AU2012261551B2 - A gaming system, a method of gaming and an additional game controller - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of gaming comprising: determining which of a plurality of gaming devices, each operable for independent 5 play of one or more games, are eligible for an additional game; initiating an additional game; and determining in response to initiation of the additional game, which eligible gaming devices will participate in the initiated additional game, the determination including a random 10 determination in respect of at least one of the eligible gaming devices to determine whether the respective eligible gaming device will participate in the additional game. 3919520_1 (GHMatters) P80217.AU.2 6/12/12

Description

1 Title A GAMING SYSTEM, A METHOD OF GAMING AND AN ADDITIONAL GAME CONTROLLER 5 Related Application This application is a divisional application of Australian application no. 2010202165, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 10 Field The present invention relates to a gaming system, a method of gaming and an additional game controller. Background 15 In some gaming systems, a player of an individual gaming machine can qualify to play a bonus game conducted by another gaming apparatus. For example, a particular gaming outcome may entitle the player to the bonus game. 20 In other gaming systems a plurality of players may qualify to play a bonus game where players compete against one another, with one or more players receiving an award based on their placing in the bonus game. 25 While such gaming systems 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 method of gaming using an additional game controller and a plurality of remote gaming devices comprising: first determining which of the plurality of gaming devices, each operable for independent play of one or more 35 games, are eligible for an additional game; selecting with reference to said first determining, at least one jackpot prize from a plurality of jackpot 7170579_1 (GHMatters) P80217.AU.2 DEBORAM 2 prizes that are available to be won initiating the additional game; matching via the additional game controller an outcome of the additional game with the selected at least 5 one jackpot prize; second determining in response to initiation of the additional game, which eligible gaming devices will participate in the initiated additional game, the second determining including a plurality of separate third 10 determinings randomly in respect of each of the eligible gaming devices participating in the additional game as to whether the respective eligible gaming devices participating in the additional game will achieve the outcome matched with the selected at least one jackpot 15 prize; and awarding the selected at least one jackpot prize to each player of the eligible gaming devices participating in the initiated additional game in response to that player achieving the matched outcome of the selected 20 eligible gaming device. In an embodiment, the each of the third determinings is conducted in respect of all of the eligible gaming devices. 25 In an embodiment, wherein said second determining includes fourth determining at least one gaming device to participate without being subject to the third determining. 30 In an embodiment, wherein said initiating includes one of the plurality of gaming devices causing the additional game to initiate, and wherein said one of the gaming devices which caused the additional game to initiate is 35 determined to participate by said fourth determining. In an embodiment, each of said third determinings is 7170579_1 (GHMatters) P80217.AU.2 DEBORAM 3 weighted to provide at least one gaming device with a greater probability of being a participating gaming device relative to at least one other gaming device. In an embodiment, the additional game is initiated in 5 response to occurrence of a trigger event. In an embodiment, the trigger event occurs on one of the eligible gaming devices. 10 In an embodiment, said first determining includes determining which of the gaming devices have been active in a designated period. In an embodiment, the method comprises determining which 15 of the gaming devices are eligible gaming devices based on whether a designated wager has been made. In an embodiment, the method comprises determining which of the gaming devices are eligible gaming devices by 20 deeming each of a plurality of designated gaming devices to be an eligible gaming device. In an embodiment, the method comprises conducting separate additional games for each gaming device which is 25 determined to participate. In an embodiment, the method comprises conducting a single additional game for all of the gaming devices which are determined to participate, each gaming device operable for 30 independent play of one or more games In an embodiment, the method includes controlling the probability of at least one outcome of the additional game such that at least one gaming device has a higher 35 probability of winning the additional game than at least one other gaming device. 7170579_1 (GHMatters) P80217.AU.2 DEBORAM 4 In an embodiment method includes controlling the probability of at least one outcome of the additional game such that at least one gaming device has a higher probability of winning the additional game than at least 5 one other gaming device, wherein the probability is controlled in favour of said one of the gaming devices which caused the additional game to initiate. In a second aspect, the invention provides a gaming system 10 comprising: a plurality of gaming devices, each gaming device operable for independent play of one or more games; a game controller operable to determine which of the plurality of gaming devices are eligible for an additional 15 game; an outcome generator operable to select, with said first determination, at least one jackpot prize from a plurality of jackpot prizes that are available to be won; an additional game controller in data communication 20 with the gaming devices, the additional game controller configured to 1) initiate said additional game, 2) match an outcome of the additional game with the selected at least one jackpot prize, and 3) further determine, in response to initiation of the additional game, which of 25 the plurality of gaming devices will participate in the initiated additional game, the further determination including a plurality of separate random determinations in respect of each of the eligible gaming devices as to whether the respective eligible gaming devices 30 participating in the additional game will achieve the outcome matched with the selected at least one jackpot prize; and an award module operable to award the selected at least one jackpot prize to each player of the eligible 35 gaming devices participating in the initiated additional game, in response to that player achieving the matched outcome. 