U.S. patent application number 13/285275 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-03 for electronic casino games having primary games and side games.
This patent application is currently assigned to XTERRA IP HOLDINGS, LTD.. Invention is credited to Ramiro Atucha, Soledad Kobrinsky, Daniel Schultz.
Application Number | 20120108307 13/285275 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45997296 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120108307 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schultz; Daniel ; et
al. |
May 3, 2012 |
Electronic Casino Games Having Primary Games and Side Games
Abstract
A gaming system may be operable to store a first set of
operational rules for determining a first condition for a primary
game, and a second set of operational rules for determining a
second condition for a side game that is different from the primary
game. Additionally, the system can be operable to randomly or
pseudo-randomly generate a combination of graphical symbols in
accordance with a play of a casino game and determine one or more
first winning conditions or losing conditions for the first game by
applying the first set of operational rules to the generated
combination of graphical symbols. Further, when the side game is
enabled, the system may be operable to determine one or more second
winning conditions or losing conditions for the side game by
applying the second set of operational rules to at least a portion
of the generated combination of graphical symbols.
Inventors: |
Schultz; Daniel; (Boca
Raton, FL) ; Atucha; Ramiro; (Buenos Aires, AR)
; Kobrinsky; Soledad; (Buenos Aires, AR) |
Assignee: |
XTERRA IP HOLDINGS, LTD.
Nassau
BS
|
Family ID: |
45997296 |
Appl. No.: |
13/285275 |
Filed: |
October 31, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61409597 |
Nov 3, 2010 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/12 ; 463/13;
463/20; 463/43 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/326
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/12 ; 463/13;
463/43; 463/20 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A system, comprising: at least one memory for storing at least
(i) a first set of operational rules for determining one or more
first winning conditions or first losing conditions for a primary
game, and (ii) a second set of operational rules for determining
one or more second winning conditions or second losing conditions
for a side game, wherein the primary game and the side game are
different, and wherein the first set of operational rules are
independent from the second set of operational rules; at least one
processor in communication with the at least one memory, wherein
the at least one processor is operable to execute
computer-executable instructions to: randomly or pseudo-randomly
generate a combination of numbers in accordance with a play of a
casino game; determine one or more first winning conditions or
first losing conditions for the primary game by applying the first
set of operational rules to the generated combination of numbers;
and when the side game is enabled, determine one or more second
winning conditions or second losing conditions for the side game by
applying the second set of operational rules to at least a portion
of the generated combination of numbers.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein each number of the generated
combination of numbers is associated with at least one graphical
symbol.
3. The system of claim 2, further comprising at least one display
in communication with the at least one processor, wherein the at
least one display is operable to render the combination of
graphical symbols and an indication of winning or losing the
primary game.
4. The system of claim 2, further comprising at least one display
in communication with the at least one processor, wherein the at
least one display is operable to render the combination of
graphical symbols and an indication of winning or losing the second
game when the side game is enabled.
5. The system of claim 2, further comprising at least one display
in communication with the at least one processor, wherein the at
least one display is operable to render the combination of
graphical symbols and an indication of winning or losing the
primary game and the second game when the side game is enabled.
6. The system of claim 2, further comprising at least two displays
in communication with the at least one processor, wherein a first
display of the at least two displays is operable to render the
combination of graphical symbols and an indication of winning or
losing the primary game, and wherein a second display of the at
least two displays is operable to render the combination of
graphical symbols and an indication of winning or losing the second
game when the side game is enabled.
7. The system of claim 2, wherein the at least one process is
further operable to execute the computer-executable instructions to
prepare the combination of graphical symbols for display on at
least one of a first or second display.
8. The system of claim 2, wherein the at least one process is
further operable to execute the computer-executable instructions to
receive an indication to enable the side game and to determine when
the side game is enabled based at least in part on the received
indication.
9. The system of claim 2, wherein the primary game is a slot
game.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the second set of operational
rules are dependent on the first set of operational rules.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the side game is a version of
roulette.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the version of roulette
comprises a determination of a winning roulette number based at
least in part on a selected one of the combination of graphical
symbols.
13. The system of claim 10, wherein the side game is a version of
Poker.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the version of Poker comprises
a determination of a winning Poker hand based at least in part on a
selected one of the combination of graphical symbols.
15. The system of claim 10, wherein the side game is a version
Bingo, Keno, Caribbean Stud Poker, Craps, or Blackjack.
16. A method, comprising: under control of one or more processors
configured with computer-executable instructions: providing, by the
one or more processors, at least (i) a first set of operational
rules for determining one or more first winning conditions or
losing conditions for a primary game, and (ii) a second set of
operational rules for determining one or more second winning
conditions or losing conditions for a side game, wherein the
primary game and the side game are different, and wherein the first
set of operational rules are independent from the second set of
operational rules; generating a combination of graphical symbols in
accordance with a play of a casino game; determining one or more
first winning conditions or losing conditions for the primary game
by applying the first set of operational rules to the generated
combination of graphical symbols; and when the side game is
enabled, determining one or more second winning conditions or
losing conditions for the side game by applying the second set of
operational rules to at least a portion of the generated
combination of graphical symbols.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising receiving an
indication to enable to the side game and determining when the side
game is enabled based at least in part on the received
indication.
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising providing the
generated combination of graphical symbols for display on a first
display; and when the side is enabled, providing the at least a
portion of the generated combination of graphical symbols for
display on a second display.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising providing an
indication of winning or losing the primary game for display on the
first display; and when the side is enabled, providing an
indication of winning or losing the side game for display on the
second display.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein the primary game is a slot
game.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the side game is a version of
roulette, Poker, Bingo, Keno, Caribbean Stud Poker, Craps, or
Blackjack.
22. One or more computer-readable media, storing
computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more
processors, configure the one or more processors to perform
operations comprising: providing at least (i) a first set of
operational rules for determining one or more first winning
conditions or losing conditions for a primary game, and (ii) a
second set of a second set of operational rules for determining one
or more second winning conditions or losing conditions for a side
game, wherein the primary game and the side game are different, and
wherein the first set of operational rules are independent from the
second set of operational rules; generating a graphical symbol in
accordance with a play of a casino game; determining one or more
first winning conditions or losing conditions for the primary game
by applying the first set of operational rules to the generated
graphical symbol; determining, based at least in part on a received
indication to enable the side game, when to enable the side game;
and when the side game is enabled, determining one or more second
winning conditions or losing conditions for the side game by
applying the second set of operational rules to the generated
graphical symbol.
23. A gaming console, comprising: at least one memory for storing
at least (i) a first set of operational rules for determining one
or more first winning conditions or first losing conditions for a
primary game, and (ii) a second set of operational rules for
determining one or more second winning conditions or second losing
conditions for a side game, wherein the primary game and the side
game are different, and wherein the first set of operational rules
are independent from the second set of operational rules; at least
one processor in communication with the at least one memory,
wherein the at least one processor is operable to execute
computer-executable instructions to: randomly or pseudo-randomly
generate a combination of graphical symbols in accordance with a
play of a casino game; determine one or more first winning
conditions or first losing conditions for the primary game by
applying the first set of operational rules to the generated
combination of graphical symbols; and when the side game is
enabled, determine one or more second winning conditions or second
losing conditions for the side game by applying the second set of
operational rules to at least a portion of the generated
combination of symbols; at least one display in communication with
at least the at least one processor, wherein the at least one
display is operable to: display the generated combination of
graphical symbols and an indication of winning or losing the
primary game; and when the side game is enabled, display the
portion of the generated combination of symbols and an indication
of winning or losing the side game; and at least one input device
in communication with at least the at least one processor, wherein
the at least one input device is operable to receive input from a
user for at least one of selecting a bet amount, selecting a number
of bets, or selecting to enable the side bet.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
61/409,597 entitled "Systems and Methods for an Electronic Casino
Game Having Primary and Side Game," filed on Nov. 3, 2010, the
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The disclosure relates generally to casino games, and more
particular, to electronic casino games having primary games and
side games.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In both traditional gaming scenarios, such as with a board
game or a slot machine, and online gaming scenarios, operational
rules and conditions often define the playing field. Additionally,
in some instances, symbols are used for different purposes. For
example, in tic-tac-toe, the symbols include "x" and "o," the
operational rules involve having two players taking turns placing
the respective symbols on a 3.times.3 grid, and the conditions
provide for winning by placing three respective marks in a
horizontal, vertical, or diagonal row on the grid. However, such
games have limited functionality and, in the casino industry, may
lead to wasted gambling opportunities. As such, finding ways to
enhance gaming scenarios continues to be a priority.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings,
which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates an example architecture for supporting an
Internet-based or web-based casino game, according to an example
embodiment of the disclosure.
[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates an example game console for supporting a
physical-machine based casino game, according to an example
embodiment of the disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 3A illustrates an example graphical user interface
("GUI") of an example casino game in which the primary game, but
not the side game, is active, according to an example embodiment of
the disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 3B illustrates a variation of the GUI of FIG. 3A in
which both the primary game and the side game are active, according
to an example embodiment of the disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 4A illustrates another example GUI of an example casino
game in which the primary game, but not the side game, is active,
according to an example embodiment of the disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 4B illustrates a variation of the GUI of FIG. 4A in
which both the primary game and the side game are active, according
to an example embodiment of the disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates a high-level overview of a flow diagram
for operating an example casino game comprising a primary game and
a side game, according to an example embodiment of the
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Overview
[0012] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described more
fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which embodiments of the disclosure are shown. This disclosure may,
however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the
disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Like numbers
refer to like elements throughout.
[0013] Embodiments of the disclosure generally relate to a casino
game, which may be embodied as an Internet-based or web-based
casino game or a physical machine-based casino game played via game
console. As used herein, a game console may include, but is not
limited to, any slot machine, video poker machine, or other gaming
machine that may operate using money, stored credit, or other
source of funds. In certain embodiments, a game console may be
located, or otherwise operational, at a casino or other gaming
location or via a Web interface. An example casino game may be made
up of a primary game and a side game (also referred to as a
"secondary game" or a "side bet game") that can be selectively
enabled or disabled by a player according to an example embodiment
of the disclosure. Accordingly, a player of the casino game may
wager a first amount on the primary game and optionally a second
amount on a side game, according to an example embodiment of the
disclosure.
[0014] The primary game and the side game may have respective sets
of rules, where the rules are operable independent of each other,
according to an example embodiment of the disclosure. Likewise,
there may be respective wagers or bet amounts for the respective
primary game and the side game. Each of the respective rules for
the primary game and the side game may determine (i) when one or
more winning conditions or losing conditions exist for the
respective game, and (ii) the respective amounts attributable to
the one or more winning conditions or losing conditions (e.g., a
respective payout table).
[0015] In an example embodiment of the disclosure, the primary game
may be a slot game while the side game may be a different game than
the slot game. For example, the side game can include one of a
variety of games, including Poker, Caribbean Stud Poker, Roulette,
Blackjack, Pai Gow, Bingo, Keno, Craps, or any other type of game.
According to an example embodiment, the markers utilized on each
reel of the slot game may include graphical symbols or
representations that may support the side game. For example, the
markers on the slot game can be stylized as Poker cards where the
side game is any type or form of Poker, such as, but not limited
to, Hold'em, Pai Gow, Spanish 21, three-card Poker, or the like. On
the other hand, the markers on the slot game can be stylized as
Roulette-based number/color symbols where the side game is
Roulette.
[0016] Accordingly, example casino games may offer a player a
chance to place a bet or wager, separate from that of the primary
game, in order to participate in a side game that is independent of
the main slot game. The draw (e.g., the one or more displayed
symbols on one or more reels of the primary game) may be used to
determine the outcome of the primary game, and likewise the outcome
of the side game; however respective (and different) rules may be
applied for the primary game and the side game. It will be
appreciated that the operation of the primary game may not be
affected by the operation of the side game; rather, the same random
number generator ("RNG") outcome that is utilized on the primary
game to provide any given reels spin may be likewise utilized for
the side game to offer an alternative betting opportunity for the
player. In other words, two respective rules for the primary game
and the side game may be applied to the same set of
elements/symbols/markers resulting from a particular draw of the
casino game. In addition, in some instances, the outcome of the
side game may be impacted by the skill of the player. For example,
and without limitation, when the side game is Caribbean Stud Poker,
or any other game that at least partly relies on skill, the outcome
of the Caribbean Stud Poker hand (or other game) may be determined
based in part on the primary draw (i.e., the outcome of the primary
game) and also in part on the choices made by the player in the
Poker game.
[0017] It will be appreciated that the casino game having a primary
game and a side game can be embodied in many forms having numerous
variations, and should not be limited to only those embodiments
described herein.
Illustrative Architecture
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates an example architecture 100 for
supporting an Internet-based or web-based casino game, according to
an example embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the
architecture 100 may include one or more users 102 that may utilize
or otherwise access one or more customer/player computers 103a-n,
game consoles 104 and/or service provider computers 105, which may
each be configured for accessing and reading associated
computer-readable media having stored thereon data and/or
computer-executable instructions for implementing the various
methods of the disclosure. Generally, network devices and systems,
including the one or more customer/employer computers 103, game
consoles 104, and/or service provider computers 105 have hardware
and/or software for transmitting and/or receiving data and/or
computer-executable instructions over a communications link and a
memory for storing data and/or computer-executable instructions.
These network devices and systems may also include a processor for
processing data and executing computer-executable instructions, as
well as other internal and peripheral components that are well
known in the art. As used herein, the term "computer-readable
medium" may describe any form of storage medium, storage memory, or
storage devices.
[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the customer/player computer 103, the
game console 104, and the service provider computer 105 may be in
communication with each other via a network such as network 110,
which as described below can include the Internet or one or more
separate or shared private and/or public networks. Each of these
components--the customer/player computer 103, the game console 104,
and the service provider computer 105--will now be discussed in
further detail.
[0020] First, the customer/player computer 103 may be any
processor-driven device, such as a personal computer, laptop
computer, handheld computer, a mobile phone, a tablet, or the like.
In addition to having one or more processors 108, the
customer/player computer 103 may further include a memory 110,
input/output ("I/O") interface(s) 112, and one or more network
interface(s) 114. The memory 110 may store data files 116 and
various program modules, such as an operating system ("OS") 118 and
a client module 120. The memory 110 may be any computer-readable
medium, coupled to the processor 108, such as RAM, ROM, and/or a
removable storage device for storing the data files 116 and a
database management system ("DBMS") to facilitate management of the
data files 116 and other data stored in the memory 110 and/or
stored in separate databases. The OS 118 may be, but is not limited
to, Microsoft Windows.RTM., Apple OSX.TM., Unix, or a mainframe
operating system. The client module 120 may be an Internet browser
or other software, including a dedicated program, for interacting
with the service provider computer 105 to provide a game 122 via an
interface, such as but not limited to a Web browser 124. For
example, a customer or player (i.e., a user 102) may utilize the
client module 120 to interact with the service provider computer
105 via a website to access, utilize, or play one or more example
casino games, such as the game 122, as described herein. The client
module 120 may also be utilized to retrieve or otherwise receive
data, messages, and/or responses from the service provider computer
105.
[0021] Still referring to the customer/player computer 103, the I/O
interface(s) 112 may facilitate communication between the
processors 108 and various I/O devices, such as a keyboard, mouse,
printer, microphone, speaker, monitor, bar code readers/scanners,
RFID readers, and the like. The network interface 114 may take any
of a number of forms, such as a network interface card, a modem, a
wireless network card, and the like. It will be appreciated that
while customer/player computer 103 has been illustrated as a single
computer or processor, the customer/player computer 103 may be
comprised of a group of computers or processors, according to an
example embodiment of the disclosure.
[0022] In some examples, the game console 104 may be any
processor-driven device, such as a personal computer, laptop
computer, handheld computer, a mobile phone, a tablet, a
thin-client device, or the like, that can similarly provide the
game 122 to a user 102. In addition to having one or more
processors, the game console 104 may further include a memory, I/O
interface(s), and one or more network interface(s), much like the
customer/player devices 103. The memory may store data files and
various program modules, such as an OS and a client module. Much
like the customer/player devices 103 described above, the memory
may be any computer-readable medium, coupled to one or more
processors, such as RAM, ROM, and/or a removable storage device for
storing data files and a DBMS to facilitate management of the data
files and other data stored in the memory and/or stored in separate
databases. The OS may be, but is not limited to, Microsoft
Windows.RTM., Apple OSX.TM., Unix, or a mainframe operating system.
The client module may be an Internet browser or other software,
including a dedicated program, for interacting with the service
provider computer 105 to provide a game 122 via one or more display
devices. For example, a customer or player (i.e., a user 102) may
utilize the client module of the game console 104 to interact with
the service provider computer 105 via a website to access, utilize,
or play one or more example casino games, as described herein. The
client module may also be utilized to retrieve or otherwise receive
data, messages, and/or responses from the service provider computer
105. However, in some embodiments, the service provider computer
105 may be integrated with, and/or housed within, the game console
104 itself.
[0023] In some examples, the game 122 may be a casino game, such as
but not limited to a slot game, to be played on a customer/player
device 103 or a game console 104, such as by a user 102.
Alternatively, or in addition, the game 122 may be a card-based
game, a table-type game, or any other game on which a wager may be
placed. Additionally, in some aspects, the game 122 may be broken
up into to two games played simultaneously, as described above. For
example, the game 122 may be played as a main game with a side-bet
game, as seen with reference to "A" and "B" of the web browser 124
of the customer/player device 103 and/or "X" and "Y" of the
separate displays on the game console 104.
[0024] The service provider computer 105 may be any
processor-driven device that is configured for receiving,
processing, and fulfilling requests from the customer/player
computer 103. The service provider computer 105 may include one or
more processors 126, a memory 128, I/O interface(s) 130, and
network interface(s) 132. The memory 128 may be any
computer-readable medium, coupled to the processor 126, such as
RAM, ROM, and/or a removable storage device for storing data files
134 and a DBMS 136 to facilitate management of data files 134 and
other data stored in the memory 128 and/or stored in one or more
databases 138. The memory 128 may store data files 134 and various
program modules, such as an OS 140, the DBMS 136, and the host
module 142. The OS 136 may be, but is not limited to, Microsoft
Windows.RTM., Apple OSX.TM., Unix, or a mainframe operating system.
The host module 140 may receive, process, and/or respond to
requests from a client module 120 of a customer/player computer
103. The service provider computer 105 may include additional
program modules or applications for performing other pre-processing
or post-processing methods described herein, including supporting
or providing one or more of the blocks illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0025] In addition, a web interface 144 may also be operative with
or otherwise included with the service provider computer 105. In
particular, the web interface 144 may allow for a customer/player
computer 103, the game console 104, or another computer to access
the service provider computer 105 via a website. For example, a
customer/player computer 103 or a game console 104 may access the
web interface 144 via the Internet over network 110. In some
examples, a web interface 146 may be provided by a separate
processor-based system that is distinct from the service provider
computer 105. That is, the web interface 146 may, in some
instances, be provided by a separate web server that is in
communication with network 110 and the service provider computer
105. Alternatively, it will be appreciated that the web interface
144 may also be incorporated into the service provider computer 105
as well, perhaps as part of host module 140, according to another
example embodiment of the disclosure.
[0026] The service provider computer 105 and/or web interface 144
or 146 may also include or be in communication with one or more
database(s) 138, according to an example embodiment of the
disclosure. The database 138 may store, for example, access
information (e.g., username, password, etc.), gaming software and
logic/rules, financial account information, and the like. Although
a single database 138 is referred to herein for simplicity, those
skilled in the art will appreciate that multiple physical and/or
logical databases may be used to store the above mentioned data.
For security and performance purposes, the service provider
computer 105 may have a dedicated connection to the database 138.
However, the service provider computer 105 may also communicate
with the database 138 via a network 110. In other embodiments of
the disclosure, the service provider computer 105 may include the
database 138 locally. The service provider computer 105 may also
otherwise be part of a distributed or redundant DBMS.
[0027] The network 110 may include any telecommunication and/or
data network, whether public, private, or a combination thereof,
including a local area network, a wide area network, an intranet,
an internet, the Internet, intermediate data transfer devices, a
publicly switched telephone network ("PSTN"), and/or any
combination thereof and may be wired and/or wireless.
[0028] Generally, each of the memories and data storage devices,
such as the memories 110, 128 and the database 138, and/or any
other memory and data storage device, can store data and/or
information for subsequent retrieval. In this manner, the
architecture 100 can store various received or collected
information in memory or a database associated with one or more
customer/player computers 103, game consoles 104, or service
provider computers 105. The memories and databases can be in
communication with each other and/or other databases, such as a
centralized database, or other types of data storage devices. When
needed, data or information stored in a memory or database may be
transmitted to a centralized database capable of receiving data,
information, or data records from more than one database or other
data storage devices. In other embodiments, the databases shown can
be integrated or distributed into any number of databases or other
data storage devices. In one example embodiment, for security, the
service provider computer 105 (or any other entity) may have a
dedicated connection to the database 138, as shown; though, in
other embodiments, the service provider computer 105 or another
entity may communicate with the database 138 via a network such as
network 110.
