U.S. patent application number 09/974971 was filed with the patent office on 2003-04-17 for casino game with bonus multiplier.
This patent application is currently assigned to Prime Table Games LLC.. Invention is credited to Webb, Derek J..
Application Number | 20030071417 09/974971 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25522571 |
Filed Date | 2003-04-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030071417 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Webb, Derek J. |
April 17, 2003 |
Casino game with bonus multiplier
Abstract
A bonus multiplier provides added excitement and increased
player attraction to existing casino games without affecting game
play or casino advantage. After establishing at least one winning
combination according to rules of an existing casino game and
playing the game to arrive at a player result, the player result is
compared with the winning combinations to determine if the player
result is a winning result. Subsequently, if the player result is
also a qualified result, the player can enter a bonus round to
determine a bonus multiplier or bonus factor for the player
payout.
Inventors: |
Webb, Derek J.; (Derby,
GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NIXON & VANDERHYE P.C.
8th Floor
1100 North Glebe Rd.
Arlington
VA
22201-4714
US
|
Assignee: |
Prime Table Games LLC.
|
Family ID: |
25522571 |
Appl. No.: |
09/974971 |
Filed: |
October 12, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/292 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 3/00157
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/292 |
International
Class: |
A63F 001/00 |
Claims
1. A method of playing a game including a bonus multiplier, the
method comprising: (a) establishing at least one winning
combination according to rules of the game, the winning combination
having a predetermined payoff based on a player wager; and (b)
playing the game to arrive at a player result, and comparing the
player result with the at least one winning combination, wherein if
the player result corresponds to the at least one winning
combination and is a qualified result, (c) entering a bonus round
to determine a bonus factor, and wherein the bonus round comprises
multiple bonus levels based on the at least one winning
combination.
2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising determining
the qualified result according to criteria for establishing the at
least one winning combination.
3. A method according to claim 2, wherein step (a) is practiced
using at least two criteria for establishing the winning
combination, and wherein the qualified result is determined
according to the at least two criteria.
4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the qualified result is
determined according to a hand rank and one additional
criteria.
5. A method according to claim 1, wherein the game is a card game
using at least one deck of cards, wherein step (a) is practiced by
establishing a plurality of winning combinations by hand rank, and
wherein the qualified result is set according to hand rank.
6. A method according to claim 5, wherein a lowest hand rank that
corresponds to the qualified result is a higher hand rank than a
lowest hand rank of the winning combinations.
7. A method according to claim 6, wherein the multiple bonus levels
are determined based on the hand rank.
8. A method according to claim 1, wherein the game is a card game
using at least one deck of cards, wherein step (a) is practiced by
establishing a plurality of winning combinations by hand rank, and
wherein the qualified result is not set according to hand rank.
9. A method according to claim 8, further comprising determining
the qualified result based on at least one criteria of the
cards.
10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the qualified result is
determined based on a color of the cards, the qualified result
comprising all of the cards being of the same color.
11. A method according to claim 9, wherein the qualified result is
determined based on a rank of the cards, the qualified result
comprising all of the cards having a numerical value of at least
eight.
12. A method according to claim 9, wherein the qualified result is
determined based on a rank of the cards, the qualified result
comprising all of the cards having a numerical value less than or
equal to eight.
13. A method according to claim 1, wherein step (c) is practiced by
assigning a random number as the bonus factor.
14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the random number is
between 1 and 6.
15. A method according to claim 14, wherein step (c) is practiced
by rolling a six-sided die.
16. A method according to claim 1, wherein step (c) is practiced by
assigning a low-biased number between 1 and 6 as the bonus
factor.
17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the bonus factor is
displayed as a six-sided die.
18. A method according to claim 1, wherein the qualified result is
determined according to a hand rank, and wherein the multiple bonus
levels are determined based on the hand rank.
19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the bonus factor in a
first bonus level is determined as a number between one and six,
and wherein the bonus factor is a second bonus level is determined
as a number between seven and twelve.
20. A method according to claim 19, wherein the bonus factor is
randomly determined according to a roll of one die in the first
bonus level and a roll of two dice in the second bonus level.
21. A method according to claim 19, wherein the bonus factor is a
low-biased number, and wherein the bonus factor is displayed by a
roll of one die in the first bonus level and a roll of two dice in
the second bonus level.
22. A method according to claim 18, wherein the bonus factor in a
first bonus level is determined as a number between one and six,
and wherein the bonus factor is a second bonus level is determined
as a number between one and thirty-six.
23. A method of playing a game including a bonus multiplier, the
method comprising: (a) establishing at least one winning
combination according to rules of the game, the winning combination
having a predetermined payoff based on a player wager; and (b)
playing the game to arrive at a player result, and comparing the
player result with the at least one winning combination, wherein if
the player result corresponds to the at least one winning
combination and is a qualified result, (c) multiplying the
predetermined payoff based on the player wager by a bonus factor to
determine a game payout for the player, wherein the bonus factor is
determined in one of multiple bonus levels that are based on the at
least one winning combination.
24. A system for playing a game including a bonus multiplier, the
system including a display, a player interface for receiving player
input, and a processor configured to effect game play, the system
comprising: means for establishing at least one winning combination
according to rules of the game, the winning combination having a
predetermined payoff based on a player wager; means for playing the
game to arrive at a player result, and means for comparing the
player result with the at least one winning combination; and means
for multiplying the predetermined payoff based on the player wager
by a bonus factor to determine a game payout for the player if the
player result corresponds to the at least one winning combination
and is a qualified result, wherein the bonus factor is determined
in one of multiple bonus levels that are based on the at least one
winning combination.
25. A system for playing a game including a bonus multiplier, the
system comprising: a processor that establishes at least one
winning combination according to rules of the game, the winning
combination having a predetermined payoff based on a player wager;
and a player interface communicating with the processor, the player
interface effecting game play to arrive at a player result, wherein
the processor compares the player result with the at least one
winning combination, and wherein if the player result corresponds
to the at least one winning combination and is a qualified result,
the processor multiplying the predetermined payoff based on the
player wager by a bonus factor to determine a game payout for the
player, wherein the bonus factor is determined in one of multiple
bonus levels that are based on the at least one winning
combination.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] (NOT APPLICABLE)
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] (NOT APPLICABLE)
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to games of chance and, more
particularly, to games of chance incorporating a bonus
multiplier.
[0004] With the expansion of casino gaining, the trend toward
machine games rather than table games and the attraction of video
games over traditional slot reel games, there has been a growth in
demand for new video casino games. The majority of these games,
however, have many similarities to traditional slot reel games
and/or other video casino games.
[0005] Secondary screens with bonus features or games within games
have become popular. The secondary bonus games reduce the win
frequency and payoff in the primary game to enable an extra payoff
in the secondary game. Multi-line games have also become popular,
wherein, for example, all visible horizontal lines may be played
rather than a single middle line. Other lines such as diagonals may
also offer payoffs. Multi-line play in a video poker format is
described in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,823,873 and 5,732,950.
Multi-line play allows a hand to be played on multiple lines with
the subsequent draw as in original video poker applying to all
hands. All multi-line games require multiple credits to play; that
is, to play a three-line game for a maximum of five units per line
requires fifteen credits, being three times the number of credits
to play the traditional single line. Whilst the majority of players
may play a multi-line game in the same monetary value denomination
as a single line game, some players may trade down to a lower
denomination, which is undesirable to the casino operator.
Additionally, with multi-line play, the actual hit frequency
increases although the win frequency may be lower. When a player
with fifteen credits has two winning lines paying five credits
each, the result is that there is actually a loss of five credits.
In single line play, a partial loss situation could not occur as
the minimum winning result is a return of the full five
credits.
[0006] The mathematics of gaming dictate that where hit frequency
increases, payoffs must decrease, therefore, game volatility is
affected. Volatility is the comparative relationship between high
payoffs, low payoffs and losses. A high volatility offers prospects
of a positive result and may attract a more serious gambler,
whereas limited volatility may attract a player wishing to pass the
time.
[0007] Both multi-line games and secondary bonus games are thus not
necessarily as attractive to traditional players.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] With the modes of play according to the present invention, a
bonus multiplier can be incorporated into any video or table game
providing added player attraction and excitement. With the bonus
feature of the present invention, conventional game play is not
affected. Once a winning combination (e.g., hand of cards, roll of
dice, etc.) is established according to the rules of a particular
game, another preferably higher criteria is used to determine
whether that winning combination qualifies for a bonus round bonus
multiplier. For example, in a Jacks or Better video poker game, a
player's wager is usually returned with a hand of a pair of jacks
or better. Higher payouts are provided for poker combinations of a
higher rank, such as two pair or the like. For these winning
combinations to qualify for a bonus round, however, according to
the present invention, a higher hand rank such as three-of-a-kind
may be required for qualification. Alternatively, other criteria
may be used to qualify the winning combination, such as all cards
being of the same color, all cards being higher or lower than a
particular number, or combinations of hand rank and some other
criteria.
[0009] In the bonus round, a bonus multiplier or bonus factor is
generated that multiplies the payout for the winning combination.
The bonus multiplier for qualified hands may be randomly generated
or may be biased toward a particular number. Added excitement for
the bonus round can be effected in the manner of determining or
displaying the bonus factor. For example, in a video poker game, a
single die may be displayed and "rolled" to determine a bonus
factor between 1 and 6. In a table game, in a similar context, the
dealer or player may roll a die to determine the bonus factor.
[0010] In one operating mode, there may be multiple bonus round
levels with separate qualifications. For example, using hand rank
as criteria, a hand rank of three-of-a-kind or better may qualify
the result for a first level bonus round, whereas a hand rank of
flush or better may qualify the result for a second level bonus
round. In the second level, the potential bonus multiplier is
higher, for example, using a pair of dice to determine the bonus
factor.
[0011] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, a method is provided of playing a game including a bonus
multiplier. At least one winning combination is established
according to rules of the game, wherein the winning combination has
a predetermined payoff based on a player wager. The game is played
to arrive at a player result, and the player result is compared
with the at least one winning combination. If the player result
corresponds to the at least one winning combination and is a
qualified result, the bonus round is entered to determine a bonus
factor. The bonus round preferably includes multiple bonus levels
based on the winning combinations. The qualified result may be
determined according to criteria for establishing the at least one
winning combination. In this context, at least two criteria may be
used for establishing the winning combination, wherein the
qualified result can be determined according to the at least two
criteria. In this context, the qualified result may be determined
according to a hand rank and one additional criteria.
[0012] In one embodiment, the game is a card game using at least
one deck of cards, wherein a plurality of winning combinations are
established by hand rank, and wherein the qualified result is set
according to hand rank. In this context, a lowest hand rank that
corresponds to the qualified result is preferably a higher hand
rank than a lowest hand rank of the winning combinations. The
plurality of bonus levels may be determined based on the hand
rank.
[0013] The game may be a card game using at least one deck of
cards, either actual cards or video cards, wherein a plurality of
winning combinations are established by hand rank, and wherein the
qualified result is not set according to hand rank. In this
context, the qualified result may be based on at least one criteria
of the cards, such as all of the cards being the same color, all of
the cards having a numerical value of at least a particular number,
or all of the cards having a numerical value less than or equal to
a particular number, or both.
[0014] The bonus factor may be determined by assigning a random
number, which may be between 1 and 6. In this context, the random
number may be determined by rolling a six-sided die. Alternatively,
the bonus factor may be determined by assigning a low-biased number
between 1 and 6 as the bonus factor. Similar to the random number
operating mode, particularly in a video format, the bonus factor
can be displayed as a six-sided die.
[0015] If the qualified result is determined according to a hand
rank, the multiple bonus levels may be determined based on the hand
rank. The bonus factor in a first level can be determined as a
number between 1 and 6, and the bonus factor in a second level can
be determined as a number between 2 and 12. In this context, the
bonus factor may be randomly determined according to a roll of one
die in the first bonus level and a roll of two dice in the second
bonus level. Alternatively, the bonus factor may be a low-bias
number, wherein the bonus factor is displayed by a roll of one die
in the first bonus level and a roll of two dice in the second bonus
level. In still another arrangement, the bonus factor in the second
level may be determined as a product of the two-dice roll,
resulting in a bonus factor between 1 and 36.
[0016] In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method
of playing a game including a bonus multiplier includes the steps
of (a) establishing at least one winning combination according to
rules of the game, the winning combination having a predetermined
payoff based on a player wager; and (b) playing the game to arrive
at a player result, and comparing the player result with the at
least one winning combination. If the player result corresponds to
the at least one winning combination and is a qualified result, the
method includes (c) multiplying the predetermined payoff based on
the player wager by a bonus factor to determine a game payout for
the player, wherein the bonus factor is determined in one of
multiple bonus levels that are based on the at least one winning
combination.
[0017] In still another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, an apparatus is provided for carrying out the method of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] These and other aspects and advantages of the present
invention will be described in detail with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 is an exemplary video component for carrying out the
game according to the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is an exemplary display for one game embodiment
according to the invention; and
[0021] FIG. 3 is an exemplary display for a bonus round according
to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] Although the present invention will be described in the
context of a video game unit 10, it is noted that the concepts of
the invention are readily applicable to live table games and the
like. Additionally, the electronic format of the exemplary
description is suitable for an internet casino.
[0023] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration showing the components of
a video game unit 10 configured or programmed with software for
playing the game according to the present invention. Software and
programming of the game unit for carrying out the game according to
the invention do not form part of the present invention and will
thus not be further described. Those of ordinary skill in the art
will contemplate various known means for such software and
programming, and the invention is not meant to be limited to any
particular means. Additionally, since the bonus feature according
to the present invention is applicable to many different casino
games, the invention is not necessarily meant to be limited to the
exemplary poker game described.
[0024] The game unit 10 includes a display 12, a player interface
14, and circuitry 16 for effecting game play. The processing
circuit 16 effects game play according to the rules of the game,
resolves wagers based on established winning combinations and
processes the bonus round according to the invention.
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the invention will be described
using an exemplary application to a Jacks or Better version of
video poker. The invention, however, is not meant to be limited to
any particular game or game format, and the invention can be
applied to any casino game where a winning combination can be
established.
[0026] With reference to FIG. 2, Jacks or Better video poker is a
five-card draw poker game wherein hands of jacks or better result
in winning combinations. Additional combinations are based on
standard poker combinations and have increasing payouts according
to hand rank. In most operating versions of video poker, players
can insert multiple coins (up to five in the version shown in FIG.
2) for increasing the payout scale multiple.
[0027] After receiving a first dealt hand, the player designates
which cards, if any, should be held for further play. The player
then selects "deal/draw," and the non-held cards are replaced with
new cards. In FIG. 2, the player has drawn a full house, with a
payout of 45 units.
[0028] With the bonus feature of the present invention, once it is
determined that the player result corresponds to at least one
winning combination, it is subsequently determined whether the
player result is a qualified result. In this context, the qualified
result may be defined according to casino preference, and in the
exemplary video poker application, a hand of straight or higher is
qualified for the bonus round. In this context, the qualified
result is determined according to the same criteria for
establishing the at least one winning combination. In other
operating modes, still additional criteria or completely different
criteria may be required to qualify the result for the bonus round.
For example, in the exemplary video poker application illustrated
in FIG. 2, any winning hand may be deemed a qualified result if all
cards in the player hand are the same color. Other exemplary
qualified results may require all cards having a numerical value of
at least a particular number such as 8 or less than or equal to a
particular number such as 8 or both. Of course, many other criteria
can be implemented for qualifying a player result for the bonus
round, and the invention is not necessarily meant to be limited to
the described examples.
[0029] Once it is determined that the player result is a qualified
result, the bonus round is played. In the bonus round, a payout
multiplier or bonus factor is determined, and a game payout or
final payout to the player is the product of the predetermined
payoff multiplied by the bonus factor determined in the bonus
round. In the bonus round, the bonus factor may be determined as a
random number up to a particular maximum, such as 6. As shown in
FIG. 3, if the bonus factor is between 1 and 6, the bonus round can
be played by rolling (or displaying a roll of) a single six-sided
die. Even in the video format, a graphic illustration of a rolling
die adds anticipation and excitement to the game. Alternatively,
the number may not necessarily be purely random, but rather may be
a low-biased number up to a particular number such as 6.
[0030] The bonus round may include multiple bonus levels,
increasing the potential payout for the player. In the exemplary
application illustrated in FIG. 2, a hand of four-of-a-kind or
better qualifies for a second bonus level. In the second bonus
level, the bonus factor can be determined as a number up to a
higher maximum number, such as 12, which can be determined by
rolling two six-sided dice, either randomly or low-biased as
discussed above. In the second bonus level, the bonus factor in the
exemplary embodiment could thus be a number between 2 and 12.
Alternatively, the numbers could be multiplied such that the bonus
factor in the second level can be determined as a number between 1
and 36. Of course, other combinations and variations will be
contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0031] In order to maintain a casino advantage that is consistent
with a desired casino advantage, the various payouts can be
slightly reduced to compensate for the frequency of bonus round
winners. If a low-biased bonus factor is incorporated into the
bonus round, only minimal changes may be required to a standard
payout schedule. Alternatively, the bonus feature can be provided
as a side wager, requiring the player to make a dedicated bonus
wager, such as a $1 side wager, prior to game play. In this manner,
the standard game schedules can likely be unchanged. Of course,
since the casino advantage is affected by numerous factors, any of
these factors could be modified to accommodate the bonus feature of
the present invention.
[0032] With the bonus multiplier of the present invention,
increased player attraction and added excitement can be obtained
for practically any casino game. The bonus feature provides a high
potential payout without affecting game play with which the players
are already comfortable. Casinos can benefit by exploiting the
appearance of higher payouts without affecting casino
advantage.
[0033] While the invention has been described in connection with
what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred
embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be
limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is
intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements
included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *