Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080268958 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TEAM PLAY OF SLOT MACHINES - A method of operating slot machines permits a machine to be identified as available for team play. Upon being identified for team play, the machine is grouped with other slot machines and subject to bonus conditions dependent on the team play. Bonus conditions typically including selected bonus outcomes and a bonus time period, during which bonus time period all outcomes of the grouped machines are monitored to determine the total bonus outcomes. If the total bonus outcomes of the team meet the bonus conditions within the bonus time period, then a bonus payout is awarded to all of the players. Players are thus encouraged to participate in a social, team environment with others of the team to win the group bonus. The invention is applicable to all slot machines, including video poker machines wherein the bonus outcomes include selected video poker hand ranks, and reeled slot machines wherein the bonus outcomes include selected reel outcomes. | 10-30-2008 |
20080300051 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING AN ACCOUNT TO FUND BENEFITS FOR A PLAYER - In accordance with one or more embodiments, an account is established for a player of a gaming device. The balance of the account is increased if a predetermined condition is satisfied. An example of a condition the satisfaction of which may result in an increase in the balance is a player's obtainment of an outcome that corresponds to both (i) a first payout that is displayed on a payout schedule of the gaming device, and (ii) an amount by which the balance of the account is to be increased. Disbursements from the account may be made if a predetermined condition is satisfied. A disbursement may be in the form of a payout, bonus, or other benefit. An example of a condition the satisfaction of which may result in a disbursement is the obtainment by the player of a predetermined number of consecutive non-winning outcomes. Thus, in one or more embodiments, currency may be accumulated for a player during a gaming session of the player and utilized to fund payouts provided to the player at times in which the player may be becoming discouraged and contemplating discontinuation of play of the gaming device. | 12-04-2008 |
20090024484 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING CUSTOMIZED REWARD OFFERS - In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a method is provided for managing reward offers. A first performance target that is associated with a financial account is determined. Transaction data that is associated with the financial account is received, and a second performance target for the financial account is determined based on the transaction data. | 01-22-2009 |
20090061996 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRESENTING AN OUTCOME AMOUNT VIA A TOTAL NUMBER OF EVENTS - Systems and methods are provided for operating a gaming system. In one embodiment, an outcome amount associated with a total number of events is determined. For example, a total payout amount associated with a number of randomly generated outcomes may be determined. Based on a parameter associated with a player, the outcome amount is allocated among and presented via the total number of events. The outcome amount may be allocated, for example, based on: a total number of events selected by the player; a total wager associated with a given number of events; and/or predetermined probabilities and/or per-event wager amount(s). | 03-05-2009 |
20090082090 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR REPRESENTING PLAY IN A REVERSE MODE - In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method for facilitating play of a gaming device is presented, in which the method comprises enabling a reverse payout mode of play of the gaming device and displaying an indication that play of the gaming device is to be provided in accordance with the reverse payout mode of play. In some embodiments, the indication may include a representation of a virtual player playing in a normal mode of play. | 03-26-2009 |
20100004056 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EARLY TERMINATION OF A GAME - Methods and apparatus are provided for allowing a player of an extended game to terminate the game prior to its natural conclusion. The extended game may include a secondary game or a bonus game at a gaming device. The player may choose to terminate the game as an alternative to continuing play. In terminating the game, the player may receive a termination value. In some embodiments, the termination value may compensate the player for a failure to realize a payout associated with the game's natural conclusion. | 01-07-2010 |
20100113122 | 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. | 05-06-2010 |
20100160029 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EXECUTING GAMES EMPLOYING BONUS AMOUNTS BASED ON BONUS CHARACTERISTICS - Systems and methods are provided for providing a player of a gaming device entitlement to a bonus amount, wherein the bonus amount may not be immediately apparent or attainable by the player. A gaming device player may acquire symbols in the context of a reel-based slot machine game. Certain symbols may entitle the player to a bonus payout, the bonus being apparent or attainable by the player at a later point in time and based on certain characteristics associated with the impending benefit. For example, gaming device players may obtain virtual representations of shares of company stock, which may only be sold (yielding a bonus to the player) under certain conditions, as dictated by the gaming device. | 06-24-2010 |
20100167802 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TEAM PLAY OF SLOT MACHINES - A method of operating slot machines permits a machine to be identified as available for team play. Upon being identified for team play, the machine is grouped with other slot machines and subject to bonus conditions dependent on the team play. Bonus conditions typically including selected bonus outcomes and a bonus time period, during which bonus time period all outcomes of the grouped machines are monitored to determine the total bonus outcomes. If the total bonus outcomes of the team meet the bonus conditions within the bonus time period, then a bonus payout is awarded to all of the players. Players are thus encouraged to participate in a social, team environment with others of the team to win the group bonus. The invention is applicable to all slot machines, including video poker machines wherein the bonus outcomes include selected video poker hand ranks, and reeled slot machines wherein the bonus outcomes include selected reel outcomes. | 07-01-2010 |
20100167824 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AWARDING PRIZES IN A LOCAL EDITION OF AN ONLINE GAME - According to some embodiments of the present invention a system and method are provided that allow a player of a game to receive at least one prize. The method may include receiving information about at least one merchant, enabling play of a game by a player, determining merchant information to communicate to the player, and providing at least one prize to the player. In some embodiments, the prizes made available to a player (e.g., for selection) may be based on the location of the player, a merchant, or both. | 07-01-2010 |
20100240433 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR LOTTERY GAME PLAY AGGREGATION - According to one embodiment, a player may accumulate occurrences of matched lottery numbers over a plurality of lottery outcomes (e.g., lottery number drawings) and/or a plurality of lottery entries. The player may be allowed a bonus if a running count of occurrences of matched numbers is at least equal to a predetermined number. | 09-23-2010 |
20100267444 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING A LEVEL OF REWARD - In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method comprises associating, with a casino patron, a benefit of a first value. The benefit of the first value is determined based on a first algorithm and based on the patron's activity during a first portion of a period of time. The method further comprises associating, with the patron, a benefit of a second value. The benefit of the second value is determined based on a second algorithm and based on the patron's activity during a second portion of the period of time, the second portion occurring after the first portion. Associating the benefit of the second value is only performed if the associating the benefit of the first value is first performed. | 10-21-2010 |
20110130188 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR FACILITATING PLAY AT A GAMING DEVICE BY MEANS OF THIRD PARTY OFFERS - In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, an offer is presented to a player (e.g., at a gaming device or a table game in a casino). The offer defines a benefit to be provided in exchange for the player's commitment to an obligation defined by the offer. The offer may be provided once it is determined that a condition of a gaming device satisfies a predetermined criterion. The benefit defined by the offer may be provided to the player and/or to one or more associated persons designated by the player. | 06-02-2011 |
20110195791 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING DIRECTIVES FOR PERSONNEL - A system and method include determining a recipient of an offer; and determining an offer which includes an activity and a benefit. The system and method further include transmitting, to a representative, instructions to provide the offer to the recipient. The system and method further include determining whether the recipient has performed the activity, and if so providing the benefit to the recipient. | 08-11-2011 |
20110287822 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OFFERING A GUARANTEED WIN - A method in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is provided, the method comprising the steps of generating a first outcome of a game of chance, determining a target outcome, receiving a first wager, generating a second outcome based on the first outcome, and repeating the step of generating the second outcome until the second outcome matches the target outcome, before receiving any second wager. | 11-24-2011 |
20110287827 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OFFERING A GUARANTEED WIN - A method in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is provided, the method comprising the steps of generating a first outcome of a game of chance, determining a target outcome, receiving a first wager, generating a second outcome based on the first outcome, and repeating the step of generating the second outcome until the second outcome matches the target outcome, before receiving any second wager. | 11-24-2011 |
