WO2014131078A1

WO2014131078A1 - A system and method for providing a fixed value jackpot prize

Info

Publication number: WO2014131078A1
Application number: PCT/AU2014/000170
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ismo NIEMIE
Original assignee: Independent Gaming Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2013-02-26
Filing date: 2014-02-25
Publication date: 2014-09-04

Abstract

A system for providing a fixed value jackpot prize, the system including: a plurality of gaming machines, each gaming machine providing an individual game of chance to a player wagering at each respective gaming machine, a percentage of the value wagered on each gaming machine being allocated to a jackpot prize pool; a jackpot controller in communication with each of the gaming machines, the jackpot controller providing a jackpot game to the players wagering at each gaming machine, the jackpot controller determining a trigger condition for each fixed jackpot game and awarding the fixed value jackpot prize to one the of players according to a predetermined eligibility criterion when triggered; a display for displaying jackpot information to the players in communication with the jackpot controller, the jackpot controller sending display information to the display for displaying a graphical depiction of when the jackpot will be triggered.

Description

TITLE: A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A FIXED VALUE JACKPOT PRIZE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to gaining machines and in particular to systems and methods for providing jackpots lo players playing gaming machines and will be described with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited lo this particular field of use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In this specification unless the contrary is expressly stated, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission thai the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date, publicly available, known to the public, part of common general knowledge; or known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned.

Slot machines were initially stand alone wagering machines in which a fixed percentage of the wagers was returned to the players over a period of time. Jackpots are a desirable feature as far as the operator of the machines is concerned as they are popular with players and can provide large pool sizes compared with the standard prizes. Jackpots are available on individual slot machines in which the jackpot is taken from the amount of wagers on the machine. This lowers the average non-jackpot return of the machine as the jackpot is included in the average return. However, for slot machine players, the provision of a jackpot feature is considered to be a desirable feature.

Communal contribution jackpots are also available on slot machines where a plurality of gaming machines contribute turnover to a jackpot pool. In this way electronic slot machines can be linked into large groups and large jackpots can be accumulated.

Communal contribution jackpots on slot machines usually operate by diverting a percentage of each wager into the jackpot pool, which has the effect of decreasing the prize pool for each individual slot machine available for the non-jackpot prizes. These jackpot pools can be subslantialiy larger than those available on individual machines, and this increases their popularity with players. In such jackpot games, a player contributes to the jackpot pool whether or not the player wishes to participate in the jackpot and the jackpot is only awarded to a single player when triggered.

Mystery jackpots usually set a lower and an upper limit within which the jackpot must be won. In known slot machine jackpot systems, a pooled jackpot is funded by taking a percentage of each wager on each linked machine to build up the jackpot pool. The value at which the jackpot will trigger is unknown.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiment of the present invention overcomes or ameliorates at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or at least provides a useful alternative.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is disclosed a system for providing a fixed value jackpot prize, the system including:

a plurality of gaming machines, each gaming machine providing an individual game of chance to a player wagering at each respective gaming machine, a percentage of the value wagered on each gaming machine being allocated to a jackpot prize pool; and a jackpot controller in communication with each of the gaming machines, the jackpot controller providing a jackpot game to the players at each gaming machine, the jackpot controller determining a trigger condition for each fixed jackpot game and awarding the fixed value jackpot prize to one the of players according to a predetermined eligibility criterion when triggered, the jackpot controller including:

a jackpot pool counter for determining the value of the jackpot prize pool when the jackpot prize is triggered; and

an adjustment counter for determining the difference in value between the fixed value jackpot prize awarded and the jackpot pool value when the jackpot prize is triggered, the jackpot controller adjusting the trigger condition for the subsequent jackpot game according to the value of the adjustment counter.

Preferably the jackpot is triggered when the value of the jackpot prize pool crosses a threshold trigger value.

Preferably the threshold trigger value is determined by the jackpot controller selecting a random number and then adjusting the random number according to the value of the adjustment counter.

