Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080202889 | Products and Processes For Establishing Multi-Transaction Relationships With Customers of Vending Machines - Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for improving the establishment and management of vending machine subscriptions, including systems and methods for constructing, communicating, and registering subscriptions, as well as various methods for processing the redemption of vending machine subscription items. Several additional embodiments are disclosed, including various alternate methods of promoting longitudinal machine-customer relationships. | 08-28-2008 |
20080248865 | Method And Apparatus For Facilitating Usage Of A Supplemental Ticket At A Gaming Device - In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method may provide for receiving a first indicia associated with play of a gaming device, receiving a second indicia associated with play of the gaming device, and modifying, based upon the receipt of both the first and second indicia, a parameter of play of the gaming device. The parameter is only modified if both the first indicia and the second indicia are received. For example, upon receiving both a cash-out ticket and a supplemental ticket, a gaming device may activate a feature or increase a credit balance by more than the face value of the cash-out ticket. | 10-09-2008 |
20080274783 | SESSION PLAY WITH HIGH VOLATILITY BET OPTION - A method for improving gambling sessions includes providing one or more conditional wagers with heightened volatility for the player. The player may purchase the session through appropriate purchasing forms and receive payouts at the end of the session. Conditions applied to the wager may include session balances, cards dealt to the player, timing within the session, and the like. | 11-06-2008 |
20080274792 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING GAMING SESSIONS VIA A SESSION TICKET - In accordance with one or more embodiments, a session comprising a plurality of game plays of a wagering game may be initiated via a session ticket. A session ticket may comprise, for example, a paper substrate, a plastic card or information stored electronically (e.g., in a wireless handheld device). In one embodiment, a casino property may manage a promotion by providing session tickets to players free of charge (e.g., to an audience of a show, to encourage the audience to gamble on the casino floor at the end of the show). In one embodiment, a session ticket may be sold as part of a Value Package that includes one or more gambling items (e.g., a session ticket for a session) and one or more non-gambling items (e.g., a voucher to a casino restaurant or spa and a reservation for a hotel room). | 11-06-2008 |
20080305856 | FACILITATING A PAYOUT AT A GAMING DEVICE USING AUDIOVISUAL CONTENT - A gaming device is adapted to present audiovisual content to players of the game. While the audiovisual content is playing, the player may initiate a game start. A snap shot of the audiovisual content playing at the time of the game start is taken. Reels of the gaming device spin and provide indicia on a payline. The indicia on the payline are compared to characters and elements within the snap shot of the audiovisual content. If there is a match for outcome significant indicia, the player receives a benefit. | 12-11-2008 |
20080311979 | MULTIPLAYER GAMING DEVICE AND METHODS - A plurality of gaming devices is linked so as to effectuate multiplayer game play. Multiplayer game play may cost more than single player game play, but may provide bonus payouts in the multiplayer game play. Various embodiments disclose symbol swapping, best ball, and match multiplayer game play. | 12-18-2008 |
20080318690 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR REMOTE PLAY OF A GAMING DEVICE - A method and system for remote play of a gaming device, such as a slot machine. In accordance with one embodiment, a first player playing a first device may benefit from an outcome determined via a second gaming device, the second device being played by a second player. The first device and/or the second device may comprise a gaming device operable to facilitate a wagering game. The first player and the second player may each place a wager on the outcome determined via the second device. The wager placed by the first player may be different from the wager placed by the second player. The displays of the two devices may be merged in some embodiments, such that a first portion of the outcome is displayed on a display of the first device and a second portion of the outcome is displayed on a display of the second device. | 12-25-2008 |
20090082095 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING GAMING CONTENT - A method comprises receiving an indication of a triggering event at a gaming device, determining a gaming content associated with the gaming device, identifying a public display on which is displayed non-gaming media content, and outputting the gaming content on the public display wherein the gaming content supersedes at least a portion of the non-gaming media content. | 03-26-2009 |
20090144785 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR BROADCASTING MODIFIED LIVE MEDIA - Methods and systems are presented for broadcasting a modified live media feed of an event. In an embodiment, the method includes receiving a live media feed at a broadcast computer from one or more recording devices, wherein the live media feed includes real time occurrences of a live event. The live media feed is broadcast after a predetermined delay, and the method includes identifying, during monitoring of the live event, a portion of the live event that is suitable for application of a modification effect. The process also includes the broadcast computer applying the modification effect to a portion of the live media feed corresponding to the identified portion of the live event, and then broadcasting the modified live media feed. | 06-04-2009 |
