Patent ID: 6290603
Filing Date: 2001-09-18
Classification: A63F,G07F

Abstract:
A computer-implemented method for playing a game, by a plurality of players, comprising:defining at least a first plurality of predetermined winning outcomes, each associated with at least one of a plurality of prizes, each prize defining a prize amount, wherein said plurality of predetermined winning outcomes and associated prizes are selected so as to define a hold for said game;accepting a plurality of wagers, each wager permitting a play of said game;monitoring a total of wagers, less any prize amounts awarded;displaying to said player on visible meters the amounts of said plurality of prizes associated with said predetermined winning outcomes, the displayed amounts escalating as additional wagers are accepted;maintaining at least one undisplayed background meter representing a starting amount for a predetermined winning outcome;for each play of said game, selecting whether said play of said game results in one of said plurality of winning outcomes and, if so, awarding said prize associated with said predetermined winning outcome, wherein said selecting is performed to provide a substantially unpredictable, random win distribution, at least for said first plurality of predetermined winning outcomes; whilesubdividing said wagers to selectively distribute portions thereof to a hold meter for defining said hold, said visible meters, and said undisplayed background meter; and, upon awarding of a prize, transferring the value of said undisplayed background meter to the visible meter which displayed the prize awarded;wherein an amount of any one prize is dependent on said total amount wagered by said plurality of players;wherein the amount of any particular one of said plurality of prizes is unaffected by the amount of winnings of other players; andwherein said hold is substantially based on the number of wages, and unrelated to said random win distribution, at least for said first plurality of predetermined winning outcomes.