Gaming machine having a player time-selectable bonus award scheme

The present invention is a gaming machine having a player time-selectable bonus award scheme whereby the player may redeem, at a time of the player's choosing winning outcomes accrued during base game play. Redemption of each of the accrued winning outcomes is accomplished when a player selects an option to display a winning symbol combination associated with the winning outcome. Selection of the option to display the winning symbol combination associated with the winning outcome always yields an award and sometimes yields another winning outcome, again redeemable at a time of the player's choosing. A counter display on the gaming machine increments a number as each winning outcome is accrued, and decrements the number as each winning outcome is redeemed.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This invention is directed to gaming machines, and more particularly, to a gaming machine having a player time-selectable bonus award.

BACKGROUND

Gaming machines providing wagering base games such as electronically driven video slots, video poker, video blackjack, video keno, video bingo, video pachinko, video lottery, and mechanically driven spinning reel slots, etc., are well known in the gaming industry. Generally gaming machines are configured to operate as “stand-alone” units (that may or may not be coupled to a backroom computer) where the outcome of game play is “locally determined”, or as part of a server-based gaming network where the outcome of game play may be either locally determined or “centrally determined”. For example, a gaming machine located in a bar, a convenience store, a riverboat, or an airplane, may operate as a stand-alone unit, while a gaming machine located in a traditional casino may operate as part of a server-based gaming network within the casino.

Mechanical spinning reel slot machines have maintained their popularity evolving from gaming machines which employ electromechanical control to the more modern day gaming machines which employ micro-processor control. In a modem mechanical spinning reel slot machine, mechanical spinning reels are used to display combinations of reel symbols, which in conjunction with pay line selections, visually notify a game player if he/she has won or lost the slot base game played entirely in controller or computer memory according to rules and math models embedded in a computer program. A modem gaming machine providing video base wagering games (e.g., video poker, video blackjack, video keno, video bingo, video pachinko, video lottery, and the like) is similar to the mechanical spinning reel slot machine in terms of its embedded computer program and operation, however, simulated video images of reels, pay lines, cards, number, etc. are provided by a video display. The video display may be implemented via any type of suitable display, for example, it may be a cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), or a plasma display.

Recently, secondary or bonus games have been used in conjunction with base games to increase or enhance player enjoyment and therefore encourage game play on the modem gaming machines. Bonus games, however, are triggered by various events during base game play and once the bonus game is triggered, base game play stops and the bonus game begins. The player cannot “store” bonus games for later game play and therefore has little control over when the bonus game is played.

A bonus game may require a player to play a version of the base wagering game or to play a different wagering game offered by the gaming machine. The player of the bonus game may or may not be awarded additional credits. For example, a mechanical spinning reel slot machine can be configured with a bonus game awarding free spins to a player and may therefore be played like the base game. The free spin however, may result in a non-winning symbol combination and therefore the player is not awarded additional credits. In addition, a complex bonus game that differs from its associated base game may require that the player quickly learn new game skills to play the bonus game, thereby changing the rhythm of game play for the player.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a gaming machine having a player time-selectable bonus award scheme whereby a player redeems, at a time of the player's choosing winning outcomes accrued during base game play. Redemption of each accrued winning outcome is accomplished when a player selects an option to display a winning symbol combination associated with the winning outcome. Selection of the option to display the winning symbol combination associated with the winning outcome always yields an award (i.e., a value payout to the player) and sometimes yields another winning outcome, also redeemable at a time of the player's choosing. A counter display on the gaming machine informs the player of the number of available accrued winning outcomes. The counter display increments a number each time a winning outcome is accrued and decrements the number as each winning outcome is redeemed.

A winning outcome may accrue in response to an occurrence of a pre-selected symbol or a symbol combination during base game play. A winning outcome may also accrue pseudo-randomly as a result of a pseudo random output generator device (e.g., a random number generator (RNG), pooled tickets, etc.) that generates game play outcomes corresponding to a predetermined probability of occurrences of non-winning and winning symbol combinations, or may accrue based on predetermined criterion such as player identity, promotional events, the number of base games played, a dollar amount or credit amount played or won by the player, player tracking card data, the time of day, day of week, etc.

The winning symbol combination revealed upon redemption of a winning outcome is preferably selected from among all possible base game winning symbol combinations displayed in a pay table. In addition, redemption of the winning outcome is preferably accomplished by the player using familiar base game play skills rather than different game play skills. Thus, the player experiences a win each time a winning outcome is redeemed and the player does not have to quickly learn new game skills to redeem the winning outcome.

Redemption of the winning outcomes may occur in a variety of ways depending on the gaming machine configuration and the player's preferences. In one embodiment, the gaming machine having a player time-selectable bonus award scheme is configured with a bonus button having a counter display or meter that increments a number each time a winning outcome is accrued and decrements the number each time a player chooses to redeem one of the accrued winning outcomes. When one winning outcome is redeemed, an award associated with a revealed winning symbol combination is credited to the player.

In another embodiment of the invention, the gaming machine having a player time-selectable bonus award scheme is configured with multiplier bonus button having a counter display or meter that increments a multiplier number each time a winning outcome is accrued and decrements to zero each time the player selects the multiplier bonus button to redeem all accrued winning outcome(s) at one time. The counter display increments by a predetermined multiplier number that can vary depending on the game implementation. Each time a winning outcome is accrued, an associated multiplier number is added to previous multiplier numbers on the counter display to form a total multiplier number. When redeemed, an award associated with one revealed winning symbol combination is multiplied by the total multiplier number reflected on the counter display, and the resulting multiplied award, or “mega-award”, is credited to the player. Thus, all winning outcomes previously accrued are redeemed at one time, resulting in one winning symbol combination yielding a mega-award, and the counter display resets to zero.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the gaming machine having a player time-selectable bonus award scheme is configured with (1) a counter display that increments a number each time a winning outcome is accrued and decrements the number each time a player chooses to redeem the accrued winning outcome, (2) a bonus button that enables the player to redeem one winning outcome at a time, and (3) a multiplier bonus button that enables the player to redeem all winning outcomes at one time via displaying one winning symbol combination with an award that is multiplied by a number equivalent to all of the accrued winning outcomes. If the player selects the first button to redeem one winning outcome, the counter display is decremented by one number. If the player selects the second button to redeem all winning outcomes at one time, the counter display is reset to zero (unless redemption results in another winning outcome). In addition, an award associated with one revealed winning symbol combination is multiplied by the total multiplier number reflected on the counter display, and the resulting multiplied award, or “mega-award”, is credited to the player.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the gaming machine having a player time-selectable bonus award scheme is configured with (1) a counter display that increments by a number each time a winning outcome is accrued and decrements by a number equivalent to a number of winning outcomes the player chooses to redeem at one time, (2) a variable bonus button that enables the player to redeem one or more winning outcomes at one time via displaying one winning symbol combination with an associated award that is multiplied by a number equivalent to the number of winning outcomes that the player redeems at the one time. Thus, when the player selects the first button to redeem two winning outcomes at one time, the counter display decrements by two, and the award associated with the resulting winning symbol combination is multiplied by two.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EXAMPLES

The description of the preferred examples is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment of the invention. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims defining the invention.

In general, the present invention provides a gaming machine having a player time-selectable bonus award scheme wherein a player accrues winning outcomes during base game play and then redeems the winning outcomes at a time of the player's choosing. A counter display on the gaming machine increments each time a winning outcome is accrued during base game play. The winning symbol combination and therefore the award associated with the winning outcome, however, are not revealed until the winning outcome is redeemed by the player. The counter display decrements each time the winning outcome is redeemed by the player.

The gaming machine having a player time-selectable bonus award scheme in accordance with the invention represents a “paradigm shift” in receiving a win during wagering game play. Under the old paradigm provided by prior art game play, a win (e.g., a winning reel symbol combination, a winning poker hand) is revealed immediately upon completion of a base game (e.g., a reel spin). Under the new paradigm provided by the gaming machine having a player time-selectable bonus award scheme, a winning outcome representing a yet-to-be revealed win can be held for later use, thereby allowing the player to control the rhythm and emotion of game play. Having an effect much like the thrill and anticipation associated with unwrapping a gift, the gaming machine having a player time-selectable bonus award scheme allows the player to reveal the winning symbol combinations associated with accrued winning outcomes at a time the player feels that he/she needs them the most.

For example, under the old paradigm, a player who is having an extended period of consecutive loses (dry spell) on a particular gaming machine may get discouraged and choose to play the game until a certain amount of credits are left and then cash-out; a negative game play experience. Under the new paradigm provided by the gaming machine having a player time-selectable bonus award scheme, a player with accrued winning outcomes having a dry spell may choose to use all available credits on the credit meter with the knowledge that he/she can redeem accrued winning outcomes after all available credits are used, thereby extending game play. Moreover, upon redemption of the winning outcomes, the player may feel as though he/she is playing with “house money” rather than his/her own money. Thus, the guaranteed wins resulting from redemption of the winning outcomes are used by the player to ensure a positive gaming experience.

As described below, the present invention is suitable for implementation in a mechanical spinning reel slot machine. It is contemplated that the present invention is also suitable for implementation in a video slot machine or in other types of video gaming machines. Winning outcomes may therefore be accrued during play of a slot game, a bingo game, a keno game, a blackjack game, or any other wagering game played on a gaming machine.

An advantageous feature of the gaming machine having a player time-selectable bonus award scheme is that redemption of a winning outcome by a player always yields a winning symbol combination and therefore an award or value payout to the player. Thus, in the context of a bonus game scheme, accrual of a winning outcome may be referred to as a “can't lose” bonus award. Redemption of a winning outcome preferably results in a winning symbol combination that is identical to a winning symbol combination displayed on a base game pay table of the gaming machine. In another embodiment of the invention, redemption of a winning outcome results in a winning symbol combination displayed on another, non-base game pay table. In both cases, the winning symbol combination is not revealed until the player chooses to redeem the winning outcome.

The math (e.g., probabilities, expected values, pays, etc) used for both base game play and redemption of the winning outcomes combine to yield a positive overall hold percentage thereby yielding a profit for the gaming proprietor. An occurrence of a particular winning symbol combination displayed in response to redemption of a winning outcome is preferably substantially identical to the occurrence of the particular winning symbol combination during play of the base game where all non-winning symbol combinations are excluded. In addition, the odds of getting a particular winning symbol combination can be decreased or increased in the player's favor during redemption of a winning outcome, and vice versa. In other words, as long as redemption of a winning outcome yields a winning symbol combination (and therefore a win), the odds of getting a particular winning symbol combination upon redemption of the winning outcome can be the same or be varied from odds of getting the particular winning symbol combination during base game play.

FIG. 1is a perspective view of one possible embodiment of a gaming machine10offering a player time-selectable bonus award. The gaming machine10may be any type of wagering gaming machine offering a player time-selectable bonus award and may therefore have varying structures and methods of operation. For example, the gaming machine10may be a mechanical spinning reel gaming machine (with or without and arm mechanism) configured to play a slot game, or it may be a video gaming machine configured to play a video wagering game, any number of class II or class III games defined by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IRGA), and so on. For exemplary purposes, various elements of the gaming machine10are described below, but it should be understood that numerous other elements may exist and may be utilized in any number of combinations to create a variety of gaming machine types.

Referring toFIG. 1, the gaming machine10includes a cabinet12having a door14to provide access to the interior of the gaming machine10. Attached to the door14are audio speaker(s)17and a belly glass area18that typically displays game theme artwork. The audio speaker(s)17may be used to generate a variety of sounds such as the sound of spinning slot machine reels, a dealer's voice, music, announcements or any other audio related to the wagering game.

Also attached to the door14are a number of value input devices that allow a player to insert value for game play. The value input devices may include a coin slot acceptor20or a note acceptor22to input value to the gaming machine10. The note acceptor22may accept value in any number of forms, including currency or a currency-sized paper ticket voucher inscribed with information such as a bar code representing value, the name of the casino, the date, etc. As used herein, the term “value” may encompass gaming tokens, coins, paper currency, ticket vouchers, credit or debit cards, smart cards, and any other object representative of value.

The gaming machine10may also include a player tracking area23having a card reader24, a keypad25and a display26. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the player tracking area23may be located in any number of areas of the gaming machine10. The display26may be implemented using a vacuum fluorescent display (VFD), a liquid crystal display (LCD), an LED display, and/or a touch screen to display information to a game player or casino employee. The card reader24may include any type of card reading device, such as a magnetic card reader, smart card reader or an optical card reader. The card reader24may be used to read data from a card (e.g., a credit card, a player tracking card, a smart card, etc.) offered by a player. If provided for player tracking purposes, the card reader24may be used to read data from, and/or write data to, cards capable of storing data. Such data may include the identity of a player, the identity of a casino, the player's gaming habits, etc. Once gathered, the data can be “mined” (i.e., the data is sorted to identify patterns and establish relationships) for any number of purposes including administering player awards, distinguishing player preferences and habits, accounting, etc.

The gaming machine10also includes a main display device31for displaying video game images (e.g., simulated reel symbols, simulated cards, simulated numbers, etc.), or in the case of a mechanical spinning reel slot machine, for displaying a symbol array of artwork and blank symbols affixed to mechanical spinning reels viewable to the player. The symbol array may include occurrences of non-winning symbol combinations where no value payout is awarded to the player, or occurrences of winning symbol combinations (reflected in a pay table) where value payouts are awarded to the player. In addition, the main display device31may display animation, 2-D or 3-D images and digital video playback.

For video gaming machines, the main display device31may be implemented as a CRT, an LCD, a plasma display, or other type of video display suitable for use in a gaming machine, and may be configured with or without a touch screen. For example, in a video gaming machine offering a card game such as poker, the main display device31may include an LCD-TFT display displaying one or more cards.

For mechanical spinning reel slot machines, the main display device31may include a reel display area adapted to display game information to a player while, at the same time, allowing a player to view the reel symbol array provided by the stopped mechanical spinning reels. The game information displayed to the player may include game denominations, available credits, pay lines, wagering information, and other suitable game information. When the mechanical spinning reels are rotated and stopped, the resulting symbol array in conjunction with game information displayed in the reel display area provide a game outcome and game status to the player.

For example,FIG. 2is an exemplary reel display area50for a slot game, X-tra Hot 7's™, that may be included in the main display device31. The exemplary reel display area50includes one pay line51superimposed across three mechanical spinning reels, a denomination indicator52for indicating a value-per-credit (e.g., twenty-five cents per credit), a credit meter53for displaying a number of credits available for game play, a win meter54for displaying credits resulting from a winning symbol combination, a bet indicator55for displaying the number of credits wagered for a particular play, and an additional information display56. The credit meter53, the win meter54, the bet indicator55, and the additional information display56may be enabled via an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs), a cathode ray tube (CRT), an LCD, a plasma display, or any other type of suitable display.

Referring again toFIG. 1, the gaming machine10may also include a box top34having additional speaker(s)36and a top box display device38. Although not separately illustrated, the top box may include a camera and/or a microphone, and/or physical objects such as mechanical reels, wheels, or dice. The top box display device38, if configured as a dynamic display mechanism, may enable a number of game enhancements such as bonus games, interactive tournament games, progressive jackpot games, etc.

In the case of a mechanical spinning reel slot machine, the top box display device38may be a static display configured to display award information such as pay tables for base or bonus games via glass art. For example,FIG. 3is exemplary pay table60for the X-tra Hot 7's™ slot game. In the illustrated example, the pay table60, including winning symbol combinations and their associated awards, is displayed via glass art. The winning symbol combinations have payout values ranging from a 2 credit payout to a 2400 credit payout. In addition, the pay table illustrates that the more credits-per-bet played, the higher the number of winning symbol combinations available to the player. For instance, if a player bets 1 credit, five winning symbol combinations are possible (resulting in 2, 5, 10, 20, or a maximum of 80 credits). If the player bets 3 credits, thirteen winning symbol combinations are possible including a 2400 credit win when an occurrence of three X-tra Hot 7 artwork symbols are displayed along the pay line.

The gaming machine10may also include a player control panel44. The player control panel44may be provided with a number of pushbuttons or touch-sensitive areas (i.e., touch screen) that may be pressed by a player to select games, make wagers, make gaming decisions, etc. As used herein, the term “button” is intended to encompass any device that allows a player to make an input, such as a mechanical input device that must be depressed to make an input selection or a display area that a player may simply touch. The number of pushbuttons may include one or more “Bet” buttons for wagering, a “Max Bet” button for making the maximum wager allowable for the game, a “Play” button for beginning pay, a “Repeat” button for repeating the previous wagering selection, a “Collect” button for terminating play and cashing out of the game, a “Help” button for viewing a help screen, a “See Pays” button for causing the main display device31to generate one or more display screens showing the odds or payout information for the game or games provided by the gaming machine10, and a “Call Attendant” button for calling an attendant. Further, although the control panel44is shown to be separate from the main display device31, it should be understood that the control panel44could be generated by the main display device31as a touch-sensitive screen.

If the gaming machine10is configured as a spinning reel slot machine, the player control panel44may be provided with a number of wager selection buttons that allow a player to specify a wager amount for each pay line selected (via selecting multiple amounts of the smallest wager accepted). In addition, the gaming machine10may also include a number of pay line selection buttons that allow the player to select one of a number of possible of pay lines prior to spinning the reels. For example, five selection buttons may be provided to allow a player to select one, three, five, seven or nine pay lines prior to each reel spin.

Bonus Game Button

The gaming machine also includes one or more bonus game button(s)19adapted to enable a player who has accumulated winning outcomes to redeem the winning outcome at a time of his selection. In the illustrated example the bonus game button19is on the control panel44however, the bonus game button19may also be located elsewhere on the gaming machine10, for example, on a touch screen provided by the main display device31. In addition, the bonus game button19may be configured as having one of any number of shapes. For example,FIG. 4is a perspective view of an embodiment of a bonus game button19having an oval shape. In the illustrated example, the bonus game button19includes a counter display72configured as two, seven-segment LEDs that displays the number of winning outcomes (up to 99) the player has accumulated during base game play. The counter display72increments a number when a player accrues the winning outcome and decrements the number when the player redeems the winning outcome. Although shown as a two, seven-segment LED, the counter display72may be implemented using other suitable methods. In addition, although shown embedded within the bonus game button19, it is contemplated that the counter display72may be located elsewhere on the gaming machine10. The bonus game button19also includes a feature name74(e.g., “Can't Lose”) to direct the players attention to the counter display72and to enable redemption of a winning outcome(s). The bonus game button19may additionally include luminescent or other special lighting effects to increase visibility to the player.

FIG. 5is perspective view of an embodiment of a multiplier bonus button21having an oval shape. Like the bonus button described above, the multiplier bonus button includes a feature name75and a counter display73. During operation, the counter display73increments by a predetermined multiplier number that can vary depending on the game implementation. Each time a winning outcome is accrued, an associated multiplier number is added to previous multiplier numbers on the counter display73to form a total multiplier number. When the multiplier bonus button21is selected by the player (indicating player desire to redeem an accrued winning outcome), an award associated with one revealed winning symbol combination is multiplied by the total multiplier number reflected on the counