IGT Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160110964 | LUCKY SPOT BETTING - Methods and systems are provided for enabling player to play a keno game allowing for additional betting. The player may select keno board spots on the keno board, and then place an additional wager on one of the selected keno board spots. If the selected keno board spot is part of a winning combination, the player may be awarded a supplemental bonus. | 04-21-2016 |
20150356813 | METHOD AND SYSTEM INCLUDING ENHANCED SYMBOL UPGRADE FEATURE - Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided that include an enhanced symbol upgrade feature. In an embodiment, if a triggering event occurs in association with the play of the game, such as a slot game, where the triggering event includes a first special symbol of the plurality of special symbols stopping on a payline at a first symbol position on a first reel of the first reel set, the first special symbol is superimposed at a symbol position on a second reel of the second reel set corresponding to the first symbol position on the first reel, and the second reel continues to rotate during the superimposition of the first special symbol thereover. | 12-10-2015 |
20150339880 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A SLOT GAME INCLUDING A SYMBOL REPLACEMENT FEATURE - Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gaming system and method providing a slot game including a symbol replacement feature. Generally, in various embodiments, the slot game employs a plurality of different symbols, each of which is included in one of a plurality of different groups. Each group includes at least two different symbols. In operation, the gaming system displays a plurality of the symbols and, if a triggering event associated with one of the groups occurs, the gaming system provides the symbol replacement feature by replacing at least one displayed symbol of that group with a different one of the symbols of that group. Thus, when providing the symbol replacement feature in these embodiments, the gaming system of the present disclosure replaces certain displayed symbols included in a particular group with different symbols included in that particular group and not with any symbols included in any other groups. | 11-26-2015 |
20150326639 | ELECTRONIC GAMING MACHINES AS SERVICE GATEWAYS - Managing a plurality of electronic gaming machines includes receiving a designation at a first electronic gaming machine (EGM) that the first EGM is a service gateway, broadcasting to other EGMs of the plurality of EGMs that the first EGM is the service gateway, and performing at least one of: discovering the other EGMs, identifying the other EGMs as client EGMs, and obtaining data from all of the client EGMs and retrieving crash data from all of the client EGMs, and communicating with a server to request performance of the at least one of the operations on selected ones of the plurality of EGMs. | 11-12-2015 |
20150269810 | SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING A GAME AT A GAMING MACHINE - A server includes a memory, a network interface configured to receive data related to a game available as part of a gaming system, and a processor. The processor is configured to receive the game data via the network interface, determine demand for the game within a gaming environment based on the game data and determine a weighting factor associated with the game based on the demand, and upload the game at one or more gaming machines within the gaming environment based on the weighting factor. The prominence of the game within the gaming environment varies according to the weighting factor. | 09-24-2015 |
20150105149 | LIGHTING ASSEMBLY FOR REEL SLOT MACHINE - A lighting assembly for a reel slot machine includes an interface board and a flexible printed circuit board (PCB). The interface board is substantially planar, electrically couplable to the reel slot machine, and includes a first electrical connection plug and a second electrical connection plug spaced from the first electrical connection plug. The flexible PCB defines a first end and a second end, the first end and second ends of the flexible PCB are electrically coupled to the first electrical connection plug and the second electrical connection plug, respectively. The flexible PCB bows away from each of the first and second ends to define a bowed primary face facing away from the interface board. The flexible PCB further comprises a plurality of light sources coupled to the bowed primary face. During use, the plurality of light sources selectively illuminate to provide lighting to a reel of the reel slot machine. | 04-16-2015 |
20150102559 | REEL BASKET ENCODER - A motorized reel assembly for a gaming machine includes a reel assembly, and an encoder disc. The reel assembly includes a central hub defining a central opening and a pair of flange-receiving apertures on opposing sides of the central opening. The encoder disc includes a disc hub, a flagged exterior ring, and coupling flanges. The disc hub defines a disc cavity extending through a center of the disc hub. The flagged exterior ring is concentrically positioned and extends around the disc hub. The coupling flanges each protrude from the disc hub toward the central hub on opposite sides of the disc cavity. Each of the coupling flanges extends through a different flange-receiving aperture of the pair of flange-receiving apertures of the central hub and interfaces with a surface of the reel assembly facing away from the disc hub to at least partially secure the encoder disc to the reel assembly. | 04-16-2015 |
20150102558 | ATTACHMENT MECHANISM FOR REEL BASKET ASSEMBLY - A reel assembly for a gaming machine includes a central hub and a clip. The central hub defines an opening through an axial center of the central hub and includes two enclosed channels each positioned on an opposite side of the opening. Each of the two enclosed channels has an open end facing the opening. The clip includes a U-shaped main body and two opposing flanges. The U-shaped main body has opposing ends. The two opposing flanges each extend away from a different one of the opposing ends of the U-shaped main body. Each of the two opposing flanges of the clip fits through the open end of a different one of the two enclosed channels such that the clip is linearly slidable between the two enclosed channels while each of the two opposing flanges remains at least partially maintained with the corresponding different one of the two enclosed channels. | 04-16-2015 |
20150102557 | REEL BASKET ASSEMBLY - A reel assembly for a gaming machine includes an inner drive ring defining an annular inner rim, an outer ring, and a support substrate. The outer ring is spaced from and coaxially positioned relative to the inner drive ring, and the outer ring defines an annular outer rim. The support substrate has opposing side edges each coupled to a different one of the annular inner rim and the annular outer rim. The support substrate extends substantially unsupported between the annular inner rim and the annular outer rim in a substantially continuous manner maintaining the annular inner rim spaced from the annular out rim. | 04-16-2015 |
20150087384 | VARIABLE STRIP FOR MECHANICAL REEL GAMING DEVICE - A gaming device includes a cabinet, a display coupled to the cabinet, and a reel assembly positioned within the cabinet. The reel assembly includes a reel configured to rotate, and a reel strip coupled to the reel and including a symbol having a first image and a second image. The gaming device also includes a light source located within the cabinet and configured to selectively project a light for backlighting the reel strip, wherein the light source has a first mode for projecting the light in a first configuration and a second mode for projecting the light in a second configuration, and a game controller coupled to the cabinet and configured to control the light source. The first image is viewable when the light source projects the light in the first configuration to backlight the reel strip, and the second image is viewable when the light source projects the light in the second configuration to backlight the reel strip. | 03-26-2015 |
20150072783 | FACILITATION OF GAMING EVENT RE-CREATION - For facilitating re-experience of an event of a gaming device with a player, data is sampled from the gaming device by a gaming system having supervisory hierarchical control over the gaming device, the data provided by the gaming system to a data processing device in communication with the gaming system, that is external to the gaming device. The sampled data is processed to create a facsimile animation recreation of the event at a subsequent time. | 03-12-2015 |
20150072782 | CUSTOMIZATION OF GAMING EVENT RE-CREATION - For facilitating re-experience of an event of a gaming device with a player, data is gathered in a data processing device, in communication with, yet external to, the gaming device, the data processing device having been provided a sampling of data from the gaming device by a gaming system having supervisory hierarchical control over the gaming device. At least a portion of the sampled data is processed to generate a facsimile animation re-creation of the event to be provided to the player. The facsimile animation re-creation is editable through the data processing device by use of at least one predefined rule, an operator of the data processing device, and a player granted subsequent access to the data processing device. | 03-12-2015 |
20150072781 | INPUT/OUTPUT OVERLAYS FOR FACILITATION OF GAMING EVENT RE-CREATION - For facilitating re-experience of an event of a gaming device with a player, upon a triggering mechanism associated with an event, an input/output (I/O) mechanism is overlaid on the gaming device using a system device in communication with the gaming device. Through use of the I/O mechanism, input is received from the player and output is returned to the player. The I/O mechanism overlaying the gaming device is then removed. | 03-12-2015 |
20150072777 | CENTRAL PLAYER CONTROL FOR FACILITATION OF GAMING EVENT RE-CREATION - For facilitating re-experience of an event of a gaming device with a player, upon verification, access is granted to the player to a data processing device. The data processing device is in communication with, yet external to, the gaming device, and the data processing device has been provided a sampling of data from the gaming device through a gaming system, the sampling of data associated with the event to be re-experienced by the player. Responsive to an input received from at least one of the player and an operator, at least one of construction, presentation, and delivery of a facsimile animation re-creation of the event is customized. | 03-12-2015 |
20150072776 | SYSTEM DATA TRIGGERING FOR FACILITATION OF GAMING EVENT RE-CREATION - For facilitating re-experience of an event of a gaming device with a player, at least one of an available plurality of data sampled by the gaming device by a gaming system having supervisory hierarchical control over the gaming device, is monitored. The data is compared against a predetermined threshold to determine whether the predetermined threshold is exceeded. If the threshold is exceeded, at least a portion of the sampled data is provided to a data processing device to be processed in re-creating the event at a subsequent time. | 03-12-2015 |
20150072762 | FACILITATING USE OF A FINANCIAL TRANSACTION DEVICE IN A CASHLESS WAGERING SYSTEM IN A GAMING SYSTEM - Use of a financial transaction device of a cashless wagering system is facilitated in a gaming system. The financial transaction device, having at least an account identifier linking the financial transaction card to at least one financial account of at least one financial institution associated with the gaming network, is provided by an electronic gaming machine (EGM), a financial institution, and/or a gaming network, for depositing the financial amount into at least one financial account, performing a cashless wagering operation in the EGM, and/or using the financial transaction device for payment of goods and services by gaming and non-gaming venues. The financial transaction device is used for depositing the financial amount into at least one financial account of the at least one financial institution associated with the gaming network by one of the EGM and the ATM, cashless wagering in the EGM, and/or purchasing the goods and services. | 03-12-2015 |
20150065227 | CONDUCTING A SIDE BET IN A GAME - Systems and methods for conducting a side bet in a game include receiving side bet parameters that control how the side bet is conducted. The side bet parameters may include a specified in-game event. Gameplay of the game by participants of the side bet may be monitored to determine whether the in-game event has occurred for one of the participants. If so, funds associated with the side bet may be apportioned to the winning participant. | 03-05-2015 |
20150065223 | STATE-BASED POWER-UPS - Disclosed herein are techniques and equipment for providing state-based power-ups to a wagering game player. The state-based power-ups may be reused by the player until a game outcome condition is not met. | 03-05-2015 |
20150065222 | KENO REDRAWS - A keno game may be provided during which at least some of the drawn numbers are redrawn. A keno board may display a set of available numbers. Upon the player's selection of numbers on the keno board, a set of drawn numbers may be generated. The drawn numbers that match the player selected numbers may be locked on the keno board, while the generated numbers that are not matches may re-drawn. | 03-05-2015 |
20150065219 | ENHANCED GAMING DISPLAY THROUGH PERSONAL GAMING DEVICE - Gaming machines and methods for transmitting hidden elements to a portable electronic device are described. The gaming machine includes a cabinet, a display, and a user input mechanism. The gaming machine further includes an interface, wherein the interface is configured to wirelessly communicate with a portable electronic device. The gaming machine includes a game controller. The game controller is configured to provide game play of a wager-based game, including generating gaming information including a hidden element. The game controller is further configured to display at least a portion of the gaming information to the player through the display, wherein the hidden element is not displayed. The game controller is configured to facilitate a data connection between the gaming machine and the portable electronic device through the interface. The game controller is further configured to transmit the hidden element to the portable electronic device. | 03-05-2015 |
20150050987 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING CURRENT OR FUTURE USERS OF A VIRTUAL CURRENCY - Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and method for determining current users of a particular virtual currency or persons likely to use the particular virtual currency in the future (i.e., future users of the virtual currency). More specifically, the system enables a user of a particular virtual currency to employ the system to determine which of the user's connections or contacts are likely to be current users or future users of the virtual currency. This enables the user to quickly and easily identify other current users or (potential) future users of the virtual currency with whom the user may interact using the virtual currency, such as by exchanging the virtual currency with the other user for goods or services or by wagering against the other user on a game of chance or a game of skill using the virtual currency. | 02-19-2015 |
20150050980 | MECHANICAL WHEELS FOR GAME MACHINES - Electronic gaming machines having mechanical or electro-mechanical wheel devices are described herein. The gaming machines include a cabinet, a display coupled to the cabinet, and a wheel coupled to the cabinet. The wheel includes a plurality of wheel segments positioned axially about a center point of the wheel. The plurality of wheel segments may be configured to rotate about the center point and to transform an appearance of the wheel. The wheel further includes an indicator configured to indicate an indicated wheel segment. The indicator may be configured to rotate about the center point. | 02-19-2015 |
20150050979 | MECHANICAL WHEELS FOR GAME MACHINES - Electronic gaming machines having mechanical or electro-mechanical wheel devices are described herein. The gaming machines include a cabinet, a display coupled to the cabinet, and a wheel coupled to the cabinet. The wheel includes a plurality of wheel segments positioned axially about a center point of the wheel. The plurality of wheel segments may be configured to rotate about the center point and to transform an appearance of the wheel. The wheel further includes an indicator configured to indicate an indicated wheel segment. The indicator may be configured to rotate about the center point. | 02-19-2015 |
20150050978 | MECHANICAL WHEELS FOR GAME MACHINES - Electronic gaming machines having mechanical or electro-mechanical wheel devices are described herein. The gaming machines include a cabinet, a display coupled to the cabinet, and a wheel coupled to the cabinet. The wheel includes a plurality of wheel segments positioned axially about a center point of the wheel. The plurality of wheel segments may be configured to rotate about the center point and to transform an appearance of the wheel. The wheel further includes an indicator configured to indicate an indicated wheel segment. The indicator may be configured to rotate about the center point. | 02-19-2015 |
20150045112 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A PLURALITY OF DIFFERENT PLAYER-SELECTABLE WAGER ALTERNATIVES WHEN A CREDIT BALANCE IS LESS THAN A DESIGNATED WAGER AMOUNT AND GREATER THAN OR EQUAL TO A LOWEST ELIGIBLE CREDIT BALANCE - Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gaming system and method providing a plurality of different player-selectable wager alternatives if a credit balance of a player is less than a designated wager amount (such as a cost to cover a play of a wagering game or a maximum wager amount for the play of the wagering game) and greater than or equal to a lowest eligible credit balance (such as 1 credit). Generally, selecting one of the different wager alternatives when the player's remaining credit balance is less than the designated wager amount and greater than or equal to the lowest eligible wager amount enables the player to utilize the player's remaining credit balance (or any suitable portion thereof) in a manner that is different than, separate from, and in addition to wagering on one or more plays of the wagering game. | 02-12-2015 |
20150038210 | LINE KENO AND KENO DRAWN BALL POSITION PAYS - A method of providing a keno game for plays with duplicate draws is provided. A keno game including a keno game board having a first predetermined number of keno board spots is displayed. A player selection of a second predetermined number of keno board spots is received. Drawn balls for a plurality of ball sets are determined. The determined drawn balls are displayed with one or more paylines overlaying at least some of the drawn balls in the plurality of ball sets. A player award based at least in part on evaluation of each payline is calculated. | 02-05-2015 |
20150038209 | INDIVIDUAL BALL DRAW KENO - A method of providing a keno game includes, but is not limited to any of the combination of: displaying a keno board having a first predetermined number of keno board spots; receiving a player selection of a second predetermined number of keno board spots; selecting a first plurality of drawn balls; and calculating a player award in part based on data associated with the first plurality of drawn balls, wherein at least two of the drawn balls in the first plurality of drawn balls are duplicates. | 02-05-2015 |
20150031454 | BEAT SYNCHRONIZATION IN A GAME - Systems and methods for synchronizing beats in a game include predicting when beats of the music currently playing in the game will occur. The playing of sound effects, music transitions, or the like that are triggered by in-game events may be synchronized with the predicted beats of the currently playing music. | 01-29-2015 |
20150018084 | UNIVERSAL GAME SERVER - A gaming system that executes a web browser to display games produced by the at least one server, take over processing from the web browser using a plug-in for the web browser upon detection of a predetermined player interaction with the web browser, carries out a game transaction, using the plug-in for the web browser, including a game bet and an amount wagered for each game played, commits each game transaction, using the plug-in for the web browser, by sending at least the game bet and the amount wagered to the at least one server and to receive a validation transaction corresponding to the committed game transaction back from the at least one server, and relinquishes control, using the plug-in for the web browser, back to the web browser upon receipt of the validation transaction from the at least one server. | 01-15-2015 |
20140357353 | PLAYER TRACKING THROUGH TOUCH SURFACE SIGNAL CONDUITS - A method of player tracking includes generating, by a transmitting device, a signal modulated to contain an identification of the transmitting device, charging at least a portion of a first touch surface on the transmitting device with the signal such that the signal is present and transmittable, transmitting, the signal from the first touch surface through the signal conduit to a second touch surface on a receiving device, receiving, by a gaming system, an authentication request comprising the identification, authenticating, by the gaming system, the transmitting device based on the identification, and linking, by the gaming system, the transmitting device with the receiving device. | 12-04-2014 |
20140335942 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OFFERING SIMULTANEOUS PLAY OF MULTIPLE GAMES - Gaming apparatus and methods of conducting a wagering game of chance. A gaming machine is disclosed which is configured for mutually concurrent play of a plurality of games of chance on a single display screen. A method of conducting a wagering activity includes providing a player with a plurality of differing games of chance, at least some of which are mutually concurrently playable on a single screen display of a gaming device and enabling mutually concurrent play of the plurality of differing games of chance on the single screen display. Various other gaming machine configurations and methods of play related to multiple differing games of chance on a single display screen are also disclosed herein. Networked gaming machines are also disclosed. | 11-13-2014 |
20140329591 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD EMPLOYING A PLAYER-SELECTED FEATURE FOR A PLAY OF A GAME OR USING THE PLAYER-SELECTED FEATURE TO MODIFY ANOTHER FEATURE FOR A SUBSEQUENT PLAY OF THE GAME - Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a game employing a player-selected one of a plurality of different features. In one embodiment, the gaming system is configured to operate a game associated with a set of a plurality of different features, and enables a player to select one of the features for a play of the game. In certain instances, the gaming system provides the play of the game in accordance with the selected feature. In other instances, the gaming system provides the play of the game without the selected feature, and uses the selected feature to modify one of the other, non-selected features that has a designated relationship with the selected feature. The gaming system subsequently enables the player to select the modified feature for a subsequent play of the game. | 11-06-2014 |
20140287812 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A MULTIPLE DIMENSION SYMBOL GAME WITH EXPANDING WILD SYMBOLS - Gaming systems and methods for providing a multi-dimensional symbol game with expanding wild symbols. | 09-25-2014 |
20140278927 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ATTRIBUTION OF MOBILE ADVERTISEMENTS RELATED TO MOBILE APPLICATIONS - In various embodiments, the present disclosure relates generally to a mobile advertising attribution system. The system enables the proper attribution of user interaction with mobile advertisement related to a mobile application after the user installs the mobile application. The system causes electronic devices to set cookies with advertisement campaign identifiers for advertisement campaigns including the mobile advertisements. When the mobile application is initially executed, the system receives the advertisement campaign identifiers, which enables advertising networks and the vendor of the mobile application to properly and accurately correlate which mobile advertisements are directly and indirectly responsible for the installation of the mobile application. | 09-18-2014 |
20140278926 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ATTRIBUTION OF MOBILE ADVERTISEMENTS RELATED TO MOBILE APPLICATIONS - In various embodiments, the present disclosure relates generally to a mobile advertising attribution system. The system enables the proper attribution of user interaction with mobile advertisement related to a mobile application after the user installs the mobile application. The system causes electronic devices to set cookies with advertisement campaign identifiers for advertisement campaigns including the mobile advertisements. When the mobile application is initially executed, the system receives the advertisement campaign identifiers, which enables advertising networks and the vendor of the mobile application to properly and accurately correlate which mobile advertisements are directly and indirectly responsible for the installation of the mobile application. | 09-18-2014 |
20140274372 | TOUCH BUTTON WITH TACTILE ELEMENTS - An electronic gaming machine for playing an electronic game is disclosed. The gaming machine includes a cabinet, a game controller housed within the cabinet, a display configured to display the electronic game to a player, and a user-input panel. The gaming machine further includes a first button mounted to the user-input panel. The first button includes a first touch sensing section configured to receive inputs from a player and to provide signals relating to the inputs to the game controller. The gaming machine further includes a first tactile element. The first tactile element is distinguishable from the first touch sensing section by the player by sense of touch. | 09-18-2014 |
20140274349 | PROGRESSIVE VALUE TRACKING AND PUBLICATION IN GAMING SYSTEMS - A gaming system harvests a current progressive value from available gaming devices. A protocol is implemented that incorporates the current progressive value with current geolocation data associated with the available plurality of gaming devices as a universal progressive data feed. The universal progressive data feed is published. | 09-18-2014 |
20140274276 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A KENO GAME INCLUDING AN ADDITIONAL NUMBER TRIGGERING EVENT THAT CAUSES AT LEAST ONE ADDITIONAL NUMBER TO BE ADDED TO A SELECTED NUMBER SET TO FORM A MODIFIED NUMBER SET - The present disclosure is directed to a gaming system and method providing a keno game including an additional number triggering event that causes at least one additional number to be added to a selected number set to form a modified number set. A player number set and a gaming system number set are selected from a plurality of numbers. Upon an occurrence of an additional number triggering event, the gaming system adds at least one of the numbers to one of: the player number set to form a modified player number set, and the gaming system number set to form a modified gaming system number set. The gaming system determines any awards based on a comparison of the player number set (or the modified player number set) with the gaming system number set (or the modified gaming system number set), and provides any determined awards. | 09-18-2014 |
20140256435 | 3-D REELS AND 3-D WHEELS IN A GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine is configured to receive a request for a location of at least one player of at least one gaming device, determine the location of the at least one player; and present on a display of the gaming machine, location information including the determined location of the at least one player. Where the gaming machine is located within a casino, the gaming machine may further be configured to present, on the display, a 3D virtual gaming environment which is a model of the casino. | 09-11-2014 |
20140256419 | MULTI-TIERED STATIC CHAIN OF TRUST - A multi-tiered static chain of trust is established in a computer system which utilizes a first authentication program stored on a first memory device to authentic data stored on a second memory device. If the data stored on the second memory device is authenticated, then a second authentication program stored on the second memory device authenticates data stored on a third memory device. If the data on the third memory device is authenticated the computer system is allowed to utilize the data stored on the third memory device. The data stored on the third memory device is indirectly authenticated while the data is being used by authenticating the data stored on the first memory device. | 09-11-2014 |
20140256418 | DEVICE SECURITY IN A GAMING MACHINE - A gaming system employs a device security firewall having a plurality of rules and an inclusion list of a plurality of devices allowed to operate on a gaming device for determining acceptable data traffic on the gaming device. | 09-11-2014 |
20140256417 | SELECTING PREFERRED ELECTRONIC GAMING MACHINES HAVING AN AVAILABILITY FOR USE - A gaming system identifies, from a gaming network having a cluster of electronic gaming machines (EGMs), those of the EGMs having an availability and unavailability for use. Those of the EGMs having the availability for use are organized. A user selects one of the organized EGMs. | 09-11-2014 |
20140256411 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A GAME INCLUDING ROAMING WILD SYMBOLS - In various embodiments, the present disclosure relates generally to gaming systems and methods for providing one or more games employing roaming wild symbols. | 09-11-2014 |
20140256410 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A GAME INCLUDING ROAMING WILD SYMBOLS - In various embodiments, the present disclosure relates generally to gaming systems and methods for providing one or more games employing roaming wild symbols. | 09-11-2014 |
20140256408 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE VOLATILITY OF A GAME BASED ON ONE OR MORE EXTERNAL DATA FEEDS - Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and method for determining the volatility of a game based on one or more external data feeds. Generally, the system is configured to communicate with and collect data from one or more external data feeds, use the collected data to determine volatility data representing the volatility of a game, and provide one or more plays of the game having the volatility represented by the volatility data. In various embodiments, the system includes a volatility determination system including a data accumulator, an external feed data analyzer, and a metric data analyzer; and a gaming system. The volatility determination system collects the data from the external data feeds and uses the collected data to determine the volatility data representing the volatility of the game, and the gaming system provides a play of the game having the volatility represented by the determined volatility data. | 09-11-2014 |
20140256406 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A SYMBOL ELIMINATION GAME - In various embodiments, the gaming system disclosed herein provides a symbol elimination game which utilizes a single continuous series or chain of symbols displayed at a plurality of symbol display positions of a formed path and further utilizes one or more eliminators displayed at one or more eliminator display positions associated with and distinct from the symbol display positions of the formed path. Specifically, in various embodiments, the gaming system: (i) displays the chain of symbols continuously moving through the path of symbol display positions, and (ii) eliminates zero, one or more of such symbols based on one or more interactions between such symbols and the symbol display eliminators displayed at the eliminator display positions. | 09-11-2014 |
20140256404 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING A RE-TRIGGERING SYMBOL BONUS SCHEME - A gaming device having a bonus scheme wherein a combination of bonus symbols trigger a bonus game and any one of the bonus symbols in the bonus game provides a player with an award. The award may be an extension of the bonus game by providing the player with additional spins or games. Also, the award may modify the combination and type of bonus symbols needed to enter the bonus game. Furthermore, the award may modify the award values in the bonus game. Therefore, a combination of bonus symbols triggers the bonus game and also triggers the gaming device to provide bonus awards in the bonus game. The re-triggering symbol award bonus scheme changes the probability of winning for the player and therefore creates a higher level of excitement and enjoyment of the game. | 09-11-2014 |
20140256403 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A GAME WITH UNLOCKABLE FEATURES - In various embodiments, the present disclosure relates generally to gaming systems and methods for providing unlockable features and/or unlockable content. In such embodiments, the gaming system includes a plurality of initially unlocked features or content and a plurality of initially locked features or content, wherein as the player advances or progresses during the play of one or more games, zero, one or more previously locked features or content become unlocked. | 09-11-2014 |
