U.S. patent application number 11/316275 was filed with the patent office on 2006-07-20 for enhanced big wheel game.
This patent application is currently assigned to Stargames Corporation Pty Limited. Invention is credited to Murray Nicol, Terry O'Halloran.
Application Number | 20060157927 11/316275 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36177367 |
Filed Date | 2006-07-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060157927 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
O'Halloran; Terry ; et
al. |
July 20, 2006 |
Enhanced big wheel game
Abstract
A method of operating a Big Wheel game is provided. Primary
player wagers on potential game outcomes are initially received
from participating players. One or more potential game outcomes
comprise a bonus feature. Additional player wagers on the game
outcome comprising the bonus feature are received from at least one
of the participating players. After the game outcome is determined,
any player winning on their primary wager is credited their
winnings. If the game outcome comprises the bonus feature, then any
players who placed an additional wager are provided with the bonus
feature. A gaming system for providing the Big Wheel game is also
provided.
Inventors: |
O'Halloran; Terry;
(Paddington, AU) ; Nicol; Murray; (Milperra,
AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SACCO & ASSOCIATES, PA
P.O. BOX 30999
PALM BEACH GARDENS
FL
33420-0999
US
|
Assignee: |
Stargames Corporation Pty
Limited
Milperra
AU
|
Family ID: |
36177367 |
Appl. No.: |
11/316275 |
Filed: |
December 22, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/138.1 ;
273/142R; 273/143R |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3244 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101; G07F 17/3258 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/138.1 ;
273/142.00R; 273/143.00R |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/00 20060101
A63B071/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 24, 2004 |
AU |
2004907319 |
Claims
1. A method of operating a Big Wheel game, comprising the steps of:
receiving primary player wagers on potential game outcomes from
participating players, one or more of said potential game outcomes
comprising a bonus feature; receiving additional player wagers on
the game outcome comprising said bonus feature from at least one of
said participating players; determining the game outcome; crediting
any primary player wager winnings resulting from the determined
game outcome; and if the determined game outcome comprises the
bonus feature, then providing the bonus feature to players who made
the additional wagers.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the player wagers are
received electronically.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the game outcome is
dealer determined using a physical wheel.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the bonus feature
provided is one or more features selected from the set comprising:
one or more free game(s); a multiplier to be applied to any
respective primary player wager winnings in a subsequent game or
games; a multiplier applied to the amount of the respective
player's additional wager; a bonus game or other special game play
feature; or a non-game related prize.
5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the bonus game provided
comprises the steps of: displaying bonus options on a respective
terminal of each player that placed an additional wager; receiving
a selected bonus option from said respective terminal; and awarding
each player based upon their selected bonus option.
6. A software product operatively adapted to program a gaming
system to carry out the method of claim 1.
7. A Big Wheel gaming system, comprising a plurality of electronic
player terminals and a Big Wheel display, each terminal allowing a
respective player to place primary wagers on potential game
outcomes, wherein one or more of said potential game outcomes
comprising a bonus feature, each terminal further allowing a
respective player to place an additional wager on the game outcome
comprising said bonus feature; the gaming system having a primary
mode, in which a game outcome is determined and displayed on said
Big Wheel display and any primary wager winnings are credited to
respective player terminals, and a bonus mode, which is instigated
only when the game outcome of said primary mode comprises said
bonus feature and there is at least one player that placed an
additional wager, the bonus mode providing said bonus feature to
respective terminals of additional wager winning players.
8. The gaming system according to claim 7, wherein the Big wheel
display is a physical Big Wheel.
9. The gaming system according to claim 7, wherein the bonus
feature provided is one or more features selected from the set
comprising: crediting one or more free game(s); a multiplier to be
applied to any respective player primary wager winnings in a
subsequent game or games; a multiplier applied to the amount of the
respective player's additional wager; a bonus game or other special
game play feature.
10. The gaming system according to claim 9, wherein said bonus game
allows a player to select from a number of bonus options displayed
at the player terminal.
11. The gaming system according to claims 7, wherein the player
terminals are physically located at the Big Wheel display.
12. The gaming system according to claim 7, wherein one or more
player terminals are located remote from the Big wheel display.
13. The gaming system according to claim 12, wherein said one or
more player terminals comprise means to stream and display live
images of said Big Wheel display.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit of Australian Patent
Application Serial No. 2004907319 filed Dec. 24, 2004.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to enhancement of a Big Wheel
gaming system and methods of operating Big Wheel games that have
enhanced play.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Casinos have a variety of gambling games all vying for the
attention of gamblers. For first-time or novice players, this
choice can be dazzling and daunting. In addition, each game has its
own set of rules which often must be known before the game can be
played properly. This may deter first-time or novice players.
[0004] The game of `Big Wheel` (or `Chocolate Wheel` as it is
colloquially known) is regarded by all casino operators as the
easiest game to play in Casinos throughout the world.
[0005] The Big Wheel is a communal game, in that a number of
players can participate in a common determination of result. It is
a rotatable wheel made up of a number of segments which typically
have a number, or symbol on each segment, and an indicator. Players
place a wager on one or more of the numbers or symbols. The wheel
is spun and an indicator indicates the outcome of the game at the
time the wheel comes to rest. If the indicator points to a number
or symbol which has had a wager placed on it, the player who placed
the wager on that number wins. The rate of return depends on the
number of times the winning number or symbol appears on the
wheel.
[0006] The game is attractive to novice players because of the
simplicity of the game, and the potential for prizes of up to 50
times their wager. However, what is regarded as its biggest
attributes can also be seen as its limitations. It is difficult to
introduce variety into the game, due to the limited opportunities
for betting. There is also no potential to offer larger prizes, due
to constraints on the size of the wheel and number of prize pieces
of the wheel. These factors lead to short periods of play by
players, who often move to other games before too long.
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming
system and a method of operating a gaming system to enhance the
attractiveness of Big Wheel to players and encourage them to play
for a longer time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In a broad form, a Big Wheel game according to the present
invention comprises an optional player bet, in addition to the
normal wager, that makes players eligible for a bonus feature.
[0009] In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of
operating a Big Wheel game, comprising the steps of:
[0010] receiving primary player wagers on potential game outcomes
from participating players, one or more of said potential game
outcomes comprising a bonus feature;
[0011] receiving additional player wagers on the game outcome
comprising said bonus feature from at least one of said
participating players;
[0012] determining the game outcome;
[0013] crediting any primary player wager winnings resulting from
the determined game outcome; and
[0014] if the determined game outcome comprises the bonus feature,
then providing the bonus feature-to players who made the
additional-wagers.
[0015] In preferred embodiments, the player wagers are received
electronically, ideally via player terminals.
[0016] Preferably, the bonus feature provided is one or more
features selected from the set comprising: one or more free
game(s); a multiplier to be applied to any respective primary
player wager winnings in a subsequent game or games; a multiplier
applied to the amount of the respective player's additional wager;
a bonus game or other special game play feature; or a non-game
related prize. In the case of a bonus game, the bonus game may
comprise the steps of displaying bonus options on a respective
terminal of each player that placed an additional wager; receiving
a selected bonus option from the respective terminal; and awarding
each player based upon their selected bonus option.
[0017] According to another aspect, the present invention provides
a Big Wheel gaming system, comprising a plurality of electronic
player terminals and a Big Wheel display, each terminal allowing a
respective player to place primary wagers on potential game
outcomes, wherein one or more of said potential game outcomes
comprising a bonus feature, each terminal further allowing a
respective player to place an additional wager on the game outcome
comprising said bonus feature; the gaming system having a primary
mode, in which a game outcome is determined and displayed on said
Big Wheel display and any primary wager winnings are credited to
respective player terminals, and a bonus mode, which is instigated
only when the game outcome of said primary mode comprises said
bonus feature and there is at least one player that placed an
additional wager, the bonus mode providing said bonus feature to
respective terminals of additional wager winning players.
[0018] The present invention advantageously provides a player with
the option of playing an enhanced Big wheel game by placing a
wager, in addition to the regular wager, on the chance of winning a
bonus feature, thereby providing variety and longer interest in the
game.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0019] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be
described with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred form of a Big Wheel
display.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0021] The present invention will be described with reference to
particular embodiments. However, it will be appreciated that it may
be implemented using a variety of electronic and manual betting
arrangements, and for simulated and physical apparatus.
[0022] FIG. 1 shows the invention implemented on a physical Big
Wheel 10. The Big Wheel 10 has a number of segments, in this case
52. All segments include a number or a symbol. In this case, the
segments are labeled with a number and a letter from A to E.
Different numbers and symbols appear on the wheel in different
numbers. The more often a number appears on the wheel, the lower
the return a bet on that number as it is more likely to be the
outcome of the game. The less frequently a number or symbol appears
on the wheel, the higher the return a bet on that number as it is
less likely to be the outcome of the game.
[0023] The Big Wheel 10 can be spun by a human operator (dealer).
Players of the game place wagers on what they believe the outcome
of the game will be prior to the Big Wheel 10 being spun. When the
Big Wheel 10 comes to rest, an indicator 12 points to the segment
which is determined to be the outcome of a game. This is the
conventional game of Big Wheel.
[0024] According to this implementation of the present invention,
in addition to their regular wagers, players can additionally place
an optional additional bet on a bonus feature. The Big Wheel 10
includes one or more bonus feature symbol, in this case an X 14, on
one of the segments. This symbol in no way influences the standard
game prizes or chances of winning those prizes. It is an added
symbol to any segment of the wheel. If the indicator 12 points to
this bonus feature symbol (in this case X 14) after the dealer has
spun the wheel 10, any player who has placed an additional wager on
the outcome including the X symbol wins a bonus feature. The
likelihood of the indicator pointing to this X symbol depends on
the number of times the X symbol appears on the wheel 10. In the
event that the wheel points to the designated symbol, the bonus
feature is won and the bonus feature awarded.
[0025] On a physical wheel, the bonus feature winning symbol is
fixed. On a simulated reel, it could be either a fixed position, or
randomly determined after betting ceases and before the wheel is
spun (in simulation), or during spinning, or after the wheel comes
to rest.
[0026] It will be appreciated that in practice, the likelihood of
the symbol being the winning segment will be related to the prize
or feature to be awarded.
[0027] The bonus feature awarded may be the one or more free games,
for example to the same value as the game when the bet was won. It
could also be a multiplier applied to any wins of the subsequent
game or games or to the amount of the additional wager.
Alternatively it may be some other special game play feature. It
could even be a free drink or meal at the casino. It may allow the
player to participate in a special bonus game, in an electronic
implementation.
[0028] The present invention could be implemented at a fully manual
betting table. In this case, an additional bonus feature betting
location for chips to be placed could be provided at one or more
locations in the betting layout. The dealer could then pay the
feature when it occurs. In this case, a feature which does not
affect future games is preferred, so that the dealer can more
readily control the game.
[0029] In a preferred form, the players are seated at player
terminals which may be at close proximity to the Big Wheel 10 or at
some distance from the Big Wheel 10. The inclusion of video cameras
to stream vision to the player terminals is an option which allows
players to see the game from any location. The terminals include a
display, and input means allowing players to place their wagers.
The input means may be in the form of a touch screen display. The
terminals are all connected to a central controller for the
game.
[0030] The rules relating to the amount of the additional wager may
vary depending upon the bonus feature to be awarded. In one form,
it is a fixed amount, so that all players who make the additional
wager and are successful are awarded the same prize, or have the
chance to play the same bonus feature. In another form, the
additional wager is proportional to the player's total main game
wager so that all prizes paid to players are linear, depending on
the player's total wager.
[0031] Once the time for placing a wager and optional additional
wager has passed, the dealer spins the Big Wheel 10 to begin the
game. When the Big Wheel 10 comes to rest, the segment indicated by
the indicator 12 is determined. This determination may take placed
via a sensor which detects the game outcome and informs the central
controller. Alternatively, the operator is provided with a terminal
via which the game outcome is manually inputted and the central
controller informed, although this is less preferred as an
implementation as it is more prone to human error. In this
arrangement, conventional winnings are preferably credited directed
to the electronic terminal from which the wager was made.
[0032] When the game outcome is not such that the segment on the
Big Wheel 10 is one indicating a bonus feature has been won, the
central controller determines whether there are any winning players
from wagers placed on the regular game and credits any calculated
winnings to the respective terminals of winning players.
[0033] When the game outcome is such that the segment on the Big
Wheel 10 is one indicating a bonus feature has been won, the
players who have made an additional wager have the bonus feature
(examples of which are described above) displayed on the respective
terminals by the central controller.
[0034] The bonus feature provided could be such that the player
winning on the bonus feature is presented with a set of bonus
options from which the player must choose. In this case, the bonus
options are displayed on the respective terminal of the player,
they make their choice, usually in a set time or the choice is made
for them, and the player then receives the bonus feature from the
bonus option they chose.
[0035] The crediting of the winnings on wagers on the regular game
may be before, after or during the determination of the bonus
feature outcome.
[0036] Suitable player terminals may provide, for example, as
similar interface to the applicant's Rapid Roulette product, which
is commercially available, suitably modified for use with Big
Wheel. Details of Rapid Roulette can be found at
http://www.stargames.com.au/prod rapid.html which is incorporated
herein by way of reference. The player terminals preferably use a
touch screen interface, which in general terms mimics the layout
for betting provided at a conventional Big Wheel table game. Player
select and drag icons, conveniently rendered as resembling gaming
chips and with the respective value shown on the chip icon, onto
the betting layout. An area of betting layout is reserved for the
additional wager.
[0037] It will be appreciated that the present invention may be
implemented with variations and additions, and under rules
different to those discussed, without departing from the scope of
the invention.
* * * * *
References