20110287830 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OFFERING A GUARANTEED WIN - A method in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is provided, the method comprising the steps of generating a first outcome of a game of chance, determining a target outcome, receiving a first wager, generating a second outcome based on the first outcome, and repeating the step of generating the second outcome until the second outcome matches the target outcome, before receiving any second wager. | 11-24-2011 |
20120028695 | METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING PAPER-BASED OUTCOMES - Gaming devices may generate outcomes to be sold in printed form. Representations of the outcomes, corresponding payouts, and other information are printed on sheets of paper. Multiple printed outcomes are assembled into books, wrapped, and sold to consumers. Consumers may purchase the books and browse through the printed outcomes at their leisure. When finished with a book, a consumer may submit a portion of the book to the casino that sold the outcomes. The casino may then pay the player based on the payouts associated with the outcomes in the book. | 02-02-2012 |
20120028698 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EMPLOYING FLAT RATE PLAY - Systems and methods are provided allowing a player to play a gaming device and receive a predetermined number of outcomes in exchange for a payment. The gaming device generates at least the predetermined number of outcomes, and adjusts a balance of the player device based on the outcomes. The player can continue playing regardless of whether the balance is less than zero. | 02-02-2012 |
20120040750 | GAMING METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EMPLOYING NEGATIVE OUTCOMES - Systems and methods are provided for providing a negative outcome at a gaming device. The system determines that a player of a gaming device has equity which may be debited. An outcome of the gaming device is determined, and it is also determined that the outcome is a negative outcome. The balance (e.g., of the gaming device or another gaming device) is reduced by more than the wager amount. | 02-16-2012 |
20120056742 | System for Image Analysis in a Network that is Structured with Multiple Layers and Differentially Weighted Neurons - Disclosed herein are systems and methods for facilitating the usage of an online workforce to remotely monitor security-sensitive sites and report potential security breaches. In some embodiments, cameras are configured to monitor critical civilian infrastructure, such as water supplies and nuclear reactors. The cameras are operatively connected to a central computer or series of computers, and images captured by the cameras are transmitted to the central computer. After initially registering with the central computer, Guardians “log on” to a central website hosted by the central computer and monitor the images, thereby earning compensation. Site owners compensate the operator of the computer system for this monitoring service, and the operator in turn compensates Guardians based on, for example, (i) the amount of time spent monitoring, and/or (ii) the degree of a given Guardian's responsiveness to real or fabricated security breaches. | 03-08-2012 |
20120058812 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD EMPLOYING AUDIO/VIDEO PROGRAMMING OUTCOME PRESENTATIONS - The present disclosure generally includes a gaming system which: (i) provides a gaming session and for each play of the primary game: (a) receives a selection from a plurality of different audiovisual categories, (b) receives a selection relating to audiovisual categories, (c) receives a primary game initiation signal caused by the selection, (d) in response to the primary game initiation signal, determines a random number, and uses the random number to determine a payout and an audiovisual clip to be displayed from the selected audiovisual category: the audiovisual clip being indicative of a magnitude of the determined payout, use of the determined audiovisual clip in the primary game causes the determined audiovisual clip to be disallowed for reuse in subsequent plays of the primary game of the gaming session. | 03-08-2012 |
20120088575 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING AN ACCOUNT TO FUND BENEFITS FOR A PLAYER - An account is established for a player of a gaming device. The balance of the account is increased if a predetermined condition is satisfied. Disbursements from the account may be made if a predetermined condition is satisfied. A disbursement may be in the form of a payout, bonus, or other benefit. | 04-12-2012 |
20120115587 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING AN ACCOUNT TO FUND BENEFITS FOR A PLAYER - An account is established for a player of a gaming device. The balance of the account is increased if a predetermined condition is satisfied. Disbursements from the account may be made if a predetermined condition is satisfied. A disbursement may be in the form of a payout, bonus, or other benefit. | 05-10-2012 |
20120115604 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING A LEVEL OF REWARD - A gaming system and method which includes enabling a first player at a first gaming device to initiate at least one play of a first game, enabling a second player at a second gaming device to initiate at least one play of a second game, determining, based at least in part on at least one activity of the first player, a benefit, and providing the determined benefit to the second player. | 05-10-2012 |
