US20080108430A1 - Gaming system and method which provides players an opportunity to win a progressive award - Google Patents

Gaming system and method which provides players an opportunity to win a progressive award Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20080108430A1
US20080108430A1 US11/557,869 US55786906A US2008108430A1 US 20080108430 A1 US20080108430 A1 US 20080108430A1 US 55786906 A US55786906 A US 55786906A US 2008108430 A1 US2008108430 A1 US 2008108430A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
player
progressive award
gaming
value
award
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/557,869
Inventor
Christina M. Evans
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
International Game Technology
Original Assignee
International Game Technology
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by International Game Technology filed Critical International Game Technology
Priority to US11/557,869 priority Critical patent/US20080108430A1/en
Assigned to IGT reassignment IGT ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: EVANS, CHRISTINA M.
Priority to AU2007231793A priority patent/AU2007231793B2/en
Publication of US20080108430A1 publication Critical patent/US20080108430A1/en
Priority to US15/058,975 priority patent/US9685039B2/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/3244Payment aspects of a gaming system, e.g. payment schemes, setting payout ratio, bonus or consolation prizes
    • G07F17/3258Cumulative reward schemes, e.g. jackpots
    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/3244Payment aspects of a gaming system, e.g. payment schemes, setting payout ratio, bonus or consolation prizes
    • G07F17/3246Payment aspects of a gaming system, e.g. payment schemes, setting payout ratio, bonus or consolation prizes involving coins and/or banknotes