20090157220 | PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES FOR COMMUNICATING INFORMATION REGARDING A PRODUCT DISPENSED BY A VENDING MACHINE - According to an embodiment, information about a product is communicated to at least one customer of a vending machine. It is determined whether to dispense a product from the vending machine, and the product is dispensed from the vending machine. | 06-18-2009 |
20090253478 | GROUP SESSION PLAY - Session blackjack is modified by providing group sessions of blackjack in which each player may purchase a separate session of blackjack and cooperatively or competitively play towards group awards based on game play within the respective sessions of the group players. | 10-08-2009 |
20090291736 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONDITIONAL PAYOUTS IN A GAMING DEVICE - A gaming device incentivizes additional game play by combining payouts with conditional payouts. During game play, players are informed of the conditions, which must be satisfied so as to vest the conditional payouts. Subsequent game play is monitored to see if the player has satisfied the conditions. If the player has satisfied the conditions, then the conditional payout vests. If the condition is not met, then the conditional payout terminates. | 11-26-2009 |
20090291755 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CUSTOMIZED GAMING LIMITS - Embodiments are generally directed to facilitating the establishing and/or managing of gaming rules and/or limits associated with players. In some embodiments, third parties may establish and/or manage such rules and/or limits. Some embodiments implement such rules and/or limits by conducting game plays and/or gaming sessions in accordance with such rules and/or limits. | 11-26-2009 |
20090305765 | PROVIDING AND REDEEMING PARTIAL WAGERING GAME OUTCOMES - Described are methods, computer readable media and systems related to wagering games, and in particular those that concern providing and redeeming partial game outcomes. A method according to an embodiment includes receiving a completion request from a player who is operating a gaming device to complete at least one partial game outcome. The partial game outcome was previously provided to the player, who used a first device that is different than the gaming device. The method includes determining that the player is entitled to a complete game outcome, displaying the partial game outcome on the gaming device, determining the complete game outcome, and then displaying the complete game outcome. | 12-10-2009 |
20100025931 | GROUP SESSION PLAY - Session blackjack is modified by providing group sessions of blackjack in which each player may purchase a separate session of blackjack and cooperatively or competitively play towards group awards based on game play within the respective sessions of the group players. | 02-04-2010 |
20100062826 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONDUCTING LOTTERY GAMES - Systems, computer readable media and methods are presented that pertain to lottery games, which permit lottery players to reinvest their lottery entry winnings in one or more subsequent lottery drawings. In one embodiment, a method includes selling to a player at least one second lottery entry of a second lottery game in exchange for at least a portion of an initial payout, in accordance with at least one repurchasing action that corresponds to a repurchasing condition. | 03-11-2010 |
20100113161 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HANDHELD GAMING, INCLUDING INTERACTIVE MAPS - A method comprises receiving a request for a location of at least one player of at least one gaming device from a handheld device, determining the location of the at least one player based upon gaming information derived from the at least one gaming device of the at least one player, and transmitting location information comprising the determined location of the at least one player to the handheld device. | 05-06-2010 |
20100120487 | SELECTION OF MULTIPLE ROULETTE WHEELS - A roulette game allows players to place wagers across multiple roulette wheels. The player designates the amount of the wager, the particular outcomes on which the wager is contingent, and how many tables are covered by the wager. A control system automatically selects one or more tables across which the wager is based. The selection may be based on location of the player relative to the tables, impending outcomes from the tables, or other criteria as desired. | 05-13-2010 |
20100148442 | CUSTOMIZABLE DISPLAY OF ROULETTE BETTING LAYOUT - A roulette table allows players to make customized betting selections and customize the layout of the betting options that appear on the player station of the roulette table. In particularly contemplated embodiments, players may add, delete, or modify the appearance of betting options through a user interface so that the players may more readily indicate desired wagers. This functionality may not only speed up game play, but also make the betting layout more intuitive for each user resulting in increased attendance of roulette games. | 06-17-2010 |
20100211218 | PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES FOR STABLISHING MULTI-TRANSACTION RELATIONSHIPS WITH CUSTOMERS OF VENDING MACHINES - Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for improving the establishment and management of vending machine subscriptions, including systems and methods for constructing, communicating, and registering subscriptions, as well as various methods for processing the redemption of vending machine subscription items. Several additional embodiments are disclosed, including various alternate methods of promoting longitudinal machine-customer relationships. | 08-19-2010 |
