U.S. patent application number 10/366488 was filed with the patent office on 2003-12-04 for linked progressive jackpot system.
Invention is credited to Olive, Scott.
Application Number | 20030222402 10/366488 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 3834101 |
Filed Date | 2003-12-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030222402 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Olive, Scott |
December 4, 2003 |
Linked progressive jackpot system
Abstract
A gaming machine 10 has a display 14 and a game controller
arranged to control images of symbols displayed on the display 14.
The game controller is arranged to play a game 16 in which at least
one random event is caused to be displayed on the display 14. If a
predefined winning event occurs, the machine 10 awards a prize to a
player. When a trigger condition occurs in a base game of the game
16, a bonus game feature is awarded comprising a series of bonus
games. If a particular special symbol outcome occurs during any of
the bonus games, the particular special symbol outcome is collected
towards a jackpot prize awarding event.
Inventors: |
Olive, Scott; (New South
Wales, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
E. Thomas Wheelock
Morrison & Foerster LLP
755 Page Mill Road
Palo Alto
CA
94304-1018
US
|
Family ID: |
3834101 |
Appl. No.: |
10/366488 |
Filed: |
February 12, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/292 ;
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3262 20130101;
G07F 17/34 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101; G07F 17/3258 20130101;
G07F 17/3267 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/292 ;
463/20 |
International
Class: |
A63F 001/00; G07F
017/34 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 12, 2002 |
AU |
PS0501 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A gaming machine having a display means and a game control means
arranged to control images of symbols displayed on the display
means, the game control means being arranged to play a game in
which at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the
display means and, if a predefined winning event occurs, the
machine awards a prize to a player, wherein, when a trigger
condition occurs in a base game, a bonus game feature is awarded
comprising a series of bonus games and, if a particular special
symbol outcome occurs during any of the bonus games, the particular
special symbol outcome is collected towards a jackpot prize
awarding event.
2. The gaming machine of claim 1 in which, when the feature occurs,
the control means pre-selects a set of special symbol outcomes
depending on the magnitude of a bet made by the player.
3. The gaming machine of claim 1 in which the special symbol
outcome follows automatically after occurrence of a special
symbol.
4. The gaming machine of claim 1 in which the special symbol
outcome occurs only when the special symbol is acted on by the
player.
5. The gaming machine of claim 1 in which the bonus game feature
comprises a free game sequence of a predetermined number of free
games, the free games being awarded when a predetermined scatter
symbol trigger combination occurs in the base game.
6. The gaming machine of claim 5 in which if, during the playing of
the bonus game feature, the scatter symbol trigger combination
re-occurs it results in a further bonus game feature.
7. The gaming machine of claim 1 in which the special symbol
outcome is a bonus symbol, being one of a bonus credit prize, a
bonus feature and a jackpot symbol contributing to the awarding of
a jackpot.
8. The gaming machine of claim 7 in which, when a predetermined
special symbol appears on any one of the reels and is displayed on
the display means, that special symbol animates to reveal one of a
bonus credit prize, a bonus feature and one of a plurality of
jackpot symbols.
9. The gaming machine of claim 8 in which the jackpot symbols are a
mini jackpot symbol, a minor jackpot symbol, a major jackpot symbol
and a grand jackpot symbol.
10. The gaming machine of claim 1 in which the special symbol
outcomes are arranged in sets, the special symbol outcomes being
arranged in a predetermined order within the set.
11. The gaming machine of claim 10 in which groups of sets are
associated with each bet.
12. The gaming machine of claim 10 in which, if the base game
played triggers the bonus game feature, the control means randomly
selects one of the sets from the group associated with the bet that
was made on the base game prior to the occurrence of the trigger
condition.
13. The gaming machine of claim 11 in which, in respect of each
set, a special symbol outcome of a fixed, low-value prize is
associated with any special symbol that occurs after a
predetermined number of positions in the set of special symbol
outcomes.
14. The gaming machine of claim 1 in which, if the player wishes to
access a progressive jackpot feature of the bonus game feature, an
additional wager has to be staked by the player.
15. A system including a plurality of linked gaming machines as
claimed in claim 1.
16. The system of claim 15 in which the base games of the gaming
machines have certain aspects in common.
17. The system of claim 16 in which the base games differ
thematically and/or mathematically from each other.
18. A gaming machine having a display means and a game control
means arranged to control images of symbols displayed on the
display means, the game control means being arranged to play a game
in which at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the
display means and, if a predefined winning event occurs, the
machine awards a prize, wherein, when a trigger condition occurs in
a base game, a bonus game feature is awarded comprising a plurality
of bonus games in which special symbols occur that result in
special symbol outcomes and, when the feature occurs, the control
means pre-selects a set of special symbol outcomes depending on the
magnitude of a bet made by a player.
19. The gaming machine of claim 18 in which the special symbol
outcome follows automatically after occurrence of a special
symbol.
20. The gaming machine of claim 18 in which the special symbol
outcome occurs only when the special symbol is acted on by the
player.
21. The gaming machine of claim 18 in which the bonus game feature
comprises a free game sequence of a predetermined number of free
games, the free games being awarded when a predetermined scatter
symbol trigger combination occurs in the base game.
22. The gaming machine of claim 21 in which if, during the playing
of the bonus game feature, the scatter symbol trigger combination
re-occurs it results in a further bonus game feature.
23. The gaming machine of claim 18 in which the special symbol
outcome is a bonus symbol, being one of a bonus credit prize, a
bonus feature and a jackpot symbol contributing to the awarding of
a jackpot.
24. The gaming machine of claim 23 in which, when a predetermined
special symbol appears on any one of the reels and is displayed on
the display means, that special symbol animates to reveal one of a
bonus credit prize, a bonus feature and one of a plurality of
jackpot symbols.
25. The gaming machine of claim 24 in which the jackpot symbols are
a mini jackpot symbol, a minor jackpot symbol, a major jackpot
symbol and a grand jackpot symbol.
26. The gaming machine of claim 18 in which the special symbol
outcomes are arranged in sets, the special symbol outcomes being
arranged in a predetermined order within the set.
27. The gaming machine of claim 26 in which groups of sets are
associated with each bet.
28. The gaming machine of claim 26 in which, if the base game
played triggers the bonus game feature, the control means randomly
selects one of the sets from the group associated with the bet that
was made on the base game prior to the occurrence of the trigger
condition.
29. The gaming machine of claim 26 in which, in respect of each
set, a special symbol outcome of a fixed, low-value prize is
associated with any special symbol that occurs after a
predetermined number of positions in the set of special symbol
outcomes.
30. The gaming machine of claim 18 in which, if the player wishes
to access a progressive jackpot feature of the bonus game feature,
an additional wager has to be staked by the player.
31. A system including a plurality of linked gaming machines as
claimed in any one of the preceding claims.
32. The system of claim 31 in which the base games of the gaming
machines have certain aspects in common.
33. The system of claim 32 in which the base games differ
thematically and/or mathematically from each other.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to Australian Provisional
Patent Application No. PS0501 filed Feb. 12, 2002, and is related
to co-pending U.S. patent application filed Feb. 12, 2003 entitled
"Gaming Machine Pathways With Unpredictable Outcome" which claims
priority to Australian Provisional Patent Application No. PS0502
filed Feb. 12, 2002, and each of which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a gaming machine. More
particularly, the invention relates to a gaming machine, to an
improvement to a game played on such a gaming machine and to a
system including a plurality of linked gaming machines.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0003] Players who regularly play gaming machines quickly tire of
particular games and therefore it is necessary for manufacturers of
these machines to develop innovative game features which add
interest to the games. In so doing, it is hoped to keep players
amused and therefore willing to continue playing the game as well
as to attract new players.
[0004] Also, with the growth that has occurred in the gaming
machine market, there is intense competition between manufacturers
to supply various existing and new venues. When selecting a
supplier of gaming machines, the operator of a venue will often pay
close attention to the popularity of various games with their
patrons. Therefore, gaming machine manufacturers are keen to devise
games and/or game features which are popular with the players as a
mechanism for improving sales, retaining customers and attracting
new customers.
[0005] A linked progressive system is one where a plurality of
gaming machines are linked via a network to a central controller.
The linked gaming machines or the central controller allow players
of those machines to compete for a jackpot prize. The jackpot prize
is progressive in the sense that it increments as a percentage of
turnover, ie. bets wagered by players of the linked machines.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is
provided a gaming machine having a display means and a game control
means arranged to control images of symbols displayed on the
display means, the game control means being arranged to play a game
in which at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the
display means and, if a predefined winning event occurs, the
machine awards a prize to a player, wherein, when a trigger
condition occurs in a base game, a bonus game feature is awarded
comprising a series of bonus games and, if a particular special
symbol outcome occurs during any of the bonus games, the particular
special symbol outcome is collected towards a jackpot prize
awarding event.
[0007] When the feature occurs, the control means may pre-select a
set of special symbol outcomes depending on the magnitude of a bet
made by the player.
[0008] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is
provided a gaming machine having a display means and a game control
means arranged to control images of symbols displayed on the
display means, the game control means being arranged to play a game
in which at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the
display means and, if a predefined winning event occurs, the
machine awards a prize, wherein, when a trigger condition occurs in
a base game, a bonus game feature is awarded comprising a plurality
of bonus games in which special symbols occur that result in
special symbol outcomes and, when the feature occurs, the control
means pre-selects a set of special symbol outcomes depending on the
magnitude of a bet made by a player.
[0009] The special symbol outcome may follow automatically after
occurrence of a special symbol. Instead, and preferably, the
special symbol outcome occurs only when the special symbol is acted
on by the player. For example the special symbol may be touched by
the player to cause it to be transformed into the special symbol
outcome. The transformation of the special symbol may take place by
way of an animation.
[0010] In this specification, the term "special symbol outcome"
means, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, a type of
bonus symbol or symbol contributing to a bonus as represented by
the special symbol.
[0011] The bonus game feature may comprise a free game sequence of
a predetermined number of free games, for example, fifteen free
game, the free games being awarded when a predetermined scatter
symbol trigger combination occurs in the base game.
[0012] In addition, if, during the playing of the bonus game
feature, the scatter symbol trigger combination re-occurs it may
result in a further bonus game feature. This means that an
additional sequence of free games may be added to any remaining
free games from the preceding bonus game feature. It will be
appreciated that such a re-triggering could occur an indefinite
number of times.
[0013] Further, it will be appreciated that, in the playing of free
games generally, the reel combinations for the free games are
randomly determined by the control means as the free games progress
and hence it is impossible to know how many special symbols will be
revealed in the bonus game feature prior to commencement of the
bonus game feature.
[0014] The special symbol outcome may be a bonus symbol, being one
of a bonus credit prize, a bonus feature and a jackpot symbol
contributing to the awarding of a jackpot. In the playing of the
free games, when a predetermined special symbol appears on any one
of the reels and is displayed on the display means, that special
symbol may animate to reveal one of a bonus credit prize, a bonus
feature and one of a plurality of jackpot symbols. Predetermined
categories of jackpot prizes, with their associated jackpot
symbols, may be provided being a mini jackpot, a minor jackpot, a
major jackpot and a grand jackpot. Thus, the jackpot symbols may be
a mini jackpot symbol, a minor jackpot symbol, a major jackpot
symbol and a grand jackpot symbol.
[0015] To make the chance of winning a jackpot prize proportional
to a bet wagered by the player without altering the reel strips for
the free game, the probabilities of the special symbol outcomes may
be altered by the control means, depending upon the bet made on the
triggering game.
[0016] To achieve this, the special symbol outcomes may be arranged
in sets, the special symbol outcomes being arranged in a
predetermined order within the set. The arranging of the special
symbol outcomes in a set is referred to in this specification as a
"pathway".
[0017] Groups of pathways may be associated with each bet.
Accordingly, when the player places his or her bet, the control
means may record the size of the bet made by the player.
[0018] If the base game played triggers the bonus game feature, the
control means may randomly select one of the pathways from the
group associated with the bet that was made on the base game prior
to the occurrence of the trigger condition. In so doing, the
unpredictability of the game is increased.
[0019] Due to the fact that re-triggering of the bonus game feature
may occur in the playing of any free game sequence, each pathway
may need to supply a sufficiently long sequence of special symbol
outcomes to cover any number of special symbols spun up during the
playing of the free game. Typically, each pathway may have a
sequence of 100 special symbol outcomes.
[0020] It will be appreciated that, in a five reel spinning game
where only one special symbol can be displayed on any one reel at
any one time, a maximum of 75 symbols can occur in a 15 game free
game sequence. However, with re-triggers this may increase to a
figure exceeding 100 although the probabilities of such an
occurrence are vanishingly small. Nevertheless, to cater for such
an eventuality, in respect of each pathway, a special symbol
outcome of a fixed, low-value prize may be associated with any
special symbol that occurs after a predetermined number of
positions in the pathway of special symbol outcomes. For example, a
fixed, low-value prize may be awarded for any position in the
pathway after the 100th position.
[0021] Access to the progressive jackpot feature of the machine, or
the system referred to below, as the case may be, may occur without
the need for any additional wager by the player. Instead, if the
player wishes to access a progressive jackpot feature of the bonus
game feature, an additional wager may have to be staked by the
player. If the additional wager is not staked and the bonus game
feature is triggered, then any special symbol spun up during the
bonus game feature may not be active. In other words, the special
symbols may not be responsive to being acted on by the player to
reveal a special symbol outcome. The special symbol may merely
serve a conventional function such as a wild card symbol.
[0022] In a basic form of the invention the gaming machine may be a
stand-alone unit having a stand-alone progressive jackpot. However,
the applicant envisages that the invention will be employed
particularly on linked gaming machines having a linked progressive
jackpot.
[0023] Accordingly, the invention extends to a system including a
plurality of linked gaming machines as described above.
[0024] The base games of the gaming machines may have certain
aspects in common. Each base game may be a spinning reel game,
being a five reel spinning reel game, where, if a predetermined
trigger condition occurs, a bonus game feature is awarded. However,
the base games may differ thematically and/or mathematically from
each other. Further, the invention encompasses within its scope
different styles of base games, such as card games, ball games
(keno, pachinko, etc.), or the like being used
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The invention is now described by way of example with
reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:
[0026] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a gaming machine, in
accordance with the invention;
[0027] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a control circuit of the
gaming machine;
[0028] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a system, also in accordance
with the invention, of a plurality of linked gaming machines;
[0029] FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of top box art work of the
gaming machine of FIG. 1;
[0030] FIGS. 5a and 5b show screen displays of two base games of a
game played on the gaming machine or one of the gaming machines of
the system;
[0031] FIG. 6 shows a screen display of an initial free game of a
free game feature;
[0032] FIGS. 7a-7c show screen displays after special symbols have
been acted on by a player;
[0033] FIGS. 8a and 8b show the top box display after certain of
the symbols have been acted on;
[0034] FIG. 9 shows a screen display of a further free game of the
bonus game feature,
[0035] FIG. 10 shows a screen display of the free game of FIG. 9
after certain of the special symbols have been acted on;
[0036] FIG. 11 shows the top box art work after the occurrence of
the screen display of FIG. 10;
[0037] FIG. 12 shows a keypad layout on a midtrim of the gaming
machine for a first embodiment of the game;
[0038] FIG. 13 shows a part of a pathway used in the game;
[0039] FIG. 14 shows a flow chart of the first embodiment of the
game;
[0040] FIG. 15 shows a keypad layout on a midtrim of the gaming
machine for a second embodiment of the game; and
[0041] FIG. 16 shows a flow chart of the second embodiment of the
game.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 generally designates a
gaming machine, including a game, in accordance with the invention.
The machine 10 includes a console 12 having a video display unit 14
on which a game 16 is played, in use. The game 16 is a spinning
reel game which simulates the rotation of a number of spinning
reels 18. A midtrim 20 of the machine 10 houses a bank 22 of
buttons for enabling a player to play the game 16. The midtrim 20
also houses a credit input mechanism 24 including a coin input
chute 24.1 and a bill collector 24.2.
[0043] The machine 10 includes a top box 26 on which artwork 28 is
carried. The artwork 28 is shown, inter alia, in FIG. 4 of the
drawings. It includes a backlit section 27 which is illuminated
when a jackpot feature of the game, as will be described in greater
detail below, is activated. The section 27 is a display area such
as an LED or plasma display. Progressive meters of jackpot prizes
or awards are displayed in this section 27. The top box 26 and
artwork 28 also have parts 29.1, 29.2, 29.3 and 29.4 related to the
possible jackpot prizes which can be won. Each part 29.1-29.4
contains an illuminated display, such as an LED display comprising
three LED's 39, the LED's 39 being illuminated consecutively as the
appropriate special symbol outcome occurs as will be described
below. An annunciator 41, in the form of an annulus of LED's, is
provided on the top box 26, the annunciator being activated when a
feature is triggered.
[0044] A coin tray 30 is mounted beneath the console 12 for cash
payouts from the machine 10.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 2 of the drawings, a control means or
control circuit 32 is illustrated. A program which implements the
game and user interface is run on a processor 34 of the control
circuit 32. The processor 34 forms part of a controller 36 which
drives the screen of the video display unit 14 and which receives
input signals from sensors 38. The sensors 38 include sensors
associated with the bank 22 of buttons and touch sensors mounted in
the screen of the video display unit 14. The controller 36 also
receives input pulses from the mechanism 24 to determine whether or
not a player has provided sufficient credit to commence playing.
The mechanism 24 may, instead of the coin input chute 24.1 or the
bill collector 24.2, or in addition thereto, be a credit card
reader (not shown) or any other type of validation device.
[0046] Finally, the controller 36 drives a payout mechanism 40
which, for example, may be a coin hopper for feeding coins to the
coin tray 30 to make a pay out to a player when the player wishes
to redeem his or her credit.
[0047] The game, in accordance with the invention, can be played on
a stand alone gaming machine 10 as illustrated in FIG. 1 of the
drawings. However, preferably, the game is played on a gaming
machine linked together in a system 50 (FIG. 3). The system 50
comprises a plurality of linked gaming machines 10 which are each
connected to a network 52. A jackpot controller 54 is also
connected to the network 52 as is a grand jackpot display 56. It
will be appreciated that each of the gaming machines 10, in their
top boxes 26, have jackpot displays which indicate the status of
the jackpots of the system. In this regard, it is to be noted that
the system awards four jackpots being a mini jackpot, a minor
jackpot, a major jackpot and a grand jackpot, the value of each of
which is displayed on the display 56 of the system 50.
[0048] The system 50 works on the basis that a predetermined
percentage of turnover from each gaming machine 10 contributes to a
common jackpot pool maintained by the jackpot controller 54 and
from which the jackpots are derived.
[0049] Each gaming machine 10 has its own game 16 which may differ
thematically and/or mathematically from each other. However, each
of the games will have certain aspects in common.
[0050] Each game 16, more particularly, comprises a five reel
spinning reel game having a predetermined trigger condition. The
trigger condition triggers the awarding of a bonus game feature
where fifteen free games are awarded. The trigger condition is, for
example, the occurrence of a predetermined number of scatter
symbols anywhere on the display of the video display unit 14.
[0051] The game 16 on each gaming machine 10 further includes a
predetermined special symbol on each of the reels 18 where, during
the fifteen free games, every time that special symbol appears a
player will touch the special symbol on the screen and, by way of
the sensors 38 sending appropriate signals to the controller 36,
the special symbol animates to reveal either a prize amount or a
jackpot symbol.
[0052] If a prize amount is revealed from one of the special
symbols, that prize is paid to a win meter 56 on a screen display
58 of the game 16 on that gaming machine 10. If a jackpot symbol of
one of the mini, minor, major or grand jackpots is revealed then it
will be collected along with all other jackpot symbols from that
free game series and the appropriate LED's 39 in the top box 26
will be energised.
[0053] With free game features, the free game feature is triggered
by the occurrence of three or more scatter symbols on the screen
display 58 of the base game and therefore the chance of triggering
the series of free games is the same regardless of the amount bet.
To make the chance of winning a jackpot prize proportional to the
bet without altering the reel strips for different bets during the
free games, the probabilities for the special symbol outcomes can
be altered by the controller 36 depending on the bet made on the
triggering game. To enable the controller 36 to alter the
probabilities for the special symbol outcomes, a number of
predetermined pathways is defined for every possible bet that can
be made on the gaming machine 10. In this regard, it will be borne
in mind that, as shown in FIG. 12 of the drawings, a player can
play one or more lines of the spinning reel base game 18 and can
bet one or more credits per line. For the configuration shown in
FIG. 12 of the drawings, there are 17 different bet combinations
which can be employed, bearing in mind that, in respect of some
combinations of bet per line and number of lines to play, the total
amounts bet are the same.
[0054] As indicated, a predetermined number of pathways is
associated with each bet. More particularly, each bet has fifty
pathways associated with it.
[0055] Each pathway, a part of one of which is shown in FIG. 13 of
the drawings and designated generally by the reference numeral 60,
defines a sequence of random prize amounts and jackpot symbols in
the order in which they will be revealed when the player activates
a special symbol during the free game. Thus, when the free games
are triggered, a pathway 60 is randomly selected from the number of
predetermined pathways associated with that bet, the bet having
been made on the base game. The free games proceed randomly as for
a standard free game sequence except that the outcomes of the
special symbols are predetermined by the selected pathway.
[0056] Further, it is to be noted that, the higher the bet, the
greater the probability of achieving larger prizes and of achieving
one or more of the jackpot prizes. It is also to be noted that, in
any free game sequence, more than one jackpot type could be won.
Due to the layout of each pathway in this particular embodiment of
the invention, it is not possible to win the same type of jackpot
prize more than once in any free game sequence. However, by varying
the composition of the pathways 60, it may be possible to win the
same type of jackpot more than once.
[0057] Because the reel combinations for the free games are
randomly determined by the controller 36 as the free games
progress, it is impossible to know how many special symbols will be
revealed prior to commencement of the free games. Consequently,
each pathway 60 provides a long enough sequence of special symbol
outcomes to cover any number of special symbols that could occur in
a free game sequence. In this regard, it is theoretically possible
in any one free game sequence for a maximum of 75 special symbol
outcomes to be revealed bearing in mind that only one special
symbol at a time could be displayed on each reel 18. It is also
possible that, during a free game, the trigger condition again
occurs. When that happens, a further free game sequence is added to
the remaining free games from the preceding sequence so that,
theoretically, it is possible for there to be more than 75 special
symbol outcomes in a concatenation of free game features. To cater
for such a situation, however small the possibility of the
occurrence of such a situation, each pathway 60, after the
hundredth occurrence of the special symbol, provides for a fixed,
low value prize.
[0058] When determining the jackpot return, arbitrary probabilities
for awarding each level of progressive jackpot, ie the mini
jackpot, the minor jackpot, the major jackpot or the grand jackpot,
occurring during the free games for the maximum bet are assigned.
For example, when betting two hundred credits, there may be a 50%
chance of obtaining the minor jackpot when in the free game
feature. The equivalent probabilities proportional to each one of
the seventeen total bets can then be determined. Therefore, betting
one hundred credits there will only be half the chance of winning
each jackpot than there is when betting two hundred credits. Thus,
there would only be a 25% chance of winning the minor jackpot.
[0059] Once the probabilities of winning the different levels of
jackpots have been determined for each bet, the pathways 60
associated with each bet can be determined. Each pathway 60
associated with each bet provides a predefined sequence of prize
values and jackpot symbols that will be revealed as special symbol
outcomes when the special symbols appear and are acted on by the
player in the free games. It is to be noted that the outcome of the
free games is still random in that the stopping positions of each
of the reels is randomly selected for each of the free games by the
controller 36 but the outcome for each special symbol that appears
will be predetermined due to the selection of one of the pathways
60. The pathways 60 are determined such that the average
probability of winning each of the jackpots across the pathways 60
applicable to the bet is the required probability for that jackpot
at that bet. The bonus prizes that are revealed along the pathway
60 when jackpot symbols are not revealed will be such that the
average return to player contributed by the prizes across the
pathways 60 applicable to the bet is the same for every possible
total bet. Because the position of the jackpot symbols in the
pathways 60 will be different for different bets to compensate for
the change in probability of winning a jackpot, the random bonus
prizes have to be independently calculated for every pathway 60 of
every total bet.
[0060] The invention is now described with reference to a modified
version of the Applicant's Queen of the NileTM spinning reel game.
This game includes special symbols on the reel strips as
follows:
[0061] CLEOPATRA--is a substitute symbol. It substitutes for all
symbols except scatters. All combinations in which one or more
CLEOPATRA symbols substitute are doubled. The CLEOPATRA symbol is
also the special bonus symbol during the free game sequence. The
CLEOPATRA symbol is designated by the symbol W 62 in the
drawings.
[0062] PYRAMID--is the scatter symbol and is also the free game
trigger symbol. When three or more PYRAMIDS appear on the screen
fifteen free games are awarded during which all wins are trebled.
Further, if three or more PYRAMIDS occur during any free game in
the free game sequence a further free game sequence is awarded and
added to the remaining free games from the preceding sequence. The
PYRAMID symbol is represented by the symbol S 64 in the
drawings.
[0063] A typical base game result is shown in FIG. 5a of the
drawings. In this game it is assumed that payline symbols only pay
for left-to-right combinations. As a result, the only prize is for
the 3.times. K combination, left-to-right, on payline 2. Due to the
presence of the CLEOPATRA symbol 62, the win is doubled so that
thirty credits are awarded and credited to the win meter 56.
[0064] In the next base game, as shown in FIG. 5b of the drawings,
three PYRAMID symbols 64 are spun up resulting in a further win of
thirty credits for 3.times. PYRAMID symbol 64. This is the trigger
condition for a sequence of fifteen free games during which the
progressive jackpot feature is applicable.
[0065] The player is alerted to the triggering of the feature by
the animation of the artwork 28 in the top box 26. More
particularly, the annunciator 41 is activated to flash along with
special sound effects to indicate that the feature has been
triggered. To commence with the feature, a "Start Feature" button
66 on the bank 22 of buttons is pressed. As indicated above, all
wins in the free game feature are trebled. At this point, the
controller 36 selects one of the pathways from the pathways that
apply to the particular bet made by the player at the commencement
of the triggering game.
[0066] A result of the first game of the sequence of free games is
shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings. It is to be noted that the
CLEOPATRA symbol 62 still functions as a substitute symbol and also
still doubles the prize. Further, because it is a free game, all
wins are trebled. Accordingly, for the winning combination of
5.times.10 on payline 1, a win of 600 credits is paid which is six
times the basic prize of one hundred credits. At this stage, the
artwork 28 in the top box 26 remains unchanged.
[0067] Once the win has been incremented on the win meter 56, the
CLEOPATRA symbols 62 commence flashing to indicate to the player
that they should be touched. When the first CLEOPATRA symbol 62 is
touched, it animates to reveal the result dictated by the first
position on the chosen pathway 60. This is shown in FIG. 7a of the
drawings where the first CLEOPATRA symbol has been animated to
reveal a prize of fifteen credits, being the first step in the
selected pathway 60, part of which is shown in FIG. 13 of the
drawings. Once again, the top box artwork remains unchanged.
[0068] When the second CLEOPATRA symbol 62 has been touched, it
animates into a representation of a grand jackpot symbol as shown
in FIG. 7b of the drawings, being the second step in the selected
pathway 60. In this case, the artwork 28 changes so that one of the
LED's 39.1 (FIG. 8a) under the grand jackpot part 29.4 is
illuminated.
[0069] The player then touches the last of the flashing CLEOPATRA
symbols and this animates into a minor jackpot symbol as shown in
FIG. 7c of the drawings, being the third step in the selected
pathway 60. Accordingly, a further LED 39.2 illuminates under the
minor jackpot part 29.2 of the artwork 28.
[0070] Thereafter, the next free game is automatically played. The
result of the next free game is shown in FIG. 9 of the drawings.
The presence of three PYRAMID symbols 64 causes a further fifteen
free games to be awarded leaving 28 free games to be played. In
addition, there is a winning combination of 3.times. K on payline 1
and a prize of 135 credits is credited to the win meter 56, being
forty-five credits for the 3.times. K combination and ninety
credits for the 3.times. PYRAMID symbol 64.
[0071] A further three CLEOPATRA symbols 62 are also spun up. Once
the win has been incremented on the win meter 56, the CLEOPATRA
symbols 62 commence flashing to indicate to the player that the
player must touch them. The player touches the first CLEOPATRA
symbol 62 which animates to a minor jackpot symbol causing a second
LED 39.3 in the part 29.2 to be illuminated. The player touches the
second CLEOPATRA symbol 62 which causes a third minor jackpot
symbol to be revealed causing a third LED 39.4 to be energised.
[0072] The relevant gaming machine 10 in the system 50 will lock up
until an attendant pays and clears the jackpot. The amount that
appears on the minor jackpot meter (not shown) in the top box 26 is
awarded to the player in addition to the wins that were accumulated
throughout the free games. It is to be noted that, after the minor
jackpot has been paid, the free game sequence continues and any
remaining CLEOPATRA symbols 62 are touched to cause them to animate
to reveal special symbol outcomes of the applicable pathway 60.
This will continue until all the free games have been played.
[0073] It is to be noted that other jackpots may be awarded during
the same free game series. After the free games have been
completed, the top box 26 is reset to its original appearance
without any of the feature areas being lit. It is also to be noted
that in certain circumstances, the jackpot prizes could be paid
directly to the win and credit meters of the gaming machine 10
rather than having to be paid by an attendant. Also, a double up
feature may be offered after the free game sequence has been
completed in which case the wins will not increment on to the
credit meter until after the double up feature has been completed
or has been rejected by the player.
[0074] In FIG. 15 of the drawings, showing a second embodiment of
the invention, a button 68 is provided where, in order to become
eligible for the progressive jackpot feature, an additional bet
must be wagered. The eligibility to participate in features is
described in the applicant's co-pending patent application no.
65501/00 which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0075] If the player initiates a game using one of the five "Play
.times. Lines" buttons then, if the free game feature is triggered,
the feature will progress as described above except that the player
will not be given the opportunity to touch the CLEOPATRA symbols 62
to reveal special symbol outcomes. The top box art will remain
inactivate for the duration of the free games.
[0076] If, however, the player makes the additional bet and
operates the button 68, the player will be eligible for the
progressive jackpot feature as described above. It is to be noted
that the provision of the button 68 greatly simplifies the pathways
60 for the game 16 because there are only five different available
bets for which numbers of pathways 60 need be provided.
[0077] It is a particular advantage of the invention that a
progressive jackpot system is provided to which a player has easy
access and which provides enhanced player entertainment. The fact
that access to a bonus game feature where a jackpot prize
potentially could be awarded regardless of the bet made is
attractive to players.
[0078] The fact that the number of steps taken down a chosen
pathway is unpredictable and therefore reduces the predictability
of the outcomes encourages the maintenance of player interest.
[0079] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the
invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing
from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The
present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all
respects as illustrative and not restrictive.
* * * * *