Method and apparatus for promoting play on a network of gaming devices
First Claim
1. A method for controlling a bonusing promotion system using a bonus server interconnected to a plurality of gaming devices, comprising the steps of:
- accumulating a percentage of a wager played on each gaming device into a bonus pool stored on the bonus server;
comparing the bonus pool to a threshold value stored on the bonus server each time the bonus pool changes;
selecting one of the gaming devices when the threshold value is substantially met; and
awarding a bonus prize funded by the bonus pool to the selected gaming device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for controlling a bonusing promotion system using a bonus server interconnected to a plurality of gaming devices is described. A percentage of a wager played on each gaming device is accumulated into a bonus pool stored on the bonus server. The bonus pool is compared to a threshold value stored on the bonus server each time the bonus pool changes. One of the gaming devices is selected when the threshold value is substantially met. A bonus prize funded by the bonus pool is awarded to the selected gaming device.
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Citations
28 Claims
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1. A method for controlling a bonusing promotion system using a bonus server interconnected to a plurality of gaming devices, comprising the steps of:
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accumulating a percentage of a wager played on each gaming device into a bonus pool stored on the bonus server;
comparing the bonus pool to a threshold value stored on the bonus server each time the bonus pool changes;
selecting one of the gaming devices when the threshold value is substantially met; and
awarding a bonus prize funded by the bonus pool to the selected gaming device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of operating gaming devices interconnected by a computer network to a host computer comprising:
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permitting players to play the gaming devices;
paying to each device in accordance with a pay table stored in the device;
selecting one of the gaming devices for a bonus;
indicating to the player of the selected device that the device is selected; and
paying the bonus at the device responsive to a player-generated input to the gaming device. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A method of operating electronic gaming machines interconnected by a computer network to a host computer comprising:
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permitting play to occur at the machines;
operating a player-tracking system on the network;
determining which players are tracked;
predefining a bonus that is payable only to a tracked player; and
paying the bonus to one of the tracked players. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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Specification