Abstract: A player of an enhanced game receives a bonus for playing the enhanced game and a chance for an additional extra award. The additional extra award may be based on one or more factors: the actual game title of the game being played by the player, the rate of gameplay by the player, the rate of gain/loss for an entity different from the player, a rate of gain/loss for the player, or the like. Gameplay and player data may be gathered and a dynamic bonusing system may reconfigure a gaming machine being played by the player based at least on the gathered data.

Abstract: According to a gaming system of the present invention, the control device cumulatively counts a part of the number of game media betted in each of the gaming machines as a cumulative value. Further, when the cumulative value reaches a predetermined value, a common game is executed in the gaming machine. When the common game is executed, the control device lights the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line provided for each of the gaming machines based on a result of the common game and pays out a predetermined number of game media to the gaming machine provided with the coupling illuminated line with all the illuminants included therein having been lighted.

Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes both enhanced as well as new ways of winning a progressive jackpot. New ways of becoming eligible for a progressive jackpot are also disclosed. In some embodiments, the reset amount, startup value, and funding percentage may be selected as needed to improve player excitement and anticipation. Players may also customize various aspects of the progressive game upon payment of a fee.

Abstract: A gaming machine (100) including a display (106) and a user interface (107) in communication with a game controller (101), which cooperate to provide a game (16), the gaming machine (100) offering at least one jackpot prize and awarding at least one feature game on the occurrence of a predetermined event during play of the game (16). The outcomes of the feature game include a first outcome and a second outcome, wherein the gaming machine (100) causes an increase of the jackpot prize on the occurrence of the first outcome, and causes the award of the jackpot prize on the occurrence of the second outcome. A gaming machine (100) is also described in which an increase to a jackpot prize is variable. Also described are gaming systems (200) including a plurality of linked gaming machines (100) and methods for gaming.

Abstract: A method of conducting a linked gaming event comprises determining that a first gaming device participating in the gaming event is to be awarded the primary prize. A determination is further made as to whether at least one second gaming device is to be awarded a secondary prize, the determination based at least in part on the location of the second gaming device with respect to the first gaming device. The primary prize and secondary prize are subsequently awarded.

Abstract: A gaming machine 10 has a display 14 and a game controller arranged to control images of symbols displayed on the display 14. The game controller is arranged to play a game 16 in which at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the display 14. If a predefined winning event occurs, the machine 10 awards a prize to a player. When a trigger condition occurs in a base game of the game 16, a bonus game feature is awarded comprising a series of bonus games. If a particular special symbol outcome occurs during any of the bonus games, the particular special symbol outcome is collected towards a jackpot prize awarding event.

Abstract: A connection unit of a game apparatus can be communicably connected to a “controller which has a lever that can be moved along a predetermined route, and which sends status information specifying a position of the lever and receives instruction information specifying a repulsive force to be applied to the lever”. A storage unit pre-stores repulsive force information specifying a repulsive force to be applied to the lever, in association with a game status and the position of the lever. A reception unit receives status information from the controller via the connection unit. A generation unit acquires repulsive force information pre-stored in association with the current game status and the position of the lever specified by the received status information, and generates instruction information specifying a repulsive force specified by the acquired repulsive force information. A sending unit sends the generated instruction information to the controller via the connection unit.

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

Abstract: A gaming system includes an input device configured to receive a wager input from a player at a gaming terminal to be eligible to win a progressive award, which is displayed on a display device. A controller is operative to cause the display device to display a numerical unit value of the progressive award and a non-numerical fraction of the numerical unit value. In response to the wager input received from the player and other wager inputs received from players at other gaming terminals, the controller is further operative to cause the display device to display changes to the non-numerical fraction as the numerical unit value progresses from a current unit value to a next unit value.

Abstract: A method of gaming comprising conducting one or more paid game rounds initiated in response to the payment of a wager by a player and a series of one or more free game rounds initiated in response to a free game series trigger event, the method comprising: in each paid game round, selecting a set of paid game round symbols for display to the player, determining a paid game round outcome based on the selected symbols, and incrementing a jackpot by a paid game jackpot increment; in each free game round, selecting a set of free game round symbols for display to the player, determining a free game round outcome based on the selected symbols, and incrementing the jackpot by a free game jackpot increment; and awarding the jackpot on the occurrence of a jackpot award event.

