Method and apparatus for previewing a game

• US 8,480,466 B2
• Filed: 08/02/2004
• Issued: 07/09/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 03/27/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: IGT (International Game Technology)
• Original Assignee: IGT (International Game Technology)
• Inventors: Muir, David Hugh, Nguyen, Binh T., Paulsen, Craig A.
• Primary Examiner(s): D'AGOSTINO, PAUL ANTHONY
• Application Number:
  US10/910,407
• Publication Number:
  US 20050003883A1
• Time in Patent Office: 3,263 Days
• Field of Search: 463 35- 37, 463/39, 463 42- 43, 463/1, 463 12- 13, 463 16- 21, 463/23, 463/25, 463 29- 30, 273/138.1, 273/143.R, 273/292, 273/293, 273/121.B
• US Class Current: 463/16
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/32 for games, toys, sports, or amusements
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3262 Player actions which determine the course of the game, e.g. selecting a prize to be won, outcome to be achieved, game to be played

Abstract

A portable sample play device, such as a player tracking card or other player-carried device, allows players or users of a gaming machine to view, and/or participate in, sample or preview play of a game. The portable sample play device can be a smart card that stores all necessary information itself, or a known magnetic stripe card that simply stores rudimentary information. Additionally, such a sample or preview can include many different modes of play. For instance, the gaming machine can display a preview of link progressive play, along with the progressive jackpot. It can also display the special bonus modes of various games, demonstrating to the player various special prizes than can be won. Such preview play can be interactive, allowing player participation, or passive, simply illustrating sample play without allowing user interaction. Preview play can also include full, nominal, zero, or other payouts if so desired.

Claims

1. A gaming machine system, comprising a wager-based gaming machine and a player tracking card,

the wager-based gaming machine being configured to present a first wager based game, the gaming machine including at least a processor, a value input device, a value output device, a random number generator, a cabinet and a display device;

said processor being configured to determine a payout of cash or indicia of credit for play of the preview of the first wager-based game based upon a paytable associated with the first wager-based game;

the random number generator being coupled to the processor and configured to generate random numbers used to determine outcomes for the first wager-based game or a preview of a second wager-based game, the second wager-based game being different from the first wager-based game;

the value input device being configured to receive cash or an indicia of credit for a wager on the first wager-based game;

the value output device being configured to output cash or an indicia of credit as a result of play of the preview of the first wager-based game;

the cabinet being configured to enclose the processor and the random number generator and to secure the display device, the value input device and the value output device; and

the player tracking card being configured for communication with the wager-based gaming machine, wherein, responsive to reading one or more preview play parameters stored on the player tracking card, the wager-based gaming machine;

automatically initiates the preview of the second wager-based game;

displays the preview of the second wager-based game for a specified duration of time; and

writes information regarding the specified duration of time to the player tracking card to determine whether the preview should terminate.

2. The gaming machine system of claim 1 wherein the preview of the second wager-based game is an interactive session of the second wager-based game.

3. The gaming machine system of claim 1 wherein play of the second wager-based game is governed by the one or more preview play parameters, and wherein the preview includes play of the second wager-based game according to preset values of the one or more preview play parameters.

4. The gaming machine system of claim 3 wherein the player tracking card further stores the preset values of the one or more preview play parameters, and wherein the wager-based gaming machine is further configured to display the preview of the second wager-based game according to the preset values.

5. The gaming machine system of claim 3 further comprising a back-end computer in electronic communication with the gaming machine and configured to store the preset values of the one or more preview play parameters, wherein the wager-based gaming machine is further configured to receive the preset values from the back-end computer and display the preview of the second wager-based game according to the preset values.

6. The gaming machine system of claim 3 wherein the second wager-based game is a slot game, and wherein the preset values include a predetermined payout value preventing the wager-based gaming machine from awarding money that exceeds the predetermined payout value.

