U.S. patent application number 11/422358 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-21 for method and apparatus for facilitating a secondary wager at a slot machine.
Invention is credited to Michael D. Downs, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Stephen C. Tulley, Jay S. WALKER.
Application Number | 20060211474 11/422358 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26819266 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060211474 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WALKER; Jay S. ; et
al. |
September 21, 2006 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING A SECONDARY WAGER AT A SLOT
MACHINE
Abstract
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method
is provided for receiving a wager for a secondary game at a gaming
device that offers a primary game, in which the wager indicates at
least one parameter corresponding to a potential outcome of the
secondary game; determining an outcome of the secondary game; and
providing a payout for the secondary game.
Inventors: |
WALKER; Jay S.; (Ridgefield,
CT) ; Gelman; Geoffrey M.; (Stamford, CT) ;
Tulley; Stephen C.; (Fairfield, CT) ; Downs; Michael
D.; (Stamford, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael D. Downs;Walker Digital, LLC
Five High Ridge Park
Stamford
CT
06905
US
|
Family ID: |
26819266 |
Appl. No.: |
11/422358 |
Filed: |
June 6, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10121251 |
Apr 11, 2002 |
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11422358 |
Jun 6, 2006 |
|
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60283082 |
Apr 11, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3267 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/016 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: receiving a wager for a secondary game at a
gaming device offering a primary game, in which the wager indicates
at least one parameter corresponding to a potential outcome of the
secondary game; determining an outcome of the secondary game; and
providing a payout for the secondary game.
2. The method of claim 1, in which receiving the wager comprises:
receiving a wager amount.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining an
outcome of the primary game.
4-54. (canceled)
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of commonly-owned,
co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/283,082,
filed Apr. 11, 2001, entitled "Gaming Device and Methods of
Operation Therefor"; incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety for all purposes.
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] This application is related to commonly-owned, co-pending
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/023,149, filed Dec. 18, 2001,
entitled "An Electronic Gaming Device Offering a Game of Knowledge
for Enhanced Payouts"; and commonly-owned, co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/722,761, filed Nov. 27, 2000, entitled
"Method and Apparatus for Directing a Game with User-Selected
Elements"; all of which applications are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety for all purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for
facilitating a secondary wager at a gaming device, such as a slot
machine. More specifically, the present invention relates to
facilitating a secondary wager at a gaming device based on a
prediction by a player.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Casino owners and operators face high levels of competition.
Although casino gaming previously was available in only a limited
number of jurisdictions, casino patrons now have several choices
when electing where to play.
[0005] Since casino profits are directly proportional to the amount
wagered by patrons, casinos are highly motivated to expand and
retain share within their given market. A vast majority of casino
revenues and profits are derived from patrons who elect to place
wagers via slot machines. Thus, casino owners and operators are
particularly motivated to draw upon players and would-be players of
slot machines as a means of increasing profit levels.
[0006] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/023,149, entitled "An
Electronic Gaming Device Offering a Game of Knowledge for Enhanced
Payouts" describes, in some embodiments, a game device and methods
of operation that incorporate a game of skill, such as a trivia
game, to the typical slot machine experience. According to certain
embodiments, the trivia game may be conducted at the machine while
the machine executes a slot machine game. For example, a player of
the disclosed machine may be asked to answer a trivia question
while the reels of the machine are in motion. According to some
embodiments, a player performing well in relation to the trivia
game may become privy to increased chances of winning a payout in
the slot game.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example system
according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a
controller 102 as depicted in FIG. 1 according to some embodiments
of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a
gaming device 106 as depicted in FIG. 1 according to some
embodiments of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a table illustrating an example data structure of
an example player database 208 as depicted in FIG. 2 for use in
some embodiments of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a table illustrating an example data structure of
an example gaming devices database 210 as depicted in FIG. 2 for
use in some embodiments of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a table illustrating an example data structure of
an example secondary game payout database 212 as depicted in FIG. 2
for use in some embodiments of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 7A is a table illustrating an example data structure of
an example secondary game probability database 214 as depicted in
FIG. 2 for use in some embodiments of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 7B is a table illustrating an example data structure of
another example secondary game probability database 214 as depicted
in FIG. 2 for use in some embodiments of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a table illustrating an example data structure of
an example secondary game summary database 216 as depicted in FIG.
2 for use in some embodiments of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a table illustrating an example data structure of
an example primary game payout database 318 as depicted in FIG. 3
for use in some embodiments of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a table illustrating an example data structure of
an example primary game probability database 320 as depicted in
FIG. 2 for use in some embodiments of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process
for facilitating a secondary wager at a gaming device according to
and for use in some embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] In the following description, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is
shown by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the
invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in
sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice
the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments
may be utilized and that structural, logical and electrical changes
may be made without departing from the scope of the present
invention. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken
in a limited sense, and the scope of the present invention is
defined by the appended claims.
[0020] Various embodiments of the present invention operate to
provide a secondary game of chance in conjunction with a primary
game, such as a reel slot machine game. In some embodiments, the
secondary game of chance may be based on player input. For example,
player input may indicate a prediction by the player regarding the
outcome of the secondary game.
[0021] Applicants have recognized that a need exists for systems
and methods that help casinos and other operators of gaming devices
to acquire new players, retain current players, and increase the
profitability of gaming devices. One benefit of embodiments of the
present invention is that they allow for more involvement of a
player in play of a gaming device than is typical, and thus provide
a more entertaining and experience for the player. For example,
some embodiments of the present invention allow a player to place a
side bet on the outcome of a slot machine spin. In other words,
beyond receiving a payout for a predefined winning outcome,
embodiments of the present invention provide the player with the
opportunity to enhance his gaming experience by receiving a payout
if the player accurately predicts various aspects of the outcome of
a slot machine game, such as the occurrence of specific reel
symbols or cards.
[0022] Another benefit of embodiments of the present invention is
that the embodiments allow a player to be creative in customizing
and/or selecting his secondary wagers at a gaming device. Yet
another benefit of embodiments of the present invention is that the
casino is able to determine probabilities and payouts for various
secondary wagers. Further, the systems of the present invention
allow a player to receive offers for secondary wagers that are
based on information about the player and/or information about the
player's gaming experience, so the player is more likely to accept
the offer. Further, the systems of the present invention allow a
player to place a secondary wager associated with one or more
gaming devices and/or one or more players. Thus, a player may be
encouraged to play a gaming device offering the opportunity for
more interactive gaming in accordance with embodiments of the
present invention.
A. Definitions
[0023] The term "gaming device" shall refer to any gaming machine,
including, for example, slot machines, video poker machines, video
bingo machines, video keno machines, video lottery machines, and
video blackjack machines, that may or may not be capable of
dispensing value in the form of cash, credit, and/or gambling
tokens. "Gaming device" shall also refer to any device operable to
offer a game of chance, such as a personal computer, set-top box,
PDA, online gaming system or device in communication with an online
gaming system, cell phone, or wireless device, and that may or may
not be capable of dispensing value in the form of cash, credit,
and/or gambling tokens.
[0024] A gaming device may include hardware, software, or both, to
support the operations of the present invention in addition to the
hardware and/or software used to perform any primary functions of
the gaming device. Alternatively, a gaming device may not include
any hardware and/or software to support operations of the present
invention except to merely receive and respond to a signal from a
controller, for example, directing the gaming device to dispense a
payout and/or to display information.
[0025] The term "secondary game" shall refer to any game of chance
in which a player may determine, characterize, predict, elect,
specify, select, approve, accept, indicate, qualify, designate,
define, describe, register a preference for, and/or identify one or
more parameters of (or one or more criteria for) a potential
outcome. An outcome of a secondary game is compared to the one or
more criteria (or parameters) to determine if the outcome qualifies
the player for a payout (e.g., if the outcome is a "winning"
outcome). Thus, a secondary game may incorporate player input, such
as a prediction about an outcome, in determining the result of the
secondary game.
[0026] The term "primary game" shall refer to any game of chance
that is not a secondary game.
[0027] The term "secondary game outcome" or "outcome of a secondary
game" shall refer to any information used to determine whether a
secondary wager is successful, regardless of how the information
itself is generated or otherwise determined. A secondary game
outcome may comprise, for example, an outcome of a primary game, an
outcome that is independent of a primary game outcome, an outcome
of a bonus game, or any combination of such outcomes.
[0028] The terms "secondary wager" shall refer to any wager placed
on a secondary game, and may describe or indicate a monetary amount
associated with the wager, one or more parameters of an outcome, or
both.
[0029] The term "primary wager" shall refer to any wager on a
primary game of chance, and may describe or indicate a monetary
amount associated with the primary wager.
[0030] The term "slot machine game" shall refer to any primary game
offered via a gaming device, including any of various slot machine
games, reel slot machine games, video poker games, video bingo
games, video keno games, and video blackjack games.
[0031] The term "casino" shall refer to the owner of gaming
devices, owners' agents, and/or any entity who may profit from
players' use of the gaming devices.
[0032] The term "controller" shall refer to a device that may be in
communication with a plurality of gaming devices, and may be
capable of relaying communications to and from each.
[0033] The term "input device" shall refer to a device that is used
to receive an input. An input device may communicate with or be
part of another device (e.g. a point-of-display terminal, a player
device, a gaming device, a controller, etc.). Some examples of
input devices include: a bar-code scanner, a magnetic stripe
reader, a computer keyboard, a touch-screen, a microphone, an
infrared sensor, a sonic ranger, a computer port, a video camera, a
digital camera, a GPS receiver, a radio frequency identification
(RFID) receiver, a RF receiver, a thermometer, and a weight
scale.
[0034] The term "output device" shall refer to a device that is
used to output information. An output device may communicate with
or be part of another device (e.g. a point-of-display terminal, a
player device, a gaming device, a controller, etc.). Output devices
may include, for example: a cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor, liquid
crystal display (LCD) screen, light emitting diode (LED) screen, a
printer, an audio speaker, an infrared transmitter, and a radio
transmitter.
[0035] The term "input/output device" shall refer to any
combination of input and/or output devices.
[0036] The term "player tracking card" shall refer to a device that
may be capable of storing and/or indexing information about a
player who is a casino player. This information may include
identifying information, as well as financial information, such as
a number of gambling credits remaining. The player tracking card
may be machine-readable, for example, by an input device or a
gaming device. The player tracking card may be machine-writable,
for example, by an output device or a gaming device.
B. System
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 1, a system 100 according to some
embodiments of the present invention includes a controller 102 that
is in one or two-way communication via a communications network 104
with one or more gaming devices 106, 108, 110. In operation, the
controller 102 may function under the control of a casino or other
entity that may also control the gaming devices 106, 108, 110. For
example, the controller 102 may be a slot server in a casino's
gaming device network. In some embodiments, the controller and the
gaming device may be one and the same.
[0038] In the embodiment pictured in FIG. 1, communication between
the controller 102 and the gaming devices 106, 108, 110 may be
direct and/or via a network, such as the Internet, a LAN, and/or a
proprietary network.
[0039] Each of the controller 102 and the gaming devices 106, 108,
110 may comprise computers, such as those based on the INTEL.RTM.
PENTIUM .RTM. processor, that are adapted to communicate with each
other. Any number of gaming devices 106, 108, 110 may be in
communication with the controller 102. The controller 102 and the
gaming devices 106, 108, 110 may each be physically proximate to
each other or geographically remote from each other. The controller
102 and the gaming devices 106, 108, 110 may each include input
devices (not pictured) and output devices (not pictured).
[0040] As indicated above, communication between the controller 102
and the gaming devices 106, 108, 110 may be direct or indirect,
such as over an Internet Protocol (IP) network such as the
Internet, an intranet, or an extranet through a web site maintained
by the controller 102 on a remote server or over an on-line data
network including commercial on-line service providers, bulletin
board systems, routers, gateways, and the like. In yet other
embodiments, the devices may communicate with the controller 102
over local area networks including Ethernet, Token Ring, and the
like, radio frequency communications, infrared communications,
microwave communications, cable television systems, satellite
links, Wide Area Networks (WAN), Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)
networks, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), other wireless
networks, and the like. Some embodiments of the present invention
thus provide for on-line gaming
[0041] Those skilled in the art will understand that devices in
communication with each other need not be continually transmitting
to each other. On the contrary, such devices need only transmit to
each other as necessary, and may actually refrain from exchanging
data most of the time. For example, a device in communication with
another device via the Internet may not transmit data to the other
device for weeks at a time.
[0042] The controller 102 may function as a "web server" that
presents and/or generates web pages, which are documents stored on
Internet-connected computers accessible via the World Wide Web
using protocols such as, e.g., the hyper-text transfer protocol
("HTTP"). Such documents typically include one or more hyper-text
markup language ("HTML") files, associated graphics, and script
files. A web server allows communication with the controller 102 in
a manner known in the art. The gaming devices 106, 108, 110 may use
a web browser, such as NAVIGATOR.RTM. published by NETSCAPE.RTM.
for accessing HTML forms generated or maintained by or on behalf of
the controller 102.
[0043] Any or all of the controller 102 and the gaming devices 106,
108, 110 may include, for example, telephones, interactive voice
response (IVR) systems such as the ML400-IVR designed by MISSING
LINK INTERACTIVE VOICE RESPONSE SYSTEMS, cellular/wireless phones,
pagers, personal computers, and portable types of computers, such
as a laptop computer, a wearable computer, a palm-top computer, a
hand-held computer, and/or a Personal Digital Assistant ("PDA").
Further details of the controller 102 and the gaming devices 106,
108, 110 are provided below with respect to FIGS. 2 and 4.
[0044] As indicated above, in some embodiments of the invention the
controller 102 may include gaming devices 106, 108, 110. Likewise,
the controller 102 may communicate with players directly instead of
through the gaming devices 106, 108, 110. Although not pictured,
the controller 102 and/or the gaming devices 106, 108, 110 may also
be in communication with one or more player credit institutions to
effect transactions. Transactions may be effected directly or via a
secure financial network such as the Fedwire network maintained by
the United States Federal Reserve System, the Automated Clearing
House (hereinafter "ACH") Network, the Clearing House Interbank
Payments System (hereinafter "CHIPS"), or the like.
[0045] Although only three gaming devices 106, 108, 110 are shown
in FIG. 1, it should be understood that any number of gaming
devices may be included in the system 100.
[0046] Generally, any of the gaming devices 106, 108, 110 includes
hardware, software, or both, to support operations of the present
invention, such as providing a secondary game, in addition to the
hardware and/or software used to provide the primary functionality
of the gaming device. For example, gaming devices 106, 108, 110 may
offer a typical slot machine game, such as a three-reel game, in
addition to being fitted with appropriate electronic, mechanical,
software and/or electromechanical means for executing a secondary
game of chance.
[0047] In some embodiments, some operations of the present
invention are performed by a gaming device, and other operations
are performed by the controller 102. Alternatively, gaming devices
106, 108, 110 may not include any hardware and/or software to
support operations of the present invention except to merely
receive and respond to a signal from the controller 102 directing
the gaming device to dispense a payout.
[0048] In operation, the gaming devices 106, 108, 110 may exchange
information about the player and any secondary wager(s) via the
controller 102. The gaming devices 106, 108, 110 may provide
information to the controller 102. The controller 102 may provide
information to the gaming devices 106, 108, 110. The controller 102
also may provide various control signals to the gaming devices 106,
108, 110, directing them to present offers, display game
information, generate game outcomes, provide payouts to players,
etc.
C. Devices
[0049] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating details of an example
of the controller 102 of FIG. 1. The controller 102 is operative to
manage the system and execute methods of the present invention. For
example, some or all of the processes for providing a secondary
game of chance may be carried out by the controller 102. The
controller 102 may be implemented as one or more system
controllers, one or more dedicated hardware circuits, one or more
appropriately programmed general purpose computers, or any other
similar electronic, mechanical, electromechanical, and/or human
operated device.
[0050] The controller 102 may include a processor 200, such as one
or more PENTIUM.RTM. processors manufactured by INTEL
CORPORATION.RTM.. The processor 200 may include or be coupled to
one or more clocks or timers (not pictured), which may be useful
for determining information relating to, for example, whether a
secondary wager is resolved or successful within a specified time,
and one or more communication ports 202 through which the processor
200 communicates with other devices, such as the gaming devices
106, 108, 110. The communication port 202 may be a serial port,
modem, wireless transmitter/receiver or the like. The processor 200
is also in communication with a data storage device 204.
[0051] The data storage device 204 includes, for example, an
appropriate combination of magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor
memory, and may include, for example, additional processors,
communication ports, Random Access Memory ("RAM"), Read-Only Memory
("ROM"), a compact disc and/or a hard disk. The processor 200 and
the storage device 204 may each be, for example: (i) located
entirely within a single computer or other computing device; or
(ii) connected to each other by a remote communication medium, such
as a serial port cable, a LAN, a telephone line, radio frequency
transceiver, a fiber optic connection or the like. In some
embodiments, for example, the controller 102 may comprise one or
more computers (or processors 200) that are connected to a remote
server computer operative to maintain databases, where the data
storage device 204 is comprised of the combination of the remote
server computer and the associated databases.
[0052] The data storage device 204 stores a program 206 for
controlling the processor 200. The processor 200 performs
instructions of the program 206, and thereby operates in accordance
with the present invention, and particularly in accordance with the
methods described in detail herein. The present invention can be
embodied as a computer program developed using an object-oriented
language that allows the modeling of complex systems with modular
objects to create abstractions that are representative of real
world, physical objects and their interrelationships. However, it
would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the
invention as described herein can be implemented in many different
ways, using a wide range of programming techniques as well as
general purpose hardware systems or dedicated controllers. The
program 206 may be stored in a compressed, uncompiled and/or
encrypted format. The program 206 furthermore may include program
elements that may be generally useful, such as an operating system,
a database management system, and "device drivers" for allowing the
processor 200 to interface with computer peripheral devices.
[0053] Further, the program 206 is operative to execute a number of
embodiment-specific modules or subroutines including but not
limited to one or more routines to identify a player at a gaming
device 106, 108, 110 as a potential candidate to be offered a
secondary wager; one or more routines to receive information about
a player; one or more routines to offer a secondary wager to a
player; one or more routines to determine if a player accepts a
secondary wager; one or more routines to determine the result of a
secondary wager; one or more routines to signal gaming devices 106,
108, 110 to dispense a payout if a secondary wager is successful;
one or more routines to facilitate and control communications
between gaming devices 106, 108, 110 and the controller 102; and
one or more routines to control databases or software objects that
track information regarding players, secondary wagers and gaming
devices 106, 108, 110. Examples of these routines and their
operation are described in detail below in conjunction with the
flowchart depicted in FIG. 11.
[0054] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the
instructions of the program 206 may be read into a main memory of
the processor 200 from another computer-readable medium, such from
a ROM to a RAM. Execution of sequences of the instructions in the
program 206 causes processor 200 to perform the process steps
described herein. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry
or integrated circuits may be used in place of, or in combination
with, software instructions for implementation of the processes of
the present invention. Thus, embodiments of the present invention
are not limited to any specific combination of hardware, firmware,
and/or software.
[0055] In addition to the program 206, the storage device 204 is
also operative to store (i) a player database 208, (ii) a gaming
devices database 210, (iii) a secondary game payout database 212,
(iv) a secondary game probability database 214, and (v) a secondary
game summary database 216. The databases 208, 210, 212, 214, 216
are described in detail below and example structures are depicted
with sample entries in the accompanying figures.
[0056] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the
schematic illustrations and accompanying descriptions of the sample
databases presented herein are exemplary arrangements for stored
representations of information. Any number of other arrangements
may be employed besides those suggested by the tables shown. For
example, even though five separate databases are illustrated, the
invention could be practiced effectively using one or more
functionally equivalent databases. Similarly, the illustrated
entries of the databases represent exemplary information only;
those skilled in the art will understand that the number and
content of the entries can be different from those illustrated
herein. Further, despite the depiction of the databases as tables,
an object-based model could be used to store and manipulate the
data types of the present invention and likewise, object methods or
behaviors can be used to implement the processes of the present
invention. These processes are described below in detail with
respect to FIG. 11.
[0057] Turning to FIG. 3, a block diagram of an example gaming
device 106 is depicted. A gaming device 106 according to the
present invention may include a processor 300 coupled to a
communication port 302, and a data storage device 304.
[0058] The communication port 302 provides one- or two-way data
communications with the controller 102. For example, the
communication port 302 may be embodied as a serial port, modem,
wireless transmitter/receiver or the like, operative to assist the
gaming device 106 in providing one- or two-way data communications
with the controller 102.
[0059] The data storage device 304 includes an appropriate
combination of magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory, and
may include, for example, additional processors, communication
ports, Random Access Memory ("RAM"), Read-Only Memory ("ROM"), a
compact disc and/or a hard disk. The processor 300 and the storage
device 304 may each be, for example: (i) located entirely within a
single computer or other computing device; or (ii) connected to
each other by a remote communication medium, such as a serial port
cable, a LAN, a telephone line, radio frequency transceiver, a
fiber optic connection or the like. In some embodiments, for
example, the gaming device 106 may comprise one or more computers
(or processors 300) that are connected to a remote server computer
operative to maintain databases, where the data storage device 304
is comprised of the combination of the remote server computer and
the associated databases.
[0060] The data storage device 304 stores a gaming device program
306 for controlling the processor 300. The processor 300 performs
instructions of the program 306, and thereby operates in accordance
with the present invention, and particularly in accordance with the
methods described in detail herein. As with the program 206 of the
controller 102, the program 306 may be stored in a compressed,
uncompiled and/or encrypted format. The program 306 furthermore may
include program elements that may be generally useful, such as an
operating system, a database management system, and "device
drivers" for allowing the processor 300 to interface with computer
peripheral devices. Appropriate general purpose program elements
are known to those skilled in the art, and need not be described in
detail herein.
[0061] In accordance with the present invention, the gaming device
106, the controller 102, or both, may execute the program 306 in
order to provide a secondary game of chance in accordance with
various embodiments of the present invention. For example, the
controller 102 may transmit a control signal to gaming device 106
to execute the program 306.
[0062] The program 306 is operative to execute a number of
embodiment-specific modules or subroutines including but not
limited to one or more routines to identify a player at the gaming
device 106 as a potential candidate to be offered a secondary
wager; one or more routines to receive information about a player;
one or more routines to offer a secondary wager to a player; one or
more routines to determine if a player accepts a secondary wager;
one or more routines to determine one or more parameters associated
with a secondary wager; one or more routines to determine the
result of a secondary wager; one or more routines to signal gaming
devices 106, 108, 110 to dispense a payout if a secondary wager is
successful; one or more routines to facilitate and control
communications between gaming devices 106, 108, 110 and the
controller 103; and one or more routines to control databases or
software objects that track information regarding players,
secondary wagers and gaming devices 106, 108, 110. Examples of
these routines and their operation are described in detail below in
conjunction with the flowchart depicted in FIG. 11.
[0063] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the
instructions of the program 306 may be read into a main memory of
the processor 300 from another computer-readable medium, such as
from a ROM to a RAM, or from data storage device 204 of the
controller 102. Execution of sequences of the instructions in the
program 306 causes processor 300 to perform the process steps
described herein. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry
or integrated circuits may be used in place of, or in combination
with, software instructions for implementation of the processes of
the present invention. Thus, embodiments of the present invention
are not limited to any specific combination of hardware, firmware,
and/or software.
[0064] In addition to the program 306, the storage device 304 is
also operative to store (i) a secondary game payout database 312,
(ii) a secondary game probability database 314, (iii) a secondary
game summary database 316, (iv) a primary game payout database 318,
and (v) a primary game probability database 320. The databases 312,
314, 316 are similar to the databases 212, 214, 216 described above
with respect to the controller 102 depicted in FIG. 2. Databases
212, 214, 216, 318, 320 are described in detail below and example
structures are depicted with sample entries in the accompanying
figures.
[0065] The gaming device program 306 may include one or more
routines to facilitate and control communications and interaction
with the controller 102, as well as a user interface to facilitate
communications and interaction with a player.
[0066] A gaming device 106 according to the present invention may
also include an input device 322, a card reader device 324, a
display screen 326, a payout dispenser 328, and a random number
generator 330.
[0067] The random number generator 330 may be used by the gaming
device 106 or the controller 102 to (i) establish an outcome for a
primary game, (ii) to establish an outcome for a secondary game of
chance, or (iii) both. The random number generator itself may
comprise any of many widely-available random or pseudo-random
number generators and may be embodied as hardware, software and/or
an appropriate combination thereof. According to one embodiment of
the invention, the random number generation functionality of the
invention may be incorporated into the program 306. In some
embodiments, the random number generator is operated in response to
control signals from the controller 102.
[0068] In addition, the gaming device 106 may include one or more
input devices (not shown). Appropriate input devices may include,
for example: (i) a currency acceptor, (ii) a player tracking card
reader/writer, (iii) a printer (e.g. for printing receipts), (iv)
one or more starting controllers for initiating a primary or
secondary game of chance, (v) a keypad, (vi) a mouse, (vii) a
security camera, etc.
[0069] In addition, the gaming device 106 may include one or more
output devices (not shown). Appropriate output devices may include
for example: (i) any number of reels or electronic representations
thereof, (ii) a display screen, (iii) audio output such as a
speaker, (iv) a hopper (i.e., coin/token dispenser) etc.
D. Databases
[0070] As indicated above, it should be noted that although the
example embodiment of FIG. 2 is illustrated to include five
particular databases stored in storage device 204, other database
arrangements may be used which would still be in keeping with the
spirit and scope of the present invention. In other words, the
present invention could be implemented using any number of
different database files or data structures, as opposed to the five
depicted in FIG. 2. Similarly, although the example embodiment of
FIG. 3 is illustrated to include five particular databases stored
in storage device 304, other database arrangements may be used.
[0071] Further, the individual database files could be stored on
different servers (e.g., located on different storage devices in
different geographic locations). Likewise, the program 206 could
also be located remotely from the storage device 204 and/or on
another server. As indicated above, the program 206 includes
instructions for retrieving, manipulating, storing and/or indexing
data in the databases 208, 210, 212, 214, 216 as necessary to
perform the methods of the invention as described below. Program
206 and program 306 could be one and the same.
1. Player Database
[0072] Turning to FIG. 4, a tabular representation of an embodiment
of player database 208 according to some embodiments of the present
invention is illustrated. This particular tabular representation of
a player database 208 includes two sample records or entries which
each include information regarding a particular player. In some
embodiments of the invention, a player database 208 is used to
track player information such as the player's name, financial
account information, demographic description, preferences for
secondary wagers, secondary wagers offered to the player, secondary
wagers refused, and secondary wagers accepted. Those skilled in the
art will understand that a player database 208 may include any
number of records or entries.
[0073] The particular tabular representation of a player database
208 depicted in FIG. 4 defines a number of fields for each of the
entries or records. The fields may include: (i) a player identifier
field 400 that stores a representation identifying a particular
player; (ii) a name field 402 that stores a representation of the
player's name; (iii) a financial account identifier field 404 that
stores a representation of a bank, credit card, debit card, or
financial account number that identifies an account; (iv) a
demographic field 406 that stores a representation of a description
of demographic characteristics of the player for identifying
players with desired characteristics to whom secondary wagers may
be offered; (v) a preferences field 408 that stores a
representation of a description of additional information about the
player for identifying secondary games the player prefers and/or
for automatically placing secondary wagers for the player (and also
for identifying players with desired characteristics to whom
secondary wagers may be offered); (vi) a secondary games offered
field 410 that stores a representation of the secondary wagers that
the player has been offered in the form of one or more secondary
game type identifiers 600 and/or secondary wagers 602 (discussed
below); (vii) a secondary wagers refused field 412 that stores a
representation of the secondary wagers that the player has refused
in the form of one or more secondary game type identifiers 600
and/or secondary wagers 602 ; and (viii) a secondary wagers
accepted field 414 that stores a representation of the secondary
wagers that the player has accepted in the form of one or more
secondary game type identifiers 600 and/or secondary wagers 602
.
[0074] The example player database 208 of FIG. 4 provides example
data to illustrate the meaning of the information stored in this
database embodiment. A player identifier 400 (e.g., 111123C,
222234C) may be used, for example, to identify and index players
who have placed a wager on a secondary game. The player identifier
400 may be unique and alphanumeric, for example, but need not be
either unique or alphanumeric.
[0075] The first sample entry describes a player named "Bob
Smythe," who has a credit card account number "1111-1111-1111-1111,
" and is "male, age 23." His interests include "basketball, [and]
football" and he has registered a preference for "REEL POSITION
WAGER"-type secondary games and a preference for a secondary wager
of "7--ANY REEL". According to the secondary wagers offered field
410, secondary wagers refused field 412, and secondary wagers
accepted field 414, Bob Smythe has been offered a "BOARD GAME
SIMULATION" wager and a "ORANGE--CENTER REEL" wager, of which he
refused the first and accepted the second.
[0076] The second sample entry describes a player named "Blair
Jensen," who has a credit card account number
"2222-2222-2222-2222," and is "female, age 47." Her interests
include "board games, [and] auto racing" and she has registered a
preference for automatically having a secondary wager placed at any
gaming devices offering a "BOARD GAME SIMULATION"-type secondary
game. According to the secondary wagers offered field 410, and
secondary wagers refused field 412, Blair Jensen has been offered
and refused a "REEL POSITION WAGER"-type secondary wager.
2. Gaming Devices Database
[0077] Turning to FIG. 5, a tabular representation of an embodiment
of a gaming devices database 210 according to some embodiments of
the present invention is illustrated. This particular tabular
representation of a gaming devices database 210 includes three
sample records or entries which each include information regarding
a particular gaming device. In some embodiments of the invention, a
gaming devices database 210 is used to track such things as the
type and location of each gaming device. In some embodiments, the
gaming devices database 210 is used to track such things as what
secondary games may be provided at each gaming device. Those
skilled in the art will understand that a gaming devices database
210 may include any number of records or entries.
[0078] The particular tabular representation of a gaming devices
database 210 depicted in FIG. 5 defines a number of fields for each
of the entries or records. The fields may include: (i) a gaming
device identifier field 500 that stores a representation
identifying at least one gaming device; (ii) a location field 502
that stores a representation identifying where the gaming device is
currently located; (iii) a type of device field 504 that stores a
representation of the type of gaming device; and (iv) a secondary
games field 506 that stores a representation describing types of
secondary games the gaming device may provide.
[0079] The example gaming devices database 210 of FIG. 5 provides
example data to illustrate the meaning of the information stored in
this database embodiment. A gaming device identifier 500 (e.g.,
1111G, 2222G, 1234G) may be used to identify and index the
different gaming devices listed in the gaming devices database 210.
The gaming device identifier 500 may be unique and alphanumeric,
for example, but need not be either unique or alphanumeric. The
location field 502, type of device field 504, and the secondary
games field 506 may provide information that allows the controller
102, for example, to choose what types of secondary wagers to offer
to a player. Such information may also allow the controller 102 to
direct a player to a particular gaming device. For example, a
player at a first gaming device may be directed to a second gaming
device that offers one or more primary or secondary games in which
the player might be interested.
[0080] In the first sample entry, a "video poker" gaming device
offering a "card wager"-type secondary game in which the player may
predict dealt cards is located on a "casino floor, north." In the
second sample entry, a "three-reel slot machine" is located on the
"casino floor, south" and offers a "board game simulation"-type
secondary game, as well as a "reel position"-type secondary game in
which the player can predict outcomes of reel spins.
[0081] In the third sample entry, the gaming device is a "personal
computer" with an associated Internet protocol (IP) address of
"252.160.10.240". The personal computer enables the player to a
"card wager"-type secondary game in which the player can wager on
various parameters of outcomes, such as the hands and/or cards
dealt.
3. Secondary Game Payout Database
[0082] Turning to FIG. 6, a tabular representation of an embodiment
of a secondary game payout database 212 according to some
embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. This
particular tabular representation of a secondary game payout
database 212 includes sample records or entries which each include
information regarding a secondary game payout for a particular
secondary wager. In some embodiments of the invention, a secondary
game payout database 212 is used to track such things as secondary
game types, available secondary wagers, and payouts corresponding
to the available secondary wagers. Those skilled in the art will
understand that secondary game payout database 212 may include any
number of records or entries.
[0083] The particular tabular representation of a secondary game
payout database 212 depicted in FIG. 6 defines a number of fields
for each of the entries or records. The fields may include: (i) a
secondary game type field 600 that stores a representation of a
secondary game type; (ii) a secondary wager field 602 that stores a
representation of a description of a secondary wager associated
with the secondary game; and (iii) a secondary game payout field
604 that stores a representation of a payout for a corresponding
secondary wager.
[0084] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the
gaming device 106 and/or the controller 102 may utilize the
information stored in the secondary game payout database 212 (or
database 312) in providing a payout to a player who made a
successful secondary wager (e.g., the player predicted or
identified one or more parameters subsequently met by the secondary
game outcome).
[0085] The example secondary game payout database 212 depicted in
FIG. 6 provides example data to illustrate the meaning of the
information stored in this database embodiment. A secondary game
type identifier 600 (e.g. "BOARD GAME SIMULATION") may be used to
identify and index the secondary games listed in the secondary game
payout database 212. The secondary game type identifier 600 may be
descriptive, unique, and/or alphanumeric, for example, but need not
be either descriptive, unique, or alphanumeric. The secondary game
type identifier may be a representation of a description of the
type of game. Examples of secondary wagers are provided in the
secondary wager field 602. The secondary game payout field 604
lists examples of payout ratios and/or payout amounts that may be
used to determine a payout for a player if the player makes an
accurate prediction for a secondary game.
[0086] The example secondary wagers have one or more corresponding
parameters, or criteria, that may be used to determine whether the
player wins the secondary wager. Such criteria may include, but are
not limited to: a wager amount, a reel, a position, a payline, a
position on a representation of a game board, a represented game
piece or token, a reel symbol, a card, a payout, an event, a
probability, a number of symbols, a number of positions, a number
of plays, a number of spins, a number of cards, a number of hands,
a number of turns or selections in a bonus round or bonus game, a
time, a period of time, a number of players, a number of slot
machines, an amount won, an amount lost, a game device, and a
player.
[0087] Appropriate and available parameters will vary, of course,
depending upon the type of secondary game on which the player is
wagering. For example, for a secondary game that requires the
player to predict something about the outcome of a slot machine
spin, the player may indicate a symbol, a reel, or both.
[0088] In an exemplary side bet, a player indicates one or more
reels of a slot machine game and a symbol that will be displayed
when the reel comes to rest at one or more displayed lines. Some
slot machine games, for example, display multiple lines and thus
display more than one symbol for each reel. Of course, one or more
symbols, and/or one or more reels, may be specified in the
wager.
[0089] Another exemplary side bet indicates a reel and a position,
or stop, of the reel that will be displayed when the reel comes to
rest. Another exemplary side bet indicates a symbol and a position
on the display screen at which the player predicts the symbol will
come to rest. Another exemplary side bet indicates a symbol and at
least one payline on which the symbol will appear when the reels
come to rest.
[0090] In some embodiments, the player predicts an event or
occurrence in the secondary game. For example, the player may
predict that during a play of a slot machine game, the first reel
will stop spinning last.
[0091] Some slot machines provide a representation of a board game.
During play of the slot machine game, a video token moves around
the game board in accordance with a simulated roll of dice. In some
embodiments of the present invention, a player can make a secondary
wager predicting one or more spaces on a represented game board
where the token will come to rest as a result of the dice roll, or
as a result of the simulated play of the board game.
[0092] For example, the player may predict that the token will come
to rest at a position seven spaces from the starting position of
the game token. For instance, the resting, or final, position of
the game token could be seven spaces ahead (or behind) the starting
position. In another example, the player can predict a type of
position or game board space on which the token will come to rest.
Of course, many other such predictions are possible, and the
possible parameters that may be predicted will vary according to
the secondary game provided.
[0093] In another example, for a secondary game in which the player
predicts the next position of a game token on a representation of a
board game, the player may indicate the predicted next position. In
another example, the player could predict that a representation of
a game token will have to move backwards, that the player will win
a payout in a bonus game, or that the player will lose a bonus
game.
[0094] In another example, in some bonus games a player makes one
or more selections from various options, and may continue to make
selections until a particular option is chosen and the bonus game
ends. In such embodiments, a secondary game could be provided in
which, for example, the player predicts how many selections the
player will be able to make before the bonus game ends. Similarly,
some bonus games allow for a player to advance along a
representation of a path or board game (e.g., based on simulated
dice rolls, based on spins of a wheel numbered in correspondence
with a number of spaces moved) until a finish is reached or some
other event ends the bonus game. In some embodiments, a secondary
game could be provided in which, for example, the player predicts
how many dice rolls or other turns the player will be able to take
until the bonus game ends.
[0095] In other embodiments related to bonus games, the player may
make a prediction as to the amount or value of a bonus prize or
bonus payout. Bonus games typically award coins or credits, free
spins, or payout multipliers. In a secondary wager, a player could
make a prediction about, for example, the amount of a bonus payout
(e.g., "100 coins", "less than 50 coins"), a number of free spins
(e.g., "5 spins", "more than 3 spins", or a multiplier (e.g.,
"5.times.", "2.times. or 3.times.").
[0096] In another example, a secondary game includes displaying
video of a sports event. A player could predict an event or
occurrence in the sports event, such as a score (e.g., a touchdown,
a field goal), a score attempt, or a foul. In another example, a
secondary game is based on a displayed video and the player can
place a secondary wager on the length of the video.
[0097] In some embodiments, the player can make a prediction as to
the outcome of a simulated dice roll (or roll of one die). For
example, a player can predict that the dice roll will be "7". In
another example, the player can predict that the simulated dice
roll will be "doubles" (e.g., two "6's"). In another example, the
player can predict a value for one or more individual die (e.g.,
one "2"; or one "1" and one "6").
[0098] In other embodiments, the player can make a prediction as to
the outcome of a race. The race may be an electronic simulation
(e.g., of race cars on a racetrack), a live video feed, or recorded
video of a race. For example, the player may place a wager on the
winner of the race, the loser of the race, or on any other position
in the race.
[0099] In some of the embodiments, the player may elect to have the
gaming device 106 pick one or more of the criteria. For example,
the gaming device 106 may offer to select a reel symbol at random
for the player and place a secondary wager using the random symbol
as a criterion for the secondary game outcome. If the player
agrees, the gaming device determines a symbol (e.g., "ORANGE") and
a reel (e.g., the leftmost reel), for example, and executes the
secondary game based on the criteria. In another example, the
gaming device 106 provides a reel symbol and prompts the player to
predict how many of the symbol will appear anywhere in the next
reel spin, in a payline in the next reel spin, or anywhere in the
next five reel spins.
[0100] In some embodiments, the criteria correspond to a predicted
number of plays of a primary game. For example, the player may
guess how many slot machine spins it will take to have ten "CHERRY"
symbols displayed, or how many hands of video poker it will take to
have five aces dealt to the player.
[0101] In other embodiments, the criteria may correspond to a
period of time. For example, the player may predict how long it
will take to achieve one or more criteria. For instance, the player
may place a secondary wager specifying that it will take less than
ten minutes to get a winning outcome in a primary game. In another
example, the player places a secondary wager on his guess that he
will accumulate ten or more "CHERRY" reel symbols in the next five
minutes.
[0102] Similarly, in other embodiments the player may make a
prediction corresponding to a specified time or event. For example,
the player may place a secondary wager predicting that he will win
more than a specified amount, or accumulate a number of reel
symbols, before a time or event (e.g., 10 p.m., the time the player
checks out of his hotel, the end of a sporting event).
[0103] Numerous different example criteria are described herein
with respect to secondary wagers. It will be understood that any
number of criteria may be associated with a particular secondary
wager, and further understood that a player may place more than one
active secondary wager at one time.
[0104] In the first and second sample entries of secondary game
payout database 212, the exemplary secondary game type is a "BOARD
GAME SIMULATION" in which a player can place a wager (e.g., specify
one or more criteria) as to which area or position on a
representation of a board game a particular game piece will land
when a "move" is represented. In the first sample entry, the
secondary wager is based on a prediction that the game piece will
come to rest at a position that is two spaces from its starting
position (e.g., "CURRENT POSITION +2"), and has a corresponding
payout of "30:1." In the second sample entry, the secondary wager
is based on a prediction that the game piece will land at a
position that is twelve spaces from the initial position (e.g.,
"CURRENT POSITION +12"), and has a corresponding payout of
"30:1."
[0105] In the third and fourth sample entries, the exemplary
secondary game type is a "REEL POSITION WAGER" in which a player
places a wager (e.g., makes a prediction) as to at which position,
or on which symbol, a particular slot machine reel will come to
rest during play of a slot machine game. In the third sample entry,
the secondary wager is that a play of the primary slot machine game
will result in one or more "ORANGE" symbols being displayed on any
reel (e.g., "ORANGE--ANY REEL"). In the fourth sample entry, the
secondary wager is that a play of the slot machine game will result
in an "ORANGE" symbol coming to rest anywhere on the center reel
(e.g., "ORANGE--CENTER REEL").
4. Secondary Game Probability Database
[0106] Turning to FIG. 7A, a tabular representation of an
embodiment of a secondary game probability database 214 according
to some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. This
particular tabular representation of a secondary game probability
database 214 includes sample records or entries which each include
information regarding probabilities, frequencies, or statistical
likelihoods associated with a board game simulation-type secondary
game. In some embodiments of the invention, a secondary game
probability database 214 is used to track such things as secondary
wagers and probabilities corresponding to the secondary wagers.
Those skilled in the art will understand that secondary game
probability database 214 may include any number of records or
entries.
[0107] The particular tabular representation of a secondary game
probability database 214 depicted in FIG. 7 for a particular
secondary game defines a number of fields for each of the entries
or records. The fields may include: (i) a secondary wager field 702
that stores a representation of a description of a secondary wager
associated with the secondary game and (ii) a secondary game
probability field 704 that stores a representation of a probability
for a corresponding secondary wager.
[0108] The example secondary game probability database 214 of FIG.
7A provides example data to illustrate the meaning of the
information stored in this database embodiment in the context of a
board game simulation type of secondary game, in which a player may
wager on the occurrence of criteria qualifying the player for a
payout based on the movement of a representation of a board game
piece. A secondary wager field 702 (e.g. "CURRENT POSITION +2",
"CURRENT POSITION +5") may be used to identify and index the
different secondary wagers available for the secondary game. The
secondary game probability field 704 may be used by the controller
102 and/or the gaming device 106, for example, to determine
probabilities (e.g., "1 in 36") for the success of various
secondary wagers.
[0109] An alternative example secondary game probability database
214 of FIG. 7B includes sample records or entries which each
include information regarding probabilities, frequencies, or
statistical likelihoods associated with a reel position wager-type
secondary game. The alternative example secondary game probability
database 214 of FIG. 7B provides example data to illustrate the
meaning of the information stored in this database embodiment in
the context of a reel position wager-type of secondary game. The
secondary wager field 702 (e.g. "`7`--FIRST REEL") may be used to
identify and index the different secondary wagers available for the
reel position wager-type secondary game. The secondary game
probability field 704 may be used by the controller 102, for
example, to determine a probability (e.g., "1/22") for the success
of various secondary wagers.
5. Secondary Game Summary Database
[0110] Turning to FIG. 8, a tabular representation of an embodiment
of secondary game summary database 216 according to some
embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. This
particular tabular representation of a secondary game summary
database 216 includes two sample records or entries which each
include information regarding a particular secondary wager. In some
embodiments of the invention, a secondary game summary database 208
is used to track player information such as secondary wagers,
gaming device identifiers, wager amounts, secondary games,
secondary game criteria, secondary game outcome information, a
result of the secondary game, and secondary game payouts. Those
skilled in the art will understand that a secondary game summary
database 216 may include any number of records or entries.
[0111] The particular tabular representation of a secondary game
summary database 216 depicted in FIG. 8 defines a number of fields
for each of the entries or records. The fields may include: (i) a
secondary wager instance identifier field 800 that stores a
representation identifying a particular instance of a secondary
wager; (ii) a gaming device identifier field 802 that stores a
representation identifying one or more gaming devices at which the
secondary game is played; (iii) a player identifier field 804 that
stores a representation identifying a particular player; (iii) an
amount field 806 that stores a representation of an amount wagered
on the secondary game; (iv) a secondary wager field 808 that stores
a representation of a description of the secondary wager; (v) a
secondary game criteria field 810 that stores a representation
identifying one or more criteria for determining if the secondary
wager is successful; (vi) a secondary game outcome field 812 that
stores a representation identifying outcome data associated with
the secondary game; (vi) a secondary game result field 814 that
stores a representation identifying a result of the secondary game;
and a (vii) a secondary game payout field 816 that stores a
representation of any payout provided the player based on the
result of the secondary game.
[0112] The example secondary game summary database 216 of FIG. 8
provides example data to illustrate the meaning of the information
stored in this database embodiment. A secondary wager instance
identifier 800 (e.g., SG001, SG002) may be used to identify and
index the different secondary wagers listed in the secondary game
summary database 216. The secondary wager instance identifier 800
may be unique and alphanumeric, for example, but need not be either
unique or alphanumeric. The gaming device identifier field 802 may
provide information that allows the controller 102, for example, to
identify at which device the secondary game was executed, and to
instruct the appropriate gaming device to dispense a payout to a
player. The player placing the secondary wager may be identified by
the player identifier field 804. The amount field 806 may provide
information that allows the controller 102, for example, to
determine how much the player wagered on the secondary game. Such
information may also allow the controller 102 to determine a payout
amount if a secondary wager is successful. The secondary wager
field 808 identifies the context of the secondary game, and the
secondary game criteria field 810, secondary game outcome field
812, and secondary game result field 814 may provide information
that allows the controller 102, for example, to determine whether
the wager is successful. For example, the outcome data may be
compared to the secondary game criteria to determine whether the
player has correctly predicted an outcome of a secondary game in
order to establish a result of the secondary game.
[0113] The secondary game criteria field 810 may store information
defining certain criteria or conditions that must be met in order
for a secondary wager to be deemed successful. Such information may
include, for example, information indicating that the generation of
a certain random number is required, that a specific slot machine
outcome is required, that a slot machine reel must come to rest at
a certain position or bearing a certain symbol, that a wager is at
least a minimum amount, that a representation of a board game piece
held an initial position or has achieved a certain position within
a board game simulation, etc. Of course, different criteria may be
appropriate for different types of secondary wagers.
[0114] The secondary game result field 814 may store information
defining whether or not the player has placed a successful
secondary wager (e.g., "WIN", "LOSS", "TIE" (or "PUSH", "DRAW")).
The secondary game payout field 810 may be used by the controller
102, for example, to store an indication of any payout provided to
the player identified in player identifier field 80X.
[0115] The first sample entry describes a secondary wager instance
"SG001" at gaming device "1111G" by the player identified as
"111123P" for an amount of "$1.00." The secondary wager of "CURRENT
POSITION +2" corresponds to the criteria that the generated random
number be "1". The secondary game outcome indicates a generated
random number of "1". A corresponding "WIN" is indicated as a
result of the player's prediction, and a payout of "$30" was
provided for the successful wager on the secondary game.
[0116] The second sample entry describes a secondary wager "SG002"
at gaming device "2222G" by the player identified as "222234P" for
an amount of "$0.25." The secondary wager of "ORANGE--ANY REEL"
corresponds to the game criteria that a generated random number be
one of "026, 051, 135, 144, 255, 259 . . . ". The secondary game
outcome was a random number of "8,522". A "LOSS" is indicated as a
result of the player's prediction, and a payout of "N/A" indicates
that no payout was provided for the unsuccessful secondary
wager.
6. Primary Game Payout Database
[0117] In a typical primary game, as is well known in the art, one
or more potential outcomes are predefined as winning outcomes
(e.g., "CHERRY/CHERRY/CHERRY", four of a kind) and correspond to a
payout, and one or more potential outcomes are predefined as
non-winning outcomes and typically do not result in a payout. A
player at a gaming device (e.g., three-reel slot machine) typically
makes a wager (e.g., one or more credits or coins) that the outcome
of a play of the primary game (e.g., slot reel spin) will produce
at least one of the predefined winning outcomes.
[0118] Turning to FIG. 9, a tabular representation of an embodiment
of a primary game payout database 318 according to some embodiments
of the present invention is illustrated. This particular tabular
representation of a primary game payout database 318 includes
sample records or entries which each include information regarding
a particular primary game outcome. In some embodiments of the
invention, a primary game payout database 318 is used to track such
things as primary game outcomes and payouts corresponding to the
various outcomes. Those skilled in the art will understand that a
primary game payout database 318 may include any number of records
or entries.
[0119] The particular tabular representation of a primary game
payout database 318 depicted in FIG. 9 defines a number of fields
for each of the entries or records. The fields may include: (i) a
primary game outcome field 902 that stores a representation of an
outcome of the primary game and (ii) primary game payout fields
904, 906, 908 that store a representation of one or more payouts
for a corresponding primary outcome. In some embodiments, the
amount of a payout is based on an amount wagered on the primary
game.
[0120] The example primary game payout database 318 depicted in
FIG. 9 provides example data to illustrate the meaning of the
information stored in this database embodiment. Examples of
outcomes of a three-reel slot machine game are provided in the
primary game outcome field 902 (e.g., "CHERRY/CHERRY/ANY"). The
primary game payout fields 904, 906, 908 list examples of payout
amounts corresponding to the particular outcome based on different
wagers (e.g., "1 COIN WAGERED", "2 COINS WAGERED", "3 COINS
WAGERED").
[0121] One sample entry describes a primary game outcome for a
three-reel slot machine game of "CHERRY/CHERRY/ANY". If the player
wagered one coin, the corresponding payout is "5" coins. If the
player wagered two coins, the payout is "10" coins. If the player
wagered three coins, the payout is "15" coins.
7. Primary Game Probability Database
[0122] Turning to FIG. 10, a tabular representation of an
embodiment of a primary game probability database 320 according to
some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. This
particular tabular representation of a primary game probability
database 320 includes sample records or entries which each include
information regarding a particular primary game. In some
embodiments of the invention, a primary game probability database
320 is used to track such things as primary game outcomes, random
numbers, and expected hits per cycle corresponding to the potential
outcomes of the primary games. Those skilled in the art will
understand that primary game probability database 320 may include
any number of records or entries.
[0123] The particular tabular representation of a primary game
probability database 320 depicted in FIG. 10 defines a number of
fields for each of the entries or records. The fields may include:
(i) a primary game outcome field 1002 that stores a representation
of an outcome of a primary game; (ii) a random number field 1004
that stores a representation of a number associated with the
outcome; and (iii) an expected hits per cycle field 1006 that
stores a representation of an expected number of times the
particular outcome will occur within a "cycle" of plays of the
primary game.
[0124] The example primary game probability database 320 depicted
in FIG. 10 provides example data to illustrate the meaning of the
information stored in this database embodiment. Examples of
outcomes of a three-reel slot machine game are provided in the
primary game outcome field 1002 (e.g., "NON-WINNING COMBINATION",
"CHERRY/CHERRY/ANY"). Each outcome corresponds to one or more
numbers, or ranges of numbers, generated during play of the primary
game, as indicated in the random number field 1004.
[0125] For example, a typical slot machine reel may include
twenty-two positions at which the reel may come to rest during the
course of a slot machine game. A typical machine may have three
reels. Therefore, each machine may offer 10,648 unique combinations
of reel positions (22.times.22.times.22=10,648). Thus, the
information stored in the example random number field 50X may
encompass the ordinal range of numbers including 1 through 10,648.
Each number may be associated with a corresponding positioning of
the slot machine reels. The expected hits per cycle field 50X lists
examples of probability ratios in the form of expected hits per
cycle (e.g., "8570" hits per every 10,648 plays). Such information
may be used to determine a probability of achieving a particular
outcome.
[0126] One sample entry describes a primary game outcome of
"CHERRY/CHERRY/ANY". The outcome corresponds to a random number in
the range "9931-10130." The likelihood of achieving such an outcome
(e.g., of generating a random number in the range 9931-10130; of
getting "CHERRY/CHERRY/ANY") is represented as an expected hits per
cycle of "200", which corresponds to a probability of achieving the
outcome 200 times in every cycle (i.e., in every 10,648 plays).
E. Process Descriptions
[0127] The system discussed above, including the hardware
components and the databases, are useful to perform the methods of
the invention. However, it should be understood that not all of the
above described components and databases are necessary to perform
any of the present invention's methods. In fact, in some
embodiments, none of the above described system is required to
practice the invention's methods. The system described above is an
example of a system that would be useful in practicing the
invention's methods.
[0128] For example, the secondary game summary database 216
described above is useful for tracking secondary wagers and
information about them, but it is not absolutely necessary to have
such a database in order to perform the methods of the invention.
In other words, the methods described below may be practiced, for
example, using a list of secondary wagers with corresponding odds,
payouts, and/or other information.
[0129] Referring to FIG. 11, a flow chart is depicted that
represents some embodiments of the present invention that may be
performed by the controller 102 (FIG. 2), the gaming devices 106,
108, 110 (FIG. 3), and any combination thereof. As discussed above,
the controller 102 may be one and the same with any or all of the
gaming device 106, 108, 110.
[0130] It must be understood that the particular arrangement of
elements in the flow chart of FIG. 11, as well as the order of
example steps of various methods discussed herein, is not meant to
imply a fixed order, sequence, and/or timing to the steps.
Embodiments of the present invention can be practiced in any order,
sequence, and/or timing that is practicable.
[0131] In general terms and referring to FIG. 11, a method of the
present invention as performed by the gaming device 106 may be
summarized as follows. In Step S1, the gaming device 106 receives a
wager for a secondary game. In Step S2, the gaming device 106
determines at least one parameter for a potential secondary game
outcome based on the wager. In Step S3, an outcome of the secondary
game is determined. In Step S4, the gaming device 106 determines
whether the secondary wager is successful. In Step S5, a payout is
provided for on the secondary wager if the wager is successful.
[0132] In the subsections that follow, each of these five steps
will now be discussed in greater detail.
[0133] Note that not all of these five steps are required to
perform the method of the present invention, and that additional
steps and alternative steps are also discussed below. Also note
that the above general steps represent features of only some of the
embodiments of the present invention. The general steps may be
combined in any number of different ways so that the method
includes fewer actual steps. One or more general steps may also be
subdivided in any number of different ways into more actual
steps.
[0134] For example, in some embodiments many additional steps may
be added to update and maintain the databases described above. As
indicated, however, it is not necessary to use the above-described
databases in all embodiments of the invention. In other words, the
methods of the present invention may contain any number of steps
that are practicable to implement the processes described herein.
The methods of the present invention are now discussed in
detail.
1. Receive a Wager on a Secondary Game
[0135] In Step S1, the gaming device 106 receives a wager on a
secondary game. In some embodiments, the gaming device 106 receives
an indication of a secondary wager, for example, through the
player's transacting or interacting with the gaming device 106. The
gaming device 106 may sense that coins are deposited, for example,
in a currency acceptor designated for secondary wagers. In another
example, the player is prompted by the gaming device 106 to input
money for a secondary wager.
[0136] In some embodiments, after being prompted, or of his own
volition, a player may communicate information about a secondary
wager to the gaming device 106. Communication may occur through
keys, pointer device, touch screens, voice input, wireless
technology, buttons, other mode, or any combination of such
modes.
[0137] In some embodiments, a player presses a button on the gaming
device 106 to place a secondary wager. For example, a "Side Bet"
button may debit an account balance and direct the debited amount
to a secondary wager. One or more secondary wager criteria may be
associated with pressing a particular button, and different buttons
may be provided for different secondary wagers.
[0138] In another example, a secondary wager may be indicated to
the gaming device 106 by receiving a card. The card may be one
corresponding to a financial account, such as a credit card or
debit card. The card may also be an ATM card or a player tracking
card. Information about a secondary wager, such as one more
preferences for a secondary wager amount and/or secondary wager
criteria, may be stored in a memory of a card and received via the
card reader 310.
[0139] In some embodiments of the present invention, the gaming
device 106 presents an offer to the player and the player indicates
his acceptance or rejection of an offered secondary wager. Such an
offer may indicate an invitation to input secondary wager
information, one or more criteria, a probability of success, a
potential outcome, a minimum or maximum wager amount, or any
combination of such information. The offer may be presented to the
player in many different ways including: via text displayed on an
LCD or other display screen or device; via one or more buttons for
placing a secondary wager; via back-lighting pre-composed text; via
a message sent to a player device, such as a PDA, via text printed
on a paper, via a computer synthesized voice; via a pre-recorded
voice; via a live voice; and/or via a Braille representation.
[0140] If the player rejects the offer, the process terminates. In
some embodiments, the system may present an alternate offer or
modify the existing offer (e.g., suggest different criteria, a
different probability, or a different payout) to make it more
appealing. If the player accepts the offer, the gaming device 106
proceeds to determine an outcome of the secondary game.
[0141] According to various different embodiments, a player may
indicate his acceptance of a secondary wager in many different ways
including: pressing an "accept" or similar button on a gaming
device 106 or a touch screen of the device; verbally communicating
his acceptance; signing a written document and, optionally,
inserting the executed document into the gaming device 106; signing
a touch screen; providing a finger print; providing a retinal scan
or other unique biometric, providing a print or a number of a
credit or debit card; or transmitting a written, electronic, or
voice message to a phone number or address designated by the gaming
device 106.
2. Determine at Least One Parameter for a Secondary Game
Outcome
[0142] In Step S2, the gaming device 106 determines at least one
parameter associated with a potential outcome of the secondary
game, based on the secondary wager. For example, the secondary
wager may indicate the player's prediction about a potential
outcome, or some aspect of a potential outcome, of the secondary
game.
[0143] In some embodiments, the secondary wager criteria may be
determined based on the wager amount. Different secondary wager
amounts could be associated with different predictions for the
outcome of the secondary game. For example, a $1 side bet may
uniquely indicate a secondary wager that an "ORANGE" symbol will
appear on any reel in a reel slot machine game. The casino may
establish such associations based on the probabilities of various
secondary wagers.
[0144] In other embodiments, the player inputs a selection to the
gaming device 106 in placing the wager. For example, in a secondary
game based on reel slot machine game, the gaming device 106 may
prompt the player to select one of the various reel symbols and to
pick one or more reels. In another example, the gaming device 106
prompts the player to select one of the various reel symbols (e.g.,
"7") and to pick one or more displayed reel stops in a multi-lined
slot machine game. In some embodiments, the player touches a
display screen to make his selections.
[0145] In some embodiments, a player or casino representative, such
as a slot host, may indicate a secondary wager to the gaming device
106 by speaking into or near a microphone at the gaming device 106.
Voice recognition may be used to translate the audio signal into
information about a secondary wager for use by the gaming device
106. In other embodiments, a player's PDA, cell phone, or other
device may indicate a secondary wager to the gaming device 106
using, for example, a wireless protocol(such as Bluetooth as
described at
http://www.bluetooth.com/developer/specification/specification.asp).
[0146] In some embodiments, the player may be identified to the
gaming device 106 and one or more parameters of the secondary wager
may be identified based on stored information about the player. For
example, one or more secondary wagers may be associated with the
player. For instance, the player may have registered his favorite
side bets with the system 100. Alternatively, or in addition, the
system 100 may maintain a gaming history for the player, such as in
secondary game summary database 216, which may be used to determine
the side bets the player has made the most often, the side bets the
player has won the most on, the side bets the player has made most
recently, etc.
[0147] Other stored information about the player may include, for
example, a preference for a particular secondary wager amount, a
preference for a particular secondary game on which to place a
wager, and/or one or more criteria for predicting an outcome of a
secondary game. Information about the player may reveal which
secondary wagers may be particularly desirable to the player. For
example, a player at a gaming device 106 who has indicated a
preference for racing may be likely to place a secondary wager on a
race game. The gaming device 106 may retrieve information about
secondary wagers from its own databases, databases at the
controller 102, and/or other online databases. Such information may
be received by the gaming device 106, for example, from the
controller 102 in response to transmitting the player identifier
400 to the controller 102.
[0148] Thus, the receipt of information regarding a player, the
player's preferences, gaming history, and other information may
allow the system 100 of the invention to provide secondary wagers
tailored to a particular player and to determine secondary wagers
that the player may be predisposed to accept.
3. Determine an Outcome for the Secondary Game
[0149] In Step S3, an outcome of the secondary game is determined.
As described above, the outcome of a primary game, such as a slot
machine game or video poker game, may provide the basis on which
the outcome of the secondary game is determined. For example, data
indicating one or more reel symbols resulting from reel spin may
comprise the secondary game outcome. In other embodiments, the
outcome of the secondary game is independent of a primary game. For
example, the secondary game outcome may be associated with a
simulated dice roll (e.g., "7"), a move in a representation of a
board game, a player selection in a bonus game, any result of a
player selection in a bonus game (e.g., a bonus prize of 100
coins), or any combination thereof.
[0150] In some embodiments, the gaming device 106 may generate a
random number and determine an outcome of the secondary game based
on the random number. For example, gaming device 106 may determine
a final game board position based on a random number generated for
the board game simulation. In other embodiments, the outcome of the
secondary game, such as the number of spaces a piece moves, or the
final position of a piece, may be determined based on a number
generated for the primary slot machine game, such as for a reel
spin.
4. Determine whether the Secondary Wager is Successful
[0151] In Step S4, the gaming device 106 determines whether the
secondary wager is successful for the player. In order to determine
whether the secondary wager was successful for the player, the
gaming device 106 compares the one or more criteria of the
secondary wager with the outcome of the secondary game.
[0152] For example, if the player predicted that a "CHERRY" symbol
would appear on the second reel after a slot spin, the gaming
device 106 compares those criteria to the actual outcome of the
slot spin to determine whether the player successfully predicted
some aspect of the actual slot spin outcome.
[0153] In another example, the one or more parameters indicated by
the secondary wager may indicate a potential outcome or set of
potential outcomes that corresponds to one or more random numbers.
If a random number (or random numbers) associated with the outcome
of the secondary game satisfies the one or more parameters of the
secondary wager (e.g., is one of the random numbers associated with
the predicted outcome), the secondary wager is successful.
[0154] In another example, the player could have wagered that a
simulated dice roll in a board game simulation would result in a
game token moving to a particular position. If the secondary game
outcome is such that the game token in fact moves to the predicted
position, the secondary wager is successful. In another example,
the player could have wagered that a simulated dice roll in a board
game simulation would result in a roll of "7". If the roll is "7",
the player successfully predicted the secondary game outcome.
[0155] If the secondary wager was unsuccessful (e.g., the secondary
game outcome failed to meet one or more of the parameters of the
secondary wager), the process ends.
5. Provide a Payout Based on the Secondary Wager
[0156] In Step S5, a payout is provided based on the secondary
wager. The gaming device 106 provides the payout, be it cash,
tokens, reward points, tickets, stamps, consumables, product,
information, equity, options, gambling tokens, toys, other
products, and services. Products may be in the form of information
such as music, audio, and video recordings. Entertainment products,
such as music videos may be displayed directly on the dispensing
device 106, or transferred in binary form, to a player's PDA.
Payouts may include game feature add-ons, such as bonus rounds or
eligibility for progressive jackpots. Services may include: clothes
washing, car washing, etc. Identifying a payout may entail deciding
whether to offer a payout at all.
[0157] For a gaming device-type dispensing device in particular,
payouts may include: cash; credits; gambling tokens; reward points;
increased odds of winning; increased prize tables; insurance
against losses; the ability to play a large denomination machine
for a small denomination; the free use of an extra slot in a
multi-slot machine; being permitted to play for free; having
winnings rounded to a higher level (e.g., $50 rounded to $75); the
enablement of extra prize-winning symbols on a slot machine; the
enablement of extra pay lines on the slot machine; discounts on
various products; and auxiliary payouts, such as free (or
subsidized) meals or hotel rooms.
[0158] As noted above, if the outcome of the secondary wager is not
a winning outcome (i.e., fails to meet the criteria of the
secondary wager), then the process ends and the gaming device
typically does not need to provide a payout to the player. In some
embodiments, however, gaming device 106 may provide a benefit to
the player in order, for example, to encourage the player to
continuing playing a primary game, a secondary game, or both.
[0159] 5.1. Determine the Payout
[0160] In some embodiments, the payout is based on the wager
amount. For example, the gaming device 106 can calculate the payout
amount based on a multiplier of the wager amount (e.g., "30:1",
"5.times."). In another example, the gaming device 106 looks up the
payout corresponding to the secondary wager (e.g., "30" coins) in a
database, such as secondary game payout database 212.
[0161] In some embodiments, the payout is based on the statistical
likelihood that the secondary wager will be successful. In a board
game example, the slot machine of the present invention may reward
less favorable payouts for wagers indicating that the board game
piece will move a total of seven spaces due to the fact that of the
thirty-six unique outcomes achievable with a pair of six-sided
dice, a large proportion of those outcomes result in a total of
"7".
[0162] In some embodiments, the payout is based on a predetermined
flat rate. For example, all successful secondary wagers for a
particular secondary game may receive a S1 payout regardless of the
specified criteria. In another example, all successful secondary
wagers for a particular secondary game may receive a payout that is
five times the wager amount, regardless of the specified
criteria.
[0163] 5.2. Provide the Payout
[0164] In some embodiments, the payout is dispensed to the player
by the gaming device 106 as coins or tokens, preferably via a
payout dispenser 328, such as those possessed by slot machines for
dispensing tokens. In other embodiments, the payout is provided to
the player as free spins or as an amount credited to an account
balance of the player. In yet other embodiments, the gaming device
106 rewards the player by turning on one or more "pay-to-play"
features of a primary game, such as by making the player eligible
for one or more bonus games. In still other embodiments, the gaming
device 106 provides a receipt or tickets redeemable for cash,
credit, products, or services.
[0165] In some embodiments, the gaming device 106 provides the
payout in response to a signal to do so from the controller 102.
Information may be dispensed on a machine-readable medium, such as
a floppy disk or a DVD. Information or some other indication of a
payout, such as a credit balance, may also be transmitted to a
player device, such as a cell phone or a PDA, or stored on a card
belonging to the player.
F. Example Illustrative Embodiment of the Invention
[0166] The following example illustrates one sample embodiment of
the present invention. It involves a secondary wager predicting an
outcome of a reel slot machine game.
[0167] A player approached a three-reel, three-lined slot machine,
inserted her player tracking card into the card reader, and
inserted the maximum bet for one payline across the second
displayed line. On the display screen, she was presented with the
following message: [0168] Would you like to place a $1 side bet on
your spin? Even if your spin does not hit, you could still win your
side bet! Select from the following options: [0169] 1. Pick your
favorite reel symbol (or let me pick one for you) and guess which
reel your symbol will appear on! And it doesn't have to be on the
payline! You can select an additional symbol for $1 more, or pick
an additional reel for $1 more--it's up to you! Win up to $5 on
your side bet! [0170] 2. Pick a "Hot Spot"! Pick your favorite reel
symbol (or let me pick one for you) and guess which displayed stop
your symbol will appear at! You can pick any one of the nine
displayed stops, even one thats not on your payline! Win up to $30
on your side bet! [0171] Just insert $1 or hit the "Side Bet"
button, then pick one of the reel symbols displayed at the bottom
of the screen (or select "Random Symbol") to get started.
[0172] Once the player had placed a inserted her player tracking
card into a slot machine-type gaming device 106 and placed a wager
on the slot machine game, the gaming device 106 presented the above
offer for a secondary wager.
[0173] The player signaled her acceptance of the offer by inserting
another dollar into the slot machine and selected a displayed
"ORANGE" reel symbol on the slot machine's touch screen by pressing
it. The slot machine then prompted the player to select a reel or a
displayed position. The player pressed a displayed "2" above the
second displayed reel and then pressed a "Finish" button on the
slot machine's touch screen to complete the side bet. The gaming
device 106 stored an indication of the one dollar secondary wager,
the "ORANGE" reel symbol criterion, and the second reel criterion,
and prompted the player to spin the slot reels. She pushed the
"Spin" button to play the slot machine game.
[0174] The resulting slot spin showed "CHERRY/ORANGE/PLUM" on the
first line, "PLUM/BELL/ORANGE" on the second line (the player's
payline), and "BELL/BAR/PLUM" on the third line. The result was not
a winning outcome in the primary slot machine game, based on the
slot game's payout table and the player's payline. However, the
second reel displayed one "ORANGE" symbol on the first line (not on
her payline). The gaming device 106 compared the outcome of the
spin with the outcome predicted in the player's side bet and
determined that the player had won her side bet because she had
predicted the occurrence of an "ORANGE" reel symbol on the second
reel, regardless of whether it was on the payline or not. The
gaming device 106 dispensed S5 in coins to the player for the
successful side bet.
G. Additional Embodiments of the Invention
[0175] The following are example alternative variations which
illustrate additional embodiments of the present invention. It
should be understood that the particular variations described in
this section can be combined with the different embodiments, or
portions thereof, described above in any manner that is
practicable. These examples do not constitute a definition or
itemization of all possible embodiments, and those skilled in the
art will understand that the present invention is applicable to
many other embodiments. Further, although the following examples
are briefly described for clarity, those skilled in the art will
understand how to make any changes, if necessary, to the
above-described apparatus and methods to accommodate these and
other embodiments and applications.
[0176] The player may, in addition, communicate other personal
information, such as a name, demographic description, address,
gaming history, hobbies, profession, etc. Any such information may
then be stored in a database such as, for example, the player
database 208 depicted in FIG. 4.
[0177] In some embodiments, information about the player may be
useful in determining a secondary wager to offer to the player. For
example, information about what types of secondary wagers the
player has placed before, what secondary wagers the player has been
offered before, what offers the player has refused, what type of
odds the player prefers, or a combination of such information, may
be helpful in identifying a secondary wager that the player is
likely to accept.
[0178] In obtaining information about a player, the gaming device
106 may engage the player in a survey. The survey may be
interactive, determining new questions based on answers to prior
ones. The survey may be designed to elicit characteristics of a
player that help determine what type of secondary wagers the player
is likely to make or accept.
[0179] Information about the player may disclose one or more types
of activities or types of games of interest the player. For
example, information about the player may indicate the player's
preference for certain hobbies or interests; for particular sports
(e.g., basketball) or types of sports (e.g., racing sports, team
sports); for particular games (e.g., MONOPOLY.TM., poker) or types
of games (e.g., board games); for wagers having certain odds; or
for any combination of the above.
[0180] In some of the various embodiments in which a wager amount
is determined (e.g., by entering coins, by pushing a button, by
entering a card, by debiting an account), one portion of a received
wager amount may be directed to a primary wager, and another
portion of the wager amount may be directed to a secondary wager.
In some embodiments, the received total wager amount may be
apportioned to the primary and secondary wagers based on player
preferences, on predetermined percentages or amounts, or in
response to a player selection.
[0181] A player may record personal information and information
about a secondary wager on a user device such as a PDA. This
information may be accessed by the gaming device 106 in
communication with the user device. For example, if the player
grants a gaming device 106 permission to access his PDA's data, the
player's PDA may communicate secondary wager data, via infrared
transmissions, for example, to the gaming device 106. In view of
the personal information and/or wager data, the gaming device 106
may present an offer for a secondary wager to the player.
[0182] In some embodiments, the gaming device 106 at which the
player is playing may not have a particular secondary game in
memory (e.g., in data storage device 304). The controller 102 may
use information in the gaming devices database 210 to identify
another gaming device (e.g., gaming device 108) having the
particular secondary game. As discussed above, the controller 102
may enable communication between the two gaming devices, so that
the player may play the secondary game from his gaming device 106.
In some embodiments, software for operating the secondary game may
be transmitted to the player's gaming device 106 via the controller
102. In other embodiments, software for operating the secondary
game may be transmitted to the controller 102, and the player may
play the secondary game via his gaming device 106 in communication
with the controller 102.
[0183] It is further a feature of the present invention that any of
the gaming devices 106, 108, 110 may operate to determine odds for
various outcomes of the secondary game of chance.
[0184] In some embodiments, the probability or probabilities
associated with a secondary game may be determined based on the
type of secondary game. For example, one or more probabilities may
be retrieved from a database (e.g., secondary game probability
database 214) based on the secondary game type, such as a dice roll
simulation or reel symbol prediction game.
[0185] In some embodiments, once a secondary wager is received,
gaming device 106 looks up a corresponding probability for the side
bet in the secondary game probability database 214. For example, if
the player makes a secondary wager predicting that a "CHERRY" reel
symbol will show anywhere on the first reel of a slot machine, the
slot machine can look up a corresponding probability (e.g., "30:1")
that the player will accurately predict the outcome. In some
embodiments, the gaming device 106 could also determine a payout
amount based on the probability. For example, a particular payout
(e.g., "30:1") could be associated with a predetermined probability
(e.g., "36:1").
[0186] Alternatively, or in addition, a gaming device 106 may
calculate a corresponding probability based on information about
the secondary game and/or the secondary wager criteria. For
example, the gaming device 106 may not have a stored probability
corresponding to the particular secondary wager, but may be able to
calculate a probability based on data about the secondary game and
secondary wager criteria, such as the available reel symbols, the
number of available reel symbols, the number of predicted symbols,
the positions of the symbols on the reel, or the number of
positions and/or symbols displayed when the reels come to rest, as
well as various combinations of these and other factors. Of course,
different factors will be appropriate for different types of
games.
[0187] For example, many typical board games dictate player
movements via a pair of six-sided dice. Thus the statistical
likelihood of certain amounts of movement may be calculated based
on the probabilities associated with each roll of the dice.
Consider the following table and corresponding likelihood of
occurrence, wherein the leftmost column indicates the result of a
roll of two six-sided dice, the center column indicates the various
individual dice combinations required to achieve the corresponding
result and the rightmost column indicates the likelihood of
occurrence of the corresponding result. TABLE-US-00001 Result
Required Value Combination(s) Likelihood 1 None 0 2 (1, 1) 1 in 36
3 (1, 2), (2, 1) 1 in 18 4 (1, 3), (3, 1), (2, 2) 1 in 12 5 (1, 4),
(4, 1), (2, 3), (3, 2) 1 in 9 6 (1, 5), (5, 1), (2, 4), (4, 2), (3,
3) 5 in 36 7 (1, 6), (6, 1), (2, 5), (5, 2), (3, 4), (4, 3) 1 in 6
8 (2, 6), (6, 2), (3, 5), (5, 3), (4, 4) 5 in 36 9 (3, 6), (6, 3),
(4, 5), (5, 4) 1 in 9 10 (4, 6), (6, 4), (5, 5) 1 in 12 11 (5, 6),
(6, 5) 1 in 18 12 (6, 6) 1 in 36
[0188] Based on these probabilities, the corresponding payouts for
secondary ers corresponding to the various "roll" results could be
arranged such that a player dicting the occurrence of a
representation of a board game piece advancing only two ces may
receive a relatively larger payout than those predicting a move of
seven spaces nce seven is the most likely result and two is among
the least likely results). Of course, payouts associated with the
various secondary wagers need not be based on the responding
probabilities.
[0189] In another example, consider the following illustrations of
three basic twenty-two stop slot machine reels and their
corresponding symbol allocations. TABLE-US-00002 Stop Reel 1 Reel 2
Reel 3 1 Cherry Orange Plum 2 Plum Bell Bell 3 Bell Bar Orange 4
Bar Cherry Plum 5 Bell Bar Orange 6 Orange Cherry Cherry 7 Bell Bar
Plum 8 Plum Bar Orange 9 Bell Orange Plum 10 Bell Bar Orange 11
Cherry Cherry Plum 12 Plum Bar Plum 13 Bell Plum Orange 14 Bar Bar
Cherry 15 Bell Orange Plum 16 Orange Cherry Plum 17 Bell Bar Orange
18 Plum Bar Plum 19 Bell Bell Bar 20 Bell Bar Plum 21 Plum Cherry
Orange 22 7 7 7
[0190] Based on this example information, a gaming device 106 could
calculate the probability of a player successfully placing a wager
and predicting the occurrence of a "7" symbol appearing on the
first reel of a primary slot machine game as 1 in 22.
[0191] In some embodiments, a player device, such as a PDA, may
indicate secondary wagers on behalf of its owner or another person.
The device may be preprogrammed to enter into secondary wagers
based on predefined parameters. For example, a player may program
his combination cell phone/PDA to place a secondary wager that a
dice roll simulation will result in a "5". Of course, one or more
primary wagers may be programmed in this manner as well. Then, for
example, when the player walks by a slot machine-type gaming device
106, the slot machine may broadcast, via infrared frequencies, a
secondary wager offer. The cell phone/PDA may then accept the offer
on the player's behalf by transmitting the player's identifying
information. The cell phone/PDA may subsequently alert the player
that he has entered into a secondary wager.
[0192] The secondary game probability field 404 may also provide
information that allows the controller 102, for example, to
identify one or more secondary wagers having probabilities of
interest to a player.
[0193] In some embodiments, the player need not place a primary
wager at the gaming device. For example, a player could place only
a secondary wager on a dice roll simulation at a gaming device. In
some embodiments, a second player may be playing the primary game
of a gaming device at which a first player places his secondary
wager.
[0194] In some alternative embodiments, the gaming device 106
provides an offer for a secondary wager to the player and the
player accepts the offer. Secondary wagers may be stored by the
system 100 in a database such as, for example, the secondary game
payout database 212. The gaming device 106 or the controller 102
may access relevant secondary wagers from the secondary game payout
database 212 when a player interacts with a gaming device 106. The
gaming device 106 or the controller 102 may use a rules-based
system, for example, to determine an appropriate secondary wager.
In some embodiments, the secondary wager may be selected or derived
using artificial intelligence.
[0195] In some embodiments the gaming device 106, for example,
determines one or more criteria for a secondary wager and
determines a probability that the wager will be successful based on
the criteria. The gaming device 106 then provides an indication of
the probability of the secondary wager to the player, who then
indicates an acceptance or rejection of the secondary wager.
Alternatively, the gaming device 106 may determine whether the
determined probability satisfies a preference associated with the
player. For example, a player may have a stored preference in
player database 208 for side bets having a probability higher than
100:1. If the gaming device 106 determines that the probability of
the secondary wager being successful is greater than 100:1, the
gaming device 106 may place the secondary wager for the player
without requiring the player to otherwise indicate his acceptance
of the wager.
[0196] In other alternative embodiments, the gaming device 106
determines a payout if the side bet is successful, and provides an
indication of the potential payout to the player. The player may
then indicate his acceptance or rejection of the secondary wager.
Alternatively, similar to the example above, the gaming device 106
may execute the secondary wager based on a payout preference
associated with the player without requiring the player to indicate
his acceptance of the secondary wager.
[0197] Any information about a secondary wager may be stored in a
database such as secondary game summary database 216. In some
embodiments, an indication of the outcome of the secondary game may
be transmitted to a player tracking card or to a printer. Game
summary information could be printed on a receipt for the player. A
receipt may provide a record for the player of his gaming
experience, and may also be used by the player to receive any
payouts for his gaming session. In some embodiments, the receipt
includes a code, such as a bar code, which contains information
about the player, the player's game summary information, account
balances, and/or other information. The receipt may be inserted
into another slot machine enabled to decode the information. The
new slot machine can dispense any payouts to the player, and can
also reference information from the receipt in determining whether
to offer a secondary wager, what types of wagers to offer, player
preferences, etc.
[0198] In some embodiments, players may receive ratings based on
how often they place secondary wagers, on how often they reject
offers for secondary wagers, or both. The ratings may be used in
determining what secondary wagers to offer the player.
[0199] According to some alternative embodiments, a secondary game
outcome may be based on more than one gaming device, including
gaming devices other than the gaming device at which the player is
playing. According to other alternative embodiments, a secondary
game outcome may be based on a primary game associated with a
different player.
[0200] According to some embodiments, a gaming device receives a
wager from a player predicting an outcome of a secondary game, and
determines a result of the wager based on the prediction. According
to other embodiments, the gaming device receives a wager amount and
a prediction about the outcome of a secondary game, and provides a
payout based on the prediction.
[0201] Various embodiments of the present invention offer a player
the opportunity to place a secondary wager at a gaming device.
According to some embodiments of the present invention, a gaming
device, such as a slot machine, executes a slot machine game in
conjunction with one or more secondary games on which a player can
wager.
[0202] In some embodiments, a secondary game comprises a player
inputting a monetary value in excess of an amount normally required
to play a reel slot game, and inputting information representing a
symbol selection, or reel position selection, for one or more of
the reels of the slot machine. The slot machine may then provide a
payout if the selected symbol, for example, appears on one of the
reels of the slot machine in the standard game.
[0203] For example, a player may input four coins into a slot
machine, with three coins to be applied toward a wager in a slot
machine game and a fourth quarter to be applied to a secondary
game. According to this example, the player may input a parameter
to the machine indicating the context of the secondary game. Such a
parameter may indicate, for example, a side bet that a "CHERRY"
symbol will appear on the payline of the slot machine at the
completion of the slot machine game. The player may input such a
parameter by, for example, actuating a button on the slot machine
that indicates to the slot machine the reel at which the player
believes the "CHERRY" will appear.
[0204] According to some embodiments of the invention, the result
of the activity establishing the outcome of the side bet or
secondary game is independent of the result of a primary game. For
example, a slot machine may be outfitted with an electronic,
mechanical or electromechanical representation of a racetrack, and
may operate to move representations of cars or other race
participants around the racetrack. In such sample embodiments, the
outcome of the side bet may be determined either in conjunction
with, or independently of, the outcome of a primary slot game. For
example, the outcome of a secondary game may be based on a random
number used to generate the result of a primary game. In another
example, the outcome of a secondary game is determined via a
separate, random or predetermined process.
[0205] According to other embodiments of the invention, a gaming
device may display an electronic, mechanical or electromechanical
representation of a board game. The gaming device may generate an
outcome associated with the represented board game. For example, a
player may place a wager as to where the player believes a
representation of a board game piece will land on the
representation of the board game.
[0206] Some embodiments of the present invention allow a player to
place a wager on random outcomes that players typically cannot bet
on, such as various aspects of bonus rounds. For example, some
embodiments allow the player to bet on the size of a bonus prize,
on how many spaces a game symbol moves on a represented game board,
and/or on how many turns in the bonus round a player will get
before the bonus round ends.
[0207] Some embodiments of the present invention provide for
determination and/or calculation of odds and/or of payouts for a
secondary game of chance.
[0208] According to other embodiments of the present invention, a
system comprises a controller in communication with one or more
gaming devices. In some embodiments, the controller or gaming
device receives an indication of one or more secondary wagers and
directs one or more gaming devices to execute one or more secondary
games. In some embodiments, the controller provides an offer for a
secondary wager to a player at a gaming device.
[0209] Some embodiments may also provide for dispensing a payout or
crediting an account balance if the secondary wager is
successful.
H. Conclusion
[0210] It is clear from the foregoing discussion that the disclosed
systems and methods to offer secondary wagers represents an
improvement in the art of gaming devices. While the method and
apparatus of the present invention has been described in terms of
its presently preferred and alternate embodiments, those skilled in
the art will recognize that the present invention may be practiced
with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the
appended claims. The specifications and drawings are, accordingly,
to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive
sense.
[0211] Further, even though only certain embodiments have been
described in detail, those having ordinary skill in the art will
certainly appreciate and understand that many modifications,
changes, and enhancements are possible without departing from the
teachings thereof. All such modifications are intended to be
encompassed within the following claims.
* * * * *
References