WO2009025555A1

WO2009025555A1 - Gaming device and system for playing games of chance

Info

Publication number: WO2009025555A1
Application number: PCT/NL2008/050563
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lucien Maurice Van Linden
Original assignee: Gaming Support B.V.
Priority date: 2007-08-22
Filing date: 2008-08-22
Publication date: 2009-02-26
Also published as: NL2000824C2

Abstract

The invention relates to a gaming device for playing games of chance. The invention also relates to a system for playing games of chance. The invention further relates to a method for applying a gaming device according to the invention. The invention also relates to a method for applying a system according to the invention.

Description

Gaming device and system for playing games of chance

Gaming devices for playing games of chance are known and have already been applied for many decades in casinos, amusement arcades and catering establishments. The gaming device is derived from devices with driven wheels provided with symbols which rotated when they were set into motion by a player and which stopped wholly at random. The original gaming device was provided with stop sensors which were able to detect the combination of symbols visible to the player and to determine and pay out a possible prize.

The current technology has resulted in a considerable development of these devices, wherein the conventional large mechanical wheels have been replaced by smaller wheels or digital projections of wheels. The modem gaming devices are moreover provided with a control unit which, in combination with a suitable computer program, enables the game of chance to be fully controlled, wherein prizes are awarded in accordance with a predefined algorithm and in accordance with a predefined payout percentage. The appeal to players is relevant for operators and developers of the gaming devices, wherein every effort will be made to increase the involvement of the players in the game of chance. In order to be able to increase the appeal to players, use will usually be made of thematic components, such as the use of a bonus game, whereby the player is provided with the option of playing simultaneously with varying stakes on one or many so-called winning lines. The player will here generally have amassed a base credit, and will be able to amass a bonus credit in order to be able to increase the chances of winning. The base credit and the bonus credit are here usually shown on different displays. In order to be able to utilize the possibilities of the new generation of gaming devices, multiple bets must be made simultaneously. This involves the necessity of reducing these bets to cents. It is found in practice that the average amount that a player wagers per game is therefore not substantially higher than in the case a gaming device is applied without bonus game. There continues to be a need to further enhance the appeal to players of the gaming devices for playing games of chance, wherein players are challenged to place a relatively high bet per game.

The invention has for its object to provide a gaming device which is attractive to players and which challenges players to place a relatively high bet.

The invention provides for this purpose a gaming device of the type stated in the preamble, comprising: recording means adapted to record a credit amassed by at least one player, regulating means for increasing the winning payout of a (single) game of chance to be played, input means enabling the player to manually activate the regulating means, and a control unit for debiting a base credit for playing the game of chance forming part of the credit already amassed by the player, and for additionally debiting, subject to activation of the regulating means, a regulation credit forming part of the credit already amassed by the player. The gaming device according to the invention has the advantage that the use of the input means and the regulating means provide a player with an additional incentive to continue playing the game of chance, whereby the attractiveness of the gaming device to a player is thus increased. The player will moreover tend on average to wager a higher credit than usual per game in order to increase the payout amount. On the one hand play will here thus take place per game with a base wager and additionally, in accordance with the advance choice of the player, with a regulation credit in order to enable an increase in the payout amount that a player can ultimately win. The chance of winning will not be affected by a player wagering the regulation credit; only the level of the payout amount will be increased in the case the player wins the game of chance. It will generally be recommended to apply the regulation credit as multiplier for the amount to be paid out, wherein an amount to be paid out can for instance be doubled in the case the player has wagered the regulation credit. As will be apparent, the increase in the average wager per game is advantageous for operators of the gaming device according to the invention. The gaming device according to the invention can be formed by a gaming device provided with physical, rotatable wheels provided with symbols. It is however also possible to envisage the use, not of physical wheels, but of digital projected roles in the gaming device according to the invention. The gaming device can be placed as stand-alone device in a determined establishment, such as for instance a casino, amusement arcade or catering establishment. It is however also possible to envisage the gaming device according to the invention forming part of a network of similar gaming devices, which will be further elucidated hereinbelow. It is moreover possible to envisage the gaming device according to the invention not being formed by a physical gaming device but by a digital gaming device, using which players can play a game of chance online, for instance via internet. A game of chance is otherwise understood to mean one digital gaming table. The gaming device according to the invention thus enables, within one gaming table, an increase in the winning payout from the game of chance played on the optionally digital gaming table by wagering a regulation credit in addition to wagering a regular base credit. This does not alter the fact that the gaming device can be provided with multiple games of chance from which a player can make a choice; the regulating means enable an increase in a nominal winning payout within a single game of chance. The base wager and the regulation credit are wagered after the amassing and recording of an amassed credit. The amassed credit can be based on inserted or inputted game tokens, such as money, and optionally in addition on a credit already won previously. The optionally wagered regulation credit is debited immediately after the regulation credit is wagered and before subsequent playing of the game of chance. The level of the wagered regulation credit and the moment of debiting of this regulation credit take place before the game of chance is played and the game result is shown to a player.

