Pool Amount (e.g., Jackpot, Etc.) Patents (Class 463/26)
  • Patent number: 10241749
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, systems, and program products are disclosed for dynamically changing sound settings of a device. A method includes detecting, by a processor, that one or more sound settings of an information handling device are changed. The method includes determining, in response to the one or more sound settings being changed, values for the one or more sound settings and one or more context characteristics associated with the one or more sound settings. The method includes changing, dynamically at a future time, the one or more sound settings to values corresponding to the determined values for the one or more sound settings in response to determining that the one or more context characteristics at the future time are similar to the one or more context characteristics at the time that the one or more sound settings were changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Russell Speight VanBlon, John Carl Mese, Nathan J. Peterson
  • Patent number: 10235844
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a networked gaming system that enables a plurality of players to wager on one or more dealers at different dealing stations dealing independent games simultaneously. A live video is captured on each dealing station and simulcast to player stations where players are playing at. Players can bet on any combination of the games that are being broadcast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Inventors: Charles Barksdale, Jon Morosky
  • Patent number: 10235840
    Abstract: Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention operate a time enabled hybrid game. A time enabled hybrid game includes a real world engine constructed to provide a randomly generated payout of real world credits from at least one wager in a gambling game, an entertainment software engine constructed to execute an entertainment game providing outcomes based upon a player's skillful play of the entertainment game and a game world engine constructed to monitor the output of a clock during the player's skillful play of the entertainment game detect a unit of time based on the monitored output of the clock; and trigger the at least one wager in the gambling game based on the detection of the unit of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Gamblit Gaming, LLC
    Inventors: Miles Arnone, Caitlyn Ross, Eric Meyerhofer
  • Patent number: 10204488
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gaming system and method providing a wagering game including a skill-based game having a player-selected difficulty level and duration. The skill-based game contributes to the average expected payback percentage of the wagering game such that the average expected payback percentage of the wagering game can vary within a predetermined range from player-to-player based on the players' skill levels. The gaming system enables each player to obtain the AEP %WAGERING GAME at or near the upper end of the predetermined range, regardless of the player's skill level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Laxmish Thirumaleshwar
  • Patent number: 10074239
    Abstract: A gambling hybrid game with a gambling integrated game is disclosed. The gambling hybrid game includes an entertainment system engine that provides an entertainment game to a user, a real world engine that provides gambling games to one or more users, and a game world engine that monitors the entertainment game and provides gambling games when appropriate. The entertainment system engine provides an entertainment game that includes random events. When a random event occurs in the entertainment game, the game world engine resolves the random event using random outcomes from the real world engine and provides the results of the random event to the entertainment software engine. The random outcomes are also used to resolve a gambling event corresponding to the random event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Gamblit Gaming, LLC
    Inventors: Miles Arnone, David Chang, Frank Cire, Eric Meyerhofer
  • Patent number: 10062062
    Abstract: An automated teller (ATM) machine providing unattended financial functions comprising financial account access to authorized ones of the users' financial accounts, withdraws from authorized ones of the users' financial accounts, deposits into authorized ones of the user's financial account. The ATM also provides unattended non-negotiable account functions including interactive account access to authorized ones of a set of non-negotiable fund accounts, conversions between value stored in authorized ones of the non-negotiable fund accounts and authorized ones of the user's financial accounts, and/or withdrawals of negotiable funds resulting from ATM machine conversions of a quantity of non-negotiable funds in authorized ones of the non-negotiable fund accounts into paper currency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: JBSHBM, LLC
    Inventors: Sean I. McGhie, Brian K. Buchheit
  • Patent number: 10062240
    Abstract: Systems are provided for resetting and incrementing a progressive jackpot and its associated progressive jackpot display for a game defined by a plurality of tickets that are preprinted with game content and which are associated with a deal of tickets. The deal of tickets include at least some predetermined non-jackpot winning tickets, and at least some progressive jackpot tickets. The tickets are dispensed at a plurality of different remote locations. The progressive jackpot is the same progressive jackpot for each of the plurality of different remote locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Diamond Game Enterprises
    Inventors: James A. Breslo, William F. Breslo
  • Patent number: 9959708