20120122563 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING A LEVEL OF REWARD - A gaming system and method which includes enabling a player to initiate a play of a game, for the initiated play of the game: (i) randomly generating a game outcome, (ii) displaying to the player the randomly generated game outcome, (iii) determining any award associated with the displayed game outcome, and (iv) displaying to the player any determined award, enabling the player to invite a quantity of other players to each initiate a play of at least one game, the quantity of other players being greater than zero, and if the player invited the quantity of other players, providing the player a benefit, an amount of the benefit being based on the quantity of other players invited. | 05-17-2012 |
20120129592 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A TIME BASED AWARD - A method is provided for providing payments at a gaming device, where the payments may occur at predictable times and are of predictable amounts. In one or more embodiments, a gaming device may provide a guaranteed payment every hour on the hour, so long as a player meets one or more criteria. Criteria may include a total amount wagered, a total number of handle pulls completed, or a total amount of time spent at a gaming device. One or more embodiments provide a method for withholding value from a player in order that the value may delivered later in the form of a guaranteed payment. One or more embodiments provide a method whereby multiple gaming devices may provide payments simultaneously, thereby creating mutually reinforcing sounds and visual displays. | 05-24-2012 |
20120238354 | 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. | 09-20-2012 |
20120270646 | Display of Notifications to Members of a Gaming Group - Methods for providing notification during an online casino game is provided. One method includes detecting a first gameplay session of the online casino game, the first gameplay session associated with a first user. The method then detects a second gameplay session of the online casino game. The second gameplay session is associated with a second user, and at least part of the second gameplay session occurring simultaneously with the first gameplay session. The method then determines whether the first user and the second user are members of a common group. If so, then the method displays a message to the first user during the first gameplay session. The message to the first user identifying the second user. The methods provided herein provide for social interaction during online game play and social friend interactions that facilitate or advance game play in an online environment. | 10-25-2012 |
20120302328 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING NETWORK LINKED GAMBLING VIDEO GAMES - Methods and apparatus for team play in video games is provided. One method includes receiving a request to initiate a gambling game for a player of a first networked machine and joining a second player of a second networked machine to a team. The method further enables transfer of currency between the first and second players of the team using the networked machines during play of the gambling game. The method debits an account of a player using the networked machine that transferred the currency and credits an account of a player that that received the currency. The method further enables wagers in the gambling game using the credited currency, and the method is executed by at least one processor. | 11-29-2012 |
20130012293 | Group Play Invitation Method for Online Slots Game - Methods for initiating group play of an online slots game is provided. One method includes receiving, from a first gaming device associated with a first user, a request to initiate group play of the online slots game with a second user. The method also includes generating a message, the message identifying the first user and defining a response mechanism for joining the group play of the online slots game. The method then transmits the message to a second gaming device associated with the second user. The method provides for social interaction and social play between players, while playing the online game. | 01-10-2013 |
20130029761 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OUTPUTTING A MESSAGE AT A GAME MACHINE - The invention allows a casino, or other entity, via a game machine, to provide relevant information at appropriate times, and/or in response to appropriate events, to players using the game machine. A dynamic and flexible system adapted to interact with players on an individual basis by aiding in the management, determination, distribution, and delivery of promotional, inspirational, instructive, informational, communicative, incentive, and other types of messages, is provided. Various methods are provided to ensure that receiving messages at a game machine enhances a player's overall gaming experience by selectively outputting helpful and desirable messages to players while minimizing interference with the players' gaming and to avoid overwhelming players with unsolicited, unwanted, and/or irrelevant messages. | 01-31-2013 |
