AU2007257330B2

AU2007257330B2 - Jackpot method and system

Info

Publication number: AU2007257330B2
Application number: AU2007257330A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Christopher James Blackmur
Original assignee: Voyager Gaming Tech Pty Ltd
Current assignee: VOYAGER GAMING TECHNOLOGIES Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2006-06-06
Filing date: 2007-06-06
Publication date: 2011-12-08
Anticipated expiration: 2027-06-06
Also published as: WO2007140530A1; AU2007257330A1

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a method of awarding a jackpot to a gaming machine including having three or more reels forming part of a secondary game on the gaming machine wherein the first reel corresponds to the number of credits bet per line in the primary game, a second reel corresponds to the number of lines bet in the primary game and a third reel shows the jackpot that may be won in the secondary game, playing the secondary game during or after playing the primary game, awarding the jackpot in accordance with the third reel position if won and a predetermined amount or percentage of the turnover of the primary game from the gaming machine is allocated to the jackpot.

Description

WO 2007/140530 PCT/AU2007/000793 JACKPOT METHOD AND SYSTEM FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to a method of awarding a jackpot with one or 5 more gaming machines. The present invention has particular but not exclusive application for use in clubs, hotels, casinos and other gaming venues. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Different jackpot methods and systems have been developed for linked 10 gaming machines. Australian patent application number 2005200974 in the name of Stargames Corporation Pty Ltd describes a jackpot method and system where a jackpot is/awarded when scatter symbols appear in the game outcome in a predefined manner. The amount of the jackpot appears to be dependent on the size of the player's wager. The method includes determining a player's wager, playing 15 the game so that the gaming machine reels assume a specific configuration and subsequently determining if the scatter symbols appear across selected reels in a predefined manner. If the symbols appear on the selected reels in a predefined manner, then the jackpot is paid out. The prize is multiplied by the player's total bet thereby providing a linear return to the player. 20 Australian Standard patent number. 754689 (application no. 199881994) is entitled Slot Machine Game and System with Improved Jackpot Feature and in the name of Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd. This system has been referred to as the Hyperlink system. The specification describes a prize awarding feature on a gaming machine linked in a gaming network. The gaming network has a central 25 feature jackpot system which provides a prize (ie. jackpot) to be awarded. The jackpot awarding feature on each machine is triggered when a trigger condition has WO 2007/140530 PCT/AU2007/000793 -2 been achieved. The trigger condition is determined by an event having a probability related to the desired average turnover between successive occurrences of the trigger condition on the gaming machine. In a preferred form the gaming machine prior to each game selects a random number from a range of numbers and during 5 each game the gaming machine allocates the first N numbers in the range where N is the number of credits bet by a player for that game. At the end of the game, the randomly selected number is compared with the numbers allocated to the player and if a match occurs the particular machine is switched into a feature game mode in which a jackpot game is played for all or part of the incremented jackpot prize. Each 10 jackpot can only be won from playing a triggered feature game (which is initiated after a feature has been triggered). Australian standard patent number 714299 (application number 199943453) is entitled Prize Awarding System and is in the name of Sakura Industries Ltd (previously Neurizon Pty Ltd). The patent specification discloses a network jackpot 15 method and system where the probability of each gaming machine winning a jackpot prize is dependent on the size of the wager made on the machine prior during an elapsed period. If a gaming machine draws a prize, the player is then granted a feature game to determine the actual prize. This method and system appears very similar to the method and system 20 described in the above mentioned Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd patent. The Neurizon jackpot system has a two step method of determining eligibility to play a jackpot game and then the playing of the jackpot game. An elapsed period has been judicially defined as "any discreet and finite period of time which has passed having both a beginning and an end". The Neurizon jackpot system was held to be 25 different to the Hyperlink system because the Neurizon system is time based WO 2007/140530 PCT/AU2007/000793 -3 whereas time does not affect the probability of a win (for a jackpot) on a gaming machine with the Hyperlink system. That is the Hyperlink system does not use an elapsed period as the period is not in the past at the point when the probability of determination is made. 5 Australian standard patent application number 2003277954 is entitled Gaming Machine with Second Display and is in the name of Konami Australia Pty Ltd. The patent specification describes a jackpot method where two games are played on the one gaming machine. The first or base game is affected by the outcome of the second or jackpot game in that a win in the second game provides an award to the 10 base game such as a cash jackpot prize, a nil result, an award of a re-spin, an award of credits, a feature game on the base game, free games or bonus games on the base game or an award of base game symbols. The steps of using the outcome of the second game to affect the outcome of the base game is the reverse to the steps of the Hyperlink and Neurizon systems. 15 OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative jackpot system and method. 20 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect the present invention broadly resides in a method of awarding a jackpot to a gaming machine, including having three or more reels forming part of a secondary game on the gaming machine wherein a first reel corresponds to the number of credits bet per line in the WO 2007/140530 PCT/AU2007/000793 -4 primary game, a second reel corresponds to the number of lines bet in the primary game and a third reel shows the jackpot that may be won in the secondary game; playing the secondary game during or after playing the primary game; awarding the jackpot in accordance with the third reel position if won and a 5 predetermined amount or percentage of the turnover of the primary game from the gaming machine is allocated to the jackpot. The secondary game is preferably played concurrently with the primary game. Preferably the three or more reels of the secondary game are not reels used for the primary game. Preferably the three or more reels of the secondary game are 10 spatially separated from the reels of the primary game. Preferably the three or more reels of the secondary game are displayed so that the playing and result are observable. Preferably the displayed secondary game is shown in a manner that makes the playing and awarding of a jackpot substantially transparent. 15 In a preferred embodiment, a player is given X winning positions on the first reel when they bet X number of credits per line in the primary game and Y winning positions on the second reel when they bet Y number of lines in the primary game. The more winning positions on the reels, the greater are the chances of winning the jackpot. Therefore, the greater number of credits bet per line and/or the greater 20 number of lines bet in the primary game, increases the chances of the player winning the jackpot. In the preferred embodiment the first reel will have a number of desired symbols relating to the number of credits bet per line, the second reel will have a number of desired symbols relating to the number of lines played, while the third reel has symbols representing the levels that can be won.

WO 2007/140530 PCT/AU2007/000793 -5 Preferably a random number generator is used to determine the final position of the three reels. The random number generator is preferably set up to produce a number that is within the range of the reel length where every position on the reel has an equal chance of being selected. 5 A jackpot win preferably occurs with the preferred embodiment when the desired symbols appear on the first and second reels and the third reel displays the jackpot level won. The method of awarding a jackpot may be played with a plurality of networked gaming machines. Where the jackpot method is played over a gaming network, the 10 jackpot is preferably centrally controlled. Preferably the jackpot contribution is centrally controlled and the awarding of a prize is determined by the gaming machine being played. The jackpot amount is preferably determined and controlled by a jackpot controller. The jackpot controller preferably configures and sets the average jackpot 15 and average turnover between awarding a jackpot. The jackpot controller preferably records and allocates a percentage of the turnover of each networked gaming machine for the jackpot. The jackpot amount preferably increases until the jackpot is won on a networked gaming machine. When the jackpot is won on a networked gaming machine, the jackpot winner is awarded the amount of the accumulated 20 jackpot. The jackpot is then preferably reset by the jackpot controller to a predetermined amount and the amount increases until the jackpot is won again. Preferably there are a plurality of levels of jackpot prize where the larger prizes have a lower chance of being won. The likelihood of winning a jackpot prize of a particular value is preferably controlled by the desired turnover.

WO 2007/140530 PCT/AU2007/000793 -6 In another aspect the invention broadly resides in a system of awarding a jackpot to a gaming machine including one or more gaming machines wherein each gaming machine has three or more reels forming part of a secondary game where a first reel corresponds to the 5 number of credits bet per line in the primary game, a second reel corresponds to the number of lines bet in the primary game, and a third reel shows the jackpot that may be won in the secondary game; and jackpot controller means for setting and controlling the average jackpot, average turnover between awarding the jackpot, and amount or percentage of 10 gaming machine turnover that will be contributed to the jackpot for the one or more gaming machines. The preferred features discussed in relation to the above mentioned method also apply in relation to the system. The jackpot method and system are preferably used in venues where there 15 are one or more gaming machines. Where there is a plurality of gaming machines, the gaming machines are preferably networked and controlled by the jackpot controller. The types of venues include sporting clubs, RSL clubs, hotels and casinos. The method and system may have application with gaming over the internet 20 or in any situation where gaming machines or computers with gaming applications are networked. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order that the present invention can be more readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings 25 wherein: WO 2007/140530 PCT/AU2007/000793 -7 Figure 1 is a flow diagram of the preferred embodiment of the method of awarding a jackpot to a gaming machine; Figure 2 shows an example of the screens for the primary and the secondary game on the gaming machine in the preferred embodiment of the method; and 5 Figure 3 shows an example of how the jackpot levels, turnover and jackpot allocation are controlled by the jackpot controller. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT With reference to figures 1 to 3, there is the preferred embodiment of the 10 method and system for awarding a jackpot to a gaming machine that is part of a gaming machine network. The jackpot method and system are used in venues such as hotels, sporting and RSL clubs, casinos and other venues where there are one or more gaming machines. The secondary or jackpot game is preferably played concurrently with the 15 primary game. When a player bets X number of credits per line and Y number of lines for a primary game, the first reel of the secondary game has X winning positions and the second reel has Y winning positions. In the preferred embodiment the X winning positions and Y winning positions on the respective reels are represented by X and Y number of selected symbols on the respective reels. The 20 third reel has symbols representing the levels that can be won. With the selection of the bet per line and number of lines in the primary game, a percentage of the bet is allocated to the jackpot. A random number generator is used that gives every number on the reels an equal chance of being selected. The random number generator produces stopping 25 positions for each reel. Where the first and second reels stop, showing winning WO 2007/140530 PCT/AU2007/000793 -8 positions, the third reel stops, showing the jackpot level won (see figure 2). On all plays, each jackpot increases by 1 % of the jackpot amount. With reference to figure 3, a desired turnover of $10,000,000 is required before a jackpot of $100,000 (Level 1) whereas a turnover of $1000 is required 5 before a jackpot of $10 is awarded. The jackpot controller can set these values and limits for the game being played on the networked gaming machines in accordance with the gaming authorities and relevant gaming regulations. By way of example, the gaming machines have been set with the following jackpot parameters: a huge prize has an average jackpot of $100,001.83 with a 1 % 10 increment; a big prize has an average jackpot of $10,000.18 with a 1% increment; a small prize has an average jackpot of $1000.02 with a 1 % increment; whereas a tiny prize has an average jackpot of $10.00 with a 1% increment. The first reel has 312 positions. The second reel has 317 positions and the third reel has 10111 positions. The third reel has 1 position for the huge prize, 10 positions for the big prize, 100 15 positions for the small prize and 10,000 positions for the tiny prize. Player A bets 1 credit per line and bets on 1 line. Player A has 1 winning position on the first reel and 1 winning position on the second reel. The chances of player A winning a jackpot prize is: 1 x 1 20

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= 1.01108e 5 312 x317 The prize probabilities for player A are 9.99981e 10 (huge prize), 9.99981e~ 9 (big prize), 9.99981e- 8 (small prize) and 9.99981e- 6 (tiny prize). 25 Player B bets 25 credits per line and bets on 20 lines. Player B has 25 winning positions on the first reel and 20 winning positions on the second reel. The chances of player B winning a jackpot prize is: WO 2007/140530 PCT/AU2007/000793 -9 20 x 25 --------- = 0.0050554 312 x 317 5 The prize probabilities for player B are 4.9999e~ 7 (huge prize), 4.9999e- 6 (big prize), 4.9999e 5 (small prize) and 4.9999e- 3 (tiny prize). Player B has bet 500 times the credits compared with player A and consequently is 500 times more likely to win any of the jackpots. With the method and system of the preferred embodiment, each gaming 10 machine has its own jackpot (secondary) game and is played each time when the primary game is played. The chances of winning a jackpot are dependent on the wager and the number of lines bet. Unlike some prior art jackpot gaming methods, no preconditions must be met before the jackpot game is played. With the method and system of the preferred embodiment, a player is eligible to play the jackpot 15 game by merely playing the primary game. The method and system of the preferred embodiment appears to have bypassed the step of having a precondition and triggering to initiate a jackpot game by having a secondary (jackpot) game that takes into account the player's wager and lines bet to affect the chances of winning the jackpot. Consequently the method and system of the preferred embodiment has an 20 advantage in its comparative simplicity. Furthermore the concurrent playing of the jackpot game when the primary game is played provides an advantage in showing the playing for and awarding of the jackpot without causing a delay in playing of the primary game. The method and system of the preferred embodiment has a separate display for the jackpot game 25 providing the advantage of showing how the jackpot is awarded and being transparent to the player. That is the jackpot is not mysteriously awarded but is won from an observable game.

WO 2007/140530 PCT/AU2007/000793 - 10 VARIATIONS It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations 5 thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth. Throughout the description and claims this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Claims

1. A method of awarding a jackpot to a gaming machine including having three or more reels forming part of a secondary game on the gaming machine wherein a first reel corresponds to the number of credits bet per line in the 5 primary game, a second reel corresponds to the number of lines bet in the primary game and a third reel shows the jackpot that may be won in the secondary game; playing the secondary game during or after playing the primary game; awarding the jackpot in accordance with the third reel position if won and a predetermined amount or percentage of the turnover of the primary game from the 10 gaming machine is allocated to the jackpot.

2. A method of awarding a jackpot to a gaming machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein the secondary game is played concurrently with the primary game. 15

3. A method of awarding a jackpot to a gaming machine as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the three or more reels of the secondary game are not reels used for the primary game.

4. A method of awarding a jackpot to a gaming machine as claimed in claim 1 or 20 2 wherein the three or more reels of the secondary game are not reels used for the primary game, the three or more reels of the secondary game are spatially separated from the reels of the primary game. WO 2007/140530 PCT/AU2007/000793 -12

5. A method of awarding a jackpot to a gaming machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the three or more reels of the secondary game are displayed so that the playing and result are observable. 5

6. A method of awarding a jackpot to a gaming machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a player is given X winning positions on the first reel when they bet X number of credits per line in the primary game and Y winning positions on the second reel when they bet Y number of lines in the primary game. 10

7. A method of awarding a jackpot to a gaming machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the greater number of credits bet per line and/or the greater number of lines bet in the primary game, increases the chances of the player winning the jackpot. 15

8. A method of awarding a jackpot to a gaming machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the first reel will have a number of desired symbols relating to the number of credits bet per line, the second reel will have a number of desired symbols relating to the number of lines played, while the third reel has symbols representing the levels that can be won. 20

9. A method of awarding a jackpot to a gaming machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a random number generator is used to determine the final position of the three reels. WO 2007/140530 PCT/AU2007/000793 - 13

10. A method of awarding a jackpot to a gaming machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a random number generator is used to determine the final position of the three reels and the random number generator is set up to produce a number that is within the range of the reel length where every position on 5 the reel has an equal chance of being selected.

11. A method of awarding a jackpot to a gaming machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a jackpot win occurs when the desired symbols appear on the first and second reels and the third reel displays the jackpot level won 10

12. A method of awarding a jackpot to a gaming machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the jackpot method is played over a gaming network and the jackpot contribution is centrally controlled and the awarding of a prize is determined by the gaming machine being played. 15

13. A method of awarding a jackpot to a gaming machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the jackpot amount is determined and controlled by a jackpot controller which configures and sets the average jackpot and average turnover between awarding a jackpot. 20

14. A method of awarding a jackpot to a gaming machine as claimed in claim 13 wherein the jackpot controller records and allocates a percentage of the turnover of each networked gaming machine for the jackpot, the jackpot amount increases until the jackpot is won on a networked gaming machine and the jackpot winner is 25 awarded the amount of the accumulated jackpot, the jackpot is then reset by the WO 2007/140530 PCT/AU2007/000793 - 14 jackpot controller to a predetermined amount and the amount increases until the jackpot is won again.

15. A method of awarding a jackpot to a gaming machine as claimed in any one 5 of the preceding claims wherein there are a plurality of levels of jackpot prize where the larger prizes have a lower chance of being won and the likelihood of winning a jackpot prize of a particular value is controlled by the desired turnover.

16. A system of awarding a jackpot to a gaming machine including 10 one or more gaming machines wherein each gaming machine has three or more reels forming part of a secondary game where a first reel corresponds to the number of credits bet per line in the primary game, a second reel corresponds to the number of lines bet in the primary game, and a third reel shows the jackpot that may be won in the secondary game; and 15 jackpot controller means for setting and controlling the average jackpot, average turnover between awarding the jackpot, and amount or percentage of gaming machine turnover that will be contributed to the jackpot for the one or more gaming machines. 20

17. A system of awarding a jackpot to a gaming machine as claimed in claim 16 wherein the method of awarding a jackpot is as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 15. 25