MULTIMEDIA GAMES, INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20150332558 | METHOD, APPARATUS, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR ALLOCATING PROGRESSIVE PRIZE POOLS - A method for controlling contributions to progressive prize pools includes providing a progressive server which manages standalone progressive prize pools for each of multiple individual gaming machines. The progressive server may further provide group progressive prize pools, allowing a gaming machine to have standalone pools and also be a member in a group pool. Where multiple standalone progressive prize pools are maintained for a single gaming machine, additional steps are taken to identify which pool or pools are to be increased when a standalone progressive contribution is made. | 11-19-2015 |
20150243134 | METHOD, APPARATUS, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT PROVIDING A PLAYER SELECTION WAGERING GAME WITH ESCALATING PRIZES - Methods and gaming systems provide a player selection game in which the prizes available in the game increase in response to certain player selections from the various player selectable elements. Prizes are increased in a manner that makes it clear to the player that they have obtained an enhanced prize. In particular, prizes are increased in the course of the player selection game so that the lowest prize available after a prize increase is greater than the highest prize available prior to the prize increase. | 08-27-2015 |
20150235519 | WAGERING GAME WITH ADVANCING TARGET ELIMINATION FEATURE - A wagering game is provided including an advancing target elimination game, which may be a base or bonus game. In this game, targets are shown to be advancing toward an objective, and the player is given selectable indicia with which to stop the targets. Each pick election may eliminate (or partially damage) a certain number and/or pattern of targets, with a credit value being awarded for each enemy eliminated. The bonus is played by taking turns between a phase of enemy target appearance and movement and a phase of player pick for enemy target elimination. These two phases alternate until an end-bonus condition is achieved. | 08-20-2015 |
20150221164 | Slot Machine Game with Bonus Game Having Selectable Modifier Elements - A slot game includes a secondary game which upon being triggered displays an initial set of selectable symbols arranged on a touchscreen display at the gaming device, the player being provided ability to make selections from the selectable symbols until all selectable symbols have been selected, each selectable symbol corresponding to an associated benefit which is one of an award, an award enhancer, or one or more additional selectable symbols. If an option is picked revealing additional selectable symbols, the game adds more picks having associated benefit like those of the initial set and the player keeps selecting. The game may also have a “game pick” in which it removes one or more of the remaining unselected choices without awarding an associated benefit. | 08-06-2015 |
20150065234 | METHOD, APPARATUS, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR CONTROLLING CONTRIBUTIONS TO PROGRESSIVE PRIZE POOLS - A method for controlling contributions to a progressive prize pool includes randomly determining whether a progressive pool growth event is triggered for the given play input in a wagering game. Where it is determined that a progressive pool growth event is triggered, the contribution amount is determined and the progressive pool is increased by this contribution amount. Where multiple progressive pools are maintained in a system, additional steps are taken to identify which pool or pools are to be increased when a progressive pool growth event is triggered. | 03-05-2015 |
20150038212 | SLOT MACHINE GAME WITH MYSTERY BONUS FEATURE USING MIXED MATH - Provided is a mixed-math slot machine game having a reels-first base game and a mystery bonus feature with prize-first game logic. After any winning play of the base game, the reels have the possibility of re-spinning a number of times, with the preferred version varying the re-spins from one to four times, for example. If this happens, the game screen informs the player that he or she has been awarded the bonus. While this bonus is triggered by the first base game spin of the reels, the possible prizes it awards are statistically weighted based on the amount of the initial base game prize from the winning reel stop. Various ways of implementing the change of gaming logic are provided. | 02-05-2015 |
20140221086 | DYNAMICALLY CONFIGURABLE GAMING SYSTEM - A gaming machine includes a cabinet having a main video display mounted on a front side of the cabinet. The gaming machine also includes at least one more additional video display mounted on the front side of the cabinet either above or below the game video display. The player controls include a separate player control touch screen mounted on a ledge projecting forwardly from the front side of the gaming machine cabinet, and facing upward to present reconfigurable player touch controls for the gaming machine. These controls may be reconfigured within a game or to change the game presentation on the machine in response to player commands or gaming network conditions. | 08-07-2014 |
20140148250 | Multi-Site Tournament Gaming Method and System - A multi-site tournament gaming system and method are disclosed wherein multiple casino operators are engaged to initiate a series of player qualifying events and to hold a multi-session tournament of the qualified players to determine the site winners; and, a final tournament is operated wherein the site winners are provided prizes and compete to be named the ultimate champion. | 05-29-2014 |
