Method of playing a group participation game

• US 6,648,753 B1
• Filed: 06/29/1998
• Issued: 11/18/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 06/29/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Scientific Games International Incorporated (Scientific Games Corporation)
• Original Assignee: IGT (International Game Technology)
• Inventors: Tracy, Joseph J., Meyer, Mark Guthrie
• Primary Examiner(s): Martin-Wallace, Valencia
• Assistant Examiner(s): White, Carmen D.
• Application Number:
  US09/106,659
• Time in Patent Office: 1,968 Days
• Field of Search: 463/16-22, 463/25-28, 273/269, 273/274, 273/139, 273/138.1, 273/138.2, 273/143.R, 273/454, 273/460
• US Class Current: 463/16
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/32 for games, toys, sports, or amusements
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3274 wherein the players cooperate, e.g. team-play

Abstract

A group wagering game is provided in which all entrants win or lose simultaneously as a group. The method of playing the game includes forming a group consisting of all entrants who have made a wager on the outcome of the game, and determining whether the group is a winner. The game can either be played as a stand alone game, or in combination with an individual participation game. When combined with another game, the method includes forming a group of at least some of the entrants in the individual participation game, e.g. all winners, who have made a wager on the outcome of the group participation game. As such, a “bonus” round of play is provided which generates group interest and excitement in the gaming experience.

Claims

1. A method of playing a group participation wagering game having a minimum wager amount, said method comprising:

facilitating the forming of a group of a plurality of entrants, wherein each of said entrants participates in the group participation game irrespective of said entrant'"'"'s participation in an individual participation game, wherein each of said entrants is an individual who has wagered at least said minimum wager amount, the amount each entrant wagered being made on a single outcome of a single group participation game, and wherein each outcome of said group participation game is independent of an outcome of the individual participation game; and

determining the outcome of said single group participation game based on a single set of indicia common to the group, wherein all entrants in the group collectively win or collectively lose said single group participation game based on said single set of indicia.

2. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein none of said entrants are allowed or required to make an indicia selection prior to entering the group participation game.

3. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein each of said entrants that made an equivalent wager on an outcome of the group game is awarded an equivalent prize amount if said outcome is a winning outcome.

4. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein each of said entrants is guaranteed participation in the group game.

5. The method as recited in claim 2 wherein each of said entrants that made an equivalent wager on an outcome of the group game is awarded an equivalent prize amount if said outcome is a winning outcome.

6. The method as recited in claim 5 wherein each of said entrants is guaranteed participation in the group game.

7. The method as recited in claim 4 wherein none of said entrants are allowed or required to make an indicia selection prior to entering the group participation game.

8. The method as recited in claim 4 wherein each of said entrants that made an equivalent wager on the outcome of the group game is awarded an equivalent prize amount if said outcome is a winning outcome.

9. A method of playing a group participation wagering game having a minimum wager amount, said method comprising:

enabling entrants to participate in the group participation game irrespective of said entrants'"'"' participation in an individual participation game, wherein each of said entrants is an individual who has wagered at least said minimum wager amount, the amount each entrant wagered being made on a single outcome of a single group participation game, and wherein each outcome of said group participation game is independent of an outcome of the individual participation game; and

determining the outcome of said single group participation game based on a single set of indicia common to the group wherein all entrants in the group collectively win or collectively lose said single group participation game based on said single set of indicia.

10. The method as recited in claim 9 wherein none of said entrants are allowed or required to make an indicia selection prior to entering the group participation game.

11. The method as recited in claim 9 wherein each of said entrants who made an equivalent wager on an outcome of the group game is awarded an equivalent prize amount if said outcome is a winning outcome.

12. The method as recited in claim 10 wherein each of said entrants who made an equivalent wager on an outcome of the group game is awarded an equivalent prize amount if said outcome is a winning outcome.

13. The method as recited in claim 12 wherein each of said entrants is guaranteed participation in the group game.

14. The method as recited in claim 9 wherein each of said entrants is guaranteed participation in the group game.

15. The method as recited in claim 10 wherein each of said entrants is guaranteed participation in the group game.