U.S. patent application number 13/117917 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-01 for systems, methods, apparatus and computer-readable mediums for on-line gaming.
Invention is credited to Richard Sagman, Gary SHAW.
Application Number | 20110294561 13/117917 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44514819 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110294561 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SHAW; Gary ; et al. |
December 1, 2011 |
SYSTEMS, METHODS, APPARATUS AND COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIUMS FOR
ON-LINE GAMING
Abstract
A gaming method, machine and system provide a game of chance
which includes a skill feature (312). The gaming method according
to one embodiment enables a player to access a game of chance
(S55), triggers (S60), in the game of chance, a bonus feature when
a predetermined scenario occurs in the game of chance, provides to
the player a skill game within the bonus feature (S3), and returns
to the game of chance (S85) after the skill game is completed by
the player (S70).
Inventors: |
SHAW; Gary; (Gibraltar,
GI) ; Sagman; Richard; (Gibraltar, GI) |
Family ID: |
44514819 |
Appl. No.: |
13/117917 |
Filed: |
May 27, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61349112 |
May 27, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 ;
463/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/34 20130101;
G07F 17/3267 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101; G07F 17/3244 20130101;
G07F 17/3295 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 ;
463/16 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A gaming method, said method comprising: enabling a player to
access a game of chance; triggering, in the game of chance, a bonus
feature when a predetermined scenario occurs in said game of
chance; providing to the player a skill game within the bonus
feature; and returning to the game of chance after said skill game
is completed by the player.
2. The gaming method as recited in claim 1, wherein the game of
chance is a slot game.
3. The gaming method as recited in claim 1, wherein the outcome
and/or payout of the bonus feature is determined by the player's
skill.
4. The gaming method as recited in claim 1, wherein the outcome
and/or payout of the bonus feature is determined by the player's
skill, said outcome and/or payout affecting a likelihood for a win
in said game of chance.
5. The gaming method as recited in claim 1, further comprising:
calculating a bonus payout for the player using the player's score
from said skill game and a paytable of said bonus feature.
6. The gaming method as recited in claim 1, wherein said bonus
feature includes a bonus paytable in which scores relate to a
multiplier of a likelihood of a win from said game of chance.
7. The gaming method as recited in claim 1, wherein said bonus
feature includes a bonus paytable in which scores relate to a
multiplier of a stake from said game of chance, and said multiplier
is a random scatter which gives the player a fixed multiple of the
total stake for a spin in said game of chance.
8. The gaming method as recited in claim 1, wherein multiple lines
in the game of chance triggering the bonus feature provide
multipliers to a stake of the skill game.
9. The gaming method as recited in claim 1, wherein multiple
feature symbols on a payline in said game of chance increase a
payout of said skill game based on a bonus paytable.
10. The gaming method as recited in claim 1, wherein said skill
game is implemented using an application programming interface
(API) flash container solution, wherein content of the bonus
feature is created in a container with configurable elements.
11. The gaming method as recited in claim 1, wherein said bonus
feature offers at least one of a prize with a value increasing per
player's score in said skill game, and a cash bonus calculated
based on a stake of the player and a bonus multiplier determined by
the player's score in said skill game.
12. The gaming method as recited in claim 1, further comprising:
providing said enabling step on a social networking site.
13. The gaming method as recited in claim 1, wherein said
triggering step is provided in one of: an online location accessed
with a processor, a gaming venue, and a mobile device.
14. The gaming method as recited in claim 1, wherein a paytable in
the bonus feature provides different multipliers to a stake of said
player per line, depending on a score band in which a score of said
player in the skill game lies.
15. The gaming method as recited in claim 1, wherein an arrangement
of feature symbols in the game of chance triggers said bonus
feature.
16. The gaming method as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one
of a line selection, a stake selection, a max bet selection and a
spin are enabled in the game of chance.
17. The gaming method as recited in claim 1, further comprising:
enabling at least one of animations and audio to be played in the
skill game.
18. The gaming method as recited in claim 1, further comprising:
requesting the player to register before accessing said game of
chance.
19. The gaming method as recited in claim 1, further comprising:
obtaining data from a remote location pertaining to said bonus
feature, in connection with said triggering step; and retrieving a
score of the player from said skill game and sending said score to
said remote location.
20. The gaming method as recited in claim 1, wherein said skill
game provides a video within the bonus feature, and a reward is
given to the player depending on an action of the player in
connection with the video, wherein said reward is applied to the
game of chance.
21. The gaming method as recited in claim 1, wherein said skill
game provides a quiz within the bonus feature, and a reward is
given to the player depending on a response of the player to a
question in the quiz, wherein said reward is applied to the game of
chance.
22. The gaming method as recited in claim 1, wherein said skill
game provides a set of options within the bonus feature, and a
reward is given to the player depending on an option selected from
said set of options, wherein said reward is applied to the game of
chance.
23. A gaming machine, said machine comprising: at least one
processor; and a display device, wherein said at least one
processor enables a player to access a game of chance through said
display device, said at least one processor triggers, in the game
of chance, a bonus feature when a predetermined scenario occurs in
said game of chance; and said at least one processor provides to
the player a skill game within the bonus feature, wherein said at
least one processor returns the player to the game of chance after
said skill game is completed by the player.
24. The gaming machine as recited in claim 23, wherein the game of
chance is a slot game.
25. The gaming machine as recited in claim 23, wherein the outcome
and/or payout of the bonus feature is determined by the player's
skill.
26. The gaming machine as recited in claim 23, wherein the outcome
and/or payout of the bonus feature is determined by the player's
skill, said outcome and/or payout affecting a likelihood for a win
in said game of chance.
27. The gaming machine as recited in claim 23, wherein said at
least one processor: calculates a bonus payout for the player using
the player's bonus score from said skill game and a paytable of
said bonus feature.
28. The gaming machine as recited in claim 23, wherein said bonus
feature includes a bonus paytable in which scores relate to a
multiplier of a slot stake from said game of chance.
29. The gaming machine as recited in claim 23, wherein said bonus
feature includes a bonus paytable in which scores relate to a
multiplier of a stake from said game of chance, and said multiplier
is a random scatter which gives the player a fixed multiple of the
total stake for a spin in said game of chance.
30. The gaming machine as recited in claim 23, wherein multiple
lines triggering the bonus feature provide multipliers to a stake
of the skill game.
31. The gaming machine as recited in claim 23, wherein multiple
feature symbols on a payline in said game of chance increase a
payout of said skill game based on a bonus paytable.
32. The gaming machine as recited in claim 23, wherein said skill
game is implemented using an application programming interface
(API) flash container solution, wherein content of the bonus
feature is created in a container with configurable elements.
33. The gaming machine as recited in claim 23, wherein said bonus
feature offers at least one of a prize with a value increasing per
player's score in said skill game, and a cash bonus calculated
based on a stake of the player and a bonus multiplier determined by
the player's score in said skill game.
34. The gaming machine as recited in claim 23, wherein said at
least one processor enables the player to access the game of chance
by connecting to a social networking site.
35. The gaming machine as recited in claim 23, wherein said at
least one processor triggers the bonus feature in one of: an online
location, a gaming venue, and a mobile device.
36. The gaming machine as recited in claim 23, wherein a paytable
in the bonus feature provides different multipliers to a stake of
said player per line, depending on a score band in which a score of
said player in the skill game lies.
37. The gaming machine as recited in claim 23, wherein an
arrangement of feature symbols in the game of chance triggers said
bonus feature.
38. The gaming machine as recited in claim 23, wherein at least one
of a line selection, a stake selection, a max bet selection and a
spin are enabled in the game of chance.
39. The gaming machine as recited in claim 23, wherein said at
least one processor enables at least one of animations and audio to
be played in the skill game.
40. The gaming machine as recited in claim 23, further comprising:
a processor requesting the player to register before accessing said
game of chance.
41. The gaming machine as recited in claim 23, wherein said at
least one processor obtains data from a remote location pertaining
to said bonus feature, and retrieves a score of the player from
said skill game and sends said score to said remote location.
42. A gaming system comprising: a unit for a game of chance; a
skill unit; and a skillgaming unit, wherein the units are
programmed to operate so that: the unit for the game of chance
sends a request for a bonus round game session to the skill unit,
during a game of chance played by a player, when a predetermined
scenario occurs in said game of chance, the skill unit sends
session information to the unit for the game of chance, the unit
for the game of chance sends bonus round characteristics to the
skillgaming unit, for the bonus round to be played by the player as
a skill game, the skillgaming unit sends a player score from said
bonus round so that the score reaches the unit for the game of
chance.
43. The gaming system as recited in claim 42, wherein the game of
chance is a slot game.
44. The gaming system as recited in claim 42, further comprising a
server controlling tournaments to enable the use of scores from the
bonus feature in a tournament.
45. The gaming system as recited in claim 42, further comprising a
display unit illustrating at least one of a paytable function, a
stake function, a lines function, a maxbet function, a spin
function and an autospin function.
46. The gaming system as recited in claim 42, wherein said paytable
function launches a paytables section showing what the player can
win on the game of chance and on the bonus feature.
47. The gaming system as recited in claim 42, wherein said
skillgaming unit or said unit for the game of chance are accessed
from a social networking site.
48. The gaming system as recited in claim 42, wherein said unit for
the game of chance, skill unit and skillgaming unit are located at
the same physical location.
49. The gaming system as recited in claim 42, wherein said unit for
the game of chance and said skill unit are located at different
physical locations, said unit for the game of chance is an online
unit or an in-venue gaming unit, and said skillgaming unit is
provided at one of: an online location, a casino, and a
government-sanctioned gaming facility.
50. The gaming system as recited in claim 42, wherein said
skillgaming unit is accessed by the player on-site or remotely
using a user account.
51. The gaming system as recited in claim 42, wherein said unit for
the game of chance provides a reward to the player based on the
score sent by the skillgaming unit.
52. The gaming system as recited in claim 42, wherein said skill
unit is located at an online site separately from said unit for the
game of chance, and a bonus round is played by the player on the
skillgaming unit, at the location where said unit for the game of
chance is located.
53. The gaming system as recited in claim 42, wherein said
skillgaming unit enables a player to practice a skill game which is
similar to the bonus round, without accessing the unit for the game
of chance.
54. The gaming system as recited in claim 42, wherein said unit for
the game of chance includes slots which display a plurality of
pictures.
55. The gaming system as recited in claim 42, wherein said unit for
the game of chance includes at least one slot surrounded by a
newsfeed describing the activity of another player.
56. The gaming system as recited in claim 42, wherein the score is
determined by the player's skill.
57. The gaming system as recited in claim 42, wherein the score is
determined by the player's skill, said score affecting a likelihood
for a win in said game of chance.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This non-provisional application claims priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/349,112
filed on May 27, 2010, the entire contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a gaming technique and
gaming apparatus, and more particularly to a method, apparatus and
system for playing a slot-type game.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Slot games are ubiquitous online and in casinos. These
popular games are games of chance where a player may win a prize
based on certain arrangements of symbols. Because the result of
these games is based on the "luck" of the player, the incentive to
play may be diminished by random arrangements of symbols which may
be unfavorable to the player or may become unexciting through
chance repetition.
[0006] Disclosed embodiments of this application include systems,
methods, apparatuses and computer-readable mediums and data
structures which provide an increased incentive to play a slot game
or other game of chance, together with increased player
satisfaction based on the result of the game. The embodiments of
this application also implement a novel type of interaction between
a player and a slot game or other game of chance, and may be
provided in a gaming venue, online, or on a mobile device. Systems,
methods, apparatuses, computer-readable mediums and data
structures, as described herein, provide for a game, that includes
a non-skill portion of a game, and a skill portion of the game. The
non-skill portion of the game is a game of chance, for example, a
slot, where the player does not contribute with skill when
determining a win and the payout thereon or a loss. The skill
portion of the game is any game of skill where the payout is
dependent on the skill of the player. In the present application,
an inventive game of one particular embodiment is called "sklot" to
indicate that it includes elements of a slot game and elements of
skill.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is directed to gaming methods,
apparatuses and systems. According to a first aspect of the present
invention, a gaming method comprises: enabling a player to access a
game of chance; triggering, in the game of chance, a bonus feature
when a predetermined scenario occurs in the game of chance;
providing to the player a skill game within the bonus feature; and
returning to the game of chance after the skill game is completed
by the player.
