WO2001019472A1 - Electronic gaming apparatus and method with variable winning outcome - Google Patents
Electronic gaming apparatus and method with variable winning outcome Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2001019472A1 WO2001019472A1 PCT/US2000/025082 US0025082W WO0119472A1 WO 2001019472 A1 WO2001019472 A1 WO 2001019472A1 US 0025082 W US0025082 W US 0025082W WO 0119472 A1 WO0119472 A1 WO 0119472A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- game
- prize
- outcome
- outcomes
- winning outcome
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/326—Game play aspects of gaming systems
- G07F17/3262—Player actions which determine the course of the game, e.g. selecting a prize to be won, outcome to be achieved, game to be played
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F3/00—Board games; Raffle games
- A63F3/00003—Types of board games
- A63F3/00157—Casino or betting games
- A63F2003/00167—Casino or betting games with a jackpot
- A63F2003/0017—Casino or betting games with a jackpot progressive jackpot
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F3/00—Board games; Raffle games
- A63F3/06—Lottos or bingo games; Systems, apparatus or devices for checking such games
- A63F3/0645—Electric lottos or bingo games
Definitions
- the present invention is directed to an electronic gaming apparatus such as an electronic slot machine, simulated card game, keno game and the like, in which at least one prize is associated with different outcomes at different time periods.
- an electronic gaming apparatus such as an electronic slot machine, simulated card game, keno game and the like, in which at least one prize is associated with different outcomes at different time periods.
- gaming terminal play occurs in the context of a regulatory environment in which there is substantial cost and/or delay involved in getting approval for certain new types of gaming terminals. Accordingly, it has often been difficult or infeasible to rapidly reconfigure the prize structure or manner of play of a gaming terminal without an undesirable amount of cost or delay. Accordingly, it would be useful to provide a gaming terminal apparatus and method which permits reconfiguration of at least some aspects of the game, e.g., to give an appearance or impression of novelty, but preferably in a manner which is less likely to require an expensive or relatively time-consumptive level of regulatory review.
- Changes in gaming terminals can also provide benefits to casinos or other game operators. For example, in some circumstances game operators may consider it useful to have the ability to relatively rapidly reconfigure gaming terminals, e.g., to respond to perceived changes in player preferences, traffic flow patterns and the like, which may change in relatively rapid time frames. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide game operators with an ability to reconfigure aspects of the game, preferably on a relatively rapid basis.
- the attractiveness of a gaming terminal may be enhanced if players perceive that they have an impact on how the game is configured. For example, some players may wish to play games in which prizes are associated with the players' favorite or "lucky" card hands and the like.
- the invention involves providing a gaming terminal in which at least one prize (such as a progressive prize or other prize) which can be won at the gaming terminal, is associated with a first game outcome during the first time period and associated with a second game outcome during a second time period.
- a gaming terminal may be configured, during a first time period, such that a progressive prize is won at a simulated poker game terminal, in response to an "all hearts” royal flush and is won, during a second time period, in response to an "all spades" royal flush.
- the game operator can provide input to reconfigure among various selected winning outcomes, e.g., in response to inputting a key (such as a physical key and/or a code or password).
- gaming terminals may be configured to allow a player or user to select, from among a plurality of options, which option will be associated with a given prize.
- the gaming terminal may be configured to automatically reconfigure itself, periodically, at random time or according to a preprogrammed schedule of changes.
- the gaming terminal is a draw poker terminal.
- optimal card-draw strategies for the prize associated with the selectable outcome are identical to card draw strategies for other prizes
- a gaming terminal which can have different configurations at different times with the configuration differing as to which ones, of a plurality of possible game outcomes, are associated with one or more of the game prizes.
- a game operator can select which outcome to associate with a, preferably progressive, prize.
- associations of outcomes with prizes can be selected by players and/or may occur automatically at periodic, random or predetermined times.
- Fig. 1 is a flow chart depicting a gaming process according to an embodiment of the present invention
- Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a gaming terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 3 is a front elevational view of a display showing winning hand options according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- the gaming terminal can have the winning outcome (i.e., an outcome associated with at least one of the prizes) selected by a gaming operator
- the process can begin with the operator selecting a setup screen 112. If a player or user is permitted to select a winning outcome, the gaming terminal may be configured such that the setup screen or display (or controls) are substantially always available (in which case there is no need for a step of selecting a setup screen) or may be displayed only in response to a command such as a command to select a setup screen 112. In other options, a user or player may be permitted to select winning outcomes in response to certain game situations such as a predefined (previous) game outcome, i.e., in some configurations a player may "win" an opportunity to select future winning outcomes. If the user does not select a setup procedure 114 the process proceeds to normal wager and game play.
- a predefined (previous) game outcome i.e., in some configurations a player may "win" an opportunity to select future winning outcomes.
- the terminal will preferably prompt for the entry of a key 116 such as by showing a prompt on a gaming terminal display 212 (Fig. 2).
- the key may be a password or code, input through one or more input keys 214 and known only to authorized game operators, or can be a physical key fitting a lock in the gaming terminal (not shown).
- the gaming terminal will provide a display 310 (Fig. 3) of winning options which may be selected 118.
- the display of options can be provided on the gaming terminal display device 212 (such as a CRT, LCD device and the like) or can be shown by graphics on the face of the gaming terminal.
- the available winning hand options may be separately known or provided to a gaming operator, e.g., in printed form or the like.
- the options are shown on the display screen 212, they are preferably accompanied by numbers or other selection identifiers
- the winning hand which is selected will be associated with a progressive prize. It is further possible to provide configurations in which a winning hand can be associated with a nonprogressive prize. It is further possible to provide configurations in which two or more different winning outcomes can be selected, either associated with the same prize or associated with two different prizes. In general, there are advantages to providing a system in which the prize or prizes associated with selectable winning outcomes are progressive prizes.
- the selectable winning outcomes 312abc are three of the possible outcomes in an electronic draw poker game.
- the odds for the first two options 312ab are identical and are greater than the odds for the third option 312c. Accordingly, the display depicted in Fig. 3 preferably also shows odds 314 for the various options so that the selection can be made with knowledge of the odds.
- the gaming terminal will receive input, indicating which option is selected 122.
- Information indicative of the selection is stored, e.g., in a gaming terminal memory 216 .
- the gaming terminal provides a display of which option was selected and is currently in effect 126.
- the gaming terminal can receive a normal wager in a wager acceptor 222 and perform a normal round of play 128.
- an additional wager must be placed in order to be eligible for the prize associated with the selected winning option, preferably, a player is eligible for the prize associated with the selected winning option (should it occur) in response to the normal wager 128 and no additional wager is required.
- the gaming terminal processor 218 determines whether the outcome matches the selected option 132. If so, the system will credit or pay-out (or provide a notice regarding pay-out of) the prize associated with the selected option 134.
- the selected winning outcome is in effect only for a single (or a predetermined number of) game rounds or for a predetermined time period. In another option, the selected winning option is in effect until a new section is made. In another option, after a predetermined period of time during which no play occurs at the gaming terminal 136 the winning hand or winning outcome option reverts to a default option 138.
- the present invention provides a gaming terminal which can readily be reconfigured, e.g., to change, for one or more prizes of the game, which game outcome is associated with (results in) such prize.
- the invention can be configured such that the reconfiguration is likely to involve relatively little difficulty, time or expense in receiving regulatory approval, e.g., by associating selectable outcomes with progressive prizes, by providing all options with substantially identical odds, and/or by implementing the invention substantially without the need for modifying basic game-outcome-determining software.
- the changing of gaming terminal configurations, as described herein, can enhance user interest and increase the amount of play, can increase game operator flexibility, and the like.
- a number of variations and modifications of the invention can be used. It is possible to use some aspects of the invention without using others. For example, it is possible to provide for associating a given prize with two different game outcomes, during two different time periods, without allowing players or users to make such selection.
- the invention has been described in the context of an electronic draw poker game, the invention can also be implemented in a context of other electronic gaming devices such as other electronic card games, keno games, roulette or other wheel games, slot machine games, and the like. Selected gaming outcomes can be implemented individually on each of a plurality of terminals, or system- wide throughout a plurality of different gaming terminals.
- the prize associated with a selectable winning outcome is a multi-terminal progressive prize (i.e., a progressive prize which may be won at any of a plurality of different gaming terminals, which are typically networked to a central computer), it is preferred that a selection of a winning outcome will be applied such that all gaming terminals involved in the multi-terminal prize will have a selected winning outcome which has a probability of occurring or "odds" which is the same as the odds of the selected winning outcome.
- automatic, and preferably random, selection among options is performed by the gaming terminal at times which are random, periodic, or according to a programmed or predetermined schedule.
- the present invention can be implemented substantially without modifying the main game outcome-determining software (i.e., software which provides a preferably random or pseudo-random outcome in response to initiation of a round of play) and it is believed that, in at least some jurisdictions, it will be relatively less difficult, expensive and/or time consuming to obtain approval for implementation of a system according to the present invention in the absence of the need to modify the main game outcome-determining software.
- the present invention in various embodiments, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, subcombinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the present invention after understanding the present disclosure.
- the present invention in various embodiments, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various embodiments hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g. for improving performance, achieving ease and ⁇ or reducing cost of implementation.
- the present invention includes items which are novel, and terminology adapted from previous and/or analogous technologies, for convenience in describing novel items or processes, do not necessarily retain all aspects of conventional usage of such terminology.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CA002385124A CA2385124A1 (en) | 1999-09-13 | 2000-09-13 | Electronic gaming apparatus and method with variable winning outcome |
AU75787/00A AU769979B2 (en) | 1999-09-13 | 2000-09-13 | Electronic gaming apparatus and method with variable winning outcome |
EP00964985A EP1218070A4 (en) | 1999-09-13 | 2000-09-13 | Electronic gaming apparatus and method with variable winning outcome |
AU2004201881A AU2004201881B2 (en) | 1999-09-13 | 2004-05-06 | Electronic Gaming Apparatus and Method with Variable Winning Outcome |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15358799P | 1999-09-13 | 1999-09-13 | |
US60/153,587 | 1999-09-13 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2001019472A1 true WO2001019472A1 (en) | 2001-03-22 |
WO2001019472A9 WO2001019472A9 (en) | 2002-12-12 |
Family
ID=22547830
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2000/025082 WO2001019472A1 (en) | 1999-09-13 | 2000-09-13 | Electronic gaming apparatus and method with variable winning outcome |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1218070A4 (en) |
AU (1) | AU769979B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2385124A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2001019472A1 (en) |
ZA (1) | ZA200202837B (en) |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5393057A (en) * | 1992-02-07 | 1995-02-28 | Marnell, Ii; Anthony A. | Electronic gaming apparatus and method |
US5820459A (en) * | 1994-10-12 | 1998-10-13 | Acres Gaming, Inc. | Method and apparatus for operating networked gaming devices |
US6113495A (en) * | 1997-03-12 | 2000-09-05 | Walker Digital, Llc | Electronic gaming system offering premium entertainment services for enhanced player retention |
US6117009A (en) * | 1997-12-12 | 2000-09-12 | Shuffle Master, Inc. | Method and apparatus for configuring a video output gaming device |
US6126542A (en) * | 1997-08-11 | 2000-10-03 | Boyd Gaming Corporation | Gaming device and method offering primary and secondary games |
Family Cites Families (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6068552A (en) * | 1998-03-31 | 2000-05-30 | Walker Digital, Llc | Gaming device and method of operation thereof |
-
2000
- 2000-09-13 WO PCT/US2000/025082 patent/WO2001019472A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2000-09-13 CA CA002385124A patent/CA2385124A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-09-13 EP EP00964985A patent/EP1218070A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2000-09-13 AU AU75787/00A patent/AU769979B2/en not_active Ceased
-
2002
- 2002-04-11 ZA ZA200202837A patent/ZA200202837B/en unknown
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5393057A (en) * | 1992-02-07 | 1995-02-28 | Marnell, Ii; Anthony A. | Electronic gaming apparatus and method |
US5820459A (en) * | 1994-10-12 | 1998-10-13 | Acres Gaming, Inc. | Method and apparatus for operating networked gaming devices |
US6113495A (en) * | 1997-03-12 | 2000-09-05 | Walker Digital, Llc | Electronic gaming system offering premium entertainment services for enhanced player retention |
US6126542A (en) * | 1997-08-11 | 2000-10-03 | Boyd Gaming Corporation | Gaming device and method offering primary and secondary games |
US6117009A (en) * | 1997-12-12 | 2000-09-12 | Shuffle Master, Inc. | Method and apparatus for configuring a video output gaming device |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
See also references of EP1218070A4 * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
ZA200202837B (en) | 2004-04-28 |
EP1218070A4 (en) | 2003-06-11 |
WO2001019472A9 (en) | 2002-12-12 |
AU769979B2 (en) | 2004-02-12 |
EP1218070A1 (en) | 2002-07-03 |
AU7578700A (en) | 2001-04-17 |
CA2385124A1 (en) | 2001-03-22 |
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