scrolling of the mechanical reels 30B through 30E such that the first symbol and a second symbol of the combination are arranged adjacent to one another so as to form the combination.

Abstract: To provide a gaming machine which can increase an entertainment aspect by changing a disposition of a plurality of symbols and payout lines displayed on a display portion provided in the gaming machine, thus providing a visual change. Symbol column data, in which an order of a plurality of symbols configured of a plurality of kinds of symbol image is fixed, corresponding one to each of display areas disposed in a three row by three column matrix formation on a lower image display panel of a slot machine, an image of a symbol based on one symbol data, among the corresponding symbol column data, is displayed in each display area. Then, in the event that a prescribed condition is met, a correlation relationship between the display areas, and the symbol column data corresponding one to each of them, is changed.

Abstract: A gaming environment having plural jackpots in which plural jackpot value storages arranged is described. When a bet operation is conducted, one or more jackpots to be accumulated a portion of a bet value may be selected among the plural jackpots based on a predetermined rule, and then the bet value may be accumulatively stored in jackpot value storages corresponding to selected the one or more jackpots. When a condition is satisfied, an outcome corresponding to one or more accumulated jackpot values stored in one or more selected jackpot value storages may be provided.

Abstract: A system and method of increasing player interest in gaming machines is disclosed by the use of lottery tickets as prizes. Lottery ticket purchasing pools are funded from either coin-in (wagers), coin-out (winnings), or in networked gaming systems from player tracking funding (promotional funding). The lottery ticket funding pools build value to a predetermined level, and then individual game machines' printers are issued instructions to print lottery tickets (or vouchers redeemable for lottery tickets) to players. This enables an alternative to traditional progressives while providing similar player interest and excitement while using fewer casino resources than traditional progressives.

Abstract: A gaming device provides several progressive jackpots that can be randomly funded. The gaming device includes a gaming apparatus that allows a player to play a game and a controller. The controller can determine if a jackpot qualifig event has occurred. A display device displays several progressive jackpots. A random number generator and the controller select at least one of the progressive jackpots to be awarded to a player. The invention also includes a gaming method. A player is allowed to place a wager and play a game of chance. A game outcome is determined. The game outcome can be a jackpot qualifying event and a game payout. If the game outcome is the jackpot qualifying event, several progressive jackpots are displayed to the player. At least one of the progressive jackpots is selected to be awarded to the player.

Abstract: A system and process for generating, distributing, and processing lottery tickets guaranteed to win a drawing-based prize. Tickets are appropriately priced, and are validated at point of sale by a central server in which the ticket information is stored. Subsequent to each lottery drawing, the winning lottery numbers are compared to the entries in a never-lose ticket database to determine if any of the entries match the winning number. Winning entries are appropriately identified and tagged as inactive, while entries that have not yet won a drawing-based prize remain active for future drawings. Ticket pricing methodology is provided for appropriately pricing never-lose tickets. A method and apparatus are further provided whereby a ticket holder may query the status of a never-lose ticket directly from the server.

Abstract: In a gaming machine of the present invention, a holder unit removably holds a portable storage device having a display unit and a storage unit in a position where the screen of the display unit is visible to a player. A reader unit reads storage contents from the storage unit. A data processor unit processes the storage contents. The gaming machine can use not only the storage contents stored in the storage unit, but also the display unit to provide a player with various additional information in a text or graphic form with visual effects for games. The gaming machine includes a display controller unit, which controls the display unit as a sub-display device to complement a game display unit that displays a game screen. The display controller unit may change images displayed on the screen of the display unit depending on the game status.

Abstract: A central determination gaming system including a plurality of gaming terminals in communication with a central controller. In one embodiment, upon initiation of a game at one of the gaming terminals, the gaming terminal randomly generates a proposed game outcome. The proposed game outcome is communicated to the central controller. The central controller determines if a pool of predetermined game outcomes includes the proposed game outcome. If the pool includes the proposed game outcome, the central controller authorizes the proposed game outcome to be provided to the player, flags the authorized game outcome from further authorizations and communicates the authorized game outcome to the gaming terminal. The gaming terminal then provides the authorized game outcome to the player. If the pool does not include the proposed game outcome, the central controller discards the proposed game outcome and instructs the gaming terminal to generate another proposed game outcome for authorization.

Abstract: Various techniques are disclosed for conducting promotional activities in a casino gaming network. In at least one embodiment, various incentives and/or promotions may be associated with selected gaming components which are accessible to a given gaming machine. Such gaming components may include, for example, paytables, denominations, game types, and/or game themes which are accessible to a given gaming machine cabinet. In this way, the lowest level of granularity for targeting promotional offers and incentives may be extended to selected paytables, denominations, game types, game themes, and/or other desired components within (and/or accessible to) selected gaming machine cabinet(s).

Abstract: When a special symbol appears during play of the gaming machine game, the secondary game is initiated. At initiation, a bonus prize is determined by the secondary game microcontroller by consulting a bonus game paytable stored therein where each bonus prize corresponds to a bonus spot on the secondary game. A multi-ended pointer of the secondary game spins around the field of bonus spots and the player is prompted to select which end of the pointer is active. Upon selection of the end—e.g. blue or green—a microcontroller operating the spinner calculates the point at which the spinner will cease to spin so that the selected pointed end is pointing toward the selected bonus prize. The player is given the illusion that he or she controls which bonus prize is won since the green side of the pointer will point to a different bonus prize than the blue side.

Abstract: An electronic display to post monetary gaming limit amounts in programmable manner while including other fixed graphics or logos and background lighting. The device includes a pedestal or stand, a rectangular box housing, electronic circuit board including LED numeric displays, programming switches, a plastic sheet and special LED lights. The housing holds the electronic circuit board, LED numeric displays, power supply, programming switches, backlighting LED arrays and provides grooves for the plastic sheet to slide in and out. The special LED lights are sized and shaped small enough to fit in the bottom groove to backlight the plastic sheet from the bottom edge of the sheet for more diffuse light over the entire area of the sheet and fixed graphics.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to a method and apparatus for operating a gaming device having a flat rate play session costing a flat rate price. The flat rate play session spans multiple plays on the gaming device over a pre-established duration. The gaming device identifies price parameters and determines the flat rate price of playing the gaming device based on those price parameters. Once the player initiates play, the gaming device tracks the duration remaining in the flat rate play session and stops the play when the given period has elapsed. In accordance with one embodiment, a player may enter into a contract, wherein the contract specifies the flat rate play session as described above.

Abstract: An improved roulette game utilizing he existing roulette wheel and/or electronic LED wheel with an existing layout to enhance the game or roulette. Players make wagers on the conventional layout and using the plurality of token or chip acceptors as an extra wager to win either a major progressive jackpot or minor progressive jackpot.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a time-based bonus system that can be pre-configured to award a certain amount of money to players of networked gaming devices over a certain time period. The amount of bonus money in a bonus pool is predetermined by a casino or other gaming network operator. Additionally, the total amount of bonus money in a particular bonus pool can be divided into multiple smaller bonuses, which can be distributed to many players over the time period in which the bonus pool is operating.