In another embodiment the trigger condition is adjusted by adjusting the jackpot prize pool value.

Preferably the jackpot controller uses a random number generator to determine the random number then calculates the threshold trigger value. Preferably when the jackpot controller is first initialised the adjustment counter value is zero and the random number selected is equal to the threshold trigger value.

It is preferred that the random number selected falls between a predetermined minimum value and a predetermined maximum value. Preferably the venue in which the system is installed can set the predetermined minimum value and predetermined maximum value as required and in accordance with any legislation that may apply.

Preferably the player whose contribution causes the threshold trigger value to be crossed is awarded the fixed jackpot amount. In some other preferred embodiments the fixed jackpot prize is a communal jackpot and a plurality of the players are eligible to receive a portion of the communal jackpot according to one or more of the following criteria: the player having an active wager on the individual game provided at their respective gaming machine; the value of the player's wager on the individual game being above a minimum eligibility threshold; the physical location of the gaming machine; the player being enrolled in a venue loyalty scheme; the average wager of the gamer on the individual game during the course of a predetermine time period; player statistics associated with the loyalty scheme; the player electing to place an additional ante bet; a random selection of a plurality of players; the player placing a wager on the individual game where that wager is higher than the average wager of a predetermine percentage of other players' wagers; the player wagering the maximum wager available on the individual game; the magnitude of a player's wager relative to other players' wagers'; or any other suitable criteria or criterion.

Preferably the percentage of each player's wager on the individual game of chance that is allocated to the value of the jackpot prize pool is determined by the venue.

Preferably each player's contribution is added individually to allow the jackpot controller to identify the player whose contribution caused the value of the communal jackpot pool to cross the threshold trigger value. That player is awarded the fixed value jackpot prize.

Preferably the gaming machines for providing an individual game of chance to players are located at a single venue. In other preferred embodiments the individual gaming machines are located at multiple venues and the jackpot controller is in communication with the gaming machines across those venues.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is disclosed a method for providing a fixed value jackpot prize, the method including the steps of:

providing a plurality of gaming machines, each gaming machine providing an individual game of chance to a player wagering at each respective gaming machine, a percentage of the value wagered on each gaming machine being allocated to a jackpot prize pool; and providing a jackpot controller in communication with each of the gaining machines, the jackpot controller providing a jackpot game to the players wagering at each gaming machine, the jackpot controller determining a trigger condition for each fixed jackpot game and awarding the fixed value jackpot prize to one the of players according to a predetermined eligibility criterion when triggered, the jackpot controller including: a jackpot pool counter for determining the value of the jackpot prize pool when the jackpot prize is triggered; and

an adjustment counter for determining the difference in value between the fixed value jackpot prize awarded and the jackpot pool value when the jackpot prize is triggered, the jackpot controller adj usting the trigger condition for the subsequent jackpot game according to the value of the adjustment counter.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is disclosed a method for providing a fixed value jackpot prize, the method including the steps of:

providing a plurality of gaming machines, each gaming machine providing an individual game of chance to a player wagering at each respective gaming machine, a percentage of the value wagered on each gaming machine being allocated to a jackpot prize pool; providing a jackpot controller in communication with each of the gaming machines, the jackpot controller providing a jackpot game to the players wagering at each gaming machine, the jackpot controller determining a trigger condition for each fixed jackpot game and awarding the fixed value jackpot prize to one the of players according to a predetermined eligibility criterion when triggered;

providing a jackpot pool counter for determining the value of the jackpot prize pool when the jackpot prize is triggered;

providing an adjustment counter for determining the difference in value between the fixed value jackpot prize awarded and the jackpot pool value when the jackpot prize is triggered; and

the jackpot controller adjusting the trigger condition for the subsequent jackpot game according to the value of the adjustment counter.

