Patent Grant
8727854
The invention generally relates to a system and a method of operating a secondary game on a gaming machine. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system and a method of operating a secondary game while a player is playing a primary game on a gaming machine.
The growth and competition in the casino gaming market in recent years and the increasingly sophisticated and complex technology being integrated into the gaming environment, at the individual game, casino management, and auditing levels, presents both challenges and opportunities to game manufacturers, gaming establishment operators, and regulatory agencies. The technological capabilities and requirements of, for example, advanced electronic games, multi-site gaming operations, detailed player tracking, wide area progressive jackpots, and various alternatives to the use of currency and coins by players, all present a potentially huge pool of ever-changing data which can be of great value to casino operators (from a management standpoint) and to regulators from an audit/compliance standpoint.
One area that has received a lot of attention in recent years has been providing added promotional incentives to players of gaming machines, such as video slot machines, video poker machines, etc. One type of promotional incentive is a “free play” award redeemable at the gaming machine and is typically based on a player's previous level of play. Casino marketing spends great amounts of time, segmenting players into groups to determine what amount of “free play” to preload into the player tracking system so when the player plays they can redeem their “free play” award at the gaming device.
Players may also be given a promotional incentive through a player tracking club. Usually, a player is identified during play by a player tracking ID card and/or a player identification number. The player tracking system tracks the player's play and awards player tracking points according to established criteria. The player tracking points may be redeemed for prizes, such as complimentary meals or merchandise. Again, this type of manual promotional incentive is casino resource intensive. Another type of incentive is given through an automated progressive jackpot award. A progressive jackpot award is a constantly accumulating award based on coin or credit-in, i.e., the tokens played by players, on a plurality of predetermined gaming machines, such as slot or video slot machines. The progressive jackpot award has a minimum value and increases until some maximum value. The progressive jackpot award is awarded to the player under some predetermined conditions. Additionally, the awarding of the progressive jackpot may also trigger a set amount of “free play” incentives to all non-jackpot players playing at gaming machines at the time that the progressive jackpot is hit.
However, these systems do not provide incentives in the form of interesting secondary games to further encourage players to play the gaming machines. Moreover, these systems require manual intervention and consume vast casino resources to maintain and operate.
The present invention is aimed at one or more of the problems as set forth above.
In a first aspect, the invention provides a method of operating a matching game for play by a plurality of players which is triggered while the plurality of players are performing a transaction. The method comprising the steps of establishing a matching rule for playing the matching game, establishing one or more jackpot pools for awarding prizes to the players, identifying the players, allowing each player to initiate a session by logging onto a gaming machine to perform the transaction, establishing a selected set of symbols for each player, generating a match set of symbols, initiating the matching game in response to a predetermined trigger where only the players in the current session are eligible for the matching game, comparing the match set of symbols against each selected set of symbols, and responsively awarding the prize from one or more jackpot pools to each player whose selected set of symbols satisfies the matching rule.
In a second aspect, the invention provides a system for operating a matching game for play by a plurality of players which is triggered while the plurality of players are performing a transaction. The system comprises a plurality of gaming machines allowing each of the respective players to initiate a session by logging onto one of the gaming machines to perform the transaction while initiating the matching game for each of the respective players in response to a predetermined trigger and an accumulator responsive to play at each of the gaming machines by the plurality of players to establish a jackpot for awarding prizes to the players. The system also comprises a host computer in communication with each of the gaming machines and the accumulator with the host computer establishing a matching rule for playing the matching game, identifying the players logged on to each of the plurality of gaming machines, establishing a selected set of symbols for each player, generating a match set of symbols, comparing the match set of symbols against each selected set of symbols, and responsively awarding the prize from a plurality of jackpot pools to each player whose selected set of symbols satisfies the matching rule.
In a third aspect, the invention provides a method of operating a game for play by a plurality of players. The method comprising the steps of operating a transaction for play by the plurality of players, allowing each player to initiate a session by logging onto a gaming machine to perform the transaction, triggering a secondary game for play by the plurality of players that are performing the transaction, establishing a rule for playing the secondary game, establishing one or more jackpot pools for awarding prizes to the players, identifying the players, initiating the secondary game in response to a predetermined trigger where only the players in the current session are eligible for the secondary game, and responsively awarding the prize from the one or more jackpot pools to each player who satisfies the rule.