[0029] Suitable processors, such as the processors 108, 126 of the
customer/player computers 103, game consoles 104, and service
provider computers 105 may comprise a processor, an ASIC, and/or a
state machine. Example processors can be those provided by Intel
Corp. (Santa Clara, Calif.), AMD Corp. (Sunnyvale, Calif.), and/or
Motorola Corp. (Schaumburg, Ill.). Such processors include, or may
be in communication with media, for example computer-readable
media, which stores instructions that, when executed by the
processor, cause the processor to perform the elements described
herein. Embodiments of computer-readable media include, but are not
limited to, an electronic, optical, magnetic, or other storage
device capable of providing a processor with computer-readable
instructions. Other examples of suitable media include, but are not
limited to, a floppy disk, CD-ROM, DVD, magnetic disk, memory chip,
ROM, RAM, a configured processor, all optical media, all magnetic
tape or other magnetic media, or any other storage medium from
which a computer processor can read instructions. The instructions
may comprise code from any computer-programming language,
including, for example, C, C++, C#, Visual Basic, Java, Python,
Perl, and JavaScript. Furthermore, any of the processors may
operate any operating system capable of supporting locally executed
applications, client-server based applications, and/or browser or
browser-enabled applications.
[0030] In some examples, the processors 126 may be configured to
randomly or pseudo-randomly generate a combination of numbers (in
some examples, via a RNG) in accordance with a play of a casino
game. These numbers may then be mapped to appropriate graphical
symbols for play in the casino game. For example, and without
limitation, if the casino game is Poker, the numbers may be mapped
or associated with one or more graphical symbols that represent
Poker cards. In other examples, the numbers may be mapped or
otherwise associated with one more graphical symbols that represent
Roulette numbers, Bingo numbers, Keno numbers, or the like.
Additionally, the processors 126 may also be configured to
determine one or more first winning conditions or first losing
conditions for the primary game by applying the first set of
operational rules to the associated graphical symbols. When the
side game is enabled, the processors 126 may also be configured to
determine one or more second winning conditions or second losing
conditions for the side game by applying the second set of
operational rules to at least a portion of the associated graphical
symbols.
[0031] The architecture 100 shown in and described with respect to
FIG. 1 is provided by way of example only. Numerous other operating
environments, system architectures, and device configurations are
possible. Other system embodiments can include fewer or greater
numbers of components and may incorporate some or all of the
functionality described with respect to the components shown in
FIG. 1. Accordingly, embodiments of the disclosure should not be
construed as being limited to any particular operating environment,
system architecture, or device configuration.
[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates an example game console 104 for
supporting a physical-machine based casino game, according to an
example embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, an
example casino gaming machine, or game console 104, may support the
example casino games described herein. The example game console 104
may be located in a physical casino in accordance with example
embodiment of the disclosure.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the example game console 104 may have a
housing 202 that incorporates at least a main display 204, an
optional secondary display 206, money collector 208, selection
buttons 210, and money dispenser 212. The main display 204 may be a
touch-screen display capable of receiving touch selections from a
player. The main display 204 may be configured to display one or
more example casino games having a primary game and a side game, as
described herein. The optional display 206 may be utilized to
display gaming preferences or selections, according to an example
embodiment of the disclosure. The monetary collector 208 may
comprise a card reader (e.g., for reading magnetic stripes on debit
cards, credit cards, player identification cards, etc.). The
monetary collector 208 may also comprise a bill collector or a coin
collector. It will be appreciated that many variations of monetary
collectors 208 are available in accordance with example embodiments
of the disclosure.
[0034] The housing 202 may also support one or more selection
buttons 210. The selection buttons are typically utilized to
provide inputs to operate one or more casino games. For example,
there may be buttons for selecting or adjusting the number of lines
for a primary (e.g., slot) game, an amount of a bet or wager, etc.
Likewise, there may be buttons to end a game, to enable or disable
a side game, and the like. In addition, the housing 210 may also
include a money dispenser 212 that can dispense remaining credits
in the form of coins, tokens, or other units of value to the
player. However, in some embodiments, the remaining credits may be
provided electronically to an account of the player as well apart
from the money dispenser 212. While not illustrated in FIG. 2, the
internal housing 202 may also include one or more computers or
microcontrollers that similarly have a memory, a processor, I/O
interfaces, and/or network interfaces, as similarly described with
respect to either service provider computer 105 or customer/player
computer 103. It will be appreciated that many variations of the
example game console 104 are available without departing from
example embodiments of the disclosure.
Illustrative Games
[0035] FIG. 3A illustrates an example GUI 300 of an example casino
game in which the primary game, but not the side game, is active,
according to an example embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in
FIG. 3A, the primary game may be representative of an example slot
game. The example slot game may have a plurality of respective
reels 302a-e, a side bet game selector 304, and a side bet portion
306. As shown in FIG. 3A, the side bet game selector 304 indicates
that the side bet game is "off." Additionally, in FIG. 3A, five
reels 302a-e are illustrated, but it will be appreciated that fewer
or more reels may be utilized. Each of the respective reels may
include a plurality of markers or symbols. In FIG. 3A, the visible
portion of each reel 302a-e shows about 3 full markers or symbols,
although this number may also be varied as desired. Each of the
respective reels 302a-e are typically represented as "spinning" in
which the symbols shown in the visible portion of each reel 302a-e
change until the spinning stops, and the determination of any
winning or losing conditions occurs. Further, when the side bet
game selector 304 is activated (i.e., the selector 304 indicates
that the side bet game is "on"), a symbol selector 308 may indicate
a particular position of one of the reels 302a-e for inclusion in
the side bet game.
[0036] In accordance with the rules of the slot game, a player may
have one or more winning lines based upon the repetition of
markers/symbols on one or more lines. In general, a line typically
includes one marker/symbol from each of the plurality of reels
302a-e. Lines can be horizontal lines, diagonal lines, or
combinations of horizontal and diagonal lines, as appreciated by
those of ordinary skill in the art. The amount payable for a
winning line can be based upon a pay table in which certain
symbols/markers, in certain combinations and sequences, have
specified values. It will be appreciated that one or more buttons
may be selected on the GUI in order to select the number of lines
to be played, as well as the wager or bet amount for each line,
according to an example embodiment of the disclosure.
[0037] It will be appreciated that many types of markers/symbols
can be utilized for the slot game (i.e., the primary game). Indeed,
because a slot game operates with generally simplistic rules
relating to certain combinations of symbols/markers on a line,
these symbols/markers can be easily modified without requiring
modifications to the rules of the slot game. Accordingly, the
symbols/markers can be adapted based upon the type of side game
being utilized in conjunction with the slot game, according to an
example embodiment of the disclosure. As introduced previously, the
symbols/markers on the slot game can be stylized as Poker cards
where the side game is Poker. On the other hand, the
symbols/markers on the slot game can be stylized as Roulette-based
number/color symbols where the side game is Roulette. Accordingly,
at least a portion of the symbols/markers utilized for the reels
302a-e may resemble combinations of Roulette numbers and colors
(e.g., red or black is illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B as white and
black). Other variations of the symbols/markers utilized on each
reel 302a-e can be utilized to support the type of side game being
utilized.
[0038] FIG. 3B illustrates a variation of the GUI 300 of FIG. 3A in
which both the primary game and the side game are active, according
to an example embodiment of the disclosure. It will be appreciated
that the primary game and the side game may be active and played on
the same screen or on separate screens (e.g., as seen with the game
console 104). Additionally, in this example, the side bet game
selector 304 indicates that the side bet game is "on." As shown in
FIG. 3B, the side game may be Roulette. Accordingly, the side game
window 306 may include a version of a Roulette table. More
specifically, the side game window 306 may illustrate a simplified
version of a Roulette-betting table, with areas for betting on the
numbers 1 to 12, on the wild symbol (which may act like a zero on a
standard roulette), on columns, on low or high, on even or odd, and
on red or black (shown in FIG. 3B as dotted or black), according to
an example embodiment of the disclosure. Likewise, a particular
location on a reel 308--in this example, the center of reel 302e
having a box around it--may be representative of a ball spinning on
a Roulette wheel. It will be appreciated that slight variations of
the Roulette rules may be utilized if necessary to accommodate
situations where certain non-standard Roulette markers/symbols
(e.g., Wild, Bonus, etc.) may be utilized. Further, as desired in
some aspects, players may be requested to wager the maximum number
of lines in the primary game prior to allowing enablement of the
side game.
[0039] In accordance with example Roulette rules, a player may have
up to a certain number of credits to bet or wager as he or she sees
fit, without having to bet them all. This Roulette side bet, played
in the side bet game window 306, may be additional to that of the
primary game, and the user may have the ability to maintain or
change the amount of the side bet, or otherwise turn off the side
bet (and thus the side Roulette game altogether) via the selector
304, shown in the "on" position in FIG. 3B. While the side bet is
turned "on," the central marker/symbol 308 of the reel 302e (by way
of example only, the first one on the right--however, in other
examples, any location on the primary game may be selected as the
central marker/symbol 308 by an operator or player of the game) may
act as the winning symbol on the roulette. As with standard
roulette, the player's matches may determine the amount of the
winnings. These winnings may be additional to those of the main
game. The side bet pay table may be, but is not limited to, the
following: [0040] Straight: 12 times the placed bet. [0041] Split:
6 times the placed bet. [0042] Corner: 3 times the placed bet.
[0043] Column: 3 times the placed bet. [0044] High or Low: 2 times
the placed bet. [0045] Even or Odd: 2 times the placed bet. [0046]
Red or Black: 2 times the placed bet.
[0047] In one non-limiting example, a player may place a bet on the
primary slot game, turn "on" the side bet via the side bet game
selector 304, and, as shown in FIG. 3B, place Roulette bets on
"white 3," "black 6," and the line between "white 7" and "black
10." Additionally, in this example, the symbol selector 308
indicates that the slot game has randomly stopped "spinning" with a
"black 10" in that position. The casino game may first determine
appropriate winnings or losses based on the slot game (i.e., the
primary game). Additionally, the casino game may also then
determine whether the player has won or lost any credit on the side
bet. In this example, because the player placed a bet that included
the "black 10," the player has won at least a portion of the wager
because at least one of the Roulette bets was placed at least
partially on the "black 10," as seen at 306. It will be understood,
however, that other variations of bets, outcomes, rules, winning,
and/or losses may be envisioned.
