U.S. patent application number 11/530168 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-09 for system and method for shared wins.
Invention is credited to Scott Dickerson.
Application Number | 20070184896 11/530168 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37836567 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070184896 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dickerson; Scott |
August 9, 2007 |
System and method for shared wins
Abstract
Certain embodiments provide a system and method for providing
shared wins in a gaming system. Certain embodiments include
establishing a shared win award, wherein the shared win award has
an amount or value. One or more eligible players may be identified
to participate in a shared win, wherein eligibility of a player is
independent of player choice. A shared win event may be determined
and at least a portion of the shared win award may be awarded to
each of the one or more eligible players. At least one group of
players may be defined as eligible to participate in a shared win.
A sharing percentage of the shared win award may be assigned to
each of the eligible players as a function of relative play among
the eligible players. The sharing percentage assigned to a player
may be adjusted based on play relative to other eligible players,
for example.
Inventors: |
Dickerson; Scott;
(Henderson, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCANDREWS HELD & MALLOY, LTD
500 WEST MADISON STREET
SUITE 3400
CHICAGO
IL
60661
US
|
Family ID: |
37836567 |
Appl. No.: |
11/530168 |
Filed: |
September 8, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60715027 |
Sep 8, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3239 20130101;
G07F 17/3244 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101; G07F 17/3258
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/025 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method for awarding a shared prize, said method comprising:
establishing a shared win award, wherein said shared win award has
an amount or a value; identifying one or more players eligible to
participate in a shared win, wherein eligibility of a player is
independent of player choice; determining a shared win event; and
awarding at least a portion of said shared win award to each of
said one or more eligible players.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising activating said shared
win at a certain time.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising activating said shared
win during a certain time period.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein said identifying step further
comprises identifying eligible players at a certain time.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein said identifying step further
comprises defining at least one group of players eligible to
participate in a shared win.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein said awarding step further
comprises awarding at least a portion of said shared win award to
each of said one or more eligible players based on a criterion.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising assigning a sharing
percentage of said shared win award to each of said eligible
players as a function of relative play among said eligible
players.
8. The method of claim 7, further comprising adjusting said sharing
percentage assigned to a player based on play of said player
relative to other eligible players.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein said amount of said shared win
award comprises a static amount.
10. The set of instructions of claim 1, wherein said shared win
award comprises a non-progressive shared win award.
11. A computer-readable storage medium including a set of
instructions for a computing device, the set of instructions
comprising: a configuration routine for configuring parameters of a
shared win, wherein said parameters include at least one of a
shared win award, a shared win event, a shared win time period, and
a sharing percentage; a selection routine configured to allow an
authorized user of a gaming establishment to identify players or
selection criteria for participation in a shared win game; a
monitoring routine for monitoring play of eligible players during
said shared win time period; and an award routine for allocating
said shared win award among said eligible players based on said
sharing percentage.
12. The set of instructions of claim 11, wherein said shared win
routine allocates said shared win award based on at least one
criterion.
13. The set of instructions of claim 11, wherein said monitoring
routine further comprises dynamically adjusting said sharing
percentage for each of said eligible players; and wherein said
award routine further comprises allocating said shared win award
among said eligible players based on said sharing percentage.
14. The set of instructions of claim 11, wherein said shared win
award comprises a non-progressive shared win award.
15. The set of instructions of claim 11, wherein said selection
routine allows selection of players eligible for said shared win
game without player interaction in the selection.
16. A gaming management system providing a shared win, said system
comprising: a shared wins manager configured to set parameters for
a shared win game, wherein said shared wins manager allows
selection of eligible players for participation in said shared win
game; a gaming terminal, wherein said gaming terminal executes a
base game for play by a player, and wherein said gaming terminal is
capable of operating a shared win game along with said base game;
and a meter associated with said player, wherein said meter tracks
play of said player during said shared win game, and wherein said
meter is used to determine said player's percentage of said shared
win award, and wherein said shared wins manager divides a shared
win award among said eligible players upon occurrence of a shared
win event.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein said shared wins manager
dynamically determines an award sharing percentage for said player
based on said meter.
18. The system of claim 16, wherein said player wagers a certain
amount to become eligible to participate in said shared win
game.
19. The system of claim 16, wherein a percentage of said shared win
award allotted to said player increases as said player plays
eligible games.
20. The system of claim 16, wherein occurrence of said shared win
event is independent of a winning result of said base game.
21. The system of claim 16, wherein said shared wins manager is
capable of configuring a recurring shared win game based on a
schedule.
22. The system of claim 16, wherein said shared wins manager is
capable of defining one or more groups eligible for one or more
shared wins.
23. The system of claim 16, further comprising a card reader
capable of determining player eligibility for said shared win based
on player card information.
24. The system of claim 16, wherein said shared win award is
automatically credited to a player account.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to gaming systems, and more
particularly relates to providing shared win games to patrons in a
gaming establishment.
[0002] Gaming machines, such as slot machines, fruit machines, or
poker machines, have in recent years become one of the more
popular, exciting, and sophisticated wagering activities available
at casinos and other gambling locations. At the same time, gaming
machines have also become a source of greater revenue for gaining
establishments. Thus, competition between manufacturers of gaming
machines has intensified as competitors vie for business from
gaming establishments.
