NZ541349A

NZ541349A - Method for awarding a prize in a gaming system

Info

Publication number: NZ541349A
Application number: NZ541349A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: Darryl Green
Original assignee: Unitab Ltd
Priority date: 2003-01-24
Filing date: 2004-01-13
Publication date: 2007-04-27
Also published as: GB0514832D0; GB2412475A; AU2004206762B2; WO2004064959A1; US20060258424A1; GB2412475B; AU2004206762A1

Abstract

Methods of awarding a prize in a gaming system having a number of game consoles (11, 12, 13) are disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a trigger value derived from a random variable having a non-uniform distribution, periodically receiving count data from each game console, being data representing at least one parameter of a game console, calculating a total value representing the total count data received, comparing the total value with the trigger value, transmitting a prize instruction signal to an output means if the total value has a predetermined relationship with the trigger value, whereby the prize instruction signal results in at least one game console issuing a prize.

Description

54 13 49 WO 2004/064959 PCT/AU2004/000042 - 1 -GAMING SYSTEMS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to gaming systems such as those incorporating gaming machines including slot 5 machines, poker machines, keno machines and others. The invention also relates to internet gaming using personal computers and other devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention is particularly relevant to 10 jackpot gaming systems in which a number of electric gaming machines (EGM's) are networked. These gaming systems can be externally triggered promotional jackpots, EGM triggered jackpots and externally triggered regulatory jackpots.

EGM triggered jackpots require EGM's specifically made for this purpose. Accordingly a club wishing to offer this facility with their EGMs must purchase new ones that offer this feature. All EGMs participating in a linked jackpot of this type typically must be of the same 20 type, e.g. manufacturer and game. Furthermore they tend to have a relatively limited configurability in terms of prize values, return to player, number of levels and themes.

In contrast to the EGM triggered jackpots, 25 externally triggered jackpots have a much greater degree of flexibility and therefore attractiveness to gaming venues.

In many jurisdictions however the winnings paid in promotional external jackpots are not deductible for 30 gaming tax purposes. This is because promotional jackpots do not offer the required fairness (statistically equal probability of win per unit bet for all players at all times, i.e. non-deterministic) to be considered tax deductible regulatory jackpots. A typical promotional 35 jackpot uses simple deterministic triggering methods such that the jackpot is guaranteed to go off within a certain amount of turnover. Conventionally the implementation of WO 2004/064959 PCT/AU2004/000042 externally triggered regulatory jackpots has been difficult due to the requirement for non-deterministic behaviour. Furthermore meeting the regulatory jackpot requirements is difficult when the EGMs participating in 5 the jackpot are of different denominations and/or offer a variety of bets (multi-line and/or ability to select number of credits to bet on each play) and also when the communications between the EGM and the external jackpot trigger do not guarantee play by play delivery of 10 information.

Australian patent application AU1999434453 discloses a prize awarding system which addresses the problems experienced by the above non-deterministic jackpot systems.

In this patent application a random process is implemented with the desired statistical properties based on the actual occurrence of turnover. While such methods attempt to reduce computational load and critical timing requirements compared to jackpots that are triggered off 20 specific plays of an EGM, there is still significant software complexity, computational load and real time requirements associated with these methods. In addition the actual statistical properties of the jackpot depend critically on details of the implementation and the system 25 on which it runs. Verification of correct jackpot operation under all patterns of play and system load is time consuming and itself requires statistical analysis to interpret the results.

Another Australian patent number 589158 describes 30 a system which consists of a number of poker machines producing an incrementing signal which is totalled by a counting means. A jackpot is triggered when the counting means reaches a predetermined value, with the jackpot being awarded to the machine that caused the increment to 35 go over the trigger value. However the system described in this patent application has a number of drawbacks. Firstly the jackpot prize cannot be a fixed value. It is always dependent upon the amount of turnover before the trigger value is reached by the counting means. In addition it is noted that the jackpot is triggered from a combined count from each of the EGMs.

In the above system the jackpot is triggered based on a uniform distribution for the random number which is used as the trigger value.

In addition, the random number range used must have a lower bound of the jackpot minimum display/prize 10 value and an upper bound of the maximum desired display/prize value, leading to the situation that as the display value approaches, the maximum probability of the win inherently increases.

It would be desirable to produce an improved 15 gaming system.

For convenience any game playing module, whether this be a mechanical device such as an electronic gaming machine or a graphical user interface appearing on a PC or similar linked to the internet or other communication 20 network, will be referred to as a gaming console.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia 25 or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of awarding a prize in a gaming system including a plurality of game controllers 30 comprising the steps of providing a trigger value derived from a random variable having a non-uniform distribution, periodically receiving count data from each game console, being data representing at least one parameter of a game console, calculating a total value representing the total 35 count data received, comparing the total value with the trigger value, transmitting a prize instruction signal to an output means if the total value has a predetermined relationship with the trigger value [and outputting from the output means the prize instruction signal to at least one game console], whereby the prize instruction signal results in at least one game console issuing a prize.

Preferably the non-uniform distribution is a geometric distribution.

Preferably the prize instruction signal is output from the output means to at least one game console.

The prize instruction signal may include a prize 10 display signal and a game console signal for updating one or more of the game consoles.

It is preferred that the output means is connected to a display means which indicates that a prize has been won by the at least one game console. 15 The display means may include a sign, an audio visual indication or some other method which does not need to interact with the one game console.

Preferably the random variable is added to a predetermined offset value to produce the trigger value. 20 Preferably the offset value is calculated and stored in a memory location prior to addition to the random variable.

The random variable may have a distribution which is modified by a function to generate a value with a 25 geometric distribution.

Preferably the function includes an inverse geometric distribution.

It is preferred that the prize is determined independently of the count data.

Preferably the prize instructions signal is output to one or more of the gaming consoles based on each gaming console from which count data was received which resulted in the total value having the predetermined relationship with the trigger value.

Therefore according to one example a particular combination or sequence of count data received from gaming consoles could result in the total value having the predetermined relationship with the trigger value and this may result in more than one game console issuing a prize because they were part of the count data sequence required to produce the prize instruction signal.

Preferably the method includes storing the identity of each gaming console from which count data is received.

The method may include storing the identity of the trigger gaming console, being the gaming console from 10 which count data is received which results in the total value having the predetermined relationship with the trigger value.

The method preferably includes outputting the prize instruction signal to one or more game consoles 15 based on the identity of the trigger gaming console.

Preferably the method includes outputting the prize instruction signal to the/each trigger gaming console.

The method may include receiving count data from 20 each gaming console.

Preferably the count data is collected synchronously with game play on each gaming console.

Alternatively count data is collected asynchronously with game play on one/more gaming consoles. 25 It is preferred that the comparing step is performed synchronously with playing one/more gaming consoles.

Alternatively the comparison step is performed asynchronously with playing the gaming console. 30 The comparing step may be performed synchronously with receiving count data.

Alternatively the comparing step may be performed asynchronously with receiving count data.

