A secure smart card or other secure modular memory device is plugged into (or otherwise connected to) a port of a game controller board internal to a gaming machine. The smart card is programmed to detect an encrypted "challenge" message from the host CPU and output an encrypted "response". If the host CPU determines that the response has the expected properties, then the host CPU verifies that the game program is authentic (i.e., the game program is accurate and authorized for use by that particular gaming machine and customer), and the game can be played. The challenge/request exchange may be performed before every game is played on the machine or at any other time. If the response is improper, then the host CPU will issue a halt command to halt play of the game. By controlling access to the properly programmed smart card, gaming machines cannot run unauthorized copies of the game program. Various other security features are disclosed for protecting communications and data within the gaming machine, such as erasing secure memories if tampering is detected and requiring that an authorized secure smart card be connected to each one of multiple game boards in a single gaming machine for accurate secure communications between boards.
A backlight for a reel assembly is disclosed comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). An array of red, green, and blue diodes are positioned behind a translucent reel strip to backlight three adjacent symbols on a reel strip. The LEDs are individually controllable to vary the color output of the LED array for a full spectrum of colors including white. Groups of LEDs can be illuminated to optimally illuminate any number of symbols of any size. The LEDs may be controlled to highlight special symbols such as by blinking or changing colors. LEDs are also arranged on both sides of the reel strip in a vertical array so as to outline the edges of the reel strip.
G07F 17/34 - Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements depending on the stopping of moving members, e.g. "fruit" machines
H05B 45/10 - Controlling the intensity of the light
H05B 45/40 - Circuit arrangements for operating light emitting diodes [LED] - Details of LED load circuits
3.
GAMING MACHINE WITH PLAYER-SELECTED HIDDEN BONUS AWARDS AND DISPLAYED POSSIBLE AWARDS
In one embodiment, a gaming machine carries out a main game, such as a spinning reel type game, either using physical reels or simulated reels on a video screen. A special combination of symbols activates a video bonus game. The bonus game comprises a matrix of hidden values in the form of icons that may be selected by the player. The values that may be selected are displayed to the player in an order unrelated to the arrangement of the hidden values in the matrix so the player sees what she can possibly win. The player then makes her selections to win the hidden awards. In one embodiment, the player only makes a predetermined number of selections. In another embodiment, the player makes selections until an end-of game value is selected. After each selection, the displayed values may change.
A player insert for a gaming machine, the player insert comprising: an electronically controllable screen, a controller for said electronically controllable screen, an interface adapted to communicate between said controller and a host system associated with said player insert and with further player inserts, said controller being adapted to receive signals from a said host system via said interface and to thereby effect a display on said electronically controllable screen synchronized with at least one further display on at least one further player insert. The electronically controllable screen can be controlled to operate in a first state in which it is transparent and permits a separate display provided behind the screen to be viewed by the player and in a second state in which it is adapted to effect the display as stated above. The description and claims also relate to a gaming system including a plurality of gaming machines each having a respective player insert and to a method of operating such a gaming system.
A mounting bracket for a slot machine is disclosed herein, where the slot machine is slid onto the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket insures proper alignment of the slot machine onto the platform and secures the slot machine into position.
G07F 17/32 - Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
G07F 9/10 - Casings, e.g. with means for heating or cooling
G07F 17/34 - Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements depending on the stopping of moving members, e.g. "fruit" machines
6.
BILL STACKER AND HOPPER ACCESS TECHNIQUE FOR A GAMING DEVICE
In a gaming machine, unlocking a first lock enables an attendant to open the front door of the gaming machine, allowing access to the internal circuitry of the gaming machine but not allowing access to the money in the gaming machine. Unlocking a second lock enables an attendant to open a second access barrier to gain access to the money. Since access to the internal circuitry is separated from access to the money, better security control is provided.
Disclosed herein is a game played on a gaming device that displays a randomly selected array of symbols, where the symbols across one or more pay lines are evaluated by circuitry to determine an award to be granted. One of the possible symbols is a special symbol that offers various special functions. The special symbol switches between two or more states, where each state provides a different function. The switching is stopped randomly or by the player, and the resulting function is carried out. In another embodiment, the special symbol allows symbols to be moved in the array or provides other functions.
G07F 17/32 - Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
A63F 9/24 - Games using electronic circuits not otherwise provided for
G07F 17/34 - Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements depending on the stopping of moving members, e.g. "fruit" machines
A progressive jackpot system for a gaming network is described wherein the accumulation of the jackpot is based upon any of a number of factors, and the winning of the jackpot is based on any of a number of factors. In one embodiment, the winning of the jackpot may be by any player using a player ID card or a cash- less card to play a gaming machine. The determination of a winner of the jackpot may be based on a random selection of a player's ID code (or cash-less card code) by a network computer.
A Roulette gaming system and method for use at a roulette table having a roulette wheel, a chipper machine for sorting color chips and a chip tray for storing value chips. The gaming system comprises a computer, means interfacing the chipper machine to the computer for the counting of the number of color chips of each color sorted by the chipper machine, detection means associated with the chip tray for detecting the change in value of the chip tray, means interfacing the chip tray to the computer and a table terminal interfaced to the computer for inputting information concerning the identity of individual patrons, and information associating a color chip to any patron playing at the table.
A method of a shared jackpot system of a gambling apparatus unit is provided, where the gambling apparatus unit comprises a plurality of coin-operated gambling machines. The gambling machines are linked to each other and jointly fill a jackpot. A predetermined part of the gambling bet of each gambling machine is employed to fill the jackpot. The filling level of the jackpot is displayed on each gambling machine and with a large display. A communication board is coordinated to each gambling apparatus in addition to a control unit. Upon actuation of the gambling machines, it is automatically determined which one of the gambling machines assumes the control in the form of a master. The master gambling machine monitors whether a jackpot trigger value is present. In case a jackpot trigger value is present, a command sequence is sent to all linked gambling machines. At the same time there occurs a final game in the gambling machines based on the command sequence. A rank sequence and a winning quota, respectively, is determined based on the predicted game result and the actual game result, wherein the rank sequence and the winning quota, respectively, represents a distribution key for the jackpot.
A method and apparatus for determining the win or less of individual participants in a game of chance, such as for example Black Jack, Poker or the like, wherein the bet and the winnings are represented by chips. A central chip depository (102) is provided for receiving the game inventory and the latter has means for determining its momentary content. At least one chip deposit area (110, 111) is provided per participant and has in each case at least one sensor (701) for the detection of chips lying on the deposit area (110, 111). The means for determining the momentary chip content and also the sensors (701) have their outputs connected to the inputs of a data processing system (104).
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