System and method of gaming involving continued distribution of components until certain criteria are met

Abstract

A gaming system and associated methods utilize continued component distribution, such as in poker or keno, until certain criteria are met in order to provide the potential to receive more than a standard number of game components for increased gaming suspense. In playing a game on the system, a predetermined quantity of game components are selected for distribution to a player. If certain criteria are not met, additional game components are distributed to the player until the criteria are met or until a maximum total number of game components are distributed. The distributed game components enable the player to achieve a payment or other award in accordance with the rules of play of the game being played.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to gaming and more particularly to games that can be played live or on machines such as electronic video poker games and video keno games. The present invention has many versions with the common thread being that instead of distributing a fixed number of game components from a larger set, the number of components that are distributed is based on the occurrence of some additional predetermined criteria.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The method of the present invention involves extending the distribution of components beyond the typical predetermined number, based on the occurrence of some additional predetermined criteria. At the start of the game, the player does not know how many components above an established quantity might be distributed, thus creating an increased level of player suspense and excitement. Each additional component that is distributed increases the player's odds of achieving a winning outcome.

In the case of a poker game, the player makes a wager and the deal begins. Cards are dealt face up to the player until some predetermined criteria are met. In the case of stud poker, when the deal is complete, the poker hand ranking is determined and the player is paid for any winning poker hands based on a pay table or pay schedule and the amount of the player's wager. In the case of draw poker, when the deal is complete, the player selects none, one or more of the face up cards to be held. Replacement cards for the non-selected cards are drawn until the number of cards in the hand is sufficient to complete the hand (typically five total cards). The poker hand ranking is determined and the player is paid for any winning poker hand based on a pay table and the amount of the player's wager. In the case of a keno game, the player makes a wager and selects two to 10 numbers (typically) from the field of 80 numbers (typically) to be active numbers during the game. The player starts the game, which will randomly select or draw numbers from the field of 80 numbers until some predetermined criteria are met. When the draw is complete, the player is paid for the number of matches between the numbers drawn and the player's active numbers based on a pay table and the amount of the player's wager.

Other and further objects of the invention, together with the features of novelty appurtenant thereto, will appear in the course of the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings which form a part of the specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith and in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts in the various views:

FIG. 1 shows a keno board display on which active player marks are identified by X marks in accordance with a first version of the present invention;

FIG. 1a shows the keno board display of FIG. 1, but additionally having secondary active spots identified by encircled numbers in accordance with the first version of the invention;

FIG. 1b shows the keno board display of FIG. 1a with three examples of possible draw outcomes based on the draw-until criteria that are set forth;

FIG. 2 shows displays for poker games played in accordance with a second version of the invention, with the displays depicting an exemplary deal at the top, an exemplary draw decision in the center, and an exemplary final hand played under the criteria that are set forth;

FIG. 3 shows displays for poker games played in accordance with the second version of the invention, with the displays depicting two additional exemplary deals played under the criteria that are set forth;

FIG. 4 shows displays for poker games played in accordance with a third version of the invention, with the displays depicting three different exemplary deals based on the deal-until criteria that are set forth;

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of an electronic configuration that may be used in the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing one method of playing a keno game in accordance with the invention; and

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram showing one method of playing a draw poker game in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention includes a variety of electronic video poker and video keno games, as well as games that can be played live. Each electronic game is designed to be displayed on a video screen to a player. In preferred embodiments, the random distribution of components (such as keno numbers drawn or playing cards dealt) proceeds to at least a minimum number of components and, if predetermined criteria have not yet occurred, continues until the criteria are met or a predetermined maximum number of components has been distributed.