[0048] FIG. 4A illustrates an example GUI 400 of another example
casino game in which the primary game 402, but not the side game
404, is active as indicated by the side bet indicator 406 being in
the "off" position, according to an example embodiment of the
disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4A, the primary game may be
representative of an example slot game. The example slot game may
have a plurality of respective rows 408a-c, the side bet game
selector 406, and the side bet portion 404. As shown in FIG. 4A,
the side bet game selector 406 indicates that the side bet game is
"off" Additionally, in FIG. 4A, three rows 408a-c are illustrated,
but it will be appreciated that fewer or more rows may be utilized.
Each of the respective rows may include a plurality of markers or
symbols. Here, the symbols may be indicative of a card game, with
traditional Poker cards including a range of numbers, generally Two
through Ten, plus a Jack, a Queen, a King, and an Ace for each
suit. Additionally, as an example, suits may generally include
Spades, Clubs, Diamonds, and Hearts. In FIG. 4A, the visible
portion of each row 408a-c shows about 3 full markers or symbols,
although this number may also be varied as desired. Much like with
FIGS. 4A and 4B, each of the respective reels may be represented as
"spinning" in which the symbols shown in the visible portion of
each reel change until the spinning stops, and the determination of
any winning or losing conditions occurs. Further, when the side bet
game selector 406 is activated (i.e., the selector 406 indicates
that the side bet game is "on"), a row selector 410a-c may indicate
a particular row 408a-c for inclusion in the side bet game.
[0049] As noted above, in accordance with the rules of the slot
game, a player may have one or more winning lines based upon the
repetition of markers/symbols on one or more lines. In general, a
line typically includes one marker/symbol from each of the
plurality of rows 408a-c. Lines can be horizontal lines, diagonal
lines, or combinations of horizontal and diagonal lines, as
appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. The amount
payable for a winning line can be based upon a pay table in which
certain symbols/markers, in certain combinations and sequences,
have specified values. It will be appreciated that one or more
buttons may be selected on the GUI in order to select the number of
lines to be played, as well as the wager or bet amount for each
line, according to an example embodiment of the disclosure.
[0050] FIG. 4B illustrates a variation of the GUI 400 of FIG. 4A in
which both the primary game and the side game are active, according
to an example embodiment of the disclosure. It will be appreciated
that the primary game and the side game may be active and played on
the same screen or on separate screens. Additionally, in this
example, the side bet game selector 406 indicates that the side bet
game is "on." As shown in FIG. 4B, the side game may be Poker.
Accordingly, the side game window 404 may include one or more
additional Poker hands. More specifically, the side game window 404
may illustrate three different Poker hands including a first Poker
hand showing an "high card" hand ("Ace high" in this example), a
second Poker hand showing a pair of Aces, and a third Poker hand
showing another "high card" hand ("Jack high" in this example).
Likewise, a particular row 408a-c--in this case, the middle row
408b having a radio button next to it--may be representative of a
Poker hand being played by the user or the house. As used herein,
the term "house" may generally be used to describe the casino at
which a player is gambling or a website that hosts the game. It
will be appreciated that slight variations of the Poker rules may
be utilized if necessary to accommodate situations where certain
non-standard Poker markers/symbols (e.g., Wild, Bonus, etc.) may be
utilized.
[0051] In accordance with example Poker rules, a player may have up
to a certain number of credits to bet or wager as he or she sees
fit, without having to bet them all. This Poker side bet, played in
the side bet game window 404, may be additional to that of the
primary game, and the user may have the ability to maintain or
change the amount of the side bet, or otherwise turn off the side
bet (and thus the side Poker game altogether) via the selector 406,
shown in the "on" position in FIG. 4B. While the side bet is turned
"on," the selected row may act as the player's Poker hand to play
against one or more additional "house" hands, or the selected row
may act as the "house" hand to play against one more additional
player hands. As with standard poker, the outcome of comparing the
"house" hand(s) against the player's hand(s) may determine the
amount of the winnings. These winnings may be additional to those
of the main game.
[0052] In one non-limiting example, a player may place a bet on the
primary slot game, turn "on" the side bet via the side bet game
selector 406, and, as shown in FIG. 4B, select the middle row 408b
by selecting the button 410b. Additionally, in this example, the
player may choose to have the middle row 408b act as the "house"
hand for the player to try to beat with the three additional hands
of the side bet window 404 by selecting the buttons 412a-c. In some
examples, the player may select any combination of buttons 412a-c,
such that the player may attempt to beat the "house" hand with up
to three hands. As desired, each button 412a-c selected may cost
additional bets and/or credits from the player. The casino game may
first determine appropriate winnings or losses based on the slot
game (i.e., the primary game). Additionally, the casino game may
also then determine whether the player has won or lost any credit
on the side bet. In this example, the middle row 408b contains a
"King high" hand, and because the player selected the middle row as
the "house" hand, and all three side bet hands, the player will
receive three attempts to beat the "King high" hand of the "house."
As shown in FIG. 4B, the first two player hands, "Ace high" and
"Pair of Aces" beats the "house" hand; however, the third player
hand, that is the "Jack high" hand loses. Alternatively, the player
may have selected the middle row 408b to be played as the player
hand, as opposed to the "house" hand. In this example, the player
may again select up to three side bet hands 412a-c, this time to be
played as the "house" hands. However, it will be understood that
other variation of scenarios, selections, bets, outcomes, rules,
winning, and/or losses may be envisioned.
[0053] In some examples, the player may, alternatively, select one
or more primary game rows 408a-c in an attempt to beat some
predetermined poker hand, such as but not limited to,
Jacks-or-better, High-card, or the like. Further, in another
aspect, with the side game, a player may select to play one of the
3 rows illustrated 408a-c, and may compete against the other 2 rows
(e.g., if row 408a is selected, the player may then compete against
rows 408b and 408c). In particular, and as noted above, each row
may include five cards of a typical hand of Poker. Traditional
Poker rules, or slight variations thereof, can then be utilized
with the side game to determine which of the 3 rows has the winning
hand, as illustrated by FIG. 4B. For example, in the case of a Wild
and/or Bonus symbol appears on any given row, they may not be taken
into account for the side bet. Additionally, in some examples, if
exact same cards appear on the same row, only the first one may
count. With the valid cards a Poker hand will be formed for each
row. The user may be able to wager a fixed amount or a variable
amount on one of the 3 rows for the side game, according to an
example embodiment of the disclosure.
[0054] Additionally, it will be appreciated that the portion of one
or more reels and/or rows being utilized for the side game may
differ depending upon the type of side game being provided.
Further, while not shown, many other games, including Blackjack may
be implemented in the same fashion as above. For example, the one
or more locations within rows 408a-c may be selected by a user as
either (or both) the "house" cards or the player's cards.
Additionally, locations may be selected to play against other
pre-selected locations and/or locations may be selected as
additional cards for when the player and/or the "house" "hits" for
additional cards as is common in Blackjack.
Illustrative Processes
[0055] FIG. 5 illustrates a high-level overview of a method 500 for
operating an example casino game comprising a primary game 500a and
a side game 500b, according to an example embodiment of the
disclosure. At block 502, the casino game may be in an idle state
until initiated by a player. Initiation may include receiving
sufficient credits (e.g., monetary or wager credits) into a
player's game balance in order to allow the player to play at least
one game.
[0056] At block 504, the method 500 may receive a selection of a
number of lines and/or a bet per line. This information may be
received in response to the player initiating the primary game via
selection of one or more I/O interfaces 112 of a customer/player
device 103 or a game console 104. Where the primary game is a slot
game, the player may initiate the slot game by selecting the number
of lines to play as well as the amount of the wager or bet per
line. Following block 504, the player may optionally turn on the
side game by selecting one of the selection buttons 210 of the game
console 104 and/or the selectors 304 or 406 of FIGS. 3A-B or 4A-B,
respectively. If so, the method 500 may receive the selection to
enable the side game at block 506. Additionally, if the player has
turned on the side game at block 506, the method may then receive a
side game bet at block 508.
[0057] The method 500 may either proceed from block 504 to block
510, when only the primary game is being played, or from block 508
to block 510, when the side game is also being played. Either way,
at block 510, the method 500 may determine a total bet. That is,
the total amount being wagered may be determined as the sum of a
first amount being wagered on the primary game along with any
second amount being wagered on the side game. Where the first game
is a slot game, the first amount being wagered may be a product of
the number of lines to play and/or the amount of the wager per
line. The method 500 may then, at block 512, activate primary game
by spinning the reels of the slot game. At block 514, the method
500 may deduct the total bet from the game balance.
[0058] At block 516, the method 500 may generate a single set of
symbols to determine winnings in slot and side games. That is, the
spinning of the reels of the primary game can result in a unique
set of symbols for use of determining the winning (or losing)
status of the primary game. Likewise, where the side game is
concurrently being played, at least a portion of the same unique
set of symbols may be used to determine the wining (or losing)
status of the side game. At block 518, the method 500 may then
determine a first payout or winnings in accordance with particular
first rules or pay table associated with a primary game such as the
slot game. Similarly, at block 520, the method 500 may determine
the second payout or winnings in accordance with particular second
rules or pay table associated with a side game. It will be
appreciated that the first and second rules for the respective
primary game and side game may be independent of each other and/or
may be dependent on one another (e.g., when the side bet game
outcome is dependent on the outcome of the primary game symbols,
rows, and/or reels selected, according to an example embodiment of
the disclosure.
[0059] Following blocks 518 or 520, at block 522, the method 500
may determine a total win amount (or payout). In some examples,
this total payout may be determined as the sum of the first and
second payouts or winnings determined at blocks 518 and 520. It
will be appreciated that the total win amount could be zero or a
number greater than zero. At block 524, the method 500 may end by
adding the total payout of block 522 to the game balance of the
player. Alternatively, the method may update the game balance with
the total win of block 522 and then proceed to the game idle state
of block 502.
[0060] It will be appreciated that many variations of FIG. 5 are
available without departing from example embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0061] Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure
set forth herein will be apparent having the benefit of the
teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the
associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the
disclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments
disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended
to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although
specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and
descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
* * * * *