US Patent 7431301 Creating notable nonrandom patterns in games to encourage play

Tools and techniques are provided for creating nonrandom notable patterns in elements of games of chance which are traditionally random and hence lack such patterns. Players are notified of the existence of such patterns. When a player detects a pattern, the player may act on it to the player's advantage. Play may be monitored to determine whether a pattern has been detected by a player. Player rewards may be limited by a reward threshold, based on amounts wagered by the individual player and possibly other players. Play may be monitored to detect undesired play by software bots.