Version No. 1

Version No. 1 of the invention is a keno-type game in which the player makes a wager and selects two to ten numbers to be active player marks during the game. The player starts the game and, prior to the draw, either the game or the player selects five secondary active spots. The game then randomly selects a minimum number of keno numbers, typically twenty numbers. If none of the twenty numbers that are randomly selected by the game matches a secondary active spot, the draw of keno numbers continues until one of the secondary spots is selected or a maximum number of keno numbers have been drawn, thirty numbers in this version. When the draw is complete, the player is paid for the number of matches between the numbers drawn and the player's active numbers based on a pay table and the amount of the wager. In this embodiment, using twenty as the minimum and thirty as the maximum number of draws, the average number of spots drawn per game is approximately 21.6. Statistically, almost 23% of the games will draw more than twenty numbers and almost 10% of the games will draw thirty numbers.

FIG. 1 depicts a standard keno board 10 having eighty spots. In a typical game, the player has the option of selecting from two to ten of the eighty spots to be active player marks during the game. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the player has selected six of the keno numbers to be active player marks, spots 2, 14, 36, 38, 52 and 66, identified in FIG. 1 by X marks through the active player mark numbers.

FIG. 1a depicts the keno board 10 with the active player marks identified by X marks and five other secondary active spots identified by circles around the numbers. In this example, the secondary active spots are numbers 6, 19, 43, 47 and 78. The secondary active spots may be selected randomly by the game or they may be selected by the player.

The keno game is then played using criteria that are set forth in FIG. 1b. Under these criteria, the minimum number of draws is twenty and additional numbers may be drawn beyond twenty until one of the secondary active spots has been hit, with the maximum numbers of draws being thirty. In example draw 1 of FIG. 1b, the first twenty numbers drawn are 3, 74, 36, 7, 79, 42, 37, 66, 40, 59, 21, 33, 71, 62, 4, 14, 54, 1, 31, and 44. Of these, numbers 36, 66 and 14 are player “hits” or matches with one of the active player marks. Because none of these numbers matches with one of the secondary active spots, the draw continues. The next numbers drawn in the example are 79, 2, 61 and 43. Because number 43 is one of the secondary active spots, the game ends at this point with the total number of draws being twenty four. The number 2 is the twenty-second number drawn and is another player hit, so in this example the draws beyond the first twenty provided the player with an additional hit beyond the three hits the player had in the first twenty draws. The player is then paid according to the pay table, which is dependent on the player's wager, for four hits with six numbers marked.

In example draw 2 of FIG. 1b, twenty numbers are drawn in the sequence indicated. Because one of the numbers is number 43 which is a secondary active spot, there are no draws provided beyond twenty draws. Under the criteria of the game, a minimum of twenty draws always occurs, so two additional draws occur even after the secondary active spot has been hit. In this example, there are three player hits, namely, numbers 36, 66, and 14. Any pay is based on the applicable pay table.

In example draw 3 of FIG. 1b, thirty numbers are drawn in the sequence indicated. Because none of these numbers matches with one of the secondary active spots, the draw continues to the maximum allowable number of draws which is thirty under the criteria set forth. In this example, there are six player hits, namely, numbers 36, 66, 14, 2, 52 and 38, the last three of which were drawn in draws after the first twenty draws. Thus, the player in this example was able to obtain a significant benefit in the draw continuing beyond the standard twenty draws.

Version No. 2

Version no. 2 of the invention is a keno-type game played in a manner similar to version 1. However, instead of selecting five secondary active spots as in version 1, version 2 involves selecting 16 secondary active spots. The criteria for version no. 2 are that a minimum of twenty numbers are always drawn and, if at least four of the drawn numbers do not match secondary active spots, the draw continues until four of the secondary active spots have been drawn. There is no maximum number of draws in this version, although a maximum can be used. When the draw is complete, the player is paid for the number of matches between the numbers drawn and the player's active numbers based on a pay schedule and the amount of the player's wager. In this version, the average number of draws per game is about 22.5. Statistically, under the criteria set forth, more than 38% of all games draw more than twenty numbers and more than 7% of all games draw more than thirty numbers. The average number of draws per game without the twenty draw minimum would be about 19.

