WO2007112488A1

WO2007112488A1 - Progressive blackjack jackpot game

Info

Publication number: WO2007112488A1
Application number: PCT/AU2007/000413
Authority: WO
Inventors: Terry O'halloran
Original assignee: Stargames Corp Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Stargames Corp Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2006-04-06
Filing date: 2007-04-02
Publication date: 2007-10-11
Anticipated expiration: 2008-10-06

Abstract

A method is provided for operating a blackjack game. Means are provided for a player to make an initial wager in order to participate in a standard game. Further means are provided for the player to make a further wager on a jackpot feature. After the cards are dealt, the appearance of a selected card combination is determined. If such a combination appears and the player wagered on this feature then a corresponding progressive jackpot is paid to the player. The result of the standard game is determined as normal.

Description

PROGRESSIVE BLACKJACK JACKPOT GAME

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to gaming and in particular to electronic gaming machines. The invention has been developed primarily for use with a gaming machine implementing a Blackjack game and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use and may be applied to other games such as poker and the like. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge. The game of Blackjack has been a stalwart in Casinos throughout the world for generations. In general terms, the dealer plays against one or more players, typically up to 7. The players attempt to score a higher total than the dealer, without breaking a total of twenty one. Many variations and special rules apply in particular situations, with variations including Pontoon. The casino game is bound by certain rules that the player and dealer must adhere to. In particular, the dealer has no discretion as to whether to draw additional cards or stand. Depending upon the total of their hand at a given point in time, they must do one or the other based on certain rules. While the mathematics of the game works to the favour of the house in the long run, the strategy adopted by the player can influence the long term result. The specific game play in blackjack, and the need for interplay between the dealer and players, make it relatively difficult to modify the game so as to add interest for players without unduly complicating game play.

It is an object of the preferred embodiment of the present invention to provide additional play features for an electronic blackjack game. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiment of the present invention broadly provides an electronic blackjack game, in which a progressive jackpot is offered to players in addition to the regular game play. The jackpot is triggered in the course of the regular game, preferably by a particular card combination being drawn by a player, the occurrence of this combination triggering a secondary game. In a preferred form, the secondary game may result in the jackpot being won, and/or an alternative bonus prize being awarded. According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a method of playing a game of blackjack having a progressive jackpot blackjack component comprising: at least one player placing at least one wager on the game of blackjack; apportioning at least a portion of the at least one wager towards the progressive jackpot; providing the at least one player with two initial cards with which to play the game of blackjack; determining if the two initial cards of the at least one player meet a predetermined jackpot triggering condition; if the initial cards of the at least one player meet the predetermined jackpot triggering condition, then the at least one player enters a jackpot bonus event comprising: a) the at least one player receiving at least one random symbol that determines an outcome for the jackpot; and b) indicating to the at least one player the determined jackpot outcome; and, continuing play of the blackjack game for the at least one player.

Preferably, the game is played on an electronic video platform with cards and symbols displayed on video screens.

Preferably, the at least one random symbol comprises a playing card taken from a deck or decks of cards used in the blackjack game.

In some embodiments the at least one random symbol comprises a playing card taken from a deck or decks of cards that is not used in the blackjack game. In some embodiments the at least one random symbol comprises a symbol that is not taken from a standard deck or decks of cards, but which contains at least one non-standard deck playing card.

Preferably, a random number generator program or hardware in a processor is used to select the random symbol. More preferably, different jackpot events are determined by different random symbols provided to the at least one player. Preferably, the different jackpot amounts consist of at least two different awards selected from the group consisting of an entire progressive jackpot amount, a percentage of the entire jackpot amount, and a fixed sum certain jackpot amount.

Preferably, at least one available jackpot outcome is a multiplier applied to the at least one wager.

According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of operating an electronic blackjack game, including at least the steps of: providing means for a player to make an initial wager to participate in a standard game; dealing the cards according to conventional blackjack procedures; determining if a selected or predetermined card combination has been dealt to a player, and if so commencing a secondary game; determining the result of the secondary game; and determining the result of the standard game.

Preferably, the selected card combination is a blackjack hand in a specific suit. More preferably, more than level of jackpot is available, and the level won is determined by different specific combinations. Preferably also, one or more cards are specially marked, and the level of jackpot won is at least partly dependant on presence or absence of the specially marked cards in the combination.

