AU2010212474A1

AU2010212474A1 - A gaming system and a method of gaming

Info

Publication number: AU2010212474A1
Application number: AU2010212474A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Daniel Julio Montenegro; Edmund Czeslaw Sak
Original assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2009-08-21
Filing date: 2010-08-20
Publication date: 2011-03-10
Also published as: US20110045896A1

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Standard Patent Applicant (s) Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Invention Title: A GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to me/us: -2 Title A GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING Field 5 The invention relates to a gaming system and a method of gaming. Background 10 To play existing gaming machines, players input currency, typically by using a bill validator to insert one or more bills or by using a swipe card reader to transfer currency from a currency balance stored on the card. The currency is then converted into credits at a rate fixed at the 15 gaming machine, for example $1 = 100 credits. The credits are stored on a credit meter. The player then plays a game on the gaming machine by placing wagers in credits resulting in deductions from the credit meter of the amount bet. Any wins resulting from play of the game are 20 added to the credit meter and, in general, the player can reconvert from credits to currency at any time. (It is common to have an exception that requires a player to play out low balances of credits.) 25 While such gaming machines provide players with enjoyment, a need exists for alternative gaming systems in order to maintain or increase player enjoyment. Summary of the Invention 30 In a first aspect, the invention provides a gaming system comprising: a plurality of credit meters arranged to store different types of credits including a first credit meter 35 for storing first credits; a currency converter arranged to convert from currency to first credits and from first credits to 2381817_1 (GHMatters) P81472.AU 1 20/08/10 - 3 currency at a fixed rate; a game controller arranged to implement a game in which wagers are placed by a player in first credits, the gaming system arranged to enable a player to 5 establish a balance of second credits on a second credit meter of the plurality of credit meters; and an exchange rate controller arranged to control an effective exchange rate between first credits and second credits to vary over time. 10 In an embodiment, the gaming system comprises: a currency input mechanism and a currency output mechanism in data communication with the currency to converter. 15 In an embodiment, the exchange rate controller controls an exchange rate between second credits and currency to thereby control the exchange rate between first credits and second credits. 20 In an embodiment, the gaming system is arranged to make an award of second credits. In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to make 25 the award of second credits in response to play of the game. In an embodiment, the game controller makes the award of second credits in respect of a winning outcome of the 30 game. In an embodiment, a further controller in data communication with the game controller is arranged to make the award of second credits. 35 In an embodiment, the further controller is at least one of a jackpot controller, a bonus controller, a community 23818171 (GHMatters) P81472.AU.1 20/08/10 -4 game controller, a link game controller, or a group game controller. In an embodiment, the gaming system is arranged to control 5 when the player is entitled to convert first credits to second credits. In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to award an entitlement to convert first credits to second credits. 10 In an embodiment, the gaming system is further arranged to control when the player is entitled to convert second credits to first credits. 15 In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to award an entitlement to convert second credits to first credits. In an embodiment, the exchange rate controller is arranged to control the exchange rate between credits and second 20 credits as a function of a hit rate for one or more game outcomes. In an embodiment, the gaming system comprises a plurality of gaming devices each having a game controller, and the 25 exchange rate controller is arranged to control the exchange rate between first credits and second credits based on turnover on the plurality of gaming devices. In an embodiment, the plurality of credit meters comprises 30 at least one additional credit meter each for storing an additional type of credits, such that in combination with the second credits there are plural types of credits in the system different to the first credits, the gaming system arranged to enable a player to establish a balance 35 in any one of the plural types of credits different to the first credits on respective credit meters, and the exchange rate controller controls an effective rate of 2381817_1 (GHMatters) P81472.AU.1 2008/10 - 5 exchange between each type of credits and first credits, such that there are plural types of credits whose value varies relative to the first credit. 5 In an embodiment, the first credits are normal credits and the gaming system is arranged such that it is only possible to exchange between normal credits and currency. In a second aspect, the invention provides a game 10 controller for a gaming system, the game controller arranged to: convert from currency to first credits and from first credits to currency at a fixed rate; store first credits with a first credit meter; 15 conduct a game in which wagers are placed by a player in first credits; enable a player to establish a balance of second credits on an second credit meter; and control an effective exchange rate between first 20 credits and second credits to vary over time. In an embodiment, the exchange rate between first credits and second credits is controlled by controlling an exchange rate between second credits and currency to 25 thereby control. In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to make an award of second credits in response to play of the game. 30 In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to make the award of second credits in respect of a winning outcome of the game. 35 In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to award an entitlement to convert first credits to second credits. 2381817_1 (GHMatters) P81472.AU.1 20108/10 -6 In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to award an entitlement to convert second credits to first credits. In an embodiment, the exchange rate controller is arranged 5 to control the exchange rate between credits and second credits as a function of a hit rate for one or more game outcomes. In an embodiment, the plurality of credit meters comprises 10 at least one additional credit meter each for storing an additional type of credits, such that in combination with the second credits there are plural types of credits in the system different to the first credits, the gaming system arranged to enable a player to establish a balance is in any one of these types of credits on respective credit meters, and the exchange rate controller controls an effective rate of exchange between each type of credits and first credits, such that there are plural types of credits whose value varies relative to the first credit. 20 In an embodiment, the first credits are normal credits and the game controller is arranged such that it is only possible to exchange between normal credits and currency. 25 In a third aspect, the invention provides a method in a gaming system comprising: converting from currency to first credits and from first credits to currency at a fixed rate; 30 storing first credits with a first credit meter; conducting a game in which wagers are placed by a player in first credits; enabling a player to establish a balance of second credits on an second credit meter; and 35 controlling an effective exchange rate between first credits and second credits to vary over time. 23818171 (GHMatters) P81472.AU 1 20/08110 -7 In an embodiment, the method comprises controlling an exchange rate between second credits and currency to thereby control the exchange rate between first credits and second credits. 5 In an embodiment, the method comprises making an award of second credits. In an embodiment, the method comprises making the award of 10 second credits in response to play of the game. In an embodiment, the method comprises making the award of second credits in respect of a winning outcome of the game. 15 In an embodiment, the method comprises controlling when the player is entitled to convert first credits to second credits. 20 In an embodiment, the method comprises awarding an entitlement to convert first credits to second credits. In an embodiment, the method comprises controlling when the player is entitled to convert second credits to first 25 credits. In an embodiment, the method comprises awarding an entitlement to convert second credits to first credits. 30 In an embodiment, the method comprises controlling the exchange rate between credits and second credits as a function of a hit rate for one or more game outcomes. In an embodiment, the method comprises controlling the 35 exchange rate between first credits and second credits based on turnover on a plurality of gaming devices. 2381817_1 (GHMatters) P81472 AU 1 20/08/10 -8 In an embodiment, the method comprises enabling a player to establish a balance in any one of plural types of credits different to the first credits and controlling an effective rate of exchange between each type of credits 5 and first credits, such that there are plural types of credits whose value varies relative to the first credit. In an embodiment, the first credits are normal credits and it is only possible to exchange between normal credits and 10 currency. In a fourth aspect, the invention provides computer program code which when executed by a gaming system implements the above method. 15 In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a computer readable storage medium comprising the above program code. Brief Description of Drawings 20 An exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 25 Figure 1 is a block diagram of the core components of a gaming system; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a stand alone gaming machine; 30 Figure 3 is a block diagram of the functional components of a gaming machine; Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the functional 35 components of a memory; Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a network gaming 2381817_1 (GHMatters) P81472 AU.1 20/08/10 -9 system; Figure 6 is a further block diagram of a gaming system; 5 Figure 7 is block diagram of another embodiment of a gaming system; Figure 8 is a flow chart of an embodiment; and 10 Figure 9 is an example, of a multi-credit type display. Detailed Description Referring to the drawings, there are shown gaming systems is where a player establishes a credit balance by converting currency to first, normal credits. The gaming system is arranged to allow a player to establish a balance of second, alternative credits. In one example, the player is awarded alternative credits as part of play of a game. The 20 gaming systems are arranged to vary an exchange rate between first and second credits. In some embodiments there are other types of credits (third, fourth etc.) and variable exchange rates for each type. 25 General construction of gaming system The gaming system can take a number of different forms. In a first form, the gaming system is provided by a stand alone gaming machine and the components required for 30 implementing the game are present in a player operable gaming machine. In a second form, the gaming system is analogous to the first form, in that a single gaming device is provided but 35 in a distributed architecture, where some of the components required for implementing the game are present in a player operable gaming machine and some of the 2381817_1 (GHMatters) P81472AU-1 20108/10 - 10 components required for implementing the game are located remotely relative to the gaming machine. For example, a "thick client" architecture may be used wherein part of the game is executed on a player operable gaming machine 5 and part of the game is executed remotely, such as by a gaming server; or a "thin client" architecture may be used wherein most of the game is executed remotely such as by a gaming server and a player operable gaming machine is used only to display audible and/or visible gaming information 10 to the player and receive gaming inputs from the player. This is commonly known as a server based gaming. However, it will be understood that other arrangements are envisaged. For example, an architecture may be provided is wherein a gaming machine is networked to a gaming server and the respective functions of the gaming machine and the gaming server are selectively modifiable. For example, the gaming system may operate in stand alone gaming machine mode, "thick client" mode or "thin client" mode 20 depending on the game being played, operating conditions, and so on. Other client/server configurations are possible, and further details of a client/server architecture can be found in WO 2006/052213 and PCT/SE2006/000559, the disclosures of which are 25 incorporated herein by reference. In the first and second forms, the gaming system has several core components. At the broadest level, the core components are a player interface 50 and a game controller 30 60 as illustrated in Figure 1. The player interface is arranged to enable manual interaction between a player and the gaming system and for this purpose includes the input/output components required for the player to enter instructions to play the game and observe the game 35 outcomes. Components of the player interface may vary from 2381817_1 (GHMatters) P81472.AU.1 20/08/10 - 11 embodiment to embodiment but will typically include a currency mechanism 52 to enable a player to input currency and establish a balance of credits as well as to receive payouts, one or more displays 54, a game play mechanism 56 s including one or more input devices that enable a player to input game play instructions (e.g. to place a wager), and one or more speakers 58. The game controller 60 is in data communication with the 10 player interface and typically includes a processor 62 that processes the game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and outputs game play outcomes to the display. In the first and second forms, components for implementing the invention, particularly, an exchange rate 15 controller (described below) are provided by the game controller. Typically, the game play rules are stored as program code in a memory 64 but can also be hardwired. Herein the term "processor" is used to refer generically to any device that can process game play instructions in 20 accordance with game play rules and may include: a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic device or other computational device, a general purpose computer (e.g. a PC) or a server. 25 In a third form, the gaming system comprises one or more gaming devices of the first and/or second forms and at least one additional component connected in a network. The additional component may be an exchange rate controller (for example, which controls the exchange rate across 30 plural gaming machines) or a controller which enables a player to obtain a balance of alternative credits such as bonus controller. Stand alone gaming machine 35 A gaming system in the form of a stand alone gaming machine 10 is illustrated in Figure 2. The gaming machine 23818171 (GHMatters) P81472 AU.1 20108/10 - 12 10 includes a console 12 having a display 14 on which are 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 5 interact with the gaming machine, in particular during game play. The mid-trim 20 also houses a currency input mechanism 24 which in this example includes a coin input chute 24A and a bill collector 24B. The gaming machine processes the amount of currency and converts it into io credits at a fixed exchange rate. Other currency input mechanisms may also be employed, for example, a card reader for reading a smart card, debit card or credit card. Other gaming machines may be configured for ticket in such that they have a ticket reader for reading tickets 15 having a currency value and crediting the player based on the face value of the ticker. A player marketing module (not shown) having a reading device may also be provided for the purpose of reading a player tracking device, for example as part of a loyalty program. The player tracking 20 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. In some embodiments, the player marketing module may provide an additional currency mechanism, either by transferring currency to the gaming machine from 25 a balance of currency stored on the player tracking device or by transferring currency from a player account in data communication with the player marketing module. A top box 26 may carry artwork 28, including for example 30 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 cash payouts 35 from the gaming machine 10. The display 14 shown in Figure 2 is in the form of a video 23818171 (GHMatters) P81472.AU.1 20/08/10 - 13 display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, the display 14 may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, any other suitable video display unit, or the visible portion of an 5 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. 10 Figure 3 shows a block diagram of operative components of a typical gaming machine which may be the same as or different to the gaming machine of Figure 2. The gaming machine 100 includes a game controller 101 15 having a processor 102 mounted on a circuit board. Instructions and data to control operation of the processor 102 are stored in a memory 103, which is in data communication with the processor 102. Typically, the gaming machine 100 will include both volatile and non 20 volatile memory and more than one of each type of memory, with such memories being collectively represented by the memory 103. The gaming machine has hardware meters 104 for purposes 25 including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring player credit, an input/output (I/0) interface 105 for communicating with peripheral devices of the gaming machine 100. The input/output interface 105 and/or the peripheral devices may be intelligent devices with their 30 own memory for storing associated instructions and data for use with the input/output interface or the peripheral devices. A random number generator module 113 generates random numbers for use by the processor 102. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the reference to 35 random numbers includes pseudo-random numbers. In the example shown in Figure 3, a player interface 120 2381817_1 (GHMatters) P81472.AU.1 20/08/10 - 14 includes peripheral devices that communicate with the game controller 101 including one or more displays 106, a touch screen and/or buttons 107 (which provide a game play mechanism), a card and/or ticket reader 108, a printer 5 109, a bill acceptor and/or coin input mechanism 110 and a coin output mechanism 111. Additional hardware may be included as part of the gaming machine 100, or hardware may be omitted as required for the specific implementation. For example, while buttons or touch 10 screens are typically used in gaming machines to allow a player to place a wager and initiate a play of a game any input device that enables the player to input game play instructions may be used. For example, in some gaming machines a mechanical handle is used to initiate a play of 15 the game. In addition, the gaming machine 100 may include a communications interface, for example a network card 112. The network card may, for example, send status 20 information, accounting information or other information to a bonus controller, central controller, server or database and receive data or commands from the bonus controller, central controller, server or database. In embodiments employing a player marketing module, 25 communications over a network may be via player marketing module - i.e. the player marketing module may be in data communication with one or more of the above devices and communicate with it on behalf of the gaming machine. 30 Figure 4 shows a block diagram of the main components of an exemplary memory 103. The memory 103 includes RAM 103A, EPROM 103B and a mass storage device 103C. The RAM 103A typically temporarily holds program files for execution by the processor 102 and related data. The 35 EPROM 103B may be a boot ROM device and/or may contain some system or game related code. The mass storage device 103C is typically used to store game programs, the 2381817_1 (GHMatters) P81472.AU.1 20/08/10 - 15 integrity of which may be verified and/or authenticated by the processor 102 using protected code from the EPROM 103B or elsewhere. 5 Figure 6 is a functional block diagram of a player interface 50 and game controller suitable for implementation in the form of a standalone gaming machine but also generally applicable to a client/server arrangement. In Figure 6, the processor 62 of game 10 controller 60 is shown implementing a number of modules based on program code and data stored in memory 64. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that various of the modules could be implemented in some other way, for example by a dedicated circuit. 15 The player uses the currency mechanism 52 (e.g. a bill validator) to input currency. The game controller includes a currency converter 624 which converts the amount in currency to an amount in first (normal) credits and stores 20 the value in first credit meter 642B. The meters 642 are stored in a non-volatile part of memory 64. The player operates the game play mechanism 56 to specify the wager which will be evaluated for this play of the 25 game and to initiate a play of the game. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the wager establishes in effect a win entitlement and this may vary from game to game dependent on player selections. In most spinning reel games, it is typical for the player's entitlement to be 30 affected by the amount they wager and selections they make (i.e. the nature of the wager). For example, a player's win entitlement may be based on how many lines they play in each game - e.g. a minimum of one line up to the maximum number of lines allowed by the game (noting that not all 35 permutations of win lines may be available for selection). Such win lines are typically formed by a combination of symbol display positions, one from each reel, the symbol 2381817_1 (GHMatters) P81472 AU 1 20/08/10 - 16 display positions being located relative to one another such that they form a line. In many games, the player's win entitlement is not 5 strictly limited to the lines they have selected, for example, "scatter" pays are awarded independently of a players selection of pay lines and are an inherent part of the win entitlement. 10 Persons skilled in the art, will appreciate that in other embodiments, the player may obtain a win entitlement by selecting a number of reels to play. Such games are marketed under the trade name "Reel Power" by Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd. The selection of the reel 15 means that each displayed symbol of the reel can be substituted for a symbol at one or more designated display positions. In other words, all symbols displayed at symbol display positions corresponding to a selected reel can be used to form symbol combinations with symbols displayed at 20 a designated, symbol display positions of the other reels. For example, if there are five reels and three symbol display positions for each reel such that the symbol display positions comprise three rows of five symbol display positions, the symbols displayed in the centre row 25 are used for non-selected reels. As a result, the total number of ways to win is determined by multiplying the number of active display positions of each reels, the active display positions being all display positions of each selected reel and the designated display position of 30 the non-selected reels. As a result for five reels and fifteen display positions there are 243 ways to win. In other embodiments a player win entitlement may be affected by purchasing access to particular pay tables 35 e.g. a first bet amount entitles the player to wins including cherries and a second amount entitles them to wins including plums. 23818171 (GHMatters) P81472 AU 1 20108110 - 17 Once a player has operated game play mechanism 56 to place a wager and initiate a play of the game, outcome generator 622 operates in response to the player's operation of and 5 generates a game outcome which is then be evaluated by outcome evaluator 623. For example, in a spinning reel game, the outcome generator will select symbols from an ordered set of symbols for each of a plurality of reels using random number generator 621. In one example, the 10 outcome generator can select the symbols by randomly selecting a stop position for each reel. The selected symbols are advised to the display controller 625 which causes them to be displayed on display 54 at a set of symbol display positions. In one example, three symbols of is each of five reels may be displayed such that symbols are displayed at fifteen display positions on display 54. It is known to use a probability table stored in memory 64 to vary the odds of a particular stop position being selected. Other techniques can be used to control the odds 20 of particular outcomes occurring to thereby control the return to player of the game. In a spinning reel game, a game involves the reels being "spun" at least once - e.g. new symbols of the reels are selected for display at the display positions and the reel is either physically or 25 virtually spun to a stop. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that there may be more than one spin in a play of a gaming machine such as is the case when a series of free spins is awarded. 30 In Figure 6, the outcome evaluator 623 is shown as including an alternative credit awarder 623A and a conversion awarder 623B. In the embodiment, there is a pay table 644 which specifies certain game outcomes (for example combinations of symbols in the spinning reel game) 35 which result in an award of alternative credits rather than normal credits. When such awards are made they are added to the relevant one of the alternative credit meters 2381817_1 (GHMatters) P81472.AU.1 20/08110 - 18 642C,642D, 642E. In this respect it will be appreciated that in this embodiment there are plural different forms of alternative credits which are shown as second, third and nth credits. These credits are shown to the player 5 when the win occurs on the win meter 642A, however, the embodiment is arranged such that the player cannot simply cash out their alternative credits to the normal credit meter but rather must first be awarded a conversion opportunity. Again, a conversion is awarded by the 10 conversion awarder 623B when a particular outcome listed in the pay table corresponding to a conversion award is made. In other embodiments, the conversion awarder 623B may be independent of the outcome evaluator 623, for example conversion awards may be made as a function of is turnover. When a conversation award is made, the player can decide whether to convert credits from one of the alternative credit formats to normal credits and store them on the normal credit meter 642A (or to make as specific conversion if a specific conversion entitlement 20 is awarded) . In other embodiments, the player may be made an award in which they can convert normal credits into alternative credits. Credit conversions are handled by inter-credit converter 626 which converts the credits based on the current exchange rate 643. Inter-credit 25 converter 626 also includes an exchange rate controller 626A which controls the current exchange rate between first, normal credits and each of the alternative credits. Depending on the embodiment, the entitlement to convert may be kept (e.g. for a defined time or indefinitely) or 30 must be used at once. The exchange rate controller 626A can be configured in a number of different manners depending on the type of variations that are required between the alternative 35 credits 642C to 642E and normal credits 642B. For example, some jurisdictions may allow the exchange rate to increase over time in order to reward longer periods of 23818171 (GHMatters) P81472.AU 1 20/08/10 - 19 play. Other embodiments may require the return to player to be independent of time and accordingly the variations in exchange rate are arranged to average around a particular return. In one example, the exchange rate is 5 controlled based on the hit rate of certain outcomes. In one example, the exchange rate may be a function of the predicted hit rate on the game machine and actual hit rate. For example if an outcome is expected to occur every 50 spins and involves an award of 10 "second" 10 credits, the second credits may be treated as rarer after 70 spins have occurred leading to an increase in their value at that point in time but decreased in value if the period of time since that combination was last hit is less than the expected hit rate. Data required to calculate is the exchange rates together with the current exchange rates is stored as exchange rate data 643. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments, the player may be additionally or 20 alternatively entitled to convert from alternative to normal credits at specific times, for example if they run out of normal credits or they intend to quit playing the game and cash out fully. 25 In other embodiments, as will be described in further detail below, the player may be entitled to store alternative credits for future gaming. In such embodiments, it is preferable that the value of alternative credits is consistent from machine to machine 30 even if the value of currency to currency changes from machine to machine (although, it will be fixed for each machine). Figure 9 shows an exemplary display after a play of a 35 gaming machine as shown illustrated in Figure 6. A game outcome (not shown) is displayed in game display area 54A of display 54. Above the game display area 54A are 23818171 (GHMatters) P81472.AU.1 20108/10 - 20 displayed under the headings win 910, credits 920, exchange rates 930, an example where there are four alternative credits in addition to normal credits. The display shows that a player has just won 500 "lions" which s is one form of alternative credits. The display also shows that the player currently has a balance of 1245 normal credits, 3200 lions, 423 tigers, 0 zebras and 1200 monkeys. Exchange rate column 930 shows that lions have a value of 0.2 credits, tigers have a value of 5 credits, io zebras have a value of 20 credits and monkeys have a value of 0.1 credits at the current time. As shown in Figure 8, the method 800 of one embodiment involves converting 810currency to normal credits at a 15 fixed rate, storing 820 normal credits in the normal credit meter, and conducting the game 830 with normal credits. The method also involves establishing 840 a balance of alternative credits, and controlling 850 the exchange rate between normal and alternative credits to 20 vary over time. Further aspects of the method will be apparent from the above description of the gaming system. Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that the method could be 25 embodied in program code. The program code could be supplied in a number of ways, for example on a tangible computer readable storage medium, such as a disc or a memory (for example, that could replace part of memory 103) or as a data signal (for example, by transmitting it 30 from a server). Networked gaming system Figure 5 shows a gaming system 200 of the third form. The 35 gaming system 200 includes a network 201, which for example may be an Ethernet network. Gaming machines 202, shown arranged in three banks 203 of two gaming machines 2381817_1 (GHMatters) P81472.AU1 20108/10 - 21 202 in Figure 5, are connected to the network 201. The gaming machines 202 may be the same as the gaming machines 10,100 shown in Figures 2 and 3. While banks 203 of two gaming machines are illustrated in Figure 5, banks of one, 5 three or more gaming machines are also envisaged. One or more displays 204 may also be connected to the network 201. For example, the displays 204 may be associated with one or more banks 203 of gaming machines. 10 The displays 204 may be used to display representations associated with game play on the gaming machines 202, and/or used to display other representations, for example promotional or informational material. 15 In a thick client embodiment, the exchange rate controller is provided on server 205. A database management server 206 may manage storage of game programs and associated data for downloading or access by the gaming devices 202 in a database 206A. Typically, if the gaming system 20 enables players to participate in a Jackpot game, a Jackpot server 207 will be provided to perform accounting functions for the Jackpot game. A loyalty program server 212 may also be provided and may be configured to act as a bonus controller to provide bonus awards to players. In 25 some embodiments, these awards may only available to loyalty program members, in other embodiments, the may be available to all players. One or more of the servers may act as another type of controller including as a community game controller (also known as group or linked games). In 30 other embodiments, a community game controller or bonus is dedicated to a bank of gaming machines. In some embodiments, at least one controller in the form a jackpot controller, a bonus controller, a community game controller, a link game controller, a group game 35 controller, or the like is arranged to award a player alternative credits. 2381817_1 (GHMatters) P81472.AU.1 20108/10 - 22 Servers are also typically provided to assist in the administration of the gaming system 200, including for example a gaming floor management server 208, and a licensing server 209 to monitor the use of licenses 5 relating to particular games. An administrator terminal 210 is provided to allow an administrator to run the network 201 and the devices connected to the network. The gaming system 200 may communicate with other gaming 10 systems, other local networks, for example a corporate network, and/or a wide area network such as the Internet, for example through a firewall 211. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in is accordance with known techniques, functionality at the server side of the network may be distributed over a plurality of different computers. For example, elements may be run as a single "engine" on one server or a separate server may be provided. 20 Figure 7 shows in schematic form one example of a networked embodiment featuring N gaming machines 10 which communicate over a network (for example via player tracking module) with a number of network components 710, 25 720, 730. In this embodiment, the players of machines 10 can be awarded alternative credits by the individual gaming devices 10 as described in relation to Figure 6 above. Figure 7 shows that in addition to awards being made in alternative credits at individual gaming devices 30 10 awards can also be made by a bonus controller 720 which is data communication with each of the gaming devices 10. Bonus controller 720 may be configured to make awards based on turnover and loyalty rules associated with individual ones of the players. The gaming system 700 of 35 Figure 7 also includes an exchange rate controller 710 which determines exchange rates for each of the types of alternative credits, for example in an analogous manner to 2381817_1 (GHMatters) P81472.AU 120/08/10 - 23 that described above. In one example, this may be based on turnover across the interconnected gaming machines 10. The network also includes a player credit storage 730 for enabling players to store their alternative credit 5 balances against an account number or a player identification file. Example 1 1o All wins are paid as per a pay table for 2, 3 and 4 of a kind. However, a 5 of a kind win also offers the winner a credit exchange award to have the win converted into an alternative credit type. In an example, the credits correspond to symbols which are used in the game, for 15 example lions, tigers, zebras and monkeys. Each of the symbols has associated with it an initial exchange rate, for example 1 credit equals 7 lions, 1 credit equals 10 tigers, 1 credit equals 13 zebras and 1 credit equals 20 monkeys. In the example when a player wins a five tiger 20 award, the award the player is entitled to covert this win to tiger credits. Accordingly if the win is worth 1000 credits and the current value is 7 tigers to a credit, then the player can purchase 7000 tigers. 25 The value of tigers is caused to vary over time. Accordingly, if the value of tigers relative to credits increases over time, the player will be able to cash out the tigers for more credits than were initially awarded, for example 12000 credits. The relevant exchange rates 30 are displayed at all times in order to increase player excitement, for example that a win during the current exchange rate will allow them to convert credits into alternative credits at an advantageous exchange rate. 35 In the example, the player is also awarded an opportunity to convert alternative credits into normal credits. For example, the player may be allowed to convert each time 2381817_1 (GHMatters) P81472.AU.1 20/08/10 - 24 they obtain a win over a certain value, in respect of specific outcomes, such as three scatter symbols appearing across reels, based on turnover, or based on an independent random determination. 5 It will apparent from the above that the embodiment is advantageous in that it does not allow the player to speculate as they must firstly achieve wins in order to be able to invest them. A particular advantage of the 10 embodiment is that it will offer excitement at a period of time where a game can become less interesting to a player. For example, if a player has achieved a large win then other awards of credit may be diminished in comparison. However if the player is playing for a chance to convert 15 that large win from alternative credits back to normal credits at an advantageous rate, this will maintain interest. In some embodiments, the player may not have a choice as 20 to whether they convert alternative credits to normal credits when a conversion is awarded. The conversion may occur automatically or be restricted to a particular type of credit. 25 Example 2 In a second example there is provided a global system such as casino wide or multi-site variable credit system which allows some games to do credit conversions. For example 30 the conversions can be made when a player triggers a linked jackpot. In one example, a casino can issue a limited number of alternative credits, for example known as crowns at a floated exchange rate set initially at 1 credit equals 10 crowns. The casino would prefer the 35 players to use crowns rather than credits so it adjusts the exchange rate to encourage players' to convert wins to crowns. In one example this adjustment is an automatic 2381817_1 (GHMatters) P81472 AU.1 20108/10 - 25 calculation done continuously. When the demand for crowns grows, the casino lifts its rate so that players will sell crowns for credits. This way there is always business on the floor and the total value of crowns is kept as a 5 function of business on the floor. If there is not much activity, the rate will be low and it will encourage players to have their wins converted to crowns. As the players will require wins in order to convert from crowns to normal credits (and hence back to currency) they need 10 to play for wins. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that it is possible to have several different types of alternate credit based on the volatility. For example, wins of at is least 500 normal credits might only qualify for conversion which would make the conversions more speculative much as the volatility is higher. Lower volatility credits would have a more constant value. 20 Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in an embodiment the exchange rate may be set in an intermediate form by controlling exchange rate between alternative credits and currency to thereby control the exchange rate between first credits and second credits. 25 It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, in particular it will be apparent that certain features of 30 embodiments of the invention can be employed to form further embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, an eligibility criteria may be applied, for example that the player has made a 35 certain sized wager, made an ante bet, selected all win lines, played sufficient games, or the player is a member of a loyalty program in order to be eligible to obtain 2381817_1 (GHMatters) P81472 AU 1 20/08110 - 26 alternative credits. In other embodiments, a trigger event may be required before alternative credits become available. The trigger event may be, a symbol combination in the game, occurrence of a specific symbol in the game, 5 purchased, be caused by another connected controller, based on turnover etc. It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission 10 that the prior art forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art in any country. In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context 15 requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is 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 20 features in various embodiments of the invention. 23818171 (GHMatters) PB1 472 AU 1 20108/10

Claims

1. A gaming system comprising: a plurality of credit meters arranged to store 5 different types of credits including a first credit meter for storing first credits; a currency converter arranged to convert from currency to first credits and from first credits to currency at a fixed rate; 10 a game controller arranged to implement a game in which wagers are placed by a player in first credits, the gaming system arranged to enable a player to establish a balance of second credits on a second credit meter of the plurality of credit meters; and 15 an exchange rate controller arranged to control an effective exchange rate between first credits and second credits to vary over time.

2. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, comprising: 20 a currency input mechanism and a currency output mechanism in data communication with the currency converter.

3. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, 25 wherein the exchange rate controller controls an exchange rate between second credits and currency to thereby control the exchange rate between first credits and second credits. 30

4. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the gaming system is arranged to make an award of second credits.

5. A gaming system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the 35 game controller is arranged to make the award of second credits in response to play of the game. 2381817_1 (GHMatters) P81472.AU 1 20108/10 - 28

6. A gaming system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the game controller makes the award of second credits in respect of a winning outcome of the game. 5

7. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein a further controller in data communication with the game controller is arranged to make the award of second credits. 10

8. A gaming system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the further controller is at least one of a jackpot controller, a bonus controller, a community game controller, a link game controller, or a group game controller. 15

9. A gaming system as claimed in claims 1 to 8, arranged to control when the player is entitled to convert first credits to second credits. 20

10. A gaming system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the game controller is arranged to award an entitlement to convert first credits to second credits.

11. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 25 10, further arranged to control when the player is entitled to convert second credits to first credits.

12. A gaming system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the game controller is arranged to award an entitlement to 30 convert second credits to first credits.

13. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the exchange rate controller is arranged to control the exchange rate between credits and second 35 credits as a function of a hit rate for one or more game outcomes. 2381817_1 (GHMatters) P81472.AU.1 20/08/10 - 29

14. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the gaming system comprises a plurality of gaming devices each having a game controller, and the exchange rate controller is arranged to control the 5 exchange rate between first credits and second credits based on turnover on the plurality of gaming devices.

15. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the plurality of credit meters comprises at 10 least one additional credit meter each for storing an additional type of credits, such that in combination with the second credits there are plural types of credits in the system different to the first credits, the gaming system arranged to enable a player to establish a balance 15 in any one of the plural types of credits different to the first credits on respective credit meters, and the exchange rate controller controls an effective rate of exchange between each type of credits and first credits, such that there are plural types of credits whose value 20 varies relative to the first credit.

16. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the first credits are normal credits and the gaming system is arranged such that it is only possible to 25 exchange between normal credits and currency.

17. A game controller for a gaming system, the game controller arranged to: convert from currency to first credits and from first 30 credits to currency at a fixed rate; store first credits with a first credit meter; conduct a game in which wagers are placed by a player in first credits; enable a player to establish a balance of second 35 credits on an second credit meter; and control an effective exchange rate between first credits and second credits to vary over time. 2381817_1 (GHMatters) P81472.AU.1 20/08110 - 30

18. A game controller as claimed in claim 17, the exchange rate between first credits and second credits is controlled by controlling an exchange rate between second 5 credits and currency to thereby control.

19. A game controller as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18, arranged to make an award of second credits in response to play of the game. 10

20. A game controller as claimed in claim 19, arranged to make the award of second credits in respect of a winning outcome of the game. 15

21. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 20, arranged to award an entitlement to convert first credits to second credits.

22. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 17 20 to 21, arranged to award an entitlement to convert second credits to first credits.

23. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein the exchange rate controller is arranged to 25 control the exchange rate between credits and second credits as a function of a hit rate for one or more game outcomes.

24. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 17 30 to 23, wherein the plurality of credit meters comprises at least one additional credit meter each for storing an additional type of credits, such that in combination with the second credits there are plural types of credits in the system different to the first credits, the gaming 35 system arranged to enable a player to establish a balance in any one of these types of credits on respective credit meters, and the exchange rate controller controls an 2381817_1 (GHMatters) P81472 AU.1 20/08110 - 31 effective rate of exchange between each type of credits and first credits, such that there are plural types of credits whose value varies relative to the first credit. 5

25. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 24, wherein the first credits are normal credits and the game controller is arranged such that it is only possible to exchange between normal credits and currency. 10

26. A method in a gaming system comprising: converting from currency to first credits and from first credits to currency at a fixed rate; storing first credits with a first credit meter; 15 conducting a game in which wagers are placed by a player in first credits; enabling a player to establish a balance of second credits on an second credit meter; and controlling an effective exchange rate between first 20 credits and second credits to vary over time.

27. A method as claimed in claim 26, comprising controlling an exchange rate between second credits and currency to thereby control the exchange rate between 25 first credits and second credits.

28. A method as claimed in claim 26 or claim 27, comprising making an award of second credits. 30

29. A method as claimed in claim 28, comprising making the award of second credits in response to play of the game.

30. A method as claimed in claim 29, comprising making 35 the award of second credits in respect of a winning outcome of the game. 2381817_1 (GHMatters) P81472.AUA1 20108/10 - 32

31. A method as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 30, comprising controlling when the player is entitled to convert first credits to second credits. 5

32. A method as claimed in claim 31, comprising awarding an entitlement to convert first credits to second credits.

33. A method as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 32, comprising controlling when the player is entitled to 10 convert second credits to first credits.

34. A method as claimed as claimed in claim 33, comprising awarding an entitlement to convert second credits to first credits. 15

35. A method as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 34, comprising controlling the exchange rate between credits and second credits as a function of a hit rate for one or more game outcomes. 20

36. A method as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 34, comprising controlling the exchange rate between first credits and second credits based on turnover on a plurality of gaming devices. 25

37. A method as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 36, comprising enabling a player to establish a balance in any one of plural types of credits different to the first credits and controlling an effective rate of exchange 30 between each type of credits and first credits, such that there are plural types of credits whose value varies relative to the first credit.

38. A method as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 37, 35 wherein the first credits are normal credits and it is only possible to exchange between normal credits and currency. 2381817_1 (GHMatters) P81472 AU.1 20/08110 - 33

39. Computer program code which when executed by a gaming system implements the method of any one of claims 26 to 38. 5

40. A tangible computer readable storage medium comprising computer program code which when executed by a gaming system implements the method of any one of claims 26 to 38. 10 2381817_1 (GHMatters) P81472 AU.1 2008/10