U.S. patent application number 12/025711 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-06 for bonus keno game.
Invention is credited to David B. Schultz.
Application Number | 20090197663 12/025711 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40932233 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090197663 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schultz; David B. |
August 6, 2009 |
BONUS KENO GAME
Abstract
Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a keno game
having a bonus round. The keno game provides a player with an
additional opportunity to win, after the keno balls have been
drawn, to add excitement and volatility to the standard keno game.
According to one method, the gaming machine receives the player's
input, with the player selecting one or more numbers. A keno draw,
which includes a plurality of numbers from a keno pool, is then
displayed to the player. A bonus round is initiated in response to
a trigger event. The bonus round is a random selection of one or
more numbers in addition to the numbers previously selected form
the keno draw. The numbers selected from the bonus round are
displayed to the player the numbers selected by the player are
evaluated again the numbers from the keno draw results as well as
the bonus round, and a payout for any winning outcomes are awarded
to the player.
Inventors: |
Schultz; David B.;
(Henderson, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STEPTOE & JOHNSON, LLP
2121 AVENUE OF THE STARS, SUITE 2800
LOS ANGELES
CA
90067
US
|
Family ID: |
40932233 |
Appl. No.: |
12/025711 |
Filed: |
February 4, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/18 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3232 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101; G07F 17/329 20130101; G07F 17/3267
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/18 |
International
Class: |
A63F 3/06 20060101
A63F003/06 |
Claims
1. A gaming device, comprising: a display for presenting a keno
game and a bonus round; a player input device for receiving player
selections of one or more numbers; and a processor for evaluating
the numbers selected by the player against the keno draw and the
bonus round, determining whether to initiate the bonus round, and
issuing a payout for any winning outcome.
2. The gaming device of claim 1, further comprising a second
display for presenting the keno draw.
3. The gaming device of claim 1, further comprising a player
tracking system in communication with the processor.
4. The gaming device of claim 1, further comprising a cashless
gaming system in communication with the processor.
5. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the player input device is
a touch screen system positioned over the display.
6. A gaming system, comprising: a gaming server in communication
with each of the gaming machines, the gaming server manages a keno
game and bonus round, communicates the results of the keno game and
the bonus round to each of the gaming machines; and a plurality of
gaming machines, each gaming machine including a display for
presenting a keno game and a bonus round, a player input device for
receiving player selections of one or more numbers, a processor for
evaluating the numbers selected by the player against a keno draw,
and a means for issuing a payout for any winning outcomes.
7. The gaming system of claim 6, further comprising a player
tracking system in communication with the plurality of gaming
machines.
8. The gaming system of claim 6, further comprising a cashless
gaming system in communication with the plurality of gaming
machines.
9. The gaming system of claim 6, wherein the player input device is
a touch screen system positioned over the display.
10. A gaming system, comprising: a gaming server in communication
with each of the gaming machines, the gaming server including one
or more computer-readable media comprising computer-executable
instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, causes
the one or more processors to select a plurality of numbers for a
keno draw, transmit the keno draw to the gaming machines, evaluate
the numbers selected by the players against the keno draw,
determine whether a trigger event has been established on a gaming
machine, and present a bonus round to an eligible gaming machine;
and a plurality of gaming machines, each gaming machine including a
display for presenting a keno game and a bonus round, a player
input device for receiving player selections of one or more
numbers, a processor for evaluating the numbers selected by the
player against a keno draw, and a means for issuing a payout for
any winning outcomes.
11. The gaming system of claim 10, further comprising a player
tracking system in communication with the plurality of gaming
machines.
12. The gaming system of claim 10, further comprising a cashless
gaming system in communication with the plurality of gaming
machines.
13. The gaming system of claim 10, wherein the player input device
is a touch screen system positioned over the display.
14. One or more computer-readable media comprising
computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more
processors, causes the one or more processors to: receive player
input selecting one or more numbers; display a keno draw that
comprises a plurality of numbers from a keno pool; initiate a bonus
round in response to a trigger event, wherein the bonus round is a
random selection of one or more numbers in addition to the keno
draw; display the numbers selected from the bonus round; evaluate
the numbers selected by the player against the numbers from the
draw results and the bonus round; and issue a payout for any
winning outcomes.
15. The computer-readable media of claim 14, wherein the player
input is the activation of an automatic pick function.
16. The computer-readable media of claim 14, wherein the trigger
event is a randomly selected number from the keno pool, a
specialized bonus symbol, a predetermined number of maximum wagers,
a predetermined number of spots, a predetermined number of
purchased keno cards, a player card level, or any combination
thereof.
17. The computer-readable media of claim 14, wherein the trigger
event is the player purchasing the bonus round.
18. The computer-readable media of claim 14, wherein the numbers
selected from the bonus round comprise only those numbers not
selected from the keno pool thereby preventing duplicative
selection of a number in the bonus round.
19. The computer-readable media of claim 14, further causing the
one or more processors to determine whether the player is eligible
to play the bonus round in response to the trigger event.
20. One or more computer-readable media comprising
computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more
processors, causes the one or more processors to: receive player
input selecting one or more numbers; display a keno draw of twenty
randomly selected numbers; evaluate the numbers selected by the
player against the keno draw and issuing a first payout for any
winning outcomes; initiate a bonus round in response to a trigger
event, wherein the bonus round is a random selection of one or more
numbers in addition to the keno draw; display the numbers selected
from the bonus round; evaluate the numbers selected by the player
against the numbers from the keno draw and the bonus round; and
issue a second payout for any winning outcomes.
21. The computer-readable media of claim 20, wherein the player
input is the activation of an automatic pick function.
22. The computer-readable media of claim 20, wherein the trigger
event is a randomly selected number from the keno pool, a
specialized bonus symbol, a predetermined number of maximum wagers,
a predetermined number of spots, a predetermined number of
purchased keno cards, a player card level, or any combination
thereof.
23. The computer-readable media of claim 20, wherein the trigger
event is the player purchasing the bonus round.
24. The computer-readable media of claim 20, wherein the numbers
selected from the bonus round comprise only those numbers not
selected from the keno pool thereby preventing duplicative
selection of a number in the bonus round.
25. The computer-readable media of claim 20, further causing the
one or more processors to determine whether the player is eligible
to play the bonus round in response to the trigger event.
26. The computer-readable media of claim 20, wherein a first
paytable is used to determine the first payout and a second payout
is used to determine the second paytable.
27. One or more computer-readable media comprising
computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more
processors, causes the one or more processors to: retrieve player
account information in response to player input; determine whether
the player is eligible to play a bonus round, wherein player
eligibility is based on the player account information; receive
player input selecting one or more numbers; display a keno draw of
twenty randomly selected numbers; initiate a bonus round in
response to a trigger event, wherein the bonus round is a random
selection of one or more numbers in addition to the keno draw;
evaluate the numbers selected by the player against the numbers
from the bonus round and the keno draw; and issue a payout for any
winning outcomes.
28. The computer-readable media of claim 27, wherein the player
input is the activation of an automatic pick function.
29. The computer-readable media of claim 27, wherein the trigger
event is a randomly selected number from the keno pool, a
specialized bonus symbol, a predetermined number of maximum wagers,
a predetermined number of spots, a predetermined number of
purchased keno cards, a player card level, or any combination
thereof.
30. The computer-readable media of claim 27, wherein the trigger
event is the player purchasing the bonus round.
31. The computer-readable media of claim 27, wherein the numbers
selected from the bonus round comprise only those numbers not
selected from the keno pool thereby preventing duplicative
selection of a number in the bonus round.
32. The computer-readable media of claim 27, wherein the player
account information includes a player club level, number of player
points accrued, player rating, or any combination thereof.
33. One or more computer-readable media comprising
computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more
processors, causes the one or more processors to: determine player
eligibility for a keno bonus round, wherein player eligibility is
based upon a player's account information; select a paytable based
upon the player's account information; receive player input
selecting one or more numbers; display a keno draw of twenty
randomly selected numbers; initiate a bonus round in response to a
trigger event, wherein the bonus round is a random selection of one
or more numbers in addition to the keno draw; evaluate the numbers
selected by the player against the numbers from the bonus round and
the keno draw; and issue a payout for any winning outcomes.
34. The computer-readable media of claim 33, further causing the
one or more processors to: award points to the player for game
play; and present the player with the option to save points for
future game play.
35. The computer-readable media of claim 33, wherein the player
account information includes a player club level, number of player
points accrued, player rating, or any combination thereof.
36. The computer-readable media of claim 33, wherein the player
input is the activation of an automatic pick function.
37. The computer-readable media of claim 33, wherein the trigger
event is a randomly selected number from the keno pool, a
specialized bonus symbol, a predetermined number of maximum wagers,
a predetermined number of spots, a predetermined number of
purchased keno cards, a player card level, a predetermined number
of points, or any combination thereof.
38. The computer-readable media of claim 33, wherein the trigger
event is the player purchasing the bonus round.
39. The computer-readable media of claim 33, wherein the numbers
selected from the bonus round comprise only those numbers not
selected from the keno pool thereby preventing duplicative
selection of a number in the bonus round.
40. The computer-readable media of claim 33, further comprising:
presenting the player with an option to configure player
preferences for game play; and saving the player preferences for
future gaming sessions.
41. The computer-readable media of claim 40, wherein the player
preferences are speed of play, layout of the game on a game
display, font size on the game display, application of multiple
wagers, colors of marks, audio volume, types of animation, or any
combination thereof.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/025,718 concurrently filed on Feb. 4, 2008,
entitled BONUS KENO GAME AND RELATED METHODS.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise
reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Many games of chance and gaming machines have been developed
that have various features designed to capture and maintain player
interest. Traditionally, games garner player interest by providing
the player with the opportunity to win cash awards based upon a
player's wager. For example, games may include one or more bonus
games or the opportunity to win progressive jackpots in order to
maintain player interest.
[0004] Additionally, over the years, games have grown in both
sophistication and in the types of gaming features used to maintain
a player's interest. For example, the mechanical reels of
traditional gaming machines have been replaced with video
depictions of spinning reels. These video gaming machines may
provide a richer gaming experience for players by including
graphics or animation as part of the game. However, there is a
continuing need for games that provide player excitement and
diversity of game play without creating overly complex games that
unacceptably diminish player comfort.
SUMMARY
[0005] Briefly, and in general terms, various embodiments are
directed to a keno game having a bonus round. The keno game
provides a player with an additional opportunity to win, after the
keno balls have been drawn, to add excitement and volatility to the
standard keno game. According to one method, the gaming machine
receives the player's input, with the player selecting one or more
numbers. A keno draw, which includes a plurality of numbers from a
keno pool, is then displayed to the player. A bonus round is
initiated in response to a trigger event. The bonus round is a
random selection of one or more numbers in addition to the numbers
previously selected from the keno draw. The numbers selected from
the bonus round are displayed to the player. The numbers selected
by the player are evaluated against the numbers from the keno draw
results as well as the bonus round, and a payout for any winning
outcomes are issued to the player.
