U.S. patent application number 11/184121 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-18 for method and system for providing a bonus award to multiple players playing gaming machines on a network based on a winning outcome at a single linked machine.
Invention is credited to Stephen Arcana, Brad Pederson, Blake Sartini.
Application Number | 20070015585 11/184121 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37662276 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070015585 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sartini; Blake ; et
al. |
January 18, 2007 |
Method and system for providing a bonus award to multiple players
playing gaming machines on a network based on a winning outcome at
a single linked machine
Abstract
A method and system for awarding a bonus to all eligible players
on a gaming network is disclosed. A network of video poker machines
in communication with a common controller facilitates one version
of the invention. In response to one machine of the network
generating a pre-established winning game outcome (e.g., four of a
kind), the common controller causes each other player playing a
machine on the network to be awarded a bonus. For example, the
pre-established game winning outcome may be a minimum poker hand
rank, specific poker hand rank and/or primary game winning dollar
amount. An icon or audio tone notifies players of the bonus award.
To be eligible for the bonus award, players may be required to play
maximum coins or units on their machines and/or be identified as a
player's club member.
Inventors: |
Sartini; Blake; (Las Vegas,
NV) ; Pederson; Brad; (Las Vegas, NV) ;
Arcana; Stephen; (Las Vegas, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBERG TRAURIG
3773 HOWARD HUGHES PARKWAY
SUITE 500 NORTH
LAS VEGAS
NV
89109
US
|
Family ID: |
37662276 |
Appl. No.: |
11/184121 |
Filed: |
July 18, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3239 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101; G07F 17/3244 20130101; G07F 17/3293
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/042 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A gaming system comprising: a plurality of electronic gaming
machines forming a network; bonus awarding means in communication
with each electronic gaming machine forming the network; and
wherein response to one of the plurality of electronic gaming
machines generating one or more pre-established winning game
outcomes, said common controller causing each other eligible player
playing an electronic gaming machine on the network to receive a
bonus award.
2. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein the bonus awarding means is
a common controller.
3. The gaming system of claim 2 wherein the common controller is a
computer server.
4. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein the electronic gaming
machines are video poker machines.
5. The gaming system of claim 4 wherein the one or more
pre-established winning game outcomes comprise minimum poker hand
ranks.
6. The gaming system of claim 4 wherein the one or more
pre-established winning game outcomes comprise specific poker hand
ranks.
7. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein the one or more
pre-established winning game outcomes comprise minimum game outcome
award amounts.
8. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein said network of electronic
gaming machines are located in a single establishment.
9. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein said electronic gaming
machines include means for notifying players of a bonus award.
10. The gaming system of claim 9 wherein the means comprises a
display of the electronic gaming machines.
11. The gaming system of claim of 10 wherein the display is capable
of displaying text messages.
12. The gaming system of claim 9 wherein the means comprises a
speaker for generating an audible tone.
13. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein eligible players are the
players playing maximum coins or units.
14. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein only identified club
members are eligible for a bonus award.
15. A video poker gaming system comprising: a plurality of video
poker machines linked to common controller; and wherein response to
one of the plurality of video poker machines generating one or more
pre-established winning game outcomes, said common controller
causing each other eligible player playing a video poker machine
linked to the common controller to receive a bonus award.
16. The gaming system of claim 15 wherein the one or more
pre-established outcomes comprise minimum poker hand ranks.
17. The gaming system of claim 15 wherein the one or more
pre-established outcomes comprise specific poker hand ranks.
18. The gaming system of claim 15 wherein said network of
electronic gaming machines are located in a single
establishment.
19. The gaming system of claim 15 wherein said electronic gaming
machines include means for notifying players of a bonus award.
20. The gaming system of claim 19 wherein the means comprises a
display of the electronic gaming machines.
21. The gaming system of claim of 20 wherein the display is capable
of displaying text messages.
22. The gaming system of claim 19 wherein the means comprises a
speaker for generating an audible tone.
23. The gaming system of claim 15 wherein eligible players are the
players playing maximum coins or units.
24. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein only identified club
members are eligible for a bonus award.
25. A method of gaming comprising: providing a network of
electronic gaming machines in communication with a common
controller; and in response to one of said electronic gaming
machines generating one or more pre-established winning game
outcomes, triggering one or more electronic gaming machines on the
network to award corresponding eligible players a bonus.
26. The method of gaming of claim 25 further comprising the common
controller being a computer server.
27. The method of gaming of claim 25 further comprising the
electronic gaming machines being video poker machines.
28. The method of gaming claim 25 further comprising establishing a
minimum poker hand rank as the one or more pre-established
outcomes.
29. The method of gaming of claim 25 further comprising
establishing a specific poker hand rank as the one or more
pre-established outcomes.
30. The method of gaming of claim 25 further comprising locating
all said electronic gaming machines of said network in a single
establishment.
31. The method of gaming of claim 25 further comprising notifying
players of a bonus award.
32. The method of gaming of claim 31 further comprising utilizing a
display of the electronic gaming machines to notify the players of
a bonus award.
33. The method of gaming of claim of 32 wherein the display is
capable of displaying text messages.
34. The method of gaming of claim 31 further comprising utilizing a
speaker for generating an audible tone to notify players of a bonus
award.
35. The method of gaming of claim 25 further comprising requiring a
player to play maximum coins or units to be eligible for a bonus
award.
36. The method of gaming of claim 25 further comprising requiring a
player to identify themselves to a player tracking system prior to
play in order to be eligible for a bonus award.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The embodiments of the present invention relate to
electronic gaming devices and a method of playing the same. More
particularly, the embodiments of the present invention relate to a
method and system whereby, in response to one or more
pre-established game outcomes on a single electronic gaming device,
one or more players playing on linked electronic gaming devices may
be provided a bonus award.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Electronic gaming devices, such as slot machines, video
poker machines and keno machines, now generate more revenue than
table games. Specifically, the popularity of video poker machines
has increased with the number of game variations being offered.
Bonus Poker, Double Bonus Poker and Triple Play Poker are just a
few of the video poker variations now being offered to patrons.
[0003] In most instances, video poker is premised on players
attempting to obtain the highest ranking poker hand possible.
Conventionally, five cards from a simulated deck of playing cards
are first displayed on a device screen. The player may then hold or
discard each card in an effort to improve the rank of the poker
hand. Each discard is replaced with a new card from the remaining
cards in the simulated deck. The poker rank of the final five cards
dictates a player payout. The stronger the rank of the final poker
hand the greater the corresponding payout. The many variations of
video poker do not typically alter the underlying concept of
seeking to obtain the strongest possible final poker hand rank.
[0004] The popularity of video poker and other electronic gaming
devices is attributable to the ease and quickness of play and the
opportunity for large payouts. For example, regarding video poker,
a final poker hand rank of a royal flush typically pays 800 to 1.
However, based on the probabilities, not all players realize large,
or even modest, payouts during their game sessions. Therefore, it
would be advantageous to involve a greater number of players in
certain pre-established outcomes. The inventors hereof have
developed a method and system whereby each player playing a video
poker machine (or other gaming device) on a network of commonly
linked devices is afforded an opportunity to win a bonus award
based on each other player's winning game outcome. The linked
machines may be linked via a system of wires, wirelessly or using
any other communicative means.
SUMMARY
[0005] Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention
comprise a plurality of electronic gaming machines forming a
network; bonus awarding means in communication with each electronic
gaming machine forming the network; and wherein response to one of
the plurality of electronic gaming machines generating one or more
pre-established winning game outcomes, said common controller
causing each other eligible player playing an electronic gaming
machine on the network to receive a bonus award.
[0006] In one specific embodiment, a gaming system utilizes a
plurality of linked gaming devices, such as video poker machines. A
poker hand rank or minimum poker hand rank is designated as a bonus
triggering outcome. For example, a poker hand having a rank of four
of a kind may be designated as the minimum poker hand rank. Should
a player playing on one of the linked video poker machines obtain a
hand having a rank equivalent to, or higher than, the
pre-established minimum poker hand rank, the player wins a
corresponding conventional payout and each other player playing a
video poker machine on the same network wins a bonus award. In this
manner, all players playing on a machine linked to a group of
commonly linked machines benefit from outcomes on each other linked
machine.
[0007] Alternatively, the bonus triggering event may be a
pre-established award amount. For example, any player winning a
single award in excess of $100 may trigger a bonus payment to other
players playing commonly linked machines.
[0008] As described in more detail below, gaming establishments may
limit the bonus awards to only players playing maximum coins or
units. Such a requirement encourages players to play the maximum
number of coins thereby maximizing the profits of the establishment
offering the unique method and system. Players may also be required
to identify themselves to a player tracking system in order to be
eligible for a bonus award.
[0009] Other variations, embodiments and features of the present
invention will become evident from the following detailed
description, drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 shows a screen of a conventional video poker
machine;
[0011] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram schematic of a first embodiment
of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 3 shows a pay table for a jacks or better video poker
machine;
[0013] FIG. 4 shows a screen of a video poker machine participating
in one embodiment of the present invention; and
[0014] FIG. 5 shows a flow chart detailing a video poker embodiment
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The operation of video poker machines, slot machines and
keno machines is controlled by microprocessors which communicate
with internal memory devices and the external features of the
machines. The microprocessors also incorporate, or communicate
with, a random number generator which ensures the randomness of the
machines' outcomes. In the embodiments of the present invention,
one or more processors, along with memory and related devices,
control the new applications disclosed herein. Since the technology
for operating and controlling these machines is well known to those
skilled in the art, the subtle details are not described
herein.
[0016] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the
principles in accordance with the embodiments of the present
invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments
illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to
describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no
limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any
alterations and further modifications of the inventive features
illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the
principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would
normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having
possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the
scope of the invention claimed.
[0017] While the detailed description below focuses on video poker
machines, the embodiments of the present invention may be
implemented with slot machines, keno machines and/or other
electronic gaming devices or machines as well.
[0018] Reference is now made to the figures wherein like parts are
referred to by like numerals throughout. FIG. 1 shows a video poker
touch screen generally referred to by reference numeral 100. The
screen 100 displays five cards 110-1 through 110-5, pay table 120
and credit meter 130. Interface icons include a one coin/unit wager
icon 140, maximum coins/units icon 150, deal/draw icon 160, hold
card icons 170 and cash out icon 180. The embodiments of the
present invention are just as conducive to video poker machines
without touch screen technology. In other words, video poker
machines having a one coin/unit wager button, maximum coin/unit
wager button, deal/draw button, hold card buttons and cash out
button may also participate in the embodiments of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a plurality of linked video
poker machines 200-1 through 200-N forming a network. Each machine
200-1 through 200-N is coupled to card reader 205 and communicates
with a central or common controller 210, such as a programmed
central server or similar computer device. Player tracking system
software may also act as the controller. It is conceivable that the
common controller 210 may be incorporated in one of the machines
200-1 through 200-N or reside in a remote location. The common
controller 210 utilizes computer software, embedded or remotely
located, to manage the embodiments of the present invention.
[0020] Networks of video poker machines are found on many casino
floors. In addition, gaming regulations in the state of Nevada
permit bars, restaurants and grocery and convenience stores to hold
restricted gaming licenses. A restricted gaming license allows the
identified establishments to operate a maximum of 15 video poker
machines. Accordingly, while video poker machines are located in a
majority of class I gaming jurisdictions, they are even more
prevalent in Nevada. In bars and restaurants the machines are often
bar top machines rather than stand alone machines which are found
in casinos, grocery stores and convenience stores.
[0021] Most electronic gaming devices, including video poker
machines, are now linked to player tracking systems. Players
access, and identify themselves to, the player tracking system by
inserting a slot club card, players' club card or player tracking
card into a card reader coupled to the subject machine. Other
identification means are also available. Upon reading the inserted
card, the card reader causes the player to be identified and his or
her information on a central database to be accessed. The central
database maintains and stores information (e.g., time played,
coins-in, coins-out, theoretical win, etc.) related to each of the
player's gaming sessions. Casinos and related establishments use
the gathered information to form direct marketing campaigns and to
reward regular players with complimentaries (a/k/a comps). The
embodiments of the present invention may be installed as part of a
player tracking system or may be installed as an independent
system.
[0022] In all embodiments of the present invention, each player
playing on a machine 200-1 through 200-N linked to the network
and/or linked to the common central controller 210 may be eligible
for a bonus award dependent upon game outcomes obtained by each
other player playing on a machine 200-1 through 200-N linked to the
network and/or linked to the common central controller 210. The
common controller 210 may be connected to a player tracking system
215 as discussed below. Ideally, only players identified by the
player tracking system are eligible for bonus awards. As detailed
above, inserting a player tracking card is one exemplary method for
a player to become eligible for a bonus award. Such a requirement
encourages players to sign-up for a gaming establishment's players'
club which permits the gaming establishment to better track its
players and their habits. Consequently, the gaming establishment is
better equipped to market services and promotions to its
players.
[0023] In a first embodiment of the present invention, a
pre-established minimum poker hand rank is designated as a bonus
trigger. For example, four of a kind may be designated as the
minimum poker hand rank. Consequently, a player obtaining a final
poker hand equivalent to, or higher than, four of a kind, triggers
the central controller 210 to award each other eligible player a
bonus. Any winning outcome (e.g., a pair of Jacks or better) may be
used as the bonus triggering outcome. The exact dollar amount of
the bonus is dictated by the establishment offering the game. A
typical video poker pay table pays 125 to 1 on a final poker hand
having a rank of four of a kind. Accordingly, each other player
playing a machine on the network may be awarded a fixed bonus
(e.g., 10 coins/units). Alternatively, each player may be awarded a
pro-rata share of a fixed pot or pool. For example, a fixed pot may
be set to 50 coins/units such that a single player receives 50
coins/units or five players each receive 10 coins/units.
[0024] It is also possible that the awards may be dependent upon
the rank of the poker hand such that the higher the rank of the
bonus triggering poker hand, the greater the bonus award.
Therefore, although both hands qualify as a bonus triggering hand,
four Aces may provide a larger bonus than four tens.
[0025] It is further possible that the denomination of play of each
linked player determines the amount of their corresponding bonus.
Therefore, the common controller 210 or similar device determines
the amount of each linked player's wager at the time the bonus
triggering event occurred. The controller 210 is then responsible
for disbursing the bonus awards accordingly. For example, it is
assumed that three players are playing on a system of linked video
poker machines, Player A obtains a bonus triggering game outcome
(e.g., four Kings) while Player B is playing 3 units and Player is
playing 5 units (i.e., maximum units). In response to Player A
obtaining a bonus triggering outcome (e.g., four Kings), the
controller 210 provides Player B with a first bonus award based on
three wagered units and provides Player C with a second, larger
bonus award based on five wagered units.
[0026] In another embodiment, a single pre-established poker hand
rank, rather than a minimum poker rank, is designated as the bonus
trigger. For example, a straight flush or royal flush may be
designated as the lone bonus trigger.
[0027] The bonus awards contemplated herein may also be progressive
in nature. Progressive jackpots are well-known in the industry and
comprise jackpots which increase in value until they are won.
Accordingly, a progressive jackpot may be funded initially at
$1000. The jackpot value then increases until it is won by a
player. Increasing the jackpot is typically accomplished by
allocating a portion of each wager on each subject machine to the
jackpot. Once the progressive jackpot is won, it is re-set to its
initial value; $1000 in this example. Progressive jackpots may be
affiliated with a single machine or networks of machines.
[0028] With the embodiments of the present invention, all eligible
players share in the progressive jackpot upon the occurrence of a
bonus triggering hand. Progressive jackpots can become large when
the bonus triggering poker hand is difficult to obtain (e.g.,
straight flush or royal flush).
[0029] Optionally, to maximize profits, any establishment offering
the bonus concept disclosed herein may require players to wager
maximum coins/units to participate in the bonus award. If so, only
players playing a machine linked to the common controller 210 and
playing maximum coins/units are eligible to receive a bonus award
dependent on another player's game outcome. Conventionally, video
poker machines accept up to five coins/units. FIG. 3 shows a
conventional pay table for a Jacks or better five coin video poker
machine. The pay table includes a built-in bonus for a Royal Flush
with five coins/units inserted. The bonus encourages players to
play maximum coins/units. The house benefits from players playing
maximum coins/units.
[0030] In another embodiment, the bonus trigger is a minimum game
payout. For example, a winning game payout of $100 or more triggers
the bonus award such that other eligible players receive a
pre-established bonus award or share in a fixed pool or progressive
jackpot. This type of bonus trigger is ideal for linked or
networked slot machines. The minimum game award still necessitates
a player obtaining a winning game outcome. However, the trigger is
now based on a winning outcome in combination with the size of the
player's wager.
[0031] FIG. 4 shows a video poker screen 300 offering the bonus
award disclosed herein. A notification window 310 notifies the
player whether he or she is eligible for a bonus award based on
outcomes of other machines on the network or linked to the common
controller 210. The window may be as simple as a blinking light or,
as shown, may include text notifying the player of the bonus award
and the amount. Advantageously, the window 310 may also be used to
notify the player that the player missed an award because he or she
was not eligible for a distributed bonus award since the player was
not playing maximum coins/units. Similarly, a notification may be
displayed on all active machines alerting players that they missed
a bonus award because they are not a member of the gaming
establishment's players' club. The notification may include
players' club sign-up instructions. As further encouragement to
sign-up for the gaming establishment's players' club, the
notification may indicate that the player is eligible to collect
the missed bonus award if the player signs up for the players' club
within a pre-established time period (e.g., 30 minutes). A separate
text display may also be connected to the machine to notify
players. Optionally, an audible tone alerts players that they have
won a bonus award. Ideally, the bonus award is instantly credited
to the one or more machines of eligible players such that it is
available for immediate play. Alternatively, the bonus award may be
directed to a player account managed by a player tracking system
such that it is made available at a next gaming session or some
future time.
[0032] The common controller 210 or other system device may also
track time between each player's game plays to prevent players from
playing a small number of games and then sitting idle while waiting
for a bonus award associated with another player's game outcome. In
this manner, upon the occurrence of a bonus triggering outcome,
prior to disbursing the bonus awards, the controller 210 checks the
time since each linked machine was played. If the time exceeds a
pre-established period, no award is disbursed to the corresponding
machine.
[0033] FIG. 5 shows a flow chart 400 detailing the embodiments of
the present invention. At step 410, one or more pre-established
outcomes are designated and programmed into a common controller of
a network of video poker machines. At step 420, the common
controller of the network recognizes that multiple players are
playing video poker machines on the network. Step 420 can be
accomplished using a player tracking system but it does not have to
be. At step 430, it is determined whether any winning outcome
corresponds to a pre-established bonus triggering outcome. If so,
at step 440, it is determined whether any other players are
eligible for a bonus award. Eligibility may be incumbent upon
playing maximum coins/units during the player's gaming session,
identifying themselves to a p[layer tracking system and/or time in
between plays. At step 450, the common controller causes each
eligible player to receive a bonus. Optionally, at step 460, a
visual icon and/or audio tone is activated to notify each player
that he or she has been awarded a bonus.
[0034] Funding the bonus awards may be accomplished by collecting a
small percentage of all player wagers. Alternatively, the payback
percentage of the participating machines may be decreased to
accommodate the payment of the bonus awards. By way of example, the
bonus awards may be funded by reducing the payback percentage of
each linked video poker machine from 98% to 95%.
[0035] Although the invention has been described in detail with
reference to several embodiments, additional variations and
modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as
described and defined in the following claims.
* * * * *