AU2015201706A1 - A gaming system and a method of gaming - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of awarding a jackpot prize to a gaming device which contributes a percentage of turn-over to a jackpot prize pool 5 comprises setting an accumulated turn-over trigger value for the gaming device, the accumulated turn-over trigger value set based on a jackpot prize pool trigger value which is, at least in part, randomly selected. Responsive to determining that the accumulated turn-over trigger value has been reached, the method 10 further comprises awarding a prize to the gaming device. -D_0 (iT) Mr

Description

- 1 A GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF GAMING Related Application 5 This application is a divisional application of Australian application no. 2012202378, which, in turn, is a divisional application of Australian application no. 2009208114, the disclosure of both of which is incorporated herein by reference. Most of the disclosure of these applications is also included 10 herein, however, reference may be made to the specifications of applications nos. 2012202378 and 2009208114 as filed to gain further understanding of the invention claimed herein. Field of the Invention 15 The present invention relates to a gaming system, a controller, and method for awarding prizes. Background of the Invention 20 Many venues employ controllers for awarding prizes to one or more of a plurality of gaming devices participating in a linked event. For example, in a linked event where jackpot prizes are awarded, a portion of turn-over on each gaming device will 25 typically be forwarded to a jackpot controller as a contribution. That is, part of each wager goes towards the jackpot. The technique can be extended to a so called wide area jackpot where gaming devices from a number of different venues contribute to a single jackpot pool. 30 One common way of awarding a jackpot is a so called mystery jackpot where a trigger value, generally in a prize range, is randomly selected and stored by the jackpot controller. The jackpot controller determines to award the jackpot prize when 35 the contributions cause the value of the jackpot pool to reach the trigger value.

- 2 While such techniques provide an opportunity for players to win large jackpot prizes, the need exists for alternative gaming systems in order to maintain or increase player enjoyment. 5 Summary of the Invention In a first aspect there is provided a prize triggering method deployed in a linked gaming system having a plurality of gaming 10 devices, the method comprising: generating within a gaming device a random prize trigger, the random prize trigger falling within a range that is determined based on an average return of the individual gaming device over a period of time, the random prize trigger being 15 independent of a game outcome of the gaming machine; configuring a common prize pool to receive contributions from the plurality of gaming devices; and in response to determining that the individual gaming device triggered the random prize trigger, determining a prize 20 amount for the individual gaming device that is proportional to the amount contributed to the common prize pool by the individual gaming device, and awarding the prize amount from the common prize pool. 25 In the context of the specification, the term "independent of a game outcome" is to be understood to include within its scope any outcome not directly tied to an outcome of a game implemented by the gaming machine. For example, triggers independent of game outcomes may include accumulated turn over 30 (also referred to as "coin in"), amount wagered in a particular time period, etc. Further, for the purposes of this specification, the term "prize pool" is to be understood as a pool of monies made up, at least 35 in part, of contributions from individual gaming devices eligible to be awarded prizes from the prize pool.

