U.S. patent application number 11/647549 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-08 for method and apparatus for conducting a game of chance.
Invention is credited to Dow Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, Steven N. Kane.
Application Number | 20070257430 11/647549 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38660489 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070257430 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hardy; Dow ; et al. |
November 8, 2007 |
Method and apparatus for conducting a game of chance
Abstract
A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance.
The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game or
a Keno game. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player
in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during
multiple game instances of one or more online games. In one
example, the online game is a bingo game. In another game example,
a competitive game environment is provided wherein multiple players
play a single instance of a bingo game to reveal the players'
individual results.
Inventors: |
Hardy; Dow; (Marlborough,
MA) ; Herrmann; Mark E.; (Wellesley, MA) ;
Kane; Steven N.; (Brookline, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LOWRIE, LANDO & ANASTASI
RIVERFRONT OFFICE
ONE MAIN STREET, ELEVENTH FLOOR
CAMBRIDGE
MA
02142
US
|
Family ID: |
38660489 |
Appl. No.: |
11/647549 |
Filed: |
December 28, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11002997 |
Nov 30, 2004 |
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11647549 |
Dec 28, 2006 |
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60569030 |
May 7, 2004 |
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60754465 |
Dec 28, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
273/139 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/329 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/139 |
International
Class: |
A63F 3/06 20060101
A63F003/06 |
Claims
1. A method for playing a game of chance comprising acts of:
issuing respective tickets to a plurality of players, each ticket
including a code printed on a surface of the ticket; and providing
for each of the plurality of players to play a bingo game on
different medium than the issued ticket, wherein the code is used
to gain access to obtain a result associated with the game of
chance.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of
players play a same instance of the bingo game.
3. The method according to claim 2, wherein a result associated
with each issued ticket of the plurality of players is based on a
game experience common to the plurality of players provided in the
same instance of the bingo game.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the act of issuing
respective tickets includes issuing at least one of a lottery
ticket, a scratch ticket, a printed ticket, and a pull-tab
ticket.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the act of providing
further comprises an act of providing a computer-based game which
the player plays the bingo game to reveal the result of the game of
chance.
6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the act of providing
includes an act of permitting access to a website to play the bingo
game.
7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the bingo game is a
computer-based game including one or more bingo cards, each having
a plurality of indicia that, when matched in any one of a plurality
of combinations, provides one or more prizes to at least one of the
plurality of players.
8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising an act of
providing a pay table that determines, based on a particular one of
the plurality of combinations, the one or more prizes provided to
the at least one player.
9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the prize total for the
ticket is predetermined prior to play of the bingo game.
10. The method according to claim 7, wherein the result of any one
of at least one of the one or more bingo cards and instances of the
bingo game reveals a prize won by the player.
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein an indication of the
prize won by the player is stored in a database of a server, and is
downloaded to a computer presenting the computer-based game to the
player.
12. The method according to claim 1, further comprising an act of
providing, by a first server associated with a first game, the
result associated with the game of chance.
13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising an act of
storing, in a memory of a computer system, the result associated
with the game of chance.
14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising an act of
associating the result with an indication of the ticket.
15. The method according to claim 12, wherein the first server
further comprises a random number generator, and the random number
generator performs an act of determining a set numbers associated
with the issued ticket.
16. The method according to claim 12, further comprising an act of
determining a set of winning numbers associated with the game of
chance.
17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising an act of
determining the result of the game of chance based on a comparison
of the set of numbers associated with the issued ticket and the set
of winning numbers.
18. The method according to claim 15, wherein the game of chance
includes at least one of a Keno game and a bingo game, and the act
of determining a set of numbers associated with the issued ticket
comprises an act of selecting a predetermined number of numbers
from a predetermined set of numbers.
19. The method according to claim 1, further comprising an act of
determining an outcome associated with the ticket based on a
drawing.
20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising an act of
permitting at least one of the plurality of players to play the
bingo game in response to the act of determining the outcome.
21. The method according to claim 1, further comprising an act of
revealing the result during play of an online bingo game.
22. The method according to claim 1, further comprising an act of
displaying an interface comprising one or more player identifiers,
each of which represent a corresponding player and a corresponding
ranking of each player in a tournament of bingo games.
23. The method according to claim 1, further comprising an act of
automatically playing, for at least one of the plurality of
players, at least one instance of the online game if the at least
one of the plurality of players does not play the game instance
within a predetermined time.
24. The method according to claim 21, wherein the online bingo game
begins at a predetermined time.
25. The method according to claim 21, wherein the online bingo game
ends at a predetermined time.
26. The method according to claim 21, wherein at least one instance
of the online bingo game begins at a predetermined time.
27. The method according to claim 25, further comprising an act of
indicating, to the player, a result of the tournament after the
online game ends.
28. The method according to claim 21, wherein the online bingo game
includes an associated game in which is revealed at least one
result.
29. The method according to claim 28, wherein the associated game
includes a slot machine game.
30. The method according to claim 1, wherein the bingo game
comprises a plurality of bingo game instances.
31. The method according to claim 30, wherein the plurality of
bingo instances are included in a tournament games.
32. The method according to claim 30, wherein at least two of the
plurality of bingo game instances are played with different winning
patterns.
33. The method according to claim 30, wherein at least two of the
plurality of bingo game instances are played with different rule
sets.
34. The method according to claim 30, wherein the plurality of
bingo game instances are played at predetermined times.
35. The method according to claim 34, wherein each of the plurality
of bingo instances begins at a predetermined time.
36. The method according to claim 34, wherein the plurality of
players play at least one same instance of at least one of the
plurality of bingo game instances.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/002,997, entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
CONDUCTING A GAME OF CHANCE," filed on Nov. 30, 2004, which claims
priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/569,030, entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
CONDUCTING A GAME OF CHANCE," filed on May 7, 2004, both of which
applications are herein incorporated by reference by their
entirety. This application also claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/754,465,
entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONDUCTING A GAME OF CHANCE,"
filed on Dec. 28, 2005, which is incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The field of the invention relates generally to lotteries
and gaming, and more particularly, to systems for conducting
lottery-based games or casino-based gaming.
BACKGROUND
[0003] There are many different types of games that are provided
that involve the issuance of a lottery ticket to play a game of
chance. Lottery tickets are sold through retailers using machines
referred to as point of sale (POS) terminals. These tickets are
generally printed at the POS terminal, and are usually issued for
some lottery drawing to be performed at a later time. Examples of
these types of lottery games of chance include traditional state
lottery drawings and multi-state lottery drawings (e.g.,
PowerBall). Another type of lottery ticket, referred to in the art
as instant lottery, includes a pre-printed scratch-type lottery
ticket which includes a latex or similar coating that is scratched
off by a purchaser (a player), revealing one or more game indicia
and whether the player won the game or series of games as indicated
on the ticket. The indication is generally "instant" in that the
player knows, when they scratch off the ticket coating, whether or
not they won the game.
[0004] There are many online games that can be played using a
computer system coupled to a communication network (e.g., the
Internet). These games may include traditional games of chance,
games of skill, and casino-type games, among others.
[0005] Some systems combine lottery-type games and online games. In
one such system, a lottery ticket is sold to a player, who then
plays a further game using a computer system. In such a game
system, the ticket sold to a player includes a code which is
correlated to a game seed stored in a computer system upon which a
computer game is played. The computer game determines the
correlated game seed, and this game seed is mapped to a series of
predetermined game states that lead to a predetermined outcome.
That is, the code stored on the ticket includes the outcome. In
another type of system, the code stored on the ticket is an encoded
form of the lottery result, which is then revealed to the player at
the end of play of an online game.
SUMMARY
[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is
realized that it may be beneficial to maintain the interest of
players in playing games. In one aspect of the present invention,
it is appreciated that it may be beneficial for players to feel
that they are playing in a competitive setting. A result of
providing such an environment gives players a continued interest in
playing multiple games. In the case of games provided in a gaming
(e.g., in a casino), such games may be provided that simulate the
environment of other games provided in the environment, but play of
the game is located outside of the competitive environment (e.g.,
outside of the casino). For instance, one or more games may be
provided for play by players over the Internet.
[0007] One problem of providing players play over the Internet is
that they do not see others playing a tournament-style or other
type of competitive game in which other players may be playing
individual games where their play might affect the result of a
tournament-type or other type of competitive game. According to one
aspect of the present invention, it is appreciated the feel of
tournament play provides incentives for players to continue playing
the game, along with the chance to earn an additional jackpot.
[0008] Gaming over the Internet and other computer-based networks
has become very popular. However, according to one aspect of the
present invention, it may be beneficial to create a tournament-type
gaming experience similar to that provided in the casino and other
traditional gaming environments for Internet-based games. To this
end, a system and game format for conducting a tournament-type or
other type of competitive game may be provided.
[0009] In one example game format, the game may include one or more
instances of a bingo game. Such game instances may be combined as
part of a tournament with other players (e.g., to compete for an
additional jackpot) or may be permitted to play one or more
individual game instances within a series of bingo games in a
competitive environment. In one example implementation, a player
may subscribe to play a predefined number of bingo game instances
(e.g., cards, games, etc.), and these games may be played at
predetermined times.
[0010] In one such game format, the player is permitted to play a
computer-based game (referred to hereinafter as a "primary" game)
during which the game playing system reveals results of another
game (referred to hereinafter as a "secondary" game). This
secondary game may be a casino or lottery-based game and, according
to one embodiment, this secondary game is already approved by
regulators. One such secondary game is the well-known game of Keno.
However, it should be appreciated that the secondary game may be
any other type of game (e.g., a lottery game). The primary game may
be any type of computer-based game, including games of skill and/or
chance, such as card games, casino games, video games or any other
type of game through which a result from another game may be
revealed. In one aspect of the present invention, the play of the
primary game that the player plays does not affect the outcome of
the secondary game. In another aspect of the present invention, the
secondary game result does not affect the outcome of the primary
game played by the player.
[0011] In another example, the primary game involves some level of
influence by the player on the outcome of the primary game. For
instance, the primary game may be a game of skill. However, it
should be appreciated that the primary game may be a game of
chance, or combination of skill and chance. In one example, the
primary game may be a bingo game which is a well-known game of
chance.
[0012] As is known, the game of bingo includes one or more bingo
cards associated with a player, each of the cards having numbers or
other indicia that, when matched in a particular combination, wins
the player a prize. One or more bingo cards are assigned to the
player, a number of balls (or numbers) are drawn, and the player
matches the indicia on the bingo card(s) to the indicia on the
drawn balls. If the player achieves a particular pattern on one or
more of the assigned cards, the player wins a prize associated with
that card. According to one aspect of the present invention, play
of the bingo game reveals a prize (or not) won by the player in the
secondary game.
[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, the result
of the primary game is stored on a server coupled to a computer
system upon which the game is played. In one example, the result is
downloaded to the computer system prior to game play. The result
may be in the form of intermediate results of each game instance
that are displayed to the player at various points during game
play. For instance, intermediate results may be displayed to a user
during an instance of a bingo game.
[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, a traditional
bingo game is used to reveal results of a secondary game. For
instance, prizes are awarded during one or more instances of a
bingo game. According to one embodiment, the player is provided a
predetermined number of opportunities to win associated with a
ticket. When a ticket is issued, the ticket may be assigned, for
example, a number of game instances. Such game instances may be,
for example, games of bingo. After each game instance is played,
prizes associated with the secondary game (e.g., a lottery or
casino-type game) may be revealed. The play of the bingo game may
present, for instance, the result (or partial result) of the
secondary game (e.g., a lottery-type game, a Keno game). Prizes
revealed may be, for example, a cash prize awarded for a particular
game. It should be appreciated, however, that other prizes may be
awarded (e.g., merchandise, credit, free play, etc.) and that the
invention is not limited to any particular prize type.
[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, the player
may be permitted to play one or more game instances of the primary
game, such as a bingo game. For example, the player may be
permitted to play multiple cards and/or instances of a bingo game.
These game instances may be, for example, associated with a single
instance of a secondary game (e.g., a single ticket for a single
Keno drawing) or multiple instances of a secondary game (e.g., one
or more tickets for one or more Keno drawings). In one example, the
player may be permitted to play 10 instances of a game (e.g., 10
bingo cards) and the 10 instances may be associated with 10 sets of
Keno numbers. These Keno numbers may be associated with a single
drawing, or multiple Keno drawings. The result of the multiple Keno
games determines the result of the tournament.
[0016] The player is permitted to play the game instances in a
tournament-type or other type of competitive game format wherein
players play against each other to win one or more prizes. Prizes
may be, for instance, cash prizes that are awarded to players
indicated as winning the tournament. The prizes may be funded, for
example, by a hold of the ticket sales associated with the
secondary game, or may be funded through a promotional budget or
giveaway, or may be funded in any other manner. The tournament-type
game may be played in addition to a "regular" secondary-type game,
and may be selected by the player at the point of ticket
purchase.
[0017] Traditional computer-based games provided in a gaming
environment (e.g., slot machines) are not competitive. More
particularly, each machine such as a slot machine plays a separate
game instance. According to one aspect of the present invention,
players are permitted to play a same game instance among multiple
players to reveal individual predetermined outcomes. For instance,
in the case of a bingo game, separate players may receive separate
predetermined bingo outcomes based on a single set of drawn bingo
numbers. In the bingo game example, players may be provided a
competitive game "feel" by playing in the game instance.
Traditional games such as slot machines are not competitive, in
that each player operating a machine plays a separate game instance
to show a result.
[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, the
tournament may be conducted at a set time, and players are
permitted to play the game instances at specified time intervals.
For instance, in the case of a bingo game wherein the player is
awarded 10 bingo cards to be played in one or more bingo game
instances, the player may be permitted to play the instances within
a fixed time limit (e.g., a half hour) with other players. In this
case, the tournament may begin for all players at the same (or
substantially the same) time. In yet another example game format,
the tournament may also end at a predetermined time. Optionally,
there may be provided a buffer period near the end of the
tournament to permit players to finish their games. Once the player
enters the buffer period, there may be presented an indication that
the winner(s) of the tournament are being calculated. At the
conclusion of the buffer period, the players may be presented the
final results of the tournament (e.g., through a display of a
leader board interface). Also, in an alternative embodiment, there
may not be a tournament associated with the series of bingo
games.