7170579_1 (GHMatters) P80217.AU.2 DEBORAM 5 In an embodiment, the gaming system comprises a random number generator and wherein the additional game controller comprises a participation module arranged to 5 employ the random number generator to conduct the random determination. In an embodiment, the additional game controller is configured to conduct random determinations in respect of 10 all of the eligible gaming devices. In an embodiment, the additional game controller determines that least one gaming device is to participate without being subject to the random determination. 15 In an embodiment, a gaming device which caused the additional game to initiate is determined to participate without being subject to the random determination. 20 In an embodiment, at least one random determination is weighted to provide at least one gaming device with a greater probability of being a participating gaming device relative to at least one other gaming device. 25 In an embodiment, the additional game is initiated in response to occurrence of a trigger event. In an embodiment, each of the gaming devices are arranged to determine whether the trigger event occurs on one of 30 the eligible gaming devices. In an embodiment, the gaming system is arranged to determine which of the gaming devices are eligible gaming devices based on which gaming device have been active in a 35 designated period. In an embodiment, the gaming system is arranged to 7170579_1 (GHMatters) P80217.AU.2 DEBORAM 6 determine which of the gaming devices are eligible gaming devices based on whether a designated wager has been made. In an embodiment, each of a plurality of designated gaming 5 devices are deemed to be an eligible gaming device. In an embodiment, the additional game controller conducts separate additional games for each gaming device which is determined to participate. 10 In an embodiment, the additional game controller conducts a single additional game for all of the gaming devices which are determined to participate. 15 In an embodiment, the probability of at least one outcome of the additional game is controlled by the additional game controller such that at least one gaming device has a higher probability of winning the additional game than at least one other gaming device. 20 In an embodiment, the probability is controlled in favour of a gaming device which caused the additional game to initiate. 25 In a third aspect, the invention provides a gaming system comprising: a plurality of gaming devices each operable for independent play of one or more games; means for first determining which of the plurality of 30 gaming devices are eligible for an additional game; means for selecting at least one jackpot prize from a plurality of jackpot prizes that are available to be won; means for matching an outcome of the additional game with the selected at least one jackpot prize due to be 35 won; means for second determining in response to initiation of the additional game, which eligible gaming 7170579_1 (GHMatters) P80217.AU.2 DEBORAM 7 devices will participate in the initiated additional game, the second determining including a plurality of separate third determinings randomly in respect of each of the eligible gaming devices participating in the additional 5 game as to whether the respective eligible gaming devices participating in the additional game will achieve the outcome matched with the selected at least one jackpot prize; and means for awarding the selected at least one jackpot 10 prize to each player of the eligible gaming devices participating in the initiated additional game in response to that player achieving the matched outcome of the selected eligible gaming device. 15 In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a gaming system comprising: a plurality of electronic gaming machines each comprising a cabinet, a display mounted within the cabinet, at least one input device mounted to the cabinet 20 and a game controller disposed within the cabinet comprising a processor and a memory storing game control instructions which enable each game controller operating in response to operation of a respective at least one input device by a player to conduct a respective game, 25 said game controller further operable to first determine which of the plurality of gaming machines are eligible for an additional game; an outcome generator operable to select with reference to said first determination at least one jackpot 30 prize from a plurality of jackpot prizes that are available to be won; an additional game controller operably connected to the electronic gaming machines, the additional game controller comprising a processor and a memory storing 35 additional game control instructions which when executed causes the additional game controller to 1) initiate the additional game, 2) match an outcome of the additional 7170579_1 (GHMatters) P80217.AU.2 DEBORAM 8 game with the selected at least one jackpot prize, and 3) further determine, in response to initiation of the additional game, which of the plurality of gaming devices will participate in the initiated additional game, the 5 further determination including a plurality of separate random determinations in respect of each of the eligible gaming devices as to whether the respective eligible gaming devices participating in the additional game will achieve the outcome matched with the selected at least one 10 jackpot prize; and an award module operable to award the selected at least one jackpot prize to each player of the eligible gaming devices participating in the initiated additional game, in response to that player achieving the matched 15 outcome. In a fifth aspect, the invention provides computer program code which when executed implements the above method. 20 In a sixth aspect, the invention provides a tangible computer readable medium comprising the above program code. Brief Description of Drawings 25 An exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a block diagram of a gaming system with an 30 additional game controller; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a stand alone gaming machine; 35 Figure 3 is a block diagram of the functional components of a gaming machine; 7170579_1 (GHMatters) P80217.AU.2 DEBORAM 9 Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the functional components of a memory; Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a network gaming 5 system; Figure 6 is a block diagram of an additional game controller; 10 Figure 7 is a functional block diagram of an additional game controller; Figure 8 is a flow chart of an embodiment; 15 Figure 9 is a functional block diagram of a gaming device in the form of a standalone gaming machine; Detailed Description 20 Overview of exemplary gaming system Figure 1 shows an exemplary gaming system 1 where an additional game controller 150 is in data communication over