Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080248862 | Wagering game for tracking various types of wager inputs - A gaming system includes a plurality of linked gaming machines and a controller coupled to the gaming machines. The gaming machines are used for playing one or more wagering games having a plurality of symbols that indicate a randomly selected outcome. Each gaming machine includes at least one wager-input device for receiving a first type of wager, which allows the player to play the wagering game, and the second type of wager, which allows the player to be eligible for a progressive jackpot. The controller determines a first cumulative value of the first type of wagers, a second cumulative value of the second type of wagers, and a distributable wager pool that is derived from a portion of the first cumulative value and a portion of the second cumulative value. The distributable wager pool can fund the progressive jackpot. | 10-09-2008 |
20090069071 | GAMING SYSTEM WITH CASCADING SYMBOL FEATURE - A gaming system comprising an input device for receiving a wager to play a wagering game. The gaming system also includes a display for displaying an array of symbols that indicate a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. In response to the randomly selected outcome including a winning symbol combination, at least one symbol that is not a part of the winning symbol combination is removed from the array and causes other symbols to move into a position of the array vacated by the at least one removed symbol. | 03-12-2009 |
20090082088 | GAMING MACHINE WITH COLLECTIBLE GAME CARDS - A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a plurality of game cards that may be read by one or more card readers of the gaming machine. The game cards may provide a variety of enhancements for the gaming machine, including enhanced game features, enhanced rules of game play, enhanced game characters, and the like. Players may collect the game cards for use in the gaming machine in hopes of increasing their likelihood of achieving a desirable outcome or altering the characteristics of the game to offer more entertaining variations on game play. The players may also trade the game cards with one another and with the casino, thereby creating excitement and interest in the gaming machine. Special interest groups and even entire industries may be formed to facilitate the collecting and trading of the game cards. | 03-26-2009 |
20090098925 | Handheld Gaming Machines and System Therefor - A gaming system for executing a wagering game includes a central server for storing game information. The system further includes a plurality of boundary controllers defining a permissible gaming area. The system includes at least one handheld gaming machine in communication with the central server, the handheld machine comprising a display for displaying the execution of a wagering game. The handheld gaming machine wirelessly communicates with one or more of the plurality of boundary controllers to permit the central server to activate the wagering game only when the handheld gaming machine is within the permissible gaming area. | 04-16-2009 |
20090117977 | Multigame Gaming Machine With Transmissive Display - Gaming machine is disclosed having a primary display and a secondary display mounted over the primary display. In one implementation, the primary display is a mechanical display and the secondary display is a transmissive display. This arrangement allows a wagering game to be displayed on the mechanical display alone, the mechanical display and the transmissive display together, or the transmissive display alone. As a result, players and casino operators have access to multiple wagering games on the same display area of the gaming machine. All three options need not be present on the gaming machine, however, and any two of the three will suffice. It is important, however, that the wagering game displayed on the transmissive display be separate and distinct from the wagering game displayed on the mechanical display. | 05-07-2009 |
20090117989 | Wagering Game System With Player Rewards - According to one aspect of the present invention, a gaming system includes a method of conducting a wagering game. The method includes identifying a player as a member of certain group, and offering the player options related to the wagering game. The options are unavailable to players who are not members of the certain group. | 05-07-2009 |
20090131145 | Wagering Game with Overlying Transmissive Display for Providing Enhanced Game Features - A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a game display. A transmissive display is positioned in front of the game display directly in the player's line of sight including game-play regions at which symbols appear and regions above, below, between, and to the sides the game-play regions. The transmissive display is operable to selectively display transparent, translucent and opaque video images over the game display. The transparent, translucent and opaque video images may be used to change, for example, a play mechanic associated with the wagering game and any reel symbols associated with wagering game. The transmissive display may also be used to provide interactive player control and player selection elements for the wagering game and to facilitate player inputs to the gaming machine. The transmissive display may be further used to provide bonus features associated with a bonus game played at the gaming machine. | 05-21-2009 |
20090131159 | Adjustment of awards in progressive system based on wager - A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a progressive jackpot awarded in response to a jackpot win event. The gaming system includes a first gaming machine linked to the progressive jackpot, the first gaming machine accepting a first wager. The gaming system further includes a second gaming machine linked to the progressive jackpot, the second gaming machine accepting a second wager that is greater than the first wager. A first player making the first wager at the first gaming machine is awarded the progressive jackpot if the jackpot win event is associated with the first gaming machine. A second player making the second wager at the second gaming machine is awarded the progressive jackpot plus an expected value equalizing award if the jackpot win event is associated with the second gaming machine. | 05-21-2009 |
20090239631 | Wagering Game With Symbols Forming An Altered Array or Secondary Array - A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes an input device for receiving a wager to play a wagering game. The gaming system further includes a primary display ( | 09-24-2009 |
20090253483 | Wagering Game System with Community Gaming System - A gaming system for playing a wagering game and a community-event includes a plurality of gaming machines configured to participate in a community-event game. A controller is configured to determine eligibility of each of the plurality of gaming machines to play a community-event. At least one of the plurality of gaming machines is configured to determine a randomly selected community-event outcome for a community-event and to transmit a signal related to the community-event outcome to an eligible gaming machine. | 10-08-2009 |
20090270168 | Progressive Game Eligibility And Winning - A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes both enhanced as well as new ways of winning a progressive jackpot. New ways of becoming eligible for a progressive jackpot are also disclosed. In some embodiments, the reset amount, startup value, and funding percentage may be selected as needed to improve player excitement and anticipation. Players may also customize various aspects of the progressive game upon payment of a fee. | 10-29-2009 |
20090298577 | WAGER GAMING NETWORK WITH WIRELESS HOTSPOTS - Embodiments of a wager gaming network that includes handheld wager gaming units and hotspots are described herein. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, in a handheld wager gaming unit, a wager associated with a wagering game. The method can also include wirelessly connecting the handheld wager gaming unit to a wireless access point in a wager gaming network. The method can also include transmitting, via the wireless access point, information from the handheld wager gaming unit to a device on the wager gaming network. | 12-03-2009 |
20100041464 | COMMUNITY GAMING SYSTEM OUTCOME INDICATORS - A gaming system for playing a wagering game is provided which includes a plurality of gaming machines ( | 02-18-2010 |
20100041472 | WAGERING GAME AWARD SYSTEM - A wagering game award system is described herein. In some embodiments, the wagering game award system detects a player identifier associated with a wagering game award system, where the wagering game award system supports a plurality of award types. The system can also determine a number of awards of a first type, wherein the number of awards are associated with the player identifier, and wherein the first type is one of the award types. The system can also detect a request to exchange some of the number of awards for awards of a second type, wherein the second type is one of the award types. The system can also submit the request. | 02-18-2010 |
20100081509 | SYSTEM FOR MANAGING WAGERING GAME CONTENT - A system for managing wagering game content is described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a wagering game machine management server. The wagering game server can include a content controller configured to receive wagering game content and load the wagering game content onto a wagering game machine over the network. The wagering game server can also include a compatibility controller configured to determine whether the wagering game content is compatible with the wagering game machine. Additionally, the wagering game server can include a license controller configured to receive licensing information and to use the licensing information to activate the wagering game content. | 04-01-2010 |
20100087247 | USING PLAYER INFORMATION IN WAGERING GAME ENVIRONMENTS - Systems and methods for using player information in wagering game environments are described herein. In one embodiment a method includes receiving a first set of player information, where the first set of player information indicates casino activities of a player. The method can also include analyzing the first set of player information and a second set of player information to determine preferences and tendencies associated with the player. The method can also include providing an indication of the preferences and tendencies to wagering game network devices. | 04-08-2010 |
20100105482 | WAGERING GAME ENVIRONMENT INCLUDING AN AD SERVER - A wagering game machine network including wagering game machines and other devices includes an ad server operable to receive and store ads having ad components. The ads may be sent to any device on the wagering game machine network. Ad components for ads and the ads themselves may be selected based on the capabilities of the device receiving the ad. Ads and ad components may be received from remote ad servers connected to the ad server via a network such as the Internet. Ads may be directed to devices at particular locations, such as a location where a particular wagering game player is located, or where a group of wagering game players having similar demographic characteristics or preferences is located. Ads may be selected based on statistics related to time, ad popularity, payment etc. | 04-29-2010 |
20100113136 | Gaming Machine With Visual And Audio Indicia Changed Over Time - A gaming machine having features for increasing player appeal is set forth. The machine generally includes a processor, a display, and a memory device. The processor randomly selects one of a plurality of outcomes of the gaming machine in response to a wager. The display displays visual elements to be viewed by the player. The memory device is coupled to the processor and stores at least two data sets for producing at least two different types of visual and/or audio elements in the basic game or bonus game, or at least two different types of bonus game formats. The processor selects one of the two data sets in response to the occurrence of a predetermined time, a number of wager inputs by players of the gaming machine, or after determining a favorite play content based on the number of wager inputs by players. | 05-06-2010 |