20100244380 | BLACKJACK TEAM PLAY - A blackjack game is modified to include an auxiliary wager that is based on whether any of the hands at the blackjack table will beat the dealer's hand. A player may thus place an auxiliary wager on whether his hand or a second player's hand will beat the dealer. Alternate expressions of the concept allow variations in which player's hand or how many hands may be included in the comparison. | 09-30-2010 |
20100252997 | MULTIPLE POSITION SINGLE ROUND GAMING SLOT MACHINE AND METHOD - A gaming device presents multiple hands of the game played on the gaming device as part of a single round of game play. The player wagers on whether the composite set of the multiple hands has certain attributes. If the attributes are present in the composite set, the player receives a winning outcome and receives a benefit. In a particularly contemplated implementation, the game is blackjack, and the attributes are based on the number and type of cards as well as the manner in which individual hands beat the dealer and by how many points. | 10-07-2010 |
20100285869 | GAMEPLAY-ALTERING PORTABLE WAGERING MEDIA - Portable wagering media may be utilized to alter play of wagering games. | 11-11-2010 |
20100286819 | PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES FOR COMMUNICATING INFORMATION REGARDING A PRODUCT DISPENSED BY A VENDING MACHINE - According to an embodiment, information about a product is communicated to at least one customer of a vending machine. It is determined whether to dispense a product from the vending machine, and the product is dispensed from the vending machine. | 11-11-2010 |
20110014963 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING BLACKJACK FLAT RATE PLAY SESSIONS - In accordance with one embodiment, a video roulette flat rate play session is facilitated. The flat rate play session may be associated with at least one of a wagering restriction applied to one or more bets during the flat rate play session and a net maximum payout per spin applicable to one or more bets during the flat rate play session. In one embodiment, a player is provided with a plurality of wagering units at the beginning of the session. A monetary value of the plurality of wagering units may be greater than a monetary value of a flat rate price paid for the flat rate play session. | 01-20-2011 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20120172114 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONDITIONAL PAYOUTS IN A GAMING DEVICE - A gaming device incentivizes additional game play by combining payouts with conditional payouts. During game play, players are informed of the conditions, which must be satisfied so as to vest the conditional payouts. Subsequent game play is monitored to see if the player has satisfied the conditions. If the player has satisfied the conditions, then the conditional payout vests. If the condition is not met, then the conditional payout terminates. | 07-05-2012 |
20120270639 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING AND REDEEMING PARTIAL WAGERING GAME OUTCOMES - Methods, computer readable media and systems related to wagering games, and in particular those that concern providing and redeeming partial game outcomes. One example method includes receiving a completion request from a player who is operating a gaming device to complete at least one partial game outcome. The partial game outcome was previously provided to the player, who used a first device that is different than the gaming device. This example method includes determining that the player is entitled to a complete game outcome, displaying the partial game outcome on the gaming device, determining the complete game outcome, and then displaying the complete game outcome. | 10-25-2012 |
20120276984 | 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. | 11-01-2012 |
20120286035 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROMOTING THE SELECTION AND USE OF A TRANSACTION CARD - Some embodiments of the present invention provide for detecting a physical change (e.g., via a sensor of a transaction card), and, in response to detecting the physical change, producing an output signal promoting use of a financial account. | 11-15-2012 |
20120295694 | 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. | 11-22-2012 |
20130137505 | FACILITATING A PAYOUT AT A GAMING DEVICE USING AUDIOVISUAL CONTENT - A gaming device is adapted to present audiovisual content to players of the game. While the audiovisual content is playing, the player may initiate a game start. A snap shot of the audiovisual content playing at the time of the game start is taken. Reels of the gaming device spin and provide indicia on a payline. The indicia on the payline are compared to characters and elements within the snap shot of the audiovisual content. If there is a match for outcome significant indicia, the player receives a benefit. | 05-30-2013 |
20130143633 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETERMINING AND SELLING WAGERING GAME OUTCOMES TO BE VIEWED REMOTELY - In accordance with some embodiments, a plurality of outcomes are generated and used to create a video presentation of representative outcomes. The video presentation is recorded onto a tangible medium (e.g., DVD or CD-ROM) or otherwise provided to a player (e.g., player may access the video presentation online). This allows a player to purchase a video presentation of (e.g., predetermined) outcomes in a jurisdiction in which gambling is legal yet view the presentation at the player's convenience (e.g., from any jurisdiction and at any time). A player who purchases such a video presentation may subsequently redeem it for a redemption value associated therewith. | 06-06-2013 |
20130203484 | 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. | 08-08-2013 |