a network 2, such as an Ethernet, with a bank of five 25 gaming devices in the form of standalone electronic gaming machines 10. When an additional game is initiated, the additional game controller 150 is arranged to communicate with the gaming devices to determine how many are eligible and to then determine from the eligible gaming devices 30 which gaming devices participate in the additional game. That is, not all eligible gaming devices will necessarily participate in the additional game, although depending on the embodiment, some exceptions may be made for example, for a gaming device which caused the additional game to 35 initiate or if there is only one eligible gaming device. In the embodiment, the determination involves carrying out a random determination to determine which of the eligible 7170579_1 (GHMatters) P80217.AU.2 DEBORAM 10 gaming devices will participate. In one embodiment, the random determination is carried out in respect of all eligible gaming devices except the one which triggered the additional game, this gaming device being guaranteed entry 5 to the additional game. In some embodiments, there is an adjustment of the odds of at least one gaming device winning the additional game. For example, if there are N eligible gaming devices and an N/M) chance of the additional game being won in any instance, chance can be 10 apportioned amongst the participating gaming devices. For example, if there are 10 eligible gaming devices but only 5 participate each gaming device would have a 2/M chance of winning. Alternatively, the shares in the chance of eligible machines which do not participate could be 15 allocated to the gaming machine which triggered the game such that it has an increased chance of winning. For example, for 5 participating gaming devices of 10 eligible devices, the triggering gaming device would have a chance of 6/M and the other gaming devices would have a chance of 20 1/M. Depending, on the embodiment, the outcome of the game can be evaluated collectively (such that only one device may win) or independently such that each participating device may win. 25 Gaming devices Gaming devices capable of participating in the method of gaming of the embodiment can take any suitable form including stand alone gaming machines and server based 30 gaming terminals. A gaming device in the form of a stand alone gaming machine 10 is illustrated in Figure 2. The gaming machine 10 includes a console 12 having a display 14 on which are 35 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 7170579_1 (GHMatters) P80217.AU.2 DEBORAM 11 interact with the gaming machine, in particular during game play. The mid-trim 20 also houses a credit input mechanism 24 which in this example includes a coin input chute 24A and a bill collector 24B. Other credit input 5 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 that they have a ticket reader for reading tickets having a value and crediting the player based on the face 10 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 device may be in the form of a card, flash drive or any 15 other portable storage medium capable of being read by the reading device. In some embodiments, the player marketing module may provide an additional credit mechanism, either by transferring credits to the gaming machine from credits stored on the player tracking device or by transferring 20 credits from a player account in data communication with the player marketing module. A top box 26 may carry artwork 28, including for example pay tables and details of bonus awards and other 25 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 from the gaming machine 10. 30 The display 14 shown in Figure 2 is in the form of a video display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, the display 14 may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, any other suitable video 35 display unit, or the visible portion of an electromechanical device. The top box 26 may also include a display, for example a video display unit, which may be 7170579_1 (GHMatters) P80217.AU.2 DEBORAM 12 of the same type as the display 14, or of a different type. Figure 3 shows a block diagram of operative components of 5 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 having a processor 102 mounted on a circuit board. 10 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 volatile memory and more than one of each type of memory, 15 with such memories being collectively represented by the memory 103. The gaming machine has hardware meters 104 for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring 20 player credit, an input/output (I/O) 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 own memory for storing associated instructions and data 25 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 random numbers includes pseudo-random numbers. 30 In the example shown in Figure 3, a player interface 120 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 35 mechanism), a card and/or ticket reader 108, a printer 109, a bill acceptor and/or coin input mechanism 110 and a coin output mechanism 111. Additional hardware may be 7170579_1 (GHMatters) P80217.AU.2 DEBORAM 13 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 screens are typically used in gaming machines to allow a 5 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 uses to initiate a play of the game. 10 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 information, accounting information or other information 15 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, communications over a network may be via player marketing 20 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. Figure 4 shows a block diagram of the main components of 25 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 EPROM 103B may be a boot ROM device and/or may contain 30 some system or game related code. The mass storage device 103C is typically used to store game programs, the integrity of which may be verified and/or authenticated by the processor 102 using protected code from the EPROM 103B or elsewhere. 35 It is also possible for the operative components of the gaming machine 100 to be distributed, for example 7170579_1 (GHMatters) P80217.AU.2 DEBORAM 14 input/output devices 106,107,108,109,110,111 to be provided remotely from the game controller 101. In a client server architecture a gaming device is 5 provided by a gaming client and game server (and optionally other gaming network components). A gaming client has a similar outward appearance to gaming machine 10 but the game server implements most or all of the game and as such acts as the game controller while the terminal 10 operated by the player essentially provides only the player interface. The gaming terminal receives player instructions, pass these to the game server which will process them and return game play outcomes to the gaming machine for display. Further details of a server gaming 15 architecture can be found in WO 2006/052213 and PCT/SE2006/000559, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. In such an embodiment, an additional game controller can be provided, for example, by a dedicated server in data communication with 20 the game server. Figure 5 shows that a gaming device may be connected within a gaming network 200 which provides additional and/or enhanced functionality. The gaming network 200 25 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 202 in Figure 5, are connected to the network 201. The gaming machines 202 provide a player operable interface and may be the same as 30 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, three or more gaming machines are also envisaged. 35 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. 7170579_1 (GHMatters) P80217.AU.2 DEBORAM 15 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. 5 In one example of an alternative embodiment, an additional game controller can be provided within such a network 200 by additional game server 205, such that the additional game server may implement an additional game for a 10 plurality of different banks of gaming machines rather than a specific controller being provide for each bank of gaming machines. A database management server 206 may manage storage of 15 game programs and associated data for downloading or access by the gaming devices 202 in a database 206A. Typically, if the gaming system enables players to participate in a Jackpot game, a Jackpot server 207 will be provided to perform accounting functions for the 20 Jackpot game. A loyalty program server 212 may also be provided. Note also that in some embodiments, the additional game is a jackpot game and hence the additional game controller is a jackpot controller. 25 Servers are also typically provided to assist in the administration of the gaming network 200, including for example a gaming floor management server 208, and a licensing server 209 to monitor the use of licenses relating to particular games. An administrator terminal 30 210 is provided to allow an administrator to run the network 201 and the devices connected to the network. The gaming network 200 may communicate with other gaming systems, other local networks, for example a corporate 35 network, and/or a wide area network such as the Internet, for example through a firewall 211. 7170579_1 (GHMatters) P80217.AU.2 DEBORAM 16 Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in accordance with known techniques, functionality at the server side of the network may be distributed over a plurality of different computers. For example, elements 5 may be run as a single "engine" on one server or a separate server may be provided. For example, the game server 205 could run a random generator engine. Alternatively, a separate random number generator server could be provided. Further, persons skilled in the art 10 will appreciate that a plurality of game servers could be provided to run different games or a single game server may run a plurality of different games as required by the terminals. 15 Figure 9 is a functional block diagram of a gaming device in the form of a stand alone gaming machine. The gaming device 900 may be the same or different to gaming machine 10,100 described above. In Figure 9, the processor 930 of game controller 920 is shown implementing a number of 20 modules based on program code and data stored in memory 940. 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. 25 The gaming device 900 includes a player interface 910 having a display 911 for displaying game outcomes to a player and a game play mechanism 912 including input devices such as touch screen or buttons to enable the player to interact with the game by placing wagers and 30 entering any other instructions required to play the game. Game play mechanism 912 also enables the player to interact with the game to learn game rules etc. The player interface 910 includes a credit mechanism 913 allowing the player to input credit into the gaming device 35 900 and/or be paid out any winnings or remaining credit. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that other components will be present in a gaming device 900 such as 7170579_1 (GHMatters) P80217.AU.2 DEBORAM 17 those described in relation to Figures 2 to 4 above. The memory 940 includes program code for implementing a game including base game rule data 941 for implementing the rules of a base game. 5 The processor 930 when executing the program code stored in memory 940 is arranged to generate outcomes of the game in response to the operation of the game play mechanism 912. The outcomes are generated with the outcome 10 generator 931. The outcome evaluator 932 evaluates the game outcomes that are generated based on the wager specified with the game play mechanism 912 and updates credit data 942 which stores a credit meter and a win meter for the game. The processor 930 also implements a 15 communication module 933 which is intended to communicate by communication interface 950 with an additional game controller. As will be described in further detail below the communication module 933 is arranged to indicate to the additional game controller whether the gaming device 20 900 is eligible to participate in an additional game. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the communication module includes a eligibility sub-module 933A which is intended to determine based on eligibility rule data 943 whether 25 the gaming device 900 is eligible to participate in the additional game. In one example, eligibility rule data 943 specifies a time period and eligibility sub-module 933A determines whether a game has been concluded within a defined time period prior to receipt of a polling request 30 from the additional game controller. In another example, the eligibility sub-module 933A also determines whether a relevant bet such as a maximum bet or an ante bet has been placed in the relevant time period. Alternatively, eligibility sub-module 933A communicates when the last 35 game is completed. In this manner, the additional game controller 150 can determine whether the gaming device 900 is currently being played and is eligible to participate 7170579_1 (GHMatters) P80217.AU.2 DEBORAM 18 in the additional game. Additional game controller and its operation within the gaming system 5 Referring to Figure 6 there is shown further detail of the additional game controller 150. From Figure 6 it will be apparent that additional game controller 150 is in data communication with a communal display 160 on which game 10 outcomes can be displayed to the players playing the bank of gaming machines 10 shown in Figure 1. In other embodiments, the game outcomes could be displayed on a top box of the individual gaming machines 10, rather than being displayed on a communal display, or in addition to 15 such a display. Referring to Figure 6, the constitution of the additional game controller 150 is similar to that of the gaming device illustrated in relation to Figures 2 to 4 and 20 Figure 9 in that it has a processor 151 arranged to implement the additional game based on program code stored in memory 152 and a display driver 154 for driving the display 160 to show the additional game outcome. The additional game controller 150 also includes a 25 communication interface 153 which is designed to enable the processor 151 to communicate with each of the gaming devices 10. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate the above 30 components are the core components for implementing a additional game but other components may be present in an additional game controller. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the implementation of the additional game controller is analogous to the implementation of 35 bonus controllers and jackpot controllers in existing gaming systems and reference may be made to such controllers for further details of implementation. 7170579_1 (GHMatters) P80217.AU.2 DEBORAM 19 Figure 7 is a functional block diagram of the additional gaming controller 150 which shows that the processor 151 implements a number of modules in a similar manner to the 5 processor of the gaming device shown in Figure 9. The processor executes program code stored in memory 152 to instantiate a eligibility module 703 which communicates via data communication interface 153 with each of the gaming devices. In one example, this communication 10 includes polling each of the gaming devices. In another example this may be by listening to output on the network from each of the individual gaming devices. In any event, the eligibility module 703 determines based on eligibility rule data 712 the number of gaming machines which 15 currently participating. That is, eligibility rule data 712 may specify how often the eligibility module should poll individual gaming machines or the time period within which the gaming machines need to have last indicated that they are active in order to be eligible to participate in 20 the additional game. In the specific embodiment shown in Figure 8, the eligibility module 703 includes a trigger monitor 703A which is designed to monitor for receipt of a trigger 25 signal from one of the gaming devices. Such a trigger signal being output by communication interface 950 by trigger monitor 932A of outcome evaluator 932 of the respective gaming device. The trigger monitor 932A is arranged to determine based on the base game rule data 941 30 whether a trigger condition has been met. The trigger condition can be one of any known trigger condition in the art such as a particular symbol combination being achieved in the underlying base game. When the trigger is received by the trigger monitor 703A, eligibility module 703 polls 35 each of the gaming machines to determine whether they comply with the eligibility requirements of the additional game, in this case, whether they have been active within a 7170579_1 (GHMatters) P80217.AU.2 DEBORAM 20 defined period. The eligibility sub-module 933A of each gaming device 900 outputs whether they are active at the time based on the eligibility rule data 943 as well as data allowing the gaming machine to be identified. From 5 these responses, eligibility module 703 determines the identity and number of gaming devices eligible for the additional game. From the eligible gaming devices, participation module 707 determines which gaming devices will participate based on participation rules 714. In this 10 embodiment, participation rules 714 specify that the gaming device which caused the game to initiate by the trigger event occurring in respect of a game played on it, gains automatic entry to the additional game. This is advantageous as an additional game is always conducted. 15 Thus, the participation module 707, determines which other eligible gaming devices will participate, thus assuming there is at least one other eligible gaming device, participation module 707 employs random number generator 705 to conduct a random determination in respect of each 20 other eligible gaming device to determine which of the eligible gaming devices will participate. For example, each gaming device may have a 50:50 chance of participating. In this embodiment, the participation module 707 also comprises an odds assigner, which controls 25 the relative and/or absolute odds of a particular gaming device winning the additional game. In this embodiment, the outcome generator 701 is arranged to use random number generator 705 to first select a jackpot of three different jackpot levels stored as prize data, which is to be played 30 for and this is display on communal display 160. The odds of selection of the jackpots are stored as game rule data, and can be for example, such that the additional game is conducted, on average, for the major jackpot 1 in 20 times, the maxi jackpot 7 in 20 times, and the minor 35 jackpot 12 in 20 times. The outcome generator 701 then conducts a random 7170579_1 (GHMatters) P80217.AU.2 DEBORAM 21 determination using RNG 705 to determine whether one of the gaming devices will win the selected prize. In this example, if there are N eligible gaming devices, there is a N/M chance of the additional game being won, where M is 5 determined by the game designer to provide an appropriate return to player. The outcome generator 705 causes random number generator 707 to return a number in the range of 1 to M. If the value falls in the range 1 to N, one of the participating gaming devices will win. In the embodiment, 10 odds assigner 707A is arranged to assign the range 1 to N to individual participating gaming devices. This example, works in effect such that the shares in the chance of winning of eligible machines which do not participate are allocated to the gaming machine which triggered the game 15 such that it has an increased chance of winning. For example, for 5 participating gaming devices of 10 eligible devices, the triggering gaming device would have a chance of 6/M and the other gaming devices would have a chance of 1/M such that the triggering gaming device is 20 advantageously provided with better odds of winning. In the above example, once a jackpot is selected the odds of each jackpot (major, maxi or minor) being awarded is the same. In other embodiments, the odds could be 25 different, for example, there may be even chance of the jackpots being selected but lower relative odds of the major jackpot being awarded than the maxi and minor jackpots. The jackpots may be fixed prizes or progressive prizes such as are known in the art. When a prize is 30 awarded, the award is made under control of award module 706, for example by transferring credits to the relevant gaming device. In other embodiments, rather than a single determination 35 being conducted by the outcome generator 701, separate determinations may be conducted for each gaming device such that more than one gaming device may win an award. 