20130079120 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OUTPUTTING A MESSAGE AT A GAME MACHINE - The invention allows a casino, or other entity, via a game machine, to provide relevant information at appropriate times, and/or in response to appropriate events, to players using the game machine. A dynamic and flexible system adapted to interact with players on an individual basis by aiding in the management, determination, distribution, and delivery of promotional, inspirational, instructive, informational, communicative, incentive, and other types of messages, is provided. Various methods are provided to ensure that receiving messages at a game machine enhances a player's overall gaming experience by selectively outputting helpful and desirable messages to players while minimizing interference with the players' gaming and to avoid overwhelming players with unsolicited, unwanted, and/or irrelevant messages. | 03-28-2013 |
20130079134 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OUTPUTTING A MESSAGE AT A GAME MACHINE - The invention allows a casino, or other entity, via a game machine, to provide relevant information at appropriate times, and/or in response to appropriate events, to players using the game machine. A dynamic and flexible system adapted to interact with players on an individual basis by aiding in the management, determination, distribution, and delivery of promotional, inspirational, instructive, informational, communicative, incentive, and other types of messages, is provided. Various methods are provided to ensure that receiving messages at a game machine enhances a player's overall gaming experience by selectively outputting helpful and desirable messages to players while minimizing interference with the players' gaming and to avoid overwhelming players with unsolicited, unwanted, and/or irrelevant messages. | 03-28-2013 |
20130095912 | 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. | 04-18-2013 |
20130244762 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR USING CONDITIONAL PARAMETERS TO ALTERNATE BETWEEN WAGERING GAMES - A wagering method is provided that allows players or gaming establishments to specify conditions which when satisfied, reconfigure the gaming device to change game play from a first game to a second game. The condition may depend upon the value of a parameter—generally related to game play—to determine if the condition is valid and triggers the reconfiguration. The second game may be selected from a game on the same gaming device, from a game on a different gaming device, or a game played by a specific player. | 09-19-2013 |
20130267296 | METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING OUTCOMES - Gaming devices may generate outcomes to be sold in printed form. Representations of the outcomes, corresponding payouts, and other information are printed on sheets of paper. Multiple printed outcomes are assembled into books, wrapped, and sold to consumers. Consumers may purchase the books and browse through the printed outcomes at their leisure. When finished with a book, a consumer may submit a portion of the book to the casino that sold the outcomes. The casino may then pay the player based on the payouts associated with the outcomes in the book. | 10-10-2013 |
20130267308 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A BONUS TO A PLAYER BASED ON A CREDIT BALANCE - An apparatus and method allow a value of a credit balance on a gaming device to be determined. if the value is not less than a predetermined threshold, a benefit is provided to the player of the gaming device. In various embodiments, the benefit may be, e.g., an increase in the player's credit balance. | 10-10-2013 |
20130288767 | CUSTOMIZABLE DISPLAY OF ROULETTE BETTING LAYOUT - A roulette table allows players to make customized betting selections and customize the layout of the betting options that appear on the player station of the roulette table. In particularly contemplated embodiments, players may add, delete, or modify the appearance of betting options through a user interface so that the players may more readily indicate desired wagers. This functionality may not only speed up game play, but also make the betting layout more intuitive for each user resulting in increased attendance of roulette games. | 10-31-2013 |
20130296032 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A BONUS TO A PLAYER BASED ON A CREDIT BALANCE - An apparatus and method allow a value of a credit balance on a gaming device to be determined. If the value is not less than a predetermined threshold, a benefit is provided to the player of the gaming device. In various embodiments, the benefit may be, e.g., an increase in the player's credit balance. | 11-07-2013 |
20130296033 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A BONUS TO A PLAYER BASED ON A CREDIT BALANCE - An apparatus and method allow a value of a credit balance on a gaming device to be determined. If the value is not less than a predetermined threshold, a benefit is provided to the player of the gaming device. In various embodiments, the benefit may be, e.g., an increase in the player's credit balance. | 11-07-2013 |
