AU2014201953A1 - Slot machine game and system with improved jackpot feature - Google Patents

Abstract

A plurality of electronic gaming machines (10) are connected to a network (11), to which a feature jackpot controller (12) and display means (13) are also connected. 5 Each of the electronic gaming machines (10) are provided with a network interface arranged to provide a signal onto the network (11) on each occurrence of an operation of a respective machine and the jackpot controller (12) is arranged to receive each of the machine operation signals and to increment the value of a random jackpot prize on the occurrence of each of these operation signals. Prior to each game, the gaming 10 machine (10) selects a random number from a range of numbers and during each game, the machine allocates the first n numbers in the range, where n is the number of credits bet by the player in that game. At the end of the game, the randomly selected number is compared with the numbers allocated to the player and if a match occurs the particular machine is switched into a feature game mode in which a jackpot game is 15 played for all or part of the incremental jackpot prize. 52691831 (GHMatters) P88074.AU.6 4/04/14

Description

1 SLOT MACHINE GAME AND SYSTEM WITH IMPROVED JACKPOT FEATURE Introduction The present invention relates to apparatus for use with a system of linked poker 5 machines and in particular the apparatus provides an improved jackpot mechanism for use with such a poker machine system. Background of the Invention Many schemes have been devised in the past to induce players to play slot 10 machines including schemes such as specifying periods during which jackpot prizes are increased or bonus jackpots paid. Other schemes involve awarding an additional prize to a first player to achieve a predetermined combination on a poker machine. These methods, while effective, add to club overheads because of the need for additional staff to ensure that the scheme is operated smoothly. 15 More recently, with the advent of poker machines linked through electrical networks it has been possible to automatically generate jackpot prizes on the basis of information received from the machines being played which are connected to the system and one such prior art arrangement, commonly known as "Cashcade TM" counts turnover on all machines in the network, increments a prize value in accordance 20 with the turnover and pays the jackpot prize when the count reaches some predetermined and randomly selected number. In a more recent prior art arrangement, each game played on each machine in a gaming system is allocated a randomly selected number and the prize is awarded to a machine when the game number it is allocated matches a preselected random number. 25 In another recent prior art arrangement, the winning machine is selected by randomly selecting a number at a point in time and decrementing the number as games played on the system are counted until the number is decremented to zero at which time the game (or associated machine) causing the final decrement is awarded the jackpot. 30 With some prior art combination based trigger arrangements there is a serious disadvantage in that the player betting a single token per line, is just as likely to achieve a jackpot as the player playing multiple tokens per line. This has the effect of encouraging players playing for the bonus jackpot to bet in single tokens, rather than betting multiple tokens per game. 52691831 (GHMatters) P88074.AU.6 4/04/14 2 Jackpot games have traditionally been popular in Casinos. However, in their conventional format these games have inherent limitations: (i) Games which use specific combinations of symbols to trigger jackpots are perceived by many players as being unwinnable. The games are typically designed in 5 such a way that the big jackpots should not be won until large amounts are accumulated. With such low frequency the jackpots are never seen to be won by most players. Anecdotal evidence suggests that many players have learnt to disregard the chance of winning the major jackpots and are realistically playing for the lesser jackpots (ie the minor and mini jackpots). The increasing popularity of small mystery 10 jackpots with higher frequencies of occurrence tends to support this argument; (ii) Due to the increasing demand of players for a more complex and diverse game range, conventional jackpot games with combination triggers have become superseded. However, it is extremely complex to develop a wide variety of combinations which support both a feature game and mathematically exact jackpot 15 triggers; (iii) Typically, it would be expected that the game return (RTP) is independent of the number of coins bet per line. With conventional progressive jackpot games though, increasing the credits bet per line creates a relative disadvantage as far as RTP is concerned. Lets say the start-up amount for a feature jackpot is $10000. A 20 player who is playing 1 credit per line has a chance for $10000 for each credit played, whereas a player playing 5 credits per line only has a chance for $2000 for each credit played. This creates a scale of diminishing returns. The smart player who gambles for the feature jackpot only, will always cover all playlines, but will only bet 1 credit per line because the prize paid for the feature jackpot is the same irrespective of the 25 bet. This is supported by data collected from casinos, (iv) Typical combination triggered progressive jackpots have fixed hit rates which removes from the operator's control the ability to vary jackpot frequency. These arrangements have been in use in the State of New South Wales and in other jurisdictions for a considerable period of time, however, as with other aspects of 30 slot machine games, players become bored with such arrangements and new and more innovative schemes become necessary in order to stimulate player interest. In this specification, the term "combinations" will be used to refer to the mathematical definition of a particular game. That is to say, the combinations of a game are the 35 probabilities of each possible outcome for that game. 52691831 (GHMatters) P88074.AU.6 4/04/14 3 Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine arranged to: 5 provide play of a first game; in response to a wager being placed on the first game: select a first number that is within a range of numbers, wherein the range of numbers is based on an average turnover of the gaming machine; select at least one second number that is within the range of numbers, 10 the selection of the at least one second number being based on the wager placed on the first game; and determine whether a trigger condition has occurred, the trigger condition being determined using the first number and the at least one second number, wherein the probability that a trigger condition will occur is dependent on the 15 selection of the at least one second number; and initiate a second game in response to determining that the trigger condition has occurred. In one embodiment, the first number and the at least one second number are randomly selected. 20 In one embodiment, the second game is arranged to award at least one of a plurality of separate progressive jackpot prizes. In one embodiment, a plurality of second numbers are selected and wherein if the selected first number matches one of the plurality of second numbers, the trigger condition is determined to have occurred. 25 In one embodiment, only one second number is selected and wherein if the selected first number is greater than the second number, the trigger condition is determined to have occurred. In one embodiment, only one second number is selected and wherein if the selected second number is greater than the first number, the trigger condition is 30 determined to have occurred. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for gaming on a gaming machine, the method including the steps of: providing play of a first game; in response to a wager being placed on the first game: 35 selecting a first number that is within a range of numbers, wherein the 52691831 (GHMatters) P88074.AU.6 4/04/14 4 range of numbers is based on an average turnover of the gaming machine; selecting at least one second number that is within the range of numbers, the selection of the at least one second number being based on the wager placed on the first game; and 5 determining whether a trigger condition has occurred, the trigger condition being determined using the first number and the at least one second number, wherein the probability that a trigger condition will occur is dependent on the selection of the at least one second number; and initiating a second game in response to determining that the trigger condition 10 has occurred. Where used in the present specification, the term "console" is used to indicate a gaming machine, a gaming terminal or other device arranged to be connected to a communications system and to provide a user gaming interface. In the following description, examples are given which are applicable to traditional slot machines. 15 However the invention should be taken to include gaming systems which include user interfaces other than traditional slot machines. Brief description of the drawings Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example, with 20 reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure I is a block diagram of a network of electronic gaming machines to which a mystery jackpot controller according to the present invention is connected; Figure 2 is a flow chart showing a game arrangement according to the invention; and 25 Figure 3 shows an example of a 5 reel by 3 row window display. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a new jackpot trigger mechanism provides the Casino operator with a far higher degree of flexibility. Unlike conventional 30 combination triggered jackpots, the jackpots here are won from a feature game. The feature game is triggered randomly as a function of credits bet per game. When a feature is triggered, a feature game appears. Each jackpot can only be won from this feature game. During the feature game a second set of reel strips appears and a "spin and hold" feature game commences. The feature prize score is calculated by the total 35 of the points appearing on the centre line of all 5 reels. 52691831 (GHMatters) P88074.AU.6 4/04/14 5 Feature jackpots in this format exhibit significant differences over previous jackpot systems: (i) A jackpot game is provided which is compatible with any existing game combination within an installation independent of the platform, denomination or type of 5 game (e.g. slot machines, cards, keno, bingo or pachinko). This will allow for the linking of combinations between game type, platform type and denomination. Using this system, jackpot games can now be developed using specific combinations for the base game which were previously unsuitable for Link Progressive Systems. These games will compete with the appeal of the latest games on the market. 10 (ii) There is no longer a need to develop mathematically exact combinations in the base game. (iii) Unlike the multiplier game in combination triggered jackpot embodiments, the present invention provides a direct relationship between the number of credits bet and the probability of winning the jackpot feature game on any one bought game. 15 Betting 10 credits per line will produce ten times as many hits into the feature game than betting 1 credit per line. This is achieved by using a jackpot trigger which is directly related to the wager bet on a respective game and the turnover, instead of using conventional combination triggers. (iv) Jackpot hit rates can now be changed without making changes to the base 20 game. This was previously not possible using combination triggered jackpots. (v) The jackpot feature system can be used across a wide-area-network (WAN), local-area-network (LAN), used as a stand-alone game independent of a network or used with a mystery jackpot. Flexibility is available to change combinations at will. Referring to Figure 1 a plurality of electronic gaining consoles 10 are connected 25 to a network 11, to which a feature jackpot controller 12 and display means 13 are also connected. Each of the electronic gaming consoles 10 are provided with a network interface arranged to provide a signal onto the network 11 on each occurrence of an operation of a respective console and the jackpot controller 12 is arranged to receive 30 each of the console operation signals and to increment the value of a random jackpot prize on the occurrence of each of these operation signals. A flow chart for a prize awarding algorithm is illustrated in Figure 2. Referring to the algorithm of Figure 2, machine contributions go into the prize pool as with known prior art jackpot systems, while the overhead display shows the 35 incrementing prize value. 52691831 (GHMatters) P88074.AU.6 4/04/14 6 In the EGM, an average value of machine turnover between jackpot hits, is programmed and is used to randomly generate trigger data for the jackpot feature games. In step 20 of the algorithm of Figure 2, the actual number range and therefore probability of a feature jackpot game being awarded will depend upon the value of a 5 credit in the particular machine and is calculated by dividing the turnover value by the value of a credit (e.g. $5000/$0.05 = 100,000). The average turnover value is fixed for the EGMs and the random number generator is initialised (see step 20) at startup to generate numbers from the preprogrammed range determined from that value. For every game that is played, a random trigger value is selected (see step 21) 10 in the preprogrammed range as determined from the average turnover value. When the game is commenced, it is then reported (see step 22) to the controller, which allocates a contribution to the prize pool. Each game is also allotted (see step 23) numbers from the same number range that from which the random number was selected, one number in the range being allotted for each credit bet such that the is player's probability of being awarded a jackpot feature game is proportional to the bet. The previously selected random number is then used as a trigger value and compared with the values allotted to the player, if there is a match (see step 24) between the trigger value and the player values, the player is given an opportunity to play a jackpot feature game (see step 25). Alternatively, at step 23, a number is 20 allocated which is equal to, or proportional to the number of credits bet in the respective game and in step 24, the trigger value is compared with the single player value and a jackpot feature awarded if the trigger value is less than or equal to the player value. It will be appreciated that this alternative arrangement is mathematically equivalent to the previously described arrangement, the range of numbers below the 25 allotted number in the alternative arrangement being equivalent to the set of allotted numbers in the previously described arrangement. In the preferred embodiment, a prize is always awarded in the jackpot feature game, the feature game being used to determine the size of the prize to be awarded (see step 27). The winning machine is then locked up (see step 28) and the controller 30 awaits an indication that the prize has been paid before allowing the machine to be unlocked (see step 29). In some embodiments, the machine will not be locked up in steps 28 and 29, but instead the prize will simply be paid and the program will return to step 21. The machine then returns to step (see step 21) and commences a new game. If the trigger value does not match (see step 27) then there is no feature game 52691831 (GHMatters) P88074.AU.6 4/04/14 7 awarded for that bought game and the machine returns to step (see step 22) and waits for the next game to commence. By way of example, a feature game might be triggered by an EGM every $5000 of turnover played, which is equivalent to 100,000 credits on a $0.05 machine. This is 5 referred to as the jackpot feature game hit rate in credits. A random number is generated within a prescribed range of numbers at the EGM at the commencement of each bought game. The prescribed range of numbers is determined by the jackpot feature game hit rate which has been determined previously, from typical values of casino turnover, expected jackpot amounts and jackpot frequencies. The prescribed 10 range in this example is therefore 1 to 100,000 and before the commencement of each bought game a random number is generated within this range. A bet of 20 credits will result in the numbers between 1 and 20 (inclusive) being allotted to the game (note that statistically it does not matter if the numbers are randomly selected or not or allotted as a block or scattered, the probability of a feature 15 game being awarded is unchanged). If the number 7 is produced by the random number generator, then the feature game will be triggered. If any number between 21 and 100,000 is produced by the random number generator, the feature game will not be triggered. Similarly, a bet of 200 credits will result in the numbers between 1 and 200 (inclusive) being allotted to the game. If any number between 1 and 200 is 20 produced by the random number generator, then the feature game will be triggered. If any number between 201 and 100,000 is produced by the random number generator, the feature game will not be triggered. The example below has been developed using example turnover data. A trigger of the second screen feature game is expected every $5000 of turnover (ie. 25 100000 credits on a $0.05 machine). Increasing the number of credits bet increases the chance of triggering the feature on any bought game. 52691831 (GHMatters) P88074.AU.6 4/04/14 8 Number of Range numbers Games to hit Bet/game Turnover of EGM since credits bet assigned last hit (s) 1 1 to 1 100000 $0.05 $5000 2 1 to 2 50000 $0.10 $5000 3 1 to 3 33333.33 $0.15 $5000 5 1 to 5 20000 $0.25 $5000 10 1 to 10 10000 $0.50 $5000 15 1 to 15 6666.66 $0.75 $5000 20 1 to 20 5000 $1.00 $5000 25 1 to 25 4000 $1.25 $5000 30 1 to 30 3333.33 $1.50 $5000 40 1 to 40 2500 $2.00 $5000 45 1 to 45 2222.22 $2.25 $5000 50 1 to 50 2000 $2.50 $5000 60 1 to 60 1666.66 $3.00 $5000 75 1 to 75 1333.33 $3.75 $5000 100 1 to 100 1000 $5.00 $5000 150 1 to 150 666.66 $7.50 $5000 200 1 to 200 500 $10.00 $5000 Preferably, when a jackpot feature game is triggered, all players are alerted by a jackpot bell that a possible grand jackpot is about to be played for. This is done so 5 that all players share in the experience of a jackpot win. Anecdotal evidence of players watching feature games being played in Australian casinos suggests that the drawing power of such games is immense. Players are alerted by the jackpot bell instantaneously at any point during a game, but the feature game will not appear until the current game (including base 10 game features) are completed. In this embodiment the feature game appears with the new reel strips already spinning and accompanying feature game tunes playing. The player stops the reels spinning by pressing the corresponding playline buttons in order. The feature prize score is calculated by the total of the points appearing on the centre line of all 5 reels. 15 Across the top of the screen, a sum of the scores is displayed. The 4 feature prize meters in descending order of value are: (i) Grand Feature Prize. A score of > 100 wins the grand feature jackpot; (ii) Major Feature Prize. A score of 90-99 (inclusive) wins the major feature jackpot; 20 (iii) Minor Feature Prize. A score of 80-89 (inclusive) wins the minor feature jackpot; (iv) Mini Feature Prize. A score of < 79 wins the mini feature jackpot. 52691831 (GHMatters) P88074.AU.6 4/04/14 9 By way of example, referring to Figure 3, a 5 reel by 3 row window is displayed. If the reels of the feature game stop on the numbers shown in Figure 3, then the progressive jackpot won is the sum of the numbers on the centre line ie. 12+10+18+13+22 = 75 which is within the range for the mini feature jackpot. 5 The instant the feature game is completed and the sum of scores from all 5 reels is shown, the feature jackpot screen and signs display which jackpot has been won. This celebration of the jackpot win is conducted in a traditional manner (i.e. flashing displays, jackpot alarms, music etc). As the time between jackpot game awards is related to turnover, the number of 10 jackpot games played by a player between feature games and hence their chance of winning is directly related to the size of each bet on each game played. (1) All machines on the link have a feature game, be it a second screen animation game or a second set of reel strips. (2) The link has a number of feature jackpot meters (up to 8). All feature jackpots 15 may be linked. (3) The feature game is activated as a function of machine turnover. This means that on average the feature game will occur one in, for example every $5000.00. There are a number of advantages of activating the feature game on turnover. For example, it enables for the first time, a relatively simple mechanism for allowing mixed 20 denomination on a link. The feature game gives the player the chance of winning one of the available feature jackpots if a certain outcome appears. For example, a new set of reel strips might appear with only 2 or 4 different symbols: Jackpot 1, Jackpot 2, or (Jackpot 1, Jackpot 2, Jackpot 3, Jackpot 4). The first time 5 of the same appear on the centre line the stated feature jackpot is won. 25 (4) Another advantage of using a random trigger for a feature game, is that it can be applied to any game. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly 30 described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. 52691831 (GHMatters) P88074.AU.6 4/04/14

Claims (14)

1. A gaming machine arranged to: provide play of a first game; in response to a wager being placed on the first game: 5 select a first number that is within a range of numbers, wherein the range of numbers is based on an average turnover of the gaming machine; select at least one second number that is within the range of numbers, the selection of the at least one second number being based on the wager placed on the first game; and 10 determine whether a trigger condition has occurred, the trigger condition being determined using the first number and the at least one second number, wherein the probability that a trigger condition will occur is dependent on the selection of the at least one second number; and initiate a second game in response to determining that the trigger condition has 15 occurred.

2. The gaming machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first number and the at least one second number are randomly selected. 20

3. The gaming machine as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 , wherein the second game is arranged to award at least one of a plurality of separate progressive jackpot prizes.

4. The gaming machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a 25 plurality of second numbers are selected and wherein if the selected first number matches one of the plurality of second numbers, the trigger condition is determined to have occurred.

5. The gaming machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein only one 30 second number is selected and wherein if the selected first number is greater than the second number, the trigger condition is determined to have occurred.

6. The gaming machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein only one second number is selected and wherein if the selected second number is greater than 35 the first number, the trigger condition is determined to have occurred. 52691831 (GHMatters) P88074.AU.6 4/04/14 11

7. A method for gaming on a gaming machine, the method including the steps of: providing play of a first game; in response to a wager being placed on the first game: 5 selecting a first number that is within a range of numbers, wherein the range of numbers is based on an average turnover of the gaming machine; selecting at least one second number that is within the range of numbers, the selection of the at least one second number being based on the wager placed on the first game; and 10 determining whether a trigger condition has occurred, the trigger condition being determined using the first number and the at least one second number, wherein the probability that a trigger condition will occur is dependent on the selection of the at least one second number; and initiating a second game in response to determining that the trigger condition 15 has occurred.

8. The method for gaming as claimed in claim 7 wherein the first number and the at least one second number are randomly selected. 20

9. The method for gaming as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the second game is arranged to award at least one of a plurality of separate progressive jackpot prizes.

10. The method for gaming as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein a 25 plurality of second numbers are selected and wherein if the selected first number matches one of the plurality of second numbers, the trigger condition is determined to have occurred.

11. The method for gaming as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein only one 30 second number is selected and wherein if the selected first number is greater than the second number, the trigger condition is determined to have occurred.

12. The method for gaming as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein only one second number is selected and wherein if the selected second number is greater than 35 the first number, the trigger condition is determined to have occurred. 52691831 (GHMatters) P88074.AU.6 4/04/14 12

13. A gaming machine substantially as herein described.

14. A method for gaming on a gaming machine substantially as herein described. 52691831 (GHMatters) P88074.AU.6 4/04/14