20140100035 | WAGERING GAME, GAMING MACHINE, NETWORKED GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH A SIMULTANEOUS SECONDARY GAME - A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed in which a gaming machine provides both a base game and a side game which may be played and wagered upon concurrently or according to some play sequence. The base game may be one type of game displayed on a portion of a primary display of the gaming machine and the side game may be a different type of game displayed on a remaining portion of the primary display. | 04-10-2014 |
20140094303 | WAGERING GAME, GAMING MACHINE, NETWORKED GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH A PLAYER SELECTION SYMBOL REPLACEMENT GAME - A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed in which a gaming machine provides both a base game and a feature game which may be triggered by the base game. The feature game includes a player selectable set of symbols, where the symbols include one or more high and low value incrementing symbols and one or more terminator symbols; such that, when a player selects one of the incrementing symbols, the player's position on a ladder or other graduated sequence increments to a higher value award, all the symbols in the set are shown and then recovered and shuffled with one of the remaining high value incrementing symbols being replaced by a terminator symbol. The process iterating until the player selects a terminator symbol or achieves the jackpot (highest) award on the ladder. | 04-03-2014 |
20140094263 | SLOT MACHINE GAME WITH EXPANDING POSITIONS - Systems, methods, and program products are taught which provide a slot machine game that increases the size of the symbol array as a mystery feature. As the player spins the reels, the number of positions available on each reel grows randomly to allow more paylines. Other embodiments may include free spin bonuses, as well as bonus features that further increase the number of positions on each reel, and adjust the probability of reel expansions based on the current array size. | 04-03-2014 |
20140066169 | WAGERING GAME WITH AWARDED PAYLINES - A gaming system, apparatus, and method are disclosed with one or more additional payline awards made through special symbols appearing in the game. The number of additional paylines is determined based at least on the special symbol present. A preferred version provides a slot machine game with a payline meter zone on a dedicated display or beside the reels which emphasizes to the player the amount of additional paylines provided and their application in the prize award. | 03-06-2014 |
20140066165 | WAGERING GAME WITH PLAYER SELECTION FEATURES - A gaming system, apparatus, and method are disclosed with one or more mode selection zones presented as a selectable “good luck charm,” which, when selected by the player, can change various aspects of the game including the game theme, special animations, bonus functionality, and paytables. In some embodiments, more options of selectable theme symbols are awarded or made available persistently as the player continues to play. | 03-06-2014 |
20140057694 | WAGERING GAME WITH SPECIAL FUNCTION COMMUNICATING MULTIPLE MEANINGS - A gaming system, apparatus, and method are disclosed with one or more special function zones which foreshadow or hint at game results in a manner designed to create a lucky or positive impression with the player. A preferred version provides a slot machine game with a special function zone behind and around the reels, which animates in certain circumstances to predict the outcome of a reel spin. The animation may have different meanings depending on the context within the game. | 02-27-2014 |
20140057693 | WAGERING GAME WITH PLAYER ACTIVATED SPECIAL FUNCTION WHICH SIMULATES PREDICTING THE GAME OUTCOME - A gaming system, apparatus, and method are disclosed with one or more special function zones which allow player interaction in a manner that simulates a good luck charm predicting the future game outcome. A preferred version provides a slot machine game with a special function zone beside the reels presented as a selectable “good luck charm,” which is seen in certain circumstances to predict the outcome of a reel spin. If the player touches the charm at any time, it animates with a first animation. There is a second, different animation that the charm can do while the reels are spinning This second animation foreshadows a reel stop which will hit a designated high-value outcome. | 02-27-2014 |
20140045587 | WAGERING GAMES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS WITH LIMITED PLAY HIGH FREQUENCY OUTCOME ASSOCIATED JACKPOTS - Gaming devices, systems and related methods are disclosed that include a jackpot controller which offers players the opportunity to win awards and/or jackpots (fixed or progressive awards) that are greater than the average award of the base game and which are associated with symbol combinations that have a likelihood of occurrence that is greater than the average probability of occurrence of winning outcomes in the base game. The jackpots are determined randomly, pseudo-randomly, or through other algorithmic processes from a pool and are activated for a finite number of game plays wherein a player may have a chance to win the jackpot. | 02-13-2014 |
20140038689 | GAMING SYSTEM, METHOD, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT PROVIDING PAYLINE ENHANCERS - A method includes designating at least one of the paylines defined through a matrix of symbol locations as an enhanced value payline which is associated with a respective value enhancer. Upon receipt of a game play input to initiate a play of the wagering game at least some of the symbol locations are populated with a respective game symbol for that respective play of the game. Once the game symbols are displayed for a play of the game, the respective value enhancer associated with each respective enhanced value payline is applied to enhance the value of a paytable prize for that respective payline to produce an enhanced prize. The method ultimately includes awarding this enhanced prize for each enhanced value payline and also awarding a respective paytable prize for each winning payline that is not an enhanced value payline. | 02-06-2014 |