- 3 In an embodiment the prize trigger is a set accumulated turn over value for the gaming machine. 5 In an embodiment the gaming machine contributes a percentage of turn-over to the prize pool. In an embodiment the accumulated turn-over value is set based on both a prize pool trigger value which is, at least in part, 10 randomly determined; and the percentage contribution towards the prize pool. In an embodiment the prize pool trigger value falls within a range based on a required return to player (RTP) for the gaming 15 machine. In an embodiment at least one of the range and current prize pool value is advertised to a player of the gaming machine. 20 In an embodiment the prize value is proportional to a value of the prize pool, upon triggering of the prize. In an embodiment the prize controller determines the proportion. Data indicative of the proportion may be communicated as second 25 data to the gaming machine to allow the prize to be awarded. In an embodiment the proportion is dependent on at least one of a number of gaming machines contributing toward the prize pool, current wager amount, current prize pool value, and total 30 contributions made by the gaming machine toward the prize pool. In an embodiment, upon reaching the set accumulated turn-over value the gaming machine communicates with a prize controller which maintains the prize pool to determine the prize amount. 35 In an embodiment the step of awarding the prize further comprises initiating a feature game, a maximum prize awardable in the feature game having a maximum prize value corresponding to a total value of the prize value represented by the second 5 data. In accordance with a second aspect the present invention provides a method of awarding a jackpot prize to a gaming device deployed in a linked gaming system having a plurality of gaming 10 devices, and wherein each said gaming device contributes a percentage of turn-over to a jackpot prize pool, the method comprising the steps of: selecting a random jackpot prize pool trigger at an individual gaming device, the random prize pool trigger falling 15 within a range that is determined based on an average return of the individual gaming device over a period of time, the random jackpot prize pool trigger being independent of a game outcome of the individual gaming device; setting an accumulated turn-over trigger value for the 20 gaming device based on the jackpot prize pool trigger; configuring the jackpot prize pool to receive contributions from the plurality of gaming devices; and in response to determining that the accumulated turn-over trigger has been reached, determining a prize amount for the 25 individual gaming device that is proportionate to the amount contributed to the jackpot prize pool by the individual gaming device; and awarding the prize amount to the individual gaming device. 30 In an embodiment the accumulated turn-over trigger value is additionally dependent on the percentage of turn-over contributed to the jackpot prize pool. In an embodiment the prize is jackpot prize having a value which 35 is proportional to the prize pool value.

- 5 In accordance with a third aspect the present invention provides a game controller for a gaming device deployed in a linked gaming system having a plurality of gaming devices, the game controller comprising: 5 a prize poll controller configured to set a prize trigger for the gaming device to fall within a range that is determined based on an average return of the individual gaming device over a period of time, the prize trigger being independent of a game outcome of the individual gaming device, to configure a common 10 prize pool to receive contributions from the plurality of gaming devices, and a prize amount for the individual gaming device that is proportionate to the amount contributed to the common prize pool by the individual gaming device; a trigger determiner configured to determine an 15 occurrence of a random prize trigger; and an award module configured to instruct a prize amount to be awarded to the individual gaming machine responsive to determining that the random prize trigger has occurred. 20 In an embodiment the prize trigger is a set accumulated turn over value for the gaming machine. In an embodiment the gaming machine contributes a percentage of turn-over to the prize pool. 25 In an embodiment the accumulated turn-over value is set based on both a prize pool trigger value which is, at least in part, randomly determined and the percentage contribution towards the prize pool. 30 In an embodiment the game controller further comprises a random number generator arranged to randomly select the prize pool trigger value such that the trigger value falls within a range based on a required return to player (RTP) for the gaming 35 machine.

- 6 In an embodiment the game controller further comprises a display module arranged to display on a display screen, associated with the gaming machine, at least one of the range and current prize pool value. 5 In an embodiment the game controller includes a communications module arranged to send the first data and receive the second data via the data network. 10 In accordance with a fourth aspect the present invention provides a prize controller arranged to communicate with one or more game controllers in accordance with the third aspect, the controller comprising an award module arranged to determine a prize value upon receiving first data representing occurrence of 15 a prize triggering event from one of the game controllers and communicate second data representing the prize value to the corresponding game controller. In accordance with a fifth aspect the present invention provides 20 a gaming network comprising: at least one gaming machine implementing a game controller in accordance with the third aspect; and a prize controller in accordance with the fourth aspect. 25 In an embodiment the prize controller is arranged to maintain a prize pool. In an embodiment the controller implements a separate prize pool for each of the least one gaming machines. 30 In accordance with a sixth aspect, the present invention provides computer program code which when executed by a processor implements the above methods.

In accordance with a seventh aspect, the present invention provides a tangible computer readable medium providing a computer program in accordance with the fourth aspect. 5 In accordance with a eighth aspect there is provided a data signal comprising the program code of the fourth aspect. Brief Description of the Drawings 10 Features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments thereof, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 15 Figure 1 is a block diagram of a gaming system; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a gaming device in the form of a stand alone gaming machine; 20 Figure 3 is a block diagram of the functional components of the gaming machine of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a block diagram representing the structure of a 25 memory; Figure 5a is a block diagram of a prize controller implemented by the gaming machine; 30 Figure 5b is a block diagram of a prize pool controller implemented by a prize server; and Figure 6 is a flow diagram of an embodiment. 35 -8 Detailed Description In an embodiment a gaming system is provided which comprises a game device comprising a controller. The controller is operable 5 to generate a random prize trigger for the gaming device which is independent of a game outcome of the gaming device. Responsive to determining that the prize trigger has occurred, the controller instructs the awarding of a prize from a prize pool. 10 General System Configuration In the gaming system configuration 100, a jackpot controller 110 15 is in data communication with a plurality of gaming devices 120 over a network 130. The gaming devices 120 are arranged in three banks 103 of two gaming machines 120. A person skilled in the art will also appreciate that other configurations may be viable. 20 Gaming Devices Herein, the term gaming device is used to refer to any device used by a player to a play a game and specifically includes 25 stand alone gaming machines and interactive video terminals which implement games in a client/server architecture. A gaming device in the form of a stand alone gaming machine 10 is illustrated in Figure 2. The gaming machine 10 includes a 30 console 12 having a display 14 on which is displayed representations of a game 16 that can be played by a player. A mid-trim 20 of the gaming machine 10 houses a bank of buttons 22 for enabling a player to interact with the gaming machine, in particular during game play. The mid-trim 20 also houses a 35 credit input mechanism 24 which in this example includes a coin input chute 24A and a bill collector 24B. Other credit input - 9 mechanisms may also be employed, for example, a card reader for reading a smart card, debit card or credit card. A player marketing module comprising a reading device may also be provided for the purpose of reading a player tracking device, 5 for example as part of a loyalty program. The player tracking device may be in the form of a card, flash drive or any other portable storage medium capable of being read by the reading device. 10 A top box 26 may carry artwork 28, including for example pay tables and details of bonus awards and other information or images relating to the game. Further artwork and/or information may be provided on a front panel 29 of the console 12. A coin tray 30 is mounted beneath the front panel 29 for dispensing 15 cash payouts from the gaming machine 10. The display 14 shown in Figure 2 is in the form of a video display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, the display 14 may be a liquid crystal display, 20 plasma screen, any other suitable video display unit, or the visible portion of an electromechanical device. The top box 26 may also include a display, for example a video display unit, which may be of the same type as the display 14, or of a different type. 25 Figure 3 shows a block diagram of operative components of a typical gaming machine 300 which may be the same as or different to the gaming machine of Figure 2. 30 The gaming machine 300 includes a game controller 301 having a processor 302. Instructions and data to control operation of the processor 302 are stored in a memory 303, which is in data communication with the processor 302. Typically, the gaming machine 300 will include both volatile and non-volatile memory 35 and more than one of each type of memory, with such memories being collectively represented by the memory 303.

- 10 The gaming machine has hardware meters 304 for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring player credit, an input/output (I/O) interface 305 for communicating 5 with peripheral devices of the gaming machine 300. The input/output interface 305 and/or the peripheral devices may be intelligent devices with their own memory for storing associated instructions and data for use with the input/output interface or the peripheral devices. A random number generator module 313 10 generates random numbers for use by the processor 302. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the reference to random numbers includes pseudo-random numbers. In the example shown in Figure 3, a player interface 320 15 includes peripheral devices that communicate with the game controller 301 comprise one or more displays 306, buttons and/or a touch screen 307, a card and/or ticket reader 308, a printer 309, a bill acceptor and/or coin input mechanism 310 and a coin output mechanism 311. Additional hardware may be included as 20 part of the gaming machine 300, or hardware may be omitted as required for the specific implementation. In addition, the gaming machine 300 may include a communications interface, for example a network card 312. The network card 25 may, for example, send status information, accounting information or other information to a central controller, server or database and receive data or commands from the central controller, server or database. 30 Figure 4 shows a block diagram of the main components of an exemplary memory 303. The memory 303 includes RAM 303A, EPROM 303B and a mass storage device 303C. The RAM 303A typically temporarily holds program files for execution by the processor 302 and related data. The EPROM 303B may be a boot ROM device 35 and/or may contain some system or game related code. The mass storage device 303C is typically used to store game programs, - 11 the integrity of which may be verified and/or authenticated by the processor 302 using protected code from the EPROM 303B or elsewhere. 5 It is also possible for the operative components of the gaming machine 300 to be distributed, for example input/output devices 306,307,308,309,310,311 to be provided remotely from the game controller 301. 10 A gaming device as indicated above may also take the form of a client/server architecture where a portion of the game is executed on the client and a portion of the game is executed on the server. In such embodiments, the client typically takes the form of an interactive video terminal which has a similar 15 outward appearance to the gaming machine described above. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the type of gaming device that is employed is not important to the present invention. 20 Further Detail of the Controller The following embodiment is described in the context of a linked system 100A whereby a plurality of gaming devices contribute to individual prize pools from which the associated prizes are 25 drawn. The gaming devices communicate with a prize server implementing a prize pool controller (which manages each of the individual prize pools), over a network such as the network 130 previously described with reference to Figure 1. Prizes are awarded from the prize pool responsive to a gaming device 30 detecting an internal randomly generated prize trigger, which is independent of a game outcome. It will be appreciated that in embodiments the individual gaming devices may contribute to a common jackpot prize pool and the individual prizes determined separately for each gaming device based on a prize determination 35 criteria such as, for example, the amount which the particular gaming devices has contributed towards the prize pool.

- 12 To carry out aforementioned functionality, each of the gaming devices (hereafter gaming machines) employ a prize controller 131, as shown in Figure 5a. In the example embodiment, the 5 prize controller 131 is incorporated into the game controller 301. For simplicity, only those modules needed to carry out embodiments of the invention are illustrated in Figure 5a. The prize controller 131 includes a processor 520 which is 10 arranged to carry out functions associated with generating the prize trigger and determining when the prize trigger has occurred. It will be apparent that the processor 520 implements a number of modules, namely a random number generator 521, trigger value determination module 522 and award module 524, 15 based on program code stored in memory 540. In the presently described embodiment, the trigger is associated with an accumulated turn-over value for the gaming device which is set based on both a randomly determined prize pool trigger 20 value and the percentage contribution towards the prize pool. With the aid of the random number generator 521, the prize controller randomly selects the prize pool trigger value such that the trigger value falls within a range based on a required return to player (RTP) for the gaming device (i.e. as specified 25 in memory 540), as will be described in more detail in subsequent paragraphs with reference to Figure 6. It will be appreciated that by utilising the gaming machine prize controller 131 to make the random determinations (in contrast to conventional systems whereby all jackpot prize triggers are 30 randomly determined by the jackpot controller), the jackpot controller can be classified as "associated gaming equipment" which is not subject to the same level of regulatory approval. This is advantageous since it means that the jackpot controller can be manufactured for a reduced cost and implemented in a 35 faster time frame than conventional systems, due to the less stringent regulatory constraints.

- 13 The prize pool range and current prize pool value may be advertised to players of the gaming device. The accumulated turn-over trigger value is stored as trigger parameter data in 5 memory 540. In this embodiment the value remains set until the associated prize has been awarded, at which time the determination module 522 randomly generates a new accumulated turn-over trigger value. 10 Upon completion of each game, the determination module 522 inspects the relevant machine parameter (in this example, accumulated turn over) to determine whether the accumulated turn-over trigger value has been reached. If a positive determination is made, the determination module 522 requests a 15 payout value from a prize server 110, as will be described in more detail below, before awarding the associated prize. As previously discussed, prizes are awarded from a prize pool. As individual games are played on the gaming machines 120, data 20 indicative of the contributions made by each machine in those games is sent over the network 130 to a prize pool controller 134, implemented by the prize server 110. A schematic of the pool controller 134 is shown in Figure 5b. The pool controller 134 operates in much the same manner as a conventional jackpot 25 controller in so far as maintaining the prize pool is concerned irrespective of whether individual prize pools are being maintained or whether a single pool for all participating gaming machines. That is, the pool controller 134 processes each machine contribution utilising a contribution processor 138 and 30 updates prize pool data 140, stored in memory 142, by an amount corresponding to the contribution. Similarly, when prizes are awarded from the prize pool, the prize pool data 140 is adjusted to reflect the payout value. In other words, the prize pool data 140 reflects the total prize pool value at any given time. 35 - 14 In an embodiment the prize pool controller 134 additionally maintains rule data 144 (also stored in memory 142) which specifies how the prize pool is to be divided up, if at all, for each awarded prize. The rules may vary for different machines 5 and also for different time periods. For example, the rules may be set up to award larger prizes during special time periods. In another embodiment, the value of the prize may depend on the number of machines contributing towards the pool (i.e. where a common prize pool is being maintained), the current wager amount 10 of the machine which is to be awarded the prize, the total contributions made by that machine toward the prize pool, etc. Any number of different rules are envisaged, depending only on the desired implementation. Alternatively, in a simplified embodiment, the prize value may simply correspond to the value 15 of the prize pool. Upon receipt of a payout value request from a gaming machine 120, the prize pool controller 134 inspects the prize pool data 140 and rule data 144 to determine a payout value. For example, 20 if the current prize pool value is $1,000 and the rule data specifies that 50% of the pool is to be awarded to that particular machine (e.g. which is determined based on the contributions made by the machine toward the prize pool), the payout value will be $500. Data representative of the payout 25 value is then sent back to the gaming machine which issued the request, over the network 130. The award module 524 implemented by that gaming machine processes the data representative of the payout value and awards the player with a corresponding prize. 30 An example methodology 600 is summarised in Figure 6. At step 602, a prize trigger value for a gaming device/machine is randomly determined by the controller 131. The prize trigger is independent of a game outcome of the gaming device. In this case, the prize trigger is based on "coin in" (i.e. the amount 35 wagered on the gaming device) and the prize pool trigger value set to fall between the lower limit of $1000 and the upper limit - 15 of $2000. With the aid of the random number generator, a randomly generated prize pool trigger value is set at $1,567.28. Based on a gaming device contribution of 1.5%, the trigger value for the gaming device is $14485.33. Game play is then carried 5 out as per steps 604 through 606 such that at the conclusion of each game the trigger value determination module 522 determines whether the coin in value has exceeded the trigger value (step 610). 10 Responsive to determining that the prize trigger has occurred, at step 612, a prize from a prize pool is awarded to the gaming device utilising the award module 526. Otherwise, play continues as normal (step 614). 15 Although in the above embodiments a monetary prize was awarded to the gaming machines, it will be understood that other forms of prizes may be awarded. For example, in an embodiment, upon determining that the trigger has occurred, the gaming machine may initiate play of a feature game. Various levels of prizes 20 may be awarded in the feature game. For example, the feature game may have a major prize value corresponding, for example, to the total prize pool value. Secondary prizes of lesser value may be awarded for various other game outcomes. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that value of the secondary prize can 25 vary depending on the actual implementation. For example, in some implementations, the secondary prize value will vary as a function of time or as a function of the value of the prize pool. 30 It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all 35 respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

- 16 It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. 5 In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is 10 used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims (21)

1. A prize triggering method deployed in a linked gaming system having a plurality of gaming devices, the method 5 comprising: generating within a gaming device a random prize trigger, the random prize trigger falling within a range that is determined based on an average return of the individual gaming device over a period of time, the random prize trigger being 10 independent of a game outcome of the gaming machine; configuring a common prize pool to receive contributions from the plurality of gaming devices; and in response to determining that the individual gaming device triggered the random prize trigger, determining a prize 15 amount for the individual gaming device that is proportional to the amount contributed to the common prize pool by the individual gaming device, and awarding the prize amount from the common prize pool. 20

2. A prize triggering method in accordance with claim 1, wherein the prize trigger is a set accumulated turn-over value for the gaming device.

3. A prize triggering method in accordance with claim 2, 25 wherein the gaming device contributes a percentage of turn-over to the common prize pool.

4. A prize triggering method in accordance with claim 3, wherein the accumulated turn-over value is set based on both a 30 prize pool trigger value which is, at least in part, randomly determined, and the percentage contribution towards the common prize pool.

5. A prize triggering method in accordance with claim 1, 35 wherein at least one of the range and current prize pool value is advertised to a player of the gaming device. - 18

6. A prize triggering method in accordance with claim 1, further comprising determining via a prize pool controller separate of the gaming device the proportion and communicating 5 data indicative of the proportion to the gaming device to allow the prize to be awarded.

7. A prize triggering method in accordance with claim 6, and further comprising determining the proportion based on at least 10 one or 1) the number of gaming devices contributing toward the common prize pool, 2) current wager amount of the gaming device, 3) current prize pool value, and 4) total contributions made by the gaming device towards the common prize pool. 15

8. A prize triggering method in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising communicating, upon reaching the set accumulated turn-over value, with a prize pool controller which maintains the common prize pool, and determining with the prize pool controller the prize amount. 20

9. A prize triggering method in accordance with claim 8, wherein the prize pool controller is separate to the gaming device.

10. A prize triggering method in accordance with any one of 25 the preceding claims, wherein the step of awarding the prize further comprises initiating a feature game, and wherein a maximum prize awardable in the feature game has a value corresponding to a total value of the common prize pool. 30

11. A method of awarding a jackpot prize to a gaming device deployed in a linked gaming system having a plurality of gaming devices, and wherein each said gaming device contributes a percentage of turn-over to a jackpot prize pool, the method comprising the steps of: 35 selecting a random jackpot prize pool trigger at an individual gaming device, the random prize pool trigger falling - 19 within a range that is determined based on an average return of the individual gaming device over a period of time, the random jackpot prize pool trigger being independent of a game outcome of the individual gaming device; 5 setting an accumulated turn-over trigger value for the gaming device based on the jackpot prize pool trigger; configuring the jackpot prize pool to receive contributions from the plurality of gaming devices; and 10 in response to determining that the accumulated turn-over trigger has been reached, determining a prize amount for the individual gaming device that is proportionate to the amount contributed to the jackpot prize pool by the individual gaming device; and 15 awarding the prize amount to the individual gaming device.

12. A method of awarding a jackpot prize in accordance with claim 11, further comprising additionally basing the accumulated turn-over trigger value on the percentage of turn-over 20 contributed to the jackpot prize pool.

13. A method of awarding a jackpot prize in accordance with any one of claims 11 to 12, further comprising awarding a feature game as the prize and having a maximum prize value which 25 corresponds to the jackpot prize pool value.

14. A game controller for a gaming device deployed in a linked gaming system having a plurality of gaming devices, the game controller comprising: 30 a prize poll controller configured to set a prize trigger for the gaming device to fall within a range that is determined based on an average return of the individual gaming device over a period of time, the prize trigger being independent of a game outcome of the individual gaming device, to configure a common 35 prize pool to receive contributions from the plurality of gaming devices, and a prize amount for the individual gaming device - 20 that is proportionate to the amount contributed to the common prize pool by the individual gaming device; a trigger determiner configured to determine an occurrence of a random prize trigger; and 5 an award module configured to instruct a prize amount to be awarded to the individual gaming machine responsive to determining that the random prize trigger has occurred.

15. A game controller in accordance with claim 14, wherein the 10 gaming device is configured to contributes a percentage of turn over to the common prize pool.

16. A game controller in accordance with claim 15, wherein the accumulated turn-over value is set based on both a randomly 15 determined prize pool trigger and the percentage contribution towards the common prize pool.

17. A game controller in accordance with claim 14, further comprising a display module arranged to display on a display 20 screen, associated with the individual gaming device, at least one of the range and current common prize pool value.

18. A game controller in accordance with any one of claims 14 to 17, and further comprising a communications module configured 25 to request a payout prize value from the prize pool controller responsive to the trigger being detected.

19. A game controller in accordance with any one of claims 14 to 18, and wherein the award module is further configured to 30 determine a prize value upon receiving a trigger signal from one of the gaming devices and to communicate the prize value to the corresponding game device.

20. Computer program code which when executed by a processor 35 implements the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

- 21 21. A tangible computer readable medium comprising the program code of claim 20.