In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a system for operating a game for play by a plurality of players. The system comprises a plurality of gaming machines allowing each of the respective players to initiate a session by logging onto one of the gaming machines to perform a transaction while initiating a secondary game for each of the respective players performing the transaction in response to a predetermined trigger and an accumulator responsive to play at each of the gaming machines by the plurality of players to establish one or more jackpot pools for awarding prizes to the players playing the secondary game. The system also comprises a host computer in communication with each of the gaming machines and the accumulator with the host computer establishing a rule for playing the secondary game, identifying the players logged on to each of the plurality of gaming machines, and responsively awarding the prize from of the one or more jackpot pools to each player who satisfies the matching rule.
Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
The present invention is a system for operating a secondary game for play by a plurality of players 11. The system is shown generally at 10 in
Gaming machines 12 include, but are not limited to, electronic gaming machines 12 (EGM) (such as video slot, video poker machines, video arcade games, or slot machines with mechanical reels), virtual gaming machines 12, e.g., for online gaming, an interface to a table management system 10 (not shown) for table games, online bingo, online keno, point of sale terminals, online hotel folios, or any other device connected to the system 10. As shown, the system 10 includes a plurality of gaming machines 12. In the illustrated embodiments, eight electronic gaming machines 12A-12H are shown in
The gaming machines 12 allow each of the respective players 11 to initiate a session. The session is initiated when a respective player 11 logs onto one of the gaming machines 12 to play the primary game. Conducting a transaction includes playing a primary game, such as a slot game, a table game, use of a point of sale terminal, logging onto a kiosk to check a credit balance, etc. The secondary game is initiated in response to a predetermined trigger while the respective player 11 is logged onto the gaming machine 12 to play the primary game (as described in more detail below). Therefore, only players 11 in the current session, currently playing or currently using the gaming machine 12, i.e., in a “session” where each player starts/ends their own session, are eligible for the secondary game. While the discussion below focuses on the player 11 or patron playing the primary game, contributions and/or play of the secondary game may occur during other types of sessions at any type of gamine machine 12.
In general, the gaming machines 12 are playable by a player 11. The player 11 selects one of the gaming machines 12C to play, potentially selects the play denomination or game within the multi-gaming machine and inserts a coin, cash, credit, coupon, player tracking card (not shown), etc. into the chosen gaming machine 12C. Generally, the gaming machines 12C have an associated number of credits or coins required in order to play. In the case of video slot or poker games, the game is played and an award in the form of credits may be awarded to the player 11 based on a pay table associated with the gaming machine 12. Referring to
Input to the gaming machine 12 is accomplished via mechanical switches, buttons, a touchscreen interface, player input sensing device (not shown), etc. Such gaming machines 12 are well known in the art and are therefore not further discussed.
The gaming machines 12 are connected via the network 32 to one or more host computers 16, which are generally located at a remote or central location, as shown in
A patron account 38 is housed on the host computer 16 for storing patron information. The host computer 16 identifies the players 11 logged onto each of the gaming machines 12. A plurality of player tracking devices 28 are in communication with the host computer 16, generally via the network 32, for viewing patron information and identifying players 11 logged onto the gaming machines 12, as shown in
In one embodiment, the player tracking display 46 is a touch screen panel or player input sensing device and the numeric keypad 44 is implemented thereon. The player 11 may be identified by entry of the player tracking card into the card reader 42 and/or entry of a player identification number on the numeric key pad, or some other player identification method device capable of identifying the player,. The player tracking device 28 may also be used to communicate information between the computer and the corresponding gaming machine 12C. Therefore, the player 11 is identified via the player tracking card and/or a player identification number which is entered into the player tracking device 28 at a respective gaming machine 12.
With reference to
In another aspect of the present invention, the player tracking device 28 allows the player 11 to interact with the secondary game. In this aspect of the invention, the player tracking device 28 includes a delivery system 48 for displaying the results of the secondary game on the player tracking display 46. In yet another aspect of the invention, the results of the secondary game are displayed on the gaming display 30.
The accumulator 14 is responsive to play at each of the gaming machines 12 by the players 11 and establishes one or more jackpot pools for awarding prizes or jackpots to the players 11. As stated earlier, the accumulator 14 is in communication with the host computer 16, over the network 32, and accumulates funds within the one or more jackpot pools, as shown in
Funds are contributed to the jackpot pool(s) by the players 11 through their playing of the primary game on the gaming machines 12. Therefore, funds are added to the jackpot pool(s) as a function of a wager by each player 11 at the gaming machines 12. The prizes for the jackpot, which are established by the funds in the jackpot pool(s) within the accumulator 14, may be cash, credits, coins, or any other prize known to those skilled in the art. The funds are added to the jackpot pool(s) as a function of a wager by each player 11 multiplied by a predetermined percentage. In another embodiment, the funds are added to the jackpot pool(s) as a function of a wager by each player 11 multiplied by a predetermined percentage. For example, the percentage is set by the casino for all gaming machines 12 or may be a percentage based on the type of gaming machine 12. Additionally, the predetermined percentage may be based on the theoretical hold or win of a gaming machine 12 or the profit (e.g., of a point of sale, table games, Keno, Bingo, Sports Book or other casino revenue sources connected to the system). As it pertains to the theoretical hold or win of a gaming machine, the predetermined percentage of gaming machines capable of a plurality of theoretical hold or win is the actual percentage of the active game the player is playing. In yet another embodiment, the funds are added to the jackpot pool(s) as a function of a historical average of wagers by each player 11 multiplied by a predetermined percentage or a theoretical hold. The historical average and/or purchase may be a casino (single or multiple property) value and may be based on one or more of the following: casino, property, game or machine type, game or machine manufacturer, denomination of the game, player 11, player category or group, or any other criteria. Alternatively, the funds are added to the jackpot pool(s) as a set amount of a wager by each player 11. In yet another alternative embodiment, the funds are added to the jackpot as a function of a wager by each player 11 multiplied by a percentage of a theoretical hold. In another embodiment, the funds are added to the jackpot pool(s) by adding an amount of the wager by the player 11 as a function of a player rating. The contributions made by the player 11 may be determined at the time each wager is made or may be determined periodically based on past wagers. For example, the system 10 may determine and store information related to a player's play. Such information, generally referred to as a player's “rating” may include information such as total wagers, average wager, total won, etc. The player's rating may be updated periodically, e.g., every 5 or 15 minutes while the player 11 is playing or when the player 11 stops playing (indicated for example by removal of their player tracking card or expiration of a predetermined period of time after the last play).
In one embodiment, a primary jackpot pool is established to award prizes to the player(s). In one embodiment, the funds are only contributed to the jackpot pool(s) in the accumulator 14 by transactions by a carded player 11 during a session initiated when the player 11 or patron logs onto the gaming machine 12. If the player 11 utilizes their player tracking card to identify them while playing the gaming machine 12 or making a purchase, it is referred to as a “carded” play or a “carded” purchase. In another embodiment, carded and non-carded play and/or purchases and/or other transaction will result in a contribution to the accumulator 14. In another aspect of the invention, a player's club membership may determine which casino accumulator 14 is credited with the funds or previously disclosed methodology for incrementing the jackpot pool(s), as illustrated in
While the players 11 are playing the primary game and/or the secondary game and/or performing some other transaction, the total amount of prizes available to be won from the jackpot are displayed on the player tracking display 46 of the player tracking device 28. Alternatively, the total amount of prizes available to be won may be displayed on a screen separate from the player tracking device 28, e.g., a screen displayed to the entire casino, the gaming display 30, etc.
Additionally, a reserve 50 is responsive to play at each of the gaming machines 12 by the players 11. The reserve 50 establishes one or more secondary or reserve jackpot pools for transferring funds from the secondary jackpots to the primary jackpot pool in the accumulator 14 to reestablish or re-fund the primary jackpot. Funds are contributed to the secondary jackpots by the players 11. Generally, a portion of the player's wager is taken and placed into the reserve 50 as a function of the wager by the player 11. The funds within the reserve 50 are generally not available to the players 11 for viewing. Therefore, when the player(s) is awarded a prize from the jackpot, funds are taken from the accumulator 14 to award the player 11. To quickly replenish, or at least reestablish a portion of the funds in the accumulator 14, funds are transferred from the reserve 50 to the accumulator 14 such that there is always some jackpot pool(s) available to the players 11 playing the secondary game. Likewise, if there is no winner of the secondary game, the jackpot continues to build. In another aspect of the secondary game, each secondary game must result in at least one winner.
In another embodiment, only the jackpot is accumulated and awarded from the accumulator 14. All non-jackpot prizes are awarded from the reserve 50. As illustrated in
The secondary game is triggered in response to a predetermined trigger. Generally, the secondary game is a matching game or other lotto-based game. In one aspect of the invention, the secondary game is a pure luck-based game. In another aspect of the invention, where permitted, the secondary game may have some element, or perceived element, of skill. In a further aspect, the secondary-game may be presented to the player in the form of a bonus game animation with or without player interaction. In one embodiment, the bonus-game style secondary game prize amount is based upon the results of the matching game. In another embodiment, the bonus-game style secondary game prize amount may be a function of the matching game or random. For example, the bonus-game style secondary game may be an animation of a dog race where the winning dog and amount of the prize is predetermined based upon the results of the matching game. In another example, the bonus game style secondary game may be an animation of a slot reel that spins until the amount of the prize is the predetermined amount of the match game win. In a further example of the bonus-game style secondary game, the animation may present the player with a choice of coins or other symbols, require the player to select a coin or symbol; however, the winning amount is the predetermined amount of the match game win.