7. The gaming machine system of claim 6 wherein the predetermined payout value is zero.

8. The gaming machine system of claim 3 wherein the second wager-based game has a plurality of possible outcomes, and wherein the preset values include predetermined ones of the plurality of possible outcomes to use in the preview of the second wager-based game.

9. The gaming machine system of claim 1 wherein the second wager-based game is configured to be played in a first mode having a first paytable with first payout probability values, and a second mode having a second paytable with second payout probability values greater than corresponding ones of the first payout probability values, and wherein the preview includes a display of the second mode.

10. The gaming machine system of claim 1 wherein the second wager-based game is configured to be played in a progressive mode capable of awarding a jackpot having money from multiple players, and wherein the preview includes a display of the progressive mode.

11. The gaming machine system of claim 1 the player tracking card comprises the memory.

12. The gaming machine system of claim 1 wherein the memory comprises a back-end computer in electronic communication with the wager-based gaming machine.

13. A player tracking card for use with a wager-based gaming machine configured to present a first wager based game, the tracking card comprising:

a memory storing information identifying a user and time information defining a period of time during which the wager-based gaming machine is to display a preview of a second wager-based game, the second wager-based game being different from the first wager-based game; and

a microprocessor in electronic communication with the memory, and configured to instruct the gaming machine to initiate, automatically, the preview of the second wager-based game on the gaming machine continuously for the period of time responsive to communication being established between the microprocessor and the gaming machine, and wherein the preview of the second wager-based game is an interactive session of the second wager-based game configured to be played by the user.

14. The tracking card of claim 13 wherein play of the second wager-based game is governed by one or more parameters, and wherein the memory stores preset values of the one or more parameters, and wherein the preview includes play of the second wager-based game according to the preset values.

15. The tracking card of claim 14 wherein the second wager-based game is a slot game, and wherein the preset values include a predetermined payout value preventing the wager-based gaming machine from paying money to the user that exceeds the predetermined payout value.

16. The tracking card of claim 15 wherein the predetermined payout value is zero.

17. The tracking card of claim 14 wherein the second wager-based game has a plurality of possible outcomes, and wherein the preset values include predetermined ones of the plurality of possible outcomes to use in the preview of the second wager-based game.

18. The tracking card of claim 13 wherein the second wager-based game is configured to be played in a first mode having a first paytable with first payout probability values, and a second mode having a second paytable with second payout probability values greater than corresponding ones of the first payout probability values, and wherein the preview includes a display of the second mode.

19. The tracking card of claim 13 wherein the second wager-based game is configured to be played in a progressive mode capable of awarding a jackpot having money from multiple players, and wherein the preview includes a display of the progressive mode.

20. A method of previewing a second wager-based game on a wager-based gaming machine configured to present a first wager-based game and a preview of the second wager-based game, the second wager-based game being different from the first wager-based game, the method comprising:

receiving, from a player tracking card, information related to a user of the wager-based gaming machine;

receiving time information defining a specified duration of time during which the preview of the second wager-based game is to be displayed;

initiating the preview of the second wager-based game including an interactive session of the second wager-based game that is configured to be played by the user;

determining a paytable that is associated with the preview of the second wager-based game;

determining one or more outcomes to the preview of the second wager-based game;

determining a payout of cash or an indicia of credit associated with the preview of the second wager-based game based upon the paytable and upon said one or more determined outcomes wherein said wager-based gaming machine is configured to output the cash or the indicia of credit.

21. The method of claim 20 wherein the initiating further comprises receiving values of one or more parameters governing play of the second wager-based game, and wherein the initiating further comprises initiating the preview of the second wager-based game according to the values of the one or more parameters.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein the receiving values of one or more parameters further includes receiving the values from the tracking card.

23. The method of claim 21 wherein the receiving values of one or more parameters further includes receiving the values from a back-end computer in electronic communication with the gaming machine.

