U.S. patent application number 11/123629 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-09 for methods and apparatus for playing a game of chance.
Invention is credited to Dennis E. JR. Tribout.
Application Number | 20060252493 11/123629 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37394657 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060252493 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tribout; Dennis E. JR. |
November 9, 2006 |
Methods and apparatus for playing a game of chance
Abstract
A method of playing a game of chance includes displaying a bingo
matrix that includes each number available for random selection in
a bingo game and randomly selecting bingo numbers for use in the
bingo game. The method also includes populating the bingo matrix
with a playing card randomly selected from a deck of cards, wherein
the specific number to be populated in the matrix is populated
based on the bingo number previously selected and awarding a first
prize to a player based on a determination that a pre-determined
winning bingo criteria has been satisfied. The method also includes
evaluating the bingo matrix to determine if a second prize should
be awarded based on the bingo numbers used in satisfying the
winning bingo criteria and awarding a second prize to the player if
pre-determined winning poker criteria has been satisfied
Inventors: |
Tribout; Dennis E. JR.;
(Millstadt, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATRICK W. RASCHE;ARMSTRONG TEASDALE LLP
ONE METROPOLITAN SQUARE, SUITE 2600
ST. LOUIS
MO
63102-2740
US
|
Family ID: |
37394657 |
Appl. No.: |
11/123629 |
Filed: |
May 6, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/19 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 3/064 20130101;
A63F 3/0635 20130101; A63F 3/062 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/019 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method of playing a game of chance, said method comprises:
displaying a bingo matrix that includes each number available for
random selection in a bingo game; randomly selecting bingo numbers
for use in the bingo game; populating the bingo matrix with a
playing card randomly selected from a deck of cards, wherein the
specific number in the matrix is populated based on the bingo
number previously selected; awarding a first prize to a player
based on a determination that a pre-determined winning bingo
criteria has been satisfied; evaluating the bingo matrix to
determine if a second prize should be awarded based on the bingo
numbers used in satisfying the winning bingo criteria; and awarding
a second prize to the player if a pre-determined winning poker
criteria has been satisfied.
2. A method in accordance with claim 1 further comprising
establishing a payout schedule for use with the second prize.
3. A method in accordance with claim 1 further comprising:
establishing a prize fund for use in awarding second prizes;
establishing the winning criteria necessary for the second prize to
be awarded; and allocating a percentage of the prize fund for each
winning criteria based on a pre-determined weighted schedule.
4. A method in accordance with claim 3 wherein allocating a
percentage of the prize fund for each winning criteria based on a
pre-determined weighted schedule further comprises establishing a
weighted schedule for use in awarding the prize fund.
5. A method in accordance with claim 3 wherein establishing the
winning criteria necessary for the second prize to be awarded
further comprises establishing a listing of poker hands for use in
awarding the prize fund.
6. A method in accordance with claim 3 further comprising
displaying a payout schedule associated with each winning
criteria.
7. A game of chance comprising: a matrix display comprising an
array of seventy-five numbers arranged in an pre-determined order;
a bingo number generator for use in randomly selecting a bingo
number for use in a bingo game; and a randomly-ordered deck of
playing cards for use in populating said matrix display, wherein a
specific one of said numbers within said array is populated with
one of said playing cards after each bingo number has been
generated, said specific one of said numbers within said array
corresponds to the bingo number generated.
8. A game of chance in accordance with claim 7 further comprising a
first prize fund and a second prize fund, said second prize fund is
awarded only after said first prize fund has been awarded.
9. A game of chance in accordance with claim 8 further comprising a
bingo payout schedule for use with said first prize fund.
10. A game of chance in accordance with claim 8 wherein said
randomly-ordered deck of playing cards is for use in a poker
game.
11. A game of chance in accordance with claim 10 further comprising
pre-determined weighted schedule for use with said second prize
fund.
12. A game of chance in accordance with claim 7 further comprising
a listing of poker hands satisfying pre-defined winning
criteria.
13. A game of chance in accordance with claim 7 further comprising
a payout display.