It is preferred that the predetermined 35 relationship is that the total value is equal to the trigger value.

Alternatively the predetermined relationship is that the total value is a multiple of the trigger value.

Alternatively the predetermined relationship is that the total value is related to the trigger value through a mathematical relationship.

According to another embodiment the predetermined relationship is that the total value is greater than the trigger value.

According to another embodiment the predetermined relationship is that the total value has a sequence of 10 count data which matches the sequence of the trigger value. For example the trigger value could be one gaming console or a number of gaming consoles together producing a sequence of pay outs, symbols, or game plays such as three lines followed by five lines, followed by one line 15 if the gaming consoles are configured by manufacturers to output signals indicative of this.

Preferably the count data represents one game played on one game console.

According to one embodiment the count data 20 represents multiple games played on one game console.

Alternatively the count data represents one event occurring on one game console.

Alternatively the count data represents one event occurring on greater than one game console. 25 Alternatively the count data represents a predetermined number of games played on one or more gaming consoles.

Alternatively, the count data represents a predetermined amount of turnover occurring on one gaming 30 console.

Preferably parameters of the count data include any one or more of the above recited alternatives relating to count data.

The parameters preferably include: 35 a predetermined amount of money spent/gambled on a gaming console. a predetermined number of indicia arrangements on a gaming console; a predetermined combination of events on different gaming consoles; each time a gaming console is played; a predetermined turnover of gaming consoles or predetermined function of turnover.

Preferably the method includes the step of receiving count data from each gaming console in the gaming system.

The method may include gaming consoles which are electronic gaming machines, internet based gaming consoles visible on a computer screen, lotto type display screens, hardware based, software based or any combination thereof.

The method may also include loyalty systems and 15 may therefore include transaction terminals such as those associated with EFTPOS or Visa. Every time a customer makes a transaction count data could be transmitted to a central console whereby a person has a chance of winning a jackpot in accordance with the invention broadly described 2 0 above.

The gaming system may include a plurality of gaming consoles linked in a network or through remote communication means such as the internet.

The gaming system may include a controller, a 25 trigger value generator, a jackpot triggering means and a display means separate from each gaming console.

Preferably the system includes a storage means for storing count data.

The method may include providing an accumulator 30 for totaling the count data stored in the storage means.

The accumulator preferably is part of the storage means.

The method may include providing a controller to provide the random trigger value.

The method may include receiving count data each time a game console is played.

It is preferred that the offset is only needed to achieve behaviour equivalent of that that would be obtained if the count was reset each time a new trigger value was picked from the random number generator. Thus, the trigger value may be derived according to anyone of 5 the following options: a. Adding the offset to the value obtained from the random number generator to obtain the trigger value; b. Calculating a derived count equal to the 10 raw count minus the offset and compare the derived count to a trigger value obtained directly from the random number generator; and c. Resetting the count to zero every time a new trigger value is obtained directly from the random number source.

The random value may be calculated based on a parameter indicative of the probability of a win.

Preferably the total value represents the total number of games played on each game console. 20 The random value may be calculated to have a predetermined geometrical probability distribution.

Preferably the method includes at a predetermined time interval providing a new random trigger value.

The method may include providing a new random 25 trigger value after at least one game controller issues a prize.

The method may include calculating a random value having one probability distribution and transforming the random value by a predetermined function to generate a 30 random value with a different probability distribution.

Preferably the random value is not uniformly distributed.

The random value may be generated from a pseudo random number generator.

It is preferred that the trigger value is reset more frequently than once per output of the prize instruction signal to one/more game console.

WO 2004/064959 PCT/AU2004/000042 The offset value may be set at the current total value.

The offset value and the random value may be selected and a trigger value reset whenever a prize 5 instruction signal is sent to one or more predetermined game controllers.

It is preferred that count data is reset to a predetermined number such as 0 after a prize instruction signal is output.

Preferably the random value is recalculated after a prize instruction signal is output.

Preferably the random value is recalculated after the prize instruction signal is output whereby the trigger value is greater than the total value. 15 Preferably the predetermined prize includes one or more of money, extra games on a game console, calculated start up amount, a percentage of turnover from one/more game console.

The prize may be reset to a start up amount when 20 the prize instruction signal is output.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a controller for use in a gaming system, the controller comprising a trigger value, a generator for generating a random trigger value at 25 predetermined times, a receiver for receiving count data, from each game console, being data representing at least one parameter of a game console, a calculating means for calculating a total value representing the total count data received by the receiver, a comparator for comparing 30 the total value with the trigger value and a processor for outputting a prize signal to at least one game console if the total value has a predetermined relationship with the trigger value.

Preferably the processor is adapted to output a 35 prize signal to the game console from which count data was received which resulted in the total value having the predetermined relationship with the trigger value.

Received 2 March 2005 Preferably the predetermined relationship may be one of the options previously defined.

Preferably the trigger value generator is adapted to periodically select a value of a random variable, 5 calculate an offset value and add this to the random variable to produce the trigger value.

Preferably the trigger value is determined independent of turnover of the gaming system.

Preferably the random variable has a minimum 10 value of 1.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided gaming system comprising a plurality of game consoles, a trigger value generator for generating a trigger value derived from a random variable 15 having a non-uniform distribution, a prize triggering means, and a controller which is adapted to periodically receive count data from each game console, being data representing at least one parameter of a game console, calculate a total value representing the total count data 20 received by the controller and compare the total value with the trigger value and operate the prize triggering means to transmit a prize instruction signal to at least one game console if the total value has a predetermined relationship with the trigger value. 25 Preferably the controller is adapted to operate the prize trigger means to transmit the prize instruction signal to one of the game consoles from which count data was received which resulted in the total value having the predetermined relationship with the trigger value. 3 0 It is preferred that the gaming system includes one or more means for implementing one or more of the methods previously outlined.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of awarding a prize in a gaming 35 system including at least one game console comprising the steps of providing a random trigger value derived from a random variable having a non-uniform distribution, Amended Sheet IPEA/AU periodically receiving count data from one game console, being data representing at least one parameter of the game console, calculating a total value representing the total count data received, comparing the total value with the 5 trigger value, transmitting a prize instruction signal to an output means if the total value has a predetermined relationship with the trigger value, whereby the prize instruction signal results in at least one game console issuing a prize.

It is preferred that the output means is connected to a display means which indicates that a prize has been won by the at least one game console.

The prize instruction signal may be sent to the one game console.

The display means may include a sign, an audio visual indication or some other method which does not need to interact with the one game console.

Preferably, the prize instruction signal includes a prize display signal and a game console signal for 20 updating one or more of the game consoles.

According to one embodiment it is preferred that the system includes a single game console operating on its own or a number of game consoles linked through a communication network but each operating independently in 25 accordance with the above method.

It is preferred that the random trigger value is derived from a random variable having a non-uniform distribution.

Preferably the method includes providing a 30 plurality of random trigger values with each trigger value being associated with a respective gaming console.