20140256402 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A SLOT GAME INCLUDING A SYMBOL GENERATOR MODIFICATION EVENT - Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a slot game including a symbol generator modification event. In various embodiments, the gaming system is configured to provide a slot game, each play of which employs a subset of a plurality of symbol generators. If a symbol generator modification event occurs in association with a first play that employs a first subset of the symbol generators, the gaming system removes one of the symbol generators from the first subset and adds another one of the plurality of symbol generators to the first subset to form a second subset, and employs the second subset for a second play. The gaming system removes and adds the symbol generators to form the second subset such that the average expected payback percentage of the second play is greater than the average expected payback percentage of the first play. | 09-11-2014 |
20140256401 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A MATCHING SYMBOLS GAME - In various embodiments, the gaming system enables a player to select one or more playing cards from a plurality of playing cards, wherein different playing cards include or are otherwise associated with one or more different symbols. The gaming system then determines if any matches occur amongst the plurality of symbols of a plurality of playing cards (including at least the player's selected playing card(s)). Following such a determination, the gaming system determines and provides zero, one or more awards based on one or more of: (i) which, if any, matching symbols occurred amongst the plurality of symbols of the plurality of playing cards, and (ii) a quantity of symbol matches which occurred amongst the plurality of symbols of the plurality of playing cards. | 09-11-2014 |
20140256399 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A KENO GAME IN WHICH NUMBERS CAN BE SELECTED MORE THAN ONCE - The present disclosure is directed to a gaming system and method providing a game in which symbols can be selected more than once. In one embodiment, the gaming system initiates a play of the game, displays a plurality of different symbols, and receives a selection of at least one of the symbols to form a player symbol set. The gaming system randomly selects a designated quantity of the symbols to form a gaming system symbol set. Each of the symbols can be selected more than once. The gaming system determines any awards based on a comparison of the player symbol set with the gaming system symbol set, and provides any determined awards. If an additional award opportunity triggering event associated with the gaming system symbol set including a plurality of instances of a same one of the symbols occurs, the gaming system provides an additional award opportunity. | 09-11-2014 |
20140250299 | EGM AUTHENTICATION MECHANISM USING MULTIPLE KEY PAIRS AT THE BIOS WITH PKI - Executable applications on a gaming machine are verified before they can be executed, for security purposes and to comply with jurisdictional requirements. Unlike in prior systems for authenticating the executable applications, embodiments allow for new executable applications to be provided and verified over time with different private and public key pairs, even after the operating code of the gaming machine is certified by the jurisdiction and deployed in the field. | 09-04-2014 |
20140248949 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING PLAYS OF A GAME UNTIL OUTCOMES ASSOCIATED WITH ONE CHARACTERISTIC OUTNUMBER OUTCOMES ASSOCIATED WITH ANOTHER CHARACTERISTIC BY A DESIGNATED QUANTITY - Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing plays of a game until outcomes associated with one characteristic outnumber outcomes associated with another characteristic by a designated quantity. In operation of one embodiment, the gaming system initiates a gaming session associated with a game. Each of a plurality of different potential outcomes of a play of the game is associated with at least one of a plurality of different characteristics. The gaming system provides plays of the game until a total quantity the outcomes of the plays of the game associated with one of the characteristics outnumber a total quantity of the outcomes of the plays of the game associated with another one of the characteristics by a designated quantity. | 09-04-2014 |
20140248941 | TRANSFER VERIFICATION OF MOBILE PAYMENTS - A gaming system sends a transfer verification message containing mobile payment transfer information for providing the transfer verification for completion of a mobile payment transfer, wherein an audit trail is maintained. | 09-04-2014 |
20140248936 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A SLOT GAME EMPLOYING A RANDOMLY SELECTED SET OF REELS - Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a slot game employing a set of randomly selected reels. In one embodiment, the gaming system is configured to operate a slot game associated with a plurality of adjacently arranged reels including a plurality of symbols. Each of a plurality of the reels is associated with one of a plurality of different features and an indicator representing that feature. The gaming system begins sequentially displaying the reels and any corresponding indicators. The gaming system selects a set of two or more of the reels and stops sequentially displaying the reels such that the selected reels are displayed. The gaming system generates and displays a plurality of the symbols on the selected reels, determines whether any winning symbol combinations are displayed, determines any awards associated with any displayed winning symbol combinations, and displays any determined awards. | 09-04-2014 |
20140243074 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING 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. | 08-28-2014 |
20140243071 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR NORMALIZING DIFFERENT FEATURES OF AN ON-DEMAND BONUS GAME - In various embodiments, the gaming system, gaming device, and gaming method disclosed herein provides a bonus game which enables players to combine different, independent features without introducing any significant advantage or significant disadvantage to players for combining certain features over other features. The gaming system utilizes one or more bonus game supplemental awards to insure that the average expected payout per selected feature remains the same or substantially the same regardless of which bonus game features or combinations of features are employed for a play of a bonus game. | 08-28-2014 |
20140243067 | VIDEO DISPLAY WITH WINDOW OPENING - A video display having a window opening includes a graphic display portion configured to display graphical indicia, one or more light sources, and a light guide. The light guide is configured to receive light from the one or more light sources and provide the light as backlighting to the graphic display portion. The light guide also includes a light guide shutter configured to selectably transition between a closed state and a transparent state. The light guide shutter is configured to allow a user to see through the electronic display when the light guide shutter is in its transparent state. | 08-28-2014 |
20140243064 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD PROVIDING MULTIPLE HAND CARD GAME - A gaming device provides a single player poker game including one or more opportunities for forming player hands. In one embodiment, for a play of the poker game, a player places a wager on each of a plurality of player hands. The gaming device provides the player with one or more opportunities to fold one or more of the player hands and withdraw the wager associated with the folded hand. A number of community cards are dealt. The gaming device determines and provides any awards associated with a ranking of each of the remaining player hands according to a paytable. | 08-28-2014 |
20140235322 | THIN CLIENT SUPPORT FOR A GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine, such as a video slot or video poker machine, may be configured to request a thin client game from a game server for presentation within a thin client. The outcome of the thin client game is determined by the game server. The gaming machine is also configured to execute a thick client game determined by the gaming machine. Indications of the outcomes of the thin and thick client games may be provided to a data collection device. | 08-21-2014 |
20140221076 | GAMING SYSTEM INCLUDING MULTIPLE DISPLAYS HAVING GAME SYMBOLS WITH COMMON CHARACTERISTICS - A gaming system and method involving a game having a plurality of symbols. The gaming system displays a play of the game on a first display while displaying a sequence of the symbols on a second display. The gaming system includes one award associated with the play and another award associated with a characteristic in common between a symbol displayed on the first display and a symbol indicated on the second display. | 08-07-2014 |
20140213348 | SERVER BASED GAMING SYSTEM HAVING MULTIPLE PROGRESSIVE AWARDS - A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The central server includes a plurality of progressive modules. Each progressive module maintains one or more progressive awards and is associated with zero, one or more of the gaming machines in the gaming system. Upon a determination that a designated one of the progressive awards will be provided, one of the gaming machines associated with the progressive module which maintains the designated progressive award provides the designated progressive award to the player of such gaming machine. | 07-31-2014 |
20140213346 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH ACCUMULATING EQUITY - Method and apparatus are described for conducting a secondary game at a gaming device. In various embodiments, a player may acquire equity in the secondary game in such forms as a location of a game character, a number of symbols aggregated, a degree of completion of a puzzle, or a defensive provision. Certain symbols or outcomes in a primary game, however, may cause the player to lose equity in the secondary game. | 07-31-2014 |
20140213341 | 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. | 07-31-2014 |
20140206457 | MOUNTING ASSEMBLIES FOR A GAMING DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A mounting bracket includes a substantially planar panel defining a first edge, a second edge opposite the first edge, a first surface, and a second surface opposite the first surface. The substantially planar panel defines a tapered slot open at the first edge, extending from the first edge toward the second edge, and terminating in a slot apex opposite the first edge. A bracket receptor includes an annular projection and a shaft extending from the annular projection. The annular projection extends beyond one or more sides of the shaft. The shaft of the bracket receptor is selectively positioned within the slot apex of the mounting bracket such that the annular projection of the bracket receptor is positioned adjacent the first surface of the substantially planar panel and the shaft of the bracket receptor extends beyond the second surface of the substantially planar panel. | 07-24-2014 |
20140206431 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING MULTIPLE GAMING MACHINES WHICH PROVIDE BONUS AWARDS - A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines and a plurality of bonus awards. The central server monitors wagers on the gaming machines. Based at least in part on the wagers the central server determines when bonus events will occur and which gaming machine(s) will provide the bonus awards. In one embodiment, the central server determines which gaming machine will provide a primary bonus award and any secondary bonus awards. In one embodiment, the number of secondary bonus awards is determined based on the number of active gaming machines. The selected gaming machine then determines a component of or the amount of the bonus award to be provided to the gaming machine selected by the central server. | 07-24-2014 |
20140206429 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD PROVIDING SLOT GAME HAVING VIRTUAL MAP DRIVEN REEL STOP POSITION DETERMINATIONS - Various embodiments of the disclosed gaming device include a housing which supports a plurality of mechanical reels and a plurality of stop input devices which are configured to provide a Pachisuro-style slot game. Each of the plurality of reels is associated with a different one of the plurality of stop input devices. Each stop input device enables a player to stop the respective reel when the reel is spinning by activating the stop input device. Each reel includes a plurality of stop positions and each stop position includes a symbol. The gaming device also includes a processor and a memory device. For each reel, the processor randomly determines the stop position at which the reel ultimately stops based on a virtual map stored in the memory device for an initiating stop position of that reel which is selected by the player's activation of the stop input device for that reel. | 07-24-2014 |
20140194171 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A STRATEGY GAME HAVING A PLURALITY OF AWARDS - The disclosed gaming system, gaming device and method provide a game including a plurality of awards, each of the awards associated with a plurality of award characteristics, including an award value and a level of difficulty. Based at least in part on the award characteristics associated with the awards, a player strategically chooses which award or awards to play for (i.e., which award or awards to attempt to collect) in the game. In certain multiplayer embodiments, two or more players can work together to obtain awards. | 07-10-2014 |
20140179417 | 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. | 06-26-2014 |
20140179387 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING AN ENHANCED WINNING HAND DISPLAY FEATURE - The present disclosure provides various embodiments directed to a gaming system and method providing an enhanced winning hand display feature. In one embodiment, the gaming system displays a plurality of initial hands of cards, receives a hand formation input, and forms and displays a complete hand for each initial hand. For each complete hand, the gaming system determines whether that complete hand forms a winning hand associated with one of a plurality of different winning hand categories. If at least one complete hand forms a winning hand associated with one of the winning hand categories, for each complete hand that forms one such winning hand, the gaming system displays the winning hand category associated with that winning hand, receives a selection of a displayed winning hand category, and adds an enhancement to the display of any complete hand that forms a winning hand associated with the selected winning hand category. | 06-26-2014 |
20140171188 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ATTRACTIVE BONUSING - A method for a game includes providing a plurality of individual gaming machines for playing a base game, where an outcome of each gaming machine is determined at least in part by chance, and communicatively coupling a progressive bonus apparatus to said plurality of individual gaming machines. The method includes creating value elements and inserting them onto individual gaming machines in a bank of gaming machines. The value elements can be seen visually by players so that the players can monitor the status of the bonus game while playing the base game. Also disclosed is an apparatus capable of carrying out the above method as well as a media carrying an instruction set for carrying out the above method. | 06-19-2014 |
20140171184 | METHOD, APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR PERPETUAL BONUS GAME - Methods of playing games and gaming systems and devices useful for playing games. Gaming devices include a first gaming unit for randomly selecting and displaying indicia associated with play of a primary game and for generating a signal relating to play on the first gaming unit. The gaming device also includes a second gaming unit connected to the first gaming unit for conducting an ongoing bonus game and enabling participation by a player in the ongoing bonus game in response to a signal generated by the first gaming unit. The ongoing bonus game may be administered by and communicated from a second gaming unit in the form of a host server to a number of networked gaming devices. Players may enter and exit play of the ongoing bonus game while it is still in progress, participating only in a segment thereof. | 06-19-2014 |
20140162792 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INSTANT-ON GAME DOWNLOAD - 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. | 06-12-2014 |
