U.S. patent application number 11/703034 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-18 for wagering game with flexible pay tables.
This patent application is currently assigned to Spielo Manufacturing ULC. Invention is credited to David Fanjoy, Chris Plimmer, Dan Urquhart.
Application Number | 20070243921 11/703034 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38344828 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070243921 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fanjoy; David ; et
al. |
October 18, 2007 |
Wagering game with flexible pay tables
Abstract
A method and apparatus for conducting a wagering game. The
method may include receiving a first player input, where the first
player input indicates a first selected pay table for use in the
wagering game and the first selected pay table is selected from a
plurality of pay tables. The method may also include receiving a
first wager for the first selected pay table. The method may also
include determining a game result. The method may also include
awarding a first prize, where the first prize is calculated based
on the game result, the first selected pay table and the first
wager.
Inventors: |
Fanjoy; David; (Moncton,
CA) ; Urquhart; Dan; (Moncton, CA) ; Plimmer;
Chris; (Moncton, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KENYON & KENYON LLP
ONE BROADWAY
NEW YORK
NY
10004
US
|
Assignee: |
Spielo Manufacturing ULC
|
Family ID: |
38344828 |
Appl. No.: |
11/703034 |
Filed: |
February 5, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60771161 |
Feb 6, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/13 ;
273/274 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3262 20130101; G07F 17/3244 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/013 ;
273/274 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method for conducting a wagering game, comprising: receiving a
first player input, the first player input indicating a first
selected pay table for use in the wagering game, the first selected
pay table selected from a plurality of pay tables; receiving a
first wager for the first selected pay table; determining a game
result; and awarding a first prize, the first prize calculated
based on the game result, the first selected pay table and the
first wager.
2. A method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving a first wager
amount for the first select pay table, wherein the first prize is
further calculated based on the first wager amount.
3. A method of claim 1, further comprising: presenting a player
with the plurality of pay tables.
4. A method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving a second
indication of a second selected pay table for use in the wagering
game, the second selected pay table selected from the plurality of
pay tables; receiving a second wager for the second selected pay
table; and awarding a second prize for the second selected pay
table, the second prize calculated based on the game result, the
second selected pay table and the second wager.
5. A method of claim 4, further comprising: receiving a second
wager amount for the second select pay table, wherein the second
prize is further calculated based on the second wager amount.
6. A method of claim 1, wherein the wagering game is a video poker
game, the method further comprising: displaying a first poker hand,
the first poker hand including a first plurality of cards;
receiving an input reflecting a selection of held cards selected
from the first poker hand; displaying a second poker hand, the
second poker hand including a second plurality of cards and the
selection of held cards; and wherein the game result corresponds to
the second poker hand.
7. A method of claim 1, wherein the wagering game is a video poker
game, the method further comprising: displaying a poker hand, the
poker hand including a plurality of cards; and wherein the game
result corresponds to the poker hand.
8. A method of claim 1, wherein the wagering game is a video slot
game, the method further comprising: displaying an initial set of
symbols, the first set of symbols configured to simulate an initial
set of slot machine reels; animating the initial set of symbols,
the animation configured to simulate a set of spinning slot machine
reels; displaying a resulting set of symbols, the resulting set of
symbols configured to simulate a resulting set of slot machine
reels; and wherein the game result corresponds to the resulting set
of symbols.
9. A method of claim 1, wherein the wagering game is a slot machine
game, the method further comprising: displaying an initial set of
symbols, the initial set of symbols depicted on a set of reels;
spinning the set of reels; displaying a resulting set of symbols,
the resulting set of symbols depicted on the set of reels; and
wherein the game result corresponds to the resulting set of
symbols.
10. A method of claim 1, wherein the wagering game is a future draw
lottery game, the method further comprising: receiving a third
input, the third input indicating a set of player-selected
elements; and selecting winning set of elements, wherein the game
result corresponds to a matching of the set of player-selected
elements or a subset of the set of player-selected elements to the
winning set of elements.
11. A method for conducting a video poker game, comprising:
receiving an indication of a selected pay table for use in the
video poker game, the selected pay table selected from one of a
first pay table and a second pay table; receiving a wager;
receiving a wager amount; displaying a first poker hand, the first
poker hand including a first plurality of cards; receiving an input
reflecting a selection of held cards selected from the first poker
hand; displaying a second poker hand, the second poker hand
including a second plurality of cards and the selection of held
cards; determining a game result, the game result corresponding to
the second poker hand; and awarding a prize associated with the
game result, the wager, the wager amount and the selected pay
table.
12. An apparatus for conducting a wagering game, comprising: a
plurality of pay tables; an input device, the input device
configured to, receive a first indication of a first selected pay
table to be used in the wagering game, the first selected pay table
selected from the plurality of pay tables, receive an input
reflecting a selection of held cards, and receive a first wager for
the first selected pay table; a display, the display configured to,
display the first poker hand, the first poker hand including a
first plurality of cards, display a second poker hand, the second
poker hand including a second plurality of cards and the selection
of held cards; a processor, the processor configured to determine a
game result corresponding to the second poker hand; a receiver, the
receiver configured to receive a first wager; and a dispenser, the
dispenser configured to, award a first prize for the first selected
pay table, the first prize calculated based on the game result, the
first selected pay table and the first wager associated with the
first selected pay table.