According to one embodiment the method includes providing a plurality of random trigger values for a plurality of respective game consoles. 35 Preferably the method includes providing a plurality of count storage means for respectively receiving count data from respective game consoles and intellectual property office of n.z. 3 ! jan 2g37 Dcncivpn H:\SueB\Keep\speci\FP21467.SPEC.doc 23/01/07 Received 2 March 2005 11a - calculating a total value representing the total count data received respectively for each game console.

Amended Sheet IPEAMU Preferably the method includes providing a jackpot trigger device which is adapted to transmit the prize instruction signal to the output means of any game console for which the total count data received has a 5 predetermined relationship with the trigger value for that game console.

Preferably the method includes providing a jackpot prize calculator for determining the prize for any one of the game consoles if the total count data received 10 and stored by the jackpot trigger device has the predetermined relationship with the trigger value for that game console.

Preferably the non-uniform distribution is a geometric distribution.

Preferably the random variable is added to a predetermined offset value to produce the random trigger value.

Preferably the offset value is calculated and stored in a memory location prior to addition to the 20 random variable.

The random variable may have a distribution which is modified by a function to generate a value with a geometric distribution.

Preferably the function includes an inverse 25 geometric distribution.

It is preferred that the prize is determined independently of the count data.

Preferably the count data is collected synchronously with game play on the gaming console. 30 Alternatively count data is collected asynchronously with game play on the gaming console.

It is preferred that the comparing step is performed synchronously with playing the gaming console.

Alternatively the comparison step is performed 35 asynchronously with playing the gaming console.

The comparing step may be performed synchronously with receiving count data.

It is preferred that the predetermined relationship is that the total value is equal to the 5 trigger value.

Alternatively the predetermined relationship is that the total value is related to the trigger value 10 through a mathematical relationship.

According to another embodiment the predetermined 15 relationship is that the total value has a sequence of count data which matches the sequence of the trigger value. For example the trigger value could be one gaming console or a number of gaming consoles together producing a sequence of pay outs, symbols, or game plays such as 20 three lines followed by five lines, followed by one line if the gaming consoles are configured by manufacturers to output signals indicative of this.

Preferably the count data represents one game played on one game console.

According to one embodiment the count data represents multiple games played on one game console.

Alternatively the count data represents one event 30 occurring on greater than one game console.

Preferably parameters of the count data include any one of the above recited alternatives relating to count data.

The parameters preferably include: 35 a predetermined amount of money spent/gambled on a gaming console. a predetermined number of indicia arrangements on a gaming console; a predetermined combination of events on different gaming consoles; each time a gaming console is played; a predetermined turnover of one or more gaming consoles or predetermined function of turnover.

The method may also include loyalty systems and 15 may therefore include transaction terminals such as those associated with EFTPOS or Visa. Every time a customer makes a transaction count data could be transmitted to a central console whereby a person has a chance of winning a jackpot in accordance with the invention broadly described 20 above.

The method may include providing a gaming system with a plurality of gaming consoles linked in a network or through remote communication means such as the internet.

Preferably the system includes a storage means for storing count data.

The method may include providing an accumulator 30 for totalling the count data stored in the storage means.

The accumulator preferably is part of the storage means.

The method may include receiving count data each time one game console is played and storing the count data in a dedicated memory for the associated game console.

Preferably the method includes calculating the trigger value by adding a random value to an offset value.

It is preferred that the offset is only needed to achieve behaviour equivalent of that that would be 5 obtained if the count was reset each time a new trigger value was picked from the random number generator. Thus, the trigger value may be derived according to anyone of the following options: a. Adding the offset to the value obtained 10 from the random number generator to obtain the trigger value; b. Calculating a derived count equal to the raw count minus the offset and compare the derived count to a trigger value obtained directly from the random number generator; and c. Resetting the count to zero every time a new trigger value is obtained directly from the random number source.

The random value may be calculated based on a 20 parameter indicative of the probability of a win.

The random value may be calculated to have a predetermined geometrical probability distribution.

Preferably the method includes at a predetermined time (including occasion) providing a new random trigger 25 value.

The method may include providing a new random trigger value for one game console after a prize is issued to that game console.

The method may include calculating a random value 30 having one probability distribution and transforming the random value by a predetermined function to generate a random value with a different probability distribution.

Preferably the function is an inverse distribution.

Preferably the random value is not uniformly distributed.

The random value may be generated from a pseudo WO 2004/064959 PCT/AU2004/000042 random number generator.

It is preferred that the trigger value is reset more frequently than once per output of the prize instruction signal to the game controller.

The offset value may be set at the current total value.

The offset value and the random value may be selected and a trigger value reset whenever a prize instruction signal is sent to the game console. 10 It is preferred that count data is reset to a predetermined number such as 0 after a prize instruction signal is output.

Preferably the random value is recalculated after a prize instruction signal is output. 15 Preferably the random value is recalculated after the prize instruction signal is output whereby the trigger value is greater than the total value.

Preferably the predetermined prize includes money, extra games on a game console, calculated start up 20 amount plus a percentage of turnover from the game console.

Preferably the prize incorporates a percentage of turnover from one or more game consoles.

Preferably the value of the prize awarded is 25 determined as a start up amount plus a percentage of turnover from the game console.

Preferably, the game console is an EGM.

The value of the prize awarded may be determined by some additional game of chance offered to the player of 30 the EGM when the prize instruction signal is output.

According to one embodiment of the invention the method is implemented in software running on a jackpot trigger device networked to one or more EGM's.

The method may be implemented in software running 35 on a jackpot triggering device connected to or forming part of a single EGM.

The prize may be reset to a start up amount when the prize instruction signal is output.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a controller for use in a gaming system, the controller comprising a generator for 5 generating a random trigger value at predetermined times, a receiver for receiving count data, one game console, being data representing at least one parameter of the game console, a calculating means for calculating a total value representing the total count data received by the 10 receiver, a comparator for comparing the total value with the trigger value and a processor for outputting a prize signal to the one game console if the total value has a predetermined relationship with the trigger value.

Preferably the trigger value generator is adapted 15 to select a value of a random variable, calculate an offset value and add this to the random variable to produce the trigger value.

Preferably the trigger value is determined independent of turnover of the gaming system. 20 Preferably the random variable has a minimum value of 1.

Preferably a master controller incorporates a plurality of the controllers.

According to another aspect of the present 25 invention there is provided a gaming system comprising at least one game console, a trigger value generator for generating a trigger value derived from a random variable having a non-uniform distribution, a prize triggering means, and a controller which is adapted to periodically 30 receive count data from one game console, being data representing at least one parameter of each game console, store count data for each game console in a different memory location, calculate a total value representing the total count data received by the receiver for each game 35 console and compare the total value for each game console with the trigger value and operate the prize triggering means to transmit a prize instruction signal to the gaming 3 1 jan 2807 dcp.pivEO intellectual property office of nz H:\Sue3\Keep\speci\FP21467.SPEC.doc 23/01/07 - 17a - console which has a total value having a predetermined relationship with the intellectual property office of n^xsuebxka 31 jan 2507 :p\speci\FP21467.SPEC.doc 23/01/07 RECEIVED! trigger value.

Preferably the trigger value generator comprises a plurality of trigger values each associated with a respective one of the game consoles.

It is preferred that the gaming system includes one or more means for implementing one or more of the methods previously outlined.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred embodiments of the present invention 10 will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a gaming system according to a preferred embodiment of a first aspect of the present invention; Figure 2 shows the gaming system according to a second embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention; and Figure 3 shows a flow diagram of the gaming system according to the preferred embodiment of the first 20 aspect of the present invention.

Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a gaming system according to a preferred embodiment of a second aspect of the present invention; Figure 5 shows the gaming system according to a 25 second embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention; and Figure 6 shows a flow chart for the gaming system in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Figure 1 shows a gaming system 10 having three EGMs 11, 12, 13 which are linked to a gaming system controller 14. This gaming system controller 14 consists of a site controller device 15, a jackpot trigger device 35 16 and a jackpot prize calculator 17.

An overhead display 18 is also provided above each of the EGMs 11, 12, 13.

In operation the site controller 15 receives meter information from each of the EGMs over a communications network such as that utilising fibre optics, ethernet or RS485. In this embodiment the meter 5 information includes a meter representing the cumulative turnover of the gaming machine since it was commissioned.

The site controller monitors and stores the latest value of the EGM meters and in particular the turnover meter.

The site controller sends the latest turnover meter value for each EGM to the jackpot trigger device 16.

An accumulator located in the jackpot trigger device stores a turnover meter value for each EGM.

In addition the jackpot trigger device calculates 15 a total accumulated value representing total meter turnover value for all of the EGM's 11, 12, 13.

Each time any one of the meter values is incremented, the site controller passes on this incremental change to the jackpot trigger device which in 20 turn recalculates the total accumulated value. In addition total meter values are stored for each EGM, being a meter value to date. Thus the jackpot trigger device records the total turnover value of the gaming system at any particular instant as well as the total turnover value 25 for each machine at any instant.

The jackpot trigger device also stores a jackpot trigger value which it calculates.

A comparator in the jackpot trigger device compares the current total accumulated value with the 30 trigger value and if the total has reached or exceeded the trigger value the jackpot trigger device outputs a jackpot win signal to the EGM from the which the last incremented count value was received by the site controller and which resulted in the total accumulated value equaling or 35 exceeding the trigger value.

In one situation the jackpot win would be awarded by the jackpot trigger device when the total accumulated value was equal to the trigger value. However, in some circumstances the total accumulated value would have to exceed the trigger value in order for the jackpot trigger device to award a jackpot win.

When the jackpot trigger device outputs a jackpot win signal this is transmitted to the winning EGM as well as to the overhead display device 18. This results in an appropriate display on both the winning EGM and the overhead display for the purposes of indicating the 10 jackpot win.

The jackpot trigger value is calculated in a random selection process.

Typically the jackpot prize calculator obtains a random value from a random number generator based on an 15 appropriate probability distribution. For the purposes of this embodiment a uniform distribution is used. The result is then modified by an inverse distribution function to give the desired geometric distribution.

According to the preferred embodiment the random 20 number generator follows a geometric distribution model. Thus if the random generator has a discreet ransom variable X to follow a geometric distribution with a probability parameter P between 0 and 1, the trials must meet the following requirements: a. The total number of trials is potentially infinite; b. There are just two outcomes of each trial success and failure; c. The outcomes of all the trials are 30 statistically independent; and d. All the trials have the same probability of success.

In this embodiment the geometric distribution has the desirable property that the resulting probability 35 of a win per unit of turnover is constant. In probability terms each unit of turnover is considered a trial and hence P is set to the desired probability of win per unit of turnover. The result from the random number generator is added to a turnover offset value to give the jackpot trigger value.

As shown in Figure 3 the system may incorporate 5 software and/or hardware which controls operation of each of the EGM's and issuing of a jackpot prize. Initially at system start up in step 25, the total turnover for the system is set to zero in step 26. In step 27 and in step 28 the site controller polls each EGM to receive the 10 latest turnover value of each EGM's turnover meter. The value for each EGM turnover meter is then added to a total turnover meter located in the jackpot trigger device.

The jackpot trigger device in step 29 calculates a random value which is based on the value from a random 15 source transferred to have a geometric distribution. The trigger value is then calculated in step 30 by adding the random value to the total turnover value as received from the total turnover meter.

Once the turnover meter values have been received 20 from each EGM the total turnover meter of the jackpot trigger device has been fully updated and in step 31 updating of this meter is completed. In step 32 if there is a change in the meter value of any EGM this is passed onto the site controller which in step 33 sets a new 25 turnover value for the total turnover meter.

In a typical polling method of ascertaining the meter value for each EGM, in step, 34 if polling results in the previous turnover for an EGM equaling the new turnover, then the total turnover meter updating is 30 complete. If however the previous turnover does not equal the new turnover then the new value for the total turnover meter is set to a total turnover value currently stored minus the previous turnover for the EGM plus the new turnover in step 35. This means that if there has been an 35 incremental increase in the turnover meter this is added to the total turnover value.

In step 36 the total turnover value is then compared to the trigger value and if it does not exceed the trigger value then updating is complete, however if the total turnover value is greater than or equal to the trigger value then a signal is transmitted from the 5 jackpot trigger device to the winning EGM enabling a jackpot win to be displayed in step 37. This results in resetting of the trigger value by recalculation of the random value as previously described in relation to steps 29 and 30.

Because the trigger value is randomly selected it is theoretically possible for any person playing one of the EGMs 11, 12, 13 to win a jackpot at any time regardless of the amount of turnover generated by the EGMs. However because knowledge of the trigger value 15 allows prediction of when the next win will occur it is important that this trigger value remains secret.

If there is a security risk and at a particular time someone is able to work out the trigger value, one option is to periodically change the trigger value so that 20 the security breach would have to occur consistently to know whether the trigger value had changed.

Whenever the jackpot trigger device awards a jackpot by sending an appropriate signals to the EGMs, the trigger value is reset and the jackpot trigger device and 25 the jackpot prize calculator calculates a new trigger value and sends this to the jackpot trigger device.

In figure 2 a gaming system is shown consisting of separate groups of gaming machines in different locations. Thus one group of gaming machines 20 may be 30 located at one premises and one group of gaming machines may be located at a different premises.

Each group of gaming machines would have a site controller and jackpot trigger device 22, 23 and would be linked through a communication system to a central 35 controller 24 which is able to provide the trigger value.

The same or different trigger values may be sent to each group of EGMs at the different premises.

Alternatively a central jackpot trigger device may be located at the central control station 24 so that each group of gaming machines may be linked together to allow a larger jackpot prize to be awarded. This set up 5 would have the advantage of increased security as trigger value setting and comparison with total accumulated turnover value would be calculated off site.

