U.S. patent application number 12/476834 was filed with the patent office on 2009-12-03 for gaming machine with adjustable return to player.
This patent application is currently assigned to Aristocrat Technologies Australia PTY Limited. Invention is credited to Paul Francis Jason Bramble.
Application Number | 20090298573 12/476834 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41380494 |
Filed Date | 2009-12-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090298573 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bramble; Paul Francis
Jason |
December 3, 2009 |
GAMING MACHINE WITH ADJUSTABLE RETURN TO PLAYER
Abstract
A method for use with a gaming machine that is arranged to
provide a game including displaying symbols on a display and
awarding an award if a winning outcome occurs. The gaming machine
operates to have an overall statistical return, which is influenced
by a pay characteristic. The method includes, prior to determining
the outcome of a game play of the game, allocating to that game
play one of a plurality of different said pay characteristics,
wherein if a first said pay characteristic was permanently the
allocated characteristic, the game would have a first statistical
return less than the overall statistical return, and if a second
said pay characteristic was permanently the allocated
characteristic, the game would have a second statistical return
greater than the overall statistical return. The method includes
allocating the plurality of different pay characteristics to game
plays according to a weighted random selection process so as to
result in the gaming machine having the overall statistical
return.
Inventors: |
Bramble; Paul Francis Jason;
(Leumeah, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HANLEY, FLIGHT & ZIMMERMAN, LLC
150 S. WACKER DRIVE, SUITE 2100
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Assignee: |
Aristocrat Technologies Australia
PTY Limited
North Ryde
AU
|
Family ID: |
41380494 |
Appl. No.: |
12/476834 |
Filed: |
June 2, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 ;
463/43 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3267 20130101;
G07F 17/3244 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 ;
463/43 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 2, 2008 |
AU |
2008902764 |
Claims
1. A method for use with a gaming machine that is arranged to
provide a game including displaying symbols on a display and
awarding an award if a winning outcome occurs, the gaming machine
operating to have an overall statistical return, which is
influenced by a pay characteristic, wherein the method includes,
prior to determining the outcome of a game play of the game,
allocating to that game play one of a plurality of different said
pay characteristics, wherein if a first said pay characteristic was
permanently the allocated characteristic, the game would have a
first statistical return less than the overall statistical return,
and if a second said pay characteristic was permanently the
allocated characteristic, the game would have a second statistical
return greater than the overall statistical return, and wherein the
method includes allocating the plurality of different pay
characteristics to game plays according to a weighted random
selection process so as to result in the gaming machine having the
overall statistical return.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein one outcome of the game is the
award of a certain number of free game plays of the game and
wherein the first pay characteristic is the award of a first number
of free games on the occurrence of that outcome and the second pay
characteristic is the award of a second number of free games on the
occurrence of that outcome.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the allocation is made before
commencement of the game play.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein the allocation is made after it
has been determined that said outcome will occur.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first pay characteristic is
the random selection of symbols from a first symbol set and the
second pay characteristic is the random selection of symbols from a
second symbol set.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the game is a spinning reel game
and the first symbol set is a first reel and a second symbol set is
a second reel and the weighted random selection process includes
selecting the first or the second reel for use in the game.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the weighted selection process
selects between only the first reel and the second reel.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein weighted selection process
selects between three or more alternative reels.
9. The method of claim 5, wherein the game is a spinning reel game
and the first symbol set is a first reel strip portion of a
combined reel of the game and a second symbol set is a second reel
strip portion of the combined reel, wherein the first and second
reel strip portions consist of alternate implementations of the
game with different statistical returns, and wherein the number of
first and second reel strip portions are provided in proportion to
result in said overall statistical return so that the weighted
random selection process includes selecting the stopping position
of the combined reel.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the first pay characteristic and
the second pay characteristic are selected from the group
comprising: alternative symbol sets in the game provided in
proportion so as to result in the overall statistical return;
alternative awards in the game provided in proportion so as to
result in the overall statistical return; alternative trigger event
probabilities provided in proportion so as to result in the overall
statistical return; and alternative award multipliers, provided in
proportion so as to result in the overall statistical return,
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the first and second pay
characteristics are of the same type and differ only as to their
magnitude.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the first and second pay
characteristics operate only in a base game of the game.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the game includes a feature
game.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein the first and second pay
characteristics operate only in a feature game of the game.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein the allocation for a game play
is independent of the allocation for any other game play.
16. A method for use with a gaming machine that is arranged to
display symbols on a display and award an award if a winning
outcome occurs, the gaming machine operating in accordance with an
overall statistical return to player, the gaming machine provided
with a plurality of symbol sets including at least a first symbol
set and a second symbol set, the first symbol set having a first
associated return to player value and the second symbol set having
a second associated return to player, wherein the first associated
return to player value is less than the overall statistical return
to player, and the second associated return to player value is
greater than the overall statistical return to player, wherein the
method includes selecting between the plurality of symbol sets for
display on the display, wherein the selection is a weighted random
selection process that results in the game having the overall
statistical return to player.
17. The method according to claim 16, wherein during each play of
the gaming machine the gaming machine randomly select symbols from
the selected symbol set for display on the display.
18. The method according to claim 16, wherein the gaming machine is
a reel type gaming machine and the display includes a plurality of
reel strip display positions, and wherein each symbol set includes
symbols arranged into a plurality of reel strips, the plurality of
reel strips corresponding respectively to the plurality of reel
strip display positions.
19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the first symbol set
and second symbol set differ from each other only in respect of a
single reel strip.
20. The method according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of
symbol sets differ from each other by at least one characteristic
selected from the group of a symbol type and a bonus associated
with the set of symbols.