7170579_1 (GHMatters) P80217.AU.2 DEBORAM 22 In a variation on the above embodiment, a random determination is conducted in respect of each eligible gaming device to determine which will participate. In an 5 example of such an embodiment, each participating gaming device has the same chance of winning the jackpot. In one example of such an embodiment, the odds are apportioned equally amongst the participating gaming devices. For example, if there are 10 eligible gaming devices but only 10 5 participate each gaming device would have a 2/M chance of winning. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that while the above example describes the additional game being 15 triggered, the additional game could instead be carried out periodically with each gaming device that played in a previous time period being eligible. The method of embodiment is summarised in Figure 8 which 20 shows that the method involves determining 810 a number of participating gaming machines, conducting 820 random determinations in respect of at least one gaming device determining 830 the number of participating gaming devices, and conducting 840 the additional game with 25 participating gaming machines. In the above embodiment, the additional game controller is arranged to determine the additional game outcome. In other embodiments, the additional game controller could 30 control participation but actual outcomes could be calculated elsewhere such as by the gaming devices or another controller. Examples 35 Example 1 7170579_1 (GHMatters) P80217.AU.2 DEBORAM 23 8 machines are linked and are connected to a common maxi prize of $5000 and a common minor prize of $500. (In this example the prize value is not progressive - i.e. it is not changing as players bet on machines. The example 5 works equally well if the prize is progressive or of a non-cash value) All machines are connected via an additional game controller which monitors activity on the machines and can 10 direct messages to the machines. All players are playing their machines. Player on machine number 1 triggers the jackpot feature. 15 (Triggering the jackpot feature can be in any of the known ways including but not limited to achieving an outcome on the machine, causing a machine or system event) The additional game controller receives the message that 20 the jackpot feature is triggered. The additional game controller now randomly selects at least one of the machines on the link and determines that the machine will be eligible for the jackpot. 25 Where there are multiple jackpots available the additional game controller can determine which jackpot will be won. (This can be determined randomly or by reference to the manner in which the jackpot feature was triggered or by 30 reference to the outcome of a feature game.) The additional game controller sends a message to each selected machine to advise that the machine is eligible for the jackpot. If necessary, the machine will also be 35 advised which jackpot will be won. If the winning of the jackpot requires a feature game to 7170579_1 (GHMatters) P80217.AU.2 DEBORAM 24 be played, then the machine will now invoke the feature game. If the additional game controller has determined which 5 jackpot will be won, then the feature game will have an outcome to match the jackpot due to be won. If the machine determines which jackpot is to be won, then the machine will play the feature game and the outcome of 10 the feature game will determine which jackpot is won. Example 2 8 machines are linked and are connected to a common maxi 15 prize of $5000 and a common minor prize of $500. (In this example the prize value is not progressive - i.e. it is not changing as players bet on machines. The example works equally well if the prize is progressive or of a non-cash value.) 20 All machines are connected via an additional game controller which monitors activity on the machines and can direct messages to the machines. 25 All players are playing their machines. Player on machine number 1 triggers the jackpot feature. (triggering the jackpot feature can be in any of the known ways including but not limited to achieving an outcome on 30 the machine, causing a machine or system event) The additional game controller receives the message that the jackpot feature is triggered by machine 1. 35 The additional game controller now randomly selects at least one of the machines on the link including machine 1 and determines that the machine will be eligible for the 7170579_1 (GHMatters) P80217.AU.2 DEBORAM 25 jackpot. If the additional game controller has selected that machine 1 and 1 other machine are eligible for the 5 jackpot, the controller now determines that machine 1 will have a better chance of winning the maxi jackpot than the other machine. The additional game controller will now advise the 10 machines that a jackpot is eligible and the respective chance of winning the jackpots. Further aspects of the method will be apparent from the above description of the gaming system. Persons skilled in 15 the art will also appreciate that the method could be embodied in program code. The program code could be supplied in a number of ways, for example on a tangible computer readable medium, such as a disc or a memory, or as a data signal (for example, by transmitting it from a 20 server). Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments, additional or alternative eligibility criteria may be applied, for example that the player has 25 made a 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 embodiments, which employ a trigger event, the trigger 30 event may be, a symbol combination in the game, occurrence of a specific symbol in the game, purchased, be caused by another connected system, based on turnover etc. It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the 35 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 7170579_1 (GHMatters) P80217.AU.2 DEBORAM 26 embodiments of the invention can be employed to form further embodiments. For example, the linked game controller 150 is shown in 5 Figure 1 as a separate entity to the gaming devices 10. In an alternative embodiment, it could be provided by one of the gaming devices incorporating a server module arranged to implement the linked game controller in the manner described in Australian patent application 2008205413 10 filed 13 August 2008. It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms a part of the common general 15 knowledge in the art in any country. In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary 20 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 features in various embodiments of the invention. 25 7170579_1 (GHMatters) P80217.AU.2 DEBORAM

Claims (33)

1. A method of gaming using an additional game controller and a plurality of remote gaming devices 5 comprising: first determining which of the plurality of gaming devices, each operable for independent play of one or more games, are eligible for an additional game; selecting with reference to said first determining, 10 at least one jackpot prize from a plurality of jackpot prizes that are available to be won initiating the additional game; matching via the additional game controller an outcome of the additional game with the selected at least 15 one jackpot prize; second determining in response to initiation of the additional game, which eligible gaming devices will participate in the initiated additional game, the second determining including a plurality of separate third 20 determinings randomly in respect of each of the eligible gaming devices participating in the additional game as to whether the respective eligible gaming devices participating in the additional game will achieve the outcome matched with the selected at least one jackpot 25 prize; and awarding the selected at least one jackpot prize to each player of the eligible gaming devices participating in the initiated additional game in response to that player achieving the matched outcome of the selected 30 eligible gaming device.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the third determinings is conducted in respect of all of the eligible gaming devices. 35

3. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second determining includes fourth determining at least one 7170579_1 (GHMatters) P80217.AU.2 DEBORAM 28 gaming device to participate without being subject to the third determining.

4. A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein said 5 initiating includes one of the plurality of gaming devices causing the additional game to initiate, and wherein said one of the gaming devices which caused the additional game to initiate is determined to participate by said fourth determining. 10

5. A method as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each of said third determinings is weighted to provide at least one gaming device with a greater probability of being a participating gaming device relative to at least 15 one other gaming device.

6. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the additional game is initiated in response to occurrence of a trigger event. 20

7. A method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the trigger event occurs on one of the eligible gaming devices.

8. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, 25 wherein said first determining includes determining which of the gaming devices have been active in a designated period.

9. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, 30 comprising determining which of the gaming devices are eligible gaming devices based on whether a designated wager has been made.

10. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, 35 wherein said first determining includes deeming each of a plurality of designated gaming devices to be an eligible gaming device. 7170579_1 (GHMatters) P80217.AU.2 DEBORAM 29

11. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising conducting separate additional games for each gaming device which is determined to participate. 5

12. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising conducting a single additional game for all of the gaming devices which are determined to participate. 10

13. A method as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, and further including controlling the probability of at least one outcome of the additional game such that at least one gaming device has a higher probability of winning the additional game than at least one other gaming device. 15

14. A method as claimed in claim 4, further including controlling the probability of at least one outcome of the additional game such that at least one gaming device has a higher probability of winning the additional game than at 20 least one other gaming device, wherein the probability is controlled in favour of said one of the gaming devices which caused the additional game to initiate.

15. A gaming system comprising: 25 a plurality of gaming devices, each gaming device operable for independent play of one or more games; a game controller operable to determine which of the plurality of gaming devices are eligible for an additional game; 30 an outcome generator operable to select, with said first determination, at least one jackpot prize from a plurality of jackpot prizes that are available to be won; an additional game controller in data communication with the gaming devices, the additional game controller 35 configured to 1) initiate said additional game, 2) match an outcome of the additional game with the selected at least one jackpot prize, and 3) further determine, in 7170579_1 (GHMatters) P80217.AU.2 DEBORAM 30 response to initiation of the additional game, which of the plurality of gaming devices will participate in the initiated additional game, the further determination including a plurality of separate random determinations in 5 respect of each of the eligible gaming devices as to whether the respective eligible gaming devices participating in the additional game will achieve the outcome matched with the selected at least one jackpot prize; and 10 an award module operable to award the selected at least one jackpot prize to each player of the eligible gaming devices participating in the initiated additional game, in response to that player achieving the matched outcome. 15

16. A gaming system as claimed in claim 15, comprising a random number generator and wherein the additional game controller comprises a participation module arranged to employ the random number generator to conduct the random 20 determination.

17. A gaming system as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the additional game controller is configured to conduct random determinations in respect of all of the 25 eligible gaming devices.

18. A gaming system as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the additional game controller determines that least one gaming device is to participate without being 30 subject to the random determination.

19. A gaming system as claimed in claim 18, wherein a gaming device which caused the additional game to initiate is determined to participate without being subject to the 35 random determination.

20. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 7170579_1 (GHMatters) P80217.AU.2 DEBORAM 31 19, wherein at least one random determination is weighted to provide at least one gaming device with a greater probability of being a participating gaming device relative to at least one other gaming device. 5

21. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein the additional game is initiated in response to occurrence of a trigger event. 10

22. A gaming system as claimed in claim 21, wherein each of the gaming devices are arranged to determine whether the trigger event occurs on one of the eligible gaming devices. 15

23. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 22, arranged to determine which of the gaming devices are eligible gaming devices based on which gaming device have been active in a designated period. 20

24. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 23, arranged to determine which of the gaming devices are eligible gaming devices based on whether a designated wager has been made.

25 25. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 22, wherein each of a plurality of designated gaming devices are deemed to be an eligible gaming device.

26. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 30 25, wherein the additional game controller conducts separate additional games for each gaming device which is determined to participate.

27. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 35 26, wherein the additional game controller conducts a single additional game for all of the gaming devices which are determined to participate. 7170579_1 (GHMatters) P80217.AU.2 DEBORAM 32

28. A gaming system as claimed in claim 26 or claim 27, wherein the probability of at least one outcome of the additional game is controlled by the additional game 5 controller such that at least one gaming device has a higher probability of winning the additional game than at least one other gaming device.

29. A gaming system as claimed in claim 28, wherein the 10 probability is controlled in favour of a gaming device which caused the additional game to initiate.

30. A gaming system comprising: a plurality of gaming devices each operable for 15 independent play of one or more games; means for first determining which of the plurality of gaming devices are eligible for an additional game; means for selecting at least one jackpot prize from a plurality of jackpot prizes that are available to be won; 20 means for matching an outcome of the additional game with the selected at least one jackpot prize due to be won; means for second determining in response to initiation of the additional game, which eligible gaming 25 devices will participate in the initiated additional game, the second determining including a plurality of separate third determinings randomly in respect of each of the eligible gaming devices participating in the additional game as to whether the respective eligible gaming devices 30 participating in the additional game will achieve the outcome matched with the selected at least one jackpot prize; and means for awarding the selected at least one jackpot prize to each player of the eligible gaming devices 35 participating in the initiated additional game in response to that player achieving the matched outcome of the selected eligible gaming device. 7170579_1 (GHMatters) P80217.AU.2 DEBORAM 33

31. A gaming system comprising: a plurality of electronic gaming machines each comprising a cabinet, a display mounted within the 5 cabinet, at least one input device mounted to the cabinet and a game controller disposed within the cabinet comprising a processor and a memory storing game control instructions which enable each game controller operating in response to operation of a respective at least one 10 input device by a player to conduct a respective game, said game controller further operable to first determine which of the plurality of gaming machines are eligible for an additional game; an outcome generator operable to select with 15 reference to said first determination at least one jackpot prize from a plurality of jackpot prizes that are available to be won; an additional game controller operably connected to the electronic gaming machines, the additional game 20 controller comprising a processor and a memory storing additional game control instructions which when executed causes the additional game controller to 1) initiate the additional game, 2) match an outcome of the additional game with the selected at least one jackpot prize, and 3) 25 further determine, in response to initiation of the additional game, which of the plurality of gaming devices will participate in the initiated additional game, the further determination including a plurality of separate random determinations in respect of each of the eligible 30 gaming devices as to whether the respective eligible gaming devices participating in the additional game will achieve the outcome matched with the selected at least one jackpot prize; and an award module operable to award the selected at 35 least one jackpot prize to each player of the eligible gaming devices participating in the initiated additional game, in response to that player achieving the matched 7170579_1 (GHMatters) P80217.AU.2 DEBORAM 34 outcome.

32. Computer program code which when executed implements the method of any one of claims 1 to 14. 5

33. A tangible computer readable medium comprising the computer program code of claim 32. 7170579_1 (GHMatters) P80217.AU.2 DEBORAM