Preferably, the secondary game includes a chance to win all or part of a progressive jackpot, the jackpot being accumulated from a part of the wagers placed. More preferably, the secondary game further includes an chance to a bonus prize, proportional to the wager, in the event that the jackpot is not won. Preferably also, more than one game contributes to a common progressive jackpot.

According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a method of operating a secondary game in an electronic blackjack game, including at least the steps of: providing means for a player to make an initial wager to participate in a standard game; dealing the cards to conventional blackjack procedures; determining if a trigger event has occurred for each player, and if such a trigger event has occurred, commencing a secondary game; playing said secondary game, wherein the player has a chance to win a jackpot, the chance of winning the jackpot being proportional to their initial wager, and further providing a chance to win a bonus prize, the value of which is proportional to their wager; determining the result of the secondary game; and determining the result of the standard game.

A method according to claim 9, wherein the secondary game includes a chance to win all or part of a progressive jackpot, the jackpot being accumulated from a part of the wagers placed on one or more games.

Preferably, the trigger event is based on a random selection. Preferably also, the random selection is within predefined parameters. More preferably, the trigger event is one or more selected combinations of cards. Preferably also, more than one game contributes to a common progressive jackpot.

In a preferred form, the player plays the standard blackjack game, and in the event that the selected or predetermined combination is dealt, the secondary game commences. Preferably, the jackpot amount won is a progressive jackpot and not a fixed value. In a preferred form, if the player does not win the jackpot in the secondary game, the player is awarded a smaller bonus prize.

The preferred embodiment of the invention encompasses the jackpot feature being determined by a processor (including by casino input into the processor) before, during or after the standard game. This will in part be influenced by the selected jackpot trigger. However, in the preferred form, the jackpot is based on the first two cards dealt, and the secondary game is played at that time, before further cards are dealt to players.

The combination required to win the jackpot is preferably a specified card combination that is identified by suit and card value. Preferably, the size of jackpot available is determined by a percentage contribution from bets laid, which are accumulated across one or more tables to provide a jackpot pool from a portion of the wagers.

In the preferred form, the secondary game outcomes are arranged so that the bonus prize and jackpot together ensure an expected win for each player which is mathematically proportional to their wager, while allowing for a relatively large progressive jackpot value which is available to all players regardless of their wager. Moreover, the jackpot is available to all players without a special wager being required, so that to the extent the returns on other wagers are reduced to provide for the jackpot, all players are both fairly affected by the rule changes, and stand to benefit from the jackpot proportional to their wager.

The trigger event may be a selected card combination, or may be a random trigger based on wagers, time or the like. Regardless of the trigger, the secondary game operates to provide an expected return to the player proportional to their wager. The term combination is intended to encompass a variety of predetermined possibilities, beyond a specific card combination such as "king and ace of clubs," consistent with the rules in any given implementation. The combination may be the presence of these cards within the player's hand, either including other cards or not. It may be the presence of one specific card (e.g. a special jackpot trigger card) in a blackjack hand. It may require the presence of specially marked cards, or not. The term is intended to broadly cover a special outcome or feature in a player's hand which can be specified in advance.

According to a forth aspect of the invention there is provided a gaming system adapted to carry out the method of any one of previous aspects. The preferred embodiment of the present invention accordingly provides the players with an opportunity to participate in a jackpot type game. This provides a separate source of excitement for the players.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention is preferably implemented in a simulated dealer type casino game, where a large central display constitutes the dealer display, and each player has a player terminal showing aspects (e.g. wagers, credits) personal to that player. All wagers are handled electronically, as is the dealing of virtual cards.

An advantage of preferred implementations of the present invention is that the player experience is not rendered more complicated by the requirement to make side bets and the like, while still providing a player experience which includes the possibility of a substantial jackpot, and accordingly an incentive to continue play. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative implementations will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Figure 1 shows a block hardware diagram for one implementation of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating one implementation of the present invention; and