20130324224 | Methods and Apparatus for Managing Network Linked Gambling Video Games - Methods and apparatus for team play in video games is provided. One method includes receiving a request to initiate a gambling game for a player of a first network connected device, and joining a second player from a second networked connected device to a team. The method enables transfer of currency between the first and second players of the team using the networked during play of the gambling game. The method enables debiting an account of a player that transferred the currency and crediting an account of a player that that received the currency, and enabling wagers in the gambling game using the credited currency. The method enables displaying an avatar of the first player on a display of the second networked connected device; and displaying an avatar of the second player on a display of the first networked connected device, the method being executed by at least one processor. | 12-05-2013 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20140148233 | Methods and Apparatus for Managing Network Linked Gambling Video Games - Methods and apparatus for playing video games in a network environment are provided. One method includes receiving a request to initiate a game for a player of a first network connected device and enabling a second player from a second networked connected device to play the game. The method also enables transfer of currency between the first and second players using the network for playing the game. The method debits an account of a player that transferred the currency and credits an account of a player that that received the currency. The method then enables purchases in the game using the credited currency and displays an avatar of the first player on a display of the second networked connected device, and displays an avatar of the second player on a display of the first networked connected device. | 05-29-2014 |
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 |
20140329573 | Methods and Apparatus for Managing Network Linked Gambling Video Games - Methods and apparatus for playing video games in a network environment are provided. One method includes receiving a request to initiate a game for a player of a first network connected device and enabling a second player from a second networked connected device to play the game. The method also enables transfer of currency between the first and second players using the network for playing the game. The method debits an account of a player that transferred the currency and credits an account of a player that that received the currency. The method then enables purchases in the game using the credited currency and displays an avatar of the first player on a display of the second networked connected device, and displays an avatar of the second player on a display of the first networked connected device. | 11-06-2014 |
20140329574 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING A PAYOUT OF A GAMING DEVICE - In accordance with some embodiments, a method provides for determining that a qualifying outcome has been obtained as a result of a game play conducted on a gaming device and determining a buy-in amount for a current play session in which the game play is included. The method further provides for setting, in response to the obtainment of the qualifying outcome, a credit meter balance to the buy-in amount, thereby providing a payout for the qualifying outcome. | 11-06-2014 |
20140342804 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OPTIMIZING THE RATE OF PLAY OF A GAMING DEVICE - The invention includes a system and method for determining and achieving an optimized rate of play of a gaming device for a given player. The system monitors play at a gaming device, determines whether adjustments to parameters that effect the potential maximum rate of play should be made, and makes the appropriate adjustments. Monitoring play includes measuring such things as force applied to input buttons and tracking unnecessary button presses at inappropriate times (i.e., while the reels are still spinning). Parameters that effect the potential maximum rate of play include reel resolution time, length of bonus displays, payout rate, and the like. | 11-20-2014 |
20150031441 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR GENERATING GAMNG DRAWING TICKETS AT A GAMING DEVICE - One embodiment of the gaming system disclosed herein enables a player to place at least one wager on at least one play of a wagering game, determines if a cash out request by the player occurs and in response to determining the occurrence of the cash out request by the player, if a credit meter balance associated with the player is at least equal to a designated value, enables the player to accept or reject an offer for the purchase of an entry into a gaming drawing at the designated value. If the player accepts the offer, the gaming system generates: (i) a gaming ticket confirming the entry into the gaming drawing, and (ii) a payout ticket. | 01-29-2015 |
20150031447 | Methods for Processing Online Gaming Using Electronic Devices - Methods for processing online gaming operations. One method includes determining that a player has completed a game of chance. The game is accessible from a plurality of devices having online access. Completing the game includes a requirement that a player of the game must play from more than one of the devices. The requirement that the player must play from more than one of the devices includes a requirement that the player must present an identifier at each of the more than one of the devices during completion of the game. A requirement is provided that the player needs to collect specific outcomes when playing from the devices. The method further includes providing a reward to the player in response to determining that the player has completed the game. The method is executable by a processor. | 01-29-2015 |