According to a forth aspect of the invention there is disclosed a system for providing a fixed value jackpot prize, the system including:

a plurality of gaming machines, each gaming machine providing an individual game of chance to a player wagering at each respective gaming machine, a percentage of the value wagered on each gaming machine being allocated to a jackpot prize pool; and a jackpot controller in communication with each of the gaming machines, the jackpot controller providing a jackpot game to the players wagering at each gaming machine, the jackpot controller determining a trigger condition for each fixed jackpot game and awarding the fixed value jackpot prize to one the of players according to a predetermined eligibility criterion when triggered, the jackpot controller including:

an adjustment counter for determining the difference in value between the fixed value jackpot prize awarded and the jackpot pool value when the jackpot prize is triggered, the jackpot controller adjusting the jackpot prize pool for the subsequent jackpot game according to the value of the adjustment counter. According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is disclosed a system for providing a fixed value jackpot prize, the system including:

a plurality of gaming machines, each gaming machine providing an individual game of chance to a player wagering at each respective gaming machine, a percentage of the value wagered on each gaming machine being allocated to a jackpot prize pool;

a jackpot controller in communication with each of the gaming machines, the jackpot controller providing a jackpot game to the players

at each gaming machine, the jackpot controller determining a trigger condition for each fixed jackpot game and awarding the fixed value jackpot prize to one of the players according to a predetermined eligibility criterion when triggered;

a display for displaying jackpot information to the players in communication with the jackpot controller, the jackpot controller sending display information to the display for displaying a graphical depiction of when the jackpot will be triggered.

Preferably the jackpot controller includes: a jackpot pool counter for determining the value of the jackpot prize pool when the jackpot prize is triggered; and an adjustment counter for determining the di fference in value between the fixed value jackpot prize awarded and the jackpot pool value when the jackpot prize is triggered, the jackpot controller adjusting the trigger condition for the subsequent jackpot game according to the value of the adjustment counter.

Preferably the threshold trigger value is determined by the jackpot controller selecting a random number. Preferably the trigger condition is adjusted by adjusting the jackpot prize pool value.

Preferably the player whose contribution causes the threshold trigger value to be crossed is awarded the fixed jackpot amount.

Preferably the graphical depiction on the display is related to one or more of: the jackpot pool counter value; the threshold trigger value; and the maximum jackpot pool value.

Throughout the specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and other variations such as "comprises" and

"comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers of steps.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure l a is a diagram of a gaming machine according to the invention;

Figure lb is a diagram of another gaming machine according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a display for a player according to the invention;

Figure 3 is a diagram of a system according to the invention; and

Figure 4 is a display for a player according to the invention.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiment of the invention discloses a system for providing a fixed value jackpot prize in a gaming venue and/or across multiple gaming venues. The venues may be within one city, state or country or may be, in some instances, be provided across countries. The jackpot prize is a fixed value prize, that is, the prize awarded to a player that triggers the jackpot is the same value in each round or instance of the jackpot game. The system includes a plurality of gaming machines, each gaming machine providing an individual game of chance to a player wagering at each respective gaming machine. A percentage of the value wagered on each gaming machine is allocated to a jackpot prize pool. A jackpot controller is in communication with each of the gaming machines and the jackpot controller provides a jackpot game to the players wagering at each gaming machine. The jackpot controller determines a trigger condition for each fixed jackpot game and awards the fixed value jackpot prize to one the of players according to a predetermined eligibility criterion when the jackpot game is triggered. The jackpot controller includes a jackpot pool counter for calculating and determining the value of the jackpot prize pool when the jackpot prize is triggered. The jackpot controller further includes an adjustment counter for determining the difference in value between the fixed value jackpot prize awarded and the jackpot pool value when thejackpot prize is triggered, the jackpot controller adjusting the trigger condition for the subsequent jackpot game according to the value of the adjustment counter.

In the preferred embodiment the jackpot is triggered when the value of the jackpot prize pool crosses a threshold trigger value. The threshold trigger value is determined or calculated by the jackpot controller selecting a random number and then adjusting the random number according to the value of the adjustment counter. The jackpot controller uses a random number generator to determine the random number then calculates Ihe threshold trigger value. When the jackpot controller is first initialised the adjustment counter value is zero and therefore the random number selected is equal to the threshold trigger value. Alternatively the jackpot controller adjusts the jackpot pool counter according to Ihe value of the adjustment counter.

It is preferred that the random number selected fall between a predetermined minimum value and a predetermined maximum value such that the venue can adequately monitor and report on the jackpot game. It would be understood that the venue in which the system is installed can set the predetermined minimum value and predetermined maximum value as required and in accordance with any legislation that may apply.

As described above, the gaming turnover at each of the gaming machine contributes to the jackpot prize pool however when the jackpot game is triggered the amount awarded is fixed and not necessarily the same as the amount of money in the jackpot pool at the time the jackpot is triggered. The amount in the jackpot pool at the time when the jackpot is triggered may be greater or smaller than the actual fixed prize amount. The jackpot is triggered when a player's contribution to the jackpot pool results in the jackpot pool value crosses the threshold trigger value. When that occurs, the player whose contribution causes the threshold trigger value to be crosses is awarded the fixed jackpot amount.

In the preferred embodiment the jackpot prize is awarded to a single player playing one of the gaming machines as described above. However in some other embodiments the fixed jackpot prize is a communal jackpot and a plurality of the players are eligible to receive a portion of the communal jackpot according to one or more of the following criteria: the player having an active wager on the individual game provided at their respective gaming machine; the value of the player's wager on the individual game being above a minimum eligibility threshold; the physical location of the gaming machine; the player being enrolled in a venue loyalty scheme; the average wager of the gamer on the indi vidual game during the course of a predetermine time period; player statistics associated with the loyalty scheme; the player electing to place an additional ante bet; a random selection of a plurality of players; the player placing a wager on the individual game where that wager is higher than the average wager of a predetermine percentage of other players' wagers; the player wagering the maximum wager available on the individual game; the magnitude of a player's wager relative to other players' wagers'; or any other suitable criteria or criterion.

The percentage of each player's wager on the individual game of chance that is allocated to the value of the jackpot prize pool can be determined by the venue and changed as required. This contribution is added individually to allow the jackpot controller to

identify the player whose contribution caused the value of the communal jackpot pool to cross the threshold trigger value. That player is awarded the fixed value jackpot prize.

In one embodiment all the gaming machines for providing an individual game of chance to players are located at a single venue. In other embodiments the individual gaming machines are located at multiple venues and the jackpot controller is in communication with the gaming machines across those venues. The communication is preferably via, the Internet, a VPN, WAN, or the like. It would be understood that the jackpot controller could be located at one of the venues or even at another location so long as communication between the controller and the gaming machines can be maintained.

A further embodiment of the invention discloses a method for providing a fixed value jackpot prize. The method includes the following steps. The first step is to provide a plurality of gaming machines, each gaming machine providing an individual game of chance to a player wagering at each respective gaming machine, a percentage of the value wagered on each gaming machine being allocated to a jackpot prize pool. The next step is to provide a jackpot controller in communication with each of the gaming machines, the jackpot controller providing a jackpot game to the players wagering at each gaming machine, the jackpot controller determining a trigger condition for each fixed jackpot game and awarding the fixed value jackpot prize to one the of players according to a predetermined eligibility criterion when triggered. The jackpot controller includes a jackpot pool counter for determining the value of the jackpot prize pool when the jackpot prize is triggered. The jackpot controller also includes an adjustment counter for detennining the difference in value between the fixed value jackpot prize awarded and the jackpot pool value when the jackpol prize is triggered, the jackpot controller adjusting the trigger condition for the subsequent jackpot game according to the value of the adjustment counter.

Yet another embodiment of the preferred invention discloses a method for providing a fixed value jackpot prize. The method includes the following steps. The first step provides a plurality of gaming machines, each gaming machine providing an individual game of chance to a player wagering at each respective gaming machine, a percentage of the value wagered on each gaming machine being allocated to a jackpot prize pool. The next step provides a jackpot controller in communication with each of the gaming machines, the jackpot controller providing a jackpot game to the players wagering at each gaming machine, the jackpot controller determining a trigger condition for each fixed jackpot game and awarding the fixed value jackpot prize to one the of players according to a predetermined eligibility criterion when triggered. The next step provides a jackpot pool counter for determining the value of the jackpot prize pool when the jackpot prize is triggered. The next step provides an adjustment counter for determining the difference in value between the fixed value jackpot prize awarded and the jackpot pool value when the jackpot prize is triggered. The final step provides for the adjustment by the jackpot controller of the trigger condition for the subsequent jackpot game according to the value of the adjustment counter.

Gaming machines according to the preferred embodiment of the invention wilt now be described with reference to the drawings.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in Fig.lA, 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. 1 A 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. 1A includes a central display device 16 and an upper display device 1 8. 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. The gaming device includes a credit display which displays a player's current number of credits, cash, account balance or the equivalent. In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a bet display which displays a player's amount wagered. In one embodiment, as described in more detail below, the gaming device includes a player tracking display which displays in formation regarding a player's playing tracking status.

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 (OLE Ds), 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 touchscreen 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 ofpeople, 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. 1 A, in one embodiment, the gaming device includes at least one payment device 24 in communication with the processor.

A payment device such as a payment acceptor includes a note, ticket or bill acceptor 28 wherein the player inserts paper money, a licket or voucher and a coin slot 26 where the player inserts money, corns, or tokens, in other embodiments, payment 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.

In one embodiment, as mentioned above and seen in Fig. 1 A, one input device is a touchscreen 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 touchscreen 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 touchscreen 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 exlernal 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. 1 A, 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 Ihe 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 Ihe 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 and/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. Thai 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 Fig. 1 B, one or more of the gaming devices 10 are in communication with each other and/or at least one central server, central controller or rernole 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 alternati ve 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 conlroller 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 sen'er 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 initialed 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.

The preferred embodiment of the invention provides a fixed value jackpot system that awards the same value jackpot each time it is triggered. The jackpot game is provided on an EGM that is in communication with the jackpot controller. The EGMs may be supplied by the same or different manufacturers and may have the same of different games thereon.

The system can provide a plurality of jackpot levels simultaneously, each one being triggered by a different trigger. Where multiple simultaneous jackpots are being provided it is preferred that the jackpots have different prize levels and that the jackpots with higher prize values are triggered less often than the jackpots with lower prize values.

In one embodiment the system provides four fixed value jackpot games simultaneously. This is considered a four level jackpot system as each level of jackpot has a different prize value. The first is a mini jackpot with a fixed prize value of $100. The second jackpot is a minor jackpot with a fixed prize value of $300. The third jackpot is a major jackpot with a fixed prize value of $5,000 and the forth jackpot is a grand jackpot with a fixed prize value of $70,000. It would be understood that the number of simultaneous jackpots and the fixed prize awarded for each jackpot can be set as required by the operators of the system and the jackpots and the fixed prizes are not limited to the prize values mentioned herein. Tf desired each jackpot could offer the same prize value although this is less preferred.

The system can also provide a combination of fixed prize jackpots and traditional mystery jackpots in which the prize value is variable and is dependent on the value of the jackpot prize pool at the time the jackpot is triggered.

Figure 2 is a display image that is shown to players displaying the details of the mini, minor, major and grand jackpots described above. The display can be on a gaming machine display or can be shown on a separate information display such as on a large screen TV 201 or the like. The display image has two layers, the overlay 202 and the background 203. The background may be a still picture or a movie clip according to the preference of the venue. The overlay displays information on the fixed prize jackpots to the players. As would be understood, the overlay display 202 will show the same prize constantly and the amount will not change even while play is in progress.

In another preferred embodiment display 201 a is in communication with the jackpot controller. The jackpot controller sends display information to the display for displaying a graphical depiction of when the jackpot will be triggered. This representation is preferably updated in real time so that players can monitor when one of the jackpots is expected to be triggered. As would be understood display 201 a can be used in conjunction with display 201 or could replace display 201 in some embodiments.

In one example a system includes a four level fixed jackpot. In this particular embodiment each of the four jackpots has the same fixed price jackpot value being $ 100. The display shows a visual representation of the maximum jackpot pool value by which each respective jackpot must be won. This value is also known as the "Must be won before" value as shown in Figure 4.

The preferred embodiment provides for two alternative displays however the number of graphical depictions that could be used are limitless and can be amended according to the desired application. In one example, a canon is displayed wherein the canon has a wick that will ignite the canon when the jackpot is triggered. As would be understood each of the jackpot games would likely have different trigger thresholds and different maximum jackpot pool values by which the jackpots must be won. Each jackpot is therefore represented by a different canon. One option to display the progress of the jackpot value is that the wicks on each canon will burn from different lengths according to the value of the maximum jackpot pool value for that particular jackpot. For example for a jackpot as described below:

a fixed prize value: SI 00

jackpot minimum/maximum trigger values: SO / 200

random trigger value: $50

Jackpot must be won by: S70

the length of the wick would be adjusted to represent $70. That is. if for the above example the jackpot must be won value were S I 10, then the wick for lhat game would be longer than the wick for this game.

Alternatively the wicks can all be the same length and burn at different speeds according to the random trigger value and the maximum jackpot pool value for each respective jackpot.

For example for a jackpot as described below:

a fixed prize value: $100

jackpot minimum/maximum trigger values: $0 / 200

random trigger value: S50

the wick will burn at double the speed of a comparative jackpot having trigger value of $ 100. In this way players are shown a visual representation to compare each jackpot which creates player excitement.

The starting point (or length of the visual representation) of each respective jackpot can also be adjusted according to the maximum jackpot prize pool value As would be understood the jackpot prize will always be the same advertised value and the full return to player percentage goes to Increment the jackpot pool value as all parameters start from zero once a jackpot is triggered.

Not sure what you were trying to get at with the first sentence of this paragraph As would be understood, the jackpot controller triggers Ihe or each jackpot at a predetermine random point when the jackpot prize pool exceeds the threshold trigger. At this point the jackpot prize pool is in most instances not equal to the fixed prize amount for that jackpot. For example in the instance of the mini jackpot described above, the prize value is $ 100 however the trigger threshold in one instance may be $94 which is less than the fixed prize value. In another instance the trigger threshold value may be $ I 10 which is higher than Ihe fixed prize value. In both instances the player receives the fixed prize value of $100. As would be understood, the jackpot prize pool value is preferably not shown to players and only the fixed prize values are shown to players.

It is desired that the average value of the jackpot prize pool trend towards the fixed prize value for each fixed prize jackpot game being run. This is the desired Average Constant Payment Amount (ACPA). In order to achieve the ACPA the jackpot controller utilises the jackpot pool counter which calculates the current value of the jackpot prize pool and the value when the jackpot is triggered and the adjustment counter to determine the difference in value between the fixed prize awarded and the value of the jackpot prize pool when the jackpot is triggered. The jackpot controller adjusts the trigger condition for the subsequent jackpot games according to the value of the adjustment counter so that that the average value of the jackpot prize pool trends towards the fixed prize value for each fixed prize jackpot game being run.

That is, the jackpot pool counter starts at a value hi the range from the minimum threshold and is incremented towards the trigger threshold at a selected contribution rate (which is a predetermined percentage of player turnover on the EGMs). The minimum and maximum values are preferably chosen such that the average of those values equals the fixed value prize. For example, in the case of the Mini jackpot that has a fixed prize value of S 100 the minimum the predetermined minimum value may be set at $50 and the predetermined maximum value may be set at $150 such that the average of those values equals the fixed price οΓ$100 (that^'is, $50 + $ 150 divided by 2 is equal to $100).

Alternatively the minimum value could be $0 and the maximum value would be $200. If the starting value of the jackpot prize pool is $50 then the value of the jackpot prize pool will be incremented by the chosen percentage of turnover from the gaming machines. If the current trigger threshold is $90 then when a player's contribution causes the jackpot prize pool to exceed the threshold of $90 the Mini jackpot is triggered and that player is awarded the fixed prize of $100.

in this example, the prize value of $ 100 has been awarded when the jackpot prize pool was only $90. Therefore a value of $10 is considered an over payment and is expected to be recovered over the course of next Mini jackpot games. This is because the random number generator (RNG) has an even and average distribution. The value of $10 is stored in the adjustment counter.

in this instance once the jackpot controller has awarded the fixed Mini jackpot, the Mini jackpot is reset. The jackpot controller selects a new random number between the predetermined minimum and maximum values and then adjusts that jackpot prize pool using the value stored in the adjustment counter, in the current example where there was an overpayment and the fixed prize value was more than the jackpot prize pool value the ad justment value is subtracted from the predetermined starting value of the jackpot prize pool. In this case the adjustment counter value of $ 10 is subtracted from the predetermined minimum value of $50 and the jackpot prize pool starts at a value of $40. The trigger threshold value is randomly generated in the normal manner as described above.

If the overpayment of the previous game exceeds the predetermined minimum value of the jackpot prize pool then current value of the jackpot prize pool is set to zero and any remaining overpayment is subtracted from the next suitable jackpot game prize pool. For example, if the over payment were $60 and the predetermined minimum value were $50, then the jackpot prize pool would be set at $0 and a value of $10 would be carried over to be used to adjust the jackpot prize pool at the start of the next game (in conjunction with any adjustment from that game).

In the event of an underpayment, for example, when the fixed jackpot prize of S 100 is awarded when the jackpot prize pool value is $105, the adjustment value is added to the predetermined minimum value when the jackpot prize pool is reset. In this instance the jackpot prize pool would start at $50 (predetermined minimum) + $5 (underpayment from previous game) - $55.

In an alternati ve embodiment the adjustment value is added to or subtracted from the trigger threshold that is randomly selected.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the minimum starting value of the jackpot prize pool remains constant and the adjustment counter adds or subtracts to the revenue from the individual gaming machines that is allocated to the jackpot pool. That is, when revenue from the gaming machines is allocated to that jackpot pool, the adjustment counter either adds an additional amount to that revenue going to the jackpot pool (in the case of an underpayment) or subtracts an amount from the revenue going to the jackpot pool (in the case of an overpayment) until the amount in the adjustment counter reaches zero. At that point, the percentage of revenue allocated to the jackpot pool prize is unchanged. It is preferred that only a predetermined percentage of the amount in the adjustment counter is added or subtracted to the revenue allocated to the jackpot prize pool at any one time. For example, if an underpayment or $10 occurred, the adjustment counter must add an additional $ 10 to the jackpot prize pool whenever the allocated percentage of revenue is allocated to the jackpot prize pool. If say, $0.10 were allocated from individual gaming revenue to the jackpot pool, the adjustment counter might add say another $0.10 (1% of the starting value of the adjustment counter) each time the jackpot pool prize is incremented. In this case $0.20 would then be allocated to the jackpot pool prize. This ensures that the jackpot pool prize is not incremented in relatively large amounts as might happen if the entire $ 10 were allocated in a single transaction.

In a similar example, if there was an overpayment of $10 the adjustment counter may- take only a percentage of revenue allocated to the jackpot prize pool to pay back the ad justment amount. For example, say SO.10 was allocated to the jackpot prize pool. The adjustment counter may subtract $0.05 from this amount to pay back the overpayment and an amount of $0.05 would be actually added to the jackpot prize pool.

In some embodiments it may be desirable to add or subtract the entire amount of overpayment or underpayment in a single transaction and the jackpot controller can be programmed accordingly.

Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the invention where electronic gaming machines EGM1 , EGM2 and EGM 3 are connected to a fixed prize jackpot system. All the active, (being communicating and playing) EGMs connected to the mystery jackpot system contribute a set percentage of the EGMs turnover to the prize pool. When the jackpot is triggered the fixed prize is awarded to one of the EGMs based on whichever contribution caused the jackpot to be triggered.

Figure 4 shows a player display showing four jackpot games that the jackpot controller is running, hi this embodiment three of the jackpot games are standard mystery games where the allocated prize is dependent on the jackpot prize pool at the point at which the jackpot is triggered. These are the mini, minor and major jackpots. The grand jackpot is a fixed value prize and does not change according to the value of the jackpot prize pool in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. It would be understood that the jackpot controller can be programmed to run any combination of fixed prize jackpots or standard jackpot games according to the preferences of the venue. In some embodiments all the jackpot games are fixed prize. Tn other embodiments half the jackpots are fixed prize.

As can be seen from the above disclosure, the preferred embodiment of the invention provides a useful system for providing a fixed value jackpot.

Any commercial processor may be used to implement the embodiments of the invention either as a single processor, serial or parallel set of processors in the system. Examples of commercial processors include, but are not limited lo Merced™, Pentium™, Pentium II™, Xeon™. Celeron™, Pentium Pro™, Efficeori™, Athlon, AMD, Intel Centrino™, Intel Core Duo™, Intel Core 2 Duo™, Intel Centrino™, Intel Xeon™ and the like.

Display screens may be segment display screen, analogue display screens, digital display screens, CRTs, LED screens, Plasma screens, liquid crystal diode screens, and the like.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A system for providing a fixed value jackpot prize, the system including:

a jackpot controller in communication with each of the gaming machines, the jackpot controller providing a jackpot game to the players wagering at each gaming machine, the jackpot controller determining a trigger condition for each fixed jackpot game and awarding the fixed value jackpot prize to one the of players according to a predetermined eligibility criterion when triggered;

2. A system according to claim 1 1 wherein the graphical depiction on the display is related to the jackpot pool counter value and the threshold trigger value.

3. A system according to claim 2 wherein the jackpot controller includes: a jackpot pool counter for determining the value of the jackpot prize pool when the jackpot prize is triggered; and an adjustment counter for determining the difference in value between the fixed value jackpot prize awarded and the jackpot pool value when the jackpot prize is triggered, the jackpot conlroller adj usting the trigger condition for the subsequent jackpot game according to the value of the adjustment counter.

4. A system according to claim 3 wherein the jackpot is triggered when the value of the jackpot prize pool crosses a threshold trigger value.

5. A system according to claim 4 wherein the threshold trigger value is determined by the jackpot controller selecting a random number.

6. A system according to claim 4 wherein the trigger condition is adjusted by adjusting the jackpot prize pool value.

7. A system according to c laim 5 wherein the jackpot controller uses a random number generator to determine the random number then calculates the threshold trigger value.

8. A system according to claim 7 wherein when the jackpot controller is first initialised the adjustment counter value is zero and the random number selected is equal to the threshold trigger value.

9. A system according to claim 8 wherein the random number selected falls between a predetermined minimum value and a predetermined maximum value.

10. A system according to claim 9 wherein the venue in which the system is installed can set the predetermined minimum value and predetermined maximum value.

1 1 . A system according to claim 10 wherein the player whose contribution causes the threshold trigger value to be crossed is awarded the fixed jackpot amount.

12. A system according to claim 1 1 wherein the graphical depiction on the display is related to one or more of: the jackpot pool counter value; the threshold trigger value; and the maximum jackpot pool value.