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: The present invention provides a gaming device having a plurality of start values. The player selects one of the start values, as part of a game sequence. During the game sequence, the gaming device increments the start value to an apparent award. The gaming device in one embodiment enables the player to keep the apparent award or trade it for another apparent award. The other apparent award in one embodiment is derived from one of the other start values. After one or more keep or trade sequences, the player achieves one of the apparent awards. The gaming device then performs a sequence in which the apparent award changes into an actual award. The gaming device provides the actual award to the player.

Abstract: A method of multiple pricing for a predetermined single jackpot in a single lottery game is disclosed. For instance, a lottery ticket that is purchased for one dollar can result in a ten million dollar win, a lottery ticket that is purchased for two dollars can result in a twenty million dollar win, a lottery ticket that is 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. In addition, the lottery prize can be a variable prize that progressively increases with a percentage of each ticket sold. The prizes are won from a single pool. For instance, even if the revenues for the one dollar ticket do not cover the ten million dollar prize, the combined revenues of the one dollar and the two dollar tickets are likely to cover the ten million dollar prize and vice versa.

Abstract: A method of playing and wagering on a game of chance with community events has the steps of identifying the community event; accepting wagers from players on the event; generating a chance event during play, and rewarding the players from the pool if the event occurs during the chance event. The step of rewarding each player includes determining the amount of each player's reward per that player's wager and splitting the pool among all those that wager. Dealing cards, spinning a wheel or drawing numbered balls generates a chance event after accepting wagers. Adding to the pool at least a portion of the wagers and increasing the pool when the event does not occur are steps. The step of bases the reward of each player on the proportion of the fraction of total wagers made by all wagering players during that game of chance that the amount of the player's wager represented. An apparatus has a pay table ranking events and a wagering place to accept individual wagers from players on the occurrence of the event.

Abstract: A gaming device having a game that may be implemented in a primary or bonus game. More specifically, the present invention provides a processor controlled gaming device that enables the player to build a number of awards by selecting choices from one or more sets of choices and further enables the player to select a final award choice that randomly provides one of the awards when the player finishes building the awards.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cashless gaming wherein a player can select one of a plurality of operating characteristics or game in accordance with player data stored in a memory, and be notified a relative ranking during gaming. In this method player data relating to an attribute or a game of one gaming machine is stored in a memory ; the player data from the memory can be downloaded to the gaming machine; the gaming machine is calibrated to provide the operating characteristic or game in accordance with the downloaded player data; the player then plays the calibrated gaming machine; and the gaming machine can display an update of the progress of play of the player, including relative ranking of the player.

Abstract: A progressive system (local and wide) where a primary and secondary progressive meter is maintained is disclosed. When a progressive win event occurs, there are two payouts: the first payout (defined by the primary meter) is paid to the player triggering the progressive payout event; the second payout (defined by the secondary meter) is paid to other players (or game devices) having “active” or “enrolled” status at the time of the primary payout event. The present invention provides a method for automating the “shared” win, including means for readily determining “active” players. A countdown meter may be used to enable the player a sufficient amount of time to continue play and be considered “active.” Additionally display meters may be used to indicate the status of the player or to warn the player of an imminent change in status. The progressive prizes may be funded using traditional methods (e.g., percentage of wagers, marketing budget).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming device having a multiple selection large award bonus scheme. The gaming device includes a plurality of selections, a plurality of credit symbols associated with said selections, a plurality of awards symbols associated with selections, a winning combination of award symbols and a display device connected to the controller and adapted to display the selections, credit symbols and award symbols. A player is awarded credits when the player selects a selection having an associated credit symbol. The player accumulates award symbols when the player selects a selection associated with an award symbol. The player wins a preferably large award when the player accumulates said winning combination of award symbols.

Abstract: Gaming apparatus and methods of conducting a wagering game of chance. A gaming machine is disclosed which is configured for mutually concurrent play of a plurality of games of chance on a single display screen. A method of conducting a wagering activity includes providing a player with a plurality of differing games of chance, at least some of which are mutually concurrently payable on a single screen display of a gaming device and enabling mutually concurrent play of the plurality of differing games of chance on the single screen display. Various other gaming machine configurations and methods of play related to multiple differing games of chance on a single display screen are also disclosed herein. Networked gaming machines are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for enabling a player to use residual credits on a gaming machine to provide the player with a chance to win a prize. the system includes means for determining a range of values as a function of a jackpot pool to generate randomly an outcome in the range of values, random number generation means for generating the random outcome, means for determining a range of outcome values of the player that provides a chance of the player winning the jackpot pool, and means for determining whether the generated random outcome matches any outcome value of the player.