Definitions

  • Gaming machines which provide players awards in primary or base games are well known. Gaming machines generally require the player to place or make a wager to activate the primary or base game. In many of these gaming machines, the award is based on the player obtaining a winning symbol or symbol combination and on the amount of the wager (e.g., the higher the wager, the higher the award). Symbols or symbol combinations which are less likely to occur usually provide higher awards.
  • the amount of the wager made on the base game by the player may vary.
  • the gaming machine may enable the player to wager a minimum number of credits, such as one credit (e.g., one penny, nickel, dime, quarter or dollar) up to a maximum number of credits, such as five credits.
  • This wager may be made by the player a single time or multiple times in a single play of the primary game.
  • a slot game may have one or more paylines and the slot game may enable the player to make a wager on each payline in a single play of the primary game.
  • a gaming machine such as a slot game
  • This is also true for other wagering games, such as video draw poker, where players can wager one or more credits on each hand and where multiple hands can be played simultaneously.
  • different players play at substantially different wagering amounts or levels and at substantially different rates of play.
  • Secondary or bonus games are also known in gaming machines.
  • the secondary or bonus games usually provide an additional award to the player.
  • Secondary or bonus games usually do not require an additional wager by the player to be activated.
  • Secondary or bonus games are generally activated or triggered upon an occurrence of a designated triggering symbol or triggering symbol combination in the primary or base game. For instance, a bonus symbol occurring on the payline on the third reel of a three reel slot machine may trigger the secondary bonus game.
  • a bonus symbol occurring on the payline on the third reel of a three reel slot machine may trigger the secondary bonus game.
  • Part of the enjoyment and excitement of playing certain gaming machines is the occurrence or triggering of the secondary or bonus game (even before the player knows how much the bonus award will be). In other words, obtaining a bonus event and a bonus award in the bonus event is part of the enjoyment and excitement for players.
  • Player tracking systems are also known. Player tracking systems enable gaming establishments to recognize the value of customer loyalty through identifying frequent customers and rewarding them for their patronage. The cumulative history of a particular player's gaming activity, which is included in a player profile, enables gaming establishments to target individual players with direct marketing promotions or customized compensation plans.
  • a player is issued a player identification card which has an encoded player identification number that uniquely identifies the player.
  • Player tracking on gaming devices such as slot machines, is typically accomplished with a card reader mounted to the gaming device. When the player first sits down at a gaming device, the player inserts the card into the card reader. The card reader reads the player identification number off the player tracking card and communicates information through a network to a central computer regarding the player's subsequent gaming activity. Based on this communicated information or data, the gaming establishment classifies each player and provides one or more of such players certain benefits based on these classifications.
  • One known player tracking system provides an award provided to a designated player if that player's player tracking card is inserted into a gaming device.
  • the award is provided at a randomly determined time and/or a randomly determined amount.
  • the designated player is randomly chosen from all of the carded players (i.e., those players who have inserted their player tracking cards into a gaming device).
  • rewarding carded players encourages participation in such a player tracking system, this also may discourage certain players because a player becomes ineligible for the benefit once the player removes their player tracking card from the gaming machine.
  • a progressive award is an award amount which includes an initial amount funded by a casino and an additional amount funded through a portion of each wager made on the progressive gaming machine. For example, 0.1% of each wager placed on the primary game of the gaming machine associated with the progressive award may be allocated to the progressive award or progressive award fund or pool.
  • the progressive award grows in value as more players play the gaming machines and more portions of these players' wagers are allocated to the progressive award.
  • the accumulated progressive award is provided to the player.
  • the amount of the next progressive award is reset to the initial value and a portion of each subsequent wager on a gaming machine associated with a progressive award is allocated to the next progressive award.
  • a progressive award may be associated with or otherwise dedicated to a single or stand-alone gaming machine.
  • a progressive award may be associated with or otherwise dedicated to multiple gaming machines which each contribute a portion of wagers placed at such gaming machine(s) to the progressive award.
  • the multiple gaming machines may be in the same bank of gaming machines, in the same casino or gaming establishment (usually through a local area network (“LAN”)) or in two or more different casinos or gaming establishments (usually through a wide area network (“WAN”)).
  • Such progressive awards are played for by one or more gaming devices in the same gaming establishment sometimes called local area progressives (“LAP”) and such progressive awards played for by a plurality of gaming devices at a plurality of different gaming establishments are sometimes called wide area progressives (“WAP”).
  • LAP local area progressives
  • WAP wide area progressives
  • U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,608 B1 entitled “Progressive Wagering System” discloses a linked progressive wagering system specifying a boundary criteria, such as a maximum value or an expiration date and time, for a progressive award prize. If a gaming device has not randomly generated a prize award event when the specified boundary criteria is met, a progressive award prize is forced by the system upon one or more randomly selected participating players.
  • a player wagers large amounts for a long period of time at a gaming device in a progressive award system, that player contributes to or funds a relatively large portion of the progressive award pool.
  • Certain players may be hesitant to wager such large amounts for a long period of time when those players lose their chance to win the progressive award upon walking away from the gaming device. That is, certain players may be reluctant to contribute or invest large amounts of wagers and time try to win a progressive award that the players have no chance of winning if the players leave the gaming device.
  • certain players leave the gaming devices after realizing that the progressive award has been provided to another player. Such players may walk away from the gaming devices feeling discouraged. Such discouragement can lead to certain players walking away with jackpot fatigue. By walking away, even if the player has spent long periods of time playing for the progressive award, the player sacrifices or forfeits any opportunity to win the progressive award. This may lead to certain players feeling pessimistic about their chances to win the progressive award.
  • the present disclosure enables a plurality of players to play for one or more progressive awards, such as accumulated value progressive awards, at gaming machines or gaming devices of a gaming system.
  • the gaming system enables any player who contributed to an accrual of a designated progressive award to win that progressive award regardless of when those contributions were made. That is, any player who contributed to the accumulated value progressive award is eligible to win that progressive award regardless of whether that player is playing at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system.
  • the gaming system enables any player who contributed to an accrual of a designated progressive award during a designated time period to win that progressive award.
  • the players may include players who are currently playing at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system or players who have played at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system during a designated time period.
  • the gaming system has at least two independent and separate triggering events for each progressive award.
  • a first triggering event such as a player triggering event
  • the gaming system designates a winning player for the progressive award. That is, the gaming system selects one of the players who has played one of the gaming devices in the gaming system and contributed to the progressive award.
  • a second, subsequently occurring triggering event such as an award triggering event
  • the gaming system determines the value of the progressive award to be provided to the designated player. That is, independent of which player is designated as the winning player, the system determines the value of the progressive award to be provided to the designated player.
  • the gaming system independently and separately determines which player will win a progressive award (i.e., selected as a winning player) and when that progressive award will be provided to the winning player (i.e., the amount of the progressive award).
  • a progressive award i.e., selected as a winning player
  • the gaming system determines which player will win a progressive award (i.e., selected as a winning player) and when that progressive award will be provided to the winning player (i.e., the amount of the progressive award).
  • a progressive award i.e., selected as a winning player
  • the amount of the progressive award i.e., the amount of the progressive award.
  • the progressive award is an accumulated value progressive award or N th coin progressive award provided to the designated winning player based on the occurrence of the player triggering event and the award triggering event.
  • the player triggering event occurs when the accumulated value progressive award increments to a first progressive hit value or player threshold value.
  • the central controller selects a currently playing player who contributed to the accumulated value progressive award and designates that player as the winning player.
  • the award triggering event occurs subsequent to the player triggering event.
  • the award triggering event occurs when the accumulated value progressive award increments to a second progressive hit value or award threshold value.
  • the amount of the designated progressive award is determined and the designated progressive award is provided to the designated winning player.
  • the gaming system utilizes a designated coin-in value to select when the accumulated progressive award will increment to the player threshold value and the award threshold value.
  • a coin-in value is determined by using the wager value and the percentage of each wager applied to the accumulated value progressive award.
  • the player threshold may be set at the 500,000 th coin and the award threshold may be set at the 1,000,000 th coin.
  • the designated progressive award accumulates based on a predetermined percentage (such as 1%) of coin-in or wagered amounts. For a contribution rate of 1%, one penny or $0.01 will be contributed to the progressive award for each $1.00 wagered.
  • the progressive award Based on a contribution rate of 1%, wherein a winning player is thus designated when the progressive award reaches $5,000 (e.g., if each coin is one dollar and the designated progressive award starts at a default value equal to $0). Accordingly, the accumulated progressive award is thus provided to a winning player when the progressive award reaches $10,000 (e.g., if each coin is one dollar and the designated progressive award starts at a default value equal to $0).
  • the designated coin-in value is randomly determined, predetermined or otherwise determined in another suitable manner. It should be appreciated that the progressive award may start at any suitable start up value, which may be funded by a portion of coin-in or by one or more departments of the gaming establishment.
  • the award triggering event occurs prior to the player triggering event.
  • the accumulated value progressive award is stored or escrowed when the award triggering event occurs.
  • a winning player is designated and the stored or escrowed progressive award is provided to the designated winning player. That is, if the accumulated value progressive award reaches the award threshold value prior to reaching the player threshold value, the progressive award is stored or escrowed. Accordingly, when the gaming system designates a winning player, the winning player is provided with the stored progressive award.
  • each player who contributed to the designated progressive award is eligible to win that designated progressive award, even if that player is no longer playing for that designated progressive award or playing at a gaming machine in the gaming system.
  • the gaming system stores the contributions from players who are not currently playing (or any eligible players).
  • the gaming system selects the winning player from a group including all of the players who contributed to the progressive award.
  • the eligibility of each player for the designated progressive award is tracked by a suitable player tracking system, such as in conjunction with a player tracking card system or in another suitable manner.
  • each eligible player gains eligibility into one, a plurality or each progressive award level of a multi-level progressive (“MLP”) configuration.
  • MLP multi-level progressive
  • the gaming system independently and separately determines when a progressive award will be hit and stores or escrows the hit progressive award until a winning player is determined.
  • the gaming system designates a winning player, the winning player is provided with the stored progressive award. This enables players who contribute to one, more or each progressive award to be eligible for one of those progressive awards.
  • the gaming system independently and separately determines when a winning player will be selected and stores or escrows the winning player until a progressive award is hit. When the gaming system determines that the progressive award is hit, the gaming system provides the hit progressive award to the stored winning player. This enables players who contribute to one, more or each progressive award while currently playing at one of the gaming devices in the gaming system and to be eligible for one of those progressive awards (e.g., regardless of whether the player is playing or has stopped playing at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system).
  • the gaming system disclosed herein causes a suitable notification to be sent to the players of the gaming devices.
  • This notification informs the players which player was selected as the winning player and/or the amount of the progressive award.
  • the notification includes information relating to a stored progressive award or information relating to the winning player.
  • the notification may be provided in the form of a message sent to the gaming device at which the winning player is playing. If the winning player is not playing in the gaming system or cannot be located at another gaming device, the notification may be sent in any other manner, such as through telephone, e-mail or any other suitable medium.
  • a electronic kiosk at the gaming establishment may be used to provide such notification and enable the winning players to claim the progressive award.
  • such notification is displayed on a website accessible to the players which provides instructions for the winning player to claim the award at the gaming establishment. In one instance, the winning player must return to the gaming establishment to claim the award.
  • the gaming device or gaming system selects the winning player during an accumulation period for the designated progressive award (i.e., before the progressive award is hit or awarded). For example, if the designated progressive award is set to hit after 1,750,000 coins (e.g., $17,500 if each coin is one dollar and the designated progressive award starts at a default value equal to $0) are accumulated, player who are playing at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system when the 1,750,000 th coin is wagered are eligible to win the designated progressive award. The gaming system tracks or groups the coin-in of these players and enables these players to be eligible to win the designated progressive award. In an alternate embodiment, players who contribute any of coins 1 to 1,750,000 are eligible to win the designated progressive award.
  • 1,750,000 coins e.g., $17,500 if each coin is one dollar and the designated progressive award starts at a default value equal to $0
  • the gaming system tracks or groups the coin-in of these players and enables these players to be eligible to win the designated progressive award. In an alternate embodiment, players who contribute any
  • a winning player for a designated progressive award may be selected after the 1,700,000 th coin is inserted and the designated progressive award accumulates to $17,000 (i.e., based on a contribution rate of 1% if each coin is one dollar and the designated progressive award starts at a default value equal to $0).
  • the designated progressive award accumulates to $17,500 (i.e., after 1,750,000 coins based on a contribution rate of 1% if each coin is one dollar and the designated progressive award starts at a default value equal to $0)
  • the progressive award is awarded to the winning player as described above.
  • the winning player Since the winning player is independently determined before the designated progressive award is hit or determined to be provided to a player, the winning player may be sent a notification or announcement after the designated progressive award reaches $17,500.
  • Such a configuration reduces jackpot fatigue in one sense because a value of the designated progressive award when the winning player is designated (i.e., $17,000) has no bearing on the value of the progressive award provided to the winning player (i.e., $17,500).
  • the gaming system selects the winning player after one or more progressive awards have been hit or awarded.
  • the gaming system disclosed herein stores the designated progressive award until the gaming system designates a player to win that designated progressive award.
  • the designated progressive award reaches the award threshold at a predetermined time prior to a designation of the winning player.
  • the gaming system causes a notification to be sent to players of gaming machines in the gaming system that the designated progressive award may be won shortly, e.g., in the next 15 minutes.
  • such notification may be displayed on an overhead display to inform players and non-players of the gaming devices of the progressive award. This generates great excitement and anticipation amongst the current players and enables non-players to begin playing one of the gaming devices for the progressive award.
  • an advantage of the gaming system disclosed herein is to include a plurality of progressive awards wherein the gaming device provides a player an opportunity to win one, more or each progressive award that the player has contributed to, regardless of whether that player is currently playing one of the gaming machines in the gaming system.
  • Such a configuration provides increased excitement and enjoyment for players because the players are provided a chance to win a plurality of progressive awards regardless of whether those players continue or stop playing at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system and regardless of whether one or more progressive awards are hit.
  • This configuration also encourages players to join a loyalty program or player tracking system.
  • FIG. 1A is a front-side perspective view of one embodiment of the gaming device disclosed herein.
  • FIG. 1B is a front-side perspective view of another embodiment of the gaming device disclosed herein.
  • FIG. 2A is a schematic block diagram of the electronic configuration of one embodiment of the gaming device disclosed herein.
  • FIG. 2B is a schematic block diagram illustrating a plurality of gaming terminals in communication with a central controller.
  • FIG. 3 is a flowchart of one embodiment of the gaming system disclosed herein illustrating an opportunity for one or more players to win a progressive award.
  • FIG. 4 is a flowchart of one embodiment of the gaming system disclosed herein illustrating an opportunity for one or more players to win a progressive award, wherein the progressive award is stored until a winning player for that progressive award is designated.
  • FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a display device of one embodiment of the gaming device disclosed herein illustrating information relating to the gaming system storing one progressive award for a designated period of time.
  • FIG. 6 is a timeline of one embodiment of different and independent triggering events for a progressive award available to be provided to a player in the gaming system.
  • FIG. 7 is a chart of one embodiment of different and independent triggering events for a progressive award available to be provided to a player in the gaming system.
  • FIG. 8 is a chart of one embodiment of different and independent triggering events for a progressive award available to be provided to a player in the gaming system.
  • FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a display device of one embodiment of the gaming device disclosed herein illustrating information relating to the gaming system providing one progressive award within a designated period of time.
  • the present disclosure may be implemented in various configurations for gaming machines or gaming devices, including but not limited to: (1) a dedicated gaming machine or gaming device, wherein the computerized instructions for controlling any games (which are provided by the gaming machine or gaming device) are provided with the gaming machine or gaming device prior to delivery to a gaming establishment; and (2) a changeable gaming machine or gaming device, where the computerized instructions for controlling any games (which are provided by the gaming machine or gaming device) are downloadable to the gaming machine or gaming device through a data network when the gaming machine or gaming device is in a gaming establishment.
  • the computerized instructions for controlling any games are executed by a central server, central controller or remote host.
  • the central server remotely controls any games (or other suitable interfaces) and the gaming device is utilized to display such games (or suitable interfaces) and receive one or more inputs or commands from a player.
  • the computerized instructions for controlling any games are communicated from the central server, central controller or remote host to a gaming device local processor and memory devices.
  • the gaming device local processor executes the communicated computerized instructions to control any games (or other suitable interfaces) provided to a player.
  • one or more gaming devices in a gaming system may be thin client gaming devices and one or more gaming devices in the gaming system may be thick client gaming devices.
  • certain functions of the gaming device are implemented in a thin client environment and certain other functions of the gaming device are implemented in a thick client environment.
  • computerized instructions for controlling any primary games are communicated from the central server to the gaming device in a thick client configuration and computerized instructions for controlling any secondary games or bonus functions are executed by a central server in a thin client configuration.
  • gaming device 10 a and gaming device 10 b are generally referred to herein as gaming device 10 .
  • gaming device 10 has a support structure, housing or cabinet which provides support for a plurality of displays, inputs, controls and other features of a conventional gaming machine. It is configured so that a player can operate it while standing or sitting.
  • the gaming device may be positioned on a base or stand or can be configured as a pub-style table-top game (not shown) which a player can operate preferably while sitting.
  • the gaming device may have varying cabinet and display configurations.
  • the gaming device preferably includes at least one processor 12 , such as a microprocessor, a microcontroller-based platform, a suitable integrated circuit or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC's).
  • the processor is in communication with or operable to access or to exchange signals with at least one data storage or memory device 14 .
  • the processor and the memory device reside within the cabinet of the gaming device.
  • the memory device stores program code and instructions, executable by the processor, to control the gaming device.
  • the memory device also stores other data such as image data, event data, player input data, random or pseudo-random number generators, pay-table data or information and applicable game rules that relate to the play of the gaming device.
  • the memory device includes random access memory (RAM), which can include non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), magnetic RAM (MRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM) and other forms as commonly understood in the gaming industry.
  • RAM random access memory
  • NVRAM non-volatile RAM
  • MRAM magnetic RAM
  • FeRAM ferroelectric RAM
  • the memory device includes read only memory (ROM).
  • ROM read only memory
  • the memory device includes flash memory and/or EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory). Any other suitable magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory may operate in conjunction with the gaming device disclosed herein.
  • part or all of the program code and/or operating data described above can be stored in a detachable or removable memory device, including, but not limited to, a suitable cartridge, disk, CD ROM, DVD or USB memory device.
  • part or all of the program code and/or operating data described above can be downloaded to the memory device through a suitable network.
  • an operator or a player can use such a removable memory device in a desktop computer, a laptop personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), portable computing device, or other computerized platform to implement the present disclosure.
  • the gaming device or gaming machine disclosed herein is operable over a wireless network, such as part of a wireless gaming system.
  • the gaming machine may be a hand held device, a mobile device or any other suitable wireless device that enables a player to play any suitable game at a variety of different locations.
  • a gaming device or gaming machine as disclosed herein may be a device that has obtained approval from a regulatory gaming commission or a device that has not obtained approval from a regulatory gaming commission.
  • the processor and memory device may be collectively referred to herein as a “computer” or “controller.”
  • the gaming device randomly generates awards and/or other game outcomes based on probability data.
  • this random determination is provided through utilization of a random number generator (RNG), such as a true random number generator, a pseudo random number generator or other suitable randomization process.
  • RNG random number generator
  • each award or other game outcome is associated with a probability and the gaming device generates the award or other game outcome to be provided to the player based on the associated probabilities.
  • the gaming device since the gaming device generates outcomes randomly or based upon one or more probability calculations, there is no certainty that the gaming device will ever provide the player with any specific award or other game outcome.
  • the gaming device employs a predetermined or finite set or pool of awards or other game outcomes.
  • the gaming device flags or removes the provided award or other game outcome from the predetermined set or pool. Once flagged or removed from the set or pool, the specific provided award or other game outcome from that specific pool cannot be provided to the player again.
  • This type of gaming device provides players with all of the available awards or other game outcomes over the course of the play cycle and guarantees the amount of actual wins and losses.
  • the gaming device upon a player initiating game play at the gaming device, the gaming device enrolls in a bingo game.
  • a bingo server calls the bingo balls that result in a specific bingo game outcome.
  • the resultant game outcome is communicated to the individual gaming device to be provided to a player.
  • this bingo outcome is displayed to the player as a bingo game and/or in any form in accordance with the present disclosure.
  • the gaming device includes one or more display devices controlled by the processor.
  • the display devices are preferably connected to or mounted to the cabinet of the gaming device.
  • the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A includes a central display device 16 which displays a primary game. This display device may also display any suitable secondary game associated with the primary game as well as information relating to the primary or secondary game.
  • the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 1B includes a central display device 16 and an upper display device 18 .
  • the upper display device may display the primary game, any suitable secondary game associated or not associated with the primary game and/or information relating to the primary or secondary game.
  • These display devices may also serve as digital glass operable to advertise games or other aspects of the gaming establishment. As seen in FIGS.
  • the gaming device includes a credit display 20 which displays a player's current number of credits, cash, account balance or the equivalent.
  • gaming device includes a bet display 22 which displays a player's amount wagered.
  • At least one display device may be a mobile display device, such as a PDA or tablet PC, that enables play of at least a portion of the primary or secondary game at a location remote from the gaming device.
  • a mobile display device such as a PDA or tablet PC
  • the display devices may include, without limitation, a monitor, a television display, a plasma display, a liquid crystal display (LCD) a display based on light emitting diodes (LED), a display based on a plurality of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), a display based on polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs), a display based on a plurality of surface-conduction electron-emitters (SEDs), a display including a projected and/or reflected image or any other suitable electronic device or display mechanism.
  • the display device includes a touch-screen with an associated touch-screen controller.
  • the display devices may be of any suitable size and configuration, such as a square, a rectangle or an elongated rectangle.
  • the display devices of the gaming device are configured to display at least one and preferably a plurality of game or other suitable images, symbols and indicia such as any visual representation or exhibition of the movement of objects such as mechanical, virtual or video reels and wheels, dynamic lighting, video images, images of people, characters, places, things and faces of cards, and the like.
  • the symbols, images and indicia displayed on or of the display device may be in mechanical form. That is, the display device may include any electromechanical device, such as one or more mechanical objects, such as one or more rotatable wheels, reels or dice, configured to display at least one or a plurality of game or other suitable images, symbols or indicia.
  • electromechanical device such as one or more mechanical objects, such as one or more rotatable wheels, reels or dice, configured to display at least one or a plurality of game or other suitable images, symbols or indicia.
  • the gaming device includes at least one payment acceptor 24 in communication with the processor.
  • the payment acceptor may include a coin slot 26 and a payment, note or bill acceptor 28 , where the player inserts money, coins or tokens. The player can place coins in the coin slot or paper money, a ticket or voucher into the payment, note or bill acceptor.
  • devices such as readers or validators for credit cards, debit cards or credit slips may accept payment.
  • a player may insert an identification card into a card reader of the gaming device.
  • the identification card is a smart card having a programmed microchip or a magnetic strip coded with a player's identification, credit totals (or related data) and other relevant information.
  • a player may carry a portable device, such as a cell phone, a radio frequency identification tag or any other suitable wireless device, which communicates a player's identification, credit totals (or related data) and other relevant information to the gaming device.
  • money may be transferred to a gaming device through electronic funds transfer. When a player funds the gaming device, the processor determines the amount of funds entered and displays the corresponding amount on the credit or other suitable display as described above.
  • the gaming device includes at least one and preferably a plurality of input devices 30 in communication with the processor.
  • the input devices can include any suitable device which enables the player to produce an input signal which is received by the processor.
  • the input device is a game activation device, such as a pull arm 32 or a play button 34 which is used by the player to start any primary game or sequence of events in the gaming device.
  • the play button can be any suitable play activator such as a bet one button, a max bet button or a repeat the bet button.
  • the gaming device upon appropriate funding, the gaming device begins the game play automatically. In another embodiment, upon the player engaging one of the play buttons, the gaming device automatically activates game play.
  • one input device is a bet one button 36 .
  • the player places a bet by pushing the bet one button.
  • the player can increase the bet by one credit each time the player pushes the bet one button.
  • the number of credits shown in the credit display preferably decreases by one, and the number of credits shown in the bet display preferably increases by one.
  • one input device is a bet max button (not shown) which enables the player to bet the maximum wager permitted for a game of the gaming device.
  • one input device is a cash out button 38 .
  • the player may push the cash out button and cash out to receive a cash payment or other suitable form of payment corresponding to the number of remaining credits.
  • the player receives the coins or tokens in a coin payout tray 40 .
  • the player may receive other payout mechanisms such as tickets or credit slips redeemable by a cashier (or other suitable redemption system) or funding to the player's electronically recordable identification card.
  • one input device is a touch-screen 42 coupled with a touch-screen controller 44 , or some other touch-sensitive display overlay to allow for player interaction with the images on the display.
  • the touch-screen and the touch-screen controller are connected to a video controller 46 .
  • a player can make decisions and input signals into the gaming device by touching the touch-screen at the appropriate places.
  • One such input device is a conventional touch-screen button panel.
  • the gaming device may further include a plurality of communication ports for enabling communication of the processor with external peripherals, such as external video sources, expansion buses, game or other displays, an SCSI port or a key pad.
  • external peripherals such as external video sources, expansion buses, game or other displays, an SCSI port or a key pad.
  • the gaming device includes a sound generating device controlled by one or more sounds cards 48 which function in conjunction with the processor.
  • the sound generating device includes at least one and preferably a plurality of speakers 50 or other sound generating hardware and/or software for generating sounds, such as playing music for the primary and/or secondary game or for other modes of the gaming device, such as an attract mode.
  • the gaming device provides dynamic sounds coupled with attractive multimedia images displayed on one or more of the display devices to provide an audio-visual representation or to otherwise display full-motion video with sound to attract players to the gaming device.
  • the gaming device may display a sequence of audio and/or visual attraction messages to attract potential players to the gaming device.
  • the videos may also be customized for or to provide any appropriate information.
  • the gaming machine may include a sensor, such as a camera in communication with the processor (and possibly controlled by the processor) that is selectively positioned to acquire an image of a player actively using the gaming device and/or the surrounding area of the gaming device.
  • the camera may be configured to selectively acquire still or moving (e.g., video) images and may be configured to acquire the images in either an analog, digital or other suitable format.
  • the display devices may be configured to display the image acquired by the camera as well as display the visible manifestation of the game in split screen or picture-in-picture fashion.
  • the camera may acquire an image of the player and the processor may incorporate that image into the primary and/or secondary game as a game image, symbol or indicia.
  • Gaming device 10 can incorporate any suitable wagering primary or base game.
  • the gaming machine or device may include some or all of the features of conventional gaming machines or devices.
  • the primary or base game may comprise any suitable reel-type game, card game, cascading or falling symbol game, number game or other game of chance susceptible to representation in an electronic or electromechanical form, which in one embodiment produces a random outcome based on probability data at the time of or after placement of a wager. That is, different primary wagering games, such as video poker games, video blackjack games, video keno, video bingo or any other suitable primary or base game may be implemented.
  • a base or primary game may be a slot game with one or more paylines 52 .
  • the paylines may be horizontal, vertical, circular, diagonal, angled or any combination thereof.
  • the gaming device includes at least one and preferably a plurality of reels 54 , such as three to five reels 54 , in either electromechanical form with mechanical rotating reels or video form with simulated reels and movement thereof.
  • an electromechanical slot machine includes a plurality of adjacent, rotatable reels which may be combined and operably coupled with an electronic display of any suitable type.
  • reels 54 are in video form, one or more of the display devices, as described above, display the plurality of simulated video reels 54 .
  • Each reel 54 displays a plurality of indicia or symbols, such as bells, hearts, fruits, numbers, letters, bars or other images which preferably correspond to a theme associated with the gaming device.
  • one or more reels are independent reels or unisymbol reels. In this embodiment, each independent or unisymbol reel generates and displays one symbol to the player.
  • the gaming device awards prizes after the reels of the primary game stop spinning if specified types and/or configurations of indicia or symbols occur on an active payline or otherwise occur in a winning pattern, occur on the requisite number of adjacent reels and/or occur in a scatter pay arrangement.
  • the gaming device determines any outcome to provide to the player based on the number of associated symbols which are generated in active symbol positions on the requisite number of adjacent reels (i.e., not on paylines passing through any displayed winning symbol combinations). In this embodiment, if a winning symbol combination is generated on the reels, the gaming device provides the player one award for that occurrence of the generated winning symbol combination. For example, if one winning symbol combination is generated on the reels, the gaming device will provide a single award to the player for that winning symbol combination (i.e., not based on the number of paylines that would have passed through that winning symbol combination).
  • a gaming device with wagering on ways to win provides the player one award for a single occurrence of a winning symbol combination and a gaming device with paylines may provide the player more than one award for the same occurrence of a single winning symbol combination (i.e., if a plurality of paylines each pass through the same winning symbol combination), it is possible to provide a player at a ways to win gaming device with more ways to win for an equivalent bet or wager on a traditional slot gaming device with paylines.
  • the total number of ways to win is determined by multiplying the number of symbols generated in active symbol positions on a first reel by the number of symbols generated in active symbol positions on a second reel by the number of symbols generated in active symbol positions on a third reel and so on for each reel of the gaming device with at least one symbol generated in an active symbol position.
  • a three reel gaming device with three symbols generated in active symbol positions on each reel includes 27 ways to win (i.e., 3 symbols on the first reel ⁇ 3 symbols on the second reel ⁇ 3 symbols on the third reel).
  • a four reel gaming device with three symbols generated in active symbol positions on each reel includes 81 ways to win (i.e., 3 symbols on the first reel ⁇ 3 symbols on the second reel ⁇ 3 symbols on the third reel ⁇ 3 symbols on the fourth reel).
  • a five reel gaming device with three symbols generated in active symbol positions on each reel includes 243 ways to win (i.e., 3 symbols on the first reel ⁇ 3 symbols on the second reel ⁇ 3 symbols on the third reel ⁇ 3 symbols on the fourth reel ⁇ 3 symbols on the fifth reel). It should be appreciated that modifying the number of generated symbols by either modifying the number of reels or modifying the number of symbols generated in active symbol positions by one or more of the reels, modifies the number of ways to win.
  • the gaming device enables a player to wager on and thus activate symbol positions.
  • the symbol positions are on the reels.
  • a reel is activated, then each of the symbol positions of that reel will be activated and each of the active symbol positions will be part of one or more of the ways to win.
  • a designated number of default symbol positions such as a single symbol position of the middle row of the reel, will be activated and the default symbol position(s) will be part of one or more of the ways to win.
  • This type of gaming machine enables a player to wager on one, more or each of the reels and the processor of the gaming device uses the number of wagered on reels to determine the active symbol positions and the number of possible ways to win.
  • a player's wager of one credit may activate each of the three symbol positions on a first reel, wherein one default symbol position is activated on each of the remaining four reels.
  • the gaming device provides the player three ways to win (i.e., 3 symbols on the first reel ⁇ 1 symbol on the second reel ⁇ 1 symbol on the third reel ⁇ 1 symbol on the fourth reel ⁇ 1 symbol on the fifth reel).
  • a player's wager of nine credits may activate each of the three symbol positions on a first reel, each of the three symbol positions on a second reel and each of the three symbol positions on a third reel wherein one default symbol position is activated on each of the remaining two reels.
  • the gaming device provides the player twenty-seven ways to win (i.e., 3 symbols on the first reel ⁇ 3 symbols on the second reel ⁇ 3 symbols on the third reel ⁇ 1 symbol on the fourth reel ⁇ 1 symbol on the fifth reel).
  • the gaming device individually determines if a symbol generated in an active symbol position on a first reel forms part of a winning symbol combination with or is otherwise suitably related to a symbol generated in an active symbol position on a second reel.
  • the gaming device classifies each pair of symbols which form part of a winning symbol combination (i.e., each pair of related symbols) as a string of related symbols. For example, if active symbol positions include a first cherry symbol generated in the top row of a first reel and a second cherry symbol generated in the bottom row of a second reel, the gaming device classifies the two cherry symbols as a string of related symbols because the two cherry symbols form part of a winning symbol combination.
  • the gaming device determines if any of the symbols from the next adjacent reel should be added to any of the formed strings of related symbols. In this embodiment, for a first of the classified strings of related symbols, the gaming device determines if any of the symbols generated by the next adjacent reel form part of a winning symbol combination or are otherwise related to the symbols of the first string of related symbols. If the gaming device determines that a symbol generated on the next adjacent reel is related to the symbols of the first string of related symbols, that symbol is subsequently added to the first string of related symbols. For example, if the first string of related symbols is the string of related cherry symbols and a related cherry symbol is generated in the middle row of the third reel, the gaming device adds the related cherry symbol generated on the third reel to the previously classified string of cherry symbols.
  • the gaming device determines that no symbols generated on the next adjacent reel are related to the symbols of the first string of related symbols, the gaming device marks or flags such string of related symbols as complete. For example, if the first string of related symbols is the string of related cherry symbols and none of the symbols of the third reel are related to the cherry symbols of the previously classified string of cherry symbols, the gaming device marks or flags the string of cherry symbols as complete.
  • the gaming device After either adding a related symbol to the first string of related symbols or marking the first string of related symbols as complete, the gaming device proceeds as described above for each of the remaining classified strings of related symbols which were previously classified or formed from related symbols on the first and second reels.
  • the gaming device After analyzing each of the remaining strings of related symbols, the gaming device determines, for each remaining pending or incomplete string of related symbols, if any of the symbols from the next adjacent reel, if any, should be added to any of the previously classified strings of related symbols. This process continues until either each string of related symbols is complete or there are no more adjacent reels of symbols to analyze. In this embodiment, where there are no more adjacent reels of symbols to analyze, the gaming device marks each of the remaining pending strings of related symbols as complete.
  • the gaming device compares each of the strings of related symbols to an appropriate paytable and provides the player any award associated with each of the completed strings of symbols. It should be appreciated that the player is provided one award, if any, for each string of related symbols generated in active symbol positions (i.e., as opposed to being based on how many paylines that would have passed through each of the strings of related symbols in active symbol positions).
  • a base or primary game may be a poker game wherein the gaming device enables the player to play a conventional game of video draw poker and initially deals five cards all face up from a virtual deck of fifty-two card deck. Cards may be dealt as in a traditional game of cards or in the case of the gaming device, may also include that the cards are randomly selected from a predetermined number of cards. If the player wishes to draw, the player selects the cards to hold via one or more input device, such as pressing related hold buttons or via the touch screen. The player then presses the deal button and the unwanted or discarded cards are removed from the display and the gaming machine deals the replacement cards from the remaining cards in the deck. This results in a final five-card hand. The gaming device compares the final five-card hand to a payout table which utilizes conventional poker hand rankings to determine the winning hands. The gaming device provides the player with an award based on a winning hand and the credits the player wagered.
  • the base or primary game may be a multi-hand version of video poker.
  • the gaming device deals the player at least two hands of cards.
  • the cards are the same cards.
  • each hand of cards is associated with its own deck of cards. The player chooses the cards to hold in a primary hand. The held cards in the primary hand are also held in the other hands of cards. The remaining non-held cards are removed from each hand displayed and for each hand replacement cards are randomly dealt into that hand. Since the replacement cards are randomly dealt independently for each hand, the replacement cards for each hand will usually be different.
  • the poker hand rankings are then determined hand by hand and awards are provided to the player.
  • a base or primary game may be a keno game wherein the gaming device displays a plurality of selectable indicia or numbers on at least one of the display devices.
  • the player selects at least one or a plurality of the selectable indicia or numbers via an input device such as the touch screen.
  • the gaming device displays a series of drawn numbers to determine an amount of matches, if any, between the player's selected numbers and the gaming device's drawn numbers.
  • the player is provided an award based on the amount of matches, if any, based on the amount of determined matches.
  • the gaming device may also give players the opportunity to win credits in a bonus or secondary game or bonus or secondary round.
  • the bonus or secondary game enables the player to obtain a prize or payout in addition to the prize or payout, if any, obtained from the base or primary game.
  • a bonus or secondary game produces a significantly higher level of player excitement than the base or primary game because it provides a greater expectation of winning than the base or primary game and is accompanied with more attractive or unusual features than the base or primary game.
  • the bonus or secondary game may be any type of suitable game, either similar to or completely different from the base or primary game.
  • the triggering event or qualifying condition may be a selected outcome in the primary game or a particular arrangement of one or more indicia on a display device in the primary game, such as the number seven appearing on three adjacent reels along a payline in the primary slot game embodiment seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B .
  • the triggering event or qualifying condition may be by exceeding a certain amount of game play (such as number of games, number of credits, amount of time), or reaching a specified number of points earned during game play.
  • the gaming device processor 12 or central server 56 randomly provides the player one or more plays of one or more secondary games.
  • the gaming device does not provide any apparent reasons to the player for qualifying to play a secondary or bonus game.
  • qualifying for a bonus game is not triggered by an event in or based specifically on any of the plays of any primary game. That is, the gaming device may simply qualify a player to play a secondary game without any explanation or alternatively with simple explanations.
  • the gaming device (or central server) qualifies a player for a secondary game at least partially based on a game triggered or symbol triggered event, such as at least partially based on the play of a primary game.
  • the gaming device includes a program which will automatically begin a bonus round after the player has achieved a triggering event or qualifying condition in the base or primary game.
  • the player may subsequently enhance his/her bonus game participation through continued play on the base or primary game.
  • a bonus qualifying event such as a bonus symbol
  • a given number of bonus game wagering points or credits may be accumulated in a “bonus meter” programmed to accrue the bonus wagering credits or entries toward eventual participation in a bonus game.
  • the occurrence of multiple such bonus qualifying events in the primary game may result in an arithmetic or exponential increase in the number of bonus wagering credits awarded.
  • the player may redeem extra bonus wagering credits during the bonus game to extend play of the bonus game.
  • no separate entry fee or buy in for a bonus game need be employed. That is, a player may not purchase an entry into a bonus game, rather they must win or earn entry through play of the primary game thus, encouraging play of the primary game.
  • qualification of the bonus or secondary game is accomplished through a simple “buy in” by the player, for example, if the player has been unsuccessful at qualifying through other specified activities.
  • the player must make a separate side-wager on the bonus game or wager a designated amount in the primary game to qualify for the secondary game.
  • the secondary game triggering event must occur and the side-wager (or designated primary game wager amount) must have been placed to trigger the secondary game.
  • one or more of the gaming devices 10 are in communication with each other and/or at least one central server, central controller or remote host 56 through a data network or remote communication link 58 .
  • the central server, central controller or remote host is any suitable server or computing device which includes at least one processor and at least one memory or storage device.
  • the central server is a progressive controller or a processor of one of the gaming devices in the gaming system.
  • the processor of each gaming device is designed to transmit and receive events, messages, commands or any other suitable data or signal between the individual gaming device and the central server.
  • the gaming device processor is operable to execute such communicated events, messages or commands in conjunction with the operation of the gaming device.
  • the processor of the central server is designed to transmit and receive events, messages, commands or any other suitable data or signal between the central server and each of the individual gaming devices.
  • the central server processor is operable to execute such communicated events, messages or commands in conjunction with the operation of the central server. It should be appreciated that one, more or each of the functions of the central controller as disclosed herein may be performed by one or more gaming device processors. It should be further appreciated that one, more or each of the functions of one or more gaming device processors as disclosed herein may be performed by the central controller.
  • the game outcome provided to the player is determined by a central server or controller and provided to the player at the gaming device.
  • each of a plurality of such gaming devices are in communication with the central server or controller.
  • the initiated gaming device communicates a game outcome request to the central server or controller.
  • the central server or controller receives the game outcome request and randomly generates a game outcome for the primary game based on probability data. In another embodiment, the central server or controller randomly generates a game outcome for the secondary game based on probability data. In another embodiment, the central server or controller randomly generates a game outcome for both the primary game and the secondary game based on probability data. In this embodiment, the central server or controller is capable of storing and utilizing program code or other data similar to the processor and memory device of the gaming device.
  • the central server or controller maintains one or more predetermined pools or sets of predetermined game outcomes.
  • the central server or controller receives the game outcome request and independently selects a predetermined game outcome from a set or pool of game outcomes.
  • the central server or controller flags or marks the selected game outcome as used. Once a game outcome is flagged as used, it is prevented from further selection from the set or pool and cannot be selected by the central controller or server upon another wager.
  • the provided game outcome can include a primary game outcome, a secondary game outcome, primary and secondary game outcomes, or a series of game outcomes such as free games.
  • the central server or controller communicates the generated or selected game outcome to the initiated gaming device.
  • the gaming device receives the generated or selected game outcome and provides the game outcome to the player.
  • how the generated or selected game outcome is to be presented or displayed to the player is also determined by the central server or controller and communicated to the initiated gaming device to be presented or displayed to the player.
  • Central production or control can assist a gaming establishment or other entity in maintaining appropriate records, controlling gaming, reducing and preventing cheating or electronic or other errors, reducing or eliminating win-loss volatility and the like.
  • a predetermined game outcome value is determined for each of a plurality of linked or networked gaming devices based on the results of a bingo or keno game.
  • each individual gaming device utilizes one or more bingo or keno games to determine the predetermined game outcome value provided to the player for the interactive game played at that gaming device.
  • the bingo or keno game is displayed to the player.
  • the bingo or keno game is not displayed to the player, but the results of the bingo or keno game determine the predetermined game outcome value for the primary or secondary game.
  • each gaming device is enrolled in the bingo game, such as upon an appropriate wager or engaging an input device, the enrolled gaming device is provided or associated with a different bingo card.
  • Each bingo card consists of a matrix or array of elements, wherein each element is designated with a separate indicia, such as a number. It should be appreciated that each different bingo card includes a different combination of elements. For example, if four bingo cards are provided to four enrolled gaming devices, the same element may be present on all four of the bingo cards while another element may solely be present on one of the bingo cards.
  • the central controller randomly selects or draws, one at a time, a plurality of the elements. As each element is selected, a determination is made for each gaming device as to whether the selected element is present on the bingo card provided to that enrolled gaming device. This determination can be made by the central controller, the gaming device, a combination of the two, or in any other suitable manner. If the selected element is present on the bingo card provided to that enrolled gaming device, that selected element on the provided bingo card is marked or flagged. This process of selecting elements and marking any selected elements on the provided bingo cards continues until one or more predetermined patterns are marked on one or more of the provided bingo cards. It should be appreciated that in one embodiment, the gaming device requires the player to engage a daub button (not shown) to initiate the process of the gaming device marking or flagging any selected elements.
  • a game outcome is determined for each of the enrolled gaming devices based, at least in part, on the selected elements on the provided bingo cards.
  • the game outcome determined for each gaming device enrolled in the bingo game is utilized by that gaming device to determine the predetermined game outcome provided to the player. For example, a first gaming device to have selected elements marked in a predetermined pattern is provided a first outcome of win $10 which will be provided to a first player regardless of how the first player plays in a first game and a second gaming device to have selected elements marked in a different predetermined pattern is provided a second outcome of win $2 which will be provided to a second player regardless of how the second player plays a second game.
  • this embodiment ensures that at least one bingo card will win the bingo game and thus at least one enrolled gaming device will provide a predetermined winning game outcome to a player. It should be appreciated that other suitable methods for selecting or determining one or more predetermined game outcomes may be employed.
  • the predetermined game outcome may be based on a supplemental award in addition to any award provided for winning the bingo game as described above.
  • a supplemental or intermittent award or value associated with the marked supplemental pattern is provided to the player as part of the predetermined game outcome. For example, if the four corners of a bingo card are marked within the first twenty selected elements, a supplemental award of $10 is provided to the player as part of the predetermined game outcome.
  • the player of a gaming device may be provided a supplemental or intermittent award regardless of if the enrolled gaming device's provided bingo card wins or does not win the bingo game as described above.
  • one or more of the gaming devices are in communication with a central server or controller for monitoring purposes only. That is, each individual gaming device randomly generates the game outcomes to be provided to the player and the central server or controller monitors the activities and events occurring on the plurality of gaming devices.
  • the gaming network includes a real-time or on-line accounting and gaming information system operably coupled to the central server or controller.
  • the accounting and gaming information system of this embodiment includes a player database for storing player profiles, a player tracking module for tracking players and a credit system for providing automated casino transactions.
  • the gaming device disclosed herein is associated with or otherwise integrated with one or more player tracking systems.
  • the gaming device and/or player tracking system tracks any players gaming activity at the gaming device.
  • the gaming device and/or associated player tracking system timely tracks when a player inserts their playing tracking card to begin a gaming session and also timely tracks when a player removes their player tracking card when concluding play for that gaming session.
  • the gaming device utilizes one or more portable devices carried by a player, such as a cell phone, a radio frequency identification tag or any other suitable wireless device to track when a player begins and ends a gaming session.
  • the gaming device utilizes any suitable biometric technology or ticket technology to track when a player begins and ends a gaming session.
  • the gaming device and/or player tracking system tracks any suitable information, such as any amounts wagered, average wager amounts and/or the time these wagers are placed.
  • the player tracking system includes the player's account number, the player's card number, the player's first name, the player's surname, the player's preferred name, the player's player tracking ranking, any promotion status associated with the player's player tracking card, the player's address, the player's birthday, the player's anniversary, the player's recent gaming sessions, or any other suitable data.
  • a plurality of the gaming devices are capable of being connected together through a data network.
  • the data network is a local area network (LAN), in which one or more of the gaming devices are substantially proximate to each other and an on-site central server or controller as in, for example, a gaming establishment or a portion of a gaming establishment.
  • the data network is a wide area network (WAN) in which one or more of the gaming devices are in communication with at least one off-site central server or controller.
  • the plurality of gaming devices may be located in a different part of the gaming establishment or within a different gaming establishment than the off-site central server or controller.
  • the WAN may include an off-site central server or controller and an off-site gaming device located within gaming establishments in the same geographic area, such as a city or state.
  • the WAN gaming system may be substantially identical to the LAN gaming system described above, although the number of gaming devices in each system may vary relative to each other.
  • the data network is an internet or intranet.
  • the operation of the gaming device can be viewed at the gaming device with at least one internet browser.
  • operation of the gaming device and accumulation of credits may be accomplished with only a connection to the central server or controller (the internet/intranet server) through a conventional phone or other data transmission line, digital subscriber line (DSL), T-1 line, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, or other suitable connection.
  • DSL digital subscriber line
  • T-1 line coaxial cable
  • fiber optic cable or other suitable connection.
  • players may access an internet game page from any location where an internet connection and computer, or other internet facilitator is available.
  • the expansion in the number of computers and number and speed of internet connections in recent years increases opportunities for players to play from an ever-increasing number of remote sites. It should be appreciated that enhanced bandwidth of digital wireless communications may render such technology suitable for some or all communications, particularly if such communications are encrypted. Higher data transmission speeds may be useful for enhancing the sophistication and response of the display and interaction with the player.
  • the present disclosure may be employed in a server based gaming system.
  • one or more gaming devices are in communication with a central server or controller.
  • the central server or controller may be any suitable server or computing device which includes at least one processor and a memory or storage device.
  • the central server is a progressive controller or another gaming machine in the gaming system.
  • the memory device of the central server stores different game programs and instructions, executable by a gaming device processor, to control the gaming device.
  • Each executable game program represents a different game or type of game which may be played on one or more of the gaming devices in the gaming system.
  • Such different games may include the same or substantially the same game play with different pay tables.
  • the executable game program is for a primary game, a secondary game or both.
  • the game program may be executable as a secondary game to be played simultaneous with the play of a primary game (which may be downloaded to or fixed on the gaming device) or vice versa.
  • each gaming device at least includes one or more display devices and/or one or more input devices for interaction with a player.
  • a local processor such as the above-described gaming device processor or a processor of a local server, is operable with the display device(s) and/or the input device(s) of one or more of the gaming devices.
  • the central controller is operable to communicate one or more of the stored game programs to at least one local processor.
  • the stored game programs are communicated or delivered by embedding the communicated game program in a device or a component (e.g., a microchip to be inserted in a gaming device), writing the game program on a disc or other media, downloading or streaming the game program over a dedicated data network, internet or a telephone line.
  • the local processor executes the communicated program to facilitate play of the communicated program by a player through the display device(s) and/or input device(s) of the gaming device. That is, when a game program is communicated to a local processor, the local processor changes the game or type of game played at the gaming device.
  • a plurality of players at a plurality of linked gaming devices in a gaming system participate in a group gaming environment.
  • a plurality of players at a plurality of linked gaming devices work in conjunction with one another, such as playing together as a team or group, to win one or more awards.
  • any award won by the group is shared, either equally or based on any suitable criteria, amongst the different players of the group.
  • a plurality of players at a plurality of linked gaming devices compete against one another for one or more awards.
  • a plurality of players at a plurality of linked gaming devices participate in a gaming tournament for one or more awards.
  • a plurality of players at a plurality of linked gaming devices play for one or more awards wherein an outcome generated by one gaming device affects the outcomes generated by one or more linked gaming devices.
  • one or more of the gaming devices disclosed herein are in communication with or linked to a central server or controller to form a gaming system.
  • the gaming system includes a plurality of linked gaming machines wherein one of the gaming machines functions as the central server or controller.
  • one, more or each of the progressive awards are maintained by the central controller of the gaming system.
  • the central controller enables a player at any gaming device in the gaming system to contribute coin-in or a portion of each wager to one or more of the progressive awards maintained by the central controller.
  • the winning player and the amount of the progressive award are based, at least in part, on the player's contribution. That is, the gaming system selects a winning player independently from the amount of the progressive award provided to the winning player.
  • a master host site computer is coupled to a plurality of the central servers at a variety of mutually remote gaming sites for providing a multi-site linked progressive automated gaming system.
  • a master host site computer may serve gaming devices distributed throughout a number of properties at different geographical locations including, for example, different locations within a city or different cities within a state.
  • the master host site computer is maintained for the overall operation and control of the system.
  • a master host site computer oversees all or part of the progressive gaming system and is the master for computing all or part of the progressive jackpots. All participating gaming sites report to, and receive information from, the master host site computer.
  • Each central server computer is responsible for all data communication between the gaming device hardware and software and the master host site computer.
  • one or more of the progressive awards start at different levels such as $10, $100, $1000 and $10,000 and increment or increase until provided to a player.
  • the progressive awards accumulate based on a small percentage (such as 1%) of coin-in or wagered amounts in a conventional manner.
  • the percentage that goes to each progressive award is equal (such as 1% to each of four progressive awards). At this accrual rate, player wagers totaling $100,000 are required for the progressive to reach $1000 (e.g., if each coin is one dollar and the start up value of the progressive award is $0).
  • a player who wagers $10,000 at one of the gaming machines contributes or funds $100 to the progressive award and a player who wagers $5,000 at one of the gaming machines contributes or funds $500 to the progressive award. At least a fraction of this amount may be funded by the casino by using a starting value higher than zero to make the progressive awards attractive even after they are reset. In other embodiments, two or more of the progressive awards may be funded by different percentages. In these embodiments, the central server and/or individual gaming device processor continues to increase the progressive levels until a progressive award is provided to a player (upon the occurrence of a progressive award triggering event), at which point the progressive is reset and another progressive award starts incrementing from the appropriate default progressive award level.
  • two or more of the progressive awards may be funded at different temporal rates.
  • the different progressive awards are incremented or funded in different increments of time wherein until the progressive hits, a set amount is added to the progressive at each determined time increment.
  • two or more of the progressive awards may each be incremented or funded based on different incrementing factors or incrementors.
  • a first of the progressive awards may increment each time a first incrementing factor occurs and a second of the progressive awards may increment each time a second incrementing factor occurs, wherein the first incrementing factor and the second incrementing factor are different.
  • incrementing factors could be a symbol-driven trigger in the base game, the occurrence of one or more events in a bonus game, the player betting a maximum amount, a percentage of possible gaming machines being actively played or in active status, or any other suitable method for defining an incrementor.
  • one or more of the progressive awards are each funded via a side bet or side wager.
  • a player must place or wager a side bet to be eligible to win the progressive award associated with the side bet.
  • the player must place the maximum bet and the side bet to be eligible to win one of the progressive awards.
  • the player may wager at any credit amount on any payline (i.e., the player need not place the maximum bet and the side bet to be eligible to win one of the progressive awards).
  • the greater the player's wager in addition to the placed side bet), the greater the odds or probability that the player will win one of the progressive awards.
  • one or more of the progressive awards may each be funded, at least in part, based on the wagers placed on the primary games of the gaming machines in the gaming system, via a gaming establishment or via any suitable manner.
  • one or more of the progressive awards are partially funded via a side-bet or side-wager which the player may make (and which may be tracked via a side-bet meter). In one embodiment, one or more of the progressive awards are funded with only side-bets or side-wagers placed. In another embodiment, one or more of the progressive awards are funded based on player's wagers as described above as well as any side-bets or side-wagers placed.
  • a minimum wager level is required for a gaming machine or a player to qualify to be selected to obtain one of the progressive awards.
  • this minimum wager level is the maximum wager level for the primary game in the gaming machine.
  • this minimum wager level is placing a wager on all available paylines in a slot primary game or alternatively placing a wager on all available poker hands in a multi-hand poker primary game.
  • no minimum wager level is required for a gaming machine or a player to qualify to be selected to obtain one of the progressive awards.
  • one or more progressive awards are funded, at least partially, via an amount provided by one or more marketing and/or advertising departments, such as a casino's marketing department.
  • a progressive award increments to the amount of money provided by the marketing or advertising department (or any other designated amount)
  • the progressive award is triggered and provided to one or more players.
  • a plurality of gaming machines at one or more gaming sites are networked to the central server in a progressive configuration, wherein a portion of each wager placed is allocated to one or more progressive awards.
  • this progressive configuration enables the gaming system to provide one or more players with an opportunity to win a progressive award.
  • the progressive awards are associated with the gaming machines in the gaming system which each contribute portions of the progressive awards. In one such embodiment, as players of the gaming machines play for one or more of the progressive awards, a portion of each player's wager contributes to an accumulated value of a designated progressive award.
  • each player who contributed to the designated progressive award is eligible to win that designated progressive award regardless of whether the player is playing for that designated progressive award (e.g., the player switched gaming machines with different progressive awards) or has stopped playing at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system (e.g., the player left the casino or gaming establishment).
  • the players currently playing at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system when the designated progressive award hits (i.e., is triggered) or players who have played at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system during a designated time period may be eligible to win the designated progressive award.
  • a progressive award valued at $10,000 may be maintained by the gaming system and provided to one or more designated players.
  • Player A plays at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system and contributes $20.00 coin-in to the progressive award before stopping play.
  • Player B plays at another of the gaming machines in the gaming system and contributes $5.00 coin-in to the progressive award.
  • Player B continues to play for the progressive award.
  • both Player A and Player B are eligible to win the progressive award value of $10,000.
  • the amount of coin-in contributed to a designated progressive award by a given player is limited or capped. For example, a player is only able to contribute a predetermined maximum amount or percentage of a designated progressive award. In one embodiment, after a player contributes the maximum amount or percentage, any coin-in contributed to the designated progressive award is applied to a different designated progressive award (e.g., a designated progressive award at a subsequent time). Such a configuration enables a player to qualify for a plurality of progressive awards at the same time (e.g., during a single gaming session). It should be appreciated that once a player contributes the maximum amount or percentage to a designated progressive award, that player may qualify for one or more available progressive awards or one or more future progressive awards with subsequent coin-in.
  • eligibility conditions are used to determine whether the player qualifies for one of the progressive awards.
  • the eligibility conditions may supplement or replace the condition that the player currently plays at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system.
  • a side-bet and a minimum wager level constitute different eligibility conditions for a player to qualify to be selected to obtain one of the progressive awards.
  • different eligibility conditions are predetermined, randomly determined, determined or weighted based on the player's wager, determined or weighted based on the status of one or more players (such as determined through a player tracking system), determined based on time, or determined based on any other suitable parameter or function.
  • the gaming system keeps track of and stores the coin-in of all players who have contributed to each designated progressive award.
  • the gaming system selects the winning player based on the stored coin-in of current and past players. That is, the gaming system selects a winning player from a group including each player who contributed to the progressive award regardless of when that contribution was made. This encourages players to join a loyalty program and/or a player tracking system to remain eligible to win one or more progressive awards regardless of whether the players are currently playing at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system.
  • the winning player is selected based on the coin-in for players currently playing at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system.
  • the winning player is selected based on the coin-in for current players in addition to the coin in for past players. For example, all current players and a number of past players (e.g., which may be selected based on player status as determined through a suitable player tracking system or some other suitable factor) may be eligible to be selected as the winning player.
  • a player's eligibility is determined based, at least in part, on whether the player is registered with or identified by the gaming system.
  • Players may register with the gaming system at any of the gaming machines in the gaming system or at a remote location, such as at an electronic kiosk.
  • Players enter identifying information, such as the player's name and address, and a suitable security code, such as a PIN number, via an input device associated with the gaming machine or kiosk.
  • identifying information may be stored in a module of a suitable player tracking system or may be stored in any suitable storage device in communication with the central controller.
  • that player becomes eligible to win one of the progressive awards in the gaming system.
  • the gaming system provides a game, such as a primary game, on each of a plurality of gaming machines.
  • the games are operable upon a wager placed by at least one player.
  • the central controller maintains a progressive award, such as an accumulated value progressive award.
  • the central controller determines which player to provide with the progressive award. This determination is based on a first value of the progressive award. For example, the central controller determines the winning player of the progressive award when the progressive award reaches a first predetermined or qualifying value, such as a player threshold value. In this embodiment, the central controller subsequently determines when to provide the progressive award to the winning player regardless of whether the winning player is currently playing one of the games of one of the gaming machines. This determination is based on a second value of the progressive award.
  • the central controller determines to provide the designated progressive award to the winning player when the progressive award reaches a second predetermined or qualifying value, such as an award threshold value.
  • a second predetermined or qualifying value such as an award threshold value.
  • the central controller also provides a secondary or bonus award to the player responsible for (i.e., who placed the wager that caused) the progressive award reaching the player threshold value and/or the award threshold value).
  • the determination of when to provide the designated progressive award occurs prior to the determination of which player to provide with the designated progressive award.
  • the designated progressive award is stored or escrowed until the winning player is determined.
  • the gaming system displays information regarding the stored or escrowed progressive award. This information may be displayed in audio, text or video format to inform the player that the stored or escrowed progressive award will be provided shortly, the amount of the progressive award available to be won by the player or any other suitable information.
  • each progressive award of the gaming system is an accumulated value progressive award funded by a designated portion of each wager from each player.
  • a first triggering event i.e., a player triggering event
  • a second triggering event i.e., an award triggering event
  • the accumulated value progressive award is provided to a winning player designated via the first triggering event (e.g., the generation of a first designated amount of coin-in) when the second, different triggering event (e.g., the generation of a second designated amount of coin-in) occurs.
  • the second triggering event determines the value of the designated progressive award. That is, the value determined by the second triggering event constitutes the progressive award provided to the designated player determined by the first triggering event.
  • a player is designated as the winning player when that player's coin-in causes the accumulated value progressive award to increment to a first predetermined progressive hit value, such as a progressive hit value of $72.60.
  • This first progressive hit value corresponds to the player threshold value. For example, on a $1 wager with 1% allocated to the accumulated value progressive award, the 7,260 th coin wagered (if the progressive award starts at a default value equal to $0) results in the accumulated value progressive award reaching the player threshold value (and thus designating that player as the winning player). Accordingly, the player triggering event occurs when the 7,260 th coin is wagered.
  • the accumulated progressive award is provided to the designated winning player when any player's coin-in causes the accumulated value progressive award to increment to a second predetermined progressive hit value, such as a progressive hit value of $92.13.
  • This second progressive hit value corresponds to the award threshold value. For example, on a $1 wager with 1% allocated to the accumulated value progressive award, the 9,213 th coin wagered (if the progressive award starts at a default value equal to $0) results in the accumulated value progressive award reaching the award threshold value (and thus providing the accumulated value progressive award to the designated winning player). Accordingly, the award triggering event occurs when the 9,213 th coin is wagered and the designated winning player is provided with the accumulated value progressive award. In this embodiment, the accumulated value progressive award is valued at $92.13.
  • the coin-in is determined in any suitable manner, such as by calculating which coin-in will cause the player threshold and award threshold values to change to $72.60 or $92.13, respectively, by monitoring the coin-in versus the progressive award value or by calculating the coin-in value in advance based on the wagers, the player threshold and award threshold values, and the percentage of the wagers allocated to the progressive award.
  • the central controller keeps track of the play on each gaming machine including at least the amount wagered by the player(s) for each play of the primary game for each gaming machine (i.e., via a total or partial coin-in or wager meter which tracks the total or partial coin-in wagers placed on all of the primary games for all of the gaming machines in the gaming system).
  • the central controller is operable with a suitable player tracking system to keep track of the play of each player at gaming machines in the gaming system including at least the amount wagered for each player for each play of the primary game.
  • a second, subsequent progressive award is started.
  • players playing at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system are more likely to win the second, subsequent progressive award than players who are no longer playing at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system.
  • players who contributed coin-in to the first progressive award are more likely to win the second, subsequent progressive award than players who did not contribute coin-in to the first designated progressive award. (i.e., players who started contributing to the second progressive award after the first progressive award was hit or provided).
  • the central controller counts each coin wagered by each player as 1 coin for the first progressive award.
  • the central controller counts each coin wagered by each player who played for the first progressive award as 2 coins and counts each coin wagered by each player who did not play for the first progressive award as 1 coin.
  • players who contribute more coin-in are more likely to win the designated progressive award than players who contribute less coin-in.
  • Counting each coin as 1 coin, 2 coins or any other suitable number of coins affects each player's chance to win the designated progressive award. Accordingly, players are rewarded or credited for more coin-in when those players play for a number of progressive awards. In one embodiment, the players are required to play for consecutive progressive awards to have their coin-in counted in this manner.
  • a point system could be used wherein players receive one point for the first progressive award and two points for the second progressive award instead of receiving credit for one coin and two coins, respectively, as described above.
  • the points correspond to coin-in so that players who have a high number of points have a greater chance to win the progressive award than players who have lower numbers of points.
  • the central controller counts each coin wagered by each player as 5 coins for their first progressive award.
  • the central controller counts each coin wagered by those players as 4 coins and counts each coin wagered by each player who is playing for their first progressive award as 5 coins.
  • players who contribute more coin-in are more likely to win the designated progressive award than players who contribute less coin-in.
  • the central controller entices new players to play for the progressive award by increasing those players' chance to win one of the progressive awards (e.g., by weighting their coin-in greater than the coin-in of existing players). Counting each coin as 1 coin, 2 coins or any other suitable number of coins affects each player's chance to win the designated progressive award.
  • new players are rewarded or credited for more coin-in during when playing for their first progressive award.
  • the central controller may weight the coin-in for any existing players (e.g., those who have played for at least one progressive award) but may do so at a lower level than new players. Accordingly, in this embodiment, new players for a designated progressive award (e.g., those players who have not played for another progressive award) have a greater chance of winning than existing players when their coin-in is counted or weighted in this manner.
  • the central controller weights each coin of coin-in wagered by each player. By weighting the coin-in, the central controller can reward players who play for a number of progressive awards (e.g., by increasing those players' chance to win one of the progressive awards) or the central controller can entice new players to play for the progressive award (e.g., by increasing those players' chance to win one of the progressive awards).
  • the gaming system chooses an appropriate coin-in hit value associated with the player threshold value and the award threshold value in any suitable manner. For example, the system randomly chooses the coin-in values, chooses the coin-in values based on a weighted parameter, chooses the coin-in values based upon a determined subset range, or chooses the coin-in values based on any other suitable manner.
  • the player threshold value and the award threshold value are based on time or some other metric or parameter other than coin-in. For example, the player triggering event occurs at 9:00 pm on a certain day and the award triggering event occurs at 9:15 pm on that day.
  • FIG. 3 A flowchart of an example process 200 for providing one or more players with an opportunity to win one or more progressive awards is illustrated in FIG. 3 .
  • the process 200 is embodied in one or more software programs storable in one or more memories and executable by one or more processors.
  • the process 200 is described with reference to the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 3 , it should be appreciated that many other methods of performing the acts associated with process 200 may be used. For example, the order of many of the blocks may be changed, and many of the blocks described may be optional.
  • the process 200 enables a central controller to independently and separately determine which player will win a progressive award (i.e., a winning player) and when that progressive award will be provided to the winning player.
  • the process 200 begins by maintaining at least one and preferably a plurality of progressive awards as indicated by block 202 .
  • the progressive award may be an accumulated value progressive award, which starts at an initial or default value, such as zero.
  • the accumulated value progressive award increments from the initial or default value or is funded from wagers placed on one game or a plurality of different games by a player on one or more gaming machines of the gaming system.
  • the game or games of each gaming machine in the gaming system may be the same games or different games.
  • the accumulated value progressive award is associated with a player threshold value and an award threshold value.
  • the accumulated value progressive award accumulates in value or is funded based on the wagers placed on the games of the gaming machines. A portion of each wager contributes to the accrual of the accumulated value progressive award.
  • the player threshold value is a predetermined condition or value established by the central controller at which the accumulated value progressive award reaches a first determined amount or value.
  • the award threshold is a predetermined condition or value established by the central controller at which the accumulated value progressive award reaches a second determined amount or value. These predetermined amounts are randomly selected and based on the coin-in of the gaming machines.
  • the central controller determines the player threshold and the award threshold independently and separately. In one embodiment, the player threshold and the award threshold values may be different types (e.g., based on coin-in or based on time).
  • the central controller may determine the player threshold to be the 5,000 th coin and the award threshold to be the 12,500 th coin. If the contribution rate is 1% for each $1.00 wagered, one penny or $0.01 will be contributed to the progressive award for each $1.00 wagered.
  • the player threshold value is the 5,000 th coin wagered or when the accumulated value progressive award reaches a first value of $50.00 (i.e., based on a contribution rate of 1% if each coin is one dollar and the accumulated value progressive award starts at a default value equal to $0) and the award threshold value is the 12,500 th coin wagered or when the accumulated value progressive award reaches a second value of $125.00 (i.e., based on a contribution rate of 1% if each coin is one dollar and the accumulated value progressive award starts at a default value equal to $0).
  • the central controller monitors the wagers at the gaming machines in the gaming system as indicated by block 208 .
  • the central controller keeps track of the play on each gaming machine including at least the amount wagered by the player(s) for each play of the primary game for each gaming machine (i.e., via a total or partial coin-in or wager meter which tracks the total or partial coin-in wagers placed on all of the primary games for all of the gaming machines in the gaming system). It should be appreciated that the player of a gaming machine may change during this tracking and that this tracking can be independent of the specific player playing the gaming machine.
  • the central controller is operable with a suitable player tracking system to keep track of the play of each player at gaming machines in the gaming system including at least the amount wagered for each player for each play of the primary game.
  • the player tracking system includes a rules module that is configured to keep track of the amount wagered for each player for each play of the primary game. The central controller communicates with the rules module of the player tracking system to monitor the wagers at the gaming machines in the gaming system.
  • the central controller compares the amount of coin-in associated with the progressive award from the gaming machines to the player threshold value and the award threshold value determined as indicated by blocks 204 and 206 .
  • the central controller designates a winning player as indicated by block 210 . That is, the winning player is chosen when the accumulated value progressive award accumulates to a first designated amount of coin-in (i.e., the player threshold value). For example, when a player at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system who wagers the 5,000 th coin associated with the accumulated value progressive award, the central controller designates that player as the winning player and determines that the accumulated value progressive award has reached the player threshold value. If the accumulated value progressive award does not reach the player threshold value, the central controller continues to monitor the wagers at the gaming machines in the gaming system as indicated by block 208 .
  • the central controller designates an amount for each progressive award.
  • the central controller provides the progressive award for the designated amount to the designated winning player as indicated by block 214 . For example, when a player at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system wagers the 12,500 th coin associated with the accumulated value progressive award, the central controller determines that the accumulated value progressive award has reached the award threshold value and designates the accumulated value for the progressive award (e.g., to $125 if each coin is $1, if the progressive award starts at a $0 value and if the contribution rate is 1% of each wager).
  • the award threshold value determines, at least in part, the amount of the accumulated value progressive award. Once the accumulated value progressive award reaches the award threshold value, the amount of the accumulated value progressive award is set and a new progressive award begins to accumulate. If the accumulated value progressive award does not reach the player threshold value, the central controller continues to monitor the wagers at the gaming machines in the gaming system as indicated by block 208 .
  • the central controller After the accumulated value progressive award reaches the player threshold value and the award threshold value, the central controller provides the progressive award to the winning player. As described in greater detail below, if the winning player has not been designated (i.e., the player threshold value has not been met), the central controller stores the progressive award (or causes the progressive award to be stored) until the winning player is designated. In one embodiment, when the winning player is designated, the central controller causes the accumulated value progressive award to be provided to the winning player when the award threshold value is met. In another embodiment, the central controller causes a notification to be sent to the winning player of the won progressive award and provides the winning player with the won progressive award at a later time, such as in a subsequent gaming session.
  • the central controller After the central controller causes the accumulated value progressive award to be provided to the winning player, the central controller resets the progressive award and another progressive award starts incrementing from a second progressive award value or level.
  • the award threshold value is less than the player threshold value (i.e., the progressive award is determined to be provided or stored prior to a winning player being designated)
  • the second progressive award is displayed to the player in association with appropriate messaging to inform the players that the accumulated value progressive award has been determined, but not yet provided to a winning player.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of an example process 220 to store or escrow the progressive award and/or information associated with the winning player.
  • the central controller monitors the wagers at the gaming machines in the gaming system and determines whether the player threshold value and/or the award threshold value is met. In this embodiment, the central controller determines whether the player threshold value is met as indicated by block 224 prior to determining whether the award threshold value is met as indicated by block 226 . It should be appreciated that these determinations may be made sequentially in any order, simultaneously or substantially simultaneously.
  • the central controller determines whether the award threshold value is met as indicated by block 226 . If the award threshold value is met, i.e., the accumulated value progressive award reaches the award threshold value, the central controller stores the progressive award (or causes the progressive award to be stored) until the player threshold value is met (i.e., the accumulated value progressive award reaches the player threshold value) as indicated by block 228 . If the award threshold value is not met, the central controller continues to monitor the wagers at the gaming machines in the gaming system as indicated by block 208 .
  • the central controller designates the winning player as indicated by block 230 .
  • the central controller causes no notification of this designation to be sent to the winning player until the award triggering event occurs.
  • the central controller causes a notification to be sent to the winning player of this designation.
  • Such notification may include appropriate messaging sent to the gaming machine at which the winning player is playing, such as any suitable audio, text or visual message.
  • the central controller determines whether the award threshold value is met as indicated by block 232 . If the central controller determines that the award threshold value is not met, the central controller stores information, such as a contact information including a name, a physical address, a phone number and an e-mail address, associated with the winning player, until the award threshold value is met as indicated by block 234 .
  • the central controller in conjunction with a player tracking system (i.e., the rules module) stores the information associated with the designated winning player. In such an embodiment, the player's profile or player tracking card is enabled to access this stored information from the player tracking system. Alternatively, the central controller may request the player to input such information through one of the input devices associated with the gaming machine.
  • the central controller After storing the information associated with the winning player, the central controller continues to monitor the wagers at the gaming machines in the gaming system and determine whether the award threshold value is met as indicated by blocks 208 and 232 .
  • the central controller determines that the award threshold value is met, the central controller causes a notification to be sent to the winning player of the progressive award win as indicated by block 234 .
  • the winning player is notified of the progressive award win through appropriate messaging sent to the gaming machine at which the winning player is playing. If the player is no longer playing at a gaming machine in the gaming system, the winning player is notified in another manner, such as through contact information in association with the player tracking system or via an internet website.
  • the internet website may be associated with the casino or gaming establishment at which the winning player was playing the gaming machine. Alternatively, the internet website may be associated with the manufacturer of the gaming machine or another suitable third-party.
  • Such notification may include the amount of the progressive award won by the winning player, the date on which the progressive award was won and the casino or gaming establishment where the winning player won the progressive award as well as any promotional information, advertisements or other suitable information.
  • the notification includes an expiration of the progressive award, such as how many days the progressive award is available to be claimed. It should be appreciated that the expiration may be any suitable length of time and may occur at any suitable time.
  • the central controller causes the progressive award to be provided to the winning player.
  • the winning player is sent notification of the progressive award win as indicated by block 236 prior to being provided the progressive award.
  • the winning player is not sent such notification and/or the progressive award is provided to the winning player prior to such notification, if any.
  • appropriate notification messages such as “YOU HAVE WON AN ACCUMULATED VALUE PROGRESSIVE AWARD OF $1000.00! THIS ACCUMULATED VALUE PROGRESSIVE AWARD IS AVAILABLE TO BE CLAIMED AT CASINO A.
  • THIS ACCUMULATED VALUE PROGRESSIVE AWARD IS AVAILABLE FOR 365 MORE DAYS.” may be provided to the player.
  • Such notification messages may be audio, text and/or visual messages sent to the winning player.
  • the central controller After the winning player is notified, the central controller provides the progressive award to the winning player as indicated by block 238 . In one embodiment, if the player is playing at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system, the central controller causes that gaming machine to provide the winning player with the progressive award. In another embodiment, if the player is not playing at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system, the central controller may provide the progressive award to the winning player in conjunction with a player tracking system, such as via a player tracking card or other suitable manner. Alternatively, the central controller provides the progressive award to the winning player in conjunction with the casino or gaming establishment, such as through a cashier or any other suitable department of the casino.
  • the central controller may pick another winning player to win that designated progressive award.
  • the central controller causes a second player threshold value to be determined.
  • another winning player is selected upon the designated progressive award reaching the second player threshold value.
  • an unclaimed progressive award could be added to one or more designated progressive awards.
  • a previously designated progressive award may remain unclaimed by one or more winning players for a designated amount of time. If the designated amount of time expires, the central controller either provides the unclaimed progressive award to a different player (e.g., the player who contributes the coin which caused the second player threshold to be met) or adds the unclaimed progressive award to a different designated progressive award to increase that different designated progressive award.
  • At least one designated progressive award is associated with a plurality of player threshold values and/or award threshold values.
  • the player threshold values and/or award threshold values may be based on coin-in, time or another suitable metric.
  • a designated progressive award is associated with a plurality of player threshold values based on coin-in. If a player contributes a coin that causes the designated progressive award to reach one of the player threshold values, that player is qualified to participate in a group gaming environment.
  • a plurality of players at a plurality of the gaming machines in the gaming system work in conjunction with one another, such as playing together as a team or group, to win the designated progressive award.
  • the central controller monitors subsequent wagers by each player of each team or group at the gaming machines in the gaming system. If one of the wagers causes the designated progressive award to reach an associated award threshold value, the team or group of the player who placed that wager wins the designated progressive award. In one such embodiment, any designated progressive award won by the group is shared, either equally or based on any suitable criteria, amongst the different players of the group. Alternatively, if a player contributes the coin that causes the designated progressive award to reach one of the player threshold values, that player competes against at least one other player (i.e., another player who contributed a coin that caused the designated progressive award to reach one of the player threshold values) for the designated progressive award.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a timeline 300 showing one embodiment of different and independent triggering events for a progressive award available to be provided to a player in the gaming system.
  • a first triggering event 304 such as a player triggering event
  • a second triggering event 308 such as an award triggering event
  • the central controller monitors the wagers at the gaming machines in the gaming system during an accumulation period for the progressive award and determines whether the player triggering event and/or the award triggering event occurs.
  • the gaming system maintains at least one progressive award, which may be an accumulated value progressive award.
  • the progressive award starts at an initial or default value, such as zero, and increments from the initial or default value or is funded based on wagers made by the players at the gaming machines in the gaming system.
  • the accumulated value progressive award continues to increment during an accumulated value progressive award accumulation period, which may be set to any length determined by the gaming system operator.
  • To be eligible to win the accumulated value progressive award in this embodiment, one of the players at one of the gaming machines places a wager during the accumulation period. As illustrated, Players A and B place wagers at respective gaming machines 302 .
  • a determined amount such as an amount ranging from 0.001% to 10%, of the wager is contributed to the accumulated value progressive award.
  • the player threshold value is the 5,000 th coin or when the accumulated value progressive award reaches $50.00 (i.e., based on a contribution rate of 1% if each coin is one dollar and the accumulated value progressive award starts at a default value equal to $0) and the award threshold value is the 12,500 th coin or when the accumulated value progressive award reaches $125.00 (i.e., based on a contribution rate of 1% if each coin is one dollar and the accumulated value progressive award starts at a default value equal to $0).
  • the player triggering event 304 occurs when the accumulated value progressive award increments to or reaches the player threshold value, such as 5,000 coins or $50.00.
  • the 5,000 th coin wagered results in the accumulated value progressive award reaching the player threshold (and thus designating a winning player).
  • Player A and Player B are sent notification of which player the central controller designated as the winning player. Alternatively, no such notification is sent to the players. For example, the central controller determined to designate Player A as the winning player. As illustrated, Players A and B left the gaming system after this designation. Accordingly, Players A and B may or may not be aware that a winning player has been designated.
  • the accumulated value progressive award continues to increment or increase based on coin-in.
  • only players currently playing at one of the gaming devices when the player triggering event 304 occurs are eligible for the accumulated value progressive award. That is, the eligibility is closed to players who were not playing at one of the gaming devices when the player triggering event 304 occurs.
  • Players A and B leave the gaming system 306 (or cannot be located at a gaming machine in the gaming system) after the player triggering event 304 occurs and prior to the award triggering event 308 .
  • the winning player has been designated, it should be appreciated that Player B is eligible for the accumulated value progressive award since Player B contributed to the accrual of the accumulated value progressive award.
  • the award triggering event 308 occurs.
  • the central controller determines the amount of the accumulated value progressive award (e.g., $125.00) and provides the accumulated value progressive award to the winning player. Since the progressive award accumulated to 12,500 coins, the central controller provides the winning player with the progressive award of $125.00.
  • the accumulated value progressive award such as a progressive award amount of $125.00, is provided to Player A (i.e., the designated winning player).
  • the designated winning player is sent notification of winning the designated progressive award 310 .
  • Player A is sent notification of winning the designated progressive award in any suitable format, such as through e-mail or via an internet website.
  • Player A is required to return to the gaming establishment or casino where the accumulated value progressive award was won to claim the won accumulated value progressive award.
  • the occurrence of the player triggering event 304 is prior to the occurrence of the award triggering event 308 and the progressive award is provided to the designated winning player. It should be appreciated that selecting a winning player for a progressive award that is still being contributed to or accumulated reduces jackpot fatigue because the value of the progressive award when the winning player is designated (e.g., after the 5,000 th coin is wagered) has no bearing on a final value of that progressive award when that same progressive award is provided to the winning player (e.g., after the 12,500 th coin is wagered).
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a chart 400 showing different and independent triggering events for a progressive award available to be provided to a winning player.
  • chart 400 shows that Players A and B place wagers at gaming machines in the gaming system 402 .
  • Chart 400 also shows that an award triggering event 404 can occur before a player triggering event 406 .
  • the player threshold value of 10,000 coins is greater than the award threshold value of 3,500 coins. Accordingly, the occurrence of the award triggering event 404 is prior to the occurrence of the player triggering event 406 and the central controller designates the winning player after determining to provide the accumulated value progressive award.
  • the central controller stores or escrows the accumulated value progressive award until a winning player is determined.
  • the accumulated value progressive award may be stored for a predetermined length of time or until the winning player claims the award. Alternatively, the accumulated value progressive award is stored for a predetermined length of time before being provided to the winning player. In one embodiment, any progressive award not claimed in a predetermined amount of time are provided back to the gaming system to be awarded as a new progressive award to a new winning player.
  • the central controller randomly determines a plurality of different player and/or award triggering events for each accumulated value progressive award. For example, a first player threshold value is determined to be 5,000 coins and a second player threshold value is determined to be 10,000 coins. In this example, an award threshold value is determined to be 15,000 coins. The award threshold value of 15,000 coins is greater than the first and second player threshold values of 5,000 and 10,000, respectively. Accordingly, the award triggering event occurs after the occurrence of both player triggering events. In this embodiment, if the player who wagered the 5,000 th coin is unable or does not claim the accumulated value progressive award, the central controller offers the accumulated value progressive award to the player who wagered the 10,000 th coin.
  • the central controller if the player who wagered the 5,000 th coin claims or is provided with the accumulated value progressive award, the central controller provides a secondary award to the player who wagered the 10,000 th coin.
  • the players who wagered the 5,000 th and 10,000 th coins are provided a group gaming event, wherein the players either cooperate to play for a designated progressive award or compete for a designated progressive award.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a chart 500 showing different and independent triggering events for a plurality of progressive awards available to be provided to a player in the gaming system.
  • each progressive award is associated with a player triggering event and an award triggering event.
  • Players A and B place wagers at gaming machines in the gaming system 502 .
  • a first player triggering event 504 occurs when a first progressive award increments to or reaches a first player threshold or player trigger value of 3,500 coins.
  • a first award triggering event 506 associated with the first progressive award occurs when the first progressive award increments to or reaches a first award threshold or award trigger value of 6,000 coins.
  • the winning player is designated prior to the determination to provide the first progressive award.
  • the first progressive award increments to $60.00 (i.e., based on a contribution rate of 1% if each coin is one dollar and the first progressive award starts at a default value equal to $0)
  • the first progressive award is provided to the winning player who wagered or contributed the 3,500 th coin associated with the first progressive award.
  • a second player triggering event 510 occurs when the second progressive award increments to or reaches a second player threshold or player trigger value of 12,000 coins.
  • a second award triggering event 508 associated with the second progressive award occurs when the second progressive award increments to or reaches a second award threshold or award trigger value of 8,500 coins.
  • the progressive award is determined to be provided prior to the winning player being designated.
  • the second progressive award increments to $120.00 (i.e., based on a contribution rate of 1% if each coin is one dollar and the second progressive award starts at a default value equal to $0)
  • the second progressive award having a value of $85.00 i.e., based on a contribution rate of 1% if each coin is one dollar and the second progressive award starts at a default value equal to $0
  • the central controller monitors the wagers at the gaming machines in the gaming system during an accumulation period for each progressive award and determines whether the player triggering event and/or award triggering event occurs for each progressive award.
  • the player triggering event and the award triggering event are each associated with a separate range of values.
  • the range of values defines the minimum value and the maximum value of the accumulated value progressive award associated with the player triggering event and the award triggering event.
  • the gaming system designates the player whose coin-in matched the accumulated value progressive award hit value or the player threshold value as the selected winning player.
  • the player triggering event is associated with a range of $10 to $100 for the accumulated value progressive award.
  • the player triggering event will occur and a winning player is designated when the value of the accumulated value progressive award increments to a player threshold value between $10 and $100.
  • the gaming system determines to provide the accumulated value progressive award to the designated winning player or causes the accumulated value progressive award to be stored until the winning player is designated.
  • the award triggering event is associated with a range of $200 to $300 of the accumulated value progressive award.
  • the award triggering event will occur when the value of the accumulated value progressive award increments to an award threshold value between $200 and $300.
  • the accumulated value progressive award starts at a default value, such as $0 or other higher designated start up value, and increments based on wagers made by players at the gaming machines in the gaming system.
  • the player triggering event is associated with a range of $10 to $100 and the award triggering event is associated with a range of $200 to $300 for the accumulated value progressive award.
  • the player threshold value may be any value in the range associated with the player triggering event (e.g., $10 and $100).
  • the award threshold value may be any value in the range associated with the award triggering event (e.g., $200 and $300).
  • the accumulated value progressive award continues to increment. If the player threshold value is $75, a winning player is designated when the value of the accumulated value progressive award increments to $75.
  • the central controller stores the winning player (e.g., in association with a player tracking system) until the accumulated value progressive award increments to the award threshold value. If the award threshold value is $225, the winning player is provided the accumulated value progressive award when the value of the accumulated value progressive award increments to $225. In one embodiment, after the winning player is provided the accumulated value progressive award, a new accumulated value progressive award is started.
  • the ranges of the player and award threshold values may overlap.
  • the gaming system designates a winning player and, at a subsequent time, provides the accumulated value progressive award to the designated winning player.
  • the designated winning player may be notified of the win via audio, text or visual based messages.
  • the player and award triggering events are associated with different value ranges. In another embodiment, the player and award triggering events are associated with the same value range. In different embodiments, the player threshold value and the award threshold value (and/or the respective value ranges) are predetermined, randomly determined, determined based on the wagers placed in the gaming system, determined based on the status of one or more players (such as determined through a player tracking system), determined based on time, or determined based on any other suitable method.
  • the player triggering event may occur at a predetermined time, such as 15 minutes, after the award triggering event occurs.
  • the winning player is designated 15 minutes before the amount of the accumulated value progressive award is determined.
  • the accumulated value progressive award is provided to the designated winning player.
  • the value of the accumulated value progressive award is reset to a default value and starts incrementing from the default progressive award level. It should be appreciated that although the accumulated value progressive award is reset to an appropriate progressive award level, other remaining progressive awards are not reset or otherwise affected by the triggering of the accumulated value progressive award. As illustrated in FIG.
  • appropriate messages such as “AN ACCUMULATED VALUE PROGRESSIVE AWARD OF $1000.00 HAS BEEN WON! THIS ACCUMULATED VALUE PROGRESSIVE AWARD HAS NO WINNER! THE WINNER WILL BE SELECTED IN THE NEXT 15 MINUTES!” may be provided to the player visually on the display device 16 of one of the gaming machines in the gaming system. Such messages may also be provided to the player through another display device, such as display device 18 or an overhead display shared by a plurality of gaming machines, or through suitable audio or audiovisual outputs.
  • a metering and/or information display device may be used to display information regarding the different accumulated value progressive awards and/or the different player and award threshold values.
  • the gaming device/gaming system displays additional information to the player regarding the potential, upcoming accumulated value progressive award. By giving the player clues or hints as to when the progressive will hit, the player is encouraged to play the gaming device at a faster pace if the player knows that the selected winner is based on the coin-in.
  • the gaming device displays information relating to one, more or each of the accumulated value progressive awards disclosed herein. Such displayed information provides the player with the ability to make decisions as to the rate they wish to play. With a plurality of displayed meters offering information to the current status of a plurality of accumulated value progressive awards, the player is provided an increased feeling of excitement about their chances of winning one or more of the progressive awards.
  • the central controller provides at least one game, such as a primary game, that is operable upon a wager placed by at least one player.
  • the central controller maintains at least one progressive award, such as one or more accumulated value progressive awards.
  • the central controller determines which player to provide with a designated one of the progressive awards (i.e., a player triggering event). This determination is based on a first time value, such as 9:01 am (i.e., at a player threshold value). For example, the central controller determines the winning player of the designated progressive award when time reaches 9:01 am.
  • the central controller also determines when to provide the progressive award to a winning player (i.e., an award triggering event). This determination is based on a second time value, such as 9:10 am (i.e., an award threshold value). For example, the central controller determines to provide the designated progressive award to a winning player when time reaches 9:10 am.
  • triggering events based on coin-in values such as a Nth coin
  • triggering events based on time such as a Nth time
  • the same type of or different types of triggering events may be used to determine the winning player and when to provide the progressive award to the winning player. For example, the determination of a winning player is associated with a first type of triggering event (e.g., based on coin-in) and the determination of when to provide the progressive award to a winning player is associated with a second type of triggering event (e.g., based on time).
  • a plurality of the gaming devices are connected together through a wide area network (WAN).
  • the WAN may include an off-site central server or controller and an off-site gaming device located within gaming establishments in the same geographic area, such as a city or state.
  • the central controller determines a designated progressive award, a designated location where the designated progressive award will be won, which player at the designated location to provide with the designated progressive award.
  • the location is determined when the progressive award reaches a first value, such as a designated coin-in value (e.g., 7,200 th coin) or a designated time value (e.g., 3:00 pm).
  • the winning player is determined when the progressive award reaches a second value, such as a designated coin-in value (e.g., 7,600 th coin) or a designated time value (e.g., 3:20 pm).
  • the progressive award is provided or stored when the progressive award reaches a third value, such as a designated coin-in value (e.g., 8,000 th coin) or a designated time value (e.g., 3:40 pm).
  • the central controller determines the designated location and subsequently determines the designated winning player and when to provide the designated progressive award.
  • the central controller may determine the designated winning player and when to provide the designated progressive award in any order.
  • the gaming system enables any player who contributed to an accrual of a designated progressive award during a designated time period to win that progressive award.
  • the designated progressive award is accrued or accumulated during a seven day period (i.e., the designated progressive award has a seven day accumulation period).
  • the designated progressive award is determined to be provided to a designated winning player on the seventh day (i.e., the award triggering event occurs on the seventh day of the accumulation period). If a player arrives at a gaming establishment on the second day of the accumulation period. The player wagers on one or more games of one or more of the gaming machines of the gaming system in an attempt to win the designated progressive award. The player leaves the gaming establishment on the fifth day of the accumulation period.
  • the gaming system causes a notification to be sent to the player.
  • This notification informs the player of which designated progressive award won and the amount of that progressive award.
  • the notification may be provided in any suitable format, such as via e-mail, via an electronic kiosk or via an internet website. It should be appreciated that the player triggering event and/or the award triggering event may occur at any time during the accumulation period and that one or more players may contribute to the accrual of the designated progressive award during any portion of the designated time period to be eligible to win that progressive award.
  • the central controller selects the winning player from a group of players based, at least in part, on coin-in or time as described above, and based on at least one other factor, such as the status of a player.
  • players who contribute to a designated progressive award may be grouped based on the amount of coin-in contributed to the progressive award and the winning player may be selected from the group based on status (as determined by a player tracking system).
  • the gaming system selects the winning player based on a random determination, based on a weighted parameter, based upon a designated group, or based on any other suitable factor.
  • different gaming devices in the gaming system have different progressive awards available to the player.
  • different gaming devices are associated with different progressive awards based on a current configuration of the gaming system.
  • zero, one or more progressive awards may be associated with each of the gaming devices in the gaming system while zero, one or more different progressive awards may be associated with a plurality of, but not all of the gaming devices in the gaming system.
  • both a first set of gaming devices and a second, different set of gaming devices may be associated with a first accumulated progressive award, but the first set of gaming devices is also associated with a second accumulated value progressive award (which the second set of gaming devices is not).
  • a gaming machine or bank of gaming machines may be simultaneously associated with a plurality of progressive awards.
  • a plurality of progressive awards start at different award or value levels, such as $10, $100, $1000 and $10,000 and each individually increment or increase until provided to a player.
  • Upon a suitable triggering event at one of more of the gaming devices associated with the MLP one or more of the progressive awards which form the MLP are provided to one or more of the players at such gaming devices.
  • each eligible player is eligible for one, a plurality of or each progressive award level of the MLP.
  • separate eligibility conditions are associated with each progressive award level of the MLP.
  • At least two of the progressive awards that form the MLP are associated with different types of triggering events (e.g., triggering events based on coin-in or triggering events based on time). In another embodiment, at least two of the progressive awards that form the MLP are associated with different triggering events (e.g., different coin-in values or time values). In one such embodiment, a first progressive award in the MLP is associated with a short term triggering event and a second progressive award in the MLP is associated with a long term triggering event. The short term triggering event occurs more frequently than the long term triggering event.
  • one or more of the progressive awards in the MLP may be provided frequently (e.g., such as those with a low value) while one or more of the progressive awards in the MLP may be provided infrequently (e.g., such as those with a high value).
  • different progressive awards are associated with different gaming machines or different numbers of gaming machines. For example, a progressive award valued at $10,000 may be associated with ten gaming devices while another progressive award valued at $500,000 may be associated with one-hundred gaming devices.
  • the multiple gaming machines may be in the same bank of machines, in the same casino or gaming establishment (such as through LAN), or in two or more different casinos or gaming establishments (such as through a WAN). For example, players from the multiple gaming machines may play for the same progressive award, wherein the determination of the winning player and when to provide the progressive award can occur in association with any of the gaming machines.
  • the central controller considers the coin-in from the multiple gaming machines from the same or the different casinos or gaming establishments to determine whether the progressive award reaches the player threshold value and the award threshold value.
  • each individual gaming machine maintains one or more progressive awards wherein a portion of the wagers placed at that respective gaming machine is allocated to one or more progressive awards maintained by such individual gaming machine. For example, a winning player is designated from an individual gaming machine to win a progressive award associated with that gaming machine.
  • the central controller only considers the coin-in from the individual gaming machine to determine whether the progressive award reaches the player threshold value and the award threshold value.
  • the individual gaming machine processor and/or the central controller records the wagers for each player who played at a gaming machine during a designated period of time, such as during a bonus qualification period. The individual gaming machine processor and/or the central controller is operable to designate which of the players to provide with the progressive award when the progressive award reaches the player threshold value.
  • the individual gaming machine processor and/or the central controller is operable to determine when to provide the progressive award to one of the players who played the primary game of the gaming device when the progressive award reaches the award threshold value.
  • the player threshold value is less than the award threshold value so that a winning player is designated prior to the progressive award being provided.
  • each individual gaming machine maintains one or more progressive awards and the central server simultaneously or substantially simultaneously maintains one or more progressive awards. It should be appreciated that any suitable configuration of maintaining one, more or each of the progressive awards may be implemented in accordance with the gaming device and/or gaming system disclosed herein.

Abstract

A gaming system is provided that includes a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The gaming system includes a progressive award adapted to be provided to a designated winning player of the gaming machines in the gaming system. In one embodiment, the gaming system designates the winning player when the progressive award reaches a player threshold value. In such an embodiment, the gaming system provides the progressive award to the designated winning player when the progressive award reaches an award threshold value. In one embodiment, each player who contributes to the progressive award is eligible to win that progressive award, even if that player is not playing one of the gaming machines in the gaming system. The gaming system provides the progressive award to the designated winning player or causes a notification of being provided the progressive award to the winning player. Accordingly, the gaming system stores the progressive award until one of the players of one of the gaming machines is designated.

Description

    COPYRIGHT NOTICE
  • A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains or may contain material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the photocopy reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure in exactly the form it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
  • BACKGROUND
  • Gaming machines which provide players awards in primary or base games are well known. Gaming machines generally require the player to place or make a wager to activate the primary or base game. In many of these gaming machines, the award is based on the player obtaining a winning symbol or symbol combination and on the amount of the wager (e.g., the higher the wager, the higher the award). Symbols or symbol combinations which are less likely to occur usually provide higher awards.
  • In such known gaming machines, the amount of the wager made on the base game by the player may vary. For instance, the gaming machine may enable the player to wager a minimum number of credits, such as one credit (e.g., one penny, nickel, dime, quarter or dollar) up to a maximum number of credits, such as five credits. This wager may be made by the player a single time or multiple times in a single play of the primary game. For instance, a slot game may have one or more paylines and the slot game may enable the player to make a wager on each payline in a single play of the primary game. Thus, it is known that a gaming machine, such as a slot game, may enable players to make wagers of substantially different amounts on each play of the primary or base game ranging, for example, from 1 credit up to 125 credits (e.g., 5 credits on each of 25 separate paylines). This is also true for other wagering games, such as video draw poker, where players can wager one or more credits on each hand and where multiple hands can be played simultaneously. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that different players play at substantially different wagering amounts or levels and at substantially different rates of play.
  • Secondary or bonus games are also known in gaming machines. The secondary or bonus games usually provide an additional award to the player. Secondary or bonus games usually do not require an additional wager by the player to be activated. Secondary or bonus games are generally activated or triggered upon an occurrence of a designated triggering symbol or triggering symbol combination in the primary or base game. For instance, a bonus symbol occurring on the payline on the third reel of a three reel slot machine may trigger the secondary bonus game. Part of the enjoyment and excitement of playing certain gaming machines is the occurrence or triggering of the secondary or bonus game (even before the player knows how much the bonus award will be). In other words, obtaining a bonus event and a bonus award in the bonus event is part of the enjoyment and excitement for players.
  • Player tracking systems are also known. Player tracking systems enable gaming establishments to recognize the value of customer loyalty through identifying frequent customers and rewarding them for their patronage. The cumulative history of a particular player's gaming activity, which is included in a player profile, enables gaming establishments to target individual players with direct marketing promotions or customized compensation plans. In existing player tracking systems, a player is issued a player identification card which has an encoded player identification number that uniquely identifies the player. Player tracking on gaming devices such as slot machines, is typically accomplished with a card reader mounted to the gaming device. When the player first sits down at a gaming device, the player inserts the card into the card reader. The card reader reads the player identification number off the player tracking card and communicates information through a network to a central computer regarding the player's subsequent gaming activity. Based on this communicated information or data, the gaming establishment classifies each player and provides one or more of such players certain benefits based on these classifications.
  • One known player tracking system provides an award provided to a designated player if that player's player tracking card is inserted into a gaming device. The award is provided at a randomly determined time and/or a randomly determined amount. The designated player is randomly chosen from all of the carded players (i.e., those players who have inserted their player tracking cards into a gaming device). Although rewarding carded players encourages participation in such a player tracking system, this also may discourage certain players because a player becomes ineligible for the benefit once the player removes their player tracking card from the gaming machine.
  • Progressive awards associated with gaming machines are also known. In one form, a progressive award is an award amount which includes an initial amount funded by a casino and an additional amount funded through a portion of each wager made on the progressive gaming machine. For example, 0.1% of each wager placed on the primary game of the gaming machine associated with the progressive award may be allocated to the progressive award or progressive award fund or pool. The progressive award grows in value as more players play the gaming machines and more portions of these players' wagers are allocated to the progressive award. When a player obtains a winning symbol or symbol combination associated with the progressive award, the accumulated progressive award is provided to the player. After the progressive award is provided to the player, the amount of the next progressive award is reset to the initial value and a portion of each subsequent wager on a gaming machine associated with a progressive award is allocated to the next progressive award.
  • A progressive award may be associated with or otherwise dedicated to a single or stand-alone gaming machine. Alternatively, a progressive award may be associated with or otherwise dedicated to multiple gaming machines which each contribute a portion of wagers placed at such gaming machine(s) to the progressive award. The multiple gaming machines may be in the same bank of gaming machines, in the same casino or gaming establishment (usually through a local area network (“LAN”)) or in two or more different casinos or gaming establishments (usually through a wide area network (“WAN”)). Such progressive awards are played for by one or more gaming devices in the same gaming establishment sometimes called local area progressives (“LAP”) and such progressive awards played for by a plurality of gaming devices at a plurality of different gaming establishments are sometimes called wide area progressives (“WAP”).
  • U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,608 B1 entitled “Progressive Wagering System” discloses a linked progressive wagering system specifying a boundary criteria, such as a maximum value or an expiration date and time, for a progressive award prize. If a gaming device has not randomly generated a prize award event when the specified boundary criteria is met, a progressive award prize is forced by the system upon one or more randomly selected participating players.
  • While such progressive awards are popular amongst players, a number of issues exist with these known progressive award systems. First, only players currently playing gaming devices in the progressive award gaming system are eligible to win the progressive award. Typically, in such systems, the player who places the wager that caused the system to meet the specified criteria (such as time or amount of coin-in) is awarded the progressive award. Thus, if a player stops playing for the progressive award, the player sacrifices their opportunity to win the progressive award and the progressive award may be provided to another player. This may discourage certain players from playing a gaming device if they have a limited amount of time to play.
  • Additionally, if a player wagers large amounts for a long period of time at a gaming device in a progressive award system, that player contributes to or funds a relatively large portion of the progressive award pool. Certain players may be hesitant to wager such large amounts for a long period of time when those players lose their chance to win the progressive award upon walking away from the gaming device. That is, certain players may be reluctant to contribute or invest large amounts of wagers and time try to win a progressive award that the players have no chance of winning if the players leave the gaming device.
  • In one instance, certain players leave the gaming devices after realizing that the progressive award has been provided to another player. Such players may walk away from the gaming devices feeling discouraged. Such discouragement can lead to certain players walking away with jackpot fatigue. By walking away, even if the player has spent long periods of time playing for the progressive award, the player sacrifices or forfeits any opportunity to win the progressive award. This may lead to certain players feeling pessimistic about their chances to win the progressive award.
  • Other players may believe that a significant amount of time and money are required to win the progressive award. This may discourage certain players from playing a gaming device, especially if those players have a limited amount of money to play with or a limited amount of time to play.
  • There is a continuing need to provide new and different gaming machines and gaming systems as well as new and different ways to provide awards to players including progressive or other bonus awards.
  • SUMMARY
  • The present disclosure enables a plurality of players to play for one or more progressive awards, such as accumulated value progressive awards, at gaming machines or gaming devices of a gaming system. In one embodiment, the gaming system enables any player who contributed to an accrual of a designated progressive award to win that progressive award regardless of when those contributions were made. That is, any player who contributed to the accumulated value progressive award is eligible to win that progressive award regardless of whether that player is playing at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system. In another embodiment, the gaming system enables any player who contributed to an accrual of a designated progressive award during a designated time period to win that progressive award. It should be appreciated that the players may include players who are currently playing at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system or players who have played at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system during a designated time period.
  • In one embodiment, the gaming system has at least two independent and separate triggering events for each progressive award. Upon the occurrence of a first triggering event, such as a player triggering event, the gaming system designates a winning player for the progressive award. That is, the gaming system selects one of the players who has played one of the gaming devices in the gaming system and contributed to the progressive award. Upon the occurrence of a second, subsequently occurring triggering event, such as an award triggering event, the gaming system determines the value of the progressive award to be provided to the designated player. That is, independent of which player is designated as the winning player, the system determines the value of the progressive award to be provided to the designated player. Thus, the gaming system independently and separately determines which player will win a progressive award (i.e., selected as a winning player) and when that progressive award will be provided to the winning player (i.e., the amount of the progressive award). Such a configuration enables players who leave the gaming machine and/or the gaming system to remain eligible to win the progressive award. This configuration also enables players currently playing and players not currently playing one of the gaming devices in the gaming system to be eligible to win the progressive award, provided that these players have contributed to the progressive award, such as during a designated time period. For example, if a player leaves a gaming device in the progressive gaming system without having won a progressive award, the player may not be aware that they were selected as the winning player. Such players may be selected while playing one of the gaming devices of the gaming system and sent notification of the amount of the progressive award won subsequent to leaving the gaming device.
  • In a first embodiment, the progressive award is an accumulated value progressive award or Nth coin progressive award provided to the designated winning player based on the occurrence of the player triggering event and the award triggering event. In one such embodiment, the player triggering event occurs when the accumulated value progressive award increments to a first progressive hit value or player threshold value. Upon the occurrence of the player triggering event, the central controller selects a currently playing player who contributed to the accumulated value progressive award and designates that player as the winning player. In this embodiment, the award triggering event occurs subsequent to the player triggering event. The award triggering event occurs when the accumulated value progressive award increments to a second progressive hit value or award threshold value. Upon the occurrence of the award triggering event, the amount of the designated progressive award is determined and the designated progressive award is provided to the designated winning player. The gaming system utilizes a designated coin-in value to select when the accumulated progressive award will increment to the player threshold value and the award threshold value. Such a coin-in value is determined by using the wager value and the percentage of each wager applied to the accumulated value progressive award. For example, the player threshold may be set at the 500,000th coin and the award threshold may be set at the 1,000,000th coin. In this example, the designated progressive award accumulates based on a predetermined percentage (such as 1%) of coin-in or wagered amounts. For a contribution rate of 1%, one penny or $0.01 will be contributed to the progressive award for each $1.00 wagered. Based on a contribution rate of 1%, wherein a winning player is thus designated when the progressive award reaches $5,000 (e.g., if each coin is one dollar and the designated progressive award starts at a default value equal to $0). Accordingly, the accumulated progressive award is thus provided to a winning player when the progressive award reaches $10,000 (e.g., if each coin is one dollar and the designated progressive award starts at a default value equal to $0). In other alternative embodiments, the designated coin-in value is randomly determined, predetermined or otherwise determined in another suitable manner. It should be appreciated that the progressive award may start at any suitable start up value, which may be funded by a portion of coin-in or by one or more departments of the gaming establishment.
  • In a second embodiment, the award triggering event occurs prior to the player triggering event. In such an embodiment, the accumulated value progressive award is stored or escrowed when the award triggering event occurs. Upon the occurrence of the player triggering event, a winning player is designated and the stored or escrowed progressive award is provided to the designated winning player. That is, if the accumulated value progressive award reaches the award threshold value prior to reaching the player threshold value, the progressive award is stored or escrowed. Accordingly, when the gaming system designates a winning player, the winning player is provided with the stored progressive award.
  • In one embodiment, as players play for a designated progressive award, a portion of each player's wager contributes to an accumulated value of the designated progressive award. In one embodiment, each player who contributed to the designated progressive award is eligible to win that designated progressive award, even if that player is no longer playing for that designated progressive award or playing at a gaming machine in the gaming system. In one embodiment, the gaming system stores the contributions from players who are not currently playing (or any eligible players). In this embodiment, when a winning player is selected, the gaming system selects the winning player from a group including all of the players who contributed to the progressive award. In one embodiment, the eligibility of each player for the designated progressive award is tracked by a suitable player tracking system, such as in conjunction with a player tracking card system or in another suitable manner. In one embodiment, each eligible player gains eligibility into one, a plurality or each progressive award level of a multi-level progressive (“MLP”) configuration.
  • In one embodiment, the gaming system independently and separately determines when a progressive award will be hit and stores or escrows the hit progressive award until a winning player is determined. When the gaming system designates a winning player, the winning player is provided with the stored progressive award. This enables players who contribute to one, more or each progressive award to be eligible for one of those progressive awards.
  • In one embodiment, the gaming system independently and separately determines when a winning player will be selected and stores or escrows the winning player until a progressive award is hit. When the gaming system determines that the progressive award is hit, the gaming system provides the hit progressive award to the stored winning player. This enables players who contribute to one, more or each progressive award while currently playing at one of the gaming devices in the gaming system and to be eligible for one of those progressive awards (e.g., regardless of whether the player is playing or has stopped playing at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system).
  • In one embodiment, the gaming system disclosed herein causes a suitable notification to be sent to the players of the gaming devices. This notification informs the players which player was selected as the winning player and/or the amount of the progressive award. In one embodiment, the notification includes information relating to a stored progressive award or information relating to the winning player. In this embodiment, the notification may be provided in the form of a message sent to the gaming device at which the winning player is playing. If the winning player is not playing in the gaming system or cannot be located at another gaming device, the notification may be sent in any other manner, such as through telephone, e-mail or any other suitable medium. In one embodiment, a electronic kiosk at the gaming establishment may be used to provide such notification and enable the winning players to claim the progressive award. Alternatively, such notification is displayed on a website accessible to the players which provides instructions for the winning player to claim the award at the gaming establishment. In one instance, the winning player must return to the gaming establishment to claim the award.
  • In one embodiment, the gaming device or gaming system selects the winning player during an accumulation period for the designated progressive award (i.e., before the progressive award is hit or awarded). For example, if the designated progressive award is set to hit after 1,750,000 coins (e.g., $17,500 if each coin is one dollar and the designated progressive award starts at a default value equal to $0) are accumulated, player who are playing at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system when the 1,750,000th coin is wagered are eligible to win the designated progressive award. The gaming system tracks or groups the coin-in of these players and enables these players to be eligible to win the designated progressive award. In an alternate embodiment, players who contribute any of coins 1 to 1,750,000 are eligible to win the designated progressive award. For example, a winning player for a designated progressive award may be selected after the 1,700,000th coin is inserted and the designated progressive award accumulates to $17,000 (i.e., based on a contribution rate of 1% if each coin is one dollar and the designated progressive award starts at a default value equal to $0). When the designated progressive award accumulates to $17,500 (i.e., after 1,750,000 coins based on a contribution rate of 1% if each coin is one dollar and the designated progressive award starts at a default value equal to $0), the progressive award is awarded to the winning player as described above. Since the winning player is independently determined before the designated progressive award is hit or determined to be provided to a player, the winning player may be sent a notification or announcement after the designated progressive award reaches $17,500. Such a configuration reduces jackpot fatigue in one sense because a value of the designated progressive award when the winning player is designated (i.e., $17,000) has no bearing on the value of the progressive award provided to the winning player (i.e., $17,500).
  • Alternatively, in another embodiment, the gaming system selects the winning player after one or more progressive awards have been hit or awarded. In this case, the gaming system disclosed herein stores the designated progressive award until the gaming system designates a player to win that designated progressive award. In one embodiment, the designated progressive award reaches the award threshold at a predetermined time prior to a designation of the winning player. In such embodiments, the gaming system causes a notification to be sent to players of gaming machines in the gaming system that the designated progressive award may be won shortly, e.g., in the next 15 minutes. For example, such notification may be displayed on an overhead display to inform players and non-players of the gaming devices of the progressive award. This generates great excitement and anticipation amongst the current players and enables non-players to begin playing one of the gaming devices for the progressive award.
  • Accordingly, an advantage of the gaming system disclosed herein is to include a plurality of progressive awards wherein the gaming device provides a player an opportunity to win one, more or each progressive award that the player has contributed to, regardless of whether that player is currently playing one of the gaming machines in the gaming system. Such a configuration provides increased excitement and enjoyment for players because the players are provided a chance to win a plurality of progressive awards regardless of whether those players continue or stop playing at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system and regardless of whether one or more progressive awards are hit. This configuration also encourages players to join a loyalty program or player tracking system.
  • Additional features and advantages are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description and the figures.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
  • FIG. 1A is a front-side perspective view of one embodiment of the gaming device disclosed herein.
  • FIG. 1B is a front-side perspective view of another embodiment of the gaming device disclosed herein.
  • FIG. 2A is a schematic block diagram of the electronic configuration of one embodiment of the gaming device disclosed herein.
  • FIG. 2B is a schematic block diagram illustrating a plurality of gaming terminals in communication with a central controller.
  • FIG. 3 is a flowchart of one embodiment of the gaming system disclosed herein illustrating an opportunity for one or more players to win a progressive award.
  • FIG. 4 is a flowchart of one embodiment of the gaming system disclosed herein illustrating an opportunity for one or more players to win a progressive award, wherein the progressive award is stored until a winning player for that progressive award is designated.
  • FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a display device of one embodiment of the gaming device disclosed herein illustrating information relating to the gaming system storing one progressive award for a designated period of time.
  • FIG. 6 is a timeline of one embodiment of different and independent triggering events for a progressive award available to be provided to a player in the gaming system.
  • FIG. 7 is a chart of one embodiment of different and independent triggering events for a progressive award available to be provided to a player in the gaming system.
  • FIG. 8 is a chart of one embodiment of different and independent triggering events for a progressive award available to be provided to a player in the gaming system.
  • FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a display device of one embodiment of the gaming device disclosed herein illustrating information relating to the gaming system providing one progressive award within a designated period of time.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • The present disclosure may be implemented in various configurations for gaming machines or gaming devices, including but not limited to: (1) a dedicated gaming machine or gaming device, wherein the computerized instructions for controlling any games (which are provided by the gaming machine or gaming device) are provided with the gaming machine or gaming device prior to delivery to a gaming establishment; and (2) a changeable gaming machine or gaming device, where the computerized instructions for controlling any games (which are provided by the gaming machine or gaming device) are downloadable to the gaming machine or gaming device through a data network when the gaming machine or gaming device is in a gaming establishment. In one embodiment, the computerized instructions for controlling any games are executed by a central server, central controller or remote host. In such a “thin client” embodiment, the central server remotely controls any games (or other suitable interfaces) and the gaming device is utilized to display such games (or suitable interfaces) and receive one or more inputs or commands from a player. In another embodiment, the computerized instructions for controlling any games are communicated from the central server, central controller or remote host to a gaming device local processor and memory devices. In such a “thick client” embodiment, the gaming device local processor executes the communicated computerized instructions to control any games (or other suitable interfaces) provided to a player.
  • In one embodiment, one or more gaming devices in a gaming system may be thin client gaming devices and one or more gaming devices in the gaming system may be thick client gaming devices. In another embodiment, certain functions of the gaming device are implemented in a thin client environment and certain other functions of the gaming device are implemented in a thick client environment. In one such embodiment, computerized instructions for controlling any primary games are communicated from the central server to the gaming device in a thick client configuration and computerized instructions for controlling any secondary games or bonus functions are executed by a central server in a thin client configuration.
  • Referring now to the drawings, two example alternative embodiments of the gaming device of the gaming system disclosed herein are illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B as gaming device 10 a and gaming device 10 b, respectively. Gaming device 10 a and/or gaming device 10 b are generally referred to herein as gaming device 10.
  • In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, gaming device 10 has a support structure, housing or cabinet which provides support for a plurality of displays, inputs, controls and other features of a conventional gaming machine. It is configured so that a player can operate it while standing or sitting. The gaming device may be positioned on a base or stand or can be configured as a pub-style table-top game (not shown) which a player can operate preferably while sitting. As illustrated by the different configurations shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the gaming device may have varying cabinet and display configurations.
  • In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the gaming device preferably includes at least one processor 12, such as a microprocessor, a microcontroller-based platform, a suitable integrated circuit or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC's). The processor is in communication with or operable to access or to exchange signals with at least one data storage or memory device 14. In one embodiment, the processor and the memory device reside within the cabinet of the gaming device. The memory device stores program code and instructions, executable by the processor, to control the gaming device. The memory device also stores other data such as image data, event data, player input data, random or pseudo-random number generators, pay-table data or information and applicable game rules that relate to the play of the gaming device. In one embodiment, the memory device includes random access memory (RAM), which can include non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), magnetic RAM (MRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM) and other forms as commonly understood in the gaming industry. In one embodiment, the memory device includes read only memory (ROM). In one embodiment, the memory device includes flash memory and/or EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory). Any other suitable magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory may operate in conjunction with the gaming device disclosed herein.
  • In one embodiment, part or all of the program code and/or operating data described above can be stored in a detachable or removable memory device, including, but not limited to, a suitable cartridge, disk, CD ROM, DVD or USB memory device. In other embodiments, part or all of the program code and/or operating data described above can be downloaded to the memory device through a suitable network.
  • In one embodiment, an operator or a player can use such a removable memory device in a desktop computer, a laptop personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), portable computing device, or other computerized platform to implement the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the gaming device or gaming machine disclosed herein is operable over a wireless network, such as part of a wireless gaming system. In this embodiment, the gaming machine may be a hand held device, a mobile device or any other suitable wireless device that enables a player to play any suitable game at a variety of different locations. It should be appreciated that a gaming device or gaming machine as disclosed herein may be a device that has obtained approval from a regulatory gaming commission or a device that has not obtained approval from a regulatory gaming commission. It should be appreciated that the processor and memory device may be collectively referred to herein as a “computer” or “controller.”
  • In one embodiment, as discussed in more detail below, the gaming device randomly generates awards and/or other game outcomes based on probability data. In one such embodiment, this random determination is provided through utilization of a random number generator (RNG), such as a true random number generator, a pseudo random number generator or other suitable randomization process. In one embodiment, each award or other game outcome is associated with a probability and the gaming device generates the award or other game outcome to be provided to the player based on the associated probabilities. In this embodiment, since the gaming device generates outcomes randomly or based upon one or more probability calculations, there is no certainty that the gaming device will ever provide the player with any specific award or other game outcome.
  • In another embodiment, as discussed in more detail below, the gaming device employs a predetermined or finite set or pool of awards or other game outcomes. In this embodiment, as each award or other game outcome is provided to the player, the gaming device flags or removes the provided award or other game outcome from the predetermined set or pool. Once flagged or removed from the set or pool, the specific provided award or other game outcome from that specific pool cannot be provided to the player again. This type of gaming device provides players with all of the available awards or other game outcomes over the course of the play cycle and guarantees the amount of actual wins and losses.
  • In another embodiment, as discussed below, upon a player initiating game play at the gaming device, the gaming device enrolls in a bingo game. In this embodiment, a bingo server calls the bingo balls that result in a specific bingo game outcome. The resultant game outcome is communicated to the individual gaming device to be provided to a player. In one embodiment, this bingo outcome is displayed to the player as a bingo game and/or in any form in accordance with the present disclosure.
  • In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the gaming device includes one or more display devices controlled by the processor. The display devices are preferably connected to or mounted to the cabinet of the gaming device. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1A includes a central display device 16 which displays a primary game. This display device may also display any suitable secondary game associated with the primary game as well as information relating to the primary or secondary game. The alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 1B includes a central display device 16 and an upper display device 18. The upper display device may display the primary game, any suitable secondary game associated or not associated with the primary game and/or information relating to the primary or secondary game. These display devices may also serve as digital glass operable to advertise games or other aspects of the gaming establishment. As seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in one embodiment, the gaming device includes a credit display 20 which displays a player's current number of credits, cash, account balance or the equivalent. In one embodiment, gaming device includes a bet display 22 which displays a player's amount wagered.
  • In another embodiment, at least one display device may be a mobile display device, such as a PDA or tablet PC, that enables play of at least a portion of the primary or secondary game at a location remote from the gaming device.
  • The display devices may include, without limitation, a monitor, a television display, a plasma display, a liquid crystal display (LCD) a display based on light emitting diodes (LED), a display based on a plurality of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), a display based on polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs), a display based on a plurality of surface-conduction electron-emitters (SEDs), a display including a projected and/or reflected image or any other suitable electronic device or display mechanism. In one embodiment, as described in more detail below, the display device includes a touch-screen with an associated touch-screen controller. The display devices may be of any suitable size and configuration, such as a square, a rectangle or an elongated rectangle.
  • The display devices of the gaming device are configured to display at least one and preferably a plurality of game or other suitable images, symbols and indicia such as any visual representation or exhibition of the movement of objects such as mechanical, virtual or video reels and wheels, dynamic lighting, video images, images of people, characters, places, things and faces of cards, and the like.
  • In one alternative embodiment, the symbols, images and indicia displayed on or of the display device may be in mechanical form. That is, the display device may include any electromechanical device, such as one or more mechanical objects, such as one or more rotatable wheels, reels or dice, configured to display at least one or a plurality of game or other suitable images, symbols or indicia.
  • As illustrated in FIG. 2A, in one embodiment, the gaming device includes at least one payment acceptor 24 in communication with the processor. As seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the payment acceptor may include a coin slot 26 and a payment, note or bill acceptor 28, where the player inserts money, coins or tokens. The player can place coins in the coin slot or paper money, a ticket or voucher into the payment, note or bill acceptor. In other embodiments, devices such as readers or validators for credit cards, debit cards or credit slips may accept payment. In one embodiment, a player may insert an identification card into a card reader of the gaming device. In one embodiment, the identification card is a smart card having a programmed microchip or a magnetic strip coded with a player's identification, credit totals (or related data) and other relevant information. In another embodiment, a player may carry a portable device, such as a cell phone, a radio frequency identification tag or any other suitable wireless device, which communicates a player's identification, credit totals (or related data) and other relevant information to the gaming device. In one embodiment, money may be transferred to a gaming device through electronic funds transfer. When a player funds the gaming device, the processor determines the amount of funds entered and displays the corresponding amount on the credit or other suitable display as described above.
  • As seen in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2A, in one embodiment the gaming device includes at least one and preferably a plurality of input devices 30 in communication with the processor. The input devices can include any suitable device which enables the player to produce an input signal which is received by the processor. In one embodiment, after appropriate funding of the gaming device, the input device is a game activation device, such as a pull arm 32 or a play button 34 which is used by the player to start any primary game or sequence of events in the gaming device. The play button can be any suitable play activator such as a bet one button, a max bet button or a repeat the bet button. In one embodiment, upon appropriate funding, the gaming device begins the game play automatically. In another embodiment, upon the player engaging one of the play buttons, the gaming device automatically activates game play.
  • In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, one input device is a bet one button 36. The player places a bet by pushing the bet one button. The player can increase the bet by one credit each time the player pushes the bet one button. When the player pushes the bet one button, the number of credits shown in the credit display preferably decreases by one, and the number of credits shown in the bet display preferably increases by one. In another embodiment, one input device is a bet max button (not shown) which enables the player to bet the maximum wager permitted for a game of the gaming device.
  • In one embodiment, one input device is a cash out button 38. The player may push the cash out button and cash out to receive a cash payment or other suitable form of payment corresponding to the number of remaining credits. In one embodiment, when the player cashes out, the player receives the coins or tokens in a coin payout tray 40. In one embodiment, when the player cashes out, the player may receive other payout mechanisms such as tickets or credit slips redeemable by a cashier (or other suitable redemption system) or funding to the player's electronically recordable identification card.
  • In one embodiment, as mentioned above and seen in FIG. 2A, one input device is a touch-screen 42 coupled with a touch-screen controller 44, or some other touch-sensitive display overlay to allow for player interaction with the images on the display. The touch-screen and the touch-screen controller are connected to a video controller 46. A player can make decisions and input signals into the gaming device by touching the touch-screen at the appropriate places. One such input device is a conventional touch-screen button panel.
  • The gaming device may further include a plurality of communication ports for enabling communication of the processor with external peripherals, such as external video sources, expansion buses, game or other displays, an SCSI port or a key pad.
  • In one embodiment, as seen in FIG. 2A, the gaming device includes a sound generating device controlled by one or more sounds cards 48 which function in conjunction with the processor. In one embodiment, the sound generating device includes at least one and preferably a plurality of speakers 50 or other sound generating hardware and/or software for generating sounds, such as playing music for the primary and/or secondary game or for other modes of the gaming device, such as an attract mode. In one embodiment, the gaming device provides dynamic sounds coupled with attractive multimedia images displayed on one or more of the display devices to provide an audio-visual representation or to otherwise display full-motion video with sound to attract players to the gaming device. During idle periods, the gaming device may display a sequence of audio and/or visual attraction messages to attract potential players to the gaming device. The videos may also be customized for or to provide any appropriate information.
  • In one embodiment, the gaming machine may include a sensor, such as a camera in communication with the processor (and possibly controlled by the processor) that is selectively positioned to acquire an image of a player actively using the gaming device and/or the surrounding area of the gaming device. In one embodiment, the camera may be configured to selectively acquire still or moving (e.g., video) images and may be configured to acquire the images in either an analog, digital or other suitable format. The display devices may be configured to display the image acquired by the camera as well as display the visible manifestation of the game in split screen or picture-in-picture fashion. For example, the camera may acquire an image of the player and the processor may incorporate that image into the primary and/or secondary game as a game image, symbol or indicia.
  • Gaming device 10 can incorporate any suitable wagering primary or base game. The gaming machine or device may include some or all of the features of conventional gaming machines or devices. The primary or base game may comprise any suitable reel-type game, card game, cascading or falling symbol game, number game or other game of chance susceptible to representation in an electronic or electromechanical form, which in one embodiment produces a random outcome based on probability data at the time of or after placement of a wager. That is, different primary wagering games, such as video poker games, video blackjack games, video keno, video bingo or any other suitable primary or base game may be implemented.
  • In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a base or primary game may be a slot game with one or more paylines 52. The paylines may be horizontal, vertical, circular, diagonal, angled or any combination thereof. In this embodiment, the gaming device includes at least one and preferably a plurality of reels 54, such as three to five reels 54, in either electromechanical form with mechanical rotating reels or video form with simulated reels and movement thereof. In one embodiment, an electromechanical slot machine includes a plurality of adjacent, rotatable reels which may be combined and operably coupled with an electronic display of any suitable type. In another embodiment, if the reels 54 are in video form, one or more of the display devices, as described above, display the plurality of simulated video reels 54. Each reel 54 displays a plurality of indicia or symbols, such as bells, hearts, fruits, numbers, letters, bars or other images which preferably correspond to a theme associated with the gaming device. In another embodiment, one or more reels are independent reels or unisymbol reels. In this embodiment, each independent or unisymbol reel generates and displays one symbol to the player. In one embodiment, the gaming device awards prizes after the reels of the primary game stop spinning if specified types and/or configurations of indicia or symbols occur on an active payline or otherwise occur in a winning pattern, occur on the requisite number of adjacent reels and/or occur in a scatter pay arrangement.
  • In an alternative embodiment, rather than determining any outcome to provide to the player by analyzing the symbols generated on any wagered upon paylines as described above, the gaming device determines any outcome to provide to the player based on the number of associated symbols which are generated in active symbol positions on the requisite number of adjacent reels (i.e., not on paylines passing through any displayed winning symbol combinations). In this embodiment, if a winning symbol combination is generated on the reels, the gaming device provides the player one award for that occurrence of the generated winning symbol combination. For example, if one winning symbol combination is generated on the reels, the gaming device will provide a single award to the player for that winning symbol combination (i.e., not based on the number of paylines that would have passed through that winning symbol combination). It should be appreciated that because a gaming device with wagering on ways to win provides the player one award for a single occurrence of a winning symbol combination and a gaming device with paylines may provide the player more than one award for the same occurrence of a single winning symbol combination (i.e., if a plurality of paylines each pass through the same winning symbol combination), it is possible to provide a player at a ways to win gaming device with more ways to win for an equivalent bet or wager on a traditional slot gaming device with paylines.
  • In one embodiment, the total number of ways to win is determined by multiplying the number of symbols generated in active symbol positions on a first reel by the number of symbols generated in active symbol positions on a second reel by the number of symbols generated in active symbol positions on a third reel and so on for each reel of the gaming device with at least one symbol generated in an active symbol position. For example, a three reel gaming device with three symbols generated in active symbol positions on each reel includes 27 ways to win (i.e., 3 symbols on the first reel×3 symbols on the second reel×3 symbols on the third reel). A four reel gaming device with three symbols generated in active symbol positions on each reel includes 81 ways to win (i.e., 3 symbols on the first reel×3 symbols on the second reel×3 symbols on the third reel×3 symbols on the fourth reel). A five reel gaming device with three symbols generated in active symbol positions on each reel includes 243 ways to win (i.e., 3 symbols on the first reel×3 symbols on the second reel×3 symbols on the third reel×3 symbols on the fourth reel×3 symbols on the fifth reel). It should be appreciated that modifying the number of generated symbols by either modifying the number of reels or modifying the number of symbols generated in active symbol positions by one or more of the reels, modifies the number of ways to win.
  • In another embodiment, the gaming device enables a player to wager on and thus activate symbol positions. In one such embodiment, the symbol positions are on the reels. In this embodiment, if based on the player's wager, a reel is activated, then each of the symbol positions of that reel will be activated and each of the active symbol positions will be part of one or more of the ways to win. In one embodiment, if based on the player's wager, a reel is not activated, then a designated number of default symbol positions, such as a single symbol position of the middle row of the reel, will be activated and the default symbol position(s) will be part of one or more of the ways to win. This type of gaming machine enables a player to wager on one, more or each of the reels and the processor of the gaming device uses the number of wagered on reels to determine the active symbol positions and the number of possible ways to win. In alternative embodiments, (1) no symbols are displayed as generated at any of the inactive symbol positions, or (2) any symbols generated at any inactive symbol positions may be displayed to the player but suitably shaded or otherwise designated as inactive.
  • In one embodiment wherein a player wagers on one or more reels, a player's wager of one credit may activate each of the three symbol positions on a first reel, wherein one default symbol position is activated on each of the remaining four reels. In this example, as described above, the gaming device provides the player three ways to win (i.e., 3 symbols on the first reel×1 symbol on the second reel×1 symbol on the third reel×1 symbol on the fourth reel×1 symbol on the fifth reel). In another example, a player's wager of nine credits may activate each of the three symbol positions on a first reel, each of the three symbol positions on a second reel and each of the three symbol positions on a third reel wherein one default symbol position is activated on each of the remaining two reels. In this example, as described above, the gaming device provides the player twenty-seven ways to win (i.e., 3 symbols on the first reel×3 symbols on the second reel×3 symbols on the third reel×1 symbol on the fourth reel×1 symbol on the fifth reel).
  • In one embodiment, to determine any award(s) to provide to the player based on the generated symbols, the gaming device individually determines if a symbol generated in an active symbol position on a first reel forms part of a winning symbol combination with or is otherwise suitably related to a symbol generated in an active symbol position on a second reel. In this embodiment, the gaming device classifies each pair of symbols which form part of a winning symbol combination (i.e., each pair of related symbols) as a string of related symbols. For example, if active symbol positions include a first cherry symbol generated in the top row of a first reel and a second cherry symbol generated in the bottom row of a second reel, the gaming device classifies the two cherry symbols as a string of related symbols because the two cherry symbols form part of a winning symbol combination.
  • After determining if any strings of related symbols are formed between the symbols on the first reel and the symbols on the second reel, the gaming device determines if any of the symbols from the next adjacent reel should be added to any of the formed strings of related symbols. In this embodiment, for a first of the classified strings of related symbols, the gaming device determines if any of the symbols generated by the next adjacent reel form part of a winning symbol combination or are otherwise related to the symbols of the first string of related symbols. If the gaming device determines that a symbol generated on the next adjacent reel is related to the symbols of the first string of related symbols, that symbol is subsequently added to the first string of related symbols. For example, if the first string of related symbols is the string of related cherry symbols and a related cherry symbol is generated in the middle row of the third reel, the gaming device adds the related cherry symbol generated on the third reel to the previously classified string of cherry symbols.
  • On the other hand, if the gaming device determines that no symbols generated on the next adjacent reel are related to the symbols of the first string of related symbols, the gaming device marks or flags such string of related symbols as complete. For example, if the first string of related symbols is the string of related cherry symbols and none of the symbols of the third reel are related to the cherry symbols of the previously classified string of cherry symbols, the gaming device marks or flags the string of cherry symbols as complete.
  • After either adding a related symbol to the first string of related symbols or marking the first string of related symbols as complete, the gaming device proceeds as described above for each of the remaining classified strings of related symbols which were previously classified or formed from related symbols on the first and second reels.
  • After analyzing each of the remaining strings of related symbols, the gaming device determines, for each remaining pending or incomplete string of related symbols, if any of the symbols from the next adjacent reel, if any, should be added to any of the previously classified strings of related symbols. This process continues until either each string of related symbols is complete or there are no more adjacent reels of symbols to analyze. In this embodiment, where there are no more adjacent reels of symbols to analyze, the gaming device marks each of the remaining pending strings of related symbols as complete.
  • When each of the strings of related symbols is marked complete, the gaming device compares each of the strings of related symbols to an appropriate paytable and provides the player any award associated with each of the completed strings of symbols. It should be appreciated that the player is provided one award, if any, for each string of related symbols generated in active symbol positions (i.e., as opposed to being based on how many paylines that would have passed through each of the strings of related symbols in active symbol positions).
  • In one embodiment, a base or primary game may be a poker game wherein the gaming device enables the player to play a conventional game of video draw poker and initially deals five cards all face up from a virtual deck of fifty-two card deck. Cards may be dealt as in a traditional game of cards or in the case of the gaming device, may also include that the cards are randomly selected from a predetermined number of cards. If the player wishes to draw, the player selects the cards to hold via one or more input device, such as pressing related hold buttons or via the touch screen. The player then presses the deal button and the unwanted or discarded cards are removed from the display and the gaming machine deals the replacement cards from the remaining cards in the deck. This results in a final five-card hand. The gaming device compares the final five-card hand to a payout table which utilizes conventional poker hand rankings to determine the winning hands. The gaming device provides the player with an award based on a winning hand and the credits the player wagered.
  • In another embodiment, the base or primary game may be a multi-hand version of video poker. In this embodiment, the gaming device deals the player at least two hands of cards. In one such embodiment, the cards are the same cards. In one embodiment each hand of cards is associated with its own deck of cards. The player chooses the cards to hold in a primary hand. The held cards in the primary hand are also held in the other hands of cards. The remaining non-held cards are removed from each hand displayed and for each hand replacement cards are randomly dealt into that hand. Since the replacement cards are randomly dealt independently for each hand, the replacement cards for each hand will usually be different. The poker hand rankings are then determined hand by hand and awards are provided to the player.
  • In one embodiment, a base or primary game may be a keno game wherein the gaming device displays a plurality of selectable indicia or numbers on at least one of the display devices. In this embodiment, the player selects at least one or a plurality of the selectable indicia or numbers via an input device such as the touch screen. The gaming device then displays a series of drawn numbers to determine an amount of matches, if any, between the player's selected numbers and the gaming device's drawn numbers. The player is provided an award based on the amount of matches, if any, based on the amount of determined matches.
  • In one embodiment, in addition to winning credits or other awards in a base or primary game, the gaming device may also give players the opportunity to win credits in a bonus or secondary game or bonus or secondary round. The bonus or secondary game enables the player to obtain a prize or payout in addition to the prize or payout, if any, obtained from the base or primary game. In general, a bonus or secondary game produces a significantly higher level of player excitement than the base or primary game because it provides a greater expectation of winning than the base or primary game and is accompanied with more attractive or unusual features than the base or primary game. In one embodiment, the bonus or secondary game may be any type of suitable game, either similar to or completely different from the base or primary game.
  • In one embodiment, the triggering event or qualifying condition may be a selected outcome in the primary game or a particular arrangement of one or more indicia on a display device in the primary game, such as the number seven appearing on three adjacent reels along a payline in the primary slot game embodiment seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B. In other embodiments, the triggering event or qualifying condition may be by exceeding a certain amount of game play (such as number of games, number of credits, amount of time), or reaching a specified number of points earned during game play.
  • In another embodiment, the gaming device processor 12 or central server 56 randomly provides the player one or more plays of one or more secondary games. In one such embodiment, the gaming device does not provide any apparent reasons to the player for qualifying to play a secondary or bonus game. In this embodiment, qualifying for a bonus game is not triggered by an event in or based specifically on any of the plays of any primary game. That is, the gaming device may simply qualify a player to play a secondary game without any explanation or alternatively with simple explanations. In another embodiment, the gaming device (or central server) qualifies a player for a secondary game at least partially based on a game triggered or symbol triggered event, such as at least partially based on the play of a primary game.
  • In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a program which will automatically begin a bonus round after the player has achieved a triggering event or qualifying condition in the base or primary game. In another embodiment, after a player has qualified for a bonus game, the player may subsequently enhance his/her bonus game participation through continued play on the base or primary game. Thus, for each bonus qualifying event, such as a bonus symbol, that the player obtains, a given number of bonus game wagering points or credits may be accumulated in a “bonus meter” programmed to accrue the bonus wagering credits or entries toward eventual participation in a bonus game. The occurrence of multiple such bonus qualifying events in the primary game may result in an arithmetic or exponential increase in the number of bonus wagering credits awarded. In one embodiment, the player may redeem extra bonus wagering credits during the bonus game to extend play of the bonus game.
  • In one embodiment, no separate entry fee or buy in for a bonus game need be employed. That is, a player may not purchase an entry into a bonus game, rather they must win or earn entry through play of the primary game thus, encouraging play of the primary game. In another embodiment, qualification of the bonus or secondary game is accomplished through a simple “buy in” by the player, for example, if the player has been unsuccessful at qualifying through other specified activities. In another embodiment, the player must make a separate side-wager on the bonus game or wager a designated amount in the primary game to qualify for the secondary game. In this embodiment, the secondary game triggering event must occur and the side-wager (or designated primary game wager amount) must have been placed to trigger the secondary game.
  • In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, one or more of the gaming devices 10 are in communication with each other and/or at least one central server, central controller or remote host 56 through a data network or remote communication link 58. In this embodiment, the central server, central controller or remote host is any suitable server or computing device which includes at least one processor and at least one memory or storage device. In different such embodiments, the central server is a progressive controller or a processor of one of the gaming devices in the gaming system. In these embodiments, the processor of each gaming device is designed to transmit and receive events, messages, commands or any other suitable data or signal between the individual gaming device and the central server. The gaming device processor is operable to execute such communicated events, messages or commands in conjunction with the operation of the gaming device. Moreover, the processor of the central server is designed to transmit and receive events, messages, commands or any other suitable data or signal between the central server and each of the individual gaming devices. The central server processor is operable to execute such communicated events, messages or commands in conjunction with the operation of the central server. It should be appreciated that one, more or each of the functions of the central controller as disclosed herein may be performed by one or more gaming device processors. It should be further appreciated that one, more or each of the functions of one or more gaming device processors as disclosed herein may be performed by the central controller.
  • In one embodiment, the game outcome provided to the player is determined by a central server or controller and provided to the player at the gaming device. In this embodiment, each of a plurality of such gaming devices are in communication with the central server or controller. Upon a player initiating game play at one of the gaming devices, the initiated gaming device communicates a game outcome request to the central server or controller.
  • In one embodiment, the central server or controller receives the game outcome request and randomly generates a game outcome for the primary game based on probability data. In another embodiment, the central server or controller randomly generates a game outcome for the secondary game based on probability data. In another embodiment, the central server or controller randomly generates a game outcome for both the primary game and the secondary game based on probability data. In this embodiment, the central server or controller is capable of storing and utilizing program code or other data similar to the processor and memory device of the gaming device.
  • In an alternative embodiment, the central server or controller maintains one or more predetermined pools or sets of predetermined game outcomes. In this embodiment, the central server or controller receives the game outcome request and independently selects a predetermined game outcome from a set or pool of game outcomes. The central server or controller flags or marks the selected game outcome as used. Once a game outcome is flagged as used, it is prevented from further selection from the set or pool and cannot be selected by the central controller or server upon another wager. The provided game outcome can include a primary game outcome, a secondary game outcome, primary and secondary game outcomes, or a series of game outcomes such as free games.
  • The central server or controller communicates the generated or selected game outcome to the initiated gaming device. The gaming device receives the generated or selected game outcome and provides the game outcome to the player. In an alternative embodiment, how the generated or selected game outcome is to be presented or displayed to the player, such as a reel symbol combination of a slot machine or a hand of cards dealt in a card game, is also determined by the central server or controller and communicated to the initiated gaming device to be presented or displayed to the player. Central production or control can assist a gaming establishment or other entity in maintaining appropriate records, controlling gaming, reducing and preventing cheating or electronic or other errors, reducing or eliminating win-loss volatility and the like.
  • In another embodiment, a predetermined game outcome value is determined for each of a plurality of linked or networked gaming devices based on the results of a bingo or keno game. In this embodiment, each individual gaming device utilizes one or more bingo or keno games to determine the predetermined game outcome value provided to the player for the interactive game played at that gaming device. In one embodiment, the bingo or keno game is displayed to the player. In another embodiment, the bingo or keno game is not displayed to the player, but the results of the bingo or keno game determine the predetermined game outcome value for the primary or secondary game.
  • In the various bingo embodiments, as each gaming device is enrolled in the bingo game, such as upon an appropriate wager or engaging an input device, the enrolled gaming device is provided or associated with a different bingo card. Each bingo card consists of a matrix or array of elements, wherein each element is designated with a separate indicia, such as a number. It should be appreciated that each different bingo card includes a different combination of elements. For example, if four bingo cards are provided to four enrolled gaming devices, the same element may be present on all four of the bingo cards while another element may solely be present on one of the bingo cards.
  • In operation of these embodiments, upon providing or associating a different bingo card to each of a plurality of enrolled gaming devices, the central controller randomly selects or draws, one at a time, a plurality of the elements. As each element is selected, a determination is made for each gaming device as to whether the selected element is present on the bingo card provided to that enrolled gaming device. This determination can be made by the central controller, the gaming device, a combination of the two, or in any other suitable manner. If the selected element is present on the bingo card provided to that enrolled gaming device, that selected element on the provided bingo card is marked or flagged. This process of selecting elements and marking any selected elements on the provided bingo cards continues until one or more predetermined patterns are marked on one or more of the provided bingo cards. It should be appreciated that in one embodiment, the gaming device requires the player to engage a daub button (not shown) to initiate the process of the gaming device marking or flagging any selected elements.
  • After one or more predetermined patterns are marked on one or more of the provided bingo cards, a game outcome is determined for each of the enrolled gaming devices based, at least in part, on the selected elements on the provided bingo cards. As described above, the game outcome determined for each gaming device enrolled in the bingo game is utilized by that gaming device to determine the predetermined game outcome provided to the player. For example, a first gaming device to have selected elements marked in a predetermined pattern is provided a first outcome of win $10 which will be provided to a first player regardless of how the first player plays in a first game and a second gaming device to have selected elements marked in a different predetermined pattern is provided a second outcome of win $2 which will be provided to a second player regardless of how the second player plays a second game. It should be appreciated that as the process of marking selected elements continues until one or more predetermined patterns are marked, this embodiment ensures that at least one bingo card will win the bingo game and thus at least one enrolled gaming device will provide a predetermined winning game outcome to a player. It should be appreciated that other suitable methods for selecting or determining one or more predetermined game outcomes may be employed.
  • In one example of the above-described embodiment, the predetermined game outcome may be based on a supplemental award in addition to any award provided for winning the bingo game as described above. In this embodiment, if one or more elements are marked in supplemental patterns within a designated number of drawn elements, a supplemental or intermittent award or value associated with the marked supplemental pattern is provided to the player as part of the predetermined game outcome. For example, if the four corners of a bingo card are marked within the first twenty selected elements, a supplemental award of $10 is provided to the player as part of the predetermined game outcome. It should be appreciated that in this embodiment, the player of a gaming device may be provided a supplemental or intermittent award regardless of if the enrolled gaming device's provided bingo card wins or does not win the bingo game as described above.
  • In another embodiment, one or more of the gaming devices are in communication with a central server or controller for monitoring purposes only. That is, each individual gaming device randomly generates the game outcomes to be provided to the player and the central server or controller monitors the activities and events occurring on the plurality of gaming devices. In one embodiment, the gaming network includes a real-time or on-line accounting and gaming information system operably coupled to the central server or controller. The accounting and gaming information system of this embodiment includes a player database for storing player profiles, a player tracking module for tracking players and a credit system for providing automated casino transactions.
  • In one embodiment, the gaming device disclosed herein is associated with or otherwise integrated with one or more player tracking systems. In this embodiment, the gaming device and/or player tracking system tracks any players gaming activity at the gaming device. In one such embodiment, the gaming device and/or associated player tracking system timely tracks when a player inserts their playing tracking card to begin a gaming session and also timely tracks when a player removes their player tracking card when concluding play for that gaming session. In another embodiment, rather than requiring a player to insert a player tracking card, the gaming device utilizes one or more portable devices carried by a player, such as a cell phone, a radio frequency identification tag or any other suitable wireless device to track when a player begins and ends a gaming session. In another embodiment, the gaming device utilizes any suitable biometric technology or ticket technology to track when a player begins and ends a gaming session.
  • During one or more gaming sessions, the gaming device and/or player tracking system tracks any suitable information, such as any amounts wagered, average wager amounts and/or the time these wagers are placed. In different embodiments, for one or more players, the player tracking system includes the player's account number, the player's card number, the player's first name, the player's surname, the player's preferred name, the player's player tracking ranking, any promotion status associated with the player's player tracking card, the player's address, the player's birthday, the player's anniversary, the player's recent gaming sessions, or any other suitable data.
  • In one embodiment, a plurality of the gaming devices are capable of being connected together through a data network. In one embodiment, the data network is a local area network (LAN), in which one or more of the gaming devices are substantially proximate to each other and an on-site central server or controller as in, for example, a gaming establishment or a portion of a gaming establishment. In another embodiment, the data network is a wide area network (WAN) in which one or more of the gaming devices are in communication with at least one off-site central server or controller. In this embodiment, the plurality of gaming devices may be located in a different part of the gaming establishment or within a different gaming establishment than the off-site central server or controller. Thus, the WAN may include an off-site central server or controller and an off-site gaming device located within gaming establishments in the same geographic area, such as a city or state. The WAN gaming system may be substantially identical to the LAN gaming system described above, although the number of gaming devices in each system may vary relative to each other.
  • In another embodiment, the data network is an internet or intranet. In this embodiment, the operation of the gaming device can be viewed at the gaming device with at least one internet browser. In this embodiment, operation of the gaming device and accumulation of credits may be accomplished with only a connection to the central server or controller (the internet/intranet server) through a conventional phone or other data transmission line, digital subscriber line (DSL), T-1 line, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, or other suitable connection. In this embodiment, players may access an internet game page from any location where an internet connection and computer, or other internet facilitator is available. The expansion in the number of computers and number and speed of internet connections in recent years increases opportunities for players to play from an ever-increasing number of remote sites. It should be appreciated that enhanced bandwidth of digital wireless communications may render such technology suitable for some or all communications, particularly if such communications are encrypted. Higher data transmission speeds may be useful for enhancing the sophistication and response of the display and interaction with the player.
