GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE

Abstract

A gaming apparatus includes a first and second gaming device. A controller is in communication with the gaming devices. The controller is configured to receive a wager on the first gaming device and play a base game on the first gaming device. The controller can determine if a bonus qualifying event has occurred on the first gaming device and play a first bonus game on the first gaming device. The controller can further award a first bonus prize and transmit a signal to the second gaming device that the second gaming device has qualified for a second bonus game. The controller indicates that the second gaming device has qualified for a second bonus game and plays the second bonus game on the second gaming device. A second bonus prize is awarded. A method of gaming is also disclosed.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to gaming devices and, more particularly, to a gaming device that provides a bonus award to other players playing at nearby gaming devices.

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 the player deems to be unattractive.

Unfortunately, bonus prizes may not occur very frequently. The periods of time between bonus awards may cause 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 gaming devices are located adjacent each other. It can appear to game players in these locations that there are no winning game players and that the bonus prize will not be awarded.

What is needed is a gaming device that awards additional bonus prizes more frequently in a highly visible manner 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:

he 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 bonus prizes 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 at an adjacent gaming device to win a bonus prize;

provide a gaming device that awards additional bonus prizes on another gaming device;

provide a gaming device that can transmit a signal to another gaming device that indicates that the other gaming device is to award a bonus prize.

provide a network of gaming devices that can award two or more bonus prizes.

provide a bank of gaming devices that can indicate a first gaming device to award a first bonus prize and a second gaming device to award a second bonus prize.

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 apparatus that includes a first and a second gaming device. A controller is in communication with the gaming devices. The controller is configured to receive a wager on the first gaming device and play a base game on the first gaming device. The controller can determine if a bonus qualifying event has occurred on the first gaming device and play a first bonus game on the first gaming device. The controller can further award a first bonus prize on the first gaming device and transmit a signal to the second gaming device that the second gaming device has qualified for a second bonus game. The controller indicates that the second gaming device has qualified for a second bonus game and plays the second bonus game on the second gaming device. A second bonus prize is awarded.

In other embodiments, the present invention relates to a gaming method. According to the method, a wager is received on a first gaming device and a base game is played on the first gaming device. It is determined if a bonus qualifying event has occurred on the first gaming device. A first bonus game is activated on the first gaming device, if the bonus qualifying event has occurred on the first gaming device. The first bonus game is played and a first bonus prize is awarded. A signal is transmitted to a second gaming device that the second gaming device has qualified for a second bonus game. It is indicated that the second gaming device has qualified for a second bonus game. The second bonus game is played on the second gaming device and a second bonus prize is awarded.

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 front 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 front view of several of the gaming devices of FIG. 1 assembled into a bank of gaming devices in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is substantially a schematic diagram of several of the gaming devices of FIG. 1 connected in a network.

FIG. 5 is substantially a flowchart of a gaming method of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is substantially a front view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is substantially a front view of an additional embodiment 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 10. Gaming device 10 comprises a primary game apparatus 20 and a bonus game apparatus 30. Bonus game apparatus 30 may comprise a display device 48. 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 a reel display 19, 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 (not shown) 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 bonus qualifying event. This event may be many different types of events. For example, a bonus 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 bonus qualifying event may be occurrence of a certain hand, such as a royal flush. Furthermore, a bonus qualifying event may occur when a player accumulates a number of symbols or game outcomes over a number of separate game plays. For example, a bonus qualifying event may occur when the player receives three “7” symbols during a period of time. The bonus qualifying event may be based on an external event. For example, a bonus qualifying event may occur when a group of players obtain a certain result.

Bonus Game

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, bonus 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 (not shown). A player input device 38 can be mounted in housing 32. Player input device 38 can be buttons or handles or rotary knobs. Player input device 38 can allow a game player to start or provide input to bonus game apparatus 30. A display 110 such as a credit meter can be used to display prizes won on bonus game apparatus 30.