21. The method of claim 1, wherein in the weighted random selection
process the probability of selecting the first pay characteristic
is calculated according to the formula: p1=(S-R2)/(R1-R2) and the
probability of selecting the second pay characteristic is
calculated according to the formula: p2=(1-p1), where: p1= the
probability of selecting the first pay characteristic set in the
weighted random selection process; p2= the probability of selecting
the second pay characteristic in the weighted random selection
process; S=the overall statistical return to player value; R1= the
statistical return associated with the first pay characteristic;
R2= the statistical return associated with the second pay
characteristic; and R1.ltoreq.S.ltoreq.R2.
22. The method of claim 16, wherein in the weighted random
selection process the probability of selecting the first symbol set
is calculated according to the formula: p1=(S-R2)/(R1-R2) and the
probability of selecting the second symbol set is calculated
according to the formula: p2=(1-p1), where: p1= the probability of
selecting the first symbol set in the weighted random selection
process; p2= the probability of selecting the second symbol set in
the weighted random selection process; S=the overall statistical
return to player value; R1= the first associated return to player
value; R2= the second associated return to player value; and
R1.ltoreq.S.ltoreq.R2.
23. A gaming machine that provides a game based on a wager, the
gaming machine comprising a user interface in communication with a
game controller, the game controller adapted to implement a method
for use with the gaming machine that is arranged to provide a game
including displaying symbols on a display and awarding an award if
a winning outcome occurs, the gaming machine operating to have an
overall statistical return, which is influenced by a pay
characteristic, wherein the method includes, prior to determining
the outcome of a game play of the game, allocating to that game
play one of a plurality of different said pay characteristics,
wherein if a first said pay characteristic was permanently the
allocated characteristic, the game would have a first statistical
return less than the overall statistical return, and if a second
said pay characteristic was permanently the allocated
characteristic, the game would have a second statistical return
greater than the overall statistical return, and wherein the method
includes allocating the plurality of different pay characteristics
to game plays according to a weighted random selection process so
as to result in the gaming machine having the overall statistical
return.
24. A gaming machine that provides a game based on a wager, the
gaming machine comprising a user interface in communication with a
game controller, the game controller adapted to implement a method
for use with the gaming machine that is arranged to display symbols
on a display and award an award if a winning outcome occurs, the
gaming machine operating in accordance with an overall statistical
return to player, the gaming machine provided with a plurality of
symbol sets including at least a first symbol set and a second
symbol set, the first symbol set having a first associated return
to player value and the second symbol set having a second
associated return to player, wherein the first associated return to
player value is less than the overall statistical return to player,
and the second associated return to player value is greater than
the overall statistical return to player, wherein the method
includes selecting between the plurality of symbol sets for display
on the display, wherein the selection is a weighted random
selection process that results in the game having the overall
statistical return to player.
25. An article of manufacture comprising: a computer readable
storage medium; and executable program instructions embodied in the
computer readable storage medium that when executed by a
programmable system cause the system to perform functions that
implement a method for use with the gaming machine that is arranged
to provide a game including displaying symbols on a display and
awarding an award if a winning outcome occurs, the gaming machine
operating to have an overall statistical return, which is
influenced by a pay characteristic, wherein the method includes,
prior to determining the outcome of a game play of the game,
allocating to that game play one of a plurality of different said
pay characteristics, wherein if a first said pay characteristic was
permanently the allocated characteristic, the game would have a
first statistical return less than the overall statistical return,
and if a second said pay characteristic was permanently the
allocated characteristic, the game would have a second statistical
return greater than the overall statistical return, and wherein the
method includes allocating the plurality of different pay
characteristics to game plays according to a weighted random
selection process so as to result in the gaming machine having the
overall statistical return.
26. An article of manufacture comprising: a computer readable
storage medium; and executable program instructions embodied in the
computer readable storage medium that when executed by a
programmable system cause the system to perform functions that
implement a method for use with the gaming machine that is arranged
to display symbols on a display and award an award if a winning
outcome occurs, the gaming machine operating in accordance with an
overall statistical return to player, the gaming machine provided
with a plurality of symbol sets including at least a first symbol
set and a second symbol set, the first symbol set having a first
associated return to player value and the second symbol set having
a second associated return to player, wherein the first associated
return to player value is less than the overall statistical return
to player, and the second associated return to player value is
greater than the overall statistical return to player, wherein the
method includes selecting between the plurality of symbol sets for
display on the display, wherein the selection is a weighted random
selection process that results in the game having the overall
statistical return to player.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority to
Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2008902764, filed on
Jun. 2, 2008, entitled "GAMING MACHINE WITH ADJUSTABLE RETURN TO
PLAYER", which is herein incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to gaming machines
and methods of gaming.
BACKGROUND
[0003] With the increase of gambling at gaming venues has come
increased competition between gaming venues to obtain a larger
share of the total gambling spend. Gaming venue operators have
therefore continuously looked for new variations and types of games
in order to attract both new and return customers to their
venues.
[0004] In response to this need, suppliers of gaming devices and
systems have attempted to provide the sought after variety, while
still developing games that comply with the relevant regulations in
the jurisdiction of the gaming venue operator. Suppliers of gaming
devices therefore are faced with restrictions on the types of games
and gaming machines that are allowable, both in terms of the
prevailing regulations and in terms of providing a return on
investment to the gaming venue operators.
[0005] In addition, suppliers need to control the cost of
manufacturing gaming machines, including costs involved in the
design of games provided by gaming machines. Any requirement to
provide machines with different characteristics can lead to
increased cost in design and/or manufacture. For example if
different jurisdictions or different gaming venues within the same
jurisdiction require the same themed game but with different return
to player values, then supplying a range of product to meet these
requirements can lead to increased costs.