Abstract: A slot machine executes a slot game by rearranging symbols arranged in multiple partitioned regions in a matrix including first to fifth columns and first to third rows. When the rearranged symbols form a winning combination on a payline, a player receives an award. Moreover, the slot machine performs a process to decide an award content for a progressive bonus when either a slot game with a minimum bet amount or a slot game having a predetermined bet amount or less that is less than a maximum bet amount is executed. Instead, the process to decide the award content for the progressive bonus may be performed when the slot games with a minimum bet amount or the slot games having a predetermined bet amount or less that is less than a maximum bet amount are executed continuously a predetermined number of times.

Abstract: In a gaming system, slot games are executed, respectively, in a plurality of slot machines. When a common game execution determination is made in a center controller, a common game is executed in each of the slot machines. When the common game is executed, one of a plurality of partitioned regions set on a terminal display in each of the slot machines is selected, and symbols displayed in display regions included in the selected partitioned region are displayed on a common display. Specifically, on the common display, the symbols in the partitioned regions selected in the plurality of slot machines are displayed to form symbol arrays. When an award is generated based on the symbol arrays, a dividend for the award is allocated to each of the slot machines.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a progressive award having game play and an actual value. The game play has at least one variable element and an expected value that is representative of a value amount that should be won by the player, on average in the long term, via the game play. At least one controller is operative to change a state of the variable element based on received wager inputs at a plurality of gaming terminals such that the expected value of the game play increases as the state of the variable element changes. The state of the variable element is displayed on a display device and, in response to a progressive triggering event, game play is awarded, but not the actual value. The game play is conducted based on the variable element in its current state to determine the actual value, which is awarded to the player.

Abstract: A game device and a method allow a player to play a game on the gaming machine. The gaming machine has a main display and a user interface. The game has a main game and a bonus game. The method includes the steps of (i) allowing the player to place a wager on the main game, (ii) playing the main game and randomly establishing a result of the main game, and (iii) awarding the player an award as a function of a paytable if the result of the main game is a win. The method further includes the steps of (iv) detecting an appearance of a predetermined bonus trigger symbol during the play of the main game and responsively, randomly selecting a bonus symbol from a set of bonus symbols, repeating steps (i)-(iv), and awarding the player a bonus award if a predetermined number of unique bonus symbols are selected.

Abstract: The present invention is a gaming machine for providing a game after betting and for paying out an award according to a play result, including an initiator which executes the game, an assistant unit which helps a play in the game and a storage device which preserves the award as credits over 60.

Abstract: A slot machine executes a slot game by rearranging symbols that are arranged in multiple partitioned regions in a matrix including first to fifth columns and first to third rows. There are multiple paylines in these partitioned regions in the matrix. A player selects and specifies some of these paylines to be bet with game media. By betting the game media on each of the specified paylines, those paylines are activated in the slot game. When the rearranged symbols form a winning combination on any of the activated paylines, the player receives an award. Moreover, the slot machine performs a process to decide an award content for a progressive bonus along execution of the slot game in which the player bets the game media on all the paylines or a predetermined number or more of the paylines.

Abstract: A method of gaming comprising: conducting a game requiring a player to make a choice between at least one optimal action and at least one sub-optimal action having a lower return to player than the optimal action such that the difference between the sub-optimal action and the optimal action represents a lost return to player; receiving a player choice of an action; and conducting a trial for an award in which the probability of success is controlled to provide an expected return to player from the trial that compensates the player for the lost return to player in response to determining that the choice is a sub-optimal action.

Abstract: A system for distributing progressive gaming related information comprises a combiner and a communications medium. The combiner is for inserting data indicative of progressive gaming related information into a video signal as closed caption data to produce a combined video signal. The communications medium is for distributing the combined video signal to one or more receivers for display of a video image which comprises the progressive information as closed caption text.

Abstract: In a gaming system, a part of a bet is accumulated in a progressive bonus counter in a case of executing a slot game in each of slot machines. Then, in a case where an accumulated count value of the progressive bonus counter has reached a predetermined value, an event game which the plurality of slot machines participate in is executed, and a progressive bonus corresponding to a part or entirety of the accumulated count value is provided to a player who has won the event game. Moreover, in a case where the accumulated count value of the progressive bonus counter has reached the predetermined value when the slot game is being executed only in one slot machine, a mystery bonus is generated. Accordingly, a profit can be returned to players who execute the slot game.