    Abstract: A gaming system which enables a player to selectively participate in a retriggered free game sequence. Following a free game triggering event, the gaming system initiates a free game sequence including a quantity of free games. If a free game retriggering event occurs in association with the initiated free game sequence, the gaming system enables a player to participate in a retriggered free game sequence or forgo the retriggered free game sequence in exchange for a modification of the remaining free games of the initiated free game sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Scott A. Caputo
  • Patent number: 9940777
    Abstract: A system in a casino for playing a game, the system comprising: a network of betting terminals linked to a plurality of game tables, first players playing a first game at each of the game tables, at least one first game being a live baccarat game, wherein each of the betting terminals comprises a mechanism to display a plurality of first games occurring at the game tables in the casino so as to allow a second player at each one of the betting terminals to switch to different game tables, place bets at different first games at a same time, place a separate jackpot wager bet on a jackpot game based on the first games being played live at the game tables and select betting options, wherein the system includes a display part having a screen for showing game number and respective amounts available for betting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Jay Chun
  • Patent number: 9940781
    Abstract: A gaming system includes game-logic circuitry that primarily performs a casino wagering game. The casino wagering game includes gaming events (play steps) having outcomes that may trigger and perpetuate a multi-level bonus game. As the wagering game is performed, a game cycle data record is created containing game cycle data related to the outcome of the play steps. A predetermined number of the most recent game cycle data records are stored in non-volatile memory. Each game cycle data record includes a predetermined number of play step data records for the base-game, bonus-game-triggering, and bonus-game play steps, as performed in chronological order. When the predetermined number of play step data records is exceeded, the oldest non-triggering play step data record is removed from the game cycle data and accrued into summary data specific to a nested-depth of the play step for the game cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Saravanan Saravanan, Kevin C. Johnson, Gary J. Oswald
  • Patent number: 9842463
    Abstract: A disadvantage of existing betting operations is the implementation of fixed odds and pari-mutuel betting on specific and dedicated systems. This results in higher acquisition and maintenance costs as compared with a single system. According to the present invention, a single system allows both fixed odds and pari-mutuel betting to be offered on a single system wherein the system effects a computer-implemented method of wagering, including: receiving, via a communications network, a wager from a customer in respect of a wagered event and a wagered product; storing the wager, in an electronic data store, and associating the wager with the wagered event, the wagered product and a customer account, wherein the computer system manages the electronic data store, having stored therein, a plurality of events, a plurality of products and a plurality of customers, all of which are independently defined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Accenture Global Services Limited
    Inventors: Alberto Simongini, Chia Min Lee
  • Patent number: 9798349
    Abstract: A resilient ball is placed on a button to be pressed. The ball rises above the rest of the surface of a device with a button, so that a plate which pushes down on the device presses first against the ball, and presses the button there-beneath. A user can place the ball on a button of his/her choice and insert it in a housing, so that, when the plate is pushed downward, it will, in turn, cause the chosen button to be pressed. The plate is held with a dowel on one end, extending past the plate thereof at another end and into portals which are part of, or fixed to, the housing. The compressible ball is thus positioned between the plate and the button to be pressed, the device abutting the housing and/or a fixed plate on its other side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: UNITED WELLNESS SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Arash Harry Enshaee, David Nazar, Hamidreza Akhavan Farahani
  • Patent number: 9799167
    Abstract: A gaming system which maintains a progressive award that is associated with a plurality of different progressive award trigger values or progressive award hit values. In such embodiments, the displayed value of the progressive award does not reset to a reset value or reset amount until the displayed value of that progressive award has incremented to each of the plurality of progressive award hit values associated with that progressive award. In these embodiments, the gaming system provides a plurality of displayed incremented values of a progressive award a plurality of times before the displayed value of that progressive award is reset to the reset value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jason P. Pawloski, Rogelio S. Decasa, Jr., William K. Hughes, Eric S. Boese, Jeffrey D. Urmston
  • Patent number: 9728040
    Abstract: An electronic gaming system has been developed. The system includes an electronic gaming device that receives a wager and generates an outcome of the wager. The outcome is not disclosed to the player and is issued in the form of a cashless instrument. An outcome display device accepts the cashless instrument and displays the outcome to the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Aim Management, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas M. Okuniewicz
  • Patent number: 9652936
