Patent ID: 6569017
Filing Date: 2003-05-27
Classification: G07F

Abstract:
A method for developing a desired prize distribution in a gaming system in which a set of symbols is matched to a number of predefined symbol structures to produce a respective pattern of matches for each symbol structure and in which the pattern of the matches for the respective symbol structure determines a game outcome for the respective symbol structure, the desired prize distribution comprising a number of different prize levels, each prize level being associated with a desired probability of winning that particular prize, the method comprising the steps of:(a) determining a pattern probability for each of a number of target patterns achievable in the gaming system, each pattern probability comprising a probability of achieving the respective pattern with a respective one of the symbol structures; and (b) associating a different pattern set with each different one of the prize levels in the desired prize level distribution, each respective pattern set containing at least one target pattern and its respective pattern probability with each target pattern and respective pattern probability included in no more than one pattern set, the target patterns and respective pattern probabilities being assigned to the pattern sets so that the sum of pattern probabilities included in each pattern set approximates the desired probability of the respective prize level with which the respective pattern set is associated.