SUMMARY
[0006] In one aspect the present invention provides a method for
use with a gaming machine that is arranged to provide a game
including displaying symbols on a display and awarding an award if
a winning outcome occurs, the gaming machine operating to have an
overall statistical return, which is influenced by a pay
characteristic, wherein the method includes, prior to determining
the outcome of a game play of the game, allocating to that game
play one of a plurality of different said pay characteristics,
wherein if a first said pay characteristic was permanently the
allocated characteristic, the game would have a first statistical
return less than the overall statistical return, and if a second
said pay characteristic was permanently the allocated
characteristic, the game would have a second statistical return
greater than the overall statistical return, and wherein the method
includes allocating the plurality of different pay characteristics
to game plays according to a weighted random selection process so
as to result in the gaming machine having the overall statistical
return.
[0007] One outcome of the game may be the award of a certain number
of free game plays of the game and wherein the first pay
characteristic is the award of a first number of free games on the
occurrence of that outcome and the second pay characteristic is the
award of a second number of free games on the occurrence of that
outcome.
[0008] The allocation may be made before commencement of the game
play.
[0009] The allocation may be made after it has been determined that
said outcome will occur.
[0010] The first pay characteristic may be the random selection of
symbols from a first symbol set and the second pay characteristic
is the random selection of symbols from a second symbol set.
[0011] The game is a spinning reel game and the first symbol set is
a first reel and a second symbol set is a second reel and the
weighted random selection process includes selecting the first or
the second reel for use in the game.
[0012] The weighted selection process may select between only the
first reel and the second reel. Alternatively, the weighted
selection process may select between three or more alternative
reels.
[0013] The game maybe a spinning reel game and the first symbol set
is a first reel strip portion of a combined reel of the game and a
second symbol set is a second reel strip portion of the combined
reel, wherein the first and second reel strip portions consist of
alternate implementations of the game with different statistical
returns, and wherein the number of first and second reel strip
portions are provided in proportion to result in said overall
statistical return so that the weighted random selection process
includes selecting the stopping position of the combined reel.
[0014] The first pay characteristic and the second pay
characteristic may be selected from the group including:
alternative symbol sets in the game provided in proportion so as to
result in the overall statistical return; alternative awards in the
game provided in proportion so as to result in the overall
statistical return; alternative trigger event probabilities
provided in proportion so as to result in the overall statistical
return; and alternative award multipliers, provided in proportion
so as to result in the overall statistical return.
[0015] The first and second pay characteristics may be of the same
type and differ only as to their magnitude.
[0016] The first and second pay characteristics may operate only in
a base game of the game.
[0017] The game may include a feature game.
[0018] The first and second pay characteristics may operate only in
a feature game of the game.
[0019] The allocation for a game play may be independent of the
allocation for any other game play.
[0020] In the weighted random selection process the probability of
selecting the first pay characteristic may be calculated according
to the formula:
p1=(S-R2)/(R1-R2)
and the probability of selecting the second pay characteristic may
be calculated according to the formula:
p2=(1-p1),
where: p1= the probability of selecting the first pay
characteristic set in the weighted random selection process; p2=
the probability of selecting the second pay characteristic in the
weighted random selection process; S=the overall statistical return
to player value; R1= the statistical return associated with the
first pay characteristic; R2= the statistical return associated
with the second pay characteristic; and
R1.ltoreq.S.ltoreq.R2.
[0021] In a second aspect the present invention provides a method
for use with a gaming machine that is arranged to display symbols
on a display and award an award if a winning outcome occurs, the
gaming machine operating in accordance with an overall statistical
return to player, the gaming machine provided with a plurality of
symbol sets including at least a first symbol set and a second
symbol set, the first symbol set having a first associated return
to player value and the second symbol set having a second
associated return to player, wherein the first associated return to
player value is less than the overall statistical return to player,
and the second associated return to player value is greater than
the overall statistical return to player, wherein the method
includes selecting between the plurality of symbol sets for display
on the display, wherein the selection is a weighted random
selection process that results in the game having the overall
statistical return to player.
[0022] During each play of the gaming machine the gaming machine
may randomly select symbols from the selected symbol set for
display on the display.
[0023] The gaming machine may be a reel type gaming machine and the
display includes a plurality of reel strip display positions, and
wherein each symbol set includes symbols arranged into a plurality
of reel strips, the plurality of reel strips corresponding
respectively to the plurality of reel strip display positions.
[0024] The first symbol set and second symbol set may differ from
each other only in respect of a single reel strip.
[0025] The plurality of symbol sets may differ from each other by
at least one characteristic selected from the group of a symbol
type and a bonus associated with the set of symbols.
[0026] The weighted random selection process the probability of
selecting the first symbol set may be calculated according to the
formula:
p1=(S-R2)/(R1-R2)
and the probability of selecting the second symbol set may be
calculated according to the formula:
p2=(1-p1),
where: p1= the probability of selecting the first symbol set in the
weighted random selection process; p2= the probability of selecting
the second symbol set in the weighted random selection process;
S=the overall statistical return to player value; R1= the first
associated return to player value; R2= the second associated return
to player value; and
R1.ltoreq.S.ltoreq.R2.
[0027] According to a further aspect, the invention broadly resides
in instructions executable by a game controller to implement the
method as described in the preceding paragraphs and to such
instructions when stored in a storage medium readable by the game
controller.
[0028] In a third aspect the present invention provides a gaming
machine that provides a game based on a wager, the gaming machine
including a user interface in communication with a game controller,
the game controller adapted to implement the method as described
above.
[0029] According to a further aspect, the invention broadly relates
to a data signal carrying instructions and/or data executable to
implement the method as described above.
