U.S. patent application number 11/456877 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-02 for gaming device method and apparatus employing alternate payout features.
Invention is credited to Magdalena M. Fincham, Geffrey M. Gelman, James A. Jorasch, Jay S. Walker.
Application Number | 20060247033 11/456877 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33456494 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060247033 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Walker; Jay S. ; et
al. |
November 2, 2006 |
GAMING DEVICE METHOD AND APPARATUS EMPLOYING ALTERNATE PAYOUT
FEATURES
Abstract
In accordance with one or more embodiments, a gaming device
includes a novel payout structure wherein, upon placing a wager, an
initial value of a prize is established at the gaming device.
During the duration of a game play (which may last, in one or more
embodiments, for a predetermined number of rounds or a
predetermined amount of time) the value of the prize is adjusted
based on outcomes or symbols obtained by the player. For example,
the value of the prize may be decreased from a substantially high
initial value over the course of a game play. At the end of the
game play, a player is provided with a prize based on the final
value of the prize.
Inventors: |
Walker; Jay S.; (Ridgefield,
CT) ; Jorasch; James A.; (Stamford, CT) ;
Gelman; Geffrey M.; (Stamford, CT) ; Fincham;
Magdalena M.; (Norwalk, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WALKER DIGITAL
2 HIGH RIDGE PARK
STAMFORD
CT
06905
US
|
Family ID: |
33456494 |
Appl. No.: |
11/456877 |
Filed: |
July 12, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10689975 |
Oct 21, 2003 |
|
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11456877 |
Jul 12, 2006 |
|
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60420223 |
Oct 21, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3244
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/025 |
International
Class: |
A63F 13/00 20060101
A63F013/00 |
Claims
1. A method, comprising: receiving, at a gaming device, a wager for
initiating a game play of a game, wherein the game play comprises a
predetermined number of rounds of the game and the wager is an
amount sufficient to pre-pay for the predetermined number of
rounds; establishing, in response to the wager, an initial balance
of winnings, wherein the initial balance of winnings is greater
than the amount of the wager; determining a predetermined number of
outcomes, the predetermined number of outcomes comprising at least
one respective outcome for each of the predetermined number of
rounds; adjusting the initial balance of winnings based on at least
one of the determined outcomes, thereby determining a current
balance of winnings, wherein at least one of the outcomes causes
the current balance of winnings to be less than the initial balance
of winnings; determining, after the predetermined number of rounds
has been concluded, a final balance of winnings; and providing the
final balance of winnings to a player who initiated the game
play.
2-42. (canceled)
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM TO CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/420,223, entitled "METHOD AND
APPARATUS FOR CONDUCTING A GAME OF CHANCE WITH A RESTRICTED
BALANCE," filed on Oct. 21, 2002. This application is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] This application is related to co-pending, commonly-owned
U.S. application Ser. No. 10/420,981, which was filed Apr. 22,
2003, and which claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/374,625, filed Apr. 22, 2002. Each of the above
applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety
and for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Gaming devices such as slot machines generate more than $15
billion in revenue per year for U.S. casinos. In fact, most casinos
generate more than half of their gaming revenue from gaming devices
such as slot machines. To take advantage of the popularity of slot
machines and other gaming devices, some casinos offer three or four
thousand slot machines in a single location.
[0004] Despite the popularity of gaming devices in casinos, players
continually get bored with the games available and demand
innovation and change to stimulate their ongoing interest. In
response, gaming device manufacturers and game designers
continually strive to develop new types of games. However, despite
the continuing efforts to develop new games, other aspects of the
gaming experience have to date not been significantly changed or
improved to stimulate player interest. For example, the payout
structure of most gaming devices is very traditional and has not
changed much in generations of gaming devices.
[0005] In most gaming devices, a payout table depicts which
outcomes obtainable on a gaming device correspond to payouts. As a
player obtains an outcome that corresponds to a payout in the
payout table, the corresponding payout amount is added to the
player's credit meter balance. Payouts for a typical game vary from
a handful of coins to five hundred coins. Of course, payouts as
high as several thousand or a million dollars are available on some
select gaming devices. However, such high payouts, if available at
all, typically correspond to one outcome in a payout table and this
outcome is one that is very rarely achieved. In other words, in the
typical payout structure of most gaming devices payouts of amounts
significant enough to stimulate player excitement are not always
available and, if available, are rarely achieved. This is due to
the casino's need to remain profitable.
[0006] Unfortunately, the casinos' need for profitability results
in a lack of excitement on players' part over small payouts and
frustration over the infrequency of larger payouts. Accordingly, a
need exists for a new and innovative payout structure that
stimulates more excitement in players than do conventional payout
structures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system consistent with at
least one embodiment of the present invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a casino server that may be
part of the system of FIG. 1, consistent with at least one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a gaming device that may be
part of the system of FIG. 1, consistent with at least one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a gaming device, consistent with at
least one embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a table illustrating an exemplary data structure
of a player database, for use in at least one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a table illustrating an exemplary data structure
of a payout database, for use in one or more embodiments of the
present invention.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process for conducting
a game in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a table illustrating an exemplary calculation, for
use in one or more embodiments of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a pair of tables illustrating a payout database,
for use in one or more embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0016] Applicants have recognized that current payout structures
are unsatisfying to many players because substantially large prizes
are so infrequently obtained by the player. Applicants have further
recognized that even when a player obtains a large prize, a player
often savors the excitement of the large prize but then (rather
than cashing out the large prize to spend elsewhere) the player
continues to risk the prize on subsequent wagers. Applicants have
further recognized that even when such a player loses all or most
of the large prize, the player is typically still quite satisfied
with the time spent playing the gaming device due to the briefly
experienced, even if eventually unrealized, large prize. Thus,
Applicants have recognized that experiencing a substantially large
prize is a very exciting and satisfying experience for a player,
even if the player does not retain or keep the large prize at the
end of a gaming session.
[0017] Applicants have further recognized that most gaming devices
today offer the same conventional payout structure, where a player
attempts to earn a large prize over the course of a series of game
plays. Applicants have recognized that many players are intimidated
or frustrated with the perceived futility of ever obtaining a large
prize.
[0018] Applicants have further recognized that, psychologically, a
typical person views an opportunity to keep something that has
already been provided to them as an easier feat than attempting to
earn that something when starting with nothing.
[0019] Thus, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a variety
of new payout structures are described herein, in which a large
prize is initially provided to a player when a player first
initiates a game play on a gaming device. In order to be provided
with this large prize at the end of the game play, however, the
player is required to "survive" a plurality of rounds of the game
play by obtaining outcomes that do not have the effect of
decreasing the value of the prize. In other words, the value of the
prize initially provided to the player is adjusted throughout the
game play, based on outcomes obtained by the player during the game
play. One or more of such outcomes may correspond to an effect
that, when applied to the value of the prize, results in a decrease
in the value of the prize. Alternatively or additionally, one or
more outcomes obtained by a player may include a symbol that
(perhaps when accumulated with additional symbols or occurrences of
the same symbol) may correspond to an effect that, when applied to
the value of the prize, results in a decrease in the value of the
prize (e.g. the value of the prize is decreased by half when the
player obtains five cherry symbols over the course of a plurality
of outcomes during a game play). At the end of a game play, the
player is provided with a prize that corresponds to the value of
the prize after the effects of the various outcomes obtained by the
player have been applied.
[0020] In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method
comprises (i) receiving, at a gaming device, a wager for initiating
a game play of a game, wherein the game play comprises a
predetermined number of rounds of the game and the wager is an
amount sufficient to pre-pay for the predetermined number of
rounds; (ii) establishing, in response to the wager, an initial
balance of winnings, wherein the initial balance of winnings is
greater than the amount of the wager; (iii) determining a
predetermined number of outcomes, the predetermined number of
outcomes comprising at least one respective outcome for each of the
predetermined number of rounds; (iv) adjusting the initial balance
of winnings based on at least one of the determined outcomes,
thereby determining a current balance of winnings, wherein at least
one of the outcomes causes the current balance of winnings to be
less than the initial balance of winnings; (v) determining, after
the predetermined number of rounds has been concluded, a final
balance of winnings; and (vi) providing the final balance of
winnings to a player who initiated the game play.
[0021] In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method
comprises (i) receiving, at a gaming device, a wager for initiating
a game play of a game, wherein the game play comprises a
predetermined amount of time during which consecutive rounds of the
game are to be played; (ii) establishing, in response to the wager,
an initial balance of winnings, wherein the initial balance of
winnings is greater than the amount of the wager; (iii) determining
a number of outcomes to during the predetermined amount of time,
each of the outcomes corresponding to a respective round of the
game; (iv) adjusting the initial balance of winnings based on at
least one of the determined outcomes, thereby determining a current
balance of winnings, wherein at least one of the outcomes causes
the current balance of winnings to be less than the initial balance
of winnings; (v) determining, at the end of the predetermined
amount of time, a final balance of winnings; and (vi) providing the
final balance of winnings to a player who initiated the game
play.
[0022] In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method
comprises (i) establishing, at the initiation of a game play at a
gaming device, an initial value of a prize, wherein the game play
ends once at least one of a predetermined number of rounds of the
game are completed and a predetermined amount of time has passed;
(ii) determining a series of outcomes for the game play, each
respective outcome corresponding to a round of the game play; (iii)
adjusting the initial value of the prize based on the determined
outcomes, thereby determining a current value of the prize, wherein
at least one of the determined outcomes causes the current value of
the prize to be less than the initial value of the prize; (iv)
determining, once the game play ends, a final value of the prize;
and (v) outputting the prize of the final value to a player.
[0023] In accordance with one or more embodiments, a player at the
end of a game play is provided with a prize the value of which is
determined based on how many rounds of the game play the player
completed before the value of the prize initially displayed to the
player was decreased to a predetermined amount (e.g., zero). Thus,
for example, a player at the end of a game play may be provided
with a prize of a first value if the player completes a first
number of rounds of the game play before the value of the prize
initially displayed to the player is decreased to zero and a prize
of a second value (which is greater than the first value) if the
player completes a second number of rounds (the second number being
greater than the first number) before the value of the prize
initially displayed to the player is decreased to zero.
[0024] In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method
comprises (i) establishing, at a gaming device, an initial value of
a prize that is distinct from a balance of credits available to a
player for wagering at the gaming device; (ii) determining a series
of outcomes; (iii) adjusting the initial value of the prize after
each of the outcomes, based on an effect associated with the
outcome, wherein at least one of the outcomes causes the final
value of the prize to be less than the initial value of the prize;
(iv) determining that the current value of the prize is zero; (v)
determining a number of outcomes that were determined before the
current value of the prize reached zero; and (vi) providing a
reward to the player based on the number of outcomes.
[0025] The above-described embodiments are exemplary only. Various
other embodiments of the present invention are described in detail
below.
[0026] The following example may be helpful in illustrating how one
or more of the above-described embodiments of the invention may be
practiced. It should be noted that the example is provided for
illustrative purposes only and is not to be construed as limiting
in any manner.
EXAMPLE
[0027] Tracy was a veteran slot player. One day on the casino
floor, she noticed a new slot machine. She walked up to examine it,
and noticed the following message on its screen: "Start every game
with $1,000,000!!! All you have to do is survive for five handle
pulls without losing any money, and you keep the million. Even if
you lose some, you get to keep whatever is left over after five
pulls!" Tracy was excited about winning $1,000,000, but she was a
little confused. What did it mean to survive five handle pulls?
What would the handle pulls do to her? She examined the pay table
of the slot machine. The pay table was different from any she had
seen before. The pay table contained a familiar list of outcomes,
like "bar-bar-bar", and "orange-orange-orange", but rather than
seeing the numerical payouts she was used to, she saw payouts
consisting of text and numbers. For example, one payout read, "lose
$500,000". Another read, "reduce Win Balance by a factor of 1000".
In fact, almost every outcome was detrimental. Only one outcome,
"bell-bell-bell " did not have a negative effect. Next to
"bell-bell-bell" was the text, "Lose $0". [0028] Tracy now thought
she understood. She would have to get a couple of bell-bell-bell
outcomes in order to keep most of her million intact. Otherwise,
the million would be drastically reduced or eliminated altogether.
Still, the thought of having those million dollars at least
temporarily in her possession seemed exciting. Keeping the million
would be only a matter of surviving, not performing miracles, as
required by other slot machines. [0029] Tracy inserted a dollar
into the slot machine. An area of her screen labeled "Win Balance"
now displayed $1,000,000. Seeing the balance, Tracy couldn't help
playing a joke and calling over her longtime friend Jane. "Look
what I won, Jane!" [0030] When Jane saw, she nearly fainted. She
calmed down a bit when Tracy explained how the machine really
worked. Still Jane was curious enough to stay and watch. [0031]
Another area of Tracy's screen was labeled "Spins Remaining." The
number 5 was displayed. Tracy made her first spin, and the number
decremented to 4. The first spin was "7-bell-plum". Tracy saw her
Win Balance go down to $10,000. She checked the pay table. The
outcome wasn't listed individually, but seemed to fall under the
category of "Other". The effect of any "Other" outcome was to
reduce the Win Balance by a factor of 100. Tracy mourned the loss
of her million, but she was still happy she had $10,000 left. The
second spin reduced her balance by a factor of 2, giving her
$5,000. The third spin reduced her balance by a factor of 100,
leaving her with a balance of winnings of $50. The fourth spin
reduced her balance by a factor of 10, leaving her with a balance
of winnings of $5. The fifth spin took away $250,000. Losing
$250,000 was a bit of an overkill for a balance of $5, but in the
end Tracy was left with $0. Still, for the chance at one million
dollars, she had only lost a dollar. [0032] Tracy inserted another
dollar, and there was that wonderful million again! After her next
series of five spins, Tracy was left with a $5 Win Balance. Now $5
dropped into her tray.
[0033] Throughout the description that follows and unless otherwise
specified, the following terms may include and/or encompass the
example meanings provided in this section. These terms and
illustrative example meanings are provided to clarify the language
selected to describe embodiments of the invention both in the
specification and in the appended claims.
[0034] The terms "balance of winnings" and "value of a prize" are
used interchangeably and may refer to a potential value of a prize
being tracked during a game play, but not available for cash out by
the player until the end of the game play. The prize may be
monetary or non-monetary. It is a potential value of a prize
because the final value of the prize is what is actually provided
to the player, with any intermediate balance of winnings or value
of a prize during the course of a game play but before the end of a
game play merely indicates the value of a prize that may
potentially be provided to the player, unless adjusted based on the
remainder of the game play. The prize may be, for example, an
amount of electronic credits, currency, a product, a service, an
amount of comp points and/or a comp to be provided to the player by
the casino. It should be noted that, in some embodiments of the
present invention, a player is unable to cash out or have otherwise
provided to him the balance of winnings until the game play for
which the balance of winnings is being tracked is completed. In
some embodiments, the final balance of winnings is transferred to
the credit meter balance of the gaming device. Note that a balance
of winnings is distinct from a balance of a credit meter of a
gaming device.
[0035] The term "casino" may refer to the owner of gaming devices,
owners' agents, and/or any entity who may profit from players' use
of the gaming devices.
[0036] The term "casino server" may refer to any device that is
operable to communicate with one or more gaming devices, one or
more third-party servers, one or more remote controllers, one or
more player devices, and/or other network nodes, and may be capable
of relaying communications to and from each.
[0037] The term "credit meter balance" may refer to a balance of
electronic credits stored in a gaming device being played by a
player and available for wagering on game plays, at the player's
discretion. In other words, the player exclusively controls how and
when the electronic credits in the credit meter balance are
utilized. Additionally, the credit meter balance is the balance of
credits available for a player to cash out of the gaming device, at
the player's discretion.
[0038] The term "effect" may refer to a consequence of obtaining a
particular outcome on a gaming device. An effect may comprise an
effect on a balance of winnings that is being tracked during a game
play. For example, an effect may comprise a reduction of a balance
of winnings by a predetermined amount or based on a particular
function.
[0039] The term "game" may refer to a set of rules and a format
that define how a player may win a prize at a gaming device.
[0040] The term "game play" may refer to a single attempt or bid by
a player to win a prize by playing a game of a gaming device in
accordance with the rules defining the game. A game play begins
when the player places a wager for the attempt and ends when the
final result of the attempt is displayed to the player and the
gaming device becomes available for the next game play. For
example, a game consistent with embodiments of the present
invention may require a player to place a wager sufficient to pay
for five spins or handle pulls at a slot machine and complete five
spins or handle pulls, with the prize to be provided to the player
being determined based on the result of the five spins; in this
example the game play may comprise the five spins or handle pulls,
beginning when the player places a sufficient wager for the five
spins or handle pulls and ending when the player completes the
final spin or handle pull.
[0041] The term "round of a game play" may refer to a step in a
game play, necessary to successfully complete the game play; for
example, if a game play consistent with embodiments of the present
invention requires a player to complete five spins on a slot
machine, each spin may be considered a round of the game play;
similarly, if a video poker game play in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention requires a player to complete
five hands of video poker, each hand (e.g., final hand) may be
considered a round of the game play.
[0042] The term "gaming device" may refer to any electrical,
mechanical, electro-mechanical and/or other device that may accept
a wager, may follow a process to generate an outcome, and may pay
winnings based on the outcome. The outcome may be randomly
generated, as with a slot machine; may be generated through a
combination of randomness and user skill, as with video poker; or
may be generated entirely through user skill. A gaming device may
include any gaming machine and/or system, including slot machines,
video poker machines, video bingo machines, video roulette
machines, video keno machines, video blackjack machines, pachinko
machines, arcade games, video games, pinball machines, skill crane
machines, video lottery terminals, online gaming systems, sports
betting machines, game consoles, personal computers logged into
online gaming sites, etc. Gaming devices may or may not be owned
and/or maintained by a casino and/or may or may not exist within a
casino location.
[0043] The term "gaming session" may refer to at least two
consecutive game plays played by a player. The initiation of a
gaming session, before a player plays at least two consecutive game
plays, may be identified or inferred when a player's actions
indicate that the player intends to play at least two consecutive
game plays at the gaming device. Such actions may comprise, for
example, the insertion of a player tracking card into a player
tracking card reader of the gaming device or the insertion of
currency into the payment system of gaming device in an amount
sufficient to fund at least two game plays.
[0044] The term "outcome" may refer to an indication of the result
of a round of a game play. An outcome typically comprises one or
more symbols or alphanumeric characters recognizable by a player
(such as "cherry-bell-seven" in a three reel slot machine). In many
games a predetermined set of combinations of symbols each
respectively corresponds to a payout.
[0045] The term "payout" may refer to an output of a prize (e.g,
currency) to a player. A payout may be output to a player in the
form of tangible coins or tokens (e.g., by being dispensed from a
hopper into a coin tray of a gaming device). Alternatively, the
output of currency may be in the form of electronic credits, which
may be output by being added to a credit meter balance of a
player.
[0046] The term "player" may refer to any person or entity that
operates a gaming device for purposes of playing a game at the
gaming device.
[0047] The term "player tracking card" may refer to any a device
that is operable to identify and/or store information about a
consumer who is a casino player. Typically player tracking cards
may be accessed by gaming devices and magnetic card readers
operated by casino staff. The information stored on the
player-tracking card may include identifying information, as well
as financial information, such as a number of gambling credits
remaining. The card may be machine readable, for example, by a
gaming device.
[0048] The term "privilege" may refer to an advantage, permission,
or right granted to a player. For example, a privilege may allow a
player to decrease the number of rounds or time required to
complete a game play or to avoid an effect of an outcome (e.g., if
the effect of the outcome is to decrease the balance of winnings
for which the player is playing); in one or more embodiments a
privilege may be associated with an outcome, such that the player
may be granted the privilege if the player obtains the outcome
corresponding to the privilege.
[0049] The scope of the present invention and embodiments thereof
may be understood more fully with reference to the following
figures. It should be noted that the embodiments described with
reference to the following figures are presented for illustrative
purposes only and are not meant to be limiting in any sense. It
should also be noted that, as used herein, the terms "an
embodiment", "embodiment", "embodiments", "the embodiment", "the
embodiments", "one or more embodiments", "some embodiments", and
"one embodiment" mean "one or more embodiments" unless expressly
specified otherwise. Further, although particular features of the
present invention may be described with reference to one or more
particular embodiments or figures, it should be understood that
such features are not limited to usage in the one or more
particular embodiments or figures with reference to which they are
described.
[0050] Regarding reference numerals used in the following figures,
it should be noted that the left most digit(s) of a reference
numeral identifies the figure in which the reference numeral first
appears.
[0051] Embodiments of the present invention will first be
introduced by means of a block diagram of an exemplary system
infrastructure, followed by a description of block diagrams of
exemplary devices that may be utilized by an entity practicing the
present invention. Exemplary data structures illustrating tables
that may be used when practicing embodiments of the present
invention will then be described, followed by a flowchart that
illustrates a method of the present invention.
[0052] Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram of a system 100
according to at least one embodiment of the present invention
includes a gaming device 110 (e.g., a slot machine or video poker
machine) that is in communication, via a communications network
115, with a casino server 120 (e.g., a slot server of a
casino).
[0053] The gaming device 110 and/or the casino server 120 may
comprise one or more computers, such as ones based on the
Intel.RTM. Pentium.RTM. processor, that are adapted to communicate
with one another. Any number and type of gaming devices 110 may be
in communication with the gaming device server 120.
[0054] The gaming device 110 may communicate with the casino server
120 directly or indirectly, via a wired or wireless medium such as
the Internet, LAN, WAN or Ethernet, Token Ring, or via any
appropriate communications means or combination of communications
means. Communication between the gaming device 110 and the casino
server 120, and among a plurality of gaming devices 110, may be
direct or indirect, such as over the Internet through a Web site
maintained by casino server 120 on a remote server or over an
on-line data network including commercial on-line service
providers, bulletin board systems and the like. In yet other
embodiments, a gaming device 110 may communicate with another
gaming device and/or casino server 120 over RF, cable TV, satellite
links and the like.
[0055] Some, but not all, possible communication networks that may
comprise network 115 or be otherwise part of system 100 include: a
local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet,
a telephone line, a cable line, a radio channel, an optical
communications line, a satellite communications link. Possible
communications protocols that may be part of system 100 include:
Ethernet (or IEEE 802.3), SAP, ATP, Bluetooth.TM., and TCP/IP.
Communication may be encrypted to ensure privacy and prevent fraud
in any of a variety of ways well known in the art.
[0056] 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.
[0057] In an embodiment, the casino server 120 may not be necessary
and/or preferred. For example, the present invention may, in one or
more embodiments, be practiced on a stand-alone gaming device 110,
a gaming device 110 in communication with a peripheral device (not
shown) that is operable to aid in the implementation of one or more
embodiments of the present invention and/or a gaming device 110 in
communication only with one or more other gaming devices 110. In
such an embodiment, any functions described as performed by the
casino server 120 or data described as stored on the casino server
120 may instead be performed by or stored on one or more gaming
devices 110 or on a peripheral device associated with a gaming
device 110.
[0058] Referring now to FIG. 2, illustrated therein is a block
diagram of an embodiment 200 of a casino server (referred to as
casino server 200 herein). The casino server 200 may be implemented
as a system controller, a dedicated hardware circuit, an
appropriately programmed general-purpose computer, or any other
equivalent electronic, mechanical or electromechanical device. The
casino server 200 may comprise, for example, a server computer
operable to communicate with one or more client devices, such as a
gaming device 110. In one or more embodiments, the casino server
200 comprises the casino server 120 of system 100. The casino
server 200 is operative to manage portions of the system 100 and,
in some embodiments, to execute at least some methods of the
present invention.
[0059] In operation, the casino server 200 may function under the
control of a casino, a merchant, or other entity that may also
control use of one or more gaming devices 110. For example, the
casino server 200 may be a slot server in a casino or a server that
manages a specified set of gaming devices. In some embodiments, the
casino server 200 and a slot server may be different devices. In
some embodiments, the casino server 200 may comprise more than one
computer operating together.
[0060] The casino server 200 comprises a processor 205, such as one
or more Intel.RTM. Pentium.RTM. processors. The processor 205 is in
communication with a communications port 210 (e.g., for
communicating with one or more other devices) and a memory 215. The
memory 215 may comprise an appropriate combination of magnetic,
optical and/or semiconductor memory, and may include, for example,
Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), a compact disc
and/or a hard disk. The processor 205 and the memory 215 may each
be, for example: (i) located entirely within a single computer or
other device; or (ii) connected to each other by a remote
communication medium, such as a serial port cable, telephone line
or radio frequency transceiver. In one embodiment, the casino
server 200 may comprise one or more devices that are connected to a
remote server computer for maintaining databases.
[0061] The memory 215 stores a program 220 for controlling the
processor 205. The processor 205 performs instructions of the
program 220, and thereby operates in accordance with the present
invention, and particularly in accordance with the methods
described in detail herein. The program 220 may be stored in a
compressed, uncompiled and/or encrypted format. The program 220
furthermore includes program elements that may be necessary, such
as an operating system, a database management system and "device
drivers" for allowing the processor 205 to interface with computer
peripheral devices. Appropriate program elements are known to those
skilled in the art, and need not be described in detail herein.
[0062] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the
instructions of the program 220 may be read into a main memory from
another computer-readable medium, such from a ROM to RAM. Execution
of sequences of the instructions in program 220 causes processor
205 to perform the process steps described herein. In alternate
embodiments, hard-wired circuitry 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 and software.
[0063] The memory 215 also stores a player database 225. This
database is described in detail below. Note that, although this
database is described as being stored in a casino server 200, in
other embodiments of the present invention this database (or any
other database described herein as being stored in casino server
200) may be partially or wholly stored in another device, such as
in one or more gaming devices 110. Further, some or all of the data
described as being stored in the database 225 may be partially or
wholly stored (in addition to or in lieu of being stored in the
memory 215 of the casino server 200) in a memory of one or more
other devices, such as one or more gaming devices 110. In one or
more embodiments, the casino server 200 may store additional
databases. For example, the casino server 200 may store a gaming
device database that includes information associated with one or
more gaming devices in communication with casino server 200 (e.g.,
an identifier, contact address, and geographic location of a gaming
device).
[0064] It should be noted that the term "computer-readable medium"
as used herein refers to any medium that participates in providing
instructions to processor 205 (or any other processor of a device
described herein) for execution. Such a medium may take many forms,
including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media,
and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example,
optical or magnetic disks, such as memory 215. Volatile media
include dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically
constitutes the main memory. Transmission media include coaxial
cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that
comprise a system bus coupled to the processor 205. Transmission
media can also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as
those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data
communications. Common forms of computer-readable media include,
for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic
tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical
medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with
patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any
other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave as described
hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computer can
read.
[0065] Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in
carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to
processor 205 (or any other processor of a device described herein)
for execution. For example, the instructions may initially be borne
on a magnetic disk of a remote computer. The remote computer can
load the instructions into its dynamic memory and send the
instructions over a telephone line using a modem. A modem local to
a casino server 200 can receive the data on the telephone line and
use an infrared transmitter to convert the data to an infrared
signal. An infrared detector can receive the data earned in the
infrared signal and place the data on a system bus for processor
205. The system bus carries the data to main memory, from which
processor 205 retrieves and executes the instructions. The
instructions received by main memory may optionally be stored in
memory 215 either before or after execution by processor 205. In
addition, instructions may be received via communication port 210
as electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals, which are
exemplary forms of carrier waves that carry data streams
representing various types of information. Thus, the casino server
200 may obtain instructions in the form of a carrier wave.
[0066] Referring now to FIG. 3, illustrated therein is a block
diagram of an embodiment 300 of a gaming device (referred to as
gaming device 300 herein). The gaming device 300 may be implemented
as a system controller, a dedicated hardware circuit, an
appropriately programmed general-purpose computer, or any other
equivalent electronic, mechanical or electro-mechanical device. The
gaming device 300 may comprise, for example, a slot machine, a
video poker terminal, a video blackjack terminal, a video keno
terminal, a video lottery terminal, a pachinko machine or a
tabletop game. In various embodiments, a gaming device 300 may
comprise, for example, a personal computer (e.g., which
communicates with an online casino Web site), a telephone (e.g., to
communicate with an automated sports book that provides gaming
services), or a portable handheld gaming device (e.g., a personal
digital assistant or Nintendo GameBoy). The gaming device 300 may
comprise the gaming device 110 of system 100 (FIG. 1). In some
embodiments, a user device such as a PDA or cell phone may be used
in place of, or in addition to, some or all of the gaming device
300 components depicted in FIG. 3. Further, a gaming device 300 may
comprise a personal computer or other device operable to
communicate with an online casino and facilitate game play at the
online casino. In one or more embodiments, the gaining device 300
may comprise a computing device operable to execute software that
simulates play of a reeled slot machine game, video poker game,
video blackjack game, video keno game, video roulette game, or
lottery game.
[0067] The gaming device 300 comprises a processor 305, such as one
or more Intel.RTM. Pentium.RTM. processors. The processor 305 is in
communication with a communications port 310 (e.g., for
communicating with one or more other devices) and a memory 315. The
memory 315 may comprise an appropriate combination of magnetic,
optical and/or semiconductor memory, and may include, for example,
Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), a compact disc
and/or a hard disk. The memory 315 may comprise or include any type
of computer-readable medium. The processor 305 and the memory 315
may each be, for example: (i) located entirely within a single
computer or other device; or (ii) connected to each other by a
remote communication medium, such as a serial port cable, telephone
line or radio frequency transceiver. In one embodiment, the gaming
device 300 may comprise one or more devices that are connected to a
remote server computer for maintaining databases.
[0068] The memory 315 stores a program 320 for controlling the
processor 305. The processor 305 performs instructions of the
program 320, and thereby operates in accordance with the present
invention, and particularly in accordance with the methods
described in detail herein. The program 320 may be stored in a
compressed, uncompiled and/or encrypted format. The program 320
furthermore includes program elements that may be necessary, such
as an operating system, a database management system and "device
drivers" for allowing the processor 305 to interface with computer
peripheral devices. Appropriate program elements are known to those
skilled in the art, and need not be described in detail herein.
[0069] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the
instructions of the program 320 may be read into a main memory from
another computer-readable medium, such from a ROM to RAM. Execution
of sequences of the instructions in program 320 causes processor
305 to perform the process steps described herein. In alternate
embodiments, hard-wired circuitry 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 and software.
[0070] The memory 315 also stores a payout database 325.
Embodiments of the payout database 325 are described in detail
below.
[0071] Note that, although the payout database 325 is described as
being stored in a gaming device 300, in other embodiments of the
present invention some or all of this database may be partially or
wholly stored in another device, such as the casino server 120.
Further, some or all of the data described as being stored in the
payout database 325 may be partially or wholly stored (in addition
to or in lieu of being stored in the memory 315 of the gaming
device 300) in a memory of one or more other devices, such as that
of casino server 120.
[0072] The payout database 325, as well as the player database 225,
is described in detail below and an example structure of each
database is depicted with sample entries in the accompanying
figures. 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, 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.
[0073] The memory 315 also stores a credit meter balance 330 (which
stores the amount of electronic credits that a player currently has
available for wagering and/or cash out) and a winnings balance 335
that stores the current amount of winnings that a player is
entitled to for a particular game play. In one or more embodiments,
the memory 315 may also store additional information. For example,
the memory 315 may store an amount of coins currently available in
a hopper of the gaming device 300.
[0074] The processor 305 is also operable to communicate with a
random number generator 340, which may be a component of gaming
device 300. The random number generator 340, in accordance with at
least one embodiment of the present invention, may generate data
representing random or pseudo-random values (referred to as "random
numbers" herein). The random number generator 340 may generate a
random number, for example, every predetermined unit of time (e.g.,
every second) or in response to an initiation of a game on the
gaming device. In the former embodiment, the generated random
numbers may be used as they are generated (e.g., the random number
generated at substantially the time of game initiation is used for
that game) and/or stored for future use.
[0075] A random number generator, as used herein, may be embodied
as a processor separate from but working in cooperation with
processor 305. Alternatively, random number generator may be
embodied as an algorithm, program component, or software stored in
the memory of gaming device 300 and used to generate a random
number.
[0076] Note that, although the generation or obtainment of a random
number is described herein as involving a random number generator
of a gaming device, other methods of determining a random number
may be employed. For example, a gaming device owner or operator may
obtain sets of random numbers that have been generated by another
entity. HotBits.TM., for example, is a service that provides random
numbers that have been generated by timing successive pairs of
radioactive decays detected by a Geiger-Muller tube interfaced to a
computer. A blower mechanism that uses physical balls with numbers
thereon may be used to determine a random number by randomly
selecting one of the balls and determining the number thereof.
[0077] The processor 305 is also operable to communicate with a
benefit output device 345, which may be a component of gaming
device 300. The benefit output device 345 may comprise one or more
devices for outputting a benefit to a player of the gaming device
300.
[0078] For example, in one embodiment the gaming device 300 may
provide coins and/or tokens as a benefit. In such an embodiment the
benefit output device 345 may comprise a hopper and hopper
controller, for dispensing coins and/or tokens into a coin tray of
the gaming device 300.
[0079] In another example, the gaming device 300 may provide a
receipt or other document on which there is printed an indication
of a benefit (e.g., a cashless gaming receipt that has printed
thereon a monetary value, which is redeemable for cash in the
amount of the monetary value). In such an embodiment the benefit
output device 345 may comprise a printing and document dispensing
mechanism.
[0080] In yet another example, the gaming device 300 may provide
electronic credits as a benefit (which, e.g., may be subsequently
converted to coins and/or tokens and dispensed from a hopper into a
coin tray). In such an embodiment the benefit output device 345 may
comprise a credit meter balance and/or a processor that manages the
amount of electronic credits that is indicated on a display of a
credit meter balance. The processor may be the processor 305 or
another processor.
[0081] In yet another example, the gaming device 300 may credit a
monetary amount to a financial account associated with a player as
a benefit provided to a player. The financial account may be, for
example, a credit card account, a debit account, a charge account,
a checking account, or a casino account. In such an embodiment the
benefit output device 345 may comprise a device for communicating
with a server on which the financial account is maintained.
[0082] Note that, in one or more embodiments, the gaming device 300
may include more than one benefit output device 345 even though
only one benefit output device is illustrated in FIG. 3. For
example, the gaming device 300 may include both a hopper and hopper
controller combination and a credit meter balance. Such a gaming
device may be operable to provide more than one type of benefit to
a player of the gaming device.
[0083] A single benefit output device 345 may be operable to output
more than one type of benefit. For example, a benefit output device
345 may be operable to increase the balance of credits in a credit
meter and communicate with a remote device in order to increase the
balance of a financial account associated with a player.
[0084] The processor 305 is also operable to communicate with a
display device 350, which may be a component of gaming device 300.
The display device 350 may comprise, for example, one or more
display devices or areas of a display device for outputting
information related to game play on the gaming device. A display
device 350 may comprise, for example, a cathode ray tube (CRT)
monitor, liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, or light emitting
diode (LED) screen.
[0085] In one or more embodiments, a gaming device may comprise
more than one display device. For example, a gaming device may
comprise an LCD display for displaying electronic reels and a
display area that displays rotating mechanical reels.
[0086] The processor 305 may also be in communication with one or
more other devices besides the display device 350, for outputting
information (e.g., to a player or another device). Such other one
or more output devices may also be components of gaming device 300.
Such other one or more output devices may comprise, for example, an
audio speaker, an infra-red transmitter, a radio transmitter, an
electric motor, a printer (e.g., such as for printing cashless
gaming vouchers), a coupon or product dispenser, an infrared port
(e.g., for communicating with a second gaming device or a portable
device of a player), a Braille computer monitor, and a coin or bill
dispenser. For gaming devices, common output devices include a
cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor on a video poker machine, a bell on
a gaming device (e.g., rings when a player wins), an LED display of
a player's credit balance on a gaming device, an LCD display of a
personal digital assistant (PDA) for displaying keno numbers.
[0087] The display device 350 may comprise, for example, one or
more display areas. For example, one of the display areas may
display outcomes of games played on the gaming device (e.g.,
electronic reels of a gaming device). Another of the display areas
may display rules for playing a game of the gaming device. Yet
another of the display areas may display the benefits obtainable by
playing a game of the gaming device (e.g., in the form of a payout
table). In yet another of the display areas, a credit meter balance
of the player may be displayed. In yet another of the display
areas, marketing messages may be displayed to the player (e.g.,
offers for benefits in exchange for activities or commitments to be
performed by the player). In one or more embodiments, the gaming
device 300 may include more than one display device, one or more
other output devices, or a combination thereof (e.g., two display
devices and two audio speakers).
[0088] The processor 305 is may also be operable to communicate
with an input device 355, which is a device that is capable of
receiving an input (e.g., from a player or another device) and
which may be a component of gaming device 300. An input device may
communicate with or be part of another device (eg. a server, a
gaming device, etc.). Some examples of input devices include: a
bar-code scanner, a magnetic stripe reader, a computer keyboard or
keypad, a button, a handle, a keypad, a touch-screen, a microphone,
an infrared sensor, a voice recognition module, a coin or bill
acceptor, a sonic ranger, a computer port, a video camera, a motion
detector, a digital camera, a network card, a universal serial bus
(USB) port, a GPS receiver, a radio frequency identification (RFID)
receiver, an RF receiver, a thermometer, a pressure sensor, an
infrared port (e.g., for receiving communications from a second
gaming device or a another device such as a smart card or PDA of a
player), and a weight scale. For gaming devices, common input
devices include a button or touch screen on a video poker machine,
a lever or handle connected to the gaming device, a magnetic stripe
reader to read a player tracking card inserted into a gaming
device, a touch screen for input of player selections during game
play, and a coin and bill acceptor.
[0089] The processor 305 may also be operable to communicate with a
payment system 360, which may be a component of gaming device 300.
The payment system 360 is a device capable of accepting payment
from a player (e.g., a bet or initiation of a balance). Payment is
not limited to currency, but may also include other types of
consideration, including products, services, and alternate
currencies (e.g., comp points). Currency, as used herein, includes
coins, bills and tokens, as well as cashless gaming receipts and
electronic currency (e.g., transfers from a bank, such as a credit
card issuer, or e-cash.TM.).
[0090] Exemplary methods of accepting payment by the payment system
360 include (i) receiving bard currency (i.e., coins or bills), and
accordingly the payment system 360 may comprise a coin or bill
acceptor; (ii) receiving an alternate currency (e.g., a paper
cashless gaming voucher, a coupon, a non-negotiable token), and
accordingly the payment system 360 may comprise a bar code reader
or other sensing means; (iii) receiving a payment identifier (e.g.,
a credit card number, a debit card number, a player tracking card
number) and debiting the account identified by the payment
identifier; and (iv) determining that a player has performed a
value-added activity.
[0091] The processor 305 is also operable to communicate with a
player tracking card reader 365, which may be a component of gaming
device 300. Player tracking card reader 365 may be a device that
may be capable of identifying and/or storing information about a
player of gaming device 300. Typically player-tracking cards may be
accessed by gaming devices and magnetic card readers operated by
casino staff. The information stored on the player-tracking card
may include identifying information, as well as financial
information, such as a number of gambling credits remaining. The
card may be machine readable, for example, by a gaming device.
[0092] In one embodiment, a player may operate a plurality of
gaming devices. For example, a player may simultaneously play two
side-by-side gaming devices, a player may play one gaming device
(e.g. a gaming device) and then continue his gaming session at
another gaming device (e.g. a video poker machine), and a player
may remotely operate a gaming device, possibly by using a
telephone, PDA or other device (i) to transmit commands (directly
or indirectly) to the gaming device, such as wager amounts and
commands to select certain cards; and/or (ii) to receive output
(directly or indirectly) from the gaming device.
[0093] In one embodiment, a gaming device may allow a player to
play a game of skill rather than a game of chance. Such an
embodiment may be more appealing to certain players or may be
permitted in areas where it is illegal to gamble on games of
chance.
[0094] Referring now to FIG. 4, an embodiment 400 of a plan view of
an exemplary gaming device 110 is illustrated. In the embodiment
400 of gaming device 110 (referred to as gaming device 400 herein),
the gaming device comprises a three-reel slot machine. The gaming
device 400 comprises a first portion 405, a second portion 410, and
a third portion 415.
[0095] The first portion 405 includes a display of a payout table
consistent with one or more embodiments of the present invention.
The payout table includes a plurality of outcomes 420, each outcome
corresponding to an effect 425. Each effect 425 comprises an effect
on a balance of winnings. For example, one of the effects is "lose
1/2 of balance." This effect corresponds to an outcome of
"cherry-cherry-cherry". Thus, when a player obtains an outcome of
"cherry-cherry-cherry", the effect of "lose 1/2 of balance" is
applied to the player's current balance of winnings. For example,
if the player's balance of winnings was $500,000 immediately before
the player obtained the outcome of "cherry-cherry-cherry", that
balance would be reduced to $250,000 once the player obtained the
outcome. It should be noted that the payout table may be displayed,
for example, on an electronic display or on painted "belly glass",
as would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0096] The second portion 410 comprises (i) a display 430 for
displaying a player's current balance of winnings (i.e., a display
of the balance of winnings meter 335), (ii) a display 435 for
displaying a number of spins (or rounds of the game) that the
player must complete before qualifying to receive a final balance
of winnings, (iii) a display 440 for displaying a player's current
credit meter balance, and (iv) a player tracking card reader 445
for accepting a player tracking card.
[0097] It should be noted that a display of a gaming device for
displaying a balance of winnings such as display 430 may have in
its proximity a text s disclaimer indicating that the balance of
winnings cannot be cashed out or otherwise redeemed so long as
there are still any rounds remaining in a game play. A disclaimer
may also be broadcast via a speaker of the gaming device. With the
use of disclaimers, a player may be less likely to mistakenly
believe that he can cash out a million-dollar balance of winnings
before a game play has been finished. In one or more embodiments, a
number of rounds remaining in a game play may be displayed to a
player on one or more reels or other display areas of the gaming
device.
[0098] It should be noted that in the embodiment depicted in FIG.
4, a game play comprises a predetermined number of rounds of a game
that the player must complete before qualifying for the final
balance of winnings. As described herein, in other embodiments a
game play may comprise a predetermined amount of time that a player
must initiate rounds of the game for in order to qualify for the
final balance of winnings. In such an embodiment, the display 435
may display a "time remaining" rather than a number of spins
remaining. In one embodiment, a player must initiate rounds of the
game for a predetermined amount of time and at a minimum
predetermined rate of play (e.g., five spins per minute). In such
an embodiment, the display 435 or another display may also display
to the player the current rate of play, a comparison of the current
rate of play to the minimum predetermined rate of play, and/or an
indication of whether the current rate of play is at least equal to
the minimum predetermined rate of play. It should be noted that the
credit meter balance is distinct from the balance of winnings. It
should further be noted that, if the gaming device 400 was a video
poker machine? the display 435 might indicate a number of final
"hands" remaining rather than a number of "spins" remaining.
[0099] The third portion 415 includes (i) a display 450 for
displaying the outcome achieved by a player, (ii) a display 455 for
outputting messages to a player, (iii) a cash out button 460, (iv)
a payment system 465 via which a player may input coins or tokens
for wagers on the gaming device 400; (v) a handle 470 for
initiating a round of the game playable on gaming device 400, and
(vi) a coin tray 475 via which coins and/or tokens may be output to
the player (e.g., in response to the player actuating the cash out
button 460).
[0100] The gaming device 400 also comprises a display 480 that
displays the rules of the game. As can be seen, the display 480
indicates that a player can win an initial balance of winnings
equaling $1,000,000 if the player initiates six rounds of the game
and does not lose any of this initial balance of winnings during
the six rounds. For example, if a player were to obtain the outcome
"7-7-7" six times in a row, the player would win the initial
balance of winnings of $1,000,000. Otherwise, as the rule displayed
on display 480 indicates, at the end of the six rounds the player
wins whatever the final balance of winnings is.
[0101] For example, assume a player obtained the outcome
"cherry-cherry-cherry" for the first round of a game play. The
player's initial balance of winnings would be decreased from
$1,000,000 to $500,000 (since the outcome "cherry-cherry-cherry"
corresponds to the effect "lose 1/2 of balance" and 1/2 of
$1,000,000 is $500,000. Assume further that the outcome for the
second round was "bar-bar-bar". As a result of this outcome, the
current balance of winnings as displayed in the display 430 would
be decreased to $250,000 (since the effect corresponding to the
outcome "bar-bar-bar" is "lose $250,000" and $500,000 less $250,000
is $250,000). Assume further that the player then obtained, for the
third round, the outcome "bell-bell-bar". As a result of this
outcome, the current balance of winnings as displayed in display
430 would be decreased to $25,000 (since the effect corresponding
to the outcome "bar-bar-bell" is "to lose 90% of the balance", 90%
of $250,000 is $225,000, and $250,000 less $225,000 is $25,000).
Assume further still that the outcome for the fourth round was
"7-7-cherry", which qualifies as an "any pair-cherry" outcome. As a
result of this outcome, the balance of winnings would be reduced to
$20,000 (since the outcome "any pair-cherry" corresponds to an
effect of "lose 20% of the balance", 20% of $25,000 is $5,000, and
$25,000 less $5,000 is $20,000). Assuming that the outcome obtained
for the fifth round was "lemon-lemon-lemon". The current balance of
winnings would be reduced to $200 (since the effect corresponding
to the outcome of "lemon-lemon-lemon" is "lose 99% of balance", 99%
of $20,000 is $19,800, and $20,000 less $19,800 is $200). Finally,
for the sixth and last round of the game play, assume that the
player obtained the outcome "bell-bell-bar". As a result of this
outcome, the final balance of winnings would be set to $20 (since
the effect corresponding to the outcome "bell-bell-bar" is "lose
90% of balance", 90% of $200 is $180 and $200 less $180 is $20).
Accordingly, in the current example, at the end of six rounds the
player would be provided with a final balance of winnings equaling
$20. For example, $20 worth of electronic credits could be added to
the player's credit balance or $20 worth of casino tokens could be
dispensed to the player via the coin tray 455.
[0102] Note that the gaming device 400 may include different and/or
additional components besides those illustrated in FIG. 4 and may
not necessarily include each of the components illustrated in FIG.
4. For example, the gaming device 400 may include a display
indicating the wager amount necessary for initiating a game play at
the gaming device.
[0103] Referring now to FIG. 5, an exemplary tabular representation
500 illustrates an embodiment of a player database 225, such as may
be stored in the memory of a casino server 120. The tabular
representation 500 of the player database includes a number of
example records or entries, each defining a player registered with
the entity practicing the present invention. Those skilled in the
art will understand that the player database 500 may include any
number of entries.
[0104] The tabular representation 500 also defines fields for each
of the entries or records. The fields specify: (i) a player
identifier 505 that uniquely identifies a player, (ii) a name 510
of a player, (iii) an address 515 associated with the player, (iv)
a financial account identifier 520 associated with a player, (v)
demographic information 525 that stores demographic information
associated with the player, (vi) available privileges 530 that
stores an indication of one or more privileges that a player has
available for use in one or more rounds of a game; (vii) a lifetime
coin-in 535 that indicates an amount of wagers placed by the player
within a predetermined period of time (e.g., since the player's
wagers have begun to be tracked, and (viii) a theoretical
win/[loss] 540 associated with the player.
[0105] The information in the player database 500 may be created
and updated, for example, based on information received from a
player, a casino employee, a gaming device 110, a casino server
120, and/or another device. For example, the information may be
created when a player registers with a casino and receives a
player-tracking card encoded with the player identifier. The
information may be subsequently updated when a player requests to
update the information (e.g., when a player indicates a desire to
change a preferred character or preferred method of outputting an
outcome) or when additional information is obtained about the
player via the casino's interactions with the player (e.g., the
lifetime theoretical win may be updated on an ongoing basis as the
player plays games at a casino).
[0106] The player identifier 505 may be, for example, an
alphanumeric code associated with a player who may operate a gaming
device or play a table game at a casino. The player identifier 505
may be generated or selected, for example, by the casino server 120
or by the player (e.g., when a player first registers with a
casino). In some embodiments, a player tracking card number of a
player-tracking card provided to a player may be distinct from a
player identifier. In such embodiments, an additional field for the
player tracking card number may be included in player database
500.
[0107] For each player, the player database 500 may also store the
player's name 510 (e.g., for use in outputting messages to the
player). In one or more embodiments the player's name may comprise
a nickname or other designation for the player that is selected by
the player or the casino. In one or more embodiments, the nickname
may comprise a designation that reflects the player's status (e.g.,
"premium player") Such a status may indicate, for example, the
typical spending range of the player or other indication of how
valuable the player is considered to be by the casino. Such a
designation may or may not be known to the player.
[0108] The address 515 stores an address that may be used to
contact a player. Such an address may comprise, for example, a home
postal mailing address, an electronic mail (e-mail) address, and/or
an address of a portable device at which the player may receive
messages. For example, in one embodiment a player may be associated
with a Bluetooth.TM.-enabled device. In such an embodiment, the
Bluetooth.TM. address (often referred to as the BD_ADDR) of that
device may be stored in address field 515. The Bluetooth.TM.
address of a Bluetooth.TM.-enabled device is a 12-character code
that can usually be found on the device such as near the device's
serial number. In another example, the address field 515 may be an
IP address of the device. Note that more than one address or type
of address may be stored in the address field 515.
[0109] The financial account identifier 520 (e.g., a credit card
account number, a debit card account number, a checking account
number, a casino financial account number, or digital payment
protocol information) identifies a financial account associated
with the player. The financial account identifier 520 may be used,
for example, to credit a payment to the player (e.g., wherein a
benefit obtained by the player comprises a monetary amount) and/or
to debit a wager amount. For example, if, in response to a message
output to a player, the player agrees to perform an activity in
exchange for a payment, the payment may be credited to the
financial account by use of the financial account identifier
associated with the player.
[0110] The demographic information field 525 stores various
demographic information associated with a player. For example, the
player's gender, age, income level, and occupation may be stored.
Additional information about the player's interests and hobbies may
also be stored. Such information may be utilized, for example, to
select and/or customize messages and/or bonuses presented to the
player. Such information may be provided by a player, for example,
when the player registers with the casino or via a survey answered
by the player at another time.
[0111] The available privileges field 530 stores an indication of
any privileges that a player may have obtained and that are still
available for use by the player. As discussed herein, in one or
more embodiments an outcome obtained by a player during a game play
may correspond to a privilege that grants special advantages or
permissions to the player In some embodiments, such a privilege may
be usable by a player at the player's discretion or when the player
otherwise qualifies to use the privilege. In such embodiments, a
privilege granted by a player may be associated with the player by
being stored in association with the player identifier in the
player database 500. Accordingly, the player's record in the
database may be checked as appropriate to determine whether the
player has an available privilege. Note that the privileges are
illustrated as being described in text that describes the effect of
each privilege. In other embodiments, each privilege may be
associated with a unique identifier and the identifier may be
stored in the player database 500. Further note that some
privileges may have restrictions associated therewith. For example,
a privilege may only be usable at certain times, at a particular
gaming device or type of gaming device, or in a particular game.
Any such restrictions on the use of a privilege may be stored in
association with the privilege in the player database 500. In other
embodiments, if only a privilege identifier is stored in the player
database 500, another database may store additional details about
the privileges available to players (including any restrictions
associated therewith and the effect of the privilege). In such
embodiments, the privilege identifier may be retrieved from the
player's record in the player database and the additional details
associated with the privilege may be retrieved from this other
database based on the privilege identifier.
[0112] Exemplary privileges that may be provided to a player
include the following: [0113] (i) A privilege may allow a player to
void the effect of an outcome obtained by a player, without
requiring the player to complete another round and thus obtain a
replacement outcome. Thus, for example, if the effect of an outcome
caused a reduction in the current balance of winnings from 100 to
10 coins, the privilege (when exercised) would result in the
balance of winnings being restored to 100 coins. [0114] (ii) A
privilege may allow a player to avoid the effect of an outcome
obtained during a round of a game play, but require the player to
complete another round in order to obtain a replacement outcome.
[0115] (iii) A privilege may allow a player to avoid completing one
or more rounds before finishing a game play, but only before the
player obtains the outcome of the round. Thus, for example, a
player who had two out of three spins remaining in a game play in a
reel slot machine may now finish the game play after having
completed only one or more spins. [0116] (iv) A privilege may allow
a player to avoid completing all remaining rounds in a game play,
thus effectively decreasing the number of rounds required for
successful completion of the game play. In one or more embodiments,
such a privilege may be associated with a constraint that limits
its use to game plays in which a player has a number of rounds
remaining in the game play that is less than or equal to a
predetermined number. [0117] (v) A privilege may allow a player to
guarantee that a current balance of winnings will not be reduced
from its present level by the end of a game play or will not be
reduced by more than a specified amount or percentage. In games
where all possible outcomes have an associated effect that causes a
balance of winnings to be decreased, such a privilege may have the
same effect as a privilege that allows a player to avoid completing
all remaining rounds in a game play. [0118] (vi) A privilege may
allow a player to lessen the severity of an effect associated with
an outcome. For example, a privilege may allow a player to limit
the reduction in the player's balance of winnings to only half of
what the reduction would otherwise be. For example, if the effect
of the outcome is to reduce the current balance of winnings by
1,000 coins, then by exercising the privilege the player may limit
the reduction to 500 coins. Or, in another example, if the effect
of the outcome is to reduce the current balance of winnings by 50%,
then by exercising the privilege the player may limit the reduction
to 25%. In another example of this type of privilege, a player may
be allowed to limit his losses on a given round to a predetermined
level. For example, the privilege may provide that a current
balance of winnings is to be reduced by a maximum amount (e.g.,
10,000 coins) or percentage (e.g., 10%) as a result of a given
outcome. [0119] (vii) A privilege may allow a player to restore a
balance of winnings to its level at some prior point in the game
play. For example, a player may restore a win balance to its
initial level, even though he may be on his fourth round in a game
play. Alternatively, a player might be limited to restoring a
balance of winnings only to the level it was at in a predetermined
round or within a predetermined number of rounds prior to the
exercise of the privilege (e.g., the level it was in the round
immediately prior to the round in which the privilege is
exercised). In one or more embodiments, a player may be able to
increase his balance of winnings to a level above that of its
initial level. [0120] (viii) A privilege may allow a player to
terminate a game play immediately and receive the current balance
of winnings, without having to complete any additional rounds of
the game play. For example, such a privilege may be granted to the
player upon the occurrence of a special "cashout" symbol in an
outcome of the gaming device. The symbol may depict, for example,
the coin tray of a gaming device, or may show an actual button with
the word "cashout" on it. [0121] (ix) A privilege may allow a
player to terminate a game play immediately and receive
consideration, but requiring the player to settle for a lesser
amount than the current balance of winnings. For example the player
might be required to settle for 10% (or another specified
percentage) of the current balance of winnings or for the current
balance of winnings less 100 coins (or another specified amount).
[0122] (x) A privilege may allow a player increase a current
balance of winnings. For example, such a privilege may allow a
player to double or triple a balance of winnings or to add a
specified amount or percentage to the current balance of winnings.
[0123] (xi) A privilege may allow a player to reduce an amount of
time remaining in a game play. For example, in accordance with one
embodiment a game play may require a player to play rounds of the
game for a predetermined amount of time. In such an embodiment this
privilege may allow that predetermined period of time to be reduced
(e.g., by a predetermined amount or by a predetermined portion of
an amount of time remaining in the game play at the time the
privilege is exercised). [0124] (xii) A privilege may allow a
player to reduce a minimum rate of play required in a game play.
For example, in accordance with one embodiment a game play may
require a player to play rounds of a game for a predetermined
amount of time and at a predetermined minimum rate. In such an
embodiment this privilege may allow that predetermined minimum rate
to be reduced (e.g., by a predetermined amount or to a
predetermined level).
[0125] In one or more embodiments, a privilege may have one or more
restrictions or conditions associated therewith. For example, a
privilege may have an expiration condition associated therewith,
such that the privilege may only be exercised within a
predetermined amount of time from the time at which it is obtained
or within a predetermined number of rounds from the round in which
it is obtained. In another example, a privilege may only be
exercised within a particular game, game play, or round of a game
play, or on a particular gaming device or type of gaming device. In
yet another example, a privilege may only be exercisable during a
particular period of time or if another specified condition is
satisfied. In yet another example, a privilege may be exercisable
until a condition is satisfied.
[0126] In one or more embodiments, a privilege may only be
exercised a single time. In other embodiments a privilege may be
exercisable a plurality of times (e.g., three times or until a
specified condition is satisfied). For example, a player who
obtains a particular privilege may have the option of exercising
the privilege five times in the same game play, or may be limited
as to the number of times per game play that the privilege may be
exercised.
[0127] In one or more embodiments, a privilege may be exercised in
response to a command to do so from the player. For example, when a
player obtains a privilege as a result of an outcome, the player
may choose to exercise the privilege for the current round or to
save the privilege for use in a subsequent round (or both, if the
particular privilege is exercisable more than once). In other
embodiments, a privilege may be exercised automatically for a
player, without a command from the player to do so. For example, a
privilege may be exercised automatically at the time it is
obtained, for the round in which it is obtained or for the next
round. In another embodiment, if a privilege has associated
therewith a condition restricting when the privilege may be
exercised, the privilege may automatically be exercised at the time
the condition is satisfied.
[0128] In one or more embodiments, any privileges available to a
player may be displayed for the player so that be may more easily
remember which privileges are available to him. For instance, if a
player has obtained an outcome conferring a "cancel a spin"
privilege, the player's gaming device may display an icon on a
display screen showing a picture of a three reels with a line
through them. When the player wishes to exercise the privilege to
cancel a spin, the player may simply touch the icon. Of course,
privileges may be displayed in many other forms, such as in the
form of text, or in the form of LEDs, each of which may be lit to
indicate a different privilege.
[0129] In one or more embodiments, a player may purchase or
otherwise earn a privilege. For example, in one embodiment a player
may receive a privilege in return for a commitment or agreement. To
receive the privilege, the player may be required to accept an
offer presented to him. In return for the privilege, the player may
commit to do one or more of the following: [0130] (i) answer survey
questions; [0131] (ii) provide an opinion about a product or
service; [0132] (iii) monitor the feeds from security cameras;
[0133] (iv) make a purchase of a product or service from the casino
or another entity; [0134] (v) do business with a third-party
merchant (e.g, a player might commit to sign up for a merchant's
credit card); [0135] (vi) refer the casino, a third-party merchant,
or a product or service to a friend; [0136] (vii) provide advice,
such as legal, medical, or financial advice; [0137] (viii) perform
any other form of work; [0138] (ix) try or agree to try in the
future a product or service.
[0139] In one or more embodiments, an offer for a privilege might
be output to a player after the player obtains an outcome the
effect of which substantially reduces a current balance of winnings
associated with the player. An offer for a privilege may be output
via visual or audio means.
[0140] For example, the casino server 120 may, in one or more
embodiments, store potential offers in a database (not shown). The
casino server 120 may further monitor play at the player's gaming
device 110 by, for example, receiving outcome information from the
gaming device 10 via a network (such as network 115). If events at
the gaming device 110 satisfy one or more predetermined criteria,
the casino server 120 may determine an appropriate offer based on
the criteria and cause the offer to be output to the player.
[0141] Returning now to the description of FIG. 5, the lifetime
coin in field 535 stores an indication of the sum of wagers placed
by the player over a predetermined period of time. For example, the
lifetime coin in may represent the sum of wagers placed by a player
at gaming devices since the player first registered with the
casino. Such information may be useful, for example, in determining
whether a player should be accorded a special status and thus
provided with certain benefits. For example, if a player's coin in
is above a predetermined threshold, any privileges associated with
the player may not expire or may not expire as soon as they
otherwise would.
[0142] The theoretical win/[loss] 540 stores an indication of the
theoretical win of the casino based on the playing activity of the
player since the playing activity of the player has been tracked.
In other words, the theoretical win/[loss] 540 may be a "lifetime"
theoretical win. In other embodiments a theoretical win/[loss]
based on other periods of time may be stored in addition to or
instead of the lifetime historical theoretical win/[loss]. For
example, an annual, session, or trip theoretical win/[loss] may be
stored.
[0143] It should be understood that although a player identifier
and information related to each registered player is described in
detail, a player need not be registered in order to obtain benefits
of the present invention (e.g., receive messages offering benefits
based on information derived from the gaming device being played by
the player). Accordingly, registration of a player and storing of
information related to a player is not necessary for practice of
the present invention.
[0144] The player database 500 may be utilized by a casino server
200, for example, to retrieve information about players in order to
facilitate the output of messages and/or the provision of a benefit
to a player. For example, the player's name may be retrieved from
the player database for incorporation into the message to be output
to the player. In another example, the address of the player device
associated with the player may be retrieved for use in outputting
the message to the player. In yet another example, the financial
account identifier associated with the player may be retrieved for
use in crediting a benefit to the player.
[0145] In one or more embodiments, the player database 500, or some
or all of the data described as being stored therein, may be stored
in a device other than the casino server 200. For example, the
player database 500 may be stored in a gaming device 110 and/or
another device. In another example, a record of a player as would
be stored in the player database 500 may additionally or
alternately be stored on a player tracking card that a player
inserts into a gaming device.
[0146] Referring now to FIG. 6, an exemplary tabular representation
600 illustrates an embodiment of a payout table 325, such as may be
stored in the memory of a gaming device 300. The tabular
representation 600 of the payout table 325 includes a number of
example records or entries, each defining an outcome that may be
obtained by a player of the gaming device 300. Those skilled in the
art will understand that the payout table 600 may include any
number of entries.
[0147] The tabular representation 600 also defines fields for each
of the entries or records. The fields specify: (i) an outcome 605,
(ii) an effect 610 that corresponds to the outcome, and (iii) a
probability 615 of the outcome being obtained by a player.
[0148] The payout table 600 may be utilized by a gaming device 300,
for example, to determine how a current balance of winnings is to
be adjusted based on an outcome obtained by a player for a round of
a game. For example, if an outcome of "bar-bar-bar" is obtained for
a round of a game and the current balance is $300,000, the gaming
device may determine, based on the payout table 600, that the
current balance of winnings should be adjusted to be $100,000
(since the outcome "bar-bar-bar" corresponds to an effect of
dividing the balance of winnings by three and $300,000 divided by
three is $100,000).
[0149] It should be noted that payout table 600 is designed for use
in a game where a player begins with a win balance of $1,000, and
completes five rounds in order to complete a game play. In the
exemplary payout structure illustrated, the balance of winnings can
never go below zero. Numerous such game plays were simulated on a
computer, and the expected balance of winnings following the fifth
round of a game play was experimentally determined to be
approximately 0.9 credits. Therefore if a player were to place a
wager of one coin for a game play, the casino may be expected to
win an average of 0.1 coin per game play.
[0150] It should be noted that, in one or more embodiments, the
fact that a gaming device is operable to apply effects of outcomes
that cause a balance of winnings to be decreased may be clearly and
prominently displayed, e.g., with a lit sign on top of the gaming
device, to avoid or minimize confusion on a player's part.
[0151] It should further be noted that, although the effects
depicted in FIG. 6 each cause a balance of winnings to be decreased
or, at most, remain unchanged, in some embodiments of the present
invention at least one outcome obtainable for a game play may
correspond to an effect that causes the balance of winnings to be
increased. For example, an effect may be to restore the balance of
winnings to a prior balance of winnings, to multiply the balance of
winnings by an integer greater than zero or by a percentage greater
than one hundred percent, or to add a constant to the balance of
winnings.
[0152] Although a balance of winnings has been described with
respect to FIG. 6 as representing an amount of currency, a balance
of winnings may represent a value of many other types of prizes.
Further, although the effects of outcomes have been illustrated in
FIG. 6 in terms of a reduction in an amount of currency, in one or
more embodiments an effect may be in the form of a reduction in
another type of prize, as appropriate. Exemplary types of prizes
that a win balance may represent and the different forms that
effects can take are described in detail below.
[0153] In one embodiment, a balance of winnings may represent a
level of a comp to be provided a player at the end of a game play.
For example, the highest level of a balance of winnings may be a
one-night stay in a hotel suite. From this highest level, the
balance of winnings may be reduced to a deluxe room, to a standard
room, and then to nothing, based on different effects associated
with outcomes.
[0154] In one embodiment, a balance of winnings may progress from
an initial top prize of a gourmet dinner for four people, to a
gourmet dinner for two people, to a steakhouse dinner for four
people, to a steakhouse dinner for two people, and finally to
nothing.
[0155] In one embodiment, a balance of winnings may represent the
portion of a player's bill for which he is responsible following
his stay at a casino resort. For example, at its initial and
highest level, the balance of winnings may be set to indicate that
the player is not responsible for any portion of his bill. In other
words, his whole stay will be free. However, various effects of
outcomes obtainable by the player may cause the balance of winnings
to be reduced to lower levels of prizes. For example, if the win
balance is reduced to its next highest level, then the player may
be responsible only for his food bill. As the level of the balance
of winnings continues to decline, the player may become responsible
for his beverage bill, his spa bill, his phone bill, his premium
television bill, and finally his entire bill, including room
bill.
[0156] In one embodiment, a balance of winnings may represent a
prize such as a product or service, with higher balances of
winnings representing more valuable products or services. For
example, a balance of winnings may start out representing a house.
As the balance of winnings declines, it may represent, in turn, a
boat, a car, a set of golf clubs, a power drill, a blender, and
finally, nothing. In another progression, a win balance may at its
highest and initial level represent a diamond necklace, then a
diamond bracelet, then diamond earrings, and finally nothing.
[0157] In one embodiment, a balance of winnings may represent an
amount or quantity of a product or service to be made available to
the player. For example, an initial balance of winnings may be a
one-year membership to a particular organization. As the balance of
winnings declines, it may represent, in turn, a nine month
membership, then a six month membership, and so on. As another
example, a balance of winnings may first represent a two-year
subscription to a magazine, then a one-year subscription, then a
six-month subscription, etc.
[0158] In one embodiment, a balance of winnings may represent a
jackpot or other payout that will be made available to a player as
a potential prize at a subsequent time. For example, a player might
begin a session at a gaming device by playing a game play according
to the methods of the present invention (e.g., as a preliminary
step towards beginning conventional play at the gaming device). In
some embodiments, the player may not even be required to place a
wager for this preliminary game play. The balance of winnings at
the end of the preliminary game play may then becomes the jackpot
prize for the gaming device when it is played using conventional
methods. For example, if the player finished his preliminary game
play with a balance of winnings equaling $350,000, and
subsequently, during conventional game play, obtains an outcome
that corresponds to the jackpot prize, the player would win
$350,000. In contrast, if the player had finished the preliminary
game play with a final balance of winnings equaling $350,000, but
did not subsequently during conventional game play obtain the
outcome that corresponds to the jackpot prize, then the $350,000
would not have been provided to the player (although it may have
had psychological influence on his play).
[0159] In another variation of the above embodiment, the initial
balance of winnings for the preliminary game play (the game play
played according to embodiments of the present invention) may
represent the top prize in the conventional game to follow, the
balance of winnings following the first round of the preliminary
game play may represent the second highest prize in the game to
follow, the balance of winnings following the second round in the
preliminary game play may represent the third highest prize in the
conventional game play to follow, and so on. In this way, the
preliminary game play serves to at least partially generate a pay
table that will be used in subsequent conventional game plays. In
some embodiments, the player may be required to pay to play the
preliminary game play. The player may thus be discouraged from
repeatedly starting a new preliminary game play in order to create
the highest possible jackpot prize for himself. Alternatively or
additionally, the player may only be allowed to play a preliminary
game play in accordance with embodiments of the present invention
after he has played a predetermined number of conventional game
plays (perhaps over a predetermined duration of time or within a
single game session). In this way, the player must at least pay to
play several conventional game plays every time he desires to
generate a new jackpot level or other prize level for the
conventional game play. Another alternative would restrict the
number of times per unit of time that a player could play a
preliminary game play in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention. For example, the player might be limited to playing
twice per day.
[0160] It should be noted that a balance of winnings might be
displayed as a number or other symbol, with each distinct number or
symbol corresponding to a prize or other non-numeric item. For
example, the number "5" may represent a platinum necklace, the
number "4" may represent a gold necklace, and the number "3" may
represent a silver necklace. Alternatively a balance of winnings
may be displayed as an actual description of a prize. For instance,
a balance of winnings may be displayed as "platinum necklace" or
"gold necklace". A balance of winnings may even be displayed as a
graphic (e.g., a graphic depicting the prize or a level of a
prize).
[0161] In one or more embodiments, more than one prize may
correspond to a value represented by a balance of winnings. For
example, a first group of prizes may correspond to a first value
represented by a balance of winnings, a second group of prizes may
correspond to a second value represented by a balance of winnings,
and a third group of prizes may correspond to a third value
represented by a balance of winnings. In such embodiments, when a
final balance of winnings is determined at the end of a game play,
a player may be provided with an opportunity to select which prize
of the group of prizes corresponding to the value represented by
the final balance of winnings the player would like to be provided
with.
[0162] In one or more embodiments, a casino may employ revenue
management principles to determine which prizes correspond to which
values represented by a balance of winnings. For example, if a show
playing in a casino has a lot of empty seats but the tickets to the
show are expensive, the casino may choose to add a ticket to the
show as a prize corresponding to a high value represented by a
balance of winnings.
[0163] Referring now to FIG. 7, a flowchart illustrates a process
700 that may be performed by a gaming device 10. The process 700,
and all other processes described herein unless expressly specified
otherwise, may be performed by a gaming device 110 and/or a casino
server 120. Each of these devices is described in detail above. For
purposes of illustration, the steps of process 700 will be
described as being performed by a gaming device 110. Further, the
process 700, and all other processes described herein unless
expressly specified otherwise, may include steps in addition to
those expressly depicted in the Figures or described in the
specification without departing from the spirit and Scope of the
present invention. Similarly, the steps of process 700 and any
other process described herein, unless expressly specified
otherwise, may be performed in an order other than depicted in the
Figures or described in the specification, as appropriate.
[0164] Process 700 begins with step 705, in which a request to
initiate a game play is received at a gaming device. Receiving a
request to initiate a game play may comprise, for example,
determining that a player has inserted into the gaming device a
wager sufficient to pay for the game play. Alternatively, receiving
a request to initiate a game play may comprise determining that the
player has actuated a game play starting mechanism of the gaming
device (e.g., a start button or handle).
[0165] In one embodiment, to initiate a game play a player may
insert coins, bills, tokens, cashless gaming receipts, stored value
cards, credit cards, debit cards, or any other token of value into
the gaming device. The player may then indicate a wager by pressing
a "bet 1" or a "bet 2" button, by pressing a "play 1 line" or "play
2 lines" button, by pressing a "spin" button, by pulling the handle
of the gaming device, or in any other manner. In some embodiments,
inserting tokens of value automatically indicates a desire to
initiate a game play.
[0166] Once a request to initiate a game play is received, a
balance of winnings is established in step 710. For example, a
gaming device may retrieve from memory an amount of an initial
balance of winnings and set a meter for tracking the balance of
winnings to the amount, such that the amount is displayed to the
player as the player's current balance of winnings. As described
herein, an initial balance of winnings may be a substantially large
amount (e.g., $1,000,000), so as to cause excitement on the
player's part about the possibility of maintaining this large
balance of winnings until the end of the game play.
[0167] In one or more embodiments, an initial balance of winnings
may be established prior to a player initiating a game play. For
example, a balance of winnings meter may display an initial balance
of winnings for all who pass by, as a means for enticing players to
begin a game play at the gaming device.
[0168] In one or more embodiments, the initial amount of the
balance of winnings may be different from one game play to another.
For example, the initial amount of the balance of winnings may be
based on the identity of the player who is initiating the game
play. In another example, the initial amount of the balance of
winnings may be based on results of prior game plays completed at
the gaming device (e.g., the initial balance of winnings may
increase for each game play at which a player does not win at least
a predetermined final balance of winnings). In yet another example,
an initial amount of a balance of winnings may be based on other
factors considered relevant by a casino, gaming machine
manufacturer or game designer, such as (i) an amount of a wager,
(ii) a payout table selected by the player, (iii) a time of day,
week, month or year, and/or (iv) a current level of activity in a
casino or particular area of a casino.
[0169] In one or more embodiments, a player is unable to receive a
payout equal to the a current balance of winnings until after a
series of outcomes has been determined for a game play (e.g., a
player has completed a predetermined number or minimum number of
rounds of the game play or has completed rounds of the game play
for a predetermined or minimum period of time, perhaps at a
predetermined minimum rate of play). That is, in such embodiments
the player cannot press a "cashout" button to receive the current
balance of winnings.
[0170] Further, as described above, in one or more embodiments the
balance of winnings is distinct from any existing credit meter
balance associated with the player. As illustrated in FIG. 4, one
display 440 may display to the player a credit meter balance (which
happens to be illustrated as 48 credits in the Figure) while
another display 530 displays to the player a balance of winnings.
The credit meter balance represents value that belongs to the
player and has been left within the gaming device only for
convenience. The player is typically free to cash out the credit
meter balance at the player's discretion. However, the player
typically cannot cash out the balance of winnings until a game play
has been completed. In one or more embodiments, a player can never
cash out the balance of winnings directly. Rather, once a game play
is completed the final balance of winnings is transferred to the
credit meter balance, which the player may then freely cash
out.
[0171] In step 715 an outcome is determined for a round of the game
play. An outcome may be determined automatically once a player
initiates a game play, without a distinct command from the player
to determine the outcome. For example, in one embodiment where a
player initiates a game play that comprises a predetermined number
of rounds, the gaming device may automatically and without further
input from the player determine an outcome for each of the
predetermined rounds (e.g., at predetermined intervals) once a
player initiates the game play. In another embodiment, once the
player initiates a game play, the player then must distinctly
initiate each round of the game play (e.g., by pulling the handle
of a slot machine or pressing the start button of a video poker
machine).
[0172] The gaming device may generate each outcome in a standard
fashion. For example, assuming the gaming device comprises a reel
slot machine, the processor of the slot machine may spin the reels,
generate a random number, match the random number to a
corresponding outcome (e.g., a set of symbols) using a probability
table as is known to one of ordinary skill in the art, and cause
the reels to stop in such positions so that the corresponding
outcome is displayed to the player.
[0173] An outcome determined in accordance with embodiments of the
present invention may comprise a conventional outcome or type of
outcome available on existing gaming devices. For example, an
outcome may consist of three symbols arranged horizontally across a
pay line, or five cards arranged into a poker hand.
[0174] Once an outcome is determined, the process 700 continues to
step 720, where an effect of the outcome is applied to the current
balance of winnings. As described herein, in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention an outcome may correspond to
an effect that is analogous to a payout. The effect associated with
an outcome may cause the balance of winnings to be adjusted in some
way. For example, the outcome's effect may be to add five to the
balance of winnings, to subtract seven from the balance of
winnings, or to cause the balance of winnings to be divided by two
and thus reduced by half. Thus, in one or more embodiments, the
effect of an outcome is to produce an adjusted balance of winnings
that is a function of the current balance of winnings (i.e., the
balance of winnings before the effect of the outcome is applied
thereto).
[0175] Accordingly, in one or more embodiments each outcome may be
associated with a mathematical function. The following is an
exemplary list of possible effects that may be associated with an
outcome, together with how these effects might be expressed when
written in the form of exemplary mathematical functions. In the
following exemplary mathematical functions (i) the current balance
of winnings is represented by "cbw", (ii) the new balance of
winnings (which will be the current balance of winnings once the
effect of the outcome is applied) is represented by "nbw", and
(iii) a constant is represented by "c".
[0176] (i) effect: add a constant to the current balance of
winnings [0177] mathematical function: nbw=cbw+c
[0178] (ii) effect: subtract a constant from the current balance of
winnings [0179] mathematical function: nbw=[(cbw)-(c)]
[0180] (iii) effect: multiply the current balance of winnings by a
constant [0181] mathematical function: nbw=[(cbw).times.(c)]
[0182] (iv) effect: divide the current balance of winnings by a
constant [0183] mathematical function: nbw=[(cbw)/(c)]
[0184] (v) effect: raise the current balance of winnings to a power
[0185] mathematical function: nbw=cbw c
[0186] (vi) effect: extract a root from the current balance of
winnings [0187] mathematical function: nbw=cbw (1/c)
[0188] (vii) effect: raise a constant to the power of the current
balance of winnings [0189] mathematical function: nbw=c.sup.cbw
[0190] (viii) effect: take the logarithm of the current balance of
winnings [0191] mathematical function: nbw=Log(cbw)
[0192] Of course other effects would be understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art after reading the present disclosure. For
example, a current balance of winnings could be reduced by a
particular percentage (e.g., 50%, 99%, etc.).
[0193] It should be noted that when an effect is applied to a
current balance of winnings, the result might be a number that is
not a whole number. In some embodiments, such a result may be
truncated or rounded to the nearest whole number. In other
embodiments, a number that is not a whole number may be displayed
as the current balance of winnings.
[0194] Alternatively, the fractional amounts of a balance of
winnings that were not taken from the player may be tracked, and a
full coin or credit may be taken when the fractional amounts add up
to a full coin or credit. In another variation, the casino may
first take a full coin for any fractional amount of a balance of
winnings, but allow the player to keep subsequent fractional
amounts until they add up to the full coin already taken.
[0195] One benefit of outcomes that take away a percentage of a
player's balance of winnings is that the player's balance of
winnings cannot become a negative number. For example, a player's
balance of winnings may be reduced by 50% ten times in a row, but
dividing a positive number by two will never cause the number to
become negative. In some embodiments, however, a player's balance
of winnings is allowed to go to zero. For example, a balance of
winnings equal to "1" may be set to zero if an effect of an
obtained outcome that is applied to the balance of winnings
otherwise causes the balance of winnings to be reduced by 50%.
[0196] In one or more embodiments, a single outcome may be
associated with more than one effect. Which effect is applied upon
the obtainment of the outcome may be based on various factors. For
example, which effect is applied may be based on a current balance
of winnings at the time the outcome is obtained. For example, if a
current balance of winnings is "100 or less", then the effect of an
outcome may be to reduce the balance of winnings by 50%. However,
if the current balance of winnings is "greater than or equal to
100", the effect of the same outcome may be to reduce the balance
of winnings by only 33%. The selection of an effect of an outcome
may be dependent on other factors as well. Such factors may
include, for example, (i) the time of day, week, or year; (ii) the
identity of the player who obtained the outcome; (iii) a player's
status as a customer of the casino; (iv) the weather conditions at
the time the outcome is obtained; (v) the activity status of the
casino or a particular area of the casino.
[0197] For example, a player who has visited the casino more than
five times in the past year may be considered a good customer of
the casino. For such good customers, if there is a choice of
effects corresponding to an obtained outcome, a selection of the
effect that is least detrimental to the player's current balance of
winnings may be made. As another example, if it is between 3:00 am
and 7:00 am, then the casino may want to encourage play, and
therefore a selection of the effect that is least detrimental to
the player's current win balance may be made.
[0198] In one or more embodiments, the effect associated with an
outcome may operate on more than one prior balance of winnings,
rather than just the current balance of winnings. For example, the
effect of a "bell-bell-cherry" outcome on a reel slot machine may
comprise dividing the current balance of winnings by two and adding
the result to the prior win balance (e.g., the current balance of
winnings as it stood before the effect of "bell-bell-cherry" was
applied and/or a balance of winnings from a prior round of the game
play) in order to arrive at the new win balance.
[0199] In one simple example, a player might begin with a balance
of winnings of $100. The gaming device then generates an outcome.
The effect of each possible outcome is to subtract a non-negative
constant from the player's initial win balance. After one outcome
is generated, the player may receive the remaining balance of
winnings. In other words, after one spin, the player may cash out
the remaining balance of winnings since the game play in this
example only lasts one round. Assume the outcome obtained by the
player has the associated effect of subtracting $98 from the
balance of winnings. The player is thus left with $2, which may be
added to the credit meter balance of the gaming device and become
available for the player to cash out.
[0200] It should be noted that gaming devices operating in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention might be
programmed with payout tables that result in the same profit margin
for a casino, as do prior art slot machines. To illustrate this
point, below is a comparison of a pay table for a prior art slot
machine (taken from the book "Winning At Slot Machines" by Jim
Regan, Carol Publishing Group Edition, 1997) with a table of the
effects of outcomes in one embodiment of the present invention (an
embodiment in which a player's initial balance of winnings is 100
coins) As can be seen, the tables are equivalent in the sense that
a player may finish a game play with the same number of credits
using a prior art slot machine or using the slot machine operating
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A
difference is that, in the present invention, the player begins
with 100 coins in his balance of winnings and loses coins as a
result of outcomes, whereas with the prior art slot machine, the
player begins with 0 coins and wins coins as a result of outcomes.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Prior Art Inventive Outcome Effect Effect
cherry-any-any +2 -98 any-any-cherry +2 -98 cherry-cherry-any +5
-95 any cherry-cherry +5 -95 cherry-any-cherry +5 -95
cherry-cherry-cherry +20 -80 bar-orange-orange +10 -90
orange-orange-bar +10 -90 orange-orange-orange +20 -80
bar-plum-plum +14 -86 plum-plum-bar +14 -86 plum-plum-plum +20 -80
bar-bell-bell +18 -82 bell-bell-bar +18 -82 bell-bell-bell +20 -80
bar-bar-bar +50 -50 7-7-7 +100 -0 Other +0 -100
[0201] In fact, embodiments of the present invention may replicate
the results of any prior art gaming device pay table in which zero
or a positive number of credits are awarded to the player based on
any outcome. To replicate the results of a prior art payout
structure, embodiments of the present invention may allow the
player to begin with a suitably large balance of winnings, and may
subtract a suitable constant from the current balance of winnings
for each outcome. For example, suppose an existing gaming device
has a maximum payout of Pmax. Further, suppose for each outcome x,
the payout is Px. Then, in embodiments of the present invention, a
player may begin with a balance of winnings equaling Pmax. In
accordance with embodiments of the present invention, for any
outcome x, the effect is to subtract (Pmax-Px) from the current
balance of winnings. After a single spin, the player may cash out
his current balance of winnings. Therefore, in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention, after a single spin in which
a player receives an outcome of x, the player receives
Pmax-(Pmax-Px)=Px. Therefore, the payout the player receives is the
same whether the player is playing a gaming device utilizing a
prior art payout table or a payout table of an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0202] As would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art
after reading the present disclosure, there are great variety of
ways of replicating the results of prior art gaming device payout
tables while realizing the benefits of the present invention (e.g.,
providing the player with the excitement of a substantially high
initial balance of winnings). For example, referring again to the
above-described example, a player might begin with an initial
balance of winnings equaling (Pmax+1) and lose (Pmax-Px+1) upon the
occurrence of outcome x.
[0203] In one or more embodiments, applying an effect of an outcome
to a current balance of winnings may cause the balance of winnings
to become a negative number. For example, assuming a current
balance of winnings is twelve (12) coins and the effect of an
obtained outcome is to subtract twenty (20) coins from the current
balance of winnings, a simple application of the effect to the
current balance of winnings would result in a new balance of
winnings that is negative eight (-8). While in one or more
embodiments a gaming device may be operable to display such a
negative balance of winnings, in other embodiments a gaming device
may be programmed to set the balance of winnings to zero if it
otherwise would be a negative number.
[0204] Furthermore, in some embodiments, if an application of an
effect results in a new balance of zero, the gaming device may be
programmed to end the game play without determining any further
outcomes (even if the predetermined number of rounds or
predetermined period of time for completing the game play has not
yet been achieved).
[0205] Once the effect of the outcome is applied in step 720 and a
new balance of winnings determined (such that the balance of
winnings meter is set to the new balance of winnings), the process
700 continues to step 725. In step 725 it is determined whether the
game play is over. A game play may be determined to be over if one
or more conditions for ending the game play is determined to be
satisfied. Determining that such a condition has been satisfied may
comprise, for example, determining that (i) a predetermined number
of rounds required to complete the game play have been completed,
(ii) the player has completed rounds of the game for a
predetermined period of time required for completion of the game
play, (iii) the player has completed rounds of the game for a
predetermined period of time and at a minimum required rate of
play, as required for completion of the game play, (iv) the
player's rate of play is below a minimum required rate of play,
and/or (v) the new balance of winnings has reached zero or a
negative number.
[0206] If it is determined that the game play is not over, the
process 700 returns to step 715, in which another outcome is
determined for another round of the game play. If, on the other
hand, it is determined that the game play is over, the process 700
continues to step 730.
[0207] Step 730 comprises providing consideration based on the
final balance of winnings (i.e., the balance of winnings at the
time the game play is determined to be over). For example, if the
balance of winnings comprises an amount of currency, step 730 may
comprise outputting the amount of currency to the player (e.g., by
transferring the amount of the balance of winnings to the credit
meter balance of the gaming device, thus making it available for
cash out by the player) or causing a hopper of the gaming device to
dispense an appropriate amount of coins or casino tokens into a
coin tray of the gaming device. In another example, if the balance
of winnings comprises a value of another type of prize (e.g., a
comp or product to be provided to the player), step 730 may
comprise causing a casino attendant to provide the prize of a value
based on the final balance of winnings to the player. For example,
if the final value of the prize to be provided to the player is a
dinner for two at a specified casino restaurant, a casino attendant
may be instructed to bring over a voucher or other certificate that
entitles the player to dinner for two at the restaurant. In another
example, if the prize is a credit to a financial account identifier
associated with the player, step 730 may comprise communicating
with a financial institution of the financial account (or with
casino server 120, which may in turn communicate with the financial
institution) in order to credit the appropriate amount to the
financial account.
[0208] In one or more embodiments, it may be desirable for a
casino, gaming device, gaming device developer and/or game
developer to be able to calculate a player's expected balance of
winnings for a game play. For example, an entity may desire to
calculate a player's expected balance of winnings so as to ensure
that the player's expected balance of winnings is less than the
player's initial wager, thus ensuring that the owner of the gaming
device can expect to make a profit on every game play. Following is
a general and several more specific methods of calculating an
expected balance of winnings for a game play.
[0209] In a first exemplary method of calculating an expected
balance of winnings for a game play, let Sx be a series of
outcomes, Sx.sub.1, Sx.sub.2, Sx.sub.3 . . . Sx.sub.n, that may be
determined for the game play. Let W(Sx) be the player's final
balance of winnings at the end of the game play (i.e., after the
series of outcomes Sx have been determined and their corresponding
effects applied to the balance of winnings). Let P(Sx) be the
probability of the series of outcomes Sx occurring. The player's
expected balance of winnings once the series of outcomes has been
determined is then given by: Expected Balance of
Winnings=.SIGMA..sub.(all possible x)P(Sx)W(Sx)
[0210] If each outcome in a series of outcomes is generated
independently, then P(Sx)=P(Sx.sub.1)P(Sx.sub.2) . . .
P(Sx.sub.n)=.PI..sub.(k=1 . . n)P(Sx.sub.k), and the above
expression becomes: Expected Balance of Winnings=.SIGMA..sub.(all
possible x).PI..sub.(k=1 . . n)P(Sx.sub.k)W(Sx)
[0211] If the initial balance of winnings is W.sub.0, and each
outcome Sx.sub.k results in the subtraction of an associated
non-negative constant L(Sx.sub.k) from the current win balance,
then W(Sx)=W.sub.0-L(Sx.sub.1)-L(Sx.sub.2)- . . .
L(Sx.sub.n)=W.sub.0-.SIGMA..sub.(j=1 . . n)L(Sx.sub.j), and the
above expression becomes: Expected .times. .times. Balance .times.
of .times. .times. Winnings = .times. ( all .times. .times.
possible .times. .times. x ) .times. ( k = 1 .times. .times.
.times. n ) .times. .times. P .function. ( Sx k ) .times. ( W 0 - (
j = 1 .times. .times. .times. n ) .times. L .function. ( Sx j ) ) =
.times. ( all .times. .times. possible .times. .times. x ) .times.
( W 0 .times. ( k = 1 .times. .times. .times. n ) .times. .times. P
.function. ( Sx k ) - ( k = 1 .times. .times. .times. n ) .times.
.times. P .function. ( Sx k ) .times. ( ( j = 1 .times. .times.
.times. n ) .times. L .function. ( Sx j ) ) ) = .times. ( all
.times. .times. possible .times. .times. x ) .times. W 0 .times. (
k = 1 .times. .times. .times. n ) .times. .times. P .function. ( Sx
k ) - .times. ( all .times. .times. possible .times. .times. x )
.times. ( ( k = 1 .times. .times. .times. n ) .times. .times. P
.function. ( Sx k ) .times. ( ( j = 1 .times. .times. .times. n )
.times. L .function. ( Sx j ) ) ) = .times. W 0 .times. ( all
.times. .times. possible .times. .times. x ) .times. ( k = 1
.times. .times. .times. n ) .times. P .function. ( Sx k ) - .times.
( all .times. .times. possible .times. .times. x ) .times. ( ( k =
1 .times. .times. .times. n ) .times. .times. P .function. ( Sx k )
.times. ( ( j = 1 .times. .times. .times. n ) .times. L .function.
( Sx j ) ) ) = .times. W 0 - ( all .times. .times. possible .times.
.times. x ) .times. ( ( k = 1 .times. .times. .times. n ) .times.
.times. P .function. ( Sx k ) .times. ( ( j = 1 .times. .times.
.times. n ) .times. L .function. ( Sx j ) ) ) ##EQU1##
[0212] This is so because .SIGMA..sub.(all possible x).PI..sub.(k=1
. . n)P(Sx.sub.k) is the sum of the probabilities of all possible
series, which is equal to 1.
[0213] However, one consequence of the last expression above is
that it may allow a balance of winnings to become negative for some
series of outcomes. As described above, in one or more embodiments,
when a balance of winnings would otherwise become negative, the
balance of winnings is instead set to zero. Thus, in these
embodiments, the last expression above would not allow an entity to
accurately determine whether a gaming device would be profitable or
not.
[0214] The setting of a balance of winnings can be more accurately
captured with the following expression W(Sx)=y: y=0 if
.SIGMA..sub.(j=1 . . n)L(Sx.sub.j)>W.sub.0,
W.sub.0-.SIGMA..sub.(j=1 . . n)L(Sx.sub.j) otherwise
[0215] Equivalently, W(Sx)=W.sub.0-z: z=W.sub.0 if .SIGMA..sub.(j=1
. . n)L(Sx.sub.j)>W.sub.0, .SIGMA..sub.(j=1 . . n)L(Sx.sub.j)
otherwise.
[0216] The variable "z" denotes the total amount that will have
been deducted from a player's initial balance of winnings following
a series of outcomes determined for a game play.
[0217] Replacing .SIGMA..sub.(j=1 . . n)L(Sx.sub.j) with z in the
expression W.sub.0-.SIGMA..sub.(all possible x) (.PI..sub.(k=1 . .
n)P(Sx.sub.k)(.SIGMA..sub.(j=1 . . n)L(Sx.sub.j))) gives: Expected
Win Balance=W.sub.0-.SIGMA..sub.(all possible x)(.PI..sub.(k=1 . .
n)P(Sx.sub.k)(z: z=W.sub.0 if .SIGMA..sub.(j=1 . .
n)L(Sx.sub.j)>W.sub.0, .SIGMA..sub.(j=1 . . n)L(Sx.sub.j)
otherwise))
[0218] Turning now to FIG. 8, a table 800 provides an illustrative
example of the above calculation. Table 800 includes a number of
example records or entries, R801 through R809, each defining an
outcome obtainable on a gaming device. Those skilled in the art
will understand that the table 800 may include any number of
entries. The table 800 also defines fields for each of the entries
or records. The fields specify: (i) a pair of outcomes for a single
game play 805; (ii) a probability of the pair of outcomes occurring
810; (iii) a reduction to the balance of winnings 815 as a result
of the pair of outcomes occurring, based on the effect of each
outcome of the pair of outcomes, (iv) an expected reduction to the
balance of winnings 820; (v) a total expected reduction to a
balance of winnings for a game play 825 that indicates the amount
by which the initial balance of winnings is expected to be reduced
for a game play; and (vi) an expected balance of winnings for a
game play 830 that indicates the final balance of winnings expected
for a game play, determined by subtracting the total expected
reduction to the balance of winnings 825 from the initial balance
of winnings for the game play.
[0219] Assume, for purposes of FIG. 8, that a particular gaming
device can produce only one of three outcomes: "apple-apple-apple,"
("A" for short), "banana-banana-banana" ("B" for short), or
"cantaloupe-cantaloupe-cantaloupe" ("C" for short) Assume further
that outcome A occurs with probability 1/2, outcome B with
probability 1/4, and outcome C with probability 1/4. Assume further
still that outcome A has the effect of subtracting "5" from a
balance of winnings, outcome B has the effect of subtracting "2"
from a balance of winnings, and outcome C has the effect of
subtracting nothing from a balance of winnings. These assumptions
can be expressed as follows: P(A)=1/2 and L(A)=5, P(B)=1/4 and
L(B)=2, P(C)=1/4 and L(C)=0.
[0220] Further assume that the initial balance of winnings for a
game play is set to "5". Table 800 illustrates the calculation of
the expected win balance by listing all possible pairs of
obtainable outcomes in field 805, the corresponding probability of
each pair (.PI..sub.(k=1 . . n)P(Sx.sub.k)) in field 810, and the
corresponding amount z that will have been deducted from a player's
initial balance of winnings as a result of the pair of outcomes in
field 815.
[0221] As illustrated in field 830, a player will finish a game
play with an average win balance of "0.75". Assuming that, to
initiate the game play, the player must place an initial wager of
"1", the casino or other operator of the gaming device can expect
to profit, on average, "0.25" per wager, which may be considered to
be an acceptable house advantage. Of course, as one of ordinary
skill in the art would understand after reading the present
disclosure, the probabilities and effects of individual outcomes,
the number of obtainable outcomes, the number of outcomes required
per game play, the wager amount, and/or the initial balance of
winnings can be adjusted to change the expected profit for the
casino per game play as desired.
[0222] In one embodiment, the value of a prize that is provided to
a player as a result of a game play may be determined based on a
number of rounds of the game play that the player completes before
the balance of winnings reaches a predetermined threshold. For
example, a game play may require a player to keep initiating rounds
of the game play until the balance of winnings reaches zero. The
prize that the player receives as a result of the game play may be
determined based on the number of rounds the player completed
before the balance of winnings reached zero. It is contemplated
that the higher the number of rounds completed, the more valuable
the prize that is provided to the player. A player may, for
example, receive a payout of 1 credit for every three rounds
completed in the game play, with the number of credits rounded down
to the nearest whole credit.
[0223] Referring now to FIG. 9, depicted therein is a pair of
tables, table 900 and table 950 that may be used to implement the
embodiment described immediately above. Table 900 illustrates the
probability of obtaining various effects (i.e., outcomes
corresponding to the various effects depicted) during a game play.
Table 950 illustrates a payout schedule, depicting the value of a
prize that is to be provided to a player based on the number of
rounds the player completes before the balance of winnings reaches
zero.
[0224] Table 900 consists of a plurality of entries or records,
each record defining an effect that corresponds to an outcome
obtainable on a gaming device utilizing table 900. Table 900 also
includes a plurality of fields or columns for each of the entries,
the fields including: (i) an effect of an outcome obtainable on the
gaming device 910, and (ii) a probability of obtaining an outcome
that corresponds to the effect 920. Table 900 also illustrates, in
field 905, that the initial balance of winnings for a game play in
which table 900 is utilized is $1,000,000. Accordingly, when a
player initiates a round of a game play on a gaming device
utilizing table 900, a random number may be generated and the
outcome corresponding to the random number determined. The effect
of the outcome is then determined (e.g., from a table that
corresponds outcomes to effects; such information may be included
in table 900). Table 900 illustrates how often an effect and thus
outcome corresponding to the effect should occur, on average.
[0225] Table 950 consists of a plurality of entries or records,
each record defining a prize that is to be provided to a player
Table 950 also includes a plurality of fields or columns for each
of the entries, the fields including: (i) a wager 955 that
indicates the wager required to initiate a game play; (ii) a number
of rounds 960 that have been completed by a player in a game play;
and (iii) a prize 965 that corresponds to each number of rounds or
range of number of rounds.
[0226] Table 950 may be utilized by a gaming device once it has
been determined that a game play is over. For example, in an
embodiment where the value of a player's prize for a game play is
determined based on how many rounds the player completed before the
balance of winnings reached zero, table 950 may be accessed once it
is determined that the balance of winnings has reached zero. Table
950 is used to look up, based on the number of rounds completed,
the value of the prize to be provided to the player. It should be
noted that the type of prize depicted in table 950 is an amount of
currency. Of course, other types of prizes may be provided and
depicted in table 950. For example, a type of prize is a number of
comp points to be awarded to a player. In such an example, table
950 may depict in field 965 the number of comp points corresponding
to each number of rounds or range of number of rounds. In another
example, field 965 may depict a level of a prize corresponding to
each number of rounds or range of number of rounds. Each level may
correspond to a different prize or group of prizes. For example,
level 1 may correspond to a dinner for 4 at a casino restaurant,
level 2 may correspond to a dinner for 3 at a casino restaurant,
level 3 may correspond to dinner for 2 at a casino restaurant,
level 4 may correspond to dinner for 1 at a casino restaurant, and
level 5 may correspond to no prize. As would be understood by one
of ordinary skill in the art after reading the present disclosure,
any type of prize and the various values thereof may be depicted in
table 950.
ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0227] In one or more embodiments, a player's balance of winnings
may be reduced based on factors in addition to the effects of
outcomes obtained by the player during a game play. For example, in
one embodiment a predetermined amount (e.g., "100") may be deducted
from the balance of winnings for each predetermined amount of time
(eg., one second) during which a new round of the game play is not
initiated from a time of completion of a previous round. In this
manner a player may be encouraged to complete a game play more
rapidly than the player otherwise would.
[0228] It is conceivable that under some circumstances a player may
leave a gaming device prior to completing a game play. Thus, in one
or more embodiments, a gaming device 110 and/or a casino server 120
may be programmed to store a record of the player's game play
situation (perhaps only for a maximum predetermined amount of
time). Alternatively, the game situation may be stored on a
player's player tracking card and be read by a gaming device when
inserted into the gaming device. For example, a gaming device 110
may store the player's name, the number of rounds remaining in the
game play, and the current balance of winnings at the time the
player discontinues playing the game play. Thus, when the player
returns to the gaming device (or initiates play at another gaming
device operable to carry out a game play in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention), the player may insert his
player tracking card to prove his identity, and may then continue
the game play from the point at which he left off.
[0229] If so desired, embodiments of the present invention may be
practiced as a bonus feature of a conventional game on a gaming
device. For example, a player at a conventional gaming device who
lined up three bonus symbols might gain access to a bonus feature
in which he would receive an initial balance of winnings equaling
$1,000,000. The player may then be required to complete five rounds
of the game (e.g., five spins of a slot machine) and be provided
with the portion of the balance of winnings that remained once the
effects of the outcomes obtained during the five rounds had been
applied to the balance of winnings. The gaming device may then
return to conventional play.
[0230] In one or more embodiments, an outcome the effect of which
would otherwise set a balance of winnings to a negative number may
instead cause the balance of winnings to cycle back to the initial
balance of winnings. For example, assume an initial balance of
winnings for a game play equals ten free plane tickets to any
destination in the U.S. Further assume that after four rounds of
the game play, the balance of winnings has been reduced down to one
free plane ticket. Further assume that the outcome obtained on the
fifth round has an associated effect of subtracting two tickets
from the balance of winnings. Since the current balance of winnings
stands at only one ticket, subtracting two tickets would cause the
balance of winnings to be negative one ticket. However, in one
embodiment, the balance of winnings may instead go to zero after
the subtraction of the first ticket, then cycle back to ten, and
then end up at nine tickets after the subtraction of the second
ticket.
[0231] In one or more embodiments, a balance of winnings may be
reduced or otherwise adjusted based on a cumulative effect of more
than one outcome (e.g., through the accumulation of several symbols
acquired from multiple outcomes, the symbols being part of the
outcomes). For example, achieving three cherry symbols during a
game play may cause a balance of winnings to be reduced by half
once the third cherry symbol is achieved. Therefore, a player who
obtains one cherry symbol on a first round of a game play would not
have his balance of winnings effected. However, if the player then
obtained two cherry symbols on a second round of the game play the
balance of winnings would be reduced by half after the second
round. Such an embodiment may be practiced, if desired, as a
secondary game that is tracked during conventional play of a gaming
device. For example, a player may play a gaming device and receive
traditional payouts from the gaming device based on outcomes
obtained. In addition, however, a balance of winnings may be
tracked during the player's gaming session in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention. Thus, while an outcome may
result in the player obtaining a payout based on a conventional
payout schedule, the same outcome may cause the player's balance of
winnings to be reduced in the secondary game (e.g., if the outcome
includes a symbol that causes a balance of winnings to be
reduced).
[0232] In the embodiment described immediately above, the balance
of winnings may additionally (i.e., in addition to being reduced
based on the symbols accumulated over multiple rounds of game play)
be reduced or adjusted by a further amount based on the outcomes
the player achieves on the multiple rounds. For example, in the
above example where the player's balance of winnings was reduced by
half based on the accumulation of three cherry symbols, the balance
of winnings may further be reduced or otherwise adjusted based on
effects corresponding to the outcomes in which the cherry symbols
appeared.
[0233] It should be noted that, in some embodiments such as the
embodiment described immediately above, the order in which multiple
effects are applied might be important. Accordingly, one or more
rules may be programmed into a gaming device for governing the
order in which the effects are to be applied. For example, in the
above embodiment where a balance of winnings is adjusted based on
the effect of symbols accumulated over a plurality of outcomes and
on the effect associated with each outcome, a rule may specify that
the effects that are based on the accumulation of symbols are to be
applied in a predetermined temporal relationship to the effects
that are based on individual outcomes. As an illustrative example,
assume a balance of winnings is equal to 5,000 coins and an outcome
of cherry-bar-bell is obtained. Assume that the effect of the
outcome is to subtract 1,000 coins from the balance of winnings.
Further assume that, in obtaining the outcome, the player has
accumulated a third cherry symbol, and the effect of an
accumulation of three cherry symbols is to reduce the balance of
winnings by half. If the effect corresponding to the accumulation
of the three cherry symbols were to be applied first and the effect
corresponding to the outcome were to be applied second, then the
balance of winnings would first be reduced by half to 2,500 coins
and then reduced by 1,000 coins to 1,500 coins. However, if the
effect corresponding on the outcome cherry-bar-bell were to be
applied first and the effect corresponding to the accumulation of
the three cherry symbols were to be applied second, then the
balance of winnings would first be reduced by 1,000 coins to 4,000
coins and then reduced by half to 2,000 coins. As can be seen, the
latter order is more favorable to the player. Since the order in
which the effects are applied is important, the gaming device may
be programmed to apply effects in a predetermined manner, as
desired by the casino or other entity.
[0234] It should be noted that, a gaming device has been described
herein as comprising a distinct credit meter balance and a distinct
balance of winnings, in one or more embodiments, there may only be
one balance that represents both these measures. For example, a
gaming device may be programmed to accept only a single wager at a
time (e.g., if the wager for a game play is $5, then the gaming
device may be operable to only accept $5, and not amounts higher or
lower than this). When the gaming device receives a wager for a
game play, instead of displaying the $5 in a balance meter, the
gaming device may instead automatically display an initial balance
of winnings that represents the highest value of a prize the player
may win on the gaming device (e.g. $1,000,000). Then, to prevent
the player from cashing out the balance of winnings prior to the
end of the game play, the gaming device may disable the cash out
button or be programmed to disregard any cash out requests made
prior to the end of the game play. At the end of the game play, the
player may be allowed to cash out the final balance of winnings.
Accordingly, two separate meters (one to track a balance of
winnings and another to track credits available to the player) may
not be necessary in embodiments of the present invention.
[0235] It should be noted that, although a gaming device has been
described herein as being operable to facilitate a game play in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention, such a gaming
device may also be operable to facilitate conventional game play.
For example, a gaming device may be programmed with to operate in a
conventional mode and in a mode in accordance with embodiments of
the present invention. A casino attendant and/or a player may be
allowed, e.g., via a menu or mechanism of the gaming device, to
select one of the modes for a game play.
CONCLUSION
[0236] It is clear from the foregoing discussion that the disclosed
systems and methods to facilitate the provision of new and exciting
payout structures at gaming devices represent improvements in the
art of gaming. While the methods and apparatus of the present
invention have 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.
[0237] 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.
* * * * *