In preferred embodiments of the invention involving keno-type games, the secondary active spots are randomly selected by the game prior to the beginning of the actual draw. However, the secondary active spots can be selected by the player prior to initiating the draw.

A number of variations in keno-type games are possible, including using a different number of spots on the keno board, using a different number of permitted active player marks, using different and/or multiple random criteria to determine an end to the draw, a different number or no minimum number of draws, and a different or no maximum number of draws. Additionally, the draw of keno numbers can continue until a selected number of the drawn numbers is in the top or bottom half of the board, or the left or right half of the board, or in a predetermined row or column of the board, or where the criteria are randomly selected before each game from a list of possible criteria, or using some other criteria that occurs randomly.

Version No. 3

Version no. 3 of the invention is a poker-type game utilizing a standard 52 card deck. The player makes a wager, and either the game or the player selects one of the four suits (or a given suit is selected for all games). Five cards are then dealt face up. If none of the five cards is of the selected suit, the deal continues until one card of the selected suit is revealed or a maximum number of cards have been dealt (ten cards in this version). In a draw poker game, the player then selects from zero to five cards that are to be held, and replacement cards are drawn until the final hand consists of five cards. The poker hand ranking is determined, and the player is paid for any winning poker hand based on a pay table and the amount of the wager. In this version, the deal is extended beyond five cards in more than 22% of the hands, and the maximum of ten cards is dealt approximately once every 17 hands based on a statistical analysis.

FIG. 2 depicts a poker display 12 that includes a lower row 14 holding five cards and an upper row 16 holding up to five cards. The distribution criteria in this example include a minimum number of five cards, continued dealing until the hand contains at least one heart, and a maximum number of ten cards allowed. The dealing of the cards in this example is from left to right beginning in the lower row and then left to right in the upper row. In the example deal shown in the top portion of FIG. 2, the deal consists of nine cards because there are no hearts in the hand until the ninth card which is the seven of hearts. Because the seven of hearts is dealt as the ninth card, the deal stops at this point.

The player then makes a decision to hold from zero to five of the cards in the nine card deal. As shown in the center portion of FIG. 2, the player in this example decides to hold the ace of clubs, jack of clubs, ten of clubs and queen of clubs, leaving one card to be drawn in order to make up the five card final hand. In the example shown in the bottom portion of FIG. 2, the three of clubs is drawn, making a club flush for the final hand. The player is then paid based on the pay schedule for a flush and the amount wagered by the player.

FIG. 3 provides additional examples of deals using the same criteria for the game depicted in FIG. 2. In the example 2 deal at the top portion of FIG. 3, the seven of hearts is the third card dealt, so the dealing stops when a minimum number of five cards has been dealt. If the example 2 deal is for a stud poker game, the final player hand is the five card hand that is shown, and the player is paid or not paid in accordance with the pay table and the amount of his or her wager. If the example 2 deal is a draw poker game, the player can draw from zero to five cards and is then paid based on the content of the final five card hand and the pay schedule and the amount wagered.

In the example 3 deal shown in FIG. 3, the deal consists of ten cards, none of which is a heart. Therefore, the deal continues until the maximum of ten cards has been dealt.

In a stud poker game, five cards will typically be selected (by the game or the player) to make up the final hand which is paid based on the content of the hand under the pay schedule and amount wagered. In this example, the player could select a full house consisting of the queen of diamonds, queen of spades and queen of clubs and the eight of diamonds and eight of spades. If the game is a draw poker game, the player can elect to hold from zero to five of the cards in the ten card deal and then draw if necessary to fill out a final five card hand. The final hand is then paid based on its content and the pay table and the amount wagered.

