Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080207312 | GAMING SYSTEM AND GAMING DEVICE WITH WAGER DEPENDENT PAYBACK - A gaming system is disclosed that comprises at least one gaming device that allows a player to place a wager and play a game. The gaming system allows the payback of the gaming device to be varied dependent on the size of a wager placed by a player. Once the player has placed a wager, an active pay table is determined, for example using a formula having the wager as a variable or by using look-up tables. A random number is then generated and compared to the active pay table to determine the game outcome. The gaming system encourages and rewards placing higher wagers by providing high payback percentages for higher wagers. | 08-28-2008 |
20080248860 | GAMING DEVICE DISPLAY AND METHODS OF USE - In at least one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a gaming apparatus. The gaming apparatus may include a housing defining a display area on which at least one indicium representing at least one prize is displayed. The gaming device also may include a plurality of display characters. At least one of the display characters is configured to move and indicate at least one indicium. The gaming apparatus further includes a controller in communication with at least one of the plurality of display characters and configured to direct the movement of the display character. The controller is also configured to generate a random number and generate a game outcome based on the random number. The controller is configured to move at least one display character to indicate at least one indicium that corresponds to the game outcome. | 10-09-2008 |
20080261678 | GAMING DISPLAY WITH MOVEABLE INDICATOR AND METHODS OF USE - A gaming apparatus for playing a game. The gaming apparatus includes a display device that has a moveable display surface with a plurality of indicia. A roller may support the display surface such that the display moves over the roller. The roller and the display surface may simulate a reel. A guide track may hold and guide the shape of the display surface. The guide track and display surface may simulate a reel. A display device actuator is coupled to and can move the display surface. A controller is in communication with the display device actuator and can position the display surface such that at least one of the indicia appearing on the display surface conveys a game outcome. A braking mechanism is coupled with the display surface and is adapted to brake the display surface. | 10-23-2008 |
20080274793 | LIGHTING SYSTEM FOR GAMING DEVICES AND METHOD OF USE - A gaming apparatus includes several gaming devices. Lights are mounted in association with the gaming devices. A controller is in communication with the gaming devices and the lights. The controller is configured to receive a wager from the gaming devices and to play a base game on the gaming devices. The lights are operated in a first mode during a qualifying period. The controller determines if the qualifying period has ended and determines a set of the gaming devices that have qualified during the qualifying period. The controller further allows the set of gaming devices to play a community game during a community period and operates the lights in a second mode during the community period. A community game prize can be awarded. | 11-06-2008 |
20080274797 | GAMING DISPLAY WITH MOVEABLE INDICATOR AND METHODS OF USE - The present invention comprises a gaming apparatus that includes a display device comprising a display surface. The display surface comprises a plurality of indicia. A display device actuator is in communication with the display surface and is configured to move the display surface on a first predetermined path. A moveable indicator is included that is configured to indicate at least one indicia appearing on the display surface. A moveable indicator actuator is in communication with the moveable indicator and is configured to move the moveable indicator along a second predetermined path. A controller is in communication with at least one of the display device actuator and the moveable indicator actuator. The controller is configured to position at least one of the display device and the movable indicator so that the movable indicator indicates an indicia appearing on the display surface that conveys a game outcome. | 11-06-2008 |
20080287187 | INCENTIVE SYSTEM FOR GAMING PLAYER TRACKING - An incentive method is provided for encouraging use of a credit or debit card sponsored by, or affiliated with, a first vendor having consumer offerings, such as a casino offering gambling on games of chance, food, lodging, or other goods or services. The method includes offering the card to a person, such as a casino patron, tracking transactions on the card after acceptance by the person, including transactions for consumer offerings purchased from a second vendor, and rewarding second vendor transactions with a discount on a consumer offering purchased from the first vendor. An incentive system is provided for rewarding casino patrons who enroll in a tracking system which monitors various player characteristics. These monitored characteristics are used to assign a player rating which is used to enhance prize payouts and/or award bonus prizes. | 11-20-2008 |
20090005151 | GAMING SYSTEM WITH MULTIPLE GAME APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE - A gaming system having a container configured to hold a plurality of display objects, an agitator for moving the plurality of display objects, at least one prize object holder configured to hold a plurality of prize objects in an individually controlled manner, a plurality of prize object displays located inside of the container and configured to receive at least one prize object from the prize object holder, a plurality of game apparatus associated with the prize object displays, and a controller configured to select a prize object and cause the selected prize object to be displayed in at least one prize object display, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the prize object displays include a tubular exhibition container. In another embodiment, the display object container of the gaming device is configured to provide a jumbled ball display. In addition, a method for operating a multi-apparatus gaming system by providing the prize object displays inside of the display object container of the aforementioned gaming system is disclosed. | 01-01-2009 |
20090011833 | Descending Qualification Community Game - A community gaming system includes a community game server that compares gaming outcomes of gaming devices to determine whether the gaming devices qualify for a community game. For a first set of gaming devices, the community game server compares a gaming device outcome against a first qualifying outcome having a first qualifying probability. The qualifying probability is then modified and a second qualifying outcome based on the modified qualifying probability is used to qualify a second set of gaming devices. A community prize may be awarded to winning gaming devices in proportion to the qualifying probabilities for the respective gaming devices. | 01-08-2009 |
20090075716 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD - A gaming device includes several changeable prize displays with each changeable prize display sequentially displaying several different prizes. A moveable indicator can move relative to the changeable prize displays and selectively indicate at least one of the prize displays by moving proximate the position of the indicated prize display. The gaming device has a player input device and a controller that are in communication with each other and the changeable prize displays. The controller can cause each of the changeable prize displays to sequentially display the different prizes and to move the moveable indicator relative to the changeable prize displays. The controller can randomly select a prize and detect activation of the player input device. The moveable indicator can stop, after the player input device is activated. A changeable prize display closest to the moveable indicator can display the randomly selected prize. | 03-19-2009 |
20090082086 | GAMING SYSTEM WITH MULTIPLE GAME APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE - A gaming system having a centralized controller coupled to an array of game apparatus; a display device, including a plurality of prize object displays, for displaying a bonus event prize for at least one game apparatus in the array; and provision for holding prize objects in an individually controlled manner, is disclosed. In another embodiment, a gaming system including a plurality of game apparatus, each game apparatus having a plurality of prize objects where at least one prize object is a dynamic prize object, the latter being distinguishable from other prize objects; and a central controller in communication with the plurality of game apparatus, the central controller being configured to assign a prize value to a selected prize object if the selected prize object is a dynamic prize object and cause the prize value to be displayed to a player on the associated game apparatus, is disclosed. | 03-26-2009 |
20090093297 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD INCLUDING SECONDARY WAGER - A method of playing a gaming device comprises receiving a primary wager and a secondary wager. A single gaming event is used to determine the outcome of the primary wager. The outcome of the secondary wager is determined from a plurality of single gaming events. | 04-09-2009 |
20090104991 | GAMING DEVICE DISPLAY AND METHOD - A gaming apparatus is disclosed that comprises a plurality of gaming devices and a display. The display provides at least one video display mounted on a rotatable structure. An actuator rotates the rotatable structure so that the video display can be viewed by players of the gaming devices. A display controller controls the display to select the presentation shown on the video display. Where multiple video displays are provided, the display controller controls the video display so that a video display entering a segment of the rotation path continues a presentation of a video display exiting the segment such that a player within the segment is able to view a continuous presentation. | 04-23-2009 |
20090117984 | GAMING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE - A gaming apparatus includes at least one gaming device that is configured to allow a player to place a wager and to play a game. A display device is mounted in association with the gaming device. The display device includes a housing and a housing positioning mechanism that is coupled to the housing. An indicator is coupled to the housing and an indicator positioning mechanism is coupled to the indicator. A controller is in communication with the gaming device, the housing positioning mechanism and the indicator positioning mechanism. The controller is configured to detect an indicator moving event and to move the housing and the indicator in accordance with the indicator moving event. The present invention also includes a gaming method using the gaming apparatus. | 05-07-2009 |
20090124390 | Gaming Apparatus with Common Display Device - A gaming system and method is disclosed that utilizes a common display device for providing a display of gaming information for a plurality of gaming devices. The common display includes a plurality of segments, each of which has a gaming symbol and an indication device. In response to a display event from one of the gaming devices, a segment is indicated using an indication device. Where two segments are simultaneously indicated by separate gaming devices, indicia such as colors, are used to associate the selected segments with their respective gaming devices. | 05-14-2009 |
20090191955 | Location detection system for use with gaming devices and method of use - A location detection and tracking system for use in a casino. The system includes several gaming devices that are configured to allow a player to place a wager and to play a game. A player locator device is configured to transmit at least one location of the player. A server is in communication with the gaming devices and the player locator device. The server determines a first location of the player, accesses a database of player preference parameters and selects at least one of the player preference parameters. A gaming device that is in proximity to the first location can be determined and the selected player preference parameter can be downloaded to the gaming device. The server causes the gaming device to display the selected player preference parameter. | 07-30-2009 |
20090270164 | Gaming Device and Method of Use - A gaming apparatus allows a player to play a memory game. The gaming apparatus includes a gaming device that is adapted to accept a wager and allow a player to play a game. A display device is mounted in association with the gaming device. A player input device is mounted in association with the gaming device. A controller is in communication with the gaming device, the display device and the player input device. The controller causes the display device to display a first set of indicia and then display a plurality of sets of indicia. The plurality of sets of indicia includes the first set of indicia. A player is allowed to choose one of the plurality of sets of indicia using the player input device. A prize is awarded, if the set of indicia chosen is the first set of indicia. | 10-29-2009 |
20100093416 | Gaming Device and Method of Use - A gaming apparatus includes a gaming device configured to allow a player to place a wager and to play a primary game. A display device is mounted in association with the gaming device and a controller is in communication with the gaming device and the display device. The controller is configured to allow a player to place a wager and initiate a primary game. A primary game outcome and a bonus prize are determined. The controller causes the display device to display the bonus prize before displaying the primary game outcome. The primary game outcome is displayed after the bonus prize has been displayed. If a bonus qualifying event has occurred, the bonus prize is awarded to the player. A method of gaming using the gaming apparatus is also disclosed. | 04-15-2010 |
20100203949 | GAMING DISPLAY WITH MOVEABLE INDICATOR AND METHODS OF USE - A gaming apparatus includes a display device comprising a display surface. The display surface comprises a plurality of indicia. A display device actuator moves the display surface on a first predetermined path. A moveable indicator may be moved by an actuator along a second predetermined path to one of a plurality of discrete indicia indicating positions to indicate an indicia on the display surface, thereby indicating a game outcome. The indicia may be replicated on the display device such that the moveable indicator can indicate any of the indicia in each of the discrete indicia indicating positions. | 08-12-2010 |
20100210347 | NETWORKED GAMING DEVICES WITH REMOTE DISPLAY DEVICE - A gaming system is provided with a display device for generating display events, such as a jumbled ball selection, that represent gaming outcomes at one or more gaming devices. In order that the display device may be located remotely from the gaming devices, a video camera may be provided to capture video of display events at the display device. The gaming devices receive the display event videos and play the display event videos on video displays of the gaming devices. Videos may be provided as live video feeds from the video camera or the video camera may store video files of display events that may be indexed and retrieved when required to indicate a particular game outcome at a gaming device. | 08-19-2010 |
20100216539 | Reel and Rings Display Device - A gaming system includes a display for indicating a game outcome generated for a gaming device. The gaming display includes a central reel at the center of one or more ring displays. A game controller controls the reel and the ring displays to display arrangements of symbols that indicate the game outcome. A winning display of symbols may require at least one symbol on the rings that matches a symbol displayed on the reel. Each ring may be individually wagered so that a winning display requires symbols matching the reel symbol to be displayed in the wagered rings. Higher awards may be paid for particular patterns of matching symbols in the rings, for higher numbers of matching symbols in the rings, or for a higher number of rings having at least one matching symbol. The display may more easily indicate winning arrangements without the need for paylines. | 08-26-2010 |
20100222129 | GAMING DEVICE DISPLAY AND METHODS OF USE - A gaming apparatus having a housing defining a display area on which immoveable display characters and moveable symbol displays are used to present a game outcome, is disclosed. Typically, the immoveable display characters provide background for the moveable symbol displays. A controller is used to cause movement of the moveable symbol displays so that at least one symbol corresponding to the game outcome is displayed. A method of playing a game using the aforementioned gaming apparatus is also disclosed | 09-02-2010 |
20110111830 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PLAYING A GAME - In a gaming apparatus, a player places a wager and plays a game. A game controller determines an outcome for the game and controls a display to represent the game outcome. If the game outcome is a winning game outcome, the game controller controls the display to display a plurality of symbols in a plurality of spaces on a game board. Primary winning combinations are indicated and corresponding prizes are awarded before clearing those symbols from the game board. The remaining symbols are then redistributed and prizes for any secondary winning combinations may be indicated and awarded. The process of clearing the symbols, redistributing and determining winning combinations may continue for a predetermined number of redistributions, until all the symbols have been cleared, or until no more winning combinations are formed. | 05-12-2011 |
20110111831 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PLAYING AN INTERSECTING SYMBOL GAME - In a gaming apparatus, a player places a wager and plays a game. A gaming controller determines an outcome for the game and controls a display to represent the game outcome. If the game outcome is a winning game outcome, the display displays symbols from a first set of symbols, such as musical notes and symbols from a set of award symbols, such as credit symbols, multiplier symbols, etc. The display depicts movement of the musical notes and/or award symbols to create intersections between the musical notes and award symbols, with the intersections representing awards earned by the player for the game outcome. | 05-12-2011 |
20120214572 | GAMING DISPLAY WITH MOVABLE INDICATOR AND METHODS OF USE - A gaming apparatus includes a reel assembly having a frame. The frame has a first end and a second end. A driven reel is coupled to the first end and an idler is coupled to the second end. A reel band is coupled to the driven and idler reels. The reel band has a display surface. Several indicia are located on the display surface. An actuator is mounted to the frame and is coupled to the driven reel. The actuator is configured to move the reel band. A gaming method using the reel assembly is also disclosed. | 08-23-2012 |