24. The method of claim 21 wherein the receiving values of one or more parameters further includes receiving a predetermined payout value of a slot game, and paying money to the user that does not exceed the predetermined payout value.

25. The method of claim 21 wherein the receiving values of one or more parameters further includes receiving a predetermined payout value equal to zero.

26. The method of claim 21 wherein the second wager-based game has a plurality of possible outcomes and wherein the receiving values of one or more parameters further includes receiving ones of the plurality of the possible outcomes to use during the preview of the second wager-based game.

27. The method of claim 20 wherein the wager-based gaming machine is configured to generate the preview of the second wager-based game in a first mode having a first paytable with first payout probability values, and a second mode having a second paytable with second payout probability values greater than corresponding ones of the first payout probability values, the initiating further includes initiating the preview of the second wager-based game, the preview including a display of the second mode of the second wager-based game.

28. The method of claim 20 wherein the wager-based gaming machine is configured to display a game configured to be played in a progressive mode capable of awarding a jackpot having money from wagers made by multiple players, the initiating further includes initiating the preview of the second wager-based game, the preview including a display of the progressive mode of the second wager-based game.

47. The method of claim 20 wherein the time information is received from the tracking card.

29. A gaming machine system, comprising:

a wager-based gaming machine configured to present a first wager-based game, the gaming machine including at least a processor, a value input device, a value output device, a random number generator, and a display device;

said processor being configured to determine a payout of cash or indicia of credit for play of the preview of the first wager-based game based upon a paytable associated with the first wager-based game;

the random number generator, coupled to the processor, configured to generate random numbers used to determine outcomes for the first wager-based game or a preview of a second wager-based game, the second wager-based game being different from the first wager-based game;

the value input device configured to receive cash or an indicia of credit for a wager on the first wager-based game;

the value output device configured to output cash or an indicia of credit as a result of play of the preview of the first wager-based game;

a cabinet configured to enclose the processor and the random number generator and to secure the display device, the value input device and the value output device; and

a player tracking card configured for communication with the wager-based gaming machine,

wherein, responsive to reading one or more preview play parameters stored on the player tracking card, the wager-based gaming machine automatically initiates the preview of the second wager-based game, and displays the preview of the second wager-based game for a continuous limited duration of time and writes information regarding the continuous limited duration of time to one of the player tracking card or a remote gaming device in communication with the wager-based gaming machine.

30. A gaming machine system, comprising:

a wager-based gaming machine configured to present a first wager-based game, the gaming machine including at least a processor, a value input device, a value output device, a random number generator, and a display device;

said processor being configured to determine a payout of cash or indicia of credit for play of the preview of the first wager-based game based upon a paytable associated with the first wager-based game;

the random number generator, coupled to the processor, configured to generate random numbers used to determine outcomes for the first wager-based game or a preview of a second wager-based game, the second wager-based game being different from the first wager-based game;

the value input device configured to receive cash or an indicia of credit for a wager on the first wager-based game;

the value output device configured to output the cash or the indicia of credit as a result of play of the preview of the wager-based game;

a cabinet configured to enclose the processor and the random number generator and to secure the display device, the value input device and the value output device; and

a player tracking card configured for communication with the wager-based gaming machine,

wherein, responsive to reading one or more preview play parameters stored on the player tracking card the wager-based gaming machine automatically initiates the preview of the second wager-based game, and wherein the wager-based gaming machine is configured to display the preview of the second wager-based game for a limited number of times and writes information regarding said limited number of times to one of the player tracking card or a remote gaming device in communication with the wager-based gaming machine.

31. A gaming machine system, comprising:

a wager-based gaming machine configured to present a first wager-based game, the gaming machine including at least a processor, a value input device, a value output device, a random number generator, and a display device;

said processor being configured to determine a payout of cash or indicia of credit for play of the preview of the first wager-based game based upon a paytable associated with the first wager-based game;

the random number generator, coupled to the processor, configured to generate random numbers used to determine outcomes for the first wager-based game or a preview of a second wager-based game, the second wager-based game being different from the first wager-based game;

the value input device configured to receive cash or an indicia of credit for a wager on the first wager-based game;

the value output device configured to output the cash or the indicia of credit as a result of play of the preview of the wager-based game;

a cabinet configured to enclose the processor and the random number generator and to secure the display device, the value input device and the value output device; and

a player tracking card that is carried by a user of the wager-based gaming machine and that is configured for communication with the wager-based gaming machine,

wherein, responsive to reading one or more preview play parameters stored on the player tracking card the wager-based gaming machine automatically initiates the preview of the second wager-based game, and wherein the wager-based gaming machine displays the preview of the second wager-based game for a specified duration of time and writes information regarding the specified duration of time to a memory in communication with the wager-based gaming machine to determine whether the preview should terminate and wherein the gaming machine is configured to display a first wager-based game and a preview of a second game, the second wager-based game being different from the first wager-based game.

32. A gaming machine system, comprising:

a wager-based gaming machine configured to present a first wager-based game, the gaming machine including at least a processor, a value input device, a value output device, a random number generator, and a display device;

said processor being configured to determine a payout of cash or indicia of credit for play of the preview of the first wager-based game based upon a paytable associated with the first wager-based game;

the random number generator, coupled to the processor, configured to generate random numbers used to determine outcomes for the first wager-based game or a preview of a second wager-based game, the second wager-based game being different from the first wager-based game;

the value input device configured to receive cash or an indicia of credit for a wager on the first wager-based game;

the value output device configured to output the cash or the indicia of credit as a result of play of the preview of the wager-based game;

a cabinet configured to enclose the processor and the random number generator and to secure the display device, the value input device and the value output device; and

a player tracking card that is carried by a user of the wager-based gaming

machine and that is configured for communication with the wager-based gaming machine,

wherein responsive to reading one or more preview play parameters stored on the player tracking card the wager-based gaming machine automatically initiates the preview of the second wager-based game, and wherein the wager-based gaming machine displays the preview of the second wager-based game for a specified duration of time and writes information regarding the specified duration of time to a memory in communication with the wager-based gaming machine to determine whether the preview should terminate and wherein play of the wager-based game is governed by the one or more preview play parameters, and wherein the preview includes play of the wager-based game according to preset values of the one or more preview play parameters.

33. A gaming machine system, comprising:

a wager-based gaming machine configured to present a first wager-based game, the gaming machine including at least a processor, a value input device, a value output device, a random number generator, and a display device;

said processor being configured to determine a payout of cash or indicia of credit for play of the preview of the first wager-based game based upon a paytable associated with the first wager-based game;

the random number generator, coupled to the processor, configured to generate random numbers used to determine outcomes for the first wager-based game or a preview of a second wager-based game, the second wager-based game being different from the first wager-based game;

the value input device configured to receive cash or an indicia of credit for a wager on the first wager-based game;

the value output device configured to output the cash or the indicia of credit as a result of play of the preview of the wager-based game;

a cabinet configured to enclose the processor and the random number generator and to secure the display device, the value input device and the value output device; and

a portable sample play device configured for communication with the wager-based gaming machine,

wherein responsive to reading one or more preview play parameters stored on the player tracking card the wager-based gaming machine automatically initiates the preview of the second wager-based game, and wherein the wager-based gaming machine displays the preview of the second wager-based game for a specified duration of time and writes information regarding the specified duration of time to a memory in communication with the wager-based gaming machine to determine whether the preview should terminate and wherein the wager-based game is configured to be played in a first mode having a first paytable with first payout probability values, and a second mode having a second paytable with second payout probability values greater than corresponding ones of the first payout probability values, and wherein the preview includes a display of the second mode.

