Method of playing a group participation game

• US 7,147,557 B1
• Filed: 02/09/2004
• Issued: 12/12/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 06/29/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Scientific Games International Incorporated (Scientific Games Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Scientific Games Royalty Corporation (Scientific Games Corporation)
• Inventors: Meyer, Mark Guthrie, Tracy, Joseph J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hotaling, II, John M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): MOSSER, ROBERT E
• Application Number:
  US10/774,772
• Time in Patent Office: 1,037 Days
• Field of Search: 463 25- 29, 463 40- 43, 463/6, 463/16
• US Class Current: 463/16
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/32 for games, toys, sports, or amusements
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3288 Betting, e.g. on live events, bookmaking

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 first wager on a first game and a second wager on the outcome of second group game. The outcome of the second group game is determined first, but is only applied if the first game is a winner. As such, a “bonus” round of play is provided which generates group interest and excitement in the gaming experience.

Claims

1. A method of conducting a group participation wagering game in combination with an individual participation wagering game, said method comprising:

receiving a first entry from at least one entrant wherein said at least one entrant has made a first wager on the outcome of a sporting event;

receiving a second entry from the at least one entrant wherein said at least one entrant has made a second wager on a group game independent from the sporting event, wherein the odds of winning the group game are independent from the second wager;

awaiting the outcome of the sporting event and determining if the at least one entrant has a winning first wager;

determining a multiplier value if the second wager is a winning wager in the group game;

determining a payout to the at least one entry by multiplying the winning first wager by the multiplier value if the second wager is a winning wager; and

paying the payout to the at least one entrant.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining the multiplier value is before the outcome of the sporting event.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining the multiplier value is after the outcome of the sporting event.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said sporting event is selected from one of the sporting events in the group of sporting events comprising horse racing, dog racing, and jai alai.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said multiplier value comprises a common multiplier value among all winning wagers in the group event.

6. A method of conducting a group participation wagering game in combination with an individual participation wagering game, said method comprising:

receiving a first entry from a plurality of entrants wherein each entrant has made a first wager on the outcome of a sporting event;

receiving a second entry from the plurality of entrants wherein each entrant has made a second wager on a group game independent from the sporting event, wherein the odds of winning the group event are independent from the second wager;

awaiting the outcome of the sporting event and then determining which of the entrants has a winning first wager;

selecting a multiplier value if the group event is a winner;

determining a payout to the at least one entry by multiplying each winning first wager by the multiplier value if the second wager is a winning wager; and

paying the payout to each entrant that made the winning first wager.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the step of selecting the multiplier is after the first wager has been made.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the step of selecting the multiplier is before the first wager has been made.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of selecting the multiplier is before the sporting event on which the wager was made has been concluded.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of selecting the multiplier is after the sporting event on which the wager was made has been concluded.

11. A system for a group participation wagering game held in combination with an individual participation wagering game, the system comprising:

means for receiving a first entry from a plurality of entrants wherein each entrant has made a first wager on the outcome of a sporting event;

means for receiving a second entry from the entrants wherein each entrant has made a second wager on a group game independent from the sporting event, wherein the odds of winning the group game are independent from the second wager;

means for comparing the first wagers of the entrants to the outcome of the sporting event and then determining which of the entrants has made a winning first wager;

means for selecting a multiplier value if the group game is a winner;

means determining a payout to each entrant by for multiplying each winning first wager by the multiplier value if the second wager is a winning wager; and

means for paying the payout to each entrant that made the winning first wager.