[0019] According to one aspect of the present invention, the
players play of the one or more game instances are synchronized
with each other. According to one embodiment of the present
invention, a feature is provided that causes the game to be played
automatically if the player does not cause the game to play in a
predetermined period of time. However, according to another
embodiment of the present invention, a player is permitted to play
as fast as the player wishes, and is not limited to being
synchronized with other players in game play.
[0020] In one specific embodiment, if the player does not finish or
otherwise reveal a result associated with a particular game
instance within a predetermined period of time, the play of the
game instance proceeds automatically, and the result associated
with that particular game instance is revealed to the player.
Similarly, if a player starts late in the tournament, that player
may begin play with a game instance associated with the time at
which the player begins play. In this specific example, any results
or prior game instances that have not been played by the player may
be revealed in another game (e.g., an instant-type game) to the
player to permit the player to "catch up" to other players, yet
still view results associated with earlier non-played game
instances.
[0021] In one example game format, a slot machine game may be
played in association with one or more bingo game instances.
According to one embodiment, the slot machine game (or
instance-type game) may be used to reveal any missed opportunities
in one or more previous bingo sessions. According to one
embodiment, the slot machine game may be used to display results
associated with any missed win opportunities from previous bingo
game instances. For example, a player may be permitted to "lose" a
bingo game by not calling "bingo" in an allotted time (e.g., before
another player calls "bingo" and collects a prize). So, in one
example game format, players may be required to claim their bingo
wins. Thus, a more real game experience may be presented, but still
permit the player to reveal the predetermined results associated
with the secondary game. Further, a player may start late and
therefore miss playing one or more game instances. Thus, the slot
machine or other instant-type game may permit the display of
results associated with such missed win opportunities, yet still
provide a more real game experience.
[0022] According to one aspect of the present invention, the player
need not be present or play the online portion of the game (e.g.,
the primary game) in order to win one or more instances of the
secondary game (and therefore, the tournament or other competitive
game). However, a game-playing computer that conducts the online
game may provide an indication to each player which player is
currently leading in the tournament. Because players may not
necessarily play the online game, there may be a method for
representing to other players that the non-playing player is
currently leading the tournament even though they are not present.
To this end, a game-playing computer may indicate an identifier of
the player currently winning the tournament. Because such an
indication is provided, players are less likely to feel cheated, if
at the end of the tournament, one of the actual participants does
not win the race. Such an indication may be, for example, a token
or other identifier (e.g., a username, nickname, or any other
identifier) associated with the ticket. For players who have not
selected a username (e.g., a player that arrives late and has not
registered), one may be automatically assigned by a computer system
conducting the tournament so that results may be displayed to other
players participating in the tournament.
[0023] In the example above where the result of one or more Keno
tickets are used to drive the results of an online game, sets of
numbers associated with the ticket are "graded" by a Keno system,
and the graded sets of number from the one or more tickets are used
to determine the winner of the tournament and/or any individual
game results (e.g., of a bingo game). The result of the tournament
as well as the play leading up to the result may be driven by the
results of the ticket gradings.
[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, the
bingo game is combined with a second level game. Play of the second
level game may proceed after some achievement level in the bingo
game. For instance, the player may play the bingo game as discussed
above, and in one embodiment, the second level may proceed after
the player successfully plays a series of instances of the bingo
game. Alternatively, the player may play the bingo game until
completion, and at an ending of the bingo game (e.g., the player
quits, uses a control to automatically play the bingo game, etc.),
the player begins playing the second level game. It should be
appreciated that either a single-level or multi-level game may be
used to facilitate the tournament type game in any particular game
instance, and any achievement in any of the levels may be used to
determine the result of the tournament.
[0025] According to one aspect of the present invention, the result
of the primary game is stored on a server coupled to a computer
system upon which the game is played. In one example, the result is
downloaded to the computer system prior to game play. The result
may be in the form of intermediate results of each game instance
that are displayed to the player at various points during game
play. For instance, intermediate results may be displayed to a user
during an instance of a slot machine game. For example,
intermediate results may be shown to a player when a particular
spin is activated, a particular outcome is achieved (e.g., the
player obtains a particular reel combination along one or more pay
lines) or other achievement during the play of a slot machine
game.
[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, the traditional
game of bingo or similar game is coupled with a second level game.
Further, during the play of the bingo game, one or more items are
awarded to the player for use in the second level game. For
instance, items are awarded when the bingo game is played. In the
example of the bingo game, there may be an indication in a pay
table that one or more card combinations provide the player with
one or more items (e.g., item(s) that may be used with a second
level game). For instance, the second level game may be a slot
machine-type game, and one or more spins may be awarded to the
player during play of the first level game. In one embodiment, a
pay table is provided that correlates bingo card results and/or
patterns with a number of spins awarded to the player. In another
example, a pay table is provided that correlates bingo results with
a number of points awarded to the player. If the player achieves a
particular point total, that player may receive an item for use in
the second level game.
[0027] The player may, in the first level game, accrue more than
one item. In yet another example, if the player achieves a
particular point value, the second level game may be initiated. In
any of the examples, the player may or may not achieve the second
level game. Of course, if the player is determined prior to play as
receiving a prize, results received in the first level game may be
adjusted so that the player proceeds to the second level game
independent of the skill (or lack thereof) in playing the first
level game. In one example, the player may begin game play of the
first level with one item awarded to ensure that the player
proceeds to the second level game.
[0028] According to one aspect of the present invention, prizes
revealed during the game may be stored in a database of the server
and downloaded to the client prior to play. In this example, the
player may be allowed, when a ticket is purchased at a POS, the
ability to play a number of instances of the game. Prizes may be
awarded, for example, at each instance of the online game. To this
end, the result of each prize may be stored in the database of the
server, and may be indexed by an identifier of the ticket. For
example, the identifier may be a serial number or other
ticket-identifying information.
[0029] According to one aspect of the present invention, prizes are
only awarded at the end of each game instance. In another example,
after a prize is revealed (or not) at the end of each game
instance, the player is permitted to play any remaining instances
of the primary game (e.g., a bingo game or other game). According
to another embodiment, the player may not be permitted to replay
game instances after they have been played. To this end, a
game-playing system may maintain a status of the game instances
played by the player. The game-playing system may maintain other
information, such as game play information, how prizes are revealed
to the player, and other information that may be useful for
assessing or auditing game play and playing experiences of the
player.
[0030] Each instance of the game may include an associated prize
(or not), and these prizes may be combined for an overall prize
associated with the ticket. In one example, the prize associated
with the first instance of the bingo game is $10. A prize
associated with a second instance of the bingo game is $15. The
prizes associated with each instance of the bingo game and its
second level may be stored as an entry in the database of the
server.
[0031] Alternatively, the result of each prize for each instance of
the game may be determined dynamically by the client computer. For
example, if the overall prize (e.g., $25) for the ticket is known,
the client can determine (e.g., randomly) a distribution of
winnings of the overall prize among game instances. In the example
above, a play of the ticket on one computer could award a $25 prize
among two game instances as follows: $5 prize for the first game
instance and $20 for the second game instance. Another play of the
ticket on the same or different computer may award a $25 prize
differently among the two game instances (e.g., $10 for the first
game instance, $15 for the second game instance, etc.). It should
be appreciated, however, that the game may include any number of
game instances, and the prize associated with each game instance
may be stored in any storage location (e.g., at the client
computer, at the server, etc.).
[0032] In another example system, prizes may be awarded in
association with items collected in the game (e.g., a bonus item in
a bingo game). Therefore, prizes may be distributed among items as
well as being distributed among game instances. As discussed, prize
distribution may be stored in a database of the server, may be
determined by the client (e.g., randomly), or may be stored at any
location or be determined by any manner by the client.
[0033] According to another aspect of the present invention, an
improved game experience is provided for revealing the result of an
online game. As discussed above, a player purchases a ticket or
other game piece at a POS or other location. On the ticket,
multiple plays of an associated online game are provided with each
ticket or other game piece. The player can play those multiple
plays across a set of games. For instance, the set of games may
include, for example, games of skill and/or chance as discussed
above. Certain games may include one or more attempts (or
opportunities) for winning prizes. These opportunities for winning
may be associated with one or more prizes. For example, a player
playing a bingo game may be awarded a certain number of
opportunities to play a game (e.g., a game instance (or game play)
or other opportunity to win a prize when playing a particular game
instance). In the case of a bingo game, the player may be given a
particular number of cards for a particular bingo game (or multiple
bingo drawings for one or more cards), and, as a result of each
bingo drawing, the player may be awarded (or not) a prize. In one
embodiment, the result of the overall game is predetermined, and a
game experience is determined for each opportunity (e.g., bingo
card, bingo drawing) that results in a contribution to the result
of the overall game.
[0034] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the
type of game that is played is immaterial to the outcome revealed
to the player. More particularly, the same outcomes associated with
a particular ticket may be used to drive multiple types of games.
This allows, for example, the gaming operator to offer multiple
types of games with a single ticket, and allows the player to
select which game(s) to play to reveal the outcomes associated with
the particular ticket. For instance, the player may elect to play a
bingo game for a first game instance of a ticket, and for a second
instance, play a different game. According to a tournament-type
game format according to one embodiment of the present invention,
game instances played in a tournament may be different types of
games (e.g., bingo games, different types of bingo game patterns,
other types of games (e.g., a slot machine) provided along with a
bingo game, etc.).
[0035] Of course, it should be appreciated that any type of game
and other combinations of games are possible. In this manner, the
player may be provided the flexibility to play particular games in
which the player is interested, thereby increasing his/her interest
and participation in the game. Further, the game operator is
provided additional flexibility as new games may be
introduced/substituted that are associated with the same ticket or
other game piece.
[0036] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the
outcome of the game is predetermined at the time of ticket
printing, issuance, or purchase or shortly thereafter. That is, the
game outcome associated with a particular ticket is available prior
to, at the same time, or shortly thereafter the ticket is provided
to the player, after which time the player is permitted to play any
games to reveal the predetermined outcome. In another embodiment,
outcomes associated with tickets issued to the player are
determined some time after the ticket issuance (i.e., outcomes are
"post-determined"). Such is the case with Keno or other
drawing-based games wherein game outcomes are determined after
ticket issuance. In such a game, players are permitted to obtain
the outcome at a predetermined time, usually after the player has
purchased the ticket.
[0037] In one aspect of the invention, it may be beneficial to have
a later activation of tickets, especially in the case of a
ticket-based game where tickets are issued in some other gaming
environment (e.g., a casino). It may be desirable to only permit
the player to play such a game outside the gaming environment
(e.g., at home on a computer system) so as not to compete with
other games. For example, in the case of a bingo game, later
activation of tickets may be preferred so as not to compete with
other bingo games offered (e.g., by a casino, bingo hall, etc.).
Additionally, it may be desirable to require the player to revisit
the gaming environment to redeem the ticket and increase the
chances that the player will purchase additional tickets or play
other types of games offered in the gaming environment.
[0038] In such a game, players are permitted to obtain the outcome
at a predetermined time, usually after the player has purchased the
ticket. The game may be, in one example, scheduled at a particular
start time (e.g., Wednesday at 7:00 PM). Further, the tournament
result may be revealed at a particular scheduled time (e.g., a
scheduled time after all intermediate results are revealed to
players). Also, game instances and their associated results may be
conducted and/or displayed to a player according to predetermined
times. In one embodiment, each game instance is conducted according
to a scheduled time in order to progress tournament play.
[0039] Also, according to another aspect of the present invention,
a first game may be used to reveal the result of a second game. As
discussed above, this second game may be one which is already
approved by regulators. Such a system may be, for example, a game
whose results are driven by a random number generator (or RNG as
referred to in the art). One such game is the well-known game of
Keno. Another game that may be used is the well-known game of
bingo. Other games may be used to drive the outcome of an online
game.
[0040] In one example, a Keno game and its associated system are
used to generate reveal results which are revealed to a player
during play of an online game. To this end, a Keno-based system may
be used in conjunction with an online gaming system to present new
and interesting online games whose outcomes are driven by results
provided by the Keno system. In one particular example, a Keno
system provides a correlation of a ticket identifier to a Keno game
which is held at some predetermined time. As the Keno numbers are
drawn, an outcome is produced that is associated with the
particular ticket identifier and provided to an online gaming
system. The online gaming system uses the produced outcome to
render a new and interesting gaming experience within an online
gaming environment. As discussed, such an environment may include
online play of one or more online games of skill, chance, or
combination thereof.
[0041] According to one embodiment of the present invention, wins
are optimized across game instances associated with a ticket. For
instance, a ticket may have a predetermined outcome (for example,
awarding a prize of $50), that may be allocated across the game
instances associated with that ticket. For example, in the case of
winning $50 on a 5-play (5 game instances) ticket, it may be
desired to allocate the wins across game instances to provide a
particular game experience. For instance, the game experience of
winning $50 may be distributed across five game instances (e.g.,
five separate bingo games or cards, respectively winning $5, $0,
$0, $5, $40) to provide the player an early indication of winning.
In the example of a bingo game, winnings may be distributed among
consecutive games of bingo. Also, the remaining game play of the
game instances may be scripted to build the drama of the game
experience while still retaining player interest. Such a scripted
outcome is more interesting, according to one embodiment, as the
player is presented an outcome in a way such that retains interest
in the game. This is beneficial, as an overall result includes
extending scratch-type games or other type of game experience
beyond the point of sale, and beyond the instant (but fleeting)
gratification associated with scratch-type or other instant ticket
game experiences.
[0042] According to one embodiment, a player is permitted to wager
and redeem bets at authorized locations (e.g., legal jurisdictions
such as lottery retail establishments, casinos, bingo hall, and the
like) while the online portion of the game may be played in any
locale or jurisdiction. In such a case, the casino or lottery
experience is extended to locations where otherwise lottery and/or
casino games are not available. Thereafter, players return to the
lottery or casino establishment to redeem their tickets thereby
providing yet another opportunity to entertain the player.
[0043] According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
winning results may be split across opportunities to win. One
embodiment of the present invention relates generally to how wins
are shown to the player across win opportunities. In one specific
example, one embodiment relates to a method for revealing wins to a
player across a play of multiple game instances that build
excitement for the player and which holds the interest of the
player in continuing to play the game. It is appreciated that the
game experience may be made more compelling if wins are distributed
among win opportunities in an interesting way.
[0044] Another method for maintaining the interest of players
includes awarding additional opportunities to win with each ticket.
For instance, one of the prizes awarded with a particular
opportunity to win (e.g., during the play of the game instance) may
be one or more additional opportunities to win. For instance, in a
bingo game, an issued ticket may be associated with five (5) games
of bingo. One of the prizes awarded with the ticket may include
additional game instances. At the time of initial ticket
activation, it may be predetermined that the ticket is associated
with these additional opportunities to win, and these additional
opportunities may be associated with the issued ticket. The player,
when playing the game, will obtain additional satisfaction in
playing because the number of game instances to be played by the
player are increased, and therefore, their opportunity to win is
also increased. This may be beneficial to create a more realistic
gaming experience where additional games may be awarded during
play. However, unlike in other environments (e.g., a casino)
wherein play can be continued from an online account or by placing
additional bets to create a more continuous game experience, the
additional win opportunities are awarded to a single ticket.
[0045] In the case where an online game system is a Keno-based or
other drawing-based systems wherein results are not predetermined,
additional opportunities to win may be associated with the ticket
in the form of additional numbers selected by a computer system and
associated with the ticket at the time of a drawing. This may be
performed, for example, by assigning one or more additional drawing
entries as a prize itself in the pay table associated with the Keno
or other drawing-based game. More particularly, the drawing entries
may be awarded as prizes, which themselves are indexes into other
entries in the same pay table. Such additional entries may
correspond to one or more prizes. For example, when the drawing
occurs, the additional plays are awarded to the drawing numbers
associated with the ticket. These drawing numbers may be associated
with a particular game instance, of which there may be many
associated with one ticket. At the point when the ticket is
activated by the result of the drawing and play of the online game
is permitted, the player, upon the beginning of play of the ticket
or a particular game instance, the player is awarded the additional
plays (and therefore, any prizes) associated with these additional
plays. The additional plays may be played as additional game
instances, which themselves have additional reveal opportunities.
Alternatively, additional reveal opportunities may be added to one
or more other game instances to make game play more exciting.
[0046] In another example, additional opportunities to win are
awarded to a ticket, but these additional opportunities are awarded
for a future game instance. In one example, the game reveals,
during a win opportunity (e.g., a spin, a reveal, etc.) in a first
game instance, one or more win opportunities within a second game
instance. These win opportunities may be redeemed and "added on" to
the second game instance, or the win opportunities may be provided
as part of a "free play" of an additional game instance. In the
case of a game driven by a drawing-based system (e.g., Keno, bingo,
etc.), additional win opportunities may be provided for game
instances conducted at a later time. For example, in a first game,
a player may be provided a "free play" of a game instance to be
conducted (or available to be played) at a particular start time.
To this end, the player may be provided an additional code that
allows the player to play the game at the later time. In the case
of a subscription-based system where a player subscribes to play
more than one game, the player may have additional plays added to
his/her existing subscription.
[0047] In another example, an additional opportunity to win a prize
may be provided outside of the play of the primary game. Because
the opportunity is presented outside of the play of the game, there
are several benefits to such a win opportunity. For instance, the
player is permitted to lose the primary game even though the ticket
associated with the primary game is a winning ticket. In one
specific example, the player may be permitted to play the primary
game and lose, and have the winning result revealed in the
additional win opportunity. Thus, a wider range of games and more
realistic games may be offered with such a game format. In one
embodiment, the additional win opportunity may be presented to the
player in the form of an additional game. In one specific game
format, a number selection game may be used as the additional
game.
[0048] Also, providing such an additional win opportunity allows
the primary game to be simplified, as the various permutations of
possible results of the primary game need not be designed into the
primary game. For instance, a pay table associated with the primary
game may not adequately represent all of the possible combinations
of game outcomes that may produce a predetermined win result. Thus,
the additional win opportunity may be provided to take into account
any game outcomes that fall outside of the paytable. Further, the
additional win opportunity may be used by a game operator to award
prizes to the player outside play of the primary game. For
instance, the game operator or affiliated organization may provide,
in the additional win opportunity, additional prizes such as, for
example, rewards points, coupons, discounts or other promotional
items. These items may be awarded with the intent of increasing
interest in the game and/or promoting other games, products, and/or
services.
[0049] In another aspect of the present invention, winnings by a
player may be redeemed online to allow the player to play further
instances of the online game. For instance, the player, after
receiving a prize when playing a particular game instance, is
permitted to redeem the prize online. In one type of online
redemption, the player is provided one or more additional game
instances to be played. To this end, the player may be provided one
or more access codes allowing the player to play the additional
game instance(s). These additional access codes may be provided to
the player in an interface of the game, by e-mail, or other
method.
[0050] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
method is presented for providing players an enhanced gaming
experience. According to one embodiment, it is appreciated that it
is beneficial to enhance players' interest in playing games,
particularly losing ones. In one embodiment, an illusion is
presented to players to provide the illusion of being very close to
winning a particular game. For instance, in the case of a bingo
game, the bingo game result may indicate that the player received a
pattern that was close to winning, and only with the revealing of
the last ball drawn does the player realize that he/she has lost
the game. According to one aspect, it is realized that the losing
game experience should compel the player to continue playing the
game.
[0051] In another example system, prizes may be awarded in
association with each item collected in the game (e.g., number of
points achieved in a slot machine type game, achieving particular
numbers in a bingo game (e.g., a "magic ball" indicated on a
player's card that awards a prize)). Therefore, prizes may be
distributed among elements or levels during play as well as being
distributed among game instances. As discussed, prize distribution
may be stored in a database of the server, may be determined by the
client (e.g., randomly), or may be stored at any location or be
determined by any manner by the client.
[0052] According to another aspect of the invention, it is
appreciated that conventional methods for playing online games of
chance are not secure. In particular, because the result or outcome
of the game or predetermined sequence of game states may be encoded
on a ticket, the lottery game may be compromised if the winning
codes are deciphered. Such a deciphering could occur, for example,
by hacking a computer system associated with the online lottery and
obtaining a list of winning tickets, or reverse engineering
software (e.g., on a PC) where the winning codes or sequence of
game states may be stored. Further, it is realized that in such
conventional systems, the lottery ticket or the online game
software and its data are single points of security failures in the
system.
[0053] One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for
conducting a game of chance. According to one embodiment, a more
secure method is provided by which an online game may be played.
Instead of placing a game seed that determines a sequence of game
states on a ticket (e.g., an instant scratch or lottery ticket),
the game states or outcomes may not be placed on the ticket.
Rather, the outcomes may be stored in an online database. To this
end, a code may be stored on the ticket, the code being used as a
decryption key used to find the outcome stored in the database. In
particular, there may be a mapping between an outcome code and a
corresponding decryption key that is printed on the ticket.
[0054] Because the decryption key is placed on the ticket,
unauthorized access to the online game is not permitted without the
physical ticket. In another embodiment, a portion of the decryption
key is placed on the ticket, and another portion is stored in a
database associated with the online game. In this manner, security
cannot be breached without having both portions of the key (either
having the issued ticket portion or the online portion). Thus, a
hacker may not compromise a lottery ticket database without the
ticket, and, by virtue of having a winning ticket, other winning
ticket numbers may not be determined. Access to the online portion
of the key may be obtained, for example, by providing some other
information (e.g., a serial number printed on the ticket). However,
it should be appreciated that the information used to gain access
to the online portion of the key need not be printed on the
ticket--the information may be provided on some other medium or by
another method.
[0055] The ticket may be, for example, a scratch-type lottery or
"instant" ticket, pull-tab, or type of pre-printed ticket type.
Alternatively, the ticket may be a printed lottery ticket as is
known in the art, which is a ticket printed at a Point of Sale
(POS), usually in the form of a lottery drawing ticket (e.g.,
PowerBall or other type lottery drawing game) or other ticket type
(e.g., thermally printed) provided at the POS. Also, the ticket may
be an electronic ticket issued by a computer system. It should be
appreciated that the ticket may be any type of ticket issued in any
form, and the invention is not limited to any particular ticket
type method of issuing a ticket.
[0056] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method
for playing a game of chance is provided. The method comprises acts
of issuing respective tickets to a plurality of players, each
ticket including a code printed on a surface of the ticket, and
providing for each of the plurality of players to play a bingo game
on different medium than the issued ticket, wherein the code is
used to gain access to obtain a result associated with the game of
chance.
[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the plurality
of players play a same instance of the bingo game. According to
another embodiment, a result associated with each issued ticket of
the plurality of players is based on a game experience common to
the plurality of players provided in the same instance of the bingo
game. According to another embodiment, the act of issuing
respective tickets includes issuing at least one of a lottery
ticket, a scratch ticket, a printed ticket, and a pull-tab
ticket.
[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the act of
providing further comprises an act of providing a computer-based
game which the player plays the bingo game to reveal the result of
the game of chance. According to another embodiment, the act of
providing includes an act of permitting access to a website to play
the bingo game. According to another embodiment, the bingo game is
a computer-based game including one or more bingo cards, each
having a plurality of indicia that, when matched in any one of a
plurality of combinations, provides one or more prizes to at least
one of the plurality of players. According to another embodiment,
the method further comprises an act of providing a pay table that
determines, based on a particular one of the plurality of
combinations, the one or more prizes provided to the at least one
player.
[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the prize
total for the ticket is predetermined prior to play of the bingo
game. According to another embodiment, the result of any one of at
least one of the one or more bingo cards and instances of the bingo
game reveals a prize won by the player. According to another
embodiment, an indication of the prize won by the player is stored
in a database of a server, and is downloaded to a computer
presenting the computer-based game to the player. According to
another embodiment, the method further comprises an act of
providing, by a first server associated with a first game, the
result associated with the game of chance. According to another
embodiment, the method further comprises an act of storing, in a
memory of a computer system, the result associated with the game of
chance.
[0060] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the
method further comprises an act of associating the result with an
indication of the ticket. According to another embodiment, the
first server further comprises a random number generator, and the
random number generator performs an act of determining a set
numbers associated with the issued ticket. According to another
embodiment, the method further comprises an act of determining a
set of winning numbers associated with the game of chance.
According to another embodiment, the method further comprises an
act of determining the result of the game of chance based on a
comparison of the set of numbers associated with the issued ticket
and the set of winning numbers. According to another embodiment,
the game of chance includes at least one of a Keno game and a bingo
game, and the act of determining a set of numbers associated with
the issued ticket comprises an act of selecting a predetermined
number of numbers from a predetermined set of numbers.
[0061] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the
method further comprises an act of determining an outcome
associated with the ticket based on a drawing. According to another
embodiment, the method further comprises an act of permitting at
least one of the plurality of players to play the bingo game in
response to the act of determining the outcome. According to
another embodiment, the method further comprises an act of
revealing the result during play of an online bingo game. According
to another embodiment, the method further comprises an act of
displaying an interface comprising one or more player identifiers,
each of which represent a corresponding player and a corresponding
ranking of each player in a tournament of bingo games. According to
another embodiment, the method further comprises an act of
automatically playing, for at least one of the plurality of
players, at least one instance of the online game if the at least
one of the plurality of players does not play the game instance
within a predetermined time.
[0062] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the
online bingo game begins at a predetermined time. According to
another embodiment, the online bingo game ends at a predetermined
time. According to another embodiment, at least one instance of the
online bingo game begins at a predetermined time. According to
another embodiment, the method further comprises an act of
indicating, to the player, a result of the tournament after the
online game ends. According to another embodiment, the online bingo
game includes an associated game in which is revealed at least one
result. According to another embodiment, the associated game
includes a slot machine game. According to another embodiment, the
bingo game comprises a plurality of bingo game instances. According
to another embodiment, the plurality of bingo instances are
included in a tournament games.
[0063] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at
least two of the plurality of bingo game instances are played with
different winning patterns. According to another embodiment, at
least two of the plurality of bingo game instances are played with
different rule sets. According to another embodiment, the plurality
of bingo game instances are played at predetermined times.
According to another embodiment, each of the plurality of bingo
instances begins at a predetermined time. According to another
embodiment, the plurality of players play at least one same
instance of at least one of the plurality of bingo game
instances.
[0064] Further features and advantages of the present invention as
well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the
present invention are described in detail below with reference to
the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals
indicate like or functionally similar elements. Additionally, the
left-most one or two digits of a reference numeral identifies the
drawing in which the reference numeral first appears.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0065] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to
scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical
component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by
a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be
labeled in every drawing. In the drawings,
[0066] FIG. 1 is block diagram of a system for conducting a game
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0067] FIG. 2 is an example ticket that may be issued in
association with a game according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0068] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a process for conducting a game
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0069] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a process for conducting a game
according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0070] FIG. 5 is a system for conducting a game according to
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0071] FIG. 6 is a game interface according to one embodiment of
the present invention;
[0072] FIG. 7 is a process for conducting a tournament-type game
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0073] FIG. 8 is a game interface according to one embodiment of
the present invention;
[0074] FIG. 9 is a process for conducting a bingo game according to
one embodiment of the present invention;
[0075] FIG. 10 is a game interface according to one embodiment of
the present invention;
[0076] FIG. 11 is a game interface according to one embodiment of
the present invention; and
[0077] FIG. 12 is a game interface according to one embodiment of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0078] A player may purchase a lottery or other type of ticket, to
play a primary game (e.g., a bingo game). In one embodiment of the
present invention, the player is permitted to play in a tournament
involving one or more instances of an online game. In particular,
the player may be permitted to enjoy the feeling of playing in a
tournament or other competitive environment against other players
in the environment of an online game. In the case of a bingo game,
according to one embodiment, the feeling of being in a competitive
bingo hall experience may be provided for multiple players.
[0079] In one example, the primary game result is driven by the
result of a secondary game, such as a lottery or casino-based
drawing (e.g., a Keno drawing). The secondary game is then played,
and the result of the overall tournament is determined based on the
results of the secondary game instances. Results of the secondary
game instances and the result of the tournament are sent to an
online gaming system. The player is then permitted to play an
online game to reveal the results of the secondary game instances
and the result of the overall tournament.
[0080] In one example game format, the player may be permitted to
enter a tournament-type game at the point of initial purchase of
the game (e.g., at the Point of Sale (POS)). The player may be
permitted, for example, to enter into a tournament comprising a
number of primary game instances (e.g., plays of an online bingo
game).
[0081] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a
secondary game such as a Keno drawing drives the result of each of
one or more primary game instances. In one specific example, if a
player pays for 100 plays (e.g., 100 sets of Keno numbers) the
player is permitted to play 100 instances of the online game. For
instance, the player may be allotted 10 instances (e.g., 10 cards,
10 games, etc.) of a bingo game. The result of the games may be
predetermined, or may be driven by a future event, such as a Keno
or a bingo drawing.
[0082] Game sessions may be held at predetermined times. For
instance, one or more Keno drawings that drive the results of the
primary game instances may be performed at one or more
predetermined times. The player may play the game instances after
one or more results associated with the Keno drawings are made
available to the online game system. For instance, when a Keno
drawing occurs, one or more of the Keno tickets may be "graded" to
determine whether the player has a winning ticket. The result can
be transferred to an online gaming system that translates the
result into one or more results associated with an online game. In
the case of a bingo type game, the result may be translated to a
win/loss indication of one or more cards used by the player to play
the bingo game.
[0083] Tournament results may be made available after a single Keno
drawing, or in another example, the player may pay to play multiple
games that result from associated Keno drawings, which may not
necessarily occur at the same time. Thus, plays may be protracted
over a period of time, and results of each play may be driven by a
separate Keno drawing. In the case where players may participate in
particular game instances, one or more results may be driven by one
or more Keno drawings, set of numbers, or combinations thereof.
[0084] The player continues to play the game instances, and after
the final game instance is played, the result of the tournament may
be presented to the player. In one example, the player is provided
an identifier (e.g., a username) and that identifier is presented
to other players during the game. In one example, the game-playing
computer system may present to the player a listing of the top
players in the tournament, along with their current status in the
tournament. For instance, the progress of each player in the
tournament may be measured in points, prizes won, or other metric
that can be used to determine a winner of the tournament. In one
specific example, the player that wins the most prizes in the
tournament is awarded an additional prize. In yet another example,
prizes may be awarded to the top players in the tournament. Prizes
may be awarded, for example, to any player that achieves a minimum
amount of winnings or other criteria. Indications of the status of
the tournament and any related information may be presented in an
interface of the game-playing computer system. The interface may be
in the form of a leader board that is displayed to each player
while playing in the tournament.
[0085] According to one embodiment, the player may indicate that
tournament play is desired at the Point of Sale (POS). This
indication may be, for example, be performed by the player by
forming a mark on a card similar to those used to enter lottery or
Keno-type drawings. To this end, there may be a box or other
section of the card that, when filled out by the player, selects
the tournament option. The card may be scanned by a reader, usually
at the POS, and the player pays for the number of bets (e.g.,
number of plays). As discussed, there may be more than one
tournament option from which the player may choose. For example,
there may be tournaments that involve more of less game instances,
different types of games or combinations thereof.
[0086] The tournament option may be selected in other ways, such
as, for example, in an interface of a computer system. In one
example, the player may purchase lottery or other types of tickets
using a computer, and the interface may permit the player to select
a tournament option. For instance, such tickets may be purchased
through a kiosk or other type of computer system.
[0087] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the
player, after purchasing one or more plays of the game, plays the
primary game on a computer system. This computer system may be the
same or different computer system used to select the tournament
option. In one example, the computer system includes a display in
which an interface of the primary game is displayed. The player
plays one or more plays of the game within the interface, and the
plays may (or may not) be associated with a winning outcome.
[0088] According to one embodiment, there may be a special pay
table for prizes awarded in the tournament. This pay table may be,
according to one embodiment, separate from the main pay table
associated with the regular game sessions. For example, the
tournament pay table may pay out more or less than the pay table
associated with regular game sessions. In one specific example, the
pay table may have a similar payout as the regular game sessions,
but has a lower hold so that the tournament winnings are similar in
amount to the regular game sessions. Further, the tournament option
may be used as a market retention tool to encourage the purchase of
multiple session games, encouraging continued play and return to
the POS (e.g., a casino) to redeem winnings.
[0089] Although the tournament option is attractive for casino-type
games such as slot machine-type games, bingo games, etc., it should
be appreciated that such a tournament option could be applied to
any type any combination of games. For instance, such a tournament
option may be applicable to a lottery-type game or any other type
of game that may be adapted to a tournament format. For example, a
tournament option may be used with game formats including, but not
limited to, slot machine games, video poker, bingo, blackjack,
games of skill such as a PAC-MAN type game, and other games.
[0090] FIG. 2 shows an example ticket 201 that may be issued to a
player in association with a game according to one embodiment of
the present invention. The player may scratch a surface of the
ticket (in the case of a scratch ticket) to reveal one or more
indications. These indications may include, for example, a serial
number of the ticket, an access code, or other indication (or
combination thereof) that may be used to access the online game.
Alternatively, the ticket may be a pull-tab ticket or other ticket
type suitable for presenting indications to a player. The ticket
may be, for example, a printed ticket that also indicates the
election of a tournament option. Alternatively, the ticket may be
any other ticket type and may indicate (e.g., by a punch hole) that
a tournament option was selected at the POS. The tournament may be,
in one example, a separate game type that is selected by the
player, or may be an additional option that can be added onto a
group of game instances. The tournament option may or may not
involve an additional charge added to the purchase of the
ticket.
[0091] The ticket may include other indications (e.g., a decryption
key or portion thereof as described above that may be used to
decrypt game results). Also, the ticket may indicate to a player
the number of plays of a second game (e.g., as played by the player
on a computer system). For instance, in the case of a slot machine
game, the ticket may indicate the number of spins that a player may
be awarded by the ticket. Further, as discussed above, the player
may be permitted to play any one of a number of offered games, and
the player may select different games to play to reveal results
associated with game instances. The ticket may be associated with
one or more games, and there may be an indications on the ticket to
which games (e.g., a slot machine game, and/or any other game
types) the ticket provides access. The ticket may be associated
only with a single game (e.g., a single-branded game), or may be
indicative of multiple games that can be played.
[0092] In one embodiment, ticket 201 includes a code 202 printed on
a surface of the ticket that provides access to outcomes (e.g.,
prizes) stored on the server. As discussed, code 202 may also
include, as an optional feature to increase security, a key that
may be used to decrypt the outcome. This outcome may be stored in a
database stored on a server system. Ticket 201 may also include a
ticket identifier 203 used to identify the ticket, and which may be
used to identify any outcome(s) associated with the ticket.
Further, ticket 201 may include a game indication 204 that relates
information relevant to a game played on a computer system. For
example, there may also be stored, on the ticket, an identifier
that indicates, to the player, the number of plays associated with
an online game. The ticket may, optionally, show a tournament
option selected at the time of purchase. In one example, a player
purchases a ticket at a retailer or other POS location.
[0093] The player then proceeds to play a game on a computer
system. FIG. 1 shows an example system 100 according to one
embodiment of the invention upon which a game may be played. The
user (a player) 110 plays a game through an interface of a host
computer system (e.g. host 101). Host 101 may be any type of
computer system that is capable of playing a game. The host may be,
for example, a general-purpose computer system (e.g., a personal
computer (PC)) that connects to a network (e.g., the Internet).
Other general purpose computer system types (e.g., a PDA, a cell
phone, set-top box, or other system type) may be used to play the
game.
[0094] The computer system may be coupled to a server system 103
through one or more communication networks 102. The server may
provide a game program 109 that is executed by host 101 for playing
the game. More particularly, game program 109, when executed, may
provide an online game that can be played by a user through an
interface associated with host 101. This online game may be, for
example, a video slot machine, blackjack, or other online or
casino-type game.
[0095] The game program may be stored, for example, in a
computer-readable medium (e.g., a memory, storage, or other media)
associated with server 103 that provides game programs. For
instance, the game program may be stored on a web server and
downloaded to a client computer over the Internet. Game program 109
may be one of a number of game programs associated with an online
game experience. Different game programs may be selectively
downloaded to the client, based on the type of game ticket issued,
the game selected for play by the user, the type of client used, or
other criteria.
[0096] Server 103 may also be a general-purpose computer system, or
any other type of computer system capable of authenticating
tickets, providing game programs, and performing other game-related
functions. Further, it should be appreciated that various game
functions may be performed by one or more server systems. Server
103 generally includes a processor 104 for executing server-based
game functions. Server 103 may also include a memory 105 for
storing data associated with game programs. Server 103 may also
include one or more network interfaces 106 that couple server 103
to network 102, which permit server 103 to communicate with one or
more hosts. Further, server 103 may include one or more storage
entities 107, including disks or other media for storing data. In
one embodiment, storage 107 is adapted to store one or more game
programs 109 as discussed above. Server 103 may have any number or
type of processor that executes an operating system and one or more
application programs. In one embodiment, server 103 provides web
server content to one or more clients for the purpose of accessing
and playing the game.
[0097] Server 103 may also include a database 108 that is adapted
to store one or more outcomes associated with a ticket or other
gaming piece. As discussed, the outcome may be indexed using an
identifier of the ticket. Further, database 108 may store
information identifying a tournament option selected by the player.
The tournament option may be associated with an identifier of a
particular ticket.
[0098] FIG. 3 shows one example process for conducting a game
according to one embodiment of the present invention. At block 301,
process 300 begins. At block 302, a player is issued a ticket. As
discussed, a player may purchase a ticket at a retailer or other
POS location. At some later time and/or location, the player may
play an online game on one or more computer systems (e.g., a PC or
other computer system capable of playing games). For instance, at
block 303, a host computer system (e.g., host 101) executes a game
program. The game program may be, for example, an online game that
includes one or more components downloaded over a communication
network (e.g., the Internet).
[0099] As discussed, the ticket may include a code which is used to
access the outcome of a game. This code may be printed on a face of
the ticket as discussed above with reference to FIG. 2. In one
example system, the player accesses a website that includes an
interface in which the player may enter the code at block 304.
[0100] This interface may be, for example, used to access the game,
or may be any other interface (e.g., an interface used to access a
download website used for downloading game software (e.g., game
program 109)). The interface may be programmed in one or more
computer languages (e.g., an HTML, Java, Macromedia Flash, or other
type interface) and may include a text entry box in which the
player can input the code. The interface may include other ways of
entering a code or other parameter (e.g., a glyph printed on a
ticket) that allows the user to gain access to the game. It should
be appreciated that the invention is not limited to any particular
method for entering the code, or any format of the code, and that
any type of code or method of entry may be used.
[0101] The player enters the code, and an outcome is determined at
block 305 based on the code. More particularly, there may be a
mapping between the code printed on the ticket and an outcome
stored on the server. This code may be stored, for example, in a
database structure stored in database 108 of the server. Database
108 may be, for example, a relational database, object database,
flat file database, or other organizational entities used to store
and maintain data. Further a listing of winning codes may be
furnished to an organization that provides the game (such as, for
example, a state-run lottery commission). The code may, as
discussed above, include an optional decryption key that decrypts
an entry stored on the server. This entry may indicate one or more
outcomes of game instances. The entry may also include an outcome
of a tournament based on the outcomes of the game instances.
[0102] The outcome of the game is then used by the online game to
determine play of the game by the player at block 306. For
instance, if the stored outcome is "Win $50," the online game may
present an outcome to the player that indicates that the player won
a $50 prize. This presentation may be in the form of one or more
reveals presented to the player while playing the online game at
block 307. The presentation may be progressive, in that the
ultimate outcome (e.g., "Win $50") is achieved through a set of
reveals or progressions through the online game. For example, in
the case where a bingo game is played wherein outcomes are revealed
during the play of one or more bingo games, such reveal outcomes
presented during the game associated with each bingo game instance
and/or bingo card may be stored on the server.
[0103] As discussed, prizes may be distributed over game instances
and/or items (or more generally, win opportunities) to maximize
game interest and to entice the player to play each game instance
associated with a particular ticket. For example, one approach may
include providing to the player an early (relative in the series of
game instances) indication of winning to keep the player
interested. As the player plays more game instances, the magnitude
of the prizes may be adjusted such that a level of game "drama" is
increased. That is, prize values are adjusted among later game
instances to provide relatively higher prize values in later games.
Other approaches/distributions may be provided for increasing or
maintaining game interest.
[0104] Once all of the game instances are played, the player may
redeem the ticket at the point of sale or other redemption location
at block 308. Alternatively, the player may be permitted to redeem
the ticket without playing any or all of the game instances.
Redemption may be permitted, for example, after a predetermined
time. For instance, the player may be permitted to redeem a ticket
after a set time (e.g., 10 PM), a particular time period after
ticket purchase (e.g., 24 hours) or other absolute or relative time
(e.g., after the tournament is conducted). This may be the case for
a Keno or lottery-based system, where a Keno or lottery result is
made available at a set time after ticket purchase. Alternatively,
tickets may be redeemed immediately after purchase. At block 309,
process 300 ends.
[0105] Payouts may be determined by a pay table associated with the
game. The number of tickets may be determined a priori, and a pay
table that determines payouts may be allocated to the tickets. This
allocation may be determined, for example, by shuffling the pay
table and allocating results to tickets. The following is an
example of a pay table that may be used with a game according to
one embodiment of the invention:
Number of Tickets Issued: 2000
[0106] Ticket Price: $5 TABLE-US-00001 TABLE I Example Payout Table
Number of Tickets Payout 1 $100 700 $10 500 $5 100 $1 600 $0 Game
Operator Return: $300 (3%) - expenses
[0107] As shown in the example above, a certain number of tickets
may be allocated as winning tickets having a particular payout
(e.g., an outcome). Some tickets may have no payout associated with
them, and some may only have a nominal payout (e.g., a small award
amount, free ticket, etc.). A small number of tickets may include a
large payout as compared to the magnitude of other payouts. It
should be appreciated, however, that payouts are not limited to
money, but other types of prizes may be awarded including
merchandise, credit, loyalty points or any other representation of
value.