Figure 3 shows an illustrative screen shot of a dealer terminal according to one implementation of the present invention; and Figures 4 to 6 show illustrative screen shots of a player terminal according to one implementation of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present technology provides a play and wagering system useful in casino wagering systems, and especially blackjack or blackjack-type wagering games, and especially such wagering games on or through electronic media. For example, the technology herein described includes a method of playing a game of blackjack having a progressive jackpot blackjack component. The method includes: a) at least one player placing at least one wager on the underlying game of blackjack; contributions to the progressive jackpot component preferably come from this wager, as described in greater detail elsewhere; b) at least a portion of the at least one wager is apportioned towards the progressive jackpot; the rate of apportionment, include a payback towards seeding of the progressive jackpot should be administered by a processor as described herein; c) as is typical in the play of blackjack, the at least one player is provided with two initial cards with which to play the game of blackjack; in a preferred embodiment, both of these two cards may be exposed, although variations in play and triggering events (e.g., the Ace of Spades as the player's first card or up-card [if only one up-card is allowed as in some variations]) may allow the game to begin with a first card only dealt to players; d) determining if the triggering event occurs by way of one or both of the two initial cards of the at least one player meet a predetermined jackpot triggering condition; e) if the initial cards of the at least one player meet the predetermined jackpot triggering condition, then the at least one player enters a jackpot bonus event comprising: i) the at least one player receiving at least one random symbol that determines an outcome for the jackpot; and ii) indicating to the at least one player the determined jackpot outcome; and f) continuing play of the blackjack game for the at least one player and any other players remaining in the game. . The resolution of the wager and events may occur at any convenient time in play. For example, the jackpot event award may be actually credited to the player during the jackpot event or may be awarded/credited at the time of or after resolution of the underlying blackjack game.

The game is preferably played on an electronic video platform with cards and symbols displayed on video screens. Electronic video platforms include multiplayer banks of machines, a single multiplayer platform with a single dealer view screen, internet game play, and wireless play through handsets.

The at least one random symbol may comprise a playing card taken from a deck or decks of cards used in the blackjack game, a playing card taken from a deck or decks of cards that is not used in the blackjack game, or a symbol that is not taken from a standard deck or decks of cards, but which contains at least one non-standard deck playing card. For example, in the last case, a single symbol may be selected from a virtual set of symbols (in card form or just symbols, e.g., numbered balls in a container, as in keno) and the symbol will be indicative of the jackpot event. If playing cards are used, as from a second separate virtual deck, the rank of playing cards and/or the rank and suit of playing cards can be used to determine the jackpot outcome. For example, another Ace of diamonds (as used in the discussion herein) could be the 100% jackpot winning card, and the King of Diamonds could be a 10% jackpot winning card, any ace a $100.00 winner, and any King a $25.00 winner, etc. Cards with atypical symbols on them could be used similarly, or non-playing card symbols such as bubbles, balls, stars, etc. could reveal the randomly provided award in the jackpot play. In a video system with a processor, it would be typical for a random number generator program or hardware in the processor to select the random symbol. By having symbols randomly selected from a predefined set of symbols, and probabilities assigned to each of the symbols, different jackpot events are determined by different random symbols provided to the at least one player. As noted above, the different jackpot amounts consist of at least two different awards selected from the group consisting of an entire progressive jackpot amount, a percentage of the entire jackpot amount, and a fixed sum certain jackpot amount. One or more available jackpot outcomes may be a multiplier applied to the at least one wager.

While the game of Blackjack may have many rules permutations and game play rules based on the location, the invention will be described with reference to a particular exemplary embodiment, and a layout as shown in figure 1. It will be understood that the present invention can be implemented as an additional feature in many forms of blackjack and related games, including any suitable variant of 21 or pontoon, and the invention is not limited to these specific implementations. To anyone knowledgeable in the art of game design, it will be apparent that significant modifications of rules and implementation can be made from those outlined below, whilst retaining the core inventive concept. Indeed, the present invention in many respects is independent of the specific rules for the standard blackjack game as such. When the terms standard or regular blackjack game are used, they are intended to refer to the base blackjack game conducted by whatever rules are applied, as opposed to the bonus or jackpot game as described herein.

It will also be understood that the present invention could be applied to simulated game for play in a casino or similar environment, or a fully on-line type game. For our example, the game will use 4 notional standard decks of 52 cards

(no Joker cards), that are distributed from a card 'shoe'. For this discussion, it can be assumed that standard rules of blackjack are applied to the standard game part of play.

The cards that are key to winning the progressive jackpot in this example are the Ace and King of diamonds, of which there will be 4 of each (one for each deck). It is also possible to adjust probabilities, preferably with player foreknowledge, by removing or assign one or more of the specific cards. The evaluation steps in this process are different from a standard blackjack game and require some new software features, as well as some modifications to the rules and procedures to ensure the integrity of the game.

Referring to Fig. 2, the steps that can be followed in operating a game of blackjack are as follows:

1. Player places at least one bet or wager on the underlying blackjack game from available credit.

2. All bets are digested by the system and a pre-determined contribution is added to the jackpot value, typically to be divided between 'startup' value and 'increment' value.

3. Cards are dealt to players and dealer in standard fashion (2 to each)

4. Card values and combinations are evaluated by software for possible winning events. a. If a player is dealt a Blackjack of Ace and King of diamonds, then a secondary game is triggered for at least that player. b. If no player has a Blackjack of Ace and King of diamonds, progressive element for that hand is complete.

5. A secondary game is initiated upon the triggering event, with a corresponding display, and the outcome determined.

6. The remainder of the hand is played out in standard Blackjack fashion

7. At the completion of the hand or upon a winning jackpot event in step 5, if the jackpot has been won, the jackpot will be reset to the startup value. If not, it will remain until the next game commences and side bets are evaluated.

In this form, between the startup value and increment value, a reduced increment is added per player contribution to the jackpot value, so as to pay for the initial startup value (when there are in fact no player contributions as yet), and thereafter increments the progressive jackpot at a higher rate. This arrangement is used in other progressive jackpot systems, for example in slot machines, and is well understood by those skilled in the art.

In order to effectively implement this example, the game must be set up to have a method that evaluates all bets and contributes a pre-determined amount to the jackpot and divides that between the 'startup' component and the 'increment' component. As the 'startup' value is set when there are in fact initially no player contributions, it is necessary to allocate a proportion of the amount that would otherwise be allocated to the jackpot increment to 'paying back' the 'startup' component. One possible hardware arrangement is shown schematically in figure 1.

The basic hardware set up may be as for existing simulated dealer games, for example, the Vegas Star™ system available commercially from Stargames Corporation Pty Ltd, with the necessary software modifications to play the present invention. At each separate blackjack table 10 there are provided player terminals 1 1 , 12, 13 in communication with a game controller 14 (a processor or processors). Game controller 14 drives the dealer display 15 as well as controls the individual terminals. Each player terminal accepts credit, whether through a coin, chip or banknote acceptor, or a stored credit arrangement. Any suitable credit arrangement may be used. Each player terminal 1 1 , 12, 13 provides details of wagers made, cards dealt, available credit and the like, as will be described in more detail below.

The game controller 14 (e.g., a processor or processors) provides secure communications with the central controller 30 to send details of table wagers, send details of winning outcomes, receive data for display, and other communications that are required. The communications preferably use the existing casino or venue monitoring infrastructure, for example a LAN, WAN, wireless network, or the like. In a preferred form, the jackpot is accumulated over many such tables, for example including table 20, so as to provide a larger accumulation of jackpots and greater frequency of wins. Central controller 30 in such an arrangement provides management of the jackpot pool, and sends a running total for display at each table 10, 20.

The dealer display 15 is driven by the table controller to show details of the current jackpot, messages to induce customers to play, and so forth. The division of control between the player terminals, game controller and central controller may vary as dictated by the system design.

Various aspects used in other jackpot games may be used, for example, the table display may show an estimated rather than accurate immediate value. It will be understood that the present invention could be implemented on a single table, many tables at one venue, or tables spread across more than one venue (e.g., online or at multiple casinos).

In terms of mathematical design, appropriate models must be used to calculate the frequency of the allocated combination being won. This takes into account at least how the game is played and how many decks are being used. The combination required is related to the number of decks chosen, while the average prize is determined by frequency and the contribution from the total wagers to the jackpot prize. For the 4 deck, 52 card example, the odds of winning a mega jackpot

(ignoring previously drawn cards) is about one in 80,000, and the odds of winning a mini jackpot are about 1 in 20,000. It will be apparent that unlike most blackjack features, the odds and return to player (RTP) are highly dependant upon the number of decks used, and this aspect must be closely controlled by the operator. It will be appreciated that the present invention could be implemented so that, for example, a lower level jackpot or bonus prize can be won on a different combination of cards, for example partial fulfilment of the required blackjack by having a hand with any blackjack including the Ace of Diamonds. Appropriate adjustment of bonuses would be necessary to implement such a game. While the preferred embodiment is a 2 card combination from the initial draw, there are any numbers of viable alternatives that can be used in this sort of invention. Some include;

3 card combination. In this version, if the player has the targeted cards, as well as another card, then the jackpot is still won. This variant will then impact on player strategy, as if a player has one winning combination card and another card, the player has to decide whether to draw another card in the hope of getting the required card combination to win the progressive jackpot value.

More than one combination and variations of those based on suit or card value • Multiple progressive levels based on frequency.

It will be understood that the betting layout may be any suitable arrangement which allows for players to make appropriate selections for conventional blackjack game play. A touch screen based system is preferred, although keyboards, buttons, panels, voice recognition and the like may be used. The preferred configuration according to the present invention allows communal information to be animated on the dealer display to create a communal gaming atmosphere and for presentation purposes. For the purpose of the blackjack game, the dealers cards are displayed as is a representation of a table configuration.

An illustrative implementation of the present invention will now be described with reference to the schematic screen shots of figures 3 to 6. Figure 3 shows a representation of the game play format where two cards are dealt face up to all players, while the dealer is dealt one card face up (in this case the 6 of diamonds), and one card face down. All players cards are shown on the dealer display. At the same time, each player's screen is representing that player's hand and allows the functionality that will let the player play the hand as they require.

Figure 4 shows a screen with a personalised view of Player 1 's hand (also seen in small font on the dealer display in figure 3). The buttons at the bottom are designed to play key elements of the game like 'Hit', 'stand' and 'double down'.

The preferred embodiment of the invention allows the game to be played in such a fashion that the identified qualifying card combination (Ace of Diamonds and King of Diamonds from first 2 cards dealt) are shown on both screens. In the instance that the required combination is dealt to a player, as displayed on the central display (figure 3) and player terminal (figure 4), the game mode will then change from standard game play to enact the bonus game. It is also possible to allow player(s) to select the specific two cards in advance of play as the jackpot combination by player input. Each player may even select their own specific combination, such as 3 of clubs and 6 of hearts, trying to predict events. Figure 4 shows a presentation of the dealer display as the bonus play is enacted to include all players that qualify with the required card combinations. In this instance, player one is the only such player.

In the preferred embodiment, all other player's hands will disappear permanently or temporarily and a bonus play animation will appear, as shown in figure 5. The dealer's cards will be removed and only the qualifying player's hand will remain on screen. An animation will then deal a card from a deck of cards. Preferably, these cards will look different from the standard playing cards in the game and animate in such a way that the result is seen by the participating player first before being displayed to other players. In this instance, the card is dealt face down in the direction of the player. In other embodiments the cards may be a separate, special set of virtual cards with special jackpot symbols.

The player's screen has an area for any bonus card to be displayed once it as been activated. Figure 6 shows the player's screen and the area it will be presented to the player - in this instance called the 'Super Diamond Bonus'. This representation shows the player winning the progressive jackpot value.

It will be appreciated that the details of how the bonus game is played, the corresponding animations, and the like are matter of choice for the game designer and can be readily varied. Probabilities for winning events can be controlled by adjusting the probability of each type of bonus card being delivered.

Regulatory requirements in many jurisdictions call for pooled communal jackpots to have an equal chance of being won by all players, proportional to their bet level. This game implementation uses a secondary game to award the player the pooled jackpot based on their stake level. Their chances of success in the bonus game are accordingly made proportional to their wager. For example, a player who bets 50 units has twice as much chance of winning the jackpot as someone who bets 25 units, although they have an equal chance of being dealt the required combination of cards to play the bonus game.

Another aspect of the present invention is the use of the bonus feature. In a standard recognised blackjack game, a blackjack card combination (any ace and card with the value of 10) is paid a value of 3 to 2. As the present invention isolates a certain blackjack combination as worth more than others, there is included a bonus prize as a consolation to players who do not win the jackpot in the bonus card draw. This is included as in most implementations even a player betting large amounts will not win the jackpot most of the time. To make this bonus prize equal to all players (it is not aligned with the jackpot), the invention in a preferred embodiment will award a prize value of between X and Y where X is greater than zero (and a whole number), and Y is greater than X and also a whole number. This bonus prize value is then multiplied by the player's wager value. Thus, in a preferred implementation, if the player is dealt the required King and Ace of Diamonds, that player is paid even money for the blackjack, and the bonus prize (a multiplier of their bet) or the jackpot depending upon the outcome of the bonus game. When these two elements are used in conjunction, the invention uses these potential prizes to create an interesting and unique side game which functions on top of the traditional game of blackjack. The player is awarded both elements in a linear fashion such that their stake rate reflects the chances of winning the progressive jackpot, and the size of any bonus prize awarded.