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, provided herein are systems, methods and articles of manufacture for providing bonuses to player of games (e.g., online wagering games) based on the achievement of a qualifying event by another player (e.g., a friend of the players who are provided the bonuses). In accordance with some embodiments, such bonuses are funded out of respective bonus funding accounts maintained and managed for the players (which may be game-specific). In accordance with some embodiments, such bonus funding accounts may be maintained for players without the player's knowledge or control and may be funded based on gaming activity of the players (e.g., a portion of each wager made by a player may be contributed to the balance of the player's bonus funding account).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Gamesys, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hans Elias, Robeson Mandela Reeves, Thomas David James Aicken
  • Patent number: 9652932
    Abstract: An account adjusting system according to an embodiment of the invention comprises a game machine that pays an award corresponding to a kind of a prize of a game; and an account adjusting apparatus that adjusts an account for a user. The game machine has a paying section for determining an award corresponding to a kind of a prize of a game and a determining section for determining whether or not tax payment is required based on the award determined by the paying section, and when determining that tax payment is required, transmitting award information indicative of the award to the account adjusting apparatus. The account adjusting apparatus has a receiving section for receiving the award information; a tax payment amount calculating section for calculating a tax payment amount based on the award information; and a tax payment certificate providing section for producing an output to prepare a tax payment certificate based on the tax payment amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Nonaka
  • Patent number: 9576430
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to gaming devices having a delayed bonus win determination and methods of operating gaming systems and gaming devices to provide delayed bonus win determinations. Here, contributions to a linked jackpot may be separated from the chance to win the linked jackpot, where the chance to win the linked jackpot can be stored and used at a later time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: PATENT INVESTMENT & LICENSING COMPANY
    Inventor: John F. Acres
  • Patent number: 9552690
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and method for determining the volatility of a game based on one or more external data feeds. Generally, the system is configured to communicate with and collect data from one or more external data feeds, use the collected data to determine volatility data representing the volatility of a game, and provide one or more plays of the game having the volatility represented by the volatility data. In various embodiments, the system includes a volatility determination system including a data accumulator, an external feed data analyzer, and a metric data analyzer; and a gaming system. The volatility determination system collects the data from the external data feeds and uses the collected data to determine the volatility data representing the volatility of the game, and the gaming system provides a play of the game having the volatility represented by the determined volatility data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Adam M. Meyer
  • Patent number: 9552588
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a method comprises causing, to be displayed to a user through a web page of a social network provider that provides a social network, contest data that indicates an online contest; receiving, at a particular entity, input that indicates an intention by the user to participate in the online contest; sending, from the particular entity, request data that indicates a request, by the particular entity, for one or more permissions that allows the particular entity to access information from the social network provider about the user; after sending the request data, receiving, at the particular entity, acceptance data that indicates that the user accepts the request; in response to receiving the acceptance data, causing the user to be entered in the online contest; wherein the method is performed by one or more computing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Quotient Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Matthias Eichstaedt, Sunil K. Bopardikar, Deepak Goel
  • Patent number: 9514606
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for triggering a bonus game with a wagering game machine are described. A bonus triggering module is used for adjusting a payout frequency to trigger one or more bonus games. In some embodiments, the bonus triggering module uses a player selection to trigger a bonus game. In various embodiments, occurrences of hidden events are generated to mystery trigger a bonus game. Wagering game machines according to the various embodiments of the invention are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeremy Hornik
  • Patent number: 9514608
    Abstract: Methods and gaming systems provide a player selection game in which the prizes available in the game increase in response to certain player selections from the various player selectable elements. Prizes are increased in a manner that makes it clear to the player that they have obtained an enhanced prize. In particular, prizes are increased in the course of the player selection game so that the lowest prize available after a prize increase is greater than the highest prize available prior to the prize increase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Everi Games Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Casey, Clint Owen
  • Patent number: 9483899
    Abstract: A wagering game system includes an input device, a display device, and one or more memory devices storing instructions that, when executed by a controller, cause the wagering game system to display an expected-value indicator on the display device and receive, via the input device, an input indicative of at least one wager. The instructions further cause the wagering game system to add a portion of the at least one wager to an actual turnover for a progressive jackpot and update the expected-value indicator to indicate the actual turnover for the progressive prize relative to a theoretical average trigger value, thereby indicating a theoretical probability that the progressive jackpot will be awarded and award the progressive jackpot in response to a triggering event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventor: Allon G. Englman
  • Patent number: 9483912
    Abstract: Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more repeat paylines. The systems and methods may receive one or more secondary wagers on one or more repeat paylines. The repeat paylines may be based on data received from a player. The systems and methods may determine a repeat paylines payout based on the one or more repeat paylines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Cadillac Jack, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Andrew Melnick, Mauro Alejandro Franic, Godfrey Omoregie Imudia
  • Patent number: 9449461
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a networked gaming system that enables a plurality of players to wager on one or more dealers at different dealing stations dealing independent games simultaneously. A live video is captured on each dealing station and simulcast to player stations where players are playing at. Players can bet on any combination of the games that are being broadcast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Dynamic Gaming Systems LLC
    Inventors: Charlie Barksdale, Jon Morosky
  • Patent number: 9440149
    Abstract: Provided is an incentive granting device, comprising: a second game notifying unit 16 which notifies an existing user of the existence of a second game during the execution by the existing user of a first game app; an introduction code issuing unit 18 which issues an introduction code during the execution of the second game app by the existing user who has received the notification; and an incentive granting unit 20 which grants a prescribed incentive for the existing user's first game, with respect to a new user receiving an introduction from the existing user and downloading the second game app. By allowing an existing user to be aware of the existence of a second game during the execution of a first game, and to obtain an incentive for the first game by executing the second game and introducing a new user thereto, the existing user is given a motivation to proactively spread the word about the second game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: POKELABO, INC.
    Inventor: Yuta Maeda
  • Patent number: 9406199
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to gaming devices having a delayed bonus win determination and methods of operating gaming systems and gaming devices to provide delayed bonus win determinations. Here, contributions to a linked jackpot may be separated from the chance to win the linked jackpot, where the chance to win the linked jackpot can be stored and used at a later time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: PATENT INVESTMENT & LICENSING COMPANY
    Inventor: John F. Acres
  • Patent number: 9384635
    Abstract: In an embodiment of a gaming method, an identifier may be received from a first gaming unit, wherein the identifier is associated with a tournament game card, wherein the tournament game card is provided to a player in response to paying a fee. Whether the identifier received from the first gaming unit is authentic may be determined. A duration the player may play in a tournament may be determined based on the identifier, and the first gaming unit may be enabled for play in the tournament for the duration if the identifier is authentic. A tournament score of the player may be received, and a winning player of the tournament, if any, may be determined. Data indicative of a value payout to be awarded to the winning player may be generated if the winning player of the tournament is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Binh T. Nguyen, Craig A. Paulsen
  • Patent number: 9330538
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method that includes programming a computer machine to perform the steps of: providing game slips to game players, where each games slip has game options and one of the game options is a first game option that includes a non-verified outcome of an event; receiving the game slips that include selected game options where one selected game option includes the first game option; determining odds of the first game option based on: 1-P, where P is the probability of a verified outcome of the event, a financial criterion of the game provider, and the selected game options; providing and receiving acceptance of the odds; determining whether the event has resulted in the verified outcome or the non-verified outcome; and determining, for each game player that selected the first game option, a prize based on the accepted odds when the event results in a non-verified outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Intralot S.A.—Integrated Lottery Systems and Services
    Inventors: Nikolaos Konstakis, Nikolaos Kapatos
  • Patent number: 9293011
    Abstract: A game system and method plays an electronic provides an electronic community bingo game. The electronic community bingo game is initiated on a predetermined periodic time period and has a predetermined qualifying basis. Each player's entry into the electronic community bingo game is normalized as a function of the respective player's wagers and the predetermined qualifying basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Video Gaming Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan Cuddy
