Progressive wagering system

• US 20050143168A1
• Filed: 02/04/2005
• Published: 06/30/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 01/15/1997
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Lawrence J. Torango
• Original Assignee: Lawrence J. Torango
• Inventors: Torango, Lawrence J.
• Application Number:
  US11/049,899
• Publication Number:
  US 20050143168A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/25
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/32 for games, toys, sports, or amusements
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3258 Cumulative reward schemes, e.g. jackpots

Abstract

A linked progressive gaming system and method of operation is disclosed that is capable of accepting wagers in different currencies and different denominations of the same currency and allowing players in diverse locations to play for common progressive prizes. The system periodically computes each current prize value using the data acquired from each gaming device, and displays the values at each location where participating gaming devices are located, in the currency used at each particular location. Multiple prizes may be supported simultaneously. Each gaming device may be linked to one or more prizes. Progressive prize award events may be triggered by random events associated with play based on wagers made on gaming devices or by the central system based on prize criteria exceeding a boundary limit. A Free Play apparatus is disclosed that allows non-progressive gaming devices, as well as other traditional games, to participate in progressive play.

Claims

1-16. -16. (canceled)

17. A method of creating linkage on a wagering system, the system comprising a host computer directly or indirectly in communication with at least one gaming device, between a prize and at least one gaming device comprising the following steps:

A) determining a host computer total wager amount for a prize;

B) recording the host computer total wager amount in the host computer;

C) recording a gaming device total wager amount on the gaming device; and

D) linking the prize to the gaming device when the host computer total wager amount is substantially equal to the gaming device total wager amount.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the prize is a progressive prize.

19. A method of operating a wagering system, the system comprising a host computer directly or indirectly in communication with at least one gaming device, comprising the following steps:

A) determining a host computer total wager amount for a prize;

B) recording the host computer total wager amount in the host computer;

C) recording a gaming device total wager amount on the gaming device;

D) linking the prize to the gaming device when the host computer total wager amount is substantially equal to the gaming device total wager amount; and

E) allowing a player to place a wager on the gaming device that competes for the prize when the host computer total wager amount is substantially equal to the gaming device total wager amount.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the prize is a progressive prize.

21. A method of operating a progressive wagering system, the system comprising a host computer and at least one gaming environment manager, the method comprising the following steps:

(A) the host computer establishing a win number for a progressive prize;

(B) the host computer transmitting the win number to the gaming environment manager; and

(C) the gaming environment manager qualifying all messages relating to acquisition data and prize related event conditions with the win number.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising a step of the host computer accumulating wagers for the progressive prize by win number.

23. The method of claim 21, further comprising a step of the host computer processing all events for the progressive prize by win number.

24. A method of operating a wagering system capable of accepting wagers in at least one of a plurality of currencies and a plurality of denominations of the same currency comprising the steps of:

(A) determining a total wager amount for a prize;

(B) allowing a player to place a wager having an amount; and

(C) determining odds of an outcome of at least one prize award event using at least the total wager amount and the wager amount.

25. The method of claim 24 wherein the prize is a progressive prize.

26. The method of claims 24 or 25 wherein the odds of the prize award event outcome vary depending on the value of the wager amount.

27. The method of claims 24 or 25 wherein the odds of the prize award event outcome vary depending on the value of the total wager amount.

28. The method of claims 24 or 25 wherein the step of determining the odds comprises dividing the total wager amount by the amount of the wager.

29. The method of claims 24 or 25 wherein the step of determining the odds comprises generating a number based on the total wager amount, generating a number based on the amount of the wager, and comparing the number based on the amount of the wager to the number based on the total wager amount.

30. A method for determining a win/lose outcome for a prize award event, the event being associated with a prize having a value, comprising the steps of:

(A) determining a total wager amount for the prize;

(B) allowing a player to place a wager having an amount; and

(C) determining the outcome using at least the total wager amount and the wager amount.

31. The method of claim 30 wherein the prize is a progressive prize.

32. The method of claims 30 or 31 wherein the step of determining the outcome comprises dividing the total wager amount by the amount of the wager to provide an odds number.

33. The method of claim 32 wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises determining a range of numbers based on the odds number.

34. The method of claim 33 wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises generating a random number within the odds range of numbers, comparing the random number to a pre-defined winning number and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number is substantially equal to the pre-defined number.

35. The method of claim 33 wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises generating a random number within the odds range of numbers, comparing the random number to a pre-defined winning number and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number is equal to the pre-defined number.

36. The method of claims 30 or 31 wherein the step of determining the outcome comprises determining a range of numbers based on the total wager amount.

37. The method of claim 36 wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises generating at least one random number within the total wager amount number range based on the wager amount, comparing the random number to a pre-defined winning number and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number is substantially equal to the pre-defined number.

38. The method of claim 36 wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises generating at least one random number within the total wager amount number range based on the wager amount, comparing the random number to a pre-defined winning number and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number is equal to the pre-defined number.

39. The method of claim 36 wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises generating at least one pre-defined winning number based on the wager amount within the total wager amount number range, generating a random number within the total wager amount number range, comparing the random number within the total wager amount number range to the pre-defined winning number based on the wager amount and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number within the total wager amount number range is substantially equal to the pre-defined winning number based on the wager amount.

40. The method of claim 36 wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises generating at least one pre-defined winning number based on the wager amount within the total wager amount number range, generating a random number within the total wager amount number range, comparing the random number within the total wager amount number range to the pre-defined winning number based on the wager amount and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number within the total wager amount number range is equal to the pre-defined winning number based on the wager amount.

41. The method of claims 30 or 31 wherein the wager is a payment.

42. The method of claim 41 wherein the payment is at least an amount paid for at least one item of merchandise.

43. A method for determining a win/lose outcome for a prize award event associated with a prize in a wagering system, the system being capable of accepting wagers in at least one of a plurality of currencies and a plurality of denominations of the same currency, comprising the steps of:

(A) determining a total wager amount for the prize;

(B) allowing a player to place a wager having an amount; and

(C) determining the outcome using at least the total wager amount and the wager amount.

44. The method of claim 43 wherein at least one prize is a progressive prize.

45. The method of claims 43 or 44 wherein the step of determining the outcome comprises dividing the total wager amount by the amount of the wager to provide an odds number.

46. The method of claim 45 wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises determining a range of numbers based on the odds number.

47. The method of claim 46 wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises generating a random number within the odds range of numbers, comparing the random number to a pre-defined winning number and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number is substantially equal to the pre-defined number.

48. The method of claim 46 wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises generating a random number within the odds range of numbers, comparing the random number to a pre-defined winning number and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number is equal to the pre-defined number.

49. The method of claims 43 or 44 wherein the step of determining the outcome comprises determining a range of numbers based on the total wager amount.

50. The method of claim 49 wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises generating at least one random number within the total wager amount number range based on the wager amount, comparing the random number to a pre-defined winning number and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number is substantially equal to the pre-defined number.

51. The method of claim 49 wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises generating at least one random number within the total wager amount number range based on the wager amount, comparing the random number to a pre-defined winning number and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number is equal to the pre-defined number.

52. The method of claim 49 wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises generating at least one pre-defined winning number based on the wager amount within the total wager amount number range, generating a random number within the total wager amount number range, comparing the random number within the total wager amount number range to the pre-defined winning number based on the wager amount and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number within the total wager amount number range is substantially equal to the pre-defined winning number based on the wager amount.

53. The method of claim 49 wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises generating at least one pre-defined winning number based on the wager amount within the total wager amount number range, generating a random number within the total wager amount number range, comparing the random number within the total wager amount number range to the pre-defined winning number based on the wager amount and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number within the total wager amount number range is equal to the pre-defined winning number based on the wager amount.

54. The method of claims 43 or 44 wherein the wager is a payment.

55. The method of claim 54 wherein the payment is at least an amount paid for at least one item of merchandise.

56. A method of operating a wagering system, the system being capable of accepting wagers in at least one of a plurality of currencies and a plurality of denominations of the same currency, comprising the following steps:

(A) determining a total wager amount for at least one prize;

(B) allowing a player to place a wager having an amount on a game;

(C) linking the at least one prize to a secondary device;

(D) interfacing the secondary device with the game; and

(E) determining on the secondary device a win/lose outcome for the at least one prize using at least the total wager amount and the wager amount.

57. The method of claim 56 wherein the at least one prize is a progressive prize.

58. The method of claims 56 or 57 wherein the step of determining the outcome comprises dividing the total wager amount by the amount of the wager to provide an odds number.

