U.S. patent application number 10/417282 was filed with the patent office on 2003-10-30 for gaming system and method having premium play period.
This patent application is currently assigned to Stanley E. Fulton. Invention is credited to Fox, John.
Application Number | 20030203751 10/417282 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29254674 |
Filed Date | 2003-10-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030203751 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fox, John |
October 30, 2003 |
Gaming system and method having premium play period
Abstract
A method of playing a video gaming system which includes the
steps of inputting at least one credit, displaying at least one
game; and activating a premium event initiator to initiate a
premium play period for at least one game play. A video gaming
system is also provided which includes a video display, an input
device for receipt of credits, a central processor to display on
the video display at least one game, and a premium event initiator
to initiate a premium play period for at least one game play.
Inventors: |
Fox, John; (Omaha,
NE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CAESAR, RIVISE, BERNSTEIN,
COHEN & POKOTILOW, LTD.
12TH FLOOR, SEVEN PENN CENTER
1635 MARKET STREET
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103-2212
US
|
Assignee: |
Stanley E. Fulton
Las Vegas
NV
|
Family ID: |
29254674 |
Appl. No.: |
10/417282 |
Filed: |
April 16, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60376478 |
Apr 30, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3244
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/16 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of playing a video gaming system, comprising the steps
of: (a) inputting at least one credit (b) displaying at least one
game; and (c) activating a premium event initiator to initiate a
premium play period for at least one game play.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of activating the
premium event initiator initiates the premium play period for a
single game play.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of activating the
premium event initiator initiates the premium play period for a
designated number of additional game plays.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of activating the
premium event initiator initiates the premium play period having an
increased payout percentage and wherein the method further includes
the step of increasing a bet size as compared to times other than
during the premium play period.
5. A method of playing a video gaming system, comprising: (a)
inputting at least one credit; (b) displaying at least one game;
(c) activating a premium event initiator to initiate a premium play
period for at least one game play; (d) inputting of at least one
additional credit for each game play of the premium play period;
and (e) increasing a payout percentage during the premium play
period.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of activating the
premium event initiator initiates the premium play period for a
single game play.
7. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of activating the
premium event initiator initiates the premium play period for a
designated number of additional game plays.
8. A method of playing a video slot gaming system, comprising: (a)
inputting at least one credit; (b) displaying at least one slot
game; (c) activating a premium event initiator to initiate a
premium play period for at least one game play which requires
inputting of at least one additional credit per game play during
the premium play period; (d) inputting the at least one additional
credit for each game played during the premium play period; and (e)
changing at least one reel of the slot game during the premium play
period to increase a payout percentage.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of activating the
premium event initiator initiates the premium play period for a
single game play.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of activating the
premium event initiator initiates the premium play period for a
designated number of additional game plays.
11. A method of playing a video gaming system, comprising: (a)
inputting at least one credit; (b) displaying at least one game;
(c) activating a premium event initiator to initiate a premium play
period for at least one game play which requires inputting of at
least one additional credit per game play; (d) inputting the at
least one additional credit per game play during the premium play
period; and (e) converting at least one group of indicia in the
slot display that was a losing group of indicia prior to the
premium play period to be a winning group of indicia, during the
premium play period.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of activating the
premium event initiator initiates the premium play period for a
single game play.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of activating the
premium event initiator initiates the premium play period for a
designated number of additional game plays.
14. The method of claim 11, including the steps of inputting of at
least one additional credit per game play and increasing a payout
percentage during the premium play period.
15. A method of playing a video slot gaming system, comprising: (a)
inputting at least one credit; (b) displaying at least one slot
game having a plurality of slot symbols displayed; (c) activating a
premium event initiator to initiate a premium play period for at
least one slot game play which requires inputting of at least one
additional credit per game play; and (d) retaining at least one
slot symbol of the slot game in position during all game plays of
the premium play period.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of activating the
premium event initiator initiates the premium play period for a
single game play.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of activating the
premium event initiator initiates the premium play period for a
designated number of additional game plays.
18. The method of claim 15, including the steps of inputting of at
least one additional credit per game play and increasing a payout
percentage during the premium play period.
19. A method of playing a video gaming system, comprising: (a)
inputting at least one credit; (b) displaying at least one game;
(c) activating a premium event initiator to initiate a premium play
period for at least one game play which requires inputting of at
least one additional credit per game play during the premium play
period; and (d) increasing speed of every game played during the
premium play period relative to play at other times.
20. The video gaming system of claim 19, wherein the premium event
initiator initiates the premium play period for a single game
play.
21. The video gaming system of claim 19, wherein the premium event
initiator initiates the premium play period for a designated number
of additional game plays.
22. The method of claim 19, including the steps of inputting of at
least one additional credit per game play and increasing a payout
percentage during the premium play period.
23. A video gaming system, comprising: (a) a video display; (b) an
input device for receipt of credits; (c) a central processor
adapted to display on the video display at least one game; and (d)
a premium event initiator to initiate a premium play period for at
least one game play.
24. The video gaming system of claim 23, wherein the premium event
initiator is adapted to initiate the premium play period for a
single game play.
25. The video gaming system of claim 23, wherein the premium event
initiator is adapted to initiate the premium play period for a
designated number of additional game plays.
26. The video gaming system of claim 23, wherein the premium event
initiator is adapted to initiate the premium play period having an
increased payout percentage and an increased bet size compared to
play at times other than during the premium play period.
27. A video gaming system, comprising: (a) a video display; (b) an
input device for receipt of credits; (c) a first pay table
associated with a first bet amount; (d) a second pay table
associated with a second bet amount, wherein said second bet amount
is higher the first bet amount; (e) a central processor adapted to
display on the video display at least one game; (f) a premium event
initiator adapted to initiate a premium play period for at least
one game play wherein said premium play period uses the second pay
table.
28. The video gaming system of claim 27, wherein the premium event
initiator is adapted to initiate the premium play period for a
single game play.
29. The video gaming system of claim 27, wherein the premium event
initiator is adapted to initiate the premium play period for a
designated number of additional game plays.
30. A video slot gaming system, comprising: (a) a video slot
display; (b) an input device for receipt of credits; (c) a first
pay table associated with a first bet amount; (d) a second pay
table associated with a second bet amount, wherein said second bet
amount is higher the first bet amount; (e) a central processor
adapted to display on the video display at least one game; and (f)
said premium play period adapted to include changing at least one
virtual reel of the video slot display to increase a payout
percentage.
31. The video gaming system of claim 30, wherein the premium event
initiator is adapted to initiate the premium play period for a
single game play.
32. The video gaming system of claim 30, wherein the premium event
initiator is adapted to initiate the premium play period for a
designated number of additional game plays.
33. A video gaming system, comprising: (a) a video display; (b) an
input device for receipt of credits; (c) a first pay table
associated with a first bet amount; (d) a second pay table
associated with a second bet amount, wherein said second bet amount
is higher the first bet amount; (e) a central processor adapted to
display on the video display at least one game; and (f) said
premium play period including an increased bet amount and the
second pay table having an increased payout percentage relative to
the first pay table.
34. The video gaming system of claim 33, wherein the premium event
initiator is adapted to initiate the premium play period for a
single game play.
35. The video gaming system of claim 33, wherein the premium event
initiator is adapted to initiate the premium play period for a
designated number of additional game plays.
36. A video slot gaming system, comprising: (a) a video slot
display; (b) an input device for receipt of credits; (c) a first
pay table associated with a first bet amount; (d) a second pay
table associated with a second bet amount, wherein said second bet
amount is higher the first bet amount; (e) a central processor
adapted to display on the video display at least one game; (d) a
premium event initiator to initiate a premium play period for at
least one game play; and (e) said premium play period adapted to
require an additional bet amount wherein certain losing groups of
slot symbols of a nonpremium player period are considered winning
groups of slot symbols during the premium play period.
37. The video gaming system of claim 36, wherein the premium event
initiator is adapted to initiate the premium play period for a
single game play.
38. The video gaming system of claim 37, wherein the premium event
initiator is adapted to initiate the premium play period for a
designated number of additional game plays.
39. A video slot gaming system, comprising: (a) a video slot
display; (b) an input device for receipt of credits; (c) a first
pay table associated with a first bet amount; (d) a second pay
table associated with a second bet amount, wherein said second bet
amount is higher the first bet amount; (e) a central processor
adapted to display on the video display at least one game; (f) a
premium event initiator to initiate a premium play period for at
least one game play; and (g) said premium play period adapted to
retain at least one slot symbol in position on the video slot
display during the premium play period.
40. The video gaming system of claim 39, wherein the premium event
initiator is adapted to initiate the premium play period for a
single game play.
41. The video gaming system of claim 39, wherein the premium event
initiator is adapted to initiate the premium play period for a
designated number of additional game plays.
42. A video gaming system, comprising: (a) a video display; (b) an
input device for receipt of credits; (c) a first pay table
associated with a first bet amount; (d) a second pay table
associated with a second bet amount, wherein said second bet amount
is higher the first bet amount; (e) a central processor adapted to
display on the video display at least one game; and (f) a premium
event initiator to initiate a premium play period for at least one
game play, and wherein the premium play is played at an increased
speed relative to play at other times.
43. The video gaming system of claim 42, wherein the premium event
initiator is adapted to initiate the premium play period for a
single game play.
44. The video gaming system of claim 42, wherein the premium event
initiator is adapted to initiate the premium play period for a
designated number of additional game plays.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Serial No. 60/376,478, entitled Gaming System Having
Premium Player Period, filed Apr. 30, 2002.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to the field of gaming or gambling,
and, in particular, to video gaming devices.
[0003] Gambling or gaming devices have been in use for decades and
were originally introduced in the 19th century. A major advancement
in technology of gaming devices occurred when microprocessors were
introduced in the gaming or gambling field. They were divided into
two major segments in their development. One being the mechanical
spinning reels and the other being the use of "CRT" displays or
animated displays of reels, cards, keno boards, and "21" games. The
emergence of such microprocessor devices has opened a vast set of
possibilities to gambling device designers. In U.S. Pat. No.
4,095,795, the first microprocessor slot machine is described.
[0004] Another major advancement used microprocessors and a
software program to adjust the odds of achieving any particular
combination or game outcome. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,448,419
describes a mechanical reel slot machine controlled by a
microprocessor. The software program allowed for the control of the
reels and the varying of odds of achieving any particular
combination of symbols. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,711,451
describes a gambling device using mechanical reels but is
controlled by a microprocessor.
[0005] Microprocessors along with the lowering prices of color
monitors allowed the expansion of the second largest area of
gambling devices. These devices, known as "Video Games" included
video slots, 21, bingo, keno, and poker machines. The largest
portion of this segment of the gaming field is the video poker
machine.
[0006] Development of use of microprocessors in the gaming or
gambling fields can be divided into two major segments, first, in
mechanical spinning reels and, second, in the use of CRTs, for
example, in use of animated displays of reels, cards, keno
boards,"21" games, and the like. The emergence of such
microprocessor devices has opened a vast set of possibilities to
gaming device designers. One such innovation has been to
interconnect banks of machines, both locally and over broad
geographic areas, with a small percentage of each wager being
cumulatively added to a centralized, ever-growing, jackpot. One
such arrangement is known as a multi-linked progressive jackpot.
Another major advancement using microprocessors involved the use of
software to adjust the odds of achieving any particular combination
or game outcome.
[0007] In using microprocessors, a random number generator picks
numbers representing stop positions, with each physical stop
position represented by multiple software stop positions. This was
the first use of the "Virtual Reel" type slot machine. This method
allowed the standard 20-stop reel to be expanded up to, for
example, 512 software stops. Thus, the size of the symbols used on
the physical reel could remain the same size while increasing the
number used on each reel. Before using microprocessors, when the
number of stops on a reel increased, the symbol's physical size had
to decrease because of limitations of the mechanical reel. A method
of reel mapping permitted a single machine to act as a single
machine, a "multiple stop" machine, or a virtual reel gambling
device, thus saving on development costs. Stepper motors now
replaced the mechanical reels that had been used for the past eight
decades. This innovation allowed designers to have the reels spin
in any direction, add reels inside of reels, and expand the number
of symbols used on each reel.
[0008] Because virtual reel slot machines obscure the true
probability of achieving certain combinations, players tend to
choose slot machines according to the size of the jackpots offered
without an appreciation of the true probability of hitting a large
jackpot. For example, the odds of achieving a giant jackpot in one
machine, where the jackpot may be, for example, in the tens of
millions of dollars, may be very low. However, to the player, the
odds do not seem to be any lower than that for obtaining any other
symbol combination. In other words, in virtual reel slot machines,
high jackpots may be offered which have a very low probability of
being achieved, but the player is often essentially unaware of the
true odds of the device.
[0009] In many locations, governmental regulations govern the
minimum overall payouts and the cycle size for slot machines
because the use of microprocessor technology has permitted the
design of slot devices having virtual reels and bonus games, which
deprive the player the knowledge of the true odds of a particular
symbol appearing on the "win line" on each game. As indicated
above, early mechanical slot machines had a finite number of
symbols on each reel (usually 20 to 25) and the odds of each symbol
appearing was relatively easily discernible.
[0010] Gaming devices generally generate revenue in accordance with
the following equation:
REVENUE=HOUSE EDGE.times.HOURS PLAYED.times.PLAYS PER HOUR
[0011] Of the above variables, two, Hours Played and Plays Per
Hour, are directly controlled by the player, and are thus difficult
for a casino to change. House Edge, is directly controlled by a
casino but is nonetheless difficult to change for regulatory
reasons. In addition, increasing the House Edge can affect other
variables to actually decrease revenue, as is described below.
[0012] Players are primarily concerned with finding a gaming device
with a low "House Edge," also known as "hold percentage." This is
the average percentage of wagered money which is kept by the gaming
device per game. Likewise, players are primarily concerned with
finding a gaming device with a high "payout percentage." The payout
percentage is 100% minus the House Edge, which equals the average
percentage of wagered money which is returned to a player per game.
Low hold percentages (i.e., high payout percentages) are a
significant factor in attracting players to one casino rather than
another. Accordingly, many casinos advertise that they have gaming
devices with very high payout percentages. Although a high payout
percentage (low House Edge) may attract players, it also results in
lower revenue. Casinos, of course, would prefer higher revenue, and
may increase the House Edge to increase revenue. Paradoxically,
increasing the House Edge does not always increase revenue. The
House Edges of gaming devices are often displayed in publications
or on the gaming device itself. Many players will avoid gaming
devices that they believe to have low payout percentages, or high
House Edges. Thus, if the House Edge is increased on certain gaming
devices, the Hours Played or Plays Per Hour on those gaming devices
may decrease, and revenues may likewise decrease.
[0013] In addition, when a casino wants to adjust the hold
percentage of a slot machine, state and/or local regulations may
require that the machine be removed from the casino floor, adjusted
accordingly, then reactivated. Accordingly, some casinos may be
reluctant to increase the House Edge of gaming devices in an
attempt to increase revenues from those devices.
[0014] Increasing the Hours Played is difficult to achieve because
a casino cannot easily modify player behavior. For example, to
increase the Hours Played, casinos typically remove clocks from the
view of players, make the seats and playing area more comfortable,
and serve free drinks in an attempt to modify player behavior.
Additionally, the gaming devices themselves have become
increasingly more entertaining in order to entice the player to
play longer. Such measures may increase the Hours Played to a
certain extent, but do not necessarily increase the Hours Played
significantly or at all. Increasing the Plays Per Hour (speed of
game play) is likewise difficult. Efforts to increase this factor
include providing a spin button, rather than a handle, on some slot
machines, allowing the player to initiate each game quickly. In
addition, some slot machines have faster stopping reels, which end
each game more quickly. Furthermore, a group of gaming machines may
be in communication over a network, allowing each of a group of
players to influence the movement of an object in a race, such as a
horse race or car race. Such a racing game may make some players
play faster than they would have. However, other players view such
a game as annoyingly complicated and do not participate.
[0015] Casinos may also sponsor tournaments, in which the first
player to win a jackpot or reach a certain score wins a prize.
Casinos may also organize player clubs, in which players receive
points for the number of plays or amounts wagered. Such points can
be redeemed for goods and services once the player has reached a
certain threshold. Casinos may also offer players the chance to win
a "progressive jackpot", which increases over time and is typically
available to all players in a casino playing slot machines. When a
progressive jackpot reaches a large dollar amount, players
typically play rapidly in an attempt to win that jackpot. Since
each player knows that all other players have a chance to win, they
play faster in an attempt to increase their chances of winning the
jackpot. However, other players are not attracted by such casino
promotions, and their playing behavior is thus unaffected by the
promotions.
[0016] In summary, it would be advantageous to increase a player's
attraction to a gaming device.
[0017] All references cited herein are incorporated herein by
reference in their entireties.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The present invention is directed to a method of playing a
video gaming system that includes the steps of inputting at least
one credit, displaying at least one game, and activating a premium
event initiator to initiate a premium play period for at least one
game play.
[0019] The step of activating the premium event initiator may
initiate the premium play period for a single game play or a
designated number of additional game plays. The premium play period
may have an increased payout percentage and corresponding increased
bet size as compared to times other than the premium play
period.
[0020] In a more specific preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a method of playing a video gaming system is provided
which includes the steps of inputting at least one credit,
displaying at least one game, activating a premium event initiator
to initiate a premium play period for at least one game play,
inputting at least one additional credit for each game play during
the premium play period, and increasing a payout percentage during
the premium play period.
[0021] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a
method of playing a video slot gaming system is provided which
includes the steps of inputting at least one credit, displaying at
least one slot game, activating a premium event initiator to
initiate a premium play period for at least one game play which
requires inputting of at least one additional credit for each game
play, inputting the at least one additional credit per game play,
and changing at least one slot reel during the premium play period
to increase a payout percentage.
[0022] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a method of playing a video slot gaming system is
provided which includes the steps of inputting at least one credit,
displaying at least one slot game, activating a premium event
initiator to initiate a premium play period for at least one game
play which requires inputting of at least one additional credit for
each game play, inputting the at least one additional credit per
game play during the premium play period, and converting at least
one group of indicia in the slot display that was a losing group of
indicia prior to the premium play period to be a winning group of
indicia.
[0023] In still another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a method of playing a video slot gaming system is
provided which includes the steps of inputting at least one credit,
displaying at least one slot game having a plurality of slot
symbols displayed, activating a premium event initiator to initiate
a premium play period for at least one slot game play which
requires inputting of at least one additional credit per game play,
and retaining at least one slot symbol in displayed position during
all game plays of the premium play period.
[0024] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a method of playing a video gaming system is provided
which includes the steps of inputting at least one credit,
displaying at least one game, activating a premium event initiator
to initiate a premium play period for at least one game play which
requires inputting of at least one additional credit per game play,
and increasing speed of every game played during the premium play
period relative to play at other times.
[0025] A video gaming system is also provided which includes a
video display, an input device for receipt of credits, a central
processor adapted to display on the video display at least one
game, and a premium event initiator to initiate a premium play
period for at least one game play.
[0026] The premium event initiator may be adapted to initiate the
premium play period for a single game play or for a designated
number of additional game plays. The premium event initiator may be
adapted to initiate the premium play period having an increased
payout percentage and increased bet size compared to times other
than during the premium event period.
[0027] In another embodiment of the present system, a video gaming
system is provided which includes a video display, an input device
for receipt of credits, a first pay table associated with a first
bet amount, a second pay table associated with a second bet amount,
wherein the second bet amount is higher the first bet amount, a
central processor adapted to display on the video display at least
one game, and a premium event initiator adapted to initiate a
premium play period for at least one game play wherein the premium
play period uses the second pay table.
[0028] In yet another embodiment of the present system, a video
slot gaming system is provided that includes a video display, an
input device for receipt of credits, a first pay table associated
with a first bet amount, a second pay table associated with a
second bet amount, wherein the second bet amount is higher the
first bet amount, and a central processor adapted to display on the
video display at least one slot game. The premium play period is
adapted to change at least one of virtual reel of the video slot
display to increase a payout percentage.
[0029] In still another embodiment of the present system, a video
gaming system is provided which includes a video display, an input
device for receipt of credits, a first pay table associated with a
first bet amount, a second pay table associated with a second bet
amount, wherein the second bet amount is higher the first bet
amount, and a central processor adapted to display on the video
display at least one game. The premium play period includes an
increased bet amount and the second pay table has an increased
payout percentage relative to the first pay table.
[0030] In another embodiment of the present system, a video gaming
system is provided that includes a video display, an input device
for receipt of credits, a first pay table associated with a first
bet amount, a second pay table associated with a second bet amount,
wherein the second bet amount is higher the first bet amount, a
central processor adapted to display on the video display at least
one game; and a premium event initiator to initiate a premium play
period for at least one game play. The premium play period requires
an additional bet amount wherein certain losing groups of symbols
of a nonpremium play period are considered winning groups of
symbols during the premium play period.
[0031] In another embodiment of the present system, a video gaming
system is provided which includes a video display, an input device
for receipt of credits, a first pay table associated with a first
bet amount, a second pay table associated with a second bet amount,
wherein the second bet amount is higher the first bet amount, and a
central processor to display on the video display at least one
game. A premium event initiator initiates a premium play period for
at least one game play. The premium play period retains at least
one symbol in displayed position during the premium play
period.
[0032] Finally, in another embodiment of the present system, a
video gaming system is provided that includes a video display, an
input device for receipt of credits, a first pay table associated
with a first bet amount, a second pay table associated with a
second bet amount, wherein the second bet amount is higher the
first bet amount, a central processor adapted to display on the
video display at least one game, and a premium event initiator to
initiate a premium play period for at least one game play. The
premium play is played at an increased speed relative to play at
other times.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] The invention will be described in conjunction with the
following drawing, wherein:
[0034] FIG. 1 is a simplified drawing of a slot machine in
accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] The present invention is directed to increasing the Plays
Per Hour, as described above, of a gaming device, and thereby
significantly increase the revenue to the owner of the gaming
device. Players typically do not consider the number of games
played on a machine, but instead attempt to find a gaming device
with a low House Edge, as described above, that is easy to play.
Accordingly, a gaming device that is played rapidly will typically
not discourage players, and can thus generate more revenue by
providing an incentive to play faster and for longer periods of
time without tiring arms or fingers. Such a gaming device may be
played for more games so that more revenue will be generated than,
for example, a higher payout percentage will create. By offering an
incentive to play more games, a gaming device will typically be
played for more games over a period of time than those devices that
do not provide such an incentive. The casino can in turn derive
greater revenue from the gaming device, even though the player is
afforded a higher payout percentage.
[0036] In a typical reel-type slot machine, a payout of coins or
credits is made to a player whenever certain combinations of
symbols are displayed on the reels relative to a payline. To
accommodate various players, each machine will accept a certain
minimum wager amount per activation of the reels. For example, a
player willing to bet larger amounts will chose a machine having
$1.00 or $5.00 as its minimum wager amount instead of a $0.05 or
$0.25 machine. Also, casino operators will adjust the total game
payout percentage up or down based on the profitability that the
operator of the gaming machine desires and whatever regulations are
imposed upon the operator by the gaming authority that regulates
the use of the gaming machine. Generally, the operator will set the
payout percentage for each machine based on the minimum wager
amount such that the payout percentages increase as the minimum
wager amount increases. For example, the payout percentage of a
five dollar machine will be higher than that of a nickel
machine.
[0037] Generally, the popularity of such gaming machines with
players is dependent on the intrinsic entertainment value of the
machine relative to other available gaming options and the
likelihood (or perceived likelihood) of winning money at the
machine. One concept, which has been successfully employed to
enhance the entertainment value of a game, is the concept of a
secondary or bonus game, which may be played in conjunction with a
basic game. The bonus game may comprise any type of game, either
similar to or completely different from the basic game, which is
entered upon the occurrence of a selected event or outcome of the
basic game.
[0038] Referring now to the drawing, there is shown in FIG. 1 a
simplified schematic drawing of a gaming machine 10 in accordance
with one preferred embodiment of the present invention. The gaming
machine 10 includes a video display 12, an input device 14 (or
devices) for receipt of credits, for example, in the form of
currency, token, card, biometric and the like, as well known in the
art of gaming machines. The gaming machine 10 further includes a
central processor 16 adapted to display on the video display at
least one game. The central processor 16 has an associated first
pay table and associated with a first bet amount. The central
processor 16 is capable of changing to at least one additional pay
table associated with a respective additional bet amount. Finally,
the gaming machine 10 has a "premium button" 18 to initiate a
premium play period for at least one game play.
[0039] As indicated, the present invention is directed to a video
gaming machine 10 having a special premium play period. The premium
play period is activated either by a player (using, for example, an
activation button, hereinafter, the "premium button" 18) or an
event (for example, a predetermined number of plays, a win of a
certain amount, or a certain minimum plays per hour. This "event"
is hereinafter called the "activation event" which is activated by
a "premium event initiator" (i.e., the button 18 or event). The
overall goal here is to motivate a player to increase his or her
Plays Per Hour and bet size.
[0040] The activation button 18 or other actuation mechanism or
icon is incorporated onto the gaming machine 10 to begin a special
game play and enables, for example, one or more of the following
features for a designated number of games:
[0041] (a) a bonus is awarded for that game play or for a
designated number of additional games;
[0042] (b) a virtual reel is changed for that game play or a
predetermined series of wagered games;
[0043] (c) the denomination (coin value) of the machine is changed
for that game play or a predetermined series of wagered games;
[0044] (d) certain losing groups or series of losing combinations
of symbols are considered winning combinations or series of
combinations if contained within the predetermined series of
wagered games;
[0045] (e) a bonus is awarded for that game play or for a
predetermined series of wagered games and groups of indicia from
the bonus game are retained in position after that game play or a
predetermined series of wagered games;
[0046] (f) the speed and pace of the game is altered or altered for
a predetermined series of wagered games; and
[0047] (g) the wager is altered for a predetermined series of
wagered games.
[0048] Each of these features will be individually addressed
below.
[0049] First, when a player hits the premium button 18 or the
activation event takes place (as described above), premium play
occurs for a single game play or for a designated number of
additional game plays. Depending upon the gaming machine, this may
be designed or set to occur for a single game play or, for example,
the next five game plays, or, for example, the next one minute,
etc. This may be designed into the software of the gaming machine.
In this first type of premium play, a bonus is awarded to the
player. For example, the bonus may be a credit played back to the
player. Substantially any type of bonus known in gaming may be
used. However, if the bonus creates a higher payout percentage, a
greater bet amount is required.
[0050] Second, when a player hits the premium button or the
activation event takes place, a virtual reel is changed for that
game play or a predetermined series of wagered games. The changed
virtual reel increases the payout percentage, but also requires,
for example, a relatively higher bet size. For example, the changed
virtual reel may be a slot reel and may include a greater quantity
of "bars" such that the odds of achieving a winning combination
involving bars increases. This may require, for example, a bet of
double the number of credits that the player used on the previous,
nonpremium play.
[0051] Third, when a player hits the premium button or the
activation event takes place, the denomination (coin value) of the
machine is changed for that game play or a predetermined series of
wagered games. For example, if a player is playing on a one dollar
per play machine, hitting the activation button increases the bet
to five dollars per play.
[0052] Fourth, when a player hits the premium button or the
activation event takes place, for a single game play or a
predetermined series of wagered games, certain losing groups or
series of losing groups of indicia are considered winning
combinations or series of combinations, thereby increasing the odds
or perceived odds of winning. Bet amounts and/or payout percentages
are adjusted accordingly. For example, if hitting two "lemons" on a
slot game had previously been associated with no win, during the
premium play period, a play achieving two lemons may win five
credits per credit bet. Again, during the premium play period, an
increased bet of, for example, a minimum bet of $5.00 is required
rather than a minimum bet of $1.00 during nonpremium play.
[0053] Fifth, when a player hits the premium button or the
activation event takes place, a bonus game, as well known in the
art, is awarded for a single game play or for a predetermined
series of wagered games. For example, in one type of bonus game,
groups of indicia from the bonus game may be retained in position
after that game play or a predetermined series of wagered games.
This may effectively increase the payout percentage, but also may
require a higher bet amount, as described above. Generally, any
type of bonus game may be used here. If play of the bonus game is
controlled by the player, that is, if play of the bonus game is a
choice made by the player, an increased bet is required if the
payout percentage increases during the premium play period.
[0054] Sixth, when a player hits the premium button or the
activation event takes place, the speed and pace of the game or
predetermined series of wagered games is altered. For example, when
a player hits the premium button, the maximum Plays Per Hour
increases, for example, to double the normal. For example, if it
typically takes four seconds to play one game, hitting the premium
button decreases the time to play one game to two seconds. This may
occur, for example, by having the slot gaming machine's virtual
reels stop in a faster amount of time.
[0055] Seventh, when a player hits the premium button or the
activation event takes place, the wager is altered for a
predetermined series of wagered games. Here, for example, when a
player hits the premium button, the wager for a single game may be
increased from one dollar to five dollars, with an accompanying
increase in payout percentage to, for example, close to but less
than 100 percent.
[0056] While the invention has been described in detail and with
reference to specific examples thereof, it will be apparent to one
skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be
made therein without departing from the spirit and scope
thereof.
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