[0030] Further aspects of the present invention and further
embodiments of the aspects described in the preceding paragraphs
will become apparent from the following description, given by way
of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] FIG. 1: shows diagrammatically, a view of a gaming console
suitable for implementing embodiments of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 2: shows a block diagram of gaming machine suitable for
implementing embodiments of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 3: shows a block diagram of components of the memory of
the gaming machine represented in FIG. 2.
[0034] FIG. 4: shows diagrammatically, a network gaming system
suitable for implementing embodiments of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 5: shows a depiction of a sample game screen for use
with embodiments of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 6: shows a depiction of a sample game screen for use
with embodiments of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 7: shows reel strip depictions for the purposes of
explaining embodiments of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 8: shows a flow diagram of a process performed in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] Features, further aspects, and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following description of
embodiments thereof, by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings. Also, various embodiments of the aspects
described in the preceding paragraphs will be apparent from the
appended claims, the following description and/or the accompanying
drawings. It should be understood, however, that the present
invention is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality
shown in the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS
[0040] Although the following discloses example methods, systems,
articles of manufacture, and apparatus including, among other
components, software executed on hardware, it should be noted that
such methods and apparatus are merely illustrative and should not
be considered as limiting. For example, it is contemplated that any
or all of these hardware and software components could be embodied
exclusively in hardware, exclusively in software, exclusively in
firmware, or in any combination of hardware, software, and/or
firmware. Accordingly, while the following describes example
methods, systems, articles of manufacture, and apparatus, the
examples provided are not the only way to implement such methods,
systems, articles of manufacture, and apparatus.
[0041] When any of the appended claims are read to cover a purely
software and/or firmware implementation, at least one of the
elements is hereby expressly defined to include a tangible medium
such as a memory, DVD, CD, etc. storing the software and/or
firmware.
[0042] In FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings, one example of a
gaming console that is suitable to implement embodiments of the
present invention is generally referenced by arrow 114.
[0043] The gaming console 114 includes two displays 106A, 106B on
one or both of which is displayed representations of a game that
can be played by a player and a bank of buttons 107A and/or a touch
screen 107B to enable a player to play the game. The displays 106
may be video display units, such as a cathode ray tube screen
device, a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, any other suitable
video display unit, or the visible portion of an electromechanical
device. The display 106B may display artwork, including for
example, pay tables and details of bonus awards and other
information or images relating to the game. In alternative gaming
consoles the display 106B may be omitted, optionally replaced by a
static display.
[0044] A credit input including a coin input 110A and/or bill
collector 110B allows a player to provide credit for wagering and a
coin output 111 is provided for cash payouts from the gaming
console 114. A card and/or ticket reader 108 and a printer 109 may
be provided to provide player tracking, cashless game play or other
gaming and non-gaming related functions.
[0045] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a gaming machine, generally
referenced by arrow 100, suitable for implementing embodiments of
the present invention. The gaming machine 100 may include the
gaming console 114 shown in FIG. 1 and accordingly like reference
numerals have been used to describe like components in FIGS. 1 and
2.
[0046] The gaming machine 100 includes a game controller 101, which
in the illustrated example includes a computational device 102,
which may be a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic
device or other suitable device. Instructions and data to control
operation of the computational device 102 are stored in a memory
103, which is in data communication with, or forms part of, the
computational device 102. Typically, the gaming machine 100 will
include both volatile and non-volatile memory and more than one of
each type of memory, with such memories being collectively
represented by the memory 103. The instructions to cause the game
controller 101 to implement embodiments of the present invention
will be stored in the memory 103. The instructions and data for
controlling operation of the computational device 102 may be stored
on a computer readable medium from which they are loaded into the
gaming machine memory 103. The instructions and data may be
conveyed to the gaming machine by means of a data signal in a
transmission channel. Examples of such transmission channels
include network connections, the Internet or an intranet and
wireless communication channels.
[0047] The game controller 101 may include hardware credit meters
104 for the purposes of regulatory compliance and also include an
input/output (I/O) interface 105 for communicating with the
peripheral devices of the gaming machine 100. The input/output
interface 105 and/or the peripheral devices may be intelligent
devices with their own memory for instructions and data.
[0048] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the peripheral devices that
communicate with the controller are the displays 106, bank of
buttons/touch screen 107, the card and/or ticket reader 108, the
printer 109, a bill acceptor and/or coin input 110 and a coin
output 111. Additional devices may be included as part of the
gaming machine 100, or devices omitted based on the specific
implementation.
[0049] The bank of buttons 107A and/or touch screen 107B together
with one or both of the displays 106 may provide a user interface
115 through which the gaming machine 100 and player communicate. If
a card/ticket reader 108 is provided, this may also form part of
the user interface 115.
[0050] In addition, the gaming machine 100 may include a
communications interface, for example a network card 112. The
network card 112, may for example, send status information,
accounting information or other information to a central
controller, server or database and receive data or commands from
the central controller, server or database. The network card 112
may also enable communication with a central player account,
allowing cashless gaming. One or more of the peripheral devices,
for example the card/ticket reader 108 may be able to communicate
directly with the network card 112. The network card 112 and the
I/O interface 105 may be suitably implemented as a single machine
communications interface.
[0051] The game controller 101 may also include a random number
generator 113, which generates a series of random numbers that are
used by the computational device 102 to determine the outcomes of
games played on the gaming machine 100.
[0052] The game controller 101 may have distributed hardware and
software components that communicate with each other directly or
through a network or other communication channel. The game
controller 101 may also be located in part or in its entirety
remote from the user interface 115. Also, the computational device
102 may include a plurality of devices, which may be local or
remote from each other. Instructions and data for controlling the
operation of the user interface 115 may be conveyed to the user
interface 115 by means of a data signal in a transmission channel.
The user interface 115 may be a computational device, for example a
personal computer, used by a person to play a game provided from a
remote game controller 101.
