U.S. patent application number 10/243582 was filed with the patent office on 2003-06-26 for non-banked gaming system.
Invention is credited to Crumby, Hardy Lee.
Application Number | 20030119586 10/243582 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24104356 |
Filed Date | 2003-06-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030119586 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Crumby, Hardy Lee |
June 26, 2003 |
NON-BANKED GAMING SYSTEM
Abstract
A gaming system is provided which permits the hold valuc to be
determined independently of the distribution of winning outcomes,
e.g., to avoid or prevent volatility in the hold value. Preferably
each time a wager is placed, a hold value (such as a predetermined
and/or fixed percentage) is retained and the remainder is allocated
to one or more prize pools. If a pool is too large or too small, or
if a pool's rate of growth is too large or too small, the central
computer sends a message to all terminals which contribute to the
pool, causing the terminals to modify operations so as to bring the
pool size or rate of growth to within desired target ranges.
Preferably, the current prize amounts corresponding to various
potential winning game outcomes are displayed when a game is won,
the displayed amount corresponding to the type of win paid.
Preferably, a portion of wages is retained as a background amount
to at least partially replenish a paid-out prize.
Inventors: |
Crumby, Hardy Lee; (Fernley,
NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
George H. Gerstman
Seyfarth Shaw
Suite 4200
55 East Monroe Street
Chicago
IL
60610
US
|
Family ID: |
24104356 |
Appl. No.: |
10/243582 |
Filed: |
September 13, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10243582 |
Sep 13, 2002 |
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09528125 |
Mar 17, 2000 |
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6471591 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/26 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3244
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/26 |
International
Class: |
A63F 013/00 |
Claims
That which is claimed is:
1. A method for non-banked gaming, which comprises: communicating
at least one game terminal to a central controller defining a
plurality of prize pools in an electronic memory of the central
controller; playing wagering games using said terminals; varying
the values of said prize pools in response to communications from
the gaming terminal in a manner responsive to amounts wagered and
amounts won in said games; determining whether at least one of said
prize pools is within a target range; and altering at least one
parameter of the game being played when the at least one prize pool
is not within said target range to have the effect of bringing said
one prize pool within said target range.
2. The method of claim 1 in which said altered parameter comprises
the odds of obtaining a winning outcome.
3. The method of claim 1 in which said altered parameter is a
magnitude of said prize pool.
4. The method of claim 1 in which said altered parameter comprises
a growth rate of said prize pool.
5. The method of claim 1 in which said altered parameter comprises
a depletion rate of said prize pool.
6. The method of claim 1 in which a plurality of said game
terminals are communicated to the central controller.
7. The method of claim 1 in which at least the first prize pool is
used for awarding prizes in a first subplurality of a plurality of
said gaming terminals having a first denomination, and a second
prize pool is used for awarding prizes in a second subplurality of
said plurality of gaming terminals having a second denomination
different from said first denomination.
8. The method of claim 1 in which said altered parameter comprises
increasing or decreasing at least a first prize amount.
9. The method of claim 1 in which a plurality of said game
terminals communicate with said central controller and in which at
least some of said plurality of gaming terminals includes a memory
device storing a plurality of mappings from a first set of data to
a set of game outcomes and wherein said altered parameter comprises
the selection of one of said mappings not in current use.
10. The method of claim 1 in which said target range is
substantially a single target value
11. The method of claim 1 further comprising reporting any of: the
values of the prize pools; a target range; amounts wagered; amounts
won; and the at least one parameter altered.
12. A method for non-banked gaming, which comprises: communicating
at least one game terminal to a central controller defining a prize
pool in an electronic memory of the central controller; playing
wagering games using said terminal; varying the values of said
prize pool in response to communications from the gaming terminal
in a manner responsive to amounts wagered and amounts won in said
games; determining whether said prize pool is within a target
range; and altering at least one parameter of the game being played
when the prize pool is not within said target range to have the
effect of bringing said prize pool within said target range.
13. Apparatus for a non-banked gaming system comprising: at least
one game terminal comprising at least one game having at least one
winning outcome, and at least one parameter affecting payout of
said winning outcome of said game; at least one prize pool having a
size; at least one target range for said prize pool; means for
comparing said prize pool with said target range; means for
altering said parameter when said prize pool is not within said
target range.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 where said parameter is a probability
of winning said game.
15. The apparatus of claim 13 where said parameter is a probability
of losing said game.
16. The apparatus of claim 13 where said parameter is a magnitude
of said prize pool.
17. The apparatus of claim 13 where wagers lost and wagers won
affect the prize pool size.
18. The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising a plurality of
game terminals connected to a central controller.
19. The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising means for altering
said parameter to move said prize pool within said target
range.
20. The apparatus of claim 13 whereby altering said parameter
increases or decreases said winning outcome
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
09/528,125, filed Mar. 17, 2000.
[0002] Cross-reference is made to application Ser. No. 08/895,966
filed Jul. 17, 1997; application Ser. No. 09/359,234, filed Jul.
22, 1999 and to application Serial No. 60/022,194 filed Jul. 19,
1996 all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0003] The present invention relates to a gaming system and in
particular to a system in which the prizes are related to the
amount of wagers.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0004] In a typical gaming system, it is important to avoid the
potential for players to predict when a particular gaming terminal
will have a win, and thus electronic gaming terminals are typically
configured to provide wins on a random or pseudo-random basis,
often using a random number generator. Gaming devices typically use
some of the wagering revenues to fund prizes, with the remainder
(referred to as a "hold") being retained by the casino or other
game operator. At least some previous devices, while providing
prizes on a random basis, have provided one or more prize payouts
which are of a fixed magnitude, i.e., which are predetermined and
substantially unrelated to the amount of wagers that have been
placed since the last win. For example, in a video poker device, a
machine may be configured to output a fast prize amount in response
to a hand which has a pair and a second prize amount in response to
a hand which has three of a kind, and so forth. The prize amounts
corresponding to each winning hand are, typically, predetermined
and constant. In a slot machine game, jackpots or other prizes are
paid upon obtaining particular reel combinations. Typically, such
gaming devices are configured so that on average (i.e., over a
relatively long period of time, which may encompass many games, a
number of which may be winning games) the amount of hold for a
terminal will approach a predetermined target average hold.
However, over a relatively short range (e.g., over a period
representing two or three wins), the amount of hold for a machine,
will typically be quite volatile. This is particularly true when
the hold is considered on the basis of the ratio of the money which
is held since the last prize to the total amount wagered since the
last prize.
[0005] Many previous systems which have provided for random wins
have involved a banked game, i,e., a game in which players compete
against the house (or "bank") or a prize. This is at least partly
because wins which are randomly distributed will occasionally occur
close together, so that a subsequent prize is not fully funded by
wagers that have been placed since the previous prize. In general,
in a banked game, the game operator or "house" is at least
theoretically at financial risk with respect to winnings. In
contrast, a non-banked game provides a fixed fee or percentage of
game wagers or revenues to the game operator or "house" with all
remaining (nonhold) funds being used to pay winning players. In a
non-banked game the game operator never has a financial interest in
the revenues which are in excess of the fixed fee or percentage
hold and thus the game operator is never at financial risk with
respect to winnings by players.
[0006] Some previous gaming systems have included a feature which
provides for a so-called progressive prize which increases in value
as more players wager to win the prize. However, such previous
devices have been implemented so that players wager for
non-progressive (and, typically, banked) prizes at the same time
that they are playing a "progressive" game and thus these devices
still have at least some banked aspects.
[0007] The ability to provide completely non-banked games can be
especially advantageous because at least some jurisdictions
restrict some or all gaming to only non-banked games. However, it
is believed that players generally prefer gaming which appears,
from the player's perspective, to operate substantially as players
are accustomed to, which, in general, means players prefer gaming
which appears to operate substantially in the fashion that
traditional banked gaming operates.
[0008] Accordingly, it would be useful to provide a gaming system
which avoids and, preferably substantially eliminates, banked
gaming, but which preferably closely resembles the perceived play
action associated with banked gaming such as banked slot machine,
card machine or other gaming. It would be useful to provide a
device which can be implemented as a non-banked game, i.e., in
which there is not a potential for prizes which have not already
been substantially "covered" by previous wagers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] According to the present invention, a gaming system is
provided in which the total of all prizes of the game are covered
by (i.e., do not exceed) previously-placed wagers, less a hold
portion of the wagers. In one embodiment, for each wager placed by
a player, a certain portion is allocated for the hold and the
remainder is allocated to one or more multi-terminal prize pools.
Each prize pool represents amounts available for paying out prizes
won in any of a plurality of gaming terminals. Preferably, each
group of gaming terminals which pays out prizes based on a one or
more common pools are terminals of the same denomination (i.e. the
same minimum wager). Information about the prize pools is
preferably maintained in a central computer. From time to time, the
central computer will perform an evaluation on the prize pools,
e.g. to determine if any prize pools are too large or too small
and/or if any prize pools are changing (increasing or decreasing)
too rapidly. If a prize pool is too large or is changing too
rapidly, the central computer will calculate a value intended to
bring the prize pool within the desired size or growth rate range,
such as by increasing or decreasing the size of at least some
prizes and/or changing the odds of winning (such as by commanding
gaming terminals to use a different virtual reel mapping or other
odds-affecting data or procedures). The information or commands
calculated or selected by the central computer are then
communicated to a plurality of individual gaming terminals
(preferably all terminals contributing to the prize pool) and
implemented to change the size of prizes and/or odds of winning in
the individual gaming terminals in a manner so as to affect the
common prize pools in the desired fashion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1A is a simplified view of a video gaming terminal that
can be used in connection with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0011] FIG. 1B is a simplified view of a simulated slot machine
terminal that can be used in connection with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a lock diagram of a computing system which can be
used in connection with controlling a terminal in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention; and
[0013] FIGS. 3A, B, and C are flow charts depicting procedures for
using the gaming system according to embodiments of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0014] FIGS. 1A and 1B depict gaming terminals which can be used
according to embodiments of the present invention. The gaming
terminal includes a display screen 112 which has a first portion
114 for displaying the game such as displaying cards (FIG. 1A, in
the case of a video poker or other electronic card game), simulated
slot machine reels (FIG. 1B, for use in connection with an
electronic slot machine), a number grid (e.g., for use with a keno
game terminal) or the like. Preferably the gaming terminal also
displays an indication of the current value or payout associated
with various winning game outcomes such as winning poker hands,
winning slot machine reel symbol combinations and the like. In the
embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the winning payouts are displayed in
a portion 116 of the display screen. However, it is also possible
to provide a separate display such as a CRT, LCD or similar display
indicating the amount for one or more of the potential prizes. When
one or more prizes are unchanging, graphical displays, e.g. on a
gaming terminal surface can be provided. Various input/output
devices are also provided which may include, e.g., a button panel
118 for authorizing or placing wagers, requesting a deal of cards
(FIG. 1A), a spin of simulated slot machine reels (FIG. 1B), and
the like. Other types of input devices may be used such as a touch
screen input, mouse, joystick, keyboard and the like. Also depicted
in FIGS. 1A and 1B are wager acceptors such as coin, bill and card
acceptors 122a, 122b, 122c, e.g., for permitting players to place
wagers.
[0015] In one embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 2, a gaming system
can include a plurality of gaming terminals 210a through 210e. The
gaming terminals 210a through e are connected to a central
controller 222. Although it is possible to provide a direct
connection from gaming terminals 210 to the central controller 222,
in the depicted embodiment, a plurality of multiplexers 224a,b,c
each couples a group of gaming terminals to the central controller.
For example, in the depicted embodiment, the first multiplexer 224
couples a first group of gaming terminals 210a, 210b, 210c, a
second multiplexer 224b couples a second group of gaming terminals
210d and a third group of multiplexers 224c couples a third group
of gaming terminals 210e. If desired, the multiplexer 224 can be
computers, with appropriate communication models and
programming.
[0016] Preferably, the gaming system includes a plurality of
different features intended to avoid loss of important data for
functionality, e.g. in case of a power loss or other malfunction.
For example, in the depicted embodiment, the multiplexers 224 are
preferably provided with battery back-up 232. The central
controller 222 is preferably provided with redundant disk drives
234a,b for storing important data.
[0017] The gaming terminals, in addition to including a display
112, preferably including a changeable prize display 128, inputs
126 wager acceptors 122, communications module 125 and the like
(generally as described above) is provided with a processor 212
(typically a microprocessor or similar computer system) which is
coupled to, among other items, a (preferably non-volatile) memory
216. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the gaming terminal
210a is configured to include a slot machine-type game and the
non-volatile memory 216 stores a plurality of different virtual
reel mappings 226a, 226b, 226c. At any one time, only one of the
virtual reel mappings 226a,b,c, is in effect. Each reel mapping
defines a correlation between a plurality of virtual reel stop
positions and a different (typically smaller) plurality of
displayable reel stop positions or symbols which can be displayed
on a reel display 228 (which may be either an electronic display
112 or a traditional physical reel display). The mapping defined by
each of the virtual reel mappings 226a,b,c determines the
probabilities of occurrence of various winning combinations (i.e.
winning reel stop positions). For example, if the first reel
mapping 226a has five different virtual reel stop positions, each
of which maps onto, for example, a three-cherry winning reel
display 228, and if the second virtual reel mapping 226b contains
only three virtual reel stop positions which map onto a
three-cheery winning display, then the slot machine game as played
on gaming terminal one 210a will provide a higher probability for
receiving the prize associated with a three-cherry stop position if
the fast virtual reel mapping 226a is in effect, compared to the
probability when the second virtual reel mapping 226b is in effect.
Accordingly, a process of selecting which virtual reel mapping
226a,b,c in effect determines the win probabilities for some or all
prizes of the gaming terminal 210a (e.g. as described below). For
example, in one embodiment, a gaming terminal might have seven sets
of reel mapping stored, including a normal or nominal reel
mapping(defining, normal odds of winning), three reel mappings
having greater-than-normal odds for winning and three reel mappings
having lower-than-normal odds of winning.
[0018] In some (but not necessarily all) embodiments, some or all
of the prize values in the gaming terminals 210 are changeable,
e.g. as a function of the magnitude of various prize pools, as
described below). There are a number of different ways in which the
current amount of a prize associated with various winning outcomes
can be calculated or displayed. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the
gaming terminals store, in non-volatile memory 216, base values for
at least some of the prizes 228, such as the top M prizes (where M
can be any value, but will typically be between 1 and 5). The base
values 228 can then be modified, e.g. by multiplying the base
values 228 by a multiplier. For example, if the multiplier is 2,
the prizes, as displayed on the prize display 128 will be twice the
base values 228.
[0019] Although it is possible to define a single prize pool, or a
single set of prize pools, for use by all gaming terminals, for all
games, it is preferred, as illustrated in FIG. 2, to provide
different prize pools (or sets of prize pools (defined by
information stored in the memory 236 central controller 222)) with
different prize pools being defined for different game
denominations (e.g. nickel games, quarter games, dollar games,
etc.) 238a,b,c, which may be stored, e.g. in a location 248 in
non-volatile memory. Each denomination 238a,b,c is preferably not
only associated with its own prize pool (or set of prize pools)
242a,b,c, but preferably can have different hold percentages
defined 244a,b,c for each denomination.
[0020] In practice, as depicted in FIG. 3A, that frequent or
periodical intervals, (such as about once per second) the gaming
terminal identification and the amounts paid out by that gaming
terminal since the last contribution message (i.e. the last message
reporting on such contributions) may be sent to the central
controller. The reporting can be done in a polled fashion (i.e. in
response to a request sent from a multiplexer or the central
controller) or can be done in an interrupt fashion (with the gaming
terminal sending an interrupt request and then sending a message
with the necessary information after the request is acknowledged.
Each multiplexer 224a, b, c (if provided) accumulates 314 the total
amount of the winnings and the total amount of the wagers for all
of the connected gaming terminals, storing in locations 252a,b and
memory 254 the amounts accumulated since the last time these
amounts were reported to the central controller. Frequently, or
periodically, the multiplexers 224a,b,c report 316, to the central
controller 222, the current winnings 252a and current total wagers
252b. The central controller 222 uses this information to update
318 the size of the appropriate prize pools 242a,b,c.