[0108] The odds of winning may be the type of odds experienced in
actual (rather than computer-based) games. Alternatively, the odds
of winning may not necessarily be "natural" odds of winning any
particular type of game, but rather, the odds may be adjusted to
obtain the outcome desired (e.g., by the gaming operator). The odds
of winning, number of winning tickets, amount of payout per ticket,
or other payout parameter may be any amount or number, and the
invention is not limited to any particular odds of winning, number
of winning tickets, payout amount or type of payout. However,
according to one embodiment, the overall odds of winning, amount
and type of payout, etc. may be similar to a game previously
approved by regulators (e.g., Keno, bingo, etc.) so that the use of
an additional game to display an outcome associated with the
previously-approved game is scrutinized much less by regulators,
and as a result, the approval of the additional game is less
burdensome. To this end, a system associated with the
previously-approved game may provide ticket and outcome information
to is a system conducting an online game (e.g. server 103).
[0109] According to one embodiment, portions of the pay table may
be allocated for different games in the tournament or other series
of games. For example, in a game format having a series of bingo
games along with a slot machine type game (e.g., played between
bingo game instances), higher-stakes entries in the paytable may be
allocated to the slot machine type game, and remaining paytable
entries may be allocated to one or more bingo game instances.
[0110] In this way, the paytable may be distributed so that each
possible entry of the paytable may be achieved, yet the entries may
be distributed to provide a more appropriate win outcomes among
multiple game types. For instance, in the case of a bingo game
provided with a slot machine type game, higher-stakes outcomes may
be associated with the slot machine game rather than the bingo game
so that a more realistic outcome is provided.
[0111] According to one embodiment, players with the highest
winnings are indicated as winning the tournament and may be awarded
additional prizes. According to one embodiment, a tournament may be
a compilation of multiple Keno games, each Keno game having a
separate pay table. Tournament prizes may be funded from a portion
of a hold from ticket sales and/or may funded from a promotional or
marketing fund. The Keno games associated with each player may be
graded and compiled to determine a winner of the tournament.
[0112] For instance, there may be 100 games associated with a
single tournament entry, although it should be appreciated that the
number of game instances may be any number, even only a single game
instance. A set of Keno numbers is associated with each game
instance, and, as a result of one or more Keno ball draws, the
result of each Keno number set is determined. This determination
may be made, for example, by the system that performs the Keno ball
draw function, although it should be appreciated that this may be
performed by any other system. The Keno number sets are "graded",
and the result of the tournament is determined. As discussed, the
winner of the tournament may be the player that receives the
highest total winnings among all of the Keno number sets associated
with the tournament.
[0113] There may be a separate pay table associated with the
tournament, the pay table awarding prizes to the players with the
highest winnings. The pay table may be modified to provide a
limited amount of prizes (e.g., 1.sup.st, 2.sup.nd and 3.sup.rd
place prizes). Further, the pay table may be adjusted to provide
higher stakes prizes to encourage continued play in the
tournament.
[0114] The code stored on the server (e.g., server 103) may be used
to determine game play as played on the computer system. For
instance, the game outcome may be "Win $50." In the case of a bingo
game, the ticket may indicate that the player receives three (3)
instances of a bingo game. The outcome of each instance may be
predetermined, and the game may retrieve information from the
server indicating a predetermined sequence of game play as
discussed above. In the case of a bingo game, the predetermined
sequence may indicate winnings associated with each of the game
instances, the sequence of balls drawn for each game instance
(e.g., wherein prizes are not awarded for particular ball draws,
but wherein the game experience is still predetermined), and/or an
indication of a prize won as a result of playing each of the game
instances. It should be appreciated that any aspect of game play
may be predetermined and associated with the code.
[0115] In another example, only the overall outcome is
predetermined (e.g., the total winning associated with the ticket),
and the sequence of game play may be determined when the game is
played. In the example above where the player is indicated as
winning $50 over 10 spins, the $50 winnings (and any intermediate
losses) may be allocated to the player at any point over the 10
spins. In the case of any other type of game, winnings may be
allocated across game instances. In a further example, winnings may
be allocated across items collected while playing a game instance.
Because the number of items collected may vary depending on the
skill of the player, the distribution of prizes among collected
items may be determined during game play by the game playing
system.
[0116] This allocation may be determined by the server, the game
software executing on the client, or a combination thereof.
Further, the game play may be randomized in that a further play
using the same ticket may yield a different sequence of game states
leading to the same outcome. For example, in the case of a slot
machine game as described above, a player may be indicated as
winning $50, but the sequence by which the player attains the $50
winning outcome may be different depending on various factors. Such
factors may include a randomization function that determines
results of individual game plays (e.g., in the case of a series of
bingo games, the result of ball draws for each game), or some other
function. The series of intermediate outcomes may be stored in a
database associated with the server as discussed above with respect
to game outcomes. Also, the outcomes may be adjusted using a
formula or rule-based approach during execution of the game to
increase the game drama and heighten the game playing
experience.
[0117] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
player may purchase a ticket at a point of purchase (e.g., a
convenience store) and the indication of a win/no win condition of
the ticket is revealed on a different medium. For instance, a
player purchases a scratch ticket in a convenience or other type of
store. The prize that the player wins is not revealed on the
scratch card itself, but rather the prize is revealed through
another medium (e.g., on a home computer system, PDA, cell phone,
etc.).
[0118] For instance, as discussed above, the player may be
presented another game (e.g., a bingo game, a card game, casino
game, or any other game) that reveals at least a portion of the
prize. The underlying prizes available via the reveals may be
predetermined, in that the outcome of the game may be stored in one
or more systems. The scratch or other type of ticket may reveal
different numbers of plays (e.g., pulls in the case of a bingo
game, a slot-machine type game, or game instances of any other type
of game) the player receives.
[0119] In one aspect of the present invention, the ticket includes
authentication information that is used to obtain the reveals. In
one example, the scratch ticket contains a secret key which is used
to decrypt the results that are revealed to the player. That is,
according to one aspect, it is impossible to determine if and what
a particular ticket wins without having possession of the ticket
(and therefore the secret key). In another example, the scratch
ticket could contain only a portion of the secret key. The other
portion of the key may be stored, for example, on a server and
retrieved from a database (e.g., file, relational database, etc.)
based on, for example, the serial number of the card. Mappings of
serial numbers of tickets to encrypted results can be provided to
the lottery provider for additional audit control.
[0120] A process for performing secure access to outcomes is shown
in FIG. 4. At block 401, process 400 begins. A server (e.g., server
103) may store a number of outcomes in encrypted form, each of
which outcomes can be accessed by a respective code. These outcomes
may be encrypted, for example, using any encryption method (e.g.,
symmetric, asymmetric encryption) as is known in the art. At block
402, a code is provided to the server (e.g., server 103).
[0121] This code may be, for example, a secret code (e.g., a
symmetric key, a private key) printed on a ticket and provided to
the server by a user through an interface of a computer system as
discussed above. The received code may be transmitted between
systems using a secure transmission method (e.g., SSL) as is known
in the art. The received code is used at block 403 to decrypt the
outcome stored on the server. This code may be any decryption key
type that may be used to decode data, and may be of any format or
length. The decrypted outcome may then be presented to a player at
block 405. The outcome may be displayed using any method. For
example, as discussed above, the outcome may be presented through
one or more reveals presented to the player during play of an
online game. At block 405, process 400 ends.
[0122] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a
lottery-based software game that can be played over a network, such
as the Internet. According to one embodiment, the system includes a
purchase of a scratch-based or printed ticket by a player at a
point of service (POS). A POS may be, for example, a place at which
lottery tickets may be sold, including convenience stores or other
locations where lottery products are provided. In an alternative
system provided at a casino or other gaming establishment, a ticket
may be sold to a player at the casino for play at a later time.
Optionally, the player selects a tournament-type game involving
play of one or more game instances.
[0123] The player receives the ticket at the POS or other location,
and proceeds to play a computer-based game at another location to
reveal a result (or outcome) of the game. The computer-based game
may be, for example, a casino-type game (e.g. slot machine, video
poker) or other type of game, including amusement games or games of
chance. In the case of the scratch or printed ticket, the result is
not apparent to the player until the player plays the
computer-based game. This game may be, for example, a software
program that is downloaded and played over the Internet.
Alternatively, other ways of accessing the online portion of the
game may be used (e.g., PDA, cell phone or other method).
[0124] The ticket includes a code by which a player gains access to
a result stored on a server that stores ticket information and
results associated with each ticket. Such information may be
predetermined at the time of ticket sale, or the results may not be
known until a later time, after the ticket is issued to the player
(e.g., in the case of a Keno, bingo, or other drawing-based
system). According to one embodiment, the code is an access key (or
a portion thereof) that is used to access one or more results
stored on the server. Further, the result (stored in the server)
may be encrypted. For example, the code may be a private key or a
symmetric key. The key may be transmitted by a client computer
system to the server for the purpose of decrypting the result using
SSL or any other secure method.
[0125] Because the decryption key is stored on the ticket, the
gaming system is safer, as a breach of security of either the
tickets or the server does not provide access to result
information. More particularly, access to the lottery ticket or
other type of database may not be accomplished without the ticket
(used to decrypt the result). Further, the tickets may not be
correlated to results without the lottery ticket database (because
the results are stored in the database, not on the tickets).
[0126] In another example of the system, a portion of the key used
to decrypt results of the game is stored on the ticket, and another
portion is stored in the database of the server. In this manner, it
is assured that possession of either portion of the key may not
compromise the results.
[0127] However, it should be appreciated that the system does not
require SSL or any other encryption/decryption method, a decryption
key on the ticket, or the stored result on the server to be
encrypted. Rather, the game can be implemented with or without
these features. That is, access to the outcome stored at the server
may be performed using only the serial number or other ticket
identifier printed on the ticket.
[0128] The scratch-based or printed ticket also includes a second
serial number or other identifier (e.g., an access code) in
addition to the serial number or other identifier which is
correlated to results on the server. A ticket may include both a
serial number and a ticket identifier used by the system. According
to one embodiment, it is appreciated that there may be security
issues with using the serial number of a printed ticket (as printed
on the ticket) to correlate to win outcomes. That is, the lottery
provider may not allow any entity outside of the lottery system to
have the ability to correlate outcomes to serial numbers. To this
end, another identifier (e.g., a separate ticket identifier or
access code) may be provided on a ticket to allow the system to
index into an outcome database.
[0129] In one example system that works in association with a
lottery system, outcomes for a game may be predetermined to comply
with lottery rules. In this case, outcomes are predetermined and
stored in a database. In an alternative environment where results
are not permitted to be predetermined (e.g., in a casino), but
rather are determined at a later time (e.g., by a drawing or other
method), a ticket issued by a system in such an environment may
have an associated drawing time when a game may be played.
[0130] In the case where the online game system is driven by a Keno
game result, each ticket may be associated with a set of numbers in
the Keno game, and the result of the Keno game is provided as the
result for the online game. In one example, a computer system
automatically picks numbers associated with the ticket at the point
when the ticket is issued. Thereafter, when the Keno game occurs,
the result of the Keno draw is provided to an online game system,
which translates the Keno result to a game experience within
another game (e.g., a bingo game, a slot machine game, etc.). It
should be appreciated, however, that although the game of Keno may
be used to drive an online game experience, other games (e.g.,
bingo) may be used.
[0131] In the case where the player selects a tournament option,
additional sets of Keno numbers may be chosen associated with the
tournament ticket. When one or more Keno drawing(s) occur, the
result of the sets of Keno numbers are used to drive the online
game along with any results of the overall tournament. When all of
the sets of Keno numbers are graded, the overall tournament result
may be revealed to the player.
[0132] The server (e.g., server 103) may be capable of accepting,
from the user, an input of the serial number and decryption key,
and in response, providing the results associated with the
particular ticket. The result or outcome of the game may be
displayed to the player in an interface of the computer system
(e.g., a client computer system such as a personal computer (PC))
used to play the computer-based game. For example, the outcome of a
series of plays associated with the ticket may be stored in the
server, and provided to the client, and the series of outcomes may
be presented to the player during play of the computer-based
game.
[0133] In another embodiment of the system, a payout of the ticket
may be encoded on the ticket. For instance, if the ticket is a $5
winner, the amount of the win may be encoded on the ticket. In the
case of the casino-based version of the system, the payout may not
be stored on the ticket (as the payout is not predetermined), but
rather the purchase price of the ticket may be stored on the
ticket, or some other identifier of the ticket.
[0134] As shown in FIG. 5, a system 500 may be provided having more
than one server. For instance, a server 502 provided at the point
of sale 501 is primarily responsible with issuing tickets to a
user/player 506. To this end, server 502 may issue preprinted
tickets or may issue tickets printed from an associated printer
505. Such tickets may include one or more identifiers as discussed
above with reference to FIG. 2. As discussed, another system such
as a Keno or lottery-based system may be used to provide results to
an online game system.
[0135] In one version of system 500, the win/loss determination of
a ticket may be driven by a later-occurring drawing. For example, a
Keno-based, bingo-based, or other type lottery draw system may be
used wherein the outcome of a particular game is not known until a
future time (e.g., when a drawing occurs). In this case, the ticket
identifier stored on the ticket may be an access code generated
from ticket identifiers in the Keno-based system (e.g., by an
intermediate system or the Keno server itself that can translate a
Keno ticket identifier into another type of identifier).
[0136] Generation of an identifier separate from the Keno ticket
identifier may be necessary for security reasons relating to the
Keno system. More particularly, access to the Keno ticket
identifiers may not be permitted by the system (e.g., the Keno
server). In one example, a Keno system translates Keno ticket
identifiers into access codes and results that are stored on the
game server (e.g., server 503). Thereafter, clients (e.g., hosts
504A, 504B) access results stored on the server based on their
respective access codes.
[0137] Such results may include, for example, any results of any
game(s)/instance(s) and an associated tournament result associates
with the game(s)/instance(s). In one example, the Keno system may
perform a grading of the sets of Keno numbers associated with the
tournament, and may determine the result of the tournament.
[0138] As discussed above, one or more hosts 504A, 504B (e.g.,
general purpose computer systems) may communicate with a server 503
over a network for the purpose of conducting a game. In one
example, a host 504A renders a browser window by executing a
browser program (e.g., the Internet Explorer browser program
available from the Microsoft Corporation). A user/player 506 enters
a URL address specified by an issued ticket in a window of the
browser interface, and is directed to a website associated with
server 503. This website may be rendered by, for example, a WWW
server process (e.g., server 507) associated with server 503.
[0139] Player 506 may be instructed to enter an access code (and/or
any other required information) to access one or more games in an
interface presented through the browser. As discussed, server 503
may validate the received access code, and provide any results
stored in a database associated with server 510. Once validated by
server 503, the user may be permitted to play one or more games.
These game may be, for example, be programmed using one or more
programming languages (e.g., Macromedia Flash) and may be
downloaded to host 504A and executed.
[0140] Also, outcomes associated with any games may be downloaded
prior to game play. As discussed, examples of games include those
that may be of the lottery-type (e.g., having a predetermined
outcome) and those that are casino-based (e.g., having an outcome
that is not determined at the time of sale of the ticket). In the
case where a later drawing affects an outcome, a player may not be
permitted to play the game until the drawing occurs (and until
results are available at server 503). In the case of a drawing that
affects outcomes, drawing results can be communicated from server
502 to server 503. In addition, server 502 may maintain a mapping
from a ticket identifier (e.g., a serial number) to an access code
provided on the ticket, and provide a mapping of outcome to access
code when the drawing occurs. As discussed, such outcome
information may be maintained in a database 510 associated with
server 503 and may be accessed through a database server process
509.
[0141] As discussed, the payout of the lottery ticket may be
displayed to a player in a number of ways. For instance, the payout
of the ticket may be presented to the player through one or more
reveals presented to a player during one or more plays of an online
game.
[0142] For instance, in the case of a slot machine game, a player
may be permitted, with the issue of a single scratch or printed
ticket, a series of spins of the slot machine. The slot machine
may, as the result of each of the spins, produce results that
contribute to the overall payout to the player. For instance, after
a single spin, a player may be presented an indication that he/she
has won $5. The payout to the player as provided from the server
database may be, for the series of spins, $50 overall, with
particular outcomes for each spin. Additional spin results may
provide the additional $45 that the player will receive. Additional
spins may add, subtract, or have no affect on the contribution to
the outcome of the game. These results of each spin of the slot
machine game may be stored in the database of the server indexed by
the ticket identifier, or may be randomly determined by the game
program that renders the game. Further, as discussed above, the
results of each spin may be "scripted" such that the game
experience is more exciting to the player.
[0143] For example, in the case where the results of each spin are
stored on the server, the series of results may be downloaded to
the client at the beginning of the game as a series of entries, and
the client may reveal each result as the player progresses through
the series of spins. In the random method, results for each
individual spin are not predetermined, but rather are determined by
the client in a random manner. For instance, the actual outcomes of
each spin may be randomly chosen among the possible combination of
outcomes that may produce the required payout. In either case, the
outcomes for each spin of the slot machine game is not stored on
the ticket, but rather is stored at the server and downloaded just
prior or during game play, or is determined randomly by the client.
Alternatively, the client may determine the game experience based
on a predetermined set of rules or formulas that, when an overall
outcome is provided, allows the client to determine intermediate
outcomes in a dynamic way.
[0144] In the case of a bingo game, the actual ball draws may be
scripted so as to create more excitement for the player. For
instance, balls may be drawn in a particular order, making the
player believe they are close to obtaining a particular winning
pattern. In another example, the bingo game includes one or more
"bonus" or "magic" numbers indicated on a player's card. The player
may, in one example, be awarded an increased amount if the bonus
number is located in a winning pattern on the player's card. In a
more specific example, the prize won by a combination including the
bonus number may be increased up one or more levels in the pay
table associated with the bingo game. Further, the player may play
multiple game instances of a bingo game, and the game experience
may be scripted among the multiple game instances so as to increase
the excitement of play. In one example, the pay table is increased
with each successive bingo game, and therefore, player excitement
is increased as play progresses.
[0145] Because the game play and outcome are scripted, a player may
also not play the game (and possible secondary games) to actually
win. A player may purchase a ticket, wait until the ticket may be
redeemed, and go to a POS to find out (and if necessary, receive)
his/her winnings. A ticket may be allowed to be redeemed after a
predetermined period of time after the drawing independent of
whether the player has played the game. A ticket may be able to be
redeemed after a predetermined period of time, from almost
immediately to seconds to days or any predetermined time. For
tickets with results dependent upon results of a particular Keno
game or other event, the ticket may not be redeemed until after the
event has passed.
[0146] Finally, after play of the online game, the player is
permitted to validate the ticket at any POS location (e.g., 501
(for example, a lottery agent, casino, or other gaming
establishment) to redeem his/her winnings as indicated during the
online portion of the game. According to one embodiment, players
are permitted to redeem their winnings only after playing the
online portion of the game. The player, by playing the online
portion of the game, sets status information at the server (e.g.,
server 503). When the player attempts to redeem the ticket at the
POS (e.g., 501), the status information may be checked, and the
player is permitted to redeem his/her winnings. To this end, server
503 may communicate information back to server 502 relating to game
play.
[0147] For instance, server 503 may collect information that
indicates the sequence of game play performed at the client, and
other player tracking information. In one example, tickets may be
associated with a particular player, and the player may be awarded
loyalty points or other credit for playing the game.
[0148] Taking a bingo game, a player is issued a ticket at a POS to
play one or more instances (e.g., spins) of the bingo game. The
ticket indicates an access code, and the player uses this access
code to gain access to the system (e.g., from a host coupled to
server 503 through the Internet). The player enters the access code
in a user interface, and, once validated, is permitted to play the
bingo game. Optionally, the player is permitted to play, based on a
single access code (and ticket), any one of a number of games
available from server 503. Such an option may allow a player to
play different games for each game instance associated with the
ticket.
[0149] According to one aspect of the present invention, an
additional opportunity to win is provided to the player. In one
such opportunity, the opportunity is presented outside of the play
of the game (e.g., the primary game such as a slot machine game,
bingo game, etc.). Because the opportunity is presented outside of
the play of the game, there are several benefits to such a win
opportunity. For instance, in the case wherein the game is a game
of skill, the player's lack of skill during play of the game may
not provide a game playing program the opportunity to reveal to the
player his/her predetermined prize. For instance, if a player is
predetermined to win $5, and the player plays a bingo game wherein
the player is required to declare "Bingo," and the player does not
declare "Bingo" and therefore loses the game, the game program may
not have the opportunity to award the player the $5 winnings
associated with the ticket. Also, there may be other situations
wherein the game playing program may not have the opportunity to
reveal the predetermined prize to the player. Thus, according to
one embodiment of the present invention, it may be beneficial to
provide an additional opportunity outside of normal game play to
reveal a prize to the player. To this end, there may be additional
games and/or opportunities for a player to reveal a prize. These
games or other win opportunities may be presented at various points
during the tournament (e.g., at predetermined times, randomly
during game play, etc.). In one example, there may be games
interspersed between game instances (e.g., during downtimes in game
play) where the player is permitted to play another game. For
instance, the player may be prompted to open a fortune cookie or
other item to reveal a prize, spin a slot machine, or play any
other type of game.
[0150] Further, such an additional opportunity simplifies game
development, as the game need not be designed to force a win for
the player within normal game play. That is, the player may be
permitted to lose even though the predetermined outcome indicates
that the player has won the game. As a result, this additional
opportunity allows the game operator to provide a game that
provides a true game result rather than a fixed result to trigger a
reveal to the player.
[0151] Also, such an additional opportunity may be beneficial, for
example, in providing the predetermined outcome to the player. For
instance, in the case where it may be difficult for the game
playing program to reveal a particular prize to the player, the
game playing program may present such a prize with the additional
opportunity. In one example, there may be certain combinations of
results that cannot be accounted for by a pay table associated with
a game. In a specific example of a slot machine game, a prize
remaining to be revealed to the player during a final spin of the
slot machine is $7, but there are no pay table entries and no
corresponding slot machine game result that can be arranged by the
game playing program to provide a $7 win to the player. Thus,
rather than reveal the $7 win during the slot machine game (where
there is no such pay table outcome), the $7 winnings may be
revealed to the player outside the play of the slot machine game.
Thus, game development is simplified in that the game need not
account for all possible combinations of game play, and all
possible combinations of prize awards. In particular, the
additional win opportunity allows the game program to account for
any difficult game results. Further, the additional win opportunity
permits different types of games that do not lend themselves to
gaming format to be used as the primary game (e.g., video games,
trivia games, etc.).
[0152] Further, such an additional win opportunity may be used for
awarding other prizes not associated with the game, such as, for
example, rewards points, coupons, discounts or other promotional
items. For instance, in addition to a prize allocated to a ticket
according to a paytable, the game operator may associate an
additional prize with the ticket. This association may be
performed, for example, in a database of a server (e.g., server
103).
[0153] One example of such an additional opportunity may be
presented to the player as a separate or a "second chance" game.
This separate game may be played in addition to the primary game
(e.g., one played on a computer system to reveal the result of the
primary game). This game may take the form of a side bet or wager
that is played along with the primary game. So, in the example
above where the player fails to receive a predetermined outcome in
the primary game (e.g., a slot machine game, bingo game, or any
other type of game), the side bet is arranged to provide the
additional outcome.
[0154] The following is a specific example of a separate game that
may be played along with a primary game. For instance, the separate
game may be a number matching game (e.g., a daily number-type game)
where the player chooses numbers and the numbers are compared to a
set of numbers drawn by the game playing computer system. For
example, the selected number may be a four-digit or other length
number. In one example game format, the player may be permitted to
choose numbers prior to play of the primary game. Alternatively,
the game program may automatically assign the numbers to the player
(e.g., in a random manner such as a quick pick). The player may be
presented the opportunity to select numbers or have the game
playing computer select numbers for the player. The player then
plays the primary game (e.g., a slot machine game, bingo game, or
any other type of game) in which the player is presented one or
more win opportunities.
[0155] In one example, the player is predetermined to win a prize
(e.g., $5). The game playing system may provide an opportunity for
a $5 win during the game, but the player fails to activate the win
opportunity (e.g., by losing the game, by not calling "Bingo" in
time, etc.). In one example, the game playing system does not force
a win for the player (e.g., by fixing results of a game, instance,
or win opportunity within the game). Rather, the player loses the
game and/or fails to activate the win opportunity.
[0156] In one specific example second chance game using selected
numbers, at the end of the game, the game playing system may cause
the player's selected numbers to be displayed, then the system
magically draws four numbers (e.g., similar to a keno-style draw),
and the person obtains matches equivalent to the $5 win.
[0157] In another example system, when playing multiple games per
session, the selected numbers may be valid for all games played in
the session. Optionally, the player may be permitted to change the
selected numbers for each game. Such a change may be performed
using a control in the game interface. Further, the selected
numbers may be displayed to the player in a predetermined area in
the game interface.
[0158] Although a number drawing may be used, other second chance
games may be used. For instance, the player's numbers may be
applied to a safe or other container type combination. If the safe
opens, the player wins the prize revealed by its opening. In
another example, the container may not contain (or reveal) a
prize.
[0159] FIG. 6 shows an example game interface 600 according to one
embodiment of the present invention. According to one embodiment,
the game includes a bingo-type game. The bingo-type game may,
according to one embodiment, be a typical bingo game according to
standard U.S. rules. However, it should be appreciated that other
types of bingo games may be used, having different rules (e.g., UK
bingo), and the invention is not limited to any particular bingo
game or set of rules.
[0160] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the
bingo-type game is presented to the player by a computer system in
an interface 600. In particular, in a display of a computer system
upon which the game is played, one or more bingo card
representations (e.g., cards 601) may be rendered in interface 600,
with each bingo card having, in one example, five columns (e.g.,
column 602), corresponding to the letters "B", "I", "N", "G", and
"O", and five rows (e.g., row 603) in a boxed matrix. Numbers
and/or free spaces populate blocks (e.g., block 604) in the matrix.
Each card has blocks having one or more indicia (e.g., indicia
612). The indicia may be, for example, characters, items, or any
other type of elements suitable for use in a bingo or similar
game.
[0161] Optionally, interface 600 may include a status of a
tournament option selected by the player. For instance, the
interface may indicate whether a tournament option was selected at
the time of ticket purchase, along with an indication of the status
of the tournament (e.g., the current leader(s) of the tournament,
the time remaining in the tournament, etc.).
[0162] The game of bingo, as is known, is played by randomly
selecting winning numbers from a population of numbers. In a
traditional bingo game, a participant wins when a combination of
selected winning numbers covers at least one of a row, a column,
and/or a diagonal of five numbers on at least one player's card.
Because, according to one embodiment, the bingo game is a single
player game, the player may appear to be playing alone. To this
end, a finite number of bingo numbers may be called to determine
when the game is over, and the player has lost. In one example,
thirty-one (31) balls are called in any particular bingo game
instance. If, however, the player achieves a winning combination at
or prior to the last ball being called, the player wins the
game.
[0163] Although typical winning patterns may be used, it should be
appreciated that any winning pattern may be used, and the invention
is not limited to any particular one or set of winning pattern(s).
In one example, there are a number of winning patterns, and a pay
table (e.g., pay table 606) is provided that associates prizes to
particular patterns (e.g., a "Y" pattern as shown in pay table
606).
[0164] Also, in one example bingo game, at least one of the blocks
on the player's card is indicated as a "bonus" or "magic" block
(e.g., bonus block 609). If, according to one embodiment, a winning
pattern is achieved, and the bonus block is included in that
winning pattern, then the player may be awarded an increased prize.
This may be accomplished, for example, by increasing all of the
winning patterns in the pay table, moving the winning pattern into
a higher priority in the pay table, or other method for increasing
the prize awarded to the player.
[0165] The pay table (e.g., pay table 606) may indicate, for
instance, a correlation between combinations of indicia and awarded
prizes. In one example above, such indicia may include numbers,
when matched in a particular arrangement, wins the player a prize.
If the indicia arranged in one or more arrangements match that
indicated by the pay table, the player may be awarded a
corresponding prize indicated by the pay table. Alternatively, the
player may be awarded points or other items corresponding to
particular arrangements which may be used in one or more second
level games that award an actual prize.
[0166] The bingo game interface 600 may also include a control 619
which may be any type of control (e.g., a button, level, etc.)
that, when activated, causes a new bingo ball to be "called".
Further, interface 600 may also include an indicator 611 that
indicates the current ball being drawn. As discussed, the player
may be allowed a finite number of called balls to win any
particular bingo game. Thus, interface 600 may include a counter
614 that indicates the current number of the ball being called
(e.g., ball 9 of 31), indicating the remaining number of balls to
be called.
[0167] Further, interface 600 may include a bingo board 608 that
shows the numbers previously called (item 613). The player may be
permitted to manually daub his own card(s) after each ball is
called. Alternatively, an automatic daubing feature may be provided
that daubs numbers automatically when they are called. The player
may also be permitted, using control 610, to cause the game program
to call the next ball. In another example, the game program may
include a mode wherein balls are automatically called. Balls may be
called, for example, after a certain period of time to allow the
player to daub his/her card, or may be combined with the automatic
daubing feature to allow faster calling and daubing of cards. The
type and layout of the bingo is not limited to the type and layout
shown in FIG. 6. Rather, it should be appreciated that the bingo
may be any type and layout, and the invention is not limited to any
particular bingo card type or layout.
[0168] The bingo game ends when the player exhausts the allotted
number of balls (e.g., 31) for a particular game, and/or plays the
last allotted game of bingo (or any other game permitted by the
game system). As an additional option, a player may bypass play of
the bingo game by selecting control 607 within interface 600. More
particularly, interface 600 may also include a control 607 that
quits the game and reveals any prizes won by the player. Selection
of element 607 may cause the bingo game to end and may allow the
player to progress to another game (e.g., a bingo game or other
type of game). In another example, control 607 causes all the balls
to be drawn and daubed on the player's card(s) to show the result
of the bingo game(s), if played. The result of any particular
instance of a bingo game may be associated with a prize and then
revealed to the player at the end of any particular bingo game
instance.
[0169] After play of any particular bingo game, game play is
returned to another instance of the game (e.g., the bingo game).
The player may, however, choose to play a different game (e.g., a
card game or other game) at the conclusion of any particular game
instance. In the case of the bingo game, a game instance may be
concluded. According to another embodiment, the play of each game
instance is independent of all other game instances. According to
another embodiment, the outcome of a particular game instance is
predetermined.
[0170] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is
realized that the time at which tickets are activated (and
therefore, may be played) is important. In the case of a
casino-based game, where tickets are issued at the casino, it may
be beneficial to include a delay between the purchase of a ticket
and a possible redemption of the ticket so that the game play
associated with the ticket does not compete against other games
offered by the casino (e.g., floor games). For example, in the case
of a bingo game, it may be preferable that such a game be activated
after the player leaves the casino, or otherwise is not playable
while in the casino so as not to compete with other types of bingo
games or other game types offered by the casino.
[0171] Further, another benefit of introducing a delay between
ticket issuance and activation includes increasing the likelihood
that the player plays the game at another location (e.g., at home),
requiring the return of the player to the ticket redemption
location to redeem his/her winnings. Because the player needs to
return to the redemption location (which may be a casino), the
possibility that the player will purchase additional tickets or
play other types of games offered at the redemption location is
increased.
[0172] According to one aspect of the present invention, the result
of each game instance (e.g., a bingo game result) may be
predetermined, whereas the result of each ball being called or
other game play element is determined using some random number
generator (or RNG). In this manner, the player is provided a
predetermined result, but the game play that occurs in the first
level game is a random number-generated experience which is more
similar to actual play in a casino or other online gaming
experience. However, because it may be desired to increase the
drama of any particular bingo game, it may be beneficial to provide
a predetermined (or scripted) outcome for at least a portion of the
bingo game (e.g., which balls and the sequence in which they are
called) so as to provide an increased game experience for the
player.
[0173] According to one embodiment, a player is only permitted to
play one instance of the bingo game. In this case, the player uses
provided balls to achieve the result of the bingo game, and when
completed, the player is provided a single result associated with
the game. Any balls remaining after the player reaches a winning
combination are lost. After play of the bingo game, the online
portion of the game is over.
[0174] Alternatively, the player may be permitted to play further
instances of the bingo game, with each level of the bingo game
leading to a revealing of prizes. These intermediate prize amounts
that are revealed with each instance of the bingo game, as
discussed above, may be stored in a database of the server, and
provided to the client prior to or during game play.
[0175] Alternatively, intermediate prize amounts may be determined
at the client in a random manner (e.g., by randomly selecting a
possible combination of intermediate prize amounts that total the
overall prize awarded to the player). In another example, a game
may be determined dynamically by the game system or client based on
one or more rules. These rules may be tailored so that the overall
result is revealed by the game system in an interesting way.
[0176] For instance, the ticket may have an overall prize value of
$50, and the prize awarded at each instance of the bingo game may
accumulate to form the $50 prize. There may be a finite number of
combinations based on the number of game instances to achieve a $50
prize, and the actual game experience presented to the player may
be a random selection of the finite outcomes. In any case, the
result of each game instance is either stored at the server or is
determined randomly or dynamically by the client as discussed
above.
[0177] According to one aspect of the present invention, the points
or prizes awarded for particular combinations of indicia of the
bingo game may be changed according to the ball number being called
so as to increase the game "drama" to maintain player interest. For
instance, as the ball number is increased, the points or prizes
awarded for a particular combination of indicia may also increase.
In another example, particular points or prizes may also be
increased or activated based on the number of bingo game instance,
alone or in combination with the ball number, providing an
increased level of excitement for the player.
[0178] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a
bingo game is conducted that may include the following additional
aspects, either alone or in combination: [0179] Each user receives
one bingo card at the start of the game. [0180] In another
alternative, each player is provided three bingo games. In one
example, the pay table is adjusted upward for each successive game
played to create more interest to the player. [0181] A finite
number of bingo balls are called in the game--for example, 31 balls
may be called. [0182] To begin, the player selects a start button
presented in an interface of the game. [0183] Each new ball appears
first in the game interface (e.g., by indicator 611) after which
the ball is added to the bingo board as a lighted number with a
highlight around the called ball, while the row itself is also
highlighted. [0184] The bingo card may be daubed in two ways,
including: [0185] 1. If an automatic daubing feature is selected,
the game will automatically daub all called numbers that the player
has on their card. [0186] 2. If the automatic daubing feature is
off, the player manually daubs all called numbers that they have on
their card. [0187] A new ball is only available when the number
does not appear on the player's card or the matching number on the
player's card has been daubed. [0188] Players select a control to
receive a new bingo ball and are prompted to do so when the player
has daubed the previously called ball. [0189] The game may begin
with the automatic daubing feature turned on. [0190] A feature for
quick play may be provided that includes automatic daubing and
automatic calling of numbers. The game may begin, for example, with
this feature turned off by default. [0191] If the player turns on
the quick play feature, no interaction is required by the player.
The balls are displayed in rapid succession and the card
automatically daubed. [0192] Within an interface of the game is
presented a list of patterns to be matched on the card and the
corresponding prize. [0193] When a matching pattern is revealed on
the card, the pattern is highlighted and flashes. [0194] The game
continues until all of the allotted balls (e.g., 31) have been
called. [0195] There may be a bonus ball, and this ball may be
labeled on at least one card of the player. [0196] If the bonus
ball number appears in a winning pattern, the prize is increased
per the pay table. [0197] At the conclusion of the game, the player
is presented a window having a message stating the game is over and
reporting any cash prizes earned. [0198] The initial ticket issued
may be used at a redemption center for claiming any awarded
prize(s). [0199] In another example, the result of any bingo game
may be determined by an RNG and odds at the moment of play, or may
be determined at the time that a lottery ticket is printed. [0200]
The overall result (e.g., payout) of purchasing a ticket may be
predetermined (as in a scratch or other type of instant lottery
game) or may be determined by a later event (such as a lottery,
Keno, or bingo draw).
[0201] As discussed, a player may be permitted to select one or
more paylines to receive an outcome of a win opportunity. According
to one aspect of the present invention, the player is presented an
indication of a "near miss", in that one or more paylines selected
is close to a winning pay line (e.g., the player selected the wrong
pay line). As it is understood that the player may select any pay
line within the first level game, prizes associated with unselected
pay lines revealed to the player upon selection of the final pay
line may be varied to create the indication of the near miss. For
instance, the game playing system may determine a presentation of
one or more prizes in an unselected pay line so that the player
feels that he/she lost by a narrow margin (e.g., by selecting the
wrong pay line). Rather, the outcome of the selection according to
one embodiment is predetermined. That is, the player may select any
pay line(s) and still obtain the same result.
[0202] The revealed prize distribution among the pay lines
presented to the player may be different, however, depending on the
pay lines chosen by the player. In this manner, the player feels as
if the pay lines (and therefore their corresponding prizes) are
predetermined, and that their selection of a particular pay line
had an affect on the outcome of the first level game. However, the
player's selection has no affect on the outcome of the first level
game according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0203] After play of a particular game instance, game play is
returned to another game (e.g., a first level game such as a slot
machine game). The player may, however, choose to play a different
game (e.g., a card game or other game) at the conclusion of any
particular game instance. The player may be permitted to play
further instances of the slot machine game, with each slot machine
game being capable of revealing any awarded prizes. These
intermediate prize amounts that are revealed with each instance of
slot machine game, as discussed above, may be stored in a database
of the server, and provided to the client prior to or during game
play. Alternatively, intermediate prize amounts may be determined
at the client in a random manner (e.g., by randomly selecting a
possible combination of intermediate prize amounts that total the
overall prize awarded to the player). In another example, a game
may be determined dynamically by the game system or client based on
one or more rules. These rules may be tailored so that the overall
result is revealed by the game system in an interesting way.
[0204] For instance, the ticket may have an overall prize value of
$50, and the prize awarded at each instance of the slot machine
game (or each spin, card, or other game element with which a win
opportunity may be associated) may accumulate to form the $50
prize. There may be a finite number of combinations based on the
number of game instances or other game element to achieve a $50
prize, and the actual game experience presented to the player may
be a random selection of the finite outcomes. In any case, the
result of each game instance is either stored at the server or is
determined randomly or dynamically by the client as discussed
above.
[0205] FIG. 7 shows an example process 700 for conducting a
tournament type game according to one embodiment of the present
invention. At block 701, process 700 begins. As discussed, a player
may purchase one or more plays of an online game (e.g., a bingo
game). The player may be presented, at the time of purchase, an
option to enter a tournament type game relating to one or more
online game instances. At block 702, the player purchases a ticket
or other game piece, and an entry for the player is made in the
tournament. In the case of a tournament having an outcome driven by
a Keno drawing, a number of sets of Keno numbers may be chosen and
associated with the ticket. This may be accomplished, for example,
by associating the option with a serial number or other identifying
information of the ticket.
[0206] At block 703, outcomes of the game instances and the
tournament are determined and are then made available to a game
server, after which the player may play the online portion of the
game in which results are revealed. In the case of a Keno-driven
system, a Keno system may draw numbers, compare the drawn numbers
to the selected sets of numbers associated with the ticket, and
send results of the draw to the game server. These results may
indicate, for example, which game instances have won, how much was
won, etc. Further, the Keno system may grade the sets of numbers of
each ticket (or player) associated with the tournament, and
determine any tournament winner(s).
[0207] At block 704, the player may initiate play of the online
game (or series of games). As the player plays each game instance,
there may be one or more opportunities for the player to win a
prize. In one embodiment of the present invention, winnings in
individual game instances are used to advance the player within the
tournament. An indication of the status of the tournament may be
presented to the player within the interface (e.g., a display of a
leader board). After the player plays through the one or more game
instances associated with the tournament, the player may be
presented the result of the tournament at block 705. At block 706,
process 700 ends.
[0208] FIG. 8 shows one example of an interface 800 that may be
used to play a tournament type game according to one embodiment of
the invention. In particular, interface 800 includes a game play
interface that displays the online game to the player. The player
may select one or more controls to operate the online game, and in
the example shown, the player plays a video poker game, although
the game may include one or more bingo game instances, any other
type of game, or combination of games thereof. The interface also
includes what is referred to herein as a "leader board" that
displays the state of the tournament. For instance, the leader
board may display the current leading players, the scores of each
of the players, and the time remaining in the tournament. In one
embodiment, the players may be represented by nicknames, user names
or other identifier in the leader board.
[0209] Because the tournament, according to one embodiment, has a
predetermined start and end, the leader board may present
information relating to the current state of the tournament, such
as a beginning time, elapsed time, and time remaining in the
tournament. The leader board may also display any prizes awarded
for winning the tournament. The leader board may also display the
running score of each of the tope players. This score may be a
total of winnings (e.g., money) won in one or more of the game
instances associated with the tournament, but it may be points
accrued or some other indication. The leader board may be refreshed
at regular intervals throughout the tournament period. In one
example, the leader board may be updated as game instances are
completed, at a predetermined refresh rate (e.g., 5 seconds), or
based on any other parameter.