20140024442 | WAGERING GAME, GAMING MACHINE, NETWORKED GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH A BASE GAME AND A SIMULTANEOUS BONUS CURRENCY GAME - A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed in which a bonus currency game is operable simultaneously with the primary game. When a player initiates play of the primary game, the bonus currency game is initiated as well. The bonus currency game includes a set of target symbols which have corresponding bonus currency values such that, when a target symbol is activated, such as by a random or quasi-random determination, the bonus currency value associated with the target symbol is awarded to the player. After a player accumulates bonus currency, the player may utilize the currency to purchase various available online items, such as game plays in an arcade. | 01-23-2014 |
20130324211 | GAMING MACHINE, NETWORKED GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH A DYNAMIC BINGO CARD - A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed with one or more dynamic bingo cards or artifices wherein each daubed number on a bingo card is removed from its initial location and re-located to the last position of the payline on which the daubed number is positioned and at least one other number on the associated payline is moved to replace the position vacated by the daubed number. Once the final number is drawn, paylines with all daubed numbers are paid according to the paytable. If all positions on a bingo card are daubed, then a progressive or other jackpot award may be paid. | 12-05-2013 |
20130316785 | METHOD, SYSTEM, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR CONDUCTING MULTIPLE CONCURRENT BINGO GAMES - A method for conducting bingo games includes using a server to collect game play requests from a plurality of electronic player stations. The server determines if a group of the collected game play requests meets one or more predefined conditions for establishing a quorum, and if so conducts a game with the group of game play requests. Even after the game is started, the server continues to collect game play requests in preparation for conducting additional games. When enough game play requests are collected, the server starts the next game, even if previous games are still in progress. | 11-28-2013 |
20130281171 | SLOT MACHINES WITH WAGER-PER-PLAY SKILL GAMES - Provided is a wager-per-play skill game in which the player's skill is used in selecting one of several random prize distributions or prize pools from which the player's award will be randomly selected. Wagers are preferably entered automatically for each skilled interaction the player makes in the game play area, allowing for continuous play in which the game state persists between wagers. In one version, there is no possibility of complete failure of the skill game, instead every move of the player is given an immediate skill rating or value. The immediate skill rating is used to select an associated prize distribution or prize pool from among multiple distributions or pools, which is then applied to randomly select a prize for the player's move. | 10-24-2013 |
20130274004 | WAGERING GAME METHOD, GAMING MACHINE, GAMING SYSTEM, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT PROVIDING LOCAL AND GROUP PROGRESSIVE PRIZES - A progressive prize method for a group of linked gaming machines includes maintaining both a respective local progressive pool for each respective gaming machine in the group and a group progressive pool shared among the group of gaming machines. A local progressive prize trigger is used to determine when a progressive prize is to be awarded from a local progressive pool and a separate group progressive trigger is used to determine when a progressive prize is to be awarded from the group progressive pool. The group progressive trigger may be based on a count of local progressive prizes that have been awarded. Thus a local progressive trigger may ultimately result in the award of a progressive prize from the group progressive pool rather than the respective local progressive pool. | 10-17-2013 |
20130225275 | WAGERING GAME, GAMING MACHINE, GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH A PLAYER-INTERACTIVE BONUS FEATURE - A wagering game, gaming machine, gaming system and method are disclosed wherein a player-interactive bonus feature is triggered and displayed simultaneously with a wagering game presentation and a bonus award is paid responsive to a player selecting a displayed bonus target, such as a balloon. The bonus award is paid in addition to any award payable based on the wagering game outcome. | 08-29-2013 |
20130157757 | WAGERING GAME METHOD, GAMING MACHINE, GAMING SYSTEM, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT PROVIDING PROGRESSIVE PRIZE CONTROL - A progressive gaming method may be conducted in a distributed fashion without a progressive controller. In such a method game play inputs are received through a respective player input system of each of two or more gaming machines. Each game play input defines a wager for a respective play of a wagering game. A progressive contribution value for each respective wager is calculated and a local progressive register value is incremented by that calculated amount. Calculating the progressive contribution value and incrementing the local progressive register value may each be performed at the gaming machine at which the respective wager is defined, and these calculated progressive contribution values are then communicated to each other gaming machine of the two or more gaming machines. Each gaming machine maintains a total progressive value based on the locally calculated progressive contribution values and the values communicated from other gaming machines. | 06-20-2013 |
20130150144 | METHOD, APPARATUS, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR CONDUCTING A GAME USING BOTH UNISYMBOL AND MULTISYMBOL REEL EFFECTS - A novel game is provided that transforms at least a part of the graphic symbol matrix shown on a video-based reel-type gaming machine to change the game operation from multi-symbol reels to single-symbol reels. Methods, apparatus and program products for implementing the game are provided. A preferred game operates in a first display matrix state displaying a symbol matrix. The symbol matrix provides a game play result by displaying two or more reel representations that combine to form the symbol matrix. In response to a trigger event in game play, the game switches to a second display matrix state where it is modified to show single-symbol reel representations with separating elements between at least one pair of adjacent symbols of a respective reel representation. Multiple sets of data structures are provided for operation in each display state. | 06-13-2013 |
20130137498 | Electronic Gaming Machine Automated Testing - A method for testing an electronic gaming machine includes generating a test sequence comprising tests to be conducted on the electronic gaming machine, generating a test script from the test sequence, accessing a protocol dictionary to determine values for the inputs, emulating parts of the electronic gaming machine by applying the specific values for the inputs to the electronic gaming machine, receiving outputs from the electronic gaming machine, accessing the protocol dictionary to determine conditions associated with the outputs, and interpreting the determined conditions to determine whether the criteria for appropriate operation of the electronic gaming machine has been met. The tests include a criteria indicating inappropriate or appropriate operation of the electronic gaming machine. The test script includes inputs to be applied to the electronic gaming machine. The inputs are associated with wagering game play. The values emulate parts of the electronic gaming machine. | 05-30-2013 |
20130116809 | TOURNAMENT GAME, GAMING MACHINE, GAMING SYSTEM, AND METHOD WITH TEAM MANAGEMENT - A tournament game, gaming machine, gaming system and method are disclosed wherein a tournament management interface allows operators to organize their slot tournament players into teams and manage the advancement of those teams with a variety of templates throughout the tournament. | 05-09-2013 |
20130116031 | CONVERTIBLE IN-REVENUE AND OUT-OF-REVENUE GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH A REAL-TIME PLAYER DASHBOARD DISPLAY - A convertible in-revenue and out-of-revenue gaming system is disclosed that includes a server connected to automatically convert operating modes and control in-revenue and out-of-revenue operation of one or more banks of gaming machines wherein each of the gaming machines includes a video camera connected to capture live player video feed during competition or tournament operating mode, and each of the gaming machines is operable to display a tournament game presentation simultaneously with a player dashboard. The player dashboard includes a display of the live player video, the player position, the player score, and remaining time in the competition or tournament. | 05-09-2013 |
20130084948 | WAGERING GAME METHOD, GAMING MACHINE, GAMING SYSTEM, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT PROVIDING AN ENHANCED TOURNAMENT AWARD FEATURE - Gaming systems and methods provide a tournament game which selectively awards an enhanced tournament play result. The enhanced tournament play result may be of variable value which is selected for the given instance in order to place the receiving tournament player in some predetermined rank in the tournament. Such a variable enhanced tournament play result in the tournament game may be used to help keep all participants interested in the tournament, even those participants who trail the tournament leaders by a wide margin. | 04-04-2013 |
20130079119 | WAGERING GAME METHOD, GAMING MACHINE, GAMING SYSTEM, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT FACILITATING TOURNAMENT PLAY - A method includes receiving one or more primary game inputs at a gaming machine, each primary game input defining a wager for a respective play of a primary game presented through the gaming machine and also initiating the respective play of the primary game. Each qualifying wager in the primary game offered through the gaming machine is applied in a predefined fashion toward an entry fee in one or more gaming machine tournaments. Ultimately, the value of the tournament entry fee account may reach a first level which is predefined as a level required for participation in a tournament. Once this level has been reached, the method includes enabling the affected player to participate in the tournament. Thus the player need not stop play of the wagering game to pay any entry fee which may be required for participation in a tournament game. | 03-28-2013 |
20130079107 | WAGERING GAME METHOD, GAMING MACHINE, GAMING SYSTEM, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT FACILITATING TOURNAMENT PLAY - A method includes receiving one or more primary game inputs at a gaming machine, each primary game input defining a wager for a respective play of a primary game presented through the gaming machine and also initiating the respective play of the primary game. Each qualifying wager in the primary game offered through the gaming machine is applied in a predefined fashion toward to an entry fee in one or more gaming machine tournaments. Ultimately, the value of the tournament entry fee account may reach a first level which is predefined as a level required for participation in a tournament. Once this level has been reached, the method includes enabling the affected player to participate in the tournament. Thus the player need not stop play of the wagering game to pay any entry fee which may be required for participation in a tournament game. | 03-28-2013 |