Display device 48 can include a rotating wheel 50. Rotating wheel 50 may be divided into several pie shaped sections or segments 52. Various indicia 54 can be displayed in segments 52. Indicia 54 can show a game outcome in the form of a prize to be awarded to a game player. An indicator 60 such as an arrow can indicate one of the indicia as a game outcome. Rotating wheel 50 may start to rotate and then stop. Rotating wheel 50 may rotate clockwise or counter-clockwise. Rotating wheel 50 can be coupled to a rotary actuator 51 (FIG. 2) in order to rotate wheel 50. Rotary actuator 51 can be any suitable type of actuator including stepper motors and electric motors. The combination of one of indicia 54 and indicator 60 can indicate a game outcome. For example as shown in FIG. 1, a game outcome of 50 credits is indicated. Indicia 54 can be monetary amounts or may be a multiplier of a base game payout or may be physical prizes such as tickets to a show or restaurant passes. After rotating wheel 50 has stopped and indicated a game outcome, the credits won may be added to the credits shown on display 110.

In an embodiment, rotating wheel 50 may be replaced by a video display. The video display can be any suitable display including video displays, plasma displays, LCD displays, LED meters and the like. The video display may be a single display or can be more than one display.

Bonus game apparatus 30 may be activated upon the occurrence of a bonus qualifying event in primary game apparatus 20. For example, a bonus 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. Activation of bonus game apparatus 30 may include activation of lights and sounds and activation of player input device 38. Player input device 38 may have to be depressed by a player in order to start rotation of rotating wheel 50.

Group of Bonus Games

With reference to FIG. 3, a group, bank or network 120 of gaming devices 10 is shown. Bank of gaming devices 120 can include several interconnected gaming devices 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D. While four gaming devices are shown, more or less gaming devices can be used. For example, 20 gaming devices could be connected in a group. Gaining devices 10A-D can each have a primary game apparatus 20A-D and a bonus game apparatus 30A-D, respectively. Gaming devices 10A-D may be positioned in a side-by-side manner in a casino. Gaming devices 10A-D may also be positioned in a back-to-back manner in a casino. Gaming devices 10A-D may be designed with highly attractive displays and be visible to a large number of casino patrons. Gaming devices 10A-D may be positioned such that a player using one of gaming devices 10A-D is at least partially able to see the gaming activity at another one of gaming devices 10A-D. Primary game apparatuses 20A-D can each have reel displays 19A, 19B, 19C and 19D.

A horizontally extending array of lights may be positioned on each side of bonus game apparatuses 30A-D. Bonus game apparatus 30A is located between light arrays 122 and 123. Bonus game apparatus 30B is located between light arrays 123 and 124. Bonus game apparatus 30C is located between light arrays 124 and 125. Bonus game apparatus 30D is located between light arrays 125 and 126.

Light arrays 122-126 can each contain one or more lights 130. Lights 130 can be any suitable light such as light emitting diodes, incandescent lights or fluorescent lights. Light arrays 122-126 can be formed in attractive patterns and colors to draw the attention of casino patrons to the bank of gaming devices in network 120 Light arrays 122-126 can be illuminated or flashed to indicate to game players in a casino the bonus gaming devices 30A-D that have qualified to play a bonus game. For example, if bonus game apparatus 30C has qualified to play a bonus game, light arrays 124 and 125 would be illuminated.

With reference to FIG. 4, a network 120 of gaming devices 10 is shown. Network 120 can include several interconnected gaining 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 primary game apparatus 20A-D and a bonus game apparatus 30A-D, respectively. Each of primary 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 memory 166, a controller or processor 164 and software that can operate on the processor. Processor 164 may also contain an internal random number generator.

Server 160 can also be in communication with light arrays 122-126 through electrical cables 169. Server 160 can control the operation of light arrays 122-126 by turning lights 130 on and off.

Server 160 can collect and transmit game information and instructions between server 160 and gaming devices 10A-10D. For example, server 160 can determine which gaming devices 10A-10D award bonus prizes. Server 160 can select and indicate that one or more of gaming devices 10A-D will be awarding bonus prizes.

Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 4, bonus 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. 4, each of bonus game apparatuses 30A-D contains controllers 76A-D and random number generators 77A-D, respectively. Controllers 76A-D are further in communication with actuators 51A-D, respectively.

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. 4). Controllers 76A-D may also be in communication light arrays 122-126.

Server 160 and controllers 76A-D can determine the size and frequency of any bonus prizes and activate actuators 51A-D to cause rotation of rotating wheels 50A-D. Server 160 and controllers 76A-D can cause rotating wheels 50A-D to stop such that indicator 60 (FIG. 1) indicates the selected bonus prize.

Controller 76 is adapted to detect when a bonus qualifying event occurs in game apparatus 20. This may be accomplished by game apparatus controller 82 transmitting a signal to controller 76 that a bonus qualifying event has occurred. For example, controller 82 may determine the outcome of each game and when a bonus 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 determining if a bonus qualifying event has occurred. For example, sensors 84-86 may sense the positions of reels 22-24. When reels 22-24 are in a bonus qualifying event activating position, controller 76 would sense this position and begin a bonus game sequence (described below). Sensors may also be provided external to gaming device 10 to detect external bonus qualifying events.

Controllers 76A-D or 82A-D can each inform server 160 that a bonus qualifying event has occurred in respective 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 bonus qualifying event, it may begin a bonus game 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 bonus game and prompt the player to perform an action. In an embodiment, the player is prompted to start the bonus game by pressing player input device 38. Player input device 38 may be a simple button, a keyboard, or a touch screen display.

When controller 76 detects player input device 38 being activated, controller 76 performs a routine to determine which bonus prize will be awarded. In an embodiment, the bonus prize to be awarded is 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 Bonus Prize
0.00 to 0.42  2
0.43 to 0.63  5
0.64 to 0.74  10
0.75 to 0.80  15
0.81 to 0.85  20
0.86 to 0.89  25
0.90 to 0.93  30
0.94 to 0.96  50
0.97 to 0.98  75
0.99 to 1.0   100

For example, if the random number generator produced 0.66, a bonus prize of 10 credits would be indicated as being won and awarded to the player. If the random number generator produced 0.95, 50 credits would be indicated as being won and would be awarded to the player. This embodiment is not necessarily limited to the example pay table shown. A larger or fewer number of bonus prizes may be used. Furthermore, different kinds of bonus prizes may be awarded. For example, a bonus prize and a vacation could be awarded or a bonus prize and an award to play additional games could be awarded.

Once controller 76 randomly determines which bonus prize is to be awarded, controller 76 may cause rotating wheel 50 to indicate the bonus prize that has been won. Controller 76 directs actuator 51 to rotate and stop rotating wheel 50 such that the desired game outcome is aligned with indicator 60.

With reference now to FIG. 1, rotating wheel 50 is shown indicating that the game player has won a bonus prize of 50 credits. Indicator 60, such as an arrow, may be illuminated or flashed above the selected prize indicia 54 in order for a game player to clearly see what prize they have won. A sensor 88 (FIG. 2) can be used to detect and confirm the position of rotating wheel 50. Sensor 88 is in communication with controller 76. Sensor 88 may be any suitable sensor such as an infrared source and detector, and the periphery of rotating wheel 50 may comprise portions with different reflective characteristics, such as physical holes or gaps or absorbent paint lines. Alternatively, an optical flag configuration similar to that described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,449, issued to Bertram, may be used.

Controller 76 may then cause display 110 to display the bonus prize, if any, that the player has won. 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.

Server 160 can be adapted to award a second bonus prize to another gaming device in network 120. For example, assume that game apparatus 20A has qualified for a bonus game. Controller 82A may inform server 160 that a bonus qualifying event has occurred on game apparatus 20A. Server 160 can then select an additional gaming device 10B, 10C, or 10D to award a second bonus prize. The selection of the second gaming device may be done in a random manner by server 160. Server 160 may send or transmit a signal to one of the gaming devices 10B, 10C, or 10D, that a second gaming device has also qualified for a bonus game.

