PROGRESSIVE GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE

Abstract

A gaming device provides several progressive jackpots that can be randomly funded. The gaming device includes a gaming apparatus that allows a player to play a game and a controller. The controller can determine if a jackpot qualifig event has occurred. A display device displays several progressive jackpots. A random number generator and the controller select at least one of the progressive jackpots to be awarded to a player. The invention also includes a gaming method. A player is allowed to place a wager and play a game of chance. A game outcome is determined. The game outcome can be a jackpot qualifying event and a game payout. If the game outcome is the jackpot qualifying event, several progressive jackpots are displayed to the player. At least one of the progressive jackpots is selected to be awarded to the player.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to gaming devices and, more particularly, to a gaming device that provides several progressive jackpots that can be randomly funded.

BACKGROUND

Gaming devices are well known in the art and a large variety of gaming devices have been developed. In general, gaming devices allow users or players to play a game. In many casino-type gaming devices, the outcome of the game depends, at least in part, on a randomly generated event. For example, a gaming device may use a random number generator to generate a random or pseudo-random number (hereinafter, both types are referred to as a “random number” ).

The random number can be used to determine a game outcome. For example, the random number may then be compared to a predefined table to determine a corresponding outcome of the event. If the random number falls within a certain range of numbers on the table, the player may win the corresponding predefined prize. The table may also contain display information that allows the gaming device to generate a display that corresponds to the outcome of the game. The gaming device may present the outcome of the game on a large variety of display devices, such as mechanical spinning reels or video screens.

Some gaming devices award bonus prizes in addition to prizes that are awarded in a primary game. Of course, the prize in the primary game may simply be the opportunity to play the bonus game. A bonus prize is generally defined as a prize in addition to the prize obtained from the primary game and that is awarded to the player when a predefined event occurs. An example of a bonus game can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,932 to Adams. Adams discloses a primary game having three spinning game reels and a bonus game having a bonus display with one spinning wheel. The spinning wheel is divided into multiple sections, and each section has a symbol representing a prize. When predetermined indicia are displayed on the spinning game reels of the primary game, the wheel of the bonus display spins and stops. The bonus prize is displayed as the symbol on the wheel being pointed to by a pointer. The bonus prize is awarded in addition to any prizes awarded in the primary game. Another bonus game is disclosed in Baerlocher et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,336,863). Baerlocher et al. discloses a slot machine with a bonus award display. The bonus award display has a bonus wheel and a mechanical, movable pointer.

Gaming devices in casinos are more successful when they are able to captivate and hold a game player's interest for a long period of time. When a game player plays a gaming device for a longer period of time, more revenue is generated for the casino. A game player may lose interest with a game that has a static display that changes very little over time or that they player deems to be unattractive.

One way gaming device manufactures have added additional enjoyment and excitement to gaming devices is through the advent of progressive gaming. Progressive games have become very popular in casinos. Progressive slot machines contain jackpots that increase every time a player places a wager in a primary game of the slot machine. Progressive jackpots involve one or more gaming machines. For example, an individual progressive slot machine has a self-contained jackpot, wherein the jackpot grows with every play of that machine. A linked progressive includes two or more slot machines at the same or different locations connected to a common jackpot, each of which individually contribute to the jackpot. The gaming machines usually take a percentage of the player's wager, such as 2%, and add it to the progressive jackpot. This allows the progressive jackpot to grow over time. The progressive jackpots can reach sizeable amounts, such as multi-million dollar jackpots, before a player “hits” or wins the progressive jackpot.

Large progressive jackpots can be very attractive to casino game players. Furthermore, as the progressive jackpot grows, so does the game's payout percentage because the game pays out more while the likelihood of receiving the progressive award or jackpot remains constant. Players looking to inject skill or strategy into a gaming event therefore look to find progressive games having relatively high progressive jackpots, i.e., games that have not recently paid out. In an effort to fiuther increase the excitement and enjoyment of progressive games and gaming devices in general, it is therefore desirable to inject player interaction, skill, strategy or risk into a progressive gaming device.