14. A gaming system comprising: a first prize fund; a second prize
fund; a bingo game comprising a matrix display and a bingo number
generator, said matrix display comprising an array of seventy-five
numbers arranged in an pre-determined order, said bingo number
generator for use in randomly selecting a bingo number for use in
said bingo game, said first prize fund awarded based on
pre-determined bingo winning criteria being satisfied; and a poker
game comprising a randomly-ordered deck of playing cards for use in
populating said bingo game matrix display, wherein a specific one
of said numbers within said array is populated with a specific one
of said playing cards after each bingo number has been generated,
said specific one of said numbers within said array corresponds to
the bingo number generated, said second prize fund awarded based on
the winning bingo criteria and based on independent winning poker
criteria being satisfied.
15. A system in accordance with claim 14 wherein said winning bingo
criteria comprises predetermined patterns of determining whether a
player has populated a predetermined pattern of bingo numbers
displayed in a row, or in a column on a game card.
16. A system in accordance with claim 14 wherein said winning poker
criteria comprises a listing of pre-determined poker hands.
17. A system in accordance with claim 14 further comprising a
payout display comprising a listing of possible poker hands and an
associated award payout for each of said possible poker hands.
18. A system in accordance with claim 14 further comprising a
payout schedule comprising a combination of the number of players,
said winning bingo criteria, and said winning poker criteria.
19. A gaming system comprising: a processor; and a display for
displaying a bingo matrix that includes each number available for
random selection in a bingo game, said processor coupled to said
display and programmed to: randomly select a bingo number for use
in the bingo game; populate the bingo matrix with a
randomly-selected playing card, wherein a specific number in the
matrix is populated based on the bingo ball number previously
selected; determine if winning bingo criteria has been satisfied;
determine if a first prize should be awarded to a player based on
the determination that pre-determined winning bingo criteria has
been satisfied; determine if a second prize should be awarded based
on the bingo numbers in satisfying the winning bingo criteria; and
determine if pre-determined winning poker criteria has also been
satisfied.
20. A system in accordance with claim 19 wherein said processor is
further programmed to: display a payout schedule associated with
each winning criteria; and determine if a percentage of the second
prize fund should be awarded based on a pre-determined weighted
schedule.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to games of chance, and
more particularly, to methods and apparatus for playing a primary
game of chance while playing a secondary game of chance that is
based on the primary game.
[0002] Known gaming industries, such as casinos may include
electronic gaming machines (EGMs) such as slot machines, video
poker machines, and/or bingo machines. Known EGMs may be physical,
virtual, and/on on-line. Because of the variety of known EGMs, the
competition for players among EGMs is intense and gaming industries
have been forced to develop different methods to attract and/or
retain players to in their gaming industries and their machines.
For example, at least some known gaming industries have created
linked progressive jackpot systems in which multiple gaming
machines and/or multiple games of chance are linked together into
groups of machines or games of chance that share the same bonus
pot. The theory is that such progressive jackpots may provide an
additional incentive and motivation to players because of their
generous potential rewards. However, the chances of winning one of
these jackpots are typically far less than the other games, and as
result, such jackpot systems are generally a revenue maker for the
gaming industry.
[0003] Other gaming industries have attempted to attract players by
offering a secondary game of chance that is played
"simultaneously", and/or is based on, the primary game, such that
the outcome of the primary game influences the outcome of the
secondary game. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,393,057, describes a
game of chance wherein the primary game is poker and the secondary
game is bingo, wherein a bingo matrix is only modified when a
complete poker hand is determined. As a result, the primary game,
does not provide an incentive to the player to maintain an interest
in the secondary game.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In one aspect, a method of playing a game of chance is
provided. The method includes displaying a bingo matrix that
includes each number available for random selection in a bingo game
and randomly selecting bingo numbers for use in the bingo game. The
method also includes populating the bingo matrix with a playing
card randomly selected from a deck of cards, wherein the specific
number to be populated in the matrix is populated based on the
bingo number previously selected and awarding a first prize to a
player based on a determination that a pre-determined winning bingo
criteria has been satisfied. The method also includes evaluating
the bingo matrix to determine if a second prize should be awarded
based on the bingo numbers used in satisfying the winning bingo
criteria and awarding a second prize to the player if
pre-determined winning poker criteria has been satisfied.
[0005] In another aspect, game of chance is provided. The game of
chance includes a matrix display including an array of seventy-five
numbers arranged in a pre-determined order and a bingo number
generator for use in randomly selecting a bingo number for use in a
bingo game. The game of chance also includes a randomly-ordered
deck of playing cards for use in populating the matrix display,
wherein a specific one of the numbers within the array is populated
with one of the playing cards after each bingo number has been
generated, and wherein the specific one of the numbers within the
array corresponds to the bingo number generated.
[0006] In another aspect, a gaming system is provided. The gaming
system includes a first prize fund, a second prize fund, a bingo
game, and a poker game. The bingo game includes a matrix display
and a bingo number generator, the matrix display includes an array
of seventy-five numbers arranged in a pre-determined order, wherein
the bingo number generator is for use in randomly selecting a bingo
number for use in the bingo game. The first prize fund is awarded
based on pre-determined bingo winning criteria being satisfied. The
poker game includes a randomly-ordered deck of playing cards for
use in populating the bingo game matrix display, wherein a specific
one of the numbers within the array is populated with a specific
one of the playing cards after each bingo number has been
generated, wherein the specific one of the numbers within the array
corresponds to the bingo number generated. The second prize fund is
awarded based on the winning bingo criteria and based on
independent winning poker criteria being satisfied.
[0007] In yet another aspect, a gaming system is provided. The
gaming system includes a processor and a display for displaying a
bingo matrix that includes each number available for random
selection in a bingo game. The processor is coupled to the display
and is programmed to randomly select a bingo number for use in the
bingo game, populate the bingo matrix with a randomly-selected
playing card, wherein a specific number in the matrix is populated
based on the bingo ball number previously selected, determine if
winning bingo criteria has been satisfied, and determine if a first
prize should be awarded to a player based on the determination that
pre-determined winning bingo criteria has been satisfied. The
processor is also programmed to determine if a second prize should
be awarded based on the bingo numbers in satisfying the winning
bingo criteria and determine if pre-determined winning poker
criteria has also been satisfied.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary game of
chance.
[0009] FIG. 2 is flow chart of an exemplary game of chance.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary game of chance 10
including a gaming system 11. While game 10 is described in terms
of certain specific embodiments, it is by no means limited to those
embodiments. For example, components used within game 10 may have a
variety of shapes, sizes, and formats. Details of these embodiments
have been provided in order to provide a thorough understanding of
game 10. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art,
however, that game 10 may be practiced without limitation to any
specific details presented herein. Moreover, in the exemplary
embodiment, game 10 is described as being used with a physical game
location, but it is not limited to being played only in a physical
location. For example, game 10 can be used in conjunction with an
electronic gaming machine or as an auxiliary display used in
cooperation with a pre-existing electronic, stand-alone,
video-based, or internet-based gaming equipment.
[0011] As used herein, the terms "game of chance," "gaming,"
"gaming devices," "electronic gaming devices," and "electronic
gaming apparatus" represent games in which some form of wagering
may be involved and in which players may be awarded prizes based
when pre-established winning criteria are satisfied. Game 10 may be
a casino-based game, a hand-held game, a video-based game and/or an
on-line or internet-based game. Game 10 may be used with any gaming
system delivery method, i.e., physical game play, virtual game
play, video game play, raffle game play, lottery-pull-ticket game
play, or on-line game play. Furthermore, it is understood that game
10 may also be linked to a progressive system of electronic
games.
[0012] Gaming system 11 includes a matrix display 12 which may be
selected from a variety of displays, including but not limited to,
a screen, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, a liquid crystal
display (LCD), a light emitting display (LED), a plasma display, a
field emission display (FED), a digital micro-mirror display, a
projection display, a LCD touch screen, and/or any other medium
that enables display 12 to function as described herein. Display 12
includes a matrix 14 formed from an array 15 of a plurality of
columns 16 and a plurality of rows 18. In the exemplary embodiment,
array 15 is organized such that columns 16 and rows 18 form
conjoining squares 20. More specifically, in the exemplary
embodiment, matrix 14 is a bingo or bingo-based matrix that
includes fifteen columns 16 and five rows 18 arranged to form
seventy-five squares 20, and wherein each row 18 is labeled with
the letters B-I-N-G-O. In another embodiment, bingo matrix 14
includes five columns 16 and fifteen rows 18 arranged to form
seventy-five squares 20, and wherein each column 16 is labeled with
the letters B-I-N-G-O. In the exemplary embodiment, squares in row
B are assigned a number ranging from one to fifteen, squares in row
I are assigned a number ranging from sixteen to thirty, squares in
row N are assigned a number that ranges from thirty-one to
forty-five, squares in row G are assigned a number that ranges from
forty-six to sixty, and squares in row O are assigned a number that
ranges from sixty-one to seventy-five. Alternatively, matrix 14 may
be used to display a variety of symbols, including but not limited
to numbers, letters, alpha-numerics, playing cards, and any
combination of the above.
