U.S. patent application number 10/144862 was filed with the patent office on 2002-09-12 for system and apparatus for placing and controlling a wager on a gaming device.
This patent application is currently assigned to AZTAR CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Rubeli, Paul E..
Application Number | 20020128058 10/144862 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23423712 |
Filed Date | 2002-09-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020128058 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rubeli, Paul E. |
September 12, 2002 |
System and apparatus for placing and controlling a wager on a
gaming device
Abstract
A system and method for placing and controlling a wager on a
gaming device wherein the player initially establishes a credit
limit by depositing coins into the gaming device. A player then
controls the amount of his or her wager by using a single wager
selection device, a multiple wager selection device or a
combination of the two devices to determine the wager amount. The
single wager selection device and the multiple wager selection
device can be selected by a player repeatedly in order to arrive at
the desired wager amount.
Inventors: |
Rubeli, Paul E.; (Paradise
Valley, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUGHRUE MION, PLLC
2100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington
DC
20037-3213
US
|
Assignee: |
AZTAR CORPORATION
|
Family ID: |
23423712 |
Appl. No.: |
10/144862 |
Filed: |
May 15, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10144862 |
May 15, 2002 |
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09361858 |
Jul 27, 1999 |
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6409594 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 ;
463/25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3244 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 ;
463/25 |
International
Class: |
A63F 013/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A method for controlling a wager while playing a game of chance,
including: inputting a representative value into a value entry
device, wherein depositing the representative value creates a
maximum credit limit for a player; and determining a wager amount,
wherein the player controls the wager amount by selecting any one
of a plurality of wager selection devices, wherein each of the
plurality of wager selection devices is associated with a
predetermined amount.
2. The method for controlling a wager as set forth in claim 1,
wherein the wager amount is equal to or less than the maximum
credit limit.
3. The method for controlling a wager as set forth in claim 1,
wherein the player can use a combination of any one of the
plurality of wager selection devices to place a wager of an exact
amount.
4. The method for controlling a wager as set forth in claim 3,
wherein a single wager selection device represents a single
monetary amount.
5. The method for controlling a wager as set forth in claim 3,
wherein a multiple wager selection device represents a
predetermined multiple of a single monetary amount.
6. The method for controlling a wager as set forth in claim 1,
wherein each of the plurality of wager selection devices can be
selected multiple times to arrive at the wager amount.
7. A computer system adapted to calculate and accept wagers of
varying amounts, the system including: a processor, and a memory
including software instructions adapted to enable the computer
system to perform the steps of: storing in the memory a
representative value, wherein the representative value represents a
maximum credit limit for a player; determining a wager amount,
wherein the signals from a single wager selection device and a
multiple wager selection device are combined when more than one
signal is received, thereby calculating the wager amount; and
storing in the memory the wager amount.
8. The computer system of claim 7, wherein the wager amount is
compared to the credit limit, wherein the wager amount must be
equal to or less than the credit limit.
9. The computer system of claim 7, wherein the credit limit is a
dollar amount or a token amount.
10. The computer system of claim 7, wherein the wager amount is a
dollar amount or a token amount.
11. The computer system of claim 7, wherein the system is
implemented in a game of chance device.
12. The computer system of claim 11, wherein the game of chance is
a slot machine.
13. The computer system of claim 11, wherein the game of chance is
a table game.
14. The computer system of claim 7, wherein the wager amount is
displayed on a game display.
15. A gaming apparatus offering wager control capabilities
including: a housing unit for housing a game of chance, an
activation component for playing the game of chance, a single wager
selection device for placing a wager of a single monetary amount,
wherein the single wager selection device can be selected multiple
times to increment a wager by the single monetary amount; a
multiple wager selection device for placing a wager of a multiple
monetary amount, wherein the multiple wager selection device can be
selected multiple times to increment a wager by the multiple
monetary amount; and a display medium for indicating the amount of
the wager.
16. The gaming apparatus of claim 15, wherein the display medium
can be either one of a visual component or an audio component.
17. The gaming apparatus of claim 15, wherein the single wager
selection device and the multiple wager selection device are
buttons.
18. The gaming apparatus of claim 15, wherein the single wager
selection device and the multiple wager selection device are touch
screen displays.
19. The gaming apparatus of claim 15, wherein an enhanced payout
schedule is activated when the single wager selection device and
the multiple wager selection device are used in combination to
place a wager.
20. A system for placing a bet on a gaming apparatus including: a
gaming unit having a currency device for generating a credit limit
for a player prior to a game commencement; a single wager selection
device, which generates a first signal associated with a single
monetary amount, wherein the single wager selection device can be
selected multiple times to increase a bet by the single monetary
amount; a multiple wager selection device, which generates a second
signal associated with a multiple monetary amount, wherein the
multiple wager selection device can be selected multiple times to
increase a bet by the multiple monetary amount; a processor for
calculating the wager amount associated with the first and second
signals.
21. A computer program product for enabling a computer to provide a
wager control system when incorporated in a gaming device
including: software instructions for enabling the computer to
perform predetermined operations, and a computer readable medium
bearing the software instructions; the predetermined operations
including the steps of: calculating a credit limit value, wherein
the credit limit value is obtained by adding the values of an input
into a currency device; storing the credit limit in a first memory;
intercepting from a single wager selection device a first signal,
the first signal being associated with a single monetary amount;
intercepting from a multiple wager selection device a second
signal, the second signal being associated with a multiple monetary
amount; calculating a wager amount according to the first signal
and the second signal; storing the wager amount in a second memory;
and comparing the wager amount to the credit limit, wherein the
wager amount must be equal to or less than the credit limit.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates generally to games of chance such as
would be found in casinos and other legal gambling establishments.
In particular, this invention relates to a system for placing
varied wagers on a gaming device, wherein a single gaming device
provides a wide array of wagering options for a player.
[0003] 2. Background and Related Art
[0004] In those areas that accommodate legalized gambling, there is
a constant demand and need for new and improved games of chance to
attract players to casinos and other gambling establishments. At
the same time, casinos and gambling establishments constantly
research novel ways to accommodate the player.
[0005] One popular game that has long been enjoyed by players is
the slot machine. Conventionally, the slot machine is configured
for a player to input something of value (e.g., a standard
denomination of currency or house token) to permit the player to
activate the gaming device. Upon activation, a plurality of reels
spin and ultimately stop to display a series of symbols If a
winning symbol or combination of symbols is displayed, the machine
releases money into a payout chute or onto a credit meter.
[0006] Payout is defined as "any type of return upon winning a game
of chance". Examples of a payout include, but are not limited to:
coins, tokens, cash, credit on a card and any other type of
compensation. Payout is determined by the amount wagered by the
player at the beginning of the game and the odds of certain symbols
or combination of symbols being displayed by the gaming
machine.
[0007] Although there are numerous types of slot machines,
conventionally a player must select a machine according to the
amount that the player would like to wager. For example, if a
player chooses a Five-Coin Slot Machine, the player wagers a single
`coin` at a time by selecting a "bet one" button or the player can
bet a maximum of five `coins` at one time by selecting a "max bet"
button. If a player selects to wager the maximum bet at one time
and is successful, the maximum bet payout includes an extra reward
(ie: an increase in coins or payout received) in addition to the
regular payout increment.
[0008] A Ten-Coin Slot Machine also exists in the prior art. This
machine is identical to the Five-Coin Slot Machine, except that a
player can wager a maximum bet of ten coins by selecting the "max
bet" button or the player may place a wager in single increments,
up to ten coins, by selecting the "bet one" button. If a player
wishes to place a wager amount between one and nine coins while
playing a Ten-Coin Slot Machine, the player must press the "bet
one" button multiple times to reach the desired wager. However, a
player may not place a wager higher than the amount associated with
the "max bet" button. Furthermore, the "bet one" button and "max
bet" button are mutually exclusive and can not be used in
combination with each other.
[0009] Unfortunately, use of these prior art gambling systems
incurs numerous problems for a player and the gambling
establishment itself. Ten-Coin Slot Machines are not popular with
players of the Five-Coin Slot Machines because the Ten-Coin Slot
Machine requires the player to push the "bet one" button five times
to achieve a five coin wager which slows down the game. More
importantly, the Ten-Coin Slot Machine only pays the regular payout
increment on a five coin wager without the five coin premium paid
on the top award of the Five-Coin Slot Machines. Therefore, a
player placing a five coin wager on a Ten-Coin Slot Machine is
penalized for not betting ten coins. This problem is not limited to
slot machines alone and is often found in other gaming devices such
as: video poker machines, video roulette machines and video
blackjack machines. It would therefore be desirable to provide a
machine that allows video gambling players to determine the size of
their wager, and in addition, does not penalize players according
to the amount of their wager.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to give a
player the ability to place their wager in increments greater than
a unit monetary amount, but less than or equal to the maximum
monetary amount.