[0210] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
game format is provided that mimics a real-world bingo hall to
reveal results associated with a secondary game (e.g., a Keno game)
for a number of players. FIG. 9 shows one process for conducting a
bingo game according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0211] At block 901, process 900 begins. At block 902, players
purchase a game ticket at a POS (e.g., in the casino environment)
that permits the player to play a number of bingo games associated
with a bingo event. Each ticket may, for example, indicate the
number of games/cards to be played, and a time at which the
game(s)/card(s) are played. The player may be permitted to choose
the number of games and/or cards that are played during a
particular bingo event. According to another example game format,
players are not restricted to playing the game at a particular
time.
[0212] At block 903, after ticket(s) are purchased by the players,
one or more underlying Keno games that determine the outcome(s) of
one or more bingo game instances are run. For instance, Keno
outcomes may be provided by a Keno computing system such as the
well-known XpertX system. After the Keno games are run, a player is
permitted to login to play the series of bingo games.
[0213] In one embodiment, however, bingo hall events occur on a
fixed schedule (e.g., every Wednesday at 8 pm). In the example, a
player may then join any Wednesday event to play. The schedule of
game events may determined, for example, by the game operator. When
the specified event time occurs, players may be permitted to login
to an online "virtual" bingo hall. After login, the player may be
permitted to enter one or more online games.
[0214] At block 904, players play one or more instances of an
online bingo game. According to one embodiment, players play games
in a specified sequence, in lock step with one another. At block
904, for example, a player may elect to enter the bingo game event
and play one or more game instances/cards in a predetermined order.
According to one specific example game format, each player sees the
same balls drawn, plays for the same pattern, to those of other
players. Further, each player receives any corresponding prizes
determined by their corresponding Keno outcomes.
[0215] In one example, players must achieve the pattern within a
certain number of balls (e.g., 20 balls, 40 balls, 60 balls), and
claim their bingo, to win the stated prize. Winnings achieved by
players during game play may be tracked and awarded to the game
player when the ticket is redeemed.
[0216] At block 905, it is determined whether a determined prize
was revealed to a player (e.g., if a player fails to reveal a prize
during normal game play). If so, at block 906, any prizes remaining
to be revealed are revealed to the player via another game (e.g.,
an in-game slot machine). According to one embodiment, adjacent to
each bingo game is presented an associated slot machine game. The
slot machine game may have an interface that is presented on the
same or different display of the bingo game during bingo game
play.
[0217] According to one example game format, each bingo game may
include a number of parts including the slot machine game.
According to one embodiment, the slot machine game is part of the
current bingo game in play. In one example, after the bingo game
has been played out, the slot machine game is played. The player
may, for example, be permitted one spin of the slot machine.
Further, the slot machine may be used to display any missed win
opportunities (e.g., missed bingos) from the preceding bingo
game.
[0218] As discussed, the slot machine may have a portion of the pay
table assigned to the game. Similarly, the two or more parts of the
bingo game may have other portions of the pay table assigned to
those particular game instances. In case a player fails to spin the
slot machine game or otherwise fail to activate the game, the game
may be played automatically and any results revealed to the
player.
[0219] According to one embodiment, a late player with the
appropriate ticket may join a bingo hall event that is already in
progress. Such players may, for example, be provided an option to
join the event as a late player, or to back out and wait to join
the next available event from the beginning. If a player chooses to
join an event that is currently underway, according to one
embodiment, the player enters into the gameflow currently
experienced by all other players associated with the bingo hall
event. For example, if players are experiencing game 3B of 5, the
late player will join game 3B of 5 in progress. That is they will
be joining the second portion of the 3rd game in the experience
which happens to be a bingo game.
[0220] According to one embodiment, the game playing computer
system may be configured to automatically play the missed games for
the player as soon as he arrives and display this outcome. The game
may also include an "auto-daub" feature that automatically marks
called numbers. In one embodiment, however, players are required to
manually claim their bingo wins. If the bingo wins are not claimed,
any prized may be collected in another game (e.g., an associated
slot machine game) at block 906. At block 907, it is determined
whether all games are complete and prizes revealed. If not, the
player continues to play one or more game instances at block 904.
If all games are complete, process 900 ends at block 907.
[0221] FIG. 10 shows an example game interface 1001 according to
one embodiment of the present invention. As discussed, according to
one embodiment, the online game may involve one or more bingo game
instances conducted at predetermined time(s). To this end,
interface 1001 may include an indication (e.g., indication 1002) to
the player of the next game session start time.
[0222] Interface 1001 may also include an area where the player may
enter information associated with the session, such as, for
example, a username (e.g., a "nickname") and a password associated
with the username. As discussed, the player may be permitted to
interact with other players in the tournament based on their
username, may be represented on a leader board by their username,
etc. In one specific example, interface 1001 may include a chat
area in which users may chat with other players, contributing to
the feel of an interactive game environment. Such a feeling may be
provided even though the result for each of the game participants
is predetermined.
[0223] FIG. 11 shows another example game interface 1101 according
to one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, one
of the games offered in a cooperative setting is a bingo game.
According to one aspect of the present invention, more than one
player experiences the same bingo session details, such as balls
called, winning patterns used, etc. to provide the feeling of a
multiplayer bingo tournament. To this end, interface 1101 may
include an area 1103 in which balls are "called," a winning pattern
for a particular bingo game instance, and an area (e.g., area 1106)
in which previously called balls are displayed.
[0224] Interface 1101 may also include a control 1102 that permits
the player to manually "call" bingo once a winning pattern has been
achieved. Interface 1101 may also include an area (e.g., area 1107)
in which one or more cards currently being played by the player are
displayed. The player may be permitted to manually daub numbers or
other indicia on the card when balls or other game elements are
called. The game may include an automatic daubing feature that
permits the game-playing computer system to daub cards as balls are
called without player intervention.
[0225] Interface 1101 may include any number of areas and/or
indications in which game and player statuses may be displayed. For
instance, interface 1101 may include an area 1105 that displays
information relating to the current game instance in progress
(e.g., rules), progress in the tournament, or any other
information. Interface 1101 may also include an area 1104 in which
players may chat with other players, display ticket information, or
other information.
[0226] The player continues to play one or more bingo game
instances in the tournament. Such game instances as discussed
further below are conducted at predetermined times, and may have
one or more other associated games (e.g., an instance of a slot
machine game played between bingo game instances). When the
tournament is over, results of the games played may be displayed to
the player along with the player's winnings, if any.
[0227] FIG. 12 shows another example game interface 1201 according
to one embodiment of the present invention. Such an example
interface 1201 may be displayed to the player after a tournament of
games have been played. In the example interface 1201, the
game-playing computer may display an area 1202 which displays
status information relating to the tournament previously played. In
one example, the player username, number of games played, and the
amount of player winnings may be displayed.
[0228] Interface 1201 may also include another area (e.g., area
203) which displays results of other tournaments associated with
the particular username. Further, interface 1201 may include
information relating to "high scorers" in another area (e.g., 1204)
of the interface. Again, users may be represented in the interface
based on their username. In yet another area (e.g., area 1205),
information relating to the ticket used with a particular
tournament of games may be displayed. Such information may include
a ticket identifier, how much the ticket costs, the remaining
credit remaining on the ticket, games associated with the ticket,
and/or other ticket information. Interface 1205 may also include a
control that permits players to change tickets currently being
played.
[0229] According to various embodiments of the present invention, a
bingo hall-type game event may be provided that has one or more of
the following features, either alone or in combination: [0230] Each
bingo hall game event will be composed of multiple bingo games,
plus several non-bingo games. [0231] Supported bingo game types may
include, for example, U.S. Bingo and U.K. Bingo. [0232] In one
example game format, all players will see the same: [0233] Bingo
call board [0234] Bingo pattern [0235] Balls called [0236] Card
color [0237] Stated prize [0238] Players can play a variable number
of cards simultaneously. [0239] Cards may be sold in groupings of
three. A player can buy either 3, 6 or 9 cards to play at a time.
[0240] The auto-daub feature in each bingo games may be turned on
or off by players at their leisure. [0241] There may be an
auto-claim feature in bingo games that active players may turn on
or off at their leisure. Activating this feature will automatically
claim any bingos that the player has daubed. [0242] Each bingo game
in the bingo hall event may be divided into two parts, plus the
in-game slot machine, thus providing three opportunities to win:
[0243] Regular bingo [0244] Unique pattern or black out pattern
[0245] In-game slot machine [0246] For example, Game #1 may be
divided into Game #1a and Game #1b. [0247] Game 1a may be regular
Bingo and 1b may be Double Bingo. [0248] When Game 1a ends, the
balls called and balls daubed. Players continue playing the bingo
game until a double bingo is called or the final ball for that game
is called. [0249] Each pattern include a set number of called balls
associated with each pattern. For example: 30 balls for Game #1a,
60 balls for Game #1b. [0250] Players must achieve the pattern
within that ball limit, and claim their Bingo, to win the stated
prize. [0251] There may be multiple patterns including but not
limited to: [0252] Four corners [0253] Line in any direction [0254]
Crazy small kite [0255] Large diamond [0256] Double bingo [0257]
Small picture frame [0258] Six pack [0259] Double postage stamp
[0260] Letter "X" [0261] Full card [0262] Other patterns [0263]
When a valid Bingo is claimed, the game may be paused to allow
other players a programmable amount of time (grace period) to
review their cards and also claim Bingo. [0264] Example: 15 seconds
[0265] Once the countdown clock runs down, print the winners on the
leader board, and move on to the next game. [0266] If nobody wins
that prize, it simply disappears and the system moves on to the
next game. [0267] Interspersed between bingo games are played
referred to herein as "Quickie" games which are short games that
can be played quickly between bingo sessions. [0268] Quickie games
are played in the same number as the bingo cards. [0269] For
example, if a player purchased the 9 card experience (the
equivalent of using 3 credits at a time), his 3-reel Quickie slot
machine may have 3 credits available. [0270] Unlike bingo games,
the Quickie games may keep players in lock-step. [0271] There may
be multiple Quickie games, including but not limited to a 3-reel
slot machine game, a fortune cookie game, etc. [0272] The game
sequence may be programmed by the game operator. Slot Machine
Game
[0273] According to one embodiment, an in-game slot machine has one
or more of the following features: [0274] The in-game slot machine
presents the prize for the lowest prize on the pay table. [0275] If
a player is destined for that prize, then when they click spin,
they will be shown that prize. [0276] If a player has a valid bingo
in games #1a or #1b but fails to click the "Bingo" button within
the grace period, the player abdicates the chance to reveal the
prize at that time. Instead, such prizes will be revealed via the
in-game slot machine. [0277] A player may be provided as many spins
in the slot as they have credits purchased. Pay Table: [0278] The
pay table comprises three prize values, plus zero. [0279] Pay table
values are programmable and configurable. [0280] Staked prizes for
each bingo game: [0281] The first game (e.g., one line) may be
played for the second highest prize on the pay table. [0282] The
second game (e.g., black out) may be played for the highest prize
on the pay table. [0283] The in-game slot machine may be played for
the lowest prize on the pay table. Leader Board: [0284] The leader
board may present a running tally of the top N players' nicknames
and total winning amounts. [0285] A subset of the leader board will
be available on-screen during the game, with the full leader board
accessible via a Leader Board control button. Example Game
Format:
[0286] The following describes an example game format that may be
used that implements various aspects of the present invention:
[0287] Base Credit Value: $1 [0288] Pay Table Values: $1, $10,
$1,000 [0289] Total Number of Games: 15 [0290] Packages: [0291]
One: 1 credit, 3 cards, $15 [0292] Two: 2 credits, 6 cards, $30
[0293] Three: 3 credits, 9 cards, $45 [0294] Duration: 90 minutes
(73.75 mins of gameplay; 16.25 mins of lounge) Game Play
Schedule
[0295] Table II below shows an example game play schedule
associated with an example bingo hall event. The event may include,
for example, one or more bingo game instances along with one or
more other game types. TABLE-US-00002 TABLE II Example Play
Schedule Game Number Type Game Name Sub-Event Prizes 1 Bingo Red A)
Any Line A) $10 B) Any Two Lines B) $1000 C) In-Game Slot C) $1 2
Bingo Blue A) X-Pattern A) $1000 B) In-Game Slot B) $1, $10 3
Quickie Dice Roll N/A Full pay table 4 Bingo Yellow A) Any Line A)
$10 B) Two Lines Together B) $1000 C) In-Game Slot C) $1 5 Quickie
Golden Fortunes N/A Full pay table 6 Bingo Green A) Any Line A) $10
B) Any Three Lines B) $1000 C) In-Game Slot C) $1 7 Bingo Brown A)
Kite A) $1000 B) In-Game Slot B) $1, $10 8 Quickie Most Frequent
Color N/A Full pay table 9 Bingo Magenta A) Any Line A) $10 B)
Stamp (4 .times. 4) B) $1000 C) In-Game Slot C) $1 10 Bingo Purple
A) Any Line A) $10 B) Large Diamond B) $1000 C) In-Game Slot C) $1
11 Quickie 3-Reel Slot N/A Full pay table 12 Bingo Orange A) 4
Lines A) $1000 B) In-Game Slot B) $1, $10 13 Bingo Pink A) Any Line
A) $10 B) Martini Glass B) $1000 C) In-Game Slot C) $1 14 Quickie
Dice Roll N/A Full pay table 15 Bingo Black A) Any Line A) $10 B)
Coverall B) $1000 C) In-Game Slot C) $1
The timing for such a game format may be as follows: [0296] Grace
Period: 15 seconds. Occurs after each bingo sub-event. [0297]
Padding: 12 seconds. Occurs after each Game. [0298] Part 1 Bingo:
Ball range 0-20: Balls called every 6 seconds (150 seconds) [0299]
Part 2 Bingo: Ball range 21-50 (building off Part 1): Balls called
every 6 seconds (210 seconds) [0300] In-Game Slot: Spin lasts 7
seconds: 30 seconds [0301] Golden Fortunes: 30 seconds [0302] Most
Frequent Color: 45 seconds [0303] Dice Roll: 45 seconds
[0304] Having thus described several aspects of at least one
embodiment of this invention, it is to be appreciated that various
alterations, modifications and improvements will readily occur to
those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and
improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are
intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example
only.
* * * * *