| IGT Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20120129592 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A TIME BASED AWARD - A method is provided for providing payments at a gaming device, where the payments may occur at predictable times and are of predictable amounts. In one or more embodiments, a gaming device may provide a guaranteed payment every hour on the hour, so long as a player meets one or more criteria. Criteria may include a total amount wagered, a total number of handle pulls completed, or a total amount of time spent at a gaming device. One or more embodiments provide a method for withholding value from a player in order that the value may delivered later in the form of a guaranteed payment. One or more embodiments provide a method whereby multiple gaming devices may provide payments simultaneously, thereby creating mutually reinforcing sounds and visual displays. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120129589 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING PLAYER SELECTION OF MODIFIERS TO GAME COMPONENTS - In one embodiment, the gaming system and method disclosed herein provides a plurality of gaming devices that each participate in a group game including a plurality of masked group game components and determines and provides separate awards to each player of the gaming devices based on the amount of modifiers applied to each of the group game components having a modifier applied by the player of that gaming device. In one embodiment, the gaming system enables each player to selectively apply or associate a plurality of modifiers to a single game component or apply the plurality of modifiers across the plurality of game components. For each gaming device, the gaming system displays and provides any awards to the player of that gaming device. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120129588 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD PRODIVING RELATIVELY LARGE AWARDS WITH VARIABLE PLAYER PARTICIPATION LEVELS - A number matching game which includes a matching game with multiple number sets. A player can win standard Keno paytable awards in addition to relatively large awards. A player's initial set has a minimum size requirement for the player to be eligible for the relatively large award. The gaming machine provides supplemental numbers to the player if the player does not select the minimum quantity of numbers. Any supplemental numbers created for the player cannot be used towards the Keno paytable awards. In one embodiment, odds of winning the relatively large awards are kept proportionate with the player's wager level. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120129587 | CLASS II/CLASS III HYBRID GAMING MACHINE, SYSTEM AND METHODS - The present invention provides a gaming machine that can play both Class II and Class III games. Some implementations provide a gaming machine that has certain features (e.g., a true random number generator or “RNG”) enabled for Class III play and disabled for Class II play. Some aspects of the invention provide methods for determining when a Class III game is available. Other aspects of the invention allow a player to “line up” for a desired Class III game while playing another game, such as a Class II game or another Class III game, on the same gaming machine until the desired Class III game is available. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120127126 | MULTI-USER INPUT SYSTEMS AND PROCESSING TECHNIQUES FOR SERVING MULTIPLE USERS - Techniques for providing a common input for multiple users are disclosed. Two separate input detection systems can be provided. One input detection system detects the identity of user while the other detects the location of input for processing. The information provided by the two detection systems is effectively reconciled to determine whether a particular user identified by the first system has provided input in a particular location indicated by the second system. Information can be reconciled, for example, at least partially based on the timing information provided by the two systems (e.g., whether the times indicated by the two systems are within an acceptable range). It will also be appreciated that both input system can be integrated into a single device which can be presented, for example, as multi-user touchscreen. The multi-user touch screen can provide a common input surface to serve numerous applications. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120122569 | RECONFIGURABLE GAME MACHINE - A reconfigurable game machine consists of an electronic game machine supported by an adjustable frame. A control system is configured to automatically adjust the elevation of a main display of the electronic game machine from a first elevation associated with a first angle associated with a first game to a second elevation associated with a second angle associated with a second game. The control system may automatically adjust a respective position of the user interface panel. The electronic game machine may be configured to offer a game selected from any of a plurality of games, and the control system is configured to automatically position the adjustable frame so as to support the main display at an angle and an elevation appropriate to the selected game. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120122564 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD WHICH ENABLES MULTIPLE PLAYERS TO SIMULTANEOUSLY PLAY MULTIPLE INDIVIDUAL GAMES OR GROUP GAMES ON A CENTRAL DISPLAY - The present disclosure provides a gaming system including a central controller, a central display which includes a plurality of display segments and a plurality player stations. The display segments are configured to each separately display one of a plurality of games, to co-act to display a plurality of games, or to co-act to display one game. Each player station is configured to enable a player to play one or more of the games displayed by the display segments. The gaming system enables a plurality of players to play a group game on the central display, a plurality of players to simultaneously play multiple group games on the central display, and a plurality of players to each simultaneously play multiple individual games on the central display. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120122563 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING A LEVEL OF REWARD - A gaming system and method which includes enabling a player to initiate a play of a game, for the initiated play of the game: (i) randomly generating a game outcome, (ii) displaying to the player the randomly generated game outcome, (iii) determining any award associated with the displayed game outcome, and (iv) displaying to the player any determined award, enabling the player to invite a quantity of other players to each initiate a play of at least one game, the quantity of other players being greater than zero, and if the player invited the quantity of other players, providing the player a benefit, an amount of the benefit being based on the quantity of other players invited. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120122557 | CARD READER - A card reader may be configured for reading a bar code on a card, regardless of whether the bar code is on a first side of the card or a second side of the card. The card reader may be implemented in a wager gaming machine or in another context. If a card has a bar code printed on the first side and decorative material printed on the second side, the card reader may be configured to read the bar code regardless of the card's orientation. The bar code may be a two-dimensional bar code. A controller of the card reader may be configured for determining whether the bar code contains player tracking account information and/or other information regarding a person associated with the card. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120122541 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A GAME HAVING A FIRST EVALUATION BASED ON DRAWN SYMBOLS AND A SECOND EVALUATION BASED ON AN ORDER IN WHICH THE SYMBOLS ARE DRAWN - A gaming system displays a plurality of bingo cards each containing at least one column, each column having at least one square. Each square includes a random number selected from a range associated with that column. The gaming system displays each bingo card and an initially-empty accumulation area. Balls are drawn from a pool of balls, each ball associated with a number. As the balls are drawn, any square on any of the bingo cards containing the number of the drawn ball is marked with a suitable indicator. A primary award is provided for combinations of marked squares on one or more of the bingo cards. The gaming system displays the balls in the accumulated area in the order in which they are drawn. The gaming system provides a secondary award for combinations of balls displayed in the accumulation area. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120122540 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A GAME HAVING A FIRST EVALUATION BASED ON DRAWN SYMBOLS AND A SECOND EVALUATION BASED ON AN ORDER IN WHICH THE SYMBOLS ARE DRAWN - A gaming system displays a plurality of bingo cards each containing at least one column, each column having at least one square. Each square includes a random number selected from a range associated with that column. The gaming system displays each bingo card and an initially-empty accumulation area. Balls are drawn from a pool of balls, each ball associated with a number. As the balls are drawn, any square on any of the bingo cards containing the number of the drawn ball is marked with a suitable indicator. A primary award is provided for combinations of marked squares on one or more of the bingo cards. The gaming system displays the balls in the accumulated area in the order in which they are drawn. The gaming system provides a secondary award for combinations of balls displayed in the accumulation area. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120122534 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING A PREDETERMINED RESULT POKER GAME - An interactive poker game which provides a predetermined outcome to a player. The gaming device determines, based on an obtained predetermined game outcome, one or more playing cards to display for one or more individual hands of playing cards. The gaming device then enables the player to select one of the individual poker hands to actively play. The gaming device determines which playing cards must be provided to the actively played poker hand to provide the player the predetermined game outcome. The active poker hand is provided any determined cards which when combined with any previously revealed playing cards results in a poker hand with an associated payout equal to the payout associated with the predetermined game outcome. The gaming device determines and displays one or more playing cards for each of the non-selected hands of playing cards and provides the predetermined game outcome to the player. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120115604 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING A LEVEL OF REWARD - A gaming system and method which includes enabling a first player at a first gaming device to initiate at least one play of a first game, enabling a second player at a second gaming device to initiate at least one play of a second game, determining, based at least in part on at least one activity of the first player, a benefit, and providing the determined benefit to the second player. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120115587 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING AN ACCOUNT TO FUND BENEFITS FOR A PLAYER - An account is established for a player of a gaming device. The balance of the account is increased if a predetermined condition is satisfied. Disbursements from the account may be made if a predetermined condition is satisfied. A disbursement may be in the form of a payout, bonus, or other benefit. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120115584 | REMOTE WAGER GAMING SYSTEM USING A VIDEO GAME CONSOLE - Gaming systems, devices, and methods are described for enabling wager gaming with a gaming operator using a game cartridge, such as a USB key, and game storage medium, such as a DVD. The cartridge and disc are inserted into a video game console and a connection with the gaming operator is made via the Internet. Once a connection is made and the identity of the game cartridge user has been verified and authenticated, the user can begin wager game play. Game play data are transmitted between the console and the gaming operator in an encrypted format. An encryption key is transmitted to the gaming operator via a digital certificate stored on the cartridge which has the corresponding private key. The game cartridge is capable of capturing a biometric sample of the user which is compared to a sample provided when the cartridge was issued to the user. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120115578 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING CASCADING SYMBOLS WITH WILD FEATURES - A cascading symbol game includes designated symbols such as wild symbols. In the cascading symbol game, a gaming device generates and displays a symbol from a plurality of symbols for each of a plurality of symbol positions. The gaming device removes at least one symbol from at least one of the plurality of symbol positions. The gaming device repositions at least one displayed symbol to another one of the symbol positions to create at least one empty symbol position. If a designated event occurred, the gaming device generates and displays at least one designated symbol, such as a wild symbol, in the at least one empty symbol position, wherein the at least one designated wild symbol is generated independent of the plurality of symbols. The gaming device displays any award associated with any winning symbol combination formed from the displayed symbols. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120110347 | METHOD OF RANDOMLY AND DYNAMICALLY CHECKING CONFIGURATION INTEGRITY OF A GAMING SYSTEM - In a gaming environment, a method of periodically downloading dynamically generated executable modules at random intervals that perform system configuration integrity checks in a secure and verifiable manner is disclosed. The dynamically generated executable module returns the signature to a server from which it was downloaded and deletes itself from the system being checked. The next time such an executable module is downloaded, it will contain a different randomly chosen subset of hashing and encryption algorithms. The server that is performing the system configuration integrity check maintains a database of expected system configurations and performs subset of hashing and encryption algorithms as contained in the dynamically generated executable module. The result returned by the downloaded executable module is compared to that computed locally, and an error condition is raised if they do not match. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120108322 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BONUS ROUND PLAY - Methods and apparatus are provided for enabling a player to take a tour of a secondary game at a game machine. In one embodiment, a method is provided that includes offering to enable entry of a player into a bonus round of a game machine in exchange for a fee, receiving the fee from the player, and enabling entry of the player into the bonus round. The method further includes receiving an indication of at least one player selection during the bonus round, and determining an outcome based on the at least one player selection. In other embodiments, the method includes providing a prize to the player based on the outcome. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120108319 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD INCLUDING A COMMUNITY TRAIL GAME - In various embodiments, the gaming system, gaming device, and gaming method disclosed herein provides a community game having a trail or path. The community game enables a plurality of players to each simultaneously pick one or more directions of movement along the trail or path (i.e., pick or designate a destination position which that player wants to move to). If the picked directions of movement for more than one player result in more than one player each designating the same destination position, the gaming system determines which player is moved to the designated destination position (and is provided a displayed award or outcome associated with that position) and which player is moved to an alternative position (and is provided a displayed award or outcome associated with that alternative position). | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120108317 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING CASCADING SYMBOLS WITH WILD FEATURES - A cascading symbol game includes designated symbols such as wild symbols. In the cascading symbol game, a gaming device generates and displays a symbol from a plurality of symbols for each of a plurality of symbol positions. The gaming device removes at least one symbol from at least one of the plurality of symbol positions. The gaming device repositions at least one displayed symbol to another one of the symbol positions to create at least one empty symbol position. If a designated event occurred, the gaming device generates and displays at least one designated symbol, such as a wild symbol, in the at least one empty symbol position, wherein the at least one designated wild symbol is generated independent of the plurality of symbols. The gaming device displays any award associated with any winning symbol combination formed from the displayed symbols. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120108310 | STUD BINGO - The present invention provides methods and devices for providing wagering games having aspects of card games, such as poker games. Some implementations of the present invention involve methods and devices for providing such wagering games on a network of gaming machines. In some implementations, players can view a first M playing cards from each of N hands of playing cards, then must select one (or more) of the hands. Thereafter, a playing card hand (e.g., a poker hand) is made up for the selected hand from the N cards and from additional cards that are revealed after the hand is selected. Some implementations provide a bingo game in which areas of each bingo card correspond with playing cards, wherein players may establish interim wins that correspond to poker hands. Some such implementations include displaying N bingo cards, each of which corresponds to one of the N hands of playing cards. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120100914 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMNG DEVICE AND METHOD PROVIDING ACCUMULATION GAME - A gaming system and method enables a player to assign at least one amplifier to at least one accumulator. In one embodiment, the amplifier causes an increase in the rate of advancement for the accumulator. In one embodiment, the gaming system provides the player any awards associated with the level of one or more of the accumulators. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120100905 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING MULTIPLE GAMING DEVICES THAT SHARE A MULTI-OUTCOME DISPLAY - A gaming device system in which a plurality of gaming devices are linked by a common bonus event is provided. In one embodiment, the linked gaming device system includes a shared symbol generation display that is positioned adjacent to each of a plurality of associated gaming devices and has a plurality of sections and values displayed at each section. Upon a triggering of the bonus event, any player eligible to participate in the bonus may achieve an outcome generated from the bonus event. When the shared display is activated, it simultaneously generates a separate outcome associated with each of the gaming devices. The outcomes are spatially related to one another so that a random generation of an outcome associated with one gaming device automatically generates random outcomes associated with each gaming device. Each gaming device however receives the outcome only if it has participated in the random generation. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120094769 | MOBILE GAMING DEVICES FOR USE IN A GAMING NETWORK HAVING GAMING AND NON-GAMING ZONES - Novel gaming networks, devices, and systems for enabling game play on wireless, mobile gaming devices based on the location of the device are described. A mobile gaming device can be used for wagering game play when the device is physically present in an authorized game play zone in a gaming environment and is used by an authorized and verified user. A gaming environment is divided into zones wherein a zone either allows wagering game play on a device or does not. A zone has multiple transmitters that transmit security signals that are detectable by a mobile device at all times while the device is in the zone. An appropriate wireless communication standard can be used to transmit the security signal, such as near-field magnetic communication. The device has at least one user identification and authentication mechanism to ensure that only an authorized user is using the device. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120094756 | VIRTUAL CASINO HOST - Described herein are systems and methods that improve personalized service in a casino or other gaming establishment. The systems and methods provide a portable personal service device to a person; the device permits the gaming establishment to communicate with the person—regardless of their location in the gaming establishment. Messages sent to the person may be personalized and customized. The portable personal service device may also be used to track the location of the person in the gaming establishment. The person may also use the portable personal service device to send messages, for example, to call casino personnel to them or make other personal service requests. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120094752 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR A COMPETITIVE BONUS GAME WITH VARIABLE ODDS - A bonus controller for generating a competitive bonus game in a gaming system, the bonus controller having a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The bonus controller being programmed to: receive wagering data corresponding to a casino game, enter a first player associated with a first gaming apparatus into the competitive bonus game when the first player obtains a qualifying win at the casino game, determine odds for the first player to win the competitive bonus game, vary odds of winning the competitive bonus game for at least a second player after entering the first player into the competitive bonus game, the second player having been previously entered into the competitive bonus game, determine an outcome of the competitive bonus game, and transmit data corresponding to the outcome of the competitive bonus game to a display unit. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120094749 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD HAVING PROGRESSIVE AWARDS WITH METER INCREASE EVENTS - A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The gaming system includes at least one and preferably a plurality of progressive awards which are each associated with a supplemental fund or pool. If the gaming system determines that the progressive award is not growing at a designated incremental rate (due to a lack of wagers placed on gaming devices associated with the progressive award), the gaming system utilizes part or all of the amount in the supplemental fund to make up for this lack of wager based growth. Such a configuration provides that even if players are not actively playing gaming devices associated with the progressive award, the progressive award will still increment at a designated rate to at least a desirable value. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120094748 | MULTIPLE MONETARY TYPE GAMING MACHINE WITH CASH CONVERSION FUNCTIONALITY - A gaming machine connected in a gaming network or operating as a stand-alone machine, is capable of accepting two or more currencies for wager game play. The machine operates internally using a native monetary type and converts non-monetary bills to native amounts in the form of restricted or cashable credits. The multiple currency capability of the machine is utilized to encourage the use of restricted credits by adjusting conversion rates, payback tables, and the like. These features, combined with the use of restricted credits, also enable ways to monitor abuse and illegal activity on the gaming machine and implement ways to limit losses by a player. Certain post-conversion processes are used to ensure that the player is returned non-converted amounts. The gaming machine has additional hard and soft meters to process multiple monetary types. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120094746 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NORMALIZING AVERAGE EXPECTED PAYOUTS TO PLAYERS - The gaming system disclosed herein accounts for game play over a gaming session in determining a bonus game attribute for a triggered bonus game. The gaming system maintains a plurality of different bonus game attributes. Each different bonus game attribute is associated with a different bonus game attribute modification event and an initial probability of that bonus game attribute being selected for a play of a bonus game. For each bonus game attribute modification event that occurs, the gaming system modifies the probability that the associated bonus game attribute will be selected for a play of a bonus game. Upon an occurrence of a bonus game triggering event, the gaming system randomly selects one of the maintained bonus game attributes. The gaming system then displays a bonus game and determines a bonus game award utilizing the selected bonus game attribute. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120094745 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NORMALIZING AVERAGE EXPECTED PAYOUTS TO PLAYERS - The gaming system disclosed herein accounts for game play over a gaming session in determining a bonus game attribute for a triggered bonus game. The gaming system maintains a plurality of different bonus game attributes. Each different bonus game attribute is associated with a different bonus game attribute modification event and an initial probability of that bonus game attribute being selected for a play of a bonus game. For each bonus game attribute modification event that occurs, the gaming system modifies the probability that the associated bonus game attribute will be selected for a play of a bonus game. Upon an occurrence of a bonus game triggering event, the gaming system randomly selects one of the maintained bonus game attributes. The gaming system then displays a bonus game and determines a bonus game award utilizing the selected bonus game attribute. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120094741 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING MULTI-PLAYER WHEEL BONUS GAME AND CHARACTERISTIC SELECTION - In an embodiment, a gaming system includes a multi-player wheel game. The game includes a wheel having a plurality of sections. Each of the sections is associated with an award symbol. Each of the sections is also associated with a characteristic independent of the award symbol, such as a color. The gaming system enables each of a plurality of active players to select at least one of the characteristics associated with the wheel. The gaming system activates the wheel and indicates at least one section of the wheel. The gaming system and at the gaming devices associated with the gaming system provide an award associated with the award symbol of the indicated section. For each active player that selected the characteristic associated with the indicated section, the gaming system and the gaming devices associated with the gaming system provide a modified award. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120088578 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD PROVIDING TIERED PROGRESSIVE BONUSING SYSTEM - The gaming system and method disclosed herein provides a plurality of players with an opportunity to win a plurality of progressive awards maintained by the gaming system. The gaming system accumulates a quantity of progressive event points for each player playing at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system. In one embodiment, the gaming system uses an accumulated quantity of progressive event points for a designated player to determine which one or more of the progressive awards the designated player wins. In another embodiment, the gaming system uses an accumulated quantity of progressive event points to determine the designated player's probability of winning one or more of the progressive awards. Accordingly, the gaming system provides a point-based system in which either a progressive award to win or a probability of winning a progressive award is determined based on the quantities of progressive event points accumulated by the players. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120088577 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A BONUS BASED ON NUMBER OF GAMING MACHINES BEING ACTIVELY PLAYED - A gaming system includes a controller linked to a plurality of gaming devices. The central server tracks: (i) a quantity of gaming devices being actively played by players, or (ii) a quantity of players actively playing at the gaming devices. The controller determines the players' eligibility for different awards based on the tracked quantity. When the controller tracks a first quantity, the controller provides the active players with an opportunity to win a first award. When the central server tracks a second quantity, the central server provides the active players with an opportunity to win a second award. As the tracked quantity changes, the controller determines or modifies the number of awards available to the players actively playing at the gaming devices. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120088575 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING AN ACCOUNT TO FUND BENEFITS FOR A PLAYER - An account is established for a player of a gaming device. The balance of the account is increased if a predetermined condition is satisfied. Disbursements from the account may be made if a predetermined condition is satisfied. A disbursement may be in the form of a payout, bonus, or other benefit. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120088574 | SYSTEM TO DETERMINE CASINO OFFERS - A system to determine a product to be offered to a casino player based on player data and on an approximate maximum price for which the product may be sold through a retail channel. Advantageously, a potential increase in a casino's profit due to a product offer can be determined using the player data, and an approximate maximum profit attainable through sale of the product through a retail channel can be determined based on the determined price. As a result, a product to offer can be determined in a manner which maximizes casino profit. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120088573 | PLAYER TRACKING COMMUNICATION MECHANISMS IN A GAMING MACHINE - A disclosed player tracking unit provides a display and a player tracking controller designed or configured to provide a web-browser on the display. The player tracking unit may include one or more input devices that can receive selections associated with the web-browser. Furthermore, the player tracking unit can include a multimedia board for processing digitally formatted program files for output on the display. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120088568 | SYMBOL DISPLAY DEVICE FOR GAME MACHINE - A slot machine includes a reel assembly which has a transparent outer reel and a translucent inner reel disposed coaxially within the outer reel. The outer and inner reels are provided with first exterior surfaces on their periphery, and with second exterior surfaces on their side surfaces. The outer and inner reels are driven independently by a respective motor. In performing a first game, the side surfaces are horizontal so that first outer symbols and first inner symbols carried on each of the first exterior surfaces may be observable. In performing a second game, the side surfaces are perpendicular so that second outer symbols and second inner symbols carried on each of the second exterior surfaces may be observable. Symbol combinations are produced by synthesizing the symbols on the outer reel and the symbols on the inner reel. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120088564 | MULTIPLAY POKER WAGERING GAME WITH PAYOUT DIFFERENTIATING DISPLAY OF PROBABILITIES - A method of operating a gaming system including, receiving an initial wager of a quantity of credits from a player to play a quantity of at least two poker hands, for each of the quantity of poker hands, displaying face-up a partial poker hand, automatically applying a first amount from the initial wager to each of the partial poker hands, wherein the sum of the first amounts of credits is less than the quantity of the initial wager, after displaying the partial poker hands face-up, enabling the player to select one of the partial poker hands, automatically applying a second amount from the initial wager to the player selected partial poker hand, wherein the second amount is equal to the initial wager minus the sum of the first amounts, and for each poker hand, determine and display a result and provide any awards associated with said displayed results. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120083338 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A BONUS BASED ON NUMBER OF GAMING MACHINES BEING ACTIVELY PLAYED - A gaming system includes a controller linked to a plurality of gaming devices. The central server tracks: (i) a quantity of gaming devices being actively played by players, or (ii) a quantity of players actively playing at the gaming devices. The controller determines the players' eligibility for different awards based on the tracked quantity. When the controller tracks a first quantity, the controller provides the active players with an opportunity to win a first award. When the central server tracks a second quantity, the central server provides the active players with an opportunity to win a second award. As the tracked quantity changes, the controller determines or modifies the number of awards available to the players actively playing at the gaming devices. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120083333 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR GAMING NETWORK MANAGEMENT - The present invention provides novel method and devices for managing gaming machine networks. In some implementations, switches report the gaming machines that are currently connected to the switch. The report may be made periodically, in response to a query and/or in response to an event (such as the connection of a new gaming machine). The report may be made to a host device or may be used to automatically update a connectivity table. Some implementations provide for a display of the current connectivity of gaming machines and associated switches according to the report. Some implementations also display the prior connectivity of the gaming machines and associated switches according to a previously stored connectivity table. The display may be a graphical user interface (“GUI”) that allows a user to, e.g., resolve discrepancies between the current connectivity and the prior connectivity and update stored connectivity table. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120077581 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A POKER GAME WITH A BONUS GAMING SESSION HAVING RE-DRAW OPTION - A gaming system provides a bonus gaming session, which is activated during a play of a five-card draw poker base game when a predetermined plurality of the first set of five cards dealt meets a predetermined criteria, for example at least four of the five cards dealt and held by the player share a common suit. When activated, the gaming system repeats plays of the game in the bonus gaming session until a winning draw poker outcome has been generated. In the bonus gaming session, the card that is not co-suited with the plurality of the held first set of cards is discarded and randomly replaced until a winning five-card hand is generated. The gaming device provides an award when the winning five-card hand is generated. The gaming system provides a correspondingly larger award for a wining flush hand for each additional re-drawn fifth card required to achieve a winning five-card flush hand. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120077578 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A FLAT RATE PLAY GAMING SESSION - According to some embodiments of the present invention, methods and apparatus are provided for pausing or suspending play of a flat rate play session at a gaming device. In some embodiments, a player may receive a ticket or other token when a session is suspended. The ticket preferably includes indicia associated with parameters of the session and enables the player to continue play of the session (e.g., upon presenting the ticket at a gaming device). | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120077577 | CENTRAL DETERMINATION GAMING SYSTEM WITH A GAME OUTCOME GENERATED BY A GAMING TERMINAL AND APPROVED BY A CENTRAL CONTROLLER - A central determination gaming system including a plurality of gaming terminals in communication with a central controller. In one embodiment, upon initiation of a game at one of the gaming terminals, the gaming terminal randomly generates a proposed game outcome. The proposed game outcome is communicated to the central controller. The central controller determines if a pool of predetermined game outcomes includes the proposed game outcome. If the pool includes the proposed game outcome, the central controller authorizes the proposed game outcome to be provided to the player, flags the authorized game outcome from further authorizations and communicates the authorized game outcome to the gaming terminal. The gaming terminal then provides the authorized game outcome to the player. If the pool does not include the proposed game outcome, the central controller discards the proposed game outcome and instructs the gaming terminal to generate another proposed game outcome for authorization. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120077574 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A COMPLIMENTARY SERVICE TO A PLAYER - Systems and methods are provided for providing a service to a player using a player device. A indication of a player identifier which corresponds to a player of a gaming device is received. A player device is provided to the player. A service to provide the player is determined based on a gaming activity of the player, and the service is then provided to the player using the player device. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120077573 | CENTRAL DETERMINATION GAMING SYSTEM WITH A GAME OUTCOME GENERATED BY A GAMING TERMINAL AND APPROVED BY A CENTRAL CONTROLLER - A central determination gaming system including a plurality of gaming terminals in communication with a central controller. In one embodiment, upon initiation of a game at one of the gaming terminals, the gaming terminal randomly generates a proposed game outcome. The proposed game outcome is communicated to the central controller. The central controller determines if a pool of predetermined game outcomes includes the proposed game outcome. If the pool includes the proposed game outcome, the central controller authorizes the proposed game outcome to be provided to the player, flags the authorized game outcome from further authorizations and communicates the authorized game outcome to the gaming terminal. The gaming terminal then provides the authorized game outcome to the player. If the pool does not include the proposed game outcome, the central controller discards the proposed game outcome and instructs the gaming terminal to generate another proposed game outcome for authorization. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120077572 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATING A GAMING SYSTEM PROVIDING WAGERING CONTROL FEATURES FOR WAGERING GAMES - A gaming system and method provides wagering control features for application in multi-stakes, multi-player wagering games. Players have the option to choose one of a plurality of different modes at the beginning of a gaming session. Depending on which mode is selected, the wagering control feature or features available to players during game play will be different. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120077560 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING TICKETS FROM GAMING DEVICES AND/OR LOTTERY TERMINALS WHICH ARE NOT DEPENDENT ON A PLAYER'S SUCCESS ON THE UNDERLYING GAME - Gaming devices dispense tickets which are unrelated to a player's success on a particular game played on a gaming device or to the player's credits on a credit meter or other “cash out” indicator. The gaming devices provide gaming awards and also provide tickets. Other methods provide tickets during the play of wagering games. Still other embodiments comprise lottery terminals which dispense tickets other than those purchased by a lottery patron or won on a purchased lottery ticket. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120072111 | REAL-TIME NAVIGATION DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Some implementations of the invention provide real-time navigation data via a mobile device. Some embodiments of the invention provide portable devices that can indicate both relatively “static” information, such as map data, architectural features, casino layout information, etc., which may be updated from time to time. Accordingly, the term “static” as used herein does not necessarily mean unchanging or unchangeable. Some such embodiments provide portable devices that can simultaneously display static information and real-time video data. The video data may be provided by one or more cameras in a camera network. Information, such as offers, advertisements, etc., may be provided to a user according to the user's location. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120071232 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD OF PROVIDING SELECTION GAME WITH INTERDEPENDENT AWARD DISTRIBUTION - The disclosed gaming system, gaming device and method provide a selection game having a plurality of selectable positions and a plurality of awards interdependently distributed or associated with the selectable positions. For one, a plurality, or all the selectable positions, the award associated with such selectable position is interdependent in that such award has a relationship to one or more of the awards associated with the selectable positions bordering such position. In various embodiments, the value of the award associated with such selectable position has a relationship to one or more of the values of the awards associated with the selectable positions bordering such position. Based on these interdependencies, when each of the selectable positions is selected, the award, or value of the award, associated with the position provides certain information which can be subsequently used to make better informed position selections. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120064967 | CASINO GAMING EXCHANGE MARKET - In a cashless gaming environment, a gaming patron has accounts and may accumulate winnings as well as different types of awards. Methods for efficiently exchanging the awards are disclosed. A secondary market is established for trading different goods and services. Liquidity of credits and awards is established. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120064966 | MACHINE HAVING A CARD PROCESSING ASSEMBLY - A machine having a card processing assembly. The machine has a plurality of card holders connectable to the card processing assembly. One card holder is configured to hold data cards associated with one condition. At least one other card holder is configured to hold data cards associated with another condition. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120064963 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SETTING GAME PARAMETERS - The present invention allows gaming devices to set or modify game parameters through the use of random events such as spinning slot machine reels or random number generators. In some embodiments, game parameters may be established with various initial values, and then, by spinning the gaming devices' reels, for example, random reel values lining up on the payline may be used as new game parameter values. Parameter values may be used to control or initialize almost any aspect of the gaming device play experience, ranging from the types of symbols seen on the reels, to the appearance or behavior of game characters, to the rate at which “complementary” points are awarded. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120064959 | APPORTIONMENT OF PAY OUT OF CASINO GAME WITH ESCROW - A gaming apparatus which, for each of a plurality of plays of a primary game: randomly generates one of a plurality of different primary game outcomes, displays the generated primary game outcome, and displays any award associated with the displayed primary game outcome. If a bonus triggering event occurs, the gaming apparatus: determines a first part of a constant value, causes the determined first part of the constant value to be provided to a first player, determines a second part of the constant value, wherein the determined first part of the constant value and the determined second part of the constant value form the constant value, and causes the determined second part of the constant value to fund a designated award. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120063651 | REAL-TIME PLAYER TRACKING - Some implementations of the invention provide methods, devices and systems for acquiring patron data in real time. A plurality of networked cameras may be used to acquire information regarding casino patrons. The cameras may include “smart cameras” having an integrated machine vision system. The real-time information may be used to populate one or more databases of a player loyalty program. Patron information may also be used to determine trends associated with patron demographics, with levels of a player loyalty program, etc. Some implementations of the invention involve monitoring patron event data and determining when predetermined events of interest occur. When a defined event occurs, patron data relating to the associated patron may be monitored, analyzed and used to populate one or more player loyalty databases. In some implementations, patron data acquired prior to the time of the defined event may also be analyzed and used. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120061913 | SELF-CONTAINED DICE SHAKER SYSTEM - The disclosure relates generally to different devices, methods, systems, and computer program products for a self-contained dice shaker assembly. The self-contained dice shaker assembly may include a container device defining an opening into an interior configured for receipt of one or more dice and a sensor assembly in communication with the container interior. The sensor assembly may be configured to monitor, in accordance with one or more predetermined parameters, the shake quality of the dice in the container during a shaking event. The self-contained dice shaker assembly may include an identification assembly operable to identify the outcome of a respective outcome face of each die associated with the outcome of a shaking event. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120058812 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD EMPLOYING AUDIO/VIDEO PROGRAMMING OUTCOME PRESENTATIONS - The present disclosure generally includes a gaming system which: (i) provides a gaming session and for each play of the primary game: (a) receives a selection from a plurality of different audiovisual categories, (b) receives a selection relating to audiovisual categories, (c) receives a primary game initiation signal caused by the selection, (d) in response to the primary game initiation signal, determines a random number, and uses the random number to determine a payout and an audiovisual clip to be displayed from the selected audiovisual category: the audiovisual clip being indicative of a magnitude of the determined payout, use of the determined audiovisual clip in the primary game causes the determined audiovisual clip to be disallowed for reuse in subsequent plays of the primary game of the gaming session. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120058811 | CENTRAL DETERMINATION GAMING SYSTEM WITH A CENTRAL CONTROLLER PROVIDING A GAME OUTCOME AND A GAMING TERMINAL DETERMINING A PRESENTATION OF THE PROVIDED GAME OUTCOME - A central determination gaming system with a central controller providing a game outcome to an individual gaming terminal and the gaming terminal determining the presentation of the provided game outcome. In one embodiment of the present invention, a gaming terminal receives a predetermined game outcome from a central controller. The gaming terminal determines a game outcome presentation, (i.e., how the game outcome is displayed or presented to the player) for the provided game outcome by selecting a game outcome presentation seed for the received game outcome. The gaming terminal utilizes the selected game outcome presentation seed to determine a game outcome presentation. The determined game outcome presentation is displayed to the player and the received game outcome is provided to the player. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120058810 | CENTRAL DETERMINATION GAMING SYSTEM WITH A CENTRAL CONTROLLER PROVIDING A GAME OUTCOME AND A GAMING TERMINAL DETERMINING A PRESENTATION OF THE PROVIDED GAME OUTCOME - A central determination gaming system with a central controller providing a game outcome to an individual gaming terminal and the gaming terminal determining the presentation of the provided game outcome. In one embodiment of the present invention, a gaming terminal receives a predetermined game outcome from a central controller. The gaming terminal determines a game outcome presentation, (i.e., how the game outcome is displayed or presented to the player) for the provided game outcome by selecting a game outcome presentation seed for the received game outcome. The gaming terminal utilizes the selected game outcome presentation seed to determine a game outcome presentation. The determined game outcome presentation is displayed to the player and the received game outcome is provided to the player. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120046112 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING GROUP EVENT WITH INDIVIDUAL GROUP EVENT ELIGIBILITY TIMERS - A gaming system and method which provides a community group event to a plurality of players at a plurality of the gaming devices in the gaming system. Each gaming device participating in the group event is associated with an individual group event eligibility timer. Such individual group event eligibility timers regularly decrement based on time and may increment based on one or more aspects of the player's gaming experience, such as wagers placed. If the individual group event eligibility timer associated with a gaming device participating in the group event lapses before the conclusion of a group event timer or mode, that gaming device is eliminated from the group event. Upon the conclusion of the group event, a group event award is shared amongst the players at the remaining or non-eliminated gaming devices (i.e., the gaming devices associated with individual group event eligibility timers with any amount of remaining time). | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120046107 | FLEXIBLY CONFIGURABLE BUTTON PANELS FOR GAMING MACHINES - Flexibly configurable button panels for electronic devices and dynamic display systems for wager based gaming machines are disclosed. Button panels include a flexible cable, surface mount or other cable connectors spaced along and coupled thereto, and button assemblies coupled thereto via the cable connectors to provide electrical access from buttons to circuit lines. Relative physical locations of buttons are then reconfigurable to form different button panel configurations while the buttons remain coupled to the flexible cable. A dedicated dynamic button panel controller for processing button functions and a button panel identification device having an identification code can also be provided. Buttons can be removably coupled to the cable connectors, and can also include dynamic displays thereupon. Other gaming machine dynamic displays can also be provided. Separate dynamic display controllers can be provided to control dynamic displays directly to alleviate processing burdens on the master gaming controller. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120046098 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD HAVING MULTIPLE PROGRESSIVE AWARD LEVELS AND A SECONDARY GAME FOR ADVANCING THROUGH THE PROGRESSIVE AWARD LEVELS - A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The gaming system includes a plurality of different types of progressive awards adapted to be provided to one or more players of the gaming machines in the gaming system. In one embodiment, one or more progressive awards are each associated with an outcome of a primary game, such as a designated symbol combination, wherein if the associated primary game outcome is generated, such progressive award is provided to a player. In one embodiment, one or more progressive awards are each associated with a progressive hit value, wherein when each progressive award increments to its respective progressive hit value, a triggering event occurs, such progressive award is provided to a player and the player is provided the opportunity to one or more additional progressive awards. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120046097 | METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTING LARGE PAYOUTS WITH MINIMAL INTERRUPTION OF A GAMING SESSION - Apparatus and methods for administering payouts in gaming machines are disclosed. More particularly, improved techniques for distributing large payouts with minimal interruption of a gaming session at a gaming apparatus are disclosed. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120046091 | ELECTRONIC AMUSEMENT DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A GAME OFFERING CONTINUOUS REELS - A gaming device and method for controlling operating the gaming device is disclosed. The gaming device initiates a paid play, and determines an outcome of the play. The outcome is visually displayed using at least two graphical displays. The graphical displays comprise a first and second visual continuum, without discrete reel stops. The outcome is represented by the relative positions of the first and second visual continuums. The outcome may also be based on the relative position of the first and second continuums to a payline. A payout corresponding to the outcome is determined by the device, and is awarded to the player. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120046088 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING GROUP EVENT WITH INDIVIDUAL GROUP EVENT ELIGIBILITY TIMERS - A gaming system and method which provides a community group event to a plurality of players at a plurality of the gaming devices in the gaming system. Each gaming device participating in the group event is associated with an individual group event eligibility timer. Such individual group event eligibility timers regularly decrement based on time and may increment based on one or more aspects of the player's gaming experience, such as wagers placed. If the individual group event eligibility timer associated with a gaming device participating in the group event lapses before the conclusion of a group event timer or mode, that gaming device is eliminated from the group event. Upon the conclusion of the group event, a group event award is shared amongst the players at the remaining or non-eliminated gaming devices (i.e., the gaming devices associated with individual group event eligibility timers with any amount of remaining time). | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120040756 | 3-D CASINO GAMING FLOOR VISUALIZATION UTILIZING REAL-TIME AND BATCH DATA - An integrated computing device (tool) and method is disclosed, for creating a casino gaming floor layout, analyzing the layout from the simulated point of view of a patron within the floor, and assessing the performance of the layout in real time or with historical data. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120040751 | GAMING MACHINE RESERVATION SYSTEM - Novel gaming machines and software enable a casino patron to reserve a gaming machine under certain conditions for a limited time, thereby preventing other patrons from using the machine during that time. A player using a machine (and having credit on the machine) may select a reserve machine option provided on the machine's user interface to reserve the machine for a maximum time that is determined by a reservation system that may take into account the status of the player, time, day, and other factors. Once the reservation option has been selected, reservation data is generated and printed on a ticket and stored in a database. The database may be on the gaming machine or on a host server if the gaming machine is part of a gaming network. The ticket may indicate that it is a “reservation ticket.” Once the player obtains the ticket, she may leave the gaming machine which goes into a partially disabled state such that other patrons cannot use the machine until the reservation time has expired or the ticket has been redeemed. The credit meters are reset to zero and are updated to the pre-reservation value once the ticket is inserted into the machine. The ticket may be redeemed by the player at the gaming machine (to resume play on the machine), at another machine, at a ticket redemption kiosk, at a cashier, or at a device in the gaming network having software to redeem the ticket. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120040750 | GAMING METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EMPLOYING NEGATIVE OUTCOMES - Systems and methods are provided for providing a negative outcome at a gaming device. The system determines that a player of a gaming device has equity which may be debited. An outcome of the gaming device is determined, and it is also determined that the outcome is a negative outcome. The balance (e.g., of the gaming device or another gaming device) is reduced by more than the wager amount. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120040739 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD HAVING WAGER ALLOCATION - A gaming system which displays a plurality of reels. Each reel is associated with a display area which displays a symbol. A wager is allocated to each one of the display areas. An award is determined based, at least in part, on such allocation. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120040733 | BINGO SYSTEM WITH DOWNLOADABLE COMMON PATTERNS - Novel methods, devices and systems are described for mapping a variety of Class III game outcomes to a common set of bingo patterns. Each game theme may have a different entertaining display, based upon a corresponding Class III game. Preferably, each game theme will offer game play and paytable percentages closely matching those of the original Class III game. Some implementations provide a system wherein electronic gaming machines presenting entertaining displays of various Class III game themes are linked to a single bingo server. By linking many participating electronic gaming machines to a single server, some implementations of the invention allow all of the progressive contributions to be pooled into one large progressive jackpot, thereby making the game more attractive to players. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120040730 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MEMORIZATION POKER - New apparatuses and methods for introducing varying levels of skill into wagering games that have historically been games of luck or strategy are provided. A card value and suit is invisible or hidden to a player initially and associated with a value and suit dealt to the player. The game enables the player to elect to display the associated value and suit. If the player exercises the option, the associated value and suit is displayed and a poker or blackjack evaluation is made based on the displayed associated value and suit. In various embodiments, the same associations are maintained for a single hand or play, multiple hands or plays or on a long term fixed basis. Associated symbols are also implemented with the game of slot. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120034976 | WIDE SCREEN GAMING APPARATUS - A gaming apparatus includes a display unit and has a display support structure that extends substantially vertically from a horizontal support base. The display unit includes a flat-panel display screen having a width (W) and a height (H) wherein W/His at least 16/10 The display unit is rotatable about a horizontal axis located in a plane substantially parallel to the display screen wherein, a player's angle of viewing the display unit may be adjusted by vertical translation of the display unit on the display support structure, over a vertical range of motion, and by rotation of the display unit about the horizontal axis. A front face of the display structure presents, in a region proximate to the vertical range of motion, a concave side of a curved surface. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120034975 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR IMPROVING PLAY OF A BONUS GAME ON A GAMING MACHINE AND IMPROVING SECURITY WITHIN A GAMING ESTABLISHMENT - Methods and Systems for improving play of a bonus game on a gaming machine and improving security within a gaming establishment are described. The systems include a gaming machine, which includes an input device that receives an input from a user. The gaming machine further includes a first display device that displays a primary game upon receiving the input, and a second display device including a multilayer display that displays a secondary game. The multilayer display includes a foreground screen and a background screen, with at least a portion of the foreground screen or the background screen being curved and the foreground screen or the background screen displays an image of a wheel. The gaming machine further includes a controller configured to execute the primary and secondary games. The secondary game is played after playing the primary game. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120034973 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A CASCADING SYMBOL GAME INCLUDING SHIFTING DIFFERENT DETERMINED SYMBOLS - During a play of a game, the disclosed gaming system determines that an ending condition has occurred. For example, the gaming system determines that an ending condition has occurred when no winning symbol combinations are displayed for the play of the game. Following determination that the ending condition has occurred, the gaming system determines whether to provide access to an additional win opportunity for the play of the game. If the additional win opportunity is to be provided, the gaming system removes one or more symbols from a plurality of symbol positions even though such symbols do not form a winning symbol combination. The gaming system fills any resulting empty symbol positions by shifting symbols and/or displaying generated symbols, and provides awards for any then-generated winning symbol combinations. The additional win opportunity may be accessed because of a player wager or because other additional win opportunity criteria are satisfied. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120034969 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING A PLURALITY OF WILDCARD SYMBOL PATTERNS - A gaming device which includes a variety of methods to allow the player to select patterns of wildcard symbols, from a plurality of wildcard symbol patterns, and use those patterns during subsequent games. One embodiment allows the player to select a pattern of wildcard symbols and use the selected pattern during a free spin bonus game. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120028698 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EMPLOYING FLAT RATE PLAY - Systems and methods are provided allowing a player to play a gaming device and receive a predetermined number of outcomes in exchange for a payment. The gaming device generates at least the predetermined number of outcomes, and adjusts a balance of the player device based on the outcomes. The player can continue playing regardless of whether the balance is less than zero. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120028696 | DRAW BINGO - The present invention provides methods and devices for providing a bingo game having aspects of a poker game on a network of gaming machines. Some implementations include a bingo card display in which areas of a bingo card correspond with playing cards. Some such implementations provide first phase of a bingo game that is concluded when a player daubs a game-ending pattern of a bingo card and a second phase wherein players may establish interim wins by daubing other patterns that correspond to poker hands. In some implementations, only the highest-ranking interim win results in a payout. Preferred implementations provide games with easily recognizable bingo play and payout probabilities similar to existing bingo games. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120028695 | METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING PAPER-BASED OUTCOMES - Gaming devices may generate outcomes to be sold in printed form. Representations of the outcomes, corresponding payouts, and other information are printed on sheets of paper. Multiple printed outcomes are assembled into books, wrapped, and sold to consumers. Consumers may purchase the books and browse through the printed outcomes at their leisure. When finished with a book, a consumer may submit a portion of the book to the casino that sold the outcomes. The casino may then pay the player based on the payouts associated with the outcomes in the book. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120021839 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR COPYING GAMING MACHINE CONFIGURATION SETTINGS - Disclosed is an apparatus and method for use in a casino gaming system where data concerning set-up configuration of gaming units may be copied from one gaming unit to another gaming unit. The data concerning gaming unit configuration may be copied via an external device, such as a smart storage device or a dumb storage device, copied directly between gaming units or copied via a network storage device of a network that interconnects gaming units. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120021824 | MODULAR GAMING MACHINE AND SECURITY SYSTEM - A modularized gaming machine operable to receive wagers on a play of a game of chance is described. The modularized gaming machine may include a base gaming module that can operate independently or can be coupled to additional gaming modules. In one embodiment, the base gaming module may include a security monitoring system operable to determine a security configuration including error conditions that depends on features of gaming modules coupled to the base gaming module. In another embodiment, the security monitoring system may be operable to monitor a fixed security configuration that is independent of the configuration of the modularized gaming machine. The fixed security configuration may anticipate input from security devices that are unconnected in a particular configuration of the modularized gaming machine. In these instances, a signal mechanism may provide information to the security monitoring system to ensure a non-error condition for unconnected security devices. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120015719 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR NEGOTIATING COMMUNICATIONS WITHIN A GAMING NETWORK - A gaming system may include a gaming security arbiter, and first and second network gaming devices, each including a processor and a memory operatively coupled to the processor. The arbiter controller may be configured to receive a request from the first network gaming device for a communication session between the first network gaming device and the second network gaming device, to provide a first encryption key to the first network gaming device and to provide a second encryption key to a second network gaming device. The first controller may transmit the request to the gaming security arbiter, receive the first encryption key, encrypt a message using the first encryption key and transmit the encrypted message to the second network gaming device. The second controller may be configured to receive the second encryption key, receive the encrypted message and decrypt the encrypted message using the second encryption key. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120015713 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COMPETITIVE BONUS GAMES BASED UPON STRATEGY OR SKILL - The present invention relates to gaming systems and methods where enablement for play of a bonus game is linked to play of a primary game. A player may qualify for the bonus game by preselected criteria associated with play of the primary game. The qualified players may participate in the bonus game and compete against one another in one or more rounds to achieve a final winning outcome based on the individual player's skill, strategy, or knowledge. The player who achieves the final winning outcome at the end of a plurality of rounds of the bonus game is awarded a bonus pool funded by a portion of wagers accumulated during play of the primary game. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120015712 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD HAVING PROGRESSIVE FREE GAMES - A gaming system and method providing a plurality of games, including a first type of game and a second type of game. The gaming system includes a progressive award which includes or is in the form of a progressive number or quantity of plays of the second type of game. The gaming system enables the player to play the first type of game. The gaming system increases the progressive award based on an occurrence of one or more incrementing conditions. Upon an occurrence of a triggering event, the gaming system determines the progressive award to provide to the player and provides the determined award to the player. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120009994 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GAMING MACHINES WITH A TOURNAMENT PLAY BONUS FEATURE - A gaming method and device includes a game, at least one non-qualifying outcome in the game, and at least one qualifying outcome in the game, wherein a player qualifies for a multi-player tournament to be held in the future when the player achieves the at least one qualifying outcome. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120009992 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COMPETITIVE BONUS GAMES BASED UPON STRATEGY OR SKILL - The present invention relates to gaming systems and methods where enablement for play of a bonus game is linked to play of a primary game. A player may qualify for the bonus game by preselected criteria associated with play of the primary game. The qualified players may participate in the bonus game and compete against one another in one or more rounds to achieve a final winning outcome based on the individual player's skill, strategy, or knowledge. The player who achieves the final winning outcome at the end of a plurality of rounds of the bonus game is awarded a bonus pool funded by a portion of wagers accumulated during play of the primary game. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120009990 | PRINTER INTERPRETER FOR A GAMING MACHINE - Methods and systems for issuing cashless instruments and providing a printer interpreter for a gaming machine are disclosed. A printer and specialized printer interpreter (controller) are provided to facilitate the conversion of a specific credit amount to a currency amount in differing units (first form of currency), and the subsequent issuance of a cashless instrument reflecting that currency amount. Where the printer interpreter is reconfigurable, a second currency amount in different units (second form of currency) could also be selected. Multiple different currencies and their corresponding languages can be available to the printer interpreter, such that a given credit amount can be issued to a cashless instrument in one of many different currencies. Game execution operations of the MGC are isolated from the printer interpreter, such that recertification of the gaming machine or system is not necessary when reconfiguring the printer interpreter from one form of currency to another. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20110319151 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING BINGO WINS - A gaming system includes a plurality of gaming machines and a continual game sequence including a plurality of symbols and a plurality of sessions. Each session includes a number of games. At the beginning of a game sequence, the gaming system draws all of the symbols. When the number of games of the current session has been played without a winner, the game sequence proceeds to the next session. For each session, the gaming system activates a number of the drawn symbols based on the session number. Upon player activation, a gaming machine generates a symbol subset, marking each symbol in the subset which matches the activated symbols. If the marked symbols match a predetermined pattern, the gaming system provides an award for a player, basing the award on an award pool amount and the session number. As the session number increases, the award provided to the player decreases. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110312413 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD EMPLOYING AUDIO/VIDEO PROGRAMMING OUTCOME PRESENTATIONS - The present disclosure generally includes a gaming system which: (a) for a first play of a game of a gaming session: determines one of a plurality of different outcomes, displays the determined outcome, determines any award associated with the determined outcome, displays any determined award, and outputs a first audio/video programming clip, the first audio/video programming clip including content associated with a first point in time of an event, and (b) for a second, subsequent play of the game of the gaming session: determines one of the plurality of different outcomes, displays the determined outcome, determines any award associated with the determined outcome, displays any determined award, and outputs a second, different audio/video programming clip, the second audio/video programming clip including content associated with a second, subsequent point in time of the event. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110312412 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMINE DEVICE AND METHOD EMPLOYING AUDIO/VIDEO PROGRAMMING OUTCOME PRESENTATIONS - The present disclosure generally includes a gaming system which receives a wager amount on a play of a primary game, outputs an audio/video programming clip in association with the wagered on play of the primary game, tracks occurrences of at least one designated event outputted in association with the audio/video programming clip, determines if a quantity of occurrences of the tracked at least one designated event outputted is at least equal to a designated quantity of occurrences of the tracked at least one designated event, the designated quantity of occurrences of the tracked at least one designated event being at least two, and when the quantity of occurrences of the tracked at least one designated event is at least equal to the designated quantity, causes an occurrence of one selected from the group consisting of: a trigger of a secondary game and a generation of a negative outcome. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110312411 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMINE DEVICE AND METHOD EMPLOYING AUDIO/VIDEO PROGRAMMING OUTCOME PRESENTATIONS - The present disclosure generally includes a gaming system which: receives a wager, upon receiving the wager, randomly generates one of a plurality of different numbers, after the random generation of the number, accesses a database that includes each of the plurality of different numbers, each different number being preassociated with one of a plurality of different audio/video segments and one of a plurality of different game results, the audio/video segments produced for a purpose other than for inclusion on the gaming device, determines which audio/video segment and game result are preassociated with the randomly generated number regardless of any player input, displays the determined audio/video output segment and the determined game result, and determines an outcome value based on the determined game result. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110312406 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING FREE GAME BONUS WITH A CHANGING MULTIPLIER - The present invention includes an apparatus and method for a bonus game, and particularly a free spin bonus with an incrementing multiplier. The bonus game includes a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols and multipliers. The gaming device provides a number of free spins to the player at the beginning of the bonus game. The multiplier preferably starts at “1×” and increases by one after each free spin. Initially, the player spins the reels attempting to obtain a winning symbol combination on the reels. If the player obtains a winning combination, the gaming device provides an award. The award is multiplied by the multiplier and the player receives the multiplied award for that free spin. The player continues to spin the reels until there are no free spins remaining in the bonus game. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110306407 | GAME BASED ON SPEED OF PLAY - 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. In some embodiments, a count is adjusted throughout a multiple play session based on point values associated with symbols on the reels of a slot machine, and payouts are awarded in accordance with (i) a finishing count, and/or (ii) a “virtual average speed”. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110300928 | REMOTE GAMING ELIGIBILITY SYSTEM AND METHOD USING RFID TAGS - Systems and methods for verifying the eligibility of players attempting to participate in gaming events are disclosed. Communication objects having RFID tags and closed electrical circuits are individually assigned to and worn by players within a gaming player verification system, which can be administered by a casino desk, hotel concierge, or other operating entity. These RFID tags are adapted to communicate with associated player tracking units attached to gaming machines and other devices via radio frequency waves, and each communication object is adapted to alter its communication pattern in response to any break of its closed electrical circuit. Bracelets, wristwatches or collars can be used as communication objects, such that the removal of such an object from a player cannot be accomplished without breaking the closed electrical circuit contained therein, thereby disabling or de-authenticating the device. A computer server having a player verification program and database may also be used. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110300927 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD HAVING CONFIGURABLE BONUS GAME TRIGGERING OUTCOMES - A gaming system and method which provides for one or more gaming device triggered bonus games to be skipped or otherwise not provided to the players at the gaming devices which triggered such bonus games. The average expected payouts of skipped gaming device triggered bonus games are contributed to a bonus accumulation pool or fund. The accumulation pool is subsequently utilized to provide one or more gaming system triggered bonuses to one or more players at one or more of the gaming devices in the gaming system. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110294562 | REEL BLUR FOR GAMING MACHINES HAVING SIMULATED ROTATING REELS - Methods for emulating rotating physical reels on a display screen are disclosed. Graphics for “static” reel symbols are intentionally blurred for those reel symbols “in motion.” Gaming machines include an exterior housing, master gaming controller, display device and virtual reels. Virtual reels include reel stops, static reel symbols and corresponding dynamic blurred reel symbols. A blurred reel symbol generator provides corresponding blurred reel symbols for existing static reel symbols, and can be located at a remote host and/or within the gaming machine. A remote host can provide downloadable virtual reel strips, reel symbols and blurred reel symbols to gaming machines. The blurred reel symbol generator can accept manually entered blurred reel symbol images, and/or can also generate blurred reel symbol images itself in automated fashion. Blurred reel symbols can be generated on the fly at runtime, or can be taken from a stored location. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110287833 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING A GAME SERIES COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF INDIVIDUALLY SELECTABLE WAGERING GAMES - 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. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110287832 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING AWARDS PROVIDED BASED ON RATE OF PLAY - Gaming systems and methods for operating a gaming system are provided. The gaming system includes a controller operable with a plurality of gaming devices. Based at least in part on wagering activity, the controller determines a ranking for a plurality of gaming devices in the gaming system. The controller determines a plurality of the ranked gaming devices that are eligible for a designated award and, for each of the plurality of eligible gaming devices, determines a probability of being selected to win the designated award. The controller selects at least one of the eligible gaming devices based part on the determined probability for said at least one eligible gaming device, and causes the at least one selected gaming device to provide the designated award. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110287831 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING CHANGED OR GENERATED PLAYER STIMULI - A gaming system which maintains a count of the consecutive plays of a game. The system produces a same player stimuli for a designated quantity of the consecutive plays, and the system produces a different player stimuli for one or more of the plays which occur after the designated quantity is reached. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110287830 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OFFERING A GUARANTEED WIN - A method in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is provided, the method comprising the steps of generating a first outcome of a game of chance, determining a target outcome, receiving a first wager, generating a second outcome based on the first outcome, and repeating the step of generating the second outcome until the second outcome matches the target outcome, before receiving any second wager. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110287827 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OFFERING A GUARANTEED WIN - A method in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is provided, the method comprising the steps of generating a first outcome of a game of chance, determining a target outcome, receiving a first wager, generating a second outcome based on the first outcome, and repeating the step of generating the second outcome until the second outcome matches the target outcome, before receiving any second wager. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110287822 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OFFERING A GUARANTEED WIN - A method in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is provided, the method comprising the steps of generating a first outcome of a game of chance, determining a target outcome, receiving a first wager, generating a second outcome based on the first outcome, and repeating the step of generating the second outcome until the second outcome matches the target outcome, before receiving any second wager. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110287821 | SERVER BASED GAMING SYSTEM HAVING SYSTEM TRIGGERED LOYALTY AWARD SEQUENCES - A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming tables. In one embodiment, the gaming system provides players with one or more loyalty incentives, such as one or more loyalty awards, utilizing one or more loyalty incentive award sequences. In one embodiment, the gaming system determines a loyalty award to provide to a player and then determines an appropriate loyalty award sequence to utilize to provide the player the determined loyalty award, wherein the loyalty award sequence is determined based on the individual gaming table at which that the player is currently playing. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110281655 | VIRTUAL PLAYER TRACKING AND RELATED SERVICES - Various gaming-related services are provided, including but not limited to security services, harm minimization services, player identification services, bonusing/progressive services, accounting services, financial/banking services, network tunneling services, cheating detection services, etc. Such services may be provided, at least in part, by software agents that can be configured for different platforms and/or operating systems. Some software-based player tracking methods of the invention can aggregate data from multiple devices used by a player for gaming. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110281646 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GAMING AND BRAND ASSOCIATION - A gaming system includes: (i) a base wagering game requiring a wager to made by a player; (ii) at least one winning outcome for the base wagering game; (iii) a paytable for the at least one winning outcome; a secondary award provided randomly to the player, the secondary party award provided by a secondary award provider and kept separate and apart from the paytable; and (iv) advertising for secondary award provider, the advertising provided in exchange for the provision of the secondary award. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110281636 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING DESIGNATED SYMBOL DISPLAY AREAS THAT MODIFY AWARDS - Gaming devices and methods of operating gaming devices are provided that include indicator or designator symbols. When an indicator or designator symbol is generated and displayed, the indicator or designator symbol indicates at least one symbol display area as a modification symbol display area. Upon at least one subsequent generation of symbols displayed in the symbol display areas, awards associated with symbols displayed in the modification symbol display areas are modified. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110281634 | VIDEO AND MECHANICAL SPINNING BONUS WHEEL - A gaming machine includes a combination inner video display and rotatable object. The inner video display and the rotatable object may be correlated together to form a reconfigurable object. Both the inner video display and the rotatable object can have segments wherein each segment may have an indicia associated with the segment, wherein the indicia can be a prize, a bonus multiplier, a progressive jackpot, a negative value, a bonus spin character, a loss of spin character, a blank space or a null character. The player will be rewarded with the corresponding prize(s) based upon the outcome of the combination inner video display and rotatable object. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110281631 | GAMING SYSTEM, DEVICE AND METHOD INVOLVING A PLURALITY OF ROTORS INTERCHANGEABLY OPERABLE IN A DECOUPLED MODE AND A COUPLED MODE - A gaming table, method and device including a plurality of rotors interchangeably operable in a decoupled mode and a coupled mode. The system includes a rotor coupler and a coupler actuator. The system provides an award associated with an indication of a combination of symbols of the rotors. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110275430 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD INCLUDING AN EVALUATION OF A PARTIAL SYMBOL COMBINATION - A game to be modified in accordance with the invention involves a first random outcome and a second random outcome that are combined according to game rules to produce a game outcome. The game is administered by receiving a player request for a specific entry, the specific entry replacing one of the random outcomes and being selected from a finite set of possibilities not determined by chance. The requested specific entry affects the probable outcome of the game. The specific entry is combined with the remaining one of the random outcomes according to the game rules to determine the game outcome. According to one embodiment, the specific entry may be a score such as 18 which replaces the player's hand in the game of blackjack. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110275427 | Gaming Systems, Gaming Devices and Methods Providing Time Based Game Sessions With Changing Values - Various embodiments of the present disclosure are generally directed to gaming systems, gaming devices and methods that provide time based game sessions that each include a plurality of wagering events, wherein if one of the plurality of wagering events results in or is associated with a designated change outcome, a value associated with an element or function in the game session (such as a value associated with an outcome, a time value, or a wager amount) changes (such as by increasing) for a remaining portion of the game session (such as the rest of the gaming session). | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110269553 | ROTATING QUICK RELEASE BUTTON PANEL - A gaming machine having a support bracket coupled to a cabinet front of the gaming machine, and a modular user interface hingedly coupled to the support bracket with at least one connector, the modular user interface having a button panel and a wrist support, wherein the modular user interface is configured to rotate along an axis of the at least one connector to expose an interior portion of the gaming machine. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110269543 | Projection Button - The disclosure relates generally to different devices, methods, systems, and computer program products for a gaming machine that includes a projection button panel. The projection button panel may include one or more projection buttons configured to receive user input. Each projection button may include a projection surface disposed within the button capable of being viewed by a player of the gaming machine. Each projection button may also include a button projector proximate to the projection surface. Further, each projection button may be configured to receive button image information and to project, based on the received button image information, a button image onto the projection surface. Each projection button may also include one or more sensors capable of being activated responsive to activation of the button. The gaming machine may also include one or more controllers in communication with the main display and the button assembly. The one or more controllers may be configured to transmit the image information for display at one or more of the buttons, receive the signal from the button assembly indicating that one or more of the sensors have been activated, and/or process the received signal. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110269538 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD HAVING PURCHASABLE RANDOMLY SELECTED PAYTABLES - An apparatus and method for a game including a plurality of paytables, wherein each of the paytables has an average expected payout. The gaming device initially employs a default paytable and enables a player to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable. If the player chooses to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable, the gaming device randomly selects another paytable from the plurality of paytables and determines a game outcome based on the randomly selected paytable. If the player does not choose to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable, the gaming device determines a game outcome based on the default paytable. In one embodiment, when a player chooses to cause the gaming device to select another paytable, the player has a chance to obtain a paytable that includes higher or better awards. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110269537 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD HAVING PURCHASABLE RANDOMLY SELECTED PAYTABLES - An apparatus and method for a game including a plurality of paytables, wherein each of the paytables has an average expected payout. The gaming device initially employs a default paytable and enables a player to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable. If the player chooses to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable, the gaming device randomly selects another paytable from the plurality of paytables and determines a game outcome based on the randomly selected paytable. If the player does not choose to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable, the gaming device determines a game outcome based on the default paytable. In one embodiment, when a player chooses to cause the gaming device to select another paytable, the player has a chance to obtain a paytable that includes higher or better awards. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110269536 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD HAVING PURCHASABLE RANDOMLY SELECTED PAYTABLES - An apparatus and method for a game including a plurality of paytables, wherein each of the paytables has an average expected payout. The gaming device initially employs a default paytable and enables a player to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable. If the player chooses to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable, the gaming device randomly selects another paytable from the plurality of paytables and determines a game outcome based on the randomly selected paytable. If the player does not choose to cause the gaming device to change the employed paytable, the gaming device determines a game outcome based on the default paytable. In one embodiment, when a player chooses to cause the gaming device to select another paytable, the player has a chance to obtain a paytable that includes higher or better awards. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110269529 | Systems, Apparatus and Methods for Providing Gaming Applications - A player may directly license wager gaming software from a game provider, such as a gaming manufacturer. The player may, for example, be able to directly license a software application and/or a game theme at a specified gaming manufacturer's website. The player may be required to be a member of the gaming manufacturer's player loyalty account in order to directly license such software. The gaming manufacturer may enable access to the game of chance at one or more regulated locations, such as participating casinos that use a server-based gaming system provided by the gaming manufacturer. The casino and/or the player may receive financial credits, rebates, etc., if the player uses the licensed gaming software at the casino. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110269526 | MOVING REEL SYMBOLS ON REEL-BASED GAMING MACHINES - Gaming machines, systems and methods that present reel-based games are disclosed. Reel symbols can move or appear to move from one gaming reel to another gaming reel. Such reel symbols may include lenticular images, such as those that are implemented onto a medium via a lenticular process, whereby the medium is then applied to various gaming machine reels so that a viewer can perceive effects such as motion and depth. The medium can be a multi-image sheet containing regions of overlapping images where different images are visually predominant at different viewing angles, and the movable base can comprise a gaming reel. Multiple gaming reels can be used, and can be adapted to rotate in any direction. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110269523 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING AN AWARD BASED ON AN OUTCOME COUNTER - Methods and apparatus for providing an award based on a multiplicity of game outcomes. In one implementation the invention provides a method for providing a game. The method includes placing a bet by a player, playing of a game to produce a game outcome, evaluating a primary game outcome, paying a direct award if the primary outcome merits it, advancing a bonus accumulator if the primary outcome merits it, and if the bonus accumulator has advanced sufficiently, paying a bonus award to the player and clearing the bonus accumulator. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110269522 | GAMING DEVICE PROVIDING AN AWARD BASED ON A COUNT OF OUTCOMES WHICH MEETS A CONDITION - Methods and apparatus for providing an award based on a multiplicity of game outcomes. In one implementation the invention provides a method for providing a game. The method includes placing a bet by a player, playing of a game to produce a game outcome, evaluating a primary game outcome, paying a direct award if the primary outcome merits it, advancing a bonus accumulator if the primary outcome merits it, and if the bonus accumulator has advanced sufficiently, paying a bonus award to the player and clearing the bonus accumulator. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110263317 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A PROGRESSIVE AWARD INCLUDING A QUANTITY OF FREE SPINS - A slot machine issues a percentage of one or more progressive awards based upon any wager level (“Percentage Progressive”). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the Percentage Progressive concept operates as follows: The game displays the total progressive award amount; The player sets the wager; The game displays a Percentage Progressive value based upon the wager level; The player presses the spin button; The reels to spin and stop; The player collects credits for any winning combinations appearing on the reels, including pay table and progressive awards. In the event of a progressive award, the player receives the Percentage Progressive value*total progressive award amount. The preferred embodiment of the present invention, therefore, allows players to participate in progressive awards at any wager level. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110263315 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING SEQUENTIAL ACTIVATIONS OF A GAME AND REPLAY OF PREVIOUS ACTIVATIONS OF THE GAME - A gaming device including a plurality of reels with a plurality of symbols on each of the reels. At least one and preferably a plurality of the symbols on the primary reels are designated as tracking or back symbols. A tracking symbol is a symbol that, when generated on a reel, causes the gaming device to flag the outcome of the current and all tracking spins in a memory storage device. A back symbol is a symbol that, when generated on a reel, causes the gaming device to retrieve the flagged outcomes of each flagged spin and to re-display the outcomes in a sequential manner and to provide the awards associated with the outcomes to the player. An additional embodiment of the invention automatically flags all spins of the gaming device for retrieval and display upon the generation of a back or bonus symbol. The gaming device determines if an award is associated with one or more of the symbols generated on the reels and provides any determined award to the player. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110263312 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD PROVIDING A FIRST GAME AND A PLURALITY SECOND WAGERING GAMES EACH ASSOCIATED WITH A SEPARATE ACTIVATABLE COMPONENT OF THE FIRST GAME - A gaming system having a first skill, partial skill, or pseudo skill based game having a plurality of individually activatable designated components and a plurality of second chance based games each respectively associated with a different one of the individually activatable components of the skill based game. When each designated component of the first game is activated through one or player inputs, a corresponding chance based game associated with that designated component is activated. Each chance based game randomly determines whether the player wins an award. In one embodiment, the likelihood of activating each designated component is different and the chance based game associated with each different designated component is different. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110263309 | RUNTIME DOWNLOADABLE MOTION CONTROL PROFILES - Methods and apparatus for controlling motion-generating devices in gaming machines are disclosed. A gaming apparatus includes a main processor board, a CPU operable to execute a game of chance, a motion generating device, a first memory configured to store at least one first motion control profile that describes movement of the motion generating device, a motion control board coupled to the main processor board by an interface bus, the motion control board including a second memory configured to store at least one second motion control profile, and transfer logic configured to: receive the at least one first motion control profile via the bus in response to a gaming event, generate the at least one second motion control profile based upon the at least one first motion control profile, and store the at least one second motion control profile in the second memory; and motion control logic configured to cause the motion generating device to move in accordance with the at least one second motion control profile. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110263308 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING DRAW POKER GAME - A gaming system having a five card draw poker game is provided. An initial five card hand is dealt and a first draw card is revealed. The player may keep or discard the first draw card. After the player decides whether to keep or discard the first draw card, the player may replace cards in the initial hand. If the player selects to discard the first draw card, this card is not used as a replacement card to form a final hand. In certain implementations, the player first selects cards in the initial hand to replace. If the player elects to keep the first draw card, the gaming system displays a second draw card and the player may keep or discard the second draw card. This process continues until all discarded cards in the initial hand have been replaced or the player elects to discard one of the draw cards. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110263307 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING DRAW POKER GAME - A gaming system having a five card draw poker game is provided. An initial five card hand is dealt and a first draw card is revealed. The player may keep or discard the first draw card. After the player decides whether to keep or discard the first draw card, the player may replace cards in the initial hand. If the player selects to discard the first draw card, this card is not used as a replacement card to form a final hand. In certain implementations, the player first selects cards in the initial hand to replace. If the player elects to keep the first draw card, the gaming system displays a second draw card and the player may keep or discard the second draw card. This process continues until all discarded cards in the initial hand have been replaced or the player elects to discard one of the draw cards. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110256923 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING A NEGATIVE CREDIT BALANCE OF A GAMING DEVICE - Apparatus, systems and methods for a gaming device operable to support a negative credit balance. For example, in some embodiments, a gaming device may be configured to: (i) determine a current credit balance, (ii) determine a wager amount, (iii) determine whether the wager amount would result in a negative balance of credits, (iv) determine if it is permissible to allow a negative balance of credits, and if so (v) adjust a current balance such that is equal to the negative balance, and (vi) display an indication of the negative credit balance. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110256920 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING SEQUENTIAL ACTIVATIONS OF A GAME AND REPLAY OF PREVIOUS ACTIVATIONS OF THE GAME - A gaming device including a plurality of reels with a plurality of symbols on each of the reels. At least one and preferably a plurality of the symbols on the primary reels are designated as tracking or back symbols. A tracking symbol is a symbol that, when generated on a reel, causes the gaming device to flag the outcome of the current and all tracking spins in a memory storage device. A back symbol is a symbol that, when generated on a reel, causes the gaming device to retrieve the flagged outcomes of each flagged spin and to re-display the outcomes in a sequential manner and to provide the awards associated with the outcomes to the player. An additional embodiment of the invention automatically flags all spins of the gaming device for retrieval and display upon the generation of a back or bonus symbol. The gaming device determines if an award is associated with one or more of the symbols generated on the reels and provides any determined award to the player. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110251703 | TOURNAMENT GAME SYSTEM AND TOURNAMENT METHOD - 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. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110250952 | SERVER BASED METER MODEL SOFTCOUNT AND AUDIT PROCESSING FOR GAMING MACHINES - Systems and methods for metering accounting activities on gaming machines are disclosed. Remote metering can be had for a gaming machine having a master gaming controller, an external cabinet housing a display device and one or more acceptors, dedicated meters, and communication paths between the master gaming controller and display device, and between meters and acceptors. Dedicated meters are located outside and remote from the external cabinet, and are adapted to track continuously at least one item of accounting information associated with the gaming machine. Such meters can be recognized by a gaming regulator as the official meters for the gaming machine, and can be located at a central location in close proximity to other dedicated meters associated with other gaming machines. Such meters can be individual discrete physical devices secured along dedicated communication lines, or can be electronic meters residing on a single server. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110244950 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING GAMING DEVICE PLAY AND DETERMINING COMPLIANCE STATUS - After a player purchases a contract providing insurance against gambling losses, a server or other device in communication with a gaming device (e.g., a “player tracking” server, “slot accounting” server and/or other computer device) may operate to (i) receive game play data in association with one or more plays of the gaming device, (ii) determine a compliance status based on the received game play data and one or more play requirements associated with the contract, and (iii) provide a refund amount due to the player based on the compliance status. Before providing any refund, the server or other device may store a status indicator relating to the one or more plays indicating whether the play was compliant with the contract. Furthermore, an alert may be provided to the player if a particular play is not compliant with the contract. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110244944 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD HAVING CONFIGURABLE BONUS GAME TRIGGERING OUTCOMES - A gaming system and method which provides for one or more gaming device triggered bonus games to be skipped or otherwise not provided to the players at the gaming devices which triggered such bonus games. The average expected payouts of skipped gaming device triggered bonus games are contributed to a bonus accumulation pool or fund. The accumulation pool is subsequently utilized to provide one or more gaming system triggered bonuses to one or more players at one or more of the gaming devices in the gaming system. A player's accumulated triggering symbols determine, at least in part, the player's probability of winning part of the bonus accumulation pool and/or the player's portion of the bonus accumulation pool. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110243631 | MACHINE HAVING A CARD PROCESSING ASSEMBLY - A machine having a card processing assembly. The card processing assembly has a card drive and a heating device. The heating device is operable to cause a human-readable symbol to be viewable on a data card. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110237327 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING MULTIPLE PLAYER SIMULTANEOUS DISPLAY/INPUT DEVICE - A game table having a multiplayer interactive display/input device which enables multiple players to simultaneously play primary or base wagering games and/or secondary or bonus games using the display/input device. The display/input device enables multiple players to simultaneously interact with the game table and the various games using the same display/input device. The game table enables multiple players to manipulate displayed objects (such as virtual cards or other game symbols) displayed by the display/input device at the same time. This enables the display/input device to simultaneously display the same game to multiple players in an integrated seamless manner without the need for multiple different sets of display devices and input devices for each of the players. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110233273 | MACHINE HAVING A CARD PROCESSING ASSEMBLY - A machine having a card processing assembly. The card processing assembly has a card drive and a heating device. The heating device is operable to cause a human-readable symbol to be viewable on a data card. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110230251 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A MULTI-PLAYER BONUS GAME - One embodiment provides a gaming system having a plurality of gaming devices. Each of the gaming devices enables a player to make wagers on plays of a primary game. For each gaming device, for each occurrence of a designated accumulation outcome, the player of that gaming device accumulates one or more positions on a bonus game display matrix. When a bonus game trigger occurs, the triggering gaming device is identified. In the bonus game, a plurality of symbols are displayed in the plurality of positions of the bonus game display matrix. The player of the triggering gaming device is provided with any awards associated with any winning symbol combinations formed by the displayed symbols. Additionally, for each assigned position of the bonus game display matrix that displays a symbol which is part of a winning symbol combination, a participation award is provided to the player assigned to that position. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110230248 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING MULTIPLE PLAYER SIMULTANEOUS DISPLAY/INPUT DEVICE - A game table having a multiplayer interactive display/input device which enables multiple players to simultaneously play primary or base wagering games and/or secondary or bonus games using the display/input device. The display/input device enables multiple players to simultaneously interact with the game table and the various games using the same display/input device. The game table enables multiple players to manipulate displayed objects (such as virtual cards or other game symbols) displayed by the display/input device at the same time. This enables the display/input device to simultaneously display the same game to multiple players in an integrated seamless manner without the need for multiple different sets of display devices and input devices for each of the players. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110230247 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING MULTIPLE PLAYER SIMULTANEOUS DISPLAY/INPUT DEVICE - A game table having a multiplayer interactive display/input device which enables multiple players to simultaneously play primary or base wagering games and/or secondary or bonus games using the display/input device. The display/input device enables multiple players to simultaneously interact with the game table and the various games using the same display/input device. The game table enables multiple players to manipulate displayed objects (such as virtual cards or other game symbols) displayed by the display/input device at the same time. This enables the display/input device to simultaneously display the same game to multiple players in an integrated seamless manner without the need for multiple different sets of display devices and input devices for each of the players. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110223991 | MULTI-PLAY CENTRAL DETERMINATION SYSTEM - Disclosed are methods, apparatus, and systems implementing techniques for using a central determination system with multi-play gaming machines having sub-games and with gaming machines having a base game and a bonus game. A seed value is provided for each of the games (i.e., each of the sub-games or the base game and the bonus game). This ensures that all possible game outcomes may be displayed for each of the games. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110223987 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING MULTIPLE INTERACTING INDEPENDENTLY OPERABLE WHEELS - A gaming device having multiple interacting independently operated symbol generators, such as wheels. In one embodiment, each wheel includes a plurality of sections that are associated with a plurality of different outcomes which are displayed to a player. One or more of the wheels are activated, either sequentially or simultaneously and the results of the wheel activations influence one or more subsequent wheel activations. Upon a terminating event, an outcome based on the results from one or more spins of one or more of the wheels is provided to the player. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110218038 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR DOWNLOADING GAMES OF CHANCE - The present invention provides methods, devices and systems for downloading gaming software. According to some implementations of the invention, gaming software is continuously transmitted on a plurality of channels, e.g., by one or more servers. In some such implementations, each channel is dedicated to software for a different wagering game. In other implementations, gaming software components are transmitted on a plurality of channels, with each channel dedicated to a particular gaming software component. Some implementations provide gaming software in response to a request from a gaming machine. Implementations over dedicated and/or public networks are provided. Preferred implementations of the invention allow gaming software to be downloaded to gaming machines in a secure manner that automatically ensures that licensing and regulatory requirements are satisfied. Some such implementations determine whether payment is required for gaming software and provide for automated payment, if so required. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110218032 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING VIRTUAL DRAWINGS - A gaming system and method of providing a virtual drawing or drawing promotion including a central server, one or more location servers, and a plurality of gaming devices. A player is provided with a drawing account voucher, which is associated with a drawing account. Based on game play, the drawing account is credited with drawing entries or virtual tickets for a drawing promotion. In one embodiment, the gaming system provides a number of drawing entries when a wager placed by a player meets at least a wager threshold amount, wherein the number of drawing entries provided is based on a ticket award amount. The gaming system, upon expiration of a drawing period, selects a winner of the drawing promotion by selecting a drawing entry. In one embodiment, the gaming system progressively increases the drawing prize based on the number of drawing entries provided or wagers placed by the players. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110218029 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING MULTIPLE INTERACTING INDEPENDENTLY OPERABLE WHEELS - A gaming device having multiple interacting independently operated symbol generators, such as wheels. In one embodiment, each wheel includes a plurality of sections that are associated with a plurality of different outcomes which are displayed to a player. One or more of the wheels are activated, either sequentially or simultaneously and the results of the wheel activations influence one or more subsequent wheel activations. Upon a terminating event, an outcome based on the results from one or more spins of one or more of the wheels is provided to the player. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110218024 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD HAVING A FIRST INTERACTIVE GAME WHICH DETERMINES A FUNCTION OF A SECOND WAGERING GAME - A gaming device including a first player interactive game requiring one or more player inputs which result in an outcome. The outcome does not result in an award provided to the player. In one embodiment, the gaming device determines a paytable employed in the wagering game based on an outcome of the interactive game. In another embodiment, the gaming device includes a plurality of different wagering games. The gaming device determines which wagering game to provide to the player based, at least in part, on the outcome of the interactive game. Other suitable functions can be employed in the wagering game based on the outcome of the interactive game in accordance with the present invention. In any embodiment, the gaming device provides an outcome to the player for the wagering game which can result in an award. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110212778 | VIRTUAL INPUT SYSTEM - For a user having a user input actuator, a virtual interface device, such as for a gaming machine, for determining actuation of a virtual input by the input actuator is disclosed. The device comprises a position sensing device for determining a location of the user input actuator and a controller coupled to the position sensing device, the controller determining whether a portion of the user input actuator is within a virtual input location in space defining the virtual input. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110212768 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH MULTIPLE PROGRESSIVE AWARD LEVELS AND A SKILL BASED DETERMINATION OF PROVIDING ONE OF THE PROGRESSIVE AWARD LEVELS - A gaming system which includes a plurality of progressive awards in an MLP configuration. In a triggered bonus event, a player begins at the lowest progressive award level of the MLP and attempts to reach a higher progressive award level based on their decisions in the bonus event. If as a result of their play in the bonus event, a player is provided a progressive award other than the lowest level progressive award, one or more of the remaining lower level progressive awards (i.e., a progressive award associated with a lower level of the MLP than the provided progressive award) are shifted to account for the provided progressive award. The lowest level progressive award (which is temporality left vacant by the shifting of the remaining progressive awards) is reset to a set value, thus providing that the progressive award hierarchy is preserved regardless of which progressive award is provided to the player. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110212765 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PLAYER COMMUNICATION - Systems and methods are provided for monitoring gaming activities of a player at a gaming device. It is determined, based on the gaming activities, whether to initiate communication between the player and an individual. Communication is enabled between the player and the individual. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110212764 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING AN ADDITIONAL GAMING CURRENCY - A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The gaming system includes a point or count based system to provide one or more awards to one or more players. Such points are accumulated by a player based on one or more events associated with the player's gaming experience. The points or counts utilized in the gaming system are selectively redeemed by the player in exchange for one or more opportunities to win an award. It should be appreciated that in one embodiment, the equalizing units disclosed herein are different, separate and independent from any monetary based points or credits, any promotional based points or credits, or any player tracking points. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110212760 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING MULTIPLE INTERACTING INDEPENDENTLY OPERABLE WHEELS - A gaming device having multiple interacting independently operated symbol generators, such as wheels. In one embodiment, each wheel includes a plurality of sections that are associated with a plurality of different outcomes which are displayed to a player. One or more of the wheels are activated, either sequentially or simultaneously and the results of the wheel activations influence one or more subsequent wheel activations. Upon a terminating event, an outcome based on the results from one or more spins of one or more of the wheels is provided to the player. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110212759 | PROVIDING NON-BINGO OUTCOMES FOR A BINGO GAME - The present invention provides methods and devices for providing a first wagering game (such as a bingo game) that presents a changing pool of displayed game outcomes for a second wagering game (such as a Class III game), preferably on a network of gaming machines. Some implementations of the invention provide a bingo game that presents a changing pool of displayed game outcomes for a slot game or a poker game. In some preferred implementations, game outcomes are generated, e.g., by individual gaming machines, on an ongoing basis and stored in memory. Each of the game outcomes corresponds with a bingo outcome. Preferably, the game outcomes are sorted and stored according to payout amounts for various bingo outcomes. In some implementations, the game outcomes are stored in the form of random number generating (“RNG”) seeds, but in other implementations the game outcomes are stored in a variety of other forms. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110207523 | GAMING SYSTEMS, GAMING DEVICES AND METHODS WITH NON-COMPETITIVE PLAY AND OPTIONAL COMPETITIVE PLAY - In an embodiment, a gaming system includes a plurality of gaming devices and a controller configured to communicate with the gaming devices. The gaming system enables a plurality of players to play an interactive game in a non-competitive mode and in a competitive mode. If at least two players play the interactive game in the competitive mode, for a competitive wagering event, which includes a competition between two players, the gaming system determines a winning player and a losing player. The gaming system causes the winning player to contribute a winning player portion toward a wager associated with the competitive wagering event and causes the losing player to contribute a losing player portion toward the wager associated with the competitive wagering event. The losing player portion is less than the winning player portion. The gaming system randomly determines and provides any awards to the winning player based on the wager. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110201417 | MULTI-PLAYER BINGO GAME WITH PROGRESSIVE JACKPOTS - Methods and gaming units for conducting a wagering game and an associated progressive jackpot in a gaming network having a plurality of operatively coupled gaming units are described. A progressive jackpot award amount may be determined in part based on the amount of the player's wager for the occurrence of the wagering game in relation to a maximum wager amount that may be made on one of the gaming units in the gaming network. The progressive jackpot pool may include a main pool and a reserve pool. Portions of players' wagers being added to the progressive jackpot pool may be apportioned between the main pool and the reserve pool based on calculation performed at the gaming network, with the apportionment being at least partially determined by the amount in the main pool. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110201413 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING AN INTERACTIVE GAME WITH AUTOMATIC WAGERS - A gaming system including a plurality of gaming machines or devices. The gaming machines include an interactive game and a wager triggering event. Upon the occurrence of the wager triggering event during play of the interactive game, the gaming machine causes the placement of a wager component and randomly determines a wagering outcome. Upon completion of the interactive game, the gaming machine provides the player with an interactive game outcome and provides the player with any awards based on any determined wagering outcomes. The players are ranked in the interactive game. Upon a triggering event, the gaming system provides one or more ranked players of the interactive game an award from funds derived from a marketing or advertising account. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110201409 | INTEGRATED GAMING SECURITY MONITOR AND ETHERNET SWITCH - Some wager gaming machines described herein include a switch that has an internet protocol (IP) address mapping function. The switch may have its own memory for maintaining gaming information, such as security information, state information, configuration parameters, etc. The switch may have embedded security functions that can operate even if a motherboard of the gaming machine is powered off or is otherwise inoperative. The function of the switch may change according to the function of the gaming machine. For example, when the motherboard is operational, the switch may route messages passively. When the motherboard is inoperative, the switch may take control of predetermined functionality. Even when the motherboard is fully operational, the switch may allow remote access to a peripheral device. In some implementations a logic device, such as a programmable logic device, may provide remote access and/or monitoring functions when the motherboard is inoperative. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110201405 | ENTERTAINMENT MACHINE HAVING A SIGNAL-GENERATING DEVICE COUPLED TO A MOVABLE SYMBOL-BEARING SUPPORT - An entertainment machine having a display device including a rotatable reel with symbols around its periphery. The symbols are defined digitally on a support, such as a curved LCD strip, by feed of signals from a signal generating device. The support may rotate with the reel. Alternatively the support may be fixed so that the reel rotates but the support is static. In this case, the support extends round part only of the periphery of the reel and the feed of signals is such as to define symbols which move with the rotation of the reel. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110201404 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING A THREE DIMENSIONAL DISPLAY DEVICE - A wagering gaming device having a three-dimensional display device which includes a plurality display screens. The display screens display three dimensional images having an height, actual width and depth. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110195791 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING DIRECTIVES FOR PERSONNEL - A system and method include determining a recipient of an offer; and determining an offer which includes an activity and a benefit. The system and method further include transmitting, to a representative, instructions to provide the offer to the recipient. The system and method further include determining whether the recipient has performed the activity, and if so providing the benefit to the recipient. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110195773 | FLEXIBLE DETERMINATION OF PROGRESSIVE AWARDS - The present invention provides novel method and devices for implementing progressive systems on networked gaming machines and associated network devices. Some preferred implementations of the invention allow a target progressive pool size to be selected and apply payouts such that the actual progressive pool size is not likely to exceed greatly the target progressive pool size. Some such implementations control the actual progressive pool size by applying a function to control percentages of the current progressive pool size payable to players of a wagering game on the networked gaming machines. The function may be a function of a current progressive pool size, target progressive pool size and bet size. The function may cause relatively higher percentages of the current progressive pool size to be payable to players when the current progressive pool amount is greater than a target progressive pool size and relatively lower percentages of the current progressive pool size to be payable to players when the current progressive pool size is less than or equal to a target progressive pool size. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110190044 | REPLACEMENT REEL GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD - Apparatuses and methods for facilitating participation in a gaming activity. A reel configuration of a plurality of reels is presented, where each of the reels includes one or more associated gaming symbols. The presentation of the gaming symbols is modified on the plurality of reels, such as by spinning the reels or otherwise changing which symbols are presented on the reels. A replacement reel is presented, to supersede or otherwise supplant at least one of the gaming symbols of the reel configuration. Results of the gaming activity are established using the gaming symbols of the plurality of reels and the replacement reel. The result is thereby based on a resulting presentation of symbols that includes both the symbols of the primary reel configuration and the symbol(s) of the replacement reel(s). | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110183758 | GAMING APPARATUS HAVING A CONFIGURABLE CONTROL PANEL - A gaming apparatus for facilitating game play. The gaming apparatus may include a value input device, a display unit, and a player control panel. The player control panel may include a curved surface centered around at least one axis. The gaming apparatus also may include a touch screen, the touch screen conforming to the curved surface of the player control panel. A value input may be received from a player via the value input device, and the display unit may be caused to display a game display. One of a plurality of player input displays may be selected and display the selected one of the plurality of player input displays. Player input data associated with the selected one of the plurality of player input displays may be received via the touch screen, and a value payout associated with an outcome of the game may be determined. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110183750 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING A GAME WITH MULTIPLE SELECTIONS AND PROGRESSIVE GAME INCREMENTATION - A gaming device having a game involving a plurality of selections and at least one progressive game increment associated with at least one of the selections. The gaming device has a progressive award which is displayable if the player picks a selection associated with a progressive game increment. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110179409 | COMPUTERIZED GAMING SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS - The present invention in various embodiments provides a computerized wagering game method and apparatus that features an operating system kernel, a system handler application that loads and executes gaming program shared objects and features nonvolatile storage that facilitates sharing of information between gaming program objects. The system handler of some embodiments further provides an API library of functions callable from the gaming program objects, and facilitates the use of callback functions on change of data stored in nonvolatile storage. The nonvolatile storage also provides a nonvolatile record of the state of the computerized wagering game, providing protection against loss of the game state due to power loss. The system handler application in various embodiments includes a plurality of device handlers, providing an interface to selected hardware and the ability to monitor hardware-related events. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110177868 | REPOSITIONABLE HANDLE ASSEMBLIES FOR DROP-IN-BAR GAMING MACHINES - A “drop-in” style bar top gaming machine that includes a support frame having at least two opposed support walls, and a top panel assembly supporting a display device. The top panel assembly is further configured to cooperate with the support frame for movement between a closed position and an open position, enabling access to the support frame. An illumination assembly is provided for interior illumination of the gaming machine. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110177867 | COMPUTERIZED GAMING SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS - The present invention in various embodiments provides a computerized wagering game method and apparatus that features an operating system kernel, a system handler application that loads and executes gaming program shared objects and features nonvolatile storage that facilitates sharing of information between gaming program objects The system handler of some embodiments further provides an API library of functions callable from the gaming program objects, and facilitates the use of callback functions on change of data stored in nonvolatile storage. The nonvolatile storage also provides a nonvolatile record of the state of the computerized wagering game, providing protection against loss of the game state due to power loss. The system handler application in various embodiments includes a plurality of device handlers, providing an interface to selected hardware and the ability to monitor hardware-related events. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110165937 | UNIVERSAL OPERATING SYSTEM TO HARDWARE PLATFORM INTERFACE FOR GAMING MACHINES - Gaming machines and systems having a universal interface layer linking a gaming platform to a hardware platform are disclosed. In particular, the universal interface layer is configured such that the gaming platform is hardware platform independent and such that the hardware platform is gaming platform independent. Platform independence can facilitate the interchangeability of one platform without a corresponding need to modify the other platform. The gaming platform can include various gaming modules and an operating system, while the universal interface layer can include firmware, various additional gaming modules, hardware specific drivers and various APIs to facilitate communication between the gaming platform and other universal interface layer components. A safe storage manager can be included to utilize a non-volatile storage component to store data regarding a gaming machine state, with the state being recoverable after a substantial interruption to the machine. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110165931 | TRAJECTORY-BASED 3-D GAMES OF CHANCE FOR VIDEO GAMING MACHINES - Trajectory-based games of chance are described that may be implemented on a video gaming machine. In a trajectory-based game of chance, a trajectory of a game object may be generated in a 3-D gaming environment. A wager may be made on an aspect of the game object's trajectory in the gaming environment such as a termination location for the trajectory of the game object. The aspect of the game object's trajectory may occur according to a known probability. Hence, an award for the trajectory-based game of chance may be proportional to the probability of the aspect of the game object's trajectory occurring. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110165930 | TRAJECTORY-BASED 3-D GAMES OF CHANCE FOR VIDEO GAMING MACHINES - Trajectory-based games of chance are described that may be implemented on a video gaming machine. In a trajectory-based game of chance, a trajectory of a game object may be generated in a 3-D gaming environment. A wager may be made on an aspect of the game object's trajectory in the gaming environment such as a termination location for the trajectory of the game object. The aspect of the game object's trajectory may occur according to a known probability. Hence, an award for the trajectory-based game of chance may be proportional to the probability of the aspect of the game object's trajectory occurring. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110165929 | TRAJECTORY-BASED 3-D GAMES OF CHANCE FOR VIDEO GAMING MACHINES - Trajectory-based games of chance are described that may be implemented on a video gaming machine. In a trajectory-based game of chance, a trajectory of a game object may be generated in a 3-D gaming environment. A wager may be made on an aspect of the game object's trajectory in the gaming environment such as a termination location for the trajectory of the game object. The aspect of the game object's trajectory may occur according to a known probability. Hence, an award for the trajectory-based game of chance may be proportional to the probability of the aspect of the game object's trajectory occurring. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110159944 | WAGERING GAMING DEVICE HAVING SIMULATED CONTROL OF MOVEMENT OF GAME FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS - A wagering gaming device that enables a player to affect the movement of a functional element of a game by use of a user input device. More specifically, the present invention provides a processor controlled wagering gaming device that receives input from a user input device. The user manipulates the input device in the manner in which he wishes the functional element or to move. The processor receives the information from the input device and calculates parameters. The processor moves the functional element. This sequence or feature may be employed in a primary game, bonus game or in any stand alone game. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110143832 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR USING CONDITIONAL PARAMETERS TO ALTERNATE BETWEEN WAGERING GAMES - 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. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110138181 | MULTI-PARTY ENCRYPTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A cryptographic communication system and method having a first plurality of stations, each of the first plurality of stations having at least one encryption key K | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110136565 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD PROVIDING CALCULATED REEL SYMBOL EVALUATION - A gaming device having at least one target reel having target values, a plurality of value reels each having accumulative values, and a processor programmed to cause a spin of the target reel and value reels, accumulate the accumulative values generated on the value reels to form a cumulative value, compare the cumulative value to a designated one of the generated target values on the target reel, and provide an award to a player if the cumulative value meets a predefined mathematical threshold with respect to the designated one of the target values. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110136564 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD PROVIDING CALCULATED REEL SYMBOL EVALUATION - A gaming device having at least one target reel having target values, a plurality of value reels each having accumulative values, and a processor programmed to cause a spin of the target reel and value reels, accumulate the accumulative values generated on the value reels to form a cumulative value, compare the cumulative value to a designated one of the generated target values on the target reel, and provide an award to a player if the cumulative value meets a predefined mathematical threshold with respect to the designated one of the target values. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110130193 | Gaming Device Having Free Spin Mode with Symbol Elimination - A bonus game that operates in combination with a slot machine base game is provided. The bonus game includes a series of free spins or free evaluations in which symbols of a set of symbols are generated. The free spins also generate executor symbols that alone or in accumulation cause one of the symbols of the set to be eliminated or replaced. In either case the symbols remaining in the set have a higher probability of being generated and a higher probability exists that a larger award paying combination of the remaining symbols will be generated. The elimination sequence can be repeated a number of times further increasing the probability of generating a higher paying award for the player. The present invention is operable with different types of base games such as slot and poker. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110130188 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR FACILITATING PLAY AT A GAMING DEVICE BY MEANS OF THIRD PARTY OFFERS - In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, an offer is presented to a player (e.g., at a gaming device or a table game in a casino). The offer defines a benefit to be provided in exchange for the player's commitment to an obligation defined by the offer. The offer may be provided once it is determined that a condition of a gaming device satisfies a predetermined criterion. The benefit defined by the offer may be provided to the player and/or to one or more associated persons designated by the player. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110130185 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CARD SHOE SECURITY AT A TABLE GAME - Embodiments include electronic and mechanical improvements to a card shoe adapted to prevent a cheating player from gaining knowledge of the cards within the shoe. In some embodiments, a variety of electronic security solutions are contemplated. In one example, cards may be shuffled at a remote location where the sequence of the cards may be hashed or encrypted and deleted from an external electronic memory. These cards may be sealed with various physical and electronic seals, associated with the hashed value of the card sequence and are shipped to a casino table where they may be inserted into an intelligent card shoe. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110124404 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR AUCTIONING AN ITEM VIA A GAMING DEVICE - Methods and apparatus for auctioning an item via a gaming device are disclosed. The methods and apparatus enable a gaming device player (e.g., a slot machine player) to select one or more auction items the player is interested in bidding on. As the player plays the gaming device, a portion of each bet and/or a portion of each win is allocated to an accumulating bid on the selected auction item(s). In one embodiment, other players, connected via a network, also bid on the auction item(s) in a similar fashion. At the end of an auction, the highest bidder is awarded with the auction item. In one embodiment, the auction item is a physical auction item physically displayed at the gaming device. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110124402 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING BENEFIT IN A FUTURE PLAY OF A WAGERING GAME - On embodiment of the gaming system: receives a base wager from a player for a play of a wagering game; enables the player to select to cause a modifier to be applied to the play of the wagering game or the modifier to not be applied to the play of the wagering game; displays an outcome of the play of the wagering game; if the outcome is a losing outcome and if the player caused the modifier to be applied to the play of the wagering game, reset the modifier; if the outcome is the losing outcome and if the player caused the modifier to not be applied to the play of the wagering game, increase the modifier; if the outcome is a winning outcome and the player caused the modifier to not be applied to the play of the wagering game, provide a first award to player based on the winning outcome and the base wager, and reset the modifier; and if the outcome is a winning outcome and the player caused the modifier to be applied to the play of the wagering game provide a second different award to the player based on the winning outcome, the base wager, and the modifier, and reset the modifier. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110124396 | APPARATUS PROVIDING PAYOUTS PROPORTIONAL TO WAGERS AND METHODS FOR OPERATING SAME - A gaming device such as a slot machine is provided having a payout proportional to a wager value. In accordance with one or more embodiments, 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. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110118013 | MOVABLE MECHANICAL DISPLAY DEVICES AND METHODS - A gaming machine includes a rotating object that has at least one configurable surface that may be configured electronically. The rotating object may be synchronized with a video display. Configurable surfaces can use bistable materials, electroluminescent materials, LCDs, LEDs, OLEDs, projection, or other techniques. The appearance of the rotating object is changed without physically changing the rotating object. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110118011 | GAMING SYSTEMS, GAMING DEVICES AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING PROGRESSIVE AWARDS - The gaming system, gaming device and method disclosed herein determines whether to provide at least one of the plurality of progressive awards to the player based on that player's measured level of skill in: (i) a plurality of plays of a partial skill-based game, (ii) a skill-based progressive award sequence, or (iii) a plurality of plays of a partial skill-based game and a skill-based progressive award sequence. The determination is based on zero, one or more inputs made by the player which tend to measure that player's level of skill in at least one of a partial skill-based game and a skill-based progressive award sequence. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110118010 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING BALANCED PAYBACKS WITH VARYING WAGER AMOUNTS - Various embodiments of the gaming system of the present disclosure enable a player to play a secondary or bonus game, in which the player has the chance to play for a designated award in the triggered secondary or bonus game. The probability of triggering the secondary or bonus game varies based on the player's primary game wager. Additionally, the probability of winning a designated award in the triggered secondary or bonus game varies based on the player's primary game wager. In one embodiment, as the primary game wager increases, the odds of triggering the secondary or bonus game increase, but not in direct proportion to the wager. Similarly, the odds of winning the designated award in the triggered secondary or bonus game increases, but not in direct proportion to the wager. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110117989 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A PERSISTENCE GAME WITH MULTIPLE SYMBOL EVALUATIONS - In one embodiment, the gaming system and method disclosed herein employs a symbol accumulation sequence and a symbol evaluation sequence. The symbol accumulation sequence includes an accumulation of a designated quantity of symbols in association with a persistence game. The symbol accumulation sequence also includes the maintenance of a persistence game arrangement that displays a designated quantity of currently accumulated symbols (which in certain instances, includes some, but not all of the total number of symbols accumulated). In one embodiment, the symbol evaluation sequence includes the gaming system determining and providing an award based on the accumulated symbols of the persistence game. In another embodiment, the symbol evaluation sequence includes the gaming system determining and providing an award based on at least one of the accumulated symbols of the persistence game and at least one symbol generated for a current play of a wagering game. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110117981 | Gaming System, Gaming Device and Method for Determining an Outcome of a Secondary Game Based on One or More Events Which Occur in Association with a Primary Game - In various embodiments, the gaming system, gaming device, and gaming method disclosed herein includes an accumulation sequence and a competition sequence. In one embodiment, the gaming system includes competitor points which determine (i) a competitor's eligibility to participate in the competition sequence and (ii) the competitor's relative probability of success in the competition sequence. In this embodiment, a competitor (which is either representative of an actual player or a virtual, gaming system controlled player) accumulates competitor points during one or more point accumulation sequences which occur in association with designated events. For a subsequent competition sequence, the gaming system determines if a competitor will participate in the triggered competition sequence based on the competitor's accumulated competitor points. For the subsequent competition sequence, the gaming system further determines the competitor's relative probability of success in the competition sequence based on the competitor's accumulated competitor points. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110111852 | TOUCH SCREEN DISPLAYS WITH PHYSICAL BUTTONS FOR GAMING DEVICES - Disclosed are methods, apparatus, and systems implementing techniques for providing input for playing a game of chance. A gaming machine includes a touch screen display. The touch screen display is configured to display input selections, auxiliary input selections, and auxiliary data. The touch screen display is further configured to receive game input corresponding to the input selections and auxiliary input corresponding to the auxiliary input selections. The received game input and auxiliary input are transmitted to a controller of the gaming machine. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110111843 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DYNAMICALLY GROUPING GAMING DEVICES TO PROVIDE PROGRESSIVE AWARDS - A gaming system enables players of a group of gaming devices to wager on progressive or other awards for that group and tracks an amount of player activity at the group. If player activity of the group exceeds an upper reconfiguration threshold, the gaming system disassociates one or more gaming devices from the group to reduce the amount of player activity. If the player activity of the group falls below a lower reconfiguration threshold, the gaming system associates one or more additional gaming devices with that group to increase player activity. Reallocation of gaming devices can occur following a player winning the award for the group. The system can incrementally increase an award reset amount, while reducing the odds of winning the award, to maintain a desired range of gaming experiences. The system can also enable a player to select an initial groups based on a characteristic of that player. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110111842 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ENABLING A PLAYER TO SIMULTANEOUSLY CONTROL GAME PLAY WITH MULTIPLE GAMING DEVICES - In accordance with at least one embodiment, a gaming system is operable to determine a first gaming device being operated by a player and select a second gaming device to be controlled, via the first gaming device, by the player. In some embodiments, the gaming system is further operable to configure the second gaming device to be controlled via an interface of the first gaming device. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110111841 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING AN ADVANTAGE TO A PLAYER IN A BONUS GAME - A gaming method includes receiving a wager from a player, displaying an image representative of a primary game, determining if a bonus event trigger has occurred, displaying an image representative of a bonus game, the bonus game including a representation associated with the player and a representation associated with an opponent, the representations each having at least one attribute associated with the bonus game, if the bonus event trigger occurs, and determining a payout associated with an outcome of the bonus game. The method also includes offering the player at least one advantage option, the at least one advantage option affecting at least one of the at least one attribute of the representation associated with the player and the at least one attribute of the representation associated with the opponent. A gaming machines and system may be provided to carry out such a method. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110111835 | RECONCILING PAYBACK PERCENTAGE OF A GAMING DEVICE WITH TRANSFERABLE RETURN - An electronic gaming machine (EGM) is configured to run a persistence game having one or more recordable persistence states transferable to another EGM. The EGM includes a logic system, a computer readable memory including instructions executable by the logic system for running on the EGM a persistence game having persistence states leading to a persistence award redeemable when persistence criteria are satisfied, each persistence state having a persistence value representing a portion of the persistence award, a verification interface configured for determining whether to initiate play of the persistence game at a previously recorded persistence state, a coin-in meter, a coin-out meter, and a theoretical coin-out meter storing in the memory unawarded persistence values accumulated by the machine from advancing the persistence game during game play among the one or more persistence states, and calculating a value for theoretical coin-out as a sum of the accumulated coin-out value and a difference between the persistence value of a current persistence state and the persistence value of a previous persistence state. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110111828 | GAMING SYSTEMS, GAMING DEVICES AND METHODS WITH VOLATILITY CONTROL GAMES - Gaming systems, gaming devices and methods that provide games that control volatility. In one embodiment, the gaming system disclosed herein enables a player to select values, or cells associated with values, that are displayed in a particular arrangement. The player selected values are distributed to other values or cells according to one or more predefined rules. In one embodiment, one or more of the player selectable values are progressive award values. At some point during the game, the gaming system randomly picks one of the remaining values that have not been selected and provides an award to the player based at least in part on the selected value. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110111827 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A GAME IN WHICH PLAYERS POSITION SELECTORS WITHIN A FIELD OF SELECTIONS BASED ON VALUES MASKED BY THE SELECTIONS - A gaming system displays a plurality of spaced-apart selections each associated with a masked award. One or more selectors are each associated with one or more players, and are visible to each player. The selectors are moveable amongst the spaced-apart selections based on a plurality of player inputs. For a play of the game, the players provide inputs to move the selectors amongst the spaced-apart selections. During such movement, the gaming system temporarily reveals the award associated with any spaced-apart selection in the vicinity of any selector to at least one player, such as the player whose selector is near the selection. After the play of the game has ended (e.g., based on an amount of elapsed time), the gaming system provides awards to the players based on the ending positions of the one or more selectors with respect to the plurality of spaced-apart selections. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110111826 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING SYMBOL COMBINATIONS WITH DYNAMIC AWARDS - The gaming system and method disclosed herein provides a plurality of symbol combinations that are each associated with a dynamic award. Such dynamic awards increase based, at least in part, on one or more random events which occur in association with one or more plays of a game. In one embodiment, the gaming system increases the dynamic award of a designated symbol combination based on the random generation of another, different symbol combination. In this embodiment, if the gaming system randomly generates the other symbol combination, the gaming system: (i) provides any award associated with this other symbol combination, and (ii) increases the dynamic award of the designated symbol combination. Additionally, if the gaming system randomly generates the designated symbol combination, the gaming system provides to a player the dynamic award of the designated symbol combination. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110111825 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A CASCADING SYMBOL GAME INCLUDING SHIFTING SYMBOLS ACCORDING TO DIRECTIONAL INDICATORS - The disclosed gaming system displays an arrangement of symbols including a plurality of symbol positions. For a play of the game, the gaming system displays a randomly generated symbol in each symbol position. One or more of the symbols are displayed as associated with a directional indicator indicating a shift direction for that symbol. If any winning symbol combination is displayed, the gaming system shifts at least one symbol within the symbol matrix according to the directional indicator associated with that symbol, such as by shifting the symbol as designated distance in the shift direction indicated by the symbol's directional indicator. In one embodiment, the gaming system removes one or more symbols in the shift path of a shifting symbol. In one embodiment, the gaming system generates and displays new symbols in the then-empty symbol positions of the symbol matrix and repeats the determination, shifting, and generation. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110111824 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING AN INCREMENTAL WAGERING GAME - Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gaming device which enables a player to purchase the game in stages or increments. The gaming device enables the player to place a first wager for a play of the game. After receiving the first wager, the gaming device randomly generates and displays a first outcome. The gaming device evaluates the displayed first outcome to determine whether the displayed outcome includes any winning symbol combinations. The gaming device provides the player with any awards associated with any determined winning symbol combinations. After providing the player with any awards based on the displayed first outcome, the gaming device offers the player the opportunity to make a second wager for the play of the game. If the second wager is placed, the gaming device generates and displays the second outcome, while the first outcome remains displayed. The gaming device evaluates the displayed second outcome in combination with the displayed first outcome to determine whether any winning symbol combinations are displayed. The gaming device provides the player with any awards associated with any displayed winning symbol combinations. If the player chooses not to make the second wager for the play of the game, the play of the game terminates. In this manner, the present disclosure enables a player to decide when to continue building on an outcome that is good and when to stop the play of the game. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110111820 | GAMING SYSTEMS, GAMING DEVICES AND METHODS HAVING TIME BASED GAMES AND MAGNITUDES ASSOCIATED WITH WAGERING EVENTS IN THE TIME BASED GAMES - A gaming system receives a total wager for a game session which occurs over a designated period of time. The game session includes a plurality of different wagering events. Each of the wagering events is associated with one of a plurality of different magnitudes. For each of the plurality of different wagering events, the gaming system determines: a portion of the total wager amount, and a wager by modifying the determined portion by the magnitude associated with that wagering event. The gaming system causes the wagering event to occur, determines at least one outcome for the wagering event, determines any awards based on the determined wager and the at least one determined outcome, and provides any of the determined awards to the player. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110111818 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A GAME HAVING A DYNAMIC AWARD SCHEME - Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide gaming systems, gaming devices and methods which have casual games with dynamic award schemes. Each game has a designated number of elements such as positions, moveable elements, or the combination of positions and moveable elements. For each play of the wagering game, the gaming system: receives a wager from a player; determines a number of the designated number of elements which will function as or be designated as payout elements; determines which of the designated number of elements to make the payout elements; for each payout element, determines the payout value associated with that payout element; and (e) determines a game ending condition. The gaming system enables the player to play the wagering game in accordance with the predetermined rules of the wagering game. This includes enabling the player to employ the elements until the game ending condition occurs. For each payout element, if the payout element is employed in that play of the wagering game in a designated manner in accordance with the predetermined rules of the wagering game, the gaming system provides the player the payout value associated with that payout element. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110105234 | Method and System for Instant-On Game Dowload - Disclosed are methods, apparatus, and systems, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for a method for providing a game on demand over a data network, in a gaming machine. The gaming machine sends a request message for a game application over the data network. In a network mode, the gaming machine receives outputted results from an executed game application over a streaming channel of the data network for network-based game play. During the network-based game play, the game application is downloaded over a download channel of the data network. In a local mode, the gaming machine executes the downloaded game application independent of the network-based game play. The gaming machine switches instantaneously from the network mode to the local mode for machine-based game play, including maintaining a status of the network-based game play. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110105216 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NORMALIZING AVERAGE EXPECTED PAYOUTS TO PLAYERS - The gaming system disclosed herein accounts for game play over a gaming session in determining a bonus game attribute for a triggered bonus game. The gaming system maintains a plurality of different bonus game attributes. Each different bonus game attribute is associated with a different bonus game attribute modification event and an initial probability of that bonus game attribute being selected for a play of a bonus game. For each bonus game attribute modification event that occurs, the gaming system modifies the probability that the associated bonus game attribute will be selected for a play of a bonus game. Upon an occurrence of a bonus game triggering event, the gaming system randomly selects one of the maintained bonus game attributes. The gaming system then displays a bonus game and determines a bonus game award utilizing the selected bonus game attribute. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110105208 | Managed On-Line Poker Tournaments - A gaming system is described that is configured to provide on-line poker games with only live participants. The gaming system may link gaming devices located in a casino or across a gaming enterprise. The gaming system may comprise a number of secure transaction terminals that are distributed throughout the gaming venue or gaming enterprise. The secure transaction terminals may be designed for operation only by a human operator. The secure transaction terminals may include one or more of mobile devices that may be moved throughout the gaming venue or the gaming enterprise, thin-client gaming devices with fixed locations and wager-based video gaming machines with fixed locations. The gaming system may include one or more servers configured to provide head-to-head poker games involving live players, monitor the locations of the secure transaction terminals within the gaming venue or gaming enterprise and limit game participation based upon the locations of the secure transaction terminals being utilized in the gaming venue. The game participation based upon location may be performed to prevent collusion among players. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110098118 | ADVENTURE SEQUENCE ACTIVITIES - A gaming system includes a communication network, a portable data storage device having information associated with a player stored therein and a plurality of gaming units communicatively coupled to the communication network. Each of the gaming units includes an interface for reading and for storing information within the portable data storage device. The gaming system also includes a network computer communicatively coupled to the communication network and the plurality of gaming units. The network computer is programmed to enable the player to play a group of the plurality of gaming units in a particular sequence based on the information associated with the player stored within the portable data storage device. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110092278 | METHOD OF AWARDING PRIZES FOR JACKPOT AND GAMING MACHINES BASED ON AMOUNT WAGERED DURING A TIME PERIOD - Periodic prize draws are conducted by a jackpot controller in a gaming system having one or more electronic gaming devices. The probability of each electronic gaming device winning a particular prize draw is dependent upon the amount wagered on that gaming machine during a period preceding that prize draw. The prize may be a progressive jackpot which comprises an initial starting value and a contribution from the amounts wagered on the electronic gaming devices. If an electronic gaming device wins a prize draw, its player may be granted a feature game to determine the actual prize. Jackpots are suspended pending the completion of the feature game. The probability that a gaming device will win the prize draw, or the relative win probabilities of the gaming devices, may be displayed graphically. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110092274 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING COMPETITION CONFIGURATION, ATTACK AND COUNTERMEASURE GAME - A gaming device operable upon a wager by at least one player includes: (i) a display device; (ii) first and second entities displayed on the display device, the first entity representing the player; (iii) at least one input device configured to enable the player to choose an offensive play and a defensive play fore the first entity; (iv) wherein the display device is countered to display the offensive and defensive plays being countered by a defensive and offensive play, respectively, for the second entity; and (v) a processor configured to determine an outcome for the player based on at least one of (a) a comparison of the offensive play for the first entity to the defensive play for the second player, and (b) a comparison of the defensive play for the first entity to the offensive play for the second entity. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110092270 | MULTIPLE REEL ROULETTE GAME - A gaming system which is operable to receive an input associated with at least one betting option specified by a roulette betting layout. A plurality of roulette reels are rotatable about a common axis, and each one of the roulette reels has a side display surface or side wall. Each one of the side display surfaces or side walls displays a plurality of numerals which are spaced apart along the side display surface or side wall. The numerals are associated with the roulette betting layout. An outcome occurs based upon one or more indicated numerals. | 04-21-2011 |