[0011] Another object of the invention is to allow a player to take
advantage of an enhanced payout on preselected multiple monetary
amount(s) in addition to the maximum monetary amount capable of
being wagered.
[0012] Yet another object of one embodiment of the invention is to
give a player a range of wagering options which ultimately pays out
a higher award.
[0013] Still another object of the invention is to maximize floor
space in a casino or gambling establishment.
[0014] In accordance with these novel aspects of the present
invention and others aspects which will become apparent below, the
wager control system of the present invention is based on a
processor and a plurality of wager selection devices. The wager
selection device enables a player to determine the value of a wager
by selecting to increment a wager by a single amount or a multiple
amount. This system for placing a wager can be used with
conventional games of chance. Examples include, but are not limited
to: blackjack, slot roulette, poker, any game involving dice or
cards or any wagering occasion in general, whether in conventional
or video format. This system is not limited to video gambling
machines. The system can also be incorporated within a conventional
gaming table.
[0015] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
system is incorporated into a slot machine gaming device for use by
a single player. The system includes a processor for arithmetically
calculating a wager and the possible payout, a single wager
selection device, and a multiple wager selection device, wherein
the wager selection devices are accessible to the player and
communicate with the processor.
[0016] The single wager selection device is used by the player to
electrically indicate to the processor that a single coin wager has
been placed. The multiple wager selection device allows a player to
place multiple wagers of a maximum monetary amount (i.e., ten
tokens). Furthermore, the multiple wager selection device can be
used in conjunction with the single wager device. Therefore, a
player could place a wager of twenty tokens by selecting the
multiple wager selection device twice or by selecting the single
wager device twenty times. Similarly, a player could place a wager
of twelve tokens by selecting the multiple wager selection device
once and the single wager selection device twice, or by selecting
the single wager device twelve times.
[0017] In another embodiment of the invention, the system includes
a processor for arithmetically calculating a wager and a payout, a
single wager selection device, a multiple wager selection device
and a max wager selection device, wherein the three wager selection
devices communicate with the processor. The single wager selection
device is used by the player to electrically indicate to the
processor that a single token wager has been placed. The multiple
wager selection device allows a player to increase their wager in
increments of a predetermined monetary amount at a single time
(i.e., five tokens) and the maximum wager selection device allows a
player to wager the maximum monetary amount possible.
[0018] In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the bet selection devices are incorporated in a touch
screen liquid crystal display (LCD). The touch screen LCD's can be
hand held or mounted on an object.
[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the system for placing a wager is incorporated into a
gaming table.
[0020] Still another embodiment of the present invention involves
an apparatus comprising: a housing unit, a game of chance, a game
display, an activation device such as a handle, a currency slot and
a plurality of wager selection devices for enabling a player to
place varied wagers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0021] The invention will be better understood from the detailed
description below, in consideration of the non-limiting,
explanatory drawing figures which are now briefly described.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the
system of the present invention, wherein the game of chance is a
slot machine;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the computer hardware and
associated signals for implementing the system for controlling and
placing a wager on a gaming device;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a flow chart depicting the operation of a wager
control system according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a continuation of the flow chart depicting the
operation of an wager control system according to an embodiment of
the invention; and
[0026] FIG. 5 is a graphical representation of the enhanced payout
schedule.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] As used herein, the term "computer system" is to be
understood to include at least a memory and a processor. In
general, the memory will store, at one time or another, at least
portions of an executable program code, and the processor will
execute one or more of the instructions included in that executable
program code. It will be appreciated that the term "executable
program code" and the term "software" mean substantially the same
thing for the purposes of this description. It is not necessary to
the practice of this invention that the memory and the processor be
physically located in the same place. That is to say, it is
foreseen that the processor and the memory might be in different
physical pieces of equipment.
[0028] On a practical level, the software that enables the computer
system to perform the operations described further below in detail,
may be supplied on any one of a variety of media. Furthermore, the
actual implementation of the approach and operations of the
invention are actually statements written in a programming
language. Such programming language statements, when executed by a
computer, cause the computer to act in accordance with the
particular content of the statements. Furthermore, the software
that enables a computer system to act in accordance with the
invention may be provided in any number of forms including, but not
limited to, original source code, assembly code, object code,
machine language, compressed or encrypted versions of the
foregoing, and any and all equivalents.
[0029] One of skill in the art will appreciate that "media," or
"computer-readable media," as used here, may include a diskette, a
tape, a compact disc, an integrated circuit, a ROM, a cartridge, a
remote transmission via a communications circuit, or any other
similar medium useable by computers. For example, to supply
software for enabling a computer system to operate in accordance
with the invention, the supplier might provide a diskette or might
transmit the software in some form via satellite transmission, via
a direct telephone link, or via the Internet. Thus, the term,
"computer readable medium" is intended to include all of the
foregoing and any other medium by which software may be provided to
a computer.
[0030] Although the enabling software might be "written on" a
diskette, "stored in" an integrated circuit, or "carried over" a
communications circuit, it will be appreciated that, for the
purposes of this application, the computer usable medium will be
referred to as "bearing" the software. Thus, the term "bearing" is
intended to encompass the above and all equivalent ways in which
software is associated with a computer usable medium.
[0031] For the sake of simplicity, therefore, the term "program
product" is thus used to refer to a computer useable medium, as
defined above, which bears any form of software to enable a
computer system to operate according to the below-identified
invention.
[0032] A detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the
invention will now be given referring to the accompanying
drawings.
[0033] The various embodiments of the present invention are
designed to enable wagers of various amounts to be placed by a
person while playing a game of chance on a gaming device. As
described above, the prior art lacks a single device or apparatus
that allows a player to select a wager of a predetermined multiple
monetary amount greater than a unit monetary amount but less than
or equal to the maximum monetary amount capable of being wagered.
The present invention solves such a problem by allowing a player to
increment their wager by a single amount or predetermined multiple
amount, or by combining the single amount and multiple amount to
arrive at a specific wager.
[0034] A number of aspects of the invention are summarized below,
along with different embodiments that may be included in each of
the summarized aspects. It should be understood that the
embodiments are not necessarily inclusive or exclusive of each
other and, may be combined in any manner that is non-conflicting
and otherwise possible. It should be understood that these aspects
of the invention are exemplary only and are considered to be
non-limiting.
[0035] In the description below, a player is a person who plays a
game of chance. This player will also be referred to as a person or
a gambler.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, FIG. 1 is an exemplary
embodiment of the gaming device upon which the wagering system of
the present invention may be employed. The gaming device 1,
otherwise known as a slot machine, is just one example of a gaming
device upon which the system of the present invention could
operate. The present invention however, is not limited to this
embodiment.
[0037] The wager control system of the present invention can be
utilized by a number of other gaming devices. Examples of other
gaming devices are video poker games, video roulette games and
video blackjack games. In addition, gaming tables of blackjack and
roulette are included. Betting windows, often used when wagering on
a sport such as horse racing, would also benefit from application
of the invention.
[0038] The gaming device 1 comprises a housing unit 2 and a
currency slot 4, which is located on the exterior face of the
housing unit. To activate the gaming device 1, a player must input
something of representative value, usually a standard denomination
of currency, a debit/credit card or a house token (hereinafter
referred to as a `coin`), into the currency slot 4 or any other
type of a value entry device, wherein a credit limit is then
established for the player. The currency slot 4 includes devices
that establish credit limits using personal credit cards or credit
cards issued by the gaming establishment. When at least one coin
has been inputted into currency slot 4, the gaming device 1 is
activated and a player must place a wager.
[0039] According the Webster's New Third International Dictionary,
a wager is "something (usually money) that is risked on an
uncertain event." A wager is also known as a bet, stake or pot and
may be referred to such hereinafter.
[0040] A wager of a specific value is placed when the player
selects either the single wager selection device 8 or the multiple
wager selection device 10. Both the single wager selection device 8
and the multiple wager selection device 10 can be in the form of a
button, a dial, a roller ball, a touch screen, a switch, or any
other device that allows a user to interact with a machine. The
single and multiple wager selection devices 8/10 can also be used
in combination with each other to arrive at an exact wagering
amount.
[0041] In an exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the single wager
selection device 8 is associated with a single coin amount.
Therefore, if a player selects the single wager selection device 8
one time, the player places a single coin wager. Additionally, if a
player selects the single wager selection device 8 three times, the
player places a three coin wager. The single wager selection device
is associated with a single monetary amount. The amount associated
with the single wager selection device can be any monetary amount
(e.g.; $0.25, $1.00, $2.00).
[0042] The multiple wager selection device 10 is associated with a
predetermined maximum coin amount (e.g., five coins). Therefore, if
a player selects the multiple wager selection device 10 one time,
the player places a five coin wager. Additionally, if a player
selects the multiple wager selection device 10 three times, the
player places a fifteen coin wager. Therefore, the multiple wager
selection device 10 can be selected multiple times, wherein the
wager is incremented by the amount associated with the multiple
wager selection device 10. The multiple amount associated with the
multiple wager selection device 10 can be of any value amount,
therefore the five coin example should not be construed as a
limitation. The multiple amount associated with the multiple wager
selection device is a multiple of the amount associated with the
single wager selection device.
[0043] Additionally, the single wager selection device 8 and the
multiple wager selection device 10 can be used together to place an
exact wager. For example, if a player desires to wager thirteen
coins on a particular game of chance employing the system of the
present invention, the player simply would select the multiple
wager selection device 10 twice, upon which a wager of ten coins is
placed, followed by the selection of the single wager selection
device three times, thereby arriving at the desired wager of
thirteen coins. The ability to place an exact wager gives a player
the opportunity to play any machine without giving deference to the
wager amount required by a specific machine as was conventional in
the prior art.
[0044] The gaming device 1 also comprises rotatable game reels 12,
each of which embody a plurality of indicia (i.e., heart, diamonds,
clubs, spades in combination with numbers) displayed to the player
through game display 14. The indicia embodied on the rotatable game
reels 12 usually represent the specific game of chance being played
by the player. As is known in the art, other indicia of games of
chance, such as numbers, symbols or individually dealt playing
cards, can be substituted for the rotatable game reels 12 of the
exemplary embodiment and displayed as video on the game display 14.
Therefore, the rotatable game reels are just one aspect of one
exemplary embodiment and should not be construed as a
limitation.
[0045] The gaming device 1 further comprises a spin handle 16,
which when pulled in a downward motion, spins the rotatable game
reels 12. Nevertheless, the rotatable game reels can be rotatably
activated in a number of ways including: the depression of a
button, the clicking of a mouse, by audio means or any other means
of inducing activity. Therefore, the spin handle is just one aspect
of one exemplary embodiment and should not be construed as a
limitation.
[0046] Once activated by the spin handle 16, the rotatable game
reels 12 rotate and eventually stop in an order displaying the
indicia on a game display 14. If the collection of indicia
displayed by the reels is one of a predetermined combination, the
player is provided with a winning payout, which is directly related
to the amount wagered at the beginning. The winning payout is
delivered through the payout chute 18 that deposits the payout into
tray 20 or onto a credit meter.
[0047] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the computer system and related
hardware components utilized in the present invention. As coins are
deposited into currency slot 4, the processor 24 calculates the
value of the coins and thus establishes a credit limit for the
player. Processor 24 stores this credit limit in a memory 26. As
described above, the credit limit may be input using a personal
credit card or a credit card issued by the gaming
establishment.
[0048] After a credit limit has been established and is stored in
memory 26, a player places a wager by selecting at least one of the
single wager selection device 8 or the multiple wager selection
device 10. The single wager selection device 8 and multiple wager
selection device 10 communicate with the processor 24 via signals.
Upon receiving a signal from the single wager selection device 8 or
the multiple wager selection device 10, the processor 24 calculates
the wager amount and stores the wager amount in memory 28. In one
embodiment, the wager amount is then displayed to the player on the
wager display 30.
[0049] FIGS. 3 and 4 are flow charts depicting how a wager is
determined on a gaming device and the subsequent steps
thereafter.
[0050] As described in Step S40, the currency slot accepts coins
from a player, whereby the processor calculates the value of the
coins at Step S42 and stores this value (or credit limit) in a
memory at Step S44.
[0051] The single and multiple wager selection devices are then
used by the player to place a wager as described in Step S46. Once
the processor has calculated the values associated with each wager
selection device, the calculated wager amount is stored in a memory
at Step S48.
[0052] According to Step 550, the processor compares the wager
amount stored in a memory with the credit limit stored in a memory.
If the wager amount is greater than the credit limit at Step S52,
an error message will be displayed at Step S54 requiring the player
to re-select a wager of a lower value or to increase the credit
limit by inputting more coins into the currency slot.
[0053] Referring back to Step S52, when the wager amount is less
than or equal to the credit limit, the player may activate the spin
handle by pulling the handle in a downward motion at Step S58, thus
sending the appropriate signal to the processor. The processor
reacts to the signal by spinning the rotatable spin reels. Once the
rotatable spin reels ultimately stop and a combination of indicia
are displayed, the processor calculates the predetermined
combination odds and the wager amount placed by the player to
determine if there was a win at Step S60. If the processor
determines a `win` at Step S62, the processor sends a signal to the
payout chute and the appropriate winning payout is dispensed at
Step S64 or credited to a meter.
[0054] FIG. 5 describes one aspect of one embodiment of the present
invention. As described earlier, the prior art does not accommodate
players who wagered amounts lower than the maximum bet requirement
of a particular machine. For example, if a player wagers five coins
on a ten coin machine, the player is penalized for not playing ten
coins because the premium paid on the `top award` (an increase in
the winnings payout) for a five coin wager is not realized on the
ten coin machine.
[0055] The exemplary embodiment described in FIG. 5 solves the
above stated problem. FIG. 5 depicts an enhanced payout schedule as
one aspect of one embodiment of the wager placing system of the
present invention.
[0056] As described in FIG. 2, a wager is placed by selecting
either the single increment device, wherein the wager value is
increased by one coin, or the multiple increment device, wherein
the wager value is increased by the multiple of a predetermined
value (e.g., five coins). In addition, a gaming device usually has
a preset maximum value wager (e.g.: ten coins) wherein, if the
maximum is wagered, the returns for a win are greater.
[0057] The enhanced payout schedule incorporates the premium top
award realized on a winning multiple increment wager (e.g., five
coin wager) or the maximum wager (e.g., ten coins) into the payouts
between the five coin multiple wager and the preset maximum wager
of ten coins. Therefore, payouts on a six, seven, eight or nine
coin wagers also include the top award premium. FIG. 5 shows the
premium paid on the top award of a multiple increment wager.
[0058] By incorporating the enhanced payout schedule into the wager
placing system of the present invention, a gaming device player has
the ability to take advantage of an enhanced payout on a selected
multiple monetary amount(s) in addition to the maximum monetary
amount capable of being wagered. For example, the enhanced payout
schedule does not penalize a player for placing a wager that is
less than the maximum amount for a particular gaming machine.
[0059] Another embodiment of the present invention is a computer
system adapted to calculate and accept wagers of varying amounts.
The computer system is implemented as part of a game of chance,
such as a slot machine or other gaming devices as described above.
The computer system includes a processor and a memory including
software instructions adapted to enable the computer system to
perform the steps of the invention. As described above, the steps
of the invention include storing in the memory a representative
value, wherein the representative value represents a maximum credit
limit for a player. After the player's credit limit is established,
the computer system determines a wager amount. The player uses the
single and the multiple wager selection devices to place a wager,
wherein the signals from the single wager selection device and the
multiple wager selection device are combined when more than one
signal is received, and the computer system calculates the wager
amount. The single and multiple wager selection devices can be
buttons or may be elements of a touch screen. After the wager
amount is determined, the computer system stores the wager amount
in the memory.
[0060] The computer system compares the wagered amount to the
credit limit, wherein the wager amount must be equal to or less
than the credit limit. If not, the player is not allowed to proceed
unless additional money or tokens or some other representative
value is input or the player's wager is lowered.
[0061] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the
system for placing and controlling a wager may be implemented
within a gaming device via a computer program product, containing
programmable code, such a disk or CD.
[0062] The computer program product embodying the present invention
includes software instructions for enabling the computer to perform
predetermined operations, and a computer readable medium bearing
the software instructions. The predetermined operations include the
step of calculating a credit limit value. The credit limit value is
obtained by adding the values of an input into a currency device.
This input, as described above, can be a coin amount, a personal
credit card, a gaming establishment credit card, or tokens. The
software instructions store the credit limit in a first memory. The
software instructions then intercepts a first signal from a single
wager selection device, wherein the first signal is associated with
a single monetary amount. The software instructions intercept a
second signal from a multiple wager selection device, wherein the
second signal being associated with a multiple monetary amount.
[0063] The software instructions calculate a wager amount according
to the first signal and the second signal, and then stores the
wager amount in a second memory. The software instructions compare
the wager amount to the credit limit, wherein the wager amount must
be equal to or less than the credit limit. If not, the player is
not allowed to proceed unless additional money or tokens or some
other representative value is input or the player's wager is
lowered.
[0064] As noted above, the present invention provides numerous
advantages. Various embodiments of the present invention provide
certain advantages to overcome certain drawbacks of the
conventional technique while other embodiments provide the same or
different advantages, and overcome the same or other drawbacks in
the same or different manner. Thus, although there have been
described particular embodiments of the present invention of a
system for varying a wager, it is not intended that such references
be construed as limitations upon the scope of this invention except
as set forth in the following claims.
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