In an alternative embodiment, the secondary game is a pseudo-game. In other words, the winner is predetermined, e.g., via a random drawing. The presentation of the winner is presented as a secondary game. A system for holding such a random drawing and presenting as a pseudo-game is disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/276,312, filed Feb. 23, 2006, entitled “Gaming System and Method for Providing Entry into a Contest”.
The predetermined trigger is based on predetermined criteria, which may be set or configured by an operator or casino. In one embodiment, the casino schedules the frequency of when the game is triggered. Here, the predetermined trigger is a predetermined time, a randomly determined time, a randomly determined time within a time range, etc. In one embodiment, the secondary game is triggered monthly such that a random amount of time between the last secondary game and at least the start of the next month has to occur before the secondary game is triggered. In another embodiment, the secondary game is triggered weekly such that a random amount of time between the last secondary game and at least the start of the next week has to occur before the secondary game is triggered. In yet another embodiment, the secondary game is triggered daily such that a random amount of time between the last secondary game and at least a 24-hours must occur before the secondary game is triggered. In another embodiment, the secondary game is triggered to occur multiple times a day. In another embodiment, although the exact time at which the secondary game will be triggered will be unknown to the player 11, the system 10 may provide an indication to the players 11 that the game will be played shortly or sometime in the very near future, e.g., indicating that the game will be played in the next hour. The indication may be scrolling text on the player tracking display 46 of the player tracking device 28, the gaming display 30 of the gaming machine 12, and/or any other type of screen known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, there may be no indication to the players 11 at all.
The delivery system 48 displays a list of the secondary games which are available to the respective players 11 on the player tracking display 46 and/or the gaming display 30. Generally, the delivery system 48 displays the list prior to initiating the secondary game. This means that there may be more than one secondary game available to the players 11. The players 11 then select the desired secondary game from the list of the available secondary games. In an alternative aspect, the players 11 are not given a choice of secondary games and all players 11 play the same secondary game. Before the secondary game commences, the players 11 who are eligible to play the secondary game are identified. For example, in one embodiment, only the carded players 11 currently in a session are eligible to play the matching game. In another embodiment, both carded and non-carded players 11 are eligible to play the matching game. Generally, only players 11 in a session who meet the criteria of playing, making a purchase, and/or otherwise utilizing a gaming machine 12 at the time the secondary game is triggered are eligible for the secondary game. Other potential criteria which may be used to determine which players 11 are eligible include, but are not limited to: class of players 11 (e.g., all “platinum players”), devices or machines, level of play based on the gaming machine 12 or denomination, etc.
For the matching or lotto-based secondary game, a match set of symbols 52 are generated from a larger set of symbols. Generally, the match set of symbols 52 are generated by the host computer 16. The match set of symbols 52 are a quantity of symbols and may be numbers, letters, playing cards, card suits, (hearts, diamonds, clubs, spades), zodiac symbols, symbols associated with dice, graphics, any other type of character suitable for matching, or combinations thereof. The quantity of characters in the match set of symbols 52 are predefined by the casino staff or randomly set by the host computer 16, e.g., 5, 7, 11, or 21 symbols. This means that the quantity of characters in the match set of symbols 52 may be allowed to vary between matching games. Alternatively, the quantity of symbols are a fixed quantity of symbols for every matching game.
For the matching or lotto-based secondary game, a selected set of symbols 54 is established for each player 11 from a larger set of symbols. The selected set of symbols 54 are a quantity of symbols and may be letters, playing cards, card suits, (hearts, diamonds, clubs, spades), zodiac symbols, symbols associated with dice, graphics, any other type of character suitable for matching, or combinations thereof. The quantity of characters in the selected set of symbols 54 are predefined by the casino staff or are randomly set by the host computer 16. This means that the quantity of characters in the selected set of symbols 54 may be allowed to vary between matching games. Alternatively, the quantity of symbols are a fixed quantity of symbols for every matching game. In another embodiment, the quantity of the selected set of symbols 54 is equal to the quantity of the match set of symbols 52. In yet another embodiment, the quantity of the selected set of symbols 54 is a number less than the quantity of the match set of symbols 52. To establish the selected set of symbols 54, the selected set of symbols 54 are randomly chosen by the host computer 16 for each player 11 when they establish a patron account on the host computer 16 and it becomes part of the patron account record 38. Alternatively, the player 11 is allowed to establish the selected set of symbols 54 on the host computer 16 by replacing the randomly selected set of symbols 54 with a set of symbols chosen by the player 11 as long as the secondary game has not already been started or actuated. In another aspect of the matching game, the player 11 is allowed to choose the selected set of symbols 54 from the time that they sign into the gaming machine 12 to establish the selected set of symbols 54 with the host computer 16. A time limit for allowing each player 11 to choose the selected set of symbols 54 may or may not be used. The time limit may be indicated on a timer 56 displayed on the player tracking display 46, as shown generally in
In one aspect, the host computer 16 may be used to establish a matching rule for playing the matching game. The host computer 16 compares the match set of symbols 52 against each selected set of symbols 54. For each player 11 whose selected set of symbols 54 satisfies the matching rule, they are responsively awarded the prize from primary or secondary (reserve) jackpot pools. The matching rule is established to be that a quantity of symbols of the players 11 selected set of symbols 54 must match the match set of symbols 52. In one embodiment, all of the symbols of the players 11 selected set of symbols 54 must match the match set of symbols 52. In another embodiment, the matching rule is established to be that a quantity of the symbols, which are less than the entire number of the player's selected set of symbols 54, must match the match set of symbols 52. In yet another, the match set of symbols 52 are generated in a given order and the selected set of symbols 54 are selected in a given order. Here, the matching rule requires that a quantity of the player's selected set of symbols 54 must match the match set of symbols 52 in the order the match set of symbols 52 and/or the selected set of symbols 54 were generated.
As stated above in the illustrated embodiment, prizes are awarded from the jackpot or secondary (reserve) pool(s) to the players 11 satisfying the matching rule. For example, in one embodiment, if the players 11 match their entire selected set of symbols 54 against the match set of symbols 52, the player 11 wins the entire jackpot. If there is more than one player 11 who matches their entire selected set of symbols 54 against the match set of symbols 52, then the entire jackpot is split equally among those players 11. In another embodiment, the players 11 are awarded on a sliding scale based on the total number of their selected set of symbols 54 which match the match set of symbols 52. For example, four number matches pays $400, three number matches pays $200, two number matches pays $25, one number match pays $5, and zero number matches pays $0, as generally illustrated in
It should be noted that the casino may not want (or jurisdictional requirements may not allow) the jackpot to increase indefinitely. In these situations, the secondary game may be modified to increase the chances of winning by one or more of the following ways: removing the requirement that the symbols must match in the order they were selected; reducing the total number of the selected set of symbols 54 which must match; reducing the number of symbols selected or generated; randomly selecting an eligible player; etc. Additionally, it may be desirable to dynamically vary the odds of winning between the secondary games. In this aspect of the invention, the total number of symbols from which the player 11 selects their selected set of symbols 54 and the required number of symbols which must match may vary between secondary games.
The delivery system 48 is in communication with the host computer 16 for displaying the results of the matching game. In one aspect of the secondary game, the results are displayed by rotating, flipping, and/or scrolling a list of eligible players 11 for the matching game on the player tracking display 46 of the player tracking device 28 or the gaming display 30 before displaying or highlighting a winner (if any) of the matching game. The list of eligible players 11 includes all eligible players 11 at the beginning; however, the list may be pared down as players 11 are eliminated from the possibility of winning (based on the symbols generated). In another aspect of the present invention, the delivery system 48 may present the match set of symbols 52 and then sequentially list or shown the selected set of symbols 54. The display of the results includes displaying the selected set of symbols 54 and displaying the match set of symbols 52. In another aspect, the delivery system 48 displays the results of those players 11 whose selected set of symbols 54 satisfy the matching rule. The delivery system 48 is in communication with the host computer 16 for displaying at least one of the selected set of symbols 54 for each player 11 and the match set of symbols 52. The delivery system 48 may display a list of the players 11 playing the secondary game and display a winner on the list.
With specific reference to
One or more of the secondary levels may be limited to (or available to/at): a single machine or group of machines or game on a multiple game machine and/or type of patrons (e.g., carded vs. un-carded or gold vs. platinum).
With specific reference to
The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings, and the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/276,312, filed Feb. 23, 2006 and is titled “GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING ENTRY TO A CONTEST”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in it entirety, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/807,982, filed on Jul. 21, 2006, and is titled “SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING A LOTTO DRAWING BASED DRAWING TICKET AWARD OR SYSTEM JACKPOT” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/863,639, filed on Oct. 31, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety
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| 60807982 | Jul 2006 | US | |
| 60863639 | Oct 2006 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Parent | 11276312 | Feb 2006 | US |
| Child | 11779537 | US |