20140162768 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING SECURE LOGON TO A GAMING MACHINE USING A MOBILE DEVICE - A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled portable electronic devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers, is described. When a transaction is initiated on an EGM that requires the input of Sensitive Information data, such data can be input directly from the Player/Patrons Portable Electronic Device. Hence, such input of their Sensitive Information data is more discrete, and generally out of plain view from the other Player/Patrons. | 06-12-2014 |
20140162761 | COMMUNITY GAMING EXPERIENCE - A gaming environment may provide a user with a community gaming experience by providing, via a first interface at a first gaming machine, a display of a wagering game to a first player; determining an initial game outcome for a play of the wagering game by the first player, wherein the initial game outcome is a losing game outcome; based on the losing game outcome by the first player, receiving, from a second player, a selection of an option to wager on a final game outcome, the final game outcome being based in part on the losing game outcome; displaying, via a second interface at a second gaming machine, the final game outcome to the second player; and providing an award to the second player based on the final game outcome. | 06-12-2014 |
20140162756 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A CASCADING SYMBOLS GAME HAVING MAGNETIC SYMBOLS AND TARGET SYMBOLS - A gaming system displays one of a plurality of symbols in each of a plurality of symbol positions, at least one of the plurality of symbols being a target symbol for establishing a direction of shifting and at least one of the plurality of symbols being a magnetic symbol for shifting toward a target symbol. If any generated magnetic symbol is associated with a generated target symbol, the gaming system shifts that magnetic symbol toward the associated target symbol, resulting in an empty symbol position. The gaming system fills the empty symbol position by shifting a displayed symbol or by generating one of the plurality symbols and repeats until no magnetic symbol is associated with a target symbol. The gaming system provides an award for any displayed winning symbol combination. The gaming system removes symbols from each winning combination, fills the empty symbol positions, and repeats as above. | 06-12-2014 |
20140155173 | USING A MESSAGE-ORIENTED PROTOCOL IN A GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine, such as a video slot or video poker machine, may be configured to use a message-oriented protocol. An application on the gaming machine may request subscription to a topic managed by a message broker. The application may receive a message published to the topic by another application and alter its execution in response. | 06-05-2014 |
20140155170 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A COLLECTION GAME - A gaming system and method providing a collection game independent from the primary games of a gaming system. In one embodiment, the collection game includes a plurality of elements and a winning element combination. During play of the collection game, randomly or upon an occurrence of a triggering event, the gaming system releases one of the plurality of elements to players. The gaming system repeats the process of releasing elements until one of the players collects all of the elements of the winning element combination. The first player to collect all of the elements of the winning element combination wins an award or prize. | 06-05-2014 |
20140155162 | CONTROL OF WAGER-BASED GAME USING GESTURE RECOGNITION - Various techniques are described for controlling a wager-based game played at a gaming system. In one embodiment the gaming system may include a gesture input interface device operable to detect movements gestures associated with one or more persons, and a gesture interpretation component operable to identify selected movements or gestures detected by the gesture input interface device. In one embodiment, the gesture interpretation component may also be operable to generate gesture interpretation information relating to interpretation of the selected movements or gestures. In one embodiment, the gaming system may be operable to automatically detect a gesture by a player participating in a game session at the gaming system; interpret the gesture with respect to a set of criteria; generate gesture interpretation information relating to the interpretation of the gesture; and advance a state of the game session using at least a portion of the gesture interpretation information. | 06-05-2014 |
20140155152 | PROVIDING FEEDBACK AT A GAMING MACHINE BASED ON A PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENT OF A PLAYER - Systems and methods for providing feedback at a gaming machine may include operating the gaming machine in a first mode of operation. The first mode of operation comprises a first mode of providing sensory feedback to a first player regarding game play at the gaming machine. The method may further include receiving, from a second player, an indication of a sensory impairment of the second player. The sensory impairment relates to a first sense. The method may also include, based on the indication of the sensory impairment, operating the gaming machine in a second mode of operation. The second mode of operation comprises a second mode of providing sensory feedback to the second player regarding game play at the gaming machine. In the second mode of operation, the gaming machine provides enhanced sensory feedback to a second sense of the player. The second sense is different than the first sense. | 06-05-2014 |
20140155143 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A MULTIPLE-PLAYER BONUS REDEMPTION GAME - A gaming system and method including a plurality of gaming devices that may participate in a shared secondary or bonus game and a controller operable to communicate with said plurality of gaming devices. At least one of the plurality of gaming devices is programmed to generate and accumulate collectors upon an occurrence of a first triggering event. Upon an occurrence of a second triggering event at one of the gaming devices, the controller enables a player of said gaming device to redeem a quantity of accumulated collectors in a bonus event. The controller also enables the player to invite other gaming devices from the plurality of gaming devices to redeem accumulated collectors and participate in said bonus event. The odds of each player earning a higher-valued total award in the bonus event increases with the total number of accumulated collectors redeemed in the bonus event. | 06-05-2014 |
20140148248 | METHODS AND ARCHITECTURE FOR CASHLESS SYSTEM SECURITY - Methods for secure transactions between gaming machines and portable devices are described. A logic device, separate from a master gaming controller on the gaming machine and placed in the gaming machine, may be operable to authenticate a portable device, such as a smart card, and authorize transactions involving transfers of indicia of credit between the portable device and the gaming machine. The logic device may be operable to send authentication information relating to the portable device to a remote host where a value amount of transactions involving the portable device authorized by the logic device may be higher when the logic device and the remote host authenticate the portable device as opposed to when the portable device is only authenticated by the logic device. | 05-29-2014 |
20140148244 | 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. | 05-29-2014 |
20140141883 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OFFERING SIMULTANEOUS PLAY OF MULTIPLE GAMES - Gaming apparatus and methods of conducting a wagering game of chance. A gaming machine is disclosed which is configured for mutually concurrent play of a plurality of games of chance on a single display screen. A method of conducting a wagering activity includes providing a player with a plurality of differing games of chance, at least some of which are mutually concurrently playable on a single screen display of a gaming device and enabling mutually concurrent play of the plurality of differing games of chance on the single screen display. Various other gaming machine configurations and methods of play related to multiple differing games of chance on a single display screen are also disclosed herein. Networked gaming machines are also disclosed. | 05-22-2014 |
20140141873 | 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. | 05-22-2014 |
20140141872 | DYNAMIC PLAYER NOTICES FOR OPERATIONAL CHANGES IN GAMING MACHINES - A gaming terminal data repository (GTDR) for storing game software components and transaction information for gaming machine and gaming terminals is disclosed. A system database is partitioned according to different gaming entities allowing game software component configurations of particular gaming terminals to be easily analyzed and modified. Game software components for gaming terminals connected to the GTDR may be automatically updated using various triggers. System gaming machines may utilize a combination of game software components residing on the gaming machine and those received from the GTDR. A player compliance module (PCM) can be adapted to detect significant changes to gaming machine or gaming terminal playing conditions or parameters, and provide appropriate notices to players of such changes dynamically. The PCM can also facilitate the creation of a log or audit trail to confirm that such player notices have been provided. | 05-22-2014 |
20140135111 | METHOD FOR PLAYING A VIDEO GAMING MACHINE - A method for playing video gambling games whereby pay tables vary from play to play, or alternatively, whereby a plurality of pay tables are possible within a game. For example, in a video poker game a player wagers against a first pay table. If a winner occurs, the next game offers a new pay table with a greater expected value. This process continues until the player loses, whereupon the player is returned to play against the first pay table. Pay tables increment and decrement in expected value based on achieving predetermined events within the current game, within a previous game or games or randomly. | 05-15-2014 |
20140132509 | 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. | 05-15-2014 |
20140128141 | 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. | 05-08-2014 |
20140121005 | VIRTUAL TICKET-IN AND TICKET-OUT ON A GAMING MACHINE - An electronic gaming machine includes a cabinet, a display mounted to the cabinet, a wireless interface for communicating with a portable electronic device, a network interface for communicating with a validation server, a bill validator coupled to a game controller configured to accept bills and printed ticket vouchers, and a removable cash box. The game controller includes a processor and a memory configured to control a wager-based game played on the EGM, redeem virtual ticket vouchers and printed ticket vouchers, receive an indication to transfer value to the EGM via a virtual ticket voucher, receive the virtual ticket voucher including a virtual ticket voucher validation number from the portable electronic device via the wireless interface, validate the virtual ticket voucher with the validation server via the network interface, deposit a credit amount associated with the virtual ticket voucher, and notify the validation server that the virtual ticket voucher is redeemed. | 05-01-2014 |
20140113729 | DIRECTIONAL WIRELESS COMMUNICATION - A method for establishing communication between a portable electronic device and an electronic gaming machine within a gaming environment includes receiving wireless signal data transmitted from the portable electronic device, determining a wireless signal strength relative to the electronic gaming machine based on the wireless signal data, and based on a determination that the wireless signal strength relative to the electronic gaming machine has increased, exceeded a predetermined threshold level, and leveled off for an amount of time exceeding a time threshold after becoming stronger, initiating a wireless communication link between the electronic gaming machine and the portable electronic device. | 04-24-2014 |
20140113710 | 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. | 04-24-2014 |
20140113703 | 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. | 04-24-2014 |
20140108812 | SYSTEM AND METHOD ENABLING PARALLEL PROCESSING OF HASH FUNCTIONS USING AUTHENTICATION CHECKPOINT HASHES - Systems and methods enabling parallel processing of hash functions are provided. A data string including a plurality of pieces arranged in an order is hashed using a hash function to determine a plurality of authentication checkpoint hashes associated with the pieces. To authenticate the data string, the pieces are grouped into sets, and the authentication checkpoint hash associated with the piece following all other pieces of that set in the order is associated with that set. The system simultaneously performs a separate hash process on each set. That is, the system hashes the pieces of that set using the hash function to determine a result hash, and compares that result hash with the authentication checkpoint hash associated with that set. The initial input to the hash function for the hash process for each set includes one of the pieces and either a default seed or an authentication checkpoint hash. | 04-17-2014 |
20140106875 | GAMING SYSTEM WITH MOBILE USER INPUT DEVICE - Intelligent gaming tables and methods of providing game play through the gaming tables are described herein. The gaming table includes a table having a table surface, a plurality of player stations, and a common display configured to display gaming content to a plurality of players. The gaming table further includes an interface configured to communicate with a plurality of user input devices. The gaming table includes a gaming controller. The gaming controller is configured to communicate with the plurality of user input devices through the interface, receive location information relating to touches or contacts detected on the table surface, analyze the information relating to the touches or contacts, identify a user performing each of the touches or contacts with the table surface, and implement player input instructions contained within the information relating to the touches or contacts. | 04-17-2014 |
20140106872 | GAMING MACHINE COMMUNICATION WITH EXTERNAL SYSTEMS THROUGH A SINGLE COMMUNICATION PORT - Electronic gaming machines and gaming systems for allowing communication between the electronic gaming machines and a plurality of external systems are described. The electronic gaming machine is configured to provide gameplay of a wager-based game. The electronic gaming machine includes a processor and a memory. The electronic gaming machine further includes a slot accounting system port configured to allow communications between the EGM and a plurality of separate master control systems. The electronic gaming machine includes a universal game module (UGM) having a UGM SAS port, wherein the UGM SAS port is coupled to the SAS port of the EGM with a connector. | 04-17-2014 |
20140106869 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING TEAM PLAY - A gaming system where in one embodiment, as players play the primary games of the gaming devices, players are enabled to join one of a plurality of teams associated with a secondary team game. Each of the teams includes a plurality of players. The gaming system periodically monitors at least one factor or parameter of each player's gaming activity to determine a score for that player. In one embodiment, the scores for each of the players on each team are accumulated to determine that team's cumulative score. If a team's cumulative score reaches a winning value, the gaming system provides a prize to one or more of the players on that team. The gaming system enables players to switch from one team to another in attempt to be on a particular team when that team's cumulative score reaches a winning value. | 04-17-2014 |
20140106868 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMNIG DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR SIDE WAGERING ON BONUS EVENT OUTCOMES GENERATED IN BONUS EVENTS - In one embodiment, the gaming system enables a player to place one or more side bets on one or more outcomes associated with one or more bonus events, wherein the player participates in each of such bonus event(s) regardless of when that bonus event is triggered and regardless of which gaming device(s) in the gaming system is associated with the triggering of that bonus event. In another embodiment, the gaming system enables a player to place a side bet which is associated with an eligibility period, such as a designated period of time or a designated quantity of games played. If no bonus events are triggered during the associated eligibility period, the placed side bet is lost and the gaming system does not provide the player any bonus event awards in association with the placed side bet. | 04-17-2014 |
20140106867 | 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. | 04-17-2014 |
20140106862 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ENABLING A CURRENT BET TO BE PLACED ON A FUTURE PLAY OF A WAGERING GAME - The gaming system, gaming device, and gaming method disclosed herein provide an opportunity for a player to place a replay wager for a group or set of a plurality of plays of a wagering game. In one embodiment, the replay wager activates a replay feature which the player can use a designated number of times (such as one time) over the plurality of plays of the wagering game. The player's use of the replay feature causes the gaming system to redisplay the previous play of the wagering game, and provide any awards associated with the previous play of the wagering game. After the player uses the replay feature over each of the designated number (such as one) of the plurality of plays of the wagering game, the player cannot use the replay feature for any of the remaining plays of the plurality of plays of the wagering game. | 04-17-2014 |
20140106852 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A MULTIPLAY GAME WITH RESULTANT SYMBOLS - Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a multiplay game with resultant symbols. The game is associated with a plurality of reel sets each including a plurality of reels. Each reel is associated with one or more symbol display areas. For each reel set, each symbol display area associated with a reel of that reel set is associated with a symbol display area associated with one of the reels of each other reel set. The gaming system independently generates and displays certain of the symbols on the reels of the respective reel sets at the corresponding symbol display areas. If associated symbol display areas display symbols having a designated relationship with one another, the gaming system forms a resultant symbol from those symbols. The gaming system determines any awards based on the resultant symbols and not based on any non-resultant symbols. | 04-17-2014 |
20140106851 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING MULTIPLE SYMBOLS AT A SINGLE SYMBOL POSITION - A gaming device including a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols including at least one replicator symbol. The replicator symbol includes at least two of the same symbols in a single symbol position on the reels. The replicator symbol may include any suitable number of the same symbols. The replicator symbol thereby increases the likelihood that a player will obtain a winning symbol combination on the reels and also an award in a game. In one embodiment, a winning symbol combination includes at least one replicator symbol and at least one other symbol at a plurality of symbol positions on a payline associated with the reels. In another embodiment, the winning symbol combination at least one replicator symbol and at least one other symbol at a plurality of symbol position in at least one symbol position on a plurality of paylines associated with the reels. | 04-17-2014 |
20140106850 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING MULTIPLE CONCURRENT GAMES USING DYNAMIC FOCAL POINTS - The gaming system disclosed herein changes the focal point of a display device at different points in time to assist the player in focusing on different simultaneously or concurrently played games at different points in time. Specifically, the gaming system displays a plurality of simultaneously or concurrently played games on a display device. In response to a designated event occurring in association with a specific one of the plurality of simultaneously or concurrently played games, the gaming system changes the focal point of the display device to draw the player's focus or attention to that specific one of the simultaneously or concurrently played games. Put differently, the gaming system dynamically allocates and/or indicates different portions of a display device to different simultaneously or concurrently played games at different points in time to account for different events occurring in such simultaneously or concurrently played games. | 04-17-2014 |
20140106843 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING MAIN GAME ACTIVATING A BONUS EVENT - A game and gaming apparatus include a main game and a bonus game. A player is entitled to participate in the bonus game without an additional wager beyond that required to play the main game. Winning outcomes of the main game determine the indicia used to play the bonus game. In one embodiment upon a winning outcome of the main game, an indicia, such as an image of a winning amount, is transferred to the bonus game. In another embodiment, the bonus event includes categories associated with winning outcomes of the main game, the categories activated based upon wins of the main game. In one embodiment, the main game is a game of video poker. Winning hands are associated with or activate positions of the bonus game. Play of the bonus game comprises selection of at least one of the indicia or positions/categories which have been activated. | 04-17-2014 |
20140106839 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING AN OUTCOME ENHANCING FEATURE - An embodiment of a gaming device includes a game having at least three choices, wherein each of the choices either trumps or is trumped by one of the other choices, and a processor programmed to determine if an outcome enhancing condition is satisfied, enable a player to elect to enhance an outcome if an outcome enhancing condition is satisfied, enable the player to select one of said choices, select one of said choices, determine an outcome based on a comparison of the player's choice with the processor's choice, provide a win outcome if the player elected to enhance an outcome and the comparison of the player's choice with the processor's choice results in a draw determination, provide a draw outcome if the player elected to enhance an outcome and the comparison of the player's choice with the processor's choice results in a lose determination. | 04-17-2014 |
20140100033 | 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. | 04-10-2014 |
20140100019 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AWARDING INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP POINT MULTIPLICATION - In use, the player would insert his or her player card at the EGM | 04-10-2014 |
20140100016 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD PROVIDING A GAME WITH MULTI-COMPONENT SYMBOLS AND AWARDS BASED ON COMMON COMPONENTS - The gaming system receives a wager from a player for a play of a game including a plurality of multi-component symbols. Each of the multi-component symbols includes a plurality of symbol component locations. A plurality of the multi-component symbols include at least one of the symbol components in at least one of the symbol component locations. The gaming system randomly generates and displays a plurality of the multi-component symbols. The gaming system determines, for a first one of a designated number of the displayed multi-component symbols, a quantity of symbol component locations of the first one of the displayed multi-component symbols that display one of the symbol components and that correspond to a symbol component location of each of the other displayed multi-component symbols of the designated number of the displayed multi-component symbols that each display one of the symbol components. Any awards are determined based on the determined quantity. | 04-10-2014 |
20140098219 | IDENTIFYING DEFECTS IN A ROULETTE WHEEL - Systems and methods for identifying defects in a roulette wheel are described. A first trajectory of a roulette ball may be determined after launch of the roulette ball by capturing movement of the roulette ball on the roulette wheel. The roulette wheel has a region where the roulette ball orbits and spins around before the roulette ball falls into a roulette number pocket. The determining step may be repeated to determine additional trajectories, and a plurality of areas that the roulette ball avoided during travel along the trajectories may be identified. A graphical representation of the plurality of avoided areas may be generated to identify regions of the roulette wheel that include defects. | 04-10-2014 |
20140094318 | DISTRIBUTED GAME SERVICES - A local gaming machine is in communication with a remote gaming machine over a data network. The local gaming machine may include a storage medium. The local gaming machine may further include an interface for communicating with the remote gaming machine over a network. The local gaming machine may include a controller. The controller is configured to establish communications between the gaming machine and the remote gaming machine through the interface. The controller is further configured to initiate a game streaming session with the remote gaming machine in which output data from an instance of a game application is initiated from the remote gaming machine to the gaming machine. The controller is configured to detect an interrupt in the game streaming session. The controller is further configured to, after the interrupt is detected, determine whether the outcome of the instance of the game application has been received. | 04-03-2014 |
20140094293 | MULTI-STAKE, MULTI-LEVEL PROGRESSIVE WITH OVERLAPPING ELIGIBILITY BANDS - Disclosed herein are techniques and equipment for providing a multi-stake, multi-level progressive jackpot ladder with overlapping eligibility bands. In such a jackpot ladder, multiple wager sizes may be eligible to participate, with each wager size associated with a grouping of jackpot levels in the jackpot ladder. | 04-03-2014 |
20140094292 | JACKPOT INTERFACES AND SERVICES ON A GAMING MACHINE - A disclosed a player tracking unit provides a touch screen display with a touch screen controller integrated into the touch screen sensor assembly. Game service interfaces may be presented on the touch screen display that allow a user to obtain one or more game services. With the touch screen sensor, a user may navigate through the game service interface and supply information required to obtain a game service. Types of interfaces provided with the gaming machine include a jackpot interface for displaying one or more jackpots selected by the player or one or more jackpots that the player is eligible to win. | 04-03-2014 |
20140094288 | 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. | 04-03-2014 |
20140094267 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD PROVIDING COMPETITIVE WAGERING GAMES - The gaming system and method disclosed herein provides a player with an opportunity to compete against an opponent (either a virtual opponent or a human opponent). In one embodiment, the gaming system and method provide a competition game that operates concurrently with a wagering game. In one embodiment, the competition game includes a turn-based video game which enables a player to compete against an opponent. Different generated symbol combinations for the wagering game represent different game actions or sequences for the competition game. That is, the symbols or symbol combinations generated in the wager game determine which game actions or sequences the gaming system causes to occur for the competition game. Based on such displayed game actions and sequences, the disclosed gaming system and method determines whether the player or the opponent wins that competition for the competition game. | 04-03-2014 |
20140094260 | 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. 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, determines whether the displayed first outcome includes any winning symbol combinations, and provides any awards associated with any displayed winning symbol combinations. Thereafter, 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 and provides any awards associated with any displayed winning symbol combinations. | 04-03-2014 |
20140087879 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A SELECTION GAME ASSOCIATED WITH SELECTABLE VISUALLY UNBLOCKED OBJECTS AND UNSELECTABLE VISUALLY BLOCKED OBJECTS - In various embodiments, the gaming system of the present disclosure is configured to operate a card game associated with a plurality of cards. For a play of the card game, the gaming system receives a wager from a player, determines a plurality of player cards from the plurality of cards, displays the player cards face up, determines a plurality of dealer cards from the plurality of cards, and displays at least one of the dealer cards face up. The gaming system determines an outcome of the play by comparing the player and the dealer cards. If the outcome is a designated outcome, the gaming system adds the received wager to a side pot. If a side pot reset condition is met, the gaming system resets the side pot to an initial value. If a side pot payout condition is met, the gaming system provides the side pot to the player. | 03-27-2014 |
20140087874 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING REDUCED APPEARANCE OF PARALLAX ARTIFACTS ON DISPLAY DEVICES INCLUDING MULTIPLE DISPLAY SCREENS - Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide gaming systems having reduced appearance of parallax artifacts on display devices including multiple display screens. In one embodiment, the gaming system determines a location on a first display screen of a display device at which to display a portion of a first image and subsequently determines, based on that determined location and one or more other variables, a location on a second display screen of the display device at which to display a portion of a second image such that the appearance of parallax artifacts associated with the first image and the second image is reduced or eliminated. | 03-27-2014 |
20140087868 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HINGING AND HANGING A GAMING MACHINE DOOR - A gaming machine includes a cabinet having a compartment for housing circuitry for gaming and a door for closing the compartment. The door is attached to the cabinet by a hinge system. The hinge system includes a first portion attached to a door and a second portion attached to the cabinet. The first portion includes a first pin proximate a first corner of the door, and a second pin further including a round head proximate a second corner of the door. The second pin has a longitudinal axis aligned to the longitudinal axis of the first pin. | 03-27-2014 |
20140087867 | WEARABLE DISPLAY SYSTEM AND METHOD - A wearable display device, system and method are described. The display system includes a wearable display to be worn by a person; a display buffer to receive display data from a graphics engine, which data includes data regarding position of a wearer in a virtual environment; a display processor unit to process vision direction data using the display data from the graphics engine, wherein the display processor unit sends the display data to the wearable display. In an example, the display system is a component to a gaming system or environment. | 03-27-2014 |
20140087861 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING AN OFFER AND ACCEPTANCE GAME - A gaming system including an offer and acceptance game including a series of offer component accumulations. One or more accumulated offer components are associated with one or more award values which form different offers for acceptance or rejection. One or more of such offer component accumulations are also associated with an elimination of one or more of any previously accumulated offer components. Such a configuration provides that when deciding whether to accept an offer (including the currently accumulated, non-eliminated offer components) or reject the offer and accumulate additional offer components, a player weighs the risks of eliminating one or more previously accumulated offer components. | 03-27-2014 |
20140087860 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING AN OFFER AND ACCEPTANCE GAME - A gaming system including an offer and acceptance game including a series of offer component accumulations. One or more accumulated offer components are associated with one or more award values which form different offers for acceptance or rejection. One or more of such offer component accumulations are also associated with an elimination of one or more of any previously accumulated offer components. Such a configuration provides that when deciding whether to accept an offer (including the currently accumulated, non-eliminated offer components) or reject the offer and accumulate additional offer components, a player weighs the risks of eliminating one or more previously accumulated offer components. | 03-27-2014 |
20140087858 | 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. | 03-27-2014 |
20140087856 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A GROUP BONUS EVENT FOR LINKED GAMING DEVICES - A gaming system and method provides a competitive group bonus event for a plurality of players playing at linked gaming devices. Upon activation of the group bonus event, a first one of the players playing at one of the gaming devices can challenge one or more other players to participate in the group bonus event. Players who accept the challenge agree to compete for one or more awards associated with the group bonus event. The players play the primary games of their respective gaming devices independently of the group bonus event. The first player to trigger a bonus game on his or her gaming device wins the group bonus event and is provided with an award. The winner of the group bonus event additionally has the opportunity to play the triggered bonus game. | 03-27-2014 |
20140087855 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERMANENTLY INCREASING THE AVERAGE EXPECTED PAYBACK PERCENTAGE OF A GAME FOR A PLAYER - Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method for permanently increasing the average expected payback percentage of a game for a player. The gaming system is configured to operate a game associated with one or more designated point thresholds, each of which is associated with a quantity of points. The gaming system maintains a point balance for the player for the game. Upon an occurrence of a point accumulation event, the gaming system adds a quantity of points to the player's point balance for the game. When the player's point balance for the game reaches one of the designated point thresholds, the gaming system permanently modifies a feature of the game and/or adds a new feature to the game. In various embodiments, the modification to the feature and/or the new feature permanently increases the average expected payback percentage for the game for that player. | 03-27-2014 |
20140087853 | ANONYMOUS PLAYER TRACKING WITH MOBILE DEVICES - A monitoring system for monitoring customer activities within a casino enterprise is described. The monitoring system can be used to determine a current utilization of casino activities so that an optimal mixture of activities can be offered by the casino. Further, the system can be used to identify customers, based on their utilization of the activities, whose loyalty that a casino enterprise may wish to cultivate. In particular embodiments, the monitoring system can be configured to passively track portable wireless devices and associate the portable wireless devices with activities within the casino enterprise that are not attributable to customers registered in a loyalty program. The identity of the person controlling a particular portable device can be unknown. A virtual customer account can be created where the first portable device is used to identify a virtual customer associated with the account. Based upon identification of the first portable device, activities can be associated with the virtual customer and store to the virtual customer account. | 03-27-2014 |
20140087852 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GAMING WITH ALTERNATE VALUE PAYOUTS - Systems and methods are provided for permitting a player to play a game at a gaming device. The gaming device provides a payout for the game. The payout is redeemable for one of a plurality of values, and at least two of the plurality of values are different from each other. The values typically have different corresponding forms of payout, such as cash or merchandise credits. | 03-27-2014 |
20140087851 | 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. | 03-27-2014 |
20140087844 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A SKILL-BASED GAME - In various embodiments, the gaming system and method disclosed herein provides a primary game in which the gaming system provides monetary awards to a player and a secondary game in which the gaming system provides non-monetary skill units to the player. In one such embodiment, the gaming system initiates the play of the skill-based secondary game in response to a triggering even associated with a primary game of the gaming system, and forms a score for the player based on zero, one or more inputs made by the player during the play of the skill-based secondary game. The gaming system determines an amount of non-monetary skill units to provide the player based on the score, and provides the player with the non-monetary skill units. The player redeems any amount of non-monetary skill units for one or more virtual goods offered via a virtual marketplace. | 03-27-2014 |
20140087841 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING PLAYS OF MULTIPLE GAMES - In various embodiments, the gaming system and method disclosed herein enables a player to allocate portions of a selected predetermined wager amount amongst a plurality of linked games. In one such embodiment, the player selects allocation percentages such that the total of the allocated portions according to the allocation percentages equals the selected predetermined wager amount. For each of the plurality of linked games, the gaming system determines and displays a game outcome, and determines and displays an award associated with the determined game outcome. The gaming system further provides the determined award for each of the plurality of linked games to the player. | 03-27-2014 |
20140087840 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A GROUP EVENT ELIGIBILITY SEQUENCE AND A GROUP EVENT - A gaming system including one or more group event eligibility sequences. Each group event eligibility sequence is associated with a set duration. In these embodiments, if one or more players at one or more gaming machines collectively satisfy a group event eligibility threshold within the set duration of an initiated or triggered group event eligibility sequence, the gaming system determines that such players are eligible to participate in a group event. For the group event, the gaming system provides one or more group event awards to such participating players. | 03-27-2014 |
20140087832 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A SYMBOL MATRIX WITH A MOVEABLE SYMBOL DISPLAY WINDOW - In various embodiments, the present disclosure generally relates to gaming systems and methods which utilize a symbol matrix or symbol field in conjunction with a movable symbol display window to randomly select different subsets of symbols from the symbol matrix and provide different awards to players based on such selected symbol subsets. | 03-27-2014 |
20140087828 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A GAME WHICH POPULATES SYMBOLS ALONG A PATH - In various embodiments, the present disclosure relates generally to a game including a path of different symbol display positions. The gaming system generates one or more symbols (and/or one or more awards) at one or more of the symbol display positions of a matrix or grid. The gaming system then randomly forms a path including a plurality of the symbol display positions and determines an award for the player based on which symbol display positions are included in the formed path. | 03-27-2014 |
20140087827 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A CASCADING MULTIPLE SIDED SYMBOL GAME - A gaming system including a cascading symbol or tumbling reel game which utilizes a plurality of multiple sided symbols or multiple sided game elements. Each multiple sided symbol or multiple sided game element includes a separate or distinct symbol displayed on each of one or more of the sides or faces of that multiple sided symbol. As the gaming system displays such multiple sided symbols at different symbol display positions, the gaming system differs or modifies which sides of which multiple sided symbols are displayed to the player (and thus differs or modifies which separate or distinct symbols of which sides or faces of the multiple sided symbols are displayed to the player). | 03-27-2014 |
20140087826 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A GAME WHICH POPULATES SYMBOLS ALONG A PATH - In various embodiments, the present disclosure relates generally to a game including a path of different symbol display positions. The gaming system generates one or more symbols (and/or one or more awards) at one or more of the symbol display positions of a matrix or grid. The gaming system then randomly forms a path including a plurality of the symbol display positions and determines an award for the player based on which symbol display positions are included in the formed path. | 03-27-2014 |
20140087825 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A CASCADING MULTIPLE SIDED SYMBOL GAME - A gaming system including a cascading symbol or tumbling reel game which utilizes a plurality of multiple sided symbols or multiple sided game elements. Each multiple sided symbol or multiple sided game element includes a separate or distinct symbol displayed on each of one or more of the sides or faces of that multiple sided symbol. As the gaming system displays such multiple sided symbols at different symbol display positions, the gaming system differs or modifies which sides of which multiple sided symbols are displayed to the player (and thus differs or modifies which separate or distinct symbols of which sides or faces of the multiple sided symbols are displayed to the player). | 03-27-2014 |
20140087824 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A GAME WHICH POPULATES SYMBOLS ALONG A PATH - In various embodiments, the present disclosure relates generally to a game including a path of different symbol display positions. The gaming system generates one or more symbols (and/or one or more awards) at one or more of the symbol display positions of a matrix or grid. The gaming system then randomly forms a path including a plurality of the symbol display positions and determines an award for the player based on which symbol display positions are included in the formed path. | 03-27-2014 |
20140087821 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A SYMBOL MATRIX WITH A MOVEABLE SYMBOL DISPLAY WINDOW - In various embodiments, the present disclosure generally relates to gaming systems and methods which utilize a symbol matrix or symbol field in conjunction with a movable symbol display window to randomly select different subsets of symbols from the symbol matrix and provide different awards to players based on such selected symbol subsets. | 03-27-2014 |
20140087820 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING ONE OR MORE INDICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH A PLAYER-SELECTED SYMBOL COMBINATION FOR A PLAY OF A PACHISURO-STYLE SLOT GAME - The present disclosure is directed to a gaming system and method providing one or more indications associated with a player-selected winning symbol combination for a play of a Pachisuro-style slot game. The gaming system includes a plurality of reels, each of which includes a plurality of symbols, and a separate stop input device associated with each reel. While each reel is spinning, the gaming system enables the player to activate the associated stop input device to cause the gaming system to stop that reel from spinning. For a play of the game, the gaming system enables a player to select a desired winning symbol combination. The gaming system spins the reels and, while the reels are spinning, indicates when the player should activate the stop input devices to cause the gaming system to stop the reels such that a probability of the desired winning symbol combination being displayed is maximized. | 03-27-2014 |
20140087815 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A MULTIPLE PLAYER GAME - A gaming system including one or more community game triggering events which function to both: (i) trigger a play of a community game and (ii) determine which players participate in the triggered community game. If a community game triggering event occurs, the gaming system causes a player playing a primary game associated with the occurrence of the community game triggering event to participate in a play of a community game. The gaming system additionally causes zero, one or more other players (i.e., players different from the player playing the primary game associated with the occurrence of the community game triggering event) to also participate in the play of the community game. The gaming system determines which other players participate in the play of the community game based on the specific community game triggering event which occurred. | 03-27-2014 |
20140087809 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A SELECTION GAME ASSOCIATED WITH A PLURALITY OF DIFFERENT SETS OF PICKABLE SELECTIONS - Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gaming system and method providing a selection game associated with a plurality of different sets of pickable selections. For a play of the game, the gaming system displays a first set of selections and a second set of selections, and initiates a selection round. If a designated selection of the first set remains unpicked, the gaming system enables the player to pick a selection of the first set. If a designated selection of the second set remains unpicked, the gaming system enables the player to pick a selection of the second set. If the designated ones of the first and second sets of selections have both been picked, the gaming system determines an award based on a total quantity of initiated selection rounds. If not, the gaming system ends the selection round, initiates a subsequent selection round, and repeats the above process. | 03-27-2014 |
20140087808 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING ONE OF A PLURALITY OF DIFFERENT VERSIONS OF A GAME BASED ON A PLAYER SELECTED SKILL LEVEL - Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gaming system and method providing one of a plurality of different versions of a game based on a player selected skill level. The gaming system displays an indication of a plurality of different skill levels. Each of the skill levels is associated with a different version of a game. The gaming system receives a player selection of one of the skill levels, displays a play of the version of the game associated with the selected skill level, and determines an outcome for the play. If the selected skill level is a designated skill level, the gaming system randomly determines the outcome. If the selected skill level is greater than the designated skill level, the gaming system receives a quantifiable skill input from the player in association with the play, and determines the outcome based in part on the received quantifiable skill input. | 03-27-2014 |
20140087801 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A CARD GAME ASSOCIATED WITH A SUPPLEMENTAL POOL FUNDED UPON AN OCCURRENCE OF A DESIGNATED OUTCOME AND WINNABLE BY A PLAYER OR A DEALER - In various embodiments, the gaming system of the present disclosure is configured to operate a card game. For a play of the card game, the gaming system receives a wager, determines a plurality of player cards from a plurality of cards, displays the player cards face up, determines a plurality of dealer cards from the plurality of cards, and displays at least one of the dealer cards face up. The gaming system determines an outcome of the play by comparing the player and the dealer cards. If the outcome is a designated outcome, the gaming system funds a supplemental pool with the received wager. If a supplemental pool payout condition is met, the gaming system provides the supplemental pool to a player. If a supplemental pool reset condition other than the player winning the supplemental pool is met, the gaming system resets the supplemental pool to an initial value. | 03-27-2014 |
20140087798 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A MULTIPLE SIDED CARD GAME - The present disclosure relates generally to gaming systems and methods for providing a card game that employs multiple-sided playing cards. In various embodiments, the gaming system enables a player to play one or more games which utilize one or more sets or decks of multiple-sided playing cards or multiple-sided tiles. In such embodiments, a first side of each multiple-sided playing card is associated with one of a plurality of playing cards from a first set or deck of playing cards for a first game and a second side of each multiple-sided playing card is associated with one of a plurality of playing cards from a second, different set or deck of playing cards for a second, different game. | 03-27-2014 |
20140080587 | 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. | 03-20-2014 |
20140080586 | 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”. | 03-20-2014 |
20140080576 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING INDICATION OF NOTABLE SYMBOLS - The gaming device and method disclosed herein produces an indication of an appearance of a notable or designated symbol in a symbol display region while at least one reel is spinning. The indication continues while the notable symbol appears in the symbol display region and while the at least one reel is spinning. Different indications are produced for the different notable symbols when appearing in the symbol display region while the at least one reel is spinning. | 03-20-2014 |
20140073421 | GAMING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPERATING GAMING SYSTEMS - A gaming system is operated by comparing a mobile device elevation at which a mobile device is located to one or more authorized elevations that correspond to areas where mobile gaming is permitted, wherein the one or more authorized elevations is adjusted according to a height of a user of the mobile device, responsive to the comparing, permitting gaming using the mobile device when the mobile device elevation is within the one or more adjusted authorized elevations, and not permitting gaming using the mobile device when the mobile device elevation is outside the one or more adjusted authorized elevations, and permitting non-gaming operations using the mobile device regardless of whether the mobile device elevation is within or outside the one or more authorized elevations. | 03-13-2014 |
20140073418 | PLAYER DRIVEN GAME DOWNLOAD TO A GAMING MACHINE - A service window may be provided to a gaming machine, such as a video slot machine, video poker machine, or similar electronic device. The service window may include an option to request an available game for download. A request for the game may be received via the service window and the game may be provided to the gaming machine. | 03-13-2014 |
20140073415 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PORTABLE WAGERING MEDIUMS - Some embodiments are associated with wagering game devices and/or portable wagering mediums. Some portable wagering mediums are capable of outputting various indications related to one or more potential or current statuses of the portable wagering mediums. Some wagering game devices are operable to (i) determine a status of a portable wagering medium and (ii) cause, based on the determining, an outputting of an indication of the status via an output device coupled to the portable wagering medium. In some embodiments, a central server or other device conducts the determining of the status and/or the causing of the outputting. The status of a portable wagering medium may be based on one or more of many different factors or metrics. | 03-13-2014 |
20140073412 | 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. | 03-13-2014 |
20140073406 | GAMING DEVICE WITH WILD ACTIVATION SYMBOLS AND WILD TERMINATION SYMBOLS - A gaming device having a wild activation symbol is displayed on a set of reels or set of cards within a display device. The processor causes other symbols or cards to become wild within the display device when the wild termination symbol is displayed. When the wild activation symbol is displayed, the present invention may also provide a wild termination symbol on the set of reels or the set of cards within a display device. The processor may then stop symbols or cards from becoming wild based on the position of the wild termination symbol. | 03-13-2014 |
20140073390 | THIN CLIENT SUPPORT FOR A GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine, such as a video slot or video poker machine, may be configured to request a thin client game from a game server for presentation within a thin client. The outcome of the thin client game is determined by the game server. The gaming machine is also configured to execute a thick client game determined by the gaming machine. Indications of the outcomes of the thin and thick client games may be provided to a data collection device. | 03-13-2014 |
20140066187 | 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. | 03-06-2014 |
20140066186 | 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. | 03-06-2014 |
20140066183 | 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. | 03-06-2014 |
20140066174 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND GAMING METHOD PROVIDING STACKING SYMBOLS AND CONVERTIBLE REELS - The gaming system, gaming device and method provides a reel game that includes stacks of symbols configured on the reels to provide a large number of winning symbol combinations. The gaming device includes a plurality of reels wherein each reel includes a reel-strip and a plurality of symbols. Each of the plurality of reels is configured to include one or more stacks of symbols wherein a stack of symbols is formed by placing a plurality of identical symbols adjacent to each other on a single reel. If two non-adjacent reels each generated a stack of identical symbols and at least one reel positioned between the two non-adjacent reels generated symbols different from the symbols used to form the stack of identical symbols, at least one symbol on the at least one reel positioned between the two non-adjacent reels is modified into the symbol that forms the stacks of identical symbols. | 03-06-2014 |
20140066168 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING MULTIWAY EVALUATION FOR A GAME ASSOCIATED WITH MULTI-COMPONENT SYMBOLS CONFIGURED TO AFFECT A VALUE OF ONE OR MORE MODIFIERS - Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing multiway evaluation for a game including multi-component symbols that are utilized to determine one or more modifiers. In one embodiment, the gaming system is configured to operate a game associated with a plurality of reels including a plurality of individual symbols and a plurality of multi-component symbols including a plurality of the individual symbols. The gaming system displays a plurality of the symbols on the reels and determines a quantity of adjacent reels that each displays at least one instance of a first individual symbol. The gaming system determines a modifier for each of the adjacent reels based on a quantity of instances of the first individual symbol displayed by that reel, and determines any awards for the first individual symbol based on the determined quantity of adjacent reels and any determined modifiers. | 03-06-2014 |
20140066167 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING MULTIWAY EVALUATION FOR A GAME ASSOCIATED WITH MULTI-COMPONENT SYMBOLS CONFIGURED TO AFFECT A BASE COUNT - Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing multiway evaluation for a game including multi-component symbols that are utilized to determine one or more modifiers. In one embodiment, the gaming system is configured to operate a game associated with a plurality of reels including a plurality of individual symbols and a plurality of multi-component symbols including a plurality of the individual symbols. The gaming system displays a plurality of the symbols on the reels and determines a quantity of adjacent reels that each displays at least one instance of a first individual symbol. The gaming system determines a modifier for each of the adjacent reels based on a quantity of instances of the first individual symbol displayed by that reel, and determines any awards for the first individual symbol based on the determined quantity of adjacent reels and any determined modifiers. | 03-06-2014 |
20140066166 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING MULTIWAY EVALUATION FOR A GAME ASSOCIATED WITH MULTI-COMPONENT SYMBOLS CONFIGURED TO AFFECT A BASE COUNT AND/OR A VALUE OF ONE OR MORE MODIFIERS - Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing multiway evaluation for a game including multi-component symbols that are utilized to determine one or more modifiers. In one embodiment, the gaming system is configured to operate a game associated with a plurality of reels including a plurality of individual symbols and a plurality of multi-component symbols including a plurality of the individual symbols. The gaming system displays a plurality of the symbols on the reels and determines a quantity of adjacent reels that each displays at least one instance of a first individual symbol. The gaming system determines a modifier for each of the adjacent reels based on a quantity of instances of the first individual symbol displayed by that reel, and determines any awards for the first individual symbol based on the determined quantity of adjacent reels and any determined modifiers. | 03-06-2014 |
20140066162 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A STREAMING SYMBOLS GAME - In various embodiments, the gaming system disclosed herein provides streaming symbols game which utilizes a single continuous series or chain of symbols and a plurality of symbol display positions which form a path. Specifically, in various embodiments, the gaming system displays the chain of symbols continuously moving through the path of symbol display positions wherein which symbols are evaluated for any awards corresponds to when the chain of symbols stops moving along the path. | 03-06-2014 |
20140066161 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING AN OUTCOME ENHANCING FEATURE - An embodiment of a gaming device includes a game having at least three choices, wherein each of the choices either trumps or is trumped by one of the other choices, and a processor programmed to determine if an outcome enhancing condition is satisfied, enable a player to elect to enhance an outcome if an outcome enhancing condition is satisfied, enable the player to select one of said choices, select one of said choices, determine an outcome based on a comparison of the player's choice with the processor's choice, provide a win outcome if the player elected to enhance an outcome and the comparison of the player's choice with the processor's choice results in a draw determination, provide a draw outcome if the player elected to enhance an outcome and the comparison of the player's choice with the processor's choice results in a lose determination. | 03-06-2014 |
20140057727 | INPUT DEVICE WITH MEMBRANE TO IMPEDE ENTRANCE OF FOREIGN CONTAMINATES INTO AN ELECTRONIC GAMING MACHINE - Methods, systems, or apparatuses for impeding the entrance of foreign contaminates into a housing of a gaming machine may include a gaming controller, a panel, and an input device mounted to the panel. The input device may include a housing. The housing of the input device may include a first section, a second section, and a member moveable with respect to the first and the second sections, wherein the moveable member is configured to be actuated by a player to provide input to the gaming controller; and a membrane disposed between the first section and the panel, wherein the membrane impedes the entrance of foreign contaminates into the housing. | 02-27-2014 |
20140057719 | SYNCHRONIZING AUDIO IN A BANK OF GAMING MACHINES - Systems and methods for synchronizing audio in a bank of gaming machines, such as video slot and video poker machines. Audio tracks of a game may be provided to a plurality of gaming machines and synchronized. An audio track provided to one of the gaming machines may be changed to a second audio track, in response to receiving an indication of a status change for the game. The second audio track may be synchronized with the audio tracks provided to the other gaming machines in the plurality. | 02-27-2014 |
20140057712 | 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. | 02-27-2014 |
20140057707 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING FOR DISPOSITION OF PROMOTIONAL OFFERS IN A WAGERING ENVIRONMENT - Disclosed are data processing apparatus, systems, and methods implemented over a gaming network for providing for disposition of promotional offers in a wager-based gaming environment. A monitoring engine receives an identification of a promotional offer as having an unredeemed status. A determining engine determines that the promotional offer having the unredeemed status satisfies one or more parameters to designate the promotional offer for an auction. Such designation is independent of real-time wager-based game play in the gaming network. An auction control engine provides the designated promotional offer as an item to be auctioned in the wager-based gaming network. | 02-27-2014 |
20140057698 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A CASCADING SYMBOL GAME INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF INDEPENDENT REELS WHICH PROVIDE A STACKED SYMBOL FUNCTIONALITY - A gaming system displays a plurality of independent reels, wherein each independent reel generates a symbol from a plurality of symbol positions of that independent reel in accordance with a plurality of probabilities. At least two adjacent independent reels generate symbols according to relatively high probabilities of generating a designated symbol. For a play of the game, the gaming system generates and displays a symbol for each independent reel and provides an award for any displayed winning symbol combinations. In one embodiment, for at least one symbol position of at least one winning symbol combination, the gaming system re-generates a symbol for one or more independent, such as by displaying a symbol from an adjacent symbol position of that independent reel. The gaming system provides an award for any winning symbol combinations and repeats until no winning symbol combinations are displayed. | 02-27-2014 |
20140057697 | GAMING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPERATING GAMING SYSTEMS - At a first point in time, a first game outcome is determined in association with a play of a first game, the determined first game outcome is displayed, any first game award associated with the determined first game outcome is displayed, and if a second game triggering event occurs in association with the play of the first game, a second game outcome is determined in association with a play of the second game, the determined second game outcome is displayed, and any second game award associated with the determined second game outcome is displayed. At a second, different point in time, independent of any occurrence of any second game triggering event, a second game outcome in association with a play of the second game is determined, the determined second game outcome is displayed, and c any second game award associated with the determined second game outcome is displayed. | 02-27-2014 |
20140051503 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING AN AWARD FOR DESIGNATED LOSING CONDITIONS - The gaming system and method disclosed herein provides an award to one or more players for a non-occurrence of a designated event. The gaming system monitors a plurality of games played at a plurality of gaming devices. If the designated event occurs, the gaming system resets an event counter associated with tracking the non-occurrence of the designated event. If the designated event does not occur, the gaming system: (i) increments the event counter to account for the non-occurrence of the designated event, and (ii) determines if the quantity of games played since the last event occurred at least equals a predetermined quantity of games played. If the quantity of games played since the last event occurred at least equals the predetermined quantity, the gaming system provides one or more of the players an award for the non-occurrence of the designated event. | 02-20-2014 |
20140051502 | 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. | 02-20-2014 |
20140051494 | GAMING DEVICE INCLUDING PLAYER SELECTABLE WILD SYMBOLS - A gaming system configured to operate a game associated with a plurality of symbols. For a play of the game, the gaming system displays a plurality of reels, each of the reels including a plurality of the symbols and being associated with a plurality of symbol display areas. For an activation of the reels, the gaming system randomly generates and causes each of the reels to display one of the symbols on that reel at each of the symbol display areas associated with that reel. Upon an occurrence of a triggering event, the gaming system: adds one or more wild symbols to one or more of the reels and provides a plurality of additional activations of the reels. If a removal condition is satisfied prior to a final one of the additional activations of the reels, the gaming system removes a remaining wild symbol from one of the reels. | 02-20-2014 |
20140045584 | GAMEPLAY-ALTERING PORTABLE WAGERING MEDIA - Portable wagering media may be utilized to alter play of wagering games. | 02-13-2014 |
20140045583 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD HAVING PURCHASABLE ENHANCED PAYTABLES - An apparatus and method for a game having a paytable selection feature which may be implemented with a primary or base game, a secondary or bonus game, or both. In one embodiment, the gaming device employs an initial paytable and enables a player pay a fee to purchase a different paytable for a plurality of plays of the game. If the player chooses to purchase a different paytable, the gaming device determines a game outcome for a plurality of plays of the game and provides any awards based on the different paytable. If the player does not choose to select a different paytable, the gaming device determines a game outcome for each of those plays and provides any awards based on the initial paytable. In one embodiment, the player has the opportunity to see the different paytable prior to paying the fee to purchase it. | 02-13-2014 |
20140045575 | 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. | 02-13-2014 |
20140038730 | EXECUTING MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS AND THEIR VARIATIONS IN COMPUTING ENVIRONMENTS - Techniques for execution of multiple application programs and their variations are disclosed. One or more individual application program components that are determined to be already stored and/or loaded into memory are not loaded into memory again, thereby allowing the associated application program to be executed without unnecessarily reloading the one or more individual application program components into memory. Generally, by keeping track and/or predicting of the application components loaded into memory, it can be determined whether to load or unload a particular application program component. In addition, data that can readily identify the application components that are not already into memory can be provided as differential application data for loading various application programs and their variations to facilitate switching between and/or concurrently running multiple application programs and their variations. | 02-06-2014 |
20140038727 | GAME REMOVAL WITH GAME HISTORY - Systems and methods for replaying a prior game play cycle of a game on a gaming terminal, wherein the game has been deactivated from the gaming terminal, are disclosed. The method includes deactivating the game from the gaming terminal, wherein the game includes a game logic component and an accumulative data component, the accumulative data component including minimal state information required to recreate a prior game play cycle of the game on the gaming terminal. Deactivating the game includes removing the game logic component from the gaming terminal and preserving the accumulative data component of the game. The method further includes receiving an indication that the prior game play cycle is to be recreated, downloading the game logic component to the gaming terminal, and recreating the prior game play cycle on the gaming terminal with the game logic component and the accumulative data component. | 02-06-2014 |
20140038705 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REWARDING MULTIPLE GAME PLAYERS FOR A SINGLE WIN - A gaming apparatus and method is provided that is capable of rewarding a distributed jackpot to players using gaming units that are electronically linked to one another. The distributed jackpot may be shared among non-winning players when a winning result is achieved by a winning player. | 02-06-2014 |
20140038698 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING AN OFFER AND ACCEPTANCE GAME - A gaming system for providing a multiple round offer and acceptance game with a multi-component offers. In various embodiments, the offer and acceptance game is a multi-round offer and acceptance game, wherein the player's decisions during one or more rounds of the offer and acceptance game determine, at least in part, whether the player will play or participate in each of the subsequent rounds of the offer and acceptance game. In these embodiments, for each played round of the offer and acceptance game, the gaming system enables the player to accept or reject one or more different offers which have different award values and also contribute different amounts toward terminating the play of the offer and acceptance game. | 02-06-2014 |
20140038695 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD HAVING INDEPENDENT REELS AND MULTIPLE WAYS OF WINNING - A gaming device including a plurality of unisymbol reels which are each selectively activated to generate a symbol at an active symbol position. After a plurality of symbols are generated by the unisymbol reels (wherein the number of generated symbols is based on a wagered on number of ways to win), the gaming device analyzes any associated symbols which are generated in active symbol positions over a requisite number of adjacent reel columns to determine whether the generated symbols form part or all of a winning symbol combination (i.e., a combination of associated or related symbols). The gaming device determines any outcomes associated with any formed winning symbol combinations and provides any determined outcomes to the player, wherein unlike a gaming device with paylines, any outcomes provided to the player are not determined based on the number of paylines which may pass through any displayed winning symbol combinations. | 02-06-2014 |
20140038694 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING A FREE SPIN GAME - A gaming device including a re-initiation mode wherein the probability of extending the bonus game is increased by fixing the real or reels displaying a locking symbol on the reel. In the re-initiation mode embodiment, the gaming device reactivates some or all of the reels except the reel displaying the locking symbol for a predetermined number of additional free spins or until the reactivated reels display or Indicate a terminating symbol on the reels. The gaming device provides any outcomes associated with indicated symbols or combination of symbols. In one embodiment, if a terminating symbol is displayed on designated reels during one of the additional free spins, the gaming device re-initiates the bonus game. | 02-06-2014 |
20140038687 | GAMING SYSTEM, DEVICE, AND METHOD PROVIDING A MULTIPLE STREAK GAME - One embodiment provides a gaming system providing a multiple streak game associated with a base or primary wagering game. The multiple streak game includes a multiple streak having a multiple streak continuation condition and a single streak having a single streak continuation condition. The multiple streak is initially the active streak. If an outcome a play of the base or primary wagering game satisfies the multiple streak continuation condition, the multiple streak remains the active streak and the player may win an award. If the outcome does not satisfy the multiple streak continuation condition but satisfies the single streak continuation condition, the multiple streak ends, the at least one single streak is set as the active streak, and the player may win an award. If the outcome does not satisfy either the multiple streak continuation condition or the at least one single streak continuation condition, the multiple streak game ends. | 02-06-2014 |
20140038681 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING A PLURALITY OF INTERACTIVE PLAYER-SELECTABLE SYMBOLS - A gaming device which includes a plurality of sets of interactive player-selectable symbols which are sequentially offered to a player during a game played upon the gaming device. The player may select one or more of the player-selectable symbols to be added to one or more sets of symbols which were initially provided to the player. | 02-06-2014 |
20140038677 | 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. | 02-06-2014 |
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 |
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 |
20140031097 | 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. | 01-30-2014 |
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 |
20140018171 | SETTING A LOCKING STATE FOR A GAMING MACHINE - Methods and systems for setting a locking state for a gaming machine include receiving a command to set the locking state for the gaming machine, providing a signal to enter the locking state for the gaming machine, determining an interval of time to enter the locking state for the gaming machine; and releasing the gaming machine from the locking state. | 01-16-2014 |
20140018155 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OFFERING A MOBILE DEVICE VERSION OF AN ELECTRONIC GAMING MACHINE GAME AT THE ELECTRONIC GAMING MACHINE - A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled portable electronic devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers, is described. When a Player surpasses predetermined game play parameters on a game of an EGM, a bonus game or related game material may be “unlocked” and offered to the Player for download onto the Player's Portable Electronic Device (PED). Upon installation, the game or content may be viewed or played on their PED at a later time and at their leisure. | 01-16-2014 |
20140018154 | SINGLE SIGN-ON FOR WAGER GAMING PLAYERS OVER A WIDE-AREA NETWORK - When the player identifies herself to a gaming machine at a casino, for example by inserting a player tracking card into the card reader, she is, at generally the same time, logging onto a game provider's backend system (the game provider being different from the casino operator). This concurrent sign-on to the game provider's system is done in a non-intrusive, transparent, and passive manner. The player is not distracted from the normal steps leading to game play on the machine until she is ready to redeem points with the game provider or for some reason additional authentication is needed from the player. By virtue of this single sign-on to the game provider network, in addition to continuing game play across different casinos, the player can publish events to the Internet, such as on social networking sites, take advantage of offers targeted specifically for her, or facilitate responsible gaming programs. | 01-16-2014 |
20140018153 | AUDIO PLAYBACK AND CONTROL BETWEEN AN ELECTRONIC GAMING MACHINE AND A MOBILE DEVICE - Music and sounds from a player's mobile device, such as a smart phone or tablet, can be played on an electronic gaming machine during game play. The invention enables a player of an electronic gaming machine to have music from his mobile device be played on the gaming machine as background music during game play. Music files from the player's mobile device are transmitted or streamed to the EGM and the audio is output during game play. A casino may have an audio files library where the files are tagged with certain categories (e.g., game type, specific game, promotion type, etc.). These tags are used to facilitate music and sound selection for the EGM. Music and sounds may be sourced from the player's mobile device, the casino's audio library, or from online sources. | 01-16-2014 |
20140018150 | GAMING MACHINE WITH LAYERED DISPLAYS - A gaming machine includes a cabinet defining an interior region of the gaming machine. The cabinet is adapted to house a plurality of gaming machine components within or about the interior region. A curved display is disposed within or about the interior region and configured to display game data. The gaming machine also includes a touchscreen. The touchscreen is transparent or translucent. The gaming machine also includes a panel having an opening that is significantly transparent or translucent, and a peripheral portion, wherein the peripheral portion is configured to display game information. The panel is positioned between the touchscreen and the curved display such that a common line of sight passes through the touchscreen, the panel and the curved display. Game data is visible through the panel and the touchscreen, and game information is visible through the touchscreen. | 01-16-2014 |
20140018146 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING ADDITIONAL AWARD OPPORTUNITY BASED ON A PLURALITY OF ACCUMULATED DESIGNATED SYMBOLS - Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing an additional award opportunity based on a plurality of accumulated designated symbols. In one embodiment, for each play of a game associated with a plurality of symbols including a designated symbol, the gaming system displays a plurality of the symbols at a plurality of symbol display areas, determines any awards associated with the displayed symbols, and provides any determined awards. Upon an occurrence of a designated symbol accumulation event, the gaming system displays the designated symbol at a designated symbol accumulation area. The gaming system removes the accumulated designated symbol from the designated symbol accumulation area following an expiration event. Upon an occurrence of an additional award opportunity triggering event associated with any accumulated designated symbols displayed at the designated symbol accumulation area, the gaming system provides an additional award opportunity. | 01-16-2014 |
20140011580 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GAMING WITH ALTERNATE VALUE PAYOUTS - Systems and methods are provided for permitting a player to play a game at a gaming device. The gaming device provides a payout for the game. The payout is redeemable for one of a plurality of values, and at least two of the plurality of values are different from each other. The values typically have different corresponding forms of payout, such as cash or merchandise credits. | 01-09-2014 |
20140011563 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A GROUP AWARD PRESENTATION OF A PLURALITY OF SIMILAR OR IDENTICAL AWARDS - Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a group award presentation of a plurality of similar or identical awards. Generally, the gaming system employs the group award presentation to display a plurality of similar or identical awards for a play of a game as a group rather than separately displaying each individual award. In one embodiment, the group award presentation includes a simultaneous display of the awards associated with a plurality of displayed instances of a winning symbol combination, wherein such awards are simultaneously displayed as a group of awards. In another embodiment, the group award presentation includes a simultaneous display of the awards associated with a plurality of displayed instances of a plurality of winning symbol combinations, wherein such awards are simultaneously displayed as a group of awards, and wherein those winning symbol combinations are associated with a same award. | 01-09-2014 |
20140011559 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD CHANGING AWARDS AVAILABLE TO BE WON IN PENDING PLAYS OF A GAME BASED ON A QUANTITY OF CONCURRENTLY PENDING PLAYS OF THE GAME - Gaming systems, devices, and methods configured to change winnable awards of a pending play of a game based on a quantity of concurrently pending plays of the game are provided. The gaming system enables a player to sequentially initiate multiple plays of a game such that a plurality of plays are concurrently pending. Each play of the game includes one or more awards available to be won in that play. When a quantity of concurrently pending plays of the game is greater than or equal to a designated quantity of plays of the game, the gaming system changes one or more of the awards available to be won in one or more of those concurrently pending plays of the game, and they remain changed as long as the quantity of concurrently pending plays of the game is greater than or equal to the designated quantity of plays of the game. | 01-09-2014 |
20140004961 | METHODS AND REGULATED GAMING MACHINES INCLUDING SERVICE ORIENTED BLADES ENABLING PLAYER INTERACTION VIA A TOUCH-SCREEN DISPLAY | 01-02-2014 |
20140004932 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD HAVING MULTI-LEVEL MYSTERY TRIGGERED PROGRESSIVE AWARDS | 01-02-2014 |
20140004930 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OFFERING SIMULTANEOUS PLAY OF MULTIPLE GAMES | 01-02-2014 |
20130344957 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OFFERING SIMULTANEOUS PLAY OF MULTIPLE GAMES - Gaming apparatus and methods of conducting a wagering game of chance. A gaming machine is disclosed which is configured for mutually concurrent play of a plurality of games of chance on a single display screen. A method of conducting a wagering activity includes providing a player with a plurality of differing games of chance, at least some of which are mutually concurrently playable on a single screen display of a gaming device and enabling mutually concurrent play of the plurality of differing games of chance on the single screen display. Various other gaming machine configurations and methods of play related to multiple differing games of chance on a single display screen are also disclosed herein. Networked gaming machines are also disclosed. | 12-26-2013 |
20130344956 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OFFERING SIMULTANEOUS PLAY OF MULTIPLE GAMES - Gaming apparatus and methods of conducting a wagering game of chance. A gaming machine is disclosed which is configured for mutually concurrent play of a plurality of games of chance on a single display screen. A method of conducting a wagering activity includes providing a player with a plurality of differing games of chance, at least some of which are mutually concurrently playable on a single screen display of a gaming device and enabling mutually concurrent play of the plurality of differing games of chance on the single screen display. Various other gaming machine configurations and methods of play related to multiple differing games of chance on a single display screen are also disclosed herein. Networked gaming machines are also disclosed. | 12-26-2013 |