Abstract: A game machine of the present invention includes: a plurality of first display devices provided corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of players; a second display device provided in common by the plurality of players; and a controller for controlling the first display devices and the second display device, the controller being operable to: execute a side game in a case where a predetermined condition is met in the basic game; determine, on the plural-players basis, card combinations in which payments are paid out, from among plural kinds of cards in the basic game, and then, display the determined card combination on at least one of each of the first display devices and the second display device; display, on the first display devices, a plurality of cards after dealt on the plural-players basis and display, on the second display device, a plurality of cards displayed on the first display devices and owned by the players, from among the plural kinds of cards in the side game; and pay out a payment, b

Abstract: A method of playing card games, according to the present invention, includes the steps of: (a) dealing a predetermined number of cards as player's cards and dealing a predetermined number of cards as banker's cards from among plural types of cards; (b) varying a predetermined card included in the player's cards to another kind of card at a predetermined timing in a case where the player's cards include the predetermined card for a duration from dealing of cards to an end of a game in (a); and (c) determining a winner or a loser by comparing hands of the player's cards with hands of the banker's cards.

Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The central server includes a plurality of progressive modules. Each progressive module maintains one or more progressive awards and is associated with zero, one or more of the gaming machines in the gaming system. Upon a determination that a designated one of the progressive awards will be provided, one of the gaming machines associated with the progressive module which maintains the designated progressive award provides the designated progressive award to the player of such gaming machine.

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

Abstract: Methods for operating a gaming machine relate to gaming machines providing the option to initiate a deal which allows a dependency to be created between the results displayed during plays of a base game in the deal. The present invention, at least in some of its preferred forms, increases the player's anticipation and excitement during operation of the gaming machine.

Abstract: A gaming device which includes a variety of methods to provide distinct progressive awards for two or more paylines. In one embodiment, each and every payline has its own progressive award that issues upon the appearance of a predetermined symbol combination on that payline.

Abstract: A gaming machine is described wherein a player first plays a primary game, such as the spinning and stopping of mechanical or video reels displaying symbols. A plurality of progressive jackpots is displayed to the player. Upon a jackpot-winning outcome of the primary game, the number of different progressive jackpots paid to the player depends on the number of credits bet by the player. In one embodiment, the jackpot above each column of symbols gets incremented upon a special symbol, such as a credit value, being displayed in that column. As the jackpots are won, other jackpots are shifted over the columns to replace the won jackpots. In another embodiment, the determination of which jackpot is won depends on the outcome of the primary game.

Abstract: A process indicates a first price category and a second price category in which a raffle ticket having a raffle number thereon is available for purchase. The raffle ticket is eligible for play in both an initial raffle game and a subsequent raffle game. The raffle ticket is eligible for play in both an initial raffle game and a subsequent raffle game. Further, the raffle number is utilized for play in both the initial raffle game and the subsequent raffle game. In addition, the initial raffle game occurs during an initial time period and the subsequent raffle game occurs during a subsequent time period. The initial raffle game also has an initial raffle game prize associated therewith. Further, the subsequent raffle game has a subsequent raffle prize associated therewith. The subsequent raffle game prize is less than the initial raffle game prize.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing a promotional progressive jackpot and hidden pools includes a plurality of gaming machines usable by a plurality of players and a host computer operatively coupled to the plurality of gaming machines. The host computer allowing a system user to select a subset of the plurality of gaming machines, allows at least one or more players to use the subset of the plurality of gaming machines, responsively establishing at least one incremental value in response thereto, and adds the at least one incremental value to the promotional progressive jackpot pool. The host computer further awards at least a portion of the promotional progressive jackpot pool to a winning one of the players in response to an occurrence of predetermined promotional progressive jackpot conditions.

Abstract: A system and method establishes promotional progressive jackpot and hidden pools. The system includes first and gaming machines usable by a plurality of players. The first gaming machine has a first theoretical hold value and the second gaming machine has a different second theoretical hold value. The promotional progressive jackpot pool is associated with the first and second gaming machines. A host computer is operatively coupled to the first and second gaming machines for establishing a first incremental value in response to a first player using the first gaming machine and adding the first incremental value to the promotional progressive jackpot pool and for establishing a second incremental value in response to a second player using the second gaming machine and adding the second incremental value to the promotional progressive jackpot pool.

Abstract: A method for establishing promotional progressive jackpot and hidden pools are provided. The system includes a host computer and a plurality of gaming machines playable by a plurality of players, connected to the host computer. Each gaming machine is playable in first and second modes selectable by the player and allows the player to select one of the first and second modes and to play the gaming machine in the selected one of the first and second modes. The promotional progressive jackpot pool is associated with the plurality of gaming machines. The host computer opens a data session on the host computer and records information in the data session on the host computer related to the player's play of the selected one of the gaming machines during the data session. The host computer closes the data session in response to the player choosing to play the game in the other of the first and second modes.

