Method and apparatus for triggering a bonus

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a bonus game that is common to a bank of electronic gaming devices. One or more pools accrue with each wager placed. A player qualifies to play the bonus game when at least one tracked player or game criterion, such as wagers made, exceeds a threshold, triggers a mystery-jackpot counter, or is selected by a weighted pay table. The bonus game includes a video display of a wheel bouncing against a brick wall with bricks being exploded by coins. After an opening is formed in the wall and the wheel escapes, a wheel spin determines the bonus game outcome. More than one player may play the bonus game in sequence until the last player spins the wheel.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates generally to linked groups of electronic gaming devices and more particularly to implementing a bonus feature on such a linked group.

BACKGROUND

It is known to link a group of electronic gaming devices, such as slot machines, to a common bonus game. One such bonus game is a mystery jackpot. In a typical mystery jackpot, a number is randomly selected between upper and lower limits. After doing so, a predetermined percentage of each wager on the linked slot machines goes to a pool that is used to pay a mystery award. There may be several pools of varying sizes that accumulate simultaneously, each with its own random number selected between upper and lower limits.

Each credit played increments a counter starting from the lower limit. The machine that causes the count to meet or exceed the random number is awarded the accumulated pool. While this creates added incentive to play, there are disadvantages. Sometimes players are not aware why they have won or even that they have won a mystery award. In addition, play on the gaming devices tends to decrease immediately after a mystery award. In other words, players suspend playing to permit the mystery jackpot pool(s) to be built up and begin playing after the pool has been refreshed and after the odds for winning the mystery jackpot have increased.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1is a system diagram illustrating various components of a gaming system100according to embodiments of the invention. Although many different components of a possible gaming system100are shown inFIG. 1, various embodiments of this concept may include gaming systems that have only some of the components shown inFIG. 1. Further, additional components may be present in various embodiments of these gaming systems that are not shown inFIG. 1. These additional elements may be well known parts or devices that may be used to construct gaming systems. These additional parts or devices are not shown inFIG. 1for the sake of clarity.

Referring toFIG. 1, the gaming system100includes a variety of different types of gaming devices110,112,113,114,115,116,117,118. These gaming devices110,112,113,114,115,116,117,118include electronic gaming devices (EGMs)110,115,116,118, gaming device terminals (GDTs)112,113, cell phones or other mobile gaming devices114, and personal computers117. For ease of understanding, these gaming devices110,112,113,114,115,116,117,118are generically referred to as gaming devices “111” or gaming devices110-118. The term gaming devices111, however, may refer to any combination of one or more of gaming devices110,112,113,114,115,116,117,118. Specific types of gaming devices will be referred to by their illustrated reference numerals. As discussed above, embodiments of a gaming system100may include one or more of the various types of gaming devices111.

In general, a gaming network150connects any of a number of gaming devices111for central management. Various aspects of this central management may be served by a connected server170, one or more databases172, a player loyalty system175, and/or a casino accounting system178. These central management functions may, for example, include player loyalty/tracking functions, bonusing systems, player credit account management, server-centric game management, casino record keeping, player behavior analysis, tournament management, promotional game systems, ticketing systems such as Ticket-In-Ticket-Out (TITO) systems, etc. In some embodiments there may be multiple servers170and databases172to operate the systems175,178and perform different functions. In other embodiments, functions may be combined and operate on a single or small group of servers170, each with their own database172or combined databases. For example, the player loyalty system175and/or casino accounting system178may include separate servers directly connected to the network150(as shown by the dashed line), or managed through one or more other servers170connected to the network. In addition to these managerial functions, the network150may provide a communication connection between multiple gaming devices111for various types of game play such as community-based gaming models, head-to-head play, and tournament play.

The network150may include serial or parallel signal transmission lines and carry data in accordance with data transfer protocols such as Ethernet transmission lines, Rs-232 lines, firewire lines, USB lines, or other communication protocols. Although not shown inFIG. 1, substantially the entire network150may be made of fiber optic lines or may be a wireless network utilizing a wireless protocol such as IEEE 802.11 a, b, g, or n, Zigbee, RF protocols, optical transmission, near-field transmission, or the like.

As mentioned above, various types of gaming devices111may be connected to the gaming network150. Electronic gaming devices (EGMs)110,115,116,118may include mechanical reel slot machines, video slot machines, video poker gaming devices, video blackjack machines, keno games, multiplayer gaming devices, table games with electronic components (such as automatic card readers, chip readers, and chip counters, for example), and any other type of device that may be used to wager monetary-based credits on a game of chance. These gaming devices110,115,116,118may have general shapes and orientations that are familiar to players, although new cabinet designs or game artwork may visually differentiate them from known machines.

Some of the EGMs116may be directly connected to the network150without any intervening hardware, other than hardware that is built into the EGM116to connect it to the network150. Other EGMs110,115,118may have one or more intermediary system components coupling them to the network. For example, multiple gaming devices115may be arranged in a group or bank of machines and be coupled to the network150through a bank controller165. The bank controller165may be used for compatibility purposes, for local organization and control, or for signal buffering purposes. Other gaming devices118may be connected to the network through one or more optical lines145. These gaming devices118may, for example, be remote gaming devices in a different location or casino. The optical lines145may be coupled to the gaming network150through an electronic to optical signal converter144and may be coupled to the gaming devices118through an optical to electronic signal converter146.

Some of the EGMs110connect to the gaming network150through a Machine Interface Device, MID125. In general, the MID125is a multi-protocol interface that monitors communication between the gaming network150and the EGM110. In some embodiments, the MID125communicates to the EGM110through a standard gaming network port, using a standard gaming network protocol, SAS, which is well known in the gaming industry. Most modern games include at least one communication port, which is commonly a SAS port or a port for another communication protocol.

Other EGMs110connect to the gaming network150through a bonus controller120, which may be coupled between the gaming network150and gaming device110. The bonus controller120generally communicates through a non-SAS protocol, such as another well-known communication protocol known as GSA. GSA is typically carried over an Ethernet network, and thus the bonus controller120includes an Ethernet transceiver. Because the bonus controller120communication may be Ethernet based, a switch128may be used to extend the number of devices that may be coupled to the bonus controller120. The bonus controller120and/or the MID125may create or convert data or information received according to a particular protocol, such as SAS, into data or information according to another protocol, such as GSA. In this way the MID125and bonus controller120are equipped to communicate, seamlessly, between any EGM110and gaming network150no matter which communication protocols are in use. Further, because the MID125and bonus controller120are programmable, and include multiple extensible communication methods, as described below, they are capable of communicating with EGMs110that will communicate using protocols and communication methods developed in the future.

While EGMs110,115,116,118typically include game firmware located at the gaming device itself, gaming device terminals, GDTs112,113have game operating firmware located at a remote central gaming server, CGS170. Having a central gaming server170control at least some part of game play on GDTs112,113is referred to as server-centric system architecture. The game device terminals112,113may include wireless GDTs112and gaming devices terminals113physically connected to the network150. The wireless GDTs112may be connected to the network150via a wireless antenna120, connected to the network through an Internet-based or cellular phone system, or connected to the network by being physically connected to a docking station135linked to the network. The wireless GDTs112may be handheld wireless computing devices configured to connect to the central gaming sever150and operate a plurality of game types from a library of available games. An example of a wireless GDT112is discussed below with respect toFIG. 5. The physically-connected GDTs113may be wireless GDTs that have been hard-wired to a particular location, traditional gaming devices that are acting as gaming device terminals, or any other type of gaming device that is physically connected to the network150and has game play at least partially controlled by a remote server170.

The central gaming server170may be connected to a database172, as well as a player club/loyalty system175and/or a casino accounting system178. Additionally, although not shown inFIG. 1, the CGS170may be connected to a separate credit account system that manages player credit accounts. In some embodiments, the database172may store player credit account information. Here, the central gaming server170may also help manage credit transactions between the database172and the gaming device terminals112,113.

The central gaming server170may be implemented on variety of computing devices or systems in various embodiments depending on the scope and requirements of the server-centric gaming system. For example, in basic systems, the CGS170may include only a single computing device with a processor and memory storage; while in more complex gaming systems, the CGS may include multiple server racks with powerful multi-core processors and associated memory storage hardware.

Additionally, the gaming system100may include and support other non-traditional gaming devices such as cellular or cell phones114connected through a wireless antenna120or other wireless connection and personal computers117connected through the Internet140. These types of gaming devices may be configured as gaming device terminals as described above for security purposes, although some configurations may include the installation of game software on these gaming devices. Cell phones114and personal computers117may also be used with the gaming system100to accomplish non-gaming functions, such as management of a player account or player credit account, accessing casino services, or playing a non-monetary demo of a game.

A community video display180may also be included in the gaming system100and coupled to the gaming network150. The community video display180may be used to show bonuses, promotions, or other information to players at multiple gaming devices111or other people in the vicinity of the display. For example, a bank of gaming devices111may share a centralized video display180to show a bonus game that one or more of the gaming devices in the bank is participating in. In another example, the video display180may be used to show a casino-wide progressive jackpot to players using wireless gaming terminals in a casino restaurant. The community video display180may be directly coupled to the gaming network150as shown inFIG. 1or may be coupled through a bonus controller120, bank controller165, gaming device111, or other device to the network. The content shown on the community video display180may be controlled by gaming server170, by a bonus controller120, by a bank controller165, or by one or more of the gaming devices111.

A player kiosk160may also be directly coupled to the gaming network150. The player kiosk160allows players, managers, or other personnel to access data on the gaming network150, such as a player tracking record, and/or to perform other functions using the network. For example, a player may be able to check the current holdings of the player credit account, transfer balances, redeem player points for credits, cash, or other merchandise or coupons, such as food or travel coupons, for instance.

In some embodiments, the network150, server170, and database172may be dedicated to communications regarding specific game or tournament play. In other embodiments, however, the network150, server170, and database172may be part of a player loyalty or tracking network. For player loyalty capabilities, when a player inserts a player loyalty card in the card reader of a gaming device or otherwise identifies herself to the gaming device, player data is sent over the network150to a player loyalty server170, where the player identification information is compared to player information records in the player database172to provide the player with information regarding their player account or other features at the gaming device111where the player is wagering. Additionally, multiple databases172and/or servers170may be present and coupled to one or more networks150to provide a variety of gaming services, such as both game/tournament data and player data. The recorded player data can be used by the casino to provide additional benefits to players, such as extra bonuses or extra benefits such as bonus games and other benefits as described above.

A player typically plays the gaming device111by placing a wager and activating an input mechanism to initiate a game associated with the placed wager. As used herein, a gaming event refers to any activity that affects the calculation or display of a game outcome. Game events include interactions occurring between the gaming device111, the player, and/or a connected game system. Example gaming events include a player inserting a player account card in a gaming device, a double-pay bonus time period activation, a first spinning reel coming to a stop, a player's input to hold a card in a poker hand, etc. A game refers to the calculation and completion of one game outcome. That is, a game includes a single game cycle that begins with the initiation of the wagered upon game and ends with the completion of all activities relating to the wager placed including any intervening bonuses. In other words, a game encompasses all gaming events dependent on a placed wager during an initiated game including all amounts due the player that are paid directly by the gaming machine, or as a manual payment by casino personnel to the player playing that gaming machine. For example, if an item was awarded as a result of a wager that could be saved and used later, the game would encompass the awarding of the item, which is part of the game outcome, but not the later use of that item since the later use would affect a different game outcome. A game session refers to one or more played games. For example, a game session for a particular player may include each game played on a specific gaming device, each game played between insertions of money or credits, each game played between an initial money or credit insertion and a cash-out or zeroing out of credits, each game played during a casino stay, or each game played over a predetermined time period. Alternatively, game sessions may refer to games played by multiple players over a specified time period or event period with respect to a particular gaming device or group of gaming devices.

In general, a player operates a gaming device111to play a game by inserting or transferring a starting credit to a gaming device and activating a gaming initiating button or other input. Depending on the type of gaming device being played, decisions about game outcomes may be carried out locally at the game device111, such as with EGMs,110,115,116,118, or at a central gaming server170, such as with GDTs112,113. In either case, the gaming device111may send some data through its SAS or other data communication port through the gaming network150to various servers170, systems175,178, and databases172to collect information about the game play on the gaming devices, such as wagers made, results, various pressing of the buttons on the gaming devices, for example. In gaming devices110coupled through the MID125and/or bonus controller120, some of this sent data may be collected by the bonus controller120. After a game outcome is selected, it is displayed on the gaming device to the player and any associated awards are presented to the player.

In some instances, the gaming devices111may accept information from systems external to the gaming device itself to cause the gaming device to perform other functions. For example, these external systems may drive the gaming device111to issue additional credits to the player. In another example, a promotional server170may direct the gaming device to print a promotional coupon on the ticket printer of the gaming device.

The bonus controller120may be structured to perform some of the above-described functions as well. For example, in addition to standard games on the EGM110, the bonus controller120may be structured to drive the EGM110to pay bonus awards to the player based on any of the factors, or combination of factors, related to the EGM110, the player playing the EGM110, particular game outcomes of the game being played, or other factors.

In this manner, the combination of the bonus controller120and MID125are a sub-system capable of interfacing with the EGMs110connected to them within the gaming system100. Through this interface, the MID125may gather data about the game, game play, or player, or other data on the EGM110, and forward it to the bonus controller120. The bonus controller120then uses such collected data as input and, when certain conditions are met, sends information and/or data to the EGM110to cause it to perform certain functions.

In a more detailed example, suppose a player is playing an EGM110coupled to the MID125and the bonus controller120described above. The player inserts a player loyalty card so the gaming network150knows the player identity. The MID125also stores such identifying information, or perhaps stores only information that the player is a level-2 identified player, for instance. The MID125passes such information to the bonus controller120, which has been programmed to provide a welcome-back bonus to any level-2 player after he or she has played two games. Gameplay on the EGM110continues and, after the player plays two games, the bonus controller120instructs the EGM110to add an additional 40 credits to the EGM110as the welcome-back bonus. Such monitoring and control of the EGM110can occur in conjunction with, but completely separate from any player tracking or bonusing function that is already present on the gaming network150. In other words, the server170, when structured at least in part as a bonusing server, may be set to provide a time-based bonus of 10 credits for every hour played by the player of the EGM110. The above-described welcome-back bonus may be managed completely separately through the bonus controller120and MID125. Further, all of the actions on the EGM110caused by the bonus controller120are also communicated to the standard accounting178, loyalty175, and other systems already present on the gaming network150.

Wireless GDTs112may be checked out by players visiting a casino at, for example, a player assistance desk. Here, the casino may associate a unique number of the GDT112with an exiting player credit account upon identification of the player so that the “checked-out” GDT can place wagers from the player credit account. In other embodiments, the wireless GDT112may be “preloaded” with a credit total at the casino help desk in response to a player authorizing an amount of money to be transferred to the casino (e.g., handing over cash to the casino attendant, or using a credit card to access money). During game play, the player may return to the casino help desk to add additional credits to the wireless gaming device, or the player may visit a player-kiosk (cash-kiosk)160connected to the gaming network150to add additional credits to the wireless GDT112. The player-kiosk160may include a bill/ticket validator to accept additional money from the player and/or may include a magnetic strip reader for accessing information about a credit/debit card used to transfer money to the wireless GDT112. The player-kiosk160may also include a ticket printer or cash dispenser where a player can redeem or “cash-out” remaining credits on their wireless GDT112. The player-kiosk160may also be used to enter information needed to access a player credit account or player loyalty account. Thus, the magnetic strip reader on the player-kiosk160may also be able to read a player loyalty/club card, or the player-kiosk may include a biometric scanner or other device capable of identifying a player.

Wireless GDTs112may also be purchased by a player and personalized in some gaming system embodiments. While these embodiments do not allow the casino to keep as tight of control over the game device terminals, they may allow a player to choose a preferred color scheme, graphic layout, or configuration for a wireless gaming device terminal112. Additionally, a player may be able to use a purchased wireless GDT112at multiple casinos. Each casino may have a log-in process, check-in process, or other security system set in place before a wireless GDT112can interface with a gaming system100, but allowing players to own a wireless GDT112may reduce overhead costs of buying and maintaining many GDTs to check-out to players and eliminate lines that may form on weekends or holidays to check-out a GDT. Other models of ownership, leasing, or otherwise supplying GDTs are possible in other embodiments.

Using wireless GDTs112in a server-centric gaming system has several advantages. One advantage is that a player may move freely about a casino property with the GDT112and choose what game to play and when to play it. For example, if a player visits a casino restaurant, the player may want to gamble during the time between placing and order and receiving food. With the wireless GDT112, a player can select a game and place wagers while waiting. A casino may place limits on where a wireless GDT may be played by limiting a wireless network range, or including a location device, such as a GPS transmitter/receiver, in the gaming device terminal. This may prevent, for instance, a player taking the GDT to a nearby restaurant outside of the casino to play. Alternatively, a casino may place very little restriction on where a GDT can be played and use cell phone networks, wireless Internet networks, or other communication networks to facilitate a connection between the wireless GDT112and the central gaming sever170.

In addition to configuring existing gaming device113to operate on a server-centric gaming system (or implementing new gaming devices configured to operate on a server-centric gaming system) a casino may use docking stations135to provide players a comfortable and familiar place to engage in game play. These docking stations135may include a gaming cabinet housing a ticket/bill validator, ticket printer, enlarged video or mechanical game displays, top boxes, and/or chairs to provide a traditional gaming experience to a player and add functionality to the a wireless game device terminal112. The docking stations135may include a connection device to connect to a docking port (SeeFIG. 5) of a wireless game device terminal. The docking station may be connected to a player credit account system, player loyalty system175, casino accounting system178, and/or the central gaming sever170. Alternatively, the docking station may use the wireless connection of the GDT112to connect to the central gaming server170. Docking stations135will typically be directly connected to a building power supply. Thus, players may also use the docking stations135to recharge a wireless GDT112without interruption to game play.

A docking station differs from a fixed gaming device terminal connected to the server-centric gaming system in that game play data may be transferred though, or stored and retrieved on, the wireless GDT112that is docked at the docking station135. Here, for example, docking stations not in use can be quickly and easily moved to reconfigure game floors without needing to update data connection configurations.

Docking stations135may be located around various locations within a casino so that players can choose a location they prefer to gamble. While some docking stations135may be configured to closely resemble conventional gaming devices, other docking stations may be configured to provide other styles of devices and game environments. For example, docking stations may be implemented in bar tops, tables, or wall portions. In one instance, a simple docking station with power and network connectivity may be implemented in a pool-side cocktail table so that a player can recharge a wireless GDT112while taking a quick swim, quickly download a news paper to read or TV show to watch while enjoying the sun, make reservations at a casino restaurant, and then play fifty games of video poker.

Additionally, in player-owned GDT models, docking stations135may provide a mechanism by which a player can validate their GDT112, add credits to their GDT, charge their GDT, allow play with mechanical reels or a common video display, or simply provide a comfortable area to play their GDT.

Wireless gaming device terminals112may also provide unique and flexible arrangements for competitive or cooperative linked gaming. For example, a casino may provide an area with several couches or chairs that allow a group of players to interact with each other while playing a linked game. A common video display may be mounted nearby to show a player score chart, common game play or bonus screens, or other common game information. A linked connection screen may be implemented on the GDTs112to allow players to connect to one another, or connected docking stations135may be used to link the GDTs.

Although wireless GDTs112provide many flexible gaming options, existing gaming devices113may be used as gaming terminals in a server-centric gaming system100as well. Use of existing game devices115in a server-centric gaming system100may provide players with a familiar gaming experience while availing them to the advantages of the server-centric model, such as a broad library of games, player credit account flexibility, and customizable game play. Depending on the system setup desired by the casino, the existing game devices113may appear to play exactly the same as a stand-alone game device to players, or may provide one or more features available because of the server-centric connection to the player.

Some server-centric gaming systems100may have complete control over all game play on game device terminals112,113, where the gaming server170controls all game play functions on a game device. However, in other server-centric gaming systems100, a gaming server170may only control a portion of game play. For ease of reference, these types of systems will be referred to as hybrid server-centric gaming systems. All references to “server-centric gaming systems” in this disclosure applies to both complete control systems and hybrid systems. Although some game play features may be carried out at a gaming device terminal112,113, the severing of a connection between the gaming server and the gaming device would still cause game play on the gaming device to cease. In one example, an existing mechanical reel spinning gaming device113may be implemented in a server-centric system where the existing game device controls the display of the game play and the game outcome in response to a random number generated at a gaming server170and sent to the gaming device. Here, although the actual game result may be determined at the game device level, this game result is only determined as a result of the random numbers received from the gaming server170. That is, the gaming server170sends three random numbers that represent the reel stop locations for a game result. The gaming device113takes those random reel stop locations and determines if such a combination results in a winning game outcome associated with an award. The gaming device113also controls the stepper motors that drive the spinning reels to the correct stop locations.

Server-centric gaming systems have many advantages over server-based gaming systems. Some of these advantages include flexibility in implementing the system with a variety of gaming devices112,113, improved security over game play, ability to provide a wide array of games, ease of updating current games or adding new games, ease in accounting and other game tracking metrics, and simplicity of casino floor implementation.

The ability to provide a flexible implementation of the system over a wide variety of gaming devices112,113allows for implementation with current traditional gaming devices, but unlocks the possibilities in providing gaming on mobile gaming devices and remote gaming devices, such as wireless tablets, cell phones, and personal computers (e.g., APPLE IPADs, desktop computers, laptop computers, or other personal computing devices). Additionally, the flexibility afforded by the server-centric model allows for the ability to modify or add to the gaming system with relative ease. For example, a casino may implement a relatively basic server-centric system with traditional gaming devices, and then decide after a few months to incorporate wireless gaming devices112to be used around the casino property into the gaming system. At still a later date, the casino could expand the system to include internet gaming or other remote types of gaming.

Improved system security is achieved by conducting decisions and control over game play at a central gaming sever170rather than at multiple gaming devices111. That is, in traditional gaming systems, security over game play must be controlled and monitored for each gaming device since game play is conducted at the gaming device level. These individual gaming devices111may be subjected to various attacks via magnets, physical force, electric signals, or other types of intrusions that are intended to disrupt the game play results being calculated within the gaming device. With server-centric gaming, however, these intrusions have no effect on game play because it is carried out independently of the gaming device111. Thus, for example, the casino would not have to monitor a wireless gaming device112that a player could take back to their hotel room and possibly disassemble. Even if the player attempted to interfere with game play on the wireless device112, her attempts would be fruitless because the gaming device has no control over game play.

In addition, large libraries of game types may be available for the player to play. And, unlike server-based games, there is no need to wait for a significant period of time after selecting a game to play game while the complete code for the game downloads from the server to the gaming device. This makes it easier for a player to switch between games or try out a new game. Additionally, when delivering a new game, there is no need to determine if each of the connected gaming devices112,113will be able to implement the game play of the new game. Rather, the new game simply needs to work with the single system on the server170.

In a basic embodiment, a server-centric gaming system100needs only to include a server170, a gaming device112,113, and a connection150between the server and the gaming device. For ease of understanding, a server in a server-centric gaming system will be referred to as a central gaming sever or CGS170(these terms, along with central game server or game server, are used interchangeably in this disclosure). A gaming device112,113in a server-centric gaming system will be referred to as a gaming device terminal or GDT (these terms, along with game device terminal, game device, or game terminal, are used interchangeably in this disclosure). A central gaming server170may include many different functionalities in different embodiments, but it will be the server that controls game play at one or more gaming device terminals112,113. Each gaming device terminal112,113acts as a terminal for interfacing with a player for game play, but does not make any decisions regarding game outcomes on its own. As discussed above, GDTs112,113may take many different formats from conventional game devices under the control of a CGS to simple wireless touchscreen devices to personal computers.

As these are gaming devices112,113meant to accept wagers on game play, a system is also needed to handle money or credits that may be used for placing wagers on the games of chance. Various systems of handling money/credits may be implemented with server-centric gaming systems. For ease of understanding, this disclosure will use the term “player credit account” (or PCA) to refer to all types of money/credit systems that keep track of the number of credits that a player may control.

In a server-centric gaming system100implemented on more traditional gaming devices that have gaming cabinets with included bill/ticket validator and ticket printers (or coin slots and coin hoppers), the player credit account may simply be a local record of the credits available on that particular gaming device terminal. That is, while control of game play may be controlled by a CGS170, credit management may remain at the gaming device terminal level. Here, credits added via the bill/ticket validator are added to the player credit account and credits wagered or cashed out are subtracted from the player credit account. During game play, the central gaming server170provides instructions on adding additional credits from winning game outcomes or other bonuses. In some embodiments, the central gaming server170may also provide instructions for deducting credits from wagers placed at the gaming device terminal112,113. In other embodiments, however, the credits offered up in a wager may be deducted by the gaming device terminal112,113independent of any instructions from the CGS170. These types of player credit accounts may also be used with gaming device terminals112,113that do not have a physical credit input/removal device, but allow a player to input a credit card number or other type of unique player identifier that allows money to be transferred to and from the gaming device terminal. For example, a player may use a touchscreen number pad to enter her credit card number and request $100 to be transferred to the gaming device terminal112,113. The GDT112,113may keep track of the amounts of money wagered and won during a game session. If the player has $80 remaining on their player credit account at the GDT112,113when they decide to end the gaming session, the player may again enter her credit account number (or the GDT may simply remember which credit card number was used to add credits) to transfer the remaining $80 back to her credit card account. In each of these types of systems, the player credit account is typically associated with the gaming device terminal112,113that the player is playing. A player credit account may also be used with any of the other types of gaming devices111on the gaming system100even when the game system does not include server-centric architecture or GDTs112,113.

In server-centric gaming systems that include gaming device terminals without credit input or removal devices, an additional credit system may be implemented to facilitate a player credit account where wagers may be deducted and awards may be added. This additional credit system may be controlled by the central gaming server170or may be controlled by another server. The additional credit system may be a casino-wide system, may include multiple casino properties, may include GDTs112,113connected through the internet on a casino system, or may be independent of any casinos. In some embodiments, the credit system may allow requested amounts of credits to be “downloaded” to a particular GDT112,113for a gaming session where the internal processor and memory of the GDT handles the credits once received from the credit system. In other embodiments, the credit system may be in frequent contact with the central gaming server170and handle all credit reductions and additions. In each of these types of systems, the player credit account is typically associated with the player themselves rather than the gaming device terminal that the player is playing. This means that the player may have to take an additional step of associating their player credit account with a GDT112,113that they are playing. This may be done automatically when a player identifies themselves with a player club card, credit card, driver's license, or other identification step. Alternatively, the player may have to provide at least one additional piece of information or identification to access a player credit account and associate it with the gaming device terminal112,113. In embodiments where a player “checks-out” a GDT112,113from a casino services desk, the casino operator may verify the player's identity and make the necessary association with a player credit account.

In these types of systems players may add or remove credits from their player credit accounts using various methods. For example, in some systems, one or more cash-kiosks160may be placed on the gaming floor to allow a player to access his or her player credit account. That is, at the cash-kiosks160, the player may add additional credits to her player credit account by inserting cash or tickets into a bill/ticket acceptor, by swiping a credit or debit card through a magnetic strip card reader, or otherwise providing information that allows money to be transferred to a specified player credit account. Additionally, the player may remove extra credits from her player credit account at the player kiosk160by requesting cash or transferring credits to a bank account, credit card account, or other player controlled account. Although the above example refers to a cash-kiosk160, players may also manage their player credit accounts at a casino services desk/cashier cage or at a personal computer over the Internet140from home or other locations.

Server-centric systems100can be embodied in many different ways with various elements of control over game play being transmitted in different manners and/or at different times. For example, in one type of server-centric system100, every bit of data appearing on the gaming device112,113is sent in substantial real time. That is, if an image of a spinning reel is to be displayed on the gaming device112,113in response to a game initiating input, the server170would transfer the animated graphic file to the gaming device terminal with instructions of which reel to show the graphic and the duration that the graphic animation should be displayed. In other types of server-centric systems100, some graphic, sound, or other data files may be “pre-loaded” on the gaming device112,113and stored in a local cache or memory on the gaming device terminal prior to game play. While all game play is still controlled by the server170, the server does not need to constantly resend graphical or other data over the connection to the gaming device terminal112,113during game play. Rather, the server170merely provides instructions for displaying a certain graphic sequence and the GDT112,113retrieves the specified graphic file from its memory and implements as instructed by the central gaming server. These systems may have the advantage of not using as much connection bandwidth as compared to the server-centric systems with real-time control since large graphic, animation, and sound files do not need to be repeatedly transferred. Although networks allow large amounts of data to be regularly transferred, casinos having many wireless GDTs112in play at the same time may benefit from the decreased wireless network traffic between the GDTs and central gaming server170.

In yet other embodiments, server-centric systems100may be configured to incorporate existing gaming device113on a casino floor. These existing gaming devices113include mechanical reel spinning games, video slots, video poker games, video keno, video black jack, etc. Often times, these existing games will come with gaming cabinets with specific glass graphics, reel strips, lighting configurations, top box features, etc. that lend themselves to only one or only a few game themes. Here, server-centric systems or hybrid server-centric systems may be implemented to run only the single game or only a few related games on the existing game devices. For example, on a spinning reel WHEEL OF FORTUNE game, the gaming device may simply receive random numbers from the central gaming server to determine game and bonus outcomes. Here the management of the spinning reels, the bonus wheel, the sounds and graphics of the game, etc. may all be controlled by the gaming device113with the server170only supplying the random data necessary to determine game and bonus outcomes.

FIG. 2is a functional block diagram that illustrates an example gaming device200that can be a part of the gaming system shown inFIG. 1. Referring toFIG. 2, the illustrated gaming device200is an example of the gaming devices111that are shown inFIG. 1. As discussed above, these gaming devices111may include all types of electronic gaming machines, such as physical reel slot machines, video slot machines, video poker gaming devices, video blackjack machines, keno games, and any other type of devices may be used to wager monetary-based credits on a game of chance. As mentioned above, various other types of gaming devices may be connected to the network150(FIG. 1) such as wireless gaming devices, computers used for gaming purposes, cellular phones, multi-player gaming stations, server-centric gaming device terminals, etc.

Returning toFIG. 2, the illustrated gaming device200includes a cabinet205to house various parts of the gaming device200, thereby allowing certain components to remain securely isolated from player interference, while providing access to player input/output devices so that the player may interact with the gaming device. The securely housed components include the game processor2100, memory215, and connection port250. The game processor210, depending on the type of gaming device200, may completely or partially control the operation of the gaming device. For example, if the gaming device200is a standalone gaming device, game processor210may control virtually all of the operations of the gaming device and attached equipment. In other configurations, the game processor210may implement instructions generated by or communicated from a remote server (e.g., server170shown inFIG. 1) or other controller. For example, the game processor210may be responsible for running a base game of the gaming device200and executing instructions received over the network150from a bonus server or player tracking server. In a server-centric gaming environment, the game processor210may simply act as a terminal to perform instructions from a remote server that is running game play on the gaming device200.

The memory215is connected to the game processor210and may be configured to store various game information about gameplay or player interactions with the gaming device200. This memory may be volatile (e.g., RAM), non-volatile (e.g., flash memory), or include both types of memory. The connection port250is also connected to the game processor210. This connection port250typically connects the gaming device200to a gaming network, such as the gaming network150described above. The connection port250may be structured as a serial port, parallel port, Ethernet port, optical connection, wireless antenna, or any other type of communication port used to transmit and receive data. Although only one connection port250is shown inFIG. 1, the gaming device200may include multiple connection ports. As described above, in many existing gaming devices, this connection port250is a serial connection port utilizing a SAS protocol to communicate to one or more remote game servers, such as player tracking servers, bonus servers, accounting servers, etc.

The player input/output devices housed by the gaming cabinet205include a game display220, a button panel230having one or more buttons233, a ticket printer275, a bill/ticket reader270, a credit meter285, a player club interface device260, and one or more game speakers295. Various gaming devices may include fewer or more input/output devices (e.g., a game handle, a coin acceptor, a coin hopper, etc.) depending upon the configuration of the gaming device.

The gaming display220may have mechanical spinning reels, a video display, or include a combination of both spinning reels and a video display, or use other methods to display aspects of the gameplay to the player. If the gaming display220is a video display, the gaming display may include a touch screen to further allow the player to interact with game indicia, soft buttons, or other displayed objects. The button panel230allows the player to select and place wagers on the game of chance, as well as allowing the player to control other aspects of gaming. For example, some gaming devices allow the player to press a button233to signal that he or she requires player assistance. Other buttons may bring up a help menu and/or game information. The buttons233may also be used to play bonuses or make selections during bonus rounds.

Ticket printers275have relatively recently been included on most gaming devices to eliminate the need to restock coin hoppers and allow a player to quickly cash-out credits and transfer those credits to another gaming device. The tickets can also typically be redeemed for cash at a cashier cage or kiosk. The ticket printers are usually connected to the game processor and to a remote server, such as a TITO server to accomplish its intended purpose. In gaming devices that have more than one peripheral device, and which include only a single SAS port, the peripheral devices all share communication time over the connection port250.

Another peripheral device that often requires communication with a remote server is the player club interface device260. The player club interface device260may include a reader device and one or more input mechanisms. The reader is configured to read an object or indicia identifying the player. The identifying object may be a player club card issued by the casino to a player that includes player information encoded on the card. Once the player is identified by a gaming device, the player club interface device260communicates with a remote player server through the connection port250to associate a player account with the gaming device200. This allows various information regarding the player to be communicated between the gaming device200and the player server, such as amounts wagered, credits won, and rate of play. In other embodiments, the card reader may read other identifying cards (such as driver licenses, credit cards, etc.) to identify a player. AlthoughFIG. 2shows the reader as a card reader, other embodiments may include a reader having a biometric scanner, PIN code acceptor, or other methods of identifying a player so as to pair the player with their player tracking account. As is known in the art, it is typically advantageous for a casino to encourage a player to join a player club since this may inspire loyalty to the casino, as well as give the casino information about the player's likes, dislikes, and gaming habits. To compensate the player for joining a player club, the casino often awards player points or other prizes to identified players during game play.

Other input/output devices of the gaming device200include a credit meter285, a bill/ticket acceptor270, and speakers295. The credit meter285generally indicates the total number of credits remaining on the gaming device200that are eligible to be wagered. The credit meter285may reflect a monetary unit, such as dollars, or an amount of credits, which are related to a monetary unit, but may be easier to display. For example, one credit may equal one cent so that portion of a dollar won can be displayed as a whole number instead of decimal. The bill/ticket acceptor270typically recognizes and validates paper bills and/or printed tickets and causes the game processor210to display a corresponding amount on the credit meter285. The speakers295play auditory signals in response to game play or may play enticing sounds while in an “attract-mode,” when a player is not at the gaming device. The auditory signals may also convey information about the game, such as by playing a particularly festive sound when a large award is won.

The gaming device200may include various other devices to interact with players, such as light configurations, top box displays290, and secondary displays280. The top box display290may include illuminated artwork to announce a game style, a video display (such as an LCD), a mechanical and/or electrical bonus display (such as a wheel), or other known top box devices. The secondary display280may be a vacuum fluorescent display (VFD), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT), a plasma screen, or the like. The secondary display280may show any combination of primary game information and ancillary information to the player. For example, the secondary display280may show player tracking information, secondary bonus information, advertisements, or player selectable game options. The secondary display may be attached to the game cabinet205or may be located near the gaming device200. The secondary display280may also be a display that is associated with multiple gaming devices200, such as a bank-wide bonus meter, or a common display for linked gaming devices.

In operation, typical play on a gaming device200commences with a player placing a wager on a game to generate a game outcome. In some games, a player need not interact with the game after placing the wager and initiating the game, while in other games, the player may be prompted to interact with the gaming device200during game play. Interaction between the player and the gaming device200is more common during bonuses, but may occur as part of the game, such as with video poker. Play may continue on the gaming device200until a player decides to cash out or until insufficient credits remain on the credit meter285to place a minimum wager for the gaming device.

FIG. 3is an isometric view of an example gaming device300according to embodiments of the invention.

Referring toFIG. 3, a gaming device300is a mechanical reel slot machine. The slot machine300includes a cabinet305housing components to operate the gaming device300. The cabinet305may include a gaming display320, a base portion313, a top box390, and a player interface panel with game buttons332and at least one game initiating button333. The gaming display320includes four mechanical spinning reels322each showing multiple game symbols323.

The base portion13may include a lighted panel314, a coin return (not shown), and a gaming handle312operable on a partially rotating pivot joint311. The game handle312is traditionally included on mechanical spinning-reel games, where the handle may be pulled toward a player to initiate the spinning of reels322after placement of a wager. The top box390may include a lighted panel, a video display (such as an LCD monitor)392, a mechanical bonus device (not shown), and/or a candle light indicator319.

The player interface panel may include one or more game buttons332that can be actuated by the player to cause the gaming device300to perform a specific action. For example, some of the game buttons332may cause the gaming device300to bet a credit to be wagered during the next game, change the number of lines being played on a multi-line game, cash out the credits remaining on the gaming device, or request assistance from casino personnel, such as by lighting the candle319. In addition, the player interface panel may include one or more game actuating buttons333. The game actuating buttons333may initiate a game with a pre-specified amount of credits. On some gaming devices300a “Max Bet” game actuating button333may be included that places the maximum credit wager on a game and initiates the game.

FIG. 4is a detail diagram of another example gaming device400according to embodiments of the invention.

Referring toFIG. 4, a video gaming machine400includes a video display420to display virtual spinning reels422and various other gaming information421. The video display420may be a CRT, LCD, plasma screen, or the like. It is usually preferable that the video display420be a touchscreen to accept player input. A number of symbols423appear on each of the virtual spinning reels422. AlthoughFIG. 4shows five virtual spinning reels422, the flexibility of the video display420allows for various reel422and game configurations. For example, some video slot games400spin reels for each individual symbol position (or stop) that appears on the video display420. That is, each symbol position on the screen is independent of every other position during the games. In these types of games, very large numbers of pay lines or multiple super scatter pays can be utilized since similar symbols could appear at every symbol position on the video display420. On the other hand, other video slot games400more closely resemble the mechanical spinning reel games where symbols that are vertically adjacent to each other are part of the same continuous virtual spinning reel422.

Because the virtual spinning reels422, by virtue of being computer implemented, can have almost any number of stops on a reel strip, it is much easier to have a greater variety of displayed outcomes as compared to spinning-reel slot machines300(FIG. 3) that have a fixed number of physical stops on each spinning reel422.

With the possible increases in reel422numbers and configurations over the mechanical gaming device300, video gaming devices400often have multiple paylines424that may be played. By having more paylines424available to play, the player may be more likely to have a winning combination when the reels422stop and the game ends. However, since the player typically must wager at least a minimum number of credits to enable each payline424to be eligible for winning, the overall odds of winning are not much different, if at all, than if the player is wagering only on a single payline. For example, in a five line game, the player may bet one credit per payline424and be eligible for winning symbol combinations that appear on any of the five played paylines424. This gives a total of five credits wagered and five possible winning paylines424. If, on the other hand, the player only wagers one credit on one payline424, but plays five games, the odds of winning would be identical as above: five credits wagered and five possible winning paylines424.

Because the video display420can easily modify the image output by the video display420, bonuses, such as second screen bonuses are relatively easy to award on the video slot game400. That is, if a bonus is triggered during game play, the video display420may simply store the resulting screen shot in memory and display a bonus sequence on the video display420. After the bonus sequence is completed, the video display420may then retrieve the previous screen shot and information from memory, and re-display that image.

Also, as mentioned above, the video display420may allow various other game information421to be displayed. For example, as shown inFIG. 4, banner information may be displayed above the spinning reels422to inform the player, perhaps, which symbol combination is needed to trigger a bonus. Also, instead of providing a separate credit meter, the same information can instead be displayed on the video display420. In addition, “soft buttons”429such as a “spin” button or “help/see pays” button may be built using the touch screen video display420. Such customization and ease of changing the image shown on the display420adds to the flexibility of the game400.

Even with the improved flexibility afforded by the video display420, several physical buttons432and433are usually provided on a player interface panel430of the video slot machines400. These buttons may include game buttons432that allow a player to choose the number of paylines424he or she would like to play and the number of credits wagered on each payline424. In addition, a max bet button (one of the game buttons432) allows a player to place a maximum credit wager on the maximum number of available paylines424and initiate a game. A repeat bet or spin button433may also be used to initiate each game when the max bet button is not used.

FIG. 5is a detail diagram of a gaming device terminal500in the gaming system illustrated inFIG. 1according to embodiments of the invention.

Referring toFIG. 5, an example gaming device terminal500is implemented on a handheld wireless tablet, such as an IPAD or similar touchscreen modular device that can wirelessly connect to a gaming network. Here, the GDT500includes a game display520showing a plurality of game indicia522(cards used in a video poker game), one or more game buttons533related to game play of a selected game, a credit meter585associated with a player credit account, and a game library button532that takes a player to a game library screen. In addition, the GDT500includes a local processor510, a memory515connected to the processor, a wireless antenna552, a communication port550, and a docking port554.

The memory515is connected to the local processor510and may be configured to store various game information about game play, such as downloaded game graphics or sounds or player identification information used to access a player loyalty account or player credit account. This memory may be volatile (e.g., RAM), non-volatile (e.g., flash memory), or include both types of memory. The wireless antenna552may be connected to the processor510and be used to communicate with a wireless transceiver or antenna120(FIG. 1) coupled to a gaming network150. The wireless antenna may be configured to receive any of a number of types of wireless communication signals, or may be configured to only receive a casino specific (or encrypted) signal.

The communication port550is also connected to the local processor510. In some embodiments, this communication port550may be a universal serial bus (USB) port that allows a player to upload player information or preferences, or download game session statistics or other information. The USB port may be used to connect the GDT500to a personal computer or to a player thumb flash drive. In other embodiments, the connection port550may be structured as a serial port, parallel port, Ethernet port, optical connection, a second wireless antenna, or any other type of communication port used to transmit and receive data. Although only one connection port550is shown inFIG. 5, the gaming device terminal500may include multiple communication ports. As described below, in many existing gaming devices, this connection port550is a serial connection port utilizing a SAS protocol to communicate to one or more remote game servers, such as player tracking servers, bonus servers, accounting servers, etc.

The docking port554may be used to connect the GDT500to a stationary game or docking station (135FIG. 1) for enhanced game play. For example, as mentioned above, a docking station135may include a larger game display, a ticket/bill acceptor, a ticket printer, a comfortable chair, physical game buttons, faster connection speeds, or other features that make the gaming experience easier and/or more enjoyable. The docking station135may also allow a battery in the GDT500to recharge. The docking port554or the communication port550may be used with a card swipe attachment, biometric reader, or other device capable of identifying a player to access a player loyalty account and/or a player credit account. Alternatively, other embodiments of a GDT500may not include one or both of the communication port550and docking port554.

Turning now toFIG. 6, indicated generally at600is a bank of gaming machines that corresponds to a bank of gaming machines110inFIG. 1. In the embodiment inFIG. 1, bonus controller120includes computer code—described in more detail hereinafter—that controls bank600. Bonus controller120also controls, at least in part, video display180(inFIG. 1), which is associated with bank600. Although the present embodiment is depicted as being part of gaming system100, embodiments of the invention can be implemented in which bank600is a dedicated, stand-alone system, i.e., not networked with other gaming machines.

Bank600is shown with its associated video display180. In the present embodiment of the invention, display180comprises a single display made up of three 55-inch, LCD video screens610,612,614. Bank600includes 6 games, each implemented on a portable computing device620,622,624,262,628,630. Here each device comprises an iPad™ device manufactured by Apple Inc., although other devices could be used, including traditional upright gambling machines. The number of devices is variable, typically ranging from 4 to 8, but the invention may be implemented with any number. Similarly, the number of video screens, like screens610,612,614, that make up video display180is also variable. In fact, the video display may be implemented in any manner, on single or multiple screens, and in any size. Alternatively, each gaming device620-630may have a separate screen associated with it upon which the video display appears.

Each of devices620-630is programmed to operate as an electronic gaming device. Each is on a network, as described inFIG. 1, along with video display180. The devices620-630and video display180each communicate with bonus controller120, the video display via network150. But in some embodiments the video display could be connected directly to bonus controller120. Each device620-630may play the same game or different games. In any event, each game played on one of the devices has its own rules and pay table and pays a player in accordance with its rules and pay table. In the illustrated version, a percentage of each credit wagered at each of the games in bank600is allocated to each of four different pools, which each accrue money that is awarded in a bonus game. This will be shortly described in more detail. The present implementation includes four pools that accrue simultaneously. The pools range from the smallest, which is frequently awarded, to the largest, which is less frequently awarded. The pools can be any number or size.

An additional pool also accrues a percent of each wager made on bank600. Fixed amounts, as opposed to accrued pool values, are awarded from this additional pool as will soon be seen. The value of each of the four accruing pools is shown on each of the screens in display180. By way of example, video meters640,642,644,646at the top of screen610show the current amount of each pool. Meter640reflects the value of the largest pool, which is displayed in larger numerals than the other three pools. As can be seen, each of the other two screens incorporate duplicate video meters so that all players on bank600can readily see the current amount in each pool.

Before describing the manner in which bonus controller120operates, consideration will first be given to the experience of a typical player. Put differently, the following description, which is tied to sequential images on display180, illustrates the manner in which a bonus game is played. Turning attention now toFIG. 7, an image of a brick wall700extends across all of display180. Each gaming device in bank600includes an associated icon710,712,714,716,718,720, which appears on display180within a lower bar730in front of its corresponding gaming device Like brick wall700, lower bar730also extends across all of display180. As can be seen, a number 1-6 is adjacent each icon. Each icon is therefore associated with a player of the gaming device for so long as he or she is at the gaming device. As used herein, player1, player2, . . . player6refers to the player playing the corresponding gaming device620-630. It should be appreciated that the bonus game may be enabled even though not all of the gaming devices in bank600are being played.

Finally,FIG. 7includes a bouncing wheel740, which bounces back and forth between the upper surface of bar130and the lower surface of brick wall700. As can be seen by sequentially viewing the position of wheel740inFIGS. 7-15, the wheel bounces back and forth while moving first to the right and then to the left. Player2, the player at gaming device622, is selected to participate in a bonus round. As will be seen in more detail, the selection may result from actions accrued by the player, e.g., credits wagered, specific awards won, etc., with some of the actions possibly being accrued on different gaming machines. Alternatively, selection may result from actions accrued at gaming device622, with some of the actions possibly being accrued by different players. Further still, selection may be influenced by player status, loyalty card use, wager size, or the player's birthday. Any one of the foregoing or any combination thereof may be used to trigger a bonus game for a selected player or gaming device.

Regardless of how selected, player2is notified of his or her selection by icon712, which begins to glow and grow slightly in size. Accompanying sounds effects alert all of the players to the fact that a bonus game is initiated. Players may continue to play the games on the gaming devices in bank600while keeping an eye on the unfolding bonus game on display180. As can be seen inFIG. 8, icon712rises from its position (shown glowing) within lower bar730above brick wall700, changes slightly in shape, and begins lateral movement to the right, as shown inFIG. 9. A duplicate of icon712remains in lower bar730in front of the player of device622. Also inFIG. 9, the icon begins dropping animated coins, like coins910,920, which strike bricks in wall700. The number of coins dropped may be related to the accrued qualifying action. For example, if wagering 50 credits on bank600qualifies a player for a bonus round, the icon can drop a corresponding number of coins or some fraction or multiple thereof.

As seen inFIG. 10, each coin that hits wall700explodes at least one brick thereby weakening the wall. Such an explosion1000is depicted inFIG. 10. As shown inFIG. 11, a gap1100appears in wall700at the location of explosion1000. Further explosions resulting from dropping coins are depicted inFIG. 11. Wheel740continues to bounce back and forth between the underside of wall700and the upper surface of bar730.

InFIG. 12, all coins that are associated with player2have been used. As a result, the bonus round ends with wall700partially broken away as shown and with wheel740continuing to bounce back and forth.

Play on the games in bank600continues until another bonus round is triggered by one of the methods mentioned above. The amount of time between bonus rounds can be configured along with the amount and frequency of the bonus awards using known statistical methods.

InFIG. 13, a further bonus round is triggered. This bonus round is associated with player4. As a result, icon716rises above brick wall700as can be seen. InFIG. 14icon716drops coins to explode bricks as before. Most bricks simply explode, but as can be seen inFIG. 14, some bricks have an associated fixed bonus amount, in this case 50 credits. As a result, 50 credits are awarded to player4when this brick explodes. As will be seen, this feature induces players to play the gaming devices in bank600even though very few, if any, bricks have been exploded by previous players.

FIG. 15illustrates wall700after further play explodes all bricks in a section of the wall thus creating an opening1500through the wall. Wheel740continues to bounce back and forth after creation of opening1500. Eventually the wheel passes through the opening to the upper side of the wall as shown inFIG. 16when it's bouncing trajectory aligns with opening1500. Once on the upper side of wall700, inFIG. 17, the wheel grows in size and displays award segments as shown. Then the wheel spins as shown inFIG. 18. It should be noted that the wheel can begin to spin on its own, i.e., automatically, or spinning can start as a result of action by player4at gaming device626.

When the wheel stops spinning, either a fixed amount or one of the four pools is awarded to player4. InFIG. 19, the player won the top award, with appropriate celebratory sounds and accompanying video as shown inFIGS. 19 and 20.

Turning now toFIG. 21, indicated generally at2100is a system that incorporates another embodiment of the invention. Structure that corresponds to that previously identified retains the same numeral inFIG. 21. Bonus controller120serves a similar function to bonus controller120inFIG. 1. System2100, however, may be a dedicated, stand-alone system that is not incorporated into a larger network. Alternatively, system2100may communicate with a player-tracking server to track player actions that may qualify a player for a bonus round on system2100. As with other embodiments, gaming machines110may take different forms, such as devices620-630inFIG. 6.

A flowchart, indicated generally at2200inFIG. 22, describes a process that may be used to implement the present invention. The process illustrated inFIG. 22may be implemented in the system ofFIG. 1, typically at least in part on bonus controller120; the system ofFIG. 21; or in any other suitable system. As is known in the art, it may be distributed among a plurality of computing devices.

At box2254at least one player criterion is established. This criterion may be selected from the data that is tracked by the player tracking system described above. For example, the criterion may comprise one or more of credits wagered, awards paid, gaming-device wins or win magnitude, rate of game play, player historical wagering parameters, etc. It may comprise any data that can be derived from data tracked by the player tracking system.

In box2256, while the players play the gaming devices in bank600, the tracked data for each player is accrued by the player tracking system, which is communicated to process2200. It should be noted that play beyond bank600may be included as part of the criterion and accordingly tracked. In diamond2258, the process checks to see whether the criterion is met. If no, the process returns to box2256. But if yes, the process goes to box2260where the bonus is initiated.

The game may be initiated in a variety of ways. In one way, there is a threshold qualifying action, e.g., 50 credits wagered. Because of the player tracking system, those credits can be on any of the gaming devices in bank600or even on gaming devices beyond bank600, like those shown inFIG. 1. The bonus game initiates once the 50 credits are wagered.

Another way to initiate the bonus game is a mystery jackpot counter associated with each player. When each player starts to play one of the gaming devices in bank600a random number between high and low limits is selected, and the qualifying actions are counted starting at the low limit. Again, if the qualifying action is credits wagered, each player enters the bonus round when he or she wagers credits sufficient to count to the randomly selected number.

Still another way to initiate the bonus game is to create a weighted pay table that is checked each time a qualifying action, e.g., credit wagered, occurs to see if the bonus game is triggered.

Yet another way is to check for specific game outcomes, e.g., a particular symbol appearing on the third reel of a slot machine.

Regardless of how the bonus game is initiated, once a player is selected to play, the process initiates another mechanism that determines the progress or outcome of the bonus game, e.g., by selecting one of a plurality of scripts. The script may be one that allows the player to break a number of bricks that is equal to the number of qualifying actions for the bonus game, e.g., play 50 credits; break 50 bricks. Alternatively, where the qualifying mechanism is a mystery jackpot, the script may be one that permits a number of bricks that corresponds to the time the player took to qualify. Still another approach is to permit the determination, i.e., which script to run, be made by a weighted pay table that is consulted after a player qualifies for the bonus game. In any event, after a bonus game is initiated in box2260, a script is selected in box2262, e.g., by one of the foregoing techniques.

In box2264, the selected script runs. A script determines the outcome for each player of the bonus game. For example, a first script created the displays depicted inFIGS. 8-11, which is associated with play by player2and a second script depicted the displays inFIGS. 12-20, which is associated with play by player4. It should be noted that the first script, run for player2inFIGS. 8-11, did not result in an opportunity to spin wheel740. As a result, in diamond2266, upon completion of the first script, the process branches back to box2256where player activity continues accruing. The second script created a 50-credit exploding brick inFIG. 16, which also included the chance to spin the wheel. But other scripts, not illustrated, include exploding bricks associated with credits that do not result in a wheel spin. In other words, any player of the bonus game has the opportunity to receive credits associated with exploding bricks whether or not that script includes an opportunity to spin wheel740.

The second script, run for player4inFIGS. 12-20, did result in an opportunity to spin the wheel. As a result, at diamond2266, the process branches to box2268where a wheel outcome is determined. The outcome may be determined by any appropriate method, including, e.g., a weighted pay table. A wheel spin is then presented to the player at box2270, and any credits awarded, which may be one of the accruing pools or a fixed number of credits, at box2272. The award may be made in any manner that gaming awards can be made, such as by applying credits to a credit meter on gaming device110, by hand pay, by deposit to account, or by any other method. The process then returns to continuing to accrue player activity at box2256.

A second process2300inFIG. 23controls the bonus game in a slightly different fashion. Boxes and diamonds that have the same functionality as those inFIG. 22retain the same numeral inFIG. 23. In process2300, rather than establishing and tracking player activity, the process establishes and tracks activity on at least one (and typically, but not necessarily, on all) of the gaming devices in bank600, even if different players created the tracked game device activity. Process2300could be used to implement the invention in an embodiment that did not include player tracking.

Known techniques for attributing credit to an untracked player may be used to analyze play on a gaming device and associate it with an anonymous player at one of the gaming machines. This permits players that are not using the tracking system, or at least are not currently identified to it, to acquire some or all of the benefits described herein. Of course the processes described herein could be limited to a single gaming machine even if it used by a player who is known to the system, i.e., tracked. In this way, uncarded or unidentified players can participate or participation—or some higher level of participation—could be limited to identified players. In short, an identified player may participate across a number of linked games or a player's participation may be limited to activity on a single gaming machine, whether or not the player is identified.

Many of the same qualifying actions that are monitored by player inFIG. 22could be used to set the game criterion in box2376, e.g., coin in. InFIG. 23process2300, or alternatively another process implemented on the network associated with bank600, monitors the actions of each gaming device620-630in box2378. When diamond2380determines that one of the gaming devices in the bank meets the criterion, a bonus game is initiated for the player of the gaming device that met the criterion. From box2260play continues as described in connection with the process ofFIG. 22.

In addition to qualifying actions on the part of players, as depicted inFIG. 22and qualifying actions by gaming device, as depicted inFIG. 23, qualifying may occur or be further affected on a player by player basis. For example, bonus coins for exploding the bricks may be given to selected players based on loyalty card use, status, wager size, birthday, etc.

In one such case, the qualifying player criterion is wagering 50 credits, which provides for 50 coins with which to explode bricks in the bonus game. If the player is using a player-tracking card, he or she may be entitled to 20 extra coins. And if it is the player's birthday still another 50 coins may be awarded.

Any combinations of qualifying, including player activity, game activity, and player identity, may be used to qualify a player to play the bonus game.

Some embodiments of the invention have been described above, and in addition, some specific details are shown for purposes of illustrating the inventive principles. However, numerous other arrangements may be devised in accordance with the inventive principles of this patent disclosure. Further, well known processes have not been described in detail in order not to obscure the invention. Thus, while the invention is described in conjunction with the specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings, it is not limited to these embodiments or drawings. Rather, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that come within the scope and spirit of the inventive principles set out in the appended claims.