Wagering Game with Progressive Feature

Abstract

A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a wager input device for receiving a wager. The gaming system further comprises a display for displaying a plurality of symbols that indicates a randomly selected outcome of a wagering game. The plurality of symbols includes more than one type of symbol. In response to collecting a predetermined amount of a first type of symbol during the wagering game, a progressive jackpot associated with the first type of symbol is triggered. The progressive jackpot is funded by at least a portion of the wager.

Description

COPYRIGHT

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to gaming machines, and methods for playing wagering games, and more particularly, to wagering games having enhanced progressive features and to different ways of funding progressive game jackpots.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Gaming machines, such as slot machines, video poker machines and the like, have been a cornerstone of the gaming industry for several years. Generally, the popularity of such machines with players is dependent on the likelihood (or perceived likelihood) of winning money at the machine and the intrinsic entertainment value of the machine relative to other available gaming options. Where the available gaming options include a number of competing machines and the expectation of winning at each machine is roughly the same (or believed to be the same), players are likely to be attracted to the most entertaining and exciting machines. Shrewd operators consequently strive to employ the most entertaining and exciting machines, features, and enhancements available because such machines attract frequent play and hence increase profitability to the operator. Therefore, there is a continuing need for gaming machine manufacturers to continuously develop new games and improved gaming enhancements that will attract frequent play through enhanced entertainment value to the player.

One concept that has been successfully employed to enhance the entertainment value of a game is the concept of a “secondary” or “bonus” game that may be played in conjunction with a “basic” game. The bonus game may comprise any type of game, either similar to or completely different from the basic game, which is entered upon the occurrence of a selected event or outcome in the basic game. Generally, bonus games provide a greater expectation of winning than the basic game and may also be accompanied with more attractive or unusual video displays and/or audio. Because the bonus game concept offers tremendous advantages in player appeal and excitement relative to other known games, and because such games are attractive to both players and operators, there is a continuing need to develop gaming machines with new types of bonus games to satisfy the demands of players and operators.

Another concept that has been employed is the use of a progressive jackpot. In the gaming industry, a “progressive” involves collecting coin-in data from participating gaming machines (e.g., slot machines), contributing a percentage of the coin-in to a jackpot amount, and awarding that jackpot amount to a player upon the occurrence of a certain jackpot-won event. The percentage of the coin-in is determined prior to any result being achieved and is independent of any result. A jackpot-won event typically occurs when a “progressive winning position” is achieved at a participating gaming machine. If the gaming machine is a slot machine, a progressive winning position may, for example, correspond to alignment of progressive jackpot reel symbols along a certain payline. The initial progressive jackpot is a predetermined minimum startup amount. That jackpot amount, however, progressively increases as players continue to play the gaming machine without winning the jackpot. Further, when several gaming machines are linked together such that several players at several gaming machines compete for the same jackpot, the jackpot progressively increases at a much faster rate, leading to even greater player excitement.

Because the progressive concept offers tremendous advantages in player appeal and excitement relative to other known games, and because such progressives are attractive to both players and operators, there is a continuing need to develop gaming machines with new types of progressives having enhanced features to satisfy the demands of players and operators.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a wager input device for receiving a wager. The gaming system further comprises a display for displaying a plurality of symbols that indicates a randomly selected outcome of a wagering game. The plurality of symbols includes more than one type of symbol. In response to collecting a predetermined amount of a first type of symbol during the wagering game, a progressive jackpot associated with the first type of symbol is triggered. The progressive jackpot is funded by at least a portion of the wager.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming system comprises displaying a plurality of symbols indicating a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. The plurality of symbols includes a progressive-award symbol. The method further comprises collecting the progressive-award symbols generated during the randomly selected outcome. The method further comprises, in response to collecting a predetermined amount of progressive-award symbols; awarding a progressive jackpot associated with the progressive-award symbols.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a computer readable storage medium is encoded with instructions for directing a gaming system to perform the above method.

According to another aspect of the invention, a gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a first gaming machine having a first wager input device for receiving a wager and a first display for displaying a first plurality of symbols that indicates a first randomly selected outcome of a first wagering game. The gaming system further comprises a second gaming machine having a second wager input device for receiving a wager and a second display for displaying a second plurality of symbols that indicates a second randomly selected outcome of a second wagering game. In response to a predetermined amount of a first type of symbol being collected during a bonus event occurring at one of the first gaming machine and the second gaming machine, at least one progressive jackpot is awarded.

Additional aspects of the invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed description of various embodiments, which is made with reference to the drawings, a brief description of which is provided below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a free standing gaming machine embodying the present invention;

FIG. 1b is a perspective view of a handheld gaming machine embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system suitable for operating the gaming machines of FIGS. 1a and 1b;

FIG. 3 illustrates a progressive gaming network according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4a is a display of a basic game screen and a secondary screen according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4b is a display of a-basic game screen and a secondary game screen subsequent to FIG. 4a;

FIG. 4c is a display of a basic game screen and a secondary game screen subsequent to FIG. 4b;

FIG. 4d is a display of a basic game screen and a secondary game screen subsequent to FIG. 4c;

FIG. 4e is a display of a basic game screen and a secondary game screen subsequent to FIG. 4d;

FIG. 5a is a display of a basic game screen and a secondary game screen according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5b is a display of a basic game screen and a secondary game screen subsequent to FIG. 5a; and

FIG. 6 is a display of a basic game screen and a secondary game screen subsequent to FIG. 4e according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

Referring to FIG. 1a, a gaming machine 10 is used in gaming establishments such as casinos. With regard to the present invention, the gaming machine 10 may be any type of gaming machine and may have varying structures and methods of operation. For example, the gaming machine 10 may be an electromechanical gaming machine configured to play mechanical slots, or it may be an electronic gaming machine configured to play a video casino game, such as blackjack, slots, keno, poker, blackjack, roulette, etc.

The gaming machine 10 comprises a housing 12 and includes input devices, including a value input device 18 and a player input device 24. For output the gaming machine 10 includes a primary display 14 for displaying information about the basic wagering game. The primary display 14 can also display information about a bonus wagering game and a progressive wagering game. The gaming machine 10 may also include a secondary display 16 for displaying game events, game outcomes, and/or signage information. While these typical components found in the gaming machine 10 are described below, it should be understood that numerous other elements may exist and may be used in any number of combinations to create various forms of a gaming machine 10.

The value input device 18 may be provided in many forms, individually or in combination, and is preferably located on the front of the housing 12. The value input device 18 receives currency and/or credits that are inserted by a player. The value input device 18 may include a coin acceptor 20 for receiving coin currency (see FIG. 1a). Alternatively, or in addition, the value input device 18 may include a bill acceptor 22 for receiving paper currency. Furthermore, the value input device 18 may include a ticket reader, or barcode scanner, for reading information stored on a credit ticket, a card, or other tangible portable credit storage device. The credit ticket or card may also authorize access to a central account, which can transfer money to the gaming machine 10.

The player input device 24 comprises a plurality of push buttons 26 on a button panel for operating the gaming machine 10. In addition, or alternatively, the player input device 24 may comprise a touch screen 28 mounted by adhesive, tape, or the like over the primary display 14 and/or secondary display 16. The touch screen 28 contains soft touch keys 30 denoted by graphics on the underlying primary display 14 and used to operate the gaming machine 10. The touch screen 28 provides players with an alternative method of input. A player enables a desired function either by touching the touch screen 28 at an appropriate touch key 30 or by pressing an appropriate push button 26 on the button panel. The touch keys 30 may be used to implement the same functions as push buttons 26. Alternatively, the push buttons 26 may provide inputs for one aspect of the operating the game, while the touch keys 30 may allow for input needed for another aspect of the game.

The various components of the gaming machine 10 may be connected directly to, or contained within, the housing 12, as seen in FIG. 1a, or may be located outboard of the housing 12 and connected to the housing 12 via a variety of different wired or wireless connection methods. Thus, the gaming machine 10 comprises these components whether housed in the housing 12, or outboard of the housing 12 and connected remotely.

The operation of the basic wagering game is displayed to the player on the primary display 14. The primary display 14 can also display the bonus game associated with the basic wagering game. The primary display 14 may take the form of a cathode ray tube (CRT), a high resolution LCD, a plasma display, an LED, or any other type of display suitable for use in the gaming machine 10. As shown, the primary display 14 includes the touch screen 28 overlaying the entire display (or a portion thereof) to allow players to make game-related selections. Alternatively, the primary display 14 of the gaming machine 10 may include a number of mechanical reels to display the outcome in visual association with at least one payline 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming machine 10 is an “upright” version in which the primary display 14 is oriented vertically relative to the player. Alternatively, the gaming machine may be a “slant-top” version in which the primary display 14 is slanted at about a thirty-degree angle toward the player of the gaming machine 10.

A player begins play of the basic wagering game by making a wager via the value input device 18 of the gaming machine 10. A player can select play by using the player input device 24, via the buttons 26 or the touch screen keys 30. The basic game consists of a plurality of symbols arranged in an array, and includes at least one payline 32 that indicates one or more outcomes of the basic game. Such outcomes are randomly selected in response to the wagering input by the player. At least one of the plurality of randomly-selected outcomes may be a start-bonus outcome, which can include any variations of symbols or symbol combinations triggering a bonus game.

In some embodiments, the gaming machine 10 may also include a player information reader 52 that allows for identification of a player by reading a card with information indicating his or her true identity. The player information reader 52 is shown in FIG. 1a as a card reader but may take on many forms including a ticket reader, bar code scanner, RFID transceiver or computer readable storage medium interface. Currently, identification is generally used by casinos for rewarding certain players with complimentary services or special offers. For example, a player may be enrolled in the gaming establishment's loyalty club and may be awarded certain complimentary services as that player collects points in his or her player-tracking account. The player inserts his or her card into the player information reader 52, which allows the casino's computers to register that player's wagering at the gaming machine 10. The gaming machine 10 may use the secondary display 16 or other dedicated player-tracking display for providing the player with information about his or her account or other player-specific information. Also, in some embodiments, the information reader 52 may be used to restore game assets that the player achieved and saved during a previous game session.

Depicted in FIG. 1b is a handheld or mobile gaming machine 110. Like the free standing gaming machine 10, the handheld gaming machine 110 is preferably an electronic gaming machine configured to play a video casino game such as, but not limited to, blackjack, slots, keno, poker, blackjack, and roulette. The handheld gaming machine 110 comprises a housing or casing 112 and includes input devices, including a value input device 118 and a player input device 124. For output the handheld gaming machine 110 includes, but is not limited to, a primary display 114, a secondary display 116, one or more speakers 117, one or more player-accessible ports 119 (e.g., an audio output jack for headphones, a video headset jack, etc.), and other conventional I/O devices and ports, which may or may not be player-accessible. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1b, the handheld gaming machine 110 comprises a secondary display 116 that is rotatable relative to the primary display 114. The optional secondary display 116 may be fixed, movable, and/or detachable/attachable relative to the primary display 114. Either the primary display 114 and/or secondary display 116 may be configured to display any aspect of a non-wagering game, wagering game, secondary games, bonus games, progressive wagering games, group games, shared-experience games or events, game events, game outcomes, scrolling information, text messaging, emails, alerts or announcements, broadcast information, subscription information, and handheld gaming machine status.

