Patent Application
20240346888
This disclosure relates generally to games, and more particularly to systems, apparatuses and methods for providing a feature with multiple chances of using an awarded modifier in gaming devices.
Casino games such as poker, slots, and craps have long been enjoyed as a means of entertainment. Some of these games originated using traditional elements such as playing cards or dice. More recently, gaming devices have been developed to simulate and/or further enhance these games while remaining entertaining. The popularity of casino gambling with wagering continues to increase, as does recreational gambling such as non-wagering computer game gambling. Part of this popularity is the increased development of new types of games that are implemented, at least in part, on gaming devices.
One reason that casino games are widely developed for gaming devices is that a wide variety of games can be implemented on gaming devices, thereby providing an array of choices for players looking to gamble. For example, the graphics and sounds included in such games can be modified to reflect popular subjects, such as movies and television shows. Game play rules and types of games can also vary greatly providing many different styles of gambling. Additionally, gaming devices require minimal supervision to operate on a casino floor, or in other gambling environments. That is, as compared to traditional casino games that require a dealer, banker, stickman, pit managers, etc., gaming devices need much less employee attention to operate.
With the ability to provide new content, players have come to expect the availability of an ever wider selection of new games when visiting casinos and other gaming venues. Playing new games adds to the excitement of “gaming.” As is well known in the art and as used herein, the term “gaming” and “gaming devices” generally involves some form of wagering, and that players make wagers of value, whether actual currency or something else of value, e.g., token or credit. Wagering-type games usually provide rewards based on random chance as opposed to skill, although some skill may be an element in some types of games. Since random chance is a significant component of these games, they are sometimes referred to as “games of chance.”
The present disclosure describes methods, systems, and apparatus that provide for new and interesting gaming experiences, and that provide other advantages over the prior art.
To overcome limitations in the prior art described above, and to overcome other limitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, embodiments of the present invention are directed to an apparatus, system, computer readable storage media, and/or method that involve or otherwise facilitate providing a feature with multiple chances of using an awarded modifier.
In one embodiment, a gaming device includes a display, and a processor configured to execute operations that include facilitating participation in a first gaming event and determining if a bonus feature is triggered during the first gaming event. When the feature is triggered, the operations further include determining a first award modifier and a second award modifier that is of a different type of modifier from the first award modifier. In a more particular embodiment, the first award modifier may be multiplier and the second award modifier may be a number of future games for which the multiplier is active. In another more particular embodiment, the first award modifier may be a multiplier and the second award modifier may be a credit value award.
In another example embodiment, a gaming device includes a display, and a processor configured to execute operations that include facilitating participation in a first gaming event and determining if a bonus feature is triggered during the first gaming event. When the feature is triggered, the operations further include determining a first award modifier, determining a second award modifier, and using the first and second award modifier together to determine a bonus opportunity over a current gaming event and/or future gaming events.
This summary serves as an abbreviated, selective introduction of a representative subset of various concepts and embodiments that are further described or taught to those skilled in the art in the Specification herein. This summary is not intended to refer to all embodiments, scopes, or breadths of claims otherwise supported by the Specification, nor to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
In the following description of various exemplary embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration representative embodiments in which the features described herein may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, as structural and operational changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
In the description that follows, the terms “reels,” “cards,” “decks,” and similar mechanically descriptive language may be used to describe various apparatus presentation features, as well as various actions occurring to those objects (e.g., “spin,” “draw,” “hold,” “bet”). Although the present disclosure may be applicable to manual, mechanical, and/or computerized embodiments, as well as any combination therebetween, the use of mechanically descriptive terms is not meant to be only applicable to mechanical embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that, for purposes of providing gaming experiences to players, mechanical elements such as cards, reels, and the like may be simulated on a display in order to provide a familiar and satisfying experience that emulates the behavior of mechanical objects, as well as emulating actions that occur in the non-computerized games (e.g., spinning, holding, drawing, betting). Further, the computerized version may provide the look of mechanical equivalents but may be generally randomized in a different way. Thus, the terms “cards,” “decks,” “reels,” “hands,” etc., are intended to describe both physical objects and emulation or simulations of those objects and their behaviors using electronic apparatus.
In various embodiments of the invention, the gaming displays are described in conjunction with the use of data in the form of “symbols.” In the context of this disclosure, a “symbol” may generally refer at least to a collection of one or more arbitrary indicia or signs that have some conventional significance. In particular, the symbol represents values that can at least be used to determine whether to award a payout. A symbol may include numbers, letters, shapes, pictures, textures, colors, sounds, etc., and any combination therebetween. A win can be determined by comparing the symbol with another symbol. Generally, such comparisons can be performed via software by mapping numbers (or other data structures such as character strings) to the symbols and performing the comparisons on the numbers/data structures. Other conventions associated with known games (e.g., the numerical value/ordering of face cards and aces in card games) may also be programmatically analyzed to determine winning combinations.
Generally, systems, apparatuses and methods are described for enhancing winning result opportunities in gaming activities. The systems, apparatuses and methods described herein may be implemented as a single game, or part of a multi-part game. For example, the game features described herein may be implemented in primary gaming activities, bonus games, side bet games or other secondary games associated with a primary gaming activity. The game features may be implemented in stand-alone games, multi-player games, etc. Further, the disclosure may be applied to games of chance, and descriptions provided in the context of any representative game (e.g. video poker game) is provided for purposes of facilitating an understanding of the features described herein. However, the principles described herein are equally applicable to any game of chance where an outcome(s) is determined for use in the player's gaming activity.
Embodiments of the present concept include providing gaming devices (also referred to as gaming apparatuses or gaming machines), gaming systems, and methods of operating these devices or systems to provide game play that utilizes operations of providing a feature with multiple chances of using an awarded modifier in gaming devices. In one embodiment, a gaming device includes a display, and a processor configured to execute operations that include facilitating participation in a first gaming event and determining if a bonus feature is triggered during the first gaming event. When the feature is triggered, the operations further include determining an awarded modifier, and determining if the modifier is to be used in the first gaming event based on whether a predefined condition is satisfied. If the awarded modifier is not used in the first gaming event, the modifier is then applied in a second, subsequent gaming event.
Numerous variations are possible using these and other embodiments of the inventive concept. Some of these embodiments and variations are discussed below with reference to the drawings. However, many other embodiments and variations exist that are covered by the principles and scope of this concept. For example, although some of the embodiments discussed below involve reel-based slot machine examples of this concept, other embodiments include application of these inventive techniques in other types of poker games, slot games, or other games of chance. Some of these other types of embodiments will be discussed below as variations to the examples illustrated. However, many other types of games can implement similar techniques and fall within the scope of this inventive concept.
Referring to the example gaming apparatus 100 shown in
The user interface 104 allows the user to control and engage in play of the gaming machine 100. The particular user interface mechanisms included with user interface 104 may be dependent on the type of gaming device. For example, the user interface 104 may include one or more buttons, switches, joysticks, levers, pull-down handles, trackballs, voice-activated input, or any other user input system or mechanism that allows the user to play the particular gaming activity. In video poker embodiments, for example, the user interface 104 may include five physical buttons that correspond to displayed card positions and allow a player to hold (or un-hold) particular cards in a draw poker hand. The user interface 104 may also include a physical “Deal/Draw” button that allows a player to initiate a new game by having cards dealt to the card positions or draw replacement cards after having the opportunity to hold any of the dealt cards. In other poker games, keno games, slot games, or other games of chance different button panels or configurations may be used.
The user interface 104 may allow the user or player to enter coins, bills, or otherwise obtain credits through vouchers, tokens, credit cards, tickets, etc. Various mechanisms for entering such vouchers, tokens, credit cards, coins, tickets, etc. are described below with reference to
The game display 106 in the display area 102 may include one or more of an electronic display, a video display, a mechanical display, and fixed display information, such as paytable information associated with a glass/plastic panel on the gaming machine 100 and/or graphical images. The symbols or other indicia associated with the play of the game may be presented on an electronic display device or on mechanical devices associated with a mechanical display. Generally, the display 106 devotes the largest portion of viewable area to the primary gaming portion 108. The primary gaming portion 108 is generally where the visual feedback for any selected game is provided to the user. The primary gaming portion 108 may render graphical objects such as cards, slot reels, dice, animated characters, and any other gaming visual known in the art. The primary gaming portion 108 also typically informs players of the outcome of any particular event, including whether the event resulted in a win or loss.
In some of the example embodiments illustrated herein, the primary gaming portion 108 may display a grid (or equivalent arrangement) of playing cards 110 forming a hand. Here, the grid includes a row of five playing cards 110 forming a video poker hand, which represents a portion of a game play event. For example, if the game play event is a video draw poker game, the gaming device 100 may deal five cards, allow the user to select which cards to hold, deal replacements for the cards not held, and determine a payout based on the final cards in the hand. The illustration and description of five-card-draw poker is for purposes of example and not of limitation; the present invention may be applicable to numerous other card games, such as stud poker or hold 'em poker, as well as other types of gaming activities and apparatuses, such as slot machines, dice, coins, etc.
The primary gaming portion 108 may include other features known in the art that facilitate gaming, such as status and control portion 109. As is generally known in the art, this portion 109 provides information about current bets, current wins, remaining credits, etc. associated with gaming activities of the grid of game elements 110. The control portion 109 may also provide touchscreen controls for facilitating game play. The grid of game elements 110 may also include touchscreen features, such as facilitating selection of individual cards for holding prior to the draw of new cards. The game display 106 of the display area 102 may include other features that are not shown, such as paytables, navigation controls, etc.
In other example embodiments, the primary gaming portion 108 may display a grid (or equivalent arrangement) of game elements or game element positions (also referred to as “reel stop positions” herein). Although not shown in
Although
Hardware, firmware, software or a combination thereof may be used to perform the various gaming functions, display presentations and operations described herein. The functional modules used in connection with the invention may reside in a gaming machine as described, or may alternatively reside on a stand-alone or networked computer. The computing structure 200 of
The example computing arrangement 200 suitable for performing the gaming functions in accordance with the present invention typically includes a central processor (CPU) 202 coupled to random access memory (RAM) 204 and some variation of read-only memory (ROM) 206. The ROM 206 may also represent other types of storage media to store programs, such as programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), etc. The processor 202 may communicate with other internal and external components through input/output (I/O) circuitry 208 and bussing 210, to provide control signals, communication signals, and the like.
The computing arrangement 200 may also include one or more data storage devices, including hard and floppy disk drives 212, CD-ROM drives 214, card reader 215, and other hardware capable of reading and/or storing information such as DVD, etc. In one embodiment, software for carrying out the operations in accordance with the present invention may be stored and distributed on a CD-ROM 216, diskette 218, access card 219, or other form of computer readable media capable of portably storing information. These storage media may be inserted into, and read by, devices such as the CD-ROM drive 214, the disk drive 212, card reader 215, etc. The software may also be transmitted to the computing arrangement 200 via data signals, such as being downloaded electronically via a network, such as local area network (casino, property, or bank network) or a wide area network (e.g., the Internet). Further, as previously described, the software for carrying out the functions associated with the present invention may alternatively be stored in internal memory/storage of the computing device 200, such as in the ROM 206.
The computing arrangement 200 is coupled to the display 211, which represents a display on which the gaming activities in accordance with the invention are presented. The display 211 represents the “presentation” of the game information in accordance with the invention, and may be a mechanical display showing physical spinning reels, a video display, such as liquid crystal displays, plasma displays, cathode ray tubes (CRT), digital light processing (DLP) displays, liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) displays, etc., or any type of known display or presentation screen.
Where the computing device 200 represents a stand-alone or networked computer, the display 211 may represent a standard computer terminal or display capable of displaying multiple windows, frames, etc. Where the computing device 200 represents a mobile electronic device, the display 211 may represent the video display of the mobile electronic device. Where the computing device 200 is embedded within an electronic gaming machine, the display 211 corresponds to the display screen of the gaming machine/kiosk.
A user input interface 222 such as a mouse, keyboard/keypad, microphone, touch pad, trackball, joystick, touch screen, voice-recognition system, card reader, biometric scanner, RFID detector, etc. may be provided. The user input interface 222 may be used to input commands in the computing arrangement 200, such as placing wagers or initiating gaming events on the computing arrangement 200, inputting currency or other payment information to establish a credit amount or wager amount, or inputting data to identify a player for a player loyalty system. The display 211 may also act as a user input device, e.g., where the display 211 is a touchscreen device. In embodiments, where the computing device 200 is implemented in a personal computer, tablet, smart phone, or other consumer electronic device, the user interface and display may be the available input/output mechanisms related to those devices.
Chance-based gaming systems such as slot machines, in which the present invention is applicable, are governed by random numbers and processors, as facilitated by a random number generator (RNG). The fixed and dynamic symbols generated as part of a gaming activity may be produced using one or more RNGs. RNGs may be implemented using hardware, software operable in connection with the processor 202, or some combination of hardware and software. The present invention is operable using any known RNG, and may be integrally programmed as part of the processor 202 operation, or alternatively may be a separate RNG controller 240. The RNGs are often protected by one or more security measures to prevent tampering, such as by using secured circuitry, locks on the physical game cabinet, and/or remote circuitry that transmits data to the gaming device.
The computing arrangement 200 may be connected to other computing devices or gaming machines, such as via a network. The computing arrangement 200 may be connected to a network server 228 in an intranet or local network configuration. The computer may further be part of a larger network configuration as in a global area network (GAN) such as the Internet. In such a case, the computer may have access to one or more web servers via the Internet. In other arrangements, the computing arrangement 200 may be configured as an Internet server and software for carrying out the operations in accordance with the present invention may interact with the player via one or more networks. The computing arrangement 200 may also be operable over a social network or other network environment that may or may not regulate the wagering and/or gaming activity associated with gaming events played on the computing arrangement.
Other components directed to gaming machine implementations include manners of gaming participant payment, and gaming machine payout. For example, a gaming machine including the computing arrangement 200 may also include a payout controller 242 to receive a signal from the processor 202 indicating a payout is to be made to a player and controlling a payout device 244 to facilitate payment of the payout to the player. In some embodiments, the payout controller 242 may independently determine the amount of payout to be provided to the participant or player. In other embodiments, the payout controller 242 may be integrally implemented with the processor 202. The payout controller 242 may be a hopper controller, a print driver, credit-transmitting device, bill-dispensing controller, accounting software, or other controller device configured to verify and/or facilitate payment to a player.
A payout device 244 may also be provided in gaming machine embodiments, where the payout device 244 serves as the mechanism providing the payout to the player or participant. In some embodiments, the payout device may be a hopper, where the hopper serves as the mechanism holding the coins/tokens of the machine, and/or distributing the coins/tokens to the player in response to a signal from the payout controller 242. In other embodiments, the payout device 244 may be a printer mechanism structured to print credit-based tickets that may be redeemed by the player for cash, credit, or other casino value-based currency. In yet other embodiments, the payout device 244 may send a signal via the network server 228 or other device to electronically provide a credit amount to an account associated with the player, such as a credit card account or player loyalty account. The computing arrangement 200 may also include accounting data stored in one of the memory devices 204, 206. This accounting data may be transmitted to a casino accounting network or other network to manage accounting statistics for the computing arrangement or to provide verification data for the currency or currency-based tickets distributed by the payout device, such as providing the data associated with the bar codes printed on the currency-based tickets so they are identifiable as valid tickets for a particular amount when the player redeems them or inserts them in another gaming device.
The wager input module or device 246 represents any mechanism for accepting coins, tokens, coupons, bills, electronic fund transfer (EFT), tickets, credit cards, smart cards, membership/loyalty cards, etc., for which a participant inputs a wager amount. The wager input device 246 may include magnetic strip readers, bar code scanners, light sensors, or other detection devices to identify and validate physical currency, currency-based tickets, cards with magnetized-strips, or other medium inputted into the wager input device. When a particular medium is received in the wager input device 246, a signal may be generated to establish or increase an available credit amount or balance stored in the internal memory/storage of the computing device 200, such as in the RAM 204. Thereafter, specific wagers placed on games may reduce the available credit amount, while awards won may increase the available credit amount. It will be appreciated that the primary gaming software 232 may be able to control payouts via the payout device 244 and payout controller 242 for independently determined payout events.
Among other functions, the computing arrangement 200 provides an interactive experience to players via an input interface 222 and output devices, such as the display 211, speaker 230, etc. These experiences are generally controlled by gaming software 232 that controls a primary gaming activity of the computing arrangement 200. The gaming software 232 may be temporarily loaded into RAM 204, and may be stored locally using any combination of ROM 206, drives 212, media player 214, or other computer-readable storage media known in the art. The primary gaming software 232 may also be accessed remotely, such as via the server 228 or the Internet.
The primary gaming software 232 in the computing arrangement 200 may be an application software module. According to embodiments of the present invention, this software 232 provides a slot game or similar game of chance as described hereinabove. For example, the software 232 may present, by way of the display 211, representations of symbols to map or otherwise display as part of a slot based game having reels. However, in other embodiments, the principles of this concept may be applied to poker games or other types of games of chance. One or more aligned positions of these game elements may be evaluated to determine awards based on a paytable. The software 232 may include instructions to provide other functionality as known in the art or as described and shown herein.
Embodiments of the present invention set forth systems, apparatuses and methods for providing a feature in gaming devices with multiple chances of using an awarded modifier. In one embodiment, a gaming device includes a display, and a processor configured to execute operations that include facilitating participation in a first gaming event and determining if a bonus feature is triggered during the first gaming event. When the feature is triggered, the operations further include determining a first award modifier and a second award modifier that is of a different type of modifier from the first award modifier. In a more particular embodiment, the first award modifier may be a multiplier and the second award modifier may be a number of future games for which the multiplier is active. In another more particular embodiment, the first award modifier may be a multiplier and the second award modifier may be a credit value award.
In another example embodiment, a gaming device includes a display, and a processor configured to execute operations that include facilitating participation in a first gaming event and determining if a bonus feature is triggered during the first gaming event. When the feature is triggered, the operations further include determining a first award modifier, determining a second award modifier, and using the first and second award modifier together to determine a bonus opportunity over a current gaming event and/or future gaming events.
Embodiments of this present invention include multiple game or award modifiers of different types that get used together when a bonus is triggered. For example, in a poker game with a dice bonus, the player may be awarded three dice-two red dice and one gold dice. The dice may all be rolled together (or separately) where the sum of the numbers on the two red dice determine a multiplier value and the number on the gold dice determines how many future games the multiplier may be active for (the multiplier may or may not also be applied to a current poker game). In various embodiments, more or less dice or other bonus triggering items (such as one or more bonus wheels, picks from a screen of items, random values, or other bonus items) may be used to generate two different types of game modifiers. In other embodiments, one of the dice (or bonus items) may be used to randomly trigger another bonus event, such as a progressive level awarded, additional poker hands to have on a current poker game, additional poker hands awarded on a number of future poker games.
In some embodiments, more than two different types of game/award modifiers of different types may be used when a bonus is awarded in a poker game. For example, in a poker game with a dice bonus, the player may be awarded three dice-a red dice, a green dice, and a gold dice. The dice may all be rolled together (or separately) where the number on the red dice determines a multiplier value, the number on the green dice determines a number of extra hands in a multi-hand poker game, and the number on the gold dice determines how many future games the multiplier and extra hands are active for (the multiplier and extra hands may or may not also be applied to a current poker game). In alternate embodiments, a random determination may be used to determine the number of dice available. This could be limited to random numbers of dice within each award category, or it could be random as to which dice overall are awarded. Thus in the above example, one, two, or three of each of the red, green, and gold dice may be awarded when a bonus is triggered, or a random determination may be made as to which dice overall are awarded (so a player may get awarded one red dice, two green dice and no gold dice, or no red dice, three green dice and three gold dice, for example).
The bet structure could use a bonus bet to cover the cost of providing these additional modifier/award opportunities, such as 5, 5+1, 5+2,5+3, 5+4, 5+5, 5+45, etc. Determining when the dice are awarded could be random or based on specific cards or poker hands received during a poker game. This could further be done on any type of poker game such as stud poker, draw poker, multi-hand draw poker, etc., or if could be applied to keno games, bingo games, or slot games.
In one example embodiments, a single hand video poker game is provided where a player bets 5+5 for total wager of 10 coins. In this example game, when a player gets a subsymbol on a card, a dice bonus is triggered where the dice roll for that hand. When the dice roll, it is further randomly determined whether the player gets 2 or 3 dice to roll. If there are only 2 dice to roll, the player would then get the sum of the number on the rolled dice as a multiplier for that hand. If 3 dice roll, 1 dice is a special color like Gold. The 2 red dice determines a multiplier value and the gold dice determines the number of additional future games where the player will still get the multiplier (i.e., the multiplier will be active). Thus, if the player receives two dice to roll and gets a 4 and 5 on the rolled dice, the player will get a 9×multiplier on that current hand. If, on the other hand, the player receives three dice and rolls a 4 and 5 on the red dice and 4 on the gold dice, the player would get a 9×multiplier on current hand and also get the 9×multiplier on the poker hands for the next 4 poker games.
In another example embodiment, a multi-hand video poker game with three poker hands per game is provided where a player bets 5+5 for each of the 3 hands for a total wager of 30 credits (or coins). In this embodiment, when a player gets a subsymbol on a card the dice roll for only that hand among the 3 hands, but if the player gets the subsymbol on the first poker hand during the deal, the modifier is active for all three of the poker hands in the poker game. In this example game when a player gets a subsymbol on a card, a dice bonus is triggered where the dice roll for that hand. When the dice roll, it is further randomly determined whether the player gets 2 or 3 dice to roll. If there are only 2 dice to roll, the player would then get the sum of the number on the rolled dice as a multiplier for that hand. If 3 dice roll, 1 dice is a special color like Gold. The 2 red dice determine a multiplier value, and the gold dice determines the number of additional future games where the player will still get the multiplier (i.e., the multiplier will be active). Thus, if the player receives two dice to roll and gets a 4 and 5 on the rolled dice, the player will get a 9×multiplier on that current hand (or all hands if on the deal). If, on the other hand, the player receives three dice and rolls a 4 and 5 on the red dice and 4 on the gold dice, the player would get a 9×multiplier on current hand (or all hands on the deal) and also get the 9×multiplier on the corresponding poker hands for the next 4 poker games.
Accordingly, a gaming device can include a display, and a processor configured to execute operations that include facilitating participation in a first gaming event and determining if a bonus feature is triggered during the first gaming event. When the feature is triggered, the operations further include determining a first award modifier, and determining if the modifier is to be used in the first gaming event based on whether a predefined condition is satisfied. In some embodiments, if the awarded modifier is not used in the first gaming event, the modifier is then applied in a second, subsequent gaming event. In other embodiments, the award modifier is automatically used in one or more subsequent gaming events.
The determination of whether the bonus feature is triggered can be implemented in a variety of manners in different embodiments. In some embodiments, a random determination may be used in deciding whether the bonus feature is triggered. For example, a random number may be generated by a random number generator and compared to a predefined threshold, table, or other construct to see if the bonus feature is triggered. In other embodiments, the occurrence of a trigger event during the first gaming event may cause the bonus feature to be triggered. For example, if a particular game symbol, card, type of game outcome (e.g., winning game outcome), award, or other trigger event was displayed or otherwise occurred during the first gaming event, the bonus feature may be triggered. In yet other embodiments, the bonus feature may be triggered in part or whole on the status or action of a current player on the gaming device. For example, the feature may be triggered after receiving 10 (or other number) consecutive losing outcomes, or the feature may be triggered if a player having a particular number of loyalty points plays 50 (or another number) games on the gaming device. In short, many triggering possibilities exist in different embodiments for triggering the bonus feature.
The bonus feature may further be implemented in a variety of manners depending on the embodiment implemented on a particular gaming device. For example, the bonus feature may include rolling one or more dice and associating an outcome of the dice roll with a multiplier value. In another example, the bonus feature may include one or more bonus wheels with credit values and/or multipliers that can be used as award modifiers. In another example, a pick bonus may be used as the bonus feature where the awarded modifier is based on one or more selections made in the pick bonus.
According to some embodiments, the result of the bonus feature may be a modifier that can be used to modify outcomes or awards during gaming events on the gaming device. Here, there may be multiple chances to use the awarded modifier. The modifier may be a credit value that is added to any awards (if any) that are associated with an outcome of a gaming event. The modifier may be a multiplier value that multiplies awards (if any) that are associated with an outcome of a gaming event. Alternatively, the modifier may otherwise modify an outcome of a gaming event, such as by providing an extra game symbol, an extra playing card, a free re-spin of one or more game reels, nudging one or more game reels up or down, making one or more game symbols “wild symbols,” adding a credit or multiplier value to one or more game symbols occurring on the game display, or otherwise modify the outcome or awards associated with a gaming event.
As discussed above, embodiments of this concept allow multiple chances to use an awarded modifier. When a first chance to use the modifier occurs (such as with the gaming event where the bonus feature was triggered, or with a next gaming event after the gaming event where the bonus feature was triggered), the processor may automatically determine if the awarded modifier is to be applied based on a condition, or a player may have the ability to choose whether to use the modifier. In some embodiments, the condition where the awarded modifier is to be applied may relate to whether the modifier could improve an award (if any) of the gaming event associated with the first chance the modifier can be used. For example, if a first gaming event does not result in a winning outcome, and hence no award, a multiplier modifier may not help or improve the outcome or award of the first game. Thus, in this example, the condition would not be satisfied, and the multiplier modifier may be saved and used in subsequent gaming events. In other embodiments, the condition may relate to the symbols or cards themselves in a first gaming event, a random determination, whether a signal has been received indicating a player's desire to the use the modifier, a particular game metric (such as games played, etc.), or other predefined conditions or criteria. In yet other embodiments, the modifier may be automatically used in one or more subsequent gaming events regardless of whether or not it was used in the first gaming event.
In some embodiments, if the awarded modifier is not used during the first chance, the modifier is automatically used in the next gaming event, regardless of whether the modifier satisfies a similar condition that was used to determine if the awarded modifier would be used during the first chance. In other embodiments, the awarded modifier is only used in subsequent chance or opportunity when it satisfies a second condition. The second condition may be the same or substantially similar to the condition (first condition) used during the first chance to use the awarded modifier, or the second condition may be different than this first condition. In yet other embodiments, the awarded modifier may not be used until a signal is received indicating that a player wants to use the awarded modifier.
Each chance to use a modifier may be during a separate gaming event that necessitates independent wagers from one another. For example, if a bonus feature is triggered during a first gaming event, the awarded modifier from the bonus feature may be used during that first gaming event if a condition is satisfied. If the condition is not satisfied during the first gaming event, the modifier may be implemented on a second gaming event after the placement of another wager. In other embodiments, each chance to use the modifier may be part of the same wagered-on gaming event. For example, each chance may relate to a free game or spin during a free spin bonus, where for example, 10 free spins are awarded, and the modifier is available on each free spin until it is used on a free game that results in an award above a predefined threshold.
In one example embodiment, a primary or base game may be a poker game where a die/dice feature multiply is triggered randomly or by an aspect of the result of a current poker game. Here, the method includes receiving signals from the user interface to place a wager on a first poker game and determining with the processor if a bonus dice feature is triggered. If the bonus dice feature is triggered, the game then determines a dice value outcome and associates the dice value outcome with a bonus multiplier. If the first poker game results in a winning hand that is associated with an award from a paytable, the bonus multiplier is used to multiply the award determined in the first poker game.
If, however, the first poker game does not result in a winning hand, the bonus multiplier is not used in the first poker game and may then be used in a second poker game. Here, when the second poker game is played, the game outcome for the second poker game is modified by the bonus multiplier from the bonus dice feature. In some embodiments, the bonus multiplier is applied in the second poker game regardless of what happens during the second poker game and then goes away. In other embodiments, the bonus multiplier may continue to be available in a third poker game if it cannot be used in the second poker game. Or, if the bonus multiplier was used in the second poker game, it may continue to be available in a third poker game. Here, the same bonus multiplier may be used, or another dice roll may be performed to determine another bonus multiplier for use in modifying the outcome of the third poker game. In this embodiment, the bonus dice feature may continue until a termination condition is activated. In the separate trigger embodiment, a determination may be made within each game as to whether a dice feature is triggered to determine a bonus multiplier for use with a subsequent poker game.
In another example embodiment, regardless of whether the first poker game results in a winning hand, the bonus multiplier is used in a second poker game. Here, when the second poker game is played, the game outcome for the second poker game is modified by the bonus multiplier from the bonus dice feature. In some embodiments, the bonus multiplier may be further used in a third poker game. In some embodiments, the bonus multiplier may be used in poker games until it is used to multiply a winning poker hand or until a different termination condition is activated.
In another representative variation, multiple hands of poker are presented as a primary game where a die/dice feature is used to multiply or modify at least one of the multiple poker hands when the die/dice feature is triggered. In other multi-hand embodiments, each of the multiple poker hands may be associated with a separate bonus modifier. Hence, in a five-play poker game, five different bonus modifiers may be active. These bonus modifiers may be used on a respective poker hand during the current poker game or be available on the same respective poker hand during a subsequent poker game.
Referring to
Referring to
However, upon initiation of the fourth poker game (shown in
Although the embodiments of
In yet other embodiments, the triggering condition for the bonus feature may include evaluating the current poker hand to determine if the player receives a dice roll for a modifier in the current poker hand and/or the next poker hand. For example, a player may need to receive a winning hand (or a hand above a certain threshold) to be eligible for a dice roll. This may also be used in multi-hand embodiments, where each level or hand of the multi-hand game may be used to determine if the corresponding level or hand of a subsequently-played poker game receives a dice roll for a new multiplier/modifier, or maintains the same multiplier/modifier from the previous game at the same level or hand. For example, in a “Triple-Play” poker embodiment, where the first and third hands have winning final poker hands, the player may get to roll dice prior to playing a multi-hand poker game. However, since the hand at level two (or the second hand) did not result in a win, the second hand or level is not associated with a multiplier or modifier.
Referring to
In process 440, the result of the first game is displayed. In process 450, it is determined if a modifier-application condition is present. Here, the modifier-application condition may be based on whether the first game result is associated with an award (i.e., a winning game outcome), whether the first game included a specific card, game symbol or another predefined game element, whether a random determination was satisfied during the first game, or based on another type of predetermined condition being satisfied during the first game. If the modifier-application condition was satisfied, the first game result is modified by the bonus modifier in process 455. Here, for example, if the bonus modifier was a multiplier value, that multiplier value may be used to multiply any awards won based on the result of the first game. If the modifier-application condition was not satisfied in process 450, flow 400 proceeds to process 460 where the gaming device waits to receive a wager on a next game. When a next game is wagered on, flow 400 then proceeds to process 470 where the next game is initiated and the bonus modifier won from the first game is applied to this next game. In some embodiments, the bonus modifier may be removed after this next game regardless of if it can be used in the next game. In other embodiments, the bonus modifier may continue to be applied to future games played until it can be used to modify a future game. In still other embodiments, the bonus modifier may be applied over a predetermined (or random) number of future games, or for a set amount of time.
Referring to
Referring to
Returning to process 1220, if an enhancement game is not triggered on the deal, flow 1200 proceeds to process 1250 to display the dealt poker hand, copy held cards in the dealt poker hand and receive a draw signal. In process 1260, it is determined if an enhancement game is triggered for any of the draws to the different poker hands. If no enhancement games are triggered, flow 1200 proceeds to process 1265 where the results for each poker hand are displayed. If one or more enhancement games are triggered, however, flow 1200 proceeds to process 1270 to play those one or more enhancement games to determine one or more bonus modifiers. In process 1275, the bonus modifiers are applied to the respective triggering poker hands to modify the final card combinations in those hands. Flow 1200 then proceeds to process 1280 to wait for the next poker game to be initiated. When initiated, flow 1200 proceeds to process 1290 where the next poker game would have the same bonus modifiers used in the first poker game applied to the corresponding ones of the poker hands in next poker game.
Returning to the current embodiments, as shown in
The dice 1525A, 1525B, 1525C may be initially shown on the screen where the player is directed to roll or “swipe” the dice to randomly determine outcomes for each of the dice. As shown in
Referring to
In some embodiments, further bonuses cannot be triggered while a current set of poker games are played with an active bonus multiplier. In other embodiments, however, another bonus dice roll may be triggered. In some of these embodiments, the outcome of the second bonus dice roll may be delayed (but displayed to the player) until the current multiplier and number of active games are completed. In other ones of these embodiments, the new multiplier and number of active poker games may simply replace whatever the current bonus multiplier and number of active games are at that time. In yet other embodiments, the new multiplier may only be used if it is greater than the current bonus multiplier, and the number of new active games may be added to the current number of active games.
Although the embodiments of
In yet other embodiments, the triggering condition for the bonus feature may include evaluating the current poker hand to determine if the player receives a dice roll for a modifier in the current poker hand and/or the next poker hand. For example, a player may need to receive a winning hand (or a hand above a certain threshold) to be eligible for a dice roll. This may also be used in multi-hand embodiments, where each level or hand of the multi-hand game may be used to determine if the corresponding level or hand of a subsequently-played poker game receives a dice roll for a new multiplier/modifier, or maintains the same multiplier/modifier from the previous game at the same level or hand. For example, in a “Triple-Play” poker embodiment, where the first and third hands have winning final poker hands, the player may get to roll dice prior to playing a multi-hand poker game. However, since the hand at level two (or the second hand) did not result in a win, the second hand or level is not associated with a multiplier or modifier.
In process 1640, the result of the first game is displayed. This may include simply displaying the dealt poker hand in stud poker games, or may include allowing players to hold and draw replacement cards in a draw poker game. In other embodiments, this may include multi-hand poker games, other variations of poker games, or other types of virtual card games. In process 1650, the displayed game result is modified by the awarded bonus modifiers. This may include adding bonus credit values to any awards that were based on the evaluation of the displayed game result, multiplying any awards from the game result by a bonus multiplier, adding additional hands to be played by a player (either before or after a draw is allowed if it is a draw poker embodiment), providing free plays of additional poker games, keeping at least one other bonus modifier (such as a multiplier) active for a number of additional poker games, or other possible modifications.
In process 1660 it is determined if a modifier-termination condition is present. Here, the modifier-termination condition may be based on whether or not at least one of the awarded game modifiers in process 1630 will remain active for future poker games. For example, if the enhancement game resulted in a “10×” multiplier and a bonus game activation number of 5, the modifier-termination condition in process 1660 would not be satisfied since the bonus multiplier would continue to be active in the next poker game as illustrated by flow 1600 continuing to process 1670. If, on the other hand, the modifier-termination condition was satisfied in process 1630 (e.g., that the awarded modifiers would not be kept active in the next poker game either because no additional number of games were awarded to keep the other bonus modifiers active, or if a termination condition was received in the enhancement game or as part of the displayed game result), flow 1600 would return to process 1610 to enable another regular play of the poker game.