[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a
gaming machine comprises: at least one processor; and a display
device, wherein the at least one processor enables a player to
access a game of chance through the display device, the at least
one processor triggers, in the game of chance, a bonus feature when
a predetermined scenario occurs in the game of chance; and the at
least one processor provides to the player a skill game within the
bonus feature, wherein the at least one processor returns the
player to the game of chance after the skill game is completed by
the player.
[0009] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a
gaming system comprises: a unit for a game of chance; a skill unit;
and a skillgaming unit, wherein the units are programmed to operate
so that: the unit for the game of chance sends a request for a
bonus round game session to the skill unit, during a game of chance
played by a player, when a predetermined scenario occurs in the
game of chance, the skill unit sends session information to the
unit for the game of chance, the unit for the game of chance sends
bonus round characteristics to the skillgaming unit, for the bonus
round to be played by the player as a skill game, the skillgaming
unit sends a player score from the bonus round so that the score
reaches the unit for the game of chance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent upon reading the following detailed description in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying
drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and
together with the description, serve to explain the principles of
the invention, and, together with the description, explain the
features and aspects of the invention.
[0011] It may be appreciated that the diagrams are examples of the
system environment and the components within the client device and
the information depicted therein may be configured in a different
manner, as may be appreciated by one skilled in the art.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a general block diagram of a system environment in
which a sklot game may be played according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating components
included in client device capable of playing a sklot game according
to an embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG.
1;
[0014] FIG. 3 is an exemplary block diagram of a server that may be
implemented in the system environment in which a sklot game may be
played according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating operations performed
when playing sklot according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating in mode detail a
process flow of playing sklot according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating in detail exemplary
aspects of sklot including the exchange of information between a
slot server, a skill server and a skillgaming site and server
during a game of sklot when a bonus round is triggered, according
to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate exemplary details of a slot paytable
and a bonus paytable for determining a player score in the bonus
feature in which a skill sub-game is played according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating exemplary steps in a
play of sklot according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a set-up of a sklot
game according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 10A illustrates an exemplary histogram showing the
results and distribution achieved from over 60 k plays on the
icicle climb skill game, and FIG. 10B illustrates the percentage of
scores within certain ranges in FIG. 10A, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 11 illustrates a screen shot showing functional buttons
in an exemplary sklot game according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0023] FIG. 12A illustrates an exemplary screen shot showing bonus
multiplier animation to an embodiment of the present invention, and
FIG. 12B illustrates an exemplary bonus payout table for the game
shown in FIG. 12A according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating how a game may be
implemented to attract players according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a system including a
government skill site for fun through which sklot may be played,
and the relationship of the skill site with other gaming features
and sites, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a system including a
government skill site for cash through which sklot may be played,
and the relationship of the skill site with other gaming features
and sites, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a system illustrating the
integration of a sklot in a non-online gaming environment according
to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating the integration of
sklot features in social networking environments and gaming
environments according to an embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0029] FIG. 18 illustrates aspects of the operation of converting
players from other platforms to play for fun on the skill sklot
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] Aspects of the invention are more specifically set forth in
the accompanying description with reference to the appended
figures. FIG. 1 is a general block diagram of a system environment
in which a sklot game may be played according to an embodiment of
the present invention. The system architecture illustrated in FIG.
1 depicts an system environment in which systems, methods,
apparatus, computer-readable mediums and data structures consistent
with the principles of some embodiments of the present disclosure
may be included. It may be appreciated that the components of
system 100 may be implemented through any suitable combinations of
hardware, software, and/or firmware.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, system 100 includes at least one server
102 and/or at least one gaming database 103. Server 102 and gaming
database 103 may be communicably linked to one or more client
devices 106, 108, etc. through network 104. The gaming database 103
may be any type of physical unit on which games reside, such as a
machine in a gaming venue, a lottery machine, an electronic game
system, etc. Network 104 may be implemented as the Internet, or any
local or wide area network, either public or private. Network 104
may also be a hardware system physically connecting some or all of
the server 102 and client devices 106, 108. Client devices may be
implemented as any computing devices such as a personal computing
device, a server, a server network, handheld computing device, slot
machine, other gaming machine in a gaming venue, lottery machine,
an interface in a virtual environment, etc.
[0032] It may be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art
that while only one server, one gaming database, one network and
two client devices are depicted, more or fewer servers, more or
fewer gaming databases, more networks and more or fewer client
devices and/or other devices may reside within system 100.
[0033] The elements inside system 100 may include one or more
(micro)processors, purpose built hardware such as, for example,
FPGA, ASIC, etc., software systems and applications, software
packages, mechanical and electrical parts, etc. Software packages
that may be part of server 102, gaming database 103, network 104
and client devices 106, 108 may be recorded on a computer readable
medium such as a memory device, RAM, CD/DVD/USB drives, handheld
memory device, etc., and/or may be part of a physical device such
as one or more (micro)processors or electro-mechanical systems. Any
of server 102, gaming database 103, network 104, and client devices
106, 108 may be fixed systems, mobile systems or portable
systems.
[0034] Although the various components of FIG. 1 are illustrated as
discrete elements, it should be recognized that certain operations
of some of the various components may be performed by the same
physical device, e.g., by one or more microprocessors or other type
of devices.
[0035] FIG. 2 is an exemplary block diagram illustrating components
included in client device 106, 108 capable of playing a game such
as sklot according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Client device 106, 108 may include central processing unit 202,
input/output devices 204, application software 206, memory 208,
secondary storage 210, and network application 212. Client device
106, 108 may be communicably linked to servers 102 and/or gaming
database 103 through network 104. It may be appreciated by one of
ordinary skill in the art that while only certain components are
depicted, other components may be included within client device
106, 108.
[0036] A player may access server 102 or gaming database 103
through network 104 using network application 212 wherein the
application software may include a conventional browser including
conventional browser applications available from Microsoft,
Mozilla, Netscape, etc., or other software for connecting to an
item/page/application package, etc. available on the network.
Application software 206 may include software for facilitating
creating a session between the client device and the server or
gaming device in order to play sklot as discussed herein. Secondary
storage 210 may be used to store information regarding one or more
of player information, game information such as preferences, score,
etc., configuration for client device or server 102/gaming database
103/network 104, etc. Secondary storage 210 may include a computer
readable medium such as a memory device, RAM, CD/DVD/USB drives,
etc., and/or a unit on a physical device such as one or more
(micro)processors.
[0037] Input/output devices 204 may include, for example, a
keyboard, a mouse, a video cam, a display, a touch-screen display,
a storage device, a printer, a portable recording medium, an
electro-mechanical device, etc.
[0038] Although the various components of FIG. 2 are illustrated as
discrete elements, such an illustration is for ease of explanation
and it should be recognized that certain operations of the various
components may be performed by the same physical device, e.g., by
one or more microprocessors or devices. The various components of
FIG. 2 may include one or more (micro)processors, purpose built
hardware such as, for example, FPGA, ASIC, etc., software systems
and applications, software packages, etc., as well as a computer
readable medium such as a memory device, RAM, CD/DVD/USB drives,
etc. storing software packages.
[0039] FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary block diagram of a server 102
that may be implemented in the system environment 100 in which a
game may be played according to an embodiment of the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 3, application server 102 include a CPU
302, network application 304, memory 306, secondary storage 308,
input/output devices 312, a game engine 310 and skill engine
312.
[0040] Input/output devices 312 may include, for example, a
keyboard, a mouse, a video cam, a display, a storage device, a
printer, a portable recording medium, an electro-mechanical device,
etc. Network application 304 may include software applications that
facilitate communication with client devices 106, 108 through
network 104. It may be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the
art that while only certain components are depicted, other
components may be included within servers 102.
[0041] Game engine 310 may be implemented as a game server to
facilitate establishing, maintaining and closing sessions with
client device 106, 108 wherein the sklot game may be played game
engine 310 may further communicate with skill engine 312 in order
to send and receive information regarding existing sessions of
games. Game engine 310 may further implement the non-skill portion
of the game.
[0042] Skill engine 312 may be implemented as a skill server to
facilitate receiving information regarding an existing session,
implement a skill portion of the sklot game and pass information
regarding the results of the skill portion of the sklot game back
to the slot engine 310.
[0043] It may be appreciated that the skill engine may be
implemented to receive information regarding a skill game and parse
the skill game down to one or more levels, parse a full version of
the game down to a specified time period, etc., in order to
implement a skill portion of the game. The parsed down version may
appreciate all of the features of the full version of the game,
except that only one or more levels are presented, the game is only
played for a particular period of time, etc.
[0044] The skill engine may implement any skill game as the game
played during the bonus round. Details of how the skill engine
parses down a skill game is more thoroughly discussed in the
process flow description below in relation to sklot.
[0045] Furthermore, while details of the methods, units and
software applications are described in the present application in
the context of slot games, the principles of the current invention
apply equally to other games of chance besides slot games, whereby
a skill game is triggered in a game of chance and players win money
or other rewards based on their ability, as opposed to an outcome
based on chance.
[0046] Although the various components of FIG. 3 are illustrated as
discrete elements, it should be recognized that certain operations
of some of the various components may be performed by the same
physical device, e.g., by one or more microprocessors or other type
of devices. Thus, it may be appreciated that the skill engine and
the game engine may reside in or work from the same unit, computing
device, or (micro)processor. The skill engine and the game engine
may also be separate. For example, the skill engine and the game
engine may reside on, or work from, separate computing devices,
units or (micro)processors. It may further be appreciated that the
game engine may communicate with more than one skill engine that
resides within the same computing device or on different computing
devices or remote servers operating within system environment 100.
Also, the skill engine may communicate with more than one game
engine that resides within the same computing device or on
different computing devices or remote servers operating within
system environment 100.
[0047] In an exemplary implementation, server 102 may be
implemented as a Linux box. In one embodiment, the server 102 is a
Linux box with 2 dual core CPUs with at least 3 GHz, 8 GB RAM and
140 GB hard drives in RAID. It may be appreciated that other
configurations may be implemented providing the functionality
discussed herein is achieved.
[0048] The gaming database 103 may similarly include a game engine
and a skill engine. The game engine may be implemented as a slot
machine application to facilitate establishing, maintaining and
closing sessions with client device 106, 108 wherein the game may
be played. The skill engine may be implemented as a skill server to
facilitate receiving information regarding an existing session,
implement a skill portion of the game and pass information
regarding the results of the skill portion of the game back to the
game engine. Alternatively, the game engine and/or the skill engine
may be accessed directly by a player in a gaming venue. Game engine
may further communicate with skill engine in order to send, receive
and/or store information regarding existing sessions of games. Game
engine may further implement the non-skill portion of the game. The
gaming database 103 may be an electro-mechanical unit in a gaming
venue and may include electronic components for communication with
a network, and/or interface components to provide direct
accessibility to players.
[0049] Sklots are slots, or other types of game of chance, with
skill game bonus round(s). Players can practice games in a skill
environment to boost their chances of winning. The games on skill
environment may be a version of the game on the sklot bonus round.
Other types of games may include poker, Bingo, word games, or any
other game type.
[0050] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating operations performed
when playing sklot according to an embodiment of the present
invention. To play sklot, a player may first register with the
server 102 (S50). The player then starts to play a slot game (S55)
by accessing the slot engine. When a predetermined scenario occurs
in the slot game or upon some other trigger, a bonus feature
including a skill-based game is triggered (S60). The skill-based
game is associated with a bonus paytable which may be preset (S66)
or may be changed in real-time (S67). The bonus paytable may,
optionally, be shown to the player prior to the skill game starting
(S65). In one embodiment, it is the player's choice when in the
slot element to see the bonus paytable, or whether to see the bonus
paytable within a relevant webpage, or whether to see the bonus
playtable at all. In another embodiment, all paytables may be shown
on screen during both or either parts of the games paytable, as is
often shown in traditional slots.
[0051] Upon completion of the skill game by the player (S70), a
score from the skill game which is determined based on player's
skill and on the bonus table is saved (S75). The score may be
recorded on the skill engine (S80). The player is then returned to
the slot game (S85) and the score from the skill game is introduced
into the slot game (S90) where it affects a gaming result in the
slot game played by the player. For example, in an exemplary
embodiment, at step S90 the score is received by the
random-number-generator (RNG) game and matched to a predetermined
payout table in the RNG game to define the winnings offered to the
player from the skill round. The score could, in subsequent
versions, also affect a gaming result in the slot game played by
the player.