The player-accessible value input device 118 may comprise, for example, a slot located on the front, side, or top of the casing 112 configured to receive credit from a stored-value card (e.g., casino card, smart card, debit card, credit card, etc.) inserted by a player. In another aspect, the player-accessible value input device 118 may comprise a sensor (e.g., an RF sensor) configured to sense a signal (e.g., an RF signal) output by a transmitter (e.g., an RF transmitter) carried by a player. The player-accessible value input device 118 may also or alternatively include a ticket reader, or barcode scanner, for reading information stored on a credit ticket, a card, or other tangible portable credit or funds storage device. The credit ticket or card may also authorize access to a central account, which can transfer money to the handheld gaming machine 110.

Still other player-accessible value input devices 118 may require the use of touch keys 130 on the touch-screen display (e.g., primary display 114 and/or secondary display 116) or player input devices 124. Upon entry of player identification information and, preferably, secondary authorization information (e.g., a password, PIN number, stored value card number, predefined key sequences, etc.), the player may be permitted to access a player's account. As one potential optional security feature, the handheld gaming machine 110 may be configured to permit a player to only access an account the player has specifically set up for the handheld gaming machine 110. Other conventional security features may also be utilized to, for example, prevent unauthorized access to a player's account, to minimize an impact of any unauthorized access to a player's account, or to prevent unauthorized access to any personal information or funds temporarily stored on the handheld gaming machine 110.

The player-accessible value input device 118 may itself comprise or utilize a biometric player information reader, which permits the player to access available funds on a player's account, either alone or in combination with another of the aforementioned player-accessible value input devices 118. In an embodiment wherein the player-accessible value input device 118 comprises a biometric player information reader, transactions such as an input of value to the handheld device, a transfer of value from one player account or source to an account associated with the handheld gaming machine 110, or the execution of another transaction, for example, could all be authorized by a biometric reading, which could comprise a plurality of biometric readings, from the biometric device.

Alternatively, to enhance security, a transaction may be optionally enabled only by a two-step process in which a secondary source confirms the identity indicated by a primary source. For example, a player-accessible value input device 118 comprising a biometric player information reader may require a confirmatory entry from another biometric player information reader 152 or from another source, such as a credit card, debit card, player ID card, fob key, PIN number, password, hotel room key, etc. Thus, a transaction may be enabled by, for example, a combination of the personal identification input (e.g., biometric input) with a secret PIN number, or a combination of a biometric input with a fob input, or a combination of a fob input with a PIN number, or a combination of a credit card input with a biometric input. Essentially, any two independent sources of identity, one of which is secure or personal to the player (e.g., biometric readings, PIN number, password, etc.) could be utilized to provide enhanced security prior to the electronic transfer of any funds. In another aspect, the value input device 118 may be provided remotely from the handheld gaming machine 110.

The player input device 124 comprises a plurality of push buttons on a button panel for operating the handheld gaming machine 110. In addition, or alternatively, the player input device 124 may comprise a touch screen 128 mounted to a primary display 114 and/or secondary display 116. In one aspect, the touch screen 128 is matched to a display screen having one or more selectable touch keys 130 selectable by a user's touching of the associated area of the screen using a finger or a tool, such as a stylus pointer. A player enables a desired function either by touching the touch screen 128 at an appropriate touch key 130 or by pressing an appropriate push button 126 on the button panel. The touch keys 130 may be used to implement the same functions as push buttons 126. Alternatively, the push buttons may provide inputs for one aspect of operating the game, while the touch keys 130 may allow for input needed for another aspect of the game. The various components of the handheld gaming machine 110 may be connected directly to, or contained within, the casing 112, as seen in FIG. 1b, or may be located outboard of the casing 112 and connected to the casing 112 via a variety of hardwired (tethered) or wireless connection methods. Thus, the handheld gaming machine 110 may comprise a single unit or a plurality of interconnected parts (e.g., wireless connections) which may be arranged to suit a player's preferences.

The operation of the basic wagering game on the handheld gaming machine 110 is displayed to the player on the primary display 114. The primary display 114 can also display the bonus game associated with the basic wagering game. The primary display 114 preferably takes the form of a high resolution LCD, a plasma display, an LED, or any other type of display suitable for use in the handheld gaming machine 110. The size of the primary display 114 may vary from, for example, about a 2″-3″ display to a 15″ or 17″ display. In at least some aspects, the primary display 114 is a 7″-10″ display. As the weight of and/or power requirements of such displays decreases with improvements in technology, it is envisaged that the size of the primary display may be increased. Optionally, coatings or removable films or sheets may be applied to the display to provide desired characteristics (e.g., anti-scratch, anti-glare, bacterially-resistant and anti-microbial films, etc.). In at least some embodiments, the primary display 114 and/or secondary display 116 may have a 16:9 aspect ratio or other aspect ratio (e.g., 4:3). The primary display 114 and/or secondary display 116 may also each have different resolutions, different color schemes, and different aspect ratios.

As with the free standing gaming machine 10, a player begins play of the basic wagering game on the handheld gaming machine 110 by making a wager (e.g., via the value input device 18 or an assignment of credits stored on the handheld gaming machine via the touch screen keys 130, player input device 124, or buttons 126) on the handheld gaming machine 110. In at least some aspects, the basic game may comprise a plurality of symbols arranged in an array and includes at least one payline 132 that indicates one or more outcomes of the basic game. Such outcomes are randomly selected in response to the wagering input by the player. At least one of the plurality of randomly selected outcomes may be a start-bonus outcome, which can include any variations of symbols or symbol combinations triggering a bonus game.

In some embodiments, the player-accessible value input device 118 of the handheld gaming machine 110 may double as a player information reader 152 that allows for identification of a player by reading a card with information indicating the player's identity (e.g., reading a player's credit card, player ID card, smart card, etc.). The player information reader 152 may alternatively or also comprise a bar code scanner, RFID transceiver or computer readable storage medium interface. In one presently preferred aspect, the player information reader 152, shown by way of example in FIG. 1b, comprises a biometric sensing device.

Turning now to FIG. 2, the various components of the gaming machine 10 are controlled by a central processing unit (CPU) 34, also referred to herein as a controller or processor (such as a microcontroller or microprocessor). To provide gaming functions, the controller 34 executes one or more game programs stored in a computer readable storage medium, in the form of memory 36. The controller 34 performs the random selection (using a random number generator (RNG)) of an outcome from the plurality of possible outcomes of the wagering game. Alternatively, the random event may be determined at a remote controller. The remote controller may use either an RNG or pooling scheme for its central determination of a game outcome. It should be appreciated that the controller 34 may include one or more microprocessors, including but not limited to a master processor, a slave processor, and a secondary or parallel processor.

The controller 34 is also coupled to the system memory 36 and a money/credit detector 38. The system memory 36 may comprise a volatile memory (e.g., a random-access memory (RAM)) and a non-volatile memory (e.g., an EEPROM). The system memory 36 may include multiple RAM and multiple program memories. The money/credit detector 38 signals the processor that money and/or credits have been input via the value input device 18. Preferably, these components are located within the housing 12 of the gaming machine 10. However, as explained above, these components may be located outboard of the housing 12 and connected to the remainder of the components of the gaming machine 10 via a variety of different wired or wireless connection methods.

As seen in FIG. 2, the controller 34 is also connected to, and controls, the primary display 14, the player input device 24, and a payoff mechanism 40. The payoff mechanism 40 is operable in response to instructions from the controller 34 to award a payoff to the player in response to certain winning outcomes that might occur in the basic game or the bonus game(s). The payoff may be provided in the form of points, bills, tickets, coupons, cards, etc. For example, in FIG. 1a, the payoff mechanism 40 includes both a ticket printer 42 and a coin outlet 44. However, any of a variety of payoff mechanisms 40 well known in the art may be implemented, including cards, coins, tickets, smartcards, cash, etc. The payoff amounts distributed by the payoff mechanism 40 are determined by one or more pay tables stored in the system memory 36.

Communications between the controller 34 and both the peripheral components of the gaming machine 10 and external systems 50 occur through input/output (I/O) circuits 46, 48. More specifically, the controller 34 controls and receives inputs from the peripheral components of the gaming machine 10 through the input/output circuits 46. Further, the controller 34 communicates with the external systems 50 via the I/O circuits 48 and a communication path (e.g., serial, parallel, IR, RC, 10bT, etc.). The external systems 50 may include a gaming network, other gaming machines, a gaming server, communications hardware, or a variety of other interfaced systems or components. Although the I/O circuits 46, 48 may be shown as a single block, it should be appreciated that each of the I/O circuits 46, 48 may include a number of different types of I/O circuits.

Controller 34, as used herein, comprises any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware that may be disposed or resident inside and/or outside of the gaming machine 10 that may communicate with and/or control the transfer of data between the gaming machine 10 and a bus, another computer, processor, or device and/or a service and/or a network. The controller 34 may comprise one or more controllers or processors. In FIG. 2, the controller 34 in the gaming machine 10 is depicted as comprising a CPU, but the controller 34 may alternatively comprise a CPU in combination with other components, such as the I/O circuits 46, 48 and the system memory 36. The controller 34 may reside partially or entirely inside or outside of the machine 10. The control system for a handheld gaming machine 110 may be similar to the control system for the free standing gaming machine 10 except that the functionality of the respective on-board controllers may vary.

The gaming machines 10, 110 may communicate with external systems 50 (in a wired or wireless manner) such that each machine operates as a “thin client,” having relatively less functionality, a “thick client,” having relatively more functionality, or through any range of functionality therebetween (e.g., a “rich client”). As a generally “thin client,” the gaming machine may operate primarily as a display device to display the results of gaming outcomes processed externally, for example, on a server as part of the external systems 50. In this “thin client” configuration, the server executes game code and determines game outcomes (e.g., with a random number generator), while the controller 34 on board the gaming machine processes display information to be displayed on the display(s) of the machine. In an alternative “rich client” configuration, the server determines game outcomes, while the controller 34 on board the gaming machine executes game code and processes display information to be displayed on the display(s) of the machines. In yet another alternative “thick client” configuration, the controller 34 on board the gaming machine 110 executes game code, determines game outcomes, and processes display information to be displayed on the display(s) of the machine. Numerous alternative configurations are possible such that the aforementioned and other functions may be performed onboard or external to the gaming machine as may be necessary for particular applications. It should be understood that the gaming machines 10, 110 may take on a wide variety of forms such as a free standing machine, a portable or handheld device primarily used for gaming, a mobile telecommunications device such as a mobile telephone or personal daily assistant (PDA), a counter top or bar top gaming machine, or other personal electronic device such as a portable television, MP3 player, entertainment device, etc.

As alluded to above, in addition to being free standing, multiple gaming machines 10, 110 may also be connected together as part of a network. Such an arrangement is illustrated in FIG. 3, where a network 54 connects a plurality of gaming machines 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d to each other and to a network controller 56. The network 54 may be a local area network (LAN), which may in turn be connected to a wide area network (WAN). The network 54 may also be a private network (intranet) that is in turn connected to a public network (the Internet). Such networks are well known to those having ordinary skill in the art and will not be described in further detail. Connection to the network 54 may be accomplished via any suitable network connection, such as an Ethernet or TCP/IP connection. Although only four gaming machines 10a-d are shown here, those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that fewer or more gaming machines may be connected to the network 54 without departing from the scope of the invention.

