U.S. patent application number 10/999100 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-05 for method and apparatus for operating a gaming device to dispense a specified amount.
Invention is credited to Fincham, Magdalena M., Jorasch, James A., Walker, Jay S..
Application Number | 20050096129 10/999100 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21979119 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050096129 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Walker, Jay S. ; et
al. |
May 5, 2005 |
Method and apparatus for operating a gaming device to dispense a
specified amount
Abstract
A gaming device, such as a slot machine, determines a balance
and a "dispensed amount" that is less than the balance. The
dispensed amount may be determined by, for example, receiving
signals from one or more key presses that specify the dispensed
amount. Alternatively, the dispensed amount may be determined in
accordance with one or more "balance management rules". The gaming
device in turn dispenses the dispensed amount, for example, by
dispensing an amount of currency, transferring the dispensed amount
to an account or adjusting a balance of a remote gaming device. The
balance is adjusted by the dispensed amount, and this adjusted
balance is available for initiating a subsequent play of the gaming
device.
Inventors: |
Walker, Jay S.; (Ridgefield,
CT) ; Jorasch, James A.; (Stamford, CT) ;
Fincham, Magdalena M.; (Norwalk, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WALKER DIGITAL
FIVE HIGH RIDGE PARK
STAMFORD
CT
06905
US
|
Family ID: |
21979119 |
Appl. No.: |
10/999100 |
Filed: |
November 29, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10999100 |
Nov 29, 2004 |
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10829420 |
Apr 21, 2004 |
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10829420 |
Apr 21, 2004 |
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10348629 |
Jan 21, 2003 |
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6743097 |
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10348629 |
Jan 21, 2003 |
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09709239 |
Nov 10, 2000 |
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6537151 |
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09709239 |
Nov 10, 2000 |
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09052667 |
Mar 31, 1998 |
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6168522 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3244 20130101;
G07F 17/3281 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/025 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Claims
1-26. (canceled)
27. A gaming device, comprising: a memory operable to store a
monetary balance available to a player for wagering, wherein the
monetary balance is a balance resulting from the player providing a
gaming device with monetary input; a processor in communication
with the memory, in which the processor is operable to: determine
an amount of monetary output to be provided from the monetary
balance, the amount being less than an entirety of the monetary
balance; and dispense the amount.
28. The gaming device of claim 27, wherein the entirety of the
monetary balance is available for dispensing to the player of the
gaming device, in response to the player's request for a dispensing
of the entirety of the monetary balance.
29. The gaming device of claim 27, wherein the processor is further
operable to: receive a request from a player for the amount; and
dispense the amount in response to the request.
30. The gaming device of claim 29, wherein the request defines the
amount.
31. The gaming device of claim 27, wherein the processor being
operable to dispense an amount of monetary output comprises the
processor being operable to: communicate the amount to another
device, thereby transferring the amount to the other device; and
decrease the monetary balance available to the player by the
amount.
32. The gaming device of claim 27, wherein the processor being
operable to dispense an amount of monetary output comprises the
processor being operable to dispense an amount of monetary output
in cashless form.
33. A slot machine, comprising: a memory operable to store a
monetary balance available to a player for wagering, wherein the
monetary balance is a balance resulting from the player providing a
slot machine with monetary input; and a processor operable to
dispense, in cashless form, an amount of monetary output, wherein
the amount is less than the entirety of the monetary balance.
34. The slot machine of claim 33, further comprising: a means for
allowing a player to request a dispensing of the amount of monetary
output.
35. A device, comprising: a processor operable to: access a memory
of a slot machine, the memory storing a monetary balance available
for wagering at the slot machine, wherein the monetary balance is a
balance resulting from a player providing the slot machine with
monetary input; and determine an amount of monetary output, the
amount being less than an entirety of the monetary balance, the
device further comprising a means for dispensing the amount of
monetary output.
36. The device of claim 35, wherein the entirety of the monetary
balance is available for dispensing to a player, in response to the
player's request for a dispensing of the entirety of the monetary
balance.
37. The device of claim 35, wherein the processor is further
operable to: determine a request from a player for the amount; and
cause the amount to be dispensed in response to the request.
38. The gaming device of claim 37, wherein the request defines the
amount.
39. The device of claim 35, wherein the means for dispensing
comprises a means for dispensing the amount in cashless form.
40. An apparatus comprising: a slot machine, and the device of
claim 35 in communication with the slot machine.
41. A method for operating a gaming device comprising: determining
a balance available to a player of a gaming device, wherein the
balance is a balance resulting from the player providing the gaming
device with monetary input, and further wherein the balance is
stored in a memory of at least one of the gaming device and a
component of the gaming device; determining a dispensed amount to
be dispensed at the gaming device that is less than the balance;
dispensing said dispensed amount at the gaming device; and
adjusting the balance by the dispensed amount, wherein the adjusted
balance is greater than the dispensed amount, and further wherein
the adjusted balance is available to a player for wagering at the
gaming device.
42. A method comprising: determining a balance associated with a
player of a single gaming device, wherein the balance is a balance
resulting from the player providing the gaming device with monetary
input; determining a portion of the balance to dispense that is
less than the balance; dispensing said portion of the balance at
the gaming device; and adjusting the balance by the amount
dispensed, wherein said adjusted balance is greater than the
dispensed portion of the balance, and further wherein the adjusted
balance is available to a player for wagering at the gaming device.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to gaming devices
and more specifically to gaming devices which dispense monetary
output.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A conventional gaming device, such as a slot machine, video
poker machine or video blackjack machine, typically requires a
player to establish an initial "balance" with the gaming device by
providing the gaming device with monetary input. For example, the
player may insert currency (bill, coins and/or tokens) into the
gaming device. Alternatively, the player may have funds transferred
to the gaming device from an account such as a credit card account
or casino account. Such an account would typically be identified by
a card inserted into the gaming device. Once a balance is
established, it is available for initiating a play of the gaming
device.
[0003] The player then selects a wager amount, which is subtracted
from the balance, and initiates a play, for example, by pulling a
handle or pressing a button on the gaming device. In response, the
gaming device generates a game outcome and a corresponding winning
amount that is based on the game outcome. The winning amount may be
zero for unfavorable game outcomes, or a greater amount for more
favorable outcomes. Typically, greater winning amounts correspond
to more unlikely game outcomes. The balance is increased by the
winning amount, thereby generating an adjusted balance that is
available for initiating a subsequent play of the gaming
device.
[0004] After any number of such plays, the player may direct the
gaming device to dispense the adjusted balance, thereby providing
the player with monetary output. Dispensing typically includes
activating a hopper in the gaming device to dispense currency to
the player. Some gaming devices alternatively credit a credit card
or other account with the dispensed amount, eliminating the need
for the player to hold and carry dispensed currency. After
dispensing, the balance of the gaming device is zero, and another
initial balance must be established before subsequent plays of the
gaming device may be initiated.
[0005] Dispensing the entire balance of the gaming device is often
inconvenient for the player. Many players want to separate the
amount used to establish an initial balance from any winning
amounts awarded by the gaming device, so that the player can play
with "house money" (money awarded while playing) and not "his own"
money. Such players may establish an initial balance with $10, play
until the balance increases (e.g. to $15), request a "cash out" (a
dispensing of currency), and finally re-insert the $5 of "house
money" to establish another initial balance.
[0006] A player may also require money from the gaming device while
he is playing. For example, a player may desire to purchase food or
drinks from a cocktail server, tip a cocktail server, or provide a
companion with currency. In such situations, the player must
request a cash out to dispense the balance, use a portion of the
dispensed amount, and then re-supply the gaming device with the
remaining amount to continue playing.
[0007] Dispensing the entire balance of the gaming device is often
undesirable to the casino that profits from the gaming device. Each
time a player cashes out (has currency dispensed to him), he may
decide to stop playing, particularly given the need to re-supply
the gaming device with more monetary input. Further, the time spent
dispensing the entire balance to the player and re-supplying the
gaming device with monetary input is time during which no plays can
occur. Accordingly, such time represents lost profits to the
casino. In addition, dispensing currency exerts wear and tear on
various components of the gaming device, and may eventually require
repair and/or replacement of those components.
[0008] In light of some of these drawbacks, some businesses offer
similar games for personal computer users. Golden Palace is an
"on-line" casino that allows a player to play several games using a
computer connected to the Internet. Players establish a balance
with a credit card account, bank funds transfer or check mailed to
a predetermined address. That balance is adjusted accordingly by
wager amounts and winning amounts. After one or more plays, the
player can specify an amount of the adjusted balance to be
dispensed. If a credit card account was used with the Golden
Palace, the specified amount to dispense is credited back to the
account, up to the total of the original credit card charges. Any
remaining amount to dispense is made in the form of a bank funds
transfer or check mailed to the player.
[0009] Golden Palace is limited in that it is not a gaming device,
but is instead an on-line communications channel that facilitates
gaming. Accordingly, Golden Palace cannot accept or dispense
currency, and so many players will find the corresponding gaming
experience highly unsatisfying. The delay in receiving any winnings
due tends to further diminish the thrill of winning. In addition,
winnings that are mailed out in the form of a check require that
the player cash the check at a bank, further increasing the delay
in receiving the winnings.
[0010] It would be advantageous to provide a method and apparatus
that overcomes the above-described drawbacks of conventional gaming
devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention overcomes the above-described
drawbacks of conventional gaming devices by providing a gaming
device in which a player can specify a portion of a balance to be
dispensed.
[0012] In accordance with the present invention, a gaming device,
such as a slot machine, determines a balance and a "dispensed
amount" that is less than the balance. The dispensed amount may be
determined by, for example, receiving signals from the actuation of
one or more keys, in which the signal specifies the dispensed
amount. Alternatively, the dispensed amount may be determined in
accordance with one or more "balance management rules". The gaming
device in turn dispenses the dispensed amount, for example, by
dispensing an amount of currency, transferring the dispensed amount
to an account or adjusting a balance of a remote gaming device. The
balance is adjusted by the dispensed amount, and this adjusted
balance is available for initiating a subsequent play of the gaming
device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a slot machine provided in
accordance with the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a rendering of an embodiment of the slot machine
of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a rendering of another embodiment of the slot
machine of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIGS. 4A and 4B are a flow chart illustrating a method of
operating a gaming device according to the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a process for dispensing
that is performed by a source gaming device.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a process for dispensing
that is performed by a remote gaming device.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a rendering of another embodiment of the slot
machine of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a process for
determining a dispensed amount in accordance with a balance
management rule.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a rendering of another embodiment of the slot
machine of FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a process for
determining a dispensed amount in accordance with a first balance
management rule.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating a process for
determining a dispensed amount in accordance with a second balance
management rule.
[0024] FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a process for
preventing selection of a wager amount that is greater than an
available amount.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 1, a slot machine 10 includes a
coin/bill acceptor 12 for accepting coins, bills and tokens,
thereby allowing a player to establish a balance with the slot
machine 10. The slot machine 10 also includes a memory 14 for
storing the balance and other data described below, such as a table
of outcomes, probabilities of the outcomes and corresponding
winning amounts for the outcomes.
[0026] The slot machine 10 further includes a reel controller 16, a
set of reels 18a-18c in communication therewith, and a random
number generator 20. In response to the initiation of play, the
random number generator 20 and the reel controller 16 operate to
determine and display an outcome defined by a combination of reel
positions. The initiation of play causes the reels 18a-c to spin
under the control of the reel controller 16, and to stop at the
specified combination reel positions. The slot machine 10 further
includes a hopper controller 24 and a hopper 22 in communication
therewith. The hopper 22 stores a supply of currency, and the
hopper controller 24 controls the amount of currency to be received
by or dispensed from the hopper 22.
[0027] The slot machine 10 further includes a central processing
unit (CPU) 26 which is in communication with the coin/bill acceptor
12, the memory 14, the reel controller 16, the random number
generator 20 and the hopper controller 24. The CPU 26 provides
control functions described in more detail below. A program 27
stored in the memory directs the CPU 26 in accordance with the
present invention, and particularly in accordance with the
processes described in detail hereinafter.
[0028] The slot machine 10 may also includes a video display 28, in
communication with and controlled by the CPU 26, to display the
outcome of a play. Such a video display 28 may be provided in
addition to, or instead of, the set of reels 18a-18c. A player
interface 30, also in communication with and controlled by the CPU
26, comprises a credit meter 32 for displaying the player's
balance, a keypad 34 for entering data, a display 36 for displaying
the data, error messages and other information, and a card reader
38 for reading a player's card. The keypad 34 may include
electromechanical buttons, a touch screen, or any other suitable
data input means that allows the player to request an amount to be
dispensed from the slot machine.
[0029] The slot machine 10 can be operatively connected to a
network 42. Such a connection allows the slot machine 10 to access
account information, verify account status, and allows balances to
be dispensed or transferred between gaming devices. Also in
communication with the CPU 26 is a starting controller 40, which
the player operates to initiate a play. The starting controller 40
may be, for example, a handle pulled by the player or a button
actuated by the player.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 2, a first embodiment of a slot machine
according to the present invention is shown from a player's
perspective. The slot machine of FIG. 2 includes the video display
28 for displaying the positions of reels 18a-c, the credit meter
32, the keypad 34, the display 36, the card reader 38, and the
starting controller 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the keypad
34 is a 10-digit keypad which enables a player to numerically enter
an amount to be dispensed, and the display 36 displays a numeric
value representing the amount entered.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 3, a second embodiment of a slot machine
according to the present invention is shown. The embodiment of FIG.
3 is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 2, except that the keypad 34
shown in FIG. 3 includes four keys which enable a player to select
one of four predetermined amounts to dispense ("all credits", "ten
credits", "five credits", or "two credits"). The keypad 34 may
include any number of keys, each corresponding to a different
amount to dispense. Keys can also be provided to enable the player
to request a percentage of the balance to be dispensed (e.g., to
dispense one-half of the balance).
[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a flow chart illustrates a
process 100 for operating a gaming device to provide a monetary
output. The gaming device first establishes a balance after payment
is received from the player (step 102), and then receives a wager
amount (step 104), typically when the player presses a key
indicating the wager amount. A play of the gaming device is
initiated in response to the player activating the starting
controller (step 106). The wager amount is subtracted from the
balance (step 108), and the remaining balance is displayed on the
credit meter 32 (FIG. 1).
[0033] In response to the initiation of play, the gaming device
generates a game outcome and a corresponding winning amount that is
based on the game outcome, as collectively indicated by reference
numeral 109. Typically, the game outcome and winning amount are
generated by (i) retrieving a random number (step 110), (ii)
retrieving an outcome based on the random number from a probability
table (step 112), and (iii) determining a winning amount based on
the random number from a payout table (step 114). In a slot
machine, the reel controller would also direct the reels to spin
and finally stop at positions corresponding to the outcome.
[0034] The balance is increased by the winning amount, thereby
generating a first adjusted balance that is available for
initiating a subsequent play of the gaming device (step 116).
Thereafter, the gaming device receives a signal representing a
request to dispense an amount (step 118). In accordance with the
present invention, the amount may be less than the first adjusted
balance. If the requested amount to dispense is greater than the
balance, then the gaming device displays a suitable message to the
player (steps 120 and 122). Otherwise, the gaming device dispenses
the requested amount (step 124), and the dispensed amount is
subtracted from the first adjusted balance (step 126), yielding a
second adjusted balance. If the second adjusted balance is zero, a
balance must again be established before play can resume.
[0035] The above described step 124 of dispensing the requested
amount may include dispensing an amount of currency that is based
on the requested amount. More specifically, the gaming device may
activate the hopper 22 (FIG. 1) to dispense an amount of currency
that is based on the requested amount. Alternatively, the gaming
device may transfer the requested amount to an account, such as a
credit card account or an account maintained with the casino.
[0036] In another embodiment, the step 124 of dispensing the
requested amount may include transferring the requested amount to
another gaming device. In such an embodiment, the gaming device
would be in communication with a remote gaming device, for example,
through a casino-wide communications network. The gaming device
would adjust the balance of the remote gaming device, adding the
dispensed amount thereto. Such a transfer among gaming devices is
especially advantageous in that players may share funds. For
example, if a husband and wife are playing at different slot
machines, and the husband runs out of funds (reaches a balance of
zero), he can send a request that his wife transfer some portion of
her balance to his slot machine. Alternatively, the wife may
initiate such a transfer on her own.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 5, a process 200 represents one embodiment
of the above-described step 124 (FIG. 4B) of dispensing. The gaming
device 37 source gaming device") receives from the player a request
to transfer an amount to dispense (hereinafter a "dispensed
amount") to a remote gaming device (step 202). The request
specifies the remote gaming device in an appropriate manner. For
example, the player may enter a unique identifier of the remote
gaming device. Alternatively, the player may be presented with a
list of players who are currently using "player tracking cards"
with gaming devices on the network. Such player tracking cards
typically identify players by name, thus facilitating the selection
of a remote gaming device by the name of the corresponding player.
It may be further advantageous to require that the player enter a
password when requesting a transfer.
[0038] After the request is received, the source gaming device
sends the transfer request through the network to the remote gaming
device (step 204). The remote gaming device thus receives an
indication of the dispensed amount and an identifier of the source
gaming device. To prevent erroneous transfers, the remote gaming
device responds by requesting confirmation of the requested
transfer. The source gaming device receives this request for
confirmation (step 206), and sends back a confirmation (step 208)
which again indicates the dispensed amount. Finally, the source
gaming device displays an appropriate message (step 210) to
indicate to the player that the transfer was successful.
[0039] FIG. 6 describes a process 250 performed by the remote
gaming device while the source gaming device performs the process
200 (FIG. 5). The remote gaming device first receives the transfer
request from the source gaming device (step 252). As described
above, this request includes an indication of the dispensed amount
and an identifier of the source gaming device. The remote gaming
device then sends a request for confirmation to the identified
source gaming device (step 254). If the remote gaming device
receives confirmation (step 256), then its balance is adjusted by
the dispensed amount (step 258) and the remote gaming device
displays an appropriate message indicating that the transfer was
approved (step 260). Such a message may also identify the dispensed
amount and the source gaming device. If the remote gaming device
does not receive confirmation, then a corresponding message is
displayed (step 262).
[0040] Referring to FIG. 7, the display 36 of a source slot machine
shows text which is presented to the player when he has requested a
transfer to a remote slot machine (not shown). As illustrated, the
display includes appropriate messages such as an indication of the
dispensed amount, and instructions for indicating the remote slot
machine. Analogously, the display of the remote slot machine would
show text, such as "Player of machine X requests a transfer of Y
credits to this machine", and "Press enter to accept transfer or
cancel to reject transfer".
[0041] Although in the above-described processes a player of the
source gaming device initiated the transfer, in another embodiment
the player of the remote gaming device may initiate the transfer by
first sending such a request to the source gaming device.
Thereafter, the processes described above would proceed accordingly
in a manner that will be understood by those skilled in the
art.
[0042] As described above, the gaming device may determine the
dispensed amount by receiving a signal that specifies the dispensed
amount. Such a signal may be generated by the player pressing one
or more keys on the keypad 34 (FIG. 1). In another embodiment, the
dispensed amount may be determined in accordance with one or more
balance management rules. Such balance management rules may be
entered by the player, or may be selected after the player is
presented with a list of possible rules.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 8, a process 300 initiates when the gaming
device receives a request to implement a balance management rule
(step 302). The player then indicates the rule or rules he would
like implemented, as indicated by reference numeral 303. Typically,
the player indicates his desired rules by selecting from a list of
possible rules. For example, the gaming device may store in the
memory 14 (FIG. 1) a plurality of predetermined rules, or a player
tracking card inserted into the gaming device may indicate a
plurality of predetermined rules. Accordingly, the gaming device
would display the plurality of predetermined balance management
rules (step 304) and in turn receive the player's selection of one
or more balance management rules therefrom (step 306).
[0044] In another embodiment, the player may indicate the rule he
would like implemented by entering the rule through keys on the
keypad 34 (FIG. 1) or through another appropriate input device. In
still another embodiment, the player tracking card may indicate the
rules to implement, rather than a plurality of rules from which to
select those to be implemented. Inserting the player tracking card
into the gaming device would load the indicated rules into the
memory 14 (FIG. 1).
[0045] Once the player indicates the rule, the rule is stored in
the memory 14 for the duration of the player session (step 308),
and the rule is in turn implemented for the duration of the player
session (step 310). The duration of the player session may be the
time period during which the player tracking card remains inserted
in the gaming device. Alternatively, the duration may be defined
such that the session lasts until the entire balance is dispensed
(i.e., the balance reaches zero).
[0046] Referring to FIG. 9, the display 36 of a slot machine shows
text which is presented to the player when he has requested to
implement a balance management rule. As illustrated, the displayed
text indicates three possible rules 330, 340 and 350. The player
would select from the three possible rules 330, 340 and 350 in any
of the manners described above.
[0047] A balance management rule may specify that the dispensed
amount be the difference between the balance and a predetermined
threshold. Such a rule would thus specify that any winnings above
the predetermined threshold be dispensed. For example, the rule may
specify that each time the balance exceeds $50, an amount is
dispensed to reduce the balance to $50. Furthermore, such a rule
may specify that the predetermined threshold is the initial balance
(the amount first provided to establish a balance). Accordingly,
any winnings would be dispensed to the player.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 10, a process 400 for determining a
dispensed amount in accordance with such a rule initiates with a
determination of whether the balance exceeds the predetermined
threshold (step 402). Typically, this determination is made upon
each play of the gaming device. If the balance exceeds the
predetermined threshold, then the dispensed amount is determined to
be the difference between the balance and the predetermined
threshold (step 404). Otherwise, the dispensed amount is determined
to be zero (step 406), and nothing is automatically dispensed.
[0049] Another balance management rule may specify that the
dispensed amount be a predetermined percentage of a difference
between the balance and a predetermined threshold. For example, the
rule may specify that half of the amount of the balance above $50
is dispensed after each play. In accordance with such a rule, if
the predetermined threshold is $50, the predetermined percentage is
50%, and the balance is $70, then the dispensed amount is $10 (50%
of ($70-$50)=$10). The predetermined threshold may be the initial
balance, so that a predetermined percentage of total winnings are
dispensed after each play.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 11, a process 450 for determining a
dispensed amount in accordance with such a rule initiates with a
determination of whether the balance exceeds the predetermined
threshold (step 452). Typically, this determination is made upon
each play of the gaming device. If the balance exceeds the
predetermined threshold, then the dispensed amount is determined to
be the predetermined percentage of the difference between the
balance and the predetermined threshold (step 454). Otherwise, the
dispensed amount is determined to be zero (step 456), and nothing
is automatically dispensed.
[0051] Another balance management rule may specify that the
dispensed amount be a predetermined percentage of the winning
amount earned after each play. For example, the rule may specify
that half of each winning amount is dispensed after each play. In
accordance with such a rule, if the predetermined percentage is
50%, and a play results in a winning amount of $70, then the
dispensed amount is $35 (50% of $70=$35). The undispensed portion
of the winning amount ($35) would be added to the balance.
[0052] In one embodiment, the balance management rules may be
implemented only after a predetermined number of plays, or after a
predetermined time period. For example, one balance management rule
may be implemented an hour after a balance is established, or after
one hundred plays.
[0053] As described above, many players want to play with "house
money" (money awarded while playing) and not "their own" money. For
example, a player that establishes an initial balance with $20 may
accumulate a balance of $50 after one or more plays. The player may
consider $30 ($50-$20) to be an "available amount" to wager with.
Accordingly, the present invention facilitates such a playing
strategy by allowing the player to have $20 dispensed, and thereby
leave the available amount ($30) for subsequent play.
[0054] In addition, a gaming device provided in accordance with the
present invention may further prevent selection of a wager amount
that is greater than the available amount. For example, if the
balance is $50 and a predetermined threshold is $20, then the
corresponding available amount is $30 ($50-$20). Any attempt by the
player to select a wager amount greater than $30 would generate a
displayed message (e.g., "Invalid wager amount, try again"), and
the gaming device would wait until the player selects a wager
amount no greater than $30. Thus, the player could play with only
"house money", even without having the $20 dispensed. Such a
process for preventing selection of wager amounts greater than the
available amount may be implemented as a type of balance management
rule.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 12, a process 470 initiates when the
gaming device receives a wager amount from the player (step 472).
The gaming device also calculates the available amount by
subtracting a predetermined threshold from the balance (step 474).
If the wager amount is greater than the available amount, an
appropriate error message is displayed to the player (steps 476 and
478), and the gaming device waits for another wager amount to be
received (step 472). If the wager amount is not greater than the
available amount, the gaming device allows initiation of play (step
480).
[0056] Those skilled in the art will note that various
substitutions may be made to those embodiments described herein
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. For example, although a slot machine has been described
above, the present invention is equally applicable to other gaming
devices, such as video poker machines and video blackjack
machines.
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