Patent Grant
8152171
There are a variety of games to play in casinos and other gaming environments. Roulette is one commonly known game which includes a moving wheel and a ball which travels along the moving wheel. Depending upon where the ball stops, the player may win or lose a bet. There is a need to increase the level of interest, excitement and volatility associated with playing roulette-related games. There is also a need to enhance the operational functionality of roulette-related games or otherwise provide improvements to, and interesting variations of, roulette-related games.
The gaming device, in one embodiment, involves a spinning wheel and a wagering station operable for play of a primary wheel game. Several players can simultaneously place bets using the wagering station. The betting options of the wager station enable the players to bet on where a ball will land on the wheel. Once the bets are placed, a dealer, human or computer, spins the rotor of the wheel in one direction. Then the dealer launches a ball onto the rotor, typically in the opposite direction. The rotor has a ring of pockets or landings. The bet outcomes for the primary wheel game are based on which landing is the stopping place or receiver for the ball.
In one embodiment, the wheel includes one or more bonus or secondary landings. Depending upon the embodiment, these secondary landings can have a plurality of different shapes, sizes and configurations. In one embodiment, a bonus sequence begins when a ball lands on a secondary landing. It should be appreciated that other events in the primary wheel game can trigger a bonus sequence.
In one embodiment, the bonus sequence is implemented by a bonus device which has an secondary outcome determiner. Depending upon the embodiment, the bonus device may be incorporated into the wheel or coupled to the wheel from a distance. In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a drop indicator operable to indicate information pertaining to any balls which have dropped through openings in the landings.
Among the other embodiments described below, in one embodiment, a randomizing device selects the ball which is to be used in the game. In another embodiment, a randomizing device selects and identifies which landing is to be associated with a bonus trigger. In one embodiment, a device on the bowl of the wheel, such as a pointer or flipper, indicates or triggers a secondary outcome when the ball stops at a landing within a certain proximity of such device.
Additional features and advantages are described herein, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description and the figures.
Referring now to
In one embodiment described further below, the gaming device 10 includes a trigger for a bonus sequence or secondary sequence. The secondary sequence results in a secondary outcome. Depending upon the embodiment, the secondary sequence can be implemented in the roulette wheel or in an ancillary bonus device coupled to the roulette wheel. Irrespective of the location of the secondary sequence, in one embodiment of the gaming device, every wager can benefit from the secondary sequence. In one example, if a ball lands on a bonus landing, the gaming device automatically starts a secondary sequence. The secondary outcome produced by the secondary sequence is applicable to all of the bets placed by all of the players, whether those bets correspond to the bonus landing or other landings.
In another embodiment, only certain wagers can benefit from the secondary sequence. In one example of this embodiment, the gaming device automatically starts the secondary sequence if a ball lands on a bonus landing. In this example, only those players who bet on that bonus landing are eligible to receive the secondary outcome generated by the secondary sequence. In such example, the application of the secondary outcome is player-specific.
In one embodiment, a player must place a designated type or amount of wager to qualify for the initiation of a secondary sequence. This is sometimes referred to as a buy-a-pay or a buy-a-bonus proposition.
In one embodiment illustrated in
In another embodiment illustrated in
Referring to
In one embodiment, the rotor 28 includes: (a) an inner circular section 42 which carries a series of game landings 44 and one or more bonus landings 46; and (b) an outer circular section 48 which encircles the inner circular section 42 and which includes a plurality of game symbols 50 and one or more bonus symbols 52. In one embodiment, each game landing 44 is aligned with a game symbol 50, and the bonus landing 46 is aligned with the bonus symbol 52. Because, in such embodiment, the inner circular section 42 and outer circular section 48 are formed as part of the same rotor 28, these sections 42 and 48 do not move relative to one another.
In one embodiment, the wheel assembly 12 includes one or more detectors or landing sensors 38, illustrated in
The landing of a ball on a game landing 44 results in a primary game outcome associated with the bets placed on the wagering station 16. The landing of a ball on a bonus landing 46 triggers a bonus sequence or secondary sequence. As described below, the secondary sequence results in a bonus outcome or secondary outcome for one player, a plurality of players or all of the players of the primary wheel game.
As illustrated
In addition to the arc length of the bonus landings 46, any other suitable geometrical parameter of the bonus landings 46 can be varied to affect the likelihood of whether the ball will land on a bonus landing 46 versus a game landing 44. Referring to
As best illustrated in the comparison of
As illustrated in comparison of
In another example illustrated in comparison of
In another example illustrated in comparison of
In another embodiment illustrated in
In the example illustrated in
In one embodiment, at least one bonus landing 46 has a selected magnetic characteristic or a degree of magnetism. In this embodiment, the ball 36 is constructed of steel or metal. The strength of the magnetism of such bonus landing 46 affects the likelihood that such ball 36 will land on such bonus landing 46.
In another embodiment, the wheel assembly 12 includes an air pressure device which directs variable air currents into one or more game landings 44 or bonus landings 46 when designated events occur. These air currents strike the ball, thereby affecting the likelihood that the ball will stop in one of the bonus landings 46 versus one of the game landings 44.
In one alternative embodiment illustrated in
In one embodiment, the ball holder 108 is located within the cavity defined by the cone 30. The cone 30 has one or more removable panels 110. By removing the panel 110, the dealer can access the balls in the ball holder 108. In addition, the bonus landing 94 includes a display device or indicator 112 which indicates how many balls have fallen through the opening 98 in the course of a game or sequence of games. In this example, the indicator states “FIVE DOWN!” indicating that five balls have fallen through the opening 98.
In one embodiment illustrated in
In one embodiment illustrated in
In another embodiment illustrated in
For each of the doors 118 and 130, the wheel assembly 12 can include any suitable device or structure which enables such doors to open and close. Referring to
In the embodiment illustrated in
In one embodiment illustrated in
In one embodiment, the gaming device 10 includes a color schedule which associates a plurality of different colored balls with a plurality of different outcomes. For example, a blue ball may be a primary game ball, and a red ball may be a bonus ball.
It should be appreciated that the openings in the bonus landings facilitate the simultaneous use of multiple balls in play of the primary game. In one embodiment, the dealer launches multiple balls onto the rotor at the same time. In such embodiment, it is possible that a plurality of balls may stop on the same landing. Because of the openings in the bonus landings, the first ball to land on a bonus landing drops below the floor. The dropping of the first ball makes room for any other ball which may happen to land on that same bonus landing. Accordingly, each player has the opportunity to receive outcomes associated with several balls which may land on the same bonus landing.
In one embodiment, the landing of a ball on a bonus landing 46 triggers a bonus sequence or secondary sequence involving the rotor 28. In this embodiment, the players receive one or more free spins of the rotor 28 while all bets placed remain standing. The winnings are then resolved based on the original bets placed in the primary game. In this embodiment, the free spins do not require an additional wager, and the secondary sequence is integrated into the primary game.
In another embodiment, the wagering station 16 enables the players to place a bonus wager on the bonus symbol 52 corresponding to the bonus landing 46. If a player does so and the ball lands on the bonus landing 46, the player receives a winning or payout associated with that bonus symbol 52, and the player also receives one or more of the free spins described above.
In one embodiment, the wheel assembly 12 is coupled to a bonus device 200. In one embodiment, the landing of a ball on a bonus landing 46 triggers the operation of the bonus device 152. Once activated, the bonus device 152 produces or determines one or more bonus outcomes or secondary outcomes. The bonus device 152 also includes at least one visual aid or output device, such as the visual output device 154 illustrated in
It should be appreciated that the bonus device 152 can include any suitable apparatus which is operable to determine a secondary outcome, including, but not limited to, a mechanical outcome generating device, an electro-mechanical outcome generating device, a pseudo-random outcome generating device and a computer. In one embodiment illustrated in
The bonus device 162 illustrated in
In one embodiment illustrated in
In another embodiment, the wheel assembly 12 has a secondary landing section (not shown) which: (a) is permanently fixed to the wall or bowl 22; (b) encircles the rotor 28; and (c) has a ring or circle of landings concentrically positioned adjacent to or about the rotor 28. In this embodiment, the bowl 22 has a path or passageway leading from one or more of the landings 44 and 46 of the rotor 28 to such non-moving secondary landing section. A ball landing in one of these landings 44 or 46 will travel to one of the landings in the secondary non-moving landing section. The rotational position of the rotor 28 relative to such non-moving landing section determines which of the landings in the non-moving landing section will receive such ball. For example, a landing X of the rotor 28 may stop adjacent to a landing Y or Z of the secondary non-moving landing section, depending upon when the rotor stops spinning. If such landing X stops adjacent to landing Y, any ball landing in landing X will travel into landing Y, not landing Z.
In another embodiment illustrated in
In one embodiment illustrated in
With continued reference to
In another embodiment of
In another embodiment in
In one embodiment illustrated in
Referring to
Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the bonus or secondary outcome can vary with the amount of wager or bet placed by each player. In one embodiment, for example, the gaming device 10 includes a pay table or pay schedule which associates an increasing magnitude of bet values with an increasing magnitude of bonus outcomes. In one example, the gaming device 10 provides a player with double the determined bonus outcome if the player placed a bet of twenty or higher in the primary wheel game. Also, the gaming device 10 provides a player with triple the determined bonus outcome if the player placed a bet of thirty or higher in the primary wheel game. In another embodiment, the game rules require the players to place a threshold bet level before qualifying to receive any bonus or secondary outcome that may be generated by the gaming device 10.
In one embodiment illustrated in
In another embodiment of this invention, the gaming device 10 includes a device which holds a plurality of balls, including at least one primary ball and one secondary ball. Such device randomly selects one of these balls to be used in an upcoming game following a preceding game. The game rules for the upcoming game or the corresponding payouts are affected by whether the ball is a primary ball or a secondary ball. In one example, such device includes a ball collector with nine silver balls and one orange ball. The random selection of a silver ball in a game play would lead to a primary type of roulette game. The random selection of an orange ball in a game play would lead to a secondary type of roulette game. In such secondary type of roulette game, all payouts are, for example, double their normal schedule.
The rotor driver 208 includes a motor coupled to a drive assembly which, in turn, is coupled to the rotor 28. The rotor driver 208 also includes one or more input devices which are accessible to the dealer or players. When the rotor driver 208 receives a designated input signal, the driver 208 automatically causes the rotor 28 to rotate. After the rotor 28 begins to rotate in one direction, one or more balls 36 are launched onto the sloped wall 22 in the opposite direction. This embodiment is suitable for automated play of the gaming device 10. Though the wheel assembly 204 can be monitored or operated by a human dealer, the wheel assembly 204 can also operate itself independent of a human dealer.
Though the wheel assembly 12 is at times described herein as having a moving rotor 28, it should be appreciated that the wheel assembly can have a non-moving member instead. Such non-moving member, in one embodiment, has the same shape as the rotor 28. Like rotor 28, such non-moving member carries the inner circular section 42 and the outer circular section 48. In this embodiment, one or more balls are launched to travel along such non-moving member.
In one embodiment illustrated in
In one embodiment, the operation of the primary game of the gaming device is based on a system of game play corresponding to the roulette game. In one embodiment, the object of the game system is for each player to anticipate where the ball will land on the wheel by placing desired bets. The game system is a multi-player, multi-bet system which enables a plurality of players to simultaneously place bets.
In operation, each player places one or more bets using the wager station 16 adjacent to the wheel assembly 12. After all bets a placed, the dealer spins the wheel and launches the ball to start the primary game. The ball eventually comes to a stop adjacent to one of the numbers or symbols on the wheel. If any player has a bet covering that number or symbol, that player wins an award in the primary game. The dealer then clears any losing bets from the table. Any winning bets are paid according to a designated paytable.
To play the primary game, each player places one or more chips of desired values on desired spots on the betting layout 16. The players can control their risk and potential award levels by selecting one or more of the bet types set forth below.
(a) Inside Bets
Each player can place a single bet to cover between one and six numbers as follows:
(b) Outside Bets
Each player can place a bet to cover an entire category of results as follows:
(i) Even Money Bets
(ii) Two to One Pay Bets:
As described above, in one embodiment the wheel includes one or more bonus landings associated with secondary outcomes. In one embodiment, if the ball lands on a bonus landing, all of each players' wagers stand, and each player qualifies for a free double bonus spin. Put another way, each player gains the benefit of another spin of the wheel without having to make an additional wager. This provides the players with an additional opportunity to win their original bets in the primary game.
During the double bonus spin, the wheel spins and the ball rolls on the spinning wheel. Eventually, the ball lands on one of the wheel landings. If the ball stops on a landing corresponding to a standing wager, the players who made such wager win such wager. This provides an additional win opportunity within the primary game.
In the primary game, each player has the option of placing a wager on a bonus symbol of the wheel. If the ball stops on a landing adjacent to such bonus symbol, such player wins the bet and receives a payout associated with such bonus landing. In addition, such player receives the free double bonus spin described above.
If, during such double bonus spin, the ball lands on a bonus-indicated landing, each player earns a relatively high payout. If two balls land on a bonus-indicated landing during such bonus spin, each player receives an even higher payout.
In one embodiment, the gaming device launches two balls during the double spin. The openings in the landings described above enable the two balls to move along the wheel and drop through landing openings without blocking access to any landing. Accordingly, the landing of one ball on a landing does not affect or block the landing of the other ball in the same landing.
In one embodiment, a bonus-indicated landing has one and one-half the width of the other landings. Accordingly, the ball is one and one-half times more likely to land on such bonus-indicated landing than the other landings. This provides different landing probabilities associated with different landings of the wheel, and these landing probabilities affect the odds of a ball landing in a game landing versus a bonus landing.
In one embodiment, some or all of the components, structure, functionality and other elements of the wheel assembly 12, wager station 16, balls 36, bonus device 152 and game system described above (collectively referred to as “wheel-related elements”) have a video, simulated, animated or virtual form, where such elements are formed by computerized graphical representations of actual physical objects. In such embodiment, the wheel-related elements 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.
Two example alternative embodiments of a gaming device which implements the wheel-related elements are illustrated in
In the embodiments illustrated in
In one embodiment, as illustrated in
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
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
As seen in
In one embodiment, as shown in
In one embodiment, one input device is a cash out button 338. 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 340. 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 players electronically recordable identification card.
In one embodiment, as mentioned above and seen in
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
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.
In addition to incorporating the wheel-related elements for the primary wheel game and the related bonus sequence, gaming device 310 can incorporate any ancillary wagering game. The ancillary wagering game can be incorporated into the primary wheel game described above, the bonus sequence described above or a combination thereof. The gaming machine or device may include some or all of the features of conventional gaming machines or devices. The ancillary 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 wagering games, such as video poker games, video blackjack games, video keno, video bingo or any other suitable game may be implemented.
In one embodiment, as illustrated in
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 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, the ancillary wagering 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 ancillary wagering 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, the ancillary wagering 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 players 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 and the number of numbers drawn.
In one embodiment, the bonus sequence of the wheel-related elements may give players the opportunity to win credits in an ancillary bonus or secondary game or ancillary bonus or secondary round. The ancillary 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, the ancillary 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 ancillary 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. 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 312 or central server 356 randomly provides the player one or more plays of one or more ancillary 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 an ancillary secondary game without any explanation or alternatively with simple explanations. In another embodiment, the gaming device (or central server) qualifies a player for an ancillary 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 ancillary bonus game to extend play of the ancillary bonus game.
In one embodiment, no separate entry fee or buy in for an ancillary bonus game need be employed. That is, a player may not purchase an entry into an ancillary 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 ancillary 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 ancillary bonus game or wager a designated amount in the primary game to qualify for the ancillary secondary game. In this embodiment, the ancillary secondary game triggering event must occur and the side-wager (or designated primary game wager amount) must have been placed to trigger the ancillary secondary game.
In one embodiment, as illustrated in
In one embodiment, the game outcome for the wheel-related elements of any of the ancillary games described above 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 an ancillary game outcome for the ancillary 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 an ancillary game outcome for the primary game, the ancillary secondary game and any ancillary games 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 ancillary 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, an ancillary secondary game outcome, primary, secondary and ancillary 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 ball landing on a designated space in a wheel, 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 ancillary game outcome value is determined for each of a plurality of linked or networked gaming devices based on the results of a bingo, keno or lottery game. In this embodiment, each individual gaming device utilizes one or more bingo, keno or lottery games to determine the predetermined ancillary game outcome value provided to the player for the interactive game played at that gaming device. In one embodiment, the bingo, keno or lottery game is displayed to the player. In another embodiment, the bingo, keno or lottery game is not displayed to the player, but the results of the bingo, keno or lottery game determine the predetermined game outcome value for the primary, secondary game or ancillary 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, an ancillary 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 ancillary 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 ancillary 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 ancillary 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 ancillary game outcome may be based on an ancillary 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 ancillary patterns within a designated number of drawn elements, an ancillary or intermittent award or value associated with the marked ancillary pattern is provided to the player as part of the predetermined ancillary game outcome. For example, if the four corners of a bingo card are marked within the first twenty selected elements, an ancillary award of $10 is provided to the player as part of the predetermined ancillary game outcome. It should be appreciated that in this embodiment, the player of a gaming device may be provided an ancillary 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 ancillary 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, an ancillary game or a combination of such games. In another embodiment, the game program may be executable as an ancillary 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 gaming devices at one or more gaming sites may be networked to the central server in a progressive configuration, as known in the art, wherein a portion of each wager to initiate a base or primary game may be allocated to one or more progressive awards. In one embodiment, a progressive gaming system 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 progressive gaming system 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 progressive gaming system host site computer is maintained for the overall operation and control of the progressive gaming system. In this embodiment, a progressive gaming system host site computer oversees the entire progressive gaming system and is the master for computing all progressive jackpots. All participating gaming sites report to, and receive information from, the progressive gaming system host site computer. Each central server computer is responsible for all data communication between the gaming device hardware and software and the progressive gaming system host site computer. In one embodiment, an individual gaming machine may trigger a progressive award win. In another embodiment, a central server (or the progressive gaming system host site computer) determines when a progressive award win is triggered. In another embodiment, an individual gaming machine and a central controller (or progressive gaming system host site computer) work in conjunction with each other to determine when a progressive win is triggered, for example through an individual gaming machine meeting a predetermined requirement established by the central controller.
In one embodiment, a progressive award win is triggered based on one or more game play events, such as a symbol-driven trigger. In other embodiments, the progressive award triggering event or qualifying condition may be by exceeding a certain amount of game play (such as number of ancillary games, number of credits, or amount of time), or reaching a specified number of points earned during game play. In another embodiment, a gaming device is randomly or apparently randomly selected to provide a player of that gaming device one or more progressive awards. In one such embodiment, the gaming device does not provide any apparent reasons to the player for winning a progressive award, wherein winning the progressive award is not triggered by an event in or based specifically on any of the plays of any primary game. That is, a player is provided a progressive award without any explanation or alternatively with simple explanations. In another embodiment, a player is provided a progressive award 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, 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 during the primary game (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 device 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, no minimum wager level is required for a gaming machine to qualify to be selected to obtain one of the progressive awards.
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.
In one embodiment, the gaming device 10 includes any one of the embodiments described above. In another embodiment, the gaming device 10 includes any suitable combination of such embodiments. In a further embodiment, the gaming device 10 includes any suitable combination of one or more portions of such embodiments.
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 subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.
This application is a continuation of, claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/558,777, filed on Nov. 10, 2006, which is a continuation-in-part of, claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/064,314, filed on Feb. 23, 2005, which is a non-provisional of, claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/547,643 filed on Feb. 23, 2004, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. This application is related to the following commonly-owned co-pending patent applications: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/609,149 filed on Dec. 11, 2006; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/609,173, filed on Dec. 11, 2006.
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