Abstract: A gaming system (10) includes gaming machine groups (GR 1-GR 16) arranged to receive input data and to generate output progressive jackpot data relating to two or more progressive jackpots. A central database (26) stores the input data relating to the progressive jackpots. A monitoring computer (40) includes a local database (46). The computer (40) obtains and temporarily stores the progressive jackpot output data.

Abstract: A method of providing all players on a linked network to receive a bonus opportunity based on one player hitting the primary jackpot. All players in an active game, (i.e., the reel spinning mode has been activated by the player bet, and the reels have not yet stopped) receive a bonus opportunity when the primary jackpot is hit. This bonus can be in many different forms. Examples of bonuses are of “scratch tickets” to players that would distribute varying amounts, or a secondary jackpot bonus of a fixed amount or an amount in proportion to the main jackpot, randomly assigned bonuses, an immediately available mini-jackpot for less then jackpot hands, and a period of time of increased pay amounts or an amount of mini-jackpot that is exhausted by players who are playing the game at the time of the jackpot.

Abstract: A jackpot system used in casinos for allocating the wins from at least one jackpot to players playing at a plurality of gaming positions. The gaming positions are associated with a computer network including a computing engine having a memory for receiving inputs from the gaming positions and at least one output for communicating information to the players. At least one paytable is stored in that memory or in another memory associated with the computer network. The paytable can be configured by an operator and has a plurality of possible winning entries and wins associated with the winning entries. A selection generator is triggered at least once, via the computer network, by a trigger input generated in response to the playing of each game of a group of selected games to generate a selection.

Abstract: A gaming device having a plurality of locations, at least one destination location, a player symbol, an award associated with the destination location which is provided to the player if the player symbol reaches the destination location, a setback condition associated with one of the locations, wherein when the player symbol moves to the location having the associated setback condition, the player symbol is relocated to one of the locations further from the destination location based on the setback condition, an advance condition associated with one of the locations, wherein when the player symbol moves to the location having the advance condition, the player symbol is relocated to one of the locations closer to the destination location based on the advance condition, and a plurality of offers associated with the locations, wherein the player is enabled to accept or reject the offer associated with location of the player symbol.

Abstract: A method of managing bets comprises auctioning a first bet to one of a plurality of clients for a first bet amount, wherein the first bet comprises a bet that a first participant will finish in a particular finishing position associated with an event. The method further comprises auctioning a second bet to one of a plurality of clients for a second bet amount, wherein the second bet comprises a bet that a second participant will finish in the particular finishing position associated with the event. The method continues by adding the first bet amount and the second bet amount to form a betting pool, and determining an amount of a payout based at least in part on the betting pool.

Abstract: A gaming device having a plurality of locations, at least one destination location, a player symbol, an award associated with the destination location which is provided to the player if the player symbol reaches the destination location, a setback condition associated with one of the locations, wherein when the player symbol moves to the location having the associated setback condition, the player symbol is relocated to one of the locations further from the destination location based on the setback condition, an advance condition associated with one of the locations, wherein when the player symbol moves to the location having the advance condition, the player symbol is relocated to one of the locations closer to the destination location based on the advance condition, and a plurality of awards associated with the locations, wherein the award associated with one of the locations is provided to the player if the player does not reach the destination location.

Abstract: A roulette game utilizing the existing roulette wheel and layout to enhance the game of roulette. Players make wagers on the conventional layout and using the plurality of token acceptors can place an extra wager to win two separate progressive jackpots.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus is disclosed having a display unit capable of generating video images; a value input device; a player tracking card reader; and a controller. The controller being programmed to read a player tracking card, to acquire player tracking data from a database, and determine if a player is a personal progressive member. The controller also being programmed to evaluate an outcome of a game to determine if the outcome was a qualified personal progressive jackpot win; to increment a credit account for the player by a personal progressive jackpot total if the outcome was a qualified personal progressive jackpot win; to reset the personal progressive jackpot total if the outcome was a qualified personal progressive jackpot win; and to increment the credit account by a contribution amount if the outcome was not a qualified personal progressive win.

Abstract: In a gambling game a collateral gambling game which can be won by players on at least one specific event occurring in the principal game, the collateral game being separate from the principal game but one when any of the possible winning events occur in the principal game, the payment to the player being calculated from the total value available for the game divided by the total number of players who bet on the specific winning event. The game gives a possibility for a large number of players to share in the success of a single player who has successfully won the main game. It may be used with various types of games including those using electronic gaming machines.

Abstract: A method of playing a variation of seven card stud poker. A venue is provided at which not less then three players and not more than six players compete for a jackpot against each other and not against a house. Play is commenced using a 54 card deck consisting of 52 regular playing cards and two wild cards. The players ante toward a jackpot and are dealt a first card face up, a second card face down and a third card face down. Each player is allowed to view the faces of the second card and the third card dealt to them. As each subsequent card is received, the players can elect to either fold or place a bet toward the jackpot. After a number of betting rounds, the winner of the jackpot is determined.

Abstract: A method is set forth for playing a bonus game in a secondary slot machine adjacent a primary slot machine. The primary slot machine issues a bonus qualifying signal to the secondary slot machine to start play of a bonus game when a bonus qualifying event occurs. The reels of the bonus game include value symbols, null symbols, and end game symbols which may be of two basic types: a lose game symbol and a stop game symbol. After the random spin, the values of any value symbols displayed on the payline of the secondary slot machine are accumulated into an accumulated winning value. The value symbols could include positive integer values, negative integer values, and multiples. The random spinning, determination of values of any value symbol and the accumulation of a winning value is repeatedly continued until an end of the bonus game occurs.

Abstract: In a casino card game, provisions are made for a jackpot component awarded after initially dealt cards are reviewed and additional cards are dealt, in which predetermined prizes are awarded players who participate in the jackpot component by placing additional wagers and the prizes are based upon preselected arrangements of playing cards in the hands after additional cards are dealt.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gaming device having a game that may be implemented in a primary or bonus game. More specifically, the present invention provides a processor controlled gaming device that enables the player to build a number of awards by selecting choices from one or more sets of choices and further enables the player to select a final award choice that randomly provides one of the awards when the player finishes building the awards.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gaming device having a plurality of start values. The player selects one of the start values, as part of a game sequence. During the game sequence, the gaming device increments the start value to an apparent award. The gaming device in one embodiment enables the player to keep the apparent award or trade it for another apparent award. The other apparent award in one embodiment is derived from one of the other start values. After one or more keep or trade sequences, the player achieves one of the apparent awards. The gaming device then performs a sequence in which the apparent award changes into an actual award. The gaming device provides the actual award to the player.

Abstract: A method and system are set forth for playing a casino game of the type where each player has a hand and competes against a hand of the dealer and or against other players using a communal holding. Each player wagers to participate in the game and posts an additional pot wager, said pot wagers aggregated to form a pot. The underlying game is played according to its established rules. The pot wagers are determined by comparing the players hands inter se to determine which player has the highest ranked holding, also according to the rules of the game. For certain dealer hands or communal holdings, the dealer wins the pot. No commission or levy is made against the pot by the casino. The system provides interlinked games to practice the method.

Abstract: A method of and a system (10) for providing a jackpot award for a plurality of gaming machines (40) are disclosed. The system (10) gaming machines (40) linked by at least one venue jackpot controller (300) to a central jackpot controller. The method includes increasing a jackpot value by an amount corresponding to a predetermined percentage; randomly determining whether to award the jackpot value; and randomly awarding the jackpot value to a selected gaming machine (40) associated with a selected venue jackpot controller (300) when jackpot award conditions are met.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a gaming device such as a slot machine calculates a speed of game play, and in turn determines a pay schedule based on the speed of game play. The pay schedule for higher speeds of game play typically provides a higher payout percentage, which attracts players and provides an incentive to play faster and for longer periods of time. The greater speed of play and time period of playing may actually increase revenues derived from the gaming device, even though the payout percentage is higher. Speed of game play may be calculated by measuring the number of games played in a predetermined time period, or the time elapsed between games. The gaming device may select a payout table from a plurality of payout tables based on this speed. Alternatively, the gaming device may determine a multiplier based on the speed of game play, and adjust a base payout table in accordance with the multiplier.

Abstract: In one embodiment, on an additional display unit for each gaming machine in a system of gaming machines, a jackpot game is played after each main game on an associated gaming machine. A jackpot control unit, common to all gaming machines, predetermines the jackpot game outcome for each gaming machine. A jackpot win is determined by the jackpot control unit based on a triggering event. The main game and jackpot game may be the spinning of actual or virtual reels, where the resulting symbol combinations determine the award to the player. Because the display for the jackpot symbols may be situated in a separate housing, it can be connected to any gaming machine without modifying the machine.

Abstract: The gaming device displays an array of randomly selected symbols. In one embodiment, only a first jackpot can be awarded to a player if a first bet is made, and both the first jackpot and a second jackpot can be awarded to the player if a higher bet is made. In one embodiment, the first jackpot is associated with all pay lines that are evaluated from left to right, and the second jackpot B is associated with all pay lines that are evaluated from right to left. The amounts in both jackpots are displayed to the player. Additionally, all non-jackpot awards according to the winning symbol combinations from left to right and right to left are granted to the player, depending on the amount of the bet. Due to certain features of the game, the player can exercise strategy in making the appropriate bet.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and configuring gaming devices interconnected over a high-speed network is disclosed. The system can support a file server, one or more floor controllers, one or more pit terminals, and other terminals all interconnected over the network. Each gaming device includes an electronic module which allows the gaming device to communicate with a floor controller over a current loop network. The electronic module includes a player tracking module and a data communication node. The player tracking module includes a card reader for detecting a player tracking card inserted therein which identifies the player. The data communication node communicates with both the floor controller and the gaming device. The data communication node communicates with the gaming device over a serial interface through which the data communication node transmits reconfiguration commands.

Abstract: When a user desires to participate a roulette game performed in a site operated by a web server, the user participates himself in the game by use of a user terminal. Of the users, a user who has declared to be an owner can participate and play the roulette game as the owner. In contrast, a user who has participated the game as a player predict a number determined by a roulette wheel and bet chips. If no winning chips have hit, the chips betted in a layout table are paid to the owner. In contrast, if winning chips have hit, the amount of payout is computed, and the chips are paid to the player. If the amount of chips paid to the player is greater than the amount of chips betted in the layout table, chips are paid to the players from the chips possessed by the owner.

Abstract: A gaming method and system are described where a visible jackpot and an invisible jackpot are accumulated for a plurality of gaming machines connected in a network. The visible jackpot is paid when one of the gaming machines in the plurality achieves certain criteria. The visible jackpot is at least partially replenished from the invisible jackpot. The amount in the visible jackpot may be displayed, either on a display common to multiple gaming machines in the network, or on each gaming machine in the network. The visible and invisible jackpots may be accumulated by increasing the amount in each of the visible jackpot and the invisible jackpot by a percentage of each amount bet on the gaming machines in the network. In some embodiments, the invisible jackpot accumulates faster than the visible jackpot.

Abstract: A player in a casino may purchase an amount of playing time and then play as quickly as he likes on gaming machines during that period of time. The player may try his luck against a frantic rhythm with minimum return on each game or at a slower-pace rhythm with a higher return on each game. When the player actuates a cash-out signal, the time clock is frozen; the player may then choose to continue playing on another machine or return to the same machine at any other time. The game outcome is adjusted in accordance with the speed at which the game is played. The games may also be automatically triggered following a manual arming by the player. When the rhythm is slow, standby time may be used to entertain the player.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling or displaying the progress of each player playing in an auxiliary incentive game played simultaneously with a primary casino table game. The auxiliary game allows each player to receive bonus points during the course of playing the primary game, and each player eligible to receive a prize only after accumulating a predetermined number of bonus points. A bonus point display displays the number of bonus points received by each player at the gaming table. A controller is connected to the bonus point display and has a first unit for causing the display to display an incremented number of bonus points received by each player and a second unit for causing the display to reset and display a starting number of points in response to the number of bonus points received by the associated player reaching a predetermined number of bonus points.

Abstract: This present pari-mutuel invention provides for a network of table games and real time electronic devices operating slots, poker, keno, bingo and other games. Players compete against other players for non-banked prizes which are paid only from player pools. Player pools start with a balance of zero. The player pool receives one hundred percent (100%) of player bets, less appropriate rental fees. Posted prizes cannot exceed the player pool. The player receives dynamic displays of the pool balance and corresponding posted prizes. A top prize feature prevents the pool from dropping back to zero. The house receives a fee from players who rent a pari-mutuel device. The house does not seed the pool with money, nor take any money from it. The devices can operate in a stand-alone-mode with local player pools under local control. However, they have linked access to a network controlled by a central management system to receive the benefit of centralized Player pools.

Abstract: In a gambling game a collateral gambling game which can be won by players on at least one specific event occurring in the principal game, the collateral game being separate from the principal game but one when any of the possible winning events occur in the principal game, the payment to the player being calculated from the total value available for the game divided by the total number of players who bet on the specific winning event.

Abstract: According to a first embodiment of the present invention, a system for playing poker comprises: a central processing unit; a plurality of player consoles; a plurality of first interconnecting means for connecting said central processing unit to each of said player consoles; said central processing unit being capable of enabling a particular player console so that said enabled player console may send wagering information to said central processing unit only while said particular player console is enabled; and said central processing unit being capable of simultaneously dis-enabling the other player consoles so that said other dis-enabled player consoles may not be able to send any wagering information to said central processing unit while said other player consoles are dis-enabled.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bonus scheme that has more than one and preferably at least three bonus games contained in one bonus scheme. Each bonus game provides excitement and enjoyment to the player via creative visual and audio displays. Each bonus game also has its own theme and may or may not be based upon schemes already known in the art of gaming devices. While the individual bonus games are not necessarily related to each other, the overall bonus scheme, preferably in the initial screen, ties the bonus games together in a master theme that provides flexibility for the individual bonus games to have their own themes. The preferred embodiment of the present invention automatically activates the bonus scheme upon a bonus triggering event. The game selects for the player one of three bonus games contained in the bonus scheme. The player plays the selected game and receives an award and the game returns the player to the base game.

Abstract: A game machine includes a monitor, a comparator and an adjuster. The monitor monitors a difference between the amount of game value inserted and the amount of game value paid. The comparator compares the difference with a preset reference value. The adjuster extends a game time of a game performed on the monitor when a result of the comparison that the difference is greater than the reference value is determined by the comparator.

Abstract: The progress of each player in playing an auxiliary incentive game simultaneously with a primary card game is controlled and displayed at a gaming table. A prize display is attached to the table and the prize display indicates at least one prize available to the player who accumulates a predetermined number of-bonus points playing the auxiliary game. A player interface unit is positioned on the table adjacent to each player. The player interface unit displays the number of bonus points received by the associated player. A dealer interface unit is positioned on the table adjacent to the dealer. The dealer interface unit includes control elements to allow the dealer to display the bonus points awarded to each player on the associated player interface unit and to activate a prize award control element on the player interface unit. The winning player selects a randomly indexed prize indicated on the prize display by manipulating the prize award control element on his or her player interface unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a bonusing promotion system using a bonus server interconnected to a plurality of gaming devices is described. A percentage of a wager played on each gaming device is accumulated into a bonus pool stored on the bonus server. The bonus pool is compared to a threshold value stored on the bonus server each time the bonus pool changes. One of the gaming devices is selected when the threshold value is substantially met. A bonus prize funded by the bonus pool is awarded to the selected gaming device.

Abstract: A gambling game includes the steps of preparing a plurality of gaming cards with an indicia of identification, and a plurality of gaming symbols on a face of the card. The indicia of identification is recorded within a database of a central computer system. The gaming cards are then distributed to a plurality of remote gaming card dispensing machines networked to the central computer system. Participants can purchase for a predetermined amount of money the gaming cards from the remote gaming card dispensing machines. A first set of symbols is generated and communicated over the network to a plurality of displays. If no winner is determined subsequent symbols are generated, and communicated, until the symbols complete a match on at least one participant's gaming card. The process continues until a participant completes a match and wins.

Abstract: A gaming system incorporating a non-deterministic jackpot is provided. In a first embodiment, the gaming system generates a random number to determine a probability of winning and a jackpot amount. A contribution rate is predetermined, and a portion of each bet placed on a gaming machine associated with the system equal to the contribution rate multiplied by the amount of the bet is placed in a contribution pool. The gaming machine on which a bet causing the contribution pool to be greater than or equal to the jackpot amount is awarded the jackpot. According to a second embodiment of the present invention, a first random number within a range is generated. A second random number is generated for each bet placed on a gaming machine associated with the system. The jackpot is awarded to a gaming machine on which a bet resulting in a second random number equal to the first random number was placed.

Abstract: A gaming machine such as a slot machine is provided having a payout proportional to a wager value. The gaming machine provides a player with the ability to flexibly and automatically increase and decrease wagers, thereby allowing the player to press his bets when he feels lucky, and to decrease his bets when he feels unlucky. Different proportional payout tables are provided for different levels of wagers.

Abstract: A gaming system is provided which permits the hold value to be determined independently of the distribution of winning outcomes, e.g., to avoid or prevent volatility in the hold value. Preferably each time a wager is placed, a hold value (such as a predetermined and/or fixed percentage) is retained and the remainder is allocated to one or more prize pools. If a pool is too large or too small, or if a pool's rate of growth is too large or too small, the central computer sends a message to all terminals which contribute to the pool, causing the terminals to modify operations so as to bring the pool size or rate of growth to within desired target ranges. Preferably, the current prize amounts corresponding to various potential winning game outcomes are displayed when a game is won, the displayed amount corresponding to the type of win paid. Preferably, a portion of wages is retained as a background amount to at least partially replenish a paid-out prize.

Abstract: A gaming system is provided which permits the hold valuc to be determined independently of the distribution of winning outcomes, e.g., to avoid or prevent volatility in the hold value. Preferably each time a wager is placed, a hold value (such as a predetermined and/or fixed percentage) is retained and the remainder is allocated to one or more prize pools. If a pool is too large or too small, or if a pool's rate of growth is too large or too small, the central computer sends a message to all terminals which contribute to the pool, causing the terminals to modify operations so as to bring the pool size or rate of growth to within desired target ranges. Preferably, the current prize amounts corresponding to various potential winning game outcomes are displayed when a game is won, the displayed amount corresponding to the type of win paid. Preferably, a portion of wages is retained as a background amount to at least partially replenish a paid-out prize.

Abstract: A gaming assembly to play a variation of the game baccarat, the gaming assembly including a computer processor assembly, a display assembly and at least one user actuatable selector assembly. The computer processor assembly is structured to generate a player's hand and a banker's hand in accordance with rules of baccarat, one of those hands being designated the user's hand. Further, the computer processor assembly is structured to determine a winning hand in accordance with the rules of baccarat, designating the user as a winner if the user's hand is also the winning hand. Additionally, the computer processor assembly is structured to monitor consecutive ones of the user's hands and to indicate a bonus payout to the user in the event that consecutive ones of the user's hands have a final number count equal to a natural nine.

Abstract: Each round of a poker game is played in stages using a conventional deck of cards. A wager is placed at each stage, a hand of cards is dealt to each player at each stage, and the cards dealt to each player in previous stages become part of each players hand of cards at each subsequent stage. A different wildcard is designated at each stage. A winning hand of cards is determined and rewarded at each stage by comparing each players hand of cards including any wildcards to a schedule of winning card combinations and an odds schedule at each stage. At least some of the winning card combinations and some of the odds for each winning card combination are changed at each stage.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and configuring gaming devices interconnected over a high-speed network is disclosed. The system can support a file server, one or more floor controllers, one or more pit terminals, and other terminals all interconnected over the network. Each gaming device includes an electronic module which allows the gaming device to communicate with a floor controller over a current loop network. The electronic module includes a player tracking module and a data communication node. The player tracking module includes a card reader for detecting a player tracking card inserted therein which identifies the player. The data communication node communicates with both the floor controller and the gaming device. The data communication node communicates with the gaming device over a serial interface through which the data communication node transmits reconfiguration commands.

Abstract: A blackjack or other card game system having a plurality of player counters which count the blackjack hands or other player jackpot tally events dealt to players. The system also includes at least one dealer counter which counts the number of bust hands of the dealer or other dealer jackpot tally events. Displays are included for both the dealer and players to indicate the counts. The counters are typically zeroed at the end of each hand if a tally event has not occurred. Jackpots are awarded when the tally counts exceed predefined thresholds. A tabletop retrofit game system is shown for mounting upon blackjack tables. A special round of play having modified rules can be used as part of the jackpot award.