20130079095 | HIGH VOLUME ELECTRONIC LOTTERY TICKET DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM - A game server communicates game record groups to a site controller associated with a gaming site, and the site controller stores the game record groups in associated data storage. The site controller selects one of the stored game record groups in response to a game availability request associated with a respective game presentation, and communicates the selected game record group from the site controller to a player station services controller associated with the gaming site. The player station services controller stores that respective game record group in its associated data storage device and communicates data from a respective game record to a player station in response to a game play request from the player station, thereby allowing the player station to present a player with a lottery game result for the game play request. | 03-28-2013 |
20130079090 | WAGERING GAME METHOD, GAMING MACHINE, GAMING SYSTEM, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT PROVIDING A FEATURE CLUB SYSTEM - A gaming machine includes a feature club interface system. This feature club interface system provides an interface through which a player at the gaming machine may access a number of features available through the gaming machine which may or may not be related to wagering games offered through the gaming machine. The feature club interface system may rely on communications with a remote feature club server to initiate or enable various features at the gaming machine. | 03-28-2013 |
20130072293 | WAGERING GAME, GAMING MACHINE, NETWORKED GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH A SIMULTANEOUS SECONDARY SCRATCH-OFF-STYLE GAME - A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed in which a gaining machine provides both a base game and a scratch-off-style side game which may be played and wagered upon concurrently or according to some play sequence. The base game may be one type of game displayed on a portion of a primary display of the gaming machine and the side game may be a ticket or number-based type of game, such as a lottery or sweepstakes style game, displayed on a remaining portion of the primary display wherein a player may be able to directly purchase chances to win one or more prizes in the ticket/number-based side game and/or be awarded a selected number of tickets/numbers/win-opportunities based on the amount of the player's wager in the primary game. The potential prizes may be stand-alone as with a prize table or networked as with a prize pool, such as in the case of a lottery or sweepstakes style game. | 03-21-2013 |
20130072278 | WAGERING GAME, GAMING MACHINE, NETWORKED GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH A PLAYER-SELECTABLE MULTI-GAME MIX AND MATCH FEATURE - A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed in which a gaming machine provides a player-selectable base game and a player-selectable side game, both of which may be played and wagered upon concurrently or according to some play sequence. The selected base game may be one of several themes or types of game displayed on a portion of a primary display of the gaming machine and the selected side game may be one of several themes or types of game displayed on a remaining portion of the primary or an alternate display. The potential prizes may be stand-alone as with a prize table or networked as with a prize pool having fixed or progressive prizes. | 03-21-2013 |
20130065693 | MULTI-SITE TOURNAMENT GAMING METHOD AND SYSTEM - A multi-site tournament gaming system and method are disclosed wherein multiple casino operators are engaged to initiate a series of player qualifying events and to hold a multi-session tournament of the qualified players to determine the site winners; and, a final tournament is operated wherein the site winners are provided prizes and compete to be named the ultimate champion. | 03-14-2013 |
20130065676 | SLOT MACHINE HAVING MULTIPLE PROGRESSIVE JACKPOTS - Provided is a variable jackpot meter feature for progressive games (either single or multiple tiered), which may be embodied in a game, a method of conducting or providing the game, or a system or program product. The meter coordinates graphics to the increasing value of the progressive jackpots. At its reset value, the progressive meter may be displayed in its least exciting graphical state indicating low “heat.” As the progressive meter value grows, the associated graphics would increase to indicate the amount has grown. By the time the progressive meter's value has reached or exceeded the progressive's expected value, the graphics may be in their most excited/active/hottest state. This state reinforces to the player that the progressive is a high value and it is a good time to try to win the prize. | 03-14-2013 |
20130065673 | GAMING SYSTEM, METHOD, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR REAL-TIME SELECTION OF OUTCOME DISTRIBUTION IN A WAGERING GAME - A method includes, for a given play of a wagering game, displaying a visual depiction which varies over a range of visual states. The visual depiction is displayed through a display system of the gaming machine and each visual state is correlated to a respective outcome distribution from a set of different outcome distributions. The method may then include receiving a player input through a player input system of the gaming machine. This player input selects one of the visual states of the visual depiction, so that the outcome distribution correlated to that selected visual state may be applied to randomly identify an outcome for a play of a game at the gaming machine. The method then includes awarding any prize correlated to the identified outcome. | 03-14-2013 |
