Gaming object flipping apparatus for electronic gaming machine

A gaming device, comprising:

• a game console providing a user interface for game play, the user interface including a display region that displays dice values;
• and
• a dice flipping apparatus coupled to the game console, the dice flipping apparatus including at least:
• a container configured to contain dice, the container having a top portion, a bottom portion and a plurality of sides, at least a substantial portion of at least one of the sides being transparent, the container containing a flipping structure;
• an actuator mechanically coupled to the flipping structure,
• wherein the flipping structure includes an integral one-piece platform, the platform having a first end portion, a central portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being permanently angled upward relative to the central portion, and the second end portion being permanently angled upward relative to the central portion,
• wherein the dice settle at either of the first end portion or the second end portion of the platform, the first end portion and the second end portion being at opposing sides of the platform, and
• wherein the actuator is configured to induce a flipping action to move the platform of the flipping structure to cause the dice to flip airborne in the container in a first direction from the first end portion to settle at the second end portion, or alternatively in a second direction from the second end portion to settle at the first end portion.

A gaming object randomizing apparatus, comprising:

• a container configured to contain gaming objects, the container having a top portion, a bottom portion and a plurality of sides, at least a substantial portion of at least one of the sides being transparent, the container containing a flipping structure;
• and
• an actuator mechanically coupled to the flipping structure,
• wherein the flipping structure includes a platform, the platform having a first end portion, a central portion and a second end portion,
• wherein the flipping structure is configured such that the gaming objects settle at either the first end portion or the second end portion of the platform, the first end and the second end portions being at opposing sides of the platform, and
• wherein the gaming object randomizing apparatus comprises a deformable skirt secured to and extending below the flipping platform to camouflage mechanical structures beneath the flipping platform.

A method of randomizing a set of dice, comprising:

• receiving a dice flip request;
• inducing a flip action to flip the dice based at least in part on the dice flip request;
• permitting the dice to settle following the flip action;
• acquiring at least one image of the dice as settled following the flip action;
• determining dice values from the at least one image of the dice;
• and
• causing the dice values to be displayed on a display device,
• wherein the flip action being induced to flip the dice is imparted using an integral one-piece platform, the platform having a first end portion, a central portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being fixed at an upward angle relative to the central portion, and the second end portion being fixed at an upward angle relative to the central portion,
• wherein the dice settle at either of the first end portion or the second end portion of the platform, the first end portion and the second end portion being at opposing sides of the platform, and
• wherein during the flip action, the platform abruptly moves to cause the dice to flip airborne in the container in a first direction from the first end portion to settle at the second end portion, or alternatively in a second direction from the second end portion to settle at the first end portion.