Version No. 4

Version no. 4 of the invention is a poker-type game in which a standard 52 card deck is used. The player makes a wager, and one of the two colors (red or black) is selected either by the player or by the machine. Five cards are dealt face-up. If two of the five cards are not of the selected color, the deal continues until two cards of the selected color are revealed, or ten cards have been dealt. In a stud poker game, five of the cards are typically selected to make-up the final hand. In a draw poker game, the player selects from none to five of the cards that are dealt to be held. Replacement cards are drawn if necessary until the final hand consists of five cards. The final poker hand ranking is determined, and the player is paid for any winning poker hand based on a pay table and the amount of the wager. In this version of the invention, the deal is extended, statistically, in more than 17% of the hands, and ten cards are dealt approximately once every 84 hands.

With reference to FIG. 4, a poker display 18 includes a lower row 20 containing five cards and an upper row 22 containing up to five cards. The criteria used in the game shown in FIG. 4 are a minimum of five cards dealt, continuing of the dealing until the hand contains at least two black cards, and a maximum of ten cards dealt. The cards are dealt from left to right beginning in the lower row 20 and continuing in the upper row 22 if necessary.

In the example 1 deal shown at the top portion of FIG. 4, eight cards are dealt. The deal is terminated when the last card, the queen of spades, is dealt because the queen of spades is the second black card dealt (the other being the three of clubs). In a stud poker game, five of the eight cards are selected for the final poker hand and payment is based on the ranking of the poker hand under the pay table and the amount wagered. In a draw poker game, the player selects from zero to five of the cards in the eight card deal and draws replacement cards if necessary to obtain a final hand containing five cards.

In the example 2 deal shown in the center portion of FIG. 4, the hand consists of only five cards because the first five cards contain at least two black cards (actually three black cards, the four of spades, five of spades and ten of spades). Because a minimum of five cards must always be dealt, the hand contains five cards even though the first three cards dealt contain two black cards. The play continues according to whether it is a stud poker game or a draw poker game.

In the example 3 deal shown in the bottom portion of FIG. 4, the deal consists of a ten card hand. The first nine cards are all red, so the deal continues because there have not yet been two black cards dealt. The tenth card is a black card (the jack of clubs). Even though the tenth card is only the first black card dealt, the deal stops at this point because the maximum of ten cards have been dealt. The player has achieved a considerable benefit in this example in that the first five cards are not a particularly good hand, whereas the hand as a whole includes a full house (three jacks and two threes).

In any draw poker version of the game, the criteria and rules may be such that the draw may continue until all non-selected cards are replaced (instead of until the final hand consists of five cards). The best five card poker hand ranking is determined (from what can be more than five cards), and the player is paid for any winning poker hand based on a pay table and the amount of the wager.

The criteria (such as a selected suit or a selected color or some other criteria), can be pre-established (always the same suit or the same color), or it can be determined randomly by the game prior to the start of each game, or, more preferably, may be selected by the player prior to the start of the game to provide the player with more involvement. The criteria may be randomly selected by the game or selected by the player from a list that includes a variety of different criteria that are available. One or more cards in the deck may be provided with a special characteristic, such as being marked with special indicia or being a wild card, and the criteria may be that the distribution stops when a card with the special characteristic is dealt.

Other versions of the poker game according to the invention may include variations such as different card decks (including the possibility of wild cards), different and/or multiple criteria used to determine the end of the deal, different minimums or no minimums, different maximums or no maximums, different number of cards in a final hand and stud versions or other poker variations of all games.

It is contemplated that the various versions of the invention will be played predominantly on electronic gaming devices such as video poker and video keno machines. Typically, the electronic equipment may include a control unit such as the control unit 50 shown in FIG. 5. The control unit 50 directs the general electronic operators of the gaming device and includes: a processor 52 (e.g., microprocessor, microcontroller or application-specific integrated circuit) for receiving various inputs and generating signals to direct display of information on the usual display screen and associated interface logic; a memory device 54 for storing program code or other data; optionally, a sound card 56 connected to speakers if sound is to be provided to the user during gaming operations; optionally, a screen input controller 58 and a touch screen 60, the controller 58 sensing input on the touch screen 60 incorporated with the display screen and generating a signal for transmission to the processor 52; and a video controller 62 to control the display of information on the display screen. The memory device 54 preferably includes random access memory (RAM) for storing event data or other data generated or used during a particular game, and read only memory (ROM) for storing program code. The program code controls the system functions within particular games on the system in accordance with related games rules and pay tables. More specifically, the program code includes game engine, bet and outcome analysis software 64 that produces the game sequences and at least partially randomly generates an outcome according to the house advantage or payback percentage programmed into the software 64 and/or according to the pay table software 66 which controls the award status (i.e., the amount and/or type of award) granted to the player based on various outcomes for each type of game played on the system. User commands may be inputted into the system through touch screen 60 or other input devices, such as wager selectors 22, as well as through a payment acceptor 68 that may be configured to accept a variety of payment methods for a wager (e.g., coins, paper currency, tokens, electronic credit stored on a card or the like, etc.). Additionally, if the user is performing gaming functions at a remote computing device 70 over a data/communications network 72, such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) (e.g., the Internet), etc., some of the functions of the control unit 50 may be performed at a network server.

FIG. 6 depicts in flow diagram form the playing of a keno-type game in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

The player starts an iteration of game play (i.e., plays a “round” of the game) in step 202 by selecting: (a) a desired current wager amount and (b) specific numbers to be his or her active player marks, such as by touching the desired numbers on the display screen functioning as touch screen 60, or through other input devices. In step 204, the game or the player selects one or more secondary active spots on the keno board 10. One exemplary embodiment of the invention involves the selection of five secondary active spots, while another embodiment includes the selection of sixteen secondary active spots, as previously indicated. A predetermined quantity of keno numbers are then “drawn”, or selected randomly by the game and distributed on the keno board in step 206. For example, a minimum of twenty draws may always occur.

In step 208, a determination is made as to whether certain criteria have occurred with respect to the keno numbers drawn and the secondary active spots, more specifically, whether a required number or quantity of matches have resulted between the drawn keno numbers and the secondary active spots. The required quantity of matches may be a fixed quantity for the game, for example, one, four, or any other number. Alternatively, the minimum required quantity may fluctuate from game round to game round.

If the criteria have been met (for example, if a secondary active spot is “hit” in the first twenty draws), then in step 210, all matches that have occurred between the drawn keno numbers and the active player marks are tallied, and the player is awarded according to the pay table and his or her wager. Subsequent to step 210, the game round ends.

Alternatively, if the criteria have not been met in step 208, then in step 212, additional keno numbers are randomly selected and distributed to the player one at a time. In step 214, a determination is made as to whether the criteria have now been met each time an additional number has been drawn. The criteria for step 214 are typically the same as required for step 208. If the criteria are still not met in step 214, then a determination is made in step 216 as to whether a maximum quantity of keno numbers have been selected (such as 30). If so, then step 210 is carried out. If not, then step 212 is carried out. If the criteria for step 214 are met, step 210 is carried out.

FIG. 7 shows in flow chart form a method of gaming in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention where the game is draw poker. As with the keno-type gaming of FIG. 6, the draw poker game is equally applicable to both electronic and live game play where the player makes discard choices manually.

The player starts a round of the game of FIG. 7 in step 302 by selecting a desired current wager amount with wager selectors or other input devices. Subsequently, in step 304, a predetermined quantity of cards is dealt. For example, the possible cards may include one or more standard card decks having 4 suits and 52 cards, or may include a specialty deck of cards typically used with various other card games. For a five card draw poker game, five cards are distributed to the player as a typical minimum.

A determination is then made in step 306 as to whether certain criteria are met in the distributed cards. For example, the criteria may include whether one of the cards is a heart or another selected suit or whether two or more of the distributed cards are of the same color, or are face cards, or meet some other criteria. If the criteria are met, then in step 308, a determination is made as to whether the player is requesting to discard certain cards (cards not “held”) and receive a quantity of replacement cards sufficient to complete the final hand. If so, then in step 310, the appropriate number of replacement cards necessary to make a full hand (typically five cards) is drawn. Subsequently, in step 312, the player's final hand is analyzed to determine if any awards have been achieved by the player in accordance with the pay table, and the game round then ends. If the player elects to hold all cards from the original deal, step 312 is carried out directly after step 308.

In step 306, if the criteria are not met, then one or more additional cards are distributed to the player one at a time in step 314. In a preferred arrangement, the additional cards do not affect the pay table for a given game, but instead, because the distribution of the additional cards increases the odds of attaining card combinations that lead to awards, such additional card distribution is figured into the overall house advantage or payback percentage programmed into the system. In step 316, a determination is made again after each additional card has been dealt as to whether the criteria are now met. If the criteria are not met, then a determination is made in step 318 as to whether a maximum quantity of cards has been dealt. If the maximum number of cards has not been dealt, then the method returns to step 314; otherwise, the method continues at step 320. If the criteria are met in step 316, then the method continues at step 320.

In step 320, a player may request to discard cards (typically from zero to 5 cards may be held in five card draw). If cards are to be discarded, replacement cards are distributed in step 322 sufficient to fill the final had (five total cards in five card draw poker). If no replacement cards are needed, step 320 is directly followed by step 312. In one embodiment of the method, the player is provided with a replacement card for each of the discarded cards. If the cards held and the replacement cards exceed an allowable quantity (e.g., more than 5 cards for a draw poker hand) the allowable quantity of cards will be selected for the final hand. Alternatively, in another embodiment of the method, the player is provided with only enough replacement cards such that the total quantity of the replacement cards and the dealt cards that are retained by the player equals the predetermined quantity of cards (five in a standard draw poker game). Subsequent to step 322, the method returns to step 312 where the player's final hand is analyzed to determine if any awards have been achieved by the player in accordance with the pay table. At that point, the game round ends.

Although the gaming method of FIG. 6 and the gaming method of FIG. 7 describe specific examples of certain criteria that must be met in distributed components, any other criteria may be chosen to regulate component distribution in accordance with the present invention including criteria that may change as the game progresses. Therefore, it can be seen that the system of this invention and associated methods of gaming create excitement and suspense for the game players because the players do not know before playing a round of the game how many components will be distributed to them. The player only knows that a known minimum quantity of components will be distributed, but not how many additional components may be distributed. As the additional components are being distributed (e.g., additional keno numbers that may match with the player's chosen active marks or additional cards for a hand in draw poker) the player can see such distribution to him or her on the gaming machine screen or other user interface, thus creating an increased level of suspense and enjoyment in the gaming experience. With increased game components distributed, the chances of the player achieving a favorable outcome increase, so the game has increased appeal to players for this reason as well as because of the increased suspense from not knowing how many components will eventually be distributed.

From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with the other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.

Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A method of playing a game in which game components are distributed to a player and evaluated thereafter to determine the outcome of the game, said method comprising:

(a) establishing distribution criteria having at least one element thereof based on a randomly occurring characteristic of distributed game components, wherein the player receives game components until said criteria are met and the chance for a favorable outcome is enhanced with the distribution of additional game components;

(b) distributing said game components to the player while determining whether said criteria are met; and

(c) stopping distribution of said game components when said criteria are met.

2. A method as set forth in claim 1, including the steps of

allowing the player to make a wager on the outcome of the game; and

awarding the player a payment based on the outcome of the game and a pay schedule correlated to possible outcomes of the game.

3. A method as set forth in claim 1, wherein said criteria include a minimum number element allowing a selected minimum number of game components to be distributed to the player.

4. A method as set forth in claim 1, wherein said criteria include a maximum number element allowing no more than a selected maximum number of game components to be distributed to the player.

5. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the distribution criteria includes the combination of said one element and at least one of a minimum number element allowing a selected minimum number of game components to be distributed to the player and a maximum number element allowing no more than a selected maximum number of game components to be distributed to the player, said maximum number being greater than said minimum number.

6. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the distribution criteria includes the combination of said one element and a minimum number element allowing a selected minimum number of game components to be distributed to the player and a maximum number element allowing no more than a selected maximum number of game components to be distributed to the player, said maximum number being greater than said minimum number.

7. A method of playing a keno-type game in which at least one active player mark is assigned to a player and keno numbers are distributed for possible match with said player mark, said method comprising:

(a) establishing distribution criteria having at least one element thereof dependent on a characteristic of the keno numbers distributed;

(b) distributing keno numbers while determining whether said distribution criteria are met; and

(c) stopping distribution of keno numbers when said criteria are met.

8. A method as set forth in claim 7, wherein said one element comprises a spot of the keno-type game selected as a secondary active spot and said criteria include a keno number that is distributed matching said secondary active spot.

9. A method as set forth in claim 8, wherein said secondary active spot is selected randomly.

10. A method as set forth in claim 7, wherein said one element comprises a plurality of spots of the keno-type game selected as secondary active spots and said criteria include a predetermined number of matches between keno numbers that are distributed and said secondary active spots.

11. A method as set forth in claim 7, wherein said criteria include a minimum number of keno numbers distributed.

12. A method as set forth in claim 11, wherein said criteria include a maximum number of keno numbers distributed.

13. A method as set forth in claim 7, wherein said one element is selected by a player of the game from a plurality of possible selections.

14. A method as set forth in claim 7, wherein:

the keno-type game includes an array of the keno numbers arranged in plural rows and plural columns; and

said one element comprises a predetermined number of matches between keno numbers that are distributed and keno numbers in a selected row.

15. A method as set forth in claim 7, wherein:

the keno-type game includes an array of the keno numbers arranged in plural rows and plural columns; and

said one element comprises a predetermined number of matches between keno numbers that are distributed and keno numbers in a selected column.

16. A method as set forth in claim 7, wherein said one element is variable and is selected randomly from a plurality of possible selections for each game.

17. A method of playing a poker game in which cards are distributed to a player, comprising:

(a) establishing distribution criteria having at least one element thereof dependent on a characteristic of cards that are distributed;

(b) distributing cards to the player while determining whether said distribution criteria are met; and

(c) stopping distribution of cards when said criteria are met.

18. A method as set forth in claim 17, wherein said one element comprises a selected suit and said criteria include at least one card of said selected suit being distributed.

19. A method as set forth in claim 18, wherein said selected suit is randomly selected.

20. A method as set forth in claim 18, wherein said selected suit is selected by the player.

21. A method as set forth in claim 17, wherein said one element comprises a selected color and said criteria include a predetermined number of cards of said selected color being distributed.

22. A method as set forth in claim 17, wherein said one element comprises a special characteristic on a plurality of the cards and said criteria include a predetermined number of cards having said special characteristic being distributed.

23. Video gaming apparatus in which game components are distributed and the chance of a favorable game outcome increases with an increased number of distributed game components, said apparatus comprising:

(a) means for establishing distribution criteria having at least one element thereof based on a randomly occurring characteristic of the game components that are distributed, the random determination element;

(b) means for randomly distributing game components;

(c) means for determining when said distribution criteria are met; and

(d) means for stopping the distribution of game components when said criteria are met.

24. Apparatus as set forth in claim 23, including:

means for accepting a wager; and

means for awarding a payment based on the wager and the game outcome correlated to a pay schedule.

25. Apparatus as set forth in claim 23, wherein said criteria include a minimum number element wherein a selected minimum number of game components are distributed irrespective of said random determination element.

26. Apparatus as set forth in claim 25, wherein said criteria include a maximum number element wherein no more than a selected maximum number of game components can be distributed irrespective of said random determination element.

27. Apparatus as set forth in claim 23, including means for allowing a player to select said random determination element from a plurality of possible selections.

28. Apparatus as set forth in claim 23, including means for randomly selecting said random determination element from a plurality of possible selections.