U.S. patent application number 10/867940 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-18 for method and apparatus for gaming machines with a tournament play bonus feature.
Invention is credited to Cannon, Lee E., Guinn, Robert.
Application Number | 20040229700 10/867940 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27101421 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040229700 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cannon, Lee E. ; et
al. |
November 18, 2004 |
Method and apparatus for gaming machines with a tournament play
bonus feature
Abstract
A tournament gaming system is disclosed including one or more
gaming machines programmed for play of at least one tournament
game. A plurality of gaming machines may be linked for tournament
play by a host computer. Qualification for tournament play is based
only upon criteria established only by the gaming operator or
without consideration of player desire to participate in the
tournament. Game play on at least some of the participating games
is tracked and displayed during the tournament, which ends after a
player of one of the games achieves predetermined results.
Inventors: |
Cannon, Lee E.; (Bozeman,
MT) ; Guinn, Robert; (Reno, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARGER JOHNSON & MCCOLLOM PC
1030 SW MORRISON STREET
PORTLAND
OR
97205
US
|
Family ID: |
27101421 |
Appl. No.: |
10/867940 |
Filed: |
June 14, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10867940 |
Jun 14, 2004 |
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09864927 |
May 24, 2001 |
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09864927 |
May 24, 2001 |
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09675829 |
Sep 29, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3267 20130101;
G07F 17/3211 20130101; G07F 17/3244 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3293 20130101; G07F 17/34 20130101; G07F 17/3276
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/042 |
International
Class: |
G06F 017/00; G06F
019/00 |
Claims
1. A method of operating a gaming system, comprising: allowing game
play on one or more of a plurality of gaming devices connected to a
central controller over a gaming network; generating an enrollment
signal on the network that identifies at least one of the gaming
devices to participate in the tournament; generating the enrollment
signal responsive to criteria established only by the gaming system
operator; transmitting the enrollment signal to the identified
gaming device; starting the tournament at a starting time; tracking
game play that occurs on the selected games after the starting time
as tournament game play; compiling at least portions of the
tournament game play as tournament data; displaying the tournament
data substantially in real-time as it is collected; and ending the
tournament after a player of one of the selected games achieves
predetermined game results.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein displaying the tournament data
comprises displaying leaders of the tournament.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein displaying the tournament data
comprises displaying the tournament data on a device separate from
the plurality of gaming devices.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the starting time begins at a
pre-scheduled time.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the starting time begins at a
random time.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein ending the tournament comprises
ending after a player accumulates a predetermined number of
points.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising awarding an award to
the player that achieves the predetermined game results.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein awarding an award comprises paying
a hand-pay.
9. The method of claim 7 wherein awarding an award comprises
crediting a meter on a gaming device associated with the player
that achieves the predetermined game results.
10. A method of operating a gaming system, comprising: allowing
game play by players on one or more of a plurality of gaming
devices connected to a central controller over a gaming network;
selecting a group of the playing devices to participate in a
tournament, the selection made without consideration of player
desire to participate in the tournament; generating an enrollment
signal on the network that identifies at least one of the gaming
devices in the group selected to participate in the tournament;
transmitting the enrollment signal to the identified at least one
gaming device; starting the tournament at a starting time; tracking
game play that occurs on the selected games after the starting time
as tournament game play; compiling at least portions of the
tournament game play as tournament data; displaying the tournament
data substantially in real-time as it is collected; and ending the
tournament after a player of one of the selected games achieves
predetermined game results.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein the starting time begins at a
pre-scheduled time.
12. The method of claim 10 wherein the starting time begins at a
random time.
13. The method of claim 1, further comprising awarding an award to
the player that achieves the predetermined game results.
14. The method of claim 16 wherein awarding an award comprises
crediting a meter on a gaming device associated with the player
that achieves the predetermined game results.
15. A gaming system managed by a system operator, comprising: a
plurality of gaming devices coupled to a gaming network; a
tournament controller on the gaming network including: a selection
mechanism under sole control of the system operator and structured
to select one or more of the gaming devices to participate in a
tournament, a tournament enroller coupled to the selection
mechanism and structured to generate an enrollment signal for the
selected gaming devices based on an output of the selection
mechanism, a tournament initiator structured to, at a tournament
starting time, send the enrollment signal to the selected gaming
devices, a tournament tracker configured to track game play that
occurs on the selected games after the starting time as tournament
game play, a display coupled to the tournament tracker, and a
comparator structured to end the tournament after elements of the
game play match predetermined results.
16. The system of claim 15, further comprising a data compiler
coupled to the tournament tracker, the data compiler adapted to
filter game play and generate tournament data to be shown on the
display.
17. The system of claim 16 wherein the tournament data comprises
tournament leaders.
18. The system of claim 15 wherein the display is a device separate
from the plurality of gaming devices.
19. The system of claim 15, further including a time scheduler that
allows the system operator to choose a starting time.
20. The system of claim 15 wherein the tournament controller
further comprises an award mechanism for generating a tournament
award to a winner of the tournament.
21. The system of claim 20 wherein the award mechanism comprises a
machine credit generator.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
09/864,927, filed May 24, 2001, which is a continuation-in-part of
application Ser. No. 09/675,829, filed on Sep. 29, 2000.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to gaming system
designs including a tournament feature. More particularly, the
present invention may include a gaming system having two or more
electronic or electromechanical gaming machines in common
communication, the gaming machines providing each player an
opportunity to enter and play a tournament game at each player's
current location rather than at another, specific location
designated for tournament play. A player may qualify for entry into
a tournament in various ways, such as, for example, through
achieving predetermined combinations of elements or scores on the
gaming machine in a single base or primary game or in multiple
games over time, wagering a predetermined amount or at a
predetermined rate, or collecting a predetermined number of
tournament entry points from play of primary games. Participation
in a tournament after qualification may be, at the player's option,
deferred until a later time.
[0004] 2. State of the Art
[0005] Electronic games and their methods and apparatus for use are
also well known in the art. Electronic games include games of
chance, games of skill, and games involving both skill and chance.
Examples of several patents describing games of chance include U.S.
Pat. No. 5,833,536 to Davids et al. (Nov. 10, 1998), the disclosure
of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, U.S. Pat. No.
5,769,716 to Saffari et al. (Jun. 23, 1998), U.S. Pat. No.
5,820,460 to Fulton (Oct. 13, 1998) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,820 to
Morro et al. (Sep. 7, 1999).
[0006] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary electronic game
200 as found in the art. An electronic game 200 typically includes
a microprocessor or other computer 204 having a central processing
unit ("CPU") 206 and memory 208. The computer may be coupled to a
number of peripheral devices such as, by example only, a display
screen 210 (e.g., a cathode ray tube ("CRT"), plasma display,
liquid crystal display ("LCD"), and/or a display based on light
emitting diodes ("LED")), possibly having a touchscreen input 212
(see U.S. Pat. No. 5,951,397 to Dickinson (Sept. 14, 1999)), and/or
buttons, keys or other user input devices 214. Preferably a coin,
currency or card acceptor device 216 (to accept a credit card,
gaming card, smart card and the like) permits a player to activate
a game play or place wagers. The electronic game may also include a
separate scoreboard display 218.
[0007] Electronic games may also be coupled to one or more other
computers such as a central computer 220 of a casino, e.g. via a
network card 222 and link 224, modem 226 and the like. The game
parameters 228, such as how, when and where particular images will
appear on the display screen 210, how the game works and how to
operate the various elements operably coupled to the computer 204,
are stored in the memory 208. The electronic game 200 may be housed
in a game housing 202 such as, by example only, those shown in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,820,460 to Fulton (Oct. 13, 1998) and Des. 404,436 to
McGahn et al. (Jan 19, 1999).
[0008] Initiating an electronic game can be done as simply as by
inserting a coin or, more comprehensively, for example, by
inserting an identification card, such as a "smart card" having a
programmed microchip or a magnetic strip coded with a player=s
identification and credit totals. See U.S. Pat. No. 5,265,874 to
Dickinson et al. (Nov. 30, 1993), the disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Pat. No. 5,806,045 to Biorge
et al. (Sep. 8, 1998) uses a writeable identification card, such as
a smart card to eliminate the need for a network or direct
connection between remote systems and a common controller or point
database. Promotional point and credit information may be
retrieved, recorded and updated using the smart card.
Alternatively, it is known to transfer money to a game through an
electronic funds transfer as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,902,983
to Crevelt et al. (May 11, 1999).
[0009] Existing electronic game displays typically include multiple
images representing various aspects of a game such as a game
portion, a credit total portion and a wager amount portion. Other
electronic game displays include an additional bonus award portion
to indicate an amount of a bonus award which may be won, typically
through multiple games. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,851,148 to Burne et
al. (Dec. 22, 1998) and 5,911,418 to Adams (Jun. 15, 1999).
[0010] The Internet also includes casino or game host sites
offering displays similar to those found in conventional electronic
games. Generally, to play an Internet game, a software file is
downloaded to a player=s computer or terminal, which may then be
used to install the necessary software for the game and/or access
the casino or game host Internet site. As with a conventional
electronic game, Internet electronic games may be accessed using an
identification code or name to identify a specific player and
retrieve that player=s credit total or play history.
[0011] Gaming tournaments, conventional methods and operation of
which are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, are
typically held by casinos at specified times, in designated areas
within the casino to which a group of gaming machines has been
moved for the purpose of conducting a tournament, and for specified
durations. Tournament players are conventionally required to pay an
entry fee to enter the tournament, although no wagers are made
during the tournament. The accumulated points totals for successful
tournament play, although couched in monetary terms, do not
generally comprise the amounts of the actual prizes awarded.
Accordingly, the "money" won is not actually paid out, but
tournament players with the highest accrued totals of "money" at
the end of the tournament are the winners. These winners may be
conventionally awarded a percentage of the entry fees, or other
prizes, by the sponsor or sponsors of the tournament.
[0012] One example of a gaming tournament system and method of
entering a gaming tournament is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
6,019,374 to Breeding. The Breeding patent discloses a playing card
wagering game to be played at predetermined tournament card game
tables during a specified time. In the Breeding patent card game,
players place a wager and are then permitted to place a second
wager and entry fee for the opportunity to participate in a
tournament game. In one embodiment, for example, players may elect
to pay a $1 entry fee per hand to participate in the tournament. If
a player pays the entry fee and gets a straight or better, the
player's hand is eligible and may qualify the player for the second
round of the tournament during a second predetermined time if the
player's hand is in the top one hundred eligible hands obtained
during the specified tournament time. For the tournament disclosed
in the Breeding patent, there are five tournament rounds. At each
round, the number of players eligible for a succeeding round is
reduced and play continues until only five players are left in the
final round. The players are then ranked by the total amounts
accumulated in the final round and awards paid accordingly from a
super jackpot total. See also, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,288,081, 5,417,430
and 5,544,892, all to Breeding.
[0013] Although conventional tournament opportunities encourage
protracted gaming and add variety to a player's gaming experience,
administration of conventional gaming tournaments is time consuming
and relatively expensive. As a result, tournament play is offered
only at particular times and places most convenient for the
tournament coordinators to allow sufficient time for tournament
organization activities such as qualifying participants, sectioning
off a portion of the casino, rearranging gaming machine or table
locations, and the like.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,083,271 to Thacher et al. discloses a method
of tracking tournaments for electronic games in which scores
achieved on the games are transmitted to one or a hierarchy of
computers, which determine a winner or winners. Player codes are
stored in association with player credits. The players insert
credit cards into the gaming machines, which read the player codes,
send the codes to a computer which verifies each player's identity
and enables the gaming machines. The disclosure of U.S. Pat. No.
5,083,271 is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,163 to Fulton discloses the linking of a
plurality of gaming machines to a "control station" to at least
announce commencement of play of a secondary, group-oriented game
to players at distributed gaming machines normally used for play of
another, individually oriented game, such as stud poker. The
invention of the '163 patent is specifically disclosed in the
context of providing the opportunity for individual players to
participate in a bingo game without leaving their gaming machines.
The bingo game may be conducted manually, using a bingo card
secured to the gaming machine, or may be conducted through the
gaming machine itself, linked to the control station.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,648 to Guinn et al. discloses the
linking of a plurality of gaming machines to a host computer so
that gaming machines at distributed locations may be employed in
tournament play. The disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,648 is
hereby incorporated herein by reference.
[0017] PCT International Application Number WO 98/00210 ("the '210
Application") discloses a method of tournament gaming wherein a
plurality of slot machine gaming terminals are selectively
networked together with a host terminal so that current players of
the slot machine terminals may be notified of an opportunity to
participate in group tournament play. A player receiving the
notification may choose to enter the tournament, for example, by
depositing a specified tournament entry fee. The '210 Application
discloses that when a tournament begins, the tournament
participants will push the "spin" button as fast as possible, and
without the deposit of additional money, in order to earn as many
points as possible. Participants in the tournament are disclosed to
play for a fixed period of time, with the winner selected as the
player who accumulates the largest number of points during that
fixed time period.
[0018] While the concept of linking distributed gaming machines to
facilitate initiation of group-oriented gaming from the distributed
gaming machines has thus been recognized, it would be desirable to
provide a tournament gaming system which is easily initiated and
invites qualification for tournament play through enhanced
participation in a base or primary game by a player located at a
gaming machine convertible for tournament play. Furthermore, in
tournament games of fixed duration, part of the excitement of a
tournament is the frenzy of playing the particular game as fast as
possible. Under these circumstances, however, a player's
contribution to an expected payback percentage from the tournament
is substantially dependent upon the number of games the player
initiates within the tournament time frame, and thus may be highly
variable for each single player within a group of a participating
tournament players. This wide range of expected payback percentage
may be considered undesirable from a player acceptance standpoint,
and additionally may be disallowed in some gaming jurisdictions.
Accordingly, it would be further desirable to lessen the potential
for wide variations in expected payback percentages resulting from
tournament play and enhance the competitiveness of tournament
play.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for
gaming machines including a tournament play bonus feature. The
gaming machines of the present invention are each configured having
the features of a conventional gaming machine, but include
additional features relating to tournament play, which features
allow a player to participate in a gaming tournament from a gaming
machine configured according to the invention regardless of the
geographical location of the gaming machine.
[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, a tournament
event feature is incorporated within a traditional video or
mechanical reel gaming machine in addition to a base or primary
game. Play at a plurality of such gaming machines is
computer-monitored centrally through a network system. Play of
primary or base games at the plurality of gaming machines may be
employed to fund payouts for a tournament enabled for play by
qualified players at linked gaming machines. Thus, no separate
entry fee or buy in for tournament play may be required.
[0021] The linked gaming machines are provided with features which
"qualify" players into a scheduled, linked, tournament event
through attainment of one or more game outcome events. Numerous
methods may be employed for entering a tournament. A player may
enter or be entered in a tournament in response to an outcome of a
single, primary game, such as obtaining a particular winning
combination or other specific game outcome deserving of a bonus in
the form of tournament entry. In an alternative embodiment, a
player may accrue numbers of tournament bonus credits responsive to
an outcome of one or more primary games outcomes and use the
tournament bonus credits, alone or in combination with tendered
monetary credits, as an entry fee to gain entry into a
tournament.
[0022] Upon qualifying for entry into tournaments of fixed
duration, a method of tournament gaming is disclosed wherein
tournament gaming devices are configured for two modes of play for
one or more games of chance, the term "games of chance" as used
herein encompassing games which may include an element of player
skill. The first mode of play is player-initiated, and represents
the maximum rate of play permitted by the gaming device. The second
mode of play is automated, and represents the minimum rate of play
permitted by the gaming device. According to one aspect of this
embodiment, the automated minimum rate of play is activated when a
tournament player does not initiate a tournament game within a
predetermined interval of time. Preferably, the automated minimum
rate of play will be a percentage of an average or standard rate of
tournament play which is typical of players participating in the
particular tournament game. The standard rate of play may be preset
in the read-only-memory of a tournament gaming device
microprocessor, or may be ascertained by sampling the rates of play
of other gaming devices participating in a given tournament.
[0023] In another aspect of this embodiment, gaming devices in
tournament mode may be configured, during all or part of a
tournament period, to auto-play at a given rate for a predetermined
period of time. In this embodiment, the auto-play of the gaming
devices may be interrupted by relatively shorter periods of time in
which game initiation is effected only through physical interaction
by tournament players on their respective machines.
[0024] In a related embodiment, a method of lessening the variance
between numbers of games played during fixed periods of tournament
gaming is disclosed. The method comprises providing tournament
gaming devices adapted for tournament play and configured to
automatically initiate a tournament game of chance upon the
expiration of a predetermined time interval without interaction
from a tournament player. Further according to the embodiment,
tournament players are permitted to initiate play of each
tournament game prior to the expiration of a predetermined time
interval. If a player does not so initiate play within the
requisite time interval, however, the gaming devices will
automatically initiate play of the tournament game.
[0025] In yet another related embodiment of the invention, a method
of tournament gaming is disclosed in which a plurality of
tournament gaming devices are configured to allow variable rates of
play during a tournament of fixed duration. According to this
embodiment, a tournament player begins play of a game of chance at
a first permitted rate of play, which rate of play changes to a
second permitted rate of play in response to one or more selected
game outcomes. The second permitted rate of play may be faster or
slower than the "normally" permitted rate of tournament play. The
variable rate of play will typically continue for a fixed interval
of time, and/or until one or more second "deactivating" outcomes or
particular combinations appear on the player's gaming device. It is
further contemplated that a game outcome or other event associated
with one of the gaming devices linked for tournament play may, due
to the network connecting same, be used to trigger a change the
rate of play on all of the gaming devices in play for that
tournament.
[0026] In tournament play according to a still further embodiment
of the invention, each linked gaming machine generates game results
and accumulates tournament points based on tournament game
outcomes. The linked gaming machines each report to a central
monitoring computer, which may be termed a tournament controller,
which determines if each player meets criteria for an additional
payout. Depending upon game outcomes in tournament play and the
number of participants, payout awards are established and
displayed.
[0027] Gaming machines for carrying out the above-mentioned
tournament gaming methods are also disclosed herein.
[0028] Various combinations of the aforementioned aspects of this
invention are described further in detail hereafter. As one of
ordinary skill in the art will understand, numerous combinations of
these aspects are possible, and those provided are for illustrative
and exemplary purposes only and are not in any way limiting of the
present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The nature of the present invention as well as other
embodiments of the present invention may be more clearly understood
by reference to the following detailed description of the
invention, to the appended claims, and to the several drawings
herein, wherein:
[0030] FIG. 1 is a schematic of a conventional, prior art
electronic gaming machine;
[0031] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a plurality of gaming machines
arranged in a bank and having a tournament display associated
therewith according to the invention;
[0032] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an gaming device
configuration permitting a variance in the rate of tournament
play;
[0033] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a configuration in which
the plurality of gaming machines and tournament display of FIG. 2
may be incorporated in a host computer-controlled tournament gaming
system according to the present invention; and
[0034] FIG. 5 is a schematic of a multi-game capable gaming machine
displaying recent play history and game prize profile icons
according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] According to an embodiment of the present invention and as
described with respect to FIG. 2, a bank of gaming machines 100 is
in communication with a tournament display 102 located thereabove.
Gaming machines 100 may include some or all of the features of
conventional gaming machines 200 as described above with respect to
FIG. 1, modified and augmented as set forth herein.
[0036] When the tournament mode of play of the gaming machines 100
is inactive, the tournament display 102 is programmed to show
promotional information regarding impending tournaments. The base,
or primary, game on each of gaming machines may be, for example, a
multi-line, five reel spinning reel game, either electromechanical
with actual moving reels or electronic with simulated reels and
movement thereof, the game awarding prizes when specified numbers,
types and configurations of symbols, also termed elements, occur on
a winning payline or otherwise visibly displayed in a winning
pattern. Alternatively, the primary game may comprise any other
reel-type game, card game, or other game of chance (including, as
noted above, those games requiring or inviting an element of player
skill) susceptible to representation in an electronic or
electromechanical form.
[0037] In any case, a special symbol or element on one or more of
the reels (or otherwise displayable if other than a reel-type
game), sometimes referred to herein for convenience as a
"tournament symbol", may be associated with entry into a
tournament. For each symbol that appears on a winning payline or
other predetermined display location, one or more tournament entry
points, also termed tournament bonus credits herein, may be
accumulated in a "pool meter" programmed to accrue tournament bonus
credits toward eventual qualification for tournament play. By way
of example only, tournament bonus credits or entry points may
accrue as a multiplier of a bet on a winning payline of a reel type
game. When a predetermined number of bonus tournament points has
accrued in the pool meter associated with a particular gaming
machine, the player at that machine is then
tournament-qualified.
[0038] When a predetermined period of time has passed, for example,
twenty minutes, any players then being qualified for tournament
play are queried through a dialog box 104 on each display screen
106 or otherwise readily visible to the player on the face of each
gaming machine 100 as to whether they wish to enter the next
tournament. Alternatively, the players may be automatically entered
in the next tournament, and advised of such entry through the
dialog box 104 and, optionally, an audio signal (trumpet blast,
bells, music, etc.). In any case, when the player is entered in the
tournament, the entry points or tournament bonus credits required
for entry to that tournament are deducted from the accrued pool of
points or credits at the gaming machine 100, which enters a
tournament mode shortly before commencement of a tournament. If
desired, a countdown clock may be provided on display screen 106 to
prompt the player to a state of readiness for tournament play
during the last, for example, two minutes prior to initiation of a
tournament. The gaming machines 100 of the bank of machines may be
programmed to enter a single or first tournament mode, or may be
programmed to enter one of several different tournament modes as
dictated by the casino or tournament sponsor. For example, a second
or grand tournament mode may be opened, for example on a daily
basis, only to players who are identified as prior tournament
winners of tournaments conducted in the first tournament mode.
Another alternative is to periodically, or when desired, open
certain tournaments to gaming machines in other banks on the casino
premises (such as all banks in a casino) or in other casinos (such
as in affiliated casinos), or gaming machines located in a single
city (Las Vegas, Reno) or statewide (Nevada), such as in a wide
area progressive format. A series of tournaments may be conducted
to enable players to attain a very high tournament point total
associated with a very large top tournament award, so as to
stimulate player interest in frequent qualification for tournament
play. Of course, the grand tournament concept may be combined with
the linked banks of machines concept so that, for example,
tournament winners throughout the state of Nevada on a given day
are entered in a grand tournament at 10 P.M. each evening. Further,
the foregoing linked gaming machine concept is not limited to
banks, or groups of machines, but may be effectuated by linking
gaming machines distributed through a single property such as a
casino or a number of properties. With state of the art video
displays and accompanying audio, the look and feel of "group"
tournament play may readily be simulated at individual machines not
grouped as a bank.
[0039] It is currently preferred that gaming machines 100 according
to the invention include video displays rather than
electromechanical displays to facilitate transitioning from a base
or primary game to one or more tournament games. In the illustrated
embodiment, the game displayed on gaming machines 100 in at least
one tournament mode is similar to the primary game, but with
certain differences to distinguish it therefrom. For example, if
the primary game is the aforementioned five reel game displayed
electronically on a video screen, the tournament game may also
comprise a five reel display using different reel symbols and
distinguishing surrounding graphics. In addition, the payback rate
or payout ratio may be the same as that of the primary game or much
higher such as, for example, in excess of one hundred percent. The
previously-referenced tournament symbol may also be displayed on
the reels during tournament play, in this instance to be used, for
example, as an award enhancer. Play in the tournament mode neither
deducts wager credits from or adds award credits to the credit
meter 108 on each gaming machine 100 entered in the tournament.
Instead, and again by way of example only, the tournament mode runs
in an all-paylines-bet mode and posts awards earned in tournament
play to a special tournament points meter display 110. If desired,
the credit meter 108 may also be used as the tournament points
meter display while a tournament is being conducted, the credit
meter total being accessible/responsive to a player prompt such as
a touch pad for triggering the credit display momentarily rather
than tournament points. The tournament may have a specified
duration, for example ten minutes, conclude when the first
tournament player reaches a designated tournament point award
threshold, or conclude after a specified duration even if no player
has reached the designated threshold so as to free the gaming
machines for regular, non-tournament play.
[0040] During tournament play, the player's tournament points are,
as previously noted, displayed on display 110 at his or her gaming
machine 100. At the end of a given tournament, the winner or
winners are determined and their winnings posted back to the credit
meter 108 at each winner's gaming machine 100, unless a progressive
jackpot is offered, as described further below, in which instance
the award may be paid by an attendant.
[0041] Tournament awards may be structured, for example, as a
plurality of fixed prizes. Each prize is associated with a
tournament point threshold; the greater the prize, the higher the
associated points threshold. There may also be a token prize
awarded to every entrant, or for a nominal tournament point total,
so that substantially every entrant wins something. Optionally, and
as referenced above, the top tournament award may comprise a
progressive jackpot. The progressive jackpot is established at a
desirable level and is augmented with every tournament session
played until it is won. If multiple players reach the threshold
level for the progressive jackpot in the same tournament, then the
jackpot may be split equally among them, or the entire progressive
jackpot awarded to the first player to reach same.
[0042] In addition to the foregoing tournament awards, a
winner-take-all pool, funded by a percentage of the entry points of
each entrant into the tournament, may be provided. If so, the
player accruing the greatest amount of tournament points during
tournament play is awarded the winner-take-all pool.
[0043] When a tournament is ready to commence, players having at
least twice the required tournament bonus credits or entry points
may be provided with the option to place a single tournament entry
or multiple entries. If the latter is chosen, the fixed awards and
the winner-take-all pool, if offered, are multiplied by the number
of entries placed if that player wins an award. If a progressive
jackpot is offered, the progressive award is not multiplied by the
number of entries by a given player but, instead, if there are
multiple progressive winners, a player with multiple entries wins
multiple shares of the progressive, equivalent to the number of
entries. For example, if there are three progressive winners but
one winner has placed two entries, that player receives two shares
instead of one, or one-half the progressive award.
[0044] The tournament display 102 may be used for various purposes
before and during tournament play. For example, the available
awards and their associated tournament point thresholds or other
conditions may be displayed between and during tournaments. As a
tournament is running, the current tournament leaders as well as a
countdown clock with remaining tournament time may be displayed.
For example, the accrued points for the players accruing the most
tournament points (for example, the top five players) may be
displayed on the tournament display 102 in substantially real time
to show current tournament status against the clock.
[0045] Depending upon the locations of gaming machines configured
for tournament play according to the present invention, a
tournament display 102 may comprise one or more separate devices
apart from the gaming machines 100 or, optionally, may be
incorporated into each machine in addition to or in lieu of a
separate, discrete tournament display. For example, the tournament
display may comprise a segment 102a of a main game display 106 or
comprise a separate display 102b either built into the chassis of
the gaming machine 100 or an add-on display 102c. Display of
promotional information for the tournament may optionally be
displayed while the tournament is not running, as may the time or
times of subsequent tournaments. Similarly, accrued tournament
entry points or bonus credits may or may not be displayed between
tournaments, and accrued tournament points and/or player standings
may or may not be displayed during tournaments.
[0046] According to one currently preferred embodiment of the
invention, a tournament event feature is incorporated within a
traditional video reel type gaming machine in addition to a base or
primary game. Play at a plurality of gaming machines, which may be
distributed over a wide variety of locations at the same or
different properties, is linked to and monitored by one or more
computers, optionally including a dedicated tournament controller,
through a network system. Play of primary or base games at the
plurality of gaming machines is employed to fund payouts for a
tournament enabled for play by qualified players at linked gaming
machines (i.e., a predetermined percentage of bets tendered at the
gaming machines in primary game play is allocated for tournament
payouts). No separate entry fee or buy in for tournament play is
employed.
[0047] The linked gaming machines are provided with features which
"qualify" players into a scheduled, linked, tournament event.
Tournament qualification is enabled by attaining one or more game
outcome events, such as lining up special symbols or accumulation
of game results to meet one or more threshold criteria. Normally, a
player may qualify into the next-in-time scheduled, linked,
tournament event. However, a player may be provided the option,
once qualification parameters are met, to defer tournament play to
a future tournament event in certain circumstances. By way of
example only, a player may not have sufficient time available to
wait for the next in time tournament, or has insufficient time to
stay through the duration of the upcoming tournament. Such may be
the situation in the case of a bus junket to a tournament, where
players only have a finite time during which to play. In such
instances, a tournament-qualified player may be provided the option
of printing a tournament entry ticket from the gaming machine at
which he or she qualified, that allows the player to return to a
linked gaming machine to participate in a future tournament
session.
[0048] In tournament play according to this embodiment of the
invention, each linked gaming machine generates game results based
on a fixed number of reel spins associated with the duration of the
tournament. The reel spins are part of a secondary event within the
main game (i.e., the primary game) comprising the aforementioned
video or mechanical reel machine. During a tournament session or
event, the secondary event accumulates tournament points based on
reel combination outcomes. The accumulated tournament points for
each player may be displayed at his or her gaming machine in real
time. Optionally, the accumulated tournament points for all players
at a bank of gaming machines during a tournament session may be
displayed on a tournament display associated with the bank or on
each gaming machine. If the tournament is comprised of play at
gaming machines distributed throughout different areas of a
property or even different properties in the same or different town
or county, for example, rather than consolidated with a bank of
machines, only an individual player's accumulated tournament points
total may be displayed. To stimulate a sense of tournament
competition, however, a selected number of other players'
accumulated tournament points may also be displayed on each gaming
machine of a number of gaming machines linked for tournament play,
for example the accumulated points of the top five or ten players.
Another option is to display point totals of all players in a
tournament session, and yet another option is to display a
particular player's points and his relative, ranking among all the
players in a tournament session. A multiple player points or
ranking display may be displayed in real time, at intervals (for
example, every three minutes), or at the conclusion of a tournament
session.
[0049] At the end of a tournament event, the linked gaming machines
may each report to a central monitoring computer, such as the
aforementioned tournament controller. The tournament controller
then determines if each player meets criteria for an additional
payout in the form of a progressive amount accumulated from the
gaming machines during play of primary games or other additional
awards based on accumulation of previous bets tendered at all
linked gaming machines. Depending upon game outcomes in tournament
play and the number of participants, payout awards are established
and displayed on each gaming machine or through meter displays
associated with a bank of gaming machines.
[0050] A number of payout options are contemplated for the first
embodiment of the invention. For example, a standard progressive
format may be employed, wherein each player who earns tournament
points above a predetermined threshold is paid from the progressive
pool funded from the primary game wagers. Another alternative is to
tally the total buy-in for a given tournament and spread top
tournament awards among entrants to the tournament, thus
guaranteeing a fixed percentage of payout to those qualified
entrants participating in that tournament. Still another
alternative payout approach is to set a fixed amount for all awards
triggered for tournament point accrual above a predetermined
threshold and a pool for a top award given to the player with the
highest point accumulation for that particular tournament
session.
[0051] If desired, the fixed tournament awards may be set at
multiple levels tied to tiered tournament point levels. This may be
effectuated by generation of the payout schedule by the tournament
controller and transmission thereof back to the linked gaming
machines after registration of all players for a tournament
session. Such an approach permits the winning pool to fluctuate, an
increased number of participants in a given tournament enabling
higher as well as more numerous payout awards.
[0052] This embodiment of the invention may also incorporate a
linked progressive wherein the very highest award is triggered by
attaining an extremely high value of points during linked
tournament play. This top progressive award may be set to
correspond to a tournament point total requiring several rounds of
tournament play before being paid out. Such a progressive may be
enabled through a wide area progressive (WAP), multi-property
linked progressive which may reach very large top payout amounts,
thus attracting greater interest for players in qualifying into the
linked tournament events.
[0053] As noted previously, the present invention may be
implemented with a bank of gaming machines at a single location, or
to gaming machines in multiple banks or otherwise distributed over
a wide area, either within a single property or at multiple sites.
A stand-alone gaming machine may also be configured for play in a
tournament mode according to the present invention.
[0054] While it has been suggested previously that the tournament
game be the same as, or similar to, the primary game, it will also
be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the
tournament game may be totally different than the primary game. For
example, the primary game may be selected to be a reel-type game,
while the tournament game may be selected to be a card game (poker,
blackjack, etc.).
[0055] There are many alternative approaches to qualification for
tournament play according to the invention. Typically and
desirably, qualification for tournament play may be related-to a
game outcome of the primary or base game. For example, a winning
outcome of a single game might result in one or more tournament
entries or, as noted above and currently preferred by the inventors
herein, winning outcomes may be programmed to contribute tournament
bonus credits or entry points accrued on a pool meter against a
specified threshold requirement for tournament entry. Other
alternatives include basing tournament entry on cumulative amounts
wagered, such as for example over a predetermined period of time,
or the number of qualifying primary games played. In any of the
foregoing instances, the gaming machine may be programmed to either
clear tournament bonus credits or entry points if the player leaves
the machine or, alternatively, be banked to permit additions
thereto during future play. Of course, known player identification
and "tracking" techniques as previously described herein with
respect to the state of the art may be employed to enable a player
to "transport" earned tournament bonus credits or entry points to
later augment by play of a primary game at the same or another
similarly configured gaming machine.
[0056] One or more of a plurality of criteria may be selected to
initiate tournament play, including initiation at regular intervals
(trigger a tournament one half hour after conclusion of the last),
according to a specific schedule (every hour on the half hour),
according to the number of qualified players (when fifty players
accrue sufficient entry points), or randomly throughout the day. On
a stand-alone gaming machine, tournament play may be automatically
initiated when entry criteria, such as accrual of sufficient
tournament entry points, are met.
[0057] As noted above, a player may be automatically entered in a
tournament when qualified, or may be permitted to accrue additional
tournament entry points, for example to place multiple entries in a
single, subsequent tournament.
[0058] If a multiple entry format is permitted in tournament rules,
such may be effectuated in various ways. One approach may be to
program a gaming machine to display multiple games, each, for
example, being a miniaturized video display of the tournament game.
If multiple entries for a single game entry are permitted, then the
tournament awards may be may be adjusted to reflect the multiple
entries. This approach might involve enhancing the award amounts
for multiple entries or, conversely, adjusting tournament point
thresholds or other award-triggering criteria in favor of the
multiple entrant. Yet another approach is to adjust the tournament
game itself to accommodate multiple entries. For example, different
award amounts may be provided, different reel strips displayed in
the case of a reel-type game or a different card set offered in the
case of a card-based tournament game, or multiple entrants may play
for different award categories than single entrants. The additional
award categories may be fashioned in a manner similar to a well
known concept termed "buy a pay". Still another approach to
accommodating multiple game entries in an advantageous yet fair
manner is to offer a multiple entrant additional tournament play
time during which to accrue tournament points or meet other winning
criteria. Finally, a casino or other tournament sponsor might
provide a sum of free tournament points responsive to a player
placing multiple entries. Of course, combinations of various of the
foregoing features may be effectuated, as desired, to enhance the
entertainment value of the tournament for multiple entry
players.
[0059] Of course, if multiple entries are not part of the planned
tournament game structure, then the player who "over accrues"
tournament entry points or bonus credits might be accommodated by
being permitted to bank the excess points or credits against future
tournaments, might be paid in cash or monetary credits for the
excess, or the points may simply be forfeited.
[0060] Similarly, one must consider the situation when a player,
for any reason, wishes to leave a gaming machine when there are
tournament entry points or bonus credits on the pool meter which
have not been used to enter a tournament or a tournament entry not
placed with them, or if there are simply not enough points to
qualify for tournament play. These tournament entry points or bonus
credits might be left on the gaming machine for the next player,
converted to a cash award, tendered as credits in the primary game
to either qualify for a tournament or cash award or lose them, or
the machine may simply be reset to zero upon the player's
departure.
[0061] Once initiated, a tournament may be of fixed or variable
duration, be based upon playing a specific number of games or
"wagering" a specific number of "credits". For example, the
duration of tournament play may be determined by the players being
allowed to play off a specific, assigned number of "credits" in the
form of "funny money" provided for tournament play for a given
session. These "credits" are not augmented by "points" won during
tournament play. This approach permits players to vary wagers
during tournament play or to use some wagering strategy, whether
real or perceived, in tournament play. With a format involving
either a number of games played or a number of credits provided to
wager, there may, of course, be an overriding factor in terms of
limiting a tournament to a set duration of time. It is also
specifically contemplated that a variable duration tournament may
be ended when a first player in the tournament obtains a given
point level in tournament play, or when a player in the tournament
obtains some certain, predetermined game outcome.
[0062] In tournaments of fixed duration, tournament awards will
typically be correlated to the point total a player earns during
the tournament period. In one embodiment of the present invention
involving tournaments, gaming machines in the tournament bonus mode
will be programmed to automatically initiate the tournament game at
a predetermined minimum rate. Preferably, the predetermined minimum
rate will be less than the maximum rate of play which can be
initiated through the physical interaction of an average player
(i.e., the fastest rate at which a "hypothetical average player" or
other "modeled" player could initiate a game by pressing a "spin"
or "play" button). Thus, for purposes of enhanced player
interaction and the excitement of frenzied play, this embodiment of
the present invention allows a player to attempt to initiate a game
as soon as circuitry within the gaming machine permits through
resetting of the gaming machine circuitry for initiation of play
game after conclusion of play of the next-previous game. However,
in cases where the player is distracted, physically unable to
initiate a game as quickly as might be desired, or simply desiring
of allowing the game to play automatically, the gaming machine will
automatically initiate a new game in tournament play mode if no
player interaction occurs within a given time interval during the
tournament period.
[0063] With minimum and maximum rates of play readily determinable,
the relative percentage of games played through automatic
initiation within a given time period on any given tournament
gaming device can thus be set to lie within a range bounded by
lower and upper thresholds with respect to the average number of
games played on all gaming devices involved in the tournament.
Preferably, the minimum "auto-play rate" will be selected from a
play rate ranging from about 70% to about 95% of the average play
rate for the "hypothetical average player," although various other
play rates are contemplated, including automated play at the
fastest possible rate permitted. As used herein, the average play
rate for the "hypothetical average player" may also be referred to
as the "standard play rate". More preferably, the minimum auto-play
rate will range from about 85% to about 90% of the standard play
rate in order to provide a stimulus for players to play at a faster
rate while providing a "floor" play rate which is not too
disadvantageous. Using this approach, variance in game hold
percentage and thus payout percentage to the players participating
in the bonus, tournament round, may be more closely predicted
(i.e., a game hold percentage of, for example, between 89% and 92%)
and ongoing compliance ensured with government regulations
regarding minimum payout percentages.
[0064] The minimum auto-play rate, representing a percentage of the
standard play rate derived from a percentage of the hypothetical
play rate of an average player, may be preset in the
read-only-memory (ROM) of a gaming device microprocessor, or
alternatively, may be ascertained on an on-going basis by sampling
rates of play from gaming devices linked in the tournament network
in real time during a given tournament or accumulated as historic
data over a number of tournaments. In the latter instance, rate of
play may be accumulated in an absolute sense wherein an average
tournament play rate of each new tournament played are added to
modify an existing computed play rate, or a running average may be
computed wherein, for example, only the average play rates during
the ten most recent tournaments are used for the computation.
[0065] In the aspect where sampling of linked tournament devices
occurs, a central controlling computer networked to each gaming
device may perform the sampling and periodically send minimum
rate-of-play instructions to linked gaming devices used in the
tournament mode. The sampling may take place at a plurality of time
intervals during the tournament. Thus, the invention contemplates
that the automated minimum rate of play may be varied as a result
of each sampling. At the start of the tournament and in the time
period before any sampling has occurred, the minimum auto-play rate
may be established by a default setting programmed in ROM
associated with the microprocessor of the gaming device or within
the central controlling computer. In this case, the default setting
establishes an interim minimum auto-rate of play until such time as
new rate of play instructions are received. As the tournament
progresses, sampling of the gaming devices being used in tournament
play may then be conducted at, for example, one minute intervals,
two minute intervals, etc.
[0066] In a related aspect of this embodiment, a tournament player
may be provided with information displayed on his or her gaming
device relating to that player's rate of play, including the
player's average number of spins per a given time period, and/or
their relative rate and/or relative ranking in rate of play as
compared to other tournament players in the tournament under
way.
[0067] As would be recognized by one skilled in the art, the
predetermined minimum rate of play feature lessens the potential
for wide variations in payback percentages expected during a
tournament or bonus round, thus increasing player satisfaction in
addition to satisfying the regulations of certain gaming
jurisdictions. One skilled in the art will also recognize that the
embodiment may be used in tournaments of various scales, including
"personal tournaments" (i.e., a tournament in which a player is not
competing against other players).
[0068] With reference to FIG. 3, the predetermined minimum play
rate embodiments of the present invention may be implemented, for
example, by means of a player input switch 20 and optional timer
circuit 30 linked to a microprocessor 40 controlling operation of
the gaming device. Alternatively, the timing function to
automatically activate play of a game 60 within a certain interval
after completion of a prior game 60 may simply be implemented
through appropriate software as known to those of ordinary skill in
the art. It should be noted that the software approach may be used
to facilitate changes in minimum play rate and fine tuning of this
feature based on empirical, sensed rates of play. Thus, gaming
machines 100 linked to a central controller 302 may be reprogrammed
for different minimum rates of play for different tournaments, or
to change a minimum rate of play during a tournament based on
feedback from the gaming machines 100 to central controller
302.
[0069] In an embodiment using a timer circuit 30, Microprocessor
40, which receives play rate instructions stored in associated ROM
42, is programmed to initiate timer circuit 30 upon the start of
the tournament and upon the conclusion and reset for subsequent
play of each game 60 within a tournament. Once timer circuit 30 is
activated, microprocessor 40 evaluates data from timer circuit 30
against a maximum permitted the time interval between conclusion of
play of a tournament game 60 and initiation of a subsequent play
thereof. If a player does not initiate play of a new game 60 within
a predetermined time interval dictated by the play rate parameters
programmed into ROM 42, microprocessor 40 generates a signal to
activate play of a new game 60. The automatic play of the gaming
device is superceded, however, if a player initiates play of a game
60 by activation of player input switch 20 (e.g., the player
presses a "spin" or "play" button) prior to the expiration of the
per-determined time interval. In that case, microprocessor 40 sends
a signal responsive to the player input to switch 20 for the game
60 to operate immediately. Upon conclusion of the immediately
preceding game 60 and if time is left in the tournament period,
microprocessor 40 will reset and activate timer circuit 30. Timer
circuit 30 may be deactivated by microprocessor 40 while the gaming
machine is in conventional gaming (i.e., for play of a primary
game), rather than tournament use.
[0070] In a related embodiment, gaming devices in tournament mode
may be configured, during all or part of a tournament period, to
auto-play at a given rate for a predetermined or random amount of
time, which auto-play is interrupted by relatively shorter time
periods in which the gaming devices allow game initiation through
frenzied physical interaction by tournament players. In this
embodiment, players may be inspired to watch attentively as their
gaming device plays in automatic mode while waiting for an
opportunity to "impact and increase point totals" at a play rate
which is relatively greater than that of the machine in automatic
mode. The periods in which player-initiated interaction may occur
can be announced, for example, by flashing lights, a trumpet blast,
a message box on gaming device, an intercom announcement directed
to tournament players, and the like. In this embodiment, tournament
players may be made aware that a specified number or range of
"player interaction periods" will occur over a fixed time period.
The player interaction periods will preferably occur randomly
during the tournament time-frame, and will be activated on all
tournament gaming devices simultaneously by way of a network-linked
central controller (computer). Alternatively, the players may be
made aware of impending periods of player interaction, such as by a
"countdown to play" displayed on a peripherally located tournament
screen, or on a display located on their respective gaming devices.
This embodiment of the present invention advantageously heightens
player anticipation and excitement, thus leading to added enjoyment
and interest in the game.
[0071] In a still further embodiment relating to the rate of play
on a tournament gaming device, one or more specific outcomes on a
game or one or more particular "winning combinations" may be used
lead to a bonus situation in which a tournament player is allowed
(permitted) to play at rate relatively faster than that normally
permitted by gaming device circuitry in tournament play. To take
advantage of the increased rate of play in what might be termed a
"turbocharged" version of tournament play, a player is permitted,
for example, to physically activate a new game by pressing the
"spin" or "play" button sooner than the time interval otherwise
allowed in "normal" tournament play. The faster, accelerated rate
of play can be realized, for example, by reducing the time interval
between the display of the game outcome on the gaming device and
the availability of the gaming device for the initiation of a new
game. Upon attainment of the designated specific outcome(s) or
"winning combination(s)," in a game or series of games during the
tournament, the player will preferably be notified of the
opportunity for the increased rate of play. In another variation of
this embodiment, the gaming device may be programmed to
self-initiate an accelerated auto-play mode wherein the gaming
device will itself initiate new games faster than possible by any
player. The period in which the increased rate of play is permitted
will typically continue for a fixed interval of time, and/or until
a second "deactivating" outcome or particular combination appears
on the player's gaming device. The period for an accelerated rate
of play may be measured in terms of time (minutes, seconds) or in
the number of games which may be initiated in during a given such
period.
[0072] Of course, a player may not choose to take advantage of the
opportunity for an increased rate of play, in which case the gaming
device will preferably default to auto-play at predetermined
intervals. Alternatively, the gaming device may be configured to
simply respond to whatever player input the tournament player may
provide with the auto-play feature deactivated.
[0073] In another aspect of the subject embodiment, a player may
receive an outcome or combination which results in a rate of play
relatively slower than the rate of tournament play normally
permitted. Upon notification of the slower rate of play, the player
may be "motivated" to achieve a second outcome or combination which
will reset the gaming device into the original rate of play mode.
One skilled in the art will appreciate that the "increased" and/or
"reduced" rates of play on a tournament gaming device may be
effected, for example, by programming of specific instructions into
the ROM associated with a gaming device microprocessor.
[0074] The present invention may also be implemented in an
embodiment wherein an indicator used to alert a player as to when a
new game may be initiated by, for example, hitting a spin/play
button on the gaming machine. A light, sound, vibration or other
signal sensable by a player at a gaming machine may be used to
communicate that the gaming machine is enabled for play of a new
game. If the player does not act within a predetermined time
interval, the new game may self-initiate. This feature may also be
used to direct and maintain additional attention to game play by
penalizing a player who acts too early and hits the spin/play
button prematurely. For example, the player may be locked out of
play of the game source to be initiated until the timing function
of the gaming machine initiates play after the predetermined time
interval. A further penalty may be provided, for example in the
case of repeat offenders "jumping the gun" in attempting to
initiate new games before signaled to do so, by restricting play
rate to the minimum play rate initiated by the timing function of
the gaming machine for multiple games, such as three games or five
games. Alternatively, a player who repeatedly activates game play
after a signal but before the timing function will self-initiate
play may be rewarded with earlier signals to enable faster
play.
[0075] A wide variety of tournament award types and conditions for
triggering awards may be utilized, including combinations of
multiple types. For example, awards may be issued against fixed
conditions, independent of results achieved by other tournament
players. Alternatively, players may mutually compete to attain the
highest tournament point total. Similarly, tournament awards may
comprise fixed amounts, progressive amounts, or pari-mutuel
amounts. As mentioned above, multiple entries per player may be
permitted, in which instance award amounts may be adjusted in
various ways to ensure fairness to the multiple-entry player. As
noted above, tournament awards may be structured so as to provide
for at least a nominal award for each tournament entrant, if
desired. Awards may be posted to a pool meter at a player's gaming
machine or, particularly in the case of larger awards, may be paid
by an attendant.
[0076] Rather than setting a single tournament entry point or bonus
credit total, different levels or tiers of tournaments may be
contemplated. In such a case, a player may be permitted to accrue
entry points beyond an initial first-tier tournament by, for
example, opting-out of the first tournament qualification when
first attained or when the tournament next following attainment of
the required entry point total. A second-tier tournament may
require a higher entry point total and thus offer larger
awards.
[0077] Further, rather than structuring tiers of tournaments
according to entry point totals, a casino or other tournament
sponsor may structure higher, or grand tournament awards, based
upon the highest accrued totals of tournament points over a given
period, such as a day or a week. With such an arrangement, the
accrual of tournament points by a player is monitored by the
player's tracking account. Another approach is to accrue tournament
points by gaming machine, so that "lucky" machines would attract
ever-greater play during a given period, the grand tournament award
being reached by whatever player is in the "hot seat" at the
machine when either a set total is reached or a highest total among
a plurality of machines linked for tournament play.
[0078] There may be, of course, one or more sources of funding for
a tournament. One alternative is to assign a per-tournament entry
point or bonus credit value, the value to be assigned to the
tournament funding pool. Another alternative is to allocate a
percentage of the amounts wagered in the base or primary games used
to qualify for tournament play to the tournament funding pool. Yet
another alternative is to independently fund the tournament from
other revenues of the venue or a sponsor associated with the venue.
Again, combinations of two or more of the foregoing funding
approaches may be employed, as desired. Further, the allocation of
the tournament funding pool to a between various prizes may be
effectuated in a number of well-know manners. For example, the
awards may be against fixed odds, a pari-mutuel system may be
employed, or a combination thereof.
[0079] FIG. 4 comprises a schematic of multiple gaming machines 100
linked to a host computer in a manner suitable for implementing a
tournament according to the present invention. Tournament system
300 includes a central controller, or host computer 302, operably
coupled to a plurality of gaming machines 100 designated as
GM.sub.1 through GM.sub.x. Gaming machines 100 may comprise a
single type of machine (e.g., reel-type or card game type),
multiple types of machines, or include multi-game machines as known
in the art. Central controller 302 links the plurality of gaming
machines 100 for tournament play, among other functions, and such
linkage is not restricted to gaming machines 100 at a single site,
such as a single casino. Central controller 302 may optionally,
through communications link 304 as known in the art, serve gaming
machines distributed throughout a number of properties at different
geographical locations including, for example, different locations
within a city or different cities within a state. It is preferred
that central controller 302 be located at the same site as
tournament controller 330, although this is not required, given the
current, high speed, broadband capabilities of telecommunications
links.
[0080] Gaming machines 100 each, for example, may include a
communications control unit 306 for interfacing each gaming machine
100 with central controller 302. If the gaming machines 100 are of
different types and/or of different manufacture, it may be
necessary to provide gaming machine-specific interface cards in
communications control unit 306.
[0081] Each gaming machine 100 also includes a game processor unit
308 operably coupled to central controller 302 through
communications control unit 306. Each game processor unit 310
includes a microprocessor 310, memory 312, a network link 314
including a network card and drivers 316. The drivers 316 are, in
turn, operably coupled to a video display 318, which may comprise,
for example, a cathode ray tube ("CRT"), plasma display, liquid
crystal display ("LCD"), and/or a display based on light emitting
diodes ("LED"), possibly including a touchscreen input function, as
well as to audio outputs for gaming machine 100. Audio outputs may
be coordinated with a particular video display sequence, or may be
separately initiated. Video display 318 may comprise a plurality of
individual display segments 318a, 318b, etc., located either on a
common screen display or on separate displays. Display segment 318a
would typically comprise the game display, for example, the
aforementioned five reel game, while a display segment 318b may
comprise a tournament display 102. Gaming machines 100 also
optionally include a clock 320 for, for example, indicating through
video display 318 the time remaining until a tournament or the time
remaining in a tournament under way. Alternatively, a timing
function may be provided through central controller 302, initiated
by tournament controller 330. A credit meter 322 and tournament
point meter 324 (for display of tournament entry points and
tournament points accrued during a tournament) are also associated
with each gaming machine 100. The individual components of the
gaming machine as described above, or subcombinations thereof, may
also be termed a gaming device.
[0082] Tournament controller 330 is operable to initiate
tournaments in an automated manner and in accordance with
preprogrammed parameters. For example, tournament controller 330
may, and preferably is, programmed to schedule and initiate
tournaments, control the length of same (if not concluded based on
other criteria such as accrual of a threshold sum of tournament
points), implement a tournament paytable or payout ratio distinct
from that of a primary game, and provide information to tournament
displays 102 (either on gaming machines 100 on a display segment
318b or on separate tournament displays 102, for example,
associated with banks of gaming machines 100) both between and
during tournaments as heretofore described.
[0083] It is preferable for security purposes that the overall
framework of tournament play for a given tournament be installed
into tournament controller 330 (for example, on a CD-ROM) under
appropriate security conditions, and that only certain variables
not affecting payout ratios such as tournament scheduling and
duration be accessible by casino operations personnel for
alteration through input/output devices. Within the parameters of a
payout ratio set for a tournament, it is, of course, possible to
program tournament controller 330 so that casino operations
personnel may adjust the number and size of tournament awards and
whether, for example, a nominal award will be paid to all entrants.
Similarly, the tournament controller 330 may be programmed for
administration of a tournament or series of tournaments including a
progressive jackpot payout, as well as to run a tournament in a
pari-mutuel manner with respect to allocation of tournament
funding.
[0084] Also linked to central controller 302 in real time is an
accounting system 340 and a player information system 350, the two
of which may be combined, as desired, in a single system.
Accounting system 340 is employed to provide automated, real time
accounting for a tournament administered by tournament controller
330 through central controller 302, while player information system
350 provides stored, updated profiles of players with respect to
credit status, money wagered, money won, games played, preferred
games, etc., such information being updated with an integral player
tracking function responsive to a player's smart card or other
tracking method.
[0085] As should be clear to one of ordinary skill in the art, the
foregoing description of a video display may be implemented through
a single display, or group of displays housed in a decorative
casing or casings comprising the gaming machine chassis and
coupled, directly or indirectly, to a common central controller 330
such as through a local area network ("LAN") and/or through a wide
area network ("WAN"). With the tournament gaming system 300 as
illustrated in FIG. 4, multiple communication lines from the
central controller 330 may be coupled to each gaming machine 100 to
relay and modify display data in the multiple game display windows
or segments. The communication lines may include, without
limitation, electronic or other data transferring cable (including
optical as well as electrical), radio frequency wave transmissions
including cellular frequency transmissions as well as microwave,
satellite dish frequencies, etc., phone lines (again both optical
and electrical) and the like, such as is common with remote
communication systems. More preferably, however, the function and
displays on the gaming machines 100 may be fixed by hardware and
software included within each gaming machine 100 to minimize
required communication with the central controller 302. For
example, gaming machines 100 may be preprogramed with both a
primary game mode and a tournament mode, whereby a signal from
tournament controller 330 delivered via central controller 302 may
initiate a tournament mode as desired and terminate same after, for
example, a predetermined elapsed tournament duration or receipt of
real time information from at least one gaming machine 100 that a
threshold sum of tournament points has been accrued.
[0086] The game display and interaction as described herein may
also be implemented through an Internet or Intranet server 360 as
an Internet or Intranet display to be viewed by at least one
Internet browser 370. In this way, connection to a tournament and
accumulation of tournament points, may be accomplished with only a
connection to the Internet/Intranet server 360 through a
conventional phone or other data transmission line, digital signal
line ("DSL"), T-1 line, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, or other
connection known in the art. It is will also be understood by those
of ordinary skill in the art that enhanced bandwidth of digital
wireless communications may render such technology suitable for
some or all communications according to the present invention,
particularly if such communications are encrypted. It will be
further understood and appreciated by those of ordinary skill in
the art that higher data transmission speeds may be useful for
enhancing the sophistication and response of the display and
interaction with the player. Even in an Internet embodiment, the
game display may be housed in a decorative housing. One advantage
to this embodiment, however, is that players may access an Internet
game page from any location where an Internet connection and
computer, or other Internet facilitator such as the so-called
"WebTV" boxes, are available. The expansion in the number of
computers and number and speed of Internet connections in recent
years increases opportunities for players to play from an
ever-increasing number of remote sites.
[0087] Central controller 302 may also be linked to a host computer
380 at the same or another site, host computer 380 controlling, by
way of example, the entire computer network of a property or group
of properties or another central controller overseeing another
group of tournament-capable gaming machines for operating a
different type of tournament or a tournament on a different but
overlapping schedule with the tournament controlled by central
controller 302.
[0088] In addition to other aspects of the present invention and
referring to FIG. 5, a gaming machine may include a display or a
display segment 106, 318 including a recent play history 400 for
that machine. For example, one or more of the following may be
displayed: length of time since last jackpot, size of last jackpot,
frequency of jackpots, jackpot trends, or other win information.
Depending upon a given player's personality and preferences, a
player might be drawn to a given gaming machine because it has not
recently paid out and is thus "due to hit", or has paid out in the
recent past and is thus on a "hot streak". In addition to primary
game outcome information, a gaming machine display might be
configured to display a tournament play history so that players
might choose a gaming machine which has been "lucky" during
tournament play.
[0089] Further, it is contemplated that tournament entries may be
made from gaming machines exhibiting different primary games, or
multiple primary games. Thus, game-specific entry point
accumulation criteria associated with different types of games (for
example, card games and reel-type games) may be mathematically
adjusted so as to be substantially equivalent. In other words, the
entry point accumulation criteria would be implemented for
different games so play of one game would not be more likely to
result in tournament qualification than play of another, different
type of game. Such an approach lends itself to multi-game machines
which now merely provide the option of playing several different
types of primary games. Further, and with reference again to FIG.
5, in a multi-game video gaming machine, "prize profile" icons may
be associated with and displayed adjacent each game name A through
E on the display. Each game prize profile, such as frequent small
jackpots (circle icon), fewer midrange jackpots (square icon) or
still fewer large jackpots (diamond icon) is associated with a
particular icon. Of course, any type of icon, such as fanciful
figures associated with a theme of the casino in which the gaming
machine is placed, may be employed Thus, players may quickly come
to associate an icon with a type of primary game which appeals to
them from a payout standpoint. Of course, the use of prize profile
"icons" is readily adaptable to gaming machines lacking a
tournament game feature.
[0090] The present invention has been described primarily in terms
of a game or games of chance, both as to primary game play as well
as to tournament game play. However, it is contemplated that the
invention may be implemented with a combination of a primary game
of skill and a tournament game of chance, a primary game of chance
and a tournament game of skill, or a primary game of skill and a
tournament game of skill of course, games of combined skill and
chance may also be used as either or both of a primary game and a
tournament game.
[0091] Although the present invention has been shown and described
with respect to preferred embodiments, various additions, deletions
and modifications that are obvious to a person skilled in the art
to which the invention pertains, even if not shown or specifically
described herein, are deemed to lie within the scope of the
invention as encompassed by the following claims.
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