Methods and apparatus for playing a gaming pool for a feature event bonus game

• US 20060073870A1
• Filed: 09/28/2004
• Published: 04/06/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 09/28/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: IGT (International Game Technology)
• Original Assignee: IGT (International Game Technology)
• Inventors: Cannon, Lee E.
• Granted Patent: US 7,666,088 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/17
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/405 being a wireless ad hoc network, e.g. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Pico net
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/32 for games, toys, sports, or amusements
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3267 Game outcomes which determine the course of the subsequent game, e.g. double or quits, free games, higher payouts, different new games
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3288 Betting, e.g. on live events, bookmaking

Abstract

A bonus controller is provided for managing a feature event bonus game in a gaming system, having a processor and a memory, wherein the bonus controller is programmed to assign an entry to a player associated with a first gaming apparatus from a plurality of entries defining a gaming pool for the feature event when the player obtains a qualifying win at one of a number of casino games. The bonus controller is also programmed to determine an outcome of the feature event bonus game and determine if at least one winner exists based on the outcome as well as identify the winner of the feature event.

Claims

1. A gaming system for playing a feature event bonus game, comprising:

a first gaming apparatus comprising;

a game display unit;

a value input device;

a controller operatively coupled to said game display unit and said value input device, said controller comprising a processor and a memory operatively coupled to said processor,

said controller being programmed to cause said game display unit to generate a game display relating to one of the following games;

poker, blackjack, slots, keno or bingo,

said controller being programmed to determine a value payout associated with an outcome of said game;

a second gaming apparatus operatively coupled to said first gaming apparatus;

a bonus controller operatively coupled to said first and second gaming apparatuses, said bonus controller comprising a processor and a memory operatively coupled to said processor of said bonus controller,

said bonus controller being programmed to receive bonus data from said first and second gaming apparatuses,

said bonus controller being programmed to assign an entry to a player at said first gaming apparatus from a plurality of entries defining a gaming pool for said feature event bonus game when said player obtains a qualifying win at one of said games generated by said game display unit of said first gaming apparatus,

said bonus controller being programmed to determine an outcome of said feature event, said outcome determined by one of said entries of said plurality of entries, and

said bonus controller being programmed to transmit data corresponding to said outcome of said feature event to at least one of said first and second gaming apparatuses and a remote display.

2. A gaming system as defined in claim 1 wherein said display unit comprises a video display unit that is capable of generating video images.

3. A gaming system as defined in claim 2, wherein said controller of said first gaming apparatus is programmed to cause a video image comprising an image of at least five playing cards to be displayed if said game generated by said game display unit of said first gaming apparatus comprises video poker,

wherein said controller of said first gaming apparatus is programmed to cause a video image comprising an image of a plurality of simulated slot machine reels to be displayed if said game generated by said game display unit of said first gaming apparatus comprises video slots,

wherein said controller of said first gaming apparatus is programmed to cause a video image comprising an image of a plurality of playing cards to be displayed if said game comprises video blackjack,

wherein said controller of said first gaming apparatus is programmed to cause a video image comprising an image of a plurality of keno numbers to be displayed if said game generated by said game display unit of said first gaming apparatus comprises video keno, and

wherein said controller of said first gaming apparatus is programmed to cause a video image comprising an image of a bingo grid to be displayed if said game generated by said game display unit of said first gaming apparatus comprises video bingo.

4. A gaming system as defined in claim 1 wherein said game display unit comprises at least one mechanical slot machine reel.

5. A gaming system as defined in claim 1 wherein said determining said outcome comprises monitoring an outcome of a future feature event.

6. A gaming system as defined in claim 1 wherein said bonus controller programmed to determine said outcome comprises said bonus controller being programmed to monitor said feature event and determine which player a feature event bonus award is awarded, said feature event bonus award associated with said outcome of said feature event.

7. A gaming system as defined in claim 1 wherein said bonus controller is programmed to determine a type of qualifying outcome corresponding to said outcome of said game generated by said game display unit of said first gaming apparatus.

8. A gaming system as defined in claim 1, wherein said bonus controller is programmed to provide said player a second chance to obtain a qualifying win and earn a second entry in said gaming pool.

9. A gaming system as defined in claim 1, wherein said bonus controller is programmed to receive additional wagering from said first gaming apparatus and to enter said player into a second gaming pool for said feature event bonus game.

10. A gaining system as defined in claim 1, wherein said bonus controller is programmed to generate a tournament bracket for said gaming pool, wherein said assigning said entry to said player comprises assigning said player at least one entry into a complete tournament bracket for said gaming pool.

11. A gaming system as defined in claim 10, wherein said bonus controller is programmed to one of, allow said player to select an entry to be assigned in said tournament bracket, or, randomly select for said player an entry in said tournament bracket.

12. A gaming system as defined in claim 1, wherein said bonus controller is programmed to allow said player to defer said entry into said gaming pool for use in a subsequent gaming pool.

13. A gaming system as defined in claim 1, wherein said bonus controller is programmed to generate an entry ticket for said gaming pool after assigning an entry to said player.

14. A gaming system as defined in claim 13, wherein said bonus controller is programmed to either allow said player to select an outcome of said feature event bonus game to be assigned, or, assign said player an outcome of said feature event bonus game without any input from said player.

15. A gaming system as defined in claim 1, wherein said first and second gaming apparatuses are interconnected via the Internet.

16. A gaming system for playing a feature event bonus game comprising:

a first gaming apparatus comprising;

a display unit;

a value input device;

a controller operatively coupled to said display unit and said value input device, said controller comprising a processor and a memory operatively coupled to said processor of said first gaming apparatus,

said controller being programmed to receive data representing a payline selection made by a player,

said controller being programmed to cause a game display to be generated by said display unit, said game display comprising images of a plurality of lot machine symbols each of which is associated with a respective slot machine reel,

said controller being programmed to determine a value payout associated with an outcome of said slots game, said controller being programmed to determine said outcome of said slots game based on a first configuration of said slot machine symbols;

a second gaming apparatus operatively coupled to said first gaming apparatus, said second gaming apparatus comprising;

a display unit;

a value input device;

a controller operatively coupled to said display unit and said value input device, said controller comprising a processor and a memory operatively coupled to said processor of said second gaming apparatus,

said controller being programmed to receive data representing a payline selection made by a second player,

said controller being programmed to cause a game display to be generated by said display unit, said game display comprising images of a plurality of slot machine symbols each of which is associated with a respective slot machine reel,

said controller being programmed to determine a value payout associated with an outcome of said slots game, said controller being programmed to determine said outcome of said slots game based on a configuration of said slot machine symbols;

a bonus controller operatively coupled to said first and second gaming apparatuses, said bonus controller comprising a processor and a memory operatively coupled to said processor of bonus controller,

said bonus controller being programmed to receive bonus data from said first and second gaming apparatuses,

said bonus controller being programmed to assign an entry to said player at said first gaming apparatus from a plurality of entries defining a gaming pool for said feature event bonus game when said player obtains a qualifying win at said slots game,

said bonus controller being programmed to determine an outcome of said feature event,

said bonus controller being programmed to determine if at least one winner exists based on said outcome of said feature event;

said bonus controller being programmed to identify said at least one winner of said feature event bonus game if said at least one winner exists, said at least one winner being identified based on said entry assigned to said player at said firs gaming apparatus, and

said bonus controller being programmed to transmit data corresponding to said outcome of said feature event bonus game to at least one of said first and second gaming apparatuses and a remote display unit.

17. A gaming system as defined in claim 16 wherein said display units of said first and second gaming apparatuses comprise a video display units that are capable of generating video images.

18. A gaming system as defined in claim 17, wherein said controllers of said first and second gaming apparatuses are programmed to cause video images comprising images of a plurality of simulated slot machine reels to be displayed on said display units.

19. A gaming system as defined in claim 16 wherein said display units of said first and second gaming apparatuses comprise at least one mechanical slot machine reel.

20. A gaming system as defined in claim 16 wherein said controllers of said first and second gaming apparatuses are programmed to receive payline data representing a number of paylines selected by said first and second players.

21. A gaming system as defined in claim 16, wherein said bonus controller is programmed to qualify said first and second players for said feature event bonus game when one of the following events occurs:

said first and second players play said first game and obtain a specific outcome,

said first and second players play said first game and obtain a plurality of specific outcomes,

said first and second players play said first game a predetermined number of times,

said first and second players play said first game for a predetermined duration of time, and

said first and second players play said first game a plurality of times and wager a predetermined sum of money over said plurality of times.

22. A gaming system as defined in claim 16, wherein said bonus controller is programmed to assign an intrinsic value to each of said plurality of entires in said gaming pool, said intrinsic value multiplied by a total number of entries in said gaming pool equaling a feature event bonus award.

23. A gaming system as defined in claim 16, wherein said bonus controller is programmed to assign an intrinsic value to each of said plurality of entires in said gaming pool, said intrinsic value multiplied by a total number of possible entries in said gaming pool equaling a feature event bonus award.

24. A gaming system as defined in claim 16, wherein said bonus controller is programmed to allow a sponsor of said gaming pool to purchase any unsold entries in said gaming pool.

25. A gaming system as defined in claim 16, wherein said bonus controller is programmed to determine whether at least one player exactly predicted an outcome of said feature event bonus game.

26. A gaming system as defined in claim 16, wherein said bonus controller is programmed to identify a player most closely predicting an outcome of said feature event bonus game.

27. A bonus controller for managing a feature event bonus game in a gaming system, said bonus controller comprising:

a processor;

a memory operatively coupled to said processor,

said bonus controller being programmed to receive bonus data corresponding to a game selected from one of the following games;

poker, blackjack, slots, keno or bingo,

said bonus controller being programmed to assign an entry to a player associated with a first gaming apparatus from a plurality of entries defining a gaming pool for said feature event bonus game when said player obtains a qualifying win at one of said games,

said bonus controller being programmed to determine an outcome of said feature event bonus game,

said bonus controller being programmed to determine if at least one winner exists based on said outcome of said feature event bonus game,

said bonus controller being programmed to identify said at least one winner of said feature event bonus game, and

said bonus controller being programmed to transmit data corresponding to said outcome of said feature event bonus game.

28. A bonus controller as defined in claim 27, wherein said bonus controller is programmed to:

determine a type of qualifying win corresponding to said game selected from one of said games;

poker, blackjack, slots, keno or bingo, and

assigning said player said entry based on said type of qualifying outcome.

29. A bonus controller as defined in claim 27, wherein said bonus controller is programmed to qualify said player for said feature event bonus game when one of the following events occurs:

said player plays said game and obtains a specific outcome,

said player plays said game and obtains a plurality of specific outcomes,

said player plays said game a predetermined number of times,

said player plays said game for a predetermined duration of time, and

said player plays said game a plurality of times and wagers a predetermined sum of money over said plurality of times.

30. A bonus controller as defined in claim 27, wherein said bonus controller is programmed to apply a feature event bonus award associated with said feature event toward a second gaming pool if no players in said gaming pool exactly predicts an outcome of said feature event.

31. A bonus controller as defined in claim 27, wherein said bonus controller is programmed to generate a gaming pool matrix having a plurality of cells, wherein each cell is associated with a unique outcome of said feature event, and offering said player at least one cell of said plurality of cells when assigning said entry to said player at said first gaming apparatus.

32. A gaming method, comprising:

causing a game display of one of the following games to be generated on a display unit of a first gaming apparatus;

poker, blackjack, slots, keno or bingo;

causing a game display of one of the following games to be generated on a display unit of a second gaming apparatus;

poker, blackjack, slots, keno or bingo;

determining an outcome of said game represented by said game display generated on said display unit of said first gaming apparatus;

transmitting bonus data from said first gaming apparatus to a bonus controller;

determining if said outcome is a qualifying outcome for a feature event bonus game;

qualifying a player at said first gaming apparatus for said feature event bonus game if said outcome is a qualifying outcome;

assigning an entry to said qualified player from a plurality of entries defining a gaming pool for said feature event bonus game;

determining a winner of said feature event bonus game;

transmitting display data associated with said feature event bonus game from said bonus controller to a display unit; and

determining a value payout associated with a feature event bonus award associated with said feature event bonus game.

33. A gaming method as defined in claim 32, additionally comprising:

generating a gaming pool matrix having a plurality of cells, wherein each cell is associated with a unique outcome of said feature event, and offering said player at least one cell of said plurality of cells.

34. A gaming method as defined in claim 33, additionally comprising randomly assigning said player at least one cell of said plurality of cells.

35. A gaming method as defined in claim 33, additionally comprising randomly assigning each cell a digit between 0 and 9, wherein a first axis of said matrix is associated with a first contestant in said feature event and a second axis of said matrix is associated with a second contestant in said feature event.

36. A gaming method as defined in claim 33, additionally comprising determining a winning cell of said plurality of cells, and awarding a player associated with said winning cell at least a portion of a feature event bonus award for said gaming pool.

37. A gaming method as defined in claim 32, additionally comprising earning multiple entries into said gaming pool for said feature event bonus game.

38. A gaming method as defined in claim 32, additionally comprising:

qualifying said player for said feature event bonus game when one of the following events occurs;

said player plays said game generated on said display unit of said first gaming apparatus and obtains a specific outcome,

said player plays said game generated on said display unit of said first gaming apparatus and obtains a plurality of specific outcomes,

said player plays said game generated on said display unit of said first gaming apparatus a predetermined number of times,

said player plays said game generated on said display unit of said first gaming apparatus for a predetermined duration of time, and

said player plays said game generated on said display unit of said first gaming apparatus a plurality of times and wagers a predetermined sum of money over said plurality of times.

39. A method of providing a gaming pool for a feature event bonus game in a gaming network, comprising:

receiving bonus data at a bonus controller, said bonus data corresponding to play of one of the following games;

poker, blackjack, slots, keno or bingo;

qualifying a player for said feature event bonus game if an outcome of said game is a qualifying outcome;

assigning an entry to said qualified player from a plurality of entries defining said gaming pool for said feature event bonus game;

determining a monetary value of said gaming pool;

determining an outcome of said feature event;

transmitting display data associated with said feature event bonus game from said bonus controller to a display unit, said display unit being operatively coupled to said bonus controller; and

determining a value payout associated with said outcome of said feature event bonus game.

40. A method as defined in claim 39, additionally comprising providing said player a second chance to obtain a qualifying win and earn a second entry into said gaming pool.

41. A method as defined in claim 39, additionally comprising receiving additional bonus data at said bonus controller and assigning a second entry to said qualified player from a second plurality of entries defining a second gaming pool for said feature event bonus game.

42. A method as defined in claim 39, additionally comprising generating a tournament bracket for said gaming pool and assigning said qualified player at least one entry from said tournament bracket.

43. A gaming system for playing a feature event bonus game, comprising:

a first gaming apparatus comprising;

a game display unit;

a value input device;

a controller operatively coupled to said game display unit and said value input device, said controller comprising a processor and a memory operatively coupled to said processor,

said controller being programmed to cause said game display unit to generate a game display relating to one of the following games;

poker, blackjack, slots, keno or bingo,

said controller being programmed to determine a value payout associated with an outcome of said game;

a second gaming apparatus operatively coupled to said first gaming apparatus, said second gaming apparatus having a controller comprising a processor and a memory operatively coupled to said processor of said controller of said second gaming apparatus;

said controller of said second gaming apparatus being programmed to receive bonus data from said first gaming apparatus,

said controller of said second gaming apparatus being programmed to assign an entry to a player at said first gaming apparatus from a plurality of entries defining a gaming pool for said feature event bonus game when said player qualifies for entry at one of said games generated by said game display unit of said first gaming apparatus,

said controller of said second gaming apparatus being programmed to determine an outcome of said feature event, said outcome determined by one of said entries of said plurality of entries, and

said controller of said second gaming apparatus being programmed to transmit data corresponding to said outcome of said feature event to at least one of said first gaming apparatus and a remote display.

44. A memory having a computer program stored therein, said computer program being capable of being used in connection with a bonus controller in a gaming system, said memory comprising:

a memory portion physically configured in accordance with computer program instructions that would cause said bonus controller to receive bonus data corresponding to a game, said game selected from one of the following games;

poker, blackjack, slots, keno or bingo,

a memory portion physically configured in accordance with computer program instructions that would cause said bonus controller to assign an entry to a player from a plurality of entries defining a gaming pool for a feature event bonus game when said player obtains a qualifying win at said game,

a memory portion physically configured in accordance with computer program instructions that would cause said bonus controller to determine an outcome of said feature event,

a memory portion physically configured in accordance with computer program instructions that would cause said bonus controller to identify a winner of said feature event bonus game,

a memory portion physically configured in accordance with computer program instructions that would cause said bonus controller to transmit display data associated with said feature event bonus game from said bonus controller to a display unit; and

a memory portion physically configured in accordance with computer program instructions that would cause said bonus controller to determine a value payout associated with a feature event bonus award associated with said feature event bonus game.

45. A memory as defined in claim 44 wherein said memory additionally comprises a memory portion physically configured in accordance with computer program instructions that would cause said bonus controller to assign an intrinsic value to each of said plurality of entries in said gaming pool, said intrinsic value multiplied by a total number of possible entries in said gaming pool equaling said feature event bonus award.

46. A memory as defined in claim 44 wherein said memory additionally comprises a memory portion physically configured in accordance with computer program instructions that would cause said bonus controller to allow a sponsor of said gaming pool to purchase any unsold entries in said gaming pool.

47. A memory as defined in claim 44 wherein said memory additionally comprises a memory portion physically configured in accordance with computer program instructions that would cause said bonus controller to determine whether at least one player exactly predicted an outcome of said feature event bonus game.