METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EMPLOYING FLAT RATE PLAY

• US 20060252513A1
• Filed: 07/05/2006
• Published: 11/09/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 04/19/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: IGT (International Game Technology)
• Original Assignee: IGT (International Game Technology)
• Inventors: Jorasch, James A., Tulley, Stephen C., Santisi, Steven M., Gelman, Geoffrey M., Walker, Jay S., Gilman, Norman C.
• Granted Patent: US 8,277,309 B2
• 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 17/3232 wherein the operator is informed
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3239 Tracking of individual players
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3244 Payment aspects of a gaming system, e.g. payment schemes, setting payout ratio, bonus or consolation prizes
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3269 Timing aspects of game play, e.g. blocking/halting the operation of a gaming machine

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided allowing a player to play a gaming device and receive a predetermined number of outcomes in exchange for a payment. The gaming device generates at least the predetermined number of outcomes, and adjusts a balance of the player device based on the outcomes. The player can continue playing regardless of whether the balance is less than zero.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

receiving a payment from a player for a predetermined number of outcomes at a player device;

generating at least the predetermined number of outcomes;

adjusting a balance of the player device based on the outcomes; and

allowing play regardless of whether the balance is less than zero.

2-14. -14. (canceled)