Gaming method and apparatus having a proportional payout

• US 6,589,115 B2
• Filed: 02/14/2001
• Issued: 07/08/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 10/08/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: IGT (International Game Technology)
• Original Assignee: Walker Digital LLC (Walker Innovation Inc. (f/k/a Patent Properties, Inc.))
• Inventors: Jorasch, James A., Walker, Jay S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Martin-Wallace, Valencia
• Assistant Examiner(s): NGUYEN, BINH AN DUC
• Application Number:
  US09/782,998
• Publication Number:
  US 20010007828A1
• Time in Patent Office: 874 Days
• Field of Search: 463/26, 463/13, 463/12, 463/16, 463/17, 463/18, 463/19, 463/20, 463/21, 463/23, 463/25, 463/27, 463/7, 463/29, 463/31, 463/42, 463/22, 273/138.1, 273/139, 273/143.R, 273/148.A, 700/232, 700/90, 700/91, 700/92, 700/93, 700/231, 705/16, 705/17, 705/20, 705/21
• US Class Current: 463/25
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3244 Payment aspects of a gaming system, e.g. payment schemes, setting payout ratio, bonus or consolation prizes

Abstract

A gaming machine such as a slot machine is provided having a payout proportional to a wager value. The gaming machine provides a player with the ability to flexibly and automatically increase and decrease wagers, thereby allowing the player to press his bets when he feels lucky, and to decrease his bets when he feels unlucky. Different proportional payout tables are provided for different levels of wagers.

Claims

1. A gaming apparatus providing a proportional payout, comprising:

a processor;

a memory connected to said processor;

said memory storing

a series of outcomes, and

at least one proportional payout multiplier corresponding to at least one outcome of said series of outcomes;

said processor operative to

determine a first credit balance being wagered on a game play;

select, from said series of outcomes, a resulting outcome;

select a resulting proportional payout multiplier corresponding to said resulting outcome, wherein said resulting proportional payout multiplier is other than an amount wagered on said game play; and

determine a second credit balance by multiplying said resulting proportional payout multiplier by said first credit balance,

wherein the resulting proportional payout multiplier is greater than zero if the resulting outcome comprises a non-winning combination of indicia.

2. A gaming apparatus in accordance with claim 1, said processor further operative to:

receive a random number; and

select said resulting outcome based on said random number.

3. A gaming apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said at least one proportional payout multiplier comprises a series of proportional payout multipliers, each corresponding to at least one outcome of said series of outcomes.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one proportional payout multiplier comprises one of a fraction, a decimal, and a percentage.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first credit balance and the second credit balance is a fractional amount.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the processor is further operative to:

receive a signal indicating a request to cash out the second credit balance;

determine whether the second credit balance comprises a fractional amount of units on which the second credit balance is based;

round the second credit balance to a whole amount of units if the second credit balance corresponds to a fractional amount; and

dispense the whole amount of units.

7. A method of operating a gaming apparatus to provide a proportional payout, comprising the steps of:

providing a series of outcomes, and at least one proportional payout multiplier corresponding to at least one outcome of said series of outcomes;

determining a first credit balance being wagered on a game play;

selecting, from said series of outcomes, a resulting outcome;

selecting a resulting proportional payout multiplier corresponding to said resulting outcome, wherein said resulting proportional payout multiplier is other than an amount wagered on said game play; and

determining a second credit balance by multiplying said resulting proportional payout multiplier by said first credit balance,

wherein the resulting proportional payout multiplier is greater than zero if the resulting outcome comprises a non-winning combination of indicia.

8. A method in accordance with claim 7, wherein said step of determining a second credit balance includes determining a payout by multiplying said resulting proportional payout multiplier by said first credit balance.

9. A method in accordance with claim 7, and further including the steps of:

receiving a random number; and

selecting said resulting outcome based on said random number.

10. A method in accordance with claim 7, wherein said at least one proportional payout multiplier comprises a series of proportional payout multipliers, each corresponding to at least one outcome of said series of outcomes.

11. A gaming apparatus providing a proportional payout, comprising:

means for providing a series of outcomes, and at least one proportional payout multiplier corresponding to at least one outcome of said series of outcomes;

means for determining a first credit balance being wagered on a game play;

means for selecting, from said series of outcomes, a resulting outcome;

means for selecting a resulting proportional payout multiplier corresponding to said resulting outcome, wherein said resulting proportional payout multiplier is other than an amount wagered on said game play; and

means for determining a second credit balance by multiplying said resulting proportional payout multiplier by said first credit balance,

wherein the resulting proportional payout multiplier is greater than zero if the resulting outcome comprises a non-winning combination of indicia.

12. A medium encoded with a program for implementing a method, said program for directing a device to perform the steps of:

providing a series of outcomes, and at least one proportional payout multiplier corresponding to at least one outcome of said series of outcomes;

determining a first credit balance being wagered on a game play;

selecting, from said series of outcomes, a resulting outcome;

selecting a resulting proportional payout multiplier corresponding to said resulting outcome, wherein said resulting proportional payout multiplier is other than an amount wagered on said game play; and

determining a second credit balance by multiplying said resulting proportional payout multiplier and said first credit balance,

wherein the resulting proportional payout multiplier is greater than zero if the resulting outcome comprises a non-winning combination of indicia.

13. A gaming apparatus providing a proportional payout, comprising:

a processor;

a memory connected to said processor;

said memory storing

a series of outcomes, and

a series of proportional payout multipliers, each corresponding to at least one outcome of said series of outcomes;

said processor operative to

receive an initiation signal to initiate game play,

receive a wager signal indicating a first credit balance that constitutes a wager amount for said game play,

receive a random number for said game play,

select from said series of outcomes a resulting outcome, said resulting outcome based on said random number,

select from said series of proportional payout multipliers a resulting proportional payout multiplier corresponding to said resulting outcome, wherein said resulting proportional payout multiplier is other than said wager amount, and

apply said resulting proportional payout multiplier to said first credit balance, thus calculating a second credit balance,

wherein the resulting proportional payout multiplier is greater than zero if the resulting outcome comprises a non-winning combination of indicia.

14. A gaming apparatus in accordance with claim 13, wherein said second credit balance comprises a function of said resulting proportional payout multiplier and said wager amount.

15. A gaming apparatus in accordance with claim 14, wherein said function comprises a product of said wager amount and said proportional payout multiplier.

16. A gaming apparatus in accordance with claim 13, wherein said series of proportional payout multipliers extend over a range of from less than 1 for a losing result to greater than 1 for a winning payout.

17. A gaming apparatus in accordance with claim 13, wherein:

said series of outcomes further corresponds to a second series of proportional payout multipliers; and

said processor is further operative to receive a parameter relating to said game play and to select between said first and second series of proportional payout multipliers based on said parameter.

18. A gaming apparatus in accordance with claim 17, wherein said parameter includes a value which is determined based on said wager amount.

19. A gaming apparatus in accordance with claim 13, wherein said gaming apparatus comprises a slot machine further comprising a plurality of reels.

20. A gaming apparatus in accordance with claim 13, wherein said gaming apparatus comprises a video poker machine further comprising an output device for outputting card values.

21. A gaming apparatus in accordance with claim 13, wherein at least one of said series of outcomes further includes at least one fixed payout corresponding thereto.

22. A gaming apparatus in accordance with claim 21, wherein said one fixed payout includes a jackpot payout.

23. A gaming apparatus in accordance with claim 13, wherein said memory further stores a maximum payout amount, said processor further operative to use said maximum payout amount to limit a payout which is a winning payout.

24. A gaming apparatus in accordance with claim 13, said processor further operative to receive a signal designating a value that is less than said first credit balance as said wager amount.

25. A gaming apparatus in accordance with claim 13, wherein said series of outcomes includes a maximum payout outcome, and wherein the proportional payout multiplier corresponding to said maximum payout outcome is progressive.

26. A gaming apparatus in accordance with claim 25, wherein said memory further stores a minimum jackpot credit balance, said maximum payout outcome available only if said wager amount exceeds said minimum jackpot credit balance.

27. A gaming apparatus in accordance with claim 13, and further including:

a network controller; and

said gaming machine connected to said network controller.

28. A method for operating a gaming apparatus to provide a proportional payout, comprising the steps of:

providing a series of outcomes, and a series of proportional payout multipliers, each corresponding to at least one outcome of said series of outcomes;

receiving an initiation signal to initiate a game play;

receiving a wager signal indicating a first credit balance that comprises a wager amount for said game play;

receiving a random number for said game play;

selecting from said series of outcomes a resulting outcome, said resulting outcome based on said random number;

selecting from said series of proportional payout multipliers a resulting proportional payout multiplier corresponding to said resulting outcome, wherein said resulting proportional payout multiplier is other than the wager amount; and

applying said resulting proportional payout multiplier to the first credit balance in order to calculate a second credit balance,

wherein the resulting proportional payout multiplier is greater than zero if the resulting outcome comprises a non-winning combination of indicia.

29. A method in accordance with claim 28, said second credit balance comprises a function of said resulting proportional payout multiplier and said wager amount.

30. A method in accordance with claim 29, wherein said function comprises a product of said wager amount and said proportional payout multiplier.

31. A method in accordance with claim 28, wherein said series of proportional payout multipliers extend over a range of from less than 1 for a losing payout to greater than 1 for a winning payout.

32. A method in accordance with claim 28, wherein:

said series of outcomes further corresponds to a second series of proportional payout multipliers; and

further comprising the steps of;

receiving a parameter relating to said game play; and

selecting between said first and second series of proportional payout multipliers based on said parameter.

33. A method in accordance with claim 32, wherein said parameter includes a value which is based on said wager amount.

34. A method in accordance with claim 28, wherein said gaming apparatus comprises a slot machine further comprising a plurality of reels.

35. A method in accordance with claim 28, wherein said gaming apparatus comprises a video poker machine further comprising an output device for outputting card values.

36. A method in accordance with claim 28, at least one of said series of outcomes further includes at least one fixed payout corresponding thereto.

37. A method in accordance with claim 36, wherein said at least one fixed payout includes a jackpot payout.

38. A method in accordance with claim 28, wherein said memory further stores a maximum payout amount of a winning payout.

39. A method in accordance with claim 28, and further including the step of designating a value of less than said first credit balance for said wager amount.

40. A method in accordance with claim 28, wherein said series of outcomes includes a maximum payout outcome, and wherein the proportional payout multiplier corresponding to said maximum payout outcome is progressive.

41. A method in accordance with claim 40, and further including the step of storing a minimum jackpot credit balance, said maximum payout outcome available only if said wager amount exceeds said minimum jackpot credit balance.

42. A gaming apparatus providing a proportional payout, comprising:

means for providing a series of outcomes, and a series of proportional payout multipliers each corresponding to at least one outcome of said series of outcomes;

means for receiving an initiation signal to initiate a game play;

means for receiving a wager signal indicating a first credit balance comprising a wager amount for said game play;

means for receiving a random number for said game play;

means for selecting from said series of outcomes a resulting outcome, said resulting outcome based on said random number;

means for selecting from said series of proportional payout multipliers a resulting proportional payout multiplier corresponding to said resulting outcome, wherein said resulting proportional payout multiplier is other than wager amount; and

means for applying said resulting proportional payout multiplier to said wager amount to calculate a second credit balance,

wherein the resulting proportional payout multiplier is greater than zero if the resulting outcome comprises a non-winning combination of indicia.

43. A medium encoded with a program for implementing a method, said program for directing a device to perform the steps of:

providing a series of outcomes, and a series of proportional payout multipliers, each corresponding to at least one outcome of said series of outcomes;

receiving an initiation signal to initiate a game play;

receiving a wager signal indicating a first credit balance comprising a wager amount for said game play;

receiving a random number for said game play;

selecting from said series of proportional payout multipliers a resulting proportional payout multiplier corresponding to said resulting outcome, wherein said resulting proportional payout multiplier is other than said wager amount; and

applying said resulting proportional payout multiplier to said wager amount to calculate a second credit balance,

wherein the resulting proportional payout multiplier is greater than zero if the resulting outcome comprises a non-winning combination of indicia.

44. A medium encoded with a program for implementing a method, said program for directing a device to perform the steps of

determining a series of outcomes, said series of outcomes including at least one winning outcome and at least one losing outcome, and

determining a series of proportional payout multipliers, each corresponding to an outcome of said series of outcomes;

determining a wagered amount;

selecting, from said series of outcomes, a resulting outcome,

selecting from said series of proportional payout multipliers a resulting proportional payout multiplier corresponding to said resulting outcome, and

determining a payout amount based on said resulting proportional payout multiplier and said wagered amount, said payout amount being greater than said wagered amount if said resulting outcome is one of said at least one winning outcome, and said payout amount being less than said wagered amount but greater than zero if said resulting outcome is one of said at least one losing outcome.

45. A medium encoded with a program for implementing a method, said program for directing a device to perform the steps of:

(a) determining a series of outcomes, said series of outcomes including at least one winning outcome and at least one losing outcome;

(b) determining a series of proportional payout multipliers, each corresponding to an outcome of said series of outcomes;

(c) determining a wagered amount;

(d) receiving an initiation signal to initiate game play;

(e) receiving a random number for said game play;

(f) selecting, from said series of outcomes, a resulting outcome, said resulting outcome based on said random number;

(g) selecting from said series of proportional payout multipliers a resulting proportional payout multiplier corresponding to said resulting outcome;

(h) determining a payout amount based on said resulting proportional payout multiplier and said wagered amount, said payout amount being greater than said wagered amount if said resulting outcome is one of said at least one winning outcome, and said payout amount being less than said wagered amount but greater than zero if said resulting outcome is one of said at least one losing outcome;

(i) updating said wagered amount based on said payout amount; and

(j) repeating steps (d) through (i).

46. A medium encoded with a program for implementing a method, said program for directing a device to perform the steps of:

determining a series of outcomes including at least one winning outcome and at least one losing outcome;

determining a series of proportional payout multipliers, each corresponding to an outcome of said series of outcomes;

determining a starting credit balance;

receiving an input signal;

determining a wager amount based on said starting credit balance and said received input signal, said wager amount being in a range between some to all of said starting credit balance as selected by said input signal;

selecting, from said series of outcomes, a resulting outcome;

selecting from said series of proportional payout multipliers a resulting proportional payout multiplier corresponding to said resulting outcome; and

determining a new credit balance based on said resulting proportional payout multiplier, said starting credit balance and said wager amount, said new credit balance being greater than said starting credit balance if said resulting outcome is one of said at least one winning outcome, and said new credit balance being less than said starting credit balance but greater than said starting credit balance less said wager amount if said resulting outcome is one of said at least one losing outcome.

47. A medium encoded with a program for implementing a method;

said program for directing a device to perform the steps of;

(a) providing a series of outcomes, said series of outcomes including at least one winning outcome and at least one losing outcome;

(b) providing a series of proportional payout multipliers, each corresponding to an outcome of said series of outcomes;

(c) determining a wagered amount;

(d) receiving an initiation signal to initiate game play;

(e) receiving a random number for said game play;

(f) selecting, from said series of outcomes, a resulting outcome, said resulting outcome based on said random number;

(g) selecting from said series of proportional payout multipliers a resulting proportional payout multiplier corresponding to said resulting outcome;

(h) determining a payout amount based on said resulting proportional payout multiplier and said wagered amount, said payout amount being greater than said wagered amount if said resulting outcome is one of said at least one winning outcome, and said payout amount being less than said wagered amount but greater than zero if said resulting outcome is one of said at least one losing outcome;

(i) updating said wagered amount based on said payout amount; and

(j) repeating steps (d) through (i).

48. A medium encoded with a program for implementing a method, said program for directing a device to perform the steps of:

providing a series of outcomes, said series of outcomes including at least one winning outcome and at least one losing outcome;

providing a series of proportional payout multipliers, each corresponding to an outcome of said series of outcomes;

determining a starting credit balance;

receiving an input signal;

determining a wager amount based on said starting credit balance and said received input signal, said wager amount being in a range between some to all of said starting credit balance as selected by said input signal;

selecting, from said series of proportional payout multipliers, a resulting outcome;

selecting from said series of proportional payout multipliers a resulting proportional payout multiplier corresponding to said resulting outcome; and

determining a new credit balance based on said resulting proportional payout multiplier, said starting balance and said wager amount, said new credit balance being greater than said starting credit balance if said resulting outcome is one of said at least one winning outcome, and said new credit balance being less than said starting credit balance but greater than said starting credit balance less said wager amount if said resulting outcome is one of said at least one losing outcome.