34. A gaming machine system, comprising:

a wager-based gaming machine configured to present a first wager-based game, the gaming machine including at least a processor, a value input device, a value output device, a random number generator, and a display device;

said processor being configured to determine a payout of cash or indicia of credit for play of the preview of the first wager-based game based upon a paytable associated with the first wager-based game;

the random number generator, coupled to the processor, configured to generate random numbers used to determine outcomes for the first wager-based game or a preview of a second wager-based game, the second wager-based game being different from the first wager-based game;

the value input device configured to receive cash or an indicia of credit for a wager on the first wager-based game;

the value output device configured to output the cash or the indicia of credit as a result of play of the preview of the wager-based game;

a cabinet configured to enclose the processor and the random number generator and to secure the display device, the value input device and the value output device; and

player tracking card configured for communication with the wager-based gaming machine,

wherein, responsive to reading one or more preview play parameters stored on the player tracking card the wager-based gaming machine automatically initiates the preview of the second wager-based game, and wherein the wager-based gaming machine displays the preview of the second wager-based game for a specified duration of time and writes information regarding the specified duration of time to a memory in communication with the wager-based gaming machine to determine whether the preview should terminate and wherein the wager-based game is configured to be played in a progressive mode capable of awarding a jackpot having money from multiple players, and wherein the preview includes a display of the progressive mode.

35. A gaming machine system, comprising:

a wager-based gaming machine configured to present a first wager-based game, the gaming machine including at least a processor, a value input device, a value output device, a random number generator, and a display device;

said processor being configured to determine a payout of cash or indicia of credit for play of the preview of the first wager-based game based upon a paytable associated with the first wager-based game;

the random number generator, coupled to the processor, configured to generate random numbers used to determine outcomes for the first wager-based game or a preview of a second wager-based game, the second wager-based game being different from the first wager-based game;

the value input device configured to receive cash or an indicia of credit for a wager on the wager-based game;

the value output device configured to output the cash or the indicia of credit as a result of play of the preview of the wager-based game;

a cabinet configured to enclose the processor and the random number generator and to secure the display device, the value input device and the value output device; and

a player tracking card configured for communication with the wager-based gaming machine,

wherein, responsive to reading one or more preview play parameters stored on the player tracking card the wager-based gaming machine automatically initiates the preview of the second wager-based game and displays the preview of the second wager-based game for a specified duration of time and writes information regarding said defined period of time to the player tracking card.

36. A gaming machine system, comprising:

a wager-based gaming machine configured to present a first wager-based game, the gaming machine including at least a processor, a value input device, a value output device, a random number generator, and a display device;

said processor being configured to determine a payout of cash or indicia of credit for play of the preview of the first wager-based game based upon a paytable associated with the first wager-based game;

the random number generator, coupled to the processor, configured to generate random numbers used to determine outcomes for the first wager-based game or a preview of a second wager-based game, the second wager-based game being different from the first wager-based game;

the value input device configured to receive cash or an indicia of credit for wagers on the first wager-based game;

the value output device configured to output the cash or the indicia of credit as a result of play of the preview of the wager-based game;

a cabinet configured to enclose the processor and the random number generator and to secure the display device, the value input device and the value output device; and

a player tracking card configured for communication with the wager-based gaming machine,

wherein, responsive to reading one or more preview play parameters stored on the player tracking card the wager-based gaming machine automatically initiates the preview of the second wager-based game and displays the preview of the second wager-based game for a specified duration of time and writes information regarding said specified duration of time to a back-end computer in communication with the wager-based gaming machine.

37. A player tracking card for use with a wager-based gaming machine configured to present a first wager based game, the tracking card comprising:

a memory storing information identifying a user and time information defining a period of time during which an associated wager-based gaming machine is to display a preview of a second wager-based game, the second wager-based game being different from the first wager-based game; and

a microprocessor in electronic communication with the memory, and configured to instruct the gaming machine to initiate, automatically, the preview of the second wager-based game on the gaming machine continuously for the period of time responsive to communication being established between the microprocessor and the gaming machine.

38. A player tracking card for use with a wager-based gaming machine configured to present a first wager based game, the tracking card comprising:

a memory storing information identifying a user and time information defining a period of time during which an associated wager-based gaming machine is to display a preview of a second wager-based game, the second wager-based game being different from the first wager-based game; and

a microprocessor in electronic communication with the memory, and configured to instruct the gaming machine to initiate, automatically, the preview of the second wager-based game on the gaming machine continuously for the period of time responsive to communication being established between the microprocessor and the gaming machine, wherein play of the second wager-based game is governed by one or more parameters, wherein the memory stores preset values of the one or more parameters, and wherein the preview includes play of the second wager-based game according to the preset values.

39. A player tracking card for use with a wager-based gaming machine configured to present a first wager based game, the tracking card comprising:

a memory storing information identifying a user and time information defining a period of time during which the wager-based gaming machine is to display a preview of a second wager-based game, the second wager-based game being different from the first wager-based game; and

a microprocessor in electronic communication with the memory, and configured to instruct the wager-based gaming machine to initiate, automatically, the preview of the second wager-based game on the gaming machine continuously for the period of time responsive to communication being established between the microprocessor and the gaming machine,

wherein the second wager-based game is configured, responsive to reading the information in the memory, to be played in a first mode having a first paytable with first payout probability values, and a second mode having a second paytable with second payout probability values greater than corresponding ones of the first payout probability values, and wherein the preview includes a display of the second mode.

40. A player tracking card for use with a wager-based gaming machine configured to present a first wager based game, the tracking card comprising:

a memory storing information identifying a user and time information defining a period of time during which the wager-based gaming machine is to display a preview of a second wager-based game, the second wager-based game being different from the first wager-based game; and

a microprocessor in electronic communication with the memory, and configured to instruct the wager-based gaming machine to initiate, automatically, the preview of the second wager-based game on the gaming machine continuously for the period of time responsive to communication being established between the microprocessor and the gaming machine,

wherein the second wager-based game is configured, responsive to reading the information in the memory, to be played in a progressive mode capable of awarding a jackpot having money from multiple players, and wherein the preview includes a display of the progressive mode.

41. A method of previewing a second wager-based game on a wager-based gaming machine configured to present a first wager-based game and a preview of the second wager-based game, the second wager-based game being different from the first wager-based game, the method comprising:

receiving, from a player tracking card, information related to a user of the wager-based gaming machine,

receiving from one of the tracking card and a remote device first information defining an amount of time that is allocated to showing the preview of the second wager-based game;

initiating the preview of the second wager-based game automatically in response to receiving the first information and showing the preview of the second wager-based game continuously for the amount of time;

determining a paytable that is associated with the preview of the second wager-based game;

determining one or more outcomes to the preview of the second wager-based game;

determining a payout of cash or an indicia of credit associated with the preview of the second wager-based game based upon the paytable and said one or more determined outcomes wherein said wager-based gaming machine is configured to output the cash or the indicia of credit.

42. A method of previewing a second wager-based game on a wager-based gaming machine configured to present a first wager-based game and a preview of the second wager-based game, the second wager-based game being different from the first wager-based game, the method comprising:

receiving, from a player tracking card, information related to a user of the wager-based gaming machine,

receiving from one of the tracking card and a remote device first information defining a number of times that the preview of the second wager-based game is allowed to be displayed;

initiating the preview of the second wager-based game automatically in response to receiving the first information and displaying the preview continuously for a period of time if the number of times has not been exceeded;

determining a paytable that is associated with the preview of the second wager-based game;

determining one or more outcomes to the preview of the second wager-based game;

determining a payout of cash or an indicia of credit associated with the preview of the second wager-based game based upon the paytable and said one or more determined outcomes wherein said wager-based gaming machine is configured to output the cash or the indicia of credit.

43. A method of previewing a second wager-based game on a wager-based gaming machine configured to present a first wager based game and a second wager-based game, and previews of said wager-based games, the second wager-based game being different from the first wager-based game, the method comprising:

receiving, from a player tracking card, information related to a user of the wager-based gaming machine,

receiving time information defining a period of time during which a preview of a wager-based game is to be displayed;

initiating a preview of the first wager-based game automatically in response to receiving the time information initiating a preview of the second wager-based game;

determining a first paytable that is associated with the preview of the first wager-based game;

determining a second paytable that is associated with the preview of the second wager-based game;

determining one or more first outcomes to the preview of the first wager-based game;

determining one or more second outcomes to the preview of the second wager-based game; and

displaying the preview of the first wager-based game continuously for the period of time;

displaying the preview of the second wager-based game continuously for the period of time;

determining a payout of cash or an indicia of credit associated with the preview of the first wager-based game based upon the first paytable and said one or more determined first outcomes and associated with the preview of the second wager-based game based upon the second paytable and said one or more determined second outcomes wherein said wager-based gaming machine is configured to output the cash or the indicia of credit.

44. A method of previewing a second wager-based game on a wager-based gaming machine configured to present a first wager-based game and a preview of the second wager-based game, the second wager-based game being different from the first wager-based game, the method comprising:

receiving, from a player tracking card, information related to a user of the wager-based gaming machine,

receiving time information defining a period of time during which the preview of the second wager-based game is to be displayed;

initiating, automatically in response to receiving the time information, the preview of the second wager-based game, said initiating comprising receiving values of one or more parameters governing play of the second wager-based game and presenting the preview of the second wager-based game on the wager-based gaming machine according to the values of the one or more parameters;

determining a paytable that is associated with the preview of the second wager-based game;

determining one or more outcomes to the preview of the second wager-based game; and

determining a payout of cash or an indicia of credit associated with the preview of the second wager-based game based upon the paytable and said one or more determined outcomes wherein said wager-based gaming machine is configured to output the cash or the indicia of credit.

45. A method of previewing a second wager-based game on a wager-based gaming machine configured to present a first wager-based game and a preview of the second wager-based game, the second wager-based game being different from the first wager-based game, the method comprising:

receiving, from a player tracking card, information related to a user of the wager-based gaming machine,

receiving time information defining a period of time during which the preview of the second wager-based game is to be displayed;

initiating, automatically in response to receiving the time information, the preview of the second wager-based game wherein the wager-based gaming machine is configured to generate the preview of the second wager-based game in a first mode having a first paytable with first payout probability values, and a second mode having a second paytable with second payout probability values greater than corresponding ones of the first payout probability values, wherein the initiating the preview of the second wager-based game includes a display of the second mode of the wager-based game determining one or more outcomes to the preview of the second wager-based game; and

determining a payout of cash or an indicia of credit associated with the preview of the second wager-based game based upon the second paytable and said one or more determined outcomes wherein said wager-based gaming machine is configured to output the cash or the indicia of credit.

46. A method of previewing a second wager-based game on a wager-based gaming machine configured to present a first wager-based game and a preview of the second wager-based game, the second wager-based game being different from the first wager-based game, the method comprising:

receiving, from a player tracking card, information related to a user of the wager-based gaming machine,

receiving time information defining a period of time during which the preview of the second wager-based game is to be displayed;

wherein the wager-based gaming machine is configured to display a progressive mode capable of awarding a jackpot having money from wagers made by multiple players,

initiating, automatically in response to receiving the time information, the preview of the second wager-based game including a display of the progressive mode determining a paytable that is associated with the preview of the second wager-based game;

determining one or more outcomes to the preview of the second wager-based game; and

determining a payout of cash or an indicia of credit associated with the preview of the second wager-based game based upon the paytable and said one or more determined outcomes wherein said wager-based gaming machine is configured to output the cash or the indicia of credit.