Pool Carryover (e.g., Progressive Jackpot, Etc.) Patents (Class 463/27)
  • Patent number: 8157646
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the gaming system and method disclosed herein maintains a progressive award that is associated with a plurality of different progressive award trigger values or progressive award hit values. In such embodiments, the displayed value of the progressive award does not reset to a reset value or reset amount until the displayed value of that progressive award has incremented to each of the plurality of progressive award hit values associated with that progressive award. In these embodiments, the gaming system provides a plurality of displayed incremented values of a progressive award a plurality of times before the displayed value of that progressive award is reset to the reset value. Such a configuration provides that after the gaming system provides a currently displayed value of a progressive award to a player at least a first time, the displayed value of that progressive award continues incrementing from the provided value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jason P. Pawloski, Rogelio S. Decasa, William K. Hughes, Eric S. Boese, Jeffrey D. Urmston
  • Patent number: 8157636
    Abstract: A game system, and arcade game apparatus and management apparatus constituting the same are disclosed. In the game system, each game apparatus change at the same timing to a second mode in which a jackpot drawing is carried out in a state that a jackpot prize winning probability is high. When the jackpot prize is awarded during the second mode, a winning notice is sent to a management apparatus via communication network. The management apparatus transmits second mode end information to all the game apparatus when the number of game apparatus sending the winning notice reaches a predetermined number. After that, the game apparatus operating in the second mode changes to a first mode in which the jackpot drawing is carried out in a state that the winning probability of the jackpot prize is low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masato Okuaki
  • Patent number: 8157645
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a bonus system with remote inputs devices, where each remote device may have a purpose independent of the bonus machine. A bonus machine having a game of skill, a bonus, and a processor receives a message indicating the occurrence of an event. The message may be initiated by an event occurring at a game of skill or a remote device. Upon receiving the message, the bonus machine processes the message. The bonus is incremented for various events. If the event is achieving a task in the game of skill, the bonus is partially or completely rewarded to the player who achieved the task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan M. Kelly
  • Publication number: 20120088577
    Abstract: A gaming system includes a controller linked to a plurality of gaming devices. The central server tracks: (i) a quantity of gaming devices being actively played by players, or (ii) a quantity of players actively playing at the gaming devices. The controller determines the players' eligibility for different awards based on the tracked quantity. When the controller tracks a first quantity, the controller provides the active players with an opportunity to win a first award. When the central server tracks a second quantity, the central server provides the active players with an opportunity to win a second award. As the tracked quantity changes, the controller determines or modifies the number of awards available to the players actively playing at the gaming devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Rogelio S. Decasa, Kelsy J. Grace, Anthony J. Baerlocher
  • Publication number: 20120088578
    Abstract: The gaming system and method disclosed herein provides a plurality of players with an opportunity to win a plurality of progressive awards maintained by the gaming system. The gaming system accumulates a quantity of progressive event points for each player playing at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system. In one embodiment, the gaming system uses an accumulated quantity of progressive event points for a designated player to determine which one or more of the progressive awards the designated player wins. In another embodiment, the gaming system uses an accumulated quantity of progressive event points to determine the designated player's probability of winning one or more of the progressive awards. Accordingly, the gaming system provides a point-based system in which either a progressive award to win or a probability of winning a progressive award is determined based on the quantities of progressive event points accumulated by the players.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Ryan W. Cuddy, Mohammed A. Saffari, Bryan D. Wolf
  • Patent number: 8152632
    Abstract: A gaming machine system includes a system controller. A plurality of gaming machines are linked to the system controller. Each gaming machine has a first display and a game controller arranged to control images of symbols displayed on the first display, the game controller being arranged to play a game wherein at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the first display and, if a predefined winning event occurs, the machine awards a prize; a second display; and a feature game where, during play of the feature, feature images associated with the feature game are displayed on the second display. The system further includes a remote display to which each of the gaming machines is connected. The remote display is visible to a player playing any one of the gaming machines connected to the remote display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Colin Fong
  • Patent number: 8152630
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the gaming system and method disclosed herein maintains a plurality of different bonus event average expected payouts which are ranked. In one embodiment, if a bonus event triggering condition occurs, the gaming system determines one of the plurality of different bonus event average expected payouts to utilize for the triggered bonus event. In one such embodiment, the determined bonus event average expected payout is based on a player's current wager and a quantity of accumulated bonus event points or units. In this embodiment, the gaming system enables players to accumulate bonus event points based on one or more aspects of a player's previous gaming experiences during a designated period of time. The gaming system then displays a bonus event to the player and determines a bonus event award, wherein the determined bonus event award is in accordance with the determined bonus event average expected payout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Alexander Casey Naglestad Cohen
  • Patent number: 8147323
    Abstract: A gaming machine having features for increasing player appeal is set forth. The machine generally includes a processor, a display, and a memory device. The processor randomly selects one of a plurality of outcomes of the gaming machine in response to a wager. The display displays visual elements to be viewed by the player. The memory device is coupled to the processor and stores at least two data sets for producing at least two different types of visual and/or audio elements in the basic game or bonus game, or at least two different types of bonus game formats. The processor selects one of the two data sets in response to the occurrence of a predetermined time, a number of wager inputs by players of the gaming machine, or after determining a favorite play content based on the number of wager inputs by players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Shridhar P. Joshi, David K. Locke, Marc A. Raneses
  • Patent number: 8147319
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gaming terminal and a method of playing a wagering game having a parlay feature. Using the parlay feature, a player can place a wager that is greater than a maximum wager allowed at the gaming terminal. In addition, the parlay feature allows a player to wager a portion of the player's prior winnings, instead of the entire amount. Furthermore, the parlay feature can be saved and used in a later gaming session at the same or different gaming terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy M. Hornik, Dion K. Aoki, Joel R. Jaffe, James J. Poole, Allon G. Englman
  • Patent number: 8147325
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of and systems for playing tournament-style games, such as the World Series of Poker, and other games of skill or chance. The present invention additionally is systems and methods for using an alternate method of entry to enable a player to participate in a wagering game of skill or chance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Steven N. Kane, Dow Hardy, Mark E. Herrmann, Paul LaRocca, Stuart Roseman, Bijan Sabet, Jason Yanowitz
  • Patent number: 8147320
    Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a progressive jackpot awarded in response to a jackpot win event. The gaming system includes a first gaming machine linked to the progressive jackpot, the first gaming machine accepting a first wager. The gaming system further includes a second gaming machine linked to the progressive jackpot, the second gaming machine accepting a second wager that is greater than the first wager. A first player making the first wager at the first gaming machine is awarded the progressive jackpot if the jackpot win event is associated with the first gaming machine. A second player making the second wager at the second gaming machine is awarded the progressive jackpot plus an expected value equalizing award if the jackpot win event is associated with the second gaming machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Allon G Englman, Joel R. Jaffe, Shridhar P. Joshi, Michael W. Mastropietro, Christopher J. Frattinger
  • Patent number: 8147324
    Abstract: Various type of jackpot systems are disclosed wherein visible jackpots are replenished after a win by an invisible jackpot. Some embodiments include: replenishing the visible jackpot with less than 100% of the invisible jackpot; increasing the invisible jackpot at a rate faster than the rate at which the visible jackpot is increased; having a criteria for a win of the jackpot based on the amount of the invisible jackpot; and using multiple visible and invisible jackpots in various ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Spielo International Austria GmbH
    Inventors: Ewald Mothwurf, Peter Lang, Franz Lechner, Dominik Berger
  • Publication number: 20120077578
    Abstract: According to some embodiments of the present invention, methods and apparatus are provided for pausing or suspending play of a flat rate play session at a gaming device. In some embodiments, a player may receive a ticket or other token when a session is suspended. The ticket preferably includes indicia associated with parameters of the session and enables the player to continue play of the session (e.g., upon presenting the ticket at a gaming device).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Robert C. Tedesco
  • Patent number: 8144871
    Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for assuring that networked communications between parties playing a game on a network (e.g., the Internet) are not tampered with by either of the parties for illicitly gaining an advantage over the other party. An initial sequence of tokens (e.g., card representations) for playing the game are doubly encrypted using an encryption key from each of the parties. Accordingly, during play of the game neither party can modify the initial sequence of game tokens during the game. At termination of the game, at least one of the parties can fully decrypt the initial sequence of tokens, and thereby, if desired, compare the played token sequence with the corresponding the initial token sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventors: Dennis J. Dupray, Sheldon F. Goldberg