[0021] In one embodiment, each prize pool 242a,b,c is updated by
adding the amount of the new wagers 252b diminished by the hold
amount. For example, if, for a given denomination 238a, the amount
of wagers made at all such denominated terminals since the last
reporting totaled $100.00 and if the hold percent, is 10 percent,
then the prize pool 242a would be incremented by $100, times 1.0
minus 10 percent, or $90.00. The prize pools 242a,b,c are
decremented by the amounts of the winnings that were paid out from
those pools.
[0022] Preferably the central controller 222 processor 256 can
access information, e.g. stored on disk drives 234a,b, in memory
236, or otherwise, which indicates target values or target ranges
for the size of the various prize pools and/or for the rate of
growth or depletion of the prize pools. Preferably the system can
be configured such that there are different target values or rates
for the different prize pools and/or for the different
denominations. If the system includes target values or ranges for
growth rates, the processor 256 will calculate the actual growth
rate for each of the pools, e.g. as the difference between the new
prize pool and the previous prize pool divided by the time elapsed
since the last update. The central controller 222 then compares the
actual size or growth rate of the updated pools 242a,b,c to the
target size ranges or growth rates or depletion rates 322.
[0023] Actions (if any) which are taken 324 following or in
response to such a comparison 322 will depend on the type of prize
pool adjustment technique which is used. In one embodiment
(generally depicted in FIG. 313) the size of the prizes to be
awarded from the various prize pools are increased or decreased in
order to bring the prize pools' magnitude or growth rate into
desired ranges. In another embodiments depicted in FIG. 3C, the
probabilities of winning outcomes are adjusted in order to increase
or decrease the prize win (payout) rate (e.g. compared to the wager
rate) to bring the prize pools back into the target ranges. It is
also possible to implement embodiments which use both strategies,
either simultaneously, or at different times.
[0024] In the embodiment of FIG. 313, if it is determined that the
prize pool size or growth rate is greater than the target size or
growth rate 326, the central controller 222 will calculate (or
select from a table) a new multiplier value 328 (i.e. a new value
for multiplying the base values 228 in order to arrive at the
actual and displayed prize amounts 128). When the size or growth
rate of one or more of the pools is higher than the target ranges,
multipliers are increased 328 in order to award (on average)
relatively larger prizes and thus deplete the prize pool, so as to
bring it back into the target range. If the prize pool size or
growth rate is less than the target value 332, the processor 256
will calculate a decreased prize multiplier 334 which, again will
operate so as to bring the prize pool size or rate within a target
range. If the size or growth rate is neither too large nor too
small, the prize multiplier is kept unchanged 336. In the
embodiment of FIG. 313, changed values for the multiplier are
transmitted 338 to one or more of the multiplexers 224a,b,c which
in turn transmits the values 342 to each of the coupled gaming
terminals 210. In each gaming terminal 210, the base values 228 are
multiplied 344 by the new prize multiplier and the new prize
amounts, thus calculated, are preferably displayed on the prize
display 128.
[0025] In the embodiment of FIG. 3C if the size or growth rate of
the prize pool is greater than the target 326, the processor 256
will calculate (or select from a table) new increased odds of
winning 346 which, when implemented, begin a process of increasing
the depiction rate, for a prize pool and thus tend, on average, to
bring it back within the target range. If the size or growth rate
is less than the target 332, the processor 256 will calculate (or
select from a table) new decreased odds of winning 348, thus
tending, on average, to increase the size of the prize pool so as
to bring it within the target range. In the embodiment of FIG. 3C,
once the new (increased or decreased) odds have been calculated or
selected, the processor 256 will select a virtual reel mapping
226a,b,c which results in odds, for the gaming terminal, which are
close to the increased or decreased odds 352. Preferably the
central controller 222 has information, e.g. stored in disk drives
234a,b, indicating, for each gaming terminal or group of gaming
terminals, what winning odds will result from implementing each of
the reel mappings 226a,b,c stored in each of the gaming
terminals.
[0026] Although FIG. 3C depicts an embodiment which involves two
steps and an adjustment decision, namely first calculating either
increased or decreased odds 346, 348 and then selecting a virtual
reel with a closest mapping 352, other embodiments are possible.
For example, in response to determining that a size or growth rate
exceeds a target 326, the process 256 can merely send a signal
indicating that the terminal or terminals should select whichever
virtual reel mapping has the next-lower odds of winning.
[0027] If the size or growth rate is neither greater than nor less
than target ranges, then the odds or the reel mapping is kept
unchanged 354. At least in the case of a changed reel mapping, the
new reel mapping (or an indicator or identifier of the desired reel
mapping) is transmitted to the multiplexers 225 which, it turn,
transmit the reel mapping indicators to each coupled gaming
terminal 358. In each gaming terminal, the indicated new reel
mapping 226 is selected 362 and implemented.
[0028] The invention, at least as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3A
through 3C, is believed to represent an efficient and feasible
system, at least partially because the system uses a single central
controller 222 to perform analysis and make decisions which are
then conveyed and implemented, preferably in a plurality of
different gaming terminals 210. For example, in one embodiment, a
single central controller 222 can, substantially instantly and
reliably, implement desirable changes, for bringing pools within
target ranges, among a plurality of gaming terminals, all at
(substantially) the same time, such as adjusting odds or prizes (or
both) for all machines of a given denomination, throughout an
entire casino floor.
[0029] In light of the above description, a number of advantages of
the present invention can be seen. The present invention can
implement a non-banked gaming system which can define prize pools
that are maintained in desired target ranges or growth rates,
preferably substantially simultaneously, throughout all entire
casino floor or other group of gaming terminals. The system allows
for all prizes to be funded from player pools which preferably are
one-time-only seeded (e.g. when the games are initially
implemented). The present system can readily accommodate a system
in which different gaming terminals have different denominations
(e.g. minimum accepted coin). For example, the system call provide
for different hold percentages for each different denomination,
and/or can provide for different prize pools (or sets of prize
pools) for each denomination. For example, the hold percentage for
each denomination might be different because a separate player-fund
pool is maintained for each denomination. If desired, the present
system can provide for adjusting only certain ones, of all
available prizes, such as the prizes with the highest monetary
award value preferably as a function of the value of the
appropriate player fund pool for corresponding denominations.
Because the size of the prizes can be adjusted, various objectives
can be met. For example, in one embodiment, the highest award value
prizes can be configured to collectively contribute the same total
fixed percentage to the player payback percentage, e.g. to ensure a
substantially equal opportunity to win (at least some prizes) for
all players on all games. By using a multiplier of a base value to
determine prize amounts, it is possible to provide for values of
prizes which vary widely from game to game (e.g. as may be desired
to enhance player interest or entertainment value) but in which,
nevertheless, the value can be adjusted up or down e.g. by a
percentage based on the current monetary size of the appropriate
player fund pool. Because credits played and credits won are stored
in non-volatile memory, these values can be retrieved (e.g. through
maintenance procedures) and used as necessary (e.g. added to the
appropriate player fund pool) even if the terminal should become
non-operable. Preferably, in the event of loss of communication,
gaming terminals would finish any ongoing game and then discontinue
operation until communications is restored. By providing for
multiple multiplexers, communication multiplexers can be installed
within relatively close proximity to the gaming terminal, thus
helping to avoid connection disruptions. The system preferably
provides for various types of reporting such as end-of-day and
weekly/monthly prize pool reports. Preferably reports, such as
end-of-day reports, pertaining to individual terminals and game
play activities, can be used to provide required jurisdictional
reports as well as desired or necessary casino floor management and
trend analysis. The various prize pools and analysis and
calculation as described are preferably substantially implemented
by the manner in which the processor of the central controller 222
is programmed and new denominations, new prize pools, or
modifications thereof, can be made to the system relatively
readily, such as by adding or modifying software. Preferably the
central system is configured with sufficient redundancy to provide
a high degree of fault tolerance and reduce or eliminate the
potential for loss of critical data. In one embodiment, player
prize pool values are calculated based on the previous pool value,
plus a new money played, minus money won, minus an operator fee
(e.g. percent of money played). Preferably the system ensures that
the player fund pools always remain above the initial seed value.
The new player fund pool can be used to determine a new percentage
of initial pool seed value. Such percentage can be used to adjust
the current value of the top awards.
[0030] The present invention provides for a gaming system that
achieves substantially unpredictable, such as random, win
distribution while permitting the system to achieve a substantially
constant, non-volatile hold percentage, even when the hold
percentage is considered on a win-to-win basis. The present
invention permits the implementation of a system which contains no
banked games, i.e., in which all prizes (even those resulting from
wins which, through the operation of randomness, occur relatively
close together) are funded entirely by previous wagers rather than
requiring the house or "bank" to cover prizes (except perhaps, for
initial seeding). The present invention permits a gaming system to
be implemented in which all prizes can increment through time, as
multiple wagers are placed, which is believed to add to the
entertainment value and interest in the game.
[0031] A number of variations and modifications of the invention
can also be used. Although the invention has been described in
terms of gaming terminals such as may be found in casinos, the
invention can also be implemented on other types of devices such as
desktop or laptop personal computers, including those communicating
over groups of networks such as the Internet. The present invention
permits effective control over the hold value. Although it is
anticipated that this control will be used to establish a
substantially stable or constant hold, this control could also be
used to implement a hold value which varied, e.g., for marketing
purposes (such as at different times of the day, or in different
locations, or in response to the current prize amounts or
configurations). Freeing the hold value from volatility which is
based on the randomness of the win distribution permits the system
to be configured such that the hold can be controlled in any of a
variety of fashions, whether a constant hold is desired or some
changeable hold, e.g., for marketing purposes. In one embodiment,
the present invention can be implemented in a fashion such that one
or more of the prize amounts are changed in response to wagers at
two or more networked gaming terminals. Typically, the number of
terminals which are pooled together will be related to the
wager-to-prize ratio. It is also possible to provide a hybrid
gaming terminal in which some prizes are implemented in a
stand-alone fashion and other prizes are implemented using local,
casino-wide or wide area links. Other groupings and communication
links can also be provided as will be apparent to those of skill in
the art after understanding the present invention.
[0032] It is possible to provide configurations with a single prize
meter, with a predetermined percentage of the prize to be awarded
depending on the type of winning outcome which is achieved (e.g.,
two-of-a-kind results in 5% of the amount in the prize meter, royal
flush results in 90% of the amount in the prize meter), and/or
depending on the denomination of the gaming terminal (e.g. 60
percent of the prize meter being allocated to $2 machines and 40
percent being allocated to $5 machines). Although embodiments of
the present invention were described in connection with a reel
game, the invention call also be implemented in connection with
other types of games including electronic poker games, electronic
keno games, or other card games, or similar games. For example, for
a card game, rather than selecting a virtual reel mapping, the
system can provide virtual card deck mappings and the like. It
would be possible to implement all embodiment in which each gaming
terminal stored only a single virtual reel mapping 226a and,
whenever it was desired to change winning odds, an entirely new
virtual reel mapping could be downloaded, from a multiplexer 224
(or a central controller 222), for storage and use in the gaming
terminal. However, it is believed that by storing a plurality of
reel mappings 226a,b,c and downloading only instructions regarding
which reel mapping to choose, the bandwidth necessary to implement
the present invention can be kept relatively low. It is also
possible to effectively modify reel mapping, such as by adding new
mapping elements (or removing from) a "base" mapping.
[0033] The present invention, in various embodiments, includes
components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus
substantially as depicted and described herein, including various
embodiments, subcombinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill
in the art will understand how to make and use the present
invention after understanding the present disclosure. The present
invention, in various embodiments, includes providing devices and
processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described
herein or in various embodiments hereof, including in the absence
of such items as may have been used in previous devices or
processes, e.g. for improving performance, achieving case and/or
reducing cost of implementation. The present invention includes
items which are novel, and terminology adapted from previous and/or
analogous technologies, for convenience in describing novel items
or processes, do not necessarily retain all aspects of conventional
usage of such terminology.
[0034] The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented
for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not
intended to limit the invention to the form or forms disclosed
herein. Although the description of the invention has included
description of one or more embodiments and certain variations and
modifications, other variations and modifications are within the
scope of the invention, e.g. as may be within the skill and
knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present
disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include
alternative embodiments to the extent permitted, including
alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions,
ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate,
interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or
steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly
dedicate any patentable subject matter.
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