U.S. patent application number 11/357758 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-24 for method for playing a gambling device.
Invention is credited to William Arthur Taylor.
Application Number | 20060189369 11/357758 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36913432 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060189369 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Taylor; William Arthur |
August 24, 2006 |
Method for playing a gambling device
Abstract
A method for playing a gaming device where greater bets
contribute more symbols to a symbol pool used as possible
replacements. With the feature active, players may substitute these
replacements for naturally occurring symbols to build better
combinations yielding greater awards or other benefits. In the
preferred embodiment player skill is involved making this invention
suitable for the maximum number of gaming markets.
Inventors: |
Taylor; William Arthur;
(Evergreen, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WILLIAM A. TAYLOR
1326 ASPEN DRIVE
EVERGREEN
CO
80439
US
|
Family ID: |
36913432 |
Appl. No.: |
11/357758 |
Filed: |
February 16, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60654153 |
Feb 18, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3265
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/016 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method of providing game play to a player, the method of
providing game play comprising: a) offering to such player a chance
game; b) said chance game having a means for several betting
options; c) said betting options affecting the symbols available
comprised in a symbol replacement pool; d) allowing said player to
play the chance game.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/654,153 filed Feb. 18, 2005, which is
incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
or may contain material that is subject to copyright protection.
The copyright owner has no objection to photocopy reproduction of
the patent document or the patent disclosure exactly as appearing
in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but
otherwise all copyright rights whatsoever are reserved. 37 CFR
1.71(d).
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The invention relates to gambling devices generally and in
particular to a new method for playing a slot machine.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Gambling devices, such as slot machines, allow players to
wager something of value in the hopes of winning something of
greater value. Originally slot machines were mechanical devices
employing 3 physical reels with various symbols painted or affixed
to them. Upon inserting a coin and pulling a spring-loaded handle,
the reels were set in motion and players were paid or not depending
upon where the reels stopped and which symbols were displayed
across the display portion of the machine.
[0005] Slot machines have evolved greatly since the original gaming
devices discussed above. Most slot machines in use today are
electronic computers, and the symbols are displayed in video form.
Players often prefer video display slot machines over the
traditional slot machines using mechanical reels. The video
platform also offers more flexibility in development for
manufacturers. The common term today for a gambling machine is a
gaming device, which is used herein to include gambling devices
such as slot machines, video poker, and other gambling games
whether reel, video or otherwise.
[0006] Newer video slots typically display 5 reels side-by-side
that spin on a common axis instead of the traditional 3 (or more)
mechanical reels. These newer video slots usually show 3 stopping
positions of each reel yielding a visible matrix of 3 rows by 5
columns. Sometimes the number of reels and reel positions displayed
vary.
[0007] Players typically wager on 1 or more paylines that run in
different paths through the reel positions displayed. Unlike newer
models of gaming devices, early slots paid only for matching
symbols straight across the center (a single payline).
Traditionally the path of each payline takes 1 adjacent position of
each reel, so on a 5-reel game the payline is usually 5 positions
in length. However, today these payline paths may number in the
hundreds, they may take any path, and they may not always span
adjacent reels nor even be on contiguous reel positions. Players
may wager on multiple paylines and may even wager multiple credits
per payline. Reel symbols occurring in various combinations on the
paylines are compared to a schedule of winning events commonly
called a paytable to determine a win or loss. Often there are wild
symbols that substitute for other symbols, and symbol combinations
that trigger a bonus or feature game. Scatter pays are also common
where certain symbol(s) pay anywhere in the visible display, and
they don't have to be on any payline. Wins are usually rewarded
with monetary awards from a coin hopper provided in the machine or
tickets redeemable for cash.
[0008] Second screen features (or more) are common. A
"second-screen" bonus game is usually separate and distinct from
the normal reel display, and a player might select a car in a car
race or scratch from a selection of video lottery tickets to earn
credits, free games or anything of value. Some games even offer
third screens or more, enhancing player interest and intrigue.
[0009] Some games let creative players play consecutive games
without manual intervention. Sometimes players wedge a toothpick or
folded matchbook cover in such a manner as to keep the play button
depressed. Provided they have sufficient credits, consecutive games
play off by themselves. Although these players have basically
fashioned an autoplay device, each game is still a single, discrete
event that requires a separate wager. However, in newer gaming
devices a "game" might be comprised of multiple slot machines spins
of a traditional nature plus other interactions and events.
[0010] In general, the more interactive a gaming device is, the
greater its entertainment value, and the more entertaining a game
is, the more players will play it. Accordingly, more play normally
translates to greater profits for gaming device operators.
[0011] Other types of gaming devices offer side bets. For example,
as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,283,474 to de Keller, players play
blackjack, but may wager separately who gets closest to a "21"
point score. Similarly, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,374 to Breeding, a
gaming device is provided which offers a side bet to participate in
a super jackpot game.
[0012] Side bets have also been around for a very long time.
Aristocrat, a major slot machine manufacturer headquartered in
Australia, makes games that offer side bets embedded within a video
slot machine. Their newer Cashman series offers bonus features that
can only be won when a side bet is made. This side bet is only
offered when the player has first bet the maximum number of lines
offered on the machine. For example, after a player bets the
maximum 20 paylines they are offered the chance to make a side bet
that costs the equivalent of betting another 5 paylines. Thus,
these games entice the player to raise their bet. Since casinos and
operators normally retain a percentage of the bet, this side bet
usually results in greater revenues and profits. While this is a
somewhat creative means to offer a side bet, it is still just an
additional bet. Side bets are separate wagers on separate
events.
[0013] Some gaming devices offer multiple bets. Triple play poker
as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,873 to Moody allows a player's
held cards to be played as multiple poker hands with each draw
performed independently, usually resulting in 3 different outcomes.
Each additional hand requires an additional wager that can become
expensive, since it costs 3 times as much to play.
[0014] Regardless of the type or form of gaming device--whether
reel slot, video game, some other type or combination--the basic
method of wagering has remained largely the same for years. The
player inserts coins or otherwise obtains credits on a machine,
commits a wager, plays the game and then is paid or not depending
on the outcome.
[0015] Slot machines today play in many different denominations.
Credits on one machine might be worth 1 cent (or less), while
others are worth $100. Some machines today even allow you to select
the denomination within the machine and to change it between games.
One recent advance in slot machine technology has been the
introduction of a credit meter. With a credit meter, a player could
insert more coins than were needed to play a single game, and thus
have a pool of funds to draw upon. Ten nickels inserted would yield
ten credits, for example. Then, the player could play one game that
required ten nickel credits, ten games that required one nickel
credit each, or anything in between. The use of a credit meter also
allowed winnings to be accumulated on the machine, instead of
always being paid out in coins each time the player won. A player
could rack up credits and then choose to cash out at their leisure
by the use of a special button on the machine for this purpose.
[0016] In the 1980s and 1990s, slot machine manufacturers began
adding currency acceptors to their machines. Players could obtain
machine credits by simply inserting paper currency. In recent
years, manufacturers have even added devices that could dispense
currency instead of, or in addition to, coins. (These are known as
note hoppers and operate similar to bank cash machines or ATMs).
Many new machines pay players in paper tickets or scripts that may
be redeemed elsewhere or reinserted into similar machines that read
and accept such paper. These are often called ticket-printer
machines. Some machines may even accept credit cards or other cards
that have value.
[0017] As a promotion, casinos sometime configure certain slot
machines for tournament play. Slot tournaments are player versus
player competitions administered by casino staff. Players gain
entry through a variety of means, such as achieving VIP status in
the casino's players club, paying an entry fee or simply for
signing up. In these tournaments, players do not wager anything
directly or at all, but person(s) with the highest credit scores
receive something of value from the casino. Since there is no
wager, the slot machines are set to a free play mode where the goal
is to get more credits than the other players. Players are not paid
directly for credits earned. Tournaments are marketing programs
that rely on gaming devices for implementation.
[0018] Time on a particular device is a huge factor in the gaming
industry today. Time on device is important not only for direct
profits to gaming device operators, but also indirectly. The more
time spent in one gambling property means more profit opportunities
for the casino. Restaurants, shows, gift shops, hotel rooms, etc.,
all give the casino the chance for more profits. In general, the
more time a player spends in a gaming establishment, the greater
the likelihood they will return and spend even more. Operators
strive to keep you in their establishment, which generally means
more profits, and typically provide numerous incentives such as
free or inexpensive food and drinks specifically for this
purpose.
[0019] Marketing studies have revealed that players do not mind
losing so much, as long as they can have a good time playing. Most
casino gamblers don't really expect to win, but they do expect to
play for a reasonable amount of time. This is consistent with newer
trends in gaming where gambling for the typical patron is more of
an entertainment experience. With the proliferation of casinos in
America in recent years, casino gambling has become mainstream
entertainment. Perhaps the most important part of that
entertainment value is "time on device", or how long you get to
play for your money. Thus, time on device is critical to a positive
gambling experience.
[0020] Accordingly, recent attempts have been made to ensure
greater time on device for players. Perhaps the most common method
today on slot machines is to offer more winners of lesser amounts.
To this end slot makers design games with a greater mathematical
win frequency and a reduced paytable. Especially in newer video
slots hit frequencies reach 50% or more. In practice, this means
you might bet 10 coins per line on 9 paylines (90 coins total) only
to win 20 coins. Even though this is clearly a net loss for the
player, the 20 is still advertised as a win. This trickling back of
credits to the player takes their money more slowly, recognizes
them as winners (even if they're losing) and extends their playtime
for a given amount of money to bet.
[0021] One problem with high hit frequencies is that player returns
become meaningless.
[0022] While time on device is generally lengthened, betting 90 to
win 20 eventually becomes tedious and boring. Players soon realize
that in these types of gaming products, they are not really
winning, even if the machine displays "winner", but rather--they
have simply lost less. The reduced payable means the allure of big
winners is diminished. The tradeoff of more common winners is
smaller winners.
[0023] Other enticements also keep players playing longer. Bonus
features or second-screen events that award free plays or credits
are a common player objective. Progressive awards, where certain
outcomes pay an amount that increases with credits played until
won, also give players something special to play for. Random
payouts and mystery jackpots (typically paid anywhere on a bank of
networked gaming machines) are also popular.
[0024] Some less common gaming devices employ a hold and respin
feature. In these games the reels are spun once, then desirable
symbols are held similar to draw poker and the rest are spun again
in order to make more favorable combinations. Still other esoteric
and non-traditional concepts let players buy a predetermined amount
of time and play without even being present as in U.S. Pat. No.
6,077,163 to Walker.
[0025] Different jurisdictions impose different regulations onto
casino operators and gaming machine manufacturers. For example,
riverboat casino legislation in Mississippi has resulted in casinos
being built in the mud that don't even float. These riverboats
never move. In other markets, however, riverboat casinos are
required to cruise some distance periodically to qualify under the
regulations.
[0026] Similarly, different states place different requirements
onto gaming devices. One common rule requires a skill component.
Thus in some markets video draw poker games are the standard. Skill
is needed to make the best choice as to cards retained and cards
replaced on the "draw."
[0027] Some states don't allow traditional slot machines, but only
bingo or lottery games that resemble slot machines. These games,
often called "Class II" games, usually require another button press
or two to set the reels spinning. Commencing with the bet, a bingo
card is selected. The next button push selects a series of bingo
balls, and a win or loss outcome is determined in accordance with
the rules of bingo. The next press sets slot machine reels spinning
and the result is that dictated by the bingo game. Thus clever
manufacturers have fashioned a bingo game simulating a slot machine
that is legal in some markets.
[0028] Still other markets require "central determination." Unlike
traditional slot machines that stand alone independent of each
other, centrally determined gaming devices are networked to a
central server. This server dishes random numbers or gaming device
outcomes to each device on the network. Thus a central accounting
point may be maintained in a government office that controls each
device statewide. While imposed by regulation, this also helps with
accounting controls, general security and the verification process
over large jackpot payouts. These are sometimes called video
lottery games. Many other variations exist on gaming devices and
the systems that work with them.
[0029] As indicated lower denomination games have become very
popular recently. In the early 1990s games were generally nickel,
quarter and dollar denomination. Today one-cent games are among the
most popular. Since the denomination has fallen, so have average
bets. Thus, manufacturers and gaming device operators are striving
for ways to keep the bets high to maintain profitability. To these
ends, some gaming device makers incorporate elaborate second- and
third-screen bonuses with multiple bonus features embedded within
their video slots. But, irrespective of the wagering method, new
games that are too complicated are generally less successful, since
most players prefer new games that are easy to learn and play. So,
it is a balancing act to keep games interesting and engaging, but
simple. Likewise, keeping the bets high enough to return
traditional or better profits while offering lower denominations is
also a major objective of game designers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] FIG. 1 is a sample button panel on a gaming device with the
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 2 is sample gaming device display for use with the
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the steps involved in the preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 4 is a sample gaming device as may be used to practice
the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0034] Accordingly it is one aspect of the present invention to
provide a new and novel game that provides incentive to increase
the wager, that is simple to learn and fun to play and that
qualifies as a skill game suitable for play in the most gaming
markets.
[0035] The present invention accomplishes these goals. In the
preferred embodiment an incentive to increase the wager exists by
offering more game play alternatives when more credits are bet per
line. A symbol substitution option requires decision making to
build the best winning combinations, thus there is greater
interaction and a skill component. Finally the preferred embodiment
is easy to learn, and the greater player involvement makes it more
fun and intrinsically rewarding to play.
[0036] A typical embodiment of the present invention plays as
follows. (Please refer to the flowchart in FIG. 3.) [0037] 1.
Enable (or activate) the slot machine by inserting cash or
equivalents to obtain machine credits. [0038] 2. Make wagering
selections and initiate a game by pressing appropriate buttons on
the machine. [0039] 3. Evaluate the game outcome. Were any
replaceable symbols achieved and was the bonus enabled?
[0040] A. If no to either, any wins are posted to the credit
meter.
[0041] B. If yes to both, exchange replaceable symbols with
available substitute symbols to find the best result. Press the
collect or stand button to finalize, which posts any wins or
consolation prizes to the credit meter. [0042] 4. Repeat steps 2
and 3 until credits are exhausted or until patron decides to
terminate play. Press a cashout button to collect any remaining
credits in the form of cash or equivalents.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0043] A preferred embodiment is the game referred to as Digging
for Dollars ("DF$"). DF$ is a video slot machine game where the
player may select certain symbols at their discretion in certain
cases. A new way of wagering is involved, which dictates the number
and type of symbols that are available to choose from. Skill is
involved in selecting which symbols to place where. Since the pool
of substitute symbols is made larger with greater wagers, there is
motivation to bet more.
[0044] This embodiment plays like this. DF$ is a 20-payline game
offering a side bet, and the side bet costs the equivalent of an
additional 5 paylines. So, the first bet decision is whether to
play from 1 to 20 lines at 1 credit each, or to bet the maximum 25
credits and cover all paylines plus enable the bonus. This bet is
accomplished by way of an upper button panel on a traditional
gaming device or video slot machine having 5 buttons. The buttons
effect the wager and are titled as follows: Bet 1 Line; Bet 5
Lines; Bet 10 Lines; Bet 20 Lines; Bet 20 Lines+Bonus. Enabling the
possibility of a bonus event, or qualifying, requires the max bet
of 25 credits.
[0045] The lower button panel offers the number of credits per line
to bet, which are multiplied by the selected number of paylines to
determine the total bet as is traditional in the art. However, in
DF$ these lower buttons also offer additional symbol/s to choose
from when the bonus is enabled and activated. (The bonus may be
considered enabled when the side bet is made. The bonus may be
considered activated when any replaceable symbol/s appear.) So,
this is an incentive to raise the wager. These lower buttons would
be titled as: Play 1 Credit per Line+4 Symbols; Play 3 Credits per
Line+5 Symbols; Play 5 Credits per Line+6 Symbols; Play 10 Credits
Per Line+7 Symbols; Play 20 Credits per Line+8 Symbols+Scatter.
Note in this embodiment the game has 10 symbols 1 of which a wild
that is not available for replacement no matter what. So, the
maximum number to select from in the bonus feature is 9 symbols--8
normal symbols plus a scatter pay symbol. (Refer to FIG. 1 for
these sample buttons on a gaming device.)
[0046] DF$ plays like a standard 5 reel video slot showing 3
positions of each reel for a total of 15 symbols displayed in
screen center. With the bonus enabled by way of a minimum 25 credit
bet on the upper bet row and after the reels are spun once, 1 or
more symbols may occur that the player can replace. These
replaceable symbols are highlighted, animated or otherwise marked
to indicate when this is possible. In this embodiment, replaceable
symbols do not occur every base game spin, but occur randomly as a
function of the underlying base game mathematics (on average every
30 games). This bonus feature is referred to as "Select &
Collect." (Refer to FIG. 2 for a sample screen shot of this
embodiment.)
[0047] Available symbols (a function of the lower bet row
selection) are displayed above the reels. By using a touchscreen
the player may drag available symbol/s above to replace designated
symbol/s below. Normally once a symbol is used, it cannot be used
again in a current game. That is, if 9 symbols are available for
choosing from and 1 is a Queen, and that Queen is used to replace a
Jack symbol, that Queen is no longer available for re-use during
the current bonus event. While a symbol may be "put back" and then
re-placed into another replaceable position, they can normally be
used only once per game each.
[0048] Once a player has replaced any symbol or symbols, a nominal
win meter is updated to show what effect the substitution has made
on the player's win. This is effectively a help function that
assists the player in making the best choice/s. When the player is
satisfied they have made the right replacement/s, they then press
an onscreen collect or stand button to make their selection/s final
and have their win credits posted to be used or cashed out as they
see fit. Note in this embodiment it may be that no winners are
possible, in which case a consolation prize is given. (Please refer
to the flowchart in FIG. 3 for a description of the play
method.)
[0049] So, this embodiment meets the three primary objectives. (1)
It is easy to learn and play. (2) It uses a unique betting method
that provides an incentive to increase wagers. (3) It involves a
skill component.
[0050] There are many options, variations and derivatives employing
the method of the present invention. For example, the incentive
symbols offered in conjunction with the credit per line bets on the
lower button row may be any symbol, number of symbols or symbol
combinations. They may or may not increase in rank as the bet is
increased. Replacements, or draws, might permit multiple uses of
the same symbol in substitutions. The player may or may not be
permitted to try various combinations before finalizing
substitution/s. Replacements might only be offered with the maximum
number of credits per line bet. The buttons themselves may not
number 5, but any number. In fact, there may be no physical buttons
at all, but the selections may be made by virtual buttons on the
display and chosen by way of touchscreen or keypad. The
accompanying credit per line bets may be any real number including
fractions or decimals. Credit per line bets do not necessarily have
to yield a fixed multiple of payline bets if, for example, half of
any credit per line bet is attributed as a payline multiplier and
half is attributed to a bonus bet. There may be a third row of
buttons used to make player selections or more. The number and/or
type of symbols granted for a given wager may not be fixed and may
vary.
[0051] Another alternative is to grant any number or type of
symbols to use in substitutions without any side bet at all, simply
being an integral part of the base game.
[0052] As far as game play itself, there may be many ways to
trigger the bonus event. Symbols may occur normally and be randomly
highlighted for replacement, or there may be an additional means or
method by which these replaceable symbols are found, identified and
used. The Select & Collect frequency may vary substantially
from the average 1 in 30 and may or may not be random. Greater
bonus frequency may be purchased separately as in another side bet.
Players may or may not be allowed to test various single or
multiple substitutions before finalizing. The help function whereby
players can see the effect of substitutions on winnings before they
finalize may be disabled, eliminated or included only with an
additional wager. The skill level required to make optimal
decisions may be increased, minimized, or deleted entirely. Other
utilities, means or methods may be employed to grant more or less
player assistance with decision making. There may or may not be a
consolation prize or prizes.
[0053] Anything of value may be granted under the paytable/s. There
may be multiple paytables that correspond to different game stages,
or they may vary randomly or by other events. Greater paytables may
be purchased separately as in a side bet. Multipliers may be used,
where paytable awards are multiplied by any number determined by
any means. Paytable awards may or may not be monetary values and
may be free games or other things of value. Certain occurrences may
be negative, that is, some game outcomes may take credits away,
reduce other awards or be similarly undesirable.
[0054] This invention might be offered in combination with other
traditional gaming device incentives or features including, but not
limited to, progressives or other side bets. It might be offered
for tournament play, or as a Class II bingo or lottery-type game.
There may be nested replacements if, for example, during one bonus
another bonus is triggered and one or more of these bonuses enable
or activate the Select & Collect feature. Similarly, any number
of free games may be triggered which may or may not allow the
feature. This invention might also be coupled with more
non-traditional gaming device means, such as session-play games
whereby other events dictate how many traditional slot machine
spins are included in a game.
[0055] Available replacement symbols might be earned or accrued
over multiple games. Players might choose which symbols to post to
an available symbol "pool", or said pool may be added to and
subtracted from automatically (that is, without direct player
input). Similarly, a shared pool may be administered and
implemented over a network, and symbol contributions and
substitutions may be accomplished over a linked set of multiple
gaming devices. Symbols contributed to a networked pool and symbols
used as substitutions may be done at the individual gaming device
level or vice versa. Said contributions and uses over the network
may or may not involve player choice, or they may or may not
require additional wagers to participate.
[0056] The present invention may be used on other gaming devices
besides slot machines as in draw poker. For example, 1 or more
extra cards may be dealt to a substitution pool and the player may
select from known or unknown cards in said pool to be used in any
fashion when the feature is active. These pool cards may be
determined in any fashion. For example, pool cards may be found
randomly or taken from discards.
[0057] As shown, there are numerous variations on the theme that
fall within the scope of the present invention. This invention may
be employed with any combination of options including, but not
limited to, bonuses, feature games, side bets, wagering or play
methods. Thus, these and all embodiments described should be viewed
as illustrative, rather than limiting.
* * * * *