  • As mentioned above, in one embodiment, the present disclosure may be employed in a server based gaming system. In one such embodiment, as described above, one or more gaming devices are in communication with a central server or controller. The central server or controller may be any suitable server or computing device which includes at least one processor and a memory or storage device. In alternative embodiments, the central server is a progressive controller or another gaming machine in the gaming system. In one embodiment, the memory device of the central server stores different game programs and instructions, executable by a gaming device processor, to control the gaming device. Each executable game program represents a different game or type of game which may be played on one or more of the gaming devices in the gaming system. Such different games may include the same or substantially the same game play with different pay tables. In different embodiments, the executable game program is for a primary game, a secondary game or both. In another embodiment, the game program may be executable as a secondary game to be played simultaneous with the play of a primary game (which may be downloaded to or fixed on the gaming device) or vice versa.
  • In this embodiment, each gaming device at least includes one or more display devices and/or one or more input devices for interaction with a player. A local processor, such as the above-described gaming device processor or a processor of a local server, is operable with the display device(s) and/or the input device(s) of one or more of the gaming devices.
  • In operation, the central controller is operable to communicate one or more of the stored game programs to at least one local processor. In different embodiments, the stored game programs are communicated or delivered by embedding the communicated game program in a device or a component (e.g., a microchip to be inserted in a gaming device), writing the game program on a disc or other media, downloading or streaming the game program over a dedicated data network, internet or a telephone line. After the stored game programs are communicated from the central server, the local processor executes the communicated program to facilitate play of the communicated program by a player through the display device(s) and/or input device(s) of the gaming device. That is, when a game program is communicated to a local processor, the local processor changes the game or type of game played at the gaming device.
  • In another embodiment, a plurality of players at a plurality of linked gaming devices in a gaming system participate in a group gaming environment. In one embodiment, a plurality of players at a plurality of linked gaming devices work in conjunction with one another, such as playing together as a team or group, to win one or more awards. In one such embodiment, any award won by the group is shared, either equally or based on any suitable criteria, amongst the different players of the group. In another embodiment, a plurality of players at a plurality of linked gaming devices compete against one another for one or more awards. In one such embodiment, a plurality of players at a plurality of linked gaming devices participate in a gaming tournament for one or more awards. In another embodiment, a plurality of players at a plurality of linked gaming devices play for one or more awards wherein an outcome generated by one gaming device affects the outcomes generated by one or more linked gaming devices.
  • Progressive Awards
  • In one embodiment, one or more of the gaming devices disclosed herein are in communication with or linked to a central server or controller to form a gaming system. In one such embodiment, the gaming system includes a plurality of linked gaming machines wherein one of the gaming machines functions as the central server or controller. In one embodiment, one, more or each of the progressive awards are maintained by the central controller of the gaming system. In one such embodiment, the central controller enables a player at any gaming device in the gaming system to contribute coin-in or a portion of each wager to one or more of the progressive awards maintained by the central controller. In this embodiment, the winning player and the amount of the progressive award are based, at least in part, on the player's contribution. That is, the gaming system selects a winning player independently from the amount of the progressive award provided to the winning player.
  • In one embodiment, a master host site computer is coupled to a plurality of the central servers at a variety of mutually remote gaming sites for providing a multi-site linked progressive automated gaming system. In one embodiment, a master host site computer may serve gaming devices distributed throughout a number of properties at different geographical locations including, for example, different locations within a city or different cities within a state. In one embodiment, the master host site computer is maintained for the overall operation and control of the system. In this embodiment, a master host site computer oversees all or part of the progressive gaming system and is the master for computing all or part of the progressive jackpots. All participating gaming sites report to, and receive information from, the master host site computer. Each central server computer is responsible for all data communication between the gaming device hardware and software and the master host site computer.
  • In one embodiment, one or more of the progressive awards start at different levels such as $10, $100, $1000 and $10,000 and increment or increase until provided to a player. The progressive awards accumulate based on a small percentage (such as 1%) of coin-in or wagered amounts in a conventional manner. In one embodiment, the percentage that goes to each progressive award is equal (such as 1% to each of four progressive awards). At this accrual rate, player wagers totaling $100,000 are required for the progressive to reach $1000 (e.g., if each coin is one dollar and the start up value of the progressive award is $0). For example, based on an accrual or contribution rate of 1%, a player who wagers $10,000 at one of the gaming machines contributes or funds $100 to the progressive award and a player who wagers $5,000 at one of the gaming machines contributes or funds $500 to the progressive award. At least a fraction of this amount may be funded by the casino by using a starting value higher than zero to make the progressive awards attractive even after they are reset. In other embodiments, two or more of the progressive awards may be funded by different percentages. In these embodiments, the central server and/or individual gaming device processor continues to increase the progressive levels until a progressive award is provided to a player (upon the occurrence of a progressive award triggering event), at which point the progressive is reset and another progressive award starts incrementing from the appropriate default progressive award level. In another embodiment, two or more of the progressive awards may be funded at different temporal rates. In this embodiment, the different progressive awards are incremented or funded in different increments of time wherein until the progressive hits, a set amount is added to the progressive at each determined time increment. In another embodiment, two or more of the progressive awards may each be incremented or funded based on different incrementing factors or incrementors. In this embodiment, a first of the progressive awards may increment each time a first incrementing factor occurs and a second of the progressive awards may increment each time a second incrementing factor occurs, wherein the first incrementing factor and the second incrementing factor are different. Examples of incrementing factors could be a symbol-driven trigger in the base game, the occurrence of one or more events in a bonus game, the player betting a maximum amount, a percentage of possible gaming machines being actively played or in active status, or any other suitable method for defining an incrementor.
  • In one embodiment, one or more of the progressive awards are each funded via a side bet or side wager. In this embodiment, a player must place or wager a side bet to be eligible to win the progressive award associated with the side bet. In one embodiment, the player must place the maximum bet and the side bet to be eligible to win one of the progressive awards. In another embodiment, if the player places or wagers the required side bet, the player may wager at any credit amount on any payline (i.e., the player need not place the maximum bet and the side bet to be eligible to win one of the progressive awards). In one such embodiment, the greater the player's wager (in addition to the placed side bet), the greater the odds or probability that the player will win one of the progressive awards. It should be appreciated that one or more of the progressive awards may each be funded, at least in part, based on the wagers placed on the primary games of the gaming machines in the gaming system, via a gaming establishment or via any suitable manner.
  • In another embodiment, one or more of the progressive awards are partially funded via a side-bet or side-wager which the player may make (and which may be tracked via a side-bet meter). In one embodiment, one or more of the progressive awards are funded with only side-bets or side-wagers placed. In another embodiment, one or more of the progressive awards are funded based on player's wagers as described above as well as any side-bets or side-wagers placed.
  • In one alternative embodiment, a minimum wager level is required for a gaming machine or a player to qualify to be selected to obtain one of the progressive awards. In one embodiment, this minimum wager level is the maximum wager level for the primary game in the gaming machine. In another embodiment, this minimum wager level is placing a wager on all available paylines in a slot primary game or alternatively placing a wager on all available poker hands in a multi-hand poker primary game. In another embodiment, no minimum wager level is required for a gaming machine or a player to qualify to be selected to obtain one of the progressive awards.
  • In another embodiment, one or more progressive awards are funded, at least partially, via an amount provided by one or more marketing and/or advertising departments, such as a casino's marketing department. In this embodiment, when a progressive award increments to the amount of money provided by the marketing or advertising department (or any other designated amount), the progressive award is triggered and provided to one or more players.
  • In one embodiment, a plurality of gaming machines at one or more gaming sites are networked to the central server in a progressive configuration, wherein a portion of each wager placed is allocated to one or more progressive awards. As described below in greater detail, this progressive configuration enables the gaming system to provide one or more players with an opportunity to win a progressive award. In one embodiment, the progressive awards are associated with the gaming machines in the gaming system which each contribute portions of the progressive awards. In one such embodiment, as players of the gaming machines play for one or more of the progressive awards, a portion of each player's wager contributes to an accumulated value of a designated progressive award.
  • In one embodiment, each player who contributed to the designated progressive award is eligible to win that designated progressive award regardless of whether the player is playing for that designated progressive award (e.g., the player switched gaming machines with different progressive awards) or has stopped playing at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system (e.g., the player left the casino or gaming establishment). It should be appreciated that the players currently playing at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system when the designated progressive award hits (i.e., is triggered) or players who have played at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system during a designated time period may be eligible to win the designated progressive award. For example, a progressive award valued at $10,000 may be maintained by the gaming system and provided to one or more designated players. Player A plays at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system and contributes $20.00 coin-in to the progressive award before stopping play. Player B plays at another of the gaming machines in the gaming system and contributes $5.00 coin-in to the progressive award. In contrast to Player A, Player B continues to play for the progressive award. In this example, both Player A and Player B are eligible to win the progressive award value of $10,000. Thus, if a player changes games, changes gaming machines or even quits playing one of the gaming machines in the gaming system, the player does not sacrifice their opportunity to win one or more of the progressive awards.
  • In one embodiment, the amount of coin-in contributed to a designated progressive award by a given player is limited or capped. For example, a player is only able to contribute a predetermined maximum amount or percentage of a designated progressive award. In one embodiment, after a player contributes the maximum amount or percentage, any coin-in contributed to the designated progressive award is applied to a different designated progressive award (e.g., a designated progressive award at a subsequent time). Such a configuration enables a player to qualify for a plurality of progressive awards at the same time (e.g., during a single gaming session). It should be appreciated that once a player contributes the maximum amount or percentage to a designated progressive award, that player may qualify for one or more available progressive awards or one or more future progressive awards with subsequent coin-in.
  • In one embodiment, other eligibility conditions are used to determine whether the player qualifies for one of the progressive awards. The eligibility conditions may supplement or replace the condition that the player currently plays at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system. As described above, a side-bet and a minimum wager level constitute different eligibility conditions for a player to qualify to be selected to obtain one of the progressive awards. In various embodiments, different eligibility conditions are predetermined, randomly determined, determined or weighted based on the player's wager, determined or weighted based on the status of one or more players (such as determined through a player tracking system), determined based on time, or determined based on any other suitable parameter or function.
  • In one embodiment, the gaming system keeps track of and stores the coin-in of all players who have contributed to each designated progressive award. In such an embodiment, the gaming system selects the winning player based on the stored coin-in of current and past players. That is, the gaming system selects a winning player from a group including each player who contributed to the progressive award regardless of when that contribution was made. This encourages players to join a loyalty program and/or a player tracking system to remain eligible to win one or more progressive awards regardless of whether the players are currently playing at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system. In another embodiment, the winning player is selected based on the coin-in for players currently playing at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system. In one embodiment, the winning player is selected based on the coin-in for current players in addition to the coin in for past players. For example, all current players and a number of past players (e.g., which may be selected based on player status as determined through a suitable player tracking system or some other suitable factor) may be eligible to be selected as the winning player.
  • In another embodiment, a player's eligibility is determined based, at least in part, on whether the player is registered with or identified by the gaming system. Players may register with the gaming system at any of the gaming machines in the gaming system or at a remote location, such as at an electronic kiosk. Players enter identifying information, such as the player's name and address, and a suitable security code, such as a PIN number, via an input device associated with the gaming machine or kiosk. Such identifying information may be stored in a module of a suitable player tracking system or may be stored in any suitable storage device in communication with the central controller. In one embodiment, once a player is registered and identified, that player becomes eligible to win one of the progressive awards in the gaming system.
  • In one embodiment, the gaming system provides a game, such as a primary game, on each of a plurality of gaming machines. The games are operable upon a wager placed by at least one player. The central controller maintains a progressive award, such as an accumulated value progressive award. The central controller determines which player to provide with the progressive award. This determination is based on a first value of the progressive award. For example, the central controller determines the winning player of the progressive award when the progressive award reaches a first predetermined or qualifying value, such as a player threshold value. In this embodiment, the central controller subsequently determines when to provide the progressive award to the winning player regardless of whether the winning player is currently playing one of the games of one of the gaming machines. This determination is based on a second value of the progressive award. For example, the central controller determines to provide the designated progressive award to the winning player when the progressive award reaches a second predetermined or qualifying value, such as an award threshold value. In one embodiment, the central controller also provides a secondary or bonus award to the player responsible for (i.e., who placed the wager that caused) the progressive award reaching the player threshold value and/or the award threshold value).
  • In one embodiment, the determination of when to provide the designated progressive award occurs prior to the determination of which player to provide with the designated progressive award. In this embodiment, the designated progressive award is stored or escrowed until the winning player is determined. In one embodiment, the gaming system displays information regarding the stored or escrowed progressive award. This information may be displayed in audio, text or video format to inform the player that the stored or escrowed progressive award will be provided shortly, the amount of the progressive award available to be won by the player or any other suitable information.
  • In one embodiment, each progressive award of the gaming system is an accumulated value progressive award funded by a designated portion of each wager from each player. In this embodiment, if a first triggering event (i.e., a player triggering event) and a second triggering event (i.e., an award triggering event) occur, a designated progressive award is provided to a designated player. The accumulated value progressive award is provided to a winning player designated via the first triggering event (e.g., the generation of a first designated amount of coin-in) when the second, different triggering event (e.g., the generation of a second designated amount of coin-in) occurs. In one embodiment, the second triggering event determines the value of the designated progressive award. That is, the value determined by the second triggering event constitutes the progressive award provided to the designated player determined by the first triggering event.
  • In one embodiment, a player is designated as the winning player when that player's coin-in causes the accumulated value progressive award to increment to a first predetermined progressive hit value, such as a progressive hit value of $72.60. This first progressive hit value corresponds to the player threshold value. For example, on a $1 wager with 1% allocated to the accumulated value progressive award, the 7,260th coin wagered (if the progressive award starts at a default value equal to $0) results in the accumulated value progressive award reaching the player threshold value (and thus designating that player as the winning player). Accordingly, the player triggering event occurs when the 7,260th coin is wagered.
  • In one embodiment, the accumulated progressive award is provided to the designated winning player when any player's coin-in causes the accumulated value progressive award to increment to a second predetermined progressive hit value, such as a progressive hit value of $92.13. This second progressive hit value corresponds to the award threshold value. For example, on a $1 wager with 1% allocated to the accumulated value progressive award, the 9,213th coin wagered (if the progressive award starts at a default value equal to $0) results in the accumulated value progressive award reaching the award threshold value (and thus providing the accumulated value progressive award to the designated winning player). Accordingly, the award triggering event occurs when the 9,213th coin is wagered and the designated winning player is provided with the accumulated value progressive award. In this embodiment, the accumulated value progressive award is valued at $92.13.
  • In different embodiments, the coin-in is determined in any suitable manner, such as by calculating which coin-in will cause the player threshold and award threshold values to change to $72.60 or $92.13, respectively, by monitoring the coin-in versus the progressive award value or by calculating the coin-in value in advance based on the wagers, the player threshold and award threshold values, and the percentage of the wagers allocated to the progressive award. In one embodiment, the central controller keeps track of the play on each gaming machine including at least the amount wagered by the player(s) for each play of the primary game for each gaming machine (i.e., via a total or partial coin-in or wager meter which tracks the total or partial coin-in wagers placed on all of the primary games for all of the gaming machines in the gaming system). In another embodiment, the central controller is operable with a suitable player tracking system to keep track of the play of each player at gaming machines in the gaming system including at least the amount wagered for each player for each play of the primary game.
  • In one embodiment, once a first progressive award is hit, a second, subsequent progressive award is started. In one such embodiment, after the first progressive award is hit, players playing at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system are more likely to win the second, subsequent progressive award than players who are no longer playing at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system. In another such embodiment, players who contributed coin-in to the first progressive award are more likely to win the second, subsequent progressive award than players who did not contribute coin-in to the first designated progressive award. (i.e., players who started contributing to the second progressive award after the first progressive award was hit or provided). In one embodiment, the central controller counts each coin wagered by each player as 1 coin for the first progressive award. For the second progressive award, the central controller counts each coin wagered by each player who played for the first progressive award as 2 coins and counts each coin wagered by each player who did not play for the first progressive award as 1 coin. In this embodiment, players who contribute more coin-in are more likely to win the designated progressive award than players who contribute less coin-in. Counting each coin as 1 coin, 2 coins or any other suitable number of coins affects each player's chance to win the designated progressive award. Accordingly, players are rewarded or credited for more coin-in when those players play for a number of progressive awards. In one embodiment, the players are required to play for consecutive progressive awards to have their coin-in counted in this manner.
  • Alternatively, a point system could be used wherein players receive one point for the first progressive award and two points for the second progressive award instead of receiving credit for one coin and two coins, respectively, as described above. In this embodiment, the points correspond to coin-in so that players who have a high number of points have a greater chance to win the progressive award than players who have lower numbers of points.
  • In one embodiment, the central controller counts each coin wagered by each player as 5 coins for their first progressive award. When those players play for their second progressive award, the central controller counts each coin wagered by those players as 4 coins and counts each coin wagered by each player who is playing for their first progressive award as 5 coins. As described above, players who contribute more coin-in are more likely to win the designated progressive award than players who contribute less coin-in. In this manner, the central controller entices new players to play for the progressive award by increasing those players' chance to win one of the progressive awards (e.g., by weighting their coin-in greater than the coin-in of existing players). Counting each coin as 1 coin, 2 coins or any other suitable number of coins affects each player's chance to win the designated progressive award. In this embodiment, new players are rewarded or credited for more coin-in during when playing for their first progressive award. The central controller may weight the coin-in for any existing players (e.g., those who have played for at least one progressive award) but may do so at a lower level than new players. Accordingly, in this embodiment, new players for a designated progressive award (e.g., those players who have not played for another progressive award) have a greater chance of winning than existing players when their coin-in is counted or weighted in this manner.
  • In the above embodiments, the central controller weights each coin of coin-in wagered by each player. By weighting the coin-in, the central controller can reward players who play for a number of progressive awards (e.g., by increasing those players' chance to win one of the progressive awards) or the central controller can entice new players to play for the progressive award (e.g., by increasing those players' chance to win one of the progressive awards).
  • In another embodiment, the gaming system chooses an appropriate coin-in hit value associated with the player threshold value and the award threshold value in any suitable manner. For example, the system randomly chooses the coin-in values, chooses the coin-in values based on a weighted parameter, chooses the coin-in values based upon a determined subset range, or chooses the coin-in values based on any other suitable manner. In one embodiment, the player threshold value and the award threshold value are based on time or some other metric or parameter other than coin-in. For example, the player triggering event occurs at 9:00 pm on a certain day and the award triggering event occurs at 9:15 pm on that day.
  • A flowchart of an example process 200 for providing one or more players with an opportunity to win one or more progressive awards is illustrated in FIG. 3. In one embodiment, the process 200 is embodied in one or more software programs storable in one or more memories and executable by one or more processors. Although the process 200 is described with reference to the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 3, it should be appreciated that many other methods of performing the acts associated with process 200 may be used. For example, the order of many of the blocks may be changed, and many of the blocks described may be optional.
  • The process 200 enables a central controller to independently and separately determine which player will win a progressive award (i.e., a winning player) and when that progressive award will be provided to the winning player. The process 200 begins by maintaining at least one and preferably a plurality of progressive awards as indicated by block 202. The progressive award may be an accumulated value progressive award, which starts at an initial or default value, such as zero. The accumulated value progressive award increments from the initial or default value or is funded from wagers placed on one game or a plurality of different games by a player on one or more gaming machines of the gaming system. The game or games of each gaming machine in the gaming system may be the same games or different games.
  • In one embodiment, the accumulated value progressive award is associated with a player threshold value and an award threshold value. The accumulated value progressive award accumulates in value or is funded based on the wagers placed on the games of the gaming machines. A portion of each wager contributes to the accrual of the accumulated value progressive award. The player threshold value is a predetermined condition or value established by the central controller at which the accumulated value progressive award reaches a first determined amount or value. The award threshold is a predetermined condition or value established by the central controller at which the accumulated value progressive award reaches a second determined amount or value. These predetermined amounts are randomly selected and based on the coin-in of the gaming machines. As indicated by blocks 204 and 206, respectively, the central controller determines the player threshold and the award threshold independently and separately. In one embodiment, the player threshold and the award threshold values may be different types (e.g., based on coin-in or based on time).
  • For example, if the player threshold and the award threshold are based on coin-in, the central controller may determine the player threshold to be the 5,000th coin and the award threshold to be the 12,500th coin. If the contribution rate is 1% for each $1.00 wagered, one penny or $0.01 will be contributed to the progressive award for each $1.00 wagered. In this example, the player threshold value is the 5,000th coin wagered or when the accumulated value progressive award reaches a first value of $50.00 (i.e., based on a contribution rate of 1% if each coin is one dollar and the accumulated value progressive award starts at a default value equal to $0) and the award threshold value is the 12,500th coin wagered or when the accumulated value progressive award reaches a second value of $125.00 (i.e., based on a contribution rate of 1% if each coin is one dollar and the accumulated value progressive award starts at a default value equal to $0).
  • The central controller monitors the wagers at the gaming machines in the gaming system as indicated by block 208. In one embodiment, the central controller keeps track of the play on each gaming machine including at least the amount wagered by the player(s) for each play of the primary game for each gaming machine (i.e., via a total or partial coin-in or wager meter which tracks the total or partial coin-in wagers placed on all of the primary games for all of the gaming machines in the gaming system). It should be appreciated that the player of a gaming machine may change during this tracking and that this tracking can be independent of the specific player playing the gaming machine. In another embodiment, the central controller is operable with a suitable player tracking system to keep track of the play of each player at gaming machines in the gaming system including at least the amount wagered for each player for each play of the primary game. In this embodiment, the player tracking system includes a rules module that is configured to keep track of the amount wagered for each player for each play of the primary game. The central controller communicates with the rules module of the player tracking system to monitor the wagers at the gaming machines in the gaming system.
  • The central controller compares the amount of coin-in associated with the progressive award from the gaming machines to the player threshold value and the award threshold value determined as indicated by blocks 204 and 206. When the accumulated value progressive award reaches the player threshold value, the central controller designates a winning player as indicated by block 210. That is, the winning player is chosen when the accumulated value progressive award accumulates to a first designated amount of coin-in (i.e., the player threshold value). For example, when a player at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system who wagers the 5,000th coin associated with the accumulated value progressive award, the central controller designates that player as the winning player and determines that the accumulated value progressive award has reached the player threshold value. If the accumulated value progressive award does not reach the player threshold value, the central controller continues to monitor the wagers at the gaming machines in the gaming system as indicated by block 208.
  • As indicated by block 212, when the accumulated value progressive award reaches or increments to the award threshold value, the central controller designates an amount for each progressive award. When the player threshold value and the award threshold value are met, the central controller provides the progressive award for the designated amount to the designated winning player as indicated by block 214. For example, when a player at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system wagers the 12,500th coin associated with the accumulated value progressive award, the central controller determines that the accumulated value progressive award has reached the award threshold value and designates the accumulated value for the progressive award (e.g., to $125 if each coin is $1, if the progressive award starts at a $0 value and if the contribution rate is 1% of each wager). It should be appreciated that the award threshold value determines, at least in part, the amount of the accumulated value progressive award. Once the accumulated value progressive award reaches the award threshold value, the amount of the accumulated value progressive award is set and a new progressive award begins to accumulate. If the accumulated value progressive award does not reach the player threshold value, the central controller continues to monitor the wagers at the gaming machines in the gaming system as indicated by block 208.
  • After the accumulated value progressive award reaches the player threshold value and the award threshold value, the central controller provides the progressive award to the winning player. As described in greater detail below, if the winning player has not been designated (i.e., the player threshold value has not been met), the central controller stores the progressive award (or causes the progressive award to be stored) until the winning player is designated. In one embodiment, when the winning player is designated, the central controller causes the accumulated value progressive award to be provided to the winning player when the award threshold value is met. In another embodiment, the central controller causes a notification to be sent to the winning player of the won progressive award and provides the winning player with the won progressive award at a later time, such as in a subsequent gaming session.
  • It should be appreciated that after the central controller causes the accumulated value progressive award to be provided to the winning player, the central controller resets the progressive award and another progressive award starts incrementing from a second progressive award value or level. In one embodiment, if the award threshold value is less than the player threshold value (i.e., the progressive award is determined to be provided or stored prior to a winning player being designated), the second progressive award is displayed to the player in association with appropriate messaging to inform the players that the accumulated value progressive award has been determined, but not yet provided to a winning player.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of an example process 220 to store or escrow the progressive award and/or information associated with the winning player. As described above, the central controller monitors the wagers at the gaming machines in the gaming system and determines whether the player threshold value and/or the award threshold value is met. In this embodiment, the central controller determines whether the player threshold value is met as indicated by block 224 prior to determining whether the award threshold value is met as indicated by block 226. It should be appreciated that these determinations may be made sequentially in any order, simultaneously or substantially simultaneously.
  • As illustrated, if the accumulated value progressive award has not reached the player threshold value, the central controller determines whether the award threshold value is met as indicated by block 226. If the award threshold value is met, i.e., the accumulated value progressive award reaches the award threshold value, the central controller stores the progressive award (or causes the progressive award to be stored) until the player threshold value is met (i.e., the accumulated value progressive award reaches the player threshold value) as indicated by block 228. If the award threshold value is not met, the central controller continues to monitor the wagers at the gaming machines in the gaming system as indicated by block 208.
  • If the central controller determines that the player threshold value is met, the central controller designates the winning player as indicated by block 230. In one embodiment, the central controller causes no notification of this designation to be sent to the winning player until the award triggering event occurs. Alternatively, the central controller causes a notification to be sent to the winning player of this designation. Such notification may include appropriate messaging sent to the gaming machine at which the winning player is playing, such as any suitable audio, text or visual message.
  • After the winning player is designated, the central controller determines whether the award threshold value is met as indicated by block 232. If the central controller determines that the award threshold value is not met, the central controller stores information, such as a contact information including a name, a physical address, a phone number and an e-mail address, associated with the winning player, until the award threshold value is met as indicated by block 234. In one embodiment, the central controller in conjunction with a player tracking system (i.e., the rules module) stores the information associated with the designated winning player. In such an embodiment, the player's profile or player tracking card is enabled to access this stored information from the player tracking system. Alternatively, the central controller may request the player to input such information through one of the input devices associated with the gaming machine.
  • After storing the information associated with the winning player, the central controller continues to monitor the wagers at the gaming machines in the gaming system and determine whether the award threshold value is met as indicated by blocks 208 and 232.
  • If the central controller determines that the award threshold value is met, the central controller causes a notification to be sent to the winning player of the progressive award win as indicated by block 234. In one embodiment, the winning player is notified of the progressive award win through appropriate messaging sent to the gaming machine at which the winning player is playing. If the player is no longer playing at a gaming machine in the gaming system, the winning player is notified in another manner, such as through contact information in association with the player tracking system or via an internet website. The internet website may be associated with the casino or gaming establishment at which the winning player was playing the gaming machine. Alternatively, the internet website may be associated with the manufacturer of the gaming machine or another suitable third-party. Such notification may include the amount of the progressive award won by the winning player, the date on which the progressive award was won and the casino or gaming establishment where the winning player won the progressive award as well as any promotional information, advertisements or other suitable information. In one embodiment, the notification includes an expiration of the progressive award, such as how many days the progressive award is available to be claimed. It should be appreciated that the expiration may be any suitable length of time and may occur at any suitable time.
  • As indicated by block 238, the central controller causes the progressive award to be provided to the winning player. As illustrated, the winning player is sent notification of the progressive award win as indicated by block 236 prior to being provided the progressive award. In different embodiments, the winning player is not sent such notification and/or the progressive award is provided to the winning player prior to such notification, if any.
  • As illustrated in FIG. 5, appropriate notification messages such as “YOU HAVE WON AN ACCUMULATED VALUE PROGRESSIVE AWARD OF $1000.00! THIS ACCUMULATED VALUE PROGRESSIVE AWARD IS AVAILABLE TO BE CLAIMED AT CASINO A. THIS ACCUMULATED VALUE PROGRESSIVE AWARD IS AVAILABLE FOR 365 MORE DAYS.” may be provided to the player. Such notification messages may be audio, text and/or visual messages sent to the winning player.
  • After the winning player is notified, the central controller provides the progressive award to the winning player as indicated by block 238. In one embodiment, if the player is playing at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system, the central controller causes that gaming machine to provide the winning player with the progressive award. In another embodiment, if the player is not playing at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system, the central controller may provide the progressive award to the winning player in conjunction with a player tracking system, such as via a player tracking card or other suitable manner. Alternatively, the central controller provides the progressive award to the winning player in conjunction with the casino or gaming establishment, such as through a cashier or any other suitable department of the casino.
  • In one embodiment, if the designated progressive award is not claimed by the winning player, the central controller may pick another winning player to win that designated progressive award. In one embodiment, the central controller causes a second player threshold value to be determined. In one such embodiment, another winning player is selected upon the designated progressive award reaching the second player threshold value. Alternatively, an unclaimed progressive award could be added to one or more designated progressive awards. For example, a previously designated progressive award may remain unclaimed by one or more winning players for a designated amount of time. If the designated amount of time expires, the central controller either provides the unclaimed progressive award to a different player (e.g., the player who contributes the coin which caused the second player threshold to be met) or adds the unclaimed progressive award to a different designated progressive award to increase that different designated progressive award.
  • In another embodiment, at least one designated progressive award is associated with a plurality of player threshold values and/or award threshold values. The player threshold values and/or award threshold values may be based on coin-in, time or another suitable metric. In one such embodiment, a designated progressive award is associated with a plurality of player threshold values based on coin-in. If a player contributes a coin that causes the designated progressive award to reach one of the player threshold values, that player is qualified to participate in a group gaming environment. In one embodiment, a plurality of players at a plurality of the gaming machines in the gaming system work in conjunction with one another, such as playing together as a team or group, to win the designated progressive award. For example, once a plurality of the players are separated into teams or groups, the central controller monitors subsequent wagers by each player of each team or group at the gaming machines in the gaming system. If one of the wagers causes the designated progressive award to reach an associated award threshold value, the team or group of the player who placed that wager wins the designated progressive award. In one such embodiment, any designated progressive award won by the group is shared, either equally or based on any suitable criteria, amongst the different players of the group. Alternatively, if a player contributes the coin that causes the designated progressive award to reach one of the player threshold values, that player competes against at least one other player (i.e., another player who contributed a coin that caused the designated progressive award to reach one of the player threshold values) for the designated progressive award.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a timeline 300 showing one embodiment of different and independent triggering events for a progressive award available to be provided to a player in the gaming system. In this embodiment, a first triggering event 304, such as a player triggering event, occurs when the progressive award reaches a player threshold or player trigger value and a second triggering event 308, such as an award triggering event, occurs when the progressive award reaches an award threshold or award trigger value. The central controller monitors the wagers at the gaming machines in the gaming system during an accumulation period for the progressive award and determines whether the player triggering event and/or the award triggering event occurs.
  • The gaming system maintains at least one progressive award, which may be an accumulated value progressive award. The progressive award starts at an initial or default value, such as zero, and increments from the initial or default value or is funded based on wagers made by the players at the gaming machines in the gaming system. The accumulated value progressive award continues to increment during an accumulated value progressive award accumulation period, which may be set to any length determined by the gaming system operator. To be eligible to win the accumulated value progressive award, in this embodiment, one of the players at one of the gaming machines places a wager during the accumulation period. As illustrated, Players A and B place wagers at respective gaming machines 302. A determined amount, such as an amount ranging from 0.001% to 10%, of the wager is contributed to the accumulated value progressive award. For example, if the contribution rate is 1% for each $1.00 wagered, one penny or $0.01 will be contributed to the progressive award for each $1.00 wagered. In this example, the player threshold value is the 5,000th coin or when the accumulated value progressive award reaches $50.00 (i.e., based on a contribution rate of 1% if each coin is one dollar and the accumulated value progressive award starts at a default value equal to $0) and the award threshold value is the 12,500th coin or when the accumulated value progressive award reaches $125.00 (i.e., based on a contribution rate of 1% if each coin is one dollar and the accumulated value progressive award starts at a default value equal to $0).
  • In one embodiment, if either Player A or Player B leaves the gaming system (e.g., stops playing at one of the gaming devices, changes gaming devices or cannot be located at another gaming machine in the gaming system) prior to the accumulated value progressive award reaching the player threshold value, that player remains eligible for the accumulated value progressive award since Players A and B contributed to the accrual of the accumulated value progressive award. As illustrated, the player triggering event 304 occurs when the accumulated value progressive award increments to or reaches the player threshold value, such as 5,000 coins or $50.00. For example, on a $1 wager with 1% allocated to the accumulated value progressive award which hits at $50.00, the 5,000th coin wagered (i.e., based on a contribution rate of 1% if each coin is one dollar and the accumulated value progressive award starts at a default value equal to $0) results in the accumulated value progressive award reaching the player threshold (and thus designating a winning player).
  • In one embodiment, Player A and Player B are sent notification of which player the central controller designated as the winning player. Alternatively, no such notification is sent to the players. For example, the central controller determined to designate Player A as the winning player. As illustrated, Players A and B left the gaming system after this designation. Accordingly, Players A and B may or may not be aware that a winning player has been designated.
  • After the player triggering event 304 occurs, the accumulated value progressive award continues to increment or increase based on coin-in. In one embodiment, only players currently playing at one of the gaming devices when the player triggering event 304 occurs are eligible for the accumulated value progressive award. That is, the eligibility is closed to players who were not playing at one of the gaming devices when the player triggering event 304 occurs. As illustrated, Players A and B leave the gaming system 306 (or cannot be located at a gaming machine in the gaming system) after the player triggering event 304 occurs and prior to the award triggering event 308. Although the winning player has been designated, it should be appreciated that Player B is eligible for the accumulated value progressive award since Player B contributed to the accrual of the accumulated value progressive award.
  • When a player of one of the gaming machines of the gaming system contributes the coin that causes the accumulated value progressive award to increment to $125.00 or the 12,500th coin, the award triggering event 308 occurs. Upon the occurrence of the award triggering event 308, the central controller determines the amount of the accumulated value progressive award (e.g., $125.00) and provides the accumulated value progressive award to the winning player. Since the progressive award accumulated to 12,500 coins, the central controller provides the winning player with the progressive award of $125.00.
  • Player A either left the gaming system or cannot be located at another gaming machine in the gaming system 306. The accumulated value progressive award, such as a progressive award amount of $125.00, is provided to Player A (i.e., the designated winning player). After the award triggering event, the designated winning player is sent notification of winning the designated progressive award 310. Accordingly, Player A is sent notification of winning the designated progressive award in any suitable format, such as through e-mail or via an internet website. In one embodiment, Player A is required to return to the gaming establishment or casino where the accumulated value progressive award was won to claim the won accumulated value progressive award.
  • In this embodiment, the occurrence of the player triggering event 304 is prior to the occurrence of the award triggering event 308 and the progressive award is provided to the designated winning player. It should be appreciated that selecting a winning player for a progressive award that is still being contributed to or accumulated reduces jackpot fatigue because the value of the progressive award when the winning player is designated (e.g., after the 5,000th coin is wagered) has no bearing on a final value of that progressive award when that same progressive award is provided to the winning player (e.g., after the 12,500th coin is wagered).
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a chart 400 showing different and independent triggering events for a progressive award available to be provided to a winning player. As illustrated in FIG. 7, chart 400 shows that Players A and B place wagers at gaming machines in the gaming system 402. Chart 400 also shows that an award triggering event 404 can occur before a player triggering event 406. The player threshold value of 10,000 coins is greater than the award threshold value of 3,500 coins. Accordingly, the occurrence of the award triggering event 404 is prior to the occurrence of the player triggering event 406 and the central controller designates the winning player after determining to provide the accumulated value progressive award.
  • In one embodiment, the central controller stores or escrows the accumulated value progressive award until a winning player is determined. The accumulated value progressive award may be stored for a predetermined length of time or until the winning player claims the award. Alternatively, the accumulated value progressive award is stored for a predetermined length of time before being provided to the winning player. In one embodiment, any progressive award not claimed in a predetermined amount of time are provided back to the gaming system to be awarded as a new progressive award to a new winning player.
  • In one alternative embodiment, the central controller randomly determines a plurality of different player and/or award triggering events for each accumulated value progressive award. For example, a first player threshold value is determined to be 5,000 coins and a second player threshold value is determined to be 10,000 coins. In this example, an award threshold value is determined to be 15,000 coins. The award threshold value of 15,000 coins is greater than the first and second player threshold values of 5,000 and 10,000, respectively. Accordingly, the award triggering event occurs after the occurrence of both player triggering events. In this embodiment, if the player who wagered the 5,000th coin is unable or does not claim the accumulated value progressive award, the central controller offers the accumulated value progressive award to the player who wagered the 10,000th coin. In one embodiment, if the player who wagered the 5,000th coin claims or is provided with the accumulated value progressive award, the central controller provides a secondary award to the player who wagered the 10,000th coin. In various embodiments, the players who wagered the 5,000th and 10,000th coins are provided a group gaming event, wherein the players either cooperate to play for a designated progressive award or compete for a designated progressive award.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a chart 500 showing different and independent triggering events for a plurality of progressive awards available to be provided to a player in the gaming system. In this embodiment, each progressive award is associated with a player triggering event and an award triggering event. Players A and B place wagers at gaming machines in the gaming system 502. For a first progressive award, a first player triggering event 504 occurs when a first progressive award increments to or reaches a first player threshold or player trigger value of 3,500 coins. A first award triggering event 506 associated with the first progressive award occurs when the first progressive award increments to or reaches a first award threshold or award trigger value of 6,000 coins. As described above, the winning player is designated prior to the determination to provide the first progressive award. Accordingly, when the first progressive award increments to $60.00 (i.e., based on a contribution rate of 1% if each coin is one dollar and the first progressive award starts at a default value equal to $0), the first progressive award is provided to the winning player who wagered or contributed the 3,500th coin associated with the first progressive award. For a second progressive award, a second player triggering event 510 occurs when the second progressive award increments to or reaches a second player threshold or player trigger value of 12,000 coins. A second award triggering event 508 associated with the second progressive award occurs when the second progressive award increments to or reaches a second award threshold or award trigger value of 8,500 coins. As described above, the progressive award is determined to be provided prior to the winning player being designated. Accordingly, when the second progressive award increments to $120.00 (i.e., based on a contribution rate of 1% if each coin is one dollar and the second progressive award starts at a default value equal to $0), the second progressive award having a value of $85.00 (i.e., based on a contribution rate of 1% if each coin is one dollar and the second progressive award starts at a default value equal to $0) is provided to the designated winning player. The central controller monitors the wagers at the gaming machines in the gaming system during an accumulation period for each progressive award and determines whether the player triggering event and/or award triggering event occurs for each progressive award.
  • In one embodiment, the player triggering event and the award triggering event are each associated with a separate range of values. The range of values defines the minimum value and the maximum value of the accumulated value progressive award associated with the player triggering event and the award triggering event. In this embodiment, when an accumulated value progressive award increments or increases to a first accumulated value progressive award hit value, such as a player threshold value, within the range of values associated with the player triggering event, the gaming system designates the player whose coin-in matched the accumulated value progressive award hit value or the player threshold value as the selected winning player. For example, the player triggering event is associated with a range of $10 to $100 for the accumulated value progressive award. In this example, the player triggering event will occur and a winning player is designated when the value of the accumulated value progressive award increments to a player threshold value between $10 and $100.
  • When an accumulated value progressive award increments or increases to a second accumulated value progressive award hit value, such as an award threshold value, within the range of values associated with the award triggering event, the gaming system determines to provide the accumulated value progressive award to the designated winning player or causes the accumulated value progressive award to be stored until the winning player is designated. For example, the award triggering event is associated with a range of $200 to $300 of the accumulated value progressive award. In this example, the award triggering event will occur when the value of the accumulated value progressive award increments to an award threshold value between $200 and $300.
  • Based on the above examples, the accumulated value progressive award starts at a default value, such as $0 or other higher designated start up value, and increments based on wagers made by players at the gaming machines in the gaming system. The player triggering event is associated with a range of $10 to $100 and the award triggering event is associated with a range of $200 to $300 for the accumulated value progressive award. The player threshold value may be any value in the range associated with the player triggering event (e.g., $10 and $100). Similarly, the award threshold value may be any value in the range associated with the award triggering event (e.g., $200 and $300). The accumulated value progressive award continues to increment. If the player threshold value is $75, a winning player is designated when the value of the accumulated value progressive award increments to $75. The central controller stores the winning player (e.g., in association with a player tracking system) until the accumulated value progressive award increments to the award threshold value. If the award threshold value is $225, the winning player is provided the accumulated value progressive award when the value of the accumulated value progressive award increments to $225. In one embodiment, after the winning player is provided the accumulated value progressive award, a new accumulated value progressive award is started.
  • It should be appreciated that the ranges of the player and award threshold values may overlap. In such cases, when an accumulated value progressive award increments or increases to an accumulated value progressive award hit value within the range of values associated with the player triggering event and the award triggering event, the gaming system designates a winning player and, at a subsequent time, provides the accumulated value progressive award to the designated winning player. The designated winning player may be notified of the win via audio, text or visual based messages.
  • In one embodiment, the player and award triggering events are associated with different value ranges. In another embodiment, the player and award triggering events are associated with the same value range. In different embodiments, the player threshold value and the award threshold value (and/or the respective value ranges) are predetermined, randomly determined, determined based on the wagers placed in the gaming system, determined based on the status of one or more players (such as determined through a player tracking system), determined based on time, or determined based on any other suitable method.
  • For example, if the award triggering event occurs after the 5,000th coin, the player triggering event may occur at a predetermined time, such as 15 minutes, after the award triggering event occurs. In this example, the winning player is designated 15 minutes before the amount of the accumulated value progressive award is determined. After this determination, the accumulated value progressive award is provided to the designated winning player. The value of the accumulated value progressive award is reset to a default value and starts incrementing from the default progressive award level. It should be appreciated that although the accumulated value progressive award is reset to an appropriate progressive award level, other remaining progressive awards are not reset or otherwise affected by the triggering of the accumulated value progressive award. As illustrated in FIG. 9, appropriate messages such as “AN ACCUMULATED VALUE PROGRESSIVE AWARD OF $1000.00 HAS BEEN WON! THIS ACCUMULATED VALUE PROGRESSIVE AWARD HAS NO WINNER! THE WINNER WILL BE SELECTED IN THE NEXT 15 MINUTES!” may be provided to the player visually on the display device 16 of one of the gaming machines in the gaming system. Such messages may also be provided to the player through another display device, such as display device 18 or an overhead display shared by a plurality of gaming machines, or through suitable audio or audiovisual outputs.
  • By informing the player that a progressive award has hit or has been determined to be provided to a winning player, as well as other pertinent statistics, players will be more likely to feverishly play in hopes of winning the prize. If the player does not know what this maximum is, they may have no motivation to stay or play at a faster rate. Accordingly, in one embodiment, a metering and/or information display device may be used to display information regarding the different accumulated value progressive awards and/or the different player and award threshold values.
  • In additional embodiments wherein the controller knows when the progressive award is going to hit based on the selected parameters, such as coin-in, time or any other suitable predetermined metric, the gaming device/gaming system displays additional information to the player regarding the potential, upcoming accumulated value progressive award. By giving the player clues or hints as to when the progressive will hit, the player is encouraged to play the gaming device at a faster pace if the player knows that the selected winner is based on the coin-in.
  • In one embodiment, the gaming device displays information relating to one, more or each of the accumulated value progressive awards disclosed herein. Such displayed information provides the player with the ability to make decisions as to the rate they wish to play. With a plurality of displayed meters offering information to the current status of a plurality of accumulated value progressive awards, the player is provided an increased feeling of excitement about their chances of winning one or more of the progressive awards.
  • In one alternative embodiment, the central controller provides at least one game, such as a primary game, that is operable upon a wager placed by at least one player. The central controller maintains at least one progressive award, such as one or more accumulated value progressive awards. The central controller determines which player to provide with a designated one of the progressive awards (i.e., a player triggering event). This determination is based on a first time value, such as 9:01 am (i.e., at a player threshold value). For example, the central controller determines the winning player of the designated progressive award when time reaches 9:01 am. In this embodiment, the central controller also determines when to provide the progressive award to a winning player (i.e., an award triggering event). This determination is based on a second time value, such as 9:10 am (i.e., an award threshold value). For example, the central controller determines to provide the designated progressive award to a winning player when time reaches 9:10 am.
  • It should be appreciated that triggering events based on coin-in values, such as a Nth coin, and triggering events based on time, such as a Nth time, constitute different types of triggering events. In different embodiments disclosed herein, the same type of or different types of triggering events may be used to determine the winning player and when to provide the progressive award to the winning player. For example, the determination of a winning player is associated with a first type of triggering event (e.g., based on coin-in) and the determination of when to provide the progressive award to a winning player is associated with a second type of triggering event (e.g., based on time).
  • In one embodiment, a plurality of the gaming devices are connected together through a wide area network (WAN). The WAN may include an off-site central server or controller and an off-site gaming device located within gaming establishments in the same geographic area, such as a city or state. In this embodiment, the central controller determines a designated progressive award, a designated location where the designated progressive award will be won, which player at the designated location to provide with the designated progressive award. In this embodiment, the location is determined when the progressive award reaches a first value, such as a designated coin-in value (e.g., 7,200th coin) or a designated time value (e.g., 3:00 pm). The winning player is determined when the progressive award reaches a second value, such as a designated coin-in value (e.g., 7,600th coin) or a designated time value (e.g., 3:20 pm). The progressive award is provided or stored when the progressive award reaches a third value, such as a designated coin-in value (e.g., 8,000th coin) or a designated time value (e.g., 3:40 pm). For example, the central controller determines the designated location and subsequently determines the designated winning player and when to provide the designated progressive award. The central controller may determine the designated winning player and when to provide the designated progressive award in any order.
  • In one embodiment, the gaming system enables any player who contributed to an accrual of a designated progressive award during a designated time period to win that progressive award. For example, the designated progressive award is accrued or accumulated during a seven day period (i.e., the designated progressive award has a seven day accumulation period). In this example, the designated progressive award is determined to be provided to a designated winning player on the seventh day (i.e., the award triggering event occurs on the seventh day of the accumulation period). If a player arrives at a gaming establishment on the second day of the accumulation period. The player wagers on one or more games of one or more of the gaming machines of the gaming system in an attempt to win the designated progressive award. The player leaves the gaming establishment on the fifth day of the accumulation period. In this example, if the player triggering event occurs sometime between the second day and the fifth day, the player is eligible to win the designated progressive award. Since the amount of the designated progressive award is determined after the player leaves the gaming establishment, the gaming system causes a notification to be sent to the player. This notification informs the player of which designated progressive award won and the amount of that progressive award. As disclosed herein, the notification may be provided in any suitable format, such as via e-mail, via an electronic kiosk or via an internet website. It should be appreciated that the player triggering event and/or the award triggering event may occur at any time during the accumulation period and that one or more players may contribute to the accrual of the designated progressive award during any portion of the designated time period to be eligible to win that progressive award.
  • In one embodiment, the central controller selects the winning player from a group of players based, at least in part, on coin-in or time as described above, and based on at least one other factor, such as the status of a player. In such an embodiment, players who contribute to a designated progressive award may be grouped based on the amount of coin-in contributed to the progressive award and the winning player may be selected from the group based on status (as determined by a player tracking system). It should be appreciated that the gaming system selects the winning player based on a random determination, based on a weighted parameter, based upon a designated group, or based on any other suitable factor.
  • In one embodiment, different gaming devices in the gaming system have different progressive awards available to the player. In one such embodiment, different gaming devices are associated with different progressive awards based on a current configuration of the gaming system. In one embodiment, zero, one or more progressive awards may be associated with each of the gaming devices in the gaming system while zero, one or more different progressive awards may be associated with a plurality of, but not all of the gaming devices in the gaming system. For example, both a first set of gaming devices and a second, different set of gaming devices may be associated with a first accumulated progressive award, but the first set of gaming devices is also associated with a second accumulated value progressive award (which the second set of gaming devices is not).
  • In one embodiment, a gaming machine or bank of gaming machines may be simultaneously associated with a plurality of progressive awards. In these multi-level progressive (“MLP”) configurations, a plurality of progressive awards start at different award or value levels, such as $10, $100, $1000 and $10,000 and each individually increment or increase until provided to a player. Upon a suitable triggering event at one of more of the gaming devices associated with the MLP, one or more of the progressive awards which form the MLP are provided to one or more of the players at such gaming devices. In one embodiment, each eligible player is eligible for one, a plurality of or each progressive award level of the MLP. Alternatively, separate eligibility conditions are associated with each progressive award level of the MLP.
  • In one embodiment, at least two of the progressive awards that form the MLP are associated with different types of triggering events (e.g., triggering events based on coin-in or triggering events based on time). In another embodiment, at least two of the progressive awards that form the MLP are associated with different triggering events (e.g., different coin-in values or time values). In one such embodiment, a first progressive award in the MLP is associated with a short term triggering event and a second progressive award in the MLP is associated with a long term triggering event. The short term triggering event occurs more frequently than the long term triggering event. Thus, one or more of the progressive awards in the MLP may be provided frequently (e.g., such as those with a low value) while one or more of the progressive awards in the MLP may be provided infrequently (e.g., such as those with a high value).
  • In one embodiment, different progressive awards are associated with different gaming machines or different numbers of gaming machines. For example, a progressive award valued at $10,000 may be associated with ten gaming devices while another progressive award valued at $500,000 may be associated with one-hundred gaming devices. In one embodiment, the multiple gaming machines may be in the same bank of machines, in the same casino or gaming establishment (such as through LAN), or in two or more different casinos or gaming establishments (such as through a WAN). For example, players from the multiple gaming machines may play for the same progressive award, wherein the determination of the winning player and when to provide the progressive award can occur in association with any of the gaming machines. In such an embodiment, the central controller considers the coin-in from the multiple gaming machines from the same or the different casinos or gaming establishments to determine whether the progressive award reaches the player threshold value and the award threshold value.
  • In another embodiment, each individual gaming machine maintains one or more progressive awards wherein a portion of the wagers placed at that respective gaming machine is allocated to one or more progressive awards maintained by such individual gaming machine. For example, a winning player is designated from an individual gaming machine to win a progressive award associated with that gaming machine. In such an embodiment, the central controller only considers the coin-in from the individual gaming machine to determine whether the progressive award reaches the player threshold value and the award threshold value. For example, the individual gaming machine processor and/or the central controller records the wagers for each player who played at a gaming machine during a designated period of time, such as during a bonus qualification period. The individual gaming machine processor and/or the central controller is operable to designate which of the players to provide with the progressive award when the progressive award reaches the player threshold value. The individual gaming machine processor and/or the central controller is operable to determine when to provide the progressive award to one of the players who played the primary game of the gaming device when the progressive award reaches the award threshold value. In one embodiment, the player threshold value is less than the award threshold value so that a winning player is designated prior to the progressive award being provided. In an alternative embodiment, each individual gaming machine maintains one or more progressive awards and the central server simultaneously or substantially simultaneously maintains one or more progressive awards. It should be appreciated that any suitable configuration of maintaining one, more or each of the progressive awards may be implemented in accordance with the gaming device and/or gaming system disclosed herein.
  • It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

Claims (61)

1. A gaming system comprising:
a central controller;
a plurality of gaming machines, each gaming machine including:
(a) a primary game operable upon a wager by a player,
(b) at least one display device configured to display the primary game, and
(c) a processor operable to communicate with the central controller; and
a progressive award maintained by the central controller, the progressive award associated with a first triggering event and a second triggering event, the second triggering event being different than the first triggering event, wherein the central controller is programmed to:
(i) designate one of the players of one of the gaming machines as a winning player when the first triggering event occurs while the player is playing one of the primary games of one of the gaming machines, and
(ii) cause the progressive award to be provided to the winning player when the second triggering event occurs regardless of whether the winning player is playing one of the gaming machines.
2. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the progressive award is funded, at least in part, based on the wagers placed on the primary games of the gaming machines.
3. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the first and second triggering events are different types of triggering events.
4. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the progressive award is an accumulated value progressive award associated with a player threshold value and an award threshold value.
5. The gaming system of claim 4, wherein the first triggering event occurs if the accumulated value progressive award reaches the player threshold value.
6. The gaming system of claim 4, wherein the second triggering event occurs if the accumulated value progressive award reaches the award threshold value.
7. The gaming system of claim 4, wherein the player threshold value is less than or equal to the award threshold value.
8. The gaming system of claim 4, wherein the player threshold value is associated with a range of values which define a minimum value and a maximum value of the accumulated value progressive award.
9. The gaming system of claim 4, wherein the award threshold value is associated with a range of values which define a minimum value and a maximum value of the accumulated value progressive award.
10. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the central controller is programmed to store information associated with the winning player prior to the second triggering event.
11. The gaming system of claim 10, which includes a player tracking system operable with the central controller to store the information associated with the winning player.
12. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the central controller causes a notification to be sent to the winning player of at least one of:
(a) being designated as the winning player; and
(b) being provided the progressive award.
13. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the second triggering event occurs independently of the first triggering event.
14. A gaming device operable under control of a processor, the gaming device comprising:
a primary game, each play of the primary game operable upon a wager placed by a player;
a display device operable to display each play of the primary game; and
a progressive award maintained by the processor, wherein the processor is programmed to:
record the wagers for one or more players during a designated period of time,
designate which of the players to provide with the progressive award, wherein the designation occurs when the progressive award has a first value,
determine when to provide the progressive award to one of the players who played the primary game, wherein the determination occurs when the progressive award has a different, second value, and
provide the progressive award to the designated player or players.
15. The gaming device of claim 14, wherein the progressive award is funded, at least in part, based on the wagers placed on the primary game.
16. The gaming device of claim 14, wherein the progressive award increments to the first value before incrementing to the second value.
17. The gaming device of claim 14, wherein the progressive award is an accumulated value progressive award associated with a first triggering event and a different, second triggering event.
18. The gaming device of claim 17, wherein the first triggering event occurs if the accumulated value progressive award increments to the first value.
19. The gaming device of claim 17, wherein the second triggering event occurs if the accumulated value progressive award increments to the second value.
20. The gaming device of claim 17, wherein the second triggering event occurs independently of the first triggering event.
21. The gaming device of claim 17, wherein the first triggering event occurs prior to the second triggering event.
22. The gaming device of claim 14, wherein each player who contributed to the progressive award prior to the progressive award incrementing to the second value is eligible to win the progressive award.
23. The gaming device of claim 14, wherein the designated player is the player who places the wager on the primary game that causes the progressive award to increment to the first value.
24. A gaming system comprising:
a central controller;
a plurality of gaming machines in communication with the central controller, each gaming machine including a primary game operable upon a wager placed by a player;
a progressive award maintained by the central controller;
a first determination of which player to provide with the progressive award while the player is playing one of the primary games of one of the gaming machines, wherein upon the occurrence of the first determination, the progressive award has a first value;
a second subsequent determination of when to provide the progressive award to the player regardless of whether the player is playing one of the primary games of one of the gaming machines, wherein upon the occurrence of the second determination, the progressive award has a different second value; and
the central controller causing the progressive award to be provided to the player determined by the first determination.
25. The gaming device of claim 24, wherein the progressive award is funded, at least in part, based on the wagers placed on the primary game.
26. The gaming device of claim 24, wherein the progressive award increments to the first value before incrementing to the second value.
27. The gaming device of claim 24, wherein the first determination occurs independently of the second subsequent determination.
28. The gaming system of claim 24, wherein the second value is greater than the first value.
29. A method of operating a gaming system including a plurality of gaming machines, the method comprising:
(a) providing a primary game on each gaming machine, the primary game operable upon a wager placed by a player;
(b) maintaining a progressive award;
(c) associating the progressive award with a first triggering event;
(d) designating the player of one of the gaming machines as a winning player while the player is playing one of the primary games of the gaming machine when the first triggering event occurs; and
(e) providing the progressive award to the winning player when a second triggering event occurs regardless of whether the winning player is player one of the primary games on one of the gaming machines, wherein the first triggering event is different than and occurs subsequent to the second triggering event.
30. The method of claim 29, which includes funding, at least in part, the progressive award based on the wagers placed on the primary games of the gaming machines.
31. The method of claim 29, wherein the progressive award is an accumulated value progressive award associated with a player threshold value and an award threshold value.
32. The method of claim 31, which includes causing the first triggering event to occur if the accumulated value progressive award reaches the player threshold value.
33. The method of claim 31, which includes causing the second triggering event to occur if the accumulated value progressive award reaches the award threshold value.
34. The method of claim 31, which includes associating the player threshold value with a range of values which define a minimum value and a maximum value of the accumulated value progressive award.
35. The method of claim 31, which includes associating the award threshold value with a range of values which define a minimum value and a maximum value of the accumulated value progressive award.
36. The method of claim 29, which includes storing information associated with the winning player prior to the second triggering event.
37. The method of claim 36, which includes storing the information associated with the winning player in association with a player tracking system.
38. The method of claim 29, which includes causing a notification to be sent to the winning player of at least one of:
(a) being designated as the winning player; and
(b) being provided the progressive award.
39. The method of claim 29, wherein the player threshold value is less than or equal to the award threshold value.
40. The method of claim 29, which includes causing the second triggering event to occur independently of the first triggering event.
41. The method of claim 29, wherein the first and second triggering events are different types of triggering events.
42. The method of claim 29, which includes operating the gaming system through a data network.
43. The method of claim 42, wherein the data network is an internet.
44. A method of operating a gaming device operable under control of a processor, the method comprising:
(a) providing a primary game, each play of the primary game operable upon a wager placed by a player;
(b) displaying each play of the primary game;
(c) maintaining a progressive award;
(d) recording the wagers for one or more players during a designated period of time;
(e) designating which of the players to provide with the progressive award, wherein the designation occurs when the progressive award has a first value;
(f) determining when to provide the progressive award to one of the players who played the primary game, wherein the determination occurs when the progressive award has a different, second value; and
(g) providing the progressive award to the designated player or players.
45. The method of claim 44, which includes funding, at least in part, the progressive award based on the wagers placed on the primary games.
46. The method of claim 44, wherein the progressive award is an accumulated value progressive award associated with a first triggering event and a different, second triggering event.
47. The method of claim 46, which includes causing the first triggering event to occur if the accumulated value progressive award increments to the first value.
48. The method of claim 46, which includes causing the second triggering event to occur if the accumulated value progressive award increments to the second value.
49. The method of claim 46, wherein the second triggering event occurs independently of the first triggering event.
50. The method of claim 46, wherein the first triggering event occurs prior to the second triggering event.
51. The method of claim 44, enabling each player who contributed to the progressive award prior to the progressive award incrementing to the second value to win the progressive award.
52. The method of claim 51, wherein the designated player is the player who places the wager on the primary game that causes the progressive award to increment to the first value.
53. The method of claim 46, which includes operating the gaming device through a data network.
54. The method of claim 53, wherein the data network is an internet.
55. A method of operating a gaming system including a plurality of gaming machines, the method comprising:
(a) providing a primary game on each gaming machine, the primary operable upon a wager placed by a player;
(b) maintaining a progressive award;
(c) determining which player to provide with the progressive award while the player is playing one of the primary games of one of the gaming machines, wherein upon the occurrence of the determination, the progressive award has a first value;
(d) subsequently determining when to provide the progressive award to the determined player regardless of whether the determined player is playing one of the primary games of one of the gaming machines, wherein upon the occurrence of the subsequent determination, the progressive award has a different second value; and
(e) causing the progressive award to be provided to the determined player or players.
56. The method of claim 55, wherein the progressive award is funded, at least in part, based on the wagers placed on the primary game.
57. The method of claim 55, wherein the progressive award increments to the first value before incrementing to the second value.
58. The method of claim 55, wherein the first determination occurs independently of the second subsequent determination.
59. The method of claim 55, wherein the second value is greater than the first value.
60. The method of claim 55, which includes operating the gaming system through a data network.
61. The method of claim 60, wherein the data network is an internet.
US11/557,869 2006-11-08 2006-11-08 Gaming system and method which provides players an opportunity to win a progressive award Abandoned US20080108430A1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/557,869 US20080108430A1 (en) 2006-11-08 2006-11-08 Gaming system and method which provides players an opportunity to win a progressive award
AU2007231793A AU2007231793B2 (en) 2006-11-08 2007-11-08 Gaming system and method which provides players an opportunity to win a progressive award
US15/058,975 US9685039B2 (en) 2006-11-08 2016-03-02 Gaming system and method which provides players an opportunity to win a progressive award

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/557,869 US20080108430A1 (en) 2006-11-08 2006-11-08 Gaming system and method which provides players an opportunity to win a progressive award

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US15/058,975 Continuation US9685039B2 (en) 2006-11-08 2016-03-02 Gaming system and method which provides players an opportunity to win a progressive award

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20080108430A1 true US20080108430A1 (en) 2008-05-08

Family

ID=39360348

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/557,869 Abandoned US20080108430A1 (en) 2006-11-08 2006-11-08 Gaming system and method which provides players an opportunity to win a progressive award
US15/058,975 Active 2026-11-12 US9685039B2 (en) 2006-11-08 2016-03-02 Gaming system and method which provides players an opportunity to win a progressive award

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US15/058,975 Active 2026-11-12 US9685039B2 (en) 2006-11-08 2016-03-02 Gaming system and method which provides players an opportunity to win a progressive award

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (2) US20080108430A1 (en)
AU (1) AU2007231793B2 (en)

Cited By (79)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080171586A1 (en) * 2004-07-26 2008-07-17 Mickey Roemer Casino player loyalty system offering random player bonus opportunity
US20090117973A1 (en) * 2007-11-02 2009-05-07 Konami Gaming, Inc. Gaming machine with various game styles
US20090191959A1 (en) * 2008-01-21 2009-07-30 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Gaming system and method of gaming
US20090312082A1 (en) * 2008-06-11 2009-12-17 Tien-Shu Hsu Bingo game apparatus with variable payout capability
US20100004045A1 (en) * 2004-07-26 2010-01-07 Mickey Roemer Method and system for awarding bonuses via telecommunication links
US20100041468A1 (en) * 2008-08-14 2010-02-18 Igt Gaming system and method providing an award for designated losing conditions
US20100048295A1 (en) * 2008-08-22 2010-02-25 Aruze Gaming America, Inc. Gaming system
US20100120524A1 (en) * 2008-11-13 2010-05-13 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and gaming method providing additional award opportunities for an activation of a symbol generator based on an occurrence of a triggering event
US20100160035A1 (en) * 2008-12-12 2010-06-24 Gamelogic Inc. Method and apparatus for off property prize pooling
US20100298052A1 (en) * 2009-05-22 2010-11-25 Antonio Mariano Parrottino Combined behavior schedules of reinforcement system
US20110086698A1 (en) * 2009-10-13 2011-04-14 Lin Liu Gaming system, a game controller and a method of gaming
US20110111826A1 (en) * 2009-11-11 2011-05-12 Igt Gaming system and method for providing symbol combinations with dynamic awards
US20110111828A1 (en) * 2009-11-12 2011-05-12 Igt Gaming systems, gaming devices and methods with volatility control games
US20110118011A1 (en) * 2009-11-13 2011-05-19 Igt Gaming systems, gaming devices and methods for providing progressive awards
US20110159949A1 (en) * 2009-11-09 2011-06-30 Paul Francis Jason Bramble Method of gaming, a game controller and a prize controller
US8092297B2 (en) 2007-11-07 2012-01-10 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a bonus based on number of gaming machines being actively played
US8092302B2 (en) 2008-11-12 2012-01-10 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method providing tiered progressive bonusing system
US8152630B2 (en) 2008-11-13 2012-04-10 Igt Gaming system and method having bonus event and bonus event award in accordance with a current wager and one or more accumulated bonus event points
US8157646B2 (en) 2009-04-14 2012-04-17 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a progressive award multiple times before resetting the displayed value of the provided progressive award
US8231453B2 (en) 2009-08-25 2012-07-31 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing a player an opportunity to win a designated award based on one or more aspects of the player's skill
US8262458B2 (en) 2008-11-13 2012-09-11 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and gaming method providing additional award opportunities for an activation of a symbol generator based on an occurrence of a triggering event
US8308550B2 (en) 2010-05-05 2012-11-13 Igt Gaming systems, gaming devices and methods providing time based game sessions with changing values
US8382572B2 (en) 2008-11-13 2013-02-26 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a community bonus event
US8454434B1 (en) 2012-06-15 2013-06-04 Igt Gaming system and method for providing an offer and acceptance game with progressive awards associated with a quantity of progressive tokens
US8500538B2 (en) 2009-07-30 2013-08-06 Igt Bingo gaming system and method for providing multiple outcomes from single bingo pattern
US8523662B2 (en) 2009-11-13 2013-09-03 Igt Gaming system and method providing balanced paybacks with varying wager amounts
US20140066187A1 (en) * 2003-09-15 2014-03-06 Igt Multi-player bingo game with progressive jackpots
US8784174B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2014-07-22 Igt Gaming system and method for providing an offer and acceptance game
US8840456B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2014-09-23 Igt Gaming system and method for providing an offer and acceptance game
US20140309026A1 (en) * 2013-04-16 2014-10-16 Gree, Inc. Computer and method for game control
US8888577B2 (en) 2013-01-28 2014-11-18 Igt Gaming system and method for providing optimal poker auto-hold functionality with progressive awards
US8942995B1 (en) * 2001-02-06 2015-01-27 Nexrf, Corp. Mobile autonomous dynamic graphical user interface
US20150032521A1 (en) * 2013-07-26 2015-01-29 Bank Of America Corporation Aggregation of savings data from past transactions
US8968083B2 (en) 2009-11-12 2015-03-03 Igt Gaming system and method for dynamically grouping gaming devices to provide progressive awards
US8986111B2 (en) 2007-11-08 2015-03-24 Igt Gaming system having multiple progressive awards and a bonus game available in a base game operable upon a wager
US9129486B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2015-09-08 Igt Gaming system and method providing a card game associated with a supplemental pool funded upon an occurrence of a designated outcome and winnable by a player or a dealer
US20150254932A1 (en) * 2014-03-06 2015-09-10 Cadillac Jack Electronic gaming device with turbo boost progressive gaming functionality
US20150317878A1 (en) * 2014-05-05 2015-11-05 Eclipse Gaming Systems, LLC Jackpot contribution mechanism
US9293010B2 (en) 2012-08-07 2016-03-22 Igt Wagering agent
US9342956B2 (en) 2012-02-24 2016-05-17 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method for shifting progressive award contribution rates
US9349128B1 (en) 2006-11-30 2016-05-24 Nevrf Corporation Targeted content delivery
US9373116B1 (en) 2001-07-05 2016-06-21 NexRf Corporation Player tracking using a wireless device for a casino property
US9390585B2 (en) 2013-07-17 2016-07-12 Igt Gaming system and method for providing team play benefits
US9396487B1 (en) 2006-11-30 2016-07-19 NexRf Corporation System and method for weighting content items
US9406079B1 (en) 2006-11-30 2016-08-02 NexRf Corporation Content relevance weighting system
US9408032B1 (en) 2006-11-30 2016-08-02 NexRf Corporation Content delivery system, device and method
US9418514B2 (en) 2013-09-05 2016-08-16 Everi Games Inc. Method, apparatus, and program product for controlling contributions to progressive prize pools
US9430781B1 (en) 2006-11-30 2016-08-30 NexRf Corporation Network based indoor positioning and geofencing system and method
US9454769B2 (en) 2001-02-06 2016-09-27 NexRf Corporation Communicating a targeted message to a wireless device based on location and two user profiles
US9472062B2 (en) 2014-08-08 2016-10-18 Igt Gaming system and method providing a keno-type primary game associated with persistence pools that may be incremented to trigger one or more bonuses
US9501786B1 (en) 2006-11-30 2016-11-22 Nexrf, Corp. Interactive display system
US9507494B1 (en) 2006-11-30 2016-11-29 Nexrf, Corp. Merchant controlled platform system and method
US9558629B2 (en) 2013-09-19 2017-01-31 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a plurality of chances of winning a progressive award
US9576429B2 (en) 2013-11-21 2017-02-21 Gamesys Ltd. Systems and methods for site-wide jackpots
US9659430B2 (en) 2013-09-16 2017-05-23 Igt Gaming system and method providing game with multiple award displays
US9773020B2 (en) 2001-07-05 2017-09-26 NEXRF Corp. System and method for map based exploration
US9788155B1 (en) 2015-04-22 2017-10-10 Michael A. Kerr User interface for geofence associated content
US9818258B2 (en) 2013-09-13 2017-11-14 Igt Gaming system and method for enabling a player to accept or reject a progressive award
US10026269B2 (en) 2016-09-22 2018-07-17 Igt Gaming systems and methods for providing progressive awards
US20180200615A1 (en) * 2007-09-21 2018-07-19 Sony Interactive Entertainment America Llc Methods and Apparatuses for Recording and Utilizing an Audio Signature Within an Application
US10204485B2 (en) 2015-02-09 2019-02-12 Bally Gaming, Inc. Gaming systems, gaming devices and methods for incrementing progressive jackpots
US10210710B2 (en) 2014-08-19 2019-02-19 Bally Gaming, Inc. Gaming device, system and method for providing cascading progressive awards
US10282946B2 (en) 2014-10-16 2019-05-07 Igt Lucky spot betting
US10311637B2 (en) * 2017-05-15 2019-06-04 International Business Machines Corporation Collaborative three-dimensional digital model construction
US10325450B2 (en) 2016-09-21 2019-06-18 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a plurality of chances of winning a progressive award with dynamically scalable progressive award odds
US10430492B1 (en) 2006-11-30 2019-10-01 Nexrf, Corp. System and method for handset positioning with dynamically updated RF fingerprinting
US10467855B2 (en) 2017-06-01 2019-11-05 Igt Gaming system and method for modifying persistent elements
US10503912B1 (en) 2014-08-12 2019-12-10 NEXRF Corp. Multi-channel communication of data files
US10721705B1 (en) 2010-06-04 2020-07-21 NEXRF Corp. Content Relevance Weighting System
US10762747B2 (en) 2017-12-19 2020-09-01 Igt Gaming system and method providing a keno game including bonus tiles
US10838582B2 (en) 2016-06-15 2020-11-17 NEXRF Corp. Mobile autonomous dynamic graphical user interface
US11011025B2 (en) 2019-01-17 2021-05-18 Igt System and method for providing awards based on accumulating triggering elements independent of reel symbols
US11373481B1 (en) * 2021-02-23 2022-06-28 Igt Activating features based on a value of a progressive award
US11380164B2 (en) 2016-02-01 2022-07-05 Igt Gaming system and method for providing randomly determined progressive award reset values
US20220366762A1 (en) * 2021-05-12 2022-11-17 Igt Non-Fungible Tokens in Gaming
US11704973B2 (en) 2019-01-14 2023-07-18 Igt System and method for dynamically configuring triggering conditions of an event
US11706733B1 (en) 2008-03-29 2023-07-18 NEXRF Corp. Location positioning engine system and method
US11729576B2 (en) 2008-03-29 2023-08-15 NEXRF Corp. Targeted content delivery
US11935359B2 (en) 2020-09-25 2024-03-19 Igt Gaming systems, gaming devices and methods with volatility control games

Families Citing this family (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NZ598568A (en) 2010-03-10 2012-12-21 Paltronics Australasia Pty Ltd Method and apparatus for awarding at least one jackpot prize based on the gaming activity of a plurality of gaming machines
AU2015210489A1 (en) 2014-08-11 2016-02-25 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited A system and method for providing a feature game
US10535229B2 (en) * 2014-08-11 2020-01-14 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited System and method for providing a feature game
US11488447B2 (en) 2018-06-28 2022-11-01 Station Casinos LLC System, method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for generating data for use in casino property management computer systems
US10607445B2 (en) 2018-07-10 2020-03-31 Igt System and method for providing financial account rewards programs
AU2018241080A1 (en) 2018-10-03 2019-01-17 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited A gaming device with prize chance configurable symbol
US10950087B2 (en) 2019-05-06 2021-03-16 Igt Gaming system and method for providing predictable award events

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1978395A (en) * 1934-04-23 1934-10-23 Groetchen Richard Vending machine
US2545644A (en) * 1947-05-26 1951-03-20 Alfred C Benton Botating disk game device
US2942574A (en) * 1957-12-26 1960-06-28 Chore Boy Mfg Co Inc Milking system feed box
US20030104853A1 (en) * 2001-12-04 2003-06-05 Tessmer Michael T. Method and system for weighting odds to specific gaming entities in a shared bonus event
US20040048644A1 (en) * 2002-09-06 2004-03-11 Peter Gerrard Gaming device having a progressive award funded through skill, strategy or risk gaming event
US20060073884A1 (en) * 2005-12-08 2006-04-06 Walker Jay S Systems and methods for post-play gaming benefits

Family Cites Families (691)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2743108A (en) 1955-01-17 1956-04-24 Ardis G Sanders Arithmetical bingo game apparatus
GB912685A (en) 1960-06-30 1962-12-12 Alfred James Litolff Crompton Improvements in or relating to amusement apparatus
BE680555A (en) 1965-05-27 1966-11-07
US3420525A (en) 1966-06-20 1969-01-07 Ralph Waders Game apparatus
US3642287A (en) 1969-01-07 1972-02-15 Bally Mfg Corp Rotating reel game with masking shutter
US3618019A (en) 1969-11-13 1971-11-02 Conversational Systems Corp Signature identification by means of pressure patterns
JPS5219673Y2 (en) 1971-03-13 1977-05-06
GB1396267A (en) 1973-04-19 1975-06-04 Fortuna Agencie Ltd Arithmetical board game
GB1512857A (en) 1974-09-13 1978-06-01 Bally Mfg Corp Monitoring system for use with amusement game devices
US3975022A (en) 1975-02-26 1976-08-17 Figueroa Luisito A Parlor game device
US3971557A (en) 1975-03-13 1976-07-27 Marvin Glass & Associates Chance amusement device
US3998309A (en) 1976-01-23 1976-12-21 Bally Manufacturing Corporation Coin accepting device
US4238127A (en) 1977-01-17 1980-12-09 Bally Manufacturing Corporation Electronic gaming apparatus
US4198052A (en) 1977-10-19 1980-04-15 ADP - Automaten GmbH Slot machine
AU524709B2 (en) 1978-02-21 1982-09-30 Hickey, L.V. Game machine
US4182515A (en) 1978-05-01 1980-01-08 Nemeth Joseph J Mathematical gameboard
US4277064A (en) 1978-11-06 1981-07-07 Compu-Pic Incorporated Lottery number generating method and apparatus
US4335809A (en) 1979-02-13 1982-06-22 Barcrest Limited Entertainment machines
US4283709A (en) 1980-01-29 1981-08-11 Summit Systems, Inc. (Interscience Systems) Cash accounting and surveillance system for games
US4409656A (en) 1980-03-13 1983-10-11 Her Majesty The Queen, In Right Of Canada As Represented By The Minister Of National Defense Serial data bus communication system
US4363485A (en) 1980-07-31 1982-12-14 D. Gottlieb & Co. Time based pinball game machine
GB2083936A (en) 1980-09-12 1982-03-31 Coin Operated Parts Service Lt Amusement machine
US4494197A (en) 1980-12-11 1985-01-15 Seymour Troy Automatic lottery system
GB2097160B (en) 1981-02-06 1984-05-10 Barcrest Ltd Entertainment machines
GB2096376B (en) 1981-04-03 1984-10-03 Barcrest Ltd Entertainment machines
US4410178A (en) 1981-05-21 1983-10-18 Starpoint Electrics Limited Gaming machines
GB2100905A (en) 1981-06-25 1983-01-06 Jpm Coin-operated gaming or amusement machines
GB2118445A (en) 1982-01-19 1983-11-02 Orca Games Limited A device for playing a game
US4448419A (en) 1982-02-24 1984-05-15 Telnaes Inge S Electronic gaming device utilizing a random number generator for selecting the reel stop positions
GB2117155B (en) 1982-02-25 1985-06-26 Arthur Edward Thomas Gaming machine
GB2117952B (en) 1982-04-02 1985-10-30 Barcrest Ltd Entertainment machines
JPS58177679A (en) 1982-04-14 1983-10-18 株式会社ユニバ−サル Game machine
AU556021B2 (en) 1982-10-15 1986-10-16 Aruze Corporation Multiline slot machine
GB2137392B (en) 1983-02-08 1986-06-04 Jpm Gaming or amusement-with-prizes machines
US4760527A (en) 1983-04-05 1988-07-26 Sidley Joseph D H System for interactively playing poker with a plurality of players
US4926327A (en) 1983-04-05 1990-05-15 Sidley Joseph D H Computerized gaming system
JPS59186580A (en) 1983-04-08 1984-10-23 株式会社ユニバ−サル Throttle machine
ES8507274A1 (en) 1983-05-02 1985-09-16 Ainsworth Nominees Pty Ltd Poker machine communication system
AU555905B2 (en) 1983-05-02 1986-10-16 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Poker machine communication system
GB2142457A (en) 1983-06-28 1985-01-16 Maygay Machines Gaming machines
JPS6021783A (en) 1983-07-19 1985-02-04 高砂電器産業株式会社 Image display method in card game machine
GB2144644A (en) 1983-08-08 1985-03-13 Robert Paul Barrie Video gaming machine
GB2147773A (en) 1983-09-14 1985-05-15 Igt Reno Nev Lottery game terminal
GB2148135A (en) 1983-09-14 1985-05-30 Igt Reno Nev Electronic video lottery system
GB2153572B (en) 1983-12-19 1987-07-01 Thomas Limited Arthur Edward Gaming machine
US4582324A (en) 1984-01-04 1986-04-15 Bally Manufacturing Corporation Illusion of skill game machine for a gaming system
US4652998A (en) 1984-01-04 1987-03-24 Bally Manufacturing Corporation Video gaming system with pool prize structures
US4837728A (en) 1984-01-25 1989-06-06 Igt Multiple progressive gaming system that freezes payouts at start of game
DE3415114A1 (en) 1984-04-21 1985-10-31 Fa. Hans-Dieter Ziegenbruch, 4800 Bielefeld Coin-operated gaming machine
US4621814A (en) 1984-05-24 1986-11-11 Igt Amusement device having juxtaposed video displays
GB2161008A (en) 1984-06-29 1986-01-02 Maygay Machines Gaming machine
GB2161009A (en) 1984-06-29 1986-01-02 Maygay Machines Gaming machine
GB2183381B (en) 1984-12-08 1988-07-20 Elton Fabrications Improvements relating to amusement arcade machines
US5058893A (en) 1985-01-02 1991-10-22 Igt Reel monitoring device for an amusement machine
JPH0538775Y2 (en) 1985-01-11 1993-09-30
GB2170636B (en) 1985-02-01 1987-11-04 Jpm Gaming or amusement-with-prizes machines
AU589158B2 (en) 1985-02-08 1989-10-05 John Domenic Fazzolare A random payment awarding apparatus
EP0214290B1 (en) 1985-03-08 1990-06-13 Sigma Enterprises, Incorporated Slot machine
GB2180682B (en) 1985-08-08 1989-08-23 Ace Coin Equip Amusement with prizes machine
US4624459A (en) 1985-09-12 1986-11-25 Bally Manufacturing Corporation Gaming device having random multiple payouts
GB8524908D0 (en) 1985-10-09 1985-11-13 Barcrest Ltd Entertainment machines
GB2183882B (en) 1985-12-05 1989-10-11 Barcrest Ltd Entertainment machines
US4856787B1 (en) 1986-02-05 1997-09-23 Fortunet Inc Concurrent game network
US4756531A (en) 1986-02-10 1988-07-12 Dire Felix M Apparatus and process for multiple wins in one game
US4836546A (en) 1986-02-10 1989-06-06 Dire Felix M Game with multiple winning ways
CA1265870A (en) 1986-02-10 1990-02-13 Felix M. Dire Game
US4732386A (en) 1986-02-19 1988-03-22 Howard Rayfiel Visible randomly intermeshing, multi-wheel chance game apparatus
US4695053A (en) 1986-03-07 1987-09-22 Bally Manufacturing Corporation Gaming device having player selectable winning combinations
JPH0520383Y2 (en) 1986-03-17 1993-05-27
GB8612480D0 (en) 1986-05-22 1986-07-02 Bell Fruit Mfg Co Ltd Gaming & amusement machines
US4842278A (en) 1986-06-02 1989-06-27 Victor Markowicz Hierarchical lottery network with selection from differentiated playing pools
AU585160B2 (en) 1986-06-26 1989-06-08 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Lottery machine
DE3638100C2 (en) 1986-11-07 1995-02-09 Nsm Ag Coin operated game machine
DE3700861C2 (en) 1987-01-14 1995-04-13 Nsm Ag Coin operated game machine
US4775155A (en) 1987-03-10 1988-10-04 Arrow International, Inc. Method and apparatus for playing a bingo line game
US4871171A (en) 1987-03-30 1989-10-03 Recreativus Franco, S.A. Game device including means simulating release of a ball
DE8710757U1 (en) 1987-08-06 1987-11-19 Nsm-Apparatebau Gmbh & Co Kg, 6530 Bingen, De
US4844464A (en) 1987-11-03 1989-07-04 Harald Berge Coin-released gaming machine
JPH01141685A (en) 1987-11-30 1989-06-02 Ryutaro Kishishita Throttle machine
US5544893A (en) 1988-04-18 1996-08-13 Progressive Games, Inc. Apparatus for progressive jackpot gaming
US5364104A (en) 1988-04-18 1994-11-15 D&D Gaming Patents, Inc. Apparatus for progressive jackpot gaming
JPH0642914B2 (en) 1988-05-16 1994-06-08 ユニバーサル販売株式会社 Gaming machine controller
GB2222712B (en) 1988-06-08 1992-06-03 Barcrest Ltd Entertainment machines
US5209479A (en) 1988-08-12 1993-05-11 Sigma, Incorporated Clot machine
AU630112B2 (en) 1988-09-26 1992-10-22 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Tournament system
GB2226907B (en) 1988-12-13 1993-02-10 Bell Fruit Mfg Co Ltd Gaming and amusement machines
GB2226436B (en) 1988-12-20 1993-01-20 Bell Fruit Mfg Co Ltd Gaming and amusement machines
GB2231189A (en) 1989-02-14 1990-11-07 Cork Amusement Centre Ltd Coin- or credit-freed amusement machine
US5019973A (en) 1989-03-08 1991-05-28 Gaming And Technology, Inc. Poker game method
JPH0824737B2 (en) 1989-04-03 1996-03-13 ユニバーサル販売株式会社 Slot machine
DE3917683A1 (en) 1989-05-31 1990-12-06 Paul Gauselmann Coin-operated entertainment machine - enables player intervention in process of game when defined threshold exceeds total points memory
JP2641767B2 (en) 1989-07-28 1997-08-20 ユニバーサル販売株式会社 Game machine
US4991848A (en) 1989-08-07 1991-02-12 Bally Manufacturing Corporation Gaming machine with a plateaued pay schedule
NZ235320A (en) 1989-09-26 1994-01-26 Sigma Inc Fruit machine: win by character substitution adjusts payout.
US5092598A (en) 1989-10-02 1992-03-03 Kamille Stuart J Multivalue/multiplay lottery game
US5038022A (en) 1989-12-19 1991-08-06 Lucero James L Apparatus and method for providing credit for operating a gaming machine
US5033744A (en) 1990-02-09 1991-07-23 Bridgeman James L Card playing apparatus with single card discard feature
JP2634474B2 (en) 1990-02-10 1997-07-23 ユニバーサル販売株式会社 Slot machine
US5249800A (en) 1990-02-20 1993-10-05 Bally Gaming International, Inc. Progressive gaming control and communication system
DK0443420T3 (en) 1990-02-20 1995-05-22 Bally Gaming Int Inc Progressive game control and communication system
US5048833A (en) 1990-03-01 1991-09-17 Lamle Steward M Apparatus for detecting a series of game outcomes
GB2242300B (en) 1990-03-24 1994-06-22 Bell Fruit Mfg Co Ltd Gaming and amusement machines
DE59106208D1 (en) 1990-05-07 1995-09-14 Bergmann & Co Th ROULETTE-LIKE MONEY PLAYER.
US5344144A (en) 1990-09-27 1994-09-06 Mikohn, Inc. Progressive jackpot gaming system with enhanced accumulator
EP0484103A3 (en) 1990-10-31 1992-12-02 Project Design Technology Ltd. Gaming apparatus
US5046737A (en) 1990-11-23 1991-09-10 Douglas Press, Inc. Lottery-type game system with bonus award
US5276312A (en) 1990-12-10 1994-01-04 Gtech Corporation Wagering system using smartcards for transfer of agent terminal data
JP2719450B2 (en) 1991-01-28 1998-02-25 ユニバーサル販売株式会社 Slot machine
AU655801B2 (en) 1991-03-19 1995-01-12 Boris Frankovic Jackpot apparatus
US5205555A (en) 1991-05-23 1993-04-27 Takasago Electric Industry Co., Ltd. Electronic gaming machine
US5123649A (en) 1991-07-01 1992-06-23 Bally Manufacturing Corporation Gaming machine with dynamic pay schedule
US5116055A (en) 1991-07-02 1992-05-26 Mikohn, Inc. Progressive jackpot gaming system linking gaming machines with different hit frequencies and denominations
US5429361A (en) 1991-09-23 1995-07-04 Bally Gaming International, Inc. Gaming machine information, communication and display system
US5158293A (en) 1991-09-27 1992-10-27 Mullins Wayne L Lottery game and method for playing same
WO1993007594A1 (en) 1991-10-11 1993-04-15 Verifone, Inc. Dispensing machine with data card scanner apparatus and enhanced features
US5217224A (en) 1991-11-05 1993-06-08 Brent Sincock Prize award system for coin laundry
US5286023A (en) 1991-11-20 1994-02-15 Bke, Incorporated Video lottery game
US5324035A (en) 1991-12-02 1994-06-28 Infinational Technologies, Inc. Video gaming system with fixed pool of winning plays and global pool access
DE4200254C2 (en) 1992-01-08 1994-09-01 Panther Apparatebau Und Vertri Gaming machine
US5265874A (en) 1992-01-31 1993-11-30 International Game Technology (Igt) Cashless gaming apparatus and method
US5280909A (en) 1992-02-06 1994-01-25 Mikohn, Inc. Gaming system with progressive jackpot
US5393057A (en) 1992-02-07 1995-02-28 Marnell, Ii; Anthony A. Electronic gaming apparatus and method
US5326104A (en) 1992-02-07 1994-07-05 Igt Secure automated electronic casino gaming system
US5321241A (en) 1992-03-30 1994-06-14 Calculus Microsystems Corporation System and method for tracking casino promotional funds and apparatus for use therewith
US5342047A (en) 1992-04-08 1994-08-30 Bally Gaming International, Inc. Touch screen video gaming machine
US5275400A (en) 1992-06-11 1994-01-04 Gary Weingardt Pari-mutuel electronic gaming
USRE35864E (en) 1992-06-11 1998-07-28 Weingardt; Gary Pari-mutuel electronic and live table gaming
US5476259A (en) 1992-06-11 1995-12-19 Gamin Weingardt Trust, A Nevada Trust Pari-mutuel electronic and live table gaming
US5277424A (en) 1992-07-08 1994-01-11 United Gaming, Inc. Video gaming device utilizing player-activated variable betting
ATA141092A (en) 1992-07-09 1997-05-15 Novo Invest Casino Dev Ag GAME MACHINE GAME MACHINE
US5951397A (en) 1992-07-24 1999-09-14 International Game Technology Gaming machine and method using touch screen
JP3027882B2 (en) 1992-07-31 2000-04-04 信越半導体株式会社 Wafer chamfer polishing machine
US5351970A (en) 1992-09-16 1994-10-04 Fioretti Philip R Methods and apparatus for playing bingo over a wide geographic area
US5308065A (en) 1992-09-21 1994-05-03 Bridgeman James L Draw poker with random wild-card determination
US5292127C1 (en) 1992-10-02 2001-05-22 Arcade Planet Inc Arcade game
US5393061A (en) 1992-12-16 1995-02-28 Spielo Manufacturing Incorporated Video gaming machine
US6048269A (en) 1993-01-22 2000-04-11 Mgm Grand, Inc. Coinless slot machine system and method
DE4301855C2 (en) 1993-01-25 2001-10-11 Nsm Ag Method for operating a money-operated gaming device
US5511781A (en) 1993-02-17 1996-04-30 United Games, Inc. Stop play award wagering system
US5472194A (en) 1993-04-02 1995-12-05 Shuffle Master, Inc. Progressive gaming apparatus
US5288081A (en) 1993-02-25 1994-02-22 Shuffle Master, Inc. Method of playing a wagering game
US6454266B1 (en) 1993-02-25 2002-09-24 Shuffle Master, Inc. Bet withdrawal casino game with wild symbol
US5342049A (en) 1993-03-03 1994-08-30 Michael Wichinsky Gaming machine with skill feature
US5531441A (en) 1993-04-14 1996-07-02 Sevens Unlimited, Inc. A Nevada Corporation Double poker
JP2971285B2 (en) 1993-04-16 1999-11-02 アルゼ株式会社 Display devices for gaming machines
US6435500B2 (en) 1993-05-28 2002-08-20 Media Drop-In Productions, Inc. Interactive games and method of playing
US5332228A (en) 1993-07-16 1994-07-26 M P Software Inc. Stud poker game with variable position wild card
GB2282690A (en) 1993-10-05 1995-04-12 Barcrest Ltd Credit -operated machines
JPH07118307A (en) 1993-10-22 1995-05-09 Toagosei Co Ltd Method for inhibiting (meth)acrylic ester polymerization
US5645486A (en) 1993-11-30 1997-07-08 Sega Enterprises, Ltd. Gaming system that pays out a progressive bonus using a lottery
US5398932A (en) 1993-12-21 1995-03-21 Video Lottery Technologies, Inc. Video lottery system with improved site controller and validation unit
EP0737494A4 (en) 1993-12-28 1997-08-27 Ace Denken Kk Game machine
CA2112717C (en) 1993-12-31 1998-06-16 Haruo Inoue Slot machine
US5411271A (en) 1994-01-03 1995-05-02 Coastal Amusement Distributors, Inc. Electronic video match game
CA2113705C (en) 1994-01-18 1999-01-05 Haruo Inoue Slot machine
US5380007A (en) 1994-01-21 1995-01-10 Travis; Christopher P. Video lottery gaming device
AU680920B2 (en) 1994-02-04 1997-08-14 Creative Arrangements Pty Ltd System for enhancing networked electronically monitored game machines
US5407200A (en) 1994-02-15 1995-04-18 Douglas Press, Inc. Lottery-type gaming system having multiple playing levels
US6012982A (en) 1994-02-22 2000-01-11 Sigma Game Inc. Bonus award feature in linked gaming machines having a common feature controller
US5580309A (en) 1994-02-22 1996-12-03 Sigma Game, Inc. Linked gaming machines having a common feature controller
US5377993A (en) 1994-03-04 1995-01-03 Josephs; Ronald H. Wagering game
JPH07275432A (en) 1994-04-05 1995-10-24 Eagle:Kk Slot machine
US5524888A (en) 1994-04-28 1996-06-11 Bally Gaming International, Inc. Gaming machine having electronic circuit for generating game results with non-uniform probabilities
US5770533A (en) 1994-05-02 1998-06-23 Franchi; John Franco Open architecture casino operating system
US5401024A (en) 1994-05-09 1995-03-28 Wms Gaming Inc. Keno type video gaming device
US5566337A (en) 1994-05-13 1996-10-15 Apple Computer, Inc. Method and apparatus for distributing events in an operating system
US5456465A (en) 1994-05-20 1995-10-10 Wms Gaming Inc. Method for determining payoffs in reel-type slot machines
US5601487A (en) 1994-05-31 1997-02-11 Casio Computer Co., Ltd. Electronic game devices and methods
US5470079A (en) 1994-06-16 1995-11-28 Bally Gaming International, Inc. Game machine accounting and monitoring system
AUPM759994A0 (en) 1994-08-22 1994-09-15 Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd Multi-line gaming machine
AUPM816194A0 (en) 1994-09-15 1994-10-13 Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd Improved multiple line gaming machine
JP2579738B2 (en) 1994-09-20 1997-02-12 コナミ株式会社 Bingo game machine
JP2579739B2 (en) 1994-09-20 1997-02-12 コナミ株式会社 Bingo game machine
US6089978A (en) 1994-09-23 2000-07-18 Anchor Gaming Method of playing game and gaming games with an additional payout indicator
US5823874A (en) 1994-09-23 1998-10-20 Anchor Gaming Method of playing game and gaming device with an additional payout indicator
US5848932A (en) 1994-09-23 1998-12-15 Anchor Gaming Method of playing game and gaming games with an additional payout indicator
US5431408A (en) 1994-09-23 1995-07-11 Dd Stud, Inc. Card game with travelling wild card
US5542669A (en) 1994-09-23 1996-08-06 Universal Distributing Of Nevada, Inc. Method and apparatus for randomly increasing the payback in a video gaming apparatus
US6120031A (en) 1994-09-23 2000-09-19 D. D. Stud, Inc. Game with reservable wild indicia
US6334814B1 (en) 1994-09-23 2002-01-01 Anchor Gaming Method of playing game and gaming games with an additional payout indicator
US20020065126A1 (en) 1994-09-23 2002-05-30 Miller Charles R. Method, apparatus and system for gaming using a rotatable payout indicator
US5536016A (en) 1994-09-26 1996-07-16 Mikohn Gaming Corporation Progressive system for a match number game and method therefor
US5449173A (en) 1994-09-26 1995-09-12 Wms Gaming Inc. Reel-type slot machine with supplemental payoff
US5655961A (en) 1994-10-12 1997-08-12 Acres Gaming, Inc. Method for operating networked gaming devices
DE69508266T2 (en) 1994-10-18 1999-09-30 Bcd Mecanique Ltee PROGRESSIVE JACKPOT GAME WITH RANDOM WINNING
US5707286A (en) 1994-12-19 1998-01-13 Mikohn Gaming Corporation Universal gaming engine
JP2654364B2 (en) 1994-12-22 1997-09-17 株式会社イーグル Slot machine
US5993316A (en) 1995-01-17 1999-11-30 Coyle; Jan R. Selective coin and game slot machine
AUPN063995A0 (en) 1995-01-19 1995-02-09 Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd Slot machine game with dynamic score card
ATE180083T1 (en) 1995-01-24 1999-05-15 Nsm Ag CASH ACTUATED ENTERTAINMENT DEVICE
DE19502613A1 (en) 1995-01-27 1996-08-01 Peter Eiba Play equipment system
US5564700A (en) 1995-02-10 1996-10-15 Trump Taj Mahal Associates Proportional payout method for progressive linked gaming machines
US5611535A (en) 1995-02-17 1997-03-18 Bally Gaming International, Inc. Gaming machine having compound win line
JP2681454B2 (en) 1995-02-21 1997-11-26 コナミ株式会社 Shooting game device
US5570885A (en) 1995-02-21 1996-11-05 Ornstein; Marvin A. Electronic gaming system and method for multiple play wagering
US5674128A (en) 1995-02-21 1997-10-07 Oneida Indian Nation Cashless computerized video game system and method
US5584763A (en) 1995-02-22 1996-12-17 Acclaim Redemption Games, Inc. Arcade game having multiple rotating pointers
US5935002A (en) 1995-03-10 1999-08-10 Sal Falciglia, Sr. Falciglia Enterprises Computer-based system and method for playing a bingo-like game
JPH11501842A (en) 1995-03-10 1999-02-16 スリンゴ インコーポレイテッド Method and apparatus for playing a bingo game on a slot machine
US5611730A (en) 1995-04-25 1997-03-18 Casino Data Systems Progressive gaming system tailored for use in multiple remote sites: apparatus and method
US5605506A (en) 1995-05-24 1997-02-25 International Game Technology Candle antenna
CA2150215C (en) 1995-05-25 2003-02-25 John Xidos Distributed gaming system
US5489101A (en) 1995-06-06 1996-02-06 Moody; Ernest W. Poker-style card game
US5560603A (en) 1995-06-07 1996-10-01 Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company, Inc. Combined slot machine and racing game
US5779544A (en) 1995-06-07 1998-07-14 Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company, Inc. Combined slot machine and racing game
US5664998A (en) 1995-06-07 1997-09-09 Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Co., Inc. Combined slot machine and racing game
JP2719121B2 (en) 1995-06-22 1998-02-25 株式会社イーグル Slot machine
US5976016A (en) 1995-06-28 1999-11-02 Ernest W. Moody Multi-line slot machine method
US5823873A (en) 1995-06-28 1998-10-20 Moody Ernest W Method of playing electronic video poker games
US6120378A (en) 1996-06-17 2000-09-19 Ernest W. Moody Multi-line slot machine method
US6672959B2 (en) 1995-06-28 2004-01-06 Ernest W. Moody Bonus feature on starting hands
US6007066A (en) 1995-06-28 1999-12-28 Moody; Ernest W. Electronic video poker games
US6287202B1 (en) 1996-06-28 2001-09-11 Silicon Gaming, Inc. Dynamic tournament gaming method and system
US5779549A (en) 1996-04-22 1998-07-14 Walker Assest Management Limited Parnership Database driven online distributed tournament system
JP2659176B2 (en) 1995-08-07 1997-09-30 コナミ株式会社 Competition game equipment
JP2846846B2 (en) 1995-08-23 1999-01-13 株式会社三共 Reel stop control device
JP2865595B2 (en) 1995-09-12 1999-03-08 株式会社三共 Amusement machine symbol display device, slot machine using the same, and pachinko machine
US6213876B1 (en) 1995-09-15 2001-04-10 Naif Moore, Jr. Method of playing dice game
US5964463A (en) 1995-09-15 1999-10-12 Gulf Coast Gaming Corporation Method of playing a dice game
AUPN564395A0 (en) 1995-09-26 1995-10-19 Bytecraft Systems Pty. Ltd. Multivenue jackpot system
JPH09103540A (en) 1995-10-11 1997-04-22 Universal Hanbai Kk Game machine
US5725216A (en) 1995-10-13 1998-03-10 Progressive Games, Inc. Methods of playing poker games
AUPN606295A0 (en) 1995-10-19 1995-11-09 Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd Mystery jackpot controller
AU728788B2 (en) 1995-10-19 2001-01-18 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Mystery jackpot controller
AU707687B2 (en) 1995-10-19 1999-07-15 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Mystery jackpot controller
JP3977449B2 (en) 1995-10-31 2007-09-19 アルゼ株式会社 Game machine
DE19600787C2 (en) 1995-11-15 2002-09-19 Nsm Ag Coin-operated entertainment device and method for operating such an entertainment device
US5833536A (en) 1995-11-15 1998-11-10 International Game Technology System for playing electronics card game with player selection of cards in motion on display
US5641730A (en) 1995-11-29 1997-06-24 Chevron Chemical Company Grease composition with improved antiwear properties
US5762552A (en) 1995-12-05 1998-06-09 Vt Tech Corp. Interactive real-time network gaming system
GB9526089D0 (en) 1995-12-20 1996-02-21 Astra Innovations Ltd Improvements relating to gaming or amusement machines
US5823879A (en) 1996-01-19 1998-10-20 Sheldon F. Goldberg Network gaming system
WO1997027568A1 (en) 1996-01-22 1997-07-31 Claude Neon (Aust) Pty. Limited Gaming apparatus
AUPN775496A0 (en) 1996-01-25 1996-02-22 Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd Touch screen slot machine
US5885158A (en) 1996-02-13 1999-03-23 International Game Technology Gaming system for multiple progressive games
US5766076A (en) 1996-02-13 1998-06-16 International Game Technology Progressive gaming system and method for wide applicability
DE19613455C2 (en) 1996-02-15 2000-01-27 Nsm Ag Coin operated entertainment device
US5711525A (en) 1996-02-16 1998-01-27 Shuffle Master, Inc. Method of playing a wagering game with built in probabilty variations
JP2882771B2 (en) 1996-02-19 1999-04-12 コナミ株式会社 Image display game device
US5934672A (en) 1996-02-20 1999-08-10 Digideal Corporation Slot machine and methods of operation
AUPN827696A0 (en) 1996-02-23 1996-03-14 Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd Dynamic special symbols
AU710015B2 (en) 1996-02-23 1999-09-09 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Slot machine game with dynamic special symbols
AUPN836296A0 (en) 1996-02-28 1996-03-21 Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd Roaming wild card
US5788573A (en) 1996-03-22 1998-08-04 International Game Technology Electronic game method and apparatus with hierarchy of simulated wheels
US6162121A (en) 1996-03-22 2000-12-19 International Game Technology Value wheel game method and apparatus
US5772509A (en) 1996-03-25 1998-06-30 Casino Data Systems Interactive gaming device
DE69624788T2 (en) 1996-03-26 2003-07-03 Anchor Gaming Las Vegas Gaming process and gaming device with display for additional winnings
AU733599C (en) 1996-03-26 2006-07-06 Igt Method of playing game and gaming device with an additional payout indicator
US5707285C1 (en) 1996-04-02 2002-07-23 Vaughn Place Method and apparatus for random prize selection in wagering games
US5816918A (en) 1996-04-05 1998-10-06 Rlt Acquistion, Inc. Prize redemption system for games
US6110041A (en) 1996-12-30 2000-08-29 Walker Digital, Llc Method and system for adapting gaming devices to playing preferences
US5720483A (en) 1996-04-25 1998-02-24 Hai-Bang D. Trinh Non-banking payoff system
US6547131B1 (en) 1996-04-29 2003-04-15 Igt Preset amount electronic funds transfer system for gaming machines
US5902983A (en) 1996-04-29 1999-05-11 International Game Technology Preset amount electronic funds transfer system for gaming machines
US5772511A (en) 1996-05-08 1998-06-30 Webcraft Games, Inc. Method for the conduct of lotteries
US5876284A (en) 1996-05-13 1999-03-02 Acres Gaming Incorporated Method and apparatus for implementing a jackpot bonus on a network of gaming devices
US5761647A (en) 1996-05-24 1998-06-02 Harrah's Operating Company, Inc. National customer recognition system and method
DE19624321A1 (en) 1996-06-18 1998-01-02 Atronic Casino Technology Dist Procedure for determining a proportional jackpot profit
US5769714A (en) 1996-06-19 1998-06-23 Wiener; Herbert Methods and apparatus for playing baseball gambling games
US5622366A (en) 1996-06-21 1997-04-22 Eagle Co., Ltd. Medal pusher game machine
US6244958B1 (en) 1996-06-25 2001-06-12 Acres Gaming Incorporated Method for providing incentive to play gaming devices connected by a network to a host computer
US6080062A (en) 1996-06-27 2000-06-27 Olson; Carl M. Lotto gaming apparatus and method
US5743524A (en) 1996-07-01 1998-04-28 Nannicola; Charles A. Seal card game with random advanced player selection
JP3698491B2 (en) 1996-07-02 2005-09-21 株式会社ドラゴン TV type baccarat game device
US6062981A (en) 1996-07-19 2000-05-16 International Game Technology Gaming system with zero-volatility hold
CA2182056C (en) 1996-07-25 1999-12-07 Mitsuhito Harada Dice, dice game machine, and dice game system
US5807172A (en) 1996-08-15 1998-09-15 Sigma Game Inc. Three reel slot machine with nine ways to win
US5833538A (en) 1996-08-20 1998-11-10 Casino Data Systems Automatically varying multiple theoretical expectations on a gaming device: apparatus and method
AUPO194396A0 (en) 1996-08-28 1996-09-19 Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd Slot machine game - hidden object
CA2192614A1 (en) 1996-09-09 1998-03-10 Haruo Inoue Bingo game machine
US5779545A (en) 1996-09-10 1998-07-14 International Game Technology Central random number generation for gaming system
US5823872A (en) 1996-09-18 1998-10-20 Chicago Casino Systems, Inc. Simulated racing game
US5984779A (en) 1996-09-18 1999-11-16 Bridgeman; James Continuous real time Pari-Mutuel method
JPH1094676A (en) 1996-09-20 1998-04-14 Konami Co Ltd Image display method in competing type game system and game system
US5833540A (en) 1996-09-24 1998-11-10 United Games, Inc. Cardless distributed video gaming system
US5882261A (en) 1996-09-30 1999-03-16 Anchor Gaming Method of playing game and gaming device with at least one additional payout indicator
US5769716A (en) 1996-09-30 1998-06-23 International Game Technology Symbol fall game method and apparatus
US5833537A (en) 1996-09-30 1998-11-10 Forever Endeavor Software, Inc. Gaming apparatus and method with persistence effect
US5851148A (en) 1996-09-30 1998-12-22 International Game Technology Game with bonus display
AU722107B2 (en) 1996-10-25 2000-07-20 Coms21 Limited Jackpot system
US6270412B1 (en) 1996-10-25 2001-08-07 Sigma Game, Inc. Slot machine with symbol save feature
US5997401A (en) 1996-10-25 1999-12-07 Sigma Game, Inc. Slot machine with symbol save feature
US5772506A (en) 1996-11-08 1998-06-30 Ptt, Llc Video poker gold card game and computer system for inplementing same
US6059658A (en) 1996-11-13 2000-05-09 Mangano; Barbara Spinning wheel game and device therefor
US6758755B2 (en) 1996-11-14 2004-07-06 Arcade Planet, Inc. Prize redemption system for games executed over a wide area network
US6255865B1 (en) 1999-11-03 2001-07-03 Nanopower Technologies Inc. Track-and-hold circuit
US5873781A (en) 1996-11-14 1999-02-23 Bally Gaming International, Inc. Gaming machine having truly random results
AUPO387796A0 (en) 1996-11-27 1996-12-19 Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd Gaming machine
US5910048A (en) 1996-11-29 1999-06-08 Feinberg; Isadore Loss limit method for slot machines
US6386977B1 (en) 1996-12-03 2002-05-14 Dyosan Communications Corporation Fiduciary electronic game of chance and accounting system
AU721968B2 (en) 1996-12-10 2000-07-20 I.G.T. (Australia) Pty. Limited Operation of a video gaming machine
US6572471B1 (en) 1996-12-18 2003-06-03 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty, Ltd. Slot machine game—find the prize
AUPO429596A0 (en) 1996-12-18 1997-01-23 Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd Find the prize
AU722969B2 (en) 1996-12-18 2000-08-17 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Game feature for a gaming machine
US6142872A (en) 1998-03-31 2000-11-07 Walker Digital, Llc Method and apparatus for team play of slot machines
US6001016A (en) 1996-12-31 1999-12-14 Walker Asset Management Limited Partnership Remote gaming device
US6099408A (en) 1996-12-31 2000-08-08 Walker Digital, Llc Method and apparatus for securing electronic games
US7077746B2 (en) 2001-06-05 2006-07-18 Torango Lawrence J Progressive wagering system
US6435968B1 (en) 1997-03-17 2002-08-20 Lawrence J. Torango Progressive wagering system
US7384336B2 (en) 1997-01-15 2008-06-10 Torango Lawrence J Progressive system and methods
US6241608B1 (en) 1997-01-15 2001-06-05 Lawrence J. Torango Progressive wagering system
US5779547A (en) 1997-01-16 1998-07-14 Thunderbird Greeley, Inc. Pari-mutuel gaming system and method of using same
US6077162A (en) 1997-01-22 2000-06-20 Casino Data Systems Cooperative group gaming system: apparatus and method
NZ337454A (en) 1997-02-10 2001-09-28 Aristocrat Technologies Au Distributed game accelerator
GB9702844D0 (en) 1997-02-12 1997-04-02 Barcrest Ltd Entertainment machines
US6039648A (en) 1997-03-04 2000-03-21 Casino Data Systems Automated tournament gaming system: apparatus and method
US6312334B1 (en) 1997-03-12 2001-11-06 Shuffle Master Inc Method of playing a multi-stage video wagering game
US6454651B1 (en) 1997-03-12 2002-09-24 Shuffle Master, Inc. Method of scoring a video wagering game
US6234896B1 (en) 1997-04-11 2001-05-22 Walker Digital, Llc Slot driven video story
US6471208B2 (en) 1997-03-12 2002-10-29 Shuffle Master, Inc. Method of playing a game, apparatus for playing a game and game with multiplier bonus feature
US5732948A (en) 1997-03-13 1998-03-31 Shuffle Master, Inc. Dice game method
US6120377A (en) 1997-03-17 2000-09-19 Mcginnis, Sr.; Richard G. Method of playing a wagering game
US6193606B1 (en) 1997-06-30 2001-02-27 Walker Digital, Llc Electronic gaming device offering a game of knowledge for enhanced payouts
US6050895A (en) 1997-03-24 2000-04-18 International Game Technology Hybrid gaming apparatus and method
US6010404A (en) 1997-04-03 2000-01-04 Walker Asset Management Limited Partnership Method and apparatus for using a player input code to affect a gambling outcome
US5947822A (en) 1997-04-15 1999-09-07 Weiss; Malcolm H. Method and apparatus for wagering
US6234897B1 (en) 1997-04-23 2001-05-22 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming device with variable bonus payout feature
US6203429B1 (en) 1997-04-23 2001-03-20 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machine with bonus mode
US20010009865A1 (en) 1997-04-23 2001-07-26 Lawrence E. Demar Gaming machine with bonus mode
US6358144B1 (en) 1997-05-02 2002-03-19 Wsk Gaming Llc Bonus joker poker
AUPO674197A0 (en) 1997-05-09 1997-06-05 I.G.T. (Australia) Pty. Limited Operation of gaming machines in linked bonus prize winning mode
AUPO672597A0 (en) 1997-05-09 1997-06-05 Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd Competitive arcade gaming
AU748263B2 (en) 1997-05-09 2002-05-30 I.G.T. (Australia) Pty. Limited Operation of gaming machines in a linked bonus prize winning mode
US5855514A (en) 1997-05-16 1999-01-05 Stuart J. Kamille Probability game with insured winning
US6062980A (en) 1997-05-19 2000-05-16 Luciano; Robert A. Method of playing a multi-stage wagering game
US5893718A (en) 1997-05-19 1999-04-13 O'donnell; Gary Mathematical board game
US5919088A (en) 1997-05-20 1999-07-06 Casino Data Systems Gaming method and apparatus including a simulation of a combination safe
US6071190A (en) 1997-05-21 2000-06-06 Casino Data Systems Gaming device security system: apparatus and method
JP2928493B2 (en) 1997-05-28 1999-08-03 コナミ株式会社 Progressive game system
US5806855A (en) 1997-06-20 1998-09-15 Horse Sense Corporation Poker wagering game
JP3451893B2 (en) 1997-06-23 2003-09-29 アルゼ株式会社 Game machine reel device
ZA985939B (en) 1997-07-08 2000-01-10 Aristocrat Leisure Ind Pty Ltd Slot machine game and system with improved jackpot feature.
US5951011A (en) 1997-07-18 1999-09-14 Potter; Bruce Henri Method of progressive jackpot gaming
US5944606A (en) 1997-07-22 1999-08-31 Zdi Gaming, Inc. Method, apparatus and pull-tab gaming set for use in a progressive pull-tab game
US6309298B1 (en) 1997-07-22 2001-10-30 Zdi Gaming, Inc. Method, apparatus and gaming set for use in a progressive game
USD400597S (en) 1997-08-05 1998-11-03 International Game Technology Multi-level slot machine
JP3108657B2 (en) 1997-08-08 2000-11-13 コナミ株式会社 Slot machine
US6135884A (en) 1997-08-08 2000-10-24 International Game Technology Gaming machine having secondary display for providing video content
US6126542A (en) 1997-08-11 2000-10-03 Boyd Gaming Corporation Gaming device and method offering primary and secondary games
GB2328311B (en) 1997-08-13 2001-09-12 Barcrest Ltd Entertainment machines
US6068553A (en) 1997-08-15 2000-05-30 Parker; Alan Geoffrey Gaming machines
US6554705B1 (en) 1997-08-22 2003-04-29 Blake Cumbers Passive biometric customer identification and tracking system
AUPO877097A0 (en) 1997-08-25 1997-09-18 Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd Slot machine with background game
US6174233B1 (en) 1997-08-27 2001-01-16 Universal Sales Co., Ltd. Game machine
AU749222B2 (en) 1997-09-10 2002-06-20 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Slot machine game - progressive jackpot with decrementing jackpot
AUPO910297A0 (en) 1997-09-10 1997-10-02 Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd Slot machine game - progressive jackpot with decrementing jackpot
US6213877B1 (en) 1997-10-08 2001-04-10 Walker Digital, Llc Gaming method and apparatus having a proportional payout
US6129355A (en) 1997-10-08 2000-10-10 Wms Gaming Inc. Reel device for gaming machines
US5911418A (en) 1997-10-10 1999-06-15 Anchor Gaming Methods of playing card games with an additional payout indicator
US6089976A (en) 1997-10-14 2000-07-18 Casino Data Systems Gaming apparatus and method including a player interactive bonus game
US6102400A (en) 1997-10-14 2000-08-15 Bad Beat Gaming, Llc Method of playing a keno game with a bonus payout
US6146273A (en) 1997-10-24 2000-11-14 Mikohn Gaming Corporation Progressive jackpot gaming system with secret bonus pool
US6110043A (en) 1997-10-24 2000-08-29 Mikohn Gaming Corporation Controller-based progressive jackpot linked gaming system
AUPP008697A0 (en) 1997-10-29 1997-11-20 Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd Slot machine - with random line multiplier
US5851011A (en) 1997-10-31 1998-12-22 Lott; A. W. Multi-deck poker progressive wagering system with multiple winners and including jackpot, bust, and insurance options
US5980384A (en) 1997-12-02 1999-11-09 Barrie; Robert P. Gaming apparatus and method having an integrated first and second game
US6159096A (en) 1997-12-12 2000-12-12 Shuffle Master, Inc. Method and apparatus for configuring a slot-type wagering game
US6117009A (en) 1997-12-12 2000-09-12 Shuffle Master, Inc. Method and apparatus for configuring a video output gaming device
US6004207A (en) 1997-12-23 1999-12-21 Wms Gaming Inc. Slot machine with incremental pay-off multiplier
US6398644B1 (en) 1997-12-23 2002-06-04 Mikohn Gaming Corporation Pattern reverse keno game method of play
US6173955B1 (en) 1998-12-22 2001-01-16 Mikohn Gaming Corporation Poker dice casino game method of play
US6174235B1 (en) 1997-12-30 2001-01-16 Walker Digital, Llc Method and apparatus for directing a game with user-selected elements
US6238288B1 (en) 1997-12-31 2001-05-29 Walker Digital, Llc Method and apparatus for directing a game in accordance with speed of play
US6176781B1 (en) 1998-01-09 2001-01-23 Walker Digital, Llc Electronic amusement device and method for operating same
USD402702S (en) 1998-01-23 1998-12-15 Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company, Inc. Slot machine housing
US5927714A (en) 1998-02-10 1999-07-27 Kaplan; Edward Interactive tic-tac-toe slot machine
US6637747B1 (en) 1998-02-17 2003-10-28 Glen E. Garrod Method of and apparatus for playing a card game
US6302790B1 (en) 1998-02-19 2001-10-16 International Game Technology Audio visual output for a gaming device
AU750731B2 (en) 1998-02-27 2002-07-25 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Slot machine game with randomly-designated special symbols
AUPP206498A0 (en) 1998-02-27 1998-03-26 Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd Slot machine game-with randomly designated special symbols
US6135885A (en) 1998-03-04 2000-10-24 Lermusiaux; Lawrence E. Electronic football wagering game
AU756525B2 (en) 1998-03-06 2003-01-16 Igt Gaming machines with bonusing
US6547663B1 (en) 1998-03-20 2003-04-15 Wms Gaming, Inc. Gaming machine with player controlled payout rate
US6190255B1 (en) 1998-03-24 2001-02-20 Wms Gaming Inc. Bonus game for a gaming machine
US6315660B1 (en) 1998-03-24 2001-11-13 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machines with board game theme
JPH11276663A (en) 1998-03-27 1999-10-12 Aruze Corp Game machine
US7695358B2 (en) 1998-03-31 2010-04-13 Walker Digital, Llc Method and apparatus for team play of slot machines
US6045129A (en) 1998-04-08 2000-04-04 Cooper; Dual Method of playing a video poker game
JP2004024554A (en) 2002-06-26 2004-01-29 Dragon:Kk Symbol display device for game machine
CA2264341A1 (en) 1998-04-14 1999-10-14 Mikohn Gaming Corporation Pachinko stand-alone and bonusing game
US6047963A (en) 1998-05-20 2000-04-11 Mikohn Gaming Corporation Pachinko stand-alone and bonusing game
US6375567B1 (en) 1998-04-28 2002-04-23 Acres Gaming Incorporated Method and apparatus for implementing in video a secondary game responsive to player interaction with a primary game
US6364768B1 (en) 1998-04-28 2002-04-02 Acres Gaming Incorporated Networked gaming devices that end a bonus and concurrently initiate another bonus
US6371852B1 (en) 1998-04-28 2002-04-16 Acres Gaming Incorporated Method for crediting a player of an electronic gaming device
US6607441B1 (en) 1998-04-28 2003-08-19 Acres Gaming Incorporated Method for transferring credit from one gaming machine to another
US6210275B1 (en) 1998-05-26 2001-04-03 Mikohn Gaming Corporation Progressive jackpot game with guaranteed winner
US6142875A (en) 1998-05-27 2000-11-07 Aruze Corporation Gaming machine
JP2000042204A (en) 1998-05-27 2000-02-15 Aruze Corp Game machine
USD406865S (en) 1998-06-22 1999-03-16 Bally Gaming, Inc. Bell ringer for a gaming machine
US6231445B1 (en) 1998-06-26 2001-05-15 Acres Gaming Inc. Method for awarding variable bonus awards to gaming machines over a network
US6416408B2 (en) 1998-06-29 2002-07-09 Anchor Gaming Method of playing a group participation game
US6302793B1 (en) 1998-07-02 2001-10-16 Station Casinos, Inc. Multi-property player tracking system
US6231442B1 (en) 1998-07-08 2001-05-15 Battle Born Gaming Video slot machine with multi-choice second bonus
US6186894B1 (en) 1998-07-08 2001-02-13 Jason Mayeroff Reel slot machine
US6224483B1 (en) 1998-07-08 2001-05-01 Battle Born Gaming Multi-spin rotating wheel bonus for video slot machine
GB2333880B (en) 1998-07-09 2001-03-14 Barcrest Ltd Entertainment machines
US5997400A (en) 1998-07-14 1999-12-07 Atlantic City Coin & Slot Services Co., Inc. Combined slot machine and racing game
US6312333B1 (en) 1998-07-24 2001-11-06 Acres Gaming Incorporated Networked credit adjust meter for electronic gaming
CA2275547A1 (en) 1998-08-18 2000-02-18 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming system with linked display
US6149521A (en) 1998-08-25 2000-11-21 Sigma Game, Inc. Video poker game with multiplier card
US6616531B1 (en) 1998-08-25 2003-09-09 Wayne L. Mullins Method and apparatus for playing one game and using elements from the one game to play at least another game
ATE279966T1 (en) 1998-08-27 2004-11-15 Wms Gaming Inc SLOT MACHINE FOR PLAYING A BOARD GAME
US6165070A (en) 1998-08-27 2000-12-26 Bvc Technologies, Inc. Video game slot machine program with output based on operator skill
CA2277547A1 (en) 1998-09-02 2000-03-02 Wms Gaming Inc. Slot machine with pattern-driven award feature
US6159098A (en) 1998-09-02 2000-12-12 Wms Gaming Inc. Dual-award bonus game for a gaming machine
CA2278949A1 (en) 1998-09-02 2000-03-02 Wms Gaming Inc. Slot machine with collection-based award feature
US6988732B2 (en) 1998-09-11 2006-01-24 Mikohn Gaming Corporation Knowledge-based casino game and method therefor
US6358149B1 (en) 1998-09-11 2002-03-19 Acres Gaming Incorporated Dynamic threshold for pool-based bonus promotions in electronic gaming systems
WO2000017825A2 (en) 1998-09-18 2000-03-30 Mikohn Gaming Corporation Controller-based linked gaming machine bonus system
US6113098A (en) 1998-09-22 2000-09-05 Anchor Gaming Gaming device with supplemental ticket dispenser
US6142873A (en) 1998-09-22 2000-11-07 Casino Data Systems Gaming device
US6210277B1 (en) 1998-09-28 2001-04-03 Alexander Stefan Game of chance
US6203430B1 (en) 1998-10-01 2001-03-20 Walker Digital, Llc Electronic amusement device and method for enhanced slot machine play
US20020045472A1 (en) 1998-10-09 2002-04-18 William R. Adams Method of playing a wagering game and gaming devices with a bingo-type secondary game
US6386974B1 (en) 1998-10-09 2002-05-14 Anchor Gaming Method of playing game and gaming device with interactive driving game display
CA2249900A1 (en) 1998-10-09 2000-04-09 Loto-Quebec Gain determination method and gaming apparatus therefor
US6220959B1 (en) 1998-10-15 2001-04-24 Verne F. Holmes, Jr. Floater bonus poker
US6368218B2 (en) 1998-10-28 2002-04-09 Gtech Rhode Island Corporation Interactive gaming system
US6546374B1 (en) 1998-11-10 2003-04-08 Aether Systems, Inc. Apparatus for providing instant vendor notification in an electronic commerce network environment
JP2000140207A (en) 1998-11-18 2000-05-23 Aruze Corp Game machine
US6283473B1 (en) 1998-11-19 2001-09-04 Frank Abramopoulos Method of operating progressive reel slot machines and device therefor
US6416409B1 (en) 1998-11-21 2002-07-09 Mirage Resorts Incorporated Gaming system with shared progressive jackpot
AUPP734198A0 (en) 1998-11-26 1998-12-24 Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd Player information delivery
US6105962A (en) 1998-12-15 2000-08-22 Sierra Design Group Rotating disks slot machine
US6315662B1 (en) 1998-12-22 2001-11-13 Walker Digital, Llc System and method for automatically initiating game play on an electronic gaming device
US6203010B1 (en) 1998-12-30 2001-03-20 Walker Digital, Llc Method and apparatus for a progressive jackpot determinant
US6319122B1 (en) 1998-12-31 2001-11-20 Walker Digital, Llc Electronic amusement device and method for providing payouts based on the activity of other devices
US6375568B1 (en) 1999-01-13 2002-04-23 Interbet Corporation Interactive gaming system and process
AUPP842399A0 (en) 1999-02-01 1999-02-25 I.G.T. (Australia) Pty. Limited Operation of gaming machines
US6270409B1 (en) 1999-02-09 2001-08-07 Brian Shuster Method and apparatus for gaming
US6016338A (en) 1999-03-22 2000-01-18 At&T Corp. Lottery method and apparatus having a tiered prize scheme
JP2000271266A (en) 1999-03-23 2000-10-03 Aruze Corp Game machine
US6816596B1 (en) 2000-01-14 2004-11-09 Microsoft Corporation Encrypting a digital object based on a key ID selected therefor
US6537150B1 (en) 1999-03-29 2003-03-25 Sierra Design Group Gaming devices having reverse-mapped game set
US6546134B1 (en) 1999-03-29 2003-04-08 Ruth Shrairman System for assessment of fine motor control in humans
US6398645B1 (en) 1999-04-20 2002-06-04 Shuffle Master, Inc. Electronic video bingo with multi-card play ability
US6220961B1 (en) 1999-04-22 2001-04-24 Multimedia Games, Inc. Multi-level lottery-type gaming method and apparatus
US6656047B1 (en) 1999-04-23 2003-12-02 Colepat, Llc Computer-controlled gaming apparatus and method
JP2000357210A (en) 1999-05-03 2000-12-26 Amphenol Tuchel Electronics Gmbh Contact device
US6299170B1 (en) 1999-05-04 2001-10-09 Shuffle Master Inc Higher frequency wild card game and apparatus
US6149156A (en) 1999-05-14 2000-11-21 Feola; John Multiple round card game of chance
US6149157A (en) 1999-05-19 2000-11-21 Coast Hotels & Casinos, Inc. Hand picked poker game and method therefor
US6270411B1 (en) 1999-09-10 2001-08-07 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machine with animated reel symbols for payoff
US6443837B1 (en) 1999-05-26 2002-09-03 Wms Gaming Inc. Bonus games for gaming machines with strategy options
US6386973B1 (en) 1999-06-16 2002-05-14 Shuffle Master, Inc. Card revelation system
US6837788B2 (en) 1999-06-23 2005-01-04 Igt Method of playing a dual wagering game
US6159097A (en) 1999-06-30 2000-12-12 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machine with variable probability of obtaining bonus game payouts
DE19936196C2 (en) 1999-07-08 2003-10-16 Loewen Entertainment Gmbh Method for operating a money-operated entertainment device
US6336857B1 (en) 1999-07-20 2002-01-08 Gaming Concepts Inc. Method for playing two casino games and a method and an apparatus for related progressive jackpot
US7883407B2 (en) 2000-08-09 2011-02-08 Igt Method of awarding prizes for jackpot and gaming machines based on amount wagered during a time period
AU714299C (en) 1999-08-09 2003-04-10 Sakura Industries Ltd Prize awarding system
US6155925A (en) 1999-08-12 2000-12-05 Wms Gaming Inc. Bonus game for gaming machine with payout percentage varying as function of wager
US6338678B1 (en) 1999-08-23 2002-01-15 Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company, Inc. Ball selector and display device for use with gaming devices
AUPQ242899A0 (en) 1999-08-25 1999-09-16 Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd Gaming machine with buy feature games
AUPQ251899A0 (en) 1999-08-27 1999-09-23 Golden Casket Lottery Corporation Limited A method of and apparatus for operating gaming machines
US6390473B1 (en) 1999-09-09 2002-05-21 Olaf Vancura Apportionment of pay out of casino game with escrow
US6159095A (en) 1999-09-09 2000-12-12 Wms Gaming Inc. Video gaming device having multiple stacking features
US6254481B1 (en) 1999-09-10 2001-07-03 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machine with unified image on multiple video displays
US6346043B1 (en) 1999-09-13 2002-02-12 International Game Technology Image matching game method and apparatus
US6309299B1 (en) 1999-09-13 2001-10-30 Steve Weiss Gaming device and method for individual, head to head and tournament play
US6443452B1 (en) 1999-09-13 2002-09-03 International Game Technology Free game prizing method and apparatus for an electronic gaming terminal
US6336863B1 (en) 1999-09-13 2002-01-08 International Game Technologies Gaming device with bonus mechanism
US6309300B1 (en) 1999-09-13 2001-10-30 International Game Technology Gaming bonus apparatus and method with player interaction
WO2001019475A1 (en) 1999-09-13 2001-03-22 International Game Technology Bonusing apparatus and method for gaming system providing flexibility and interest
US6227971B1 (en) 1999-09-14 2001-05-08 Casino Data Systems Multi-line, multi-reel gaming device
JP3980802B2 (en) 1999-09-24 2007-09-26 アルゼ株式会社 Game machine and game system
AUPQ323899A0 (en) 1999-10-01 1999-10-28 Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd Gaming console and system having dynamic feature game
AU141933S (en) 1999-10-12 2000-10-04 Adp Gauselmann G M B H Housing for coin operated gaming machine
US6336860B1 (en) 1999-11-10 2002-01-08 Prime Table Games Llc Game of chance using patterns of symbols having at least two defining criteria
USD441031S1 (en) 1999-11-16 2001-04-24 Ac Coin & Slot Service Company Wagering device display
US6267669B1 (en) 1999-11-29 2001-07-31 International Game Technology Hybrid gaming apparatus and method
CA2331244C (en) 2000-01-21 2009-06-30 Anchor Coin, Inc. Method and apparatus for awarding and redeeming promotional points at an electronic game
CA2330421A1 (en) 2000-01-25 2001-07-25 Ewald Mothwurf Jackpot system
US6364767B1 (en) 2000-01-27 2002-04-02 International Game Technology Combination selection and display method and apparatus for a gaming terminal
US6899625B2 (en) 2000-02-14 2005-05-31 Sierra Design Group Countdown game for a gaming device
US6533664B1 (en) 2000-03-07 2003-03-18 Igt Gaming system with individualized centrally generated random number generator seeds
US6319123B1 (en) 2000-03-17 2001-11-20 Louis B. Paludi Game utilizing non-identical sequential images as a winning condition
US6471591B1 (en) 2000-03-17 2002-10-29 International Game Technology Non-banked gaming system
US6343989B1 (en) 2000-03-22 2002-02-05 Micheal W. Wood Method of tracking and using player error during the play of a casino game
US6884168B2 (en) 2000-03-22 2005-04-26 Michael W. Wood Method of tracking and using player error during the play of a casino game
US6398220B1 (en) 2000-03-27 2002-06-04 Eagle Co., Ltd. Symbol displaying device and game machine using the same
AUPQ656400A0 (en) 2000-03-29 2000-04-20 Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd Gaming machine with re-trigger bonus
US6776714B2 (en) 2000-04-11 2004-08-17 Mark Curran Ungaro Progressive roulette
US6656040B1 (en) 2000-04-19 2003-12-02 Igt Parallel games on a gaming device
US6612575B1 (en) 2000-05-16 2003-09-02 Colepat, Llc Gaming device and method of playing a game
US6419583B1 (en) 2000-05-24 2002-07-16 International Game Technology Large prize central management
WO2001097165A2 (en) 2000-06-16 2001-12-20 Stefaan De Schrijver Writing pen with piezo sensor
US6688977B1 (en) 2000-06-23 2004-02-10 Igt Gaming device with bonus scheme having multiple award levels
US6511375B1 (en) 2000-06-28 2003-01-28 Igt Gaming device having a multiple selection group bonus round
US20030040358A1 (en) 2000-06-28 2003-02-27 Markus Rothkranz Gaming device having a plurality of multiple-image panels
US6315664B1 (en) 2000-06-28 2001-11-13 Igt Gaming device having an indicator selection with probability-based outcome
US6319124B1 (en) 2000-06-28 2001-11-20 Igt Gaming device with signified reel symbols
AU2001271704A1 (en) 2000-06-29 2002-01-14 Cachestream Corporation Digital rights management
US6561900B1 (en) 2000-06-29 2003-05-13 Igt Gaming device with traveling reel symbols
US6375570B1 (en) 2000-06-29 2002-04-23 Igt Gaming device displaying an exhibition for replacing video reels
JP2002028278A (en) 2000-07-17 2002-01-29 Dragon:Kk Rotary reel unit for game machine
US6626758B1 (en) 2000-07-25 2003-09-30 Gaming Enhancements, Inc. Random pay gaming method and system
US6328649B1 (en) 2000-07-27 2001-12-11 Igt Gaming device having multiple award enhancing levels
US6569015B1 (en) 2000-07-27 2003-05-27 Igy Gaming device having separately changeable value and modifier bonus scheme
US6406369B1 (en) 2000-07-28 2002-06-18 Anthony J. Baerlocher Gaming device having a competition bonus scheme
US6364766B1 (en) 2000-08-03 2002-04-02 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machine with sorting feature
US6607437B2 (en) 2000-08-25 2003-08-19 Wms Gaming Inc. Selection feature for a game of chance
US6761632B2 (en) 2000-08-31 2004-07-13 Igt Gaming device having perceived skill
US6311976B1 (en) 2000-09-01 2001-11-06 Shuffle Master Inc Video game with bonusing or wild feature
GB2353128B (en) 2000-09-01 2001-08-01 Mazooma Games Ltd Gaming and amusement machines
US6932701B2 (en) 2000-09-07 2005-08-23 Igt Gaming device having a bonus scheme including a plurality of selection groups with win-group outcomes
US6439995B1 (en) 2000-09-07 2002-08-27 Igt Gaming device having a bonus scheme with multiple selection groups
US6726563B1 (en) 2000-09-08 2004-04-27 Igt Gaming device having a selectively accessible bonus scheme
US6347996B1 (en) 2000-09-12 2002-02-19 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machine with concealed image bonus feature
US6675152B1 (en) 2000-09-13 2004-01-06 Igt Transaction signature
US6428412B1 (en) 2000-09-15 2002-08-06 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machine with interlinked arrangements of puzzle elements
US6942574B1 (en) 2000-09-19 2005-09-13 Igt Method and apparatus for providing entertainment content on a gaming machine
US6565436B1 (en) 2000-10-05 2003-05-20 Igt Gaming device having a weighted probability for selecting a bonus game
US6375187B1 (en) 2000-10-06 2002-04-23 Igt Gaming device having improved offer and acceptance bonus scheme
US6514141B1 (en) 2000-10-06 2003-02-04 Igt Gaming device having value selection bonus
US7229350B2 (en) 2000-10-06 2007-06-12 Igt Gaming device with a bonus scheme having repeated selection of value sets with option to save values
US6811483B1 (en) 2000-10-06 2004-11-02 Igt Gaming device having a graduating award exchange sequence with a tease consolation sequence and an initial qualifying sequence
US6464582B1 (en) 2000-10-06 2002-10-15 Igt Gaming device with a bonus scheme having repeated selection of value sets with option to save values
US6602135B1 (en) 2000-10-06 2003-08-05 Igt Gaming device having a changing multiple selection set bonus scheme
US6875108B1 (en) 2000-10-11 2005-04-05 Igt Gaming device having multiple selection large award bonus scheme
US6413161B1 (en) 2000-10-11 2002-07-02 Igt Gaming device having apparatus and method for producing an award through award elimination or replacement
US6659864B2 (en) 2000-10-12 2003-12-09 Igt Gaming device having an unveiling award mechanical secondary display
US6461241B1 (en) 2000-10-12 2002-10-08 Igt Gaming device having a primary game scheme involving a symbol generator and secondary award triggering games
US7029395B1 (en) 2000-10-13 2006-04-18 Igt Gaming device having odds of winning which increase as a player's wager increases
US6609973B1 (en) 2000-10-13 2003-08-26 Casino Data Systems Gaming device with bingo bonus game
US6599185B1 (en) 2000-10-16 2003-07-29 Igt Gaming device having a multiple selection and award distribution bonus scheme
US6609972B2 (en) 2000-10-17 2003-08-26 Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company, Inc. Method and device for playing a game with player selectable display devices
US6537152B2 (en) 2000-10-17 2003-03-25 Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company, Inc. Gaming device having an animated figure
US6802777B2 (en) 2001-06-27 2004-10-12 Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company, Inc. Image alignment gaming device and method
US6547242B1 (en) 2000-10-17 2003-04-15 Konami Gaming, Inc. Game of chance method and apparatus
AU2002223184A1 (en) 2000-10-18 2002-04-29 Gaming Systems International System and method for casino management
US6645077B2 (en) 2000-10-19 2003-11-11 Igt Gaming terminal data repository and information distribution system
US6302398B1 (en) 2000-11-14 2001-10-16 Ltb, Llc Method of playing a wild card game and related deck of cards
US7168089B2 (en) 2000-12-07 2007-01-23 Igt Secured virtual network in a gaming environment
US7515718B2 (en) 2000-12-07 2009-04-07 Igt Secured virtual network in a gaming environment
US7127069B2 (en) 2000-12-07 2006-10-24 Igt Secured virtual network in a gaming environment
US20020094862A1 (en) 2001-01-12 2002-07-18 Dragon Co., Ltd Slot machine having a plurality of game lines
US6709331B2 (en) 2001-01-12 2004-03-23 King Show Games, Llc Method and apparatus for aggregating gaming event participation
US7186181B2 (en) 2001-02-02 2007-03-06 Igt Wide area program distribution and game information communication system
US6749510B2 (en) 2001-02-07 2004-06-15 Wms Gaming Inc. Centralized gaming system with modifiable remote display terminals
US6604740B1 (en) 2001-03-28 2003-08-12 Ptt, Llc Slot machine game having a plurality of ways to designate one or more wild symbols (select-a-wild)
US6648754B2 (en) 2001-03-30 2003-11-18 Igt Gaming device having an offer and acceptance game with termination limit wherein the offer is picked by a player
US20020142829A1 (en) 2001-04-03 2002-10-03 Dragon Co., Ltd. Slot machine having symbol windows arranged in matrix
US7780529B2 (en) 2001-04-04 2010-08-24 Igt System, method and interface for monitoring player game play in real time
US6394902B1 (en) 2001-04-18 2002-05-28 Igt Gaming device having different sets of primary and secondary reel symbols
US6682423B2 (en) 2001-04-19 2004-01-27 Igt Open architecture communications in a gaming network
JP2002320703A (en) 2001-04-24 2002-11-05 Takeo Kuroki Pachinko-slot pattern storage-study ring
US6652378B2 (en) 2001-06-01 2003-11-25 Igt Gaming machines and systems offering simultaneous play of multiple games and methods of gaming
US6620046B2 (en) 2001-07-10 2003-09-16 Igt Method and system for funding and awarding bonuses in a gaming environment
US6609971B2 (en) 2001-07-18 2003-08-26 Mikohn Gaming Corporation Prolonged casino game method and apparatus
AUPR658601A0 (en) 2001-07-25 2001-08-16 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited A gaming machine with free game play
US6908387B2 (en) 2001-08-03 2005-06-21 Igt Player tracking communication mechanisms in a gaming machine
US20030027625A1 (en) 2001-08-06 2003-02-06 International Game Technology Multiple progressive and bonusing table game methods and apparatus
US7311605B2 (en) 2002-06-12 2007-12-25 Igt Player tracking assembly for complete patron tracking for both gaming and non-gaming casino activity
US6506118B1 (en) 2001-08-24 2003-01-14 Igt Gaming device having improved award offer bonus scheme
US6663489B2 (en) 2001-08-24 2003-12-16 Igt Gaming device having an award distributor and an award accumulator bonus game
US7601057B2 (en) 2001-08-24 2009-10-13 Igt Gaming device having an offer/acceptance game wherein each offer is based on a plurality of independently generated events
US6719632B2 (en) 2001-08-31 2004-04-13 Igt Gaming device having an award offer and termination bonus scheme
US7192349B2 (en) 2001-08-31 2007-03-20 Igt Gaming device having multiple round bonus scheme with residual awards
US6935951B2 (en) 2001-09-04 2005-08-30 Igt Electronic signature capability in a gaming machine
US6561904B2 (en) 2001-09-10 2003-05-13 Wms Gaming Inc. Decreasing or increasing number of multipliers for a multi-spin slot game
USD465531S1 (en) 2001-09-10 2002-11-12 Sierra Design Group Gaming device vault
US7128650B2 (en) 2001-09-12 2006-10-31 Igt Gaming machine with promotional item dispenser
US6896618B2 (en) 2001-09-20 2005-05-24 Igt Point of play registration on a gaming machine
US6869360B2 (en) 2001-09-20 2005-03-22 Konami Gaming, Inc. Gaming apparatus and method including a multiplier feature and bonus features
US20050143169A1 (en) 2001-09-20 2005-06-30 Igt Direction interfaces and services on a gaming machine
US7329179B2 (en) 2001-09-21 2008-02-12 Igt Gaming device having wager dependent bonus game play
US6582307B2 (en) 2001-09-21 2003-06-24 Igt Gaming device having a selection-type bonus game that activates a mechanical device
US7066814B2 (en) 2001-09-21 2006-06-27 Igt Gaming device having regenerating multiple award opportunities
US6866583B2 (en) 2001-09-21 2005-03-15 Igt Gaming device having wild indicators
US6733386B2 (en) 2001-09-26 2004-05-11 Igt Gaming device having an adjacent selection bonus scheme
US6602137B2 (en) 2001-09-26 2003-08-05 Igt Gaming device having an accumulated award selection bonus scheme
US8002624B2 (en) 2001-09-27 2011-08-23 Igt Gaming machine reel having a flexible dynamic display
US6790141B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2004-09-14 Igt Sequential gaming
US7794322B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2010-09-14 Igt System for awarding a bonus to a gaming device on a wide area network
US6575832B1 (en) 2001-09-28 2003-06-10 Acres Gaming Incorporated Method for implementing scheduled return play at gaming machine networks
US6764398B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2004-07-20 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty, Ltd Gaming device and method
US20030064773A1 (en) 2001-09-28 2003-04-03 Baerlocher Anthony J. Gaming device having multi-characteristic symbol game with multiple award components
US6599193B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2003-07-29 Igt Progressive gaming device
US20030064772A1 (en) 2001-09-28 2003-04-03 Kim Tempest Gaming device and method
US7204754B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2007-04-17 Igt Gaming device having a mechanical award indicator
US20030069064A1 (en) 2001-10-05 2003-04-10 Ainsworth Leonard Hastings Gaming machine
US6913532B2 (en) 2001-10-15 2005-07-05 Igt Gaming device having a re-triggering symbol bonus scheme
US6955600B2 (en) 2001-10-15 2005-10-18 Igt Gaming device having a re-triggering symbol bonus scheme with a bonus symbol accumulator
US7473174B2 (en) 2001-10-15 2009-01-06 Igt Gaming device having a re-triggering symbol bonus scheme with a bonus symbol accumulation and player selection of accumulation total
US7628691B2 (en) 2001-10-17 2009-12-08 Luciano Jr Robert A Dynamic paytable for interactive games
US6832956B1 (en) 2001-10-18 2004-12-21 Acres Gaming Incorporated Sequential fast-ball bingo secondary bonus game for use with an electronic gaming machine
US6889849B2 (en) 2001-11-01 2005-05-10 Jcm American Corporation Dual cash box note and ticket validator
GB2383668A (en) 2001-11-13 2003-07-02 Jpm Internat Ltd Dual gaming machine
AUPR911301A0 (en) 2001-11-26 2001-12-20 Konami Australia Pty Ltd Linked jackpot controller
US6869361B2 (en) 2001-11-29 2005-03-22 Igt System, apparatus and method employing controller for play of shared bonus games
US6666765B2 (en) 2002-01-24 2003-12-23 Mikohn Gaming Corporation Casino game and method having a hint feature
US7297059B2 (en) 2002-01-24 2007-11-20 Progressive Gaming International Corporation Progressive gaming system and method having fractional progressive jackpot awards
US6776715B2 (en) 2002-02-01 2004-08-17 Igt Method and apparatus for providing a personal wide area progressive for gaming apparatus
US6935958B2 (en) 2002-02-06 2005-08-30 Igt Method and apparatus for machine location
AUPS050102A0 (en) 2002-02-12 2002-03-07 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Linked progressive jackpot system
US7258611B2 (en) 2002-02-28 2007-08-21 Igt Gaming device having free game bonus with a changing multiplier
US7722451B2 (en) 2002-02-28 2010-05-25 Igt Gaming device having improved offer and acceptance game with masked offers
US6918834B2 (en) 2002-03-14 2005-07-19 Mikohn Gaming Corporation Casino game with hidden bonus feature
US7627753B2 (en) 2002-03-19 2009-12-01 Microsoft Corporation Secure digital data format and code enforced policy
US20030195034A1 (en) 2002-04-15 2003-10-16 Vladimir Dunaevsky Gaming technique incorporating a plurality of wheels
US6923724B2 (en) 2002-04-22 2005-08-02 Igt Gaming system allowing location determination of a gaming unit in a casino
US7169042B2 (en) 2002-04-30 2007-01-30 Igt Gaming device having extender symbols
US6905406B2 (en) 2002-04-30 2005-06-14 Igt Gaming device having resultant wild symbols
US7037191B2 (en) 2002-05-01 2006-05-02 Igt Gaming device having multiple pay slots
US20030207709A1 (en) 2002-05-01 2003-11-06 Pai Paotrakul Gaming machine
US7455585B2 (en) 2002-05-07 2008-11-25 Wms Gaming, Inc. Accumulation of award opportunities during slot game
US20030211884A1 (en) 2002-05-08 2003-11-13 Michael Gauselmann Gaming machine with hidden jackpot
US7357716B2 (en) 2002-05-15 2008-04-15 Igt Slot machine game having a plurality of ways to issue a percentage of a progressive award based upon any wager level (“percentage progressive”)
US6746328B2 (en) 2002-05-17 2004-06-08 Igt Multiplier per selected indicia
US6887154B1 (en) 2002-06-04 2005-05-03 Sierra Design Group Shared progressive gaming system and method
US6939234B2 (en) 2002-06-10 2005-09-06 Wms Gaming, Inc. Dynamic configuration of gaming system
JP2004016447A (en) 2002-06-14 2004-01-22 Dragon:Kk Symbol display device and game machine using the same
US7198570B2 (en) 2002-06-27 2007-04-03 Igt Gaming device having a bonus award wheel with a terminator
JP2004049393A (en) 2002-07-17 2004-02-19 Dragon:Kk Game machine
JP2004049392A (en) 2002-07-17 2004-02-19 Dragon:Kk Symbol display device for game machine
JP2004049394A (en) 2002-07-17 2004-02-19 Dragon:Kk Symbol display device for game machine
JP2004057221A (en) 2002-07-24 2004-02-26 Dragon:Kk Game machine
JP2004057374A (en) 2002-07-26 2004-02-26 Dragon:Kk Symbol display device for game machine
US6754346B2 (en) 2002-07-31 2004-06-22 Steven P. Eiserling Method for tracing the distribution of physical digital media
US7300348B2 (en) 2002-07-31 2007-11-27 Igt Gaming device having a masked award game
JP2004065637A (en) 2002-08-07 2004-03-04 Dragon:Kk Symbol display device for game machine
US6769984B2 (en) 2002-08-09 2004-08-03 Labtronix Concept Inc. Method for playing an auxiliary game within a primary game with a prize rewarding system
JP2004073712A (en) 2002-08-22 2004-03-11 Dragon:Kk Symbol display for game machine
JP2004081341A (en) 2002-08-23 2004-03-18 Dragon:Kk Symbol indicating device for game machine
US7235011B2 (en) 2002-09-06 2007-06-26 Igt Gaming device having a bonus game with multiple player selectable award opportunities
US20040048649A1 (en) 2002-09-06 2004-03-11 Peterson Tonja M. Gaming device having a bonus game with multiple player selectable award opportunities
US7056213B2 (en) 2002-09-11 2006-06-06 Igt Gaming device having a probability enhancing trigger symbol
US7074127B2 (en) 2002-09-11 2006-07-11 Igt Gaming device having a probability-enhancing trigger symbol
US7399226B2 (en) 2002-09-12 2008-07-15 Igt Matching symbol game associated with slot machine
US7338366B2 (en) 2002-09-12 2008-03-04 Igt Gaming device having a mechanical secondary display
US6960134B2 (en) 2002-09-12 2005-11-01 Igt Alternative bonus games associated with slot machine
US7247093B2 (en) 2002-09-12 2007-07-24 Igt Gaming device having a mechanical secondary display
US6712694B1 (en) 2002-09-12 2004-03-30 Igt Gaming device with rotating display and indicator therefore
US7121942B2 (en) 2002-09-12 2006-10-17 Igt Gaming device including a game having a player selected function based on symbols in a free spins game
US7435173B2 (en) 2002-09-12 2008-10-14 Igt Gaming device having slidable indicator disks
US7153209B2 (en) 2002-09-12 2006-12-26 Igt Gaming device having independently linearly moveable symbol indicators
US7258609B2 (en) 2002-09-13 2007-08-21 Igt Gaming device having display with multiple radially translating indicators
WO2004033055A2 (en) 2002-10-06 2004-04-22 Enlil-Enki Enterprises, S.A. Craps game with progressive jackpot
US20050178716A1 (en) 2002-10-08 2005-08-18 Pti Technologies, Inc. Filter assembly and filter element with integral seal
US7001278B2 (en) 2002-10-11 2006-02-21 Igt Gaming device having apparent and final awards
US7780516B2 (en) 2002-10-21 2010-08-24 Atronic International Gmbh Free game bonus round for gaming machines
US7632184B2 (en) 2002-10-21 2009-12-15 Atronic International Gmbh Free game bonus round for gaming machines
US7458889B2 (en) 2002-10-21 2008-12-02 Atronic International Gmbh Bonus round for multiple gaming machines where award is multiplied based on certain variables
US8162666B2 (en) 2002-11-12 2012-04-24 Tyler Parham Multi-player secondary gaming method and system
US7867085B2 (en) 2003-01-16 2011-01-11 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machine environment having controlled audio and visual media presentation
AU2004206157A1 (en) 2003-01-17 2004-08-05 Universal Entertainment Corporation Game system and game server
GB0301341D0 (en) 2003-01-21 2003-02-19 Waterleaf Ltd Jackpot wagering with supplementary draw
US7156741B2 (en) 2003-01-31 2007-01-02 Wms Gaming, Inc. Gaming device for wagering on multiple game outcomes
US8181265B2 (en) 2003-01-31 2012-05-15 Microsoft Corporation Secure machine counting
JP2004230042A (en) 2003-01-31 2004-08-19 Dragon:Kk Symbol display for game machine
JP2004236972A (en) 2003-02-07 2004-08-26 Dragon:Kk Symbol display device for game machine
US7614950B2 (en) 2003-02-10 2009-11-10 Igt Gaming device having rotatable tubular award indicators
JP2004283233A (en) 2003-03-19 2004-10-14 Dragon:Kk Symbol display device for game machine
JP2004305440A (en) 2003-04-07 2004-11-04 Aruze Corp Game system and game machine
NL1023944C2 (en) 2003-07-17 2005-01-18 Jvh Gaming Products B V Device for playing a game.
EP1661062A4 (en) 2003-09-05 2009-04-08 Gannon Technologies Group Systems and methods for biometric identification using handwriting recognition
US20050053672A1 (en) 2003-09-08 2005-03-10 West Michael Howard Synergistic metal salt-cationic surfactant-organic biocide composition
US7867077B2 (en) 2003-09-10 2011-01-11 Igt Gaming device having bonus game dependent upon variable wager component selection
US20070060319A1 (en) 2003-09-12 2007-03-15 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming network for use in a restricted-access progressive game
US20050079908A1 (en) 2003-10-10 2005-04-14 Pacey Larry J. Gaming machine having an award-trading scheme
JP2005152546A (en) 2003-10-28 2005-06-16 Aruze Corp Game system and game managing method
JP2005152547A (en) 2003-10-29 2005-06-16 Aruze Corp Game system
US7704137B2 (en) 2004-01-20 2010-04-27 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machine with feature triggering scheme
AU2005210518A1 (en) 2004-02-09 2005-08-18 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd Gaming machine
GB0403705D0 (en) 2004-02-19 2004-03-24 Waterleaf Ltd Gaming facility and method of operation thereof
JP2007523702A (en) 2004-02-26 2007-08-23 パルトロニクス オーストラレーシア ピーティーワイ リミテッド Method or apparatus for allocating share of player in game machine among a plurality of games
JP2005237897A (en) 2004-02-27 2005-09-08 Aruze Corp Game machine
US7874915B2 (en) 2004-03-30 2011-01-25 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game providing free game play as a progressive award
US20070202943A1 (en) 2004-03-31 2007-08-30 Alfred Thomas Symbol Driven Contributions For A Prize Pool In A Wagering Game
US20050239542A1 (en) 2004-04-21 2005-10-27 Olsen Eric B Method and apparatus for multi-coin and multi-denomination progressive jackpots
WO2005113093A1 (en) 2004-05-18 2005-12-01 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game with enhanced progressive game
US8241111B2 (en) 2004-06-17 2012-08-14 Igt Method and apparatus for awarding a mystery promotional ticket
US7510473B2 (en) 2004-06-30 2009-03-31 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game having progressive amounts represented in various ways
US20060025201A1 (en) 2004-07-27 2006-02-02 Van Asdale Shawn M Slot machine
AU2005269433B8 (en) 2004-07-28 2011-11-24 Bally Gaming, Inc. Wagering game having progressive amounts displayed in a matrix
WO2006014770A2 (en) 2004-07-28 2006-02-09 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game with randomly funded progressive amounts
JP2008508557A (en) 2004-07-29 2008-03-21 ルーミン・オズ株式会社 Optical display device with asymmetric field of view
US7379918B2 (en) 2004-07-30 2008-05-27 Microsoft Corporation Method and system for single reactivation of software product licenses
US20060030397A1 (en) 2004-08-06 2006-02-09 Wms Gaming Inc. Video gaming machine with player-selectable banner
US20060035694A1 (en) 2004-08-13 2006-02-16 Fuller Robert G Game including a bonus award funded from a progressive pool and method of determining amount of a bonus award
US20060035706A1 (en) 2004-08-13 2006-02-16 Alfred Thomas Wagering game with payoff rounding feature
EP1791611A4 (en) 2004-08-19 2009-09-23 Igt Reno Nev Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards
US8109827B2 (en) 2004-09-07 2012-02-07 Gtech Rhode Island Corporation Multivendor progressive gaming system
US7883410B2 (en) 2004-09-09 2011-02-08 Konami Gaming, Inc. System and method for establishing a progressive jackpot award
US20060052161A1 (en) 2004-09-09 2006-03-09 Soukup Thomas E System and method for establishing a progressive jackpot award
US20060068897A1 (en) 2004-09-29 2006-03-30 Sanford Kirk E Purchase of slot vouchers with electronic funds (improved method and apparatus)
WO2006039366A2 (en) 2004-09-30 2006-04-13 Bally Gaming, Inc. System-level bonus game and related methods
US20060073889A1 (en) 2004-10-01 2006-04-06 Edidin Orrin J Progressive gaming system and machines with partial payout
US20060073897A1 (en) 2004-10-01 2006-04-06 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game with group jackpot
US20060178203A1 (en) 2004-12-06 2006-08-10 Darryl Hughes Wagering game network having a progressive lottery gaming event