Unfortunately, progressive jackpots pay awards very infrequently. The long periods of time between progressive awards causes gaming machine players to eventually lose interest in the game and stop playing. This is especially true in casino locations where a large number of linked progressives are located. It can appear to game players in these locations that there are no winning game players and that the progressive prize will almost never be awarded.

What is needed is a gaming device that awards several progressive jackpots and that can award more progressive jackpots more frequently to increase and prolong player interest.

SUMMARY OF ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Advantages of One or More Embodiments of the Present Invention

The various embodiments of the present invention may, but do not necessarily, achieve one or more of the following advantages:

the ability to provide game players with a more exciting and desirable gaming experience;

the ability to attract more patrons to play a game;

provide longer play times and a greater payout possibility for a player;

provide greater revenues for gaming operators;

provide a gaming device that can award more progressive jackpots to more players more frequently;

provide a gaming device that utilizes a visually appealing and highly visible display;

provide a gaming device that may allow a player to win one or more than one progressive jackpot;

provide a gaming device that may allow a player to win all of the progressive jackpots;

provide a gaming device that can fund several progressive jackpots in a random manner;

provide a gaming device that can fund several progressive jackpots by changing the percent allocation to each jackpot during a time period; and

provide a gaming device that can fund several progressive jackpots by randomly selecting a distribution from a list of distributions.

These and other advantages may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification, claims, and abstract.

Brief Description of One Embodiment of the Present Invention

In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to a gaming device that includes a first controller that has a first random number generator. The first controller is configured to accept a primary game wager and determine a primary game outcome. The primary game outcome includes a primary game payout and a jackpot qualifying event. The first controller fiuther is configured to award a primary game prize if the primary game outcome is a primary game payout. A second controller is in communication with the first controller and has a second random number generator. The second controller is configured to display several progressive jackpots and if the primary game outcome is a jackpot qualifying event, to award at least one of the plurality of progressive jackpots.

In other embodiments, the present invention relates to a gaming method. According to the method, a player is allowed to place a wager and play a game of chance. A first game outcome is determined. The first game outcome can be a jackpot qualifying event and a first game payout. If the first game outcome is the jackpot qualifying event, several progressive jackpots are displayed to the player. At least one of the progressive jackpots is selected to be awarded to the player.

The above description sets forth, rather broadly, a summary of one embodiment of the present invention so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood and contributions of the present invention to the art may be better appreciated. Some of the embodiments of the present invention may not include all of the features or characteristics listed in the above summary. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described below and will form the subject matter of claims. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is substantially a fiont view of a gaming device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is substantially a schematic diagram of a portion of the gaming device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is substantially a schematic diagram of several of the gaming device of FIG. 1 connected in a network.

FIG. 4 is substantially a fiont view of FIG. 1 showing one possible game display.

FIG. 5 is substantially a front view of FIG. 1 showing another possible game display.

FIG. 6 is substantially a flowchart of a gaming method of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is substantially a flowchart of a progressive jackpot funding method of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is substantially a flowchart of another progressive jackpot funding method of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is substantially a flowchart of an additional progressive jackpot fumding method of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In the following detailed description of the embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Game Apparatus

Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment disclosed herein comprises a gaming apparatus or device, generally indicated by reference number 1O. Gaming device 10 comprises a primary game apparatus 20 and a bonus or progressive jackpot game apparatus 30. Progressive jackpot game apparatus 30 may comprise a display device 50. Game apparatus 20 may be any of a large number of devices that are adapted to allow players to play a game. For example, game apparatus 20 may utilize reel displays, such as spinning reels 22-24 or a video display (not shown), to display outcomes of the game. Means may also be provided for accepting wagers, such as a coin slot 21 or card reader 25, and for awarding prizes, such as a coin dispenser 27. A handle 26 and button 28 are provided for activating game apparatus 20 to begin a game. In at least one embodiment, game apparatus 20 may be an S Plus model gaming device manufactured by International Game Technology in Reno, Nev.

Game apparatus 20 may be controlled by an electronic controller 82 (see FIG. 2) that utilizes a random number generator 83 (FIG. 2). The random number generator produces a random or pseudo-random number for each game. The outcome of the game may be determined by comparing the random number to a table of outcomes stored in a memory and accessed by controller 82. A number of different tables of outcomes may be used and different tables may be used for different games. The tables can be designed so that different prizes have different probabilities of being awarded. Such design techniques are well known in gaming. Examples of such designs are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,448,419, issued to Telnaes, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,456,465, issued to Durham. Controller 82 causes spinning reels 22-24 or the video display to show the outcome of the game that corresponds to the outcome of the random number generator. It is recognized that game apparatus 20 may operate in many other ways and still achieve the objects of the present invention.

Game apparatus 20 may also be capable of producing a jackpot qualifig event. This event may be many different types of events. For example, a jackpot qualifying event may comprise displaying a particular symbol, such as a “bonus” symbol, or combination of symbols, such as three “7” symbols, on reels 22-24 as shown in FIG. 1. If the game being played is poker based, the jackpot qualifying event may be occurrence of a certain hand, such as a royal flush. Furthermore, a jackpot qualing event may occur when a player accumulates a number of symbols or game outcomes over a number of separate game plays. For example, a jackpot qualifying event may occur when the player receives three “jackpot” symbols during a period of time. The jackpot qualifying event may be based on an external event. For example, a jackpot qualifig event may occur when a group of players obtain a certain result.

Progressive Jackpot Game

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, progressive jackpot game apparatus 30 may have a housing 32 with a front panel 33. Housing 32 can be made from many different materials such as metal or plastic and can include decorative coverings or attachments and lights. A player input device 38 can be mounted in housing 32. Player input devices 38 can be buttons or handles or rotary knobs. Player input device 38 can allow a game player to provide input to progressive jackpot game apparatus 30. A display 110 such as a credit meter can be used to display prizes won on progressive jackpot game apparatus 30.

A display device 50 such as a video display can be mounted in front panel 33. Display device 50 can be any suitable display including video displays, plasma displays, LCD displays, LED meters and the like. Display device 50 may be a single display or can be more than one display.

Display device 50 may be activated upon the occurrence of a jackpot qualifying event in primary game apparatus 20. As seen in FIG. 1, display device 50 is shown displaying four progressive jackpots. Progressive jackpots 52, 53, 54 and 55 are shown in separate areas of display device 50. Progressive jackpots 52-55 each have associated indicia or award values 60, 61, 62 and 63 that can be awarded to a player as a prize. Award values 60-63 can be a wide variety of awards, such as trips, vouchers, gaming credits, comps for meals or hotels or monetary awards. A game player playing gaming device 10 may be awarded one, two, three or all four of progressive jackpots 52-55.

With reference to FIG. 3, a network 150 of gaming devices 10 is shown. Network 150 can include several interconnected gaming devices 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D. While four gaming devices are shown, more or less can be used. Gaming devices 10A-D can each have a game apparatus 20A-D and a progressive jackpot game apparatus 30A-D, respectively. Each of game apparatuses 20A-D can have a controller 82A-D and random number generator 83A-D, respectively.

Gaming devices 10A-D may be in communication with a computer network server 160 through cables 168 such as an Ethernet cable. Server 160 can be a conventional network server that contains a random number generator 166, a controller or processor 164 and software that can operate on the processor.

Server 160 can collect and transmit game information and instructions between server 160 and gaming devices 10A-10D. For example, server 160 can apportion a percentage of each wager placed on gaming devices 10A-10D to fund progressive jackpots 52-55.

Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 3, progressive jackpot game apparatus 30 comprises a controller 76 that is adapted to control the operation of the game apparatus. Controller 76 may be one or more micro-computers or processor boards. Random number generator 77 may be in communication with controller 76. Random number generator 77 is capable of randomly generating a random number and providing the random number to controller 76. As shown in FIG. 3, each of progressive jackpot game apparatuses 30A-D contains controllers 76A-D and random number generators 77A-D, respectively. Controllers 76A-D are further in communication with and can control display devices 50A-D.

It is recognized that controller 76 and random number generator 77 may be a single processor or processor board. Furthermore, it is also recognized that controllers 76 and 82, and random number generators 77 and 83 may be combined in a single processor or processor board. Each of controllers 76A-D may be in communication with server 160 (FIG. 3).

Server 160 and controllers 76A-D can determine the size of progressive jackpots 52-55 (FIG. 1), determine the amount and method of fumding of progressive jackpots 52-55 and can cause each of display devices 50 in gaming devices 10A-D to display progressive jackpots 52-55 and their current award values 60-63.

Controller 76 is adapted to detect when a jackpot qualifying event occurs in game apparatus 20. This may be accomplished by game apparatus controller 82 transmitting a signal to controller 76 that a jackpot qualifying event has occurred. For example, controller 82 may determine the outcome of each game and when a jackpot qualifying event outcome occurs, it transmits a signal to controller 76. Alternatively, controller 76 may periodically interrogate controller 82. In another embodiment, one or more sensors may be provided for determig if a jackpot qualifying event has occurred. For example, sensors 84-86 may sense the positions of reels 22-24. When reels 22-24 are in ajackpot qualifying event activating position, controller 76 would sense this position and begin a progressive game sequence (described below). Sensors may also be provided external to gaming device 10 to detect external jackpot qualifying events.

Controllers 76A-D or 82A-D can each inform server 160 that ajackpot qualifying event has occurred in gaming devices 10A-D.

Controller 82 may also transmit a variety of information to controller 76. For example, controller 82 may signal when coins or currency have been inserted, when a game starts, when an error has occurred, and when a sensor detects tampering.

When controller 76 detects a jackpot qualifying event, it may begin a jackpot sequence by activating display 110. Display 110 may comprise many different kinds of display devices, such as video screens, lights, light emitting diodes, etc. Display 110 may comprise its own controller that is adapted to generate a variety of displays.

Display 110 may indicate that a player has qualified for a progressive jackpot and prompt the player to perform an action. In an embodiment, the player is prompted to start the award sequence by pressing input device 38. Input device 38 may be a simple button, a keyboard, or a touch screen display.

When controller 76 detects input device 38 being activated, controller 76 performs a routine to determine which of progressive jackpots 52-55 will be awarded. In an embodiment, the progressive jackpots to be awarded are randomly selected. Random number generator 77 generates a random number and supplies the random number to controller 76. Controller 76 compares the random number to a pay table similar to that described for game apparatus 20 or as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,874, issued to Adams. A simple pay table may appear as follows:

TABLE 1
Random Number Award
0.00 to 0.15  Jackpot 1
0.26 to 0.30  Jackpot 2
0.31 to 0.45  Jackpot 3
0.46 to 0.60  Jackpot 4
0.61 to 0.65  Jackpots 1 and 2
0.66 to 0.70  Jackpots 1 and 3
0.71 to 0.75  Jackpots 1 and 4
0.76 to 0.80  Jackpots 2 and 3
0.81 to 0.85  Jackpots 2 and 4
0.86 to 0.90  Jackpots 3 and 4
0.91 to 0.93  Jackpots 1, 2 and 3
0.94 to 0.95  Jackpots 1, 2 and 4
0.96 to 0.98  Jackpots 2, 3 and 4
0.99 to 1.00  Jackpots 1, 2, 3 and 4

For example, if the random number generator produced 0.64, progressive jackpots 1 and 2 would be indicated as being won and the award amount contained by progressive jackpots 1 and 2 would be added and awarded to the player. If the random number generator produced 0.28, progressive jackpot 2 would be indicated as being won and the award amount contained by progressive jackpot 2 would be awarded to the player. This embodiment is not necessarily limited to the example pay table shown. A larger or less number of progressive jackpots may be used. Furthermore, different kinds of prizes may be awarded along with a progressive jackpot. For example, a progressive jackpot and a vacation could be awarded or a progressive jackpot and an award to play additional games could be awarded.

Once controller 76 randomly determines which progressive jackpots are to be awarded, controller 76 causes display device 50 to indicate the progressive jackpot or jackpots that have been won. With reference now to FIG. 4, display device 50 is shown indicating that the game player has won progressive jackpot 2. An indicator 65 such as an arrow may be illuminated or flashed above progressive jackpot 2 in order for a game player to clearly see what they have won. At the same time, award values 60, 62 and 63 (FIG. 1) for progressive jackpots 52, 54 and 55 may be removed from display device 50 in order to eliminate any confusion as to which progressive jackpots have been won. If more than one progressive jackpot is to be awarded, an indicator 65 can be illuminated or flashed adjacent to each progressive jackpot that is to be awarded.

Controller 76 may then cause display 110 to display the total prize, if any, that the player has won. The amount of each progressive jackpot may be added by controller 76 and then shown on display 110. Other effects may also be presented, such as pre-recorded sound from speakers. If the actual prize is money, the amount of the prize may be added to the player's credit meter or dispensed.

After controller 76 randomly determines which progressive jackpots are to be awarded, controller 76 informs server 160 of the progressive jackpots awards. Server 160 then updates display devices 50A-D on each of gaming devices 10A-D with at least one new progressive award value. For example, if gaming device 10B was awarded progressive jackpot 53, the award value shown for progressive jackpot 53 on display device 5OB would be set to zero and would then start accumulating value as it is funded.

It is also possible to replace the primary display of a gaming device with display device 50. Game apparatus 20 may be entirely replaced by display device 50. In other words progressive jackpot game apparatus 30 can be used as a primary or base game apparatus.

Turning now to FIG. 5, another embodiment of a gaming device 500 is shown. Gaming device 500 is similar to gaming device 10 except that progressive jackpot game apparatus 530 includes one or more hidden or mysteryj ackpots 510.

Mystery jackpot 510 would be funded and accumulate an award value in the same manner as progressive jackpots 52-55. The award value ofmystery jackpot 510 would only be revealed or shown to the game player after the game player has won the mystery jackpot.

Game Play Flow Chart

Referring now to FIG. 6, a flowchart of a method of game play 200 using gaming devices 10 and network 150 is shown. At step 202, a player may initiate game play method 200 by placing a wager on gaming device 10. The wager may be in the form of cash or credit from actual domestic or foreign currency, vouchers, coupons, tickets, electronic cards, and other sources or forms of wagers known in the art. Once the player initiates game play method 200, the primary game random number generator generates a first random number and randomly determines the base game outcome at step 203. Next, the player may play a base or primary game on the game apparatus 20 at step 204.

At step 206, the controller detects the occurrence of a jackpot qualifying event. If the controller does not detect a jackpot qualifying event, method 200 proceeds to step 300 where the progressive jackpot funding is determined. Step 300 is explained in fturther detail later. After the progressive jackpot fumding is determined in step 300, the progressive jackpots are incremented in step 210. Next, the controller notifies the player of the game outcome from the base game at step 208. The player may place a wager (step 202) again and repeat steps 203, 204 and 206 to continue playing a game on the game apparatus 20.

If the controller detects a jackpot qualifying event at step 206, the progressive jackpot game random number generator generates a second random number and randomly determines the progressive jackpot outcome or award at step 212. The controller may award 1, 2, 3 or all 4 of the progressive jackpots as an award to the game player. Next at step 214, the controller displays the progressive jackpots that have been won. The player is awarded any prizes at step 216.

The steps shown in the flowchart do not necessarily imply that the steps have to take place in a particular order. The order of steps may be varied; some steps may be eliminated; and, some steps may be replaced with other steps. Such variations still fall within the scope of the invention.

First Method of Funding Several Progressive Jackpots

Referring now to FIG. 7, a method 300 of determining the funding of several progressive jackpots using gaming devices 10 and network 150 is shown. A portion of the wagers placed on each gaming device 10 is reserved to increase the amounts of the progressive jackpots. In method 300, the distribution percentages of the total available contribution amount to each progressive jackpot are randomly determined by the controller.

Method 300 may include receiving from network 150 (FIG. 3) a total amount to be contributed or allocated to several progressive jackpots in step 302. The total amount can be a monetary amount or can be in the form of other prizes. Server 160 (FIG. 3) can determine a percentage of each wager placed on gaming devices 10A-10D (FIG. 3) to fund several progressive jackpots. For example, two percent of each wager placed on the gaming devices may be allocated to fund the progressive jackpots.

At step 304, server random number generator 166 (FIG. 3) generates a random number and compares the random number to a distribution table to determine the percentage allocation of the total amount to be added to each of the progressive jackpots. This step would be repeated for each of the progressive jackpots.

A sample distribution table may appear as follows:

TABLE 1
Random Number Funding Percentage
0.00 to 0.10  10%
0.11 to 0.20  20%
0.21 to 0.30  30%
0.31 to 0.40  40%
0.41 to 0.50  50%
0.51 to 0.60  60%
0.61 to 0.70  70%
0.71 to 0.80  80%
0.81 to 0.90  90%
0.91 to 1.00  100%

For example, for progressive jackpot 1, if the random number generator produced 0.18, progressive jackpot 1 would be incremented by an amount equal to the total amount multiplied by 0.20. For progressive jackpot 2, the next random number generated is constrained to be less than 0.8. This is required so that the progressive jackpot funding is not more than the total amount of base game wagers received to be allocated. Assume that for progressive jackpot 2, the random number produced is 0.72.

Progressive jackpot 2 would be incremented by an amount equal to the total amount multiplied by 0.80. Since the total amount to be allocated to the jackpots has now been allocated to jackpots 1 and 2, jackpots 3 and 4 would receive no additional funding and their amounts would not change.

At step 306, method 300 determines the amount that each progressive jackpot will be incremented. All of the progressive jackpots are incremented and displayed to the game player on display devices 50A-D (FIG. 3) in step 210.

Method 300 then returns to step 208 of FIG. 6 where the controller notifies the player of the game outcome from the base game at step 208. The player may place a wager (step 202) again and repeat steps 203, 204 and 206 to continue playing a game on the game apparatus.

The steps shown in the flowchart do not necessarily imply that the steps have to take place in a particular order. The order of steps may be varied; some steps may be eliminated; and, some steps may be replaced with other steps.

Second Method of Funding Several Progressive Jackpots

Referring now to FIG. 8, another method 320 of determining the funding of several progressive jackpots using gaming devices 10 and network 150 (FIG. 3) is shown. In method 320, the distribution percentages are pre-determined and the controller randomly selects the distribution from a list of distributions.

Method 320 may include receiving from the network a total amount to be allocated to several progressive jackpots in step 302. The total amount can be a monetary amount or can be in the form of other prizes. Server 160 (FIG. 3) can determine a percentage of each wager placed on gaming devices 10A-10D (FIG. 3) to fund several progressive jackpots. For example, two percent of each wager placed on the gaming devices may be allocated to fund the progressive jackpots.

At step 324, server random number generator 166 (FIG. 3) generates a random number and compares the random number to a list of distributions to determine the percentage allocation of the total amount to be added to each of the progressive jackpots.

A sample list of distributions may appear as follows:

TABLE 1
Random Number Distribution
0.00 to 0.20  Jackpot 1 - 10%
              Jackpot 2 - 30%
              Jackpot 3 - 30%
              Jackpot 4 - 25%
0.21 to 0.40  Jackpot 1 - 25%
              Jackpot 2 - 25%
              Jackpot 3 - 25%
              Jackpot 4 - 25%
0.41 to 0.60  Jackpot 1 - 20%
              Jackpot 2 - 20%
              Jackpot 3 - 10%
              Jackpot 4 - 50%
0.61 to 0.80  Jackpot 1 - 10%
              Jackpot 2 - 0%
              Jackpot 3 - 20%
              Jackpot 4 - 70%
0.81 to 1.00  Jackpot 1 - 40%
              Jackpot 2 - 0%
              Jackpot 3 - 60%
              Jackpot 4 - 0%

For example, if the random number generator produced 0.68, progressive jackpot 1 would be incremented by an amount equal to the total amount multiplied by 0.10, progressive jackpot 2 would be incremented by an amount equal to the total amount multiplied by 0.0, progressive jackpot 3 would be incremented by an amount equal to the total amount multiplied by 0.20 and progressive jackpot 4 would be incremented by an amount equal to the total amount multiplied by 0.70.

At step 306, method 320 deterines the amount that each progressive jackpot will be incremented. All of the progressive jackpots are incremented and displayed to the game player on display devices 50A-D (FIG. 3) in step 210.

Method 320 then returns to step 208 of FIG. 6 where the controller notifies the player of the game outcome from the base game at step 208. The player may place a wager (step 2020) again and repeat steps 203, 204 and 206 to continue playing a game on the game apparatus.

The steps shown in the flowchart do not necessarily imply that the steps have to take place in a particular order. The order of steps may be varied; some steps may be eliminated; and, some steps may be replaced with other steps.

Third Method of Funding Several Progressive Jackpots

Referring now to FIG. 9, another method 340 of determining the funding of several progressive jackpots using gaming devices 10 and network 150 (FIG. 3) is shown. Method 340 applies the same distribution for a given time period. The time period may be pre-determined or may be randomly determined. Method 340 may include receiving from network 150 a total amount to be allocated to several progressive jackpots in step 302. The total amount can be a monetary amount or can be in the form of other prizes. Server 160 (FIG. 3) can determine a percentage of each wager placed on gaming devices 10A-10D (FIG. 3) to fund several progressive jackpots. For example, two percent of each wager placed on the gaming devices may be allocated to fund the progressive jackpots.

At step 306, method 340 determines the amount that each progressive jackpot will be incremented using the distribution percentages that are in effect for the current time period. These would be the distribution percentages that were used in a previous game cycle. If the current game cycle is the first game cycle, the controller determines an initial distribution to start the game. All of the progressive jackpots are incremented and displayed to the game player on display devices 50A-D (FIG. 3) in step 210.

Method 340 then proceeds to decision 342 where the expiration of the time period is checked. The time period may be pre-determined or may be randomly determined. If the time period has not expired, method 340 returns to step 208 of FIG. 6 where the controller notifies the player of the game outcome from the base game at step 208. The player may place a wager (step 202) again and repeat steps 203, 204 and 206 to continue playing a game on the game apparatus.

If the time period has expired, method 340 proceeds to step 304. At step 304, server random number generator 166 (FIG. 3) generates a random number and compares the random number to a distribution table to determine the percentage allocation of the total amount to be added to each of the progressive jackpots. This step would be repeated for each of the progressive jackpots.

A sample distribution table may appear as follows:

TABLE 1
Random Number Funding Percentage
0.00 to 0.10  10%
0.11 to 0.20  20%
0.21 to 0.30  30%
0.31 to 0.40  40%
0.41 to 0.50  50%
0.51 to 0.60  60%
0.61 to 0.70  70%
0.71 to 0.80  80%
0.81 to 0.90  90%
0.91 to 1.00  100%

For example, for progressive jackpot 1, if the random number generator produced 0.18, progressive jackpot 1 would be incremented by an amount equal to the total amount multiplied by 0.20. For progressive jackpot 2, the next random number generated is constrained to be less than 0.8. This is required so that the progressive jackpot funding is not more than the total amount of base game wagers received to be allocated.

Assume that for progressive jackpot 2, the random number produced is 0.27. Progressive jackpot 2 would be incremented by an amount equal to the total amount multiplied by 0.30.

For progressive jackpot 3, the random number produced is 0.13. Progressive jackpot 2 would be incremented by an amount equal to the total amount multiplied by 0.20.

Assume that for progressive jackpot 4, the random number produced is 0.27. Progressive jackpot 4 would be incremented by an amount equal to the total amount multiplied by 0.30. Method 340 then proceeds to step 306 that was previously described.

The steps shown in the flowchart do not necessarily imply that the steps have to take place in a particular order. The order of steps may be varied; some steps may be eliminated; and, some steps may be replaced with other steps.

Although the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the embodiments of this invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given.

Claims

1. A gaining device comprising:

(A) a first controller having a first random number generator, the first controller configured to: (a) accept a primary game wager; (b) determine a primary game outcome, the primary game outcome including a primary game payout and a jackpot qualifying event; (c) award a primary game prize if the primary game outcome is a primary game payout;

(B) a second controller in communication with the first controller, the second controller having a second random number generator, the second controller configured to: (a) display a plurality of progressive jackpots, if the primary game outcome is a jackpot qualifying event; and (b) award at least one of the plurality of progressive jackpots.

2. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein all of the progressive jackpots are awarded.

3. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the progressive jackpots is a hidden jackpot.

4. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein all of the progressive jackpots are randomly incremented.

5. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein all of the progressive jackpots are incremented equally.

6. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein a jackpot contribution from the primary game wager is randomly distributed to the plurality of progressive jackpots by randomly changing a percentage of the jackpot contribution to each progressive jackpot.

7. The gaming device of claim 6, wherein the random percentage is determined by a third random number generator.

8. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein a jackpot contribution from the primary game wager is randomly distributed to the plurality of progressive jackpots by randomly selecting a pre-determined distribution from a plurality of distributions.

9. A method of gaming, comprising, not all necessarily in the order shown:

(A) accepting a wager;

(B) generating a first random number using a first random number generator, the first random number generator associated with a primary game outcome, the primary game outcome including a progressive jackpot qualifying event and a primary game payout;

(C) playing a primary game;

(D) generating a second random number using a second random number generator, if the primary game outcome is the progressive jackpot qualifying event, the second random number associated with a plurality of progressive jackpots;

(E) displaying the plurality of progressive jackpots; and

(F) awarding at least one of the plurality of progressive jackpots.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising awarding all of the progressive jackpots.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein at least one of the progressive jackpots is a hidden jackpot.

12. The method of claim 9, further comprising randomly incrementing each of the progressive jackpots.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein all of the progressive jackpots are incremented equally.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein a jackpot contribution from a primary game wager is randomly distributed to the plurality of progressive jackpots by randomly changing a percentage of the jackpot contribution to each progressive jackpot.

15. The gaming device of claim 14, wherein the random percentage is determined by a third random number generator.

16. The gaming device of claim 9, wherein a jackpot contribution from a primary game wager is randomly distributed to the plurality of progressive jackpots by randomly selecting a pre-determined distribution from a plurality of distributions.

17. A gaming method comprising, but not necessarily in the order shown:

(A) allowing a player to place a wager and play a game of chance;

(B) determining a first game outcome, the first game outcome comprising ajackpot qualifying event and a first game payout;

(C) if the first game outcome comprises the jackpot qualifying event: (a) displaying a plurality of progressive jackpots (b) selecting at least one of the progressive jackpots to be awarded; and (c) awarding the at least one progressive jackpot to the player.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising if the first game outcome is the first game payout:

(A) determining a progressive jackpot contribution from the wager; and

(B) randomly distributing the progressive jackpot contribution to each of the progressive jackpots.

19. The method of claim 17, fiuther comprising if the first game outcome is the first game payout:

(A) determining a progressive jackpot contribution from the wager; and

(B) randomly distributing the progressive jackpot contribution to each of the progressive jackpots by randomly selecting a pre-determined distribution from a plurality of distributions.

20. A gaming device comprising:

(A) gaming means for allowing a player to play a game;

(B) controller means for determining a jackpot qualifying event;

(C) display means for displaying a plurality of progressive jackpots;

(D) random number means for selecting at least one of the progressive jackpots to be awarded; and

(E) award means for awarding the progressive jackpots.

21. The gaming device of claim 20, wherein the random number means selects at least two of the progressive jackpots to award.

22. The gaming device of claim 20, wherein the random number means selects all of the progressive jackpots to award.

23. The gaming device of claim 20, further comprising distribution means for randomly distributing a contribution amount to each of the progressive jackpots.