Alternatively, controller 82A may select one or more of gaming devices 10B-10D and transmit a second bonus game signal to one or more of gaming devices 10B-D. Assume that server 160 randomly selects gaming device 10D to award a second bonus prize. Server 160 can transmit a signal to controller 82D that gaming device 10D has qualified to play a bonus game. Controller 82D can inform controller 76D that game apparatus 30D has qualified to play a bonus game Controller 76D would then award a bonus prize in the same manner as previously described for the first bonus game.

In an embodiment, the first bonus game apparatus to qualify for a bonus prize can be indicated by the use of light arrays 122-126. For example, if bonus game apparatus 30A has qualified for a bonus game, light arrays 122 and 123 may be illuminated. The second bonus game selected by server 160 to award a bonus prize can also be indicated by the use of light arrays 122-126. For example, light arrays 125 and 126 may be illuminated to indicate that bonus game apparatus 30D will be awarding a second bonus prize.

The selection of the second gaming device and the award of the second bonus prize can be communicated in various ways. In one embodiment, light arrays 122-126 may begin flashing on and off or cascading on and off in sequence around gaming devices 10A-D. The lights may continue flashing until one pair of light arrays on each side of one of the gaming devices stay lit signifying that the gaming device between those light arrays has qualified to play a bonus game. Sounds and other effects can also be added to further indicate the gaming devices that have qualified to play bonus games and award bonus prizes. Light arrays 122-126 can first indicate the first bonus game and then can indicate the second bonus game at a slightly later time.

In a casino environment, casino patrons can clearly see which gaming devices are awarding bonus prizes through the use of light arrays 122-126. The use of network 120 adds excitement and anticipation to casino game players. After the first bonus qualifying event is indicated using light arrays 122-126, other game players at other gaming devices 10A-10D in network 120 will be excited and anticipate the awarding of the second bonus prize on one of the other gaming devices in network 120. The other game players will hope with anticipation that their gaming device will be selected by server 160 to award the second or buddy bonus prize.

The use of a bank of gaming devices in network 120 can provide casino patrons with additional excitement and suspense. The operation of the bank of gaming devices in network 120 can be clearly explained through signage or video displays to casino patrons. The awarding of bonus prizes in pairs, a first bonus prize, then a second bonus prize, creates an incentive for game players at gaming devices 10A-D to continue playing for longer periods of time.

In an embodiment, the time period between the awarding of the first bonus prize and the second bonus prize may be variable or may be fixed. The time period between awarding the first and second bonus prize may be increased in order to keep game players playing gaming devices 10A-D for longer periods of time.

In another embodiment, the game player at the first gaming device, after the first gaming device has been selected to award a bonus prize may be allowed to select the second gaming device to award the second bonus prize. For example, if gaming device 10A qualifies for a bonus game, the player at gaming device 10A may be allowed to select one of the other gaming devices 10B-D to play a second bonus game. Regulatory concerns in various gaming jurisdictions may limit the selection of the second bonus game that the game player is allowed to make.

The game players at gaming devices 10A-D may be allowed to communicate with each other. For example, a phone may be placed on each gaming device in network 120 that allows communication with other gaming devices in network 120. When the first bonus game is indicated by light arrays 122-126, players at the other gaming devices may communicate to the player who has qualified for the bonus game that they desire to be selected to play the second bonus game in network 120.

It is also possible to replace the primary display of a gaming device 10 with bonus game apparatus 30. Game apparatus 20 may be entirely replaced by bonus game apparatus 30. In other words bonus game apparatus 30 can be used as a primary or base game apparatus.

Game Play Flow Chart

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 5, a flowchart of a method of game play 200 using gaming devices 10A-D and network 120 is shown. At step 202, a player may initiate game play method 200 by placing a wager on gaming devices 10A-D. Assume for this example, that gaming device 10A is used. The wager may be in 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, the player may play a base or primary game on the game apparatus 20A at step 204.

At decision step 206, the controller checks for the occurrence of a bonus qualifying event. If the controller does not detect a bonus qualifying event, method 200 proceeds to step 208 where the player is notified of the game outcome from the base game. Method 200 then returns to step 202 where the player may place another wager to continue playing a game on the base game apparatus 20A.

If the controller detects a bonus qualifying event at decision step 206, method 200 proceeds to steps 220 and 210. At step 210, the first bonus game apparatus 30A is activated. This may include activation of light arrays 122 and 123. At step 212, the game player can play first bonus game apparatus 30A. First bonus game apparatus 30A may randomly determine a first bonus game outcome and display a first bonus prize at step 212. The first bonus prize can be awarded in step 214.

At step 220, method 200 selects a second bonus gaming apparatus to award a second bonus prize. Server 160 (FIG. 4) can select one of the other bonus game apparatuses 30B, 30C or 30D to award a second bonus prize. Step 220 may occur at a slightly later time than step 210 or step 210 may occur after step 214 has been completed.

Assume that server 160 (FIG. 4) selects bonus game apparatus 30D to award a second bonus prize. Light arrays 125 and 126 are activated at step 222 to indicate that bonus game apparatus 30D will award a second bonus prize. At step 224, bonus game apparatus 30D is activated. At step 226 the game player can play second bonus game apparatus 30D. Second bonus game apparatus 30D may randomly determine a second bonus game outcome and display a second bonus prize at step 226. The second bonus prize can be awarded in step 228.

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 Alternative Embodiment

With reference now to FIG. 6, another group, bank or network 300 of gaming devices 10 is shown. Network 300 is similar to bank network 120 except that the light arrays between gaming devices 10A-D have been replaced with individual bonus indicator lights 310, 312, 314, and 316 on each of bonus game apparatuses 30A-D, respectively.

Bonus game apparatus 30A can have a bonus indicator light 310. Bonus game apparatus 30B may have a bonus indicator light 312. Bonus game apparatus 30C can have a bonus indicator light 314. Bonus game apparatus 30D may have a bonus indicator light 316.

When one of bonus game apparatuses 30A-30D qualifies for a bonus game, bonus indicator lights 310, 312, 314 and 316 may begin to flash. The lights may flash in a sequential or random manner. One of the bonus indicator lights 310, 312, 314 or 316 may then remain lit indicating the bonus game apparatus that is to award a bonus prize. The bonus game with the illuminated bonus indicator light may then start a bonus game sequence. The bank of gaming devices 10 in network 300 can be played using the same method 200 previously described in FIG. 5.

Second Alternative Embodiment

With reference now to FIG. 7, another group, bank or network 400 of gaming devices 10 is shown. Network 400 is similar to network 120 except that the light arrays between gaming devices 10A-D have been replaced with individual bonus indicator displays 410, 412, 414, and 416 in each of bonus game apparatuses 30A-D, respectively.

Bonus game apparatus 30A can have a bonus indicator display 410. Bonus game apparatus 30B may have a bonus indicator display 412. Bonus game apparatus 30C can have a bonus indicator display 414. Bonus game apparatus 30D may have a bonus indicator display 416. Bonus indicator displays 410, 412, 414, and 416 can be any suitable display including video and LCD type displays.

When one of bonus game apparatuses 30A-30D qualifies for a bonus game, displays 410, 412, 414, and 416 may show a video presentation that indicates that one or more of bonus game apparatuses 30A-D will award a bonus prize. The video presentation maybe entertaining and may indicate the possible prizes to be won in the video game. Displays 410, 412, 414, and 416 will indicate the bonus game apparatuses 30 that are to award a bonus prize and can also indicate the bonus game apparatuses 30 that are not to award a bonus prize. The indicated bonus game may then start a bonus game sequence. The bank of gaming devices in network 400 can be played using the same method 200 previously described in FIG. 5.

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 gaming apparatus comprising:

(A) a first and second gaming device;

(B) a controller in communication with the gaming devices, the controller being configured to: (a) receive a wager on the first gaming device; (b) play a base game on the first gaming device; (c) determine if a bonus qualifying event has occurred on the first gaming device; (d) play a first bonus game on the first gaming device, if the bonus qualifying event has occurred on the first gaming device; (e) award a first bonus prize; (f) transmit a signal to the second gaming device that the second gaming device has qualified for a second bonus game; (g) indicate that the second gaming device has qualified for the second bonus game; (h) play the second bonus game on the second gaming device; and (i) award a second bonus prize.

2. The gaming apparatus of claim 1, wherein an array of lights are mounted between the gaming devices.

3. The gaming apparatus of claim 2, wherein lighting of the array of lights adjacent the second gaming device indicates that the second gaming device has qualified for the second bonus game.

4. The gaming apparatus of claim 1 wherein lighting of a light on the second gaming device indicates that the second gaming device has qualified for the second bonus game.

5. The gaming apparatus of claim 1, wherein a display is located on the second gaming device, the display indicating that the second gaming device has qualified for the second bonus game.

6. The gaming apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of gaming devices connected in a network.

7. The gaming apparatus of claim 6, wherein the plurality of gaming devices are in communication through a server.

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

(A) receiving a wager on a first gaming device;

(B) playing a base game on the first gaming device;

(C) determining if a bonus qualifying event has occurred on the first gaming device;

(D) activating a first bonus game, if the bonus qualifying event has occurred on the first gaming device;

(E) playing the first bonus game;

(F) awarding a first bonus prize;

(G) transmitting a signal to a second gaming device that the second gaming device has qualified for a second bonus game;

(H) indicating that the second gaming device has qualified for the second bonus game;

(I) playing the second bonus game; and

(J) awarding a second bonus prize.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising illuminating an array of lights mounted between the gaming devices to indicate the second bonus game.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising illuminating a light mounted on the second gaming device to indicate the second bonus game.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein a display indicates that the second gaming device has qualified for the second bonus game.

12. A gaming apparatus comprising:

(A) a plurality of gaming device means for allowing a player to play a game, the gaming device means including primary game means for allowing a player to play a primary game and bonus game means for allowing a player to play a bonus game;

(B) communication means for allowing the plurality of gaming device means to communicate with each other;

(C) selection means for selecting a first and second gaming device means to each award a bonus prize; and

(D) indicating means for indicating that at least the second gaming device means is to award the bonus prize.

13. The gaming apparatus of claim 12, wherein the indicating means first indicates the first gaming device means as awarding a first bonus prize and then indicates the second gaming device means as awarding a second bonus prize.

14. The gaming apparatus of claim 12, wherein the indicating means is an array of lights that are mounted between the gaming device means.

15. The gaming apparatus of claim 14, wherein lighting of the array of lights adjacent the second gaming device means indicates that the second gaming device means has qualified for a second bonus game.

16. The gaming apparatus of claim 12, wherein the indicating means is a light mounted on the second gaming device means.

17. The gaming apparatus of claim 12, wherein the indicating means is a display located on the second gaming device means.

18. The gaming apparatus of claim 12, wherein the communication means is a server.

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

(A) receiving a wager on a first gaming device;

(B) playing a base game on the first gaming device;

(C) determining if a bonus qualifying event has occurred on the first gaming device;

(D) illuminating a first light to indicate that the first gaming device has qualified to play a first bonus game;

(E) playing the first bonus game;

(F) awarding a first bonus prize;

(G) transmitting a signal to a second gaming device that the second gaming device has qualified for a second bonus game;

(H) illuminating a second light to indicate that the second gaming device has qualified to play the second bonus game;

(I) playing the second bonus game; and

(J) awarding a second bonus prize.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein a server selects the second gaming device.

21. The method of claim 20 further comprising: allowing a game player to select the second gaming device.