In this embodiment the local jackpot trigger device would have the main function of issuing the jackpot 10 signal to the appropriate machine(s). The preferred embodiment has been described for a gaming system incorporating a number of gaming machines. However, the invention is equally applicable to a single gaming machine and how it offers a jackpot prize. Thus Figure 1 would be 15 modified to show a single EGM with the remaining components the same. Therefore the site controller would simply receive metering information regarding the number of times the EGM is played and this would be sent to the jackpot trigger device. When the total accumulated value 20 equaled or exceeded the trigger value, a jackpot would be awarded to the EGM.

Generally a jackpot triggering device will be networked to multiple EGMs. However in the networking example of Figure 2 multiple jackpot triggering devices 25 may be networked to a single jackpot prize calculator device.

The jackpot prize calculator can be omitted if the prize amount is fixed.

For a so-called progressive jackpot, the jackpot 30 prize calculator device calculates the prize value from a start up amount and a percentage of the amount bet on participating EGMs. If there is only a single jackpot triggering device it may be combined with the jackpot prize calculator device to form a self-contained jackpot 35 controller.

Where the gaming system includes a monitoring device for a site or group of machines, this site - 24. - controller device and the jackpot trigger device may also advantageously be combined as a single unit. The system may also incorporate the feature of separate in machine displays to provide additional capabilities including a 5 feature game, the outcome of which determines the prize awarded to the winning player.

It is preferred that the preferred embodiment of the present invention has at least one of the following advantages: i. The jackpot prize/display may be fixed value. ii. The jackpot does not have to be triggered off the combined count from a number of EGMs. Instead a subset of the combined EGMs is able to independently trigger the jackpot win. iii. The rate or time at which the count is updated need not have any impact on the win statistics and need not be the same for each EGM. This would be of particular advantage when using a jackpot triggering device which communicates with the actual gaming machines over a network. iv. The statistical properties of the system can be tailored to meet market regulatory or other requirements. In particular a non-deterministic jackpot offering a constant probability of win per unit bet can be implemented using this apparatus. v. Other novel win distributions can be generated using the same system. For example, a distribution with a high probability of win around its mean value and a very low probability of win for low and high values would reduce the variance in the win amount for a progressive jackpot, and in the frequency of wins, reducing the risk of either frequent or high valued wins to the jackpot operator. Conversely, a distribution with a high probability of win for small and large values, would give additional player excitement due to its tendency to have periods of frequent wins interspersed WO 2004/064959 PCT/AU2004/000042 with the progressive prize reaching a high value. vi. In contrast to other non-deterministic jackpot triggering methods the win decision can be made instantaneously. The win decision does not inherently lag 5 behind turnover as it does in systems using a time window, which must use a very short time window, increasing computation of load, and/or having additional complexity to deal with "deferred" or "pending" wins or otherwise prevent "walk away". vii. Timing precision is not required to obtain correct win probability.

Based on the above it is apparent that changes and modifications may be made to each of the embodiments described. In particular the particular parameters of an 15 EGM or group of EGMs that is recorded/received by the site controller and transferred to the jackpot triggering device can be quite varied. Therefore a cumulative turnover value may be recorded and compared with a trigger value or count values indicative of the number of times 20 one or more of the EGMs is played. Furthermore, the parameters of the EGMs which can be monitored include those relating to the arrangement of symbols appearing in the display as well as predetermined sequences of events such as minor prizes being issued.

Figure 4 shows a gaming system 110 having three EGMs 111, 112, 113 which are linked to a gaming system controller 114. This gaming system controller 114 consists of a site controller device 115, a jackpot trigger device 116 and a jackpot prize calculator 117. 30 An overhead display 118 is also provided above each of the EGMs 111, 112, 113.

In operation the site controller 115 receives meter information from each of the EGMs over a communications network such as that utilising fibre 35 optics, ethernet or RS485. In this embodiment the meter information includes a meter representing the cumulative turnover of the gaming machine since it was commissioned.

The site controller sends the latest turnover 5 meter value for each EGM to the jackpot trigger device 116.

Each time any one of the meter values is 10 incremented total meter values are stored for each EGM, being a meter value to date. Thus the jackpot trigger device records the total turnover value for each machine at any instant.

The jackpot trigger device also stores a jackpot 15 trigger value which it calculates.

A comparator in the jackpot trigger device compares the current total meter value for each EGM with the trigger value and if the total has reached or exceeded the trigger value the jackpot trigger device outputs a 20 jackpot win signal to the EGM from the which the last incremented count value was received by the site controller and which resulted in the total meter value equalling or exceeding the trigger value.

In one situation the jackpot win would be awarded 25 by the jackpot trigger device when the total meter value was equal to the trigger value. However, in some circumstances the total meter value would have to exceed the trigger value in order for the jackpot trigger device to award a jackpot win.

When the jackpot trigger device outputs a jackpot win signal this is transmitted to the winning EGM as well as to the overhead display device 118. This results in an appropriate display on both the winning EGM and the overhead display for the purposes of indicating the 35 jackpot win.

The jackpot trigger value is calculated in a random selection process.

WO 2004/064959 PCT/AU2004/000042 The -trigger value for an EGM is calculated by the jackpot trigger device.

The jackpot trigger device receives from the site controller the latest value of the EGMs turnover meter as 5 the turnover offset value. The jackpot trigger device then obtains a random value from an appropriate distribution. Typically a random number generator with a uniform distribution is used and the result is modified by an inverse distribution function to give the desired 10 distribution. While any distribution may be used the geometric distribution has the desirable property that the resulting probability of win per unit of turnover is constant.

According to the preferred embodiment the random 15 number generator follows a geometric distribution model.

Thus if the random generator has a discrete random variable X, to follow a geometric distribution with a probability parameter P between 0 and 1, the trials must meet the following requirements: a. The total number of trials is potentially > infinite; b. There are just two outcomes of each trial success and failure; c. The outcomes of all the trials are 25 statistically independent; and d. All the trials have the same probability of success.

In probability terms each unit of turnover is considered a trial and hence P is set to the desired 30 probability of win per unit of turnover. The result from the random number generator is added to a turnover offset value to give the jackpot trigger value.

As shown in Figure 4 for each EGM in the gaming system, after system start up shown as item 125, for each 35 EGM in step 126, the random value is calculated in step 27 and the trigger value is calculated from the received random value and the current turnover value of the EGM in step 128.

Startup processing is complete when the trigger values have been calculated for all EGMs and processing exits via step 129. Then, when an EGM turnover update 5 message is received from an EGM in step 130 the new value of turnover for the EGM is extracted from the message in step 131.

In step 132 this turnover value is compared with the trigger value. If the turnover value is not greater 10 than the trigger value no jackpot signal is issued whereas if the turnover value is greater than or equal to the trigger value the jackpot trigger device issues the win signal to the winning EGM in step 133 and in step 133 calculates a new trigger value based on a new random value 15 and the old trigger value of the EGM in step 134.

Typically the flow chart is implemented using software by the combined site controller jackpot triggering device and jackpot prize calculator. The site controller continually poles each EGM for latest meter t 20 data and the jackpot trigger device stores total turnover/meter values for each EGM in the manner previously described.

In the above system separate trigger values are calculated for each EGM so that each EGM is played to 25 reach a target turnover value which is greater than or equal to a different trigger value.

Because the trigger value is randomly selected it is theoretically possible for any person playing one of the EGMs 111, 112, 113 to win a jackpot at any time 30 regardless of the amount of turnover generated by the EGMs. However because knowledge of the trigger value allows prediction of when the next win will occur it is important that this trigger value remains secret.

If there is a security risk and at a particular 35 time some one is able to work out the trigger value one option is to periodically change the trigger value so that the security breach would have to occur consistently to know whether the trigger value had changed.

Whenever the jackpot trigger device awards a jackpot by sending an appropriate signals to the EGMs, the trigger value is reset and the jackpot trigger device and 5 the jackpot prize calculator calculates a new trigger value and sends this to the jackpot trigger device.

In figure 5 a gaming system is shown consisting of separate groups of gaming machines in different locations. Thus one group of gaming machines 120 may be 10 located at one premises and one group of gaming machines may be located at a different premises.

Each group of gaming machines would have a site controller and jackpot trigger device 122, 123 and would be linked through a communication system to a central 15 controller 124 which is able to provide the trigger value.

Suitable encryption/decryption methods can be utilised in order to provide security for the trigger 20 value. In this embodiment each group of gaming machines could have appropriate decryption/encryption capabilities to identify the actual trigger value transmitted from the central controller 124.

Alternatively a central jackpot trigger device 25 may be located at the central control station 124 so that each group of gaming machines may be linked together to allow a larger jackpot prize to be awarded. This set up would have the advantage of increased security as trigger value setting and comparison with total accumulated 30 turnover value would be calculated off site.

In this embodiment the local jackpot trigger device would have the main function of issuing the jackpot signal to the appropriate machine(s). The preferred embodiment has been described for a gaming system 35 incorporating a number of gaming machines. However, the invention is equally applicable to a single gaming machine and how it offers a jackpot prize. Thus Figure 4 would be modified to show a single EGM with the remaining components the same. Therefore the site controller would simply receive metering information regarding the number of times the EGM is played and this would be sent to the 5 jackpot trigger device. When the total accumulated value equalled or exceeded the trigger value, a jackpot would be awarded to the EGM.

Generally a jackpot triggering device will be networked to multiple EGMs. However in the networking 10 example of Figure 5 multiple jackpot triggering devices may be networked to a single jackpot prize calculator device.

The jackpot prize calculator can be omitted if the prize amount is fixed.

For a so-called progressive jackpot, the jackpot prize calculator device calculates the prize value from a start up amount and a percentage of the amount bet on participating EGMs. If there is only a single jackpot triggering device it may be combined with the jackpot 20 prize calculator device to form a self-contained jackpot controller.

Where the gaming system includes a monitoring device for a site or group of machines, this site controller device and the jackpot trigger device may also 25 advantageously be combined as a single unit. The system may also incorporate the feature of separate in machine displays to provide additional capabilities including a feature game, the outcome of which determines the prize awarded to the winning player.

It is preferred that the trigger value for an embodiment incorporating a single EGM is calculated by utilising the jackpot trigger device to use the latest value of the EGMs turnover meter as received from the site controller as the turnover offset value. The jackpot 35 trigger device then obtains a random value from an appropriate distribution. The procedure is then similar to that previously described for multiple EGMs.

WO 2004/064959 PCT/AU2004/000042 It is preferred that the preferred embodiment of the present invention has at least one of the following advantages: i. The jackpot prize/display may be fixed value. ii. The jackpot does not have to be triggered off the combined count from a number of EGMs. Instead each EGM is able to independently trigger the jackpot win. iii. The rate or time at which the count is updated need not have any impact on the win statistics and need not be the same for each EGM. This would be of particular advantage when using a jackpot triggering device which communicates with the actual gaming machines over a network. iv. The statistical properties of the system can be tailored to meet market regulatory or other requirements. In particular a non-deterministic jackpot offering a constant probability of win per unit bet can be implemented using this apparatus. v. Other novel win distributions can be generated using the same system. The system would allow the conditions under which the starting point of the distribution (i.e. the offset or base value to which the random value is added) to be recalculated and a new random 25 value selected to be chosen according to the desired behaviour of the individual jackpot as well as allowing the distribution of wins from that point to be chosen. In the embodiment where there is a uniform probability of win per cent bet, the frequency and conditions under which 30 this reselection occurs would make no difference to the behaviour of the jackpot. In other embodiments where the distribution is not uniform, changing from a system where the selection occurs whenever any EGM wins the jackpot to a system where the selection occurs only when the 35 individual EGM wins the jackpot, gives quite different behaviour. With the former embodiment turnover counting can be avoided. vi. In contrast to other non-deterministic jackpot triggering methods the win decision can be made instantaneously. The win decision does not inherently lag behind turnover as it does in systems using a time window, which must use a very short time window, increasing computation of load, and/or having additional complexity to deal with "deferred" or "pending" wins or otherwise prevent "walk away". vii. Timing precision is not required to obtain 10 correct win probability.

Based on the above it is apparent that changes and modifications may be made to each of the embodiments described. In particular the particular parameters of an EGM or group of EGMs that is recorded/received by the site 15 controller and transferred to the jackpot triggering device can be quite varied.

Received 2 March 2005

Claims

1. A method of awarding a prize in a gaming system including a plurality of game consoles comprising the steps of providing a trigger value derived from a 5 random variable having a non-uniform distribution, periodically receiving count data from each game console, being data representing at least one parameter of a game console, calculating a total value representing the total count data received, comparing the total value with the 10 trigger value, transmitting a prize instruction signal to an output means if the total value has a predetermined relationship with the trigger value, whereby the prize instruction signal results in at least one game console issuing a prize. 15

2. The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the non-uniform distribution is a geometric distribution.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the prize instruction signal is output from the output means to at least one game console. 20

4. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the prize instruction signal includes a prize display signal and a game console signal for updating one or more of the game consoles.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1 or 2 25 wherein the output means is connected to a display means which indicates that a prize has been won by the at least one game console.

6. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the random variable is added to a 30 predetermined offset value to produce the trigger value.

7. The method as claimed in claim 6 wherein the offset value is calculated and stored in a memory location prior to addition to the random variable.

8. The method as claimed in any one of the 35 preceding claims wherein the random variable has a distribution which is modified by a function to generate a value with a geometric distribution. Amended Sheet IPEA/AU PCT/AU2004/000042 Received 2 March 2005 - 34

9. The method as claimed in claim 8 wherein the function includes an inverse geometric distribution.

10. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the prize is determined 5 independently of the count data.

11. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the prize instruction signal is output to the gaming console from which count data was received which resulted in the total value having the 10 predetermined relationship with the trigger value.

12. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein count data is collected synchronously with game play on each gaming console.

13. The method as claimed in any one of claims 15 1 to 11 wherein count data is collected asynchronously with game play on at least one gaming console.

14. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the predetermined relationship is that the total value is equal to or greater than the 20 trigger value.

15. The method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the predetermined relationship is that the total value is related to the trigger value through a mathematical relationship. 25

16. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the count data represents one game played on one game console.

17. The method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein the count data includes any one or more of 30 the following parameters: a predetermined amount of money spent on a gaming console, a predetermined number of indicia arrangements on a gaming console, a predetermined combination of events on different gaming consoles, each time a gaming console is 35 played, a predetermined turnover of gaming consoles, a predetermined function of turnover, one event occurring on one or more game consoles. Amended Sheet IPEA/AU - 35 -

18. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including a loyalty system including transaction terminals whereby every time a customer makes a transaction count data is transmitted to a central 5 console whereby a person has a chance of winning a jackpot.

19. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including a controller, a trigger value generator, a jackpot triggering means and a display means 10 separate from each gaming console.

20. The method as claimed in claim 19 wherein the system includes a storage means for storing count data.

21. The method as claimed in claim 20 including 15 the step of providing an accumulator for totaling the count data stored in the storage means.

22. The method as claimed in claim 21 wherein the controller provides the random trigger value.

23. The method as claimed in any one of the 20 preceding claims including the step of providing a new random trigger value at a predetermined time interval.

24. The method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein a new random trigger value is provided after at least one game controller issues a prize. 25 25. The method as claimed in claim 1 including the step of calculating a random value having one probability distribution and transforming the random value by a predetermined function to generate the trigger value with a different probability distribution. 3 0 26. A controller for use in a gaming system, the controller comprising a trigger value derived from a random variable having a non-uniform distribution, a generator for generating a random trigger value at predetermined times, a receiver for receiving count data 3 5 from each game console, being data representing at least one parameter of one game console, a calculating means for calculating a total value representing the total count intellectual PROPERTY office of nz ' 3 1 jan 2007 ocr civ/rn \speci\FP21467.SPEC.doc 23/01/07

PCT/AU2004/000042

Received 2 March 2005 - 36 data received by the receiver, a comparator for comparing the total value with the trigger value and a processor for outputting a prize signal to at least one game console if the total value has a predetermined relationship with the 5 trigger value.

27. The controller as claimed in claim 26 wherein the processor is adapted to output a prize signal to the game console from which count data was received which resulted in the total value having the predetermined 10 relationship with a trigger value.

28. The controller as claimed in claim 26 wherein the trigger value generator is adapted to periodically select a value of the random variable, calculate an offset value and add this to the random 15 variable to produce the trigger value.

29. The controller as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 28 wherein the trigger value is determined independently of turnover of the gaming system.

30. The controller as claimed in any one of 20 claims 26 to 29 wherein the random variable has a minimum value of 1.

31. A gaming system comprising a plurality of game consoles, a trigger value generator for generating a trigger value derived from a random variable having a non- 25 uniform distribution, a prize triggering means, and a controller which is adapted to periodically receive count data from each game console, being data representing at least one parameter of a game console, calculate a total value representing the total count data received by the 3 0 controller and compare the total value with the trigger value and operate the prize triggering means to transmit a prize instruction signal to at least one game console if the total value has a predetermined relationship with the trigger value. 35

32. The gaming system as claimed in claim 31 wherein the controller is adapted to operate the prize trigger means to transmit the prize instruction signal to Amended Sheet IPEA/AU - 37 - one of the game consoles from which count data was received which resulted in the total value having the predetermined relationship with the trigger value.

33. The gaming system as claimed in claim 32 5 wherein the non-uniform distribution is a geometric distribution.

34. The method as claimed in claim 33 wherein the random variable is added to a predetermined offset value to produce the trigger value. 10

35. A gaming system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of Figures 1, 2 or 6 of the accompanying drawings.

36. A method of awarding a prize in a gaming system substantially as hereinbefore described with 15 reference to any one of Figures 1, 2 or 6 of the accompanying drawings.

37. A controller for use in a gaming system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of Figures 1, 2 or 6 of the accompanying drawings. 20

38. A method of awarding a prize in a gaming system including at least one game console comprising the steps of providing a random trigger value derived from a random variable having a non-uniform distribution, periodically receiving count data from at least one game 25 console, being data representing at least one parameter of the game console, calculating a total value representing the total count data received, comparing the total value with the trigger value, transmitting a prize instruction signal to an output means if the total value has a 3 0 predetermined relationship with the trigger value, whereby the prize instruction signal results in at least one game console issuing a prize.

39. The method as claimed in claim 38 wherein the prize instruction signal is transmitted independent of 35 count data received during an elapsed period.

40. The method as claimed in any one of claims intellectual property office cfcxfeix easp 3 ! jan 2s37 P P r* C i \ / rr r> ci\FP21467.SPEC.doc 23/01/07 PCT/AU2004/000042 Received 2 March 2005 - 38 - 38 to 39 wherein the system includes a plurality of game consoles.

41. The method as claimed in claim 40 including an accumulator means for accumulating count data 5 separately for each game console.

42. The method as claimed in claim 41 including a totaliser means for calculating a total value representing the total count data stored in the accumulator for each game console. 10

43. The method as claimed in claim 42 wherein each total value calculated by the totalizer is compared with the trigger value and a prize instruction signal is transmitted to the output means if any one or more of the total values has a predetermined relationship with a 15 trigger value.

44. The method as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 43 wherein the predetermined relationship with a trigger value includes any one or more of: the total value is equal to the trigger value; 20 the total value is greater than the trigger value; value; the total value is a multiple of the trigger the total value is related to the trigger value 25 through a mathematical relationship.

45. The method as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 44 wherein the count data is indicative of the amount wagered on one game console.

46 ^ The method as claimed in any one of claims 30 38 to 45 wherein count data is received from the at least one game console each time an amount is wagered on the at least one game console.

47. The method as claimed in claim 46 wherein the total value is recalculated each time count data is 35 received from the at least one game console.

48. The method as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 46 wherein the output means is connected to a Amended Sheet BPEA/AU PCT/AU2004/000042 Received 2 March 2005 - 39 - display means which indicates that a prize has been won by the at least one game console.

49. The method as claimed in claim 48 wherein the display means includes a visual display separate from 5 the at least one game console.

50. The method as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 49 including the step of providing a plurality of random trigger values with each trigger value being associated with a respective gaming console. 10

51. The method as claimed in claim 39 or 49 wherein the non-uniform distribution is a geometric distribution.

52. The method as claimed in claim 40 when appended to claim 39 wherein the random variable is added 15 to a predetermined offset value to produce the random trigger value.

53. The method as claimed in claim 52 wherein the offset value is calculated and stored in a memory location prior to addition to the random variable. 20

54. The method as claimed in claim 39 or 53 wherein the random variable has a distribution which is modified by a function to generate a value with a geometric distribution.

55. The method as claimed in claim 54 wherein 25 the function includes an inverse geometric distribution.

56. The method as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 54 wherein the value of the prize is determined independently of the count data.

57. The method as claimed in claim 56 wherein 3 0 the value of the prize is determined independently of turnover occurring within a predetermined period of time.

58. The method as claimed in claim 56 wherein the count data is collected synchronously with game play on the or each game console. 35

59. The method as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 58 wherein the comparing step is performed synchronously with playing the gaming console. Amended Sheet EPEA/AU - 40 -

60. The method as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 58 wherein the comparing step is performed asynchronously with playing the gaming console.

61. The method as claimed in any one of claims 5 38 to 58 wherein the comparing step is performed synchronously with receiving count data.

62. The method as claimed in any one of claims 39 to 58 wherein the comparing step is performed asynchronously with receiving count data. 10

63. The method as claimed in any one of claims 40 to 62 wherein the count data represents any one of the following: one game played on one game console, multiple games played on one game console, one event occurring on 15 one game console.

64. The method as claimed in any one of claims 40 to 62 wherein the count data includes any one of the following: a predetermined amount wagered on a gaming 20 console; a predetermined number of indicia arrangements on a gaming console; a predetermined combination of events on different gaming consoles; 25 a predetermined turnover of one or more gaming consoles; a predetermined function of turnover.

65. The method as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 64 including the step of providing a new random 30 trigger value at a predetermined time.

66. The method as claimed in claim 65 wherein the new random trigger value is provided for one game console after a prize is issued to that game console.

67. The method as claimed in claim 38 or 50 35 including calculating a random value having one probability distribution and transforming the random value by a predetermined function to generate the trigger INTELLECTUALHPft©P£fWVp OFFICE OF N.Z. 3 i jan wl ci\FP21467.SPEC.doc 23/01/07 - 41 - value with a different probability distribution.

68. The method as claimed in claim 67 wherein the random value is generated by a pseudo random number generator. 5

69. The method as claimed in any one claims 38 to 68 wherein the trigger value is reset more frequently than once per output of the prize instruction signal.

70. The method as claimed in claim 52 wherein the offset value is set to the current total value. 10

71. The method as claimed in claim 70 wherein the offset value and the random value are selected and a trigger value reset whenever a prize instruction signal is sent to the game console.

72. The method as claimed in any one of claims 15 38 to 71 wherein the count data is reset to a predetermined number after a prize instruction signal is output.

73. The method as claimed in claim 72 wherein the random value is recalculated after the prize 20 instruction signal is output whereby the trigger value is greater than or equal to the total value.

74. A controller for use in a gaming system, the controller including a trigger value derived from a random variable having non-uniform distribution, a 25 generator for generating a random trigger value at predetermined times, a receiver for receiving count data from at least one game console, being data representing at least one parameter of one game console, a calculating means for calculating a total value representing the total 3 0 count data received by the receiver, a comparator for comparing the total value with the trigger value and a processor for outputting a prize signal to the one game console if the total value has a predetermined relationship with the trigger value. 35 75. The controller as claimed in claim 74 wherein the generator is adapted to select a value for the random variable, calculate an offset value and add this to

INTEI±ECTUAL ^ROPEFrrV'^1^^21^^7 23/01/07 3jan 2037 r> r r r l\/CH - 42 - the random value to produce the random trigger value.

76. The controller as claimed in claim 75 wherein the trigger value is determined independent of turnover of the gaming system. 5

77. The controller as claimed in claim 74 wherein the random variable value has a minimum value of one.

78. The controller as claimed in any one of claims 75 to 77 wherein the receiver is adapted to receive 10 count data from a plurality of game consoles and store the count data in separate memory locations associated with each game console and the calculating means includes an accumulator for calculating a total value for each game console and the comparator is adapted to compare the total 15 value for each game console with the trigger value.

79. The controller as claimed in any one of claims 74 to 77 wherein a prize signal is output from the processor to the one game console if the total value is equal to or greater than the trigger value. 20

80. The controller as claimed in any one of claims 75 to 79 wherein the count data includes any one of the group of: a predetermined amount wagered on a gaming console; 25 a predetermined number of indicia arrangements on a gaming console; a predetermined combination of events on different gaming consoles; a predetermined turnover of one or more gaming 3 0 consoles; a predetermined function of turnover.

81. The controller as claimed in any one of claims 75 to 80 which is configured to be located remotely from the or each game console. 35

82. A gaming system comprising at least one game console, a trigger value generator for generating a trigger value derived from a random variable having a non- INTELb£GT<ttAUeP@&BERWs OFFICE OF N.Z. 3'' Jam i jHti iwr SPEC.doc 23/01/07 - 43 - uniform distribution, a prize triggering means, and a controller which is adapted to periodically receive count data from one game console, being data representing at least one parameter of each game console, store count data 5 for each game console in a different memory location, calculate a total value representing the total count data received by the receiver for each game console and compare the total value for each game console with the trigger value and operate the prize triggering means to transmit a 10 prize instruction signal to the gaming console which has a total value having a predetermined relationship with the trigger value.

83. The gaming system as claimed in claim 82 wherein the trigger value generator comprises a plurality 15 of trigger values each associated with a respective one of the game consoles.

84. The gaming system as claimed in claim 83 wherein the trigger value is determined independently of count data received over a predetermined period of time. 20

85. The gaming system as claimed in claim 83 or 84 wherein the trigger value is derived from a random variable which is added to an offset value.

86. The gaming system as claimed in claim 85 wherein the trigger value is calculated based on a 25 parameter indicative of the probability of a win.

87. The gaming system as claimed in claim 86 wherein the trigger value is selected independently of an amount wagered on the or each gaming console over an elapsed period. 3 0

88. The gaming system as claimed in claim 87 wherein the controller is located externally from the at least one game console.

89. The gaming system as claimed in claim 88 wherein the trigger value generator generates a value with 35 one probability distribution and transforms the value by a predetermined function to generate a value with a different probability distribution.

90. The gaming system as claimed in any one of - CpTI IA * property 1 H:\SueB\Keep\speci\FP214G7.SPEC.doc 23/01/07 INTcLLuw U | OFFICE OF N.Z. p, ! ! v M *!C*;7 - 44 - PCT/AU2004/000042 Received 2 March 2005 claims 84 to 89 wherein the prize triggering means includes a prize setting means which is adapted to set the value of the prize awarded to the game console receiving the prize instruction signal based on a fixed value 5 determined before count data is received from the or each game console.

91. A computer program which is configured to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 73. 10

92. A computer storage medium which is adapted to store the computer program as claimed in claim in claim 91.

93. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of Figures 3, 4 and 5 15 of the accompanying drawings.

94. A controller substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of Figures 3, 4 and 5 of the accompanying drawings.

95. A gaming system substantially as 20 hereinbefore described with reference to any one of Figures 3/ 4 and 5 of the accompanying drawings.

96. A computer program configured to operate a gaming system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of Figures 3, 4 and 5 of the 25 accompanying drawings. END OF CLAIMS Amended Sheet IPEA/AU