13. An apparatus of claim 12, wherein the processor is further
configured to receive a second indication of a second selected pay
table to be used in the wagering game, the second selected pay
table selected from the plurality of pay tables, wherein the
receiver is further configured to receive a second wager for the
second selected pay table, and wherein the dispenser is further
configured to award a second prize for the second selected pay
table, the second prize calculated based on the game result, the
second selected pay table and the second wager.
14. An apparatus of claim 12, wherein each prize is further
calculated based on a wager amount associated with the selected pay
table, the apparatus further comprising: a payment acceptor, the
payment acceptor configured to accept the wager amount associated
with the selected pay table.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM AND CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to
U.S. Provisional Application 60/771,161, titled "Wagering Game With
Flexible Pay Tables", filed Feb. 6, 2006. The entire of disclosure
of that provisional application is incorporated by reference herein
by reference.
[0002] The present application is related to commonly-owned,
provisional application (Ser. No. 60/749,006), filed Dec. 9, 2005,
entitled "System and Method for Draw Game" and the commonly-owned,
pending U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 11/635,913, entitled
"Video Poker Draw Game", filed Dec. 7, 2006. The entire disclosures
of the foregoing related applications are incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Video gaming machines are commonly used in traditional
gambling establishments such as casinos and gambling centers and in
other markets such as bars, restaurants, racinos, bingo halls,
riverboats, and cruise ships. While the regulations covering these
different establishments are different, they also vary from one
jurisdiction to another and the habits of players may also
vary.
[0004] Because the number of games allowed within an establishment
is typically regulated and because the gaming machines have a
relatively short payback cycle, the gaming machine business is
highly competitive. Hence there is further pressure on the industry
to make improvements in game features that enhance their play
value.
[0005] Video gaming machines provide games including games that
emulate traditional games of chance such as keno, bingo, scratch
tickets, fixed-odds betting, and other types of wager games,
slot-machine emulation and card game emulation. These typically
reward a player having a random outcome with a bonus round of play
or other incentives. Video gaming machines may also provide lottery
tickets to players in a future draw or instant win lottery
game.
[0006] One type of video gaming machines is a video slot machine,
which may emulate traditional slot machine games. Traditional slot
machines include a plurality of reels that rotate around a
horizontal axis. An input accepts a player's input to indicate a
desire to spin the reels. Symbols may be displayed on the outside
of the reels so that the symbols are visible to a player when the
reels come to rest. If the symbols on the reels are arranged in a
pre-determined arrangement, a prize may be awarded to the player.
The prize may depend on the symbol arrangement and an initial bet
made by the player.
[0007] A video slot machine may include a viewable display area
where a plurality of reels is simulated. The symbols may be
arranged in columns and provided with an animation sequence to
simulate spinning reels when a player's input is received to spin
the reels.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates an example video gaming machine, in
accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates an example screen shot depicting a first
poker hand, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present
invention.
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates an example screen shot depicting a first
poker hand with a selection of held cards, in accordance with an
example embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates an example screen shot depicting a second
poker hand, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates an example pay table, in accordance with
an example embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates a first example procedure for conducting
a wagering game, in accordance with an example embodiment of the
present invention.
[0014] FIG. 7 illustrates a second example procedure for conducting
a wagering game, in accordance with an example embodiment of the
present invention.
[0015] FIG. 8 illustrates a third example procedure for conducting
a wagering game, in accordance with an example embodiment of the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 9 illustrates an example apparatus for conducting a
wagering game, in accordance with an example embodiment of the
present invention.
[0017] FIG. 10a illustrates an example play log, in accordance with
an example embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 10b illustrates an example play log entry, in
accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 11a illustrates an example terminal structure, in
accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 11b illustrates an example terminal structure entry, in
accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 12 illustrates an example future draw lottery ticket,
in accordance with another example embodiment of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 13 illustrates example pay tables for the example
future draw lottery game, in accordance with another example
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0023] A wagering game on a video gaming machine may include a pay
table specifying the prizes available in the game and a game result
to win each prize. Pay tables may vary across different video
gaming machines. Some players move from one video gaming machine to
another video gaming machine in search of a different pay table.
Some players also specifically seek out a particular pay table
depending on the player's superstitions, recent gaming experiences,
or other factors.
[0024] A wagering game on a video gaming machine is provided with
multiple pay tables and an opportunity to place a wager on one or
more of the pay tables during a wagering game. A player may receive
a prize from each pay table he is wagering on. With a multiple pay
table video gaming machine, a player does not need to spend time
looking for a particular pay table among available video gaming
machines. In addition, a gaming establishment may be filled with
the same video gaming machines but configured with a wide variety
of pay tables, replacing previously unique video gaming machines. A
separate wager may be accepted on each pay table. This may increase
an hourly wager amount of a player. In effect, a player is playing
more rounds of the wagering game per hour than on previous video
gaming machines.
[0025] In one example embodiment of the present invention, a method
for conducting a wagering game may be provided. The method may
comprise receiving a first player input, the first player input
indicating a first selected pay table for use in the wagering game,
the first selected pay table selected from a plurality of pay
tables. The method may further comprise receiving a first wager for
the first selected pay table. The method may further comprise
determining a game result. The method may further comprise awarding
a first prize, the first prize calculated based on the game result,
the first selected pay table and the first wager. The method may
further comprise receiving a first wager amount for the first
select pay table, wherein the first prize is further calculated
based on the first wager amount. The method may further comprise
presenting a player with the plurality of pay tables. The method
may further comprise receiving a second indication of a second
selected pay table for use in the wagering game, the second
selected pay table selected from the plurality of pay tables. The
method may further comprise receiving a second wager for the second
selected pay table. The method may further comprise awarding a
second prize for the second selected pay table, the second prize
calculated based on the game result, the second selected pay table
and the second wager. The method may further comprise receiving a
second wager amount for the second select pay table, wherein the
second prize is further calculated based on the second wager
amount. The wagering game may be a video poker game. The method may
further comprise displaying a first poker hand, the first poker
hand including a first plurality of cards. The method may further
comprise receiving an input reflecting a selection of held cards
selected from the first poker hand. The method may further comprise
displaying a second poker hand, the second poker hand including a
second plurality of cards and the selection of held cards. The game
result may correspond to the second poker hand. The method may
further comprise displaying a poker hand, the poker hand including
a plurality of cards. The method may further comprise wherein the
game result corresponds to the poker hand. The wagering game may be
a video slot game. The method may further comprise displaying an
initial set of symbols, the first set of symbols configured to
simulate an initial set of slot machine reels. The method may
further comprise animating the initial set of symbols, the
animation configured to simulate a set of spinning slot machine
reels. The method may further comprise displaying a resulting set
of symbols, the resulting set of symbols configured to simulate a
resulting set of slot machine reels. The game result may correspond
to the resulting set of symbols. The wagering game may be a slot
machine game. The method may further comprise displaying an initial
set of symbols, spinning the set of reels, and displaying a
resulting set of symbols. The initial set of symbols may be
depicted on a set of reels. The resulting set of symbols may be
depicted on the set of reels. The game result may correspond to the
resulting set of symbols. The wagering game may be a future draw
lottery game. The method may further comprise receiving a third
input, the third input indicating a set of player-selected
elements. The method may further comprise selecting winning set of
elements, wherein the game result corresponds to a matching of the
set of player-selected elements or a subset of the set of
player-selected elements to the winning set of elements.
[0026] Another example embodiment of the present invention may be a
method for conducting a video poker game. The method may comprise
receiving an indication of a selected pay table for use in the
video poker game, the selected pay table selected from one of a
first pay table and a second pay table. The method may further
comprise receiving a wager. The method may further comprise
receiving a wager amount. The method may further comprise
displaying a first poker hand, the first poker hand including a
first plurality of cards. The method may further comprise receiving
an input reflecting a selection of held cards selected from the
first poker hand. The method may further comprise displaying a
second poker hand, the second poker hand including a second
plurality of cards and the selection of held cards. The method may
further comprise determining a game result, the game result
corresponding to the second poker hand. The method may further
comprise awarding a prize associated with the game result, the
wager, the wager amount and the selected pay table.
[0027] Another example embodiment of the present invention may be
an apparatus for conducting a wagering game. The apparatus may
comprise a plurality of pay tables. The apparatus may comprise an
input device. The input device may be configured to receive a first
indication of a first selected pay table to be used in the wagering
game, the first selected pay table selected from the plurality of
pay tables. The input device may be further configured to receive
an input reflecting a selection of held cards. The input device may
be further configured to receive a first wager for the first
selected pay table. The apparatus may further comprise a display.
The display may be configured to display the first poker hand, the
first poker hand including a first plurality of cards. The display
may be further configured to display a second poker hand, the
second poker hand including a second plurality of cards and the
selection of held cards. The apparatus may further comprise a
processor. The processor may be configured to determine a game
result corresponding to the second poker hand. The apparatus may
further comprise a receiver. The receiver may be configured to
receive a first wager. The apparatus may further comprise a
dispenser. The dispenser may be configured to award a first prize
for the first selected pay table, the first prize calculated based
on the game result, the first selected pay table and the first
wager associated with the first selected pay table. The processor
may be further configured to receive a second indication of a
second selected pay table to be used in the wagering game, the
second selected pay table selected from the plurality of pay
tables. The receiver may be further configured to receive a second
wager for the second selected pay table. The dispenser may be
further configured to award a second prize for the second selected
pay table, the second prize calculated based on the game result,
the second selected pay table and the second wager. Each prize may
be further calculated based on a wager amount associated with the
selected pay table. The apparatus may further comprise a payment
acceptor, the payment acceptor configured to accept the wager
amount associated with the selected pay table.
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates an example video gaming machine, in
accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention. A
video gaming machine 10 may be configured to conduct a wagering
game. For example, a wagering game may be a slot machine game, a
lottery, a video game, or another game of chance involving a wager.
For example, the video gaming machine 10 may be a video poker game
terminal, a video wagering game terminal, a video lottery terminal
(VLT), a video slot machine, or a video game terminal. The video
gaming machine 10 may be in communication with a server.
Alternatively, the video gaming machine 10 may be a standard slot
machine terminal. In a further alternative example embodiment, the
video gaming machine may also be other types of conventional client
computer, such as a personal computer, cell phone, or other mobile
device, that has software to provide the games described herein,
either in a stand-alone mode, or controlled in whole or part by a
remote server. Such a server may be connected to the video gaming
machine via the Internet, in jurisdictions where Internet wagering
games are authorized.
[0029] The video gaming machine 10 may include a blinker 12. The
blinker 12 may enclose a light source configured to blink on and
off. For example, the blinker 12 may be configured to blink when a
large prize is awarded from the video gaming machine 10.
[0030] The video gaming machine 10 may include a lighted display
14. For example, the lighted display 14 may include a logo, a game
name or other visually attractive graphics. The lighted display 14
may alternatively be a liquid crystal display screen. For example,
the lighted display 14 may be configured to display graphics and
text.
[0031] The video gaming machine 10 may include a display screen 16.
For example, the display screen 16 may be a liquid crystal display
screen (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT) screen. For example, the
display screen 16 may enclose a viewable display area visible to a
player. Alternatively, the display screen 16 may be a touch screen,
configured to accept player inputs of touching the screen.
[0032] The video gaming machine 10 may include a credit card
accepter 18, a player's card accepter 20 and a currency accepter
32. For example, the credit card accepter 18 may accept a credit
card or a debit card. The credit card or debit card may then be
charged with a player's wager. For example, the player's card
accepter 20 may accept a frequent player's card. The frequent
player's card may include a player's identifying information and
play history. Alternatively, the frequent player's card may include
an identifier that is associated with a player's identifying
information and wager history. The currency accepter 32 may be
configured to accept cash bills in various denominations for a
player's wager.
[0033] The video gaming machine 10 may include input modules 22.
For example, the input modules 22 may be a set of buttons. The
input modules 22 may be configured to receive input from a player
during a wagering game. Other forms of input modules may be used,
for example, a mouse-pointer device or a voice recognition
module.
[0034] The video gaming machine 10 may include a dispenser tray 24
and a dispenser 26. The dispenser 26 may be configured to dispense
a prize. For example, a prize may be currency or a prize receipt
redeemable at a cashier. The dispenser tray 24 may be configured to
catch the prize after it is dispensed.
[0035] The video gaming machine 10 may include openings 28, 34 and
36. The opening 28 may be configured to allow ambient air to
circulate into and out of an interior of the video gaming machine
10. Ambient air circulation may assist in maintaining an optimal
operating temperature for the video gaming machine 10. Openings 34
and 36 may be configured to allow sound through. For example,
interior speakers may be located behind openings 34 and 36.
[0036] The video game machine 10 may include a latch 30. For
example, the latch 30 may be configured to release a front door of
the video game machine 10 for opening. When the front door is
opened, it may be possible for a technician to access an interior
of the video game machine 10 for upgrades or maintenance.
[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates an example screen shot depicting a first
poker hand, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present
invention. For example, the example screen shot may be displayed on
a display screen 16 as depicted in FIG. 1. A first poker hand 102
may be dealt to a player and displayed. For example, the video
gaming machine may be as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 9. The first poker
hand 102 may comprise a first set of cards 104, 106, 108, 110 and
112. The first set of cards 104, 106, 108, 110 and 112 may be dealt
from a first standard 52-card deck.
[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates an example screen shot depicting a first
poker hand with a selection of held cards, in accordance with an
example embodiment of the present invention. A player may select a
set of held cards from the first hand 102 depicted in FIG. 2. A
first poker hand 102' may reflect the selection of held cards. The
selection of held cards may be cards 104', 108' and 110'. A card
selected to be held may include a text or graphic "hold." For
example, the player may select cards by inputting his choices into
an input method. For example, the input method may be a set of
buttons include in the video gaming machine. Alternatively, the
player may select cards by directly tapping a touch screen display
screen depicting the cards. The player may then input a
confirmation of the selected cards into the input method.
[0039] Until the player inputs the confirmation of the selected
cards, the player may unselect a card previously selected. For
example, the player may unselect a card in a similar manner as the
player may select a card. That is, the player may input his choice
of an unselect card via the input method discussed above.
[0040] It will be appreciated that any input method that allows the
player to select or unselect a card from the first poker hand 102'
may be used. For example, a voice recognition system may be used as
the input method.
[0041] The first poker hand 102' may include the cards 106 and 112
and the held cards 104', 108' and 110'. The held cards 104', 108'
and 110' may be the same as cards 104, 108 and 110 depicted in FIG.
2 except they are designated as being held by the player.
[0042] FIG. 4 illustrates an example screen shot depicting a second
poker hand, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present
invention. A second hand 130 may include cards 104, 108 and 110.
The cards 104, 108 and 110 were previously designated as held cards
in FIG. 3. The held cards 104, 108 and 110 may have their held
designation text or graphics (as depicted in FIG. 3) removed. The
cards 106 and 112 (not depicted) of FIG. 3 may be discarded and
replaced with replacement cards 132 and 134. The replacement cards
132 and 134 may be dealt from the first standard 52-card deck that
the first hand was dealt from. The second hand 130 may include the
replacement cards 132 and 134. Thus, the second hand 130 may
include cards 104, 132, 108, 110 and 134. The second hand 130 as
depicted in FIG. 4 may have a value of two pairs: a pair of kings
and a pair of queens.
[0043] FIG. 5 illustrates an example pay table, in accordance with
an example embodiment of the present invention. It will be
understood that while the term pay table is used, the actual payout
structure may be stored in a variety of conventional data
structures. For example, the payout structure may be stored as a
linked list, a two-dimensional array, an array of arrays or a list
of pointers.
[0044] A pay table 400 may provide information on a winnings or
prize associated with a wager and a poker hand. The pay table 400
may include a column 402 of poker hands. The column 402 may list a
set of poker hands eligible for winnings. The poker hands used in
the column 402 may include conventional poker hands such as a royal
flush, a straight flush, a four of a kind, full house, flush,
straight, three of a kind, two pairs and pair of jacks or
better.
[0045] The relative value of the poker hands may be conventional.
For example, a royal flush may be the highest ranked poker hand,
followed by a straight flush, a four of a kind, full house, flush,
straight, three of a kind, two pairs and pair of jacks or
better.
[0046] The definition of the poker hands may be conventional. For
example, a pair of jacks or better may include five card hands with
at least two cards of the same rank which are greater than jacks,
for example, queens. The rank of the pair of cards may be
configured to require a rank greater than jack. As a second
example, a poker hand of two pairs may include five card hands with
at least two sets of cards with the same rank.
[0047] It will be appreciated that the poker hands used in column
402 may be set as desired. For example, the definition of the poker
hands may be varied. The relative value of the poker hands may also
be varied. In another example embodiment, each card may be assigned
a value, and a value of a poker hand may be a sum of the values of
each card. In another example embodiment, the value of the cards
may be considered after the rank of a poker hand is determined. For
example, a first straight flush comprising of higher value cards
may be ranked higher than a second straight flush comprising of
lower value cards. In this example embodiment, a straight flush
comprising of the 7, 8, 9, 10, jack and queen of spades may rank
higher than a straight flush comprising of the 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of
spades. Similarly, another example embodiment may rank suits and
consider the suits of the cards in determining the value of the
poker hand.
[0048] The pay table 400 may also include a set of rows 420. Each
row 420 may be associated with a poker hand of column 402 and
include the winnings or prize to be awarded for that poker hand and
a given wager.
[0049] The pay table 400 may also include a column 404 for a
winnings or prize associated with a first pay table Pay Table A.
For example, FIG. 4a depicts that a royal flush will provide the
player with a 600 unit winning if the player had selected to play
Pay Table A.
[0050] Similarly, the pay table 400 may also include a column 406
depicting Pay Table B, a column 408 depicting Pay Table C, column
410 depicting Pay Table D and a column 412 depicting Pay Table
E.
[0051] It will be appreciated that when a plurality of pay tables
are displayed or utilized, the pay tables may contain some or all
of the same winnings for a game outcome. For example, this may
allow the player to make two separate wagers on two pay tables that
have the same pay structure.
[0052] FIG. 6 illustrates a first example procedure for conducting
a wagering game, in accordance with an example embodiment of the
present invention. In 600, the procedure may receive a first
indication of a quantity of pay tables. For example, a player input
a quantity of pay tables he wishes to play in the wagering game.
For example, the player may wish to play only one pay table.
Alternatively, the player may wish to play a plurality of pay
tables at the same time. For example, a pay table may be as
illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0053] In 602, the procedure may receive a second indication of
selected pay tables. For example, the player may select pay tables
to play among a plurality of available pay tables. The plurality of
available pay tables may be communicated to the player by being
displayed on an exterior of a video gaming machine or by some other
method. If the player indicated he only wishes to play one pay
table in 600, only one pay table may be selected in 602.
[0054] In 604, the procedure may receive a wager for a selected pay
table. A wager may include an indication of how much currency a
player wishes to bet on the outcome of the game. The wager may be
associated with the selected pay table.
[0055] In 606, the procedure may test whether a wager has been
received for all selected pay tables. If not, the procedure may
proceed to 604. 604 and 606 are repeated until a wager has been
received for each selected pay table.
[0056] If a wager has been received for each selected pay table,
the procedure may proceed to 608.
[0057] In 608, a game result for the wagering may be determined.
The game result may be determined conventionally, for example,
through a look-up table, a random number ("RN") generator or a
pseudo random number ("PRN") generator. For example, the game
result may be a poker hand rank if the wagering game is a video
poker game. For example, the game result may be a set of symbols
depicted on a set of reels in a slot machine. For example, the game
result may be a set of symbols configured to simulate a set of
reels in a slot machine if the wagering game is a video slot
machine game.
[0058] The game result for a slot machine game may be determined by
a random mechanical process of spinning a set of reels, each reels
depicting a set of symbols.
[0059] The game result for a video slot machine may be determined
by generating five random numbers from an RN or PRN generator. Each
of the five numbers may correspond to an element on one virtual
reel of the video slot machine.
[0060] The game result for a video poker game may be determined by
generating 52 random numbers. Each card in a standard 52-card deck
may be associated with one of the random numbers. The random
numbers may represent the unique position of each of the 52 cards
in the deck. After the cards have been virtually "shuffled", the
top five cards may be dealt to the player. Replacement cards may be
dealt from the top of the remaining deck.
[0061] For example, the random numbers may be 52 integers ranging
from 1 to 52. Each random number may be unique and identify a
location in the deck for its associated card.
[0062] In 610, a prize may be awarded for a selected pay table. For
example, a prize may be cash or coins dispensed to the player.
Alternatively, the prize may be a receipt printed and dispensed to
the player. The receipt may be redeemed for a prize at another
location, such as a cashier or a redemption center. A prize may be
currency of any value, including a value of zero. A prize may also
be merchandise or a redeemable receipt.
[0063] For example, the prize may be determined based on the
selected pay table, the wager associated with associated with the
selected pay table and the game result. In one example, a higher
wager will result in a higher prize, as illustrated in the pay
table depicted in FIG. 5. In this example, different game results
are associated with prizes of different values.
[0064] In 612, the procedure may test if all prizes have been
awarded. For example, each selected pay table may be associated
with a prize. If all prizes have been awarded, the procedure may
end. If not all prizes have been awarded, the procedure may
continue at 610.
[0065] FIG. 7 illustrates a second example procedure for conducting
a wagering game, in accordance with an example embodiment of the
present invention. In 750, a plurality of pay tables may be
displayed. For example, a pay table may be as illustrated in FIG.
5. The plurality of pay tables may be displayed on a display screen
as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 9. Alternatively, the plurality of
pay tables may be displayed on an exterior of a video gaming
machine as illustrated in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the plurality of
pay tables may be displayed in another manner. For example, each
pay table in the plurality of pay tables may have different prizes
for the same poker hands.
[0066] In 752, the procedure may receive a first indication of
quantity of pay tables. For example, the first indication may be
received from a player. The first indication may reflect a quantity
of pay tables a player wishes to play in the wagering game. For
example, the quantity of pay tables may be a positive integer
greater than zero.
[0067] In 754, the procedure may receive a second indication of
selected pay tables. For example, the second indication may be
received from the player. The second indication may reflect the pay
tables the player selects to be played. The quantity of selected
pay tables may be equal to the quantity received in 752.
[0068] In 756, the procedure may receive a wager for a selected pay
table. For example, a wager may indicate an amount of currency the
player wishes to place on the pay table. A wager may indicate the
player's wish to play in the next round of the wagering game. For
example, the wager may be received from the player through the
input modules of the video gaming machine illustrated in FIG.
1.
[0069] In 758, the procedure may receive a wager amount for a
selected pay table. The wager amount may be an amount of currency
received at a video gaming machine as depicted in FIG. 1. The wager
amount may differ from the wager received in 756 in that the wager
amount may an actual amount of currency received at a video gaming
machine, while the wager received in 756 may be an indication of
the wager amount the player intends to play.
[0070] In 760, the procedure may test whether a wager and a wager
amount has been received for all selected pay tables. If yes, all
wagers and wager amounts have been received and the procedure may
proceed to 762. If no, the procedure may proceed to 756 where
another wager and wager amount is collected for another selected
pay table.
[0071] In 762, a first poker hand may be displayed. For example,
the first poker hand may be displayed on a display screen of a
video gaming machine illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, the first
poker hand may be as depicted in the screen shot of the first poker
hand as illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0072] In 764, a selection of held cards may be received. For
example, the selection of held cards may be displayed on a display
screen of a video gaming machine illustrated in FIG. 1. For
example, the selection of held cards may be as depicted in the
screen shot of the selection of held cards as illustrated in FIG.
3.
[0073] In 766, a second poker hand may be displayed. For example,
the second poker hand may be displayed on a display screen of a
video gaming machine illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, the second
poker hand may be as depicted in the screen shot of the second
poker hand as illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0074] In 768, a poker rank of the second poker hand may be
determined. For example, the poker rank may be determined by
comparing the second poker hand to winning poker hands. For
example, winning poker hands may be those depicted in the pay table
illustrated in FIG. 5. For example, conventional poker hands may be
recognized as winning poker hands. Alternatively, other five card
combinations may be recognized as winning poker hands. For example,
the second poker hand illustrated in FIG. 4 has a value of two
pairs: a pair of aces and a pair of queens.
[0075] In 770, a prize may be awarded for a selected pay table. For
example, the prize may be dependent on the poker rank of the second
hand, the selected pay table, the wager and the wager amount. For
example, the prize may be determined by looking up a pay table as
depicted in FIG. 5.
[0076] In 772, the procedure may test whether prizes have been
awarded for all selected pay tables. If yes, the procedure may end.
If no, the procedure may proceed to 770.
[0077] FIG. 8 illustrates a third example procedure for conducting
a wagering game, in accordance with an example embodiment of the
present invention. In 850, two pay tables may optionally be
displayed. For example, a pay table may be as depicted in FIG. 5.
The two pay tables may be displayed on a display screen as
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 9. Alternatively, the two pay tables may
be displayed on an exterior of a video gaming machine as
illustrated in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the two pay tables may be
displayed in another manner. For example, the two pay tables may
have different prizes for the same poker hands.
[0078] In 852, an indication of a selected pay table may be
received. For example, the selected pay table may be selected from
one of two pay tables. For example, the two pay tables may be those
displayed in optional 850. For example, the indication may be
received from the player and reflect the pay table the player
wishes to play.
[0079] In 854, a wager may be received for the selected pay table.
For example, a wager may indicate an amount of currency the player
wishes to place on the pay table. A wager may also indicate the
player's wish to play in the next round of the wagering game. For
example, the wager may be received from the player through the
input modules of the video gaming machine illustrated in FIG.
1.
[0080] In 856, a wager amount may be received for the selected pay
table. The wager amount may be an amount of currency received at a
video gaming machine as depicted in FIG. 1. The wager amount may
differ from the wager received in 756 in that the wager amount may
an actual amount of currency received at a video gaming machine,
while the wager received in 756 may be an indication of the wager
amount the player intends to play.
[0081] Alternatively, the wager amount 856 received at a video
gaming machine may function both as the wager received in 854 and
the wager amount 856.
[0082] Alternatively, the video gaming machine may require the
player deposit currency before the procedure begins, and wagers are
debited from a balance of credits available to the player.
[0083] In 858, a first poker hand may be displayed. For example,
the first poker hand may be displayed similarly to 762 of FIG.
7.
[0084] In 860, a selection of held cards may be received. For
example, the selection of held cards may be displayed similarly to
764 of FIG. 7.
[0085] In 862, a second poker hand may be displayed. For example,
the second poker hand may be displayed similarly to 766 of FIG.
7.
[0086] In 864, a poker hand rank of the second poker hand may be
determined. For example, the poker rank may be determined similarly
to 768 of FIG. 7.
[0087] In 866, a prize may be awarded for the selected pay table.
For example, the prize may be awarded similarly to 770 of FIG.
7.
[0088] In 868, the procedure may determine whether another game is
desired. For example, a query for another game may be displayed to
the player. For example, the player may indicate his interest in
playing another game through an input module as depicted in FIG.
1.
[0089] FIG. 9 illustrates an example apparatus for conducting a
wagering game, in accordance with an example embodiment of the
present invention. A terminal 500 may be a conventional video
gaming machine, for example, as depicted in FIG. 1. For example,
the terminal 500 may include a display screen 510. The display
screen 510 may be configured to display the first and second poker
hands as depicted in FIGS. 2 to 4. The display screen 510 may be
configured to display the pay table as depicted in FIG. 5.
Alternatively, the pay table may be displayed on a body of the
terminal 500. Alternatively, the pay table may be communicated to a
player in an alternative manner.
[0090] The terminal 500 may include a processor 501. The processor
501 may be in communication with and be configured to control
components of the terminal 500. The processor 501 may execute
software. The processor 501 and software may determine outcomes and
receive inputs.
[0091] The terminal 500 may include a play log 502 and a terminal
record 504. The play log 502 may be as depicted in FIGS. 10a and
10b. The terminal record 504 may be as depicted in FIGS. 11a and
11b.
[0092] The terminal 500 may include a display screen 510. The
display screen 510 may be an LCD screen or a CRT screen. For
example, the display screen 510 may be as depicted in FIG. 1.
[0093] The terminal 500 may include an input module 508. The input
module 508 may be a set of buttons accessible to the player.
Alternatively, the input module 508 may be a touch screen display.
In this example embodiment, the display screen 510 and the input
module 508 will be the same touch screen display.
[0094] The terminal 500 may include a dispenser 512. The dispenser
512 may be configured to dispense a prize. For example, the
dispenser 512 may be as depicted in FIG. 1.
[0095] The terminal 500 may include a plurality of pay tables 514A
to 514X. The pay table 506 may be similar to the pay table depicted
in FIG. 5. Each pay table may be different.
[0096] It will be appreciated that the terminal 500 may be a
conventional video gaming machine as depicted in FIG. 1. For
example, the video gaming machine may be configured to simulate a
game of video poker. Alternatively, the video gaming machine may be
configured to simulate a variety of other wagering games. For
example, the video gaming machine may be configured to simulate a
slot machine, a blackjack game, a Texas hold-'em poker game, an
Omaha poker game, or a craps game.
[0097] FIG. 10a illustrates an example play log, in accordance with
an example embodiment of the present invention. The play log 502 as
depicted in FIG. 9 may be stored as a play log structure 700. The
play log structure 700 may include a set of records 702, each
record 702 representing one wager or play in the wagering game.
[0098] It will be appreciated that the play log structure 700 may
be stored in a variety of ways. For example, it may be stored as a
tab delimited or comma delimited flat file, in a relational
database or another storage method accessible to a lottery host.
The play log structure 700 may be used for accounting, auditing, or
fraud-detection purposes. For example, the play log structure 700
may be checked for abnormally high concentration of prizes being
awarded during a particular time of day or to a particular player
or set of players.
[0099] FIG. 10b illustrates an example play log entry, in
accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.
Each game ticket information structure entry may be a record 702'.
Each record 702' may contain a variety of information, such as a
Play ID 704. For example, each play or wager conducted in a
wagering game may be associated an identifier. The Play ID 704 may
facilitate sorting or searching through the play log structure 700.
The identifier may be an alpha-numeric sequence of characters.
[0100] The record 702' may also include a Terminal ID 706. The
Terminal ID 706 may be an identifier associated with a terminal
where the wager was placed. For example, the Terminal ID 706 may be
an identifier including an alpha-numeric sequence of characters. In
an alternative embodiment, the Terminal ID 706 may be a text
description of the terminal.
[0101] The record 702' may also include a Player ID 708. The Player
ID 708 may be an identifier associated with the player placing the
wager. Each player may be associated with an identifier, for
example, a frequent player number. Alternatively, player
information may be obtained from a credit card or debit card used
to fund the wager. If no player information is available, the
Player ID 708 field may be left blank. The Player ID 708 may be an
alpha-numeric sequence of characters.
[0102] The record 702' may also include a Hand ID 710. The Hand ID
710 may be associated with the three poker hands dealt to the
player during a game. Each hand dealt in the game may be associated
with its own identifier. The identifier may be an alpha-numeric
sequence of characters.
[0103] The record 702' may also include date the wager was made
712. For example, the date the wager was made may be when the
player first made the wager, when the player's payment was
received, or when the predetermined payout award is awarded.
[0104] The record 702' may also include a predetermined prize award
714. For example, the predetermined prize award 714 may be a dollar
amount of a payout award. Alternatively, the predetermined prize
award 714 may be a descriptor or identifier associated with a
merchandise prize or other prize.
[0105] FIG. 11a illustrates an example terminal structure, in
accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention. The
terminal record 504 as depicted in FIG. 9 may be stored as a
terminal structure 800. The terminal structure 800 may include a
set of records 802, each record 802 representing one terminal.
[0106] It will be appreciated that the terminal structure 800 may
be stored in a variety of ways. For example, it may be stored as a
tab delimited or comma delimited flat file, in a relational
database or another storage method accessible to a lottery host.
The terminal structure 800 may be used for accounting, auditing, or
fraud-detection purposes.
[0107] FIG. 11b illustrates an example terminal structure entry, in
accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.
Each terminal structure entry may be a record 802'. Each record
802' may contain a variety of information, such as a Terminal ID
804. For example, each terminal may be associated an identifier.
The Terminal ID 804 may facilitate sorting or searching through the
terminal structure 800. The identifier may be an alpha-numeric
sequence of characters.
[0108] The record 802' may also include a Terminal Type 806. The
Terminal Type 806 may be an identifier associated with a type of
terminal. For example, the Terminal Type 806 may be an identifier
including an alpha-numeric sequence of characters. In an
alternative embodiment, the Terminal Type 806 may be a text
description of the terminal type.
[0109] The record 802' may also include a location 808. The
location 808 may be an identifier associated with a location of the
terminal. For example, the Location 808 may be an identifier
including an alpha-numeric sequence of characters. In an
alternative embodiment, the Location 808 may be a text description
of the terminal location.
[0110] The record 802' may also include date the terminal was
installed 810. For example, the date the terminal was installed may
be the date the terminal was physically moved to the location or
the date the terminal was activated. The date may also include a
field for the time the terminal was installed.
[0111] FIG. 12 illustrates an example future draw lottery ticket,
in accordance with another example embodiment of the present
invention. A future draw lottery ticket 1200 may be printed on
heavy stock paper. The future draw lottery ticket 1200 may be
obtained at conventional retailers of lottery tickets, for example,
convenience stores or lottery ticket kiosks. The future draw
lottery ticket 1200 may be sold for a fixed price, for example,
$1.00.
[0112] The future draw lottery ticket 1200 may include a set of
player-selected elements 1210. For example, the player-selected
elements 1210 may be a set of integers in a range of zero to one
hundred. Alternatively, the player-select elements may be any set
of numbers or other symbols.
[0113] The set of player-selected elements 1210 may be determined
when the future draw lottery ticket 1200 is purchased. For example,
a player may input a desired set of elements. Alternatively, a
random set of elements may be used.
[0114] A winning set of elements may be determined in the future
draw lottery game. A prize may be awarded for a future draw lottery
ticket 1200 with player-selected elements 1210 or a subset of
player-selected elements 1210 that match the winning set of
elements. For example, the winning set of elements may be similar
to the set of player-selected elements 1210, for example, a set of
integers or symbols.
[0115] The future draw lottery ticket 1200 may include a ticket
identifier 1220. For example, the ticket identifier 1220 may be a
unique identifier associated with the future draw lottery ticket
1200. For example, the ticket 1220 may be a sequence of
alpha-numeric characters or a machine-readable code.
[0116] FIG. 13 illustrates example pay tables for the example
future draw lottery game, in accordance with another example
embodiment of the present invention. For example, pay table 1300
may include at least one record 1310. Each record 1310 may include
at least two fields, a winning condition and a prize. For example,
a first winning condition may be that a subset of four
player-selected elements matching a subset of four winning
elements. For example, a second winning condition may be that a
subset of five player-selected elements matching a subset of five
winning elements. It will be appreciated that the winning condition
may be any conventional winning condition. Each winning condition
may be associated with a prize. For example, the prize may be a
monetary award in currency. Alternatively, prizes may be
merchandise or other consideration.
[0117] It will be appreciated that the each record 1310 may include
more than two fields. For example, each field other than the
winning condition field may be an entry in a prize table.
[0118] The pay table 1300 may include at least two columns, a
winning condition column 1320 and a prize column 1330. The winning
condition field may be stored in the winning condition column 1320
and the prize field may be stored in the prize column 1330.
[0119] For example, the pay table 1300 may also include columns
1340 and 1350. The columns 1330, 1340 and 1350 may represent
different pay tables that may determine prizes awarded for each
winning condition.
[0120] It will be appreciated that when a plurality of pay tables
are displayed or utilized, the pay tables may contain some or all
of the same winnings for a game outcome. For example, this may
allow the player to make two separate wagers on two pay tables that
have the same pay structure.
[0121] It will be appreciated that the example embodiments
described in the present invention can be added to the example
embodiments described in the application for System and Method for
Draw Game, referenced above. For example, a wagering game may
include offering a plurality of pay tables, receiving an input from
the player indicating a selection of pay tables, and predetermining
a predetermined payout award for each selected pay table.
[0122] It will be appreciated that all of the disclosed methods,
procedures, and games described herein can be implemented using one
or more computer programs or components. These components may be
provided as a series of computer instructions on any conventional
computer readable medium, including RAM, ROM, flash memory,
magnetic or optical disks, optical memory, or other storage media.
The instructions may be configured to be executed by a processor,
which when executing the series of computer instructions performs
or facilitates the performance of all or part of the disclosed
methods, procedures, and games.
MODIFICATIONS
[0123] In the preceding specification, the present invention has
been described with reference to specific example embodiments
thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications
and changes may be made thereunto without departing from the
broader spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in
the claims that follow. The specification and drawings are
accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than
restrictive sense.
* * * * *