By applying the input means and the regulating means the player can exert influence him/herself, and for each game round, on a winning amount to be paid out. A condition here is however that the player wagers a regulation credit. The regulation credit can here form part of the base credit. However, the recording means are preferably adapted to record a base credit amassed by at least one player and to record a bonus credit amassed by at least one player, wherein the regulation credit to be debited forms part of the bonus credit. As already explained in the foregoing, the use of a bonus game and an associated bonus credit increases the appeal of the gaming device to a player. The bonus credit is usually formed by a savings credit, which can for instance be amassed when a new game round is initiated. The bonus credit, or at least a part thereof, can be wagered as regulation credit in order to increase the winning payout by an absolute amount or a factor. It is also possible to envisage exchanging the bonus credit for cash or for selected products or services. In order to allow the level of the winning payout to be influenced to a further extent by the player, it is advantageous that the input means are adapted to enable the player to manually set the level of the regulation credit to be debited by the control unit, and that the regulating means are adapted to determine the increase in the winning payout subject to the level of the debited regulation credit.

The regulating means are preferably adapted to increase a nominal payout amount by a relative factor or percentage increment. It is for instance possible here to envisage a nominal (base) winning payout, which would be paid out upon winning a game which was played with only a base credit, being increased by a relative factor if the player has activated the regulating means. The percentage increment for incrementing a nominal (base) winning payout can for instance amount to 10%, 20%, 50%, 100%, 200% or 500%. The level of the percentage increment (or the relative factor) is here preferably linked to the level of the regulation credit wagered by the player. If for instance the regulation credit is doubled, it will thus also be possible to double the percentage increment. It will be apparent that numerous correlations can be envisaged between the level of the wagered regulation credit and the level of the actual percentage increment In addition to an incrementing of a nominal (base) winning payout by a relative factor, it is also possible to envisage increasing the nominal (base) winning payout by an absolute amount or credit, although it is anticipated that this will be less attractive and will be little applied in practice.

In a preferred embodiment the recording means are adapted to record personal data of the at least one player. In this way the credits of a player can be linked to the personal data of a player, thereby creating a player account. The recording of the personal data will generally take place only once. By means of recording the player can provide him/herself with for instance an overview of the amassed credits, and the credits can moreover be stored in the player account without being paid out, whereby the player is provided with the option of resuming play with an already amassed credit at a later point in time. It can be advantageous here for the gaming device to comprise a read and write device for the purpose of writing the credit amassed by the player to an information carrier, in particular a portable information carrier, such as for instance a personal chip card. The chip card will generally also be provided with the personal data of the player. The chip card provided with a playing credit can be removed by the player from the write device after playing and be taken away by the player. At a later point in time the player can then once again arrange the chip card in a read and write device of the same or another gaming device, whereby the playing credit stored on the chip card can be read by the gaming device, after which the player can immediately play with the stored playing credit. The chip card or other type of information carrier can optionally be secured with for instance a personal code. In addition to having advantages for the player, the creation of a player account generally also has advantages for an operator of the gaming device. This is because the creation of a player account provides the operator of the gaming devices with valuable information about the playing behaviour of the player, and this can be particularly advantageous from a commercial viewpoint.

The input means preferably comprise at least one key enabling activation of the regulating means. The key can for instance be formed here by a push-button, touch key or a digital key displayed on a sαreen which can be clicked for instance by means of a mouse click. The input means preferably also comprise at least one similar key enabling setting of the level of the regulation credit to be debited. The key for activating regulating means and the key for setting the level of the regulation amount can here be formed by the same key.

The gaming device preferably comprises at least one display for showing the amassed credit. In the case the gaming device is provided with a bonus system, the base credit and the bonus credit are preferably displayed separately on one or more displays. A regulation credit selected by the player is preferably also shown separately on a display. A percentage increment or increment amount associated with the regulation credit is more preferably also shown here, whereby the increase in a possible winning payout is already visible to the player beforehand, this enhancing the user-friendliness of the gaming device according to the invention.

The gaming device is preferably provided with at least one network connection to enable mutual coupling of a plurality of gaming devices. The advantage of coupling the gaming device to a network is that the game-related data of different gaming devices can be tracked by a central server, which will usually be attractive from the business economics perspective. In the case a physical gaming device is applied, all components of the gaming device can then be accommodated within a housing forming part of the gaming device. It is however also possible to envisage the regulating means and the control unit being positioned remotely relative to the housing of the gaming device. The regulating means and/or the control unit can here be localized at a more central location, wherein it is also possible to envisage the regulating means and/or the control unit being adapted to allow simultaneous control of a plurality of devices, which can be advantageous from an efficiency viewpoint.

The invention also relates to a system for playing games of chance, comprising: recording means adapted to record a personal credit amassed by at least one player, regulating means for increasing the winning payout of a game of chance to be played, a plurality of mutually coupled gaming devices, wherein each gaming device comprises input means to enable manual activation of the regulating means by a player, and a control unit for debiting a base credit for playing the game of chance forming part of the credit already amassed by the player, and for additionally debiting, subject to activation of the regulating means, a regulation credit forming part of the personal credit already amassed by the player. The regulating means are preferably adapted to determine the increase in the winning payout subject to the level of the debited regulation credit. The system preferably comprises one or more gaming devices according to the invention. Advantages and preferred embodiments have already been described at length in the foregoing.

The recording means are preferably also adapted to record an overall credit amassed by a plurality of players, wherein the regulating means are adapted to determine the level of the winning payout subject to the number of players and/or the overall credit of a plurality of players. In addition to each player personally being able to increase a possible winning payout beforehand, it is thus also possible to envisage an additional increment taking place on the basis of the number of gaming devices in use (which corresponds to the number of players) and/or the overall credit of the players, whereby playing on a gaming device in a casino, amusement arcade or via internet becomes more attractive when a plurality of players are playing.

The invention further relates to a method for applying a gaming device according to the invention, comprising the steps of: A) allowing a player to amass a credit on a gaming device, B) the player manually activating the regulating means by means of the input means in order to enable an increase in the winning payout from the game of chance, C) debiting a base credit forming part of the credit and, additionally, the regulation credit forming part of the credit, and D) playing a game of chance. The level of the regulation credit is preferably entered by the player during step B) by means of the input means, wherein the increase in the winning payout is related to the entered level of the regulation credit. The method preferably also comprises step E), comprising of updating the amassed credit and optionally paying out the amassed credit subject to the outcome of the game of chance. Advantages and embodiment variants of the method have already been described at length in the foregoing.

The invention also relates to a method for applying a system according to the invention, comprising the steps of: F) allowing a plurality of players to amass a personal credit on different gaming devices, G) recording an overall credit of the players, H) activating the regulating means by means of the input means for the purpose of enabling manipulation of the winning payout, wherein the winning payout is at least determined by the level of the overall credit of the players, I) debiting a base credit forming part of the personal credit and, additionally, the regulation credit forming part of the personal credit, and J) playing a game of chance. The increase in the regulation credit is preferably entered by the player during step G) by means of the input means, wherein the winning payout is also related to the entered level of the regulation credit. The method preferably also comprises step K), comprising of updating the amassed personal credit and optionally paying out the amassed credit subject to the outcome of the game of chance. Advantages and embodiment variants of the method have already been described at length in the foregoing.

The invention will be elucidated on the basis of non-limitative exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures. Herein: figure 1 is a perspective view of a gaming device according to the invention, figure 2 shows a system according to the invention provided with a plurality of gaming devices as according to figure 1 , and figure 3 is a perspective view of an alternative gaming device according to the invention. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a gaming device 1 according to the invention. A basic game 2 as well as a bonus game 3 can be played using gaming device 1. For the purpose of playing basic game 2 the gaming device 1 is provided with a plurality of conventional rotatable wheels 4a-4c on which different symbols 5 are arranged. Only a part of wheels 4a-4c is visible to a player. An additional game panel 6 arranged adjacently of wheels 4a-4c provides the player with game instructions concerning the base winning payout associated with a determined combination of symbols visible on rotatable wheels 4a-4c. Game panel 6 will also provide information about playing the bonus game 3. Gaming device 1 also comprises a plurality of operating members 7, a feed 9 for game tokens, a feed 29 for banknotes and/or payment cards, and a discharge 9 for - optionally different - game tokens won by a player. The game tokens can be of very diverse nature and can for instance be formed by coins, counters or other chips. Shown on a first display 10 is the base credit the player has amassed for playing a basic game of chance using rotatable wheels 4a-4c. Bonus game 3 is formed in the present exemplary embodiment by a numbered panel 1 1 , the different numbers of which will be respectively illuminated at random, on the basis of which the player can place a bet. A bonus credit amassed by the player will be shown on a second display 12. In order to further increase the appeal to a player of playing on gaming device 1, the level of the winning payout can be influenced by the player him/herself. For this purpose gaming device 1 comprises two push-buttons 13a, 13b to enable adjustment of a regulation credit at the expense of an amassed bonus credit. The level of the regulation credit can likewise be set by means of push-buttons 13a, 13b, wherein the regulation credit will be shown on a third display 14. The level of the winning payout of a game to be played can be influenced by setting the regulation credit. It is for instance possible here to envisage the winning payout being doubled or trebled subject to the set regulation credit. The chance of winning per game round is not affected by the regulation credit. Influencing the level of a possibly winning amount to be paid out contributes toward the enjoyment of the game for a player. A player will moreover be more inclined to play with a relatively high bet, i.e. at least a part of the base credit and/or bonus credit increased by the regulation credit, which is attractive from a commercial viewpoint. Manipulation of the level of the winning payout will take place on the basis of regulating means (not shown). Controlling or operating of gaming device 1 will take place by means of a control unit (not shown) accommodated in gaming device 1, wherein the regulating means can optionally form an (integral) part of the control unit. The regulating means are generally provided with a computer program adapted to calculate the increased winning payout, usually on the basis of the regulation credit set by the player.

Figure 2 shows a system 15 according to the invention provided with a plurality of gaming devices 1 as according to figure 1. As shown, all gaming devices 1 are coupled to a central server 16 and form a network therewith. Central server 16 comprises a central control unit 17, recording means 18 for recording the overall credit of all players together, and regulating means 19 for manipulating the winning payout on the basis of the recorded overall credit of the players. This additional increase in the winning payout will further increase the appeal of playing on gaming device 1.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of an alternative gaming device 20 according to the invention. Gaming device 20 comprises a plurality of rotatable wheels 21a-21e provided with symbols, and operating members 22 for operating gaming device 20. Gaming device 20 also comprises a feed 23 for coins, chips, banknotes and/or payment cards for enabling a playing credit to be amassed. The playing credit will be shown on a first display 24. Gaming device 20 also comprises a push-button 25 for the purpose of wagering a regulation credit which is debited from the playing credit or from an optionally amassed savings credit. The regulation credit is shown on a second display 26. The credit to be won per game round can be increased by means of the regulation credit, which will enhance the appeal of gaming device 20 to a player. Gaming device 20 also comprises a read and write device 27 provided with a receiving space 28 for a chip card (not shown), on which personal data of the player are stored, in addition to the current playing credit and optionally - if present - the wagered regulation credit. This provides the player with the option of interrupting and resuming a game at a later point in time.

It will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described here, but that within the scope of the appended claims numerous variants are possible which will be self-evident to the skilled person in the field.

Claims

1. Gaming device for playing games of chance, comprising: recording means adapted to record a credit amassed by at least one player, - regulating means for increasing the winning payout of a game of chance to be played, input means enabling the player to manually activate the regulating means, and a control unit for debiting a base credit for playing the game of chance forming part of the credit already amassed by the player, and for additionally debiting, subject to activation of the regulating means, a regulation credit forming part of the credit already amassed by the player.

2. Gaming device as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that the recording means are adapted to record a base credit amassed by at least one player and to record a bonus credit amassed by at least one player, wherein the regulation credit to be debited forms part of the bonus credit.

3. Gaming device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the input means are adapted to enable the player to manually set the level of the regulation credit to be debited by the control unit, and that the regulating means are adapted to determine the increase in the winning payout subject to the level of the debited regulation credit.

4. Gaming device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the regulating means are adapted to increase the winning payout on the basis of a percentage increment.

5. Gaming device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the recording means are adapted to record personal data of the at least one player.

6. Gaming device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the input means comprise at least one key enabling activation of the regulating means. U

7. Gaming device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the input means comprise at least one key enabling setting of the level of the regulation credit to be debited.

8. Gaming device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the gaming device comprises at least one display for showing the regulation credit.

9. Gaming device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the gaming device comprises a write device for the purpose of writing the credit amassed by the player to an information carrier, in particular a portable information carrier.

10. Gaming device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the gaming device is provided with at least one network connection to enable mutual coupling of a plurality of gaming devices.

11. Gaming device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the regulating means and/or the control unit are positioned remotely relative to another part of the gaming device.

12. System for playing games of chance, comprising: recording means adapted to record a personal credit amassed by at least one player, regulating means for increasing the winning payout of a game of chance to be played, a plurality of mutually coupled gaming devices, wherein each gaming device comprises input means to enable manual activation of the regulating means by a player, and a control unit for debiting a base credit for playing the game of chance forming part of the credit already amassed by the player, and for additionally debiting, subject to activation of the regulating means, a regulation credit forming part of the personal credit already amassed by the player.

13. System as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that the regulating means are adapted to determine an increase in the winning payout subject to the level of the debited regulation credit.

14. System as claimed in claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the recording means are also adapted to record overall credit amassed by a plurality of players.

15. System as claimed in claim 14, chaiacterized in that the regulating means are adapted to determine an increase in the winning payout subject to the number of players and/or the overall credit of a plurality of players.

16. System as claimed in any of the claims 12-15, characterized in that the system comprises a plurality of mutually coupled gaming devices according to any of the claims 1-11.

17. Method for applying a gaming device as claimed in any of the claims 1-1 1, comprising the steps of:

A) allowing a player to amass a credit on a gaming device,

B) the player manually activating the regulating means by means of the input means in order to enable an increase in the winning payout from the game of chance, C) debiting a base credit forming part of the credit and, additionally, the regulation credit forming part of the credit, and

D) playing a game of chance.

5 18. Method as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that the level of the regulation credit is entered by the player during step B) by means of the input means, wherein the increase in the winning payout is related to the entered level of the regulation credit.

19. Method as claimed in claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the method also0 comprises step E), comprising of updating the amassed credit subject to the outcome of the game of chance.

20. Method for applying a system as claimed in any of the claims 12-16, comprising the steps of: S F) allowing a plurality of players to amass a personal credit on different gaming devices,

G) recording an overall credit of the players,

H) activating the regulating means by means of the input means for the purpose of enabling manipulation of the winning payout, wherein the winning payout is at0 least determined by the level of the overall credit of the players,

I) debiting a base credit forming part of the personal credit and, additionally, the regulation credit forming part of the personal credit, and J) playing a game of chance. 5 21. Method as claimed in claim 20, characterized in that the level of the regulation credit is entered by the player during step G) by means of the input means, wherein the increase in the winning payout is also related to the entered level of the regulation credit. 0 22. Method as claimed in claim 20 or 21 , characterized in that the method also comprises step K), comprising of updating the amassed personal credit subject to the outcome of the game of chance.