Wagering game with multi-level progressive game

Abstract

A method for playing a wagering game allows an opportunity to achieve a progressive award. A wager input is received from a player for playing the wagering game. A triggered progressive game includes player-selectable elements, each of the player-selectable elements being capable of association with a progressive-winning outcome. An outcome is assigned to each of the player-selectable elements, wherein a probability that the outcome is a progressive-winning outcome depends upon an amount of the wager input. The player-selectable elements are displayed.

Description

COPYRIGHT

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to gaming machines and, more particularly, to a progressive game having a multi-level progressive award.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Gaming machines, such as slot machines, video poker machines and the like, have been a cornerstone of the gaming industry for several years. Generally, the popularity of such machines with players is dependent on the likelihood (or perceived likelihood) of winning money at the machine and the intrinsic entertainment value of the machine relative to other available gaming options. Where the available gaming options include a number of competing machines and the expectation of winning each machine is roughly the same (or believed to be the same), players are most likely to be attracted to the most entertaining and exciting of the machines. Shrewd operators consequently strive to employ the most entertaining and exciting machines available because such machines attract frequent play and hence increase profitability to the operator. Accordingly, in the competitive gaming machine industry, there is a continuing need for gaming machine manufacturers to produce new types of games, or enhancements to existing games, which will attract frequent play by increasing the entertainment value and excitement for the player.

Gaming machines, such as slot machines, video poker machines and the like, have been a cornerstone of the gaming industry for several years. Generally, the popularity of such machines with players is dependent on the likelihood (or perceived likelihood) of winning money at the machine and the intrinsic entertainment value of the machine relative to other available gaming options. Where the available gaming options include a number of competing machines and the expectation of winning at each machine is roughly the same (or believed to be the same), players are likely to be attracted to the most entertaining and exciting machines. Shrewd operators consequently strive to employ the most entertaining and exciting machines, features, and enhancements available because such machines attract frequent play and hence increase profitability to the operator. Therefore, there is a continuing need for gaming machine manufacturers to continuously develop new games and improved gaming enhancements that will attract frequent play through enhanced entertainment value to the player.

One concept that has been successfully employed to enhance the entertainment value of a game is the concept of a “secondary” or “bonus” game that may be played in conjunction with a “basic” game. The bonus game may comprise any type of game, either similar to or completely different from the basic game, which is entered upon the occurrence of a selected event or outcome in the basic game. Generally, bonus games provide a greater expectation of winning than the basic game and may also be accompanied with more attractive or unusual video displays and/or audio. Bonus games may additionally award players with “progressive jackpot” awards that are funded, at least in part, by a percentage of coin-in from the gaming machine or a plurality of participating gaming machines. Because the bonus game and progressive award concepts offers tremendous advantages in player appeal and excitement relative to other known games, and because such games are attractive to both players and operators, there is a continuing need to develop gaming machines with new types of bonus games to satisfy the demands of players and operators.

While these player appeal features provide some enhanced excitement relative to other known games, there is a continuing need to develop new features for gaming machines to satisfy the demands of players and operators. For example, there is a need to provide variations and/or enhancements for progressive games to reward a player for a high wager amount. In another example, there is a need to provide multiple progressive levels in which players can achieve a progressive award more than once. The present invention provides a solution to these and other needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for playing a wagering game allows an opportunity to achieve a progressive award. A wager input is received from a player for playing the wagering game. A triggered progressive game includes player-selectable elements, each of the player-selectable elements being capable of association with a progressive-winning outcome. An outcome is assigned to each of the player-selectable elements, wherein a probability that the outcome is a progressive-winning outcome depends upon an amount of the wager input. The player-selectable elements are displayed.

According to another aspect of the invention, a gaming system for playing a wagering game allows an opportunity to achieve a progressive award. The system includes a wager input device, a controller, and a display. The wager input device receives a wager input from a player of the wagering game. The controller is coupled to the wager input device and is programmed to trigger a progressive game including player-selectable elements. Each of the player-selectable elements is capable of being associated with a progressive-winning outcome. The controller is further programmed to assign an outcome to each of the player-selectable elements, wherein a probability that the outcome is a progressive-winning outcome depends upon an amount of the wager input. The display displays the player-selectable elements and is coupled to the controller.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method for playing a wagering game allows an opportunity to be awarded a progressive fund. The method includes receiving a wager input from a player of the wagering game and triggering a progressive game. The method further includes, during the progressive game, providing the player with an opportunity to be awarded the same progressive fund more than once.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a gaming machine for playing a wagering game allows an opportunity to be awarded a progressive fund. The gaming machine includes a wager input device, a display, and a controller. The wager input device receives a wager input from a player of the wagering game. The display is coupled to the wager input device and displays a basic game of the wagering game. The controller is coupled to the display and is programmed to trigger a special event and, during the special event, to provide the player with an opportunity to be awarded the same progressive fund more than once.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method for playing a wagering game allows an opportunity to achieve a progressive award. The method includes receiving a wager input from a player for playing the wagering game and triggering a special event including an opportunity of achieving a plurality of progressive game funds. Each of the plurality of progressive game funds is associated with a corresponding reel of a plurality of reels. In response to a first reel in the plurality of reels indicating a first progressive outcome, a first progressive game associated with the first progressive outcome is triggered. The first progressive game includes player-selectable elements that are displayed to the player, each of the player-selectable elements being associated with one of a plurality of outcomes. One of the plurality of outcomes includes a first progressive winning outcome. The method further includes awarding a first progressive fund of the plurality of progressive game fund if the player selects a player-selectable element of the player-selectable elements that is associated with the first progressive fund.

Additional aspects of the invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed description of various embodiments, which is made with reference to the drawings, a brief description of which is provided below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system suitable for operating the gaming machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a progressive bank having a plurality of gaming machines;

FIG. 4 is a game screen of a basic game that triggers a progressive game;

FIG. 5 is a game screen illustrating an opportunity to win five progressive awards;

FIG. 6 is a game screen of a progressive game; and

FIG. 7 shows a number of weighted tables illustrating criteria for triggering a special event, such as a progressive game.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

Referring to FIG. 1, a gaming machine 10 is used in gaming establishments such as casinos. With regard to the present invention, the gaming machine 10 may be any type of gaming machine and may have varying structures and methods of operation. For example, the gaming machine 10 may be an electromechanical gaming machine configured to play mechanical slots, or it may be an electronic gaming machine configured to play a video casino game, such as blackjack, slots, keno, poker, blackjack, roulette, etc.

The gaming machine 10 comprises a housing 12 and includes input devices, including a value input device 18 and a player input device 24. For output the gaming machine 10 includes a primary display 14 for displaying information about the basic wagering game. The primary display 14 can also display information about a bonus wagering game and a progressive wagering game. The gaming machine 10 may also include a secondary display 16 for displaying game events, game outcomes, and/or signage information. While these typical components found in the gaming machine 10 are described below, it should be understood that numerous other elements may exist and may be used in any number of combinations to create various forms of a gaming machine 10.

The value input device 18 may be provided in many forms, individually or in combination, and is preferably located on the front of the housing 12. The value input device 18 receives currency and/or credits that are inserted by a player. The value input device 18 may include a coin acceptor 20 for receiving coin currency (see FIG. 1). Alternatively, or in addition, the value input device 18 may include a bill acceptor 22 for receiving paper currency. Furthermore, the value input device 18 may include a ticket reader, or barcode scanner, for reading information stored on a credit ticket, a card, or other tangible portable credit storage device. The credit ticket or card may also authorize access to a central account, which can transfer money to the gaming machine 10.

The player input device 24 comprises a plurality of push buttons 26 on a button panel for operating the gaming machine 10. In addition, or alternatively, the player input device 24 may comprise a touch screen 28 mounted by adhesive, tape, or the like over the primary display 14 and/or secondary display 16. The touch screen 28 contains soft touch keys 30 denoted by graphics on the underlying primary display 14 and used to operate the gaming machine 10. The touch screen 28 provides players with an alternative method of input. A player enables a desired function either by touching the touch screen 28 at an appropriate touch key 30 or by pressing an appropriate push button 26 on the button panel. The touch keys 30 may be used to implement the same functions as push buttons 26. Alternatively, the push buttons 26 may provide inputs for one aspect of the operating the game, while the touch keys 30 may allow for input needed for another aspect of the game.

The various components of the gaming machine 10 may be connected directly to, or contained within, the housing 12, as seen in FIG. 1, or may be located outboard of the housing 12 and connected to the housing 12 via a variety of different wired or wireless connection methods. Thus, the gaming machine 10 comprises these components whether housed in the housing 12, or outboard of the housing 12 and connected remotely.

The operation of the basic wagering game is displayed to the player on the primary display 14. The primary display 14 can also display the bonus game associated with the basic wagering game. The primary display 14 may take the form of a cathode ray tube (CRT), a high resolution LCD, a plasma display, an LED, or any other type of display suitable for use in the gaming machine 10. As shown, the primary display 14 includes the touch screen 28 overlaying the entire display (or a portion thereof) to allow players to make game-related selections. Alternatively, the primary display 14 of the gaming machine 10 may include a number of mechanical reels to display the outcome in visual association with at least one payline 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming machine 10 is an “upright” version in which the primary display 14 is oriented vertically relative to the player. Alternatively, the gaming machine may be a “slant-top” version in which the primary display 14 is slanted at about a thirty-degree angle toward the player of the gaming machine 10.

A player begins play of the basic wagering game by making a wager via the value input device 18 of the gaming machine 10. A player can select play by using the player input device 24, via the buttons 26 or the touch screen keys 30. The basic game consists of a plurality of symbols arranged in an array, and includes at least one payline 32 that indicates one or more outcomes of the basic game. Such outcomes are randomly selected in response to the wagering input by the player. At least one of the plurality of randomly selected outcomes may be a start-bonus outcome, which can include any variations of symbols or symbol combinations triggering a bonus game.

In some embodiments, the gaming machine 10 may also include a player information reader 52 that allows for identification of a player by reading a card with information indicating his or her true identity. The player information reader 52 is shown in FIG. 1 as a card reader, but may take on many forms including a ticket reader, bar code scanner, RFID transceiver or computer readable storage medium interface. Currently, identification is generally used by casinos for rewarding certain players with complimentary services or special offers. For example, a player may be enrolled in the gaming establishment's loyalty club and may be awarded certain complimentary services as that player collects points in his or her player-tracking account. The player inserts his or her card into the player information reader 52, which allows the casino's computers to register that player's wagering at the gaming machine 10. The gaming machine 10 may use the secondary display 16 or other dedicated player-tracking display for providing the player with information about his or her account or other player-specific information. Also, in some embodiments, the information reader 52 may be used to restore game assets that the player achieved and saved during a previous game session.

Turning now to FIG. 2, the various components of the gaming machine 10 are controlled by a central processing unit (CPU) 34, also referred to herein as a controller or processor (such as a microcontroller or microprocessor). To provide gaming functions, the controller 34 executes one or more game programs stored in a computer readable storage medium, in the form of memory 36. The controller 34 performs the random selection (using a random number generator (RNG)) of an outcome from the plurality of possible outcomes of the wagering game. Alternatively, the random event may be determined at a remote controller. The remote controller may use either an RNG or pooling scheme for its central determination of a game outcome. It should be appreciated that the controller 34 may include one or more microprocessors, including but not limited to a master processor, a slave processor, and a secondary or parallel processor.

The controller 34 is also coupled to the system memory 36 and a money/credit detector 38. The system memory 36 may comprise a volatile memory (e.g., a random-access memory (RAM)) and a non-volatile memory (e.g., an EEPROM). The system memory 36 may include multiple RAM and multiple program memories. The money/credit detector 38 signals the processor that money and/or credits have been input via the value input device 18. Preferably, these components are located within the housing 12 of the gaming machine 10. However, as explained above, these components may be located outboard of the housing 12 and connected to the remainder of the components of the gaming machine 10 via a variety of different wired or wireless connection methods.

As seen in FIG. 2, the controller 34 is also connected to, and controls, the primary display 14, the player input device 24, and a payoff mechanism 40. The payoff mechanism 40 is operable in response to instructions from the controller 34 to award a payoff to the player in response to certain winning outcomes that might occur in the basic game or the bonus game(s). The payoff may be provided in the form of points, bills, tickets, coupons, cards, etc. For example, in FIG. 1, the payoff mechanism 40 includes both a ticket printer 42 and a coin outlet 44. However, any of a variety of payoff mechanisms 40 well known in the art may be implemented, including cards, coins, tickets, smartcards, cash, etc. The payoff amounts distributed by the payoff mechanism 40 are determined by one or more pay tables stored in the system memory 36.

Communications between the controller 34 and both the peripheral components of the gaming machine 10 and external systems 50 occur through input/output (I/O) circuits 46, 48. More specifically, the controller 34 controls and receives inputs from the peripheral components of the gaming machine 10 through the input/output circuits 46. Further, the controller 34 communicates with the external systems 50 via the I/O circuits 48 and a communication path (e.g., serial, parallel, IR, RC, 10 bT, etc.). The external systems 50 may include a gaming network, other gaming machines, a gaming server, communications hardware, or a variety of other interfaced systems or components. Although the I/O circuits 46, 48 may be shown as a single block, it should be appreciated that each of the I/O circuits 46, 48 may include a number of different types of I/O circuits.

Controller 34, as used herein, comprises any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware that may be disposed or resident inside and/or outside of the gaming machine 10 that may communicate with and/or control the transfer of data between the gaming machine 10 and a bus, another computer, processor, or device and/or a service and/or a network. The controller 34 may comprise one or more controllers or processors. In FIG. 2, the controller 34 in the gaming machine 10 is depicted as comprising a CPU, but the controller 34 may alternatively comprise a CPU in combination with other components, such as the I/O circuits 46, 48 and the system memory 36.

Referring to FIG. 3, a bank 60 of gaming machines 10a-10d is shown. The four gaming machines 10a-10d are of the type described above in relation to FIGS. 1 and 2. The gaming machines 10a-10d are connected to a bank display 62, which is located generally above the gaming machines 10a-10d. The bank display 62 includes a large plasma display 64 for displaying an outcome of one of a plurality of triggered special events, such as a progressive game, from the gaming machines 10a-10d. The special events can include the progressive game and/or other bonus games. The special events can be triggered in response to achieving a certain symbol combination or as a mystery event (e.g., a randomly selected event not known to the player). The plasma display 64 can display any other information such as help messages for the players of gaming machines 10a-10d, awarded jackpots, etc. The bank display 62 further includes a signage 62 for displaying the name of the game and an associated game theme. For example, the signage 62 shows that the bank 60 is directed to a “Life Of Luxury™” game having the theme “The Best Things In Life.”

Referring to FIG. 4, a basic game screen is shown in the primary display 14 of one of the gaming machines 10a-10d. The basic game screen includes a plurality of spinning reels 66a-66e having a plurality of symbols for indicating a randomly selected outcome. The randomly selected outcome is selected from a plurality of outcomes that includes a special event triggering outcome. For example, a “Life Of Luxury™” progressive game can be triggered on a particular gaming machine on the bank 60. The triggering of the “Life Of Luxury™” progressive game is indicated by a “Life Of Luxury™” progressive symbol 68 that appears scattered on the last reel 66e of the spinning reels 66a-66e. Alternatively, the “Life Of Luxury™” progressive game can be randomly triggered by a controller such as a bank server independent of any outcome in the basic game (mystery trigger) As explained below, the “Life Of Luxury™” progressive game can be one or more free spins allowing the player to win a progressive award and/or a credit award.

