U.S. patent application number 10/430718 was filed with the patent office on 2004-02-26 for method of playing game and gaming games with an additional payout indicator.
Invention is credited to Adams, William R..
Application Number | 20040038734 10/430718 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22566249 |
Filed Date | 2004-02-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040038734 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Adams, William R. |
February 26, 2004 |
Method of playing game and gaming games with an additional payout
indicator
Abstract
Gaming devices comprising a standard gaming unit, e.g., three
reels, and a discernible additional payout indicator, e.g., a
rotatable wheel. A preferred bonus payout indicator is clearly
visible by the player and is actuatable when the reels of the slot
machine stop on certain predetermined indicia. A preferred
embodiment further comprises a payout multiplier which displays a
plurality of values by which a payout may be multiplied.
Inventors: |
Adams, William R.; (Las
Vegas, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARSHALL, GERSTEIN & BORUN LLP
6300 SEARS TOWER
233 S. WACKER DRIVE
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Family ID: |
22566249 |
Appl. No.: |
10/430718 |
Filed: |
May 6, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10430718 |
May 6, 2003 |
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10243253 |
Sep 13, 2002 |
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10243253 |
Sep 13, 2002 |
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10033594 |
Dec 27, 2001 |
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10033594 |
Dec 27, 2001 |
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09157996 |
Sep 22, 1998 |
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6334814 |
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09157996 |
Sep 22, 1998 |
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08907764 |
Aug 8, 1997 |
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5848932 |
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08907764 |
Aug 8, 1997 |
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08311783 |
Sep 23, 1994 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3244 20130101;
G07F 17/3267 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101; A63F 3/00157
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/25 |
International
Class: |
A63F 013/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of conducting a gaming activity, comprising: providing
at least one player an opportunity to place a wager on at least one
primary game; generating a random outcome from play of said at
least one primary game and displaying said random outcome on a
display associated with said at least one primary game; responsive
to said random outcome of said primary game, qualifying said at
least one player for play of a secondary game comprising a
TIC-TAC-TOE game and displaying said TIC-TAC-TOE game on a
three-by-three matrix display; providing said at least one player
an opportunity to select at least one indicia and displaying said
at least one selected indicia on said three-by-three matrix
display; and generating an outcome of said TIC-TAC-TOE game,
wherein said outcome is determined at least in part by said
selection of said at least one indicia by said at least one
player.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said outcome of said
TIC-TAC-TOE game is randomly generated.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein said qualifying for
said play of said secondary game comprises obtaining an indicia or
combination of indicia in said random outcome from play of said at
least one primary game.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein said at least one
indicia selected by said at least one player comprises an X or an
O.
5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: providing
an opportunity for said at least one player to have a payout
generated by play of said at least one primary game or said
TIC-TAC-TOE game multiplied by a multiplication factor, wherein
said opportunity is responsive to said random outcome of said at
lesat one primary game or said outcome of said TIC-TAC-TOE
game.
6. A gaming device, comprising: a first display for displaying
randomly selected indicia of a primary game; a second display
comprising a three-by-three matrix of boxes for displaying indicia
of a TIC-TAC-TOE game; an input device for enabling a player to
select at least one indicia during play of said TIC-TAC-TOE game;
means for generating an outcome of said TIC-TAC-TOE game, wherein
said means is operatively connected to said input device such that
said generation of said outcome is responsive to said player's
selection of said at least one indicia.
7. The gaming device of claim 6, wherein said at least one indicia
selectable by said player comprises an X or an O.
8. The gaming device of claim 6, wherein said second display is
configured to illuminate boxes during play of said TIC-TAC-TOE
game.
9. The gaming device of claim 6, further comprising a payout
multiplier.
10. The gaming device of claim 6, wherein said secondary display
comprises a video display.
11. A method of conducting a gaming activity, comprising: providing
an opportunity for at least one player to place a wager on a card
game; responsive to a combination of cards received by said at
least one player, qualifying for an opportunity to participate in a
secondary game; conducting said secondary game; and responsive to
an outcome of said secondary game, providing a bonus payout.
12. The method of conducting a gaming activity according to claim
11, wherein said bonus payout is dependent upon said wager placed
in said card game.
13. The method of conducting a gaming activity according to claim
11, wherein said card game comprises five card stud poker, five
card draw poker, seven card draw poker, or black jack.
14. The method of conducting a gaming activity according to claim
11, wherein said secondary game comprises spinning a wheel and
allowing said wheel to stop spinning, such that a pointer points to
one of a plurality of randomly selected bonus payouts represented
by indicia on said wheel.
15. The method of conducting a gaming activity according to claim
11, wherein said bonus payout comprises a monetary award, a
non-monetary award, a losing outcome, or a prize reduction.
16. The method of conducting a gaming activity according to claim
11, wherein said bonus payout comprises at least one opportunity to
double an initial payout of said card game or lose said initial
payout.
17. The method of claim 11, further comprising: responsive to said
combination of cards or said outcome of said secondary game,
providing said at least one player an opportunity to activate a
payout multiplier, wherein said payout multiplier enhances or
reduces a payout from said card game or said secondary game.
18. The method of claim 11, wherein said secondary game comprises a
TIC-TAC-TOE game, wherein said TIC-TAC-TOE game is played by
randomly selecting indicia of said TIC-TAC-TOE game and displaying
said selected indicia on a three-by-three matrix display.
19. A gaming device, comprising: a gaming table configured for play
of a card game comprising a dealer play area and a player play
area; a bonus payout indicator; and an actuation switch for placing
said bonus payout indicator in an operable mode.
20. The gaming device of claim 19, wherein said actuation switch is
only accessible to said dealer, further comprising: at least one
player switch for activating said bonus payout indicator, wherein
said player switch is accessible to players of said card game and
said player switch only activates said bonus payout indicator when
said actuation switch is in said operable mode.
21. The gaming device of claim 19, wherein said table is configured
for play of five card stud poker, five card draw poker, seven card
draw poker, or black jack.
22. The gaming device of claim 19, wherein said bonus payout
indicator comprises a wheel for visually indicating one of a
plurality of possible indicia, wherein said plurality of possible
indicia represent a plurality of bonus payout prizes.
23. The gaming device of claim 22, wherein said plurality of
possible payouts comprise indicia representing a monetary award, a
non-monetary award, a losing outcome, or a prize reduction.
24. The gaming device of claim 19, further comprising a chip rack,
a card shoe, a discard shoe, a wager slot, and at least one betting
area.
25. The gaming device of claim 19, wherein said table comprises a
board game.
26. The gaming device of claim 19, wherein said bonus payout
indicator comprises a three-by-three matrix for indicating a
TIC-TAC-TOE game, such that a bonus prize is determined by a result
of said TIC-TAC-TOE game.
27. The gaming device of claim 19, further comprising: a payout
multiplier, wherein said payout multiplier is configured to enhance
or reduce a payout from said card game or a bonus payout generated
by said bonus payout indicator.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
09/157,996, filed Sep. 22, 1998, pending, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/907,764
filed on Aug. 8, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,932, issued on Dec.
15, 1998, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 08/311,783 filed on Sep. 23, 1994, now
abandoned.
[0002] The present invention is directed to novel gaming devices
and, more particularly, to gaming devices comprising at least
primary and secondary events capable of providing at least one of a
plurality of payouts.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Games of chance have been enjoyed by people for years and
have enjoyed widespread popularity in recent times. Many people
enjoy playing a wide variety of games that they have not played
before. Playing new games adds to the excitement of this
recreational activity particularly when some form of "gaming" is
involved. As used herein, the term "gaming" and "gaming devices"
are used to indicate that some form of wagering is involved, and
that players must make wagers of value, whether actual currency or
some equivalent of value, e.g., token or credit.
[0004] One popular game of chance that has long been enjoyed by
many players is the slot machine. Conventionally, a slot machine is
configured for a player to input something of value, e.g., a
standard denomination of currency or house token or other
representation of currency or credit, and then to permit the player
to activate the device which causes a plurality of reels to spin
and ultimately stop to display a random combination of some form of
indicia, for example, numbers or symbols. If this display contains
one of a preselected plurality of winning combinations, the machine
releases money into a payout chute or onto a credit meter for the
player. For example, if a player initially wagered two coins of a
national currency and that player won a high payout, that player
may receive fifty coins of the same denomination in return.
[0005] Since it is desirable to offer players games which they have
not played before, it would be desirable to provide a player with
new games and additional opportunities to receive winning
payouts.
[0006] Those familiar with games involving winning payouts, such as
the popular television game show entitled "WHEEL OF FORTUNE" will
realize that as players and observers watch a large wheel spin and
gradually come to rest, the players experience a heightened feeling
of anticipation and excitement as the wheel is slowing down to
indicate a possible prize.
[0007] It would therefore also be desirable to provide a payout
indicator which is discernible by a player and/or other
observers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Various embodiments of the present invention comprise
methods of playing games, gaming devices and table games utilizing
a primary game, e.g., rotatable reels, and at least one discernible
indicia of a secondary game, preferably comprising a payout
indicator. The secondary game is separate from the primary game
either physically or temporally.
[0009] According to the most preferred embodiments, a bonus payout
indicator is clearly visible to a player and is operable when
primary reels of a primary game slot machine stop on certain
predetermined indicia. According to one preferred embodiment of the
present invention, a secondary payout indicator is in the form of a
rotatable bonus wheel which can be caused to spin automatically or
in response to some action by a player, e.g., the player pushing a
button, when the primary game indicates one of a predetermined
plurality of indicia. The wheel is caused to gradually reduce speed
and when the wheel stops, a pointer indicates the payout to be
awarded to the player.
[0010] Another preferred embodiment of the present invention
further comprises a discernible multiplier which provides the
ability to change either the payout from the primary gaming unit or
the secondary payout indicator, or both. As described in more
detail below, it is within the scope of the present invention to
provide a payout from the primary gaming unit, a payout indicated
by the secondary indicator only, a payout from the primary gaming
unit or the secondary indicator as changed by the multiplier, or a
separate, plurality of payouts from the primary gaming unit and the
secondary indicator either with or without modification by a
multiplier.
[0011] According to one preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the mechanical bonus payout indicator is electronically
operated and is linked to a random number generator which
determines where the secondary indicator actually stops.
[0012] According to another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, when the primary unit stop on one of a predetermined
plurality of winning indicia sets, a second event actuator is
placed in an active state. According to this embodiment, a person,
such as the player, must actuate the actuator in order to operate
the bonus indicator.
[0013] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
the bonus actuator requires operator intervention so that a player
must involve a casino attendant who can activate the bonus
indicator.
[0014] According to another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the bonus indicator is connected to a drive mechanism
which gradually reduces the rate of spin of the bonus wheel before
the bonus wheel stops.
[0015] Still other embodiments of the present invention comprise
gaming devices having electronic means for displaying indicia of
rotatable reels such as a video screen and/or means for displaying
indicia of a secondary payout indicator, such as a video screen.
The present invention also comprises methods for playing a game of
chance. One preferred method comprises the steps of displaying a
first randomly selected combination of indicia, said displayed
indicia selected from the group consisting of slot reels, indicia
of at least one reel, indicia of at least one playing card, and
combinations thereof; generating at least one signal corresponding
to at least one select display of first indicia; providing at least
one discernible indicia of a mechanical bonus indicator, said bonus
indicator indicia indicating at least one of a plurality of
possible payouts, wherein said bonus indicator indicia providing
means is operatively connected to said first, standard gaming unit
and actuatable in response to said signal. According to one
preferred embodiment, the discernable indicia of a mechanical bonus
indicator gradually reduces the rate of movement of the mechanical
bonus indicator for some period of time prior to actually providing
the discernable indicia of a payout. According to another
embodiment, a multiplier is provided to multiply at least one
payout by a multiple which is most preferably indicated to a
player. The multiple can preferably sequentially change as
discernable indicia change. For example, a plurality of multiples
can be synchronized with a plurality of discemable indicia on the
mechanical bonus indicator such that the multiple changes as the
payout indicated changes.
[0016] Further embodiments of the present invention comprises a
method of conducting a game of chance comprising the steps of
providing a player with an opportunity to place a wager; displaying
a randomly selected combination of indicia, said displayed indicia
selected from the group consisting of reels, indicia of at least
one and preferably a plurality of reels, indicia of at least one
and preferably a plurality of playing cards, and combination
thereof, generating at least one signal corresponding to at least
one select display of said indicia; providing at least one
discernible indicia of a mechanical bonus indicator, said bonus
indicator indicia indicating at least one of a plurality of
possible bonuses, wherein said bonus indicator indicia is in the
form of a wheel or reel and is actuatable in response to said
signal.
[0017] Other embodiments provide methods and gaming devices wherein
a secondary gaming unit comprises indicia of a TIC-TAC-TOE-type
game. According to this embodiment, a player receives awards based
upon the outcome of a randomly determined TIC-TAC-TOE-type
game.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view one of a gaming device of one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 is another embodiment of a gaming device of the
present invention.
[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 4 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention
in the form of a table game.
[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates a reel screen for a primary game of an
alternative embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates a payout table for a TIC-TAC-TOE-type
game of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0024] FIG. 7 illustrates a display of secondary gaming unit of the
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0025] FIG. 8 is an expanded view of the payout schedule and a
display window of a TIC-TAC-TOE-type embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The various embodiments of the present invention are
designed to provide added excitement to a board/table game or
gaming device in order to increase the enjoyment of players and to
serve as an added attraction to potential players. On preferred
embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in FIG. 1,
comprises a primary gaming unit which comprises three rotatable
reels 10, each of which comprise a plurality of indicia on the
periphery thereof. The illustrated gaming device comprises a
mechanical lever 12, coin slot 14, currency validator 16 and a
credit card validator 18. In a manner which will be recognized by
those skilled in the art, each reel 10 is designed to rotate and
then stop in order to visually display at least one, and preferably
a number of indicia. If the collection of indicia displayed by the
three reels is one of a predetermined plurality of winning indicia
sets, then the player can typically be provided with a winning
payout either through coin chute 20 which deposits winnings into a
coin trough 30 or by increasing the player's credits in a credit
window 40.
[0027] According to one aspect of the present invention, when the
reels 10 display at least one of a plurality of predetermined
winning indicia or indicia sets then the player is provided with an
opportunity for a secondary payout. According to this illustrated
embodiment of the present invention, a bonus actuator button 50 is
placed in an operative state when reels 10 display a bonus indicia
set. A player must then depress bonus actuator 50 in order to start
bonus indicator 70 spinning. In the illustrated embodiment, bonus
indicator 70 is in the form of a rotatable wheel. The wheel may be
a carnival-type wheel comprising pegs and a clapper or could take
one or more other forms, such as a fanciful wheel typically used in
a roulette game as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2. If a
preferred motor driven wheel is utilized, it is preferably linked
to some random value generator in order to randomly determine where
the wheel will actually stop. In order to enhance the playing
experience, sound effects corresponding to a clapper slapping
against pegs of a carnival wheel are preferably provided as the
wheel passes from one segment to another. The bonus indicator 70 is
also preferably controlled so that the rate of spin is reduced,
most preferably gradually reduced, prior to stopping in order to
simulate a mechanical spinning wheel.
[0028] The facing surface of bonus indicator 70 of FIG. 1 comprises
four distinct areas bearing indicia of the bonus payout to the
player. In the illustrated embodiment, the bonus indicator has
areas indicating bonuses of $25.00, $50.00, $100.00, and $2,000.00.
When bonus indicator 70 stops, an indicator (not shown) will
indicate the area on the bonus wheel corresponding to the amounts
of the bonus to be provided to the player.
[0029] In a manner which will be appreciated by those skilled in
the art, bonus indicator 70 can be operatively linked to a "payout"
mechanism which provides a bonus payout to a player through
currency chute 20 or by increasing the amount of winnings shown in
credit window 40. As stated above, the payout of the bonus
indicator can be in addition to a standard payout by the primary
gaming unit or can be in place of the payout normally associated
with the primary gaming unit.
[0030] Those familiar with gaming and game shows, will appreciate
that players and observers typically experience a heightened level
of anticipation and excitement as they observe one or more moving
objects approaching a winning position. It is therefore most
preferred for the bonus indicator of the present invention to be
readily discernible, e.g., clearly visible and/or audible to the
player.
[0031] According to another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a bonus indicator is connected to a electronic control
unit, for example a motor, which gradually decreases the rate of
movement of the bonus indicator before the bonus indicator stops.
According to this embodiment of the present invention, players can
be provided with a realistic sense of a totally mechanical
indicator. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that such a
control unit can also readily be connected to a random generator
which will randomly select the winning payout according to a
predetermined frequency of occurrence for each individual bonus
payout, and then cause the bonus indicator to stop at the desired
area. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that other
mechanisms can be utilized for gradually decreasing the rate of
movement of the secondary payout indicator, e.g., a controlled
braking system.
[0032] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
when reels 10 display an indicia set which will provide a bonus,
the bonus indicator becomes activatable but requires intervention
by a house attendant, such as a casino attendant, in order to
actuate the bonus indicator. According to this embodiment of the
present invention, the casino is provided with greater control over
the actuation of the bonus indicator and, if desired, can accompany
the actuation of the bonus indicator with great fanfare. It will be
appreciated that the amounts of the bonus indicated in the figures
are merely for purposes of illustration and, if desired, one of the
amounts on the bonus indicator can have a significantly greater
value. For example, one of the areas on the bonus indicator may
correspond to a new automobile, a luxury vacation or a very large
sum of money.
[0033] While the illustrated embodiment of the present invention in
FIG. 1 is generally in the form of a rotatable wheel, other
visible, mechanical indicia can be provided, whether controlled
totally mechanically, electro-mechanically, or electronically
without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, in order to provide additional levels of
excitement, indicia of the possible bonuses are preferably visibly
displayed within the slot machine. For example, in one illustrated
embodiment, a shelf is preferably displayed comprising piles of
currency equal to the amounts on the bonus indicator. While actual
cash is preferred, the slot machine may also be provided with fake
currency or simply indicia of actual currency or the other bonus
prizes.
[0035] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is
illustrated in FIG. 2 wherein a gaming device 100 comprises a
primary gaming unit in the form of a standard three-reel slot
machine which displays reels 110. Suitable controls and currency
mechanisms including a coin slot 114, bill validator 118, payout
shoot 120 are provided. Furthermore, suitable player controls
including CHANGE button 132, CASH/CREDIT button 134, BET ONE button
136, SPIN button 138 and BET MAX button 130 are also provided.
[0036] In addition to these standard controls the control panel of
this preferred illustrated embodiment of the present invention
comprises a SPIN THE WHEEL button 140 which becomes actuatable when
the primary gaming unit, as indicated by reels 110, has randomly
selected one of a plurality of predetermined indicia sets. While
the primary gaming unit shown in the lower portion of the cabinet
of gaming device 100 will typically have the ability to provide a
plurality of winning payouts, the SPIN THE WHEEL button 140 can
become actuatable when the stopped reels 110 indicate some subset
of the primary unit's winning indicia, when any one of the winning
reel indicia are displayed, or further in response to one or more
other predetermined indicia, or a combination thereof. For example,
the SPIN THE WHEEL feature, or some other secondary game, can be
actuated or become activatable in response to a single indicia
indicated on one of the reels or reel indicia.
[0037] When the SPIN THE WHEEL button 140 is actuated by a player,
bonus wheel 150 is caused to rotate and randomly select and display
one of a plurality of different areas. According to the preferred
illustrated embodiment, all of the bonus areas indicate an
increased winning value for the player. However, it is within the
scope of the present invention to provide non-monetary prizes or
losing spaces wherein no additional prize is provided and/or
wherein the prize normally associated with the indicia shown on the
primary gaming unit reels 110 is reduced. In the illustrated
embodiment, a pointer 160 advantageously indicates the result of
the bonus wheel 150.
[0038] In addition to the bonus wheel 150, this preferred
illustrated embodiment of the present invention also comprises a
bonus multiplier 170. The multiplier 170 preferably randomly
selects a value by which the bonus indicated by bonus wheel 150 is
multiplied. For example, the bonus indicator 170 can have an LED
screen which cycles through multipliers of"times one", "times two"
and "times three" which will indicate that the bonus is as
indicated, doubled, or tripled, respectively. The multiplier 170
can be programmed to select a multiplier either totally randomly or
according to some other predetermined frequency of occurrence
wherein certain multipliers will occur more frequently than other
multipliers. While this illustrated embodiment comprises whole
number multipliers, it is also within the scope of the present
invention to utilize values other than whole numbers or to include
multipliers which will result in a decrease in the value shown by
the bonus indicator 150. For example, a multiplier sequence could
include a "times zero" value. When bonus wheel indicator 150 is not
in use, the multiplier LED window can be set to an attract mode
wherein a message is displayed to players or potential players. For
example, the LED display could show a message, either in complete
form or can be set to sequentially display either words or
individual letters, such as "SPIN-THE-WHEEL."
[0039] According to the various embodiments of the present
invention, the bonus multiplier or additional payout multiplier is
most preferably synchronized with the movement of the rotatable
wheel or indicia of a rotatable reel, such that the multiplier
value will change as each wheel segment passes the indicator. The
most preferred embodiments of the present invention additionally
comprise audible signals, such as the clicking of a clapper of the
type found on actual spinning wheel comprising a clapper indicator
and pegs which strike the clapper. The audible signals are
preferably also synchronized with the segments of the wheel such
that an audible signal is provided as the wheel moves from one
segment to another. This advantageously provides the effect of a
mechanical wheel comprising pegs moving past a mechanical
clapper.
[0040] FIG. 3 illustrates a less preferred embodiment of the
present invention wherein a gaming device 200 comprising similar
controls as the controls illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 2.
In this illustrated embodiment, and wherein a bonus indicator 250
is in the form of an electronically generated image, such as a
video screen or an LED display and provides discernible indicia,
e.g., a visual video display, of a bonus wheel. For example, the
video display can show a wheel of the type used in a roulette game
such as the wheel 150 illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0041] The slot machine shown in FIG. 3 comprises a video display
210, such as a video screen, which displays three reels 110, each
of which comprise a plurality of indicia. In addition, this slot
machine comprises a video display 250, such as a second video
screen, for displaying a bonus payout indicator. While separate
screens are preferred, both the reels and the bonus payout
indicator could be displayed on the same video screen. According to
this embodiment of the present invention, the bonus payout
indicator displays indicia of a wheel or a reel.
[0042] In a manner known in the art, the gaming device comprises a
coin slot 214, a currency validator 218, and a coin chute 220.
After placing a wager, a player determines the amount of his wager
by either pressing the BET ONE button 236 or the BET MAX button
230. After the player has selected the amount of his wager, he
depresses the SPIN button 238 which "spins" the reels shown in
video display window 210.
[0043] Each indicia of a displayed reel 210 is designed to indicate
rotation and then stop in order to visually display at least one,
and preferably a number of indicia. When reels 210 display a
particular indicia set or one of a predetermined plurality of
indicia sets, then the additional payout mode is activated and
video display 250 displaying payout indicator is placed in an
operable state. In this illustrated embodiment, the displayed
payout indicator 250 displays an indicia of a rotating wheel
comprising a plurality of distinct areas bearing indicia of payouts
to the player. Payout indicator 250, is caused to selectively
indicate one of the plurality of indicia, either automatically,
upon intervention of a casino or house attendant, or upon a player
depressing SPIN THE WHEEL button 240 in order to start indicator
250 spinning. It will be appreciated that the amounts of the payout
indicated in FIG. 3 are merely for purposes of illustration and, if
desired, one of the amounts on the bonus indicator can have a
greater value, e.g., a new automobile, a luxury vacation or large
sum of money which may be collected subsequently, or lesser values,
e.g., no payout.
[0044] The displayed reels 210 and displayed bonus indicator 250
can be operably controlled by suitable controls to gradually slow
down as they come to a complete stop, displaying a selected reel
indicia and a bonus indicia, respectively.
[0045] The embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG.
2 is considered most preferable since it is believed that players
prefer to see actual slot reels and an actual bonus wheel spinning
in a gaming device. Other, less preferred embodiments are also
possible while providing some of the advantages of the present
invention. Specifically, it is feasible to replace the spinning
reels with other forms of standard gaming units, for example, a
visible indicia of reels or indicia of playing cards, shown for
example on a video screen. It is also possible to replace the wheel
with some other discernible indicia of a mechanical bonus indicator
which is operatively connected to the first standard gaming unit
and which either automatically commences or is actuatable in
response to the result provided by the standard gaming unit.
According to the present invention, both of the standard gaming
unit and bonus indicator are controlled to provide random
results.
[0046] From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that
embodiments of the present invention, which are specifically
directed to gaming and gaming devices, comprise three different
indicators. The most preferred embodiments comprise a primary
(standard) gaming unit, an additional payout indicator, preferably
in the form of a wheel, and a payout multiplier. While the
illustrated payout multiplier of the illustrated embodiments is in
the form of an electronically selected value, it is also within the
scope of the present invention to have a multiplier which involves
some skill on the part of a player. For example, according to an
additional preferred embodiment of the present invention, a player
will shoot actual projectiles, such as coins, at one or more
targets in an effort to increase the value of the multiplier. In
any of the embodiments of the present invention utilizing a
multiplier, the multiplier can affect the value of a payout from
the standard gaming unit, the additional payout indicator, or both
the standard gaming unit and the payout indicator.
[0047] As stated above, the present invention also includes methods
of conducting a wagering game of chance comprising the steps of
providing a player with an opportunity to place a wager; displaying
a randomly selected combination of indicia, said displayed indicia
selected from the group consisting of reels, indicia of reels,
indicia of playing cards, and combination thereof; generating at
least one signal corresponding to at least one select display of
said indicia; providing at least one discernible indicia of a
mechanical bonus indicator, said bonus indicator indicia indicating
at least one of a plurality of possible bonuses, wherein said bonus
indicator indicia is in the form of a wheel or reel and is
actuatable in response to said signal. A further preferred method
comprises the step of displaying at least one value by which a
payout may be multiplied.
[0048] Another method of the present invention comprises the steps
of requiring at least one player to make a wager; displaying at
least one randomly selected playing card from a predetermined card
indicia set; displaying and rotating a rotatable wheel comprising a
plurality of indicia corresponding to a plurality of prizes if said
displayed playing card indicia was one of a preselected plurality
of winning card indicia; and determining a winning payout with said
wheel, wherein said winning payout is randomly selected.
[0049] Another embodiment of the present invention in the form of a
table game is illustrated in FIG. 4 wherein a chip rack 310, card
shoe 320, discard shoe 330, wager slot 340, betting areas 350, and
secondary event wheel 360 are provided. According to this
embodiment of the present invention after one or more players have
placed wagers in wagering areas 350, a dealer will provide cards to
the wagering players in areas 355 and then provide cards to himself
in card area 370. After the cards have been dealt, the initial bets
can be resolved by comparing the players' cards to the dealer's
cards. While the illustrated game is shown as five card stud poker,
other games and arrangements can also be utilized without departing
from the scope of the present invention. For example, a player's
cards can be compared to other player's cards or a predetermined
payout schedule, or other card games can be utilized including
seven card draw, five card draw poker, black jack, etc.
[0050] Upon the happening of a predetermined occurrence, such as
the receipt of one of a preselected plurality of card hands, one or
more of the players can be given the opportunity to spin the payout
indicator 360, which is most preferably electronically operated by
an actuation switch. The actuation switch can be within reach of
the players for added excitement or can be actuated by the dealer.
Alternatively, actuation by a player's actuator switch can require
prior actuation of a dealer switch which will then render the
player's switch operable. If less than all of the players are going
to benefit from the results of payout indicator 360, additional
indicators can be positioned proximate the players in order to
indicate which players are involved in the spin of payout indicator
360. In a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 2, a payout
multiplier 380 is also provided. Sound effects as referenced above
and means for gradually decreasing the rate of movement of the
payout indicator 360 are also preferably provided.
[0051] In addition to the primary gaming unit or primary game, the
secondary event, and the multiplier, another preferred aspect of
the present invention which can be utilized with all previously
described embodiments comprises a DOUBLE-OR-NOTHING feature wherein
winning players may wager their winnings in a double-or-nothing
fashion. According to this feature of the present invention, a
player may be provided with the opportunity to bet on red or black
after he has won a game. For this purpose, the rotatable wheels of
the present invention are preferably provided with alternating red
and black pie-shaped segments. According to this feature, a player
can be provided with the opportunity of betting on red or black
with the opportunity of doubling his winnings if he makes a correct
selection. After the player makes his selection, the wheel would be
rotated to determine whether the player has successfully doubled
his winnings or has lost those winnings. A player may be provided
with the opportunity of utilizing the double or nothing feature
several times and/or up to a certain maximum to be determined by
the game operator.
[0052] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
the secondary gaming unit is generally in the form of a
TIC-TAC-TOE-type game. This embodiment is illustrated, in part, in
FIGS. 5-8 which comprises a primary gaming unit in the form of a
three reel slot machine. While the primary gaming unit of this
embodiment is a three reel slot machine, other forms of primary
gaming units can be utilized without departing from the scope of
the present invention.
[0053] According to this illustrated embodiment, the primary game
has multiple pay lines. If a player deposits a single coin, he will
qualify for winning combinations only if they all appear on the
center pay line. If the player deposits two coins, then the player
will qualify for both the center payline and the payline above the
center payline. Other paylines are obtained with coins 3-5 which
correspond to a lower payline, first diagonal payline, and a second
diagonal payline, respectively, all of which are illustrated in
FIG. 5.
[0054] According to this embodiment of the present invention, a
player can qualify for playing the secondary TIC-TAC-TOE-type game,
hereinafter referred to as TIC-TAC DISCO, if the player obtains at
least one predetermined event on the primary gaming unit. That
predetermined event can obtain a special TIC-TAC-DISCO symbol which
can be present on one of the reel strips (not shown) or can
comprise any one of a plurality of possible pre-determined outcomes
which qualify and activate the secondary TIC-TAC DISCO game.
[0055] FIG. 6 illustrates one form of payout schedule for the
primary gaming unit of this embodiment of the present invention,
however, from the present description those skilled in the art will
appreciate that other payout schedules can be utilized without
departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0056] Playing the secondary event can also be dependent upon the
player wagering the maximum number of coins, for example, in the
illustrated embodiment five coins.
[0057] When the player qualifies for activating, the secondary
TIC-TAC DISCO game, a screen 300 and/or a TIC-TAC-TOE-type display
350 will randomly and alternately select X's and O's for the
TIC-TAC-TOE-type display 350. For example, display 300 can indicate
that for box no. 1 on display 350 an X had been selected, while on
box no. 2 an O had been selected, etc. for all nine boxes.
Alternatively, the X's and O's indicated on TIC-TAC-TOE-type
display 350 can be illuminated to reveal whether a given box has
been designated as an X or an O. The determination of whether a
particular box is designated as an X or an O can be determined
separately from other boxes or the result of the game can be
determined randomly and then a pre-determined sequence of X's and
O's which indicate that randomly selected final outcome can be
implemented for entertainment purposes. In addition to the display
screen 300 and the X's and O's for each box in TIC-TAC-TOE-type
display 300, the backgrounds of the boxes of the TIC-TAC-TOE-type
display 350 can be either darkened or illuminated in a different
form in order to indicate the designation accorded to that
particular box. As indicated in FIG. 7, each of the boxes in the
TIC-TAC-TOE-type display 350 are provided with numbers. In this
illustrated embodiment, these numbers indicate the amount of a
players award if the player obtains a "TIC-TAC-TOE", i.e. three in
a row display of X's or O's. For example, with reference to FIG. 7,
if a player obtains three O's along the top boxes, then the player
would receive a payout equal to 58 coins (58 being the sum of
10+40+8).
[0058] Alternatively, according to this embodiment of the present
invention, the player can decide whether he wishes to be X's or
O's, and then the player receives an award equal to the sum of the
boxes which receive X's and O's, regardless of whether the player
attains three of the same symbols in a row.
[0059] Furthermore, according to another preferred aspect of the
present invention, best illustrated in FIG. 8, in addition to
obtaining an award for the amount shown in the boxes, if a player
achieves three symbols in a row, the player is provided with a
bonus payout depending upon the number of squares which were
illuminated when the player obtained three symbols in a row. As
indicated, if only three squares were illuminated, the player would
receive a bonus payout of 500 coins, wherein if 4 squares were
illuminated then the bonus would be 100 coins, 5 squares providing
75 coins, 6 squares providing 50 coins, 7 squares providing 25
coins, 8 squares providing 20 coins, and 9 squares providing 15
coins. Still furthermore, if the player did not attain three in a
row, he could be provided with a consolation price of 50 coins.
[0060] In addition to the activation of the TIC-TAC-TOE-type game,
the playing of the secondary gaming unit is accompanied by the
broadcasting of music from the gaming device in order to add to the
excitement and entertainment of the overall experience.
* * * * *