20130065666 | ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER-IN TRANSFER-OUT FOR ELECTRONIC GAME MACHINES - A device for providing electronic funds transfer-in and transfer-out transactions in a casino gaming system includes a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, a wagering transaction application stored in the memory and executed on the processor, and an electronic receiver communicatively coupled to the wagering transaction application. The wagering transaction application is configured to, through the electronic receiver, access a identifier from an electronic device, determine whether the identifier accurately represents the account, conduct a wagering transaction on the available funds for wagering, and update the available funds for wagering in the account. The electronic device is configured to represent an account of available funds for wagering. The identifier is based on at least the account and the electronic device. | 03-14-2013 |
20130065665 | WAGERING GAME WITH PROGRESSIVE AWARDS WON BY ACCUMULATING PROGRESSIVE PRIZE SEGMENTS - A gaming system, apparatus, and method are disclosed providing game players an exciting chance to win any of multiple progressive prizes within a free spin bonus round by accumulating different prize segment symbols which are displayed in a meter zone for each possible progressive prize. Various ways are described to add free spins to the bonus round, making it more exciting by giving the player increased chance to fill all the segments associated with a particular progressive prize, thereby winning the prize. | 03-14-2013 |
20130065663 | SLOT MACHINE GAME WITH EXPANDING POSITIONS - Systems, methods, and program products are taught which provide a slot machine game that increases the size of the symbol array as a mystery feature. As the player spins the reels, the number of positions available on each reel grows randomly to allow more paylines. Other embodiments may include free spin bonuses, as well as bonus features that further increase the number of positions on each reel, and adjust the probability of reel expansions based on the current array size. | 03-14-2013 |
20130065659 | TOURNAMENT GAME, GAMING MACHINE, GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH A PLAYER-INTERACTIVE BONUS FEATURE - A tournament game, gaming machine, gaming system and method are disclosed wherein a player-interactive bonus feature is triggered and displayed simultaneously with a tournament game presentation and a bonus award is paid responsive to a player selecting a displayed bonus target, such as a balloon. The bonus award is paid in addition to any award payable based on the tournament game outcome. The award may be non-credit prizes redeemed in various ways such as printing a coupon at the player machine. | 03-14-2013 |
20130059655 | GAME AUTHENTICATION METHOD FOR GAMING MACHINES AND GAME PLATFORM WITH AUTHENTICATION CAPABILITY - A gaming machine is configured to calculate hash values for both game loader software and game software. The game loader software is executed to load game software into random access memory at the gaming machine, and game software is executed at the gaming machine to provide a wagering game or a portion thereof. The calculated hash values are compared to hash values produced from a known authentic version of the game software and of the game loader software. The game software is allowed to load and present a wagering game if both of these comparisons are true, that is, if both comparisons show that the calculated and pre-calculated values are equal. | 03-07-2013 |
20130059646 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CENTRALIZED GAME EXECUTION IN A GAMING ENVIRONMENT - A method may include: (i) communicatively associating an electronic game host with an electronic gaming machine (EGM) remote from the electronic game host; (ii) executing a gaming application for conducting a wagering game on the electronic game host; (iii) communicating data from the electronic game host to the EGM to present the wagering game on a display of the EGM; (iv) receiving data at the electronic game host from the EGM to accept a wager associated with the wagering game through input/output controls of the EGM; (v) conducting a randomized selection process to determine a randomized prize associated with the wager; (vi) communicating data from the electronic game host to the EGM to present an indication of the randomized selection process to the display of the EGM; and (vii) metering and storing locally to the electronic game host game play data associated with execution of the wagering game. | 03-07-2013 |
20130053133 | REAL-TIME CREDIT BETWEEN ELECTRONIC GAMING MACHINES USING MOBILE TEXT MESSAGES - A method for funding wagering on an electronic gaming machine includes receiving information from a text message, determining an electronic gaming machine designated by the information, determining a funding action designated by the information, executing the funding action, and updating the available funds for wagering on the electronic gaming machine. The funding action is associated with funds available for wagering on the electronic gaming machine. The information includes message content and a destination number. | 02-28-2013 |
20130045791 | GAMING SYSTEM, METHOD, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT PROVIDING INDETERMINATE GAME PLAY - A method for providing indeterminate play at a gaming machine may include setting a meter value for an indeterminate mode in response to some trigger condition. Once the meter is set for plays in the indeterminate play mode, an indeterminate play input may be received through the player input system of the gaming machine to initiate a respective play in the indeterminate play mode. The meter value may be incremented in response to a first type outcome for the respective play in the indeterminate play mode, decremented in response to a second type outcome for the play, and left unchanged in response to a third-type outcome for the play. These steps of receiving an outcome for a play in the indeterminate play mode and either incrementing, decrementing, or leaving the meter value unchanged may be repeated for each respective play in the indeterminate play mode until the meter value reaches a predetermined end value at which point the indeterminate play mode ends. | 02-21-2013 |
20130035154 | GAMING SYSTEM, METHOD, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT WITH PAYTABLE ENHANCEMENTS - A method includes displaying a number of enhancement symbols concurrently on a display device included at a gaming machine through which a wagering game may be played. The wagering game has a paytable providing at least one award level correlated to a payout value. Each of the displayed enhancement symbols is correlated to a payout modification. At least one of these enhancement symbols is selected and shown on the display device as being selected for a given play of the wagering game. The payout modification correlated to the selected enhancement symbol is used to identify a modified payout value for the outcome generated and displayed graphically for play of the game. This modified payout value is awarded for the given play of the game in lieu of or in addition to the payout value shown in the paytable for the outcome. | 02-07-2013 |
20130035151 | SLOT MACHINE GAME WITH ALTERNATING WILD SYMBOL - A modified pick selection bonus game feature is provided including picking hidden selections to accumulate matching symbols and win a prize. The game includes improved features such as a prize bump bonus symbols to increase the value of all available bonus prizes. | 02-07-2013 |
20130029739 | Personalized Jackpot Wagering Game, Gaming System, and Method - A gaming system and method is disclosed that includes a personalized tournament or group event hosting website wherein players may participate in or organize one or more groups and/or associated group events online or at participating casinos, invite friends and acquaintances to join one or more groups, accept or extend invitations to play in tournaments or competitions, and, set up and enter tournaments or competitions. | 01-31-2013 |
20120295689 | WAGERING GAME, GAMING MACHINE, NETWORKED GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH A MATCHING SYMBOLS BONUS TRIGGER - A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed with a first set of reels operable to randomly determine a primary game outcome and a pair of reels positioned about the first set of reels and operable to randomly determine an indicia pair outcome, the indicia pair outcome operable to modify the primary game outcome. In the event that the indicia pair outcome includes a matching pair of designated indicia, then a bonus (or feature) game may be triggered wherein the matching pair are locked in place while one or more free spins of the first set of reels occurs, and, awards are provided for each winning outcome. | 11-22-2012 |
20120295688 | WAGERING GAME, GAMING MACHINE, NETWORKED GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH NUDGING RE-SPINNING STACKED WILDS - A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed with one or more stacked wild symbols which when appearing, trigger one or more re-spins wherein stacked wild symbols are locked in place for at least one re-spin. Awards are paid following each game outcome. In the event that a portion of a stacked wild symbol is displayed as part of a game outcome, the associated reel may nudge upward or downward to shift the entire stacked wild symbol into view, awards are then paid on the winning outcomes, and one or more re-spins may ensue with any displayed stacked wild symbols being locked for at least one subsequent re-spin. | 11-22-2012 |
20120172105 | GAMING MACHINE, NETWORKED GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH A DYNAMIC BINGO CARD - A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed with one or more dynamic bingo cards or artifices wherein each daubed number on a bingo card is removed from its initial location and re-located to the last position of the payline on which the daubed number is positioned and at least one other number on the associated payline is moved to replace the position vacated by the daubed number. Once the final number is drawn, paylines with all daubed numbers are paid according to the paytable. If all positions on a bingo card are daubed, then a progressive or other jackpot award may be paid. | 07-05-2012 |
20120122571 | TOP BOX WHEEL ASSEMBLY AND GAMING MACHINE HAVING A TOP BOX WHEEL ASSEMBLY - A top box wheel assembly and method are disclosed wherein a flat panel display is mounted on a rectangular shaped cabinet top box structure and a circular bezel structure overlays the flat panel display such that a wheel-shaped display area is provided. The circular bezel structure also is shown to include a rectangular cutout base to also provide a rectangular-shaped display area. The circular bezel structure is further shown to include a circular pattern of LEDs which may be operated synchronously or quasi-synchronously with the wheel-shaped display area on which a rotating wheel may be displayed together with an indicator. | 05-17-2012 |
20120120632 | UNIVERSAL REEL BACKLIGHT FOR REEL-TYPE GAMING MACHINES - A reel backlight structure for a mechanical reel-type game includes an undifferentiated array of LED backlights. The rows of LEDs are closely spaced apart and may extend over an arc that encompasses both three vertical stop positions and four vertical stop positions. The LEDs are mounted on a flexible substrate that may be bent to match the radius of a reel strip and held in the desired radius with mounting attachment points. | 05-17-2012 |
20120077569 | WAGERING GAME, GAMING MACHINE, GAMING SYSTEM, AND METHOD WITH AN EMBEDDED BONUS GAME - A method of operating a gaming machine includes receiving one or more primary game inputs through the gaming machine to initiate one or more plays of a primary game. After the one or more plays of the primary game, a feature game is initiated and presented at the gaming machine through a display device included with the gaming machine. In response to a triggering event in the feature game and prior to completion of the feature game, the method further includes initiating an embedded bonus game and presenting the embedded bonus game through the display device. Upon completion of the embedded bonus game, the method continues with presenting a remainder of the feature game. The method further includes awarding a total prize for the feature game and embedded bonus game. The total prize is made up of a feature game prize component obtained in the presentation of the feature game and an embedded bonus game prize component obtained in the presentation of the embedded bonus game. | 03-29-2012 |
20120034968 | WAGERING GAME, GAMING MACHINE, GAMING SYSTEM, AND METHOD WITH A PLAYER-DETERMINABLE FEATURE GAME ASPECT - A wagering game, gaming machine, networked gaming system, and associated methods are disclosed including a bank of gaming machines connected to an overhead display enabling players at the respective gaming machines to qualify to play a player-interactive community feature game displayed on the overhead display wherein each qualified player may sequentially launch one or more virtual objects or projectiles and accumulate awards as the objects traverse a virtual surface shown on the overhead display. A stand-alone wagering game with a player-interactive feature game is also disclosed. Additionally disclosed is a web-based community game system wherein players may login, accumulate points, and redeem awards either online or at networked casino site. | 02-09-2012 |
20110244952 | WAGERING GAME, GAMING MACHINE AND NETWORKED GAMING SYSTEM WITH CUSTOMIZABLE PLAYER AVATAR - A method, gaming machine, and networked gaming system are disclosed for operating a wagering game that includes an interface activate-able by a player; a set of game plays, with at least one of the game plays occurring after activation of the interface by the player; and a persistent customizable player avatar interactive with a player and the wagering game, and, providing entertainment and companionship for a player during game play. | 10-06-2011 |
20110105214 | ELECTRONIC SWEEPSTAKES SYSTEM PROVIDING MULTIPLE GAME PRESENTATIONS FOR REVEALING RESULTS FROM A SINGLE SWEEPSTAKES GAME - A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed wherein a reveal request is initiated through a result reveal station by a person (user) who has previously made some purchase or donation and has been assigned one or more sweepstakes entries in an assignment order from a set of available sweepstakes entries for a sweepstakes game. This reveal request represents a request to reveal one or more of the results associated with the corresponding sweepstakes entries that have been assigned to the user. The reveal station employs a game presentation including various graphics and audio effects to show sweepstakes results in an entertaining fashion. In response to the reveal request, or perhaps even prior to the reveal request, one or more sweepstakes entries are selected to be revealed for the reveal request. The sweepstakes entries are selected in an order different from the order in which the sweepstakes entries were assigned to the user. The selection of entries is based on a set of game characteristics associated with the game presentation provided at the reveal station through which the reveal request is initiated. | 05-05-2011 |
20100311498 | GAMING SYSTEM, MACHINE AND METHOD WITH A PRIZE MODIFIER - A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed which provide a random prize modification wherein a promotion index value is produced for a player in a wagering game. This promotion index value is then used in modifying a predetermined prize based on the wagering game outcome. In one embodiment, a particular game outcome is associated with an initial index value. The promotion index value is then produced and added to the initial index value to produce a final index value. This final index value is then used to look up an associated prize which is assigned to the player. | 12-09-2010 |
20100304824 | GAME WITH A USER ALTERABLE PRIZE DISTRIBUTION - A game, system, apparatus, and method are disclosed with an updatable prize result structure. The result structure having several first level result identifiers and an additional second level result. First level results are each associated with an expected number of plays per game. As with each first result level, the additional second result levels are each associated with a respective number of results per given number of plays. In contrast to first level results, the second level results correlate to a player or operator assigned value which may be modified during game play to change results provided in subsequent games. | 12-02-2010 |
20100203957 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD INCLUDING ANONYMOUS PLAYER TRACKING - A gaming system and method are disclosed that include anonymous and identified player tracking, wherein gaming data is collected over one, two, or more gaming sessions, the data is analyzed to determine whether a selected criterion or selected criteria have been met, and if so, then initiating a response, such as triggering a flag or transmitting a notification to an operator. | 08-12-2010 |