The free spins may be displayed on the primary display 14, on the bank display 62 (e.g., the plasma display 64), or both. For example, to increase excitement among spectators, the games associated with the free spins are displayed on both the primary display 14 and on the bank display 62. Watching on a large plasma display 65 the free spins associated with the “Life Of Luxury™” progressive game is likely to generate interest among spectators and potentially increase the number of players playing on the bank 60 of gaming machines 10a-10d.

Referring to FIG. 5, a screen shows the “Life Of Luxury™” free spin game, which includes a plurality of progressive sub-games. Specifically, the free spin game includes an Opal Level progressive sub-game, a Ruby Level progressive sub-game, an Emerald Level progressive sub-game, a Sapphire Level progressive sub-game, and a Diamond Level progressive sub-game. Each sub-game has a corresponding progressive level meter 70a-70e, respectively, displayed above a corresponding reel 66a-66e. Each of the progressive level meters 70a-70e shows an associated award of the sub-game that may be awarded if a particular gem trigger symbol 72a-72e appears on the corresponding reel. For example, an Opal Level progressive sub-game is triggered if an Opal gem 72a appears on the first reel 66a. Similarly, a Ruby Level progressive sub-game is triggered if a Ruby gem 72b appears on the second reel 66b, and so on. Thus, the gem trigger symbol 72a-72e that is specific to the progressive level meter 70a-70e triggers the progressive sub-game for that progressive level. When the progressive sub-game is triggered, the player has a chance to win the progressive award associated with the triggered progressive sub-game. For example, if the Opal Level progressive sub-game is triggered, the player has a chance to win an award of $17.83.

Alternatively or in addition, the amount of a progressive jackpot is displayed on a corresponding gem trigger symbol 72a-72e. For example, the Opal Level progressive jackpot of $17.83 appears on the Opal gem 72a when the Opal gem 72a appears on the screen. The amount of the progressive jackpot can be displayed as the Opal gem 72a is rotating, when the Opal gem 72a has stopped, or both. Optionally, the progressive level meters 70a-70e can be located on the corresponding gem trigger symbol 72a-72e.

In the typical scenario, a portion of players' wager amounts at the gaming machines 10a-10d (or from a larger group of gaming machines 10 within one gaming establishment or at several gaming establishments) is used to fund the progressive jackpots. As players continue to play, the progressive jackpots continue to increase based on the received wagering amounts of the players on the bank 60 of gaming machines 10a-10d. Eventually, the progressive jackpots shown in FIG. 5 may be reset to initial values of progressive jackpots, e.g., the Opal Level progressive jackpot of $17.83 may be rest back to an initial value of $14.00 upon the Opal Level progressive jackpot being awarded.

Referring to FIG. 6, the Opal Level progressive sub-game has been triggered because the Opal gem 72a has appeared on the first reel 66a during the free spin gameplay. When the Opal Level progressive sub-game is triggered, a progressive game window 74 is introduced in the bonus screen. The progressive game window 74 is generally overlapping reels 66a-66d and includes five selectable Opal symbols 76a-76e. The player selects one (or more) of the selectable Opal symbols 76a-76e based on the rules of the game. Upon selection, the selected one of the selectable Opal symbols 76a-76e reveals an award. The revealed award includes a credit value and/or the associated progressive award. The progressive award can be associated with each of the selectable Opal symbols 76a-76e. The assignment of the progressive award (and other awards amounts) to the symbols 76a-76e is discussed below with respect to FIG. 7. As shown, the player has selected the second selectable Opal symbol 76b and has won the progressive award of the Opal Level progressive (i.e., $17.83).

After the Opal Level progressive sub-game is won, the level is no longer available for the remaining spins and a “Won” indicator reminds the player that he or she has already won the level. If a gem symbol appears on the first reel 66a after the Opal Level progressive sub-game has already been won, the selectable Opal symbols 76a-76e may award only a credit value.

Alternatively, in one preferred embodiment, the base level of the Opal Level progressive jackpot may be won a predetermined number of times during one free spin session. In this case, after the first win of the Opal Level (e.g., $17.83), the player may only win the base level (e.g., $15.00). Or, the Opal Level progressive award can be increasing between the first time the player wins the Opal Level and the second time the player wins it with another free spin due to funding received from portions of wagers.

Further, the player has the possibility to win more than one of the progressive sub-games at one time. For example, referring to FIG. 5, the player can have the option to win each progressive sub-game because a gem trigger symbol 72a-72d has appeared in each reel 66a-66e. Accordingly, the player may win all the progressive sub-games during a single spin of the bonus game. When the free bonus spins are exhausted, the free spin game returns back to the basic game.

Referring to FIG. 7, Tables 1-3 show a weighted method for assigning a particular award to each selectable gem, such as gems 76a-76e in FIG. 6, upon triggering a progressive game. The weighted table includes a total range of “500” randomly selectable (or random) numbers that are separated into six sub-ranges, each of the six sub-ranges being associated with a respective award. After the player triggers the progressive game, the random number generator (RNG) selects five numbers within the total range of “500” for determining outcomes associated with the respective gems 76a-76e. Specifically, the RNG selects each of the five numbers from the total range of “500” random numbers for association with a respective one of the gems 76a-76e.

The weighted method is a function of the player's wager input. Specifically, the player's chance of winning a progressive award increases with the player's wager input. The player's wager input is used to modify the lowest range of the weighted table shown in Table 1 to adjust the probability of winning the award associated with the lowest range of random numbers.

In Table 1 the player has wagered the minimum wager of “1” credit. The wager input is used to modify the lowest, or first, sub-range of Table 1. The first sub-range includes a number of random numbers based on the number of wagered credits. Specifically, the first sub-range includes “1” random number that is based on the “1” wagered credit. As an example, if the RNG selects number “1” from the “500” random numbers as the associated number for the second gem 76b and the player selects the second gem 76b, the player will receive the “Progressive Coin+50 Credits” award (i.e., the progressive jackpot plus fifty credits). Thus, the player has one chance in five hundred to have the progressive jackpot associated with a particular one of the gems 76a-76e, and—if the progressive jackpot is associated with one of the gems 76a-76e—one chance in five to select the gem 76a-76e associated with the progressive jackpot. The second sub-range includes the remaining number of random numbers in the lowest sub-range, i.e., random numbers “2-100,” for which the player will receive only “50 Credits.”

Referring to Table 2 of FIG. 7, the player has now wagered “60” credits. Based on the “60” wagered credits, the first sub-range now includes “60” random numbers that are associated with the “Progressive Coin+50 Credits” award. Thus, the player's probability of having the progressive jackpot associated with a particular one of the gems 76a-76e has increased to sixty chances in five hundred. While the player may win the same progressive jackpot (“Progressive Coin+50 Credits”) regardless of whether the wager is “1” credit or “60” credits, the chance of winning the progressive jackpot is scaled (e.g., increases linearly) based on the wager.

Referring to Table 3 of FIG. 7, the player has now wagered the maximum wager of “100” credits. In this example, the table now includes only five sub-ranges. Based on the “100” wagered credits, the player has now increased the probability of having the progressive jackpot associated with a particular one of the gems 76a-76e to one chance in five. Having the lowest sub-range of the weighted table equal to the maximum wager input received from the player assures that the same prize is awarded any time the player receives the progressive triggering symbol (e.g., the Opal gem 72a). For example, players A and B wager one credit and one hundred credits, respectively, in a progressive game that has a $100 progressive jackpot. Each player is assured a chance of winning the same $100 progressive jackpot, even though the chance of winning the progressive is higher for player B than for player A.

While the exemplary embodiments described above in reference to Tables 1-3 refer generally to the progressive jackpot being associated with one of the gems 76a-76e, the progressive jackpot can be associated with more than one gem 76a-76e. For example, referring to Table 3, the player has wagered “100” credits. Thus, the random numbers associated with the progressive jackpot are numbers “1-100.” In this example, it is assumed that the RNG randomly selects five numbers within the range of “1-100” for each of the five numbers associated with the gems 76a-76e. Thus, because in this example the five selected numbers are all within the range of “1-100,” each of the gems 76a-76e is now associated with the progressive jackpot. In this example, the player is guaranteed the progressive jackpot because regardless of which gem 76a-76e is selected, the gem 76a-76e will reveal the progressive jackpot.

Optionally, in the above example, the player may win the progressive jackpot more than once. If the player is permitted to make more than one selection, the player will select at least two gems 76a-76e that are associated with the progressive jackpot. The player may be awarded a current progressive jackpot for the first selection (e.g., initial award value of $15+a contribution award since previous award of the progressive jackpot) and an initial value of the progressive jackpot (e.g., default award of $15). The contribution award is generally an amount that is funded (or contributed to) by a plurality of players playing on the bank 60 of gaming machines 10a-10d.

While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A gaming system, comprising: a gaming machine including a gaming housing, an electronic display device, and one or more electronic input devices, the electronic display device and the one or more electronic input devices being coupled to the gaming housing, at least one of the one or more electronic input devices configured to detect a physical item associated with a monetary value that establishes a credit balance, at least one of the one or more electronic input devices configured to receive a cashout input that initiates a payout from the credit balance, the credit balance changing based on play of the casino wagering game; andone or more controllers configured to: initiate the casino wagering game in response to a wager input, the wager input decreasing the credit balance and being indicative of a selection of a first wager amount or a second wager amount, the second wager amount being greater than the first wager amount,randomly select an outcome of the casino wagering game, the outcome being randomly selected from a plurality of outcomes that includes a special event triggering outcome,direct the electronic display device to display the outcome, including spinning a plurality of primary reels,in response to the outcome including the special event triggering outcome, initiate a secondary game including a first progressive sub-game, the first progressive sub-game having a likelihood of being triggered during play of the secondary game that is the same for both the first and second wager amount,trigger the first progressive sub-game during the secondary game,in response to triggering the first progressive sub-game after receiving the selection of the first wager amount, initiating the first progressive sub-game with a first award probability of awarding the first progressive award,in response to triggering the first progressive sub-game after receiving the selection of the second wager amount, initiating the first progressive sub-game with a second award probability of awarding the first progressive award, the second award probability being greater than the first award probability, andaward an award in response to the outcome meeting a predetermined award criterion.

2. The gaming system of claim 1, further including a random element generator configured to generate one or more random elements, the outcome being randomly selected based, at least in part, on the one or more random elements.

3. The gaming system of claim 2, wherein the random element generator and the controllers reside within the gaming cabinet.

4. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the second wager amount is X times greater than the first wager amount and the second award probability is X times greater than the first award probability.

5. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the secondary game further includes a second progressive sub-game associated with a second progressive award, the second progressive sub-game having a different likelihood of being triggered during play of the secondary game than the first progressive sub-game, wherein the second progressive sub-game has a first and a second award probability of awarding the second progressive award.

6. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the second award probability of awarding the second progressive award is the same as the second award probability of awarding the first progressive award.

7. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein a total probability of triggering the secondary game during the primary game, triggering the second progressive sub-game during the secondary game, and awarding the second progressive award is less than a total probability of triggering the secondary game during the primary game, triggering the second progressive sub-game during the secondary game, and awarding the first progressive award.

8. A casino gaming machine for playing at least one casino wagering game including a first and a second progressive award, the gaming machine comprising: a gaming housing for components associated with the casino wagering game;an electronic display device coupled to the gaming housing;one or more electronic input devices coupled to the gaming housing, at least one of the one or more electronic input devices configured to detect a physical item associated with a monetary value that establishes a credit balance, at least one of the one or more electronic input devices configured to receive a cashout input that initiates a payout from the credit balance, the credit balance changing based on play of the casino wagering game; andone or more controllers disposed within the gaming housing and configured to: initiate the casino wagering game in response to a wager input, the wager input decreasing the credit balance and being indicative of a selection of either a first wager amount or a second wager amount, the second wager amount being larger than the first wager amount,randomly select an outcome of the casino wagering game, the outcome being randomly selected from a plurality of outcomes that includes a free-spin game,direct the electronic display device to display the outcome,trigger the free-spin game during play of the casino wagering game, wherein a likelihood of triggering the free-spin game during the casino wagering game is the same for both the first wager amount and the second wager amount,in response to displaying a progressive sub-game symbol combination during the free-spin game after the first wager amount is selected, initiate the first progressive sub-game with a first award probability of awarding a progressive award,in response to displaying a progressive sub-game symbol combination during the free-spin game after the second wager amount is selected, initiate the first progressive sub-game with a second award probability of awarding the progressive award, wherein the second award probability is greater than the first award probability, andaward an award in response to the outcome meeting a predetermined award criterion.

9. The gaming machine of claim 8, further including a random element generator configured to generate one or more random elements, the outcome being randomly selected based, at least in part, on the one or more random elements.

10. The gaming machine of claim 8, wherein the first award probability includes a probability that one selectable item of a plurality of selectable items is associated with the progressive award multiplied by a probability of selecting the one selectable item associated with the first progressive award from the plurality of selectable items.

11. The gaming machine of claim 8, wherein the second wager amount is X times greater than the first wager amount and the second award probability is X times greater than the first award probability.

12. A method of operating a gaming system for playing at least one casino wagering game, the gaming system including one or more controllers and a gaming machine, the gaming machine including a gaming housing, an electronic display device, and one or more electronic input devices, the cabinet constructed to house components associated with the casino wagering game, the electronic display device and the one or more electronic input devices being coupled to the gaming housing, the method comprising: detecting, via at least one of the one or more electronic input devices, a physical item associated with a monetary value, the monetary value establishing a credit balance that changes based on play of the casino wagering game;receiving, via at least one of the one or more electronic input devices, a wager input to initiate the casino wagering game, the wager input including a selection of either a first wager amount or a second wager amount to initiate the casino wagering game, the second wager amount being greater than the first wager amount;randomly selecting, by the one or more controllers, an outcome of the casino wagering game, the outcome being randomly selected from a plurality of outcomes that includes a secondary game;displaying the outcome on the electronic display device of the gaming machine;triggering, by the one or more controllers, the secondary game during play of the casino wagering game, the secondary game including a first progressive sub-game associated with a first progressive award, the first progressive sub-game having a likelihood of being triggered during play of the secondary game that is the same for both the first and second wager amount;triggering, by the one or more controllers, the first progressive sub-game during play of the secondary game;in response to triggering the first progressive sub-game after having received the selection of the first wager amount, initiating, by the one or more controllers, the first progressive sub-game with a first award probability of awarding the first progressive award;in response to triggering the first progressive sub-game after having received the selection of the second wager amount, initiating, by the one or more controllers, the first progressive sub-game with a second award probability of awarding the first progressive award, the second award probability being greater than the first award probability;awarding, by the one or more controllers, an award in response to the outcome meeting a predetermined award criterion; andreceiving, via at least one of the one or more electronic input devices, a cashout input that initiates a payout from the credit balance.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the second wager amount is X times greater than the first wager amount and the second award probability is X times greater than the first award probability.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the secondary game further includes a second progressive sub-game associated with a second progressive award, the second progressive sub-game having a different likelihood of being triggered during play of the secondary game than the first progressive sub-game, wherein the second progressive sub-game has a first and a second award probability of awarding the second progressive award.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the second award probability of awarding the second progressive award is the same as the second award probability of awarding the first progressive award.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein a total probability of triggering the secondary game during the casino wagering game, triggering the second progressive sub-game during the secondary game, and awarding the second progressive award is less than a total probability of triggering the secondary game during the casino wagering game, triggering the second progressive sub-game during the secondary game, and awarding the first progressive award.