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1978395A (en) * 1934-04-23 1934-10-23 Groetchen Richard Vending machine
US2545644A (en) * 1947-05-26 1951-03-20 Alfred C Benton Botating disk game device
US2942574A (en) * 1957-12-26 1960-06-28 Chore Boy Mfg Co Inc Milking system feed box
US20030104853A1 (en) * 2001-12-04 2003-06-05 Tessmer Michael T. Method and system for weighting odds to specific gaming entities in a shared bonus event
US20040048644A1 (en) * 2002-09-06 2004-03-11 Peter Gerrard Gaming device having a progressive award funded through skill, strategy or risk gaming event
US20060073884A1 (en) * 2005-12-08 2006-04-06 Walker Jay S Systems and methods for post-play gaming benefits

Cited By (142)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8942995B1 (en) * 2001-02-06 2015-01-27 Nexrf, Corp. Mobile autonomous dynamic graphical user interface
US9646454B1 (en) 2001-02-06 2017-05-09 Nexrf Corp Networked gaming system and method
US9454769B2 (en) 2001-02-06 2016-09-27 NexRf Corporation Communicating a targeted message to a wireless device based on location and two user profiles
US9396471B1 (en) 2001-02-06 2016-07-19 NexRf Corporation System and method for receiving targeted content on a portable electronic device
US9373116B1 (en) 2001-07-05 2016-06-21 NexRf Corporation Player tracking using a wireless device for a casino property
US9773020B2 (en) 2001-07-05 2017-09-26 NEXRF Corp. System and method for map based exploration
US20140066187A1 (en) * 2003-09-15 2014-03-06 Igt Multi-player bingo game with progressive jackpots
US9466178B2 (en) 2003-09-15 2016-10-11 Igt Multi-player bingo game with progressive jackpots
US9177443B2 (en) * 2003-09-15 2015-11-03 Igt Multi-player bingo game with progressive jackpots
US10002494B2 (en) 2003-09-15 2018-06-19 Igt Multi-player bingo game with progressive jackpots
US20100004045A1 (en) * 2004-07-26 2010-01-07 Mickey Roemer Method and system for awarding bonuses via telecommunication links
US8690677B2 (en) * 2004-07-26 2014-04-08 Mickey Roemer Method and system for awarding bonuses via telecommunication links
US20080171586A1 (en) * 2004-07-26 2008-07-17 Mickey Roemer Casino player loyalty system offering random player bonus opportunity
US10169774B2 (en) 2006-09-05 2019-01-01 NexRf Corporation Network based indoor positioning and geofencing system and method
US9501786B1 (en) 2006-11-30 2016-11-22 Nexrf, Corp. Interactive display system
US9406079B1 (en) 2006-11-30 2016-08-02 NexRf Corporation Content relevance weighting system
US9430781B1 (en) 2006-11-30 2016-08-30 NexRf Corporation Network based indoor positioning and geofencing system and method
US9507494B1 (en) 2006-11-30 2016-11-29 Nexrf, Corp. Merchant controlled platform system and method
US10430492B1 (en) 2006-11-30 2019-10-01 Nexrf, Corp. System and method for handset positioning with dynamically updated RF fingerprinting
US9349128B1 (en) 2006-11-30 2016-05-24 Nevrf Corporation Targeted content delivery
US10560798B2 (en) 2006-11-30 2020-02-11 Nexrf, Corp. Targeted content delivery
US9396487B1 (en) 2006-11-30 2016-07-19 NexRf Corporation System and method for weighting content items
US9408032B1 (en) 2006-11-30 2016-08-02 NexRf Corporation Content delivery system, device and method
US10220305B2 (en) * 2007-09-21 2019-03-05 Sony Interactive Entertainment America Llc Methods and apparatuses for recording and utilizing an audio signature within an application
US20180200615A1 (en) * 2007-09-21 2018-07-19 Sony Interactive Entertainment America Llc Methods and Apparatuses for Recording and Utilizing an Audio Signature Within an Application
US20090117973A1 (en) * 2007-11-02 2009-05-07 Konami Gaming, Inc. Gaming machine with various game styles
US10733841B2 (en) 2007-11-07 2020-08-04 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a bonus based on number of gaming machines being actively played
US9269213B2 (en) 2007-11-07 2016-02-23 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a bonus based on number of gaming machines being actively played
US8371931B2 (en) 2007-11-07 2013-02-12 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a bonus based on number of gaming machines being actively played
US8092297B2 (en) 2007-11-07 2012-01-10 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a bonus based on number of gaming machines being actively played
US8986111B2 (en) 2007-11-08 2015-03-24 Igt Gaming system having multiple progressive awards and a bonus game available in a base game operable upon a wager
US10388108B2 (en) 2007-11-08 2019-08-20 Igt Gaming system having multiple progressive awards and a bonus game available in a base game operable upon a wager
US8287365B2 (en) * 2008-01-21 2012-10-16 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Gaming system and method of gaming
US20090191959A1 (en) * 2008-01-21 2009-07-30 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Gaming system and method of gaming
US9286760B2 (en) 2008-01-21 2016-03-15 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Gaming system and a method of gaming
US11729576B2 (en) 2008-03-29 2023-08-15 NEXRF Corp. Targeted content delivery
US11706733B1 (en) 2008-03-29 2023-07-18 NEXRF Corp. Location positioning engine system and method
US20090312082A1 (en) * 2008-06-11 2009-12-17 Tien-Shu Hsu Bingo game apparatus with variable payout capability
US8979641B2 (en) 2008-08-14 2015-03-17 Igt Gaming system and method providing an award for designated losing conditions
US8574067B2 (en) 2008-08-14 2013-11-05 Igt Gaming system and method providing an award for designated losing conditions
US20100041468A1 (en) * 2008-08-14 2010-02-18 Igt Gaming system and method providing an award for designated losing conditions
US8177633B2 (en) 2008-08-14 2012-05-15 Igt Gaming system and method providing an award for designated losing conditions
US20100048295A1 (en) * 2008-08-22 2010-02-25 Aruze Gaming America, Inc. Gaming system
US8342958B2 (en) 2008-11-12 2013-01-01 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method providing tiered progressive bonusing system
US9626833B2 (en) 2008-11-12 2017-04-18 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method providing tiered progressive bonusing system
US8602883B2 (en) 2008-11-12 2013-12-10 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method providing tiered progressive bonusing system
US9177444B2 (en) 2008-11-12 2015-11-03 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method providing tiered progressive bonusing system
US8092302B2 (en) 2008-11-12 2012-01-10 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method providing tiered progressive bonusing system
US9033792B2 (en) 2008-11-13 2015-05-19 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and gaming method providing additional award opportunities for an activation of a symbol generator based on an occurrence of a triggering event
US8353762B2 (en) 2008-11-13 2013-01-15 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and gaming method providing additional award opportunities for an activation of a symbol generator based on an occurrence of a triggering event
US9928692B2 (en) 2008-11-13 2018-03-27 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a community bonus event
US20100120524A1 (en) * 2008-11-13 2010-05-13 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and gaming method providing additional award opportunities for an activation of a symbol generator based on an occurrence of a triggering event
US8795057B2 (en) 2008-11-13 2014-08-05 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a community bonus event
US8152630B2 (en) 2008-11-13 2012-04-10 Igt Gaming system and method having bonus event and bonus event award in accordance with a current wager and one or more accumulated bonus event points
US9437081B2 (en) 2008-11-13 2016-09-06 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a community bonus event
US8262458B2 (en) 2008-11-13 2012-09-11 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and gaming method providing additional award opportunities for an activation of a symbol generator based on an occurrence of a triggering event
US10438447B2 (en) 2008-11-13 2019-10-08 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a community bonus event
US8382572B2 (en) 2008-11-13 2013-02-26 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a community bonus event
US8393958B2 (en) 2008-11-13 2013-03-12 Igt Gaming system and method having bonus event and bonus event award in accordance with a current wager and one or more accumulated bonus event points
US20100160035A1 (en) * 2008-12-12 2010-06-24 Gamelogic Inc. Method and apparatus for off property prize pooling
US8157646B2 (en) 2009-04-14 2012-04-17 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a progressive award multiple times before resetting the displayed value of the provided progressive award
US9064379B2 (en) 2009-04-14 2015-06-23 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a progressive award multiple times before resetting the displayed value of the provided progressive award
US9293007B2 (en) 2009-04-14 2016-03-22 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a progressive award multiple times before resetting the displayed value of the provided progressive award
US9799167B2 (en) 2009-04-14 2017-10-24 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a progressive award multiple times before resetting the displayed value of the provided progressive award
US8545316B2 (en) 2009-04-14 2013-10-01 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a progressive award multiple times before resetting the displayed value of the provided progressive award
US8974286B2 (en) * 2009-05-22 2015-03-10 Antonio Mariano Parrottino Combined behavior schedules of reinforcement system
US20100298052A1 (en) * 2009-05-22 2010-11-25 Antonio Mariano Parrottino Combined behavior schedules of reinforcement system
US8500538B2 (en) 2009-07-30 2013-08-06 Igt Bingo gaming system and method for providing multiple outcomes from single bingo pattern
US8821248B2 (en) 2009-07-30 2014-09-02 Igt Bingo gaming system and method for providing multiple outcomes from single bingo pattern
US8231453B2 (en) 2009-08-25 2012-07-31 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing a player an opportunity to win a designated award based on one or more aspects of the player's skill
US8475262B2 (en) 2009-08-25 2013-07-02 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing a player an opportunity to win a designated award based on one or more aspects of the player's skill
US8764552B2 (en) 2009-08-25 2014-07-01 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing a player an opportunity to win a designated award based on one or more aspects of the player's skill
US20110086698A1 (en) * 2009-10-13 2011-04-14 Lin Liu Gaming system, a game controller and a method of gaming
US20110159949A1 (en) * 2009-11-09 2011-06-30 Paul Francis Jason Bramble Method of gaming, a game controller and a prize controller
US9336648B2 (en) 2009-11-11 2016-05-10 Igt Gaming system and method for providing symbol combinations with dynamic awards
US20110111826A1 (en) * 2009-11-11 2011-05-12 Igt Gaming system and method for providing symbol combinations with dynamic awards
US10475281B2 (en) 2009-11-11 2019-11-12 Igt Gaming system and method for providing symbol combinations with dynamic awards
US9336654B2 (en) 2009-11-12 2016-05-10 Igt Gaming system and method for dynamically grouping gaming devices to provide progressive awards
US8968083B2 (en) 2009-11-12 2015-03-03 Igt Gaming system and method for dynamically grouping gaming devices to provide progressive awards
US20110111828A1 (en) * 2009-11-12 2011-05-12 Igt Gaming systems, gaming devices and methods with volatility control games
US10068430B2 (en) 2009-11-12 2018-09-04 Igt Gaming system and method for dynamically grouping gaming devices to provide progressive awards
US8858318B2 (en) 2009-11-12 2014-10-14 Igt Gaming systems, gaming devices and methods with volatility control games
US9842466B2 (en) 2009-11-12 2017-12-12 Igt Gaming systems, gaming devices and methods with volatility control games
US8523662B2 (en) 2009-11-13 2013-09-03 Igt Gaming system and method providing balanced paybacks with varying wager amounts
US20110118011A1 (en) * 2009-11-13 2011-05-19 Igt Gaming systems, gaming devices and methods for providing progressive awards
US8911292B2 (en) 2009-11-13 2014-12-16 Igt Gaming system and method providing balanced paybacks with varying wager amounts
US8435111B2 (en) 2009-11-13 2013-05-07 Igt Gaming systems, gaming devices and methods for providing progressive awards
US8926423B2 (en) 2009-11-13 2015-01-06 Igt Gaming systems, gaming devices and methods for providing progressive awards
US8834256B2 (en) 2010-05-05 2014-09-16 Igt Gaming systems, gaming devices and methods providing time based game sessions with changing values
US8308550B2 (en) 2010-05-05 2012-11-13 Igt Gaming systems, gaming devices and methods providing time based game sessions with changing values
US10721705B1 (en) 2010-06-04 2020-07-21 NEXRF Corp. Content Relevance Weighting System
US9342956B2 (en) 2012-02-24 2016-05-17 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method for shifting progressive award contribution rates
US9076299B2 (en) 2012-06-15 2015-07-07 Igt Gaming system and method for providing an offer and acceptance game with progressive awards
US8764557B2 (en) 2012-06-15 2014-07-01 Igt Gaming system and method for providing an offer and acceptance game with progressive awards
US8454434B1 (en) 2012-06-15 2013-06-04 Igt Gaming system and method for providing an offer and acceptance game with progressive awards associated with a quantity of progressive tokens
US11763629B2 (en) 2012-08-07 2023-09-19 Igt Activity agent
US9293010B2 (en) 2012-08-07 2016-03-22 Igt Wagering agent
US9129486B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2015-09-08 Igt Gaming system and method providing a card game associated with a supplemental pool funded upon an occurrence of a designated outcome and winnable by a player or a dealer
US8784174B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2014-07-22 Igt Gaming system and method for providing an offer and acceptance game
US8840456B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2014-09-23 Igt Gaming system and method for providing an offer and acceptance game
US8888577B2 (en) 2013-01-28 2014-11-18 Igt Gaming system and method for providing optimal poker auto-hold functionality with progressive awards
US9569918B2 (en) * 2013-04-16 2017-02-14 Gree, Inc. Computer and method for game control
US10957149B2 (en) 2013-04-16 2021-03-23 Gree, Inc. Computer and method for game control
US20140309026A1 (en) * 2013-04-16 2014-10-16 Gree, Inc. Computer and method for game control
US9390585B2 (en) 2013-07-17 2016-07-12 Igt Gaming system and method for providing team play benefits
US10366577B2 (en) 2013-07-17 2019-07-30 Igt Gaming system and method for providing team play benefits
US20150032521A1 (en) * 2013-07-26 2015-01-29 Bank Of America Corporation Aggregation of savings data from past transactions
US9418514B2 (en) 2013-09-05 2016-08-16 Everi Games Inc. Method, apparatus, and program product for controlling contributions to progressive prize pools
US10529180B2 (en) 2013-09-13 2020-01-07 Igt Gaming system and method for enabling a player to accept or reject a progressive award
US9818258B2 (en) 2013-09-13 2017-11-14 Igt Gaming system and method for enabling a player to accept or reject a progressive award
US9659430B2 (en) 2013-09-16 2017-05-23 Igt Gaming system and method providing game with multiple award displays
US9558629B2 (en) 2013-09-19 2017-01-31 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a plurality of chances of winning a progressive award
US9576429B2 (en) 2013-11-21 2017-02-21 Gamesys Ltd. Systems and methods for site-wide jackpots
US20150254932A1 (en) * 2014-03-06 2015-09-10 Cadillac Jack Electronic gaming device with turbo boost progressive gaming functionality
US9367995B2 (en) * 2014-03-06 2016-06-14 Cadillac Jack, Inc. Electronic gaming device with turbo boost progressive gaming functionality
US20150317878A1 (en) * 2014-05-05 2015-11-05 Eclipse Gaming Systems, LLC Jackpot contribution mechanism
US9472062B2 (en) 2014-08-08 2016-10-18 Igt Gaming system and method providing a keno-type primary game associated with persistence pools that may be incremented to trigger one or more bonuses
US11550930B2 (en) 2014-08-12 2023-01-10 NEXRF Corp. Multi-channel communication of data files
US10503912B1 (en) 2014-08-12 2019-12-10 NEXRF Corp. Multi-channel communication of data files
US10210710B2 (en) 2014-08-19 2019-02-19 Bally Gaming, Inc. Gaming device, system and method for providing cascading progressive awards
US10282946B2 (en) 2014-10-16 2019-05-07 Igt Lucky spot betting
US10783751B2 (en) 2014-10-16 2020-09-22 Igt Lucky spot betting
US10204485B2 (en) 2015-02-09 2019-02-12 Bally Gaming, Inc. Gaming systems, gaming devices and methods for incrementing progressive jackpots
US9788155B1 (en) 2015-04-22 2017-10-10 Michael A. Kerr User interface for geofence associated content
US11380164B2 (en) 2016-02-01 2022-07-05 Igt Gaming system and method for providing randomly determined progressive award reset values
US11735005B2 (en) 2016-02-01 2023-08-22 Igt Gaming system and method for providing randomly determined progressive award reset values
US10838582B2 (en) 2016-06-15 2020-11-17 NEXRF Corp. Mobile autonomous dynamic graphical user interface
US10325450B2 (en) 2016-09-21 2019-06-18 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a plurality of chances of winning a progressive award with dynamically scalable progressive award odds
US11011024B2 (en) 2016-09-21 2021-05-18 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a plurality of chances of winning a progressive award with dynamically scalable progressive award odds
US10026269B2 (en) 2016-09-22 2018-07-17 Igt Gaming systems and methods for providing progressive awards
US10311637B2 (en) * 2017-05-15 2019-06-04 International Business Machines Corporation Collaborative three-dimensional digital model construction
US10467855B2 (en) 2017-06-01 2019-11-05 Igt Gaming system and method for modifying persistent elements
US10762747B2 (en) 2017-12-19 2020-09-01 Igt Gaming system and method providing a keno game including bonus tiles
US11704973B2 (en) 2019-01-14 2023-07-18 Igt System and method for dynamically configuring triggering conditions of an event
US11011025B2 (en) 2019-01-17 2021-05-18 Igt System and method for providing awards based on accumulating triggering elements independent of reel symbols
US11900770B2 (en) 2019-01-17 2024-02-13 Igt System and method for providing awards based on accumulating triggering elements independent of reel symbols
US11935359B2 (en) 2020-09-25 2024-03-19 Igt Gaming systems, gaming devices and methods with volatility control games
US11373481B1 (en) * 2021-02-23 2022-06-28 Igt Activating features based on a value of a progressive award
US11816958B2 (en) 2021-02-23 2023-11-14 Igt Activating features based on a value of a progressive award
US11823533B2 (en) 2021-02-23 2023-11-21 Igt Activating features based on a value of a progressive award
US20220366762A1 (en) * 2021-05-12 2022-11-17 Igt Non-Fungible Tokens in Gaming
US11830309B2 (en) * 2021-05-12 2023-11-28 Igt Non-fungible tokens in gaming

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US9685039B2 (en) 2017-06-20
US20160180648A1 (en) 2016-06-23
AU2007231793A1 (en) 2008-05-22
AU2007231793B2 (en) 2012-06-21

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US9685039B2 (en) Gaming system and method which provides players an opportunity to win a progressive award
US10438447B2 (en) Gaming system and method for providing a community bonus event
US10388108B2 (en) Gaming system having multiple progressive awards and a bonus game available in a base game operable upon a wager
US10699524B2 (en) Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing multi-level progressive awards
US9171422B2 (en) Gaming system having awards provided based on rate of play
US9472060B2 (en) Gaming system and method for providing team progressive awards
US8449388B2 (en) Gaming system and method having progressive awards with meter increase events
US7857699B2 (en) Gaming system and method of operating a gaming system having a bonus participation bidding sequence
US9064379B2 (en) Gaming system and method for providing a progressive award multiple times before resetting the displayed value of the provided progressive award
US8070597B2 (en) Gaming device and method having multiple progressive award levels and a secondary game for advancing through the progressive award levels
US9361754B2 (en) Gaming system and method for selectively providing an elimination tournament that funds an award through expected values of unplayed tournament games of eliminated players
US20170124803A1 (en) Gaming system, gaming device and method for determining an outcome of a secondary game based on one or more events which occur in association with a primary game

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: IGT, NEVADA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:EVANS, CHRISTINA M.;REEL/FRAME:018568/0557

Effective date: 20061121

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- AFTER EXAMINER'S ANSWER OR BOARD OF APPEALS DECISION