The gaming machines 10a-d are similar to the gaming machines 10, 110 of FIGS. 1a-1b in that they have many of the same wagering game features and functionality. For example, the gaming machines 10a-d allow players to play a basic wagering game and a bonus wagering game. Also, each gaming machine 10a-d may be configured to play a different basic and/or bonus wagering game, or they all may be configured to play the same basic and/or bonus wagering game. Furthermore, the gaming machines 10a-d may share a common theme, such as a “Super Jackpot Stampede” game theme, or each gaming machine 10a-d may have its own theme that is different from the other gaming machines 10a-d.

In some embodiments, one or more features or functions of the gaming machines 10a-d may reside on the network controller 56 instead of, or in addition to, the individual gaming machines 10a-d. Computer-readable media (e.g., magnetic, optical, or other data storage devices, not expressly shown) communicatively coupled to network controller 56 may be used to store computer-readable instructions for performing various operations associated with the basic and bonus wagering games. The network controller 56 may then conduct the basic and/or bonus games (or portions thereof) for each of the gaming machines 10a-d connected to the network 54, including providing the input data and information needed to operate the basic and/or bonus games.

The network controller 56 may also operate one or more “progressive” games concurrently with the basic game and/or bonus games. As explained above, such progressive games are usually funded by appropriating a percentage of the coin-in from participating gaming machines 10a-d. In a typical arrangement, merely playing a basic game and/or bonus game on a participating gaming machine 10a-d automatically qualifies a player for the progressive game available on that gaming machine 10a-d (i.e., nothing further is needed). Then, upon occurrence of one or more predetermined progressive-winning outcomes in the basic game and/or bonus game, the player is awarded the progressive jackpot in addition to any regular prize or award resulting from the basic game and/or bonus game.

Other aspects of progressive games may include implementation on multiple levels. For example, a progressive game may be implemented on a gaming machine level in which each gaming machine 10a-d has its own progressive game, a casino level in which gaming machines 10a-d across a casino may participate, and a wide-area progressive game in which gaming machines 10a-d across multiple casinos may participate. The particular progressive game operated by the network controller illustrated in FIG. 3 is a casino level progressive game in which a signage 58, controlled by the network controller 56, continuously displays the progressive jackpot amount(s) 60a-d, preferably at a centralized location where players in the casino may easily see the amount(s). It is also possible for a single gaming machine to participate in all three types of progressive games or some intermediate combination thereof.

Because of the popularity of progressive games in the gaming industry, there is a continuing need to develop gaming machines with new types of progressive games as well as ones with enhanced progressive features to satisfy the demands of players and operators. Embodiments of the invention address this need as well as other needs by enhancing or otherwise customizing various aspects of the progressive games over existing implementations to suit a particular application, including changing or adding the ways and requirements for becoming eligible for and winning a progressive jackpot, in order to increase player excitement and anticipation.

For example, in one embodiment of the invention, a progressive jackpot is triggered by collecting a predetermined amount of “ghosted” symbols, or secondary indicia appearing generally over a plurality of primary symbols (see FIGS. 4b-e). The ghosted symbols may also appear underneath, adjacent to, or in any other suitable position relative to primary symbols positioned on the reel(s). In the embodiment of FIGS. 4a-e, the primary symbols include various BAR symbols (i.e., a 1-BAR symbol 70a, a 2-BAR symbol 70b, and a 3-BAR symbol 70c). Other types of primary symbols may also be used, such as the “7” symbol in FIG. 4a. The ghosted symbols of FIGS. 4a-e include several types of cows, each branded with a different type of icon. Thus, according to the illustrated embodiment, a horseshoe cow 112 is branded with a horseshoe icon 113, a star cow 114 is branded with a star icon 115, a heart cow 116 is branded with a heart icon 117, and a money cow 118 is branded with a money icon 119. Other types of ghosted symbols may also be used. Each of the cow symbols 112, 114, 116, 118 has a corresponding corral 120, 122, 124, 126 displayed on the secondary display 16. Furthermore, each of the cow symbols 112, 114, 116, 118 is associated with a different progressive jackpot amount 130, 132, 134, 136, also displayed on the secondary display 16, associated therewith.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 4a-e, the secondary display 16 continuously displays the progressive features (e.g., the corrals 120, 122, 124, 126 and the adjacent cow symbols 112, 114, 116, 118) and amounts 130, 132, 134, 136 so that they may be readily viewed by a player. The progressive features, however, need not be continuously displayed. Furthermore, each of the progressive features may be displayed on the primary display 14, the secondary display 16, the signage 58, or a combination thereof. As will be described in more detail below, the player attempts to collect these symbols 112, 114, 116, 118, which are visually stored in the collection region (e.g., the corrals 120, 122, 124, 126) on the display 14.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 4a-e, the basic game is a slot machine game with three different reels 138a-c displayed on the primary display 14. The reels 138a-c may be traditional mechanical reels, electromechanical reels, or computer-generated images of reels, with each reel 138a-c having a plurality of primary and secondary indicia thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, there are multiple pay lines shown by the pay line indicators 139a-e across the various reels 138a-c. While five pay lines are shown, a gaming terminal 10, 100 with a different number of pay lines (i.e., a single pay line, less than five pay lines, more than five pay lines) may also be used with the present invention. An outcome indicator 140 may indicate whether the outcome has resulted in a payout, a progressive jackpot, a bonus game, or whether it resulted in no reward at all. Various combinations of symbols, either along active pay lines or in predefined locations, patterns, or quantities, may indicate prizes including monetary and non-monetary prizes. The non-monetary prizes may include free spins, multipliers, entry into a bonus game, entry into a progressive game, or the like.

During the basic game of the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4a, the player places a wager on any number of the pay lines, as denoted by the pay line indicators 139a-e. The wager may be between one and five credits per pay line. Other wager amounts may also be made. In some embodiments, in order to be eligible for a progressive jackpot, the player must wager the maximum amount of credits. Once the player has placed the wager and activated a “spin reels” button (e.g., push button 26 of FIG. 1), the reels 138a-c begin to spin. The result of the spin may be displayed on one or more outcome indicators 140. Winning pay lines may be highlighted on the primary display 14.

At the conclusion of the reel spin of the illustrated example of FIG. 4a, a pay line 141 includes three “Stampede Bonus” symbols 142a-c creating a winning symbol combination. The player may be awarded an initial basic game payout according to a basic game pay table (not shown). The pay table for the basic game indicates the possible winning combinations of symbols and the initial payout associated with each winning combination prior to any bonus events. For line pays (i.e., winning combinations that must appear on an active pay line), the payout is typically multiplied by the number of credits wagered on the winning pay line. For scatter pays (i.e., winning combinations that must appear on the display in a predetermined configuration but need not appear on an active pay line), the payout may be multiplied by the total number of credits wagered.

Alternatively, or in addition to the basic game payout, after the player achieves the winning symbol combination 142a-c, a bonus game is triggered. According to one embodiment, the bonus game includes one or more free spins. The amount of free spins may be determined in any suitable way including, but not limited to, providing a predetermined amount of free spins, basing the number of free spins on the winning symbol combination of the basic game, continuing to allow free spins until a predetermined event occurs, combinations thereof, or the like.

The free spins of the illustrated embodiments provide the player with an opportunity to be awarded one or more of the progressive jackpots 130, 132, 134, 136. Referring to FIGS. 4b-e, symbols corresponding with ghosted symbols generated during the free spin(s) are collected and placed into the corresponding corral 120, 122, 124, 126 shown on the secondary display 16. The amount of cow symbols displayed adjacent to the corresponding progressive jackpot amounts 130, 132, 134, 136 indicates the amount of that particular cow symbol that must be generated and collected during the free spin(s) for the player to be awarded the corresponding progressive jackpot 130, 132, 134, 136. For example, four star cows 114 must be generated and collected during the free spin(s) to receive a corresponding progressive jackpot 132 of $50.42. Other suitable ways of indicating to the player how many ghosted symbols are required to trigger the respective progressive jackpots may also be used. The number of ghosted symbols required to be collected for each corresponding progressive jackpot 130, 132, 134, 136 may be different as shown in FIG. 4b, or two or more of the jackpots 130, 132, 134, 136 may require the same number of ghosted symbols to be collected.

FIG. 4b illustrates the result of a first free spin. According to this embodiment, the first free spin randomly generates three ghosted symbols: a money cow 150a positioned on the first reel 138a, a horseshoe cow 152a positioned on the second reel 138b, and a heart cow 154a positioned on the third reel 138c. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 4c, each of a corresponding money cow 150b, horseshoe cow 152b, and heart cow 154b is then placed in the respective corral 126, 120, and 124 of the secondary display 16.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cow symbols 150b, 152b, 154b of the secondary display 16 are moved from an initial position adjacent to the respective progressive jackpot amounts 136, 130, 134 into the respective corrals 126, 120, 124. However, additional cow symbol(s) may be added to the secondary display 18 and placed into the respective corral(s) such that the amount of cow symbols adjacent to the progressive jackpot amounts 130, 134, 136 do not change.

FIG. 4d illustrates the result of a second free spin. The second free spin generates three additional winning ghosted symbols including a star cow 170a, a second money cow 172a, and a second heart cow 174a. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 4e, each of a corresponding star cow 170b, second money cow 172b, and second heart cow 174b is collected and placed in the respective corral 122, 126, 124 of the secondary display 16.

As shown in FIG. 4e, after the second free spin, the money cow corral 126 becomes filled (e.g., the two required money cows 150b, 172b have been collected in the money cow corral 126). Accordingly, the player is awarded the corresponding progressive jackpot amount 136 of $645.32. The bonus game (e.g., free spins) may end when the player has been awarded a progressive jackpot, or the bonus game may continue for a predetermined amount of additional free spins.

According to one embodiment, if a player does not fill one or more corrals 120, 122, 124, 126 prior to using all of the player's free spins have been used, the bonus game resets such that each corral 120, 122, 124, 126 is empty prior to the next basic game being played. None of the cows 112, 114, 116, 118 collected during the previous series of free spins carry over to subsequent series of free spins. Thus, when a player begins a subsequent series of free spins, the player must collect all of the required cows 112, 114, 116, 118 within the corresponding corral 120, 122, 124, 126.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 4b-e, winning ghosted symbols (e.g., cow symbols 150a, 152a, 154a of FIGS. 4b-c) of the primary display 14 that correspond with the cow symbols (e.g., cow symbols 150b, 152b, 154b of FIG. 4c) that have been placed in the secondary display 16 are positioned along an active pay line (e.g., pay line 155 of FIG. 4b). However, the winning ghosted symbols may be determined in other ways. For example, cow symbols positioned in any visible location on the reels 138a-c (scatter symbols), cow symbols positioned on certain pay lines and/or reels 138a-c, a combination of matching cow symbols (e.g., three star cows 114) on an active pay line, a combination of matching cow symbols (e.g., three star cows 114) positioned anywhere on the reels 138a-c, or the like may be considered winning ghosted symbols. Alternatively, only ghosted symbols associated with primary symbols forming a winning combination on an active payline may be collected and stored. Other collection criteria may be applied to determine whether or not ghosted symbols appearing during the free spins are collected.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 4a-e, smaller progressive jackpot amounts (e.g., progressive jackpot amount 134) require a greater amount of cow symbols (e.g., heart cows 116) to be generated and collected to trigger the progressive jackpot. However, it is generally statistically less difficult to generate and collect the cow symbols associated with the smaller progressive jackpot amounts. Thus, the ghosted symbols associated with the smaller progressive jackpots generally occur more frequently. This may be desirable so that a greater amount of cow symbols may be generated during the free spin(s), thereby increasing a player's excitement and anticipation levels.

Another aspect of the present invention concerns the manner in which one or more of the progressive jackpot amounts 130, 132, 134, 136 are funded. According to one non-limiting example, the progressive jackpot amounts may be funded using a percentage of the coin-in and/or a side wager from certain participating gaming machines 10a-e. According to another embodiment, the progressive jackpot amounts are funded using a percentage of the coin-in and/or a side wager deposited at certain (i.e., random or predetermined) times. According to yet another embodiment, the progressive jackpot amount(s) is funded using a full coin-in and/or side wager amount from certain participating machines and/or at certain times. In the most common embodiment, as the funds are received, contribution(s) to the progressive jackpot amount(s) are immediately made such that the progressive jackpot amount(s) are funded continuously.

Alternatively or additionally, the contribution(s) to the jackpot amount(s) may be made less frequently such as, for example, in a “bulk” contribution. In one example, the progressive jackpot amount(s) is continuously received during game play, and the contribution(s) to the progressive jackpot amount(s) may also be triggered in another way. For example, a random event such as, for example, a RNG associated with a gaming machine or the progressive game network randomly generating a predetermined number.

The contribution(s) to the progressive jackpot amount(s) may also be symbol-driven, such that a player understand the events that cause the progressive jackpot amounts to increase. In embodiments where the contribution(s) is symbol-driven, a predetermined symbol or symbol combination(s) triggers a contribution(s). In one example of a symbol-driven contribution, upon generating three of the same type of winning ghosted symbols on an active pay line, the progressive jackpot amount corresponding with that particular ghosted symbol is increased. In such embodiments, as the funds are received, they are stored in a progressive pool. In embodiments where an amount in the progressive pool is added to more than one progressive jackpot amount, the amount in the progressive pool may be split evenly or unevenly among some or all of the progressive jackpot amounts.

In embodiments where the progressive jackpot amount(s) is funded by a bulk contribution stored in a progressive pool, it may be desirable for a player to view the amount stored in the progressive pool on a display. This may add anticipation and/or excitement to the player's gaming experience, knowing that a contribution from the progressive pool may drastically increase one or more of the progressive jackpots that can be won by the player.

The amount of the bulk contribution may be a random value, a fixed amount, an amount of a second, hidden progressive value, a bonus pool, combinations thereof, or the like. The bulk contribution may also include coin-in percentages that have accumulated since a previous bulk contribution was added to the progressive jackpot amount(s). According to one embodiment, when a progressive pool reaches a certain fixed amount, that fixed amount may be added to one or more progressive jackpot amounts. According to another embodiment, each time a random event occurs, a fixed amount is added to a progressive jackpot amount.

A progressive jackpot amount may also be funded using more than one method of contribution. For example, a progressive jackpot amount may be continuously funded by a coin-in percentage. Additionally, the progressive jackpot amount may be funded via one or more bulk contributions stored in a progressive pool. Any suitable method or combination of methods of funding the progressive pool(s) and/or the progressive jackpot amount(s) described above may be used. As one example, a progressive jackpot may be funded by 2% of the coin-in on the various participating gaming machines. One percent of the coin-in (i.e., 50% of the amount received for the progressive game) may be used to continuously fund the progressive jackpot so that it continuously rises. The remaining 1% of the coin-in may be applied to a progressive pool. That progressive pool may be used to make a bulk contribution in response to a certain known event (e.g., occurrence of a symbol combination) or in response to a random event. Alternatively, in the example above, the funding using 2% of the coin-in may be replaced by a side wager required for progressive game eligibility. The total side wagers received may be used for (i) continuous funding and (ii) bulk contributions. Furthermore, in embodiments having more than one progressive jackpot amount, different methods or combinations of methods of funding each of the progressive jackpot amounts may be used.

FIG. 5a shows the displays 14, 16 of the gaming machine 10 after a bulk contribution to one or more progressive jackpot amounts has been triggered. “Progressive Stampede!” text and graphics appearing on the secondary display 16 indicate to a player that a contribution to one or more of the progressive jackpot amount(s) 150-153 is to be made. In this example, a plurality of cow symbols 200 and dust clouds 202 signifying a stampede appear over the regular graphics (see FIG. 4b). Although not necessary, other graphics, lights, sounds, combinations thereof, or the like may also be activated to alert the player and surrounding players that the progressive amount(s) will be increased, thus adding excitement to the wagering game.

Once the bulk contribution(s) to the progressive jackpot amount(s) 150-153 has been triggered, one or more of the progressive jackpot amounts 150-153 are increased using an amount collected in a progressive pool. In the illustrated embodiment, the progressive jackpot amount 150 associated with the horseshoe cows 112 has been increased from a starting amount of $212.11 (see FIGS. 4a-e) to an increased amount of $240.45 (FIG. 5b). Similarly, the progressive jackpot amount 152 associated with the heart cows 116 has been increased from a starting amount of $12.12 (see FIGS. 4a-e) to an increased amount of $16.72.

Although in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5b, two of the progressive jackpot amounts 150, 152 are increased, other (i.e., one, three, or more) progressive jackpot amounts 150-153 may also be increased. The progressive jackpot amounts 150-153 may be increased by a random amount or a predetermined amount. After the progressive jackpot amount(s) 150-153 have been increased, the player may resume with the bonus game (e.g., free spin(s)) as described above. The contribution to the progressive jackpot amount(s) 150-153 may be made more than once during a single bonus game and/or free spin.

According to another embodiment, a second, random amount is awarded in addition to the progressive jackpot amount. Thus, according to one non-limiting example, after the predetermined amount of winning ghosted symbols have been generated and collected, a contribution to a progressive jackpot amount(s) is triggered, during which the corresponding progressive jackpot amount(s) is randomly increased. Thus, referring back to FIG. 4e, after the money cow corral 126 has been filled (i.e., the predetermined number of symbols have been collected), the “Progressive Stampede!” and associated graphics may appear on the secondary display 16 (FIG. 5a), and the progressive jackpot amount 136 is increased from a starting amount of $645.32 (see FIGS. 4a-e) to an increased amount of $709.85 (FIG. 6). As such, the player gets a “boost” that he or she was not expecting after achieving a progressive jackpot award outcome. Other types of random award amounts may also be awarded after a player is awarded the progressive jackpot amount(s).

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the progressive jackpot amount(s) displayed on the display are incremented at varying speeds. For example, the progressive jackpot amount(s) may be increased slowly so that at random and/or predetermined times, the progressive jackpot amount(s) may be rapidly increased or “banged up,” thereby adding excitement to the player's gaming experience.

Although in the illustrated embodiments, the amount of winning ghosted symbols generated on the primary display 14 corresponds with the amount of symbols moved in the secondary display 16, in other embodiments, the amounts may differ. For example, certain symbols or symbol combinations generated on the primary display 14 may serve as multipliers, thereby increasing the number of symbols moved in the secondary display 16. Alternatively, according to another embodiment, a combination of three matching ghosted symbols on the primary display 14 may trigger movement of one corresponding ghosted symbol on the secondary display 16. Other variations are also contemplated.

Although in the illustrated embodiment, the ghosted symbols are collected during a bonus game and/or a free spin(s), the ghosted symbols may also be collected during the basic game. In addition, or alternatively, primary symbols may be collected for an additional award, for example, in embodiments not including ghosted symbols. Furthermore, although in the illustrated embodiments, collecting a predetermined amount of ghosted symbols triggers a progressive jackpot award, a fixed and/or predetermined award(s) amount may also be awarded to a player. Thus, the present invention may also be used in connection with non-progressive wagering games.

Additionally, while the illustrated embodiments of the present invention are generally shown using a video display, it is contemplated that a transmissive display may also be used with any of the embodiments described above to enhance the of the movement of the symbols. It is also contemplated that the embodiments utilizing a primary display and a secondary display may use, for example, mechanical reels in the primary display and video reels in the secondary display.

Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A gaming system comprising:

a wager input device for receiving a wager; and

a display for displaying a plurality of symbols that indicates a randomly selected outcome of a wagering game, the plurality of symbols including more than one type of symbol;

wherein, in response to collecting a predetermined amount of a first type of symbol during the wagering game, a progressive jackpot associated with the first type of symbol is triggered, the progressive jackpot being funded by at least a portion of the wager.

2. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the randomly selected outcome includes a bonus event, the collecting occurring during the bonus event.

3. The gaming system of claim 2, wherein the randomly bonus event includes one or more free spins, the collecting occurring during the free spins.

4. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the progressive jackpot is further funded by at least a portion of a progressive pool, a contribution to the progressive pool being triggered by a random event or a predetermined event.

5. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of symbols includes a secondary indicia, the secondary indicia being positioned over, underneath, or adjacent to the symbol, the first type of symbol being indicated by the secondary indicia.

6. The gaming system of claim 1, further comprising a second display for indicating the collection of the first type of symbol.

7. A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming system, the method comprising:

displaying a plurality of symbols indicating a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game, the plurality of symbols including a progressive-award symbol;

collecting the progressive-award symbols generated during the randomly selected outcome; and

in response to collecting a predetermined amount of progressive-award symbols, awarding a progressive jackpot associated with the progressive-award symbols.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the randomly selected outcome includes a bonus event, wherein the collecting occurs during the bonus event.

9. The method of claim 7, further comprising receiving a wager input and funding the progressive jackpot using a portion of less than all of the wager inputs.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the act of funding the progressive jackpot is in response to a random event or a predetermined outcome.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the progressive jackpot is further funded using an amount stored in a progressive pool.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein the progressive-award symbols include more than one type of progressive-award symbol, each type of progressive-award symbol being associated with a different progressive jackpot.

13. The method of claim 7, wherein at least one of the plurality symbols includes a secondary indicia, the secondary indicia being positioned over, underneath, or adjacent to the symbol.

14. The method of claim 7, further comprising indicating an amount of times the progressive-award symbol has been collected.

15. A computer readable storage medium encoded with instructions for directing a gaming system to perform the method of claim 7.

16. A gaming system comprising:

a first gaming machine having a first wager input device for receiving a wager and a first display for displaying a first plurality of symbols that indicates a first randomly selected outcome of a first wagering game; and

a second gaming machine having a second wager input device for receiving a wager and a second display for displaying a second plurality of symbols that indicates a second randomly selected outcome of a second wagering game;

wherein in response to a predetermined amount of a first type of symbol being collected during a bonus event occurring at one of the first gaming machine and the second gaming machine, at least one progressive jackpot is awarded.

17. The gaming system of claim 16, wherein the at least one progressive jackpot is a plurality of progressive jackpots.

18. The gaming system of claim 17, wherein each of the plurality of progressive jackpots is associated with a different type of symbol.

19. The gaming system of claim 16, wherein the progressive jackpot is funded by more than one type of contribution.

20. The gaming system of claim 16, wherein at least one of the plurality of symbols includes secondary indicia, the secondary indicia being positioned over underneath, or adjacent to the symbol, the first type of symbol being a secondary indicia.