U.S. patent application number 11/829708 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-24 for universal progressive game pool.
This patent application is currently assigned to IGT. Invention is credited to Greg Anders, Mark Bansemer, Clyde Ikehara, Chris Lundy, Garrett Olson, Aaron Tucker, Bryan Wolf.
Application Number | 20080020830 11/829708 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35601326 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080020830 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ikehara; Clyde ; et
al. |
January 24, 2008 |
UNIVERSAL PROGRESSIVE GAME POOL
Abstract
The present invention provides systems and methods that allow
gaming machines to participate in a progressive pool and offer a
progressive award regardless of the game installed on the gaming
machine. The present invention also permits gaming machine
participation in a progressive pool regardless of wager amount.
This permits larger progressive awards and awards that grow faster
since more games and gaming machines may participate in building a
progressive pool award. It also opens the attraction of a large
progressive pool award to more games, gaming machines and gaming
establishments.
Inventors: |
Ikehara; Clyde; (Reno,
NV) ; Bansemer; Mark; (Reno, NV) ; Tucker;
Aaron; (Reno, NV) ; Anders; Greg; (Reno,
NV) ; Lundy; Chris; (Reno, NV) ; Olson;
Garrett; (Reno, NV) ; Wolf; Bryan; (Reno,
NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BEYER WEAVER LLP
P.O. BOX 70250
OAKLAND
CA
94612-0250
US
|
Assignee: |
IGT
9295 Prototype Drive
Reno
NV
89521
|
Family ID: |
35601326 |
Appl. No.: |
11/829708 |
Filed: |
July 27, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11026532 |
Dec 29, 2004 |
|
|
|
11829708 |
Jul 27, 2007 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/27 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3258 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/027 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A gaming system that provides a progressive pool to gaming
machines, the gaming system comprising: a first gaming machine that
permits play of a first game type; a second gaming machine that
permits play of a second game type that is different from the first
game type; and a progressive pool administrator configured to a)
manage a progressive pool award that is winnable at the first
gaming machine and the second gaming machine and b) receive a first
progressive contribution generated at the first gaming machine and
add at least a portion of the first progressive contribution to the
progressive pool award and receive a second progressive
contribution generated at the second gaming machine and add at
least a portion of the second progressive contribution to the
progressive pool award, wherein the first progressive contribution
is different than the second progressive contribution.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under U.S.C. .sctn.120 from
and is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 11/026,532, filed Dec. 29, 2004 and entitled, "UNIVERSAL
PROGRESSIVE GAME POOL", which is incorporated in its entirety
herein for all purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to progressive pools and progressive
pool awards employed in a gaming machine network.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Gaming machines are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
Gambling machines that include a computer processor, LCD display
and related computer peripheral devices are now the norm in place
of older mechanically driven reel displays. Many casinos employ
networks of electronically linked gaming machines. Each gaming
machine may offer a different game stored as software in memory
included with the gaming machine.
[0004] Multiple gaming machines may provide the same game. Some
gaming systems operate a pool for a specific game. The pool refers
to a finite size collection of predetermined game outcomes for the
game. One outcome may refer to a loss while another refers to a
win. As outcomes are used, they are eliminated from the pool and
prevented from re-use.
[0005] Some centralized gaming systems offer a progressive jackpot
for machines that run a specific game type (e.g., a jackpot for
machines that run Video Poker). The progressive jackpot includes a
large potential winning prize, e.g. millions of dollars. A gaming
establishment advertises the jackpot near gaming machines that
provide the specific game type to increase user appeal for these
gaming machines.
[0006] A progressive jackpot is currently limited to gaming
machines that offer one game type and one wager amount. If a casino
runs ten or more different game types (e.g., NickelMania, Video
Poker, Video BlackJack, Pachinko, Monopoly, etc.), it must run a
different centralized system and jackpot of each game type. This
significantly increases overhead. Some casinos offer over fifty
games. In addition, the inability to combine progressive jackpots
across different games reduces the number of participating gaming
machines, jackpot size and jackpot growth rate for any one game.
This lessens player appeal and opposes intent of the progressive
jackpot in offering an alluring grand prize that increases player
participation.
[0007] From the foregoing, it should be apparent the ability to
provide a progressive jackpot across different games and wagers
would be desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention provides systems and methods that
allow gaming machines to participate in a progressive pool and
offer a progressive award regardless of the game installed on the
gaming machine. The present invention also permits gaming machine
participation in a progressive pool regardless of wager amount.
This permits larger progressive awards and awards that grow faster
since more games and gaming machines may participate in building a
progressive pool award. It also opens the attraction of a large
progressive pool award to more games, gaming machines and gaming
establishments.
[0009] In some embodiments, gaming machines do not need to be
modified to participate in a common progressive jackpot. This
allows gaming machines, running any particular game, to advertise
and grant a progressive award with little overhead to the gaming
machine operator.
[0010] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a gaming
system that provides a progressive pool to gaming machines. The
gaming system comprises a first gaming machine that permits play of
a first game type. The gaming system also comprises a second gaming
machine that permits play of a second game type that is different
from the first game type. The gaming system further comprises a
progressive pool administrator. The administrator manages a
progressive pool award that is winnable at the first gaming machine
and the second gaming machine. The administrator also receives a
progressive contribution generated at the first gaming machine and
adds at least a portion of the progressive contribution to the
progressive pool award. The administrator also receives a
progressive contribution generated at the second gaming machine and
adds at least a portion of the second progressive contribution to
the progressive pool award.
[0011] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a gaming
system that provides a progressive pool to gaming machines. The
gaming system comprises a progressive pool administrator that a)
creates a progressive pool that includes a set of outcomes for a
progressive award and b) distributes the outcomes. The gaming
system also comprises a progressive pool manager that receives a
subset of outcomes from the progressive pool administrator. The
progressive pool manager sends a first outcome of the progressive
pool to a first gaming machine that permits play of a first game
type. The progressive pool manager also sends a second outcome of
the progressive pool to a second gaming machine that permits play
of a second game type that is different from the first game
type.
[0012] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a
gaming machine that participates in a progressive pool. The gaming
machine comprises an external cabinet that defines an interior
region of the gaming machine. The external cabinet is adapted to
house a plurality of gaming machine components within or about the
interior region. The gaming machine also comprises a display device
adapted to display game play information. The gaming machine
further comprises a scanner configured to receive credit from a
player that is used as a wager to initiate a game on the gaming
machine. The gaming machine additionally comprises a processing
system configured to output an outcome of the progressive pool to
the player. Participation in the progressive pool by the gaming
machine is independent of a game type played on the gaming machine.
The gaming machine also comprises a network interface that allows
the gaming machine to receive the outcome.
[0013] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a
game pool manager that provides progressive pool outcomes for a
progressive award to multiple gaming machines. The game pool
manager receives a set of outcomes for a progressive pool. The game
pool manager comprises a processing system that selects a first
outcome of the progressive pool from the set of progressive pool
outcomes for distribution to a first gaming machine that permits
play of a first game type. The processing system also selects a
second outcome of the progressive pool from the set of progressive
pool outcomes for distribution to a second gaming machine that
permits play of a second game type that is different from the first
game type. The game pool manager further comprises a network
interface that permits the game pool manager to send the first
outcome to the first gaming machine and to send the second outcome
to the second gaming machine.
[0014] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method
for building a progressive award. The method comprises adding at
least a portion of a progressive contribution to a progressive
award pool. The progressive contribution is generated at a first
gaming machine that permits play of a first game type. The method
also comprises adding at least a portion of a second progressive
contribution to the progressive award pool. The second progressive
contribution is generated at a second gaming machine that permits
play of a second game type.
[0015] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a
method for providing a progressive award to gaming machines that
run different game types. The method comprises creating a
progressive pool that includes a set of outcomes for the
progressive award. The method also comprises distributing a first
deck of outcomes included in the progressive pool to a first gaming
machine that permits play of a first game type. The method further
comprises distributing a second deck of outcomes included in the
progressive pool to a second gaming machine that permits play of a
second game type.
[0016] In still another aspect, the present invention relates to a
method for awarding a progressive award to a gaming machine. The
method comprises receiving a wager from a player at a gaming
machine. The method also comprises determining a ratio between the
wager and a reference wager for the progressive award. The method
further comprises receiving a winning outcome for the progressive
award. The method additionally comprises altering the progressive
award using the ratio to create an altered progressive award. The
method also comprises providing notice to the player of the winning
outcome.
[0017] These and other features and advantages of the invention
will be described in more detail below with reference to the
associated figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of a gaming machine system
that offers a universal progressive pool across different games in
accordance with the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of a gaming machine network
that offers a universal progressive pool across different games in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary gaming machine in
perspective view according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 2B illustrates in perspective view the gaming machine
of FIG. 2A having an opened main door.
[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a process flow for seeding a universal
progressive pool in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates progressive contributions to a universal
progressive pool from different games in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates a process flow for building a universal
progressive pool in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0025] FIG. 6 illustrates a process flow for building a universal
progressive pool in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0026] FIG. 7 illustrates a process flow for awarding a progressive
prize in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 8 illustrates a process flow for awarding a progressive
prize in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 9 illustrates a process flow for managing a progressive
prize in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0029] FIG. 10 illustrates a process flow for managing an award
pool and a reserve pool in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0030] FIG. 11 shows an illustrative universal progressive pool in
accordance with a specific embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary processing system in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032] The present invention will now be described in detail with
reference to a few preferred embodiments thereof as illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous
specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough
understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent,
however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may
be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In
other instances, well known process steps and/or structures have
not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure
the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 1A illustrates a simplified gaming system 50 in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Gaming
system 50 comprises game pool administrator 52, game pool managers
54, gaming machine network 100, and gaming machines 56.
[0034] Gaming system 50 includes multiple gaming machines 56. Each
gaming machine 56 presents a game and permits interaction with a
player. A wide variety of gaming machines may be employed with the
present invention. One suitable gaming machine 56 is described
below with respect to FIGS. 2A and 2B. International Game
Technology of Reno, Nev., is one exemplary gaming machine
manufacturer that provides an array of gaming machine models
suitable for use in system 50. Gaming machines from other gaming
machine manufacturers may also be used with the present
invention.
[0035] System 50 permits a gaming machine 56 to participate in a
progressive pool and offer a progressive award for the progressive
pool--regardless of the game run on the gaming machine. The terms
`game` and `game type` are used interchangeably herein and refer to
a set of rules that specify interaction between a player and the
gaming machine. Usually, the game has an entertaining theme and
related title. The gaming industry offers hundreds of games that
are suitable for use with the present invention. Exemplary games
(or game types) include Video Pachinko, Little Green Men, Video
Poker, MEGABucks, NickelMania, etc. The present invention is not
limited to any game. Conversely, the invention permits games and
gaming machines that could not previously participate in a
progressive pool to now contribute in building a progressive award
and offer the progressive award. This also creates a progressive
pool that includes participation from gaming machines running
different games.
[0036] As shown, gaming machines 56a-c communicate with game pool
manager 54a in a gaming machine network 100. For example, gaming
machine network 100 (FIG. 1B) may be included in a casino,
restaurant or other establishment that provides gaming services.
Game pool manager 54b communicates with gaming machines 56d-f.
Gaming machines 56d-f may represent separate gaming machines
distributed across a geographic area, such as a city or state, that
communicate with manager 54b using a communications link. Network
58 includes a collection of gaming machines 56g-h with no
centralized controller. Gaming machines 56g-h communicate directly
with game pool administrator 52. Gaming machines 56g-h may be
included in a convenience store, for example.
[0037] Game pool administrator 52 creates one or more game pools. A
pool refers to a collection of predetermined game outcomes.
Typically, the pool comprises a fixed number of outcomes. Each
outcome may be stored as a data structure or record in a table, for
example. FIG. 3 describes an exemplary game pool 200 in greater
detail.
[0038] In one embodiment, game pool administrator 52 randomizes the
order of records or outcomes in a game pool when creating a pool.
This permits records to be sequentially selected from the pool--or
portions thereof--without compromising randomness of outcome
selection. This also permits portions of a large pool (or subsets
of outcomes in the entire set of outcomes) to be distributed
without compromising randomness of the distribution. Gaming
machines or pool managers receiving the subsets may then
sequentially select outcomes and maintain randomness. In another
embodiment, outcomes in the pool are listed and randomly selected
from the list by the pool administrator 52 upon distribution.
Alternatively, listed outcomes are distributed in blocks and the
receiving party (e.g., gaming machine 56 or manager 54) randomly
selects from outcomes it has received.
[0039] The number and type of game pools created by administrator
52 may vary. Administrator 52 may create a game pool that includes
outcomes for a specific game. Administrator 52 may also create and
distribute a `micro` progressive pool that includes outcomes for a
progressive pool corresponding a specific game. For example, a
Video Poker micro progressive pool may be generated and run for the
Video Poker game. In this case, gaming machines 56 that run Video
Poker may offer this micro progressive pool. Meanwhile, the Video
Poker micro progressive pool receives contributions from (and grows
from) gaming machines 56 that run Video Poker and participate in
the Video Poker micro progressive pool.
[0040] Game pool administrator 52 also creates a `universal`
progressive pool. As the term is used herein, a universal
progressive pool refers to a progressive pool that allows
participation to gaming machines regardless of game type. In many
instances, a universal progressive pool includes participation by
gaming machines that run different game types. The universal
progressive pool includes all possible outcomes for a progressive
award or awards associated with the universal pool. In one
embodiment, outcomes for a progressive pool are not related to
outcomes for a specific game.
[0041] The present invention may offer any alluring award as a
prize for a universal progressive pool. One common award is a
progressive jackpot that awards a large sum of money to one or more
winners and grows according to player activity on participating
gaming machines 56. Generally, player appeal increases with jackpot
size. Offering a universal jackpot across multiple games (and a
larger number of gaming machines) allows the jackpot size to
increase to larger sizes, and to grow faster after a jackpot has
been won. This maintains a high level of interest in the universal
progressive pool at all times. The outcomes may vary with the
awards. In a specific embodiment, individual outcomes for a
universal progressive pool contain a win/lose outcome related to
one or more cash jackpots. Other awards are contemplated. For
example, awards may include cars, vacations, real estate, and other
accumulating or non- accumulating awards that increase player
appeal to play on a gaming machine. If the universal progressive
pool includes multiple awards, e.g., cash and cars, then the set of
outcomes is varied to match.
[0042] Universal progressive pools may be flexibly created and
implemented. For example, a universal progressive pool may be
created and implemented for all games run in a single casino. The
casino may then influence a payback scheme for all games and gaming
machines 56 it operates. Alternatively, a universal progressive
pool may be generated and implemented for all games provided by a
particular gaming machine manufacturer. A universal progressive
pool may also be collectively applied to all gaming machines within
a geographic region, such as a city or state.
[0043] The present invention permits all gaming machines 56 in
system 50 to offer a progressive award associated with the
universal progressive pool--regardless of what game is stored on
and provided by a particular gaming machine. In other words, gaming
machines that run different games may all participate in the
universal progressive pool. In this case, the universal progressive
pool receives contributions from (and grows from) all gaming
machines 56 in system 50 that offer the universal progressive pool
award(s). This enables a greater universal progressive pool awards
for each gaming machine 56 than would be available if each machine
only offered a micro progressive pool corresponding to a specific
game played on the machine (and a subset of gaming machines 56
within system 50). The universal progressive pool also accumulates
and grows at a faster pace based on cumulative contributions from
an increased number of participating gaming machines 56.
[0044] In one embodiment a universal progressive pool is created
and implemented for a subset of game types within system 50. For
example, a universal progressive pool may be set up for only three
games within system 50, e.g., Little Green Men, MEGABucks, and
NickelMania. In this case, only gaming machines 56 that run Little
Green Men, MEGABucks, and NickelMania permit a player to win the
universal progressive award and contribute to building the award.
In addition, the universal progressive award receives contributions
and grows only using contributions from gaming machines 56 that the
selected game types.
[0045] In one embodiment, a gaming machine 56 selects outcomes for
a game and progressive pool. For example, gaming machines 56g-h
within network 58 include their own game pool manager 54 that
receives outcomes for a micro or universal progressive pool and
selects individual outcomes. In another embodiment, a gaming
machine relies on a game pool manager 54 disposed outside the
gaming machine 56 to select outcomes for a game and progressive
pool. For example, game pool manager 54 may be included in a
cluster controller.
[0046] In either case, after a predetermined trigger event, such as
a user wagering at a gaming machine 56, game pool manager 54
(either at the gaming machine 56 or at a disparate manager 54)
draws one or more outcomes. If game pool manager 54 is included in
a separate device than a gaming machine 56, then the system or
device including manager 54 sends the outcome to the gaming
machine, e.g., via a communication link such as a dial up
connection. The gaming machine 56 indicates (illustrates using
video, informs via audio, etc.) the drawn outcome or outcomes to a
player. The game pool manager 54 also prevents the selected
outcomes from being provided to any player again until all outcomes
in the pool have been expended.
[0047] This outcome selection may occur for a game played on the
gaming machine, a micro progressive pool, and/or a universal
progressive pool. Game pool manager 54 may thus be configured to
multiply draw one or more outcomes from a game pool (e.g., Video
Poker), one or more outcomes from a micro progressive pool and/or
one or more outcomes from a universal progressive pool and provide
the outcome(s) to a gaming machine.
[0048] Each game pool manager 54 requests one or more decks from
game pool administrator 52. In addition, each gaming machine 56 in
network 58 that includes a game pool manager 54 requests one or
more decks from game pool administrator 52. The request may employ
any communication link. For example, manager 54 and administrator
52 may communicate via a dial-up, dial-up/callback, wireless, or
over a live dedicated communications link.
[0049] When a game pool manager 54 or gaming machine 56 requests a
deck from administrator 52, administrator 52 may respond by
providing: a) one or more game specific decks, b) one or more micro
progressive pool decks, and/or c) one or more universal progressive
pool decks. In one embodiment, the progressive pool deck is
substantially same size as a deck provided for a game run on the
gaming machine.