[0053] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary block diagram of the main
components of the memory 103. The RAM 103A typically temporarily
holds instructions and data related to the execution of game
programs and communication functions performed by the computational
controller 102. The EPROM 103B may be a boot ROM device and/or may
contain system and game related code. The mass storage device 103C
may be used to store game programs, the integrity of which may be
verified and/or authenticated by the computational controller 102
using protected code from the EPROM 103B or elsewhere.
[0054] FIG. 4 shows a gaming system 200 in the form of a network of
devices. The gaming system 200 includes a network infrastructure
201, which for example may be in the form of an Ethernet network.
Alternatively, a wireless network and/or direct communication
channels, or a different type of network may be used to link the
gaming machines to a server, each other and/or other devices.
Gaming consoles 114, shown arranged in three banks 203 of two
gaming consoles 114 in FIG. 4, are connected to the network
infrastructure 201. The gaming consoles 114 may form part or all of
a gaming machine 100. Single gaming consoles 114 and banks 203
containing three or more gaming devices 114 may also be connected
to the network infrastructure 201, which may also include bank
controllers, hubs, routers, bridges to other networks and other
devices (not shown).
[0055] One or more displays 204 may also be connected to the
network 201. The displays 204 may, for example, be associated with
a bank 203 of gaming consoles 114. The displays 204 may be used to
display representations associated with game play on the gaming
devices 114, and/or used to display other representations, for
example promotional or informational material.
[0056] Servers may also be connected to the network 201. For
example, a game server 205 may generate game outcomes for games
played on one or more of the gaming consoles 114, a database
management server 206 may manage the storage of game programs and
associated data in a database 206A so that they are available for
downloading to, or access by, game controllers 101, and a jackpot
server 207 may control one or more jackpots for the gaming system
200.
[0057] Further servers may be provided to assist in the
administration of the gaming system 200, including for example a
gaming floor management server 208, and a licensing server 209 to
monitor the use of licenses to particular games. An administrator
terminal 210 is provided to allow an administrator to manage the
network 201 and the devices connected to the network. The different
servers depicted can be distinct physical servers or logically
distinct server processes running on a single physical server.
[0058] The gaming system 200 may communicate with other gaming
systems, other local networks, for example a corporate network
and/or a wide area network such as the Internet through a firewall
211.
[0059] The game controller 101 is programmed to provide a gambling
game with a value for the return to player (RTP). The RTP is the
overall statistical return to a player of the machine. For example,
if a game controller 101 is operating in accordance with a RTP of
90%, a player will (statistically) be awarded with 90 cents for
each $1 wagered on the machine.
[0060] It is often desirable to be able to alter the RTP of any
given gaming machine. The RTP may, for example, need to be changed
to comply with various regulations (which may differ from location
to location) or to comply with individual casino or gaming
establishment requirements.
[0061] The RTP of a game can be determined from the combination of
the paytable for the game together with the specific set of symbols
and the probability of winning combinations of symbols occurring.
The paytables may, for example, include data on the particular
combinations of symbols from the symbol set which, when occurring
as a game result, constitute a winning event as well as the award
associated with that winning event. The paytable or game rules may
also include information such as the circumstances under which
bonus games, free games, jackpots, and/or any other pay
characteristics may be awarded, which typically also influence the
RTP.
[0062] In order to allow for the RTP of a gaming machine to be set
to different levels, in one embodiment a gaming machine is provided
with a plurality of different symbol sets, each with its own
associated RTP, from which the game controller 101 can make random
selections in order to provide a game. By making a weighted random
selection between symbol sets with appropriate RTP's (as discussed
below) the game controller 101 can be configured to operate in
accordance with a specific RTP as required.
[0063] To describe how the game controller 101 uses the plurality
of symbol sets to provide a specific RTP (S), an example of a
gaming machine provided with two symbol sets will be discussed. The
RTP associated with the first symbol set (i.e. the RTP if the first
symbol set is used during game play) is R1. The RTP associated with
the second symbol set is R2.
[0064] If the gaming machine was required to have a specific RTP
equal to R1, the game controller 101 would make random symbol
selections from the first symbol set for every game play.
Similarly, if the specific RTP of the gaming machine needed to be
set at the RTP of R2, the game controller 101 would make random
symbol selections from the second symbol set for each game
play.
[0065] A specific RTP (S) between R1 and R2 may be provided by the
game controller 101 making a weighted random selection between the
first and second symbol sets. The selected symbol set is then used
in a game play of the game. It is noted again here that the RTP is
a statistical RTP across a distribution of games rather than a
single game.
[0066] Mathematically, this can be expressed as follows: [0067]
S=the specific RTP required for the gaming machine [0068] R1= the
RTP of the game if the first symbol set is used [0069] R2= the RTP
of the game if the second symbol set is used
[0070] Provided R1.ltoreq.S.ltoreq.R2, there exists a probability p
such that:
0.ltoreq.p.ltoreq.1
pR1+(1-p)R2=S
[0071] Accordingly, p may be calculated according to the
following:
p = ( R 2 - S ) ( R 2 - R 1 ) ##EQU00001##
[0072] In order to achieve the desired RTP value this formula may
be implemented in a variety of ways. For example, the game
controller 101 may use the value of p and for any given game select
either the first symbol set or the second symbol set, from which
the random symbol selections are made during game play, in a
weighted random selection process such that the probability of
selecting from the first symbol set in the selection process is p,
and the probability of selecting from the second symbol set is
(1-p).
[0073] The value of p or a mathematically equivalent or similar
value may be a parameter of the gaming machine able to be set to a
different level using an appropriate interface to the gaming
machine, with appropriate safeguards to prevent unauthorised
modification. Alternatively, the value of p may be set during game
design and `hard-coded` into the gaming machine. In the latter case
a range of different gaming machine controllers may be manufactured
whereas if the value of p is settable, then a generic machine may
be produced, which is subsequently set up for a particular
jurisdiction or venue by setting a value for p.
General Example 1
[0074] By way of example, the RTP associated with the first symbol
set may be 80% (i.e. R1=80%) and the RTP of the second symbol set
may be 100% (i.e. R2=100%).
[0075] If the gaming machine was required to have a specific RTP of
90% (i.e. S=90%), then, using the aforementioned calculations,
p=0.5. That is, when selecting whether the first of second symbol
set should be used during a given play of the game the game
controller 101 undertakes a weighted random selection process which
has a 50% chance of returning the first symbol set for game play
and a 50% chance of returning the second symbol set for game
play.
[0076] Alternatively, if a specific RTP of 95% is required (i.e.
S=95%) p=0.25 and the game controller 101 selects a symbol set via
a weighted random selection process which has a 25% chance of
returning the first symbol set for game play and a 75% chance (i.e.
1- p) of returning the second symbol set for game play.
General Example 2
[0077] By way of a second example, the RTP associated with the
first symbol set may be 60% (R1=60%) and the RTP associated with
the second symbol set may be 1000% (R2=1000%).
[0078] If the gaming machine requires a specific RTP of 90%
(S=90%), then p=91/94. In the weighted selection process,
therefore, the chance of returning the first symbol set for game
play would be 91/94*100 (approximately 97%) and the chance of
returning the second symbol set for game play would be
(1-(91/94))*100 (approximately 3%).
[0079] As will be appreciated, the RTP of the gaming machine can be
set at any value that falls between (or is equal to) the RTP
associated with the first symbol set and the RTP associated with
the second symbol set.
[0080] FIG. 5 provides a depiction of the above process as used in
a sample game screen 500 for display on one of the gaming display
106. The game screen 500 includes a symbol display area 502 which
provides a plurality of symbol display positions 504. The game
screen also includes a display for a credit meter 516, a meter
indicating the wager placed by a player 518 and a display for a win
meter 520 showing the amount, if any, won by a player.
[0081] During game play the game controller 101 determined which of
the symbol sets 522 or 524 is to be used for game play, and then
populates the symbol display positions 504 with a random selection
of symbols from the selected symbol set.
[0082] Where more than two sets of symbols are provided, the lowest
RTP value achievable for the gaming machine will be the lowest RTP
associated with a set of symbols, and the highest RTP achievable
for the gaming machine will be the highest RTP associated with a
set of symbols. In order to provide a specific RTP falling between
the lowest and highest RTP the game controller 101 is configured to
make a weighted random selection of which symbol set to use for any
given game play in a manner similar to that described above. The
selection may be made from all of the available sets of symbols, or
the game controller 101 may select from combinations of two or more
symbol sets, but less than all available symbol sets, to achieve
the specifically required RTP. In the latter case the symbol sets
that can not be selected are never used for the particular
implementation of the gaming machine, but may be used for other
implementations.
[0083] For example, if three alternative symbol sets A, B, and C
are provided having associated RTP's of R1, R2 and R3, a specific
RTP may be obtained by a combination of R1 and R2, a combination of
R2 and R3, a combination of R1 and R3, or a combination of R1, R2
and R3.
[0084] Spinning Reel Game Example
[0085] By way of further example, embodiments of the present
invention may be used in relation to a spinning reel type game. In
this type of game the symbol sets are provided in the form of a
plurality of reel strips, each reel strip including a number of
adjacent symbols.
[0086] During game play each reel strip in the symbol set is "spun"
by the game controller 101 and randomly stopped to display a subset
of symbols on the display. Prizes are then awarded in accordance
with a paytable.
[0087] In order to allow for the specific RTP required for the
gaming machine to be changed, the gaming machine may be provided
with two or more entirely different sets of reel strips (i.e. two
or more different symbol sets), each set of reel strips resulting
in a different RTP. As described above, when playing the game the
game controller 101 can make a weighted random selection of which
set of reel strips to play for any given game, and the weightings
used in that weighed random selection will determine the
statistical RTP for the gaming machine.
[0088] As an alternative to providing entirely different and
distinct symbol sets, however, a specific RTP could be provided by
providing different reel strips. For example, the game machine may
be a reel type game in which 5 reels are "spun". Referring to FIG.
6, the display area 502 may be conceptually broken into a number of
reel strip display positions corresponding to columns 506 to 514.
During game play the game controller 101 "spins" a reel in each
reel strip display position 506 to 514, stopping the reels to
populate the symbol display positions 504 with symbols.
[0089] In such a game it would be possible to have 4 of the reel
strips associated with four reel strip display positions (e.g. 508
to 514) constant (i.e. not changed between game plays) and provide
the required specific RTP for the gaming machine by a weighted
random selection of a reel strip to use in only one of the reel
strip positions 506. By way of example, in FIG. 6 two reel strips
are shown for selection, reel strip 602 and reel strip 604.
[0090] For example, reel strip 602 could provide a gaming machine
with a particular RTP (R1) when used in combination with the 4 reel
strips populating reel strip display positions 508 to 514, and reel
strip 604 could provide a gaming machine with a different RTP (R2)
when used in combination with the same 4 reel strips. In this
scenario, a specific required RTP for the game machine that falls
between the RTP associated with reel strip A 602 and the RTP
associated with reel strip B 604 can be provided via a weighted
random selection of which reel strips 602 or 604 to use in a given
game play.
[0091] The weighting of this random selection may be calculated
according to the formula described above, with reel strip A in this
example the first symbol set, and reel strip B the second symbol
set. In one embodiment the determination of which reel strip to use
is determined for each and every game play of the game. In another
embodiment, the determination of which reel strip to use may be
determined for a group of game plays, for example the next ten game
plays. In the latter case, the two reels strips 602 and 604 may be
provided to appear the same so that the player can not determine
which reel strip is being used. In the earlier case, the reel
strips may be visually different.