[0052] A sklot game includes one or more external game sessions
which are obtained through a remote or local connection to a
database, such as a web service from a 3rd party site or stored
locally on the computing device. The sklot game is provided at the
users computing device in a window such as an iframe and then the
score may be reported back via a web service call. Some of the
elements which may be part of a sklot game are the following:
[0053] the Intro, which may be a short flash movie introducing the
game, and which may be served before the sklot loads; [0054] the
slot, which is a slot game; [0055] a bonus feature, which is a
skill game played as the bonus feature; [0056] a slot paytable
which includes multipliers relating to the core slot game; [0057] a
bonus paytable which is a multiplier for players score relating to
the bonus feature; [0058] active button(s)/instruction(s) within
the slot section for launching pages showing the paytables and,
optionally, the rules for the sklot and the bonus features;
paytables and rules may both be shown based on this command, or
only the paytables may be shown.
[0059] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating in mode detail a
process flow of playing sklot according to an embodiment of the
present invention. An exemplary general process for playing sklot
includes the following steps. In step S1, a slot unit calls a
remote host which is located on server 102 or gaming database 103,
to request a bonus round to be started. The slot unit is a unit in
communication with a client device 106, or located on client device
106. A slot game (also called "slot" herein) can be played through
the slot unit. The slot unit may receive input from a player and
may communicate with server 102 or gaming database 103.
[0060] In step S2, a skill game session is created and a session
identification is received. In step S3, the slot unit opens up a
playing window for playing a skill game, which is part of the bonus
round. In step S4, the slot unit calls a timer to start monitoring
the game end. At step S5, the skill game ends and appends a session
identification to the original window. In step S6, the session
identification is recorded and the slot unit retrieves the skill
game session score. In step S7, the slot unit calls the remote host
and provides information regarding the score achieved by the player
in the skill game. The information sent in S7 may define, within
the slot engine, the amount paid out (using, for example, a
specified bonus paytable) to the player when the player returns to
the slot. The slot unit may then return to the game of slot (step
S8).
[0061] Exemplary details for steps S1-S8 are provided below.
[0062] In step S1, the slot unit may call a webservice. In an
exemplary implementation, the sklot may use a SOAP (Simple Object
Access Protocol) or other protocol with the web service to
communicate with the skillgaming engine (the skill engine 312).
[0063] In step S2, a game session is created and a session
identification is received. Also, when the sklot unit requests a
bonus round to be started, a unique session id for the bonus round
is created and provided.
[0064] In step S3, the slot unit opens up a playing window. The
slot unit opens up the playing window from data received by the
skillgaming site which may be controlled by server 102 or gaming
database 103. The sklot may support any number of languages and a
player may then be able to play sklot under a selected
language.
[0065] In step S4, the slot calls a timer to start monitoring the
skill game end.
[0066] At step S5, the game ends and appends a session
identification to the original window.
[0067] In step S6, the session identification is recorded and the
slot retrieves the session score.
[0068] In step S7, the slot calls the webservice again. For
example, when the bonus round has finished, the bonus game calls a
javascript running in the slot window which calls and receives a
session id and invokes a server side function to retrieve the score
of the bonus round achieved by the player.
[0069] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating in detail exemplary
aspects of sklot including the exchange of information between a
slot server 411, a skill server 415 and a skillgaming site and
server 417 during a game of sklot when a bonus round is triggered,
according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in
FIG. 6, when a bonus round is triggered, the slot server sends a
request for a skill game bonus session id to the skill server,
which sends back the unique session id for the bonus round. The
slot server 411 sends information pertaining to the slot game and
path information where to retrieve the bonus round data to the
skillgaming site and server. The skillgaming site and server sends
information to align the bonus round with the slot game and
provides a new session id to the slot server. The slot server then
retrieves the score of the bonus round from the skill server.
Finally, the score is retrieved and the payout received using this
score and the bonus paytable is displayed on slot at the slot
server.
[0070] It may be appreciated that various permutations are possible
for the locations of the skill server, slot server and skillgaming
site and server. For example, the skill server, the slot server and
the skillgaming site and server may each be located at, or work
from different online or physical locations, or may be located at,
or work from the same online or physical location. The skill server
and the slot server may also be located at, or work from, the same
online or physical location which is different from the online or
physical location of the skillgaming site and server. Also, the
skill server and the skillgaming site and server may be located at,
or work from the same online or physical location which is
different from the online or physical location of the slot server.
Other locations combinations for the skill server, slot server and
skillgaming site and server are also possible.
[0071] In playing sklot the payouts may be determined by defined
paytables. A game of sklot may use two paytables: a slot paytable
which includes multipliers relating to the core slot game, and a
bonus paytable which is a multiplier for players' scores in the
bonus feature in which the skill sub-game is played.
[0072] FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate exemplary details of a slot paytable
and a bonus paytable for determining a player score in the bonus
feature in which a skill sub-game is played according to an
embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 7A-7D are only exemplary
and provide information regarding the slot paytable for the sklot
game based on the "Icicle Climb" game. It may be appreciated that
the information depicted in the slot and bonus paytables in FIGS.
7A-7D is provided as an example and the information may vary from
game to game.
[0073] The information depicted in the slot paytable may be
entered, managed, deleted, etc., in the slot engine. It may be
appreciated that any applicable software applications may be used
to enter and manage this information. It may further be appreciated
that this information may be provided for each of the skill games
incorporated within the system. Further, the information as
depicted in the figure is provided as an example and may vary based
on desired Return To Player (RTP), the skill game that is played,
etc.
[0074] Section 450 in FIG. 7C essentially defines an exemplary core
slot table, while section 452 provides a neatened summary. Thus, at
a base level, sections 450 and 452 of FIG. 7C are the data that may
be used to define a slot paytable. The paytables and associate
information shown in FIGS. 7A-7D are only exemplary, and more than
one core slot paytable, including different features, may be
present in the slot game. Also, more than one core slot paytable
may be used in the derivation of one or more bonus paytables for
the same or for multiple skill games within the slot game.
[0075] FIG. 7D illustrates the win lines for the core Icicle Climb
slot game. FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C illustrate bonus paytables
determined based on win lines and probabilities of appearances of
symbols, as explained in more detail below.
[0076] The RTP percentages in FIG. 7A are calculated using
probabilities shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C In an exemplary payout
set-up, payouts may be modeled based on desired payouts expected
from standard slots on the market, which are then modified to
achieve a similar payout system using the skill game and the
observed frequencies. Taking into account that the skill game may
be perceived as the most exciting and fun part of the sklot game,
the bonus round may be modeled to appear frequently. In one
exemplary implementation of sklot, the bonus round appears on an
average of 15.9 spins if players had selected all 20 lines of the
slot. The bonus paytables defining the skill game scores are built
based on formulas and methods used to calculate pay amounts for
players. The Overall Return to Player (RTP) % is the Base Game RTP
%+Bonus Round RTP %.
[0077] The Base Game RTP % is the sum of the value of fields K29 to
K76 as depicted in the Win Lines table 450 in FIG. 7C. This value
represents the percentage of the overall value returned to the
player during the base round portion of the core slot game.
[0078] The Bonus Round RTP % is the value of K77 field depicted in
K77. This value represents the percentage of the overall value
returned to the player during the bonus round portion of the
game.
[0079] The Win Rate is the sum of the value of fields J29 to J77 in
the Win Lines table. This value represents, for each line, the
percentage of times the player would win any particular amount in
the slot, non-skill portion of the game.
[0080] The Games per Bonus Round, calculated at 20 lines, is
(1/J77)19, where J77 is depicted in the Win Lines table. For
example, if the player selected all 20 lines, on average, the
player would advance to the bonus round once every 16 spins.
[0081] The Number of Symbols per Reel table 460, Probabilities
table 462, Not Probabilities table 464, Win Lines table 450,
Payouts table 452, Probabilities table 456 and Inverse
Probabilities table 454 (FIGS. 7A-7C) may be implemented during the
non-skill, slot portion of the game. The slot engine may utilize a
random number generator in order to generate a symbol for each reel
for each line selected by a player and payout in accordance with
the values in these tables. The Bonus Round table 458 may be
implemented during the skill portion of the game.
[0082] Additional details regarding specific features in the tables
in FIGS. 7A-7C are provided below.
[0083] Number of Symbols per Reel table 460 (FIG. 7B) depicts how
often each of symbols 51 through S9 appears on each of Reel 1
through Reel 5. S9 as depicted in all of the tables may be
implemented as the bonus symbol (the bonus feature trigger). S1
through S3 may be implemented as low payout symbols, as shown in
the "Payouts" table in FIG. 7C. As such, they may appear more
frequently. The frequent appearance of these symbols is associated
with payment of lots of small prizes.
[0084] In contrast, S7 through S9 may be implemented as high payout
symbols. Thus, they appear less frequently. S9 may only appear on
two reels, for example, Reel 1 and Reel 2. The numbers of symbols
per reel are used to calculate how often the bonus features can
appear.
[0085] Probabilities table 462 (FIG. 7B) depicts the probability of
a particular symbol appearing on a reel. The probability of, for
example, S1 appearing on Reel 1 may be calculated based on the
corresponding values in the Number of Symbols per Reel table 460.
Similarly the probabilities of the other values in the
Probabilities table 462 may be calculated based on the
corresponding values in the Number of Symbols per Reel table
460.
[0086] Not Probabilities table 464 (FIG. 7B) depicts the
probability of a particular symbol not appearing on a reel. The
probability of, for example, S1 not appearing on Reel 1 may be
calculated based on the corresponding values in the Probabilities
table 462. Similarly the probabilities of the other values in the
Not Probabilities table 464 may be calculated based on the
corresponding values in the Probabilities table 462.
[0087] The Win Lines 450 (FIG. 7C) show the actual symbols on each
of the virtual reels used for the slot calculation. These Win Lines
450 distributions and the amounts of bonus symbols shown in Number
of Symbols per Reel 460 (FIG. 7B) together with the Probabilities
456 (FIG. 7C) define the payouts shown in the Payouts 452 table in
FIG. 7C.
[0088] The Win Lines table 450 includes the payout, probability of
occurrence, and return to player based on the different
combinations of symbols appearing on each of the reels. For
example, G29 will win if S1 appears on R1, R2 and R3, any symbol
other than S1 appears on R4 and any symbol appears on R5.
[0089] Similarly the payout, probability and RTP in the Win Lines
table 450 may be calculated based on the corresponding values. The
first column "Order" in the win lines table 450 (FIG. 7C) depicts
information relating to the order of the winning combinations. For
example, "3.times.Left to Right" provides information regarding
payout, probability and RTP for three matching symbols appearing
left to right on Reels 1, 2 and 3, any symbol on Reel 5 and the
matched symbol not appearing on Reel 4.
[0090] The paytable has been split to break down the RTP on each
section of the slot. The rows are split in subgroups such as 3 on
the left column, the 3 in the middle then the 3 in the left
columns, 4 on the left and 4 on the right. "3 Right to left" means
3 symbols from the right.
[0091] As can be seen from the last row in the Win Lines table 450,
if symbol S9 appears on Reel 1 and Reel 2, regardless of the
symbols that appear on Reels 3-5, the player advances to the bonus
round.
[0092] The Payouts table 452 (FIG. 7C) represents the multiplier of
the payout the player may receive. The values in this table affect
the Base Game RTP. For example, if S1 appears 3 times (in the Order
column in the Win Lines, "3.times.Left to Right", "3.times.Middle",
or "3.times.Right to Left") in the Win Lines table 450, the player
will be paid 1.times. payout amount. If the symbol S4 appears 4
times (in the Order column in the Win Lines, "3.times.Left to
Right", "3.times.Middle", or "3.times.Right to Left") in the Win
Lines table 450, the player will be paid 30.times. payout
amount.
[0093] S9 represents when the player enters the bonus round and
will be discussed in the Bonus Round table 458. In order to receive
the bonus feature at least 2 bonus symbols must appear on a single
win line. However, the trigger for the bonus round may be any
number greater than 2 up to the number of symbols represented on a
single line, for example, 3, 4 or 5 etc. The frequency of their
appearance defines how often the bonus feature appears. As
discussed with regard to the payout during the base portion of the
game, the payout to the player is random based on a random number
generator generating which symbols appear on each reel. However,
the payout in the Bonus Round table 458 (FIG. 7C) is directly
related to the skill of the player playing the bonus round.
[0094] The Bonus Round table 458 shows the relationship between the
score achieved in the bonus round, a related score band and the
payout multiplier of the stake related to each score and how much
it pays in the base slot game. The frequencies column shows the
observed frequencies from the statistical data of real play of the
bonus feature game. This allows estimating the spread of score that
will be achieved by real players on the game.
[0095] The Bonus Round table 458 includes four columns, band,
scores, payout and frequency. All of the possible scores are
divided into eight score bands as depicted in the band column. The
score column depicts the range of scores for each of the score
bands. The payout column depicts the multiplier of the payout the
player may receive for each of the bands. The frequency represents
how frequently a player may score with respect to each band.
[0096] Since this exemplary game is a game of skill, there is no
random element and frequencies depend on game play. Slot
frequencies are determined by the likelihood of achieving a result
according to the symbols and paytables. The use of frequency in
this illustration relates to observed frequencies. Using
statistical data (in this case 60,000 plays of the game), payouts
were observed and used as an example of potential frequencies to
guide the creation of the paytable. In this example, the actual
results would be determined purely by the skill of the players
playing the bonus round.
[0097] For any new skill game that is parsed and made a part of the
skill portion of the sklot game, the system as discussed herein may
determine and store information as statistics for each game that is
played. For example, for each session where the skill portion of
the game (the bonus portion) is played, the slot server may monitor
and store the score that is achieved. Once a predetermined number
of games are played, the system may determine the bands of the
scores for a skill portion of the game based on an optimal
frequency for each of the bands, i.e., using the observed
frequencies from statistical data in order to distribute
payouts.
[0098] It may further be appreciated that the score bands may be
automatically adjusted. For example, once the bands are
established, the system may continue to monitor the result of each
skill game that is played. If the actual frequency exceeds the
expected frequency beyond a predetermined threshold, the scores for
one or more bands may be adjusted so that the optimal frequency may
be achieved. Alternatively, instead of changing the score to
achieve the optimal frequency, the payout amount for one or more
bands may be changed in order to conform to a predetermined
RTP.
[0099] Using this game and paytable as an example, it may be
appreciated that once a player enters the bonus round, the overall
RTP may be between 85.6% and 99.6%, based on the values depicted in
the tables, taking into account how often the bonus feature
appears. However, these percentages may vary. The maximum payout if
all players achieved the maximum scores is not greater than 100%,
but using the observed frequencies, the expected payout is expected
to be around 93.8%. This percentage, however, may be lesser or
greater.
[0100] The win rate is high, giving players the feeling of constant
wins. 11.9% allows players to receive some kind of win (however
small) on most spins of 20 reels.
[0101] When more skill games are added to the core slot engine, the
score within the Bonus Round table in FIG. 7C is adjusted in order
to spread the scores of any skill game to match the paytable. The
payouts can be adjusted on the fly by decreasing the amount paid
out on the bonus round per score band or increasing them. The
maximum payout on the highest pay band may be fixed to ensure that
the theoretical RTP is always under 100%.
[0102] The probabilities table (FIG. 7C) depicts the probability of
receiving the different combination of symbols as set forth in the
Win Lines table 450.
[0103] The inverse probabilities table 454 (FIG. 7C) depicts the
inverse of the probability of receiving the different combination
of symbols as set forth in the Win Lines table.
[0104] As described previously, sklot is a slot with a unique bonus
feature, instead of playing a random draw or probability payout
bonus feature. The sklot bonus round is a skill game. The results
achieved by the player in this round define the size of the
player's payout in the bonus feature, so that the better the player
plays, the more the game pays. Because Sklot includes engaging
skill games bonus features, it may increase the repeat playability
and extend the enjoyment of the user/player.
[0105] Exemplary sklots may integrate line slots and skill games
within the game bonus feature. In an exemplary implementation, the
line slots are standard line slots. One novel feature of sklot is
that successful play on the bonus feature affects players' payouts.
This encourages repeat play on the games and the sklots.
[0106] Multiple game engine versions are available to the player.
One exemplary implemented Sklot is a 5-line Click and Clear.
Another exemplary Sklot is a 20 line Sklot (e.g., the "Icicle
Climb" mentioned above). The combination of soft recognizable games
within a high quality 20 line Sklot is unique in the game world and
is revolutionary in the way players interact with slots. Additional
game features such as Wild Cards, Multiplier Symbols and Free Spins
may be available in a Sklot game. These features are available in
many standard slot games and could appear within the slot section
of any Sklot. Sklots with such new game features may also implement
different paytables and RTPs.
[0107] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating exemplary steps in a
play of sklot according to an embodiment of the present invention.
An exemplary process flow of playing Sklot includes the following
steps. Step S501 is a log in step, at which a player goes to the
website and enters their username and password to log in, however a
player may not have to enter a username and password in some
instances and environments. In a licensed venue a player could
activate the game by coin entry instead of login. At step S502 the
player chooses the game. The player can select the sklot game from
the list of games available by clicking the play button.
[0108] At step S503 an introductory video may be presented, if
desired by the player. Sklot games may be preceded by the
introductory video which explains the features and benefits of
playing a sklot. The introductory video also serves as an intuitive
explanation of how to play a section. Players can also skip the
video using the skip button. Sklots may also launch without this
feature, whereas some may have the feature outside of this flow as
a separate how to play tutorial.
[0109] At step S504, a sklot is presented to the player. While a
standard slot machine bonus round is a bonus round triggered with a
Random Number Generator (RNG) payout, an exemplary sklot is a
standard slot with a bonus feature where the outcome/payout is
determined by a player's skill.
[0110] In an exemplary embodiment, an accumulation process may
trigger a bonus round. For example, a player can collect special
symbols that appear on each reel across the RNG (random number
generator-based) game that they play. Once a combination of special
symbols has been collected, the bonus round is triggered. In
another embodiment, the trigger for the bonus round may be based
solely on an RNG outcome from the base slot game. In yet another
embodiment, the trigger for the bonus round may be determined by
player's current score on the core (standard) slot game; or the
trigger for the bonus round may be determined by both of these
functionalities (RNG and player's previous score in the core slot
game) which can be combined to trigger the sklot bonus round. In
another embodiment, the score in one bonus round may help the
player get another bonus round later.
[0111] The functionality of a sklot before the bonus round may be
implemented, in an exemplary embodiment, to be substantially the
same as a standard slot machine, and standard options, such as
selecting lines, stake, maximum bet and spin may all be available
as with a standard slot.
[0112] At step S505, the sklot rules may be presented to the
player. The player may click to clear the screens. Players may also
view the paytables on a separate webpage or in some cases during
the game in parallel. At step S506, game paytables may be presented
to the player.
[0113] As previously explained, there are two kinds of paytables:
slot paytables and bonus round paytables. The slot paytable may be
the same as a standard slot paytable, with each symbol having a set
stake multiplier if it appears repeatedly in a selected pay-line.
The bonus paytable illustrates the stake multiplier achieved using
the scores received on a game of skill. Achieving a score on the
skill game between certain score bands will give different
multipliers to a player's stake per line. Regarding the
above-mentioned multiplier, an exemplary embodiment implements the
following functionality. Once a player has played the bonus round,
the score which they earned is matched to a particular band as
specified in the bonus round paytable. The multiplier is then
applied to the line stake of the spin (in the core slot game) that
triggered the bonus round, and the final figure is determined In
another exemplary embodiment (for phase 2 sklots), line multipliers
may be included as well. This means that if the sklot bonus round
is triggered on one or more lines then there will be an additional
multiplier applied based on the amount of lines the bonus round was
triggered on.
[0114] In another embodiment, the bonus paytable may depend on the
bonus round, and different bonus paytables may be available for the
first, second, third bonus round, etc. The bonus paytable(s)
details may then depend on the amount of bonus symbols that occur
to trigger the bonus round. In an exemplary embodiment (for phase 2
sklots), there can be 2-5 bonus symbols triggering a bonus round,
with two providing the smallest additional multipliers and 5
providing the largest multipliers.
[0115] The bonus paytable may, for example, be shown to the player
within a site page a player views based on the game and/or may also
be found in a tab within the sklot itself. Players may choose to
view this paytable when they wish, at any time within the RNG slot
game. At step S507 a bonus feature is triggered. The bonus feature
may be triggered, in an exemplary implementation, once the required
feature symbols are triggered on a winning selected pay-line.
[0116] At step S508, the player is redirected from the slot
site/terminal within the slot window to the skill game, which
includes the bonus feature.
[0117] At step S509, the user plays the skill game bonus feature.
In one embodiment, the score achieved by the user may be based
solely on the user's skill, and there would be no RNG element
within the feature game. In another embodiment, the score achieved
by the user in the bonus round may be based on a mix of both user's
skill and an RNG element from the core slot game or from the bonus
round game. For example, an RNG element can be that a player
receives 2 or more bonus symbols to trigger the bonus round. Payout
will be increased if the player receives more than two. FIG. 12B
illustrates such an exemplary payout table for an Icicle Climb
bonus round.
[0118] Players are paid out as per the bonus paytable. The bonus
features may have predefined set time limits to increase tension
and insure a level playing field for people playing the same game.
Once the time limits have elapsed the play in the bonus round ends.
At step S510, the bonus feature is complete and the player is
redirected to the core slot game and his bonus payout is calculated
using the player's score and the bonus feature paytable. The bonus
feature winnings are displayed on slot. The player can then
continue to play the sklot, by playing the core slot game and
potentially other bonus rounds (S511).
[0119] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a set-up of a sklot
game according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown
in FIG. 9, a Sklot may include a slot machine 601 which includes a
Random Number Generator (RNG), and a skill game bonus feature unit
603 for which the outcome/payout is determined by a player's skill.
The sklot mechanics can be offered as free play or cash play.
[0120] Free play sklots may offer cash and/or prizes in the bonus
feature, with payouts and prize values increasing as per players'
scores. Cash sklots bonuses may be calculated, in an exemplary
embodiment, by multiplying the players' line stake in the slot core
game and the bonus multiplier determined by the players' score in
the skill game multiplied by the amount of pay lines selected where
the appropriate feature symbols appear in the core slot game. A bet
per line may thus be paid out.
[0121] In an exemplary embodiment, for cash players, triggering the
bonus round may require for example 2 or more feature symbols on a
winning payline, and more symbols can payout higher multipliers,
for example: [0122] 5.times. feature symbol=>paytable with a
maximum payout of 100,000.times. stake multiplier; [0123] 4.times.
feature symbol=>paytable with a maximum payout of 10,000.times.
stake multiplier; [0124] 3.times. feature symbol=>paytable with
a maximum payout of 100.times. stake multiplier; [0125] 2.times.
feature symbol=>paytable with a maximum payout of 10.times.
stake multiplier.
[0126] These multipliers apply to the maximum payout based on the
score band the player's final score entered in the bonus round.
[0127] Score bands may be determined for each game based on the
results of game played. For example, the score bands may be
determined based on the results of collective play of all users for
the game. In an exemplary embodiment, the score bands were
determined based on .about.60,000 games on the Icicle Climb game
(see FIG. 10A). The score bands can alter based on further game
play analysis, if it is found that the RTP is greatly larger than
the predicted RTP that has been defined.
[0128] When playing for fun, players could win cash based on
promotional offers or competitions. The same relationship will
apply so that having more feature symbols on a pay line causes a
larger prize to be won. Fun play sklots which have one stake may
offer cash prizes. For example: [0129] 5.times. feature symbols=$10
k-$50 k [0130] 4.times. feature symbols=$2 k-$10 k [0131] 3.times.
feature symbols=$100-$2 k [0132] 2.times. feature symbols=$5-$100
where values are based on the score the player achieves in the
bonus feature game.
[0133] Feature payout multipliers may be determined based on
distributions of scores from a large number of plays on the skill
game. FIG. 10A illustrates an exemplary histogram showing the
results and distribution achieved from over 60,000 plays on the
icicle climb skill game FIG. 10B illustrates the percentage of
scores within certain ranges in FIG. 10A. Data such as these tables
may been pulled from the Sklot bonus features to show the
distributions of scores. The observed data helps determine the
feature payout multipliers, as it can determine which percentile of
scores are likely to be paid out on average. This data may be used
to determine multipliers.
Application Programming Interface for Sklot Game Configuration and
Customisation
[0134] The exemplary Application Programming Interface (API) for
sklot presented below provides game configuration and
customisation, so that a section of the full game can be provided
as the bonus round.
[0135] A. API container
[0136] The sklot bonus feature content may be created in a
container with configurable elements. These elements can be changed
easily and adapted per partner providing the core slot game or per
version of a sklot. Part or an adaptation of any skill game that
has been integrated into the skill game platform can be used as
part of the bonus feature.
[0137] B. Game configurations for the API container
[0138] The level choice is a certain level or section of the game
that can be used as the bonus feature as opposed to the core game
narrative. A round choice in a game where a player has multiple
chances, and a configurable amount of chances that can be used for
the bonus round. For example, in a baseball game, players could be
given 3 chances to hit a ball, 3 bats with 3 chances each or a
similar configuration. The game length is the maximum length of the
bonus feature to be configured, which is especially important for
games that have no specific ending and players continue to accrue
points until the time is set to complete.
[0139] C. Paytable configurations
[0140] The system can easily change the payouts to the entire sklot
by adapting the paytables of the skill game. Whereas changing the
slot section payout may take time and considerable testing to
determine probability changes in the frequency of reel symbols, the
bonus feature can be changed easily in an instant.
[0141] Variables for paytable configurations include: [0142]
Paybands--the amount of different paybands relating to scores can
be changed; [0143] Scores in bands--the scores that relate to a
stake multiplier can be adjusted; [0144] Multiplier changes--the
multipliers in each band can be adjusted, also, the minimum and
maximum multiplier can be changed, which will directly affect the
sklots Return to Player (RTP) value; As long as the maximum
multiplier is not increased, the sklot configurer system may ensure
the maximum payout in the bonus skill game without any balancing
changes necessary within the core slot game. Thus, changes made to
the bonus paytable would not affect an instance of the slot section
of the Sklot. The bonus skill game paytable and the core slot game
paytable may therefore be independent entities working together,
and balancing between the two is not necessary.
[0145] D. Implementing a with a third party
[0146] Scores may also be obtained from a third party. For example,
the core slot game can have all probabilities and non-probabilities
used to create the core slot paytable, created by a third party.
The scores from the skill game can also be drawn from a third party
as long as the scores are relevant to the game which has been
modified to fit into the sklot.
[0147] This can be achieved, in an exemplary implementation, by the
third party developer implementing a container similar to the one
used on the skillgaming server and adding a webservice reporting
the score of the implemented game(s).
[0148] E. Alternative Implementations
[0149] One alternative implementation is integration of the
skillgaming engine/server into the slot server. With this
implementation, the slot may work as a standalone without calling
the skillgaming server to start a game session and getting the
score via a webservice call to the skillgaming engine.
[0150] F. Sklot Tournaments
[0151] The skill games platform may include a tournament engine
that allows the scores of skill games to be used in a variety of
different tournaments and matches.
[0152] The summary of an exemplary sklot tournament would be that
players pay an entry fee to start the tournament. They are then
distributed with a set amount of "chips" or credits to be used on
the sklot game. All players receive the same amount of currency and
will play the same sklot machine. The winner can be determined by
one of two or more outcomes, for example, by providing two
tournament types and outcomes. The first outcome would be: "the
player who has the highest balance after a set time period." The
second outcome would be: "the player who has the highest balance
after a set amount of spins OR after a set time period."
[0153] Players may be allowed to play on whatever stake they want
to and as the outcome of the slot is random, they would all receive
bonus rounds on different spins and at different times. Players can
thus affect the outcome by performing well on the bonus
feature.
[0154] The bonus feature of the sklot may have an identical scoring
system to the skill games and therefore scores from the bonus
feature can be used in any manner of competitions. As an example,
all scores within a specified time period can be collated into a
leaderboard table showing the top players of the bonus feature and
can also payout prizes to players competing in the tournaments. To
determine fair play, while it may be hard to predict the outcome of
when and where players will receive their bonus round, the bonus
round "seedings" may be set to ensure all players will receive the
exact same version of the bonus round the first, second, third,
etc. times that they trigger the bonus round. As an exemplary
illustration, every first bonus round triggered may be game seed
1234, the second game seed may be 2345 and the third game seed may
be 3456 and all players who trigger bonus rounds would receive them
in that order.
[0155] G. Exemplary Flash Variables for Sklots
[0156] Sklots may be implemented using various Flash variables. For
example, Sklots may use different logic for the games, and often
for the special bonus round features. [0157] Sklots may run for a
predetermined time frame. In one exemplary embodiment, all sklots
run for 60 seconds. The host may also change its size to accomodate
to the actual game size.
[0158] H. Supporting Technology for Sklots and Skillgame
Engine/Server
[0159] In exemplary implementations, webpages are written in
ASP.NET, the code behind the game is written C#, the supporting
framework is Microsoft .NET, and the DataBase is Microsoft
SQLServer.
[0160] I. Exemplary Server Hardware
[0161] An exemplary server hardware for the skill game server uses
Windows and Intel servers. For example, a Windows Server.RTM.
Standard of Microsoft Corporation (2007, Service Pack 1) and a Dell
system, Server R300, Intel(R) Xeon(R) CPU-X3323@2.50 GHz 2.50 GHz,
with 4,00 GB RAM memory, and a 64-bit Operating System may be
used.
[0162] Other operating systems and processors may also be used.
[0163] J. Exemplary Slot Game Server
[0164] In a preferred exemplary implementation, a Linux box with 2
Dual core CPUs around 3 GHz, 8 GB RAM and 140 GB Hard Drives in
RAID is used for the slot game server. The system may additionally
or alternatively include one or more applications servers and one
or more database servers which may have a setup similar to the
applications servers, or different from the applications servers.
The setup of the applications servers and database servers may also
be similar to the setup for the skillgame server.
[0165] In an exemplary implementation, the system additionally or
alternatively includes 2 application servers with the setup of
Windows Server.RTM. Standard of Microsoft Corporation (2007,
Service Pack 1) and a Dell system, Server R300, Intel(R) Xeon(R)
CPU-X3323 @ 2.50 GHz 2.50 GHz, with 4,00 GB RAM memory, and a
64-bit Operating System on each, and 1 database server with the
same setup.
Exemplary Visual Interface for Sklot
[0166] FIG. 11 illustrates a screen shot showing functional buttons
in an exemplary sklot game according to an embodiment of the
present invention. In FIG. 11, the functional buttons (from left to
right) are used to perform the following functions: [0167]
PAYTABLES 610 button launches the paytables section showing players
what they can win on the slot and on the bonus feature; all payouts
relate to the amount staked per line; game rules and information
also appear in this section; [0168] STAKE 612 button defines the
amount placed on a single line; [0169] LINES 614 button selects the
amounts of paylines chosen by the player; for example, in FIG. 11,
the player has chosen only 1 line where the only win combinations
appear when the reels stop on the centre line; players can select
or deselect individual lines by clicking the number button linked
to the paytable, which, in this example, are the the numbers on the
surfboard in FIG. 11; [0170] MAXBET 616 button activates the
maximum amount of lines and stakes available in the slot; [0171]
SPIN 618 button spins all 5 reels; [0172] AUTOSPIN 620 button opens
a submenu allowing the player to choose 5, 10 or 20 autospins.
[0173] Clicking one of the numbers on the AUTOSPIN 620 submenu
automates that amount of plays without further clicking the Spin
button 618. If a player enters the bonus feature during autospin,
the player resumes the autospins automatically after confirming the
bonus feature win amount.
[0174] While the autospins playout the amount of remining spins
decrease after every spin until the button changes from being an
AUTOSPIN 620 button to a STOP button (not shown) that stops after
the last spin. This mechanism does not affect the reels that are
spinning, as it only stops the automated spins.
[0175] The labels in the small subscreen at the lower right in the
screen shown in FIG. 11 indicate the following: [0176] PAID 622,
which shows the entire amount won in during the previous spin; this
value appears immediattely upon completion of the spin regardless
of the individual paylines animation each win; [0177] BALANCE 624,
which is the player's account balance, updated immediattely after
each spin, regardless of payline animations; [0178] LINES 626:
amount of paylines chosen by the player; [0179] STAKE 628: amount
bet of each payline; [0180] TOTAL 630: amount of LINES multiplied
by STAKE 628, i.e. the amount staked on each spin.
[0181] The screens of sklot may also include animations which may
be associated with buttons and labels and designed to create the
feeling of movement.
[0182] Win lines may also include animations. The animations of
each win line may be shown consecutively, immediattely one after
another, starting from the highest value win to the lowest. Players
can click on a spin button immediately without watching the
animations and continue to play, which does not affect the amount
of spins on the AUTOSPIN 620 count, it simply speeds up the process
by moving to the next spin.
[0183] Standard sklot features like free spins, multipliers and
Wild Cards may be integrated into the sklot environments. A Wild
Card is a symbol which can appear on any reel or set reels. This
symbol substitutes for any other symbol within a payline apart from
bonus or special "Scatter" symbols (described in more detail
below). By way of example, on a payline, a player may receive the
following symbols:
[0184] S4 S4 WC S4 S5 (where WC is wildcard).
Ordinarily, this would be a non-win as S4 needs to appear on 3
reels in a row, however the Wild Card substitutes as S4 so player
would be paid out for having a payline of 4 of S4 symbol. A Wild
Card can substitute for different symbols within the same spin. If
two different winning paylines coincide with a Wild Card, it may
represent a winning symbol for each respective payline.
[0185] The paytables are then adjusted and offset depending on the
new features and the payouts on the skill bonus round, and, as
explained above, Wild Cards may replace any symbol apart from bonus
or scatter symbols. Scatter symbols are the following: Wild Card,
Multiplier and Free Spin. The Wild Card has been explained above,
the others are explained below.
[0186] The multiplier may be a random scatter which appears
anywhere and gives the player a fixed multiple of their total stake
for that spin. All scatters are random in that they will not appear
at set times. The scatters are like all other symbols, though they
will yield different prize results if the criteria for a Scatter
win is met.
[0187] Free Spin scatter allows the player to earn free spins based
on the amount of these scatters that appear on the reels. In an
existing implimentation between 2-4 Free Spin scatters can appear
at a time. The number of scatters provided correlate to the number
of Free Spins the player receives. Free Spins are awarded at the
line stake that the player was using when the player earned the
Free Spins.
[0188] The screens of sklot may also include audio such as music
and sound effects. For example, in the sklot introductory video, a
music track may be played for a short time such as, for example,
20-30 seconds, during the sklot playout. If a player clicks to skip
the video and when the video ends, the music may fade out to
achieve a smooth transition. A smooth visual transition may also
occur, with a gradual fading, for example.
[0189] The slot background may also music as well. A secondary
theme may be played during the slot round. This theme may be looped
seamlessly to create the illusion of ongoing music during extended
play sessions. Win animations sounds may play on top of this music.
When a player reaches the bonus round, a win animation may be
played. This music may also fade out in a short time.
[0190] Bonus feature music played during the skill-game may be
similar or identical to the introductory video. The bonus feature
music may also be different from the introductory video music. This
music may be as long as the length of the game. In an exemplary
implementation, the length of the game is 1 minute. If the player
finishes the game quickly the music may fade out. The music may
fade out also at the end of the game as well.
[0191] Sound effects effects may be implemented for buttons on the
screen, which may have a sound associated with them when they are
clicked. Each win line may also have an associatted sound. The
associated sound may synchronize with the related visual or
animation.
[0192] The sounds may be imported as MP3 files or other types of
files. A clean looping point in the MP3 should be ensured, since
some MP3 programs add a short space at the beginning of MP3
creation.
[0193] FIG. 12A illustrates an exemplary screen shot showing bonus
multiplier animation. When the bonus feature is triggered, all win
lines 640 may be animated simultaniously showing a number of
currency symbols in the box corresponding to the number of win
lines, instead of a win amount. In addittion the multiplier
animation is actived if the amount of lines selected in the bonus
feature triggers is more than one.
[0194] Exemplary dimensions of sklot are 600 px.times.950 px
(pixels). These dimensions may also be applied to the intro video.
However, any dimensions that are applicable for the screen size may
be implemented.
[0195] A quick loading of the introductory video may be desirable.
Also, a quick start of slot game is preferable. To increase speed,
the slot may load in the background during video. The slot may also
load after the video. Other desirable implementation
characteristics are a smooth movement into the bonus feature and a
smooth movement back into slot game. The gameplay of bonus feature
may be played while the slot flash is frozen, or may be played in
parallel with the slot flash.
Exemplary Registration for Playing Sklot
[0196] A sklot game may be accessed through a game site, platform
or network. To play a sklot, a player may first register on the
game site/platform/network and create a unique account, which will
help take advantage of various loyalty schemes and claim card
features in connection with the games. The player accounts can be
created online or in licensed venues such as casinos, bars or
retail outlets where claim cards and terminals are available.
Claims cards may be linked to sites or may be linked to individual
game types. In an exemplary embodiment, claim cards are linked to a
site where a sklot is available. Once an account has been created,
players can link their claim card to the online account. This means
that the players can play from home and at licensed venues with
full use of loyalty programmes, such as, for example, Lottery
loyalty programmes.
[0197] Players can register their accounts in at least two ways,
and registration may be a single step or a multi step registration.
For example, in exemplary embodiments, a full registration can be
performed, to provide full data capture, or a quick registration
which allows the player to start playing immediately, but provides
the partner with less information. More information can be gathered
with up-sell opportunities. Players are encouraged to complete
registration over time in return for benefits (e.g. tournament or
prize draw entries). Registration may also include minimal data
entry to start playing, with further details being captured for
further incentives. For example, the player's address may be
requested for registration only when the player may receive prizes,
and a username may be requested for registration if the player
wishes to appear on leaderboards, etc.
[0198] Players can register on the site by selecting the main
graphic or a dedicated registration button. Players who register
online may see a side bar on the left hand side with an option to
register on it, in an exemplary visual interface.
[0199] After selecting the relevant option to register on a skill
site, for full registration, the player will be presented with a
registration form. It is to be noted that the skill site may be the
same site or a separate site from the site or physical location
that offers the core slot game. In an exemplary embodiment, a sklot
could be played in an offline Casino, however the game can also be
linked back (through links, and or an online account and or via the
Claim Card) to an online Skill site.
[0200] Registration fields are flexible and may be defined based on
partner game site specifications. The registration form may ask for
standard biographical data, which is fully customisable to the
specific needs of a game partner that offers the sklot on its site.
Certain fields may be mandatory, so they must be filled out to
complete the registration form. Once the form has been filled out,
players would read the Terms & Conditions of use and confirm
them by clicking the checkbox and then selecting the "Register"
button. Once all the details have been correctly input, players are
instructed to check for a confirmation email in their registered
email address and follow the steps inside to complete the
registration process. The email contains a link that should be
clicked or copied in to the address bar. Visiting the link will
complete the registration process.
[0201] Once a player clicks the confirmation link, they reach a
page which confirms that the account is fully registered. They can
now start playing games. Players are encouraged to transfer funds
into a cash account, and/or play for money, and/or play for free.
If players are from a jurisdiction that does not allow cash gaming,
they will not see cash related options and will not be able to play
for cash on the site. It is noted that any viable registration
process other than the above may be used to register a player.
[0202] Partial registration may be performed instead of full
registration. Partial/quick registration includes reduced data
entry to start playing. Players can get started immediately using
the shorter registration by clicking on a game to play directly
from the homepage.
[0203] After the quick registration, players can play the game
using the unique ID they created. Users may receive an activation
email which they must click on to be able to use the account again.
Players are required to enter full registration details in order to
enter a prize tournament. Alternately players can be prompted after
a set period (e.g. 3 days) to fill out their full details. If they
fail to comply, they cannot make use of the benefits of the claim
card or loyalty program. Data mining and player patterns can thus
be observed immediately after players' registration, and additional
player details may be captured for further incentives. For example,
the player's address may be requested for registration only when
the player is to receive prizes, and a username may be requested
for registration if the player wishes to appear on leader boards,
etc.
Exemplary Sklot Features and Implementation on Gaming Platforms
[0204] Skill slots, i.e., sklots, may be available on a game
platform. As previously explained, sklots are revenue driving
social games. A sklot implements an innovative and novel slot
application which allows players to play a skill game bonus feature
within the slot environment or the environment of other game of
chance. Players' success on the skill game influences the size of
the bonus prize they win. Success and proficiency on the skill game
increases players' winnings and the likelihood of repeat play on
the sklot. Players are encouraged to practice and play the skill
games online or in casino or licensed premises, within a slot game
or as stand-alone skill game.
[0205] Thus, a skill game may be played within a sklot game, or
played as a stand-alone game just for practice. Players can, for
example, play a skill game to practice for the bonus round of a
sklot. The bonus round can be a skill game as it is found on a
practice site, or it may be a modified version of that same skill
game, which may be configured to suit the sklot more. Skill games
that may be played in the bonus round or as a stand-alone game for
practicing for bonus rounds may be, for example, conventional skill
games, or portions of conventional skill games, or a level of a
conventional skill game which can be adapted/configured to function
within a sklot game as described in the present application. Skill
games that may be played in the bonus round or as a stand-alone
game for practicing for bonus rounds may also be new skill games
specifically designed and configured for the sklot environment, as
explained in the present application. Also, the mechanics may be
changed in a skill game of a sklot, to favor the player more so
they have more chances if they get a zero score for one of their
baseball hits, for example. Instead of being registered as 0, the
player can keep trying until a positive score is attained (as long
as the time limit doesn't run out).
[0206] Additional features, such as collectables and odds bonus
rounds may be included in a sklot game. Collectables are in-slot
collectable achievements that affect payout, bonus feature. For
example, players may pick up points, or visual items may reward
players for repeat play. A fixed odds bonus round may also be
provided during the sklot game. In a fixed odds bonus round, the
player winnings are determined at the start, however the slot and
bonus round are based on a skill game, so players play the game but
their payout is not determined by their skill but by an RNG.
[0207] Sklots for custom built games may also available. Custom
built games may be created from scratch or as re-skins of existing
games. Sklots for branded, premium or licensed games may be
available as well.
[0208] Sklots may be implemented on any network or platform, for
example, instant win casinos, games portal or 3.sup.rd party gaming
sites. For example, sklot may be accessed through websites which
have color schemes, style guides and specific languages for
specific partner sites and/or countries. Sklot may be played by
anyone, and may fit particularly well within the classes of casino,
skill and bingo-type games. International Skill Network is one
example of a game platform, with Skilljuice being an example game
site within this platform.
[0209] In exemplary implementations, Sklot may be implemented using
the St Endellion proprietary ridjit skill games platform, which
offers a white label games platform allowing various
brands/companies to offer skill games for cash or for free
(depending on regulatory jurisdictions) as a stand-alone site or as
part of a network of sites pooling the same player liquidity, in
integrated offline or online linked products. Advertising revenues
and in-play micros transactions within the ridjit applications on
social media environments such as, for example, Facebook may be
used in connection with costs of player acquisition. The ridjit
platform offers lotteries and free or cash gaming with engaging
social network features which may be used in connection with sklot
games as well. Lotteries can link in store or in venue promotions
with games on the online platform. 2.sup.nd chance draws and
offline skratch linked games and tournaments online can provide
additional playing options in connection with lotteries or other
gaming systems which may also be accessible through sklot
games.
[0210] Sklot games may also be available through sites that offer
social media platforms/social networking features like player
profiles and messaging, and which specialize in Player vs. Player
challenge features, allowing players to play against other online
players in single matches (Matchplay) or as part of a variety of
tournament types. Sklot may be linked both to in-venue real-play
(such as casino, lotteries) and/or in appropriate jurisdictions
linked to high margin online gaming products, which may include
Sklot implementations based on the platforms of the real-play
venues, or Sklot implementations based on purely online platforms.
Sklot may be available on free to play sites (for example, for US
lotteries) or through subscription based services, skratch linked
games (pay in venue, play online) and cash skill games, depending
on regulatory restrictions.
[0211] Libraries of games may be included, or provide links for the
Sklot content layers, so that the Sklot game can be played inside a
game from the library, on that game's site (if permissions exist),
or on an independent skill site on the network by connection to the
games library. Various skill games from a sklot library may be
associated to be played with various slot games from another slot
game library. Also, skill layers from different sklot games may be
used interchangeably. Providing partner/third party consent (if
required), different libraries could be inter-linked to allow
players the maximum opportunity to play. Whether or not the sites
have to have the partner's/third party's branding is up to the
partner/third party site to decide.
[0212] The game platform may be connected to such a skill site or a
non-skill site offering various games, and new networks may connect
the game platform to various partner gaming sites, and 3rd party
games may be integrated onto the platform. An exemplary skill site
is the International Skill Network, which is a free and cash
network currently provided in a number of languages, may be linked
to the game platform. The network uses Euros, and players of
countries which do not use the Euro may see the local equivalent
per transaction. Partners joining the network receive the games
currently on the network. Network partners regularly receive new
games although they can decline to show any games they don't wish
to offer. The availability of Sklots on a partner site depends on
the partner's decision to have the features on their site. For
example, Sklots and their associated features (such as tournaments,
promotional banners, emails etc.) may be present on a partner site,
or only the skill games that the partner wish to have on their site
may be available there.
[0213] Social networking is one of the most powerful communication
and leisure tool in the world today. Elements of the game platform
may be integrated with social networking sites. Social interaction
elements added to the game platform help acquire new players at a
low cost and help increase loyalty of existing players. For
example, popular social networking sites such as Facebook, Myspace,
etc., may be associated with the game platform. Tools within
preexisting social media environments may be built to provide input
to sklot, or provide integration of sklot for users of these media
environments. Such tools may include player databases, repeat-play
player databases, and player trends may provide input to sklot to
help set some of its parameters such as feature payout multipliers
or playtables. For example, large pools of players from social
media applications or environments within sites such as Facebook
and Myspace may be used to build player databases in connection
with the originating platform (i.e., Facebook or Myspace) through
which sklot may be available, or from which a link may direct the
players to an outside site where sklot is available. Information
regarding players' scores from player databases in social media
applications may provide input to sklot games available on those
sites, to help set some of the sklot parameters such as feature
payout multipliers or playtables.
[0214] The number of players and other characteristics of players
may be monitored on the game platform. For example, the exemplary
game platform has a customer reporting system that is both
user-friendly and flexible, and player statistics reports may be
collated and delivered on set dates for specified periods. Traffic
may be measured using visitor statistics by date and time, unique
visitors, repeat visitors etc. to create player paths and
optimization of acquisition campaigns. Player reports that may be
generated include new player statistics, average players playing
per hour of day, day of the week, or day in the month. The amount
of concurrent players at any set time (or average over a set period
of time) may also be extracted, to optimize player events. The
total amount of each game played, minimum and maximum scores in the
time period, to gauge interest levels and the base on further
marketing campaigns. Results and score breakdown for tournaments to
analyze tournament success may also be generated.
[0215] Players can engage with soft online gaming products which
may be linked to offline products. Partner sites may join an
existing network of sites on which sklot is available, to draw upon
pooled player liquidity, launch a new network, or offer a
stand-alone gaming experience to their customers. Sklot may be
available to be played online 24/7.
[0216] The game site or platform may integrate old and new game
content from various game companies. The platform may also
integrate 3.sup.rd party games. Game companies may also launch
their own games or request that their games be added to the game
library of the site or platform. A platform or network may be
configured to belong to a 3.sup.rd party game provider, or may be
exclusively implemented and then bring games from 3.sup.rd parties
onto the platform/network. Additional games may be added to the
site to match active player growth and interest, while ensuring
continued player liquidity on all games. A variety of game types
may be linked onto the platform/network.
[0217] The game platform may offer multiple playing modes. Playing
modes may include: matchplay, which is a 24/7 game-play against any
other player choosing the same game; free play, which may be
implemented on a cashless site with virtual currencies; cash play
(if jurisdictional requirements allow) to play for cash, including
free practice mode; and loyalty play in which points are
accumulated per play and can be increased per score. Other playing
modes may also be included, as the above list is not an exhaustive
list of playing modes.
[0218] An exemplary games platform has a number of virtual
currencies and point systems that can be used as part of an
integrated loyalty program or as a standalone program. Points
accumulated can redeemed for unique games, entry into prize
tournaments, prize draws, branded merchandise and the like.
[0219] A CRM (Customer Relationship Management) email cycle may
also be implemented on the game platform. Registered players may
receive automated messages depending on their player habits
encouraging them to come and play, enter tournaments, fill in
surveys, enter draws and keep interacting with the site. Other
messages and communications may help players through the
registration or to familiarize themselves with the site, help
players during their player cycle, encouraged to interact, or
encouraged to come back. In addition, promotions may be used for
building a relationship with players, for promoting new
games/draws, for reminding people to play or for informing them of
big winnings.
[0220] The game platform may be managed to provide consumer web
support which may include email replies within a set period of
time, dedicated contact points for escalation issues, assisted
reporting and marketing support, technical reporting, 24/7 customer
services, payments infrastructure together with fraud and security
features, newsletters, materials targeting certain demographics,
Geo-IP management to address restriction and control issues,
managed hosting for application and hardware and training on new
interfaces.
[0221] Technical maintenance may also be provided, to include one
or more of the following: new games, new game types, reporting
modules, player profile features, customer retention tools, social
network features, leader-board functionality, and version upgrades
that may be implemented periodically.
[0222] Flexible add-ons may be added to the game platform. For
example, smart phone gaming for iPhone and android phones, or any
other phone operating system may be available on the platform.
Flash game operating systems may be used to implement such add-ons.
The game platform may have multi lingual and currency capabilities
including automated site emails and messaging, ongoing promotions
and campaigns, etc.
[0223] A. Tournaments
[0224] The game platform may also offer the option of playing
tournaments. An exemplary games platform, for example, offers
multiplayer online tournaments fuelling immediate interaction.
Bragging rights and social networking features allow players to
play for pride and achievement awards. Tournaments may be planned
to encourage large scale play, and may be arranged around key
performance times.
[0225] Events in the tournament may include events involving as few
as 2 players, but may go up to include a large number of players.
For example, an exemplary games platform may enable 5,000
concurrent players to play in a single tournament. The tournament
team manages, analyzes and updates tournaments, using up to the
minute info on the success and popularity of events. A scoring
system based on game play may be specified for the sklot game(s)
played in a tournament.
[0226] Various types of tournaments may be played on the game site.
An elimination tournament is fast paced and hard hitting, and
eliminates a set percent (X%) of players after each round of play.
Prizes are distributed to the players lasting longest, up to the
final winner which is the last man standing.
[0227] A knock out tournament is a head to head tournament, in a
classic sports format. Players are pitched against a random player,
and the winner progresses to the next round. Prizes are distributed
to players depending on the rounds passed.
[0228] A Leaderboard tournament is a tournament which is open for a
set amount of time. Players participating in the tournament play to
post their best score on the leaderboard. The tournament encourages
repeat-play to ensure players enter a prize winning position. At
the end of the tournament, the winners will be the players who
placed prize winning positions. There is no direct play against
another player.
[0229] A set of tournaments with satellites includes multiple
linked events. Using the success of multi table Poker tournaments,
an exemplary game platform awards player's entry from a smaller
tournament into a higher level tournament allowing the creation of
large prize pools and multiple entry routes. Players fill the pot
with repeat qualification buy-ins, as funds are rolled from one
tournament to the next.
[0230] In a flexible tournament set up, each tournament is defined
individually. Options include a qualifying period to enter the
tournament, allowing the tournament and prize pool to grow, or
Click and Go and immediate start tournaments.
[0231] Tournament payout tables can be adapted depending on the
stake, game and demographic. Free play tournaments may be paid out
to a certain percent of the players (for example, to 50% of players
in an exemplary implementation), allowing a large amount of players
to be part of the winning process. Higher staked tournaments can
payout less players, to add value to the high rolling players
challenging for bigger prizes per player.
[0232] B. Leaderboards
[0233] Key features that may be available on a game platform
include: player profile, contacts and messaging, and
leaderboards.
[0234] The player profile is a customizable player page for
bragging rights, game statistics and player communication. Players
can, for example, add their own photo or use profile icons created
specifically for the site. Players can interact in the game
platform using an internal site messaging system or leave messages
on their wall. Players can also add each other as contacts to
compare scores, challenge each other and interact online, as they
play sklot. Customized leaderboards may be included on the game
platform. Personalized leaderboards allow players to battle for
bragging rights. The leaderboards of an exemplary game platform are
interactive, allowing players to compare their scores, for example
their sklot scores, on each game and compare themselves with their
contact list, their city, or state, etc. Players can also filter
results according to the last day, week, month or all time,
allowing them to find their best ranked performances. Bonus round
scores may be placed on these leaderboards, or Leaderboard Points
that are based on the core slot gameplay may be awarded to players.
The Leaderboard Points may be awarded based on winnings, or based
on time/amount played and spent in the sklot game.
[0235] The game platform may also include a site-wide point system
known as the Ultimate Leaderboard. This leaderboard collates all
games played and awards points per game and score on each
individual game type. For example, the leaderboard collates sklot
scores and non-sklot scores on sites that are inclusive with
sklots. Sites which do not include sklots but are on a network
which does include sklots would see no mention of sklot scores,
however Leaderboard Points based on overall gameplay may be
included, without specifying as to where the points were
earned.
[0236] The points received on this leaderboard can also be used as
the basis for loyalty promotions. Players can compare the
leaderboard with their contact list, city or state over different
time periods.
[0237] C. Prize Draws and Skratchcards
[0238] The game platform may also provide the option for prize
draws. Players can navigate entry point for 2.sup.nd chance draws,
and may be able to choose from a variety of promotions to enter
valid ticket codes to play a sklot game. Valid tickets are cross
checked with the tickets issued, upon data entry. A certified
Random Number Generator of the game platform creates random draws
and can manage player notifications and promotions. Draws can
relate to offline promotions, TV promos etc. A wide number of draws
can be created. Draws can be linked to games, game play and
tournaments.
[0239] The game platform may also include Integrated skratchcards
that may be used for a sklot game. Offline skratchcards and print
promos may be linked to online games and geared towards individual
customers. For example, customers may receive a Free Skratchcard or
buy one to enter an online tournament, may receive multiple
passwords on different tickets in different print runs, or multiple
daily free tournaments. Top cash players may win entry to a monthly
final. Weekly fun point satellites may be available to win entry
into a monthly final, and the finals can be played online, viewed
by entire site visitors, or played on TV streamed to the website or
in licensed venues.
Interactive Sklot Features
[0240] Sklot games may include slots where players can upload their
own images onto the reels. Slots may be themed. For example, slots
may be themed as dog, cat, faces, flowers. All pictures uploaded
will likely be vetted before appearing on the public site. In
addition, the gaming site may display pictures and ask players to
vote on the best, and the most popular picture can then be
integrated into a sklot.
[0241] Newsfeeds may also surround the picture slots so that
players can keep an eye on what their friends are up to and
winning. This will provide to the slot a significant social
characteristic.
[0242] Players may act as affiliates. For example, players may
invite friends to share their slot by adding pictures of their
friends to the slot and playing on the slot may award cash/tokens,
e.g. $X for every $1 wagered or Y% of every bonus round reward
added to account. An example of such a game is PictureCity, which
may be implemented as a sklot game. In PictureCity or similar type
Sklots players may have the option to upload their pictures onto a
server (such as a skill server, a skillgaming server, a slot
server, a database server, a server belonging to a partner website
or to a game platform, etc.), where the pictures may be stored in a
storage device such as a hard drive. A player accessing a
PictureCity slot may, for example, click on the image they wish to
replace whereupon they will be prompted to upload a replacement
image. Upon uploading the image, the server will respond and will
replace that image with the newly uploaded one for that player.
[0243] Another option is to have a "Slot Editor" within the sklot,
slot or skill website in which players could follow the same
process as opposed to just clicking on the slot symbols in
game.
[0244] A PictureCity sklot game/machine includes skill bonus
round(s) characteristic to sklot games as described in the present
application. PictureCity can have further social impact, whereupon
players can enter their PictureCity sklot or best images into
competitions on the ridjit platform or on partner sites. Other
players may vote which Sklot or images are the best looking ones.
The winner may then have their sklot used on the site by everyone
for a set time period, or one or more winners may have their images
used on a sklot.
[0245] A. Hybrid Sklots: Youtube/Video Sklots, QuizCity,
AdventureCity, Worksheet Casino Games Spreadsheet Game, ArkadeCity,
Etc.
[0246] Slots may be associated with videos, by associating slots
with video bonus rounds. For example, popular viral videos may be
used at the end of bonus rounds, with players being required to
"guess the ending" to receive additional rewards. Guessing the
ending represents the skill portion of the game in this example.
Correctly guessing the ending will add multipliers to the player's
winnings, while incorrect guessing will leave the players with
their original winnings.
QuizCity
[0247] QuizCity slots are slots with quiz based bonus rounds.
Players randomly select a winning amount during bonus round and
then have the opportunity to add multipliers to their winnings.
Multiple questions are presented to the players, and each question
adds a further multiplier, so that the bonus round score is
determined by player's skill in answering quiz questions.
AdventureCity
[0248] AdventureCity slots are slots with choose-your-own-adventure
bonus rounds. During the bonus round players are given multiple
options. Each option leads to further options which will lead to
different winnings at the end. Each slot may be themed but will
also have a few stories so players will get different outcomes. For
example, a player could be playing a platform based computer game,
and path they choose will determine the bonus they receive, like
the choose-your-own-adventure books that were popular in the 1980's
and 1990's.
Worksheet Casino
[0249] A Worksheet Casino Games spreadsheet game is a standard
casino game that has been modified to act as a social/viral game.
These games are similar to standard casino games or to sklots which
will be displayed as worksheets (such as MS Excel) or documents.
These games are displayed as if on a standard computer document but
the mechanics and gameplay are the existing casino game mechanics.
With these games, players can play a game (e.g. Roulette) on a
computer. In a sklot version, the bonus feature round game could be
a single click game (e.g. word or number) which would also appear
within the document style format.
ArkadeCity
[0250] ArkadeCity and similar type games provide a novel gaming
environment in which each partner can have multiple environments
that match their location, e.g. a US state could have X different
versions, each reminiscent of a popular city in their
Juristictions. ArkadeCity is a virtual skratchcard (RNG) which can
offer prizes that are linked to Sklot gameplay. Each instance may
include well known popular city landmarks. The game can be offered
as a free game to encourage players to sign up and interact or as a
bonus feature for players who interact (e.g., enter a 2.sup.nd
chance draw ticket and receive a free play on ArkadeCity to win
prizes). Players in the environment search and click, trying to
find items which they gather and receive payouts according to a
skratchcard style paytable. The mechanic behind ArkadeCity is that
a player keeps on "skratching" the landmarks on the virtual city
until a prize is won. The prize could be, for example, free spins
on the core slot game which could lead to the skill bonus feature,
or a prizes could be direct play on the skill bonus feature based
on a certain staked defined by the prize on ArkadeCity. Thus, the
skill portion would be that players play the bonus feature and will
be rewarded with a better play for good gameplay.
[0251] Players win bonuses or free spins on sklots from ArkadeCity.
When playing ArkadeCity, players may also win cash, prizes, branded
prizes, lottery tickets, 2nd chance draw entries, free spins on
sklots, in-game sponsorship tied to real world. An ArkadeCity Daily
Skratcher may also be offered to the player. The Skratcher is free.
Players using ArkadeCity always receive a prize which can be used
on other products or games. All prizes offer players to practice on
skill environment.
[0252] While the above has been described in context of ArkadeCity,
any similarly described gaming environment may be implemented.
[0253] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating how ArkadeCity may be
implemented to attract players, according to an embodiment of the
present invention. Players may win bonuses or free spins on sklots
from ArkadeCity. For example, players may get free spins after
playing ArkadeCity in a tournament, and the free spins may be used
on slot or sklot games 705. For other ArkadeCity plays, players may
receive bonuses for playing on a skill site 708. In one embodiment,
all activities on ArkadeCity may link players to the skill site 708
for practice. In addition, ArkadeCity incentives may be offered to
players who are active on a designated skill site 708.
Government Skill Sites
[0254] A. Government Skill Site for Fun
[0255] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a system including a
government skill site for fun and through which sklot may be
played, and the relationship of the skill site with other gaming
features and sites, according to an embodiment of the present
invention. Exemplary government skill sites for fun for which skill
sites may be available are the California Lottery
(http://www.calottery.com/default.htm) and also the Oregon Lottery
(http://www.oregonlottery.org/). Skill sites may be created for any
government skill site for fun.
[0256] In FIG. 14, sections 805 and 801 may refer to the skill
site, and sections 803 and/or 809 may be part of the Lottery site,
or Government Approved Lottery venues and products. As shown in
FIG. 14, a skill for fun site may send user information to a
headstarts unit/site 801 which would recognise the user and provide
a benefit/incentive to user/player. As an example, a player with 5
hits on a Jurassic Golf game may get benefits in the form of one
extra hit, to get 6 hits. Of course the benefit or incentive may be
anything related to game play. The "in venue" terminals 803 may
also receive information from the skill for fun unit, and may
require a user ID and/or password and/or card for access. The "in
venue" terminals 803 include various games, some of which may be
games that exist on the skill for fun site 805 as well. The "in
venue" terminals 803 may also include the sklot game for free or
for cash. Skratchcards unit 809 also receives information from the
skills for fun unit 805 and from the "in venue" terminals 803, and
provide free games and/or entry into tournaments.
[0257] In FIG. 14, the Sklot could be part of unit 805 and/or 803.
Headstarts may be on separate sections, for instance, they may be a
feature of the skill site and could be on the same server depending
on the required setup, however they could also be on a different
server when used on In Venue Terminals 803. This means that the
Headstarts can function on a skill site (game platform) and also
within mechanical games, which functions especially well with
sklots as the Headstarts will refer to the skill bonus feature
within the Sklot.
[0258] In regards to Skratchcards 809, these could be purchased in
a offline retail environment, however once entered into a second
chance draw, a prize or incentive for entering could be that the
player earns free spins or a chance to play the bonus round of a
sklot. In relation to a skill site, the Skratchcard 2.sup.nd chance
option could sit on the same server or it may not, depending on the
setup required. In relation to In Venue terminals 803, Skratchcards
may be sitting on a separate server in a preferred embodiment. They
may also sit on the same server. Skratchcard prizes could be used
to provide bonuses on a skill site containing sklots and also
external sklot machines (in venue).
[0259] Skratchcards that are played online will work with a similar
function to a standard Sklot. The RNG element of Skratchcards is
the scratching to reveal symbols with the potential chance to win
prizes. As part of the paytable, a bonus round is triggered when a
player scratches and reveals, for example, 3 bonus symbols. This
will take the player to a bonus round which will be a skill game
that they can play. Online Skratchcards will have paytables which
function in a similar way to sklots, with probabilities of symbols
appearing defining the payouts within the RNG section of the game,
with the skill bonus round paytables determining the payout based
on a player's score in the skill game bonus round.
[0260] Players can play various skill games for fun online to earn
loyalty points and encourage younger players, not playing
traditional lotteries to interact with the lottery brands. Players
can also play games and challenge for bragging rights and view
leader boards, tournament results, the hall of fame and special
offers. Players may also go to the In Venue Terminals 803 and play
the same games for cash or as a sklot machine. The user will be
recognized based on the User ID, password and card that they insert
into the machine. There is also a link back to the fun site 805, so
that players can practice before they play for cash.
[0261] Players who play for fun and for cash in-venue can earn
head-starts from the headstarts unit 801 and game play benefits
with loyalty enhancements. Cash players can earn and spend points
to earn better rewards to reward their spending.
[0262] Players can purchase skratchcards from outlets (online or at
physical locations) and vendors (i.e., skratchcards unit 809).
Tickets can also be entered into 2.sup.nd chance draws, where they
can earn free games in venue or entry into tournaments.
[0263] B. Government Skill Site for Cash
[0264] FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a system including a
government skill site for cash and its relationship with other
gaming features and sites. As shown in FIG. 15, a skill site for
cash 905 may send information to an in-venue unit 903 and/or a
skratchcards unit 909, which may send used information back to the
skill site for cash unit 905.
[0265] To use a skill site for cash, a user first enters data at a
terminal data entry. The `Create User ID` field requires a Unique
ID that the user can use repeatedly. The `Create Password` field
allows players to have a secret code to verify their identity, and
to ensure that other people cannot access their accounts. The
activate button `LINK CARD` connects the information created to the
new card entered in the terminals' card slot.
[0266] When a player enters a card into a terminal in a licensed
premise, he may start playing depending on the registration status
of the card. Registered cards allow players to start playing using
any previously achieved benefits and bonuses. However, if the card
has not been registered, the player is taken to the account
creation screen. Player will then create a unique ID and password.
When the player presses, for example, `Link Card` (or other similar
function) button, the card is linked to the account.
[0267] Three (3) options are available to the player after the
account has been created: 1) a follow-up screen after registering
asking players either for more details, or the ability to play
straight away; 2) players enter the rest of the details online at
home; or 3) casino/venue assistants can manually enter details and
then enter the data into a computer terminal at a later stage--for
example, a casino/venue assistant handing out the card to the user
could request personal details which are then entered into a
terminal at a later date.
[0268] After the player has entered his account details at the
gaming venue, the player may start playing. When the user is at
home or any other remote location, he or she can log on to the web
page and fill in the rest of the details. Depending on state
regulations, players can redeem skratchcards online straight into
their account. Players do not have to return to a venue and can be
encourage to play 2.sup.nd chance draws online. To log in, players
can either use their User ID and password, or their card and
password.
Sklot in Non-Online Gaming
[0269] FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a system illustrating the
integration of the sklot gaming feature in a non-online gaming
environment. As shown in FIG. 16, a skill for fun unit 1005
introduces players to loyalty program at home and also brings
online players to the non-online venue 1004. Players from an online
environment can play skill games for fun on designated sites for
non-online gaming operators (such as offline casinos). Players may
be informed via emails and messaging that they can spend their
loyalty points and earn bonuses based on their game-play in venue
at the offline casinos. Players may also be informed that their
favorite games online can be found at the offline casinos as sklot
machines as an incentive to win cash for the games they are best
at.
[0270] The non-online venue 1004 recognises the user via password,
ID or card which has been registered either in venue or online.
After in venue operations recognize players using their claim card
or unique user ID and also their password, players may log in and
play to earn the loyalty points (through either the casino's
loyalty system or another loyalty system if the casino does not
have one in place). Players will also be informed that they can
earn further loyalty points online on designated websites of
3.sup.rd party gaming partners. Players in venue will also be
informed that the points that they earn offline/online and their
game-play will be rewarded in venue via terminals 1003 or through
the casino's own loyalty reward system.
[0271] Casinos have the option to use a sklot platform to aid in
the transitioning players online into the offline venue. Sklot
games and sklots inserts (i.e., a sklot play not necessarily
bundled with a preexisting game) may also be used as advertising to
online players. Multiple gaming options are available. For example,
in venue slot machines 1011 that are linked to the venue's own
loyalty system may be used by a player. The casino can also provide
sklot machines 1015 to encourage online players to play offline The
casino can use also use 3.sup.rd party games in slot machines 1020
with an RNG bonus round instead of skill The user can therefore
play, at a terminal in venue, or later on an online site which
communicates with a terminal in venue or a venue server, a sklot
game, a slot and/or a slot only game with benefit.
[0272] The terminal in venue may award in-hand cash/tokens from
game-play either online on the skill for fun site, or in venue.
Players can also access Loyalty Terminals in venue. Terminals will
recognize either card number or unique ID, and password. Players
can also insert their card and then password to access the loyalty
balance. Benefits can be picked up from the terminal, any prizes
from game-play can be redeemed and loyalty points can be spent on
the rewards that the casino will offer. If required, points can be
split into casino and site points, depending on the casino's
balancing policy between player on site play time and earned
rewards in venue. The loyalty program may also be implemented in
such a way that the best or preferential rewards are only earned
from casino game play, or that a massive amount of points may be
earned online.
Integration of Sklot in Multiple Environments
[0273] FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating the integration of
the sklot gaming feature in social networking environments and
gaming environments. Players can play a skill game X on a social
networking site 1210 such as Facebook or Myspace. Having games on
social networking sites increases player awareness of the games,
which become more accessible and recognisable. Players can register
on the skill site 1205 using their social networking site account
details (for example, using their Facebook account details).
Depending on the way the games are set up on the social networking
site, players may also connect to the game's company main product
site using their social networking log-in.
[0274] A percentage of the overall population of players who play
on games from social networking sites can be classified as
dedicated players who may be interested in the skill site. Players
who join the skill site will be able to play a wider range of games
and will also have the opportunity to play on sklots to win money
or tokens by playing their favourite games. The skill site may also
redirect players to a State gaming system 1230, such as, for
example, a State Lottery website or other government owned outlet,
casino or website.
[0275] Players can click on the Government Site link to access the
lottery products and play games on the lottery brand. If possible,
players can log in with their social networking details which could
be linked to a claim card, otherwise they can create a new user ID
with password and register for a claim card. Players can then use
the government account to access the loyalty program and play on
IVTs and purchase skratchcards (from skratchcard unit 1209), which
can be claimed online and used for 2.sup.nd chance draws.
[0276] If a player clicks on the sklots link from the skill game
site 1205, they will be taken to a 3.sup.rd part sklot/casino
website 1240. Depending on the 3.sup.rd party's preference, the
player can log in through their social networking user or they may
need to create an account with the operator of the site.
Player Reactivation Features
[0277] Reactivation mechanisms may be used to encourage a player to
resume activity. A typical email reactivation email sent to players
by an online gaming company usually follows the format of "Come
back for X (10-100 units of currency)".
[0278] An exemplary reactivation email in connection with sklot
play may be "Come back to play in our .epsilon.10,000 freeroll
tournament, you are guaranteed to win X". The players targeted may
be player's who are lapsed and whose most played game is the game
in the freeroll. All players who return to play freeroll following
this message will receive a payout.
[0279] A reactivation email may also offer a bonus for playing on a
certain 3.sup.rd party site. The bonus may have conditions that
must be fulfilled before the funds are released to the player's
account.
[0280] Another type of reactivation email may dispense with such
conditions. Once a player's favourite game has been determined and
when a large freeroll is available for that game, lapsed players
may be sent a reactivation email inviting them to participate in
the tournament. All qualifying positions in the tournament will win
money which is a guarantee. This type of reactivation message may
be more successful than one that places conditions on release of
reactivation funds/tokens.
[0281] The amount of prize money guaranteed per player return may
be determined based on the number of players that show up for the
freeroll. For example, while the reactivation email may have stated
a certain amount of prize money/tokens for player return (i.e., the
guaranteed amount), the actual amount may be increased if less than
the entire number of lapsed players (i.e., less than the number of
emails sent to lapsed players) will show up to play the
freeroll.
[0282] The freerolls may be limited to a pre-selected maximum
amount of players that are able to qualify. If the freerolls are
not to be limited to a number of players, an advertisement may be
sent to all qualifying players that they will win cash/tokens, but
not specify/guarantee how much cash or token per player.
Player Conversion
[0283] The statistics of converting a skill game player to a player
of a hard gaming site show that, on average, 3% of the players
convert to cash immediately, 6% of the players still play for fun.
Continued fun play and sklot incentives encourage free players to
play for cash, i.e., help convert a player playing style from fun
to cash. For example, winners of for fun tournaments can be awarded
a percentage of free spins on sklots. This helps introduce for fun
players as potential cash players.
[0284] Players who play for fun can also be converted to harder
gaming products by getting prizes relating to games of greater
difficulty when they win tournaments. For example, a 100 free spin
X game tournament could distribute prizes amongst top players, with
the winner earning, for example, 25 free spins on Sklot X and the
other players receiving lesser amounts based on position until all
100 free spins have been allocated. Players who enjoy the game are
more likely to be encouraged to play the games slot, with success
on the game reaping rewards from successful sklots bonus features.
After the player plays on Sklot X, the player will need to follow
casino operator guidelines to withdraw funds (e.g., depositing and
wagering to verify account).
[0285] Free players from other platforms may also be encouraged to
play for fun on skill. If such players play on Sklot X, they will
believe, correctly, they have a better chance of winning. FIG. 18
illustrates aspects of the operation of converting players from
other platforms to play for fun on the skill sklot. Other platforms
such as Poker and Bingo, etc, may be implemented to be combined
with a skill gaming portion such as described above with respect to
sklot.
[0286] The present disclosure describes a sklot game which is a
skill game where players win money or other rewards based on their
ability as opposed to a random pre-determined payout. The process
of slot--skill--slot plays when a bonus round occurs. The bonus
round includes a bonus paytable which relates scores directly to
the multiplier of the slot stake. Multiple lines triggering a bonus
feature may provide multipliers to the stake of the bonus round,
and multiple feature symbols on a payline may increase the payout
based on the bonus paytables. An API flash container solution
allows game configuration and customisation, so that a section of
the full game can be provided as the bonus round without taking a
very long time.
[0287] Although detailed embodiments and implementations of the
present invention have been described above, it should be apparent
that various modifications are possible without departing from the
spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, while the
methods, units and software applications have been described above
in the context of slot games the principles of the current
invention apply equally to other games of chance besides slot
games, so that a skill game is triggered in the game of chance
whereby players win money or other rewards based on their ability
as opposed to a random pre-determined payout. Modifications and
adaptations of the present invention will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and
practice of the invention disclosed herein. The foregoing
description of an implementation of the invention has been
presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not
exhaustive and does not limit the invention to the precise form
disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of
the above teachings or may be acquired from the practicing of the
invention. For example, the described implementation includes
software, but systems and methods consistent with the present
invention may be implemented as a combination of hardware and
software or hardware alone.
[0288] Additionally, although aspects of the present invention are
described for being stored in memory, one skilled in the art will
appreciate that these aspects can also be stored on other types of
computer-readable media, such as secondary storage devices, for
example, hard disks, floppy disks, or CD-ROM; the Internet or other
propagation medium; or other forms of RAM or ROM.
* * * * *
References