[0003] A large gaming casino typically employs thousands of gaming
machines that can be operated simultaneously. These gaming machines
can be used to simultaneously play multiple games using multiple
rewards. A gaming system providing entertaining and enticing
features for players would be highly desirable to attract both new
and returning players to a gaming establishment. Additionally, a
gaming system that allows customization and dynamic modification by
an operator would be highly desirable to provide new features to
customers. Current gaming machines are difficult to reconfigure and
offer the same game to multiple users at multiple gaming
establishments. Certain games may become old or unattractive to
players and need updating or replacing.
[0004] At certain times, game play in casinos is historically slow,
and, at certain times, game play in casinos is busy. However, even
at busy times, a level of excitement in a casino may not be as high
as it could be. Thus, a system and method that enable a casino to
provide a game play incentive during both slow times and busy times
would be highly desirable. A system and method that enable a casino
to generate both player excitement and handle would be highly
desirable.
[0005] One method used to provide increased excitement in a casino
is a progressive jackpot system wherein the progressive prize is
shared among eligible players. Players become eligible by placing a
maximum bet at a gaming machine and initiating play at the gaming
machine within a certain time before the progressive jackpot is
won. The amount of a player's bet and the time interval between a
player's bet and the award of the jackpot is used to determine a
player's eligibility to share in the progressive prize. U.S. Pat.
No. 5,564,700 is an example of such a prior art shared progressive
jackpot system.
[0006] Additionally, some casinos offer a "Bad Beat" jackpot that
may be paid to multiple casino patrons when a "Bad Beat" occurs. A
"Bad Beat" is defined as one player with a qualifying poker hand
losing to another player with a better hand that is also
qualifying. Generally, when a bad beat occurs at a casino poker
room, anyone currently playing either at that table or at that
casino may share in the "Bad Beat" jackpot. Other options to
entertain casino patrons include a bonus prize awarded when a
threshold value is accumulated in the progressive bonus pool.
[0007] Thus, there is a need for a system and method that allows a
gaming environment to provide excitement and variety to players at
any time. There is a need for a system and method for providing
shared wins in a gaming environment.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Certain embodiments provide a system and method for
providing shared wins in a gaming system. Certain embodiments
include a method for awarding a shared prize. The method includes
establishing a shared win award, wherein the shared win award has
an amount or a value. The method also includes identifying one or
more players eligible to participate in a shared win, wherein
eligibility of a player is independent of player choice. The method
further includes determining a shared win event and awarding at
least a portion of the shared win award to each of the one or more
eligible players.
[0009] In an embodiment, the method also includes activating the
shared win at a certain time. The method may also include
activating the shared win during a certain time period. In an
embodiment, eligible players are identified at a certain time, for
example. At least one group of players may be defined as eligible
to participate in a shared win. In an embodiment, at least a
portion of the shared win award is awarded to each of the one or
more eligible players based on a criterion. The shared win award
may be a static amount, a non-progressive award, and/or other
award, for example.
[0010] In an embodiment, the method includes assigning a sharing
percentage of the shared win award to each of the eligible players
as a function of relative play among the eligible players. The
sharing percentage assigned to a player may be adjusted based on
play of the player relative to other eligible players, for
example.
[0011] Certain embodiments include a computer-readable storage
medium including a set of instructions for a computing device. The
set of instructions includes a configuration routine for
configuring parameters of a shared win, wherein the parameters
include at least one of a shared win award, a shared win event, a
shared win time period, and a sharing percentage. The set of
instructions includes a selection routine configured to allow an
authorized user of a gaming establishment to identify players or
selection criteria for participation in a shared win game. The set
of instructions also includes a monitoring routine for monitoring
play of eligible players during the shared win time period.
Additionally, the set of instructions includes an award routine for
allocating the shared win award among the eligible players based on
the sharing percentage.
[0012] In an embodiment, the shared win routine allocates the
shared win award based on at least one criterion. In an embodiment,
the monitoring routine dynamically adjusts the sharing percentage
for each of the eligible players, and the award routine allocates
the shared win award among the eligible players based on the
sharing percentage. The shared win award may be a static award, a
non-progressive shared win award, and/or other award, for example.
In an embodiment, the selection routine allows selection of players
eligible for the shared win game without player interaction in the
selection.
[0013] Certain embodiments include a gaming management system
providing a shared win. The system includes a shared wins manager
configured to set parameters for a shared win game, wherein the
shared wins manager allows selection of eligible players for
participation in the shared win game. The system also includes a
gaming terminal, wherein the gaming terminal executes a base game
for play by a player, and wherein the gaming terminal is capable of
operating a shared win game along with the base game. In addition,
the system includes a meter or equivalent associated with the
player, wherein the meter or equivalent tracks play of the player
during the shared win game, and wherein the meter or equivalent is
used to determine the player's percentage of the shared win award.
The shared wins manager divides a shared win award among the
eligible players upon occurrence of a shared win event.
[0014] In an embodiment, the shared wins manager dynamically
determines an award sharing percentage for the player based on the
meter or equivalent. In an embodiment, the player wagers a certain
amount to become eligible to participate in the shared win game. A
percentage of the shared win award that is allotted to the player
may increase as the player plays eligible games, for example. In an
embodiment, occurrence of the shared win event may be independent
of a winning result occurring in the base game. In an embodiment,
the shared wins manager is capable of configuring a recurring
shared win game based on a schedule. The shared wins manager may be
capable of defining one or more groups eligible for one or more
shared wins. In an embodiment, the system further includes a card
reader capable of determining player eligibility for the shared win
based on player card information. In an embodiment, the shared win
award may be automatically credited to a player account, for
example.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a flow diagram for a method for
configuring a shared win used in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow diagram for a method for providing
a shared win game used in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0017] FIG. 3 depicts a gaming management system with shared wins
capability in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 4 shows an example of a shared wins configuration
interface used in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a flow diagram for a method 100 for
configuring a shared win used in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention. First, at step 110, one or more groups are
formed for one or more shared win games. Groups may be formed by an
operator and/or software system based on one or more criterion,
such as game type, player type, award type, location, event and/or
other setting. Then, at step 120, one or more players are assigned
to each group. For example, players matching the one or more
criterion used to define a group may be assigned to that group. In
an embodiment, a player may participate in multiple groups and/or
multiple shared wins. In an embodiment, players may be added to
groups automatically based on defined criteria and/or may be added
manually by an operator, for example.
[0020] Next, at step 130, a shared win award is selected. For
example, a monetary prize, a number of promotional or compensation
points, a discount or voucher for goods or services (such as event
tickets, free hotel stays, etc.), a product (such as cars, cellular
phones, radios, etc.), and/or other reward may be selected by an
operator and/or software to be the shared win award. In an
embodiment, a plurality of similar prizes may be selected to be
awarded to each of a plurality of eligible players when a shared
win event occurs. In another embodiment, a single prize is selected
to be divided among a plurality of eligible players when a shared
win event occurs. In an embodiment, a first prize is selected as
the shared win award for the player who triggers the shared win
event, and a second prize or group of prizes is selected for award
to other eligible players when the shared win event occurs.
[0021] At step 140, a shared win event is determined. For example,
a certain hand of poker (e.g., a video and/or table game), a
certain slot reel combination, a certain time, and/or other event
or combination of events is determined to trigger the shared win.
Then, at step 150, a start time and end time for the shared win are
selected. For example, a user or system may select a number of
minutes, hours, days and/or other increment during which the shared
win will be active. In an embodiment, a recurring schedule may be
established. For example, a recurring shared win may be configured
every Sunday from 11:00 pm to 1:00 am. In an embodiment, a number
of handle pulls/plays and/or a number of players may be used to set
a time limit or other restriction on a shared win. In another
embodiment, a time period is measured from the last shared win
event to the next shared win event to identify players eligible to
share in the award. In an embodiment, players may be purged from
shared win eligibility after a certain interval, such as a shared
win event, a plurality of shared win events, and/or a change of
player and/or game circumstance.
[0022] At step 160, an award of the shared win is configured. For
example, division of the shared win amount or allocation of a
plurality of shared win prizes is configured. Criteria for player
percentages may be determined, such as award size/type, wager made,
games played, amount won/lost, player history, game type, location,
number of eligible players, etc. Player percentages may be fixed
and/or variable amounts, for example. Then, at step 170, shared win
configuration is stored. For example, starting player percentages
are entered and/or percentage criteria are entered. Player
eligibility through use of a card and/or non-card eligibility
criteria may be determined, for example. Presence of a player upon
occurrence of the shared win event versus during the shared win
time period may also be configured, for example.
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow diagram for a method 200 for
providing a shared win game used in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention. First, at step 210, a shared win is
configured. A shared win may be configured as described above in
relation to FIG. 1, for example. Then, at step 220, a shared win is
activated. For example, the shared win time period or other
eligibility restriction begins. Next, at step 230, players qualify
for the shared win. Based on criteria established for the share win
game, players qualify by playing during the shared win period,
playing win a shared win occurs, and/or playing at least a certain
number of times and/or a certain amount wagered during the shared
win period, for example. In an embodiment, players must belong to a
certain group or groups to be eligible for a shared win. At step
240, qualified players play and earn percentages of the shared win.
In an embodiment, eligible players begin at a default percentage of
the shared win. Increased play, wins, wager, and/or other activity
may increase a player's percentage of the shared win, for
example.
[0024] At step 250, a shared win event occurs. For example, a royal
flush, a series of three 7's, and/or other shared win event is
achieved by a player. In an embodiment, the shared win event is
achieved by an eligible player to trigger the shared win. In
another embodiment, the shared win event may be achieved by any
player. Then, at step 260, sharing percentages are finalized. For
example, eligible players may begin at a uniform sharing percentage
(e.g., prize value divided by number of eligible players). In an
embodiment, individual and/or group sharing percentages may change
during the shared wins period. For example, as a player plays more
(e.g., more games played and/or more money wagered), that player's
sharing percentage increases. The percentage increase may be
relative such that if Player A plays more than Player B, Player A's
sharing percentage increases while Player B's sharing percentage
decreases, for example. The shared wins or casino management system
may dynamically adjust sharing percentage based on one or more
criterion until the shared win event occurs. Finally, at step 270,
the shared win award is shared according to the sharing
percentages.
[0025] The shared wins system may be configured by a gaming
establishment, such as a casino, to create group(s) of players that
may shared in winnings that occur within the group(s). Groups or
teams may include players, types of gaming devices (e.g., slot
machines, video poker machines, table games, Bingo, Keno, and/or
other gaming terminals), denominations, par percentages, areas of a
gaming establishment (such as a casino, restaurant, or store),
single or multiple gaming establishments, player interests,
birthdays, anniversaries, families, bus tours, player reward levels
or ratings, time schedules, tournaments, etc. In an embodiment,
players may belong to one or more groups.
[0026] In an embodiment, the shared wins system may be configured
to specify whether a player card must be inserted for a player to
participate and/or if one or more cards may be used by a single
player to participate in a shared win. The shared wins system may
be configured to determine a percentage of a shared win that is
awarded to each player and how the percentage may change may depend
upon selection criteria such as time played, amount played, amount
won, amount lost, etc.
[0027] In an embodiment, a shared win may be configured as well
within the shared wins system. The shared win may be configured as
a lump sum of money, an amount of money that increases based on
time and/or play, a non-monetary prize or prizes, etc. The shared
win may be based on a list of qualifying wins (e.g., level x
progressive jackpot, non-progressive top award jackpot,
non-progressive hand pay of any kind (configurable), etc.).
[0028] Once a group of players is established and parameters for
the group are configured, the information is transferred to a
management system, such as an OASIS system or other casino
management system. When a player who is part of the group inserts
his or her player card and/or plays without a player card
(depending upon the configuration), the player may be eligible for
a percentage of the shared win. As players play and/or stop
playing, the percentage of the shared win for a player may increase
or decrease based on the shared win configuration. Players may be
awarded a percentage of the shared win based on play between a
prior shared win payout and a current shared win payout, for
example.
[0029] Once any player in a shared win group completes a qualifying
shared win (i.e., achieves a shared win event), the entire group is
awarded their percentage of the shared win (i.e., their "piece of
the pie"). If the shared win award is a cash award, promotional
amount, or point value, the award may be added to an electronic
balance (such as a PersonalBanker cash balance, a PersonalBanker
promo balance, and/or a point balance), hand paid, and/or machine
paid, for example. If the cash award is automatically added to an
electronic balance, the cash or point award may be made immediately
available for use by the player without going to the slot club area
or casino cage to manually redeem winnings. If the shared win award
is a non-cash or point award, such as a prize, comp, and/or other
non-cash award, the award may be redeemed at a slot club booth,
casino cage, concierge desk, and/or other location where a player
is able to redeem points for products or services, such as a gift
shop, restaurant, hotel, spa, theater, amusement park, store,
etc.
[0030] In an embodiment, a shared win may be offered to one or more
groups at certain times, such as early morning, mid-week, at
historically slow times, and/or at historically busy times to
generate excitement and a larger volume of players. In an
embodiment, a shared win may be configured to not exceed a maximum
value and/or fall below a minimum value. In an embodiment, player
percentages may fluctuate and/or remain constant based on playing
time, wagers made, and/or other criterion, for example.
[0031] Thus, certain embodiments provide a shared wins system and
method that does not require additional wagers or actions to
participate in a shared win. Certain embodiments provide a shared
win without additional interaction between a player and a gaming
terminal. Additionally, certain embodiments provide a shared win
award without contribution to a communal jackpot. Certain
embodiments provide a static shared win award determined by an
event that is configurable by a user. When the event occurs, an
eligible group is awarded pieces of the shared win.
[0032] A casino or other gaming establishment management system may
be configured to operate one or more shared wins with one or more
groups of players. FIG. 3 depicts a gaming management system 11
with shared wins capability in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, an example of a game
management system 11 includes a plurality of gaming machines 13,
15, and 17 interconnected across a network 19 to a server 21.
Gaming machines 13, 15, 17 may utilize applications or web services
of server 21 to provide visual displays, such as slot or video
poker displays. Gaming machines 13, 15, 17 may communicate with
server 21 via network 19 using standard or proprietary, custom
protocols, for example. Network 19 may include subnetworks using
RS485 serial communications standard, for example, and data
collection units (not shown). Network 19 also may be configured as
an Ethernet network employing TCP/IP protocol, or may comprise a
digital subscriber line (DSL) network, a fiber optic network, an RF
network, etc.
[0033] Each gaming machine 13, 15, 17 includes a smart
communications interface (SCI) 101, 103, 105 (105 is not shown).
SCIs 101, 103, 105 may communicate directly onto network 19 and/or
communicate with network 19 via a data port unit (not shown). SCIs
101, 103, 105 may also communicate with gaming controller(s) (not
shown).
[0034] Server 21 may be designed to run on a network platform and
to service requests from gaming machines 13, 15, 17. Server 21 may
be accessed from network 19, through standard networking protocols,
such as transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP),
user datagram protocol (UDP), telnet, file transfer protocol (FTP),
hypertext transport protocol (HTTP), internet control message
protocol (ICMP), internet group management protocol (IGMP), etc.
Documents, such as hypertext markup language (HTML), extensible
markup language (XML), rich text format (RTF), etc., may be
transmitted to and/or from server 21.
[0035] Server 21 may have a single or multi-tiered architecture
that includes at least one software layer including one or more
applications, an application program interface (API) and an
operating system, for example. The applications provide a number of
different services, including accounting services, player tracking
services, progressive game services, browsing services, cashless
play services, etc. The applications may be written in various
languages including, for example, C#, Java, or SQL. The operating
system for example, is a Windows.RTM. brand operating system which
provides conventional functions.
[0036] Server 21 may push out, i.e., publish, information to
various subscribers including gaming machines 13, 15, 17. For
example, gaming machine 13 may subscribe to a shared win, a
progressive game or a "bonus time" alert. Server 21 notifies gaming
machines that have subscribed that a shared win period has started
and that jackpots are to be paid out at twice the pay table, for
example. The shared win for particular gaming machines may be
subscribed to, for example, using a casino workstation (not shown).
The workstation may communicate a request to server 21 to publish
to specifically identified gaming machines that a shared wins
period is to begin. The request may also provide additional
information as to the amount of the shared win, the type of shared
win, sharing percentage(s), etc. The request may also ask server 21
to publish the end of the shared win period as well. The server 21
may provide such a shared win game in real time with the shared win
event, or merely provide a scheduled command for future shared win
events.
[0037] Server 21 may include a plurality of functions that may be
called by other systems or devices connected to network 19. Such
functions may include conventional method or function calls as well
as remote calls, e.g., proxy and simple object access protocol
(SOAP)/XML invocations. For example, server 21 may be called by
gaming machines 13, 15, 17.
[0038] Server 21 provides data to or retrieves data from a database
25. For example, data is stored as to gaming activity, player
account information, advertisements, ticketing, etc. For example,
meter or equivalent data is received by server 21. Server 21 stores
the meter or equivalent data in a database. Meter or equivalent
data may include player win/loss data, shared win data, bonus
jackpot data, progressive link/level data, gaming machine
coin-in/payout data, etc. Also, data may be retrieved including
player information, accounting data, application programs, etc.
[0039] For purposes of simplicity, only three gaming machines 13,
15, 17 are shown in FIG. 3. In actuality, a casino may contain
hundreds, or even thousands, of gaming machines. In addition to
gaming machines, a casino may include various non-gaming machine
locations, such as craps and blackjack. Such locations include an
SCI, similar to SCI 101, 103, or 105, which is connected to network
19. In an embodiment, gaming and non-gaming machine locations may
be spread throughout several casinos located remotely from one
another.
[0040] Server 21 provides services for each gaming machine. Server
21 may provide different services for different gaming machines.
For example, gaming machines may be included in a shared win game
and thus use a shared win service from server 21. Typically, all
gaming machines use an accounting service from server 21 which
accounts for coins and bills inserted into the gaming machine as
well as an accounting of coins cashed out of the gaming machine to
a player.
[0041] Other services, such as player tracking and cashless play
services, may be provided by server 21. A typical player account
may be stored in a database for tracking of the player. The player
accounts are updated by server 21 as player information is sent to
server 21 from gaming machines 13, 15, 17, a workstation or an
external system (not shown). For example, a restaurant acting as an
external system may request server 21 to add loyalty points to the
player's account in the database based on the amount of money spent
by the player at the restaurant. As another example, a player at
gaming machine 13 may request server 21 to convert 1000 points of
the points balance in the player's account to credits on the credit
meter or equivalent of gaming machine 13. As another example,
server 21 may provide game programs or other parameters to a
particular gaming machine.
[0042] More specifically, gaming machine 13 sends a service request
to server 21. SCI 101 packages the request in a proper protocol and
places the request onto network 19. Various switches and/or routers
may be included in network 19 in order to route the service request
to server 21. The request may include (1) data, (2) a message
request, and (3) the network address of server 21. The message
request seeks a particular service to be performed by execution of
an application by server 21. The application is run in connection
with the data, if any, in the request. The application may then
generate a message back onto network 19 addressed to machine 13.
SCI 101 receives the message and responds accordingly, as for
example, adjusting the credit meter or equivalent, generating a
display of information to the player, etc.
[0043] Alternatively, SCI 101, 103, or 105 may be connected to a
hub for wireless communication of the service request to the
network 19. The service request is received by the hub, repackaged
and then broadcast to a receiving device that is connected to the
network. The receiving device packages the service request and
places the service request onto the network.
[0044] Gaming machine 17 is shown in more detail in FIG. 3 and
includes a housing 51 that supports a number of components
including a main display 53 that is positioned on the outer front
face of the machine for direct presentation of a display to the
player. An input area 35 receives a wager from the player in the
form of currency bills or bar-coded vouchers. A card receiving slot
37 is positioned to receive a player card for use to identify the
particular player at the gaming machine, as described hereinafter.
A secondary display 39 also may be included, for the display of
supplemental non-game information to the player, typically, in the
form of instructions, points balances, or other information. As
understood, all or part of supplemental display 39 may take the
form of a display window located on primary display 53 or a
secondary window on display 53. A keypad 41 is provided to allow
the player to input data to the SCI of the gaming machine,
particularly in response to instructions or questions on
supplemental display 39. In addition, a plurality of decision
making buttons 43 (and optionally a handle, not shown) are used by
the player to play the game of machine 17. A payout tray 45
provides an area for redemption of awards based on play of the
game, and a printer (not shown) may be used to print tickets or
other redemption documents.
[0045] Display 53 displays the primary game features for play of a
game. For example, the display may generate a conventional slot
game in which a plurality of symbols are moved within their
respective column, as if rotated, at the appropriate time in
response to the user activation of the gaming machine.
[0046] The casino issues a player a player card 67 through an
application process. Player card 67 typically includes a magnetic
stripe 68 that is encoded with data to identify the player. In some
cases, a personal identification number (PIN) is given to the
player for security, and may allow access to certain features of
the gaming machine. Card 67 is readable by a card reader found in
each of the gaming machines 13, 15, 17. Other types of cards may be
utilized including optical cards, smart cards, etc.
[0047] In addition, a unique number is encoded onto a magnetic
stripe 68 carried by the card. This unique number corresponds to a
player account file which is maintained by central authority server
21 in database 25. The account file may include information such as
the player's name, address, amount of credit available, amount of
promotional credits, amount of loyalty points, etc.
[0048] The player inserts his or her player card 67 into card
receiving slot 37 for reading by a card reader. SCI 105 detects the
card insertion and receives the identification information
contained on card 67. For example, the player's name, address and
player tracking account number may be encoded on the magnetic
stripe. The information contained on card 67 may be a reference
number to retrieve player data from database 25. A player card,
smart card, radio frequency identification (RFID) device, and/or
other mechanism may be used to participate in and/or track
information for a shared win, for example.
[0049] SCI 105 provides display signals to display 39 in order to,
for example, display the player's name, progressive amount(s), game
information, supplemental information, and/or other message. Select
messages may be displayed, for example, requesting the player to
optionally enter his or her personal identification number (PIN)
using keypad 41. Where the PIN is optionally entered by the player,
SCI 101 communicates with the central authority 21 in order that
the PIN, for example, may be used to validate the player's
identity. In other cases, the PIN may be used to access some
features of the gaming machine 17 or system 11. Either the central
authority or the SCI performs validation.
[0050] SCI 105 gains access to the player's account at the central
authority 21. The player's account typically includes the number of
player points (loyalty points) previously accumulated by the
player, as well as additional statistics. In order for the gaming
activity at a particular machine to be credited to the player's
player account, the player or player account is identified at the
gaming machine. Identification is typically accomplished by the
player inserting his or her player card.
[0051] A PIN alone without a player card may be used to provide
player identity to the gaming machine; and a card alone without a
PIN may be used to provide player identity to the gaming machine.
Alternatively, any of several biometric devices may be used to
identify the player, including devices to check fingerprints, scan
facial appearance, provide eye scans, etc. Such biometric input
data may be used alone or in combination with player cards or
PINs.
[0052] During game play, a gaming machine CPU may track gaming
activity and provides gaming activity information to SCI 105. Such
information may include an amount of money a player has wagered on
each game, a number of games played, a time each game was initiated
and a particular identification of a gaming machine, etc. For
example, a system may track money wagered, money won and the time
period tracked. Tracked information may be obtained by the SCI
polling the CPU. The game activity information is sent to the
central authority by the SCI. The central authority utilizes the
game activity information to perform accounting functions and
additionally generates player points which are added to the points
in the player's account. Awards are provided by the casino in
accordance with points accumulated by the player.
[0053] Any pre-stored data in the player's account may be
downloaded to SCI 105 which in turn provides corresponding signal
data to the gaming machine 17. Where gaming machine 17 allows for
player selection of the particular game played, players may
pre-store their game preference in central database 25. Preference
data may be downloaded to gaming machine 17 after player
identification at the gaming machine.
[0054] The communication between SCI 105, central authority 21 and
gaming machine CPU may take on different forms and protocols, as
for example, serial, parallel, Ethernet, etc. In one embodiment,
the SCI may be connected to the CPU through a serial connection and
communicates in accordance with a particular communication protocol
or protocols depending upon the manufacturer of the particular
gaining machine.
[0055] After a particular player has been identified as a valid
player, other messages are presented on display 39. For example,
the balance amount of points or credit remaining in the player's
account may appear on the display. The player may use key pad 41 to
download credits to the gaming machine, for example.
[0056] In accordance with a configuration of gaming machine 17, the
gaming machine begins a game (for example, the reels spin)
automatically after the credits appear on the credit meter or
equivalent or the game is started after the player presses a button
43 or pulls a handle (not shown).
[0057] Then, the game ends and a particular result appears. The
gaming machine pays out certain amount(s) depending upon the result
in a conventional manner. The pay out may include applying an
amount directly to a credit meter or equivalent, or paying the
amount in coins or tokens directly from the slot machine to the
player at tray 45, or where the amount is above a threshold level,
a hand pay is made of the amount to the player. The player may
cash-out credits by activating a cash-out button 43 or upload
credits to the player's account in database 25. A ticket printer
(not shown) may be used to dispense bar coded vouchers on cash-out,
as well. In an embodiment, the pay out may also include a bonus
payout and/or portion of a shared win award, as described
above.
[0058] If a player desires to discontinue play or move to a
different machine, the player removes the player card. Thereafter,
the player card may be inserted into the same or a different gaming
machine for continuing play.
[0059] The player's account may be formed of multiple accounts, for
example, a CASH account, a POINTS account, a PROMO account, etc.
Credit may be placed in the player's PROMO account by the casino as
a complimentary incentive. This may happen when a player first
arrives at the casino at hotel check-in or other event.
Alternatively, credit may be applied to the player's CASH account
in accordance with the player making a deposit of money, either
coins or tokens directly into the slot machine or at a cashier.
Such credits (or value) may be downloaded to the gaming machine and
placed on a credit meter or equivalent.
[0060] The player's gaming activity is tracked by system 11 once
the player account is established, the player has been issued a
player tracking card bearing a unique identification number and the
account is in a file in database 25, for example. The player's
transactions at the gaming machine are logged by SCI 105 and
reported to central authority 21.
[0061] In some situations, multiple player cards may be issued for
a single account; each card identifies the same account. Each card
may carry the same identification number. For example, a husband
and wife may share a single account. The first card inserted allows
the player to retrieve any or all of the credit available in the
player's account. The second card inserted allows the second player
to retrieve any remaining credit that remains in the account. Where
both cards are simultaneously used on separate gaming machines, all
player transaction activity is collected and forwarded to the
player's account.
[0062] Numerous types of reports may be generated based upon the
transaction activity logged in the player's account. For example,
the amount of money played by the customer, the amount of credit
used from the player's account, the amount of complimentary
incentive credit utilized by the player, the amount of points
converted to play credits at the game, the machine upon which the
transaction occurred, the time of the play, or other event,
etc.
[0063] Gaming machines 13, 15, 17 may include one or more
accounting meters or equivalent devices/data structures that log
transaction and machine data. Meters may be formed of electronic
memory and/or hard meters, for example. Meters may be updated in
response to various gaming machine events. Meters may be non-reset,
accumulative meters; however, some meters may be reset meters and
statistics are available since the last reset of the meters. Basic
events in which meters are adjusted may include: (1) money input by
the player; (2) wagers placed by the player; (3) game wins from
play of the game; (4) shared wins involving the player; and (5)
cash out of credits by the player.
[0064] Only the particular meter(s) to which an event pertains are
adjusted upon the occurrence of the event. Data identifying the
occurrence of events may be recorded also, including the time of
the event and the particular type of event.
[0065] For example, meters may include various drop meters to track
money flow. A drop meter or equivalent may be provided for each of
the different forms of monetary value accepted by the gaming
machine. For example, a coin drop meter may represent the total
value of coins that fall to a "drop bucket" within the gaming
machine housing for later collection by the casino. Also, coins may
instead be diverted to a hopper system for later payout to the
player and such diverted coins may be metered separately. Also, a
bill count drop meter or equivalent may count all paper currency
that has been inserted into the bill acceptor. As another example,
promo count meters count promotional credits that are received by
the gaming machine from bar coded coupons, downloaded credits,
bonus point conversions, and the like. Outflow of cash to the
player may also be tracked by meters, including printed vouchers
that have been issued by the machine.
[0066] Meters and/or equivalent devices/data structures may also
keep track of game activity and include a game play meter for
tracking the total number of bets actually wagered and a game win
meter for tracking the total number of wins. Meters and/or
equivalent devices/data structures may also track progressive
amount(s) for different progressive link(s) and/or level(s) within
a link. Shared win meters may track a player's participation and/or
sharing percentage in a shared win game, for example. Purchased
credits that are not wagered, but cashed out, may be tracked as
well. Credit meter is a visual meter that reflects the total amount
of credit available to the player at any time, and may be driven
from another meter.
[0067] A gaming machine CPU communicates data to SCI 105 including
events and readings of the accounting meters. For example, SCI 105
may poll a CPU for data, and then record such data in a memory. The
data may be further processed by SCI 105, and then the processed
data is stored in memory. Particular data stored in memory includes
accounting data as well as player data that is used to award player
points.
[0068] SCI 105 performs game accounting functions by updating
accounting data and player data. SCI 105 transmits data to central
authority 21. In addition, accounting data and player data may be
initialized by central authority 21.
[0069] Tracking of data at the gaming machines occurs for carded
and non-carded players. A non-carded player is a player who does
not insert a player card during play. SCI 105 may retrieve data
from CPU 61 including data stored by a CPU in meters. SCI 105 may
also keep data that SCI 105 has obtained from sources other than a
CPU, such as data obtained from a card reader. SCI 105 may process
the data and convert the data to a particular form prior to
transmittal to central authority 21. For example, data regarding a
number of coins played during a certain period of time may be
calculated by SCI 105 based on coin-in meter data at a start of the
period and coin-in meter data at an end of the period.
[0070] SCI 105 reports certain data to central authority 21 which
is placed in database 25. However, SCI 105 reports particular data,
i.e., player data, which is related to the game activity of the
player. Central authority 21 uses player data to calculate player
points and store player points in a particular player account held
in database 25. For example, central authority 21 may calculate a
number of loyalty points based on coin-in data of the player, and
thereafter store points data in a player account. Alternatively,
SCI 105 may perform points calculation and transmit the points data
for storage in the player account in database 25.
[0071] SCI 105 may report a variety of accounting data to central
authority 21 at various times. SCI 105 reports player data which
SCI 105 has accumulated in connection with the occurrence of a
gaming session. The data may be reported when a player removes his
or her player card from the card reader. Where a player has the
ability to convert points stored in his or her account to credits
at the gaming machine, the timing of points credited to the player
account may become important. It may be desirable also to forward
player data at predetermined times, for example, every hour, where
the player's gaming session occurs over a lengthy period of
time.
[0072] Gaming machines, such as gaming machines 13, 15 and 17 may
be implemented, for example, as slot machines, video poker
machines, video roulette machines, and the like. Gaming machines
13, 15 and 17 may be located in a local gaming environment, such as
a casino, and/or a multi-site gaming environment, such as a
plurality of networked casinos. Gaming machines 13, 15 and 17 may
be used to play a first game and/or a second game employing one or
more progressive jackpots as a reward. In an embodiment, a
progressive jackpot used as a reward for a second game may be
automatically determined by a gaming machine, progressive
controller, and/or other server. A progressive jackpot may also or
alternatively be selected by a player and/or determined by an
outcome of the second game. In an embodiment, gaming machines 13,
15, and 17 may be used to participate in a shared win game.
[0073] In an embodiment, a game controller controls operation of a
gaming machine. The game controller may include a microprocessor,
memory, game software, and support circuitry to implement a slot
machine or other type of game, for example. A gaming machine
display presents to a player a representation of a pending credit
in the gaming machine 13, 15 and 17 (e.g., $455.50). The display
also may display information relating to the second progressive
game, such as the value of the progressive amount and the name of
the most recent winner of the progressive jackpot for the second
game. During play, the game controller tracks the pending credit
according to the rules of the game and the interaction with the
player (including the deposit of additional funds via a coin
comparator or bill validator).
[0074] In an embodiment, gaming machines 13, 15, 17 and/or central
authority server 21 include software for configuring and running
games and special programs in the system 11. For example, one or
more shared win games may be configured on the system 11. An
example of a shared wins configuration interface is shown in FIG.
4. Eligible players are determined, and meters and/or equivalent
devices/data structures may be used to track player participation
data in the shared win. Upon occurrence of a shared win event, the
shared win award is divided among the participating players as
described above.
[0075] In an embodiment, a shared win game is configured by
authorized gaming personnel entering configuration information, as
shown in FIG. 4. The configuration information is transferred
through the system 11 on a regular basis and/or when a player card
is inserted. As players play, the players accumulate points within
the system 11 as with a regular game, but the coin in, coin out, or
other player points accumulate towards a shared win percentage as
well as the traditional base game. When a player has played enough
to earn a shared win percentage, for example, based on the shared
win configuration settings, the player becomes eligible to
participate in the shared win if the shared win event occurs. As
additional players in a group play and earn percentages toward the
shared win, the system 11 adjusts each player's percentage as
necessary. For example, if one thousand eligible players are
playing in a shared win, the system 11 will ensure that, as the
players play and percentages are achieved, the total percentage
does not exceed one hundred percent.
[0076] When a qualifying shared win event occurs, the system 11 may
be notified in several ways. For example, notification may occur
automatically via serial or other protocol between the server 21
and the gaming machine 13, 15, 17. A manual notification may be
made by a gaming establishment employee when processing an award
that meets the shared win event criteria, for example. Automatic
and/or manual notification may occur from other sources, such as a
gaming establishment employee manually sending notification when a
certain event occurs, such as a "cover all", and/or automatic
notification from a progressive system controller when a certain
type of progressive jackpot occurs. In an embodiment, one or more
shared win events may be defined. One or more of the shared win
events may or may not correspond with winning outcomes in a base
game, for example.
[0077] At the time of the qualifying shared win event, the system
11 uses the shared win configuration for the shared win event to
determine the shared win award for each eligible player. Each
player is awarded his or her "piece of the pie" based on the
configuration of the shared win. Alternatively, player shared win
awards may be manually determined and/or awarded.
[0078] In an embodiment, the system 11 may be configured to send
out pages, e-mails, text messages, and/or other communication to
gaming establishment personnel and/or patrons, display on signage
or other system displays, and/or display on websites or other media
to announce that a shared win event has occurred, for example. The
system 11 may also be configured to send messages to system
hardware to display shared win information on individual system
displays when a player inserts his or her player card in a gaming
machine and/or already has a player card inserted, for example.
[0079] Thus, certain embodiments provide a new and exciting feature
to attract players who will want to have an opportunity to share in
the winning. Certain embodiments provide an ability to share in
winnings even if a player did not trigger the win. Certain
embodiments provide an ability to increase a player's portion of
the possible shared winnings based on how much a player players,
how often a player plays, and/or other factors based on the shared
wins configuration. Certain embodiments provide a flexible shared
wins system with a vast range of possibilities to attract new
players, increase time spent by existing players in a casino or
other gaming environment, and increase handle and profits for a
gaming environment.
[0080] While the invention has been described with reference to one
or more preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will
understand that changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In
addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular
step, structure, or material to the teachings of the invention
without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that
the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment
disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments
falling within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *