AU2017221817A1

AU2017221817A1 - A jackpot prediction controller, a gaming system and a method of gaming

Info

Publication number: AU2017221817A1
Application number: AU2017221817A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Sen Van Ly
Original assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2007-11-29
Filing date: 2017-08-31
Publication date: 2017-09-21
Also published as: AU2016201094A1; AU2019203488A1

Abstract

Abstract A method of gaming comprising conducting a jackpot having a jackpot prize awarded from a jackpot pool; defining a 5 plurality of parameters that characterize the jackpot prize when the jackpot is awarded; receiving a player selection of at least one of the plurality of parameters, including a player prediction of a final value of the selected parameter and a bet amount associated with the 10 player prediction; determining that a jackpot prize is to be awarded; determining a final value of the parameter corresponding to the award of the jackpot; and determining whether to award one or more prizes from a prediction prize pool based on at least one rule from a predetermined 15 set of rules relating each player prediction to the respective final value, wherein the one or more prizes are awarded even if the player prediction does not exactly match the final value, and wherein at least one of the predetermined set of rules includes splitting the 20 prediction prize pool in proportion to the relative bet amount wagered in respect of the player prediction. 9431830_1 (GHKatters) P74123.AU.5 P74123.AU.2 31/08/17

Description

1 1 2017221817 31 Aug 2017

Title

A JACKPOT PREDICTION CONTROLLER, A GAMING SYSTEM AND A

METHOD OF GAMING 5

Related Application

This application is a divisional application of Australian patent application number 2016201094, which in turn is a 10 divisional application of Australian patent application number 2013228070, which in turn is a divisional application of Australian patent application number 2010202962, which in turn is a divisional application of Australian patent application number 2008243275. The 15 disclosures of each of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.

Field 20 The present invention relates to a method of gaming, a gaming system and a jackpot prediction controller.

Background 25 Currently many gaming systems incorporate a jackpot controller which receives jackpot contributions from a plurality of gaming machines, collates them in a jackpot pool, and makes a jackpot award in response to the conditions for award of the jackpot being met. Depending 30 on the type of jackpot, the condition may be that a signal is received from a gaming machine indicating that a jackpot winning event has occurred on the gaming machine or the condition may be that the jackpot pool has reached a designated value as is the case in a mystery jackpot.

Typically, player interest in a jackpot increases as the 2017221817 31 Aug 2017 jackpot pool increases, particularly if a mystery jackpot has a known upper limit.

The present invention aims to provide additional player 5 interest in relation to jackpots.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect the invention provides a method of 10 gaming comprising: conducting a jackpot having a jackpot prize awarded from a jackpot pool; defining a plurality of parameters that characterize the jackpot prize when the jackpot is 15 awarded; receiving a player selection of at least one of the plurality of parameters, including a player prediction of a final value of the selected parameter and a bet amount associated with the player prediction; 20 determining that a jackpot prize is to be awarded; determining a final value of the parameter corresponding to the award of the jackpot; and determining whether to award one or more prizes 25 from a prediction prize pool based on at least one rule from a predetermined set of rules relating each player prediction to the respective final value, wherein the one or more prizes are awarded even if the player prediction does not exactly match the final value, and wherein at 30 least one of the predetermined set of rules includes splitting the prediction prize pool in proportion to the relative bet amount wagered in respect of the player prediction. 2017221817 31 Aug 2017

In an embodiment, determining whether to award one or more prizes comprises determining whether one or more player predictions matches the final value. 5 In an embodiment, a prize is awarded to each prediction which matches the final value.

In an embodiment, determining whether to award one or more prizes comprises determining the closest player prediction 10 or predictions to the final value.

In an embodiment, the method comprises collecting at least a portion of each bet amount in the prediction prize pool. 15 In an embodiment, each player prediction comprises a value of the selected parameter.

In an embodiment, each player prediction comprises a range of values of the selected parameter. 20

In an embodiment, a parameter of the plurality of parameters is the amount of the jackpot prize awarded.

In an embodiment, a parameter of the plurality of 25 parameters is the time when the jackpot prize is awarded.

In an embodiment, there are a plurality of jackpot pools and player predictions may be made in respect of any one or more of the jackpot pools. 30

In a second aspect, there is provided a gaming system comprising: a jackpot controller arranged to: conduct a jackpot having a jackpot prize 2017221817 31 Aug 2017 awarded from a jackpot pool having associated therewith a plurality of parameters that characterize the jackpot prize when the jackpot is awarded; and determine that a jackpot prize is to be 5 awarded; and a jackpot prediction controller arranged to: receive a player selection of at least one of the plurality of parameters, including a player prediction of a final value of the selected parameter and 10 a bet amount associated with the player prediction; determine a final value of the parameter corresponding to the award of the jackpot; and determine whether to award one or more prizes from a prediction prize pool based on at least one 15 rule from a predetermined set of rules relating each player prediction to the respective final value, wherein the one or more prizes are awarded even if the player prediction does not exactly match the final value, and wherein at least one of the predetermined set of rules 20 includes splitting the prediction prize pool in proportion to the relative bet amount wagered in respect of the player prediction.

In an embodiment, the jackpot prediction controller is 25 arranged to determine whether to award one or more prizes by determining whether one or more player predictions matches the final value.

In an embodiment, the jackpot prediction controller is 30 arranged to award a prize to each prediction which matches the final value.

In an embodiment, the jackpot prediction controller determines whether to award one or more prizes by 2017221817 31 Aug 2017 determining the closest player prediction or predictions to the final value.

In an embodiment, gaming system is arranged to collect at 5 least a portion of each bet amount in the prediction prize pool.

In an embodiment, each player prediction comprises a value of the selected parameter. 10

In an embodiment, each player prediction comprises a range of values of the selected parameter.

In an embodiment, a parameter of the plurality of 15 parameters is the amount of the jackpot prize awarded.

In an embodiment, a parameter of the plurality of parameters is the time when the jackpot prize is awarded. 20 In an embodiment, there are a plurality of jackpot pools and player predictions may be made in respect of any one or more of the jackpot pools.

In a third aspect, there is provided a jackpot prediction 25 controller for a gaming system, the jackpot prediction controller arranged to: receive a player selection of at least one of a plurality of parameters that characterize a jackpot prize when the jackpot is awarded, including a player 30 prediction of a final value of the selected parameter and a bet amount associated with the player prediction; determine a final value of the predictable parameter corresponding to the award of the jackpot; and determine whether to award one or more 2017221817 31 Aug 2017 prizes from a prediction prize pool based on at least one rule from a predetermined set of rules relating each player prediction to the respective final value, wherein the one or more prizes are awarded even if the player 5 prediction does not exactly match the final value, and wherein at least one of the predetermined set of rules includes splitting the prediction prize pool in proportion to the relative bet amount wagered in respect of the player prediction. 10

In an embodiment, the jackpot prediction controller is arranged to determine whether to award one or more prizes by determining whether one or more player predictions matches the final value. 15

In an embodiment, the jackpot prediction controller is arranged to award a prize to each prediction which matches the final value. 20 In an embodiment, the jackpot prediction controller is arranged to determine whether to award one or more prizes by determining the closest player prediction or predictions to the final value. 25 In an embodiment, the jackpot prediction controller is arranged to collect at least a portion of a bet amount in respect of each player prediction in the prediction prize pool. 30 In an embodiment, each player prediction comprises a value of the selected parameter.

In an embodiment, each player prediction comprises a range of values of the selected parameter. 2017221817 31 Aug 2017 5

In an embodiment, a parameter of the plurality of parameters is the time when the jackpot prize is awarded.

In an embodiment, there are a plurality of jackpot pools and player predictions may be made in respect of any one 10 or more of the jackpot pools.

In a fourth aspect of the invention provides computer program code which when executed causes a computer to implement the above method. 15

In a fifth aspect the invention provides a computer readable medium having thereon the program code.

Brief Description of the Drawings 20

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine of an embodiment;

Figure 2 is a block diagram of a gaming machine of an 2 5 embodiment;

Figure 3 is a block diagram of the memory of a gaming machine; 30 Figure 4 is a block diagram of a player marketing module of the gaming system of an embodiment;

Figure 5 is a block diagram showing how a plurality of gaming terminals are networked and in data communication 35 with a jackpot controller; and 2017221817 31 Aug 2017

Figure 6 is a flowchart of a gaming method of an embodiment. 5 Detailed Description

Referring to the drawings, there is shown an exemplary gaming system with a jackpot prediction controller. In the gaming system, players are able to make predictions in 10 relation to awarding of the jackpot. These predictions are received by the jackpot prediction controller and checked when a jackpot is awarded to determine whether a prize is to be awarded in relation to one or more of the predictions . 15

In the exemplary embodiment, the jackpot prediction controller is described in relation to a gaming system having a plurality electronic gaming machines arranged to play one or more resident games; the gaming machines 20 arranged to contribute to one or more jackpots. However, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a jackpot prediction controller could also receive jackpot contributions in a server based gaming system and that the jackpot prediction controller could be part of such a 25 system or of a system that combines standalone and server based gaming. In server based gaming, a terminal which takes a form similar to a standalone gaming machine operates as a client and a remote server executes the game. Contributions to a jackpot are based on bets input 30 at the terminal. Further, the jackpot prediction controller could be incorporated within another system or device such as a jackpot controller or a casino management system. 35 A typical stand alone gaming machine 10 is illustrated in Figure 1. The gaming machine 10 includes a console 12 2017221817 31 Aug 2017 having a display 14 on which is displayed representations of a game 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 interact with the gaming machine, in 5 particular during game play. The mid-trim 20 also houses a credit input mechanism for example a coin input chute and/or a bill collector 24B. Other credit input mechanisms may also be employed, for example, a card reader for reading a smart card, debit card or credit 10 card.

Artwork and/or information, for example pay tables and details of bonus awards and other information or images relating to the game may be provided on a front panel 29 15 of the console 12. A coin tray 30 is mounted beneath the front panel 29 for dispensing cash payouts from the gaming machine 10.

The display 14 shown in Figure 1 is in the form of a video 20 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 electromechanical device. The top box 26 also includes a 25 display which may be of the same type as the display 14, or of a different type. A player marketing module (PMM) 50 having a display 52 is connected to the gaming machine 10. The main purpose of 30 the PMM 50 is to allow the player to interact with a player loyalty system. The PMM has a magnetic card reader for the purpose of reading a player tracking device in the form of a magnetic swipe card, for example as part of a loyalty program. However other reading devices may be 35 employed and the player tracking device may be in the form of a card, flash drive or any other portable storage 2017221817 31 Aug 2017 medium capable of being read by a reading device.

Figure 2 shows a block diagram of operative components of a typical gaming machine which may be the same as or 5 different to the gaming machine of Figure 1.

The gaming machine 100 includes a game controller 101 having a processor 102. Instructions and data to control operation of the processor 102 are stored in a memory 103, 10 which is in data communication with the processor 102.

Herein the term "processor" is used to refer generically to any device that can process game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and may include: a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic device 15 or other computational device, a general purpose computer (e.g. a PC) or a server.

Typically, the gaming machine 100 will include both volatile and non-volatile memory and more than one of each 20 type of memory, 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 25 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 30 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.

In the example shown in Figure 2, a player interface 120 2017221817 31 Aug 2017 includes peripheral devices that communicate with the game controller 101 comprise one or more displays 106, a touch screen and/or buttons 107, a card and/or ticket reader 108, a printer 109, a bill acceptor and/or coin input 5 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. 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 to a central controller, server or database and receive 15 data or commands from the central controller, server or database.

Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the main components of an exemplary memory 103. The memory 103 includes RAM 20 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 some system or game related code. The mass storage device 25 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. 30 It is also possible for the operative components of the gaming machine 100 to be distributed, for example input/output devices 106,107,108,109,110,111 to be provided remotely from the game controller 101. 35 Figure 4 is a block diagram of a player marketing module 50. The player marketing module 50 is connected via 2017221817 31 Aug 2017 input/output port 57 to a serial input output port of the input/output section 105 of the electronic gaming machine. The player marketing module has a card reader 54 and a display 52 which may be a touch screen display. The PMM 5 50 may also have buttons 53 for receiving a player input (at least in embodiments where there is no touch screen display) and a speaker 51. Input received from the card reader 54 is processed by processor 55 based on the data stored in memory 56. The PMM 50 is connected to the 10 jackpot system by a network card 58. Thus, in the embodiment, the gaming machine 10 communicates jackpot contributions to the jackpot system via the PMM 50 as described in further detail below. 15 Figure 5 shows a series of electronic gaming machines 10 connected via respective player marketing modules 50 over a communications network 510 to a jackpot controller 520 and a jackpot prediction controller 540. 20 The jackpot contributions are configured in accordance with the techniques known in the art and are transmitted to the jackpot controller 520 via the PMM 50 from the electronic gaming machine 10. This process occurs irrespective of whether the jackpot controller 520 is 25 implementing a mystery jackpot or a game triggered progressive jackpot. The jackpot controller 520 is arranged to aggregate and store the contributions to the prize pools in database 521. 30 When the jackpot controller 520 is implementing a machine triggered jackpot, it waits to receive a signal from one of the electronic gaming machines 10 indicating that the jackpot has been won. The jackpot controller 520 then locks the jackpot pool, validates the win and awards the 35 prize. 2017221817 31 Aug 2017

In the case of a mystery jackpot, the jackpot controller compares the current value of the pool to a threshold value (which is typically randomly determined) and when a contribution causes the jackpot pool to increase to above 5 the threshold value, determines whether to award a prize and awards the prize in accordance with a technique known in the art.

In the embodiment, a jackpot prediction controller 540 is 10 also provided. A predictable parameter of the jackpot award is advised to players, for example, on the display of PMM 50. The players are invited to enter predictions of the value of the parameter when the jackpot is awarded. The parameter could be, for example, the amount of the 15 jackpot prize when the prize is won or a time at which the jackpot prize is won.

In another embodiment, the EGMs 10 are modified to enable a player to enter such predictions and a bet amount which 20 is debited from the credit meter of the EGM and transmitted as a contribution to the jackpot prediction controller 540 which stores the contributions in a contribution pool within database 541 as well as stores the predictions. The predictions are stored in a manner 25 that they can readily be searched by the jackpot prediction controller when the jackpot is won, for example, by the value of the parameter.

In another embodiment, an additional terminal in the form 30 of jackpot prediction terminal 530 having a credit input mechanism such as a bill validator is used as an alternative or an additional mechanism for entering a jackpot prediction and an associated bet amount. The terminal 530, may have any appropriate input mechanism 35 such as a key board, buttons, mouse or touch screen to enable a user to place a bet. The terminal may present, 2017221817 31 Aug 2017 for example, a graphical user interface operable to place a prediction. The terminal may comprise a processor executing program code stored in memory to implement the user interface. In another embodiment, PMM 50 may be 5 operable to input the prediction. The terminal, PMM or other mechanism for making predictions are in data communication with the jackpot prediction controller.

When the jackpot controller 520 awards a prize 521, the 10 jackpot controller 520 advises the jackpot prediction controller 540 of the final value of the predicted parameter. Depending on the configuration of the jackpot controller it may or may not be necessary to modify the jackpot controller. For example, the jackpot controller 15 may already be arranged to output the value of the parameter in a broadcast which can be picked up by the jackpot prediction controller. In other implementations the jackpot controller 520 may need to be configured to communicate with the jackpot prediction controller 540. 20

The jackpot prediction controller 540 searches the database 541 to determine whether to make an award from the jackpot prediction pool. The rules for determining whether to make an award may be that the prize is only 25 awarded for an exact match or for the closest match. The award may be, for example, a percentage of the prediction pool.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the 30 jackpot prediction controller can be implemented in a number of different ways. For example, it can be implemented by a server computer having program code stored in a memory which when executed by the processor of the server computer implements the jackpot prediction 35 controller. Further, while a database 541 is described above, any appropriate data structure may be employed. 2017221817 31 Aug 2017

In cases where it is determined to make prize awards from the prediction pool in respect of two or more predictions, the amount awarded may be either split between the 5 predictions or split on the basis of the bet amount associated with the prediction such that the award is made proportionally to the bet amount. A receipt for the prediction can be provided to a player 10 in a number of different ways. For example, the EGM may print a ticket as a receipt for the jackpot prediction using a ticket printer. In another embodiment, data specifying the prediction could be stored on a player loyalty card inserted into PMM 50. Still further, the 15 player prediction may be associated with a player account and an account identification number used to determine how to provide the award to the player. Where the player is issued with a ticket, the player will present a ticket to redeem any prize . 20

The method 600 of the embodiment is summarised in figure 6 where it is shown that a jackpot is conducted 610, predictions are received and stored in a data structure in conjunction with their associated bet 620 by the jackpot 25 prediction controller. The prediction can be stored so as to enable the winner to be identified, for example by storing in the data structure sufficient data to identify the party who made the bet or a unique identifier for the prediction which is also provided to the party who placed 30 the bet. For example on a ticket.

When it is determined that a jackpot is won 630, it is determined what the final value of the predictable parameter is for that jackpot 640.For example, the jackpot 35 prediction controller receives a broadcast of the final value from the jackpot controller. It is then determined 2017221817 31 Aug 2017 by the jackpot prediction controller whether to make an award of a prize from the prediction pool based on the prediction 650 if it is determined to award a prize, the prize is awarded 660 otherwise, the method reverts to 5 conducting the next jackpot 610. The determination of whether to award a prize is made based on rules written in a form interpretable by a processor of the jackpot controller. On example of a rule is that the prediction must match the final value exactly. Another example of a 10 matching rule is that the prediction is within a defined tolerance of the final value. Another example of a rule is to award a prize to the closest prediction. Additional rules may determine how to split the prediction prize pool if more than one prediction satisfies the prize award 15 rule. Example prize splitting rules include splitting the prize equally or splitting the prize based on the relative amounts bet in respect of the prediction. For example, if a first winning party bet $2 and the second winning party bet $1, 2/3 of the prize would be awarded to the first 2 0 winning party. Jackpot prediction controller can award the prize in a number of different ways, for example it can have another data structure in which it stores the unique identifier associated with the winning structure and waits for the prize to be claimed by presentation and validation 25 of a ticket or, if a party is indentified the award could be made directly to a player account or the like.

Further aspects of the method will be apparent from the above description of the gaming system. Persons skilled in 30 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 computer readable medium, such as a disc or a memory (for example, that could replace part of memory 103) or as a data signal 35 (for example, by downloading it from a server). 2017221817 31 Aug 2017

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 5 embodiments of the invention can be employed to form further embodiments .

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. 9431830_1 (GHMatters) P74123.AU.5 31/08/17

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A method of gaming comprising: conducting a jackpot having a jackpot prize awarded from a jackpot pool; defining a plurality of parameters that characterize the jackpot prize when the jackpot is awarded; receiving a player selection of at least one of the plurality of parameters, including a player prediction of a final value of the selected parameter and a bet amount associated with the player prediction; determining that a jackpot prize is to be awarded; determining a final value of the parameter corresponding to the award of the jackpot; and determining whether to award one or more prizes from a prediction prize pool based on at least one rule from a predetermined set of rules relating each player prediction to the respective final value, wherein the one or more prizes are awarded even if the player prediction does not exactly match the final value, and wherein at least one of the predetermined set of rules includes splitting the prediction prize pool in proportion to the relative bet amount wagered in respect of the player prediction.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein determining whether to award one or more prizes comprises determining whether one or more player predictions matches the final value.
3. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein a prize is awarded to each prediction which matches the final
4. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein determining whether to award one or more prizes comprises determining the closest player prediction or predictions to the final value.
5. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 comprising collecting at least a portion of each bet amount in the prediction prize pool.
6. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein each player prediction comprises a value of the selected parameter.
7. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein each player prediction comprises a range of values of the selected parameter.
8. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein a parameter of the plurality of parameters is the amount of the jackpot prize awarded.
9. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein a parameter of the plurality of parameters is the time when the jackpot prize is awarded.
10. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein there are a plurality of jackpot pools and player predictions may be made in respect of any one or more of the jackpot pools.
11. A gaming system comprising: a jackpot controller arranged to: conduct a jackpot having a jackpot prize awarded from a jackpot pool having associated therewith a plurality of parameters that characterize the jackpot prize when the jackpot is awarded; and determine that a jackpot prize is to be awarded; and a jackpot prediction controller arranged to: receive a player selection of at least one of the plurality of parameters, including a player prediction of a final value of the selected parameter and a bet amount associated with the player prediction; determine a final value of the parameter corresponding to the award of the jackpot; and determine whether to award one or more prizes from a prediction prize pool based on at least one rule from a predetermined set of rules relating each player prediction to the respective final value, wherein the one or more prizes are awarded even if the player prediction does not exactly match the final value, and wherein at least one of the predetermined set of rules includes splitting the prediction prize pool in proportion to the relative bet amount wagered in respect of the player prediction.
12. A gaming system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the jackpot prediction controller is arranged to determine whether to award one or more prizes by determining whether one or more player predictions matches the final value.
13. A gaming system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the jackpot prediction controller is arranged to award a prize to each prediction which matches the final value.
14. A gaming system as claimed in claim 11, the jackpot prediction controller determines whether to award one or more prizes by determining the closest player prediction or predictions to the final value.
15. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14 arranged to collect at least a portion of each bet amount in the prediction prize pool.
16. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 15 wherein each player prediction comprises a value of the selected parameter.
17. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 15 wherein each player prediction comprises a range of values of the selected parameter.
18. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 17 wherein a parameter of the plurality of parameters is the amount of the jackpot prize awarded.
19. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 18 wherein a parameter of the plurality of parameters is the time when the jackpot prize is awarded.
20. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 19 wherein there are a plurality of jackpot pools and player predictions may be made in respect of any one or more of the jackpot pools.
21. A jackpot prediction controller for a gaming system, the jackpot prediction controller arranged to: receive a player selection of at least one of a plurality of parameters that characterize a jackpot prize when the jackpot is awarded, including a player prediction of a final value of the selected parameter and a bet amount associated with the player prediction; determine a final value of the predictable parameter corresponding to the award of the jackpot; and determine whether to award one or more prizes from a prediction prize pool based on at least one rule from a predetermined set of rules relating each player prediction to the respective final value, wherein the one or more prizes are awarded even if the player prediction does not exactly match the final value, and wherein at least one of the predetermined set of rules includes splitting the prediction prize pool in proportion to the relative bet amount wagered in respect of the player prediction.
22. A jackpot prediction controller as claimed in claim 21, arranged to determine whether to award one or more prizes by determining whether one or more player predictions matches the final value.
23. A jackpot prediction controller as claimed in claim 22, arranged to award a prize to each prediction which matches the final value.
24. A jackpot prediction controller as claimed in claim 21, arranged to determine whether to award one or more prizes by determining the closest player prediction or predictions to the final value.
25. A jackpot prediction controller as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 24 arranged to collect at least a portion of the bet amount in respect of each player prediction in the prediction prize pool.
26. A jackpot prediction controller as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 25 wherein each player prediction comprises a value of the selected parameter.
27. A jackpot prediction controller as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 26 wherein each player prediction comprises a range of values of the selected parameter.
28. A jackpot prediction controller as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 27 wherein a parameter of the plurality of parameters is the amount of the jackpot prize awarded.
29. A jackpot prediction controller as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 28 wherein a parameter of the plurality of parameters is the time when the jackpot prize is awarded.
30. A jackpot prediction controller as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 29 wherein there are a plurality of jackpot pools and player predictions may be made in respect of any one or more of the jackpot pools.
31. Computer program code which when executed implements the method of any one of claims 1 to 10.
32 . A computer readable medium comprising the program code of claim 31.