[0006] In another method, the gaming machine receives the player's
input, with the player selecting one or more numbers. A keno draw
of twenty randomly selected numbers is displayed to the player. The
numbers selected by the player are evaluated again the numbers from
the keno draw results and a first payout is issued for any winning
outcomes. A bonus round then is initiated in response to a trigger
event. The bonus round is a random selection of one or more numbers
in addition to the numbers selected from the keno draw. The numbers
selected from the bonus round are displayed to the player. The
numbers selected by the player are evaluated against the numbers
from the keno draw results as well as the bonus round, and a second
payout for any winning outcomes are issued to the player.
[0007] In yet another method, player account information is
retrieved in response to a player input at a gaming machine. A
determination regarding player eligibility for a bonus round is
made. The player's eligibility is based upon the player's account
information. The gaming machine receives the player input selecting
one or more numbers. A keno draw of twenty randomly selected
numbers is displayed to the player. A bonus round is initiated in
response to a trigger event. The bonus round is a random selection
of one or more numbers in addition to the numbers selected from the
keno draw. The numbers previously selected from the bonus round are
displayed to the player. The numbers selected by the player are
evaluated against the numbers from the keno draw results as well as
the bonus round, and a payout for any winning outcomes are issued
to the player.
[0008] In another method, player eligibility for a keno bonus round
is based upon a player's account information. If the player is
eligible for the keno bonus round, a paytable is selected based
upon the player's account information. The gaming machine receives
the player's input, with the player selecting one or more numbers.
A keno draw of twenty randomly selected numbers is displayed to the
player. A bonus round is initiated in response to a trigger event.
The bonus round is a random selection of one or more numbers in
addition to the numbers selected from the keno draw. The numbers
selected from the bonus round are displayed to the player. The
numbers selected by the player are evaluated again the numbers from
the keno draw results and the bonus round, and a payout for any
winning outcomes are issued to the player based on the selected
paytable.
[0009] In addition to various methods for presenting a keno game
having a bonus round, various embodiments of computer-readable
media including computer-executable instructions are disclosed
herein that cause one or more processors to present a keno game and
a bonus round. In one embodiment, the computer-executable
instructions cause one or more processors to receive player input
selecting one or more numbers; display a keno draw that comprises a
plurality of numbers from a keno pool; initiate a bonus round in
response to a trigger event, wherein the bonus round is a random
selection of one or more numbers in addition to the keno draw;
display the numbers selected from the bonus round; evaluate the
numbers selected by the player against the numbers from the draw
results and the bonus round; and issue a payout for any winning
outcomes.
[0010] In another embodiment, the computer-readable media includes
computer-executable instructions that cause one or more processors
to receive player input selecting one or more numbers; display a
keno draw of twenty randomly selected numbers; evaluate the numbers
selected by the player against the keno draw and issuing a first
payout for any winning outcomes; initiate a bonus round in response
to a trigger event, wherein the bonus round is a random selection
of one or more numbers in addition to the keno draw; display the
numbers selected from the bonus round; evaluate the numbers
selected by the player against the numbers from the keno draw and
the bonus round; and issue a second payout for any winning
outcomes.
[0011] In yet another embodiment, the computer-readable media
includes computer-executable instructions that cause one or more
processors to retrieve player account information in response to
player input; determine whether the player is eligible to play a
bonus round, wherein player eligibility is based on the player
account information; receive player input selecting one or more
numbers; display a keno draw of twenty randomly selected numbers;
initiate a bonus round in response to a trigger event, wherein the
bonus round is a random selection of one or more numbers in
addition to the keno draw; evaluate the numbers selected by the
player against the numbers from the bonus round and the keno draw;
and issue a payout for any winning outcomes.
[0012] In another embodiment, the computer-readable media includes
computer-executable instructions that cause one or more processors
to determine player eligibility for a keno bonus round, wherein
player eligibility is based upon a player's account information;
select a paytable based upon the player's account information;
receive player input selecting one or more numbers; display a keno
draw of twenty randomly selected numbers; initiate a bonus round in
response to a trigger event, wherein the bonus round is a random
selection of one or more numbers in addition to the keno draw;
evaluate the numbers selected by the player against the numbers
from the bonus round and the keno draw; and issue a payout for any
winning outcomes.
[0013] In addition to methods and computer-readable media, various
gaming devices and gaming systems for presenting a keno game having
a bonus round are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment,
the gaming device includes a display for presenting a keno game and
a bonus round, a player input device for receiving player
selections of one or more numbers, and a processor for evaluating
the numbers selected by the player against a keno draw and
determining whether to initiate the bonus round.
[0014] In another embodiment, the gaming system includes a
plurality of gaming machines in communication with a gaming server.
Each gaming machine includes a display for presenting a keno game
and a bonus round and a player input device for receiving player
selections of one or more numbers. The gaming server manages the
keno game and bonus round and communicates the results of the keno
game and the bonus round to each of the gaming machines.
[0015] In yet another embodiment, the gaming system includes a
plurality of gaming machines in communication with the gaming
server. Each gaming machine includes a display for presenting a
keno game and a bonus round and a player input device for receiving
player selections of one or more numbers. The gaming server
includes one or more computer-readable media having
computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more
processors, causes the one or more processors to select a plurality
of numbers for a keno draw, transmit the keno draw to the gaming
machines, evaluate the numbers selected by the players against the
keno draw, determine whether a trigger event has been established
on a gaming machine, and present a bonus round to an eligible
gaming machine.
[0016] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the
following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, which illustrate by way of example, the
features of the various embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a gaming
machine presenting a keno game having a bonus round.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a diagram of one embodiment of a gaming system
including a plurality of gaming machines presenting a keno game
having a bonus round.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of one method of presenting a keno
game having a bonus round.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of another method of presenting a
keno game having a bonus round.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of yet another method of presenting
a keno game having a bonus round.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of another method of presenting a
keno game having a bonus round.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a keno
game having a bonus round. The disclosed keno game provides a
player with an additional opportunity to win after the keno balls
have been drawn to add excitement and volatility to the standard
keno game. According to one embodiment, the keno game includes a
bonus round that does not include another keno ball draw. At the
conclusion of the keno game, a subsequent selection of one or more
numbers (that does not include another keno ball draw) occurs.
After the bonus selection of one or more numbers, the player's
selected numbers are evaluated for any winning outcomes.
Alternatively, additional keno balls are drawn after the main keno
ball draw. By selecting one or more keno numbers, all the possible
keno numbers are in play whereas the selection of one or more keno
balls involves the selection of one more keno balls from the balls
remaining after the initial keno ball draw. In either embodiment,
the resultant outcome (i.e., number of player selected numbers
matching the drawn balls or numbers) is then evaluated against a
paytable to determine whether a winning outcome has occurred.
[0024] In one embodiment, the keno or bingo games are live games
played in a keno lounge, bingo hall, or a gaming establishment.
Alternatively, the keno or bingo games are presented online via the
Internet or a gaming establishment intranet. In another embodiment,
the games are presented on video gaming machines.
[0025] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals denote like or corresponding parts throughout the drawings
and, more particularly to FIGS. 1-6, there are shown various
embodiments of a keno gaming having a bonus round. For the sake of
clarity, the various embodiments described refer to a keno game,
but the descriptions are applicable to other games of chance such
as, but not limited to, a bingo game, lottery, or any other ball
draw game.
[0026] FIG. 1 shows a gaming machine 10 presenting a keno game
having a bonus round. The gaming machine 10 includes a main display
12 positioned within the main cabinet 14. The main display 12
presents the keno game to a player. As shown in FIG. 1, the main
display 12 presents a keno board having 80 numbers in eight rows of
ten. Optionally, the main display 12 also presents the keno draw,
which typically is the selection of twenty numbers. The keno draw
may be shown as an animated sequence depicting the selection of the
keno balls from a keno cage. Alternately, the keno draw (not shown)
is presented as twenty numbers presented across the top of the main
display 12.
[0027] Various keno games having a bonus round may be presented on
the gaming machine 10. Turning now to FIG. 3, according to one
method, a player purchases one or more opportunities to play a keno
game in the form a keno ticket (paper or electronic) at step 50.
The keno ticket comprises a player's selection of one or more
numbers up to twenty numbers. Alternately, the player may elect an
automatic selection in which the player picks the total number of
numbers to be selected and the gaming machine (or gaming server)
selects the actual numbers. In another method, the player is able
to select numbers based upon patterns (e.g., four corners, one or
more rows, one or more columns, a block of numbers, or the like).
Optionally, the player may elect known keno ticket wagers such as,
but not limited to, a "left-right ticket" or a "top-bottom ticket"
in which a ticket is evenly split into a left side and a right side
where the object is to catch numbers only on a selected half of the
ticket (or in the alternative not catch any numbers on the selected
half of the ticket).
[0028] At step 52, the keno ticket or keno numbers have been
selected by the player, and a keno draw automatically occurs at
step 54. Optionally, the player verifies his selection prior to the
initiation of the keno draw. Traditionally, the keno draw consists
of selecting twenty numbers (or numbered balls) from a set of
eighty numbers (or numbered balls). According to one embodiment,
the player is responsible for marking the numbers from the keno
draw. Alternatively, the selected numbers are automatically marked
by the gaming machine. The number may be marked by crossing out the
number, highlighting the number, altering the color of the number,
altering the background color associated with the number,
backlighting a selected number, animating the number, or any
combination thereof.
[0029] At step 56, the game processor determines whether a trigger
event has occurred. If no trigger event has been established, the
game results are compared to a pay table and any winning outcomes
are paid to the player (steps 60, 62, 64). The pay table lists a
payout value for matching one to twenty numbers from the keno draw.
If a trigger event has been established, the bonus round is
initiated at step 66. At step 68, the selected bonus numbers are
presented to the player. The player's ticket is then evaluated
against the results of the bonus round as well as the keno draw at
step 70. If the ticket is not a winning ticket, the game ends at
step 62. Alternatively, the winning ticket is paid according to
step 64. According to one method, the same pay table is used
evaluate the first award and the bonus award. This provides the
player with the increased opportunity to win a greater award. In
contrast, prior art games typically reduce the payouts when
awarding bonus awards thereby reducing the player
benefit/advantage.