Referring back to process 1670, if the modifier-termination condition was not present as determined in process 1660, the next poker game may be enabled and ready to play with at least one other bonus modifier active. Flow 1600 may then proceed directly to process 1620 to see if another enhancement game is triggered for the next poker game played, or as shown flow 1600 may proceed first to optional process 1680 where a counter used to keep track of games where the bonus modifiers are active is reduced or decremented. In alternative embodiments, additional enhancement games may not be permitted to be triggered when a previously awarded bonus modifier is still active. Hence, flow 1600 may take optional path 1675 in these embodiments from process 1670 or optional process 1680 directly to process 1640 to display the game result of the next played poker game.
After the game result is displayed in process 1730, flow 1700 proceeds to process 1735 where it is determined whether a bonus game counter is greater than zero (or some other predefined threshold). If the bonus game counter is at zero, flow 1700 returns to process 1710 to await the next poker game initiation. If, on the other hand, the bonus game counter is greater than zero (i.e., that a bonus modification award is still active), flow 1700 proceeds to process 1750 where any awards associated with the displayed game result are multiplied by the active bonus multiplier.
Returning again to process 1720, if an enhancement game was triggered in process 1720, flow 1700 proceeds to process 1740 where the enhancement game is played to determine multiple bonus modifiers including a bonus multiplier and number of bonus games in which the bonus multiplier is active. As discussed herein, the enhancement game may include rolling one or more dice, spinning a bonus wheel, or other bonus mechanic that can be used to determine a bonus modifier. Here, there are at least two bonus modifiers which respectively represent a bonus multiplier and a number of bonus games where the bonus multiplier (and other modifiers may be active). However, there may be additional modifiers such as bonus credits, extra cards or game symbols, extra poker hands in the first poker game, a number of free poker games, or other elements that can be used to modify one or more prizes or aspects of gaming events.
Flow 1700 then proceeds to process 1745 where the result of the poker game is displayed and evaluated. This may include simply displaying the dealt poker hand in stud poker games, or may include allowing players to hold and draw replacement cards in a draw poker game. In other embodiments, this may include multi-hand poker games, other variations of poker games, or other types of virtual card games. After the game result is displayed in process 1745, flow 1700 proceeds to process 1750 which multiplies any awards associated with the poker game result with the bonus modifier (in addition to awarding any other modifiers, such as bonus credits or extra cards or poker hands).
After process 1750 is complete, flow 1700 proceeds to process 1760 where if bonus games were awarded based on an enhancement game, those bonus games are added to the bonus game counter. As the bonus multiplier (and any other bonus modifiers) were used in the current poker game, the total number of bonus games in the bonus game counter is decremented by one or is otherwise reduced by a predetermined algorithm. In other embodiments where awarded bonus modifiers are not used until the next poker game, the bonus game counter may not be decremented in a similar process in such embodiments.
After process 1760 is completed, flow 1700 proceeds to process 1770 where it is determined if the bonus game counter is equal to zero (or some other predefined threshold value). If the bonus game counter is at zero, then the other bonus modifiers are no longer active and flow 1700 returns to process 1710 to await the next poker game played on the gaming device. If the bonus game counter is not zero as determined in process 1770, flow 1700 proceeds to process 1780 where the current bonus modifiers are kept active for the next poker game played on the gaming device in process 1710. Thus, even if an enhancement game is not triggered in that next poker hand, any awards associated with the result in that next poker hand may be modified by the active bonus modifier such as multiplying such awards with the active bonus multiplier.
Referring to
Referring to
As shown in
Alternatively, in other embodiments, all of the awards for the second triggered enhancement game may not be active until all of the modifiers associated with the first enhancement game are used in poker games. In this case, the player would receive the full 4 games with the “4×” multiplier and then receive 5 additional poker games with three extra hands and a “6×” game multiplier. Further variations, combinations, and uses between current game modifiers and newly awarded game modifiers are possible and contemplated in other embodiments.
Referring back to
The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. For example, the present invention is equally applicable in electronic or mechanical gaming machines, and is also applicable to live table versions of gaming activities that are capable of being played in a table version (e.g., machines involving poker or card games that could be played via table games).
Some embodiments of the invention have been described above, and in addition, some specific details are shown for purposes of illustrating the inventive principles. However, numerous other arrangements may be devised in accordance with the inventive principles of this patent disclosure. Further, well known processes have not been described in detail in order not to obscure the invention. Thus, while the invention is described in conjunction with the specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings, it is not limited to these embodiments or drawings. Rather, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that come within the scope and spirit of the inventive principles set out herein and reflected in the claims below.
This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 63/459,046, filed on Apr. 13, 2023, to which priority is claimed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119 (e) and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63459046 | Apr 2023 | US |