20130231192 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HANDHELD GAMING, INCLUDING INTERACTIVE MAPS - A method comprises receiving a request for a location of at least one player of at least one gaming device from a handheld device, determining the location of the at least one player based upon gaming information derived from the at least one gaming device of the at least one player, and transmitting location information comprising the determined location of the at least one player to the handheld device. | 09-05-2013 |
20130237319 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING GAMING CONTENT - A method comprises receiving an indication of a triggering event at a gaming device, determining a gaming content associated with the gaming device, identifying a public display on which is displayed non-gaming media content, and outputting the gaming content on the public display wherein the gaming content supersedes at least a portion of the non-gaming media content. | 09-12-2013 |
20130244762 | 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. | 09-19-2013 |
20130252717 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING GAMING CONTENT - A method comprises receiving an indication of a triggering event at a gaming device, determining a gaming content associated with the gaming device, identifying a public display on which is displayed non-gaming media content, and outputting the gaming content on the public display wherein the gaming content supersedes at least a portion of the non-gaming media content. | 09-26-2013 |
20130288767 | CUSTOMIZABLE DISPLAY OF ROULETTE BETTING LAYOUT - A roulette table allows players to make customized betting selections and customize the layout of the betting options that appear on the player station of the roulette table. In particularly contemplated embodiments, players may add, delete, or modify the appearance of betting options through a user interface so that the players may more readily indicate desired wagers. This functionality may not only speed up game play, but also make the betting layout more intuitive for each user resulting in increased attendance of roulette games. | 10-31-2013 |
20130310161 | 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. | 11-21-2013 |
20130316802 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONDITIONAL PAYOUTS IN A GAMING DEVICE - A gaming device incentivizes additional game play by combining payouts with conditional payouts. During game play, players are informed of the conditions, which must be satisfied so as to vest the conditional payouts. Subsequent game play is monitored to see if the player has satisfied the conditions. If the player has satisfied the conditions, then the conditional payout vests. If the condition is not met, then the conditional payout terminates. | 11-28-2013 |
20130316806 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONDITIONAL PAYOUTS IN A GAMING DEVICE - A gaming device incentivizes additional game play by combining payouts with conditional payouts. During game play, players are informed of the conditions, which must be satisfied so as to vest the conditional payouts. Subsequent game play is monitored to see if the player has satisfied the conditions. If the player has satisfied the conditions, then the conditional payout vests. If the condition is not met, then the conditional payout terminates. | 11-28-2013 |
20140018176 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING AND REDEEMING PARTIAL WAGERING GAME OUTCOMES - Methods, computer readable media and systems related to wagering games, and in particular those that concern providing and redeeming partial game outcomes. One example method includes receiving a completion request from a player who is operating a gaming device to complete at least one partial game outcome. The partial game outcome was previously provided to the player, who used a first device that is different than the gaming device. This example method includes determining that the player is entitled to a complete game outcome, displaying the partial game outcome on the gaming device, determining the complete game outcome, and then displaying the complete game outcome. | 01-16-2014 |
20140031106 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH GAME PLAY MODIFICATIONS - Methods and apparatus are described for offering a benefit to a player of a first electronic game device. In an embodiment, the method includes determining if a player of a first electronic game device qualifies to receive at least one benefit associated with an award value, and then outputting an offer to provide the at least one benefit. In some embodiments, the offer requires use of a second electronic game device. The method may also include receiving a request for the benefit at the second electronic game device, and then providing at least one benefit to the player. In some embodiments, the offer includes such benefits as additional game play, one or more bonus-round game outcomes, a monetary payout, a game play modification, additional comp points, loss insurance, a multimedia option, and acquisition of at least one unit of media content. | 01-30-2014 |
20140031107 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INFLUENCING CASH OUTS FROM A GAMING DEVICE - A gaming device is described that provides a number of different methods for cashing out credit balances from a gaming device. These methods include providing incentives, such as benefits, to a player for selecting particular monetary forms in which to receive the cash out. Non-preferred cash out forms may be associated with disincentives, such as penalties, to dissuade players from selecting these types of monetary transfers. In certain embodiments, incentives and disincentives may be associated with a variety of available monetary forms for cash out. | 01-30-2014 |