20100216536 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING CHALLENGE GAMEPLAY - A gaming system comprises a wager input device for receiving wagers and at least one display for displaying a challenge-play game. The system further comprises a controller operative to detect an issuance of a challenge by a first player and an acceptance of the challenge by a second player to participate in the challenge-play game. The controller detects receipt of a wager input from at least one of the first and second players, and in response thereto, causes the at least one display to display the challenge-play game. The controller determines at least one outcome of the challenge-play game, and based upon the at least one outcome, adjusts the positions of one or both of the first and second players in a standings chart. | 08-26-2010 |
20100227666 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING BONUS BOOSTER FEATURES - A gaming system comprises a wager input device for receiving a primary wager, a display for displaying a primary wagering game, and a controller operative to (i) detect receipt of the primary wager, (ii) cause the display to present a randomly selected outcome of the primary wagering game, the randomly selected outcome selected from a plurality of possible outcomes, the plurality of possible outcomes including at least one winning outcome, (iii) determine if the randomly selected outcome is the at least one winning outcome, (iv) determine if the at least one winning outcome satisfies a booster eligibility requirement, (v) in response to the randomly selected outcome being the at least one winning outcome, provide a first award, and (vi) in response to the at least one winning outcome satisfying the booster eligibility requirement, provide a second award. | 09-09-2010 |
20100240435 | Remote Input Device For A Wagering Game - An input device dedicated for use with a wagering game is displayed on a display device. The display device is remote from the input device and includes outcome images of a randomly selected outcome and input images associated with player inputs for the wagering game. The input device includes a player input-receiving area and an interface. The player input-receiving area has a plurality of input elements associated with respective functions of the wagering game. The input elements replicate the input images of the player inputs. The interface is coupled to the input elements and transmits signals in response to the player activating the input elements. | 09-23-2010 |
20100261517 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING FREE SPIN ENHANCEMENT FEATURES - A gaming system comprises a wager input device for receiving a primary wager, a display for displaying a primary wagering game, and a controller operative to (i) detect receipt of the primary wager, (ii) cause the display to present the randomly selected outcome selected from a plurality of possible outcomes, the plurality of possible outcomes including at least one free spin bonus outcome, (iii) determine if the randomly selected outcome is one of the at least one free spin bonus outcome, (iv) in response to the randomly selected outcome being the at least one free spin bonus outcome, provide a plurality of free spins and display a plurality of free spin enhancements which remain constant for the plurality of free spins, and (v) enhance an outcome of each of the free spins based on a player selection of at least one of the free spin enhancements for a subsequent free spin. | 10-14-2010 |
20100285857 | Wagering Game With Fantasy-Sports Feature - A gaming system and method of conducting a wagering game having a fantasy-sports feature on a gaming system is disclosed. A wager is received from a user to play the wagering game. A roster having one or more player is created, via user selection. A projected team score and an actual team score for the created roster are determined. A ratio is calculated for the actual team score to the projected team score. An award is provided to the user if the calculated ratio meets a predetermined criterion. | 11-11-2010 |
20100298040 | GAME SELECTION IN A WAGERING GAME MACHINE - A computerized wagering game system includes a gaming module operable to conduct a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered, and a game selection module operable to allow a game player to select a game to be played from among a plurality of wagering games available via the wagering game system. Games are grouped using factors such as theme, brand, popularity, type of game, and user rating, and are recommended based on factors such as past games a user has played, games viewed, game player demographics, popularity of games, number of licenses available, and length of play of games. | 11-25-2010 |
20100304848 | MANAGING MARKETING OFFERS IN WAGERING GAME NETWORKS - In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises a marketing offer distribution unit to determine conditions that must be satisfied before presenting a marketing offer in the wagering game network. The marketing distribution unit can determine that the conditions have been satisfied, wherein the conditions are associated with player activities in the wagering game network. The marketing distribution unit can also invoke presentation of the marketing offer, and detect and count acceptances, by the wagering game players, of the marketing offer. The apparatus can also include a budget tracking unit to determine a current cost of the marketing offer based on the count of acceptances of the marketing offer and the monetary value of the marketing offer, and an offer modification unit configured to modify, based on the current cost, the conditions that must be satisfied before the marketing offer can be presented, and modify the monetary value of the marketing offer. | 12-02-2010 |
20110003636 | Wagering game having progressive amounts displayed in a matrix - A method for playing a wagering game on a gaming terminal ( | 01-06-2011 |
20110045908 | SERVING PATRONS IN A WAGERING GAME ENVIRONMENT - Systems and methods for serving patrons in a wagering game environment are described herein. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving patron service information, wherein the patron service information indicates activities of a patron in a casino. The method can also include selecting, based on the patron service information, a service for the patron, wherein the patron has not requested the service. Additionally, the method can include presenting a service order instructing a service attendant to deliver the service. | 02-24-2011 |
20110117987 | Wagering Game With Overlying Transmissive Display for Providing Enhanced Game Features - A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a primary display and a secondary display. A transmissive display is positioned in front of the primary display directly in the player's line of sight. The transmissive display is operable to selectively display transparent, translucent and opaque video images over the primary display. The transparent, translucent and opaque video images may be used to change, for example, a play mechanic associated with the wagering game and any reel symbols associated with wagering game. The transmissive display may also be used to provide interactive player control and player selection elements for the wagering game and to facilitate player inputs to the gaming machine. Where the gaming machine includes a bonus game, the transmissive display may be further used to provide bonus features associated with the gaming machine. In some embodiments, the transmissive display may also be positioned over the secondary display. | 05-19-2011 |
20110207521 | Gaming Machine With Visual And Audio Indicia Changed Over Time - A gaming machine having features for increasing player appeal is set forth. The machine generally includes a processor, a display, and a memory device. The processor randomly selects one of a plurality of outcomes of the gaming machine in response to a wager. The display displays visual elements to be viewed by the player. The memory device is coupled to the processor and stores at least two data sets for producing at least two different types of visual and/or audio elements in the basic game or bonus game, or at least two different types of bonus game formats. The processor selects one of the two data sets in response to the occurrence of a predetermined time, a number of wager inputs by players of the gaming machine, or after determining a favorite play content based on the number of wager inputs by players. | 08-25-2011 |
20110244960 | Gaming Machine With Visual And Audio Indicia Changed Over Time - A gaming machine having features for increasing player appeal is set forth. The machine generally includes a processor, a display, and a memory device. The processor randomly selects one of a plurality of outcomes of the gaming machine in response to a wager. The display displays visual elements to be viewed by the player. The memory device is coupled to the processor and stores at least two data sets for producing at least two different types of visual and/or audio elements in the basic game or bonus game, or at least two different types of bonus game formats. The processor selects one of the two data sets in response to the occurrence of a predetermined time, a number of wager inputs by players of the gaming machine, or after determining a favorite play content based on the number of wager inputs by players. | 10-06-2011 |
20120021814 | DYNAMIC USER TESTING AND COLLECTIVE INTELLIGENCE IN A WAGERING GAME ENVIRONMENT - Dynamic user testing implemented in a wager gaming environment allows new content to be tested on-the-fly, and allows the content presented on the wagering game machines to be accordingly varied, while live, based on the dynamic user testing of the new content. Such dynamic user testing allows the new content to be tested without implementing expensive testing processes. Moreover, the new content can be provided on-the-fly for presentation on the wagering game machines without affecting an ongoing wagering game or taking the wagering game machines offline if the new content is determined to be more successful than the current content. Dynamic user testing allows a wager gaming environment to collect data for creating new wagering games, for promoting wagering games, and for testing new content across multiple platforms. | 01-26-2012 |
20120071226 | Wagering Game System with Community Gaming System - A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming system, the method including receiving an indication of a wager and displaying outcomes of wagering games on at least one display device in response to a wager indication being received, the displayed outcomes being randomly generated by at least one processor. The method also including accumulating a bonus-event playing time upon satisfying at least one predetermined condition as the wagering games are played, initiating a bonus game in which a player is eligible to receive awards for a period of time, determining, via at least one processor, the accumulated playing time accrued prior to the initiation of the bonus game, allowing the player to participate in the bonus game for at least as long as the accumulated playing time and providing any awards earned by the player during their participation in the bonus game. | 03-22-2012 |
20120088567 | Wagering Game With Overlaying Transmissive Display For Providing Enhanced Game Features - A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a game display. A transmissive display is positioned in front of the game display directly in the player's line of sight including game-play regions at which symbols appear and regions above, below, between, and to the sides the game-play regions. The transmissive display is operable to selectively display transparent, translucent and opaque video images over the game display. The transparent, translucent and opaque video images may be used to change, for example, a play mechanic associated with the wagering game and any reel symbols associated with wagering game. The transmissive display may also be used to provide interactive player control and player selection elements for the wagering game and to facilitate player inputs to the gaming machine. The transmissive display may be further used to provide bonus features associated with a bonus game played at the gaming machine. | 04-12-2012 |
20120157191 | WAGERING GAME ESTABLISHMENT OFFER TAILORING - A system determines that current wagering game establishment activity data of a user satisfies wagering game establishment offer evaluation criteria ( | 06-21-2012 |
20120238348 | GAMING SYSTEM WITH CASCADING SYMBOL FEATURE - A gaming system comprising an input device for receiving a wager to play a wagering game. The gaming system also includes a display for displaying an array of symbols that indicate a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. In response to the randomly selected outcome including a winning symbol combination, at least one symbol that is not a part of the winning symbol combination is removed from the array and causes other symbols to move into a position of the array vacated by the at least one removed symbol. | 09-20-2012 |
20120283004 | USING PLAYER INFORMATION IN WAGERING GAME ENVIRONMENTS - Systems and methods for using player information in wagering game environments are described herein. In one embodiment a method includes receiving a first set of player information, where the first set of player information indicates casino activities of a player. The method can also include analyzing the first set of player information and a second set of player information to determine preferences and tendencies associated with the player. The method can also include providing an indication of the preferences and tendencies to wagering game network devices. | 11-08-2012 |
20120329551 | Wagering Game System With Player Rewards - A gaming system includes one or more processors and one or more memory devices storing instructions that, when executed by at least one of the one or more processors, cause the gaming system to perform a plurality of operations. The operations include awarding a plurality of points to a player, and, in response to a predetermined number of the points being redeemed by the player, accessing or modifying wagering game content. | 12-27-2012 |
20130203498 | WAGER GAMING NETWORK WITH WIRELESS HOTSPOTS - Embodiments of a wager gaming network that includes handheld wager gaming units and hotspots are described herein. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, in a handheld wager gaming unit, a wager associated with a wagering game. The method can also include wirelessly connecting the handheld wager gaming unit to a wireless access point in a wager gaming network. The method can also include transmitting, via the wireless access point, information from the handheld wager gaming unit to a device on the wager gaming network. | 08-08-2013 |
20130288784 | WAGERING GAME AWARD SYSTEM - A wagering game award system is described herein. In some embodiments, the wagering game award system detects player activity in a wagering game system. The system can also award a first value type to a player account for participation in activities in the wagering game system. The system can also receive a request to exchange the first value type for a second value type, wherein the first value type and the second value type are not currencies issued by a world government. The system can also determine that the first value type is exchangeable for the second value type. The system can also determine a conversion rate, wherein the conversion rate indicated the first value type in terms of the second value type. The system can also exchange the first value type for the second value type based on the conversion rate. | 10-31-2013 |
20140162769 | WAGERING GAME AWARD SYSTEM - Embodiments of the inventive subject matter include detecting, by one or more processors, one or more events of a first event type, a second event type, and a third event type. Embodiments further include, in response to the detecting the one or more events of the first event type, the second event type, and the third event type, determining, by the one or more processors, non-cash awards of a first award type, second award type, and third award type, respectively, to provide to the player. | 06-12-2014 |
20140200066 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING MULTIPLE REEL SETS AND ONE OR MORE ADDITIONAL REELS - A gaming system for playing a wagering game has a plurality of reel sets and one or more additional reels. The system spins the reel sets and the one or more additional reels to generate an outcome. | 07-17-2014 |
20140256413 | Wagering Game System With Player Rewards - A gaming system includes one or more processors and one or more memory devices storing instructions that, when executed by at least one of the one or more processors, cause the gaming system to perform a plurality of operations. The operations include awarding a plurality of points to a player, and, in response to a predetermined number of the points being redeemed by the player, accessing or modifying wagering game content. | 09-11-2014 |
20140378216 | WAGERING GAME AWARD SYSTEM - Embodiments of the inventive subject matter include a method comprising determining, by a wagering game unit of a wagering game machine, a result of a wagering game. The method can also include requesting, over a network by an award system unit of the wagering game machine, awards of a first award type be added to an electronic player account based on the result of the wagering game. The method can include receiving, by the award system unit, electronic input requesting to exchange the awards of the first award type in the electronic player account for awards of a second award type. The method can include requesting, over the network by the award system unit, exchange of the awards of the first award type in the electronic player account for the awards of the second award type. | 12-25-2014 |