Method and apparatus for offering a flat rate gaming session with time extension awards

• US 20060046836A1
• Filed: 11/14/2005
• Published: 03/02/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/13/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: IGT (International Game Technology)
• Original Assignee: IGT (International Game Technology)
• Inventors: Jorasch, James A., Tedesco, Robert C., Walker, Jay S.
• Granted Patent: US 7,955,169 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/20
• 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

A wagering method is provided that allows players to purchase a gaming session comprising a plurality of game outcomes at a flat rate price. The number of game outcomes available in the bulk purchase gaming session may be a function of time in lieu of a specified number of game outcomes. In order to increase the attractiveness of the bulk purchase of the gaming outcomes, bonus time is awarded to players for specified winning game outcomes occurring during the gaming session, allowing players to extend their gaming session. This alternative award system increases player interest by providing either monetary and time awards, or a combination of both for a winning game outcome. Bonus time can also be offered as part of the gaming establishment'"'"'s player tracking program or any special promotional program.

Claims

1. A wagering method for a gaming device comprising:

presenting a contract for a gaming session having a predetermined duration, the contract having a contract price;

receiving an identifier for determining a time extension to the predetermined duration of the gaming session;

recognizing a payment corresponding to the contract price; and

providing the gaming session for the predetermined duration plus the time extension.

2. The wagering method of claim 1, wherein the identifier is a promotional code.

3. The wagering method of claim 2, wherein the promotional code is entered into a player-tracking device.

4. The wagering method of claim 1, wherein the identifier is stored on a ticket and received through a ticket reader.

5. The wagering method of claim 1, wherein the identifier is a player identifier.

6. The wagering method of claim 1, wherein the identifier is a player tracking number.

7. A wagering method for a gaming device comprising:

presenting a contract for a gaming session having a predetermined duration, the contract having a contract price;

recognizing a payment corresponding to the contract price;

implementing the gaming session on the gaming device; and

providing at least one award for a winning game outcome from the group of a game play award or a time award;

wherein the at least one award is redeemed to extend the duration of the gaming session.

8. The wagering method of claim 7, wherein the at least one award is redeemed after the predetermined duration of the gaming session.

9. The wagering method of claim 7, further including storing, in response to a request to pause the gaming session, at least one of an indication of the credit balance and an indication of the predetermined duration remaining in the gaming session on a ticket voucher.

10. The wagering method of claim 7, wherein the at least one award is added to the predetermined duration to extend the duration of the gaming session.

11. The wagering method of claim 7, further including a monetary award for a winning game outcome, wherein the monetary award is added to a credit balance.

12. The wagering method of claim 7, further including storing the credit balance and the predetermined duration remaining in the gaming session on a ticket voucher to pause the gaming session.

13. A method for purchasing a gaming session on a gaming device comprising:

presenting a contract to a player for a gaming session having a predetermined duration, the contract further having a contract price;

recognizing a payment for the contract price;

specifying a player action to receive a time extension to the duration of the gaming session;

recognizing completion of the player action; and

implementing the gaming session on the gaming device for the predetermined duration plus the time extension.