  • Patent number: 8137180
    Abstract: A method for playing a wagering game on a gaming terminal. The wagering game allows a player to be eligible to win a plurality of progressive jackpots. The plurality of progressive jackpots can be arranged in columns and rows of a matrix, or can be displayed with other characteristics for identification, such as color, shapes, or alpha-numeric characters. The method includes conducting a wagering game having a randomly selected outcome. The player can be awarded two progressive jackpots in response to the randomly selected outcome being a single multiple-jackpot winning outcome. Further, the progressive jackpots that are achieved can be identified by their associated characteristics, which are displayed to the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred Thomas, Shridhar P. Joshi, Peter R. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8137188
    Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The central server includes a plurality of progressive modules. Each progressive module maintains one or more progressive awards and is associated with zero, one or more of the gaming machines in the gaming system. Upon a determination that a designated one of the progressive awards will be provided, one of the gaming machines associated with the progressive module which maintains the designated progressive award provides the designated progressive award to the player of such gaming machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Robert E. Breckner, Jamal Benbrahim, James A. Vasquez, Mark W. Bansemer, Anthony J. Baerlocher
  • Publication number: 20120064959
    Abstract: A gaming apparatus which, for each of a plurality of plays of a primary game: randomly generates one of a plurality of different primary game outcomes, displays the generated primary game outcome, and displays any award associated with the displayed primary game outcome. If a bonus triggering event occurs, the gaming apparatus: determines a first part of a constant value, causes the determined first part of the constant value to be provided to a first player, determines a second part of the constant value, wherein the determined first part of the constant value and the determined second part of the constant value form the constant value, and causes the determined second part of the constant value to fund a designated award.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Olaf Vancura, Terrance William Oliver
  • Patent number: 8128471
    Abstract: In a racing game, a main controller 20 accepts bet from each of a plurality of terminal devices 30, during a bet accepting period. In a case where final odds, calculated after the expiration of the bet accepting period, is not greater than a predetermined threshold, the main controller 20 executes a recompense processing for bets on the final odds and disqualify the bets from an award, and, when a race is determined to be finished, provides an award by calculating payout for bets qualified for the award.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Universal Entertainment Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoaki Oomori
  • Patent number: 8128492
    Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The central server includes a plurality of progressive modules. Each progressive module maintains one or more progressive awards and is associated with zero, one or more of the gaming machines in the gaming system. Upon a determination that a designated one of the progressive awards will be provided, one of the gaming machines associated with the progressive module which maintains the designated progressive award provides the designated progressive award to the player of such gaming machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: James A. Vasquez, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Aaron T. Jones, Mark W. Bansemer
  • Patent number: 8128485
    Abstract: Methods of lottery-type wagering are disclosed. One method utilizes a credit instrument associated with an account set up by a patron with a gaming administrator. The credit instrument may be used to place lottery-type wagers at a gaming terminal and, additionally, for the purchase of goods and/or services, accessing additional informational displays, or for other non-wagering purposes and/or areas associated with the gaming administrator or a venue offering lottery-type wagering. The credit instrument acts as a cash substitute wherein the patron's account may be automatically updated with all of the patron's wins, losses, and purchases via a network system or updated on the credit instrument. In other methods, lottery-type wagers are placed with an anonymous account such that an identity of a player is not known to the gaming administrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: United Tote Company
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Vlazny, Brendan Burgess, Victor I. Harrison
  • Patent number: 8128491
    Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The central server includes a plurality of progressive modules. Each progressive module maintains one or more progressive awards and is associated with zero, one or more of the gaming machines in the gaming system. Upon a determination that a designated one of the progressive awards will be provided, one of the gaming machines associated with the progressive module which maintains the designated progressive award provides the designated progressive award to the player of such gaming machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: James A. Vasquez, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Aaron T. Jones, Mark W. Bansemer
  • Publication number: 20120052940
    Abstract: A gaming system comprising a plurality of linked gaming devices each individually operable to play a main game and a group game, whereby the group game is played by at least two teams of players of the linked gaming devices; and a group game controller arranged to conduct the group game upon initiation for the at least two teams and to determine which team is to be awarded a prize at completion of the group game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Colin Fong, Peter Woodlock
  • Patent number: 8123618
    Abstract: A system for distributing entertaining multimedia episodes and crediting payouts to authorized remote-player's wagers, off-site or on-site regulated premises, comprising a system for randomly selecting episodes, with randomly generated episodes outcomes appended thereto. The selected episodes could be from a database or from ongoing live games. The database could be pre-processed audio-video, from authorized content producers depicting a hired cast of entertainers, playing a selected variety of games of chance and skill. The system includes authorized server based episode and outcome distribution to secure remote-player stations, including an intra-episode biometric (e.g., face) authentication system, and an accounting systems, for rewarding authorized remote-players with products, services, cash and playing credit payouts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Jayant S. Karmarkar
  • Publication number: 20120046088
    Abstract: A gaming system and method which provides a community group event to a plurality of players at a plurality of the gaming devices in the gaming system. Each gaming device participating in the group event is associated with an individual group event eligibility timer. Such individual group event eligibility timers regularly decrement based on time and may increment based on one or more aspects of the player's gaming experience, such as wagers placed. If the individual group event eligibility timer associated with a gaming device participating in the group event lapses before the conclusion of a group event timer or mode, that gaming device is eliminated from the group event. Upon the conclusion of the group event, a group event award is shared amongst the players at the remaining or non-eliminated gaming devices (i.e., the gaming devices associated with individual group event eligibility timers with any amount of remaining time).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventors: Daniel J. DeWaal, Glen Keith Russell, Alexandria Estella Ponte Sutich, Anthony J. Baerlocher, David H. Muir
  • Publication number: 20120046098
    Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The gaming system includes a plurality of different types of progressive awards adapted to be provided to one or more players of the gaming machines in the gaming system. In one embodiment, one or more progressive awards are each associated with an outcome of a primary game, such as a designated symbol combination, wherein if the associated primary game outcome is generated, such progressive award is provided to a player. In one embodiment, one or more progressive awards are each associated with a progressive hit value, wherein when each progressive award increments to its respective progressive hit value, a triggering event occurs, such progressive award is provided to a player and the player is provided the opportunity to one or more additional progressive awards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventor: Ryan W. Cuddy
  • Patent number: 8118656
    Abstract: A roulette-shaped big monopoly unit 12 is disposed at the center of a casing 10, and a triangular pointer 14 for pointing a partition of the annular board 13 is disposed at the summit of the big monopoly unit 12. The players playing in the satellites 20 satisfy prescribed conditions to thereby to play in a big monopoly game using the big monopoly unit 12. In the big monopoly game, the players sequentially revolve the annular board 12. The game is advanced in accordance with contents of a partition pointed by the pointer 14 which is common among all the players when the revolving annular board 13 stops. The game can be played closely related among the satellites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Sega Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuya Hamada
  • Patent number: 8118669
    Abstract: A gaming system having a gaming table and including a progressive jackpot funded by a portion of the house rake of a card game played at the gaming table. The gaming system includes a tracking system capable of identifying and tracking cards dealt and wagers placed in order to identify frequent players and provide complimentary items accordingly. The gaming system is also capable of notifying a player at a remote gaming device that a seat at the gaming table is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Richard M. Rader, Eric W. Lancaster
  • Patent number: 8118665
    Abstract: A wagering game is comprised of a basic game, a progressive game with a progressive payout, and an input device for identifying players who are playing the basic game and who become eligible for the progressive payout. The progressive payout can be awarded to a player during a selected time period. But, if the progressive payout is not awarded during the selected time period, the progressive payout is awarded to an eligible player that is randomly selected in a drawing. The progressive payout can have first and second payouts that are awarded, respectively, during a first time period (e.g., per week) and a second time period (e.g., per month). Thus, the player does not need to be at the gaming terminal to win the progressive jackpot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred Thomas
  • Publication number: 20120040740
    Abstract: An electronic video game apparatus is configured to facilitate simultaneous play of at least first and second independent games of chance that generate independent outcomes. The electronic video game apparatus includes a video display and at least one electronic random number generator that randomly selects values for the independent games of chance and preferably displays the values in a superimposed manner on the video display. For example, the first game can be a card game while the second game is a dice game. Video representations of the card suit and value for each card in the card game are displayed along with dice values shown on the cards. The outcomes of the second game of chance are preferably employed to determine an outcome, such as a payout or award, for example, of the first game of chance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: JULIAN J. KENNEDY
  • Patent number: 8113936
    Abstract: Tournament-Style casino games bring players all of the advantages of gaming tournaments such as rapid play, building excitement, and player vs. player competition in a manner that addresses limitations of existing games by: a) generating revenue for tire casino in all featured embodiments; b) being available on-demand; c) paying winners instantaneously; and d) featuring a casino hold that is stable enough to meet regulator requirements. In one embodiment of tournament style gaming, a high score progressive jackpot is provided such that players are playing against both the game's built in pay table and against the daily performances of other players. Inefficient game play results in increasing the progressive jackpot by a value of the time wasted by such inefficient game play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Cameron Anthony Filipour, Adam Singer, Alexander Popovich, Thierry Brunet De Courssou
  • Patent number: 8113946
    Abstract: A method is provided for providing payments at a gaming device, where the payments may occur at predictable times and are of predictable amounts. In one or more embodiments, a gaming device may provide a guaranteed payment every hour on the hour, so long as a player meets one or more criteria. Criteria may include a total amount wagered, a total number of handle pulls completed, or a total amount of time spent at a gaming device. One or more embodiments provide a method for withholding value from a player in order that the value may delivered later in the form of a guaranteed payment. One or more embodiments provide a method whereby multiple gaming devices may provide payments simultaneously, thereby creating mutually reinforcing sounds and visual displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, David F. Zucker, Jose A. Suarez, Stephen C. Tulley, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • Patent number: 8113952
    Abstract: A method and gaming machine are disclosed for operating a game with a primary and embedded game. An embedded game is disclosed as a bonus game with one embodiment animating miniature reels inside the primary game symbol. Each embedded slot game may have its own progressive, or may be tied into the progress associated with the primary game. Each embedded slot game will have its own paytable, and may be a miniature version of a well-recognized full-sized slot game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventor: Loren Nelson
  • Publication number: 20120034964
    Abstract: An automated raffle game and method making use of prize pools, the prize pools having elements, the elements representing one of: winning prizes; or, both winning prizes and no-win (0 value) prizes. Raffle tickets are associated with a prize pool. Upon closure of the game, either by a time-out or by number of tickets sold, a number of elements are taken from the pool. The number of elements taken from the pool is directly related to the number of tickets associated with the pool and further depends on which type of pool is being used (one having only win-elements or both win and 0-value elements). The results are sent to the player terminal, where a player may simply take a winning voucher or ticket, or, may chose to view an entertainment display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Robert A. Luciano, JR.
  • Patent number: 8109827
    Abstract: A method of facilitating the play of a progressive game and a system for facilitating the play of a progressive game are disclosed. The method may include accruing a portion of wagers to a multi-vendor progressive prize fund, tracking the total amount accrued to the multi-vendor progressive prize fund by the first set of game terminals in a first prize determination interval. The method may include receiving a second wager from a second player of a second game of chance, the second game of chance operating on a second game terminal in a second set of game terminals. The method may include determining that the second player has won a progressive. The method may also include determining the value of the progressive prize, the value of the progressive prize depending on the size of the multi-vendor progressive prize fund and on an amount of contributions accrued from the second set of game terminals to the multi-vendor progressive prize fund during a second prize determination interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: GTECH Rhode Island Corporation
    Inventors: Tom Cahill, Heather Clifford, Glenn Caldwell, Deborah Hach, Ryan Reddy
  • Publication number: 20120021816
    Abstract: Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting a wagering game, and computer programs for initiating a wagering game are presented herein. A gaming device is presented that includes a wager input device, a display, and at least one controller. The controller executes the wagering game, which includes first and second progressive awards each associated with a respective symbol-based outcome. Each symbol-based outcome has a respective frequency of occurrence. The controller randomly determines an outcome of the wagering game. The controller initiates a progressive-award-determination sequence in response to displaying the first and/or second symbol-based outcomes. There is a first probability of awarding the first progressive award, and a second probability of awarding the second progressive award.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: WMG Gaming Inc.
    Inventor: Dion K. Aoki
  • Patent number: 8100760
    Abstract: A bonus controller for generating a competitive bonus game in a gaming system, the bonus controller having a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The bonus controller being programmed to: receive wagering data corresponding to a casino game, enter a first player associated with a first gaming apparatus into the competitive bonus game when the first player obtains a qualifying win at the casino game, determine odds for the first player to win the competitive bonus game, vary odds of winning the competitive bonus game for at least a second player after entering the first player into the competitive bonus game, the second player having been previously entered into the competitive bonus game, determine an outcome of the competitive bonus game, and transmit data corresponding to the outcome of the competitive bonus game to a display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Lee E. Cannon
  • Publication number: 20120015704
    Abstract: In a gaming machine having virtual reels, conventional instant wins are awarded as well as virtual playing cards. In one embodiment, the cards are dealt only if a special symbol is displayed on the stopped reels. In another embodiment, cards are dealt only during a bonus round. Dealt playing cards are accumulated until the player has a full hand of cards. A different bonus pot is accumulated for various types of poker hands achievable. The pots may be progressively increased based on a percentage of wagers made in a network of gaming machines. After the player is dealt the full set of cards, the best poker hand is determined, and the associated pot is awarded to the player. The pot is then set at a starting value. The bonus game is then terminated. The player is motivated to continue playing to complete a hand and win a large pot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: SPIELO MANUFACTURING ULC
    Inventor: Samuel N. Robichaud
  • Publication number: 20120015702
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a successive choice game including methods and apparatus are described. Further embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Lee AMAITIS, Noel Fuentes
  • Patent number: 8096874
    Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The gaming system includes at least one and preferably a plurality of progressive awards which are each associated with a supplemental fund or pool. If the gaming system determines that the progressive award is not growing at a designated incremental rate (due to a lack of wagers placed on gaming devices associated with the progressive award), the gaming system utilizes part or all of the amount in the supplemental fund to make up for this lack of wager based growth. Such a configuration provides that even if players are not actively playing gaming devices associated with the progressive award, the progressive award will still increment at a designated rate to at least a desirable value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Mark C. Nicely, Paul D. Miltenberger
  • Patent number: 8092302
    Abstract: The gaming system and method disclosed herein provides a plurality of players with an opportunity to win a plurality of progressive awards maintained by the gaming system. The gaming system accumulates a quantity of progressive event points for each player playing at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system. In one embodiment, the gaming system uses an accumulated quantity of progressive event points for a designated player to determine which one or more of the progressive awards the designated player wins. In another embodiment, the gaming system uses an accumulated quantity of progressive event points to determine the designated player's probability of winning one or more of the progressive awards. Accordingly, the gaming system provides a point-based system in which either a progressive award to win or a probability of winning a progressive award is determined based on the quantities of progressive event points accumulated by the players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Ryan W. Cuddy, Mohammed A. Saffari, Bryan D. Wolf
  • Patent number: 8092298
    Abstract: A gaming machine is described wherein a player first plays a primary game, such as the spinning and stopping of mechanical or video reels displaying symbols. A plurality of progressive jackpots is displayed to the player, where the progressive jackpots are incremented at different random rates. Upon a jackpot-winning outcome of the primary game, the number of different progressive jackpots paid to the player depends on the number of credits bet by the player. The jackpots are incremented upon jackpot-incrementing symbols being displayed by the reels. In one embodiment, the jackpot above each column of symbols gets incremented upon a special symbol, such as a credit value, being displayed in that column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Atronic International GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Gauselmann
  • Patent number: 8092297
    Abstract: A gaming system includes a controller linked to a plurality of gaming devices. The central server tracks: (i) a quantity of gaming devices being actively played by players, or (ii) a quantity of players actively playing at the gaming devices. The controller determines the players' eligibility for different awards based on the tracked quantity. When the controller tracks a first quantity, the controller provides the active players with an opportunity to win a first award. When the central server tracks a second quantity, the central server provides the active players with an opportunity to win a second award. As the tracked quantity changes, the controller determines or modifies the number of awards available to the players actively playing at the gaming devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Rogelio S. Decasa, Kelsy J. Grace, Anthony J. Baerlocher
  • Publication number: 20120004027
    Abstract: A self configuring progressive jackpot award system includes a plurality of electronic gaming machines (EGMs). The plurality of EGMs respectively include a plurality of EGM configuration options, and operate in accordance with the EGM configuration options. A subset of the plurality of EGM configuration options relates to participating in a progressive jackpot award game. A progressive controller is coupled to the plurality of EGMs and controls the operation of a progressive jackpot award game. The progressive controller includes a plurality of progressive jackpot award game configuration options. A subset of these progressive jackpot award game configuration options correspond to the subset of EGM configuration options related to participating in the progressive jackpot award game. The progressive controller automatically sends data representing this subset of progressive jackpot award game configuration options to the plurality of EGMs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC
    Inventor: Joshua D. Larsen
  • Publication number: 20120004028
    Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a gaming system capable of providing progressive level alerts or promotions when a progressive jackpot reaches a predetermined value. In one embodiment, the user is able to register for a progressive level alert. In another embodiment, the progressive level alert is presented on an affiliated or third party website. By providing progressive jackpot amount information, the user, who may not otherwise patronize a casino, is encouraged to visit the particular casino offering games capable of awarding a progressive jackpot prize of a predetermined amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Wei Guan, Brett McReynolds
  • Publication number: 20110300919
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gaming machine which is capable of realizing an appropriate balance between players' profits and slot machine providers' profits. When a first number of bets have been selected, a control device executes a first basic unitary game which completes when a first time interval has elapsed after starting the game. When a second number of bets have been selected, the control device executes a second basic unitary game which completes when a second time interval shorter than the first time interval has elapsed after starting the game. On the basis of the fact that the first basic unitary game has been executed, the control device executes a first progressive game in which a first payout rate can be realized. On the basis of the fact that the second basic unitary game has been executed, the control device executes a second progressive game in which a second payout rate higher than the first payout rate can be realized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicants: Aruze Gaming America, Inc., UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Makoto MIYAWAKI, Masafumi Uchida, Hiromoto Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 8070597
    Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The gaming system includes a plurality of different types of progressive awards adapted to be provided to one or more players of the gaming machines in the gaming system. In one embodiment, one or more progressive awards are each associated with an outcome of a primary game, such as a designated symbol combination, wherein if the associated primary game outcome is generated, such progressive award is provided to a player. In one embodiment, one or more progressive awards are each associated with a progressive hit value, wherein when each progressive award increments to its respective progressive hit value, a triggering event occurs, such progressive award is provided to a player and the player is provided the opportunity to one or more additional progressive awards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Ryan W. Cuddy
  • Publication number: 20110294571
    Abstract: The present invention provides new player excitement during the play of a game of chance by providing a controlled random event during the execution of a secondary or bonus round. When bonus game play is invoked during play of the primary game, an amount to be issued during secondary game play is generated. This amount is not awarded directly; instead a plurality of possible winnings is available, each equal to or less than the amount to be issued. A random event separate from the primary game is used to pick one of the plurality of possible winnings which is awarded to a player. The separate random event may be a mechanical event or an electronic event. The difference between the amount given to a player and the original amount to be issued may be used to generate further bonus game play, or may be used to fund a progressive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventor: Robert A. Luciano, JR.
  • Patent number: 8057301
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, systems and programs for conducting a feature in relation with a wagering game. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving a first wager value and a second wager value; establishing evaluation conditions and increment a progressive prize based on this first wager value; and establishing an enhancement level of the progressive prize based on this second wager value. The method further comprising generating game outcomes, evaluating game outcomes, and awarding payouts based on evaluation of these game outcomes, wherein the prize value awarded for a progressive-prize winning outcome is based on the established enhancement level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Labtronix Concept inc.
    Inventor: Gerald Duhamel
  • Publication number: 20110275433
    Abstract: A game controller operable to control play of a game. The game controller includes a configuration module, a wager determination module and a trigger module. The configuration module configures a secondary event trigger having a hit rate which is fixed over a plurality of games. The wager determination module determines an amount wagered for play of one of the games. The trigger module triggers a secondary game event in which a higher value prize and lower value prize are each eligible to be awarded upon determining the trigger in the game, such that a probability of awarding the higher value prize increases with the amount wagered in the game, while the probability of awarding the lower value prize decreases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventor: Paul Francis Bramble
  • Patent number: RE43037
    Abstract: A gaming device of the type wherein a play generates one of multiple possible outcomes having reverse payout information. The gaming device comprises a memory device containing a first set of data correlating possible outcomes to a first set of payouts and a second set of data correlating possible outcomes to a second set of payouts second set of data correlates a majority of outcomes to positive payouts and the first set of data correlates a majority of outcomes to other than positive payouts. The gaming device also includes a payout selector indicating which of the first set of data and the second set of data the gaming device is to access. In an alternate embodiment, the gaming device includes a memory having only the second set of data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico