Progressive system and methods

• US 20050209004A1
• Filed: 03/25/2005
• Published: 09/22/2005
• 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:
  US11/090,469
• Publication Number:
  US 20050209004A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/42
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2003/0017 progressive jackpot
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 3/081 electric
• 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

The specification discloses a progressive gaming system having a central system, at least one prize, a progressive method, and at least one monetary transaction acceptor. The central system is adapted to associate the progressive method with the prize and the monetary transaction acceptor thereby allowing the monetary transaction acceptor to participate for the prize. The progressive method is adapted to determine a participation outcome based at least on the monetary transaction acceptor'"'"'s contribution percent factor. The specification also discloses a progressive gaming system and methods having the ability to expand the participation base for a progressive prize to include a wide variety of monetary transaction acceptors. The progressive gaming system and methods may have the capability to accept a monetary transaction value in a plurality of currencies or a plurality of denominations of the same currency. The progressive gaming system and methods may support multiple prizes simultaneously. Each monetary transaction acceptor may be linked to one or more prizes.

Claims

1-46. -46. (canceled)

47. A method of operating a progressive system capable of accepting monetary transaction values 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 contribution amount for a progressive prize;

(B) determining a contribution percent factor for at least one monetary transaction acceptor;

(C) allowing at least one person or entity to make a monetary transaction, the transaction having an amount; and

(D) determining odds of an outcome of at least one prize award event using at least the total contribution amount, the contribution percent factor and the transaction amount.

48. The method of claim 47 wherein the odds of the prize award event outcome vary depending on the value of the transaction amount.

49. The method of claim 47 wherein the odds of the prize award event outcome vary depending on the value of the total contribution amount.

50. The method of claim 47 wherein the odds of the prize award event outcome vary depending on the value of the contribution percent factor.

51. The method of claim 47 wherein the step of determining the odds comprises dividing the total contribution amount by the product of the monetary transaction amount and the contribution percent factor.

52. The method of claim 47 wherein the step of determining the odds comprises generating a number based on the total contribution amount, generating a number based on the product of the monetary transaction amount and a contribution percent factor, and comparing the number based on the product of the monetary transaction amount and the contribution percent factor to the number based on the total contribution amount.

53. A method for determining a participation outcome for a prize award event, the event being associated with a progressive prize having a value, comprising the steps of:

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

(B) determining a contribution percent factor for at least one monetary transaction acceptor;

(C) allowing at least one person or entity to make a monetary transaction, the transaction having an amount; and

(D) determining the outcome using at least the total contribution amount, the contribution percent factor and the monetary transaction amount.

54. The method of claim 53 wherein the step of determining the outcome comprises dividing the total contribution amount by the product of the monetary transaction amount and the contribution percent factor to provide an odds number.

55. The methods of claim 54 wherein the step of determining the participation outcome further comprises determining a range of numbers based on the odds number.

56. The method of claim 55 wherein the step of determining the participation 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.

57. The method of claim 55 wherein the step of determining the participation 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.

58. The methods of claim 53 wherein the step of determining the participation outcome comprises determining a range of numbers based on the total contribution amount and the contribution percent factor.

59. The methods of claim 58 wherein the step of determining the participation outcome further comprises generating at least one random number within the range of numbers based on the monetary transaction 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.

60. The methods of claim 58 wherein the step of determining the participation outcome further comprises generating at least one random number within the range of numbers based on the monetary transaction 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.

61. The methods of claim 58 wherein the step of determining the participation outcome further comprises generating at least one pre-defined winning number based on the monetary transaction amount within the range of numbers, generating a random number within the range of numbers, comparing the random number to the 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 winning number.

62. The methods of claim 58 wherein the step of determining the participation outcome further comprises generating at least one pre-defined winning number based on the monetary transaction amount within the range of numbers, generating a random number within the range of numbers, comparing the random number to the pre-defined winning number and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number is equal to the pre-defined winning number.

63. The methods of claim 53 wherein the monetary transaction is a payment.

64. The method of claim 63 wherein the payment is at least an amount paid for at least one item of merchandise.

65. A method for determining a participation outcome for a prize award event associated with a progressive prize in a prize award system, the system being capable of accepting monetary transactions 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 contribution amount for the prize;

(B) determining a contribution percent factor for at least one monetary transaction acceptor;

(C) allowing at least one person or entity to make a monetary transaction, the transaction having an amount; and

(D) determining the outcome using at least the total contribution amount, the contribution percent factor and the monetary transaction amount.

66. The method of claim 65 wherein the step of determining the outcome comprises dividing the total contribution amount by the product of the monetary transaction amount and the contribution percent factor to provide an odds number.

67. The method of claim 66 wherein the step of determining the participation outcome further comprises determining a range of numbers based on the odds number.

68. The method of claim 67 wherein the step of determining the participation 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.

69. The method of claim 67 wherein the step of determining the participation 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.

70. The method of claim 65 wherein the step of determining the participation outcome comprises determining a range of numbers based on the total contribution amount and the contribution percent factor.

71. The method of claim 70 wherein the step of determining the participation outcome further comprises generating at least one random number within the range of numbers based on the monetary transaction 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.

72. The method of claim 70 wherein the step of determining the participation outcome further comprises generating at least one random number within the range of numbers based on the monetary transaction 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.

73. The method of claim 70 wherein the step of determining the participation outcome further comprises generating at least one pre-defined winning number based on the monetary transaction amount within the range of numbers, generating a random number within the range of numbers, comparing the random number to the 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 winning number.

74. The method of claim 70 wherein the step of determining the participation outcome further comprises generating at least one pre-defined winning number based on the monetary transaction amount within the range of numbers, generating a random number within the range of numbers, comparing the random number to the pre-defined winning number and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number is equal to the pre-defined winning number.

75. The method of claim 65 wherein the monetary transaction is a payment.

76. The method of claim 75 wherein the payment is at least an amount paid for at least one item of merchandise.

77. A method of operating a prize award system, the system being capable of accepting monetary transactions 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 contribution amount for at least one progressive prize;

(B) determining a contribution percent factor for at least one monetary transaction acceptor;

(C) allowing at least one person or entity to make a monetary transaction associated with a game, the transaction having an amount;

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

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

(F) determining on the secondary device a participation outcome for the at least one prize using at least the total contribution amount, the contribution percent factor and the monetary transaction amount.

78. The method of claim 77 wherein the step of determining the participation outcome comprises dividing the total contribution amount by the product of the monetary transaction amount and the contribution percent factor to provide an odds number.

79. The method of claim 78 wherein the step of determining the participation outcome further comprises determining a range of numbers based on the odds number.

80. The method of claim 79 wherein the step of determining the participation 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.

81. The method of claim 79 wherein the step of determining the participation 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.

82. The method of claim 77 wherein the step of determining the outcome comprises determining a range of numbers based on the total contribution amount and the contribution percent factor.

83. The method of claim 82 wherein the step of determining the participation outcome further comprises generating at least one random number within the number range based on the monetary transaction 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.

84. The method of claim 82 wherein the step of determining the participation outcome further comprises generating at least one random number within the number range based on the monetary transaction 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.

85. The method of claim 82 wherein the step of determining the participation outcome further comprises generating at least one pre-defined winning number based on the monetary transaction amount within the number range, generating a random number within the number range, comparing the random number within the number range to the pre-defined winning number based on the monetary transaction amount and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number within the number range is substantially equal to the pre-defined winning number based on the monetary transaction amount.

86. The method of claim 82 wherein the step of determining the participation outcome further comprises generating at least one pre-defined winning number based on the monetary transaction amount within the number range, generating a random number within the number range, comparing the random number within the number range to the pre-defined winning number based on the monetary transaction amount and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number within the number range is equal to the pre-defined winning number based on the monetary transaction amount.

87. The method of claim 77 wherein the secondary device is a free play apparatus.

88. A method of operating a prize award system, the system comprising a host computer and 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.

89. The method of claim 88 further comprising a step of the host computer accumulating monetary transactions for the progressive prize by win number.

90. The method of claim 88 further comprising a step of the host computer processing all events for the progressive prize by win number.

91. A method of operating a prize award system, the system comprising a central system and at least one device driver, the method comprising the following steps:

(A) the central system establishing a win number for a progressive prize;

(B) the central system 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.

92. The method of claim 91 further comprising a step of the central system accumulating monetary transactions for the progressive prize by win number.

93. The method of claim 91 further comprising a step of the central system processing all events for the progressive prize by win number.

94. A method for creating linkage between a progressive prize and at least one monetary transaction acceptor comprising the steps of:

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

(B) determining a contribution percent factor for the monetary transaction acceptor;

(C) linking the prize to the monetary transaction acceptor adapted to determine a participation outcome for the prize using at least the total contribution amount, the contribution percent factor and a monetary transaction amount.

95. The method of claim 94 wherein the monetary transaction acceptor is a gaming device.

96. The method of claim 94 wherein the monetary transaction acceptor is a point-of-sale device.

97. The method of claim 96 wherein the point-of-sale device is a cash register.

98. The method of claim 94 wherein the monetary transaction acceptor is a table game.

99. The method of claim 98 wherein the table game is black jack.

100. The method of claim 94 wherein the prize is a progressive prize.

101. The method of claim 94 wherein the monetary transaction amount is a payment.

102. The method of claim 101 wherein the payment is at least an amount paid for at least one item of merchandise.

103. A monetary transaction acceptor device comprising:

(A) a machine capable of accepting a monetary transaction, the transaction having an amount, and awarding at least one prize wherein the machine is arranged to award the prize when a prize award event is achieved; and

(B) a secondary device 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 a participation outcome having a probability related to a total contribution amount and contribution percent factor.

104. The device of claim 103 wherein the machine is arranged to accept a monetary transaction, at substantially the same time during which testing for the prize award event will occur.

105. The device of claim 104 wherein the monetary transaction is a standard transaction normally offered by the machine and the prize is at least one progressive prize.

106. The device of claim 104 wherein the monetary transaction is a standard transaction normally offered on the machine and the prize is at least one progressive prize of a group of progressive prizes.

107. The device of claim 104 wherein the prize award event is determined by selecting a random number from a range of numbers that is determined by dividing the total contribution amount by the product of the contribution percent factor and the monetary transaction 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 monetary transaction amount, and in the event that one of the allotted numbers matches the random number, initiating the award of the prize.

108. The device of claim 104 wherein the range of numbers is related to the total contribution amount divided by the product of the contribution percent factor and the monetary transaction amount.

109. The device of claim 108 wherein the range of numbers is equal to the total contribution amount divided by the product of the contribution percent factor and the monetary transaction amount expressed as a currency denomination.

110. The device of claim 109 wherein the currency denomination is cents.

111. The device of claim 109 wherein the set of allotted numbers includes one number for each unit of the currency denomination in the monetary transaction amount.

112. The device of claim 110 wherein the set of allotted numbers includes one number for each cent in the monetary transaction amount.

113. The device of claim 107 wherein the allotted numbers is a block of numbers.

114. The device of claim 113 wherein the block of numbers contains the lowest numbers in the range of numbers.

115. The device of claim 103 wherein the prize award event is determined by the participation outcome having a probability related to a total contribution amount, contribution percent factor and the monetary transaction amount.

116. The device of claim 115 wherein the machine is arranged to accept a monetary transaction, at substantially the same time during which testing for the prize award event will occur.

117. The device of claim 116 wherein the monetary transaction is a standard transaction normally offered by the machine and the prize is at least one progressive prize.

118. The device of claim 116 wherein the monetary transaction is a standard transaction normally offered on the machine and the prize is at least one progressive prize of a group of progressive prizes.

119. The device of claim 116 wherein the prize award event is determined by selecting a random number from a range of numbers that is determined by dividing the total contribution amount by the product of the contribution percent factor and the monetary transaction 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 monetary transaction amount, and in the event that one of the allotted numbers matches the random number, initiating the award of the prize.

120. The device of claim 116 wherein the range of numbers is related to the total contribution amount divided by the product of the contribution percent factor and the monetary transaction amount.

121. The device of claim 120 wherein the range of numbers is equal to the total contribution amount divided by the product of the contribution percent factor and the monetary transaction amount expressed as a currency denomination.

122. The device of claim 121 wherein the currency denomination is cents.

123. The device of claim 121 wherein the set of allotted numbers includes one number for each unit of the currency denomination in the monetary transaction amount.

124. The device of claim 122 wherein the set of allotted numbers includes one number for each cent in the monetary transaction amount.

125. The device of claim 119 wherein the allotted numbers is a block of numbers.

126. The device of claim 125 wherein the block of numbers contains the lowest numbers in the range of numbers.

127. A method of awarding a prize on a device capable of accepting a monetary transaction comprising the steps of:

(A) testing for a prize award event wherein the event has a probability of occurring related to a total contribution amount and a contribution percent factor;

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

128. The method of claim 127 wherein the testing comprises the steps of:

(A) selecting a random number from a range of numbers determined from the total contribution amount and the contribution percent factor;

(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 monetary transaction amount; and

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

129. The method of claim 128 wherein the range of numbers is related to the total contribution amount divided by the product of the contribution percent factor and the monetary transaction amount.

130. The method of claim 128 wherein the range of numbers determined from the total contribution amount is expressed as a currency denomination.

131. The method of claim 130 wherein currency denomination is cents.

132. The method of claim 130 wherein the range of numbers includes one number for each unit of currency denomination wagered on the game.

133. The method of claim 131 wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount includes one number for each unit of currency denomination in the monetary transaction amount.

134. The method of claim 128 wherein the at least one allotted number is a block of numbers selected from the range of numbers.

135. The method of claim 134 wherein the block of numbers contains the lowest numbers in the range of numbers.

136. The method of claim 127 wherein the prize award event has a probability of occurring related to a total contribution amount, a contribution percent factor and a monetary transaction amount.

137. The method of claim 136 wherein the testing comprises the steps of:

(A) selecting a random number from a range of numbers determined from the total contribution amount and the contribution percent factor;

(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 monetary transaction amount; and

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

138. The method of claim 137 wherein the range of numbers is related to the total contribution amount divided by the product of the contribution percent factor and the monetary transaction amount.

139. The method of claim 137 wherein the range of numbers determined from the total contribution amount is expressed as a currency denomination.

140. The method of claim 139 wherein currency denomination is cents.

141. The method of claim 139 wherein the range of numbers includes one number for each unit of currency denomination wagered on the game.

142. The method of claim 140 wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount includes one number for each unit of currency denomination in the monetary transaction amount.

143. The method of claim 137 wherein the at least one allotted number is a block of numbers selected from the range of numbers.

144. The method of claim 143 wherein the block of numbers contains the lowest numbers in the range of numbers.

145. The method of claim 127 further comprising the step of carrying out the monetary transaction at substantially the same time as the testing.

146. The method of claim 145 wherein the testing comprises the steps of:

(A) selecting a random number from a range of numbers determined from the total contribution amount and the contribution percent factor;

(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 monetary transaction amount; and

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

147. The method of claim 146 wherein the range of numbers is related to the total contribution amount divided by the product of the contribution percent factor and the monetary transaction amount.

148. The method of claim 146 wherein the range of numbers determined from the total contribution amount is expressed as a currency denomination.

149. The method of claim 148 wherein currency denomination is cents.

150. The method of claim 148 wherein the range of numbers includes one number for each unit of currency denomination wagered on the game.

151. The method of claim 149 wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount includes one number for each unit of currency denomination in the monetary transaction amount.

152. The method of claim 146 wherein the at least one allotted number is a block of numbers selected from the range of numbers.

153. The method of claim 152 wherein the block of numbers contains the lowest numbers in the range of numbers.

154. The method of claim 127 wherein the prize is at least one bonus prize of a group of additional bonus prizes.

155. The method of claim 154 wherein the testing comprises the steps of:

(A) selecting a random number from a range of numbers determined from the total contribution amount and the contribution percent factor;

(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 monetary transaction amount; and

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

156. The method of claim 155 wherein the range of numbers is related to the total contribution amount divided by the product of the contribution percent factor and the monetary transaction amount.

157. The method of claim 155 wherein the range of numbers determined from the total contribution amount is expressed as a currency denomination.

158. The method of claim 157 wherein currency denomination is cents.

159. The method of claim 158 wherein the range of numbers includes one number for each unit of currency denomination wagered on the game.

160. The method of claim 155 wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount includes one number for each unit of currency denomination in the monetary transaction amount.

161. The method of claim 155 wherein the at least one allotted number is a block of numbers selected from the range of numbers.

162. The method of claim 161 wherein the block of numbers contains the lowest numbers in the range of numbers.

163. The method of claim 127 wherein the prize is at least one progressive prize.

164. The method of claim 163 wherein the testing comprises the steps of:

(A) selecting a random number from a range of numbers determined from the total contribution amount and the contribution percent factor;

(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 monetary transaction amount; and

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

165. The method of claim 164 wherein the range of numbers is related to the total contribution amount divided by the product of the contribution percent factor and the monetary transaction amount.

166. The method of claim 164 wherein the range of numbers determined from the total contribution amount is expressed as a currency denomination.

167. The method of claim 166 wherein currency denomination is cents.

168. The method of claim 166 wherein the range of numbers includes one number for each unit of currency denomination wagered on the game.

169. The method of claim 167 wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount includes one number for each unit of currency denomination in the monetary transaction amount.

170. The method of claim 164 wherein the at least one allotted number is a block of numbers selected from the range of numbers.

171. The method of claim 170 wherein the block of numbers contains the lowest numbers in the range of numbers.

172. The method of claim 127 wherein the monetary transaction is a standard transaction normally offered on the machine and the prize is at least one progressive prize of a group of progressive prizes.

173. The method of claim 172 wherein the testing comprises the steps of:

(A) selecting a random number from a range of numbers determined from the total contribution amount and the contribution percent factor;

(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 monetary transaction amount; and

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

174. The method of claim 173 wherein the range of numbers is related to the total contribution amount divided by the product of the contribution percent factor and the monetary transaction amount.

175. The method of claim 173 wherein the range of numbers determined from the total contribution amount is expressed as a currency denomination.

176. The method of claim 175 wherein currency denomination is cents.

177. The method of claim 175 wherein the range of numbers includes one number for each unit of currency denomination wagered on the game.

178. The method of claim 176 wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount includes one number for each unit of currency denomination in the monetary transaction amount.

179. The method of claim 173 wherein the at least one allotted number is a block of numbers selected from the range of numbers.

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

181. The method of claim 172 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.

182. The method of claim 172 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.

183. The method of claim 172 wherein each of the progressive prizes is increased with each game played on each of the main games on a central system.

184. A progressive prize for at least one device capable of accepting a monetary transaction 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 contribution amount and a contribution percent factor.

185. The prize of claim 184 wherein the prize is at least one bonus prize of a group of additional bonus prizes.

186. The prize of claim 184 wherein the probability of the prize award event occurring is related to the total contribution amount, the contribution percent factor and a monetary transaction amount accepted by the device.

187. The prize of claim 186 wherein the device is arranged to transact a main monetary transaction at substantially the same time as testing for the prize award event occurs.

188. The prize of claim 187 wherein the main monetary transaction is a standard monetary transaction normally offered on the device.

189. The prize of claim 184 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 monetary transaction, and allotting to the monetary transaction a set of numbers selected from the predetermined range of numbers, the size of the set of allotted numbers being related to a monetary transaction amount for the monetary transaction, and in the event that one of the numbers allotted to the monetary transaction matches the randomly selected number, the event has occurred.

190. The prize of claim 189 wherein the predetermined number range is equal to the total contribution amount divided by the product of the contribution percent factor and the monetary transaction amount expressed as a currency denomination.

191. The prize of claim 190 wherein the currency denomination is cents.

192. The prize of claim 184 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 monetary transaction, 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 monetary transaction amount for the monetary transaction, and in the event that one of the numbers allotted to the monetary transaction matches the randomly selected number, the event has occurred.

193. The prize of claim 192 wherein the predetermined number range is equal to the total contribution amount divided by the product of the contribution percent factor and the monetary transaction amount expressed as a currency denomination.

194. The prize of claim 193 wherein the currency denomination is cents.

195. The prize of claim 184 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 monetary transaction, and allotting to the monetary transaction a number in the range of numbers, the allotted number being proportional to a monetary transaction amount for the monetary transaction and in the event that the allotted number is greater than or equal to the randomly selected number, the event has occurred.

196. The prize of claim 195 wherein the predetermined range of numbers is related to the total contribution amount divided by the product of the contribution percent factor and the monetary transaction amount.

197. The prize of claim 195 wherein the predetermined number range is equal to the total contribution amount divided by the product of the contribution percent factor and the monetary transaction amount expressed as a currency denomination.

198. The prize of claim 197 wherein the currency denomination is cents.

199. The prize of claim 184 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 monetary transaction, and allotting to the monetary transaction a number in the range of numbers, the allotted number being proportional to a monetary transaction amount for the monetary transaction and in the event that the allotted number is less than or equal to the randomly selected number, the event has occurred.

200. The prize of claim 199 wherein the predetermined range of numbers is related to the total contribution amount divided by the product of the contribution percent factor and the monetary transaction amount.

201. The prize of claim 199 wherein the predetermined number range is equal to the total contribution amount divided by the product of the contribution percent factor and the monetary transaction amount expressed as a currency denomination.

202. The prize of claim 201 wherein the currency denomination is cents.

203. The prize of claim 184 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 monetary transaction, and allotting to the monetary transaction a number in the range of numbers, the allotted number being inversely proportional to a monetary transaction amount for the monetary transaction and in the event that the allotted number is less than or equal to the randomly selected number, the event has occurred.

204. The prize of claim 203 wherein the predetermined range of numbers is related to the total contribution amount divided by the product of the contribution percent factor and the monetary transaction amount.

205. The prize of claim 203 wherein the predetermined number range is equal to the total contribution amount divided by the product of the contribution percent factor and the monetary transaction amount expressed as a currency denomination.

206. The prize of claim 205 wherein the currency denomination is cents.

207. The prize of claim 184 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 monetary transaction, and allotting to the monetary transaction a number in the range of numbers, the allotted number being inversely proportional to a monetary transaction amount for the monetary transaction and in the event that the allotted number is greater than or equal to the randomly selected number, the event has occurred.

208. The prize of claim 207 wherein the predetermined range of numbers is related to the total contribution amount divided by the product of the contribution percent factor and the monetary transaction amount.

209. The prize of claim 207 wherein the predetermined number range is equal to the total contribution amount divided by the product of the contribution percent factor and the monetary transaction amount expressed as a currency denomination.

210. The prize of claim 209 wherein the currency denomination is cents.

211. The prize of claim 189 wherein the allotted set of numbers selected from the predetermined range of numbers is a block of numbers.

212. The prize of claim 211 the block of numbers contains the lowest numbers in the predetermined range.

213. The prize of claim 192 wherein the allotted set of numbers selected from the predetermined range of numbers is a block of numbers.

214. The prize of claim 213 wherein the block of numbers contains the lowest numbers in the predetermined range.

215. The prize of claim 186 wherein the gaming device is directly or indirectly connected to a central system and wherein a signal output from the device based on the monetary transaction amount 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.

216. The prize of claim 186 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 monetary transaction amount 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.

217. A method of operating a prize award 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.

218. The method of claim 217 further comprising a step of the host computer accumulating monetary transactions for the progressive prize by win number.

219. The method of claim 217 further comprising a step of the host computer processing all events for the progressive prize by win number.

220. A method of operating a prize award system, the system comprising a central system and at least one gaming environment manager, the method comprising the following steps:

(A) the central system establishing a win number for a progressive prize;

(B) the central system 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.

221. The method of claim 220 further comprising a step of the central system accumulating monetary transactions for the progressive prize by win number.

222. The method of claim 220 further comprising a step of the central system processing all events for the progressive prize by win number.