[0092] It would, of course, also be possible to change any number
of reel strips (i.e. any number of symbol sets) in this particular
example (e.g. holding three reel strips constant and changing the
remaining two reel strips) provided the RTP associated with each
combination of reel strips is known (which, in turn, allows the
correct weighting to be used in the weighted random selection
process). For example, in one embodiment there may be two options
for the symbol sets, one with a combination of a first two reels
(which may be the same or different to each other) in reel strip
display positions 506 and 508 and another with a combination of a
second two reels in those positions.
[0093] In another example there may be two different reels
available for selection in the reel strip display position 506 and
two different reels available for selection in reel strip display
position 508 and the reel used for each display position 506, 508
may be determined independently of each other. This leads to four
different possibilities for the symbol sets and the RTP can be
determined for each and the probability of selecting each set to
obtain a required specific RTP for the entire game. In addition,
there may be three or more different options for symbols for a reel
strip display position.
[0094] Some efficiency however may be obtained if only two symbol
sets are provided. In addition, some efficiency and/or consistency
between implementations may be obtained if only a part of the
symbols sets are changed, for example one reel in a set of 3 reels
or one deck of cards in a game that uses five or six decks of
cards.
[0095] The game may be designed so that the visual difference
between the two alternative games that result from this process is
small. For example, the reels may be shortened in comparison to the
usual 20 to 25 symbols so as to magnify the effect of swapping one
symbol on one reel with another symbol on the alternative reel to
that reel. For example a WILD symbol (W) may be changed with a
SCATTER symbol (C). The reel strip may for example be between 7 and
15 symbols long. The alternative reels may have the same length or
may have different lengths.
[0096] Combined Reel Strips
[0097] As a further variation to the above reel type game example,
instead of performing a weighted selection process to determine
whether reel strip A or reel strip B should be used in any given
game in order to provide a specific RTP, a single reel strip
including instances of reel strips A and B could be created and
used for every game play.
[0098] The ratio that reel strips A and B need to be combined
together in so as to provide the specific RTP required by the
gaming machine is given by the formula for calculating p as
described above:
p = ( R 2 - S ) ( R 2 - R 1 ) ##EQU00002##
where: [0099] S=the specific RTP value required for the gaming
machine [0100] R1= the RTP provided by the gaming machine if reel
strip A is used [0101] R2= the RTP provided by the gaming machine
if reel strip B is used
[0102] If p is expressed as a fraction in the form x/y (in its
simplest form), the RTP value required for the gaming machine can
by provided by always using a reel strip that is a combination of x
instances of reel strip A linked to (y-x) instances of reel strip
B.
[0103] By way of example, FIG. 7 provides a representation of reel
strip 602 and representation of reel strip 604 (of course in
practise it is likely that both reel strips A and B would be
including larger numbers of symbols). The end symbols of each reel
strip are "joined" to another reel strip create a loop.
[0104] If the gaming machine requires a specific RTP of 90% (S=90%)
and the RTP associated with reel strip 602 is 80% (i.e. R1=80%),
and the RTP associated with reel strip 604 is 100% (i.e. R2=100%)
the above calculations show that p=1/2(0.5). In this case,
therefore, rather than making a weighted random selection process
between reel strip 602 and reel strip 604 to determine which reel
strip should be used for a play of the game (the weighted random
selection process having a 50% probability of returning reel strip
A and 50% probability of returning reel strip B), a single reel 614
that is a combination of one instance of reel strip A 602 and one
instance of reel strip B 604 can be created and used for each game
play. As can be seen, in the combined reel strip 614 the last
symbol 608 of reel strip A 602 is adjacent the first symbol 610 of
reel strip B 604.
[0105] Alternatively, if the gaming machine requires a specific RTP
of 95% (S=95%) the above calculations show that p=1/4(0.25).
Therefore, a specific RTP of 95% can be provided by playing the
game with a combined reel strip 616 that is including 1 instance of
reel strip A 602 and 3 instances of reel strip B 604.
[0106] As will be appreciated, randomly spinning a combined reel
strip as created above during game play is substantially equivalent
to swapping between reel strips A and B in the ratios required to
achieve the specific RTP required for the gaming machine. As will
also be appreciated where "virtual" reel strips are to be used by
the game controller only a single copy of each reel strip need
actually be stored, with the combined reel strips generated as
required.
[0107] To obtain a higher granularity in the possible specific RTP
values, a higher number of reel strips may be used. In one
embodiment the game is determined as if all reel strips of the same
type are joined together in a group. For example when the reel
spins, it may spin through 10 instances of reel 602 and then 6
instances of reel strip 604 before returning to the 10 reels
602.
[0108] When combining multiple reel strips into a single reel strip
care should be taken to ensure that any transitional sections of
the combined reel strip (i.e. a section of the reel strip where a
particular instance of a reel strip finishes and an instance of a
new reel strip, or a new instance of the same reel strip, begins)
do not significantly alter the RTP of the gaming machine from the
specific RTP required. It is noted that the reel strips depicted in
FIG. 7 are for general illustrative purposes only, and the specific
combination of symbols depicted on these reel strips may not be
appropriate depending on gaming machine requirements of specific
jurisdictions.
Other Variables
[0109] As a further embodiment of the invention it would be
possible to provide a gaming machine with a single set of symbols
and with two or more paytables relating to those symbols. In the
same manner as described above, if one of the paytables when used
with the set of symbols provides a RTP R1, and a second paytable
when used with the set of symbols provides a RTP R2, then the
gaming machine may be configured to provide a specific RTP S, where
R1<S<R2 by making a weighted random selection of which
paytable should be used for any given game.
[0110] Still other variables may be used to achieve different
return to players, allowing weighted selection between the
resulting plurality of games that are possible. For example the RTP
of a retriggerable game where the base and feature have the same
RTP may be defined as:
R T P = B + B m n t 1 - n t ##EQU00003##
Where B is the return provided by a base game of the game, t is the
probability of a feature game occurring, n is a number of free
games provided in the feature game and m is the multiplier of the
prizes that applies for the feature game.
[0111] For this game, any of the variables B, m, n, or t may be
varied to obtain a required RTP. B may be varied by changing the
symbol sets as described herein above. m or n may be randomly
selected between two values (or more) according to a weighted
random selection process to result in the required RTP. If t is a
symbol combination then this may be varied by changing the symbol
sets. If the trigger event for the feature game is determined
independently of the symbols then that determination may be
switched between two determination methods with different
probabilities. For example in one game the trigger event for the
feature game may be the selection of the number 1 in the range 1 to
100 and in another game may be the selection of any of 1 to 20 in
the range 1 to 100.
[0112] As will be appreciated from the preceding discussion the
characteristic that is varied may be solely within the base game or
solely within a feature game. It would also be possible to vary
more than one characteristic, with the consequent increased
complexity in determining the overall RTP and appropriate weighting
in the selection process.
[0113] FIG. 8 shows a process flow diagram of processes performed
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0114] In step 1, the RTP for the gaming machine is set. This may
be set, for example, in accordance with the geographical location
in which the game is to be used and the regulatory requirements of
that location. If a suitable game controller 101 is used, the RTP
of a gaming machine may be changed at any time either by direct
interaction with the gaming machine through the user interface or
via instructions sent to the gaming machine over a network
connection. As will be appreciated, however, sufficient security
should be implemented to prevent unauthorised tampering of the RTP.
Alternatively a game may be manufactured with the RTP permanently
set as described herein and shipped with that fixed RTP.
[0115] In step 2 the weighting required to be used for the weighted
random selection process in order to provide the gaming machine
with the required RTP is calculated and stored on the gaming
machine. The weighting is calculated according to the formulae
discussed above. The weighting may be calculated by the gaming
machine itself and stored as a variable, or may be calculated by a
manufacturer of the gaming machine and stored as a constant.
[0116] Steps 1 and 2 relate to the manufacture and/or setting up of
a gaming machine. Steps 3 to 7 apply to play of the gaming
machine.
[0117] In step 3 the game controller 101 monitors the bill acceptor
and/or coin input 110 and/or information received by the
card/ticket reader 108 or network card 112 for a deposit of credit
and in response causes the hardware meters 104 to increment
according to the denomination of the game. The game controller 101
then monitors the user interface 107 for the input of a wager. In
step 4, and provided a user has sufficient credits, the user
initiates a game.
[0118] In step 5 the game controller 101 determines the symbol set
that will be used for the game according to the weighted selection
process described herein (assuming the embodiment where there are a
plurality of alternative symbol sets).
[0119] In step 6 the game controller 101 makes a random selection
of symbols from the symbol set selected in step 5 and displays the
results.
[0120] In step 7 the game controller 101 determines whether any
award is payable and, if so, awards the award to the player.
[0121] As will be appreciated, if the symbol sets selected in the
weighted selection process are symbol sets used in the base game,
the determination of which symbol set to use for any given game
play made in step 5 may be made at any time prior to making the
symbol selection of step 6. If the alternative symbols sets or
other variable that affects RTP is for a feature game, then the
process may be modified so that step 5 is completed only when
required i.e. only when a feature game is played.
[0122] While the foregoing description has been provided by way of
example of the preferred embodiments of the present invention as
presently contemplated, which utilise gaming machines of the type
found in casinos, those skilled in the relevant arts will
appreciate that embodiments of the present invention also may have
application to internet gaming and/or have application to gaming
over a telecommunications network, where handsets are used to
display game outcomes and receive player inputs.
[0123] Where in the foregoing description reference has been made
to integers having known equivalents, then those equivalents are
hereby incorporated herein as if individually set forth.
[0124] Those skilled in the relevant arts will appreciate that
modifications and additions to the embodiments of the present
invention may be made without departing from the scope of the
present invention.
[0125] It will be understood that the invention disclosed and
defined in this specification extends to all alternative
combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or
evident from the text or drawings. All of these different
combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the
invention.
[0126] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the
invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing
from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The
present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all
respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Several embodiments
are described above with reference to the drawings. These drawings
illustrate certain details of specific embodiments that implement
the systems and methods and programs of the present invention.
However, describing the invention with drawings should not be
construed as imposing on the invention any limitations associated
with features shown in the drawings. It will be understood that the
invention disclosed and defined in this specification extends to
all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual
features mentioned or evident from the text or drawings. All of
these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects
of the invention.
[0127] The present invention contemplates methods, systems and
program products on any electronic device and/or machine-readable
media suitable for accomplishing its operations. Certain
embodiments of the present invention may be implemented using an
existing computer processor and/or by a special purpose computer
processor incorporated for this or another purpose or by a
hardwired system, for example.
[0128] Embodiments within the scope of the present invention
include program products comprising machine-readable media for
carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data
structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any
available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or
special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way
of example, such machine-readable media may comprise RAM, ROM,
PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage,
magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any
other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program
code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data
structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or
special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. When
information is transferred or provided over a network or another
communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a
combination of hardwired or wireless) to a machine, the machine
properly views the connection as a machine-readable medium. Thus,
any such a connection is properly termed a machine-readable medium.
Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of
machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions comprise,
for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose
computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing
machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.
* * * * *