WO2009041813A1

WO2009041813A1 - System and method for playing games of chance

Info

Publication number: WO2009041813A1
Application number: PCT/NL2008/050616
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lucien Maurice Van Linden
Original assignee: Gaming Support B.V.
Priority date: 2007-09-24
Filing date: 2008-09-24
Publication date: 2009-04-02
Also published as: NL2000879C2

Abstract

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 invention relates to a system for playing games of chance. The invention also relates to a method for playing games of chance, in particular by applying the system according to the invention.

Description

System and method for playing games of chance

The invention relates to a system for playing games of chance. The invention also relates to a method for playing games of chance, in particular by applying the system according to the invention.

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has resulted in a considerable development of these devices, wherein the conventional large mechanical wheels have been replaced by smaller wheels or digital projections of wheels.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 modern 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. However, there continues to be a need to further enhance the appeal to players of the gaming devices for playing games of chance.

The invention has for its object to provide a system for playing games of chance which is relatively appealing to players.

The invention provides for this purpose a system of the type stated in the preamble, comprising: at least one gaming device for playing of a game of chance by a player, which gaming device is adapted to pay out a number of won game tokens upon reaching a first moment in the game, at least one container communicating with the gaming device for keeping locked at least one bonus object representing a bonus prize, which container is adapted to unlock the container upon reaching a second moment in the game such that the bonus object is released to the player, and at least one control unit communicating with the gaming device and the container for the purpose of determining at least one first moment in the game and at least one second moment in the game. By releasing the bonus object at a predetermined winning moment in the game - which moment in the game is optionally made known to the player(s) - to a player playing on a gaming device on which said, preferably predetermined, second moment in the game has been reached, the appeal to a player of playing on a gaming device can be increased considerably in that an additional bonus prize can be won in addition to conventional game tokens. A plurality of first moments in the game will usually be determined by the control unit. The first moments in the game and the at least one second moment in the game can here be at mutually differing points in time, whereby a player either receives a number of game tokens won or the bonus prize upon reaching a moment in the game determined by the control unit. It is however usually advantageous if the second moment in the game coincides with at least one first moment in the game, whereby a player will win both a number of game tokens and the bonus prize at the same moment, which further increases the appeal of playing on the gaming device. The predetermined second moment in the game can depend on various parameters, and can for instance depend on (playing) time and/or depend on a game result, such as a winning combination of symbols or lines or on an amassed credit. The bonus object will generally be arranged in the container in identifiable manner for a player, whereby a player knows, or at least can know, which bonus prize he/she could win when playing on the gaming device. The prize representing the bonus object can be of very diverse nature and can for instance be formed by a prize in kind, such as for instance a (portable) game computer, a vehicle or a trip. The container is preferably adapted to releasably receive the bonus object, whereby the player can remove the bonus object from the container once the container has been unlocked in the case a detected (recorded) moment in the game corresponds to the second moment in the game. The system according to the invention can for instance be applied in a physical casino or other place of entertainment. It is however also possible to envisage the system according to the invention being applied in a digital environment, for instance on internet. The container preferably comprises locking means to enable locking respectively unlocking of the container. The locking means can engage directly on and/or co-act with the bonus object, and in feet function here as a lock. The locking mean are however preferably adapted to co-act with at least one closing element which is displaceable between a position locking the container and a position unlocking the container. The closing element is preferably manufactured at least partially from a substantially transparent material through which the player can see the bonus object, which will generally stimulate the motivation of the player to play a game of chance. Conversely, it will be desirable in determined situations not to show the bonus object in the locked situation to the player, whereby the bonus object represents a so-called "mystery prize", which may also stimulate a player to play the game of chance sooner and/or for longer. The closing element is preferably displaceable by at least one motor. It is however also possible to envisage the container comprising biasing means for the purpose of urging the closing element to the unlocking position. The biasing means can here be of a pneumatic, hydraulic and/or mechanical nature, the latter for instance by applying a compression spring.

In a preferred embodiment the container and/or the gaming device is provided with auditive and/or visual means for making known to the player that the second moment in the game has been reached. In this way it can be made clear to the player by means of light signals and/or sound signals that he/she has won the bonus prize and that the bonus object is or will be made available to the player from that moment.

In a preferred embodiment the container is physically connected to the gaming device and can for instance be mounted on top of the gaming device, whereby the container will be clearly visible to the player(s). The container is here generally formed by a housing which preferably takes a substantially tubular form, and more preferably a cylindrical form.

The control unit can be situated at a central location remote from the gaming device. It is however advantageous, particularly in the case the system according to the invention comprises only one gaming device, to incorporate the control unit in the gaming device and even have it form an integral part of the gaming device. It is however also possible to envisage the system according to the invention comprising a network of at least two gaming devices, wherein the control unit is adapted for simultaneous communication with the plurality of gaming devices. In this latter case the control unit will generally function as central control unit and thereby usually also be positioned at a central location. The container will here generally also function as central container and can optionally be physically connected to all gaming devices simultaneously, although it will generally be positioned at a physical distance from the gaming devices.

The invention also relates to a method of the type stated in the preamble, comprising the steps of: A) a control unit determining a first moment in the game for paying out a number of won game tokens and a second moment in the game for paying out the bonus prize, B) having at least one player play a game of chance on at least one gaming device, C) having the control unit record at least one moment in the game related to the at least one game of chance played, D) comparing the recorded moment in the game to the moments in the game determined by the control unit, and E) paying out the number of won game tokens in the case the recorded moment in the game corresponds to the determined first moment in the game and, in the case the recorded moment in the game corresponds to the determined second moment in the game, unlocking a container provided with at least one bonus object representing a bonus prize for the purpose of releasing the bonus object to the player. Advantages of the method according to the invention have already been described at length in the foregoing. All moments in the game will generally be recorded by the control unit, which will generally also be advantageous from a marketing viewpoint.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention a game of chance is played simultaneously on a plurality of gaming devices during step B), and during step C) the control unit records at least one moment in the game in each game of chance played. In this way the release of the bonus object is thus linked to a network of gaming devices. The method preferably also comprises step F), comprising of making known the release of the bonus object to the player of a gaming device in the case the recorded moment in the game corresponds to the (pre)determined second moment in the game. If the method is applied with a network of gaming devices, it is advantageous that during step F) the release of the bonus object is made known to the player playing on the gaming device related to the recorded moment in the game corresponding to the second moment in the game. Confusion among the players can in this way be prevented when the bonus object is released, as it will be immediately apparent to whom the bonus object belongs.

The invention will be elucidated on the basis of non-limitative exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures. Herein: figure 1 shows a perspective view of a system 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, figure 3a shows a perspective view of a container in a locked position for use in a system according to figure 1, and figure 3b shows a perspective view of a container in an unlocked position for use in a system according to figure 1.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a system 1 according to the invention. System 1 comprises a gaming device 2 for playing a game of chance. For the purpose of playing the game of chance the gaming device 2 is provided with a plurality of conventional rotatable wheels 3a-3c on which different symbols 4 are arranged. Only a part of wheels 3a-3c is visible to a player. An additional game panel 5 arranged adjacently of wheels 3a-3c provides the player with an indication of the winning payout associated with a determined combination of symbols visible on rotatable wheels 3a-3c. Gaming device 2 also comprises a plurality of operating members 6, a feed 7 for game tokens, a feed 8 for banknotes and/or payment cards and a discharge 9 for - optionally differing - 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. Gaming device 2 is provided with a control unit 10 which will generally be arranged in gaming device 2. Control unit 10 is adapted to predetermine a first moment in the game which can be related to a determined combination of symbols and/or an amassed credit for payout of a number of game tokens won. In addition, control unit 10 is adapted to predetermine a second moment in the game which can also be related to a determined combination of symbols and/or an amassed credit. System 1 also comprises a container 11 coupled to gaming device 2 and control unit 10 for a bonus object 12 representing a bonus prize which can be won. In the present exemplary embodiment container 11 is mounted on top of gaming device 2, and bonus object 12 is formed by a miniature car which symbolizes the bonus prize which can be won, i.e. a real car. Container 11 is also provided with an alarm light 13. Container 11 is adapted to be selectively locked or unlocked, this being described hereinbelow. Container 11 is shown in more detail in figures 3 a and 3b. In the case a player reaches the second moment in the game predetermined by control unit 10 by playing on gaming device 2, control unit 10 will unlock the initially locked container 11 , whereby bonus object 12 becomes available to the player and the player has thus won an additional (bonus) prize. Alarm light 13 will moreover be activated, whereby it is made apparent to the player that bonus object 12 is available to the player. The player will otherwise generally not know when the predetermined second moment in the game is reached, whereby winning the bonus prize will involve an element of surprise, which will increase the appeal to the player of playing on gaming device 2. In the case a player reaches the first moment in the game predetermined by control unit 10 by playing on gaming device 2, control unit 10 will pay out to the player a number of game tokens won. Payout can take place in physical manner, wherein the player receives the amount of physical game tokens won. It is however also possible to envisage a credit amassed by the player being increased digitally by a value represented by the number of game tokens won. It is noted that the first moment in the game and the second moment in the game can coincide, whereby the player wins a number of game tokens as well as the bonus prize.

Figure 2 shows a plurality of gaming devices 2 according to figure 1 comprising system 14 according to the invention. As shown, all gaming devices 2 are mutually coupled to a central server 15 and form a network therewith. Central server 15 comprises a central control unit 16 adapted to predetermine a specific winning moment in the game. Central control unit 16 or optionally another component of central server 15 is moreover adapted to record all moments in the game of all gaming devices 2. Central server 15 is coupled to a central container 17 for holding a bonus object 18 representing a bonus prize. Container 17 will generally be locked, whereby bonus object 18 may well be visible but is not accessible. Only when a player of a gaming device 2 reaches the predetermined moment in the game will container 17 be unlocked, whereby bonus object 18 will be made accessible. Gaming devices 2 will generally be provided with indicator means (not shown) for making known to the player that the relevant player has reached a winning moment in the game on the relevant gaming device 2 and is therefore entitled to bonus object 18. Figure 3a shows a perspective view of a container 11 in a locked position for use in a system 1 according to figure 1. Container 11 comprises a receiving space for a bonus object 19 which can be won, in this case a mobile phone, this receiving space being closed in the locked position by a transparent closing element 20. Only when closing element 20 is unlocked will or can closing element 20 be displaced (see arrow A) to enable opening of the receiving space and allowing access to bonus object 19 (see figure 3b). In this unlocked position the bonus object 19 can be removed from container 11. Displacement of the closing element can take place manually, but can also take place in hydraulic, pneumatic or electromechanical manner.

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. System for playing games of chance, comprising: at least one gaming device for playing of a game of chance by a player, which gaming device is adapted to pay out a number of won game tokens upon reaching a first moment in the game, at least one container communicating with the gaming device for keeping locked at least one bonus object representing a bonus prize, which container is adapted to unlock the container upon reaching a second moment in the game such that the bonus object is released to the player, and at least one control unit communicating with the gaming device and the container for the purpose of determining at least one first moment in the game and at least one second moment in the game.

2. System as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the control unit is adapted to cause the first moment in the game and the second moment in the game to coincide.

3. System as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the container is adapted to releasably receive the bonus object.

4. System as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the container comprises locking means to enable locking respectively unlocking of the container.

5. System as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the locking means are adapted to co-act with at least one closing element which forms part of the container and which is displaceable between a position locking the container and a position unlocking the container.

6. System as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the closing element is manufactured at least partially from a substantially transparent material.

7. System as claimed in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the container comprises at least one motor for at least displacing the closing element from the locking position to the unlocking position.

8. System as claimed in any of the claims 5-7, characterized in that the container comprises biasing means for urging the closing element to the unlocking position.

9. System as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the container is provided with auditive and/or visual means for making known to the player that the second moment in the game has been reached.

10. System as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the gaming device is provided with auditive and/or visual means for making known to the player that the second moment in the game has been reached.

11. System as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the container is physically connected to the gaming device.

12. System as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the control unit forms an integral part of the gaming device.

13. System as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the system comprises a network of at least two gaming devices, wherein the control unit is adapted for simultaneous communication with the plurality of gaming devices.

14. System as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the bonus object represents a bonus prize in kind.

15. System as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the bonus prize is formed by the bonus object itself.

16. Container for use in a system as claimed in any of the claims 1-15.

17. Method for applying a system as claimed in any of the claims 1-15, comprising the steps of:

A) a control unit determining a first moment in the game for paying out a number of won game tokens and a second moment in the game for paying out the bonus prize,

B) having at least one player play a game of chance on at least one gaming device,

C) having the control unit record at least one moment in the game related to the at least one game of chance played,

D) comparing the recorded moment in the game to the moments in the game determined by the control unit, and

E) paying out the number of won game tokens in the case the recorded moment in the game corresponds to the determined first moment in the game and, in the case the recorded moment in the game corresponds to the determined second moment in the game, unlocking a container provided with at least one bonus object representing a bonus prize for the purpose of releasing the bonus object to the player.

18. Method as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that a game of chance is played simultaneously on a plurality of gaming devices during step B), and that during step C) the control unit records at least one moment in the game in each game of chance played.

19. Method as claimed in claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the method also comprises step F), comprising of making known the release of the bonus object to the player of a gaming device in the case the recorded moment in the game corresponds to the determined second moment in the game.

20. Method as claimed in claims 18 and 19, characterized in that during step F) the release of the bonus object is made known to the player playing on the gaming device related to the recorded moment in the game corresponding to the determined second moment in the game.

21. Method as claimed in any of the claims 17-20, characterized in that during step A) the determined second moment in the game is based on at least one of the following game of chance parameters: the game result, the winning payout and the amassed credit.