Abstract: There is disclosed a gaming system and method of gaming for playing a game, wherein in response to receipt of an additional bet from a player, the player is able to obtain at least one additional outcome in relation to which an additional prize is awarded. It is determined independently of whether the player has placed the additional bet, whether to award the additional prize to the player based on an amount bet by the player.

Abstract: A method for establishing promotional progressive jackpot and hidden pools associated with a plurality of gaming machines playable by a plurality of players. The gaming machine may be playable in first and second modes selectable by the player. The method includes opening a data session on the host computer (player tracking database) in response to a first input by one of the players on a selected gaming machine, allowing the player to select one of the first and second modes and to play the gaming machine in the selected one of the first and second modes, and recording information in the data session on the host computer.

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

Abstract: In a betting system, roulette games or horse racing games can be executed at one terminal and also tickets for betting events can be purchased. In addition, a progressive bonus count value is accumulated into a progressive bonus counter at each game execution and also a progressive bonus count value is accumulated into the progressive bonus counter at each sale of the tickets. Then all or part of the progressive bonus count value accumulated in the progressive bonus counter will be awarded when an award has been achieved in executing the games or in purchasing the tickets. Therefore, more awards can be provided to a player.

Abstract: In a gaming machine, a unit game in which arranged symbols are rearranged is displayed on a first display, and a character corresponding to a probability by which a specific symbol is rearranged in the unit game is displayed on a second display. When a command from a payout controller is received, a special game for executing the unit game for a prescribed number of times is executed at the gaming machine. When a prescribed condition is realized in conjunction with a rearrangement of symbols including the specific symbol in the unit game during this special game, a payment of credit as a payout for the special game is executed in conjunction with an end of a period of the special game. A level of difficulty by which the prescribed condition is realized during the special game is different for the gaming machine using a symbol with a high rearrangement probability in the unit game as the specific symbol and the gaming machine using a symbol with a low rearrangement probability as the specific symbol.

Abstract: A gaming machine comprising a controller programmed to execute the processing of rolling and stopping the plurality of dice in the gaming portion, cumulatively accumulating, in a case where a normal BET has not been placed on the outcomes of dice satisfying any of plural kinds of predetermined conditions, or in a case where the outcomes of the stopped plurality of dice do not satisfy any of the plural kinds of predetermined conditions, a predetermined ratio of the game media which have been bet as the normal BET in association with respective outcomes of the dice satisfying any of the plural kinds of predetermined conditions, and offering, in a case where the outcomes of the stopped plurality of dice satisfy any of the plural kinds of predetermined conditions, the game media cumulatively accumulated in association with the outcomes of the plurality of dice.

Abstract: A method of gaming comprising conducting a jackpot having a jackpot prize awarded from a jackpot pool; receiving at least one player prediction of a final value of a parameter characterizing the jackpot prize when the jackpot is awarded determining that a jackpot prize is to be awarded; determining a final value of the parameter corresponding to the award of the jackpot; and determining whether to award one or more prizes from a prediction prize pool based on each player prediction and the final value.

Abstract: A jackpot system comprising at least two jackpot controllers including a first jackpot controller arranged to act at least as a master jackpot controller and a second jackpot controller arranged to act as either a master or a slave jackpot controller, the first jackpot controller arranged to act as the master jackpot controller by conducting at least one jackpot during which the master jackpot controller aggregates jackpot data and at least periodically communicates the aggregated data to at least the second jackpot controller, and the second jackpot controller arranged to act initially as the slave jackpot controller and communicate jackpot data to the first jackpot controller for aggregation, the second jackpot controller arranged to store the aggregated data received from the first jackpot controller and to act as the master controller if the master jackpot controller fails by continuing to conduct the at least one jackpot based on the stored aggregated data and by aggregating further jackpot data.

Abstract: Described is an electronic gaming device and system with player preference options. With the device or system, a player may select certain game parameters, including, but not limited to, whether or not to play for a progressive jackpot, whether or not to listen to game tones associated with the game and whether or not to play left handed or right handed. Players may also select a number of pay lines to play or which bonus games to play. The player's preferred parameters may then be stored such that during a later visit, the electronic gaming device may be automatically configured using the stored parameters or alternatively, the player may be provided with the option to select or decline the preferred parameters from a previous gaming session. In one version, multiple games of chance may be played simultaneously on a single game screen.

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

Abstract: An accumulate (increment) according to an amount of predetermined ratio of the number of bets made with respect to a game is repeated with respect to an award amount of a plurality of progressive jackpots, respectively. An award amount of a progressive jackpot which is the object of the increment increases towards an upper limit based on a predetermined sequence. More specifically, when the award amount of the progressive jackpot that is the object of increment is about to reach or become higher than the upper limit, the award amount of the progressive jackpot which is the object of increment is set to the upper limit. Further, an award amount of a progressive jackpot with a following sequence number is set as the object of subsequent increment. If a progressive jackpot is won, an award amount of any one of a plurality of progressive jackpots is selected based on its sequence number. The award amount of the progressive jackpot that was the object of the selection is awarded.

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

Abstract: A method of presenting and playing a game provides the opportunity for enhanced awards. In one embodiment, if a winning game outcome is a predetermined winning outcome, an enhanced paytable or award is activated. The enhanced paytable or award offers the player a chance for enhanced winnings in one or more subsequent games. The enhanced award may be activated when a particular winning outcome is received in a game and may then be won by repeating that winning outcome in one or more subsequent games. The award might also be won by designating the outcome before a game and then receiving that outcome during the play of the game. The enhanced award or paytable may remain in effect for a period of time or for a certain number of games, and may be triggered, be selected by a player or be selected by a casino.

Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a progressive jackpot awarded in response to a jackpot win event. The gaming system includes a first gaming machine linked to the progressive jackpot, the first gaming machine accepting a first wager. The gaming system further includes a second gaming machine linked to the progressive jackpot, the second gaming machine accepting a second wager that is greater than the first wager. A first player making the first wager at the first gaming machine is awarded the progressive jackpot if the jackpot win event is associated with the first gaming machine. A second player making the second wager at the second gaming machine is awarded the progressive jackpot plus an expected value equalizing award if the jackpot win event is associated with the second gaming machine.

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

Abstract: A method of play on an electronic gaming machine wherein at least one predefined outcome of a base game played on said gaming machine triggers the winning of at least one jackpot prize from a range of potential progressive jackpot prizes; wherein a value of any jackpot prize increases incrementally between a base value and a maximum value; and wherein said value and progress of any increment of said value is displayed on said gaming machine.

Abstract: A progressive jackpot slot machine, or group of slot machines, is described herein. A plurality of progressive jackpots are accumulated as the slot machine is played. In the preferred embodiment, a first progressive jackpot is accumulated at a first rate, and a second progressive jackpot is accumulated at a rate higher than the first rate. Additional jackpots accumulate at higher rates. The betting of additional monetary amounts enables the player to win additional jackpots. This provides added incentive for the player to bet additional monetary amounts.

Abstract: Various embodiments of progressive gaming systems and methods are disclosed. One method embodiment, among others, comprises enabling a player an opportunity to win, at a time corresponding to a game play session, a first progressive award that is based on wagers collected from machines associated with game play, an amount of the first progressive award augmented with data corresponding to the wagers, the data received over a wide area network, and enabling the player an opportunity to win, at a time corresponding to the game play session, a second progressive award that is based on wagers collected from machines associated with game play, an amount of the second progressive award augmented with data corresponding to the wagers, the data received over a local area network.

Abstract: A card game with an optional side bet and methods for playing this game. The method comprises the player placing an ante bet and a blind bet to enter the game and optionally placing the optional side bet. The dealer deals a plurality of Hole cards to the players, and the players are then given the option to place a first play bet or check. The dealer deals a plurality of community cards, turning at least one of the community cards face up, and the players are given the option to place a second play bet or check. The dealer turns the remaining community cards face up, and the players are then given the option to place a third play bet or check. The dealer receives a plurality of dealer Hole cards. After the dealer Hole cards are revealed, the hands are determined by combining two dealer Hole cards with the community cards to form a dealer's hand. The ante, blind, play and optional bets are then resolved, the optional side bet resolved according to a predetermined criteria.

Abstract: A method of conducting a plurality of wagering games on a group of gaming machines includes receiving wagers from players at the group of gaming machines. In response to a triggering condition associated with a gaming machine of the group of gaming machines, the method further includes presenting a special event on the gaming machine, and changing a set of wagering game symbols required to achieve a known award on at least another one of the group of gaming machines.