59. The method of claim 58 wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises determining a range of numbers based on the odds number.

60. The method of claim 59 wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises generating a random number within the odds range of numbers, comparing the random number to a pre-defined winning number and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number is substantially equal to the pre-defined number.

61. The method of claim 59 wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises generating a random number within the odds range of numbers, comparing the random number to a pre-defined winning number and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number is equal to the pre-defined number.

62. The method of claim 56 or 57 wherein the step of determining the outcome comprises determining a range of numbers based on the total wager amount.

63. The method of claim 62 wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises generating at least one random number within the total wager amount number range based on the wager amount, comparing the random number to a pre-defined winning number and generating a win outcome for the prize award event it the random number is substantially equal to the pre-defined number.

64. The method of claim 62 wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises generating at least one random number within the total wager amount number range based on the wager amount, comparing the random number to a pre-defined winning number and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number is equal to the pre-defined number.

65. The method of claim 62 wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises generating at least one pre-defined winning number based on the wager amount within the total wager amount number range, generating a random number within the total wager amount number range, comparing the random number within the total wager amount number range to the pre-defined winning number based on the wager amount and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number within the total wager amount number range is substantially equal to the pre-defined winning number based on the wager amount.

66. The method of claim 62 wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises generating at least one pre-defined winning number based on the wager amount within the total wager amount number range, generating a random number within the total wager amount number range, comparing the random number within the total wager amount number range to the pre-defined winning number based on the wager amount and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number within the total wager amount number range is equal to the pre-defined winning number based on the wager amount.

67. The method of claim 56 wherein the secondary device is a free play apparatus.

68. A method of operating a progressive wagering system, the system comprising at least one device driver and a host computer, the method comprising the following steps:

(A) the host computer establishing a win number for a progressive prize;

(B) the host computer transmitting the win number to the device driver; and

(C) the device driver qualifying all messages relating to acquisition data and prize related event conditions with the win number.

69. The method of claim 68 further comprising a step of the host computer accumulating wagers for the progressive prize by win number.

70. The method of claim 68 further comprising a step of the host computer processing all events for the progressive prize by win number.

71. A method for creating linkage between a prize and at least one apparatus comprising the steps of:

(A) determining a total wager amount for at least one prize;

(B) linking the prize to at least one apparatus adapted to determine a win/lose outcome for the prize using at least the total wager amount and a wager amount.

72. The method of claim 71 wherein the apparatus is a gaming device.

73. The method of claim 71 wherein the apparatus is a point-of-sale device.

74. The method of claim 73 wherein the point-of-sale device is a cash register.

75. The method of claim 71 wherein the apparatus is a table game.

76. The method of claim 75 wherein the table game is black jack.

77. The method of claim 71 wherein the prize is a progressive prize.

78. The method of claim 71 wherein the wager amount is a payment.

79. The method of claim 78 wherein the payment is at least an amount paid for at least one item of merchandise.

80. A gaming device comprising:

(A) a machine capable of accepting a wager and awarding at least one prize wherein the machine is arranged to award the prize when a prize award event is achieved; and

(B) an apparatus arranged to test for the prize award event and to initiate an award of the prize when the prize award event occurs, the prize award event being determined by an outcome having a probability related to a total wager amount.

81. The device of claim 80 wherein the prize award event is determined by the outcome having a probability related to both a total wager amount and the wager on the game.

82. The device of claim 80 or 81 wherein the machine is arranged to play a main game, approximately during which testing for the prize award event will occur.

83. The device of claim 82 wherein the main game is a standard game normally offered on the machine and the prize is at least one progressive prize.

84. The device of claim 82 wherein the main game is a standard game normally offered on the machine and the prize is at least one bonus prize.

85. The device of claim 82 wherein the prize award event is determined by selecting a random number from a range of numbers determined from the total wager amount, allotting to the prize at least one number selected from the range of numbers, the size of the set of allotted numbers being related to the wager bet on the main game, and in the event that one of the allotted numbers matches the random number, initiating the award of the prize.

86. The device of claim 82 wherein the range of numbers is related to the total wager amount divided by the wager.

87. The device of claim 86 wherein the range of numbers is equal to the total wager amount expressed as a currency denomination.

88. The device of claim 87 wherein the currency denomination is cents.

89. The device of claim 87 wherein the set of allotted numbers includes one number for each unit of the currency denomination wagered on the main game.

90. The device of claim 88 wherein the set of allotted numbers includes one number for each cent wagered on the main game.

91. The device of claim 85 wherein the allotted numbers is a block of numbers.

92. The device of claim 91 wherein the block of numbers contains the lowest numbers in the range of numbers.

93. A method of awarding a prize on a device capable of accepting a wager on at least one main game comprising the steps of:

(A) testing for a prize award event wherein the event has a probability of occurring related to a prize'"'"'s total wager amount;

(B) initiating an award of the prize when a prize award event occurs.

94. The method of claim 93 wherein the testing comprises the steps of:

(A) selecting a random number from a range of numbers determined from the total wager amount;

(B) allotting to the prize at least one number selected from the range of numbers, the size of the set of allotted numbers being related to the wager bet on the main game; and

(C) initiating the award of the prize in the event that one of the allotted numbers matches the random number.

95. The method of claim 94 wherein the range of numbers is related to the total wager amount divided by the wager.

96. The method of claim 94 wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount is equal to a sum of all wagers expressed as a currency denomination made over the theoretical number of handle pulls between the prize award events.

97. The method of claim 96 wherein currency denomination is cents.

98. The method of claim 96 wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount includes one number for each unit of currency denomination wagered on the game.

99. The method of claim 97 wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount includes one number for each unit of currency denomination wagered on the game.

100. The method of claim 94 wherein the at least one allotted number is a block of numbers selected from the range of numbers.

101. The method of claim 100 wherein the block of numbers contains the lowest numbers in the range of numbers.

102. The method of claim 93 wherein the prize award event has a probability of occurring related to both the total wager amount and the wager.

103. The method of claim 102 wherein the testing comprises the steps of:

(A) selecting a random number from a range of numbers determined from the total wager amount;

(B) allotting to the prize at least one number selected from the range of numbers, the size of the set of allotted numbers being related to the wager bet on the main game; and

(C) initiating the award of the prize in the event that one of the allotted numbers matches the random number.

104. The method of claim 103 wherein the range of numbers is related to the total wager amount divided by the wager.

105. The method of claim 103 wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount is equal to a sum of all wagers expressed as a currency denomination made over the theoretical number of handle pulls between the prize award events.

106. The method of claim 105 wherein currency denomination is cents.

107. The method of claim 105 wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount includes one number for each unit of currency denomination wagered on the game.

108. The method of claim 106 wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount includes one number for each unit of currency denomination wagered on the game.

109. The method of claim 103 wherein the at least one allotted number is a block of numbers selected from the range of numbers.

110. The method of claim 109 wherein the block of numbers contains the lowest numbers in the range of numbers.

111. The method of claim 102 further comprising the step of playing the main game at substantially the same time as the testing.

112. The method of claim 111 wherein the testing comprises the steps of:

(A) selecting a random number from a range of numbers determined from the total wager amount;

(B) allotting to the prize at least one number selected from the range of numbers, the size of the set of allotted numbers being related to the wager bet on the main game; and

(C) initiating the award of the prize in the event that one of the allotted numbers matches the random number.

113. The method of claim 112 wherein the range of numbers is related to the total wager amount divided by the wager.

114. The method of claim 112 wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount is equal to a sum of all wagers expressed as a currency denomination made over the theoretical number of handle pulls between the prize award events.

115. The method of claim 114 wherein currency denomination is cents.

116. The method of claim 114 wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount includes one number for each unit of currency denomination wagered on the game.

117. The method of claim 115 wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount includes one number for each unit of currency denomination wagered on the game.

118. The method of claim 112 wherein the at least one allotted number is a block of numbers selected from the range of numbers.

119. The method of claim 118 wherein the block of numbers contains the lowest numbers in the range of numbers.

120. The method of claim 111 wherein the prize is at least one bonus prize of a group of additional bonus prizes.

121. The method of claim 120 wherein the testing comprises the steps of:

(A) selecting a random number from a range of numbers determined from the total wager amount;

(B) allotting to the prize at least one number selected from the range of numbers, the size of the set of allotted numbers being related to the wager bet on the main game; and

(C) initiating the award of the prize in the event that one of the allotted numbers matches the random number.

122. The method of claim 121 wherein the range of numbers is related to the total wager amount divided by the wager.

123. The method of claim 121 wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount is equal to a sum of all wagers expressed as a currency denomination made over the theoretical number of handle pulls between the prize award events.

124. The method of claim 123 wherein currency denomination is cents.

125. The method of claim 123 wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount includes one number for each unit of currency denomination wagered on the game.

126. The method of claim 124 wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount includes one number for each unit of currency denomination wagered on the game.

127. The method of claim 121 wherein the at least one allotted number is a block of numbers selected from the range of numbers.

128. The method of claim 127 wherein the block of numbers contains the lowest numbers in the range of numbers.

129. The method of claim 111 wherein the prize is at least one progressive prize.

130. The method of claim 129 wherein the testing comprises the steps of:

(A) selecting a random number from a range of numbers determined from the total wager amount;

(B) allotting to the prize at least one number selected from the range of numbers, the size of the set of allotted numbers being related to the wager bet on the main game; and

(C) initiating the award of the prize in the event that one of the allotted numbers matches the random number.

131. The method of claim 130 wherein the range of numbers is related to the total wager amount divided by the wager.

132. The method of claim 130 wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount is equal to a sum of all wagers expressed as a currency denomination made over the theoretical number of handle pulls between the prize award events.

133. The method of claim 132 wherein currency denomination is cents.

134. The method of claim 132 wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount includes one number for each unit of currency denomination wagered on the game.

135. The method of claim 133 wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount includes one number for each unit of currency denomination wagered on the game.

136. The method of claim 130 wherein the at least one allotted number is a block of numbers selected from the range of numbers.

137. The method of claim 136 wherein the block of numbers contains the lowest numbers in the range of numbers.

138. The method of claim 111 wherein the main game is a standard game normally offered on the machine and the prize is at least one bonus prize of a group of additional bonus prizes.

139. The method of claim 138 wherein the testing comprises the steps of:

(A) selecting a random number from a range of numbers determined from the total wager amount;

(B) allotting to the prize at least one number selected from the range of numbers, the size of the set of allotted numbers being related to the wager bet on the main game; and

(C) initiating the award of the prize in the event that one of the allotted numbers matches the random number.

140. The method of claim 139 wherein the range of numbers is related to the total wager amount divided by the wager.

141. The method of claim 139 wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount is equal to a sum of all wagers expressed as a currency denomination made over the theoretical number of handle pulls between the prize award events.

142. The method of claim 141 wherein currency denomination is cents.

143. The method of claim 141 wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount includes one number for each unit of currency denomination wagered on the game.

144. The method of claim 142 wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount includes one number for each unit of currency denomination wagered on the game.

145. The method of claim 139 wherein the at least one allotted number is a block of numbers selected from the range of numbers.

146. The method of claim 145 wherein the block of numbers contains the lowest numbers in the range of numbers.

147. The method of claim 138 wherein at least one of the bonus prizes is a progressive prize.

148. The method of claim 147 further comprising directly or indirectly connecting at least one of the devices to a central system, outputting a signal from the device based on the wager that directly or indirectly causes the progressive prize to increase and outputting a second signal when the prize award event occurs that causes the progressive prize to be awarded.

149. The method of claim 147 further comprising directly or indirectly connecting a secondary device to the device, directly or indirectly connecting at least one of the secondary devices to a central system, outputting a signal from the secondary device based on the wager that directly or indirectly causes the progressive prize to increase and outputting a second signal from the secondary device when the prize award event occurs that causes the progressive prize to be awarded.

150. The method of claim 147 wherein each of the progressive prizes is increased with each game played on each of the main games on a central system.

151. A prize for at least one gaming device wherein the prize is awarded upon the occurrence of a prize award event, a probability of the prize award event occurring being related to a total wager amount.

152. The prize of claim 151 wherein the prize is a progressive prize.

153. The prize of claim 151 wherein the prize is at least one bonus prize of a group of additional bonus prizes.

154. The prize of claim 151 wherein the probability of the prize award event occurring is related to the total wager amount and a wager made on the gaming device.

155. The prize of claim 154 wherein the device is arranged to play a main game at substantially the same time as testing for the prize award event occurs.

156. The prize of claim 155 wherein the main game is a standard game normally offered on the device and the prize is at least one progressive prize.