[0050] To facilitate service for multiple game pool managers 54,
game pool administrator 52 may distribute a portion of each
progressive pool. As the term is used herein, a deck refers to a
set of outcomes that form a subset of outcomes for a set of
outcomes in a game pool. For example, a game pool of 1 million
records for a universal progressive pool may be divided into a
hundred decks of ten thousand records each. Each deck may be
separately distributed to a different game pool manager 54. The
present invention contemplates dividing the game pool into any
number of decks. For system 50, game pool administrator 52
distributes one or more decks to game pool managers 54 and gaming
machines 56 in network of 58. Since the order of records in a pool
has been randomized, distribution of decks may be done in a
sequential manner, although the present invention is not limited to
such sequential distribution. In one embodiment, game pool
administrator 52 creates multiple decks for a given game and
denomination, multiple decks for each micro progressive pool, and
multiple decks for a universal progressive pool. Administrator 52
then distributes one or more decks to each manager 54 based on a
request from each manager 54.
[0051] In one embodiment, each game pool manager 54 requests and
maintains multiple decks for a game or progressive jackpot. More
specifically, a pool manager 54 may be configured to receive and
manage multiple decks for a game, multiple decks for a micro
progressive pool, and multiple decks for a universal progressive
pool. In a specific embodiment, records are drawn from multiple
decks intermittently before any one deck is fully expended. For
example, if four decks are stored in manager 54 for a universal
progressive pool, outcomes from each universal progressive pool
deck may be selected before any one of the four decks are fully
expended. This avoids any delays in servicing gaming machines 56
when one pool has been expended. Further description of multiple
game pool systems is provided in commonly owned pending patent
application Ser. No. 10/261,744. The entire disclosure of this
document is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein for
all purposes.
[0052] Game pool managers 54a and 54b may responsively distribute
game outcomes to gaming machines 56. When a player at a gaming
machine 56 wagers and begins play, gaming machine 56 sends a
message conveying the need for a game outcome. Managers 54a and 54b
respond by selecting an outcome from a deck assigned to that game
and relays the outcome (or a random number generator seed
associated with the outcome) to the gaming machine 56. If there is
a micro progressive pool associated with the game on the gaming
machine 56, game pool manager 54 also selects an outcome from a
micro progressive pool deck associated with the game. If there are
one or more universal progressive pools associated with the game
and gaming machine 56, game pool manager 54 also selects an outcome
for the universal progressive pool deck. This may occur regardless
if the gaming machine was originally configured for such a
universal progressive pool.
[0053] Manager 54 may examines the selected universal progressive
pool outcome or outcomes to detect for a winner. For each winner,
manager 54 determines the amount of the progressive win and informs
gaming machine 56 of the win and the win amount. If there are
multiple progressive pool wins, manager 54 may relay each win
individually as multiple wins or collectively as one large win.
[0054] While gaming system 50 only illustrates two game pool
managers 54 and eight gaming machines 56, it is understood that
gaming system 50 may comprise any number of game pool managers 54
and gaming machines 56. A single casino, for example, may comprise
anywhere from one to fifty game pool managers 54 and one to 20
gaming machines per game pool manager. Some casinos include several
thousand gaming machines 56. The casino may also offer a wide
variety and number of game types. By contrast, a gas station may
only include one or two gaming machines and one or two game types.
A restaurant may comprise a single gaming game pool manager 54 and
10 gaming machines that each offer a different game. Any of these
gaming establishments may participate in a universal progressive
pool the present invention.
[0055] In one embodiment, gaming machines 56d-f are blind to any
progressive pools that may be awarded by gaming machines 56d-f. In
this case, software run on the gaming machine is not programmed to
interface directly with game pool administrator 52 for the purposes
of implementing a universal progressive pool. In this case, game
pool manager 54b communicates with game pool administrator 52 and
distributes individual outcomes to gaming machines 56d-f. This
advantageously permits universal progressive pools of the present
invention to be offered on gaming machines 56 already implemented
in a gaming establishment without any alterations to the existing
gaming machines. For example, a cluster controller for a set of
gaming machines may be reconfigured to implement a universal
progressive pool of the present invention while a gaming machine
that communicates with the cluster controller requires no
alteration.
[0056] System 50 also permits accumulation of universal progressive
awards in real time. By knowing the denomination of each game and
gaming machine in system 50, game pool administrator 52 may also
compute an amount that is continually contributed to one or more
progressive awards. In one embodiment, each gaming machine 56
controls progressive contributions added to a progressive jackpot.
In another embodiment, one or more game pool managers 54 control
progressive contributions added to a universal progressive award
from each gaming machine 56 that each manager 54 communicates with.
Either system permits greater granularity in progressive
contributions and permits a more gradual progressive award
growth.
[0057] As will be described below, a winning outcome may earn less
than the full progressive jackpot. In one embodiment, the
proportion of the progressive jackpot awarded to a player for a win
at a gaming machine depends on how play at the game costs. In some
cases, a ratio of the wager used to play to a maximum bet permitted
for the universal progressive pool is used to alter the progressive
jackpot award. For example, if the progressive pool permits a
maximum bet of five dollars and a gaming machine only permits a
maximum bet of one dollar, then the progressive pool jackpot is
reduced by a fraction of 1/5. This permits gaming machines having
different fixed wagered denominations to participate in a common
universal progressive pool despite the fact that gaming machines in
the system require different betting amounts for play.
[0058] The progressive jackpot may also be altered based on a wager
selected by a person. For example, if the above mentioned gaming
machine permits a maximum bet of one dollar and allows for
incremental bets of $0.25, and a person wagers $0.25, the
progressive pool jackpot is further reduced by a fraction of 1/4.
In one embodiment, the two fractional ratios of the progressive
pool jackpot are combined. Thus, for the previous two examples, a
$0.25 wager at a gaming machine that only permits an upper wager of
($1) 1/5 earns 1/20 the progressive jackpot when the maximum
progressive pool wager is $5 (the ration can also be determined
directly as wager/maximum for pool). Other fractional combinations
are possible and should be apparent. Alternatively in this case, a
$5 wager receives the full progressive award for a winning outcome
of a universal progressive pool with a maximum bet is $5. In this
manner, a universal progressive jackpot award may be prorated to a
specific wager at a particular gaming machine 56.
[0059] After a win, the progressive jackpot is altered according to
the size of the progressive jackpot award provided to a player. If
the progressive jackpot award to the person constitutes the entire
progressive jackpot (e.g., they bet the maximum allowed for the
pool and received the full progressive jackpot), then the
progressive jackpot is reset to a seed value. If the progressive
jackpot award to the person is less than the full progressive
jackpot amount, then reseeding the progressive jackpot from a
reserve pool may be prorated according to the player's wager.
[0060] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of a gaming machine network
100 that offers a universal progressive pool across different games
and gaming machines in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0061] Network 100 includes a set of gaming machines 10. Each
gaming machine 10 may provide a different game and may participate
in a universal progressive pool. For example, ten gaming machines
10 are shown that each may implement a different game.
Alternatively, gaming machines 10 may offer four or five different
games where the most popular game is offered by multiple machines.
Each gaming machine 10 may also permit a different wager or
incremental wagers. The present invention provides a universal
progressive pool that may be implemented on each gaming machine
10.
[0062] In a specific embodiment, each gaming machine 10 that
participates in the universal progressive pool displays a maximum
winnable award for the pool. For example, a display including an
array of light-emitting diodes may be disposed above one or more
gaming machines 10 to vividly broadcast the jackpot amount to
people near the gaming machines. In embodiments where the
progressive pool jackpot includes a monetary award that grows over
time, the display may continuously reflect increasing amounts of
the pool.
[0063] One or more gaming machines 10 may be associated with a host
that comprises a processing system configured to operate as a
progressive pool manager for the gaming machines 10. In this case,
the host is configured to a) communicate with a the game pool
administrator, b) request and retrieve game pools or decks for one
more specific games, a micro progressive pool and/or a universal
progressive pool, and c) distribute outcomes from each pool to one
or more gaming machines 10. As the term is used herein, a host
refers to any computer a processing system that transmits
information with the gaming machine 10 across a communication link
104. The host may comprise a single computer or a group of
computers associated with one another on a network. System 100 may
include several entities that operate as a host: information
services 108, Clerk Validation Terminal 106, a computer at
cashier's cage 112, a computer at audit station 122 and/or a
computer at soft count station 120.
[0064] In one embodiment, numerous machines 10 connect to a single
cluster controller or a Clerk Validation Terminal (CVT) 106. Some
CVTs 106 may accommodate up to 64 machines. Each gaming machine 10
may receive cash from a player or a credit device that conveys some
form of value. A gaming machine 10 that communicates with CVT 106
will accept credit devices from other gaming machines 10 connected
to the same CVT 106.
[0065] As there may be many groups of gaming machines 10 in a large
casino or other establishment, multiple CVTs 106 may be
implemented. The CVTs 106 are connected to a local area network
(LAN) 107 which includes a number of computers or workstations as
well as terminals, disk drives with fixed and/or removable media,
printers and other peripherals. The computers on the LAN 107 may
provide the casino with various functions such as processing
jackpots and fills, steps related to universal progressive pool
information management and methods described below, and generating
accounting reports and security reports, etc. Other components
connected to LAN 107 may include multiplexers, modems, and phone
lines to an external system or network.
[0066] Some casinos connect multiple local area networks to wide
area networks spanning multiple casinos. Such wide area networks
allow groups of slot machines at various casinos to be connected to
one another to permit universal progressive pools of the present
invention to span multiple casinos. This allows jackpots from
multiple machines in many locations (without restriction to game
type or wager denomination) to grow as one large jackpot. In one
embodiment, the wide area network spans a geographic region such as
the city or state and permits universal progressive pool
participation from gaming machines anywhere in the city or
state.
[0067] LAN 107 also includes information services 108. Each gaming
machine 10 and CVT 106 communicates with information services 108
via LAN 107. Information services 108 includes a processing system
101 that is configured to a) request universal progressive game
pools or decks from a game pool administrator and/or b) distribute
game pool outcomes for the universal progressive pool the gaming
machines 10. Processing system 101 may comprise any suitable
combination of hardware and/or software for carrying out these and
other gaming machine related functions. One suitable processing
system 101 will be described below with respect to FIG. 12. Some
form of memory is typically included within processing system 101.
The memory stores information regarding universal progressive game
pools, such as instructions stored in memory as computer readable
media and programs for implementing steps and instructions as
described below. In a specific embodiment, processing system 101
includes memory that stores a) one or more game pools for specific
games run within network 100, b) one or more game pools for a micro
progressive pool offered by a particular game in network 100, and
c) one or more game pools for a universal progressive pool offered
by any participating gaming machine.
[0068] Information services 108 also includes a front end
controller 109 that acts as a general controller for network 100.
Controller 109 may continuously poll the various CVTs 106 and
request information pertaining to gaming transactions in the
network 100. The CVTs 106, in turn, continuously poll machines 10.
For example, if person has placed a wager at a gaming machine 10,
that machine will communicate an wager event to its CVT 106 in
response to the next CVT 106 poll. Then when the front end
controller 109 polls the CVT 106, the CVT 106 communicates the
wager event to the front end controller 109.
[0069] LAN 107 includes various additional stations. A cashier's
station 112 is included for redemption of awards distributed within
the network 100. Cashier's station 112 includes a computer 114 with
a printer 118 and an optical scanner 116, such as a bar code
scanner, for reading credit devices printed by a gaming machine 10.
Network 100 may include as many cashier stations 112 as required to
support a facility.
[0070] Additional stations may be included in the LAN 107. For
example, the LAN 107 and may include a station in charge of
security and a workstation in charge of surveillance. A soft count
station 120 may also be included for daily verification of bills
and tickets accepted gaming machines 10 in the network 100. An
audit station 122 may also be included for accounting purposes. Any
of the stations in the LAN 107 may include a processing system as
described below. Each of the stations on LAN 107, including the
front end controller 109, may be implemented on any of a variety of
commercially available computer systems. Such machines include, but
are not limited to, PC compatibles, DEC VAXs, and UNIX machines. In
alternative embodiments, various network functions such as front
end control are accomplished by distributed processing. In such
cases, the network functions are performed on multiple nodes.
[0071] In the depicted example, information services 108 also
includes a file server 124 which is the main processor in the
network. A suitable file server machine is the Compaq 550 available
from Compaq Computers. The file server communicates with all
stations included on the LAN 107. The file server communicates with
an external host, such as a computer configured to administer a
universal progressive pool as operated by an external gaming
services provider. For example, International Gaming Technologies
of Reno, Nev., provides progressive pool services and may include a
computer that communicates across communication links between Reno,
Nev. and the location of the casino that includes network 100. The
communication links may include any suitable data transfer system
known to one of skill in the art. For example, computers for the
casino and gaming services provider may be located on an external
network and linked through a modem or another suitable Internet
communication interface.
[0072] Network 100 electronically transfers universal progressive
pool information between a central processing system 101 and each
gaming machine 10. Such information may include digital
representations of outcomes selected from a pool and winning
instructions in digital form. For this purpose, network 100
includes one or communication links. A communication link may
employ lines or cables 104, which may take various forms including
coaxial wires, wireless connections or fiber optic cable, as one of
skill in the art will appreciate. Wireless communication links may
also be employed.
[0073] Although gaming system 100 includes a modular system
suitable for use in a large gaming establishment such as a casino,
it is understood that gaming systems of the present invention need
not comprise such complexity. In some cases, gaming system 100
comprises a few gaming machines 10 where each gaming machine
includes a processing system configured to a) participate in a
universal progressive pool independent of a game run on the gaming
machine and b) provide win/loss outcomes of the universal
progressive pool to a player interfacing with the gaming machine.
Systems 100 that include between about 1 and about 10 gaming
machines are common in establishments such as grocery stores, gas
stations and convenience stores for example.
[0074] Additional description of gaming machines 10 is described in
further detail below. FIGS. 3-10 illustrate exemplary methods of
implementing a universal progressive pool in accordance with
various embodiments of the present invention.
[0075] FIG. 3 illustrates a process flow 300 for seeding a
universal progressive pool in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention. Process flow 300 provides an exemplary answer to
the question: how does one initiate a universal progressive pool?
The present invention contemplates other ways to seed a universal
progressive pool.
[0076] Process flow 300 begins by retrieving a preset minimum seed
amount (302). The minimum seed amount refers to an initial award
offered by a universal progressive pool in one of two conditions:
a) when the universal progressive pool is first created, and b)
after a player wins the entire universal progressive pool award or
awards. In one embodiment, a gaming services provider implements
the universal progressive pool and separates a portion of cash flow
received from gaming machines that participate in the universal
progressive pool for the purposes of building a reserve pool. The
reserve pool stores the minimum seed amount. In the event that a
person wins the entire universal progressive pool award, the
reserve pool permits the gaming services provider to immediately
re-seed the progressive award. This avoids any disruptions in
player attraction to gaming machines that offer the universal
progressive pool and its alluring large award.
[0077] If the universal progressive pool offers a monetary jackpot
for example, then the minimum seed amount may represent an alluring
initial jackpot. One million dollars may be suitable in many cases
as a minimum seed amount. Other seeds less than and greater than
one million dollars are also contemplated. The seed amount may also
be determined according to economic considerations for a universal
progressive pool. More specifically, the minimum seed amount may be
determined using an expected amount of participation for the
universal progressive pool based on a number of gaming machines
that participate in the universal pool and an expected cash flow
from all participating gaming machines. For example, if the
universal progressive pool witnesses $100 million in cash flow
every year, the minimum seed amount may be set to a percentage of
the annual income, say 5%. As described above, an advantage of the
present invention is that participation from an increased number of
gaming machines allows larger jackpots. In addition, it also
permits larger minimum seed amounts--and allows a universal
progressive pool cash jackpot to immediately appeal to users
without any delay in building the jackpot based on user activity.
Alternatively, a casino operating its own progressive pool may set
a minimum seed amount that it deems will induce player
patronage.
[0078] Progressive awards may comprise awards other than money. A
progressive award that offers real estate as a grand prize may
correspond to the value of real estate awarded with a win. In this
case, the winning real estate value may grow with progressive
contributions from gaming machines that participate in the
universal progressive pool. The minimum seed amount may be set to
some predetermined real estate value. For example, a winning real
estate award may be seeded and started at a value of $250,000. As
contributions from gaming machines that participate in the
universal progressive pool accumulate, the winning real estate
value may grow to increased values, say to a million dollar home,
or more. While the present invention will now primarily be
discussed with respect to cash awards and jackpots for a universal
progressive pool, it is understood that large awards other than
cash may be employed by methods and systems described herein.
[0079] In one embodiment, the minimum seed amount is determined
before implementation of a universal progressive pool. For example,
the gaming services provider may be responsible for determining the
minimum seed amount to process flow 300 calls upon the
predetermined amount, e.g., as stored in memory.
[0080] Process flow 300 then proceeds by setting the universal
progressive award pool to the minimum seed amount (304). At the
least, this comprises a record keeping transfer that includes an
electronic change in monetary allocation. In one embodiment, this
also implies transferring actual funds from a reserve account (or
other financial vehicle for storing money) that stores the minimum
seed amount to an award account that maintains funds awarded to
players that receive a winning outcome for the progressive
pool.
[0081] The reserve pool, or any other mechanism used to store
and/or maintain record of the minimum seed amount, is then altered
by the amount provided to the progressive pool (306). As will be
described below, the present invention may replenish funds removed
from the reserve pool over time using a portion of progressive
contributions from all gaming machines that participate in the
universal progressive pool.
[0082] FIG. 4 illustrates progressive contributions to a universal
progressive pool from different games in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention. The gaming machines 10 offers
a number of games (or game types) A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H. Some
games may participate in the universal progressive pool (A-F),
others do not (G-I). Not all gaming machines offering a particular
game need participate. Casino 60 for example operates games B and C
that both do and do not participate.
[0083] Each gaming machine 10 receives a wager in the form of game
credit from a player. In one embodiment, a portion of each wager
goes to the universal progressive pool award. A message from each
gaming machine signaling one or more wagers is transmitted from the
gaming machine to the administrator 52. This may include direct
communication or indirect communication via a universal progressive
pool or cluster controller for example. Indirect communication
through each manager 54 may also comprise time delays, buffering
and other processing at each manager 54. Each gaming machine 10 may
require or offer a different wager for game play, as will be
described in further detail below.
[0084] In one embodiment, a portion of each wager made at a
participating gaming machine is used to build a progressive award.
In another embodiment, a gaming machine pays a regular fee for each
participating gaming machine. Other progressive award accumulation
schemes are permissible.
[0085] FIG. 5 illustrates a process flow 320 for building a
universal progressive pool in accordance with a specific embodiment
of the present invention. Process flow 320 varies universal
progressive pool collections and awards based on a maximum wager
available to a gaming or gaming machine.
[0086] While some steps for process flow 320 may occur at a gaming
machine, it is understood that other steps may not occur at the
gaming machine. For example, the gaming machine may communicate
with a game pool manager such as manager 54 described above. In
this case, steps of process flow 320 that involve interaction
between the universal progressive pool and a player occur at the
gaming machine, while steps that do not require interaction with
the person may occur at a gaming machine and/or at a separate
gaming system component, such as a manager 54 or cluster
controller.
[0087] Process flow 320 begins by receiving a wager from a player
at a gaming machine (322). The wager may comprise cash deposited
into the gaming machine or receipt of a credit device, such as a
plastic voucher or paper ticket honored by a casino or gaming
establishment that runs the gaming machine. Different games and
gaming machines provide varying wager options. For example, one
gaming machine may require a nickel, dime or quarter bet. Another
gaming machine may require a dollar, two-dollar, or five-dollar
bet. The present invention permits gaming machine participation in
a universal progressive pool and offers opportunity to win the pool
jackpot (or a portion of the pool jackpot) regardless of the wager
required for a game or gaming machine. In one embodiment described
below, lesser wagers (those smaller than the maximum used to win
the entire jackpot) only receive a portion of a winning
jackpot.
[0088] After the player initiates gameplay, a predetermined portion
of each wager is then contributed to the progressive pool (324). In
this embodiment, each gaming machine that participates in a
progressive pool contributes a portion of each collected wager to
the pool. For example, a percentage of each wager may be
contributed to the universal progressive award. In a specific
embodiment, each game or gaming machine contributes the same amount
to a universal progressive award for wager placed at the gaming
machine. For example, each gaming machine may contribute two cents
each time a person wagers at the gaming machine and receives an
outcome from the universal progressive pool. If the contribution
remains constant despite gaming machine and game, the percentage
provided by each gaming machine may then vary. For example, a
required wager of one dollar and contribution of two cents
corresponds to a 2% progressive pool contribution from the game and
gaming machine for each wager. A wager of $0.50 and contribution of
two cents corresponds to a 4% progressive pool contribution from
the game and gaming machine. A wager of $5 and contribution of two
cents corresponds to a 0.4% progressive pool contribution. In this
manner, the present invention permits progressive pool
participation despite differences in wager amounts at different
gaming machines, and distributes growth of the progressive jackpot
among participating gaming machines in games substantially evenly.
In another embodiment, contributions from games and gaming machines
that participate in the progressive jackpot are not equal. In other
words, one game or gaming machine may contribute more to the
progressive jackpot than another.
[0089] As one of skill in the art will appreciate, the
predetermined portion of each wager contributed to progressive pool
may vary with pool design. Constant contributions may range from
fractions of a penny to several dollars for each wager. For
example, gaming machines that receive nickels to play a game are
very popular. These gaming machines may also offer a universal
progressive award--regardless of the specific game played on the
gaming machine. While the amount contributed to the progressive
pool from each wager may be less than a penny in this case,
participation by hundreds or thousands of gaming machines across a
wide area network (e.g., an entire state) permits a winning jackpot
for this common pool to grow rather appreciably based on a
high-volume player activity across a large number of games and
machines.
[0090] Thus, a universal progressive pool in this case steadily
increases by amounts according to each wager made on a large number
of machines participating in the pool. As more people play gaming
machines that offer the universal progressive pool, the universal
progressive pool award further grows, which also increases allure
to play the participating games. In some cases where thousands of
gaming machines across a large geographic area participate in a
universal progressive pool, incremental increases from thousands of
machines may quickly increase the progressive award size.
[0091] Process flow 320 determines a percentage, p, of the
progressive contribution that goes to the universal progressive
award pool. The award pool refers to a) a vehicle such as a bank
account that stores the universal progressive funds until they are
fully or partially awarded to a winner, and/or b) a digital
representation of a). As one of skill in the art will appreciate,
progressive awards may frequently surpass 1 million dollars. In a
specific embodiment, the gaming services provider is responsible
for collecting moneys from the gaming machines for the universal
progressive pool and managing the award pool. In this case, when a
person receives a winning outcome for the universal progressive
pool, the gaming services provider verifies the winning outcome and
pays the person if valid. In one embodiment, p is established
before implementation of the universal progressive pool. For
example, 80% of all moneys collected from wagers in gaming machines
may be added to the award pool to increase the size of a cash
jackpot in real time. Thus, in the previous example where two cents
is collected from each wager played on a gaming machine that
participates in the universal progressive pool, 1.6 cents is added
to the cash award. Process flow 320 then adds a percentage, p, of
the progressive contribution from the gaming machines and wagers to
the award pool (326).
[0092] Remaining moneys in the progressive contribution may be set
aside for other purposes. In the embodiment shown with process flow
320, a portion of the progressive contribution goes to a reserve
pool (328). The reserve pool refers to i) a vehicle such as a bank
account that stores the reserve funds until they are fully or
partially used to re-seed the award pool, and/or ii) a digital
representation of i). As mentioned above, the reserve pool may be
used to seed a jackpot in the event that someone wins the whole
jackpot and empties all funds in the award pool. In a specific
embodiment, the percentage of the progressive contribution given to
the reserve pool is about (1-p). For example, 20% may be set aside
for a reserve pool used to seed the jackpot. The present invention
contemplates other ratios provided to the progressive award pool
and the seed or reserve pool. In a specific embodiment, the gaming
services provider responsible for administering the universal
progressive pool and managing the award pool also manages the
reserve pool. In some cases, the gaming services provider may
deduct a small portion of the progressive contribution to remedy
overhead and costs associated with managing and servicing the
universal progressive pool, jackpots, award pool, and reserve
pool.
[0093] The universal progressive pool award thus increases as a
result of continuing contributions to the award pool from any games
and gaming machines participating in the pool. Process flow 320 may
then broadcast the new universal progressive pool award (330). In
one embodiment, a universal progressive cash jackpot grows in real
time and is broadcast in real time to displays that inform casino
patrons of the growing jackpot.
[0094] The present invention permits different games and gaming
machines that offer different wagers to participate in a common
universal progressive pool. The present invention also permits
partial awards to be granted for a winning outcome. In one
embodiment, a gaming machine's maximum winnable amount for a
universal progressive pool is based on how much is wagered at the
gaming machine. In a specific embodiment, the maximum winnable
amount is proportional to a ratio between the game or gaming
machine's maximum wager to the progressive pool's maximum wager. In
this case, the maximum winnable progressive cash award for a game
equals the universal progressive award times the ratio between the
game or gaming machine's wager to the universal progressive pool's
maximum wager. For example, a $10 million universal progressive
cash jackpot may only award a $2 million jackpot for a game or
gaming machine where the maximum bet is one dollar while the
maximum wager for the progressive pool is five dollars. The game or
gaming machine may then display its maximum winnable progressive
amount if this amount differs from the universal progressive pool
jackpot (332).
[0095] FIG. 6 illustrates a process flow 340 for building a
universal progressive pool in accordance with another embodiment of
the present invention. Process flow 340 varies universal
progressive pool performance based on an amount wagered by a person
at a gaming machine. Many gaming machines do not include a fixed
wager to initiate play but permit a player to choose and input a
wager from a range of wager amounts.
[0096] Process flow 340 begins when a player wagers on a game at a
gaming machine (342). This may include a partial bet as permitted
by the game and gaming machine. Many games and gaming machines
allow a person to choose how much they want to wager. For example,
a game may offer one-dollar betting increment options of from one
dollar to five dollars. Alternatively, a game and gaming machine
may offer nickel, dime and/or quarter betting increment options
ranging from 5 cents to 5 dollars. Other betting increments,
minimum bets and maximum bets are suitable for use with the present
invention. Wager amounts and protocol may vary based on the game.
For example, some games offer bonus rounds in which players may
wager additional quantities in addition to any opening wagers made
to initiate a game. In one embodiment, the progressive contribution
from the gaming machine to the progressive pool is
constant--despite the ability for differing awards. Thus, a nickel,
dime and/or quarter may all contribute the same amount to the
progressive pool.
[0097] After the player wagers and game starts, process flow 340
proceeds similarly to process flow 320: a predetermined portion of
the wager is set aside for contribution to the universal
progressive pool (324); a percentage or portion of the progressive
contribution is then a set aside for increasing the award and
placed in an award pool (326); another portion of the progressive
contribution is set aside to build the reserve pool (328); and the
increasing jackpot is broadcast (330) to casino patrons to increase
allure and participation.
[0098] The universal progressive pool award then adapts to the
incremental or partial wager made by the player to initiate play on
the gaming machine. In this case, the present invention determines
a second ratio, R2, that corresponds to a ratio of the player's
wager to a maximum wager permitted in the universal progressive
pool. For example, if the player wagered $0.50 on a machine that
permitted betting increments of a quarter, and the maximum wager
permitted in the universal progressive pool was $5, then the gaming
machine or pool manager computes R2 at a ratio of 1/10. The
universal progressive pool may then provide a partial award to the
player for a winning outcome based on R2. For example, the $10
million universal progressive jackpot discussed above will only
award a $1 million dollars in this illustrative example. The game
or gaming machine may then display the winnable progressive amount
(342).
[0099] In one embodiment, an award for a universal progressive pool
winning outcome is automatically awarded to the player. FIG. 7
illustrates a process flow 360 for awarding a progressive prize in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0100] Process flow 360 occurs in response to a player initiating a
game at a gaming machine. In one embodiment, gaming machine
receives a universal progressive outcome from an external game pool
manager that distributes outcomes to one or more gaming machines.
In another embodiment, the gaming machine itself acts as a pool
manager and draws outcomes from a universal progressive game pool
stored on the gaming machine. For process flow 360, the outcome
drawn or received by the gaming machine is a winning outcome
(362).
[0101] A prorated ratio is then determined to resolve how much of
the universal progressive pool jackpot to award (332 or 344 as
described above). The ratio is then used to determine the universal
progressive pool win amount (366). For example, the maximum bet for
the universal progressive pool may be five dollars and the player
wagered five dollars. In this case, the person wins the entire
jackpot. Alternatively, the person may have bet on a fixed one
dollar betting machine and thus qualifies for only 1/5 of the
jackpot. Other fractions of the jackpot may be awarded based on
incremental bets.
[0102] The winning amount, A, is then deducted from the award pool
(368) to create a new award pool amount or new jackpot. The new
award pool amount may then be broadcast to maintain real-time
reporting of the universal progressive pool jackpot (370).
[0103] The gaming machine then notifies the player of the universal
progressive pool award win (372). This may include any combination
of audio and video from the gaming machine. In addition, other
nearby gaming machines in a network may participate in the
notification signal magnitude of the event.
[0104] The person is then provided the universal progressive pool
award (374). In one embodiment, the gaming machine notifies casino
personnel who provide the award to the player. In another
embodiment, the gaming machine prints out a paper ticket or voucher
that conveys the value of the win and any information required for
redemption of the win. The voucher may then be cashed at a cashier
station or other terminal at a gaming establishment. Other
techniques for conferring the award are contemplated. For example,
the voucher may be presented to a gaming services provider that
manages the universal progressive pool and redeems the voucher.
[0105] In one embodiment, the outcome for the universal progressive
pool is independent of any game being played on the gaming machine.
The gaming machine may provide a win or loss independent of the
outcome for the universal progressive pool (376). The player is
then informed of either outcome for the game in addition to the
outcome for the universal progressive pool.
[0106] In another embodiment, an award for a universal progressive
pool-winning outcome is not automatically awarded to the player and
requires player confirmation. FIG. 8 illustrates a process flow 380
for awarding a progressive prize in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0107] Process flow 380 begins similarly to process flow 360 by
receiving a winning outcome (362); computing the progressive win
amount (366); and deducting the win amount from an award pool
(368). The gaming machine then notifies the player of the
progressive win (372).
[0108] In this embodiment, the gaming machine also prompts the
player for confirmation (382). The prompt may comprise a visual
message output on a video display included in the gaming machine or
an audio message output on one or more speakers, for example.
[0109] Process flow 380 then waits for the person to confirm the
win (384). This may comprise selecting a specific button indicated
by the game for the gaming machine for confirmation, or selecting
any button included in the gaming machine. Other techniques and
forms of interaction for confirming the win with a gaming machine
are contemplated.
[0110] Confirmation then waits for input from the player (386).
More specifically, the gaming machine waits for confirmation if it
has not received confirmation input from the player. If the gaming
machine has received confirmation, it awards the win to the player
(374). The gaming machine may also conclude any game being played
on the gaming machine that permitted participation with the
universal progressive pool (376).
[0111] In another embodiment, the present invention returns
unconfirmed wins back to a universal progressive award pool. More
specifically, the present invention may allocate winning funds upon
discovery of a winning outcome out of an award pool, wait for
confirmation from a player, and if the player does not confirm,
return the winning funds back to the award pool. FIG. 9 illustrates
a process flow 400 for managing a progressive prize in accordance
with another embodiment of the present invention.
[0112] Process flow 400 also begins similarly to process flow 380
by receiving a winning outcome (362); computing the progressive win
amount (366); and deducting the win amount from an award pool
(368). The gaming machine then notifies the player of the
progressive win (372) and waits for confirmation from the player
(382).
[0113] In one embodiment, the present invention applies conditions
onto collection of a universal progressive pool award. One
condition may be confirmation by the player. Another condition may
include confirmation within a specific time. Another condition may
include retrieving a printed-paper ticket from the gaming machine
that indicates a win and redeeming the ticket at a cashier's stage.
Other conditional requirements for redeeming a universal
progressive pool award may be applied.
[0114] Process flow 400 starts a timer and sets at time of response
for confirmation (402). In one embodiment, the timer starts when
the gaming machine prompts the player for confirmation (382). In
another embodiment, the timer starts when the gaming machine
notifies the player of the win (372).
[0115] The gaming machine then waits for the player to confirm
(384). If the player confirms (386), then the gaming machine
provides the award or indication of the award to the player
(374).
[0116] If the player does not confirm, process flow 400 then checks
to determine if a predetermined confirmation time limit has expired
(404). For example, the time limit may be 30 seconds. The time
limit may range from seconds to several minutes. In a specific
embodiment, the time limit ranges from 15 seconds to a minute.
[0117] Once the confirmation time has expired and the player has
not confirmed the win with the gaming machine, the universal
progressive pool award is forfeit and the award is returned back to
the award pool. For example, jackpot money allocated for this
particular winning outcome is returned back to the award pool
(404). This permits the money to be made available to other
universal progressive pool winners. The new universal progressive
pool award amount is then broadcast for all gaming machine that
participate in the universal progressive pool to (370).
[0118] In one embodiment, the game delays until the confirmation
time limit has expired. In this case, the game waits and completes
(376) after the award has been provided to the player or the
confirmation time has expired. In another embodiment, the
confirmation time limit and game progress are independent. In this
case, the game proceeds and completes regardless of any events or
conditions associated with the universal progressive pool.
[0119] The present invention also relates to managing a universal
progressive pool for different games and gaming machines. Elements
of this management include maintaining the award pool, collecting
contributions from individual gaming machines and wagers, funds
accounting, distributing awards, data management of a dynamic
financial system, security and pool integrity, and maintaining a
reserve pool used to seed the award pool in the event of a win.
[0120] Universal progressive pool management services may be
performed and provided by a wide variety of entities. For example,
a casino or other gaming establishment may implement a universal
progressive pool for different games and gaming machines it
controls. Alternatively, a gaming services provider (a separate
business entity) may run a universal progressive pool and charge
owners of participating gaming machines for the service. This
allows multiple casinos and individual gaming establishments
(restaurants, gas stations etc.) to participate in a universal
progressive pool that extends far beyond their limited number of
gaming machines. Many gaming machine manufacturers may also provide
universal progressive pool services described herein. In a specific
embodiment, participation in a progressive pool offered by a gaming
machine manufacturer is limited to gaming machines or games sold by
the gaming machine manufacturer to increase sales of machines and
games.
[0121] In one business model, a gaming machine manufacturer
provides universal progressive pool services to one or more
entertainment establishments that act as customers. There are many
entertainment establishments that may act as customers for the
services and benefit from the present invention. Exemplary
entertainment establishments include casinos, racetracks,
restaurants, hotels, gas stations, truck stops, etc. In a specific
embodiment, gaming machines in each participating establishment
contribute small amounts of wagers to the universal progressive
pool in real time. The services provider then bills each gaming
establishment to collect monies for the progressive contributions.
The billing may occur at regular intervals. One suitable billing
interval is monthly. The services provider then collects money from
each establishment and controls distribution of the funds to pool
winners.
[0122] FIG. 10 illustrates a process flow 420 for managing an award
pool and a reserve pool in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention. Process flow 420 begins when a player wins or is
granted a universal progressive pool award (374). This obligates
the progressive pool administrator to allocate funds to the winner
and review status of the award pool. In many cases, the award pool
may require re-seeding from a reserve pool.
[0123] In some cases, a winning outcome distributed to a gaming
machine triggers discovery of the winning event and review of funds
in the award pool and reserve pool. For example, a pool manager 54
as that described above with respect to system 50 of FIG. 1A that
selects outcomes from a pool and sends the winning outcome to the
gaming machine may also be configured to send a message to the pool
administrator 52 to communicate the winning event and facilitate
management of the universal progressive pool. In another
embodiment, the gaming machine is configured to select outcomes
from a progressive pool and, upon selection a winning outcome,
communicate the event to the appropriate party. A digital message
across a communication link such as a phone line or Internet link
is suitable for communicating the winning event. The message may
also include details of the event such as the wager used on the
gaming machine and the time of the wager. Thus, the present
invention permits management and implementation of a universal
progressive pool regardless of where administration occurs or the
geographic relationship between the progressive pool administration
and a gaming machine or pool manager. Alternatively, a winning
event may be triggered to the progressive pool administration after
confirmation of a win either at the gaming machine or at the gaming
establishment.
[0124] The universal progressive pool administrator then stores the
winning universal progressive award (422). In one embodiment, a
pool award refers to a representation of an amount of money or
credit. For example, the pool award may include a digital
representation calculated and stored by a computer that receives
progressive contributions (or digital messages for progressive
contributions) from participating gaming machines in the universal
progressive pool. The pool representation may monitor debits and
credits for a financial entity such as a bank account that is
dedicated to a progressive award pool and a reserve pool. The
present invention contemplates other schemes for representing a
pool.
[0125] It is understood that there may be differences between an
actual bank account for the award pool or reserve pool and their
respective digital representation. For example, not all monies may
have been collected and received by the gaming services provider
yet and placed into the represented bank account. In embodiments
where progressive contributions are accumulated and updated in real
time, it is common for the universal progressive pool award to be
larger than funds collected and stored in a bank account or other
financial vehicle for holding progressive contributions. Regardless
of the representation, process flow 420 sets aside funds for the
winning outcome. If a digital representation is employed in real
time, storing the winning award may comprise both reducing the
digital representation of the pool award and committing the funds
from a bank account or other financial vehicle.
[0126] Many gaming systems report contributions from each gaming
machine for each game play in real time. In this case, a
centralized game pool administrator receives updates from all the
gaming machines participating in the universal progressive pool,
computes the ongoing and growing total universal progressive pool
award, and sends the updated amount to each gaming machine or game
pool manager. For example, digital communication and dial-up links
may be used to periodically update the centralized game pool
administrator. The periodic updates may occur at hourly intervals,
intervals less than an hour and/or intervals greater than an hour.
Some gaming machines report progressive contributions as wagers are
made. The amount of money in the universal progressive award pool
at the time of receiving the winning outcome is then recorded as
the winning progressive award amount.
[0127] A prorated ratio for the winning wager is then determined by
the game pool administrator (424). This compares a ratio between
the current wager made to acquire the winning outcome against a
reference wager allowed for the universal progressive pool. The
reference wager refers to a wager value for the progressive pool
for determining the amount of the pool awarded in for a winning
outcome. In some cases, the reference wager is used to normalize
all wagers made for the universal progressive pool and normalize
all winnings from the pool. In one embodiment, the reference wager
equals the maximum wager for the universal progressive pool. Two
examples provided above in which the current wager may be less than
the maximum permissible wager include when the gaming machine
requires a fixed bet that is less than the maximum wager and/or
when the gaming machine permits incremental bets and the player
selects an incremental wager that is less than the maximum
permissible wager.
[0128] Process flow 420 then computes a transfer amount (426). The
transfer amount refers to an amount of money or credit moved from
the reserve pool to the award pool. This may constitute both a
transfer between digital representations of the reserve and award
pools and a financial transfer for respective bank accounts. The
present invention contemplates a variety of methods that may be
used in determining how much to transfer from a reserve pool to the
award pool in the event of a win in a universal progressive pool.
In a specific embodiment, the transfer amount is calculated as the
reserve pool amount multiplied by the ratio determined in step
424.
[0129] A determination is then made to verify that the transfer
amount is positive--or greater than zero (428). In one embodiment,
a gaming services provider initiates a universal progressive pool
with no money in the award pool and reserve pool. At inception, the
award pool may be seeded from the reserve pool and the reserve pool
initially accrues a negative balance that corresponds to the size
of the seed. As time proceeds, progressive contributions to the
reserve pool (328 of FIG. 5) accumulate so that the reserve pool
eventually escapes its initial negative balance. After the reserve
pool reaches a positive balance, and depending on how funds for the
universal progressive pool are managed, a negative balance in the
reserve pool may then seldom occur. However, it is contemplated
that the reserve pool may operate with a negative balance--either
initially or depending on funds management. Process flow 420 thus
determines if the transfer amount is negative. If the transfer
amount is negative, then process flow 420 sets the transfer amount
to zero (430).
[0130] If the transfer amount is positive, or after the transfer
amount has been set to zero, process flow 420 then determines if
the award pool amount is less than the minimum seed for the
universal progressive pool (432). As mentioned above, the minimum
seed refers to a predetermined minimum amount that is maintained in
the award pool to attract game players and casino patrons to gaming
machines offering the universal progressive pool. Depending on the
size of the prorated ratio, the award pool may or may not need to
be seeded. At one extreme, a person wins the entire jackpot and the
award pool is reseeded to the predetermined minimum seed. At the
other extreme, a person wins a very small portion of the jackpot
and the award pool remains well above the minimum seed amount and
requires no support from the reserve pool. There are countless
possibilities in between the two extremes where the award pool may
need to be partially reseeded using the reserve pool.
[0131] If, after distribution of the award, the award pool has
fewer funds than the minimum seed, then process flow 420 determines
a minimum transfer amount to relocate from the reserve pool to the
award pool (434). In one embodiment, the minimum transfer amount
equals the minimum seed minus the new award pool amount. This
ensures that the award pool always maintains the minimum seed.
Thus, when the present invention is automated and process flow 420
is implemented via a centralized pool administration computer and
software run by the computer, the universal progressive pool and
minimum seed amount are guaranteed regardless of time of day. As
one of skill in the art will appreciate, casinos rarely close and
gaming machine contributions and win outcomes may occur at any
time.
[0132] Process flow 420 also checks (436) if the transfer amount
(as determined in 426) is less than the minimum transfer amount (as
determined in 434). If it is less, than the transfer amount is set
to the minimum transfer amount (438).
[0133] If the transfer amount is greater than the minimum transfer
amount, or has been reset to the minimum transfer amount, then
process flow 420 also determines if the transfer amount is greater
than the winning award (440). If the transfer amount is greater
than the winning universal progressive award, then the transfer
amount is set to equal the winning universal progressive award
(442).
[0134] Now that the transfer amount has been finally determined,
process flow 420 then proceeds to subtract the transfer amount from
the reserve pool (444) and add the transfer amount to the award
pool (446). In both cases, this may comprise altering the digital
representation of each pool and performing a financial transaction
that corresponds to each change.
[0135] Process flow 420 then broadcasts the new universal
progressive pool award (330). In one embodiment, administration of
the universal progressive award occurs in real time and the new
award is broadcast in real time to distributed gaming machine
displays that inform patrons of changes in real time.
[0136] Having discussed exemplary methods of administering and
managing a universal progressive game pool and various game pool
components, pool construction will now be briefly described.
[0137] FIG. 11 shows an illustrative pool 600 in accordance with a
specific embodiment of the present invention. Pool 600 is intended
for use with a universal progressive system that offers awards to
gaming machines regardless of the game or wager used to qualify for
an outcome of the progressive pool. Pool 600 provides an inventory
all available awards and non-award outcomes 602 for a universal
progressive pool. Pool 600 may comprise a data structure, such as a
database or logical representation of a table, which enumerates and
identifies each outcome 602. In this case, pool 600 includes a set
of data elements that each corresponds to a particular universal
progressive pool outcome 602. The data structure, or a deck portion
thereof, may be stored in memory of a game pool administrator
processing system, game pool manager processing system, and/or a
gaming machine processing system.
[0138] Each outcome 602 refers to a result for a universal
progressive pool. Exemplary outcome 602 may include a win, loss,
small or partial win, complete jackpot or large prize win, awarding
of a miscellaneous prize, etc. As the term is used herein, an award
generally refers to any incentive granted to a player for playing a
game on a gaming machine. Common awards include cash, prizes (free
meals, tickets to entertainment events, hotel offers such as rooms,
vacations--local and distant, cars, houses, etc.), and game
credits.
[0139] Each outcome may be stored as an enumerated data structure
or entry in a table or database. In one embodiment, each outcome
202 is specified as a random number seed. Further information on
random number seated as provided in commonly owned Patent No.
6,533,664 entitled "Gaming System with Individualized Centrally
Generated Random Number Generator Seeds", which is incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety for all purposes. Other suitable
data storage mechanisms may be used to represent and store an
outcome 602 and the present invention is not limited to any
particular data construct used to represent an outcome 602.
[0140] A pool may repeat outcomes. For example, one or more losing
outcomes may form a majority of the entries in some pools. Each
pool 600 may include any desired number of a particular outcome
type. For example, a `loss` outcome may constitute 70% of the
outcomes in a pool. The frequency of each outcome 602 may vary.
Less frequent outcomes may include jackpot award outcomes and large
prizes. The present invention allows a game pool designer to set
and control the type of outcomes inserted in a game pool--and the
frequency of each outcome.
[0141] Pool 600 typically includes a fixed size collection of
predetermined outcomes 602. The number of outcomes 602 in pool 600
may vary greatly. For example, ten million outcomes 602 for a pool
may suit some universal progressive pools. Greater and fewer
outcomes 602 than are ten million in a single pool are possible. In
one embodiment, the pool is generated with from about 64,000
outcomes to about 100,000 outcomes. Jurisdictional requirements may
also affect pool size and composition. One suitable construction
methodology is described in commonly owned pending patent
application Ser. No. 10/371,722 and titled "APPARATUS AND METHOD
FOR GENERATING A POOL OF SEEDS FOR A CENTRAL DETERMINATION GAMING
SYSTEM". This document is incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety for all purposes.
[0142] As shown, pool 600 has been divided into multiple decks 604
after random reorder of individual outcomes 602. Three decks 604a-c
are shown. The number of outcomes 602 in each deck 604 may vary
greatly. For example, ten thousand outcomes 602 for each deck 604
may service a single gaming machine for an extended time. Greater
and fewer outcomes 602 than are ten thousand in a single deck 604
are contemplated and may vary based on the size of the pool and the
expected usage rate of the receiving entity. Each deck 604 may be
distributed as desired. In some cases, a single gaming machine or
pool manager stores multiple decks 604 and distributes from the
multiple decks. If the outcomes in each deck have already been
randomly ordered, selection from the decks may be sequential (or
random if the gaming machine is already configured in this
manner).
[0143] When a pool 600 has been completely expended, all outcomes
will have been output to players. This permits the game pool
administrator to estimate and calculate cash flow, including income
from individual progressive contributions and expenditures
associated with prizes, for the entire pool. As mentioned above,
the present invention includes a mechanism for reseeding a
universal progressive award on the fly. For example, a new
universal progressive cash jackpot may be automatically created
when the existing progressive jackpot is fully awarded. As a
result, a winning outcome or record for universal progressive pool
600 need not be the last record in the pool. This permits multiple
pools 600 to be run simultaneously for a single universal
progressive system. In other words, the game pool administrator may
run ten pools 600 knowing that when all ten have been completed,
overall cash flow for all ten will be accounted for. Universal
progressive systems that run a single pool 600 are also possible.
One of skill in the art will appreciate that any number of pools
600 may be established for a universal progressive pool.
[0144] The present invention may employ a wide variety of gaming
machines. Returning back to FIGS. 2A and 2B, an exemplary gaming
machine 10 for use according to one embodiment of the present
invention is illustrated in perspective view.
[0145] Gaming machine 10 includes a top box 11 and a main cabinet
12, which generally surrounds the machine interior and is viewable
by users. Main cabinet 12 includes a main door 20 on the front of
the machine, which opens to provide access to the interior of the
machine. Attached to the main door are typically one or more
player-input switches or buttons 21; one or more money or credit
acceptors, such as a coin acceptor 22, and a bill or ticket scanner
23; a coin tray 24; and a belly glass 25. Viewable through main
door 20 is a primary video display monitor 26 and one or more
information panels 27. The primary video display monitor 26 may
include a cathode ray tube, flat-panel LCD, plasma/LED display or
other conventional electronically controlled video display. Top box
11, which typically rests atop of the main cabinet 12, may also
contain a ticket printer 28, a key pad 29, one or more additional
displays 30, a card reader 31, one or more speakers 32, a top glass
33, one or more cameras 34, and one or more secondary video display
monitors 35, which may also be a cathode ray tube, high resolution
flat-panel LCD, plasma/LED display or other conventional
electronically controlled video monitors. Other components and
combinations are also possible, as is the ability of the top box to
contain one or more items traditionally reserved for main cabinet
locations, and vice versa.
[0146] It will be readily understood that gaming machine 10 can be
adapted for presenting and playing any of a number of games and
gaming events, particularly games of chance involving a player
wager and potential monetary payout, such as, for example, a wager
on a sporting event or general play as a slot machine game, a keno
game, a video poker game, a video blackjack game, and/or any other
video table game, among others. While gaming machine 10 is usually
adapted for live game play with a physically present player, it is
also contemplated that such a gaming machine may also be adapted
for remote game play with a player at a remote gaming terminal.
Such an adaptation preferably involves communication from the
gaming machine to at least one outside location, such as a remote
gaming terminal itself, as well as the incorporation of a gaming
network that is capable of supporting a system of remote gaming
with multiple gaming machines and/or multiple remote gaming
terminals.
[0147] Gaming machine 10 may also be a "dummy" machine, kiosk or
gaming terminal, in that all processing may be done at a remote
server, with only the external housing, displays, and pertinent
inputs and outputs being available to a player. Further, it is also
worth noting that the term "gaming machine" may also refer to a
wide variety of gaming devices in addition to traditional free
standing gaming machines such as that shown in FIGS. 2A-2B. Such
other gaming machines can include kiosks, set-top boxes for use
with televisions in hotel rooms and elsewhere, and many server
based systems that permit players to log in and play remotely, such
as at a personal computer or PDA. All such gaming devices can be
considered "gaming machines" for purposes of the present invention
and following discussion, with all of the disclosed metering
techniques and devices being adaptable for such uses of alternative
gaming machines and devices.
[0148] With reference to FIG. 2B, the gaming machine of FIG. 2A is
illustrated in perspective view with its main door opened. In
additional to the various exterior items described above, such as
top box 11, main cabinet 12 and primary video display monitor 26,
gaming machine 10 also comprises a variety of internal components.
As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, gaming
machine 10 contains a variety of locks and mechanisms, such as main
door lock 36 and latch 37. Other locks 38, 39 on various other
machine components can also be seen. Internal portions of coin
acceptor 22 and bill or ticket scanner 23 can also be seen, along
with the physical meters associated with these peripheral devices.
Processing system 50 includes computer architecture for
participating in a universal progressive pool regardless of the
game or wager used on gaming machine 10, and will be described
below with respect to FIG. 12.
[0149] When a person wishes to play a gaming machine 10, he or she
provides coins, cash or a credit device to a scanner included in
the gaming machine. The scanner may comprise a bill scanner or a
similar device configured to read printed information on a credit
device such as a paper ticket or magnetic scanner that reads
information from a plastic card. The credit device may be stored in
the interior of the gaming machine. During interaction with the
gaming machine, the person views game information using a video
display. Usually, during the course of a game, a player is required
to make a number of decisions that affect the outcome of the game.
The player makes these choices using a set of player-input
switches.
[0150] After the player has completed interaction with the gaming
machine, the player may receive a portable credit device from the
machine that includes any credit resulting from interaction with
the gaming machine. By way of example, the portable credit device
may be a ticket having a dollar value produced by a printer within
the gaming machine or a ticket that includes indication of a
universal progressive pool win. A record of the credit value of the
device will be stored in a memory device provided on the network
100 (e.g., a memory device associated with CVT 106 and/or
processing system 101). Any credit on some devices may be used for
further games on other gaming machines 10. Alternatively, the
player may redeem the device at a designated change booth or pay
machine.
[0151] The present invention employs one or more processing
systems. For example, a processing system in a gaming machine or
universal pool manager may be configured to a) request universal
progressive pool decks from a pool administrator, b) select
outcomes from a universal progressive pool deck, c) select outcomes
from a game pool deck for a game run on the computer, d) interface
with a player, and e) communicate and interface with a gaming
system or network. A processing system in a universal pool
administrator may be configured to a) create a universal
progressive pool, b) divide the pool into decks, c) distribute the
decks, c) collect progressive contributions from participating
gaming machines, d) manage an award pool and reserve pool, and e)
communicate with numerous gaming machines using a variety of
communications protocols.
[0152] Referring now to FIG. 12, a simplified processing system 500
is shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. In one embodiment, processing system 500 is included in
a gaming machine. In another embodiment, the gaming machine
operates in a network and processing system 500 is included in a
computer or central controller that operates on the network, such
as game pool manager 54 as described above. For the network 100 of
FIG. 1B, processing system 500 may be included in information
services 108 or in a Clerk Validation Terminal (CVT) 106. In this
case, the gaming machine communicates with processing system 500
across network 100 according to its location in the network.
[0153] Processing system 500 comprises a processor (or CPU) 502,
interfaces 504, memory 506, and a bus 508 (e.g., a PCI bus). When
acting under the control of appropriate software or firmware,
processor 502 implements universal game pool functions as described
herein. CPU 502 may include one or more processors such as a
processor from the Motorola family of microprocessors or the MIPS
family of microprocessors. In an alternative embodiment, processor
502 is specially designed hardware for controlling the operations
of a gaming machine. In one embodiment, a memory 510 (such as
non-volatile RAM and/or ROM) also forms part of CPU 502. However,
there are many different ways in which memory could be coupled to
the processing system.
[0154] Interfaces 504 control the sending and receiving of data
over a network in communication with system 500 and may support
other peripherals used with system 500. Among the interfaces that
may be provided are Ethernet interfaces, cable interfaces, wireless
interfaces, dial up interfaces, and the like. In addition, various
very high-speed interfaces may be provided such as fast Ethernet
interfaces, ATM interfaces and the like.
[0155] Although the system shown in FIG. 12 is one specific
processing system, it is by no means the only processing system
architecture on which the present invention can be implemented.
Regardless of the processing system configuration, it may employ
one or more memories or memory modules (e.g., memory 506)
configured to store program instructions for gaming machine network
operations and operations associated with universal progressive
pools described herein. Such memory or memories may also be
configured to store player interactions, data structures such as
outcomes and progressive pool decks and pools described above,
instructions for communicating with other elements in a universal
progressive pool environment such as the pool administrator and
managers, instructions for one or more games played on the gaming
machine, etc.
[0156] Because such information and program instructions may be
employed to implement the systems/methods described herein, the
present invention relates to machine-readable media that include
program instructions, state information, etc. for performing
various operations described herein. Examples of machine-readable
media include, but are not limited to, magnetic media such as hard
disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape; optical media such as
CD-ROM disks; magneto-optical media such as floptical disks; and
hardware devices that are specially configured to store and perform
program instructions, such as read-only memory devices (ROM) and
random access memory (RAM). The invention may also be embodied in a
carrier wave traveling over an appropriate medium such as airwaves,
optical lines, electric lines, etc. Examples of program
instructions include both machine code, such as produced by a
compiler, and files containing higher-level code that may be
executed by the computer using an interpreter.
[0157] Although the foregoing invention has been described in some
detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be
apparent that certain changes and modifications may be practiced
within the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the present
examples are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive,
and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein,
but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *