U.S. patent application number 10/159978 was filed with the patent office on 2003-12-04 for multiple spin slot machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to Park Place Entertainment Corporation. Invention is credited to Geiger, Kenneth S..
Application Number | 20030224849 10/159978 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29583069 |
Filed Date | 2003-12-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030224849 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Geiger, Kenneth S. |
December 4, 2003 |
Multiple spin slot machine
Abstract
A slot machine offers a player an increased number of pulls on
the slot machine in return for additional wager amounts at the
beginning of a new game. Depending upon the amount of the
additional wager, the slot machine will offer the player one or two
additional pulls of the slot machine. If the additional wager is in
an amount sufficient to pay for one additional pull, after the
first pull occurs and the reels of the slot machine come to rest,
the player is informed by the slot machine that an extra pull can
be made at no additional cost. If the additional wager is in an
amount sufficient to pay for two additional pulls, after the second
pull, the player is again informed by the slot machine that a
second extra pull can be made at no additional cost.
Inventors: |
Geiger, Kenneth S.; (Las
Vegas, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
AKIN GUMP STRAUSS HAUER & FELD L.L.P.
ONE COMMERCE SQUARE
2005 MARKET STREET, SUITE 2200
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103-7013
US
|
Assignee: |
Park Place Entertainment
Corporation
|
Family ID: |
29583069 |
Appl. No.: |
10/159978 |
Filed: |
May 31, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3267 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of playing a game of chance on a slot machine, the slot
machine having a plurality of slot reels which present a random
outcome each time the slot reels spin and come to rest, the method
comprising: (a) receiving one or more wager units from a player to
play the game; and (b) before the slot reels begin to spin, the
slot machine determining the number of spins that are to be
initiated by the player without requiring receipt of an additional
wager unit, based on the number of the wager units received from
the player, wherein the number of spins may be greater than one
depending upon the number of received wager units.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the number of wager units is
proportional to the determined number of spins.
3. A method of playing a game of chance on a slot machine, the slot
machine having a plurality of slot reels which present a random
outcome each time the slot reels spin and come to rest, the method
comprising: (a) receiving a wager from a player to play the game;
and (b) before the slot reels begin to spin, the slot machine
determining the number of spins that are to be initiated by the
player without requiring receipt of an additional wager, based on
the amount of the wager received from the player, wherein the
number of spins may be greater than one depending upon the amount
of the received wager.
4. The method of claim 3 further comprising: (c) the player
initiating the spinning of the slot reels a first time; (d) the
slot machine presenting a first random outcome when the slot reels
come to rest a first time; and (e) if the determined number of
spins is greater than one, the slot machine prompting the player to
initiate the spinning of the slot reels a second time without
requiring receipt of an additional wager.
5. The method of claim 4 further comprising: (f) the player
initiating the spinning of the slot reels a second time; (g) the
slot machine presenting a second random outcome when the slot reels
come to rest a second time; and (h) if the determined number of
spins is greater than two, the slot machine prompting the player to
initiate the spinning of the slot reels a third time without
requiring receipt of an additional wager.
6. A method of playing a game of chance on a slot machine, the slot
machine having a plurality of slot reels which present a random
outcome each time the slot reels spin and come to rest, the slot
machine dispensing a payout if the presented random outcome matches
one of a plurality of winning outcomes as determined by the slot
machine, the method comprising: (a) receiving one or more wager
units from a player to play the game, the sum of the received wager
units being less than or equal to a maximum wager limit; (b) the
player initiating the spinning of the slot reels a first time; (c)
the slot machine presenting a random outcome when the slot reels
come to rest a first time; and (d) dispensing a payout if the
random outcome of step (c) matches one of the winning outcomes,
wherein the size of the payout is larger if the sum of the received
wager units is equal to the maximum limit and the random outcome
matches a specific one of the winning outcomes.
7. A method of playing a game of chance on a slot machine, the slot
machine having a plurality of slot reels which present a random
outcome each time the slot reels spin and come to rest, the method
comprising: (a) receiving a wager from a player to play the game;
and (b) before the slot reels begin to spin, the slot machine
determining a number of extra spins of the slot reel that can be
initiated by the player without requiring receipt of an additional
wager, based on the amount of the wager received from the player,
wherein the number of spins may be greater than one depending upon
the amount of the received wager.
8. The method of claim 7 further comprising: (c) informing the
player of the determined number of extra spins; (d) the player
initiating the spinning of the slot reels a first time; (e) the
slot machine presenting a first random outcome when the slot reels
come to rest a first time; and (f) if the determined number of
extra spins is greater than zero, the slot machine informing the
player that the spinning of the slot reels can be initiated a
second time without requiring receipt of an additional wager.
9. The method of claim 8 further comprising: (g) the player
initiating the spinning of the slot reels a second time; (h) the
slot machine presenting a second random outcome when the slot reels
come to rest a second time; and (i) if the determined number of
extra spins is greater than one, the slot machine informing the
player that the spinning of the slot reels can be initiated a third
time without requiring receipt of an additional wager.
10. A slot machine for playing a game of chance on a slot machine,
the slot machine having a plurality of slot reels which present a
random outcome each time the slot reels spin and come to rest, the
slot machine comprising: (a) means for receiving one or more wager
units from a player to play the game; and (b) means for
determining, before the slot reels begin to spin, the number of
spins that are to be initiated by the player without requiring
receipt of an additional wager unit, based on the number of the
wager units received from the player, wherein the number of spins
may be greater than one depending upon the number of received wager
units.
11. The slot machine of claim 10 wherein the number of wager units
is proportional to the determined number of spins.
12. A slot machine for playing a game of chance, the slot machine
having a plurality of slot reels which present a random outcome
each time the slot reels spin and come to rest, the method
comprising: (a) means for receiving a wager from a player to play
the game; and (b) means for determining, before the slot reels
begin to spin, the number of spins that are to be initiated by the
player without requiring receipt of an additional wager, based on
the amount of the wager received from the player, wherein the
number of spins may be greater than one depending upon the amount
of the received wager.
13. The slot machine of claim 12 further comprising: (c) means for
prompting the player to initiate the spinning of the slot reels a
second time without requiring receipt of an additional wager, after
the player initiates the spinning of the slot reels a first time
and if the determined number of spins is greater than one.
14. The slot machine of claim 13 further comprising: (d) means for
prompting the player to initiate the spinning of the slot reels a
third time without requiring receipt of an additional wager, after
the player initiates the spinning of the slot reels a second time
and if the determined number of spins is greater than two.
15. A slot machine for playing a game of chance, the slot machine
having a plurality of slot reels which present a random outcome
each time the slot reels spin and come to rest, the slot machine
dispensing a payout if the presented random outcome matches one of
a plurality of winning outcomes as determined by the slot machine,
the slot machine comprising: (a) means for receiving one or more
wager units from a player to play the game, the sum of the received
wager units being less than or equal to a maximum wager limit; and
(b) means for dispensing a payout if the random outcome matches one
of the winning outcomes, wherein the size of the payout is larger
if the sum of the received wager units is equal to the maximum
limit and the random outcome matches a specific one of the winning
outcomes.
16. A slot machine for playing a game of chance, the slot machine
having a plurality of slot reels which present a random outcome
each time the slot reels spin and come to rest, the method
comprising: (a) means for receiving a wager from a player to play
the game; and (b) means for determining, before the slot reels
begin to spin, a number of extra spins of the slot reel that can be
initiated by the player without requiring receipt of an additional
wager, based on the amount of the wager received from the player,
wherein the number of spins may be greater than one depending upon
the amount of the received wager.
17. The slot machine of claim 16 further comprising: (c) means for
informing the player of the determined number of extra spins; (d)
means for informing the player, after the player initiates the
spinning of the slot reels a first time, that the spinning of the
slot reels can be initiated a second time without requiring receipt
of an additional wager if the determined number of extra spins is
greater than zero.
18. The slot machine of claim 17 further comprising: (e) means for
informing the player, after the player initiates the spinning of
the slot reels a second time, that the spinning of the slot reels
can be initiated a third time without requiring receipt of an
additional wager if the determined number of extra spins is greater
than one.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] In conventional schemes used in slot machines, additional
wager amounts may be input prior to a spin or pull of a slot
machine. In a multiplier game, as more coins (wager amounts) are
put in, the resultant payouts are multiplied. In a buy game
("buy-a-pay"), the more coins (wager amounts) that are put in, the
more combinations of symbols on a single line can be a winner. Each
coin buys a specific section of the pay table. In multi-line game
(e.g., 3 line pay, 5 line pay), as more coins (wager amounts) are
put in, additional lines can be a winner. The lines may be straight
across, or may make patterns that cross over into adjacent lines.
The lines are referred to as "pay lines" (paylines). In such
conventional schemes, when extra wager amounts are paid to the slot
machine, the player is provided only one opportunity to spin the
reels of the slot machine. Thus, game play lasts only as long as
the time it takes to complete the one spin.
[0002] In another conventional scheme, a "hold-and-respin" slot
game permits a player to hold the results of one or more reels and
spin the remaining reels a second time in an attempt to improve the
resulting random outcome presented by the reels. Only one payout
results from this scheme.
[0003] When additional coins are dropped into mechanical one line
pay stepper reel slot machines before the reel is pulled, the
additional coins drop down into the pay hopper or return coin
hopper, and are not held by the machine as a credit for another
spin. Thus, such slot machines have no ability to allow for
multiple pulls for additional wager amounts.
[0004] FIG. 1 shows how a conventional slot machine operates. In
step 105, the slot machine receives a wager from a player. The
wager may consist of one or more coins, or may be debited from an
account associated with the player through the use of a debit or
credit card. In step 110, the player initiates the spinning of the
slot reels by "pulling" on a lever or pressing a button on the slot
machine. In step 115, the spinning reels of the slot machine come
to rest and the slot machine presents a random outcome. If a
winning outcome is presented by the slot machine (step 120), a
payout is dispensed to the player by the slot machine (slot 125).
Thus, the pace of the game is very rapid, and the player must
provide a new wager for each opportunity to spin the reel(s) of the
slot machine.
[0005] It is desired to extend the time of game play and increase
the interaction time between the slot player and the slot machine
without altering the overall payback percentages of the slot
machine. The present invention fulfills this need by providing a
new category of slot machine that accepts additional wager amounts.
The slot machine plays a "single-line" game. The number of coins
initially dropped into the slot machine, or credited using a debit
arrangement, determines the number of extra pulls (spins) that the
player may initiate.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention allows a player to play a game of
chance on a slot machine. The slot machine has a plurality of reels
which present a random outcome each time the reels spin and come to
rest. One or more wager units are received from a player to play
the game. Before the slot reels begin to spin, the slot machine
determines the number of spins that are to be initiated by the
player without requiring receipt of an additional wager unit, based
on the number of the wager units received from the player. The
number of spins may be greater than one depending upon the number
of received wager units. The number of wager units may be
proportional to the determined number of spins.
[0007] In another embodiment of the present invention, a wager is
received from the player to play the game. Before the slot reels
begin to spin, the slot machine determines the number of spins that
are to be initiated by the player without requiring receipt of an
additional wager, based on the amount of the wager received from
the player. The number of spins may be greater than one depending
upon the amount of the received wager.
[0008] The player may initiate the spinning of the slot reels a
first time. The slot machine may present a first random outcome
when the slot reels come to rest a first time. If the determined
number of spins is greater than one, the slot machine may prompt
the player to initiate the spinning of the slot reels a second time
without requiring receipt of an additional wager.
[0009] The player may initiate the spinning of the slot reels a
second time. The slot machine may present a second random outcome
when the slot reels come to rest a second time. If the determined
number of spins is greater than two, the slot machine may prompt
the player to initiate the spinning of the slot reels a third time
without requiring receipt of an additional wager.
[0010] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the slot
machine dispenses a payout if the presented random outcome matches
one of a plurality of winning outcomes as determined by the slot
machine. One or more wager units are received from a player to play
the game. The sum of the received wager units is less than or equal
to a maximum wager limit. The player initiates the spinning of the
slot reels a first time. The slot machine presents a random outcome
when the slot reels come to rest a first time. A payout is
dispensed if the random outcome matches one of the winning
outcomes. The size of the payout is larger if the sum of the
received wager units is equal to the maximum limit and the random
outcome matches a specific one of the winning outcomes.
[0011] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a wager
is received from a player to play the game. Before the slot reels
begin to spin, the slot machine determines a number of extra spins
of the slot reels that can be initiated by the player without
requiring receipt of an additional wager, based on the amount of
the wager received from the player.
[0012] The player may be informed of the determined number of extra
spins. The player initiates the spinning of the slot reels a first
time. The slot machine presents a first random outcome when the
slot reels come to rest a first time. If the determined number of
extra spins is greater than zero, the slot machine informs the
player that the spinning of the slot reels can be initiated a
second time without requiring receipt of an additional wager.
[0013] The player may initiate the spinning of the slot reels a
second time. The slot machine may present a second random outcome
when the slot reels come to rest a second time. If the determined
number of extra spins is greater than one, the slot machine may
inform the player that the spinning of the slot reels can be
initiated a third time without requiring receipt of an additional
wager.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0014] The following detailed description of preferred embodiments
of the invention will be better understood when read in conjunction
with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the
invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are
presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the
invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and
instrumentalities shown.
[0015] In the drawings:
[0016] FIG. 1 shows a high-level functional flowchart including
steps implemented by a conventional slot machine;
[0017] FIG. 2 shows a high-level functional flowchart including
steps implemented in accordance with the present invention;
[0018] FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C show an example of a slot machine in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0019] FIG. 4 shows a payout table in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The basic premise of the present invention is to increase
the reel spin value for the time that a slot player is using a
specific slot machine. A player is allowed to make additional spins
(i.e., additional pulls of the wheel) during the play period. A
desired percentage hold is implemented by a single-line
(one-payline) game wherein one coin (one wager amount) would
entitle the player to two pulls or spins (2 for 1), two coins (two
wager amounts) would entitle the player to three pulls (3 for 1),
and so on. A pay table is used by the slot machine to play a
"single-line game." The number of coins initially dropped into the
machine (or credited using a debit arrangement) determines the
number of extra pulls (spins).
[0021] If the player inserts only a single wager amount at the
start of game play (e.g., one coin or the equivalent in debits),
the player gets one pull and can win on only one line. This is
similar to the manner in which a conventional slot machine
operates.
[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, if the slot
player inserts an additional wager amount at the start of game play
(i.e., double the single wager amount), the player gets a total of
two pulls, but can still only win on one line for each of the
pulls. The player is informed at the start of the game play that
the additional wager amount entitles the player to an extra pull.
The extra pull occurs after the all of the reels come to rest after
the first pull. The slot machine prompts the player at the end of
the first pull that an extra pull can be made, for example by
indicating to the player to "play your extra spin." The player must
initiate the second pull. All of the reel positions are spun again
during the second pull.
[0023] In another embodiment of the present invention, if the
player inserts two additional wager amounts at the start of game
play (i.e., triple the single wager amount), the player gets a
total of three pulls, but can still only win on one line for each
of the pulls. The player is informed at the start of the game play
that the additional wager amounts entitle the player to two extra
pulls. The details of the three-pull scheme are identical to the
two-pull scheme, except that the player is informed twice (instead
of once) during game play that an extra pull can be made.
[0024] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
top awards for a particular random outcome presented by the reels
of the slot machine are paid at a premium rate when the player buys
extra spins with additional coins. The promotional information on
the slot machine will encourage the player to play "max coin" or
"max bet" (i.e., put in 3 coins, instead of just 1) to get extra
spins and extra payouts. The odds of winning a payout (irrespective
of its value) is higher for the two and three spin options, than
when making a single wager for only one spin.
[0025] The slot machine may be marketed as a "2 for 1" or "3 for 1"
game. For example, the one play wager amount and the additional
wager amount may be marketed as a single wager amount for which the
player receives two spins. Likewise, the one play wager amount and
the two additional wager amounts may be marketed as a single wager
amount for which the player receives three spins. Effectively, the
player is paying for extra spins with extra coins just as if the
slot machine was fed a single coin, spun, fed another coin, spun,
and so on. The one noted difference is that the odds of winning are
better for the player when using the multiple spin option provided
by the slot machine.
[0026] FIG. 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention
wherein a wager for three pulls of a slot machine is received by
the slot machine. The present invention is not necessarily limited
to the preferred embodiment, as any number of pulls may be
associated with a wager in accordance with the present invention.
In step 205, the slot machine receives a wager from a player. The
wager may consist of one or more coins, or may be debited from an
account associated with the player through the use of a debit or
credit card. In step 210, a processor in the slot machine
determines the number of credited spins that the player may
initiate without an additional wager. The number of credited spins
is determined based on the wager that the slot machine receives
from the player prior to the first spin. In step 215, the player
initiates the spinning of the slot reels of the slot machine a
first time by "pulling" on a lever or pressing a button on the slot
machine. In step 220, the spinning reels come to rest and the slot
machine presents a first random outcome. If the determined number
of credited spins is not greater than one (i.e., it is one), the
slot machine will not allow the player to initiate the spinning of
the reels a second time until another wager is received by the slot
machine. If the determined number of credited spins is greater than
one (step 225), the player is prompted to initiate the spinning of
the reels a second time (step 230). In step 235, the player
initiates the spinning of the slot reels a second time. In step
240, the spinning reels come to rest and the slot machine presents
a second random outcome. If the determined number of credited spins
is greater than two (step 245), the player is prompted to initiate
the spinning of the reels a third time (step 250). In step 255, the
player initiates the spinning of the slot reels a third time. In
step 260, the spinning reels come to rest and the slot machine
presents a third random outcome. If any of the random outcomes are
winning outcomes, a payout is dispensed to the player by the slot
machine for each winning outcome. After the third random outcome,
the player must provide a new wager before again spinning the reels
of the slot machine.
[0027] FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C illustrate an example of a slot machine
300 operating in accordance with the preferred embodiment described
above. The slot machine 300 includes a processor 305, a memory 310,
a display 315, a wager receiver/counter 320, a means 325 for
initiating the spinning of the slot reels of slot machine 300, and
random outcome means 330 for presenting a random outcome. Random
outcome means 330 includes one or more slot reels (e.g., see reels
1, 2 and 3).
[0028] A game of chance is played on slot machine 300 which
presents a random outcome each time the slot reels of the slot
machine 300 spin and come to rest. The wager receiver/counter 320
receives a wager from a player to play the game. The wager may
consist of one or more coins (e.g., one, two or three quarters), or
may be debited from an account associated with the player through
the use of a debit or credit card. Before the slot reels begin to
spin, the processor 305 in slot machine 300 determines the number
of spins that are to be initiated by the player without requiring
receipt of an additional wager, based on the amount of the wager
received from the player by wager receiver/counter 320. As shown in
FIG. 3A, if an additional wager unit is received by wager
receiver/counter 320, the display 315 informs the player that he or
she is entitled to at least one extra spin (e.g., "you paid for two
extra spins"). The player initiates the spinning of the slot reels
a first time by activating the means 325 for initiating the
spinning of the slot reels of slot machine 300 (e.g., the player
pulls a handle/lever, or pushes a button). The random outcome means
330 of slot machine 300 presents a first random outcome when the
slot reels of the random outcome means come to rest a first time.
If the first random outcome is a winning outcome, a payout is
dispensed to the player by the slot machine 300.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 3B, if the number of spins determined by
processor 305 is greater than one (or the number of extra spins is
at least one), the display 315 of slot machine 300 prompts the
player to initiate the spinning of the slot reels a second time
(e.g., "play your 1st extra spin") without requiring receipt of an
additional wager. When the player initiates the spinning of the
slot reels a second time, the slot machine 300 presents a second
random outcome when the slot reels come to rest a second time. If
the second random outcome is a winning outcome, a payout is
dispensed to the player by the slot machine 300.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 3C, if the number of spins determined by
processor 305 is greater than two (or the number of extra spins is
at least two), the display 315 of slot machine 300 prompts the
player to initiate the spinning of the slot reels a third time
without requiring receipt of an additional wager (e.g., "play your
2nd extra spin"). When the player initiates the spinning of the
slot reels a third time, the slot machine 300 presents a third
random outcome when the slot reels come to rest a third time. If
the third random outcome is a winning outcome, a payout is
dispensed to the player by the slot machine 300.
[0031] The wager received by the wager receiver/counter 320 may
consist of one or more wager units (e.g., coins). The processor 305
determines the number of spins that are to be initiated by the
player without requiring receipt of an additional wager unit, based
on the number of the wager units. The number of wager units can be
proportional to the determined number of spins (e.g., one coin per
spin, two coins per spin, etc.).
[0032] In another embodiment of the present invention, the slot
machine 300 dispenses a payout if the presented random outcome
matches one of a plurality of winning outcomes as determined by the
slot machine 300. One or more wager units are received from a
player to play the game. The sum of the received wager units is
less than or equal to a maximum wager limit. The player initiates
the spinning of the slot reels a first time. The slot machine 300
presents a random outcome when the slot reels come to rest a first
time. The slot machine 300 dispenses a payout if the random outcome
matches one of the winning outcomes. The size of the payout is
larger if the sum of the received wager units is equal to the
maximum limit and the random outcome matches a specific one of the
winning outcomes.
[0033] FIG. 4 shows an example of a payout table 400 (also referred
to as a "pay schedule" or "paytable") used for determining the
amount of a payout that is to be disbursed by the slot machine 300
when a winning outcome results. As described above, when a maximum
wager is received by the slot machine 300, a special payout is paid
if a specific winning outcome results (e.g., 1000 credits for DD DD
DD). If the maximum wager is not received, a smaller payout is
disbursed (e.g., 800 credits for DD DD DD).
[0034] The coding for the example in FIG. 4 is as follows:
[0035] DD=Double Diamond;
[0036] 7=Seven;
[0037] 3B=Triple Bar;
[0038] 2B=Double Bar;
[0039] 1B=Single Bar;
[0040] AB=Any Bar (i.e., a single, double or triple bar);
[0041] 2 CH=Two Cherries; and
[0042] 1 CH=Single Cherry.
[0043] The scope of the present invention includes embodiments with
any number of slot reels, including only one slot reel. The present
invention may be implemented with any combination of hardware and
software. If implemented as a computer-implemented apparatus, the
present invention is implemented using means for performing all of
the steps and functions described above.
[0044] The present invention may be implemented with any
combination of hardware and software. The present invention can be
included in an article of manufacture (e.g., one or more computer
program products) having, for instance, computer useable media. The
media has embodied therein, for instance, computer readable program
code means for providing and facilitating the mechanisms of the
present invention. The article of manufacture can be included as
part of a computer system or sold separately.
[0045] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
changes could be made to the embodiments described above without
departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is
understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the
particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover
modifications within the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
* * * * *