[0013] Game 10 uses a plurality of bingo or bingo-based game cards
22. Bingo game cards 22 are known in the industry and each includes
a game card matrix 24 that enables a player (not shown) to
participate in, and to play a bingo game. As known in the art,
bingo cards 22 include a plurality of columns 26 and a plurality of
rows 28 arranged such that conjoining squares 30 are defined. More
specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, bingo cards 22 is a
bingo or bingo-based matrix that includes five columns 26 and five
rows 28 arranged to form twenty-five squares 30, and wherein each
column 26 is labeled with the letters B-I-N-G-O.
[0014] Game 10 includes a bingo number generator 32. In the
exemplary embodiment, bingo number generator 32 is a bingo number
ball generator that randomly selects a known bingo ball 34 from
seventy-five bingo balls 34 stored in a container or bin 36. In the
exemplary embodiment, each bingo ball 34 is labeled with an
alphanumeric label. Specifically, as is known, each bingo ball 34
includes a number ranging from one to seventy-five and a letter
selected from the group B, I, N, G, or O. For example, five of the
balls may be labeled "B1", "I17", "N36", "G54", and "O75".
[0015] Gaming system 11 also includes a deck of playing cards 38
that include at least fifty-two cards 40. In the exemplary
embodiment, deck of cards 38 is known. In another embodiment, deck
of playing cards 38 includes more or less than fifty-two cards 40.
Cards 40 are used to populate matrix 14, as will be described
herein.
[0016] In one embodiment, gaming system 11 includes a processor 42
that is operatively coupled to bingo number generator 32 and to
deck of cards 38. In such an embodiment, processor 42 is configured
to generate bingo numbers for use in a bingo game and to randomly
select playing cards for use in a poker game. As used herein, the
term processor is not limited to just those integrated circuits
referred to in the art as processors, but broadly refers to
computers, processors, microcontrollers, microcomputers,
programmable logic controllers, application specific integrated
circuits, and other programmable circuits.
[0017] Gaming system 11 includes a funding schedule (not shown) for
funding a first prize fund 44 and a second prize fund 46. The
funding schedule may be based on a variety of factors, such as, but
not limited to the number of players, the number of playing cards
38 used in conjunction with gaming system 11, the number of bingo
cards 22 anticipated to be used, an initial participation cost or a
bingo fee, and a separate participation cost to participate in the
secondary game of chance or poker game. In the exemplary
embodiment, the secondary game of chance is based on a standard
five card draw poker game. Alternatively, the secondary game of
chance may be based on other poker games, including but not limited
to, seven-card draw or Pai-Gow poker games. In a other alternative
embodiments, the secondary game of chance is based on other
criteria being satisfied such as is common with slot-machines,
wherein the criteria may require that various colors, symbols, or
combinations of colors and symbols be matched to satisfy the
winning criteria.
[0018] In the exemplary embodiment, a player pays a participation
fee to play bingo and a second participation fee to play in the
poker game, wherein the bingo fee is used to fund first prize fund
44 and the poker fee is used to fund second prize fund 46. In
alternative embodiment, participants pay a participation fee and a
percentage of funds are allocated to first prize fund 44 and to
second prize fund 46 based on the funding schedule. For example, in
such an embodiment, a substantial percentage, such as sixty percent
of the total participation fees paid by players is used to fund
first prize fund 44, and a percentage of the remaining funds, such
as forty percent is used to fund second prize fund 46.
[0019] In the exemplary embodiment, gaming system 11 automatically
rolls over funding from second prize fund 46 for use in future
games after any applicable awards have been paid to participants
satisfying the winning poker criteria. Specifically, if second
prize fund 46 is not awarded when a participant has satisfied any
winning bingo criteria, then the funds remaining in second prize
fund 46 are available for the next bingo game and may be increased
as additional players pay their respective participant fees.
[0020] Gaming system 11 also includes a weighted payout schedule 48
used to determine the frequency and/or amount at which second prize
funds are awarded. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment,
payout schedule 48 is based on the approximate probability of
obtaining a specified winning poker hand. For example, in one
embodiment, the payout schedule 48 is weighted such that a
participant has a 0.00015% probability of obtaining a Royal Flush
poker hand, a 0.0014% probability of obtaining a Straight Flush
poker hand, a 0.03% probability of obtaining a Four of a Kind, a
0.15% probability of obtaining a Full House, a 0.2% probability of
obtaining a Flush, a 0.4% probability of obtaining a Straight, a
2.0% probability of obtaining a Three of a Kind, a 5.0% probability
of obtaining a Two Pair, and a 12.8% probability of obtaining a
Jacks or Better. In the exemplary embodiment, the weighted payout
schedule 48 and awarding of the second prize fund 46 requires that
the player use five cards to satisfy the winning criteria for the
second prize fund 46. As such, and as will be described in more
detail below, a player winning a bingo based on only covering four
numbers and free space 52 on bingo card 22 would not be eligible
nor satisfy necessary winning criteria for second prize fund 46. In
one embodiment, weighted payout schedule 48 may be modified based
on the number of games played without winning criteria for second
prize fund 46 being satisfied. For example, in such an embodiment,
the weighted payout schedule 48 for a poker hand may increase to
continue to motivate new players after a pre-determined number of
bingo games have been completed.
[0021] Gaming system 11 includes a display 50 configured to display
the weighted payout schedule 48 in percentage and/or in dollar
amounts at any given time. Display 50 and the weighted payout
schedule 48 are updated after each game.
[0022] As described above, game 10 is playable on a variety of
different formats and with any number of participants depending on
the gaming format. To aid in description only, the play of game 10
is described using a plurality of players. As each player pays
their participation fees to play game 10, first prize fund 44
increases, thus increasing the attraction of additional players. As
players pay their participation fees, the participants are also
given the option to participate in the secondary game of chance or
the poker game. As more players elect to participate in the
secondary game of chance, secondary prize fund 46 is also increased
which has the desired effect of attracting even more players.
[0023] In the exemplary embodiment, bingo matrix 14 is displayed
such that each bingo number available for random selection is
illustrated in square 20. Play is commenced when bingo number
generator 32 is initiated to randomly select bingo numbers 34. For
example, in a game, a bingo number 34 labeled "B1" may be randomly
selected. As the specific bingo number 34 is selected, a playing
card 40 is randomly selected and positioned or displayed within the
specific square 20 in matrix 14 corresponding to B1. For example,
in the exemplary embodiment, after the bingo number 34 labeled "B1"
has been selected, a playing card 40, i.e., the Queen of Hearts, is
randomly selected and is displayed in the B1 square within matrix
14. More specifically, in the example, the Queen of Hearts,
indicates that bingo number B1 has been randomly selected for play
on bingo cards 22, and that the Queen of Hearts is in play for
those playing the poker game. As game 10 progresses, matrix 14 is
continued to be populated with additional randomly selected cards
40, until a player has satisfied the winning criteria for the bingo
or bingo-based game.
[0024] In one embodiment, matrix 14 is populated substantially
simultaneously with numbers from bingo number generator 32 and
playing cards 40. By substantially simultaneously, it is meant that
bingo number generator 32 and playing cards 40 are randomly
selected and are displayed substantially concurrently on matrix 14.
Matrix 14 is configured such that no number or playing card will
appear twice within matrix 14 while game 10 is in play.
[0025] After each subsequent selection of a bingo number 34, each
player makes a determination whether their playing card(s) 22
satisfies the winning bingo criteria. Various combinations of
playing card columns 26 and rows 28 can produce winning bingo
criteria, including, but not limited to, completing a row of five
squares 30 in the same row 28 or in the same column 26. As
described above, although a player may satisfy winning bingo
criteria by using free space 52, such a winning bingo criteria will
not satisfy the winning poker criteria.
[0026] Game 10 is considered "active" and subsequent bingo numbers
34, and associated playing cards 40, are selected, and populated
within matrix 14 as described herein, until a player announces that
a desired winning bingo or bingo-based criteria has been satisfied.
At such a time, and only after a determination is made that the
winning bingo criteria has in fact been satisfied without the use
of free space 52, then matrix 14 is evaluated to determine if any
winning poker criteria has been satisfied. If any winning poker
criteria has been satisfied, then the player receives the first
prize fund 44 and a portion of the second prize fund 46 is awarded
to the player. For example, in the exemplary embodiment, bingo card
22 satisfies the winning bingo criteria, i.e., "B1", "I17", "N36",
"G54", and "O75", and a poker hand 54 satisfies a winning poker
criteria, i.e., a Full House. More specifically, upon a
determination of a bingo winner (i.e., winning bingo criteria being
satisfied) first prize fund 44 is paid out according to an
established bingo pay out schedule, and the appropriate second
prize fund 46 is paid to the player in accordance with payout
schedule 48 and only if a winning poker criteria is met. As such, a
player can win the bingo game and not have a winning poker hand, in
which case, fund 46 is "rolled-over" for the next game and remains
unpaid.
[0027] In an alternative embodiment, prior to the start of game 10,
players are given the option to play a raffle-type or
lottery-style, pull-tab type of game (not shown). Each raffle-type
game uses chance tickets (not shown) that each include at least
five pull-tabs which extend over, and hide, five independent
alpha-numeric identifiers. It should be noted that means other than
pull-tabs may be used, such as but not limited to scratch-off
areas. Each alpha-numeric identifier includes a number ranging from
one to seventy-five and a letter selected from the group B, I, N,
G, or O. More specifically, the alpha-numeric identifiers are not
viewable until the tabs are pulled or removed to expose the
identifiers.
[0028] During play, in such an embodiment, when a player has won
the bingo game, each player holding a raffle-type chance ticket may
also examine the chance ticket to determine if the alpha-numeric
identifiers on their ticket form a pre-determined winning poker
hand, as compared to the populated matrix 14. More specifically,
upon determination of a bingo winner, first prize fund 44 is paid
out according to the established bingo pay out schedule, and any
appropriate second prize fund 46 is paid to each player satisfying
the winning poker criteria in accordance with payout schedule 48.
As such, a player can win the bingo game, and not have a winning
poker hand on bingo card 22, or alternatively, players that did not
win the bingo game may still have a winning hand via their chance
tickets.
[0029] Game 10 is attractive to players by offering a secondary
game of chance, i.e., a poker game, that is played concurrently
with the primary game of chance, i.e., the bingo game, such that
the outcome of the primary game influences the outcome of the
secondary game. Accordingly, in the exemplary embodiment, the poker
game provides an additional incentive to the bingo game
players.
[0030] FIG. 2 is flow chart 100 illustrating an exemplary gaming
method for playing a game of chance 10. The gaming method includes
displaying 102 a bingo matrix that includes each number available
for random selection in bingo game, randomly selecting 104 bingo
numbers for use in the bingo game, and subsequently populating 106
the bingo matrix with a playing card that has been randomly
selected from deck of cards. More specifically, the specific number
to be populated in the bingo matrix is in fact populated based on
the bingo number previously selected. The method also includes
awarding 108 a first prize to a player based on a determination
that a pre-determined winning bingo criteria has been satisfied,
and then evaluating 110 the bingo matrix to determine if a second
prize should be awarded based on the bingo numbers used in
satisfying the winning bingo criteria. Moreover, the method also
includes awarding 112 a second prize to the player if a
pre-determined winning poker criteria has been satisfied.
[0031] The above-described gaming system provides an exciting and
entertaining means for attracting game players to participate in a
game of chance. Moreover, the gaming system provides the additional
incentive of additional prize awards to game players. More
specifically, players have an opportunity to be awarded a first
prize based on a determination that a pre-determined winning bingo
criteria has been satisfied, and also be awarded a second prize if
a pre-determined winning poker criteria has been satisfied. As a
result, a gaming system is provided which facilitates attracting,
entertaining, and rewarding players participating in a game of
chance.
[0032] Exemplary embodiments of gaming systems and their associated
components are described above in detail. The components and the
gaming systems are not limited to the specific embodiments
described herein, but rather, components of each system may be
utilized independently and separately from other components
described herein. Each gaming system component can also be used in
combination with other gaming system components. Moreover, each
gaming system can be performed independently and separately from
the components described herein.
[0033] While the invention has been described in terms of various
specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that
the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit
and scope of the claims.
* * * * *