157. The prize of claim 151 wherein an occurrence of the prize award event is determined by selecting a random number from a predetermined range of numbers to be associated with a main game, and allotting to the game a set of numbers selected from the predetermined range of numbers, the size of the set of allotted numbers being related to a wager bet on the game, and in the event that one of the numbers allotted to the game matches the randomly selected number, the event has occurred.

158. The prize of claim 157 wherein the predetermined number range is equal to the total wager amount expressed as a currency denomination.

159. The prize of claim 158 wherein the currency denomination is cents.

160. The prize of claim 151 wherein an occurrence of the prize award event is determined by selecting a random number from a predetermined range of numbers to be associated with a main game, and allotting to the game a set of numbers selected from the predetermined range of numbers, the size of the set of allotted numbers being mathematically related to a wager bet on the game, and in the event that one of the numbers allotted to the game matches the randomly selected number, the event has occurred.

161. The prize of claim 160 wherein the predetermined number range is equal to the total wager amount expressed as a currency denomination.

162. The prize of claim 161 wherein the currency denomination is cents.

163. The prize of claim 151 wherein an occurrence of the prize award event is determined by selecting a random number from a predetermined range of numbers to be associated with a main game, and allotting to the game a number in the range of numbers, the allotted number being proportional to a wager bet on the game and in the event that the allotted number is greater than or equal to the randomly selected number, the event has occurred.

164. The prize of claim 163 wherein the predetermined range of numbers is related to the total wager amount divided by the wager.

165. The prize of claim 163 wherein the predetermined number range is equal to the total wager amount expressed as a currency denomination.

166. The prize of claim 165 wherein the currency denomination is cents.

167. The prize of claim 151 wherein an occurrence of the prize award event is determined by selecting a random number from a predetermined range of numbers to be associated with a main game, and allotting to the game a number in the range of numbers, the allotted number being proportional to a wager bet on the game and in the event that the allotted number is less than or equal to the randomly selected number, the event has occurred.

168. The prize of claim 167 wherein the predetermined range of numbers is related to the total wager amount divided by the wager.

169. The prize of claim 167 wherein the predetermined number range is equal to the total wager amount expressed as a currency denomination.

170. The prize of claim 169 wherein the currency denomination is cents.

171. The prize of claim 151 wherein an occurrence of the prize award event is determined by selecting a random number from a predetermined range of numbers to be associated with a main game, and allotting to the game a number in the range of numbers, the allotted number being inversely proportional to a wager bet on the game and in the event that the allotted number is less than or equal to the randomly selected number, the event has occurred.

172. The prize of claim 171 wherein the predetermined range of numbers is related to the total wager amount divided by the wager.

173. The prize of claim 171 wherein the predetermined number range is equal to the total wager amount expressed as a currency denomination.

174. The prize of claim 173 wherein the currency denomination is cents.

175. The prize of claim 151 wherein an occurrence of the prize award event is determined by selecting a random number from a predetermined range of numbers to be associated with a main game, and allotting to the game a number in the range of numbers, the allotted number being inversely proportional to a wager bet on the game and in the event that the allotted number is greater than or equal to the randomly selected number, the event has occurred.

176. The prize of claim 175 wherein the predetermined range of numbers is related to the total wager amount divided by the wager.

177. The prize of claim 175 wherein the predetermined number range is equal to the total wager amount expressed as a currency denomination.

178. The prize of claim 177 wherein the currency denomination is cents.

179. The prize of claim 157 wherein the allotted set of numbers selected from the predetermined range of numbers is a block of numbers.

180. The prize of claim 179 wherein the block of numbers contains the lowest numbers in the predetermined range.

181. The prize of claim 158 wherein the allotted set of numbers selected from the predetermined range of numbers is a block of numbers.

182. The prize of claim 181 wherein the block of numbers contains the lowest numbers in the predetermined range.

183. The prize of claim 154 wherein the gaming device is directly or indirectly connected to a central system and wherein a signal-output from the device based on the wager directly or indirectly causes the prize to increase and wherein a second signal is output from the device when the prize award event occurs that causes the prize to be awarded.

184. The prize of claim 154 wherein the gaming device is directly or indirectly connected to a secondary device, wherein the secondary device is directly or indirectly connected to a central system and wherein a signal output from the secondary device based on the wager directly or indirectly causes the prize to increase and wherein a second signal is output from the secondary device when the prize award event occurs that directly or indirectly causes the prize to be awarded.