[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates another method of a keno game having a
bonus round with two potential payouts. The player ticket is
evaluated against the keno draw at step 72. If the ticket has a
winning combination of numbers (i.e., hits), the player is issued
an award according to a paytable at step 64. After the player
ticket is evaluated (and any winning outcomes are issued), the
gaming processor determines whether a trigger event has occurred at
step 58. If a trigger event is present, a bonus round is initiated
at step 66. The player ticket is then evaluated against the keno
draw and the bonus round at step 70. Any awards for any winning
combinations are then issued to the player at step 64.
[0031] Various trigger events may be used with the methods
disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, the trigger event is
a "wild" ball. The "wild" ball is added to the traditional eighty
keno balls. The "wild" ball is depicted with a unique ball color,
special text, or some other designation that distinguishes the
"wild" ball from the other keno balls. In another embodiment, a
trigger event is the selection of a randomly pre-selected number.
For example, the processor (or server) selects the number eight and
selection of the number eight during the keno draw would trigger a
bonus round. In yet another embodiment, the random appearance of an
icon (that represents a bonus round) is presented on the main
display or any other display on the gaming machine. Alternatively,
the bonus round is randomly presented to the player at the end of a
keno draw. That is, there is no indication during game play that
notifies the player that they are qualified for a bonus round.
[0032] In yet another method, a trigger event is a system-generated
message sent from another networked gaming machine or a message
from a system host. For example, the message may be a
tournament-initiating message (e.g., tournament is starting or
player is eligible to play in the tournament) or a system-initiated
bonus game message (e.g., bonus game is starting or player is
eligible for the bonus game).
[0033] In another method, triggering events are based upon player
activity/actions. For example, the triggering event may be based
upon player performance such as, but not limited to, inserting a
player tracking card into the gaming machine or inputting player ID
number (e.g., step 74 of FIG. 5 or step 78 of FIG. 6), time of
play, frequency of play (i.e., number of games played in a
particular period of time), number of maximum bets, number of
player points earned, or a combination thereof. In one method, the
player is awarded points for each keno game played, keno ticket
purchased, number of maximum wagers, or the like. In this method,
the player needs to accrue a predetermined number of points in
order to qualify for a bonus round. Optionally, a counter
presenting the number of points accrued or the number of remaining
points needed to qualify for a bonus round may also be presented to
a player on at least one of the displays of the gaming machine.
[0034] In one method, the player's is allowed purchase of a bonus
round. The player is able to purchase a bonus round prior to play
of the keno game, during play of the keno game, after a trigger
event, or any combination thereof. According to one method, the
player purchases a predefined number of numbers (e.g., one, two, or
five additional numbers). Optionally, the cost of each addition
number is incremental (e.g., first number costs 1 credit, second
number costs three credits, and third number costs five credits).
Alternatively, the cost of playing the bonus round is fixed, and
the player is given a predetermined number of additional number
selections.
[0035] Once the bonus round is triggered, one or more additional
keno balls (i.e., numbers) are selected. According to one method,
the additional numbers are randomly selected from all eighty
numbers that comprise a keno game. As a result, it is possible that
a number may be selected twice (i.e., selected during the normal
keno draw and the bonus round). In another method, the additional
numbers are randomly selected from the remaining, unselected
numbers, which is typically sixty numbers after a keno draw.
[0036] In one method, the additional number of keno balls (numbers)
is predetermined by the gaming manufacturer or the gaming
establishment. For example, the player is given three additional
keno balls in response to a trigger event. In another method, the
number of additional numbers is based upon the player wager size.
Other player wager characteristics that alter the number of
additional balls include, but are not limited to, wager size, the
number of keno tickets played, rate of play, number of maximum
wagers, number of earned player points, player club level, or any
other standard that is used to measure or track player wagers. For
example, a maximum wager entitles a player to the maximum number of
additional balls. In another example, a wager of one credit
entitles a player to one additional number, and a wager of two
credits entitles a player to two additional numbers (i.e., each
credit wager entitles a player to one additional number).
[0037] When the bonus round is triggered and the additional numbers
are selected, the additional numbers are marked with different
indicia (e.g., color, shape, size of number (i.e., selected number
is enlarged), animation, highlighting, or background color) as
compared to marked spots (i.e., numbers) from the standard ball
draw. The different indicia distinguishes the "bonus" marked spots
from the initial player selections. As those skilled in the art
will appreciate, any indicia to distinguish between the base game
spots and the bonus spots is contemplated. Alternatively, the bonus
marked spots may be identified with the same markings as the
standard ball draw.
[0038] After the additional numbers have been selected and
displayed, the game outcome is evaluated against the pay table at
step 58 as shown in FIGS. 3-6. Specifically, the number of hits
(numbers selected by the player that are also presented during keno
draw) is tallied and compared to the pay table. According to one
method, the additional numbers selected during the bonus round
provide the player with additional numbers to achieve or improve a
particular winning outcome at step 70 as shown in FIGS. 3-6. For
example, a player who had no matches after the keno draw may hit
one or more numbers during the bonus round thereby resulting in a
winning outcome. A player may improve a winning outcome (e.g., four
matched numbers) if the player matches one or more bonus numbers.
In another method, matching any of the bonus numbers enhances the
winning outcome. For example, a winning payout is multiplied (e.g.,
2.times., 3.times., or the like). In yet another method, if a
number is marked (i.e., matched in the base keno game) and the same
number is selected in the bonus round, the player is award a
multiplier of the stated pay out on the pay table.
[0039] In another method, the bonus aspect of the keno game
involves the number selection process by the player. That is, the
player is able to select one or more additional "bonus numbers"
prior to the keno draw. In this method, the trigger of the "bonus"
number selection may be based upon the player's status (e.g., high
roller, Gold club level player, or other indicia of player rating).
If the player is qualified, the player is eligible to select one or
more "bonus" numbers. For example, if the player selects seven
numbers, the player may be entitled to elect one "bonus" number
prior to the keno draw. The player game is evaluated and paid out
on the basis of seven numbers even though the player has selected
eight numbers. Accordingly, the bonus number increases the odds
that the player will match one through seven numbers.
[0040] In one method, the number of bonus numbers that the player
may select is based upon the number of spots (i.e., number of
selected numbers). For example, a player only playing a keno game
of one to three numbers may only be eligible to select one "bonus"
number whereas a player playing a keno game of twenty numbers may
be eligible to select three "bonus" numbers. In another method, the
number of "bonus" numbers available to the player may be based on
the player's activity or status (i.e., club level or some other
indicia of player rating). In either method, the pay table for the
keno game may be static (i.e., the same pay table is used whether
or not a player has selected "bonus" numbers). Alternatively, the
game may include a standard paytable and a bonus paytable. The
gaming manufacturer or the gaming establishment may adjust the
payouts of the bonus pay table to either enhance the payouts as
compared to the standard pay table or reduce one or more payouts as
compared to the standard pay table to offset the additional
opportunities to achieve a catch (i.e., a chosen number that
matches a number from the keno draw).
[0041] In addition to various methods for presenting a keno game
having a bonus round, various aspects of the game are customizable
according to a player's preferences. These preferences may be saved
onto a player tracking card or a player account that is stored on a
back end system. The aspects of the game that may be customized
include the speed of game play, preferred wager denominations,
preferred number of keno tickets to play for a given keno draw,
presence or absence of a keno draw animation, preferred number
selections or patterns, number colors, background colors, layout of
the game display, font size on the screen, or any combination
thereof. Additionally, the keno game may be configured to the
player according to player characteristics. For example, a player
is awarded one or more bonus rounds on special dates (e.g.,
birthday, wedding anniversary, membership milestones (e.g., player
club member for one year)) or during promotional periods or during
one or more holidays, or being a member of a particular convention
or tour group. In another embodiment, the paytable for the game is
configured to a particular player club level (e.g., Silver, Gold,
and Platinum paytables) as shown in FIG. 6 at step 80.
[0042] In yet another aspect of the keno game having a bonus round,
the game is configured for community play. Community play is a
plurality of players playing the game toward a common goal or in
competition with one another. For example, players playing the keno
game may collectively attempt to collect a sufficient number of
play points to qualify for the bonus round. Alternatively, all the
active players are awarded a bonus round when a single player
achieves a sufficient number of play points. That is, a single
player may trigger a bonus round for all the active players of the
keno bonus game. In another embodiment, the players are all
competing to achieve a particular trigger event for the bonus round
(e.g., the fastest player to achieve a predetermined number of play
points wins one or more bonus rounds). In yet another embodiment,
the keno bonus game is configured for tournament play. Accordingly,
a group of players are playing the keno bonus game for a given
period of time, and the player that achieves the highest score (or
earns the most credits) is the winner of the tournament.
[0043] Referring back to FIG. 1, the main display 12 includes a
touch screen or a touch glass technology that allows the player to
input their number selection by touching a particular portion of
the screen displaying a particular number. Additionally, as shown
in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 10 includes a plurality of
player-activated buttons 20 used for various functions such as, but
not limited to, selecting a wager denomination, selecting a number
of games to be played, selecting the wager amount per game,
initiating a game, or cashing out money from the gaming machine 10.
In various embodiments, the player-activated buttons 20 function
are, but are not limited to, mechanical buttons, electromechanical
buttons, touch screen buttons, or soft key buttons. According to
one embodiment, the buttons 20 are backlit to indicate whether the
button is active.
[0044] In another embodiment, the player-activated button is a
universal button module that provides a dynamic button system
adaptable for use with various games, as disclosed in U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/106,212, entitled "Universal Button
Module", filed Apr. 14, 2005 and U.S. application Ser. No.
11/223,364, entitled "Universal Button Module", filed Sep. 9, 2005,
which are both hereby incorporated herein by reference. In other
embodiments, other input devices, such as but not limited to, touch
pad, track ball, mouse, switches, toggle switches, are included
with the gaming machine to also accept player input.
[0045] In yet another embodiment, a cellular phone or other input
device (e.g., PDA), separate and apart, from the gaming machine may
also be used to input various player choices and information to
enhance the player's interactive experience with the gaming
machine. In this embodiment, the gaming machine 10 includes an IR
sensor, RF sensor, BLUETOOTH receiver, or other means for receiving
input from a cellular phone or other wireless input devices.
Furthermore, inputting information via these devices provides an
added level of security as any key presses may be hidden from view.
In yet another embodiment, a player may call or send a text message
or a short message service (SMS) to the gaming machine.
[0046] In another embodiment, the top box 18 includes a secondary
display 24. The secondary display 24 may be used to present an
animated sequence mimicking a keno draw. For example, the animated
sequence includes a cage or hopper holding keno balls numbered
1-80, the rotating of the cage or hopper, and the selection of a
ball from the cage or hopper. Optionally, the animation sequence
may include audio (e.g., a casino employee calling out the numbers
during the keno game).
[0047] In yet another embodiment, the secondary display 24 presents
game information (e.g., name of the game, animation, one or more
pay tables, game information, one or more help menus, progressive
jackpot or game information, tournament game information, or any
combination thereof) or non-game related information (e.g., news,
advertisements, messages, promotions, or any combination thereof).
In another embodiment, the secondary display 24 presents a
secondary game such as, but not limited to, a bonus game, a
progressive game, or another game of chance such as, but not
limited to, video slots, video keno, video poker, video blackjack,
video roulette, Class II bingo, games of skill, games of chance
involving some player skill, or any combination thereof.
[0048] In an alternative embodiment, the secondary display 24
presents game-related information such as, but not limited to, a
pay table or one or more game options to the player. Alternately,
the secondary display 24 presents non-game related information such
as, but not limited to, advertisements, news, information on sports
betting and betting options for those sporting events, requests for
drinks or food, concierge services, or promotional information
(e.g., information relating to player's club).
[0049] The main cabinet 14 of the gaming machine 10 is a
self-standing unit that is generally rectangular in shape. In
another embodiment, the main cabinet is a slant-top gaming cabinet.
Alternatively, in other embodiments, the gaming cabinet may be any
shaped cabinet known or developed in the art that may include a top
box. Additionally, the cabinet may be manufactured with reinforced
steel or other rigid materials that are resistant to tampering and
vandalism. Optionally, in an alternate embodiment, the gaming
machine is a cinema-style gaming machine (not shown) having a
widescreen display, as disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No.
11/225,827, entitled "Ergonomic Gaming Cabinet," filed on Sep. 12,
2005, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 10 includes a top box
18 and a main cabinet 16. According to one embodiment, the top box
18 is a separate and distinct component that is affixed to the main
cabinet 16. In another embodiment, the top box 18 is an area that
is partitioned from the main cabinet 16. Alternatively, the top box
18 and the main cabinet 16 may be contiguous areas with the outward
appearance of two distinct components. In another embodiment, the
top box 18 also includes a display glass (not shown) that includes
the name of the game, artwork, game instructions, pay table, or
other information relating to one or more games presented on the
gaming machine 10.
[0051] Optionally, the gaming machine 10 also includes a third
display 30 positioned below the primary display 12. As those
skilled in the art will appreciate, the third display may be
positioned below the main display, adjacent to the primary or
secondary display, on the player interface, or any location on the
gaming machine within the line-of-sight of a player. According to
one embodiment, the third display 30 is a graphical interface,
which is the subject of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/943,771, filed Sep. 16, 2004, which is hereby incorporated
herein by reference.
[0052] The graphical interface includes a web content capable
display screen and an embedded processor. Preferably, the web
content capable display screen presents web information to a user
via the display screen. The embedded processor preferably utilizes
an internal operating system and communicates with the gaming
processor of the gaming machine. Preferably, the embedded processor
reads incoming data, translates the data into a web protocol (web
authoring language), if necessary, and maps the data to the web
content capable display screen. In this manner, the web content
capable display screen increases user excitement by providing a
richer gaming experience. Furthermore, the display allows the
player to play a secondary game, input information, make
selections, receive promotional information or other types of
information including, but not limited to, notification that the
player has won a system award, is entered into a tournament game or
other bonus game. Additionally, the player is able to configure the
attributes of interchanging display content via the graphical
interface. In another embodiment, the content of the graphical
interface may be presented on a portion of the main display 12 or
as a pop-up window on the main display.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 10 includes a player
tracking system. The player tracking system allows a casino to
monitor the gaming activities of various players. Additionally, the
player tracking system is able to store data relating to a player's
gaming habits. That is, a player can accrue player points that
depend upon the amount and frequency of their wagers. Casinos can
use these player points to compensate the loyal patronage of
players. For example, casinos may award or "comp" a player free
meals, room accommodations, tickets to shows, and invitations to
casino events and promotional affairs. In one embodiment, the
player's club level (e.g., Silver, Gold, Platinum), player rating,
or total number of player points may qualify a player for a keno
bonus round. In another embodiment, the player's club level adjusts
the pay table for a keno game. Accordingly, a higher rated player
wins more money for a given outcome as compared to a lower level
(or unrated) player.
[0054] Typically, the player tracking system is operatively
connected to one or more input components on the gaming machine 10.
These input components include, but are not limited to, a slot 28
for receiving a player tracking card, a keypad or equivalent, an
electronic button receptor, a display 32, a touch screen, or the
like. The player tracking system may also include a database of all
qualified players (i.e., those players who have enrolled in a
player rating or point accruing program). Generally, the database
for the player tracking system is separate from the gaming
machines.
[0055] The main cabinet 16 of the gaming machine also houses a game
management unit (not shown) that includes a CPU, circuitry, and
software for receiving signals from the player-activated buttons
20, operating the games, and transmitting signals to the respective
game display 12, 24 and speakers 34.
[0056] In various embodiments, game program may be stored in a
memory (not shown) comprising a read only memory (ROM), volatile or
non-volatile random access memory (RAM), a hard drive or flash
memory device or any of several alternative types of single or
multiple memory devices or structures. Optionally, the gaming
machines 10 includes one or more data repositories for storing
data. Examples of information stored by the gaming machines 10
include, but are not limited to, accounting data, maintenance
history information, short and/or long-term play data, real-time
play data, sound data, video data, or animation data.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 10 includes a ticket
reader/ticket printer slot 36 that is associated with a cashless
gaming system (not shown). According to one embodiment, the slot 36
is used for the ticket reader and ticket printer. Accordingly, the
same slot 36 may be used to insert and/or issue a ticket. However,
in alternate embodiments, separate slots (not shown) may be
provided for the ticket acceptor and the ticket printer. In one
embodiment, the ticket reader (not shown) of the cashless gaming
system is capable of accepting previously printed vouchers, paper
currency, promotional coupons, or the like. The ticket printer (not
shown) of the cashless gaming system generates vouchers having
printed information that includes, but is not limited to, the value
of the voucher (i.e., cash-out amount) and a barcode that
identifies the voucher.
[0058] In another embodiment, the gaming machine 10 includes an
internet connection or other known network connections to link one
or more gaming machines together. According to one embodiment, the
internet connection is used for web browsing, prize redemption, or
access to other gaming or non-gaming information. Additionally,
with the various gaming machines in communication with one another
(or a system host), the gaming machine 10 may participate in a
gaming tournament. In one embodiment, the gaming tournament is a
competitive gaming tournament having one or more winners.
Alternatively, the gaming tournament is a cooperative gaming
tournament where all eligible gaming machines win a particular
award.
[0059] One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that not
all gaming machines have all these components and may have other
components in addition to, or in lieu of, those components
mentioned here. Furthermore, while these components are viewed and
described separately, various components may be integrated into a
single unit in some embodiments.
[0060] Referring now to FIG. 2, a casino gaming system 100 is
illustrated. The casino gaming system 100 comprises one or more
gaming machines 10. The gaming machines 10 illustrated in FIG. 2
act as terminals for interacting with a player playing a casino
game. Networking components facilitate communications between the
system server 112 and game management units 126 that control
displays for carousels of gaming machines 10 across a network. Game
management units (GMU's) 126 connect gaming machines to networking
components and may be installed in the gaming machine cabinet or
external to the gaming machine 10. The function of the GMU 126 is
similar to the function of a network interface card connected to a
desktop personal computer (PC). Some GMU's 126 have much greater
capability and can perform such tasks as presenting and playing a
game using a display (not shown) operatively connected to the GMU
126. In one embodiment, the GMU 126 is a separate component located
outside the gaming machine 10. Alternatively, in another
embodiment, the GMU 126 is located within the gaming machine 10.
Optionally, in an alternative embodiment, one or more gaming
machines 10 connect directly to a network and are not connected to
a GMU 126.
[0061] The gaming machines 10 are connected via a network to a
network bridge 120, which is used for networking, routing and
polling gaming machines, including slot machines. The network
bridge 120 connects to a back end system 112. Optionally, the
gaming machines 10 may connect to the network via a network rack
122, which provides for a few number of connections to the back end
system 112. Both network bridge 120 and network rack 122 may be
classified as middleware, and facilitate communications between the
back end system 112 and the game management units 126. The network
bridges 120 and network rack 122 may comprise data repositories for
storing network performance data. Such performance data may be
based on network traffic and other network related information.
Optionally, the network bridge 120 and the network rack 122 may be
interchangeable components. For example, in one embodiment, a
casino gaming system may comprise only network bridges and no
network racks. Alternatively, in another embodiment, a casino
gaming system may comprise only network racks and no network
bridges. Additionally, in an alternative embodiment, a casino
gaming system may comprise any combination of one or more network
bridges and one or more network racks.
[0062] The back end system 112 may be configured to comprise one or
more servers. The type of server employed is generally determined
by the platform and software requirements of the gaming system. In
one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the back end system 112
is configured to include three servers: a slot floor controller
114, a casino management server 116 and a casino database 118. The
slot floor controller 114 is a part of the player tracking system
for gathering accounting, security and player specific information.
The casino management server 116 and casino database 118 work
together to store and process information specific to both
employees and players. Player specific information includes, but is
not limited to, passwords, biometric identification, player card
identification, and biographic data. Additionally, employee
specification information may include biographic data, biometric
information, job level and rank, passwords, authorization codes and
security clearance levels.
[0063] Overall, the back end system 112 performs several functions.
For example, the back end system 112 can collect data from the slot
floor as communicated to it from other network components, and
maintain the collected data in its database. The back end system
112 may use slot floor data to generate a report used in casino
operation functions. Examples of such reports include, but are not
limited to, accounting reports, security reports, and usage
reports. The back end system 112 may also pass data to another
server for other functions. Alternatively, the back end system 112
may pass data stored on its database to floor hardware for
interaction with a game or game player. For example, data such as a
game player's name or the amount of a ticket being redeemed at a
game may be passed to the floor hardware. Additionally, the back
end system 112 may comprise one or more data repositories for
storing data. Examples of types of data stored in the system server
data repositories include, but are not limited to, information
relating to individual player play data, individual game accounting
data, gaming machine accounting data, cashable ticket data, sound
data, and optimal display configurations for one or more displays
for one or more system game.
[0064] Of course, one will appreciate that a gaming system 100 may
also comprise other types of components, and the above
illustrations are meant only as examples and not as limitations to
the types of components or games used in a casino gaming system
presenting a keno game having a bonus round.
[0065] The various embodiments and methods described above are
provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to
limit the claimed invention. Those skilled in the art will readily
recognize various modifications and changes that may be made to the
claimed invention without following the example embodiments and
applications illustrated and described herein, and without
departing from the true spirit and scope of the claimed invention,
which is set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *