Mark A Hettinger

William R Adams

Jamal Benbrahim

Scott A Boyd

The present invention provides novel methods and devices for providing audio to players of a gaming machine and to nearby players. According to preferred implementations, sounds intended for a person currently using a gaming machine are distinguished from second sounds intended for persons who are not currently using the gaming machine. The former sounds are directed to the player of the gaming machine by one or more methods and/or devices. For example, the gaming machine may include a device for producing ultrasonic waves (e.g., in a beam) that produce the first sounds via interaction with a medium, a sound dome, a speaker array, or other devices for producing directional sound. The sound may be directed to a predetermined area near the gaming machine. Alternatively, the sound may be directed to an area at or near where the player is detected to be, where the player's player tracking card is detected to be, etc.

Differentiated audio

A method of leasing a gaming machine is provided that includes determining a monetary average machine net win in monetary units per gaming machine per unit of time for a group of existing gaming machines, receiving the leased gaming machine, and determining a monetary payment amount for the leased gaming machine for a second time period based on the average machine net win, the monetary payment amount equaling a percentage of a total coin-in amount wagered at a new leased gaming machine.

Method of leasing a gaming machine for a percentage of a total coin-in amount

A method of leasing a gaming machine is provided that includes determining a monetary average machine net win in monetary units per gaming machine per unit of time for a group of existing gaming machines, receiving the leased gaming machine, and determining a monetary payment amount for the leased gaming machine for a second time period based on the average machine net win, the monetary payment amount equaling corresponding to a flat fee amount.

Method of leasing a gaming machine for a flat fee amount

A method of leasing a gaming machine is provided that includes determining a monetary average machine net win in monetary units per gaming machine per unit of time for a group of existing gaming machines, receiving the leased gaming machine, and determining a monetary payment amount for the leased gaming machine for a second time period based on the average machine net win, the monetary payment amount equaling a percentage of a new gaming machine net win amount.

Method of leasing a gaming machine for a percentage of a net win amount

Methods of playing games of chance and gaming devices comprising multiple wagering options. In one aspect, a single wagering unit activates a plurality of pay lines. In another aspect, at least one wager is randomly assigned to at least one pay line. Other aspects include novel arrangements of pay lines and wagering options to add excitement and enjoyment to the gaming experience. According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, one or more indicia for a particular pay line are received for display thereon from at least one other gaming device.

Methods of conducting games of chance and gaming devices with multiple pay lines

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing the player of an electronically-controlled gaming device with greater control of selected parameters of the game. The value or frequency of occurrence of selected game elements or combinations of elements may be ranked or re-ranked from preset orders and/or values by a player of the gaming device to accommodate individual preferences as to winning elements or combinations of elements. The association and size of award payouts with certain elements or combinations may be varied. The microprocessor or other programmed controller for the gaming device automatically adjusts other parameters of the game in response to player input or adjustment of selected parameters to maintain a selected house advantage for the gaming device.

Growing community of inventors

Las Vegas, NV, United States of America

Mark A Hettinger