The game may optionally allow other players or observers to place side bets on another player's hand and side bet, as it commonly permitted in conventional blackjack. However, any such side bet would preferably not participate in the secondary game. It is possible, but less preferred to have a side bet for the jackpot event, with monies apportioned more quickly.

It will be appreciated that the present invention could be implemented so that, for example, a lower level jackpot or bonus prize can be won on a different combination of cards, for example partial fulfilment of the required blackjack by having a hand with any blackjack including the ace of diamonds. In a preferred implementation of the present invention, the payout for blackjack changes to even, which reduces the return to player by 2.27%. 1.27% of wagers are contributed to the pooled jackpot, and 1 % is returned to players in the form of the bonus prizes.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method of operating an electronic blackjack game, including at least the steps in any suitable order of: at least one player making an initial wager to participate in a standard blackjack game; dealing cards to the at least one player; determining if a predetermined card or card combination has been dealt to the at least one player, and if so commencing a secondary game ; determining the result of the secondary game; and determining the result of the electronic blackjack game.

2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined card combination is a blackjack hand in a predetermined suit.

3. A method according to claim 1 , wherein more than a single level of jackpot is available, and an individual level won is determined by different predetermined card combinations.

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein one or more cards are specially marked, and an individual level of jackpot won by the at least one player is at least partly dependant on presence or absence of the specially marked cards in the card combination of the at least one player.

5. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the secondary game includes a chance to win all or part of a progressive jackpot, the progressive jackpot being accumulated from a part of initial wagers placed.

6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the secondary game further includes a chance to win a bonus prize, the bonus prize being proportional in value to the initial wager, in the event that the jackpot is not won.

7. A method according to claim 5, wherein more than one game contributes to the progressive jackpot common progressive jackpot.

8. A gaming system adapted to carry out the method of any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A method of offering a secondary game in an electronic blackjack game, including at least the steps of providing means for a player to make an initial wager to participate in the standard game; dealing the cards; determining if a trigger event has occurred for each player, and if it has commencing a secondary game; playing said secondary game, wherein the player has a chance to win a jackpot, the chance of winning the jackpot being proportional to the initial wager, and further providing a chance to win a bonus prize, the value of which is proportional to the initial wager; determining the result of the secondary game; and determining the result of the standard game.

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the secondary game includes a chance to win all or part of a progressive jackpot, the jackpot being accumulated from a part of the wagers placed on one or more games.

1 1. A method according to claim 9, wherein the trigger event is based on a random selection.

12. A method according to claim 1 1 , wherein the random selection is within predefined parameters.

13. A method according to claim 9, wherein the trigger event is one or more selected combinations of cards.

14. A method according to claim 10, wherein more than one game contributes to a common progressive jackpot.

15. A gaming system adapted to carry out the method of any one of claims 9 to 14.

16. A method of playing a game of blackjack having a progressive jackpot blackjack component comprising: at least one player placing at least one wager on the game of blackjack; apportioning at least a portion of the at least one wager towards the progressive jackpot; providing the at least one player with two initial cards with which to play the game of blackjack; determining if the two initial cards of the at least one player meet a predetermined jackpot triggering condition; if the initial cards of the at least one player meet the predetermined jackpot triggering condition, then the at least one player enters a jackpot bonus event comprising: a) the at least one player receiving at least one random symbol that determines an outcome for the jackpot; and b) indicating to the at least one player the determined jackpot outcome; and, continuing play of the blackjack game for the at least one player.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the game is played on an electronic video platform with cards and symbols displayed on video screens.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the at least one random symbol comprises a playing card taken from a deck or decks of cards used in the blackjack game.

19. The method of claim 17 wherein the at least one random symbol comprises a playing card taken from a deck or decks of cards that is not used in the blackjack game.

20. The method of claim 17 wherein the at least one random symbol comprises a symbol that is not taken from a standard deck or decks of cards, but which contains at least one non-standard deck playing card.

21. The method of claim 17 wherein a random number generator program or hardware in a processor is used to select the random symbol.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein different jackpot events are determined by different random symbols provided to the at least one player.

23. The method of claim 21 wherein the different jackpot amounts consist of at least two different awards selected from the group consisting of an entire progressive jackpot amount, a percentage of the entire jackpot amount, and a fixed sum certain jackpot amount.

24. The method of claim 17 wherein at least one available jackpot outcome is a multiplier applied to the at least one wager.