  • Patent number: 9293007
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the gaming system and method disclosed herein maintains a progressive award that is associated with a plurality of different progressive award trigger values or progressive award hit values. In such embodiments, the displayed value of the progressive award does not reset to a reset value or reset amount until the displayed value of that progressive award has incremented to each of the plurality of progressive award hit values associated with that progressive award. In these embodiments, the gaming system provides a plurality of displayed incremented values of a progressive award a plurality of times before the displayed value of that progressive award is reset to the reset value. Such a configuration provides that after the gaming system provides a currently displayed value of a progressive award to a player at least a first time, the displayed value of that progressive award continues incrementing from the provided value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jason P. Pawloski, Rogelio S. Decasa, Jr., William K. Hughes, Eric S. Boese, Jeffrey D. Urmston
  • Patent number: 9293006
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a bonus scheme associated with a gaming process that is a feature event. With reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, a gaming process is conducted at Steps S3 to S5, the outcome of which determines a gaming process win value. At Step S7 the gaming process win value is compared to a threshold value and, if the gaming process win value is less than, or equal to the threshold value, a bonus prize is awarded to the player at Step S9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Dynamite Services Pty Limited
    Inventor: Benjamin James Ellis
  • Patent number: 9224261
    Abstract: A gaming device incentivizes additional game play by combining payouts with conditional payouts. During game play, players are informed of the conditions, which must be satisfied so as to vest the conditional payouts. Subsequent game play is monitored to see if the player has satisfied the conditions. If the player has satisfied the conditions, then the conditional payout vests. If the condition is not met, then the conditional payout terminates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Russell P. Sammon, Jeffrey Y. Hayashida, Daniel E. Tedesco, Robert C. Tedesco
  • Patent number: 9214061
    Abstract: When a common game condition is established, at least one of the following games is run: a first common game in which a participating gaming terminal is able to win a bonus type more than once and a payout based on a unit payout amount corresponding to the bonus type that the gaming terminal wins is awarded to the gaming terminal; a second common game in which a participating gaming terminal is able to win a bonus type more than once and a payout based on the number of winnings is awarded to the gaming terminal; and a third common game in which one of the participating gaming terminals is able to win one of the predetermined bonus types and a payout is awarded to the gaming terminal which wins said one of the bonus types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignees: Universal Entertainment Corporation, Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroki Munakata, Kenta Sugano, Daisyun Okamoto, Masumi Fujisawa, Takehisa Itagaki
  • Patent number: 9208648
    Abstract: A gaming system and method for enabling a player to select a plurality of games to simultaneously, concurrently or overlappingly play, wherein regardless or independent of which primary games the player selected to play, the secondary games available to be triggered remain the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: William Keith Hughes, Kimberly N. Rogers, Christian D. Gerchak
  • Patent number: 9202171
    Abstract: Virtual game dealers based on artificial intelligence are described. In one implementation, an artificial intelligence (AI) engine tracks player attributes and game states of a given electronic game, such as a multiplayer electronic card game hosted by a virtual dealer. The virtual dealer may be embodied as a video, hologram, or robot. The AI engine selects speech and gestures for the virtual dealer based on the game states and player attributes. The player attributes may be retrieved from a player tracking system, from an identifier card carried by the player, and from machine perception of the player in real time. In one implementation, the AI engine determines emotions for the virtual dealer to portray, based on circumstances. Supported by the AI engine, the virtual dealer may personalize dialogue, provide information, and perform card and chip tricks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: DigiDeal Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. Kuhn
  • Patent number: 9153103
    Abstract: A gaming machine with more gaming excitement is provided. The gaming machine includes: a symbol display device configured to display a result of a game by rearranging symbols in cells forming a matrix; and a controller used to start a base game requiring betting, a free game not requiring betting, and a plurality of types of bonus games. The controller is programmed to execute the steps of: executing a base game of randomly determining symbols to be rearranged in the symbol display device; determining whether a specific symbol is to be rearranged in a predetermined region of the symbol display device, the predetermined region including at least one cell; executing a free game of randomly determining symbols to be rearranged in the symbol display device; determining whether the specific symbol is to be rearranged in the predetermined region; and executing any one of the types of the bonus games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignees: Universal Entertainment Corporation, Aruze Gaming America, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenta Kitamura, Kenji Enokido, Hiromoto Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 9147308
    Abstract: In one example, there is provided a method of gaming comprising initiating play, conducting a feature game in response to a feature trigger condition being met, providing at least two alternative continuations which may be accessed if a further trigger condition is met during the feature game, determining which of the alternative continuations to apply upon the further trigger condition being met, and continuing play with the determined continuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited
    Inventor: Sek Hwan Joung
  • Patent number: 9098981
    Abstract: A gaming system, comprising: a main cabinet comprising a mechanism for playing a game other than a slot machine game, and a mechanism for playing a slot machine game; at least a first portion of a screen for displaying the game other than the slot machine game; and at least a second portion of a screen for displaying the slot machine game; wherein the mechanism for playing the slot machine game is adapted to receive second bets from a first user while the first user awaits results of first bets placed on the mechanism for playing the game other than the slot machine game during the countdown time of said game other than the slot machine game; and wherein the results of the first bets are presented independently from the results of the second bets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Inventor: Jay Chun
  • Patent number: 9092949
    Abstract: A gaming machine for allowing a player to play a game is described herein. The gaming machine includes a display device and a game controller for displaying a game on the display device. The game includes a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbol positions and a plurality of game symbols displayed in each of the symbol positions in a predetermined order. The game controller allows a player to make a wager on the game and responsively displays the game on the display device. The game controller randomly determines an outcome of the game, responsively spins and stops the reels to display the outcome including at least two reels having the same symbols being displayed in the same symbol positions, and awards an award to the player as a function of the outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: KONAMI GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Eiji Aida, Daisuke Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9076293
    Abstract: A wagering method is provided that allows players or gaming establishments to specify conditions which when satisfied, reconfigure the gaming device to change game play from a first game to a second game. The condition may depend upon the value of a parameter—generally related to game play—to determine if the condition is valid and triggers the reconfiguration. The second game may be selected from a game on the same gaming device, from a game on a different gaming device, or a game played by a specific player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Robert C. Tedesco, Daniel E. Tedesco, Stephen C. Tulley
  • Patent number: 9070247
    Abstract: A system receives standard game output consisting of electronic signals for displaying text, numbers, and machine sounds and converts these signals to animated behavior and animated speech of a virtual human bystander shown on the audio-visual display. An interface receives data communication representing standard game states and standard game output from a separate electronic game, and uses the input to drive a virtual assistant projector, which animates an automated virtual assistant on the audio-visual display. A game output converter translates standard game states and standard game output from the interface into animated behavior information and animated speech information for input to the virtual assistant projector. Computer processing of the system can be operationally and communicatively isolated from a main game engine of the electronic game table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: DIGIDEAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Kuhn, David Krise, Donald Evans, Kane Kuhn
  • Patent number: 9070250
    Abstract: A gaming system that provides game play in exchange for monetary input per game played is disclosed. The gaming system includes a game server and a plurality of game units connected to the game server via a network. In this gaming system, at least a portion of the network is a wireless network, and wherein the game system enables wireless real time gaming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Matthew F. Kelly, John G. Kroeckel, John E. Link, Norman B. Petermeier
  • Patent number: 9064379
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the gaming system and method disclosed herein maintains a progressive award that is associated with a plurality of different progressive award trigger values or progressive award hit values. In such embodiments, the displayed value of the progressive award does not reset to a reset value or reset amount until the displayed value of that progressive award has incremented to each of the plurality of progressive award hit values associated with that progressive award. In these embodiments, the gaming system provides a plurality of displayed incremented values of a progressive award a plurality of times before the displayed value of that progressive award is reset to the reset value. Such a configuration provides that after the gaming system provides a currently displayed value of a progressive award to a player at least a first time, the displayed value of that progressive award continues incrementing from the provided value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jason P. Pawloski, Rogelio S. Decasa, Jr., William K. Hughes, Eric S. Boese, Jeffrey D. Urmston
  • Patent number: 9058718
    Abstract: A gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a first display unit that includes a plurality of reels including a plurality of symbols thereon; and a controller configured to: determine whether a rendering effect activation is selected; execute a game by spinning and stopping the plurality of reels of the display device; and perform a rendering effect on the spinning and stopping of the plurality of reels when it is determined that the rendering effect activation is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignees: UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION, ARUZE GAMING AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Kazuo Okada, Masumi Fujisawa, Kenta Kitamura, Susumu Mio
  • Patent number: 9053605
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include determining a player account, from a network wagering venue, that is eligible to participate in a network-wide wagering game event, and selecting the player account to be a player that performs for an audience of other users from the network wagering venue. The player can win at least some portion of awards by playing a wagering game during the network-wide wagering game event. Audience member users can participate in the event using interactive features (e.g., betting features, chat features, etc.) presented in a presentation, or view, of the network-wide wagering game event. The operations can also include involving, or incorporating, the audience members, into the network-wide wagering game event in a variety of ways, such as assisting the player participant to perform better at the wagering game, engaging in side-bets, receiving awards, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Barclay, Allon G. Englman, Andrew C. Guinn, Daniel P. Louie
  • Patent number: 9047730
    Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include determining a player account, from a network wagering venue, that is eligible to participate in a network-wide wagering game event, and selecting the player account to be a player that performs for an audience of other users from the network wagering venue. The player can win at least some portion of awards by playing a wagering game during the network-wide wagering game event. Audience member users can participate in the event using interactive features (e.g., betting features, chat features, etc.) presented in a presentation, or view, of the network-wide wagering game event. The operations can also include involving, or incorporating, the audience members, into the network-wide wagering game event in a variety of ways, such as assisting the player participant to perform better at the wagering game, engaging in side-bets, receiving awards, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Barclay, Allon G. Englman, Andrew C. Guinn, Daniel P. Louie
  • Patent number: 9039522
    Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a gaming system capable of providing progressive level alerts or promotions when a progressive jackpot reaches a predetermined value. In one embodiment, the user is able to register for a progressive level alert. In another embodiment, the progressive level alert is presented on an affiliated or third party website. By providing progressive jackpot amount information, the user, who may not otherwise patronize a casino, is encouraged to visit the particular casino offering games capable of awarding a progressive jackpot prize of a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Guan, Brett McReynolds
  • Publication number: 20150141133
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method of providing a game within a communications network comprising a plurality of devices and at least one server. The method includes the steps of at least one player of a plurality of players within a pool selecting an outcome for an event at a device; the server accumulating points for the player, wherein the points are calculated based upon odds for the outcome at the time of selection; and the server determining the winning player or players for the pool based upon accumulated points. A further method involving a pool of pools, a system, and a computer medium are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Anil BHAGCHANDANI, David BEESLEY
  • Patent number: 9028322
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing gambling games to users wherein the games are not tied to a particular gaming operator. Specifically, a third party gaming system provides central access to a library of gambling games offered by multiple gaming operators. Players connect to the third party gaming system and select a game from the library of gambling games. Once a player has selected a game, the third party gaming system provides the player with a game client for the selected game and operator configuration parameters for a suitable gaming operator system. The game client then dynamically reconfigures itself using the configuration parameters to connect to the gaming operator system to play the game. In some cases after the user has selected a game they are provided with a list of gaming operators that offer the selected game and the player can select which operator that they wish to play with.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventors: Ashley Lang, Dennis Diaconescu, Peter Mares
  • Patent number: 9022853
    Abstract: A primary and secondary game for a wagering gaming machine. In one embodiment, the number of lines wagered or a slot machine makes the player eligible for a bonus game, and a wager made per payline effects how many moves or positions on a meter the player advances upon achieving the bonus triggering symbol or combination of symbols. When the player advances the meter to the end, the gaming device displays a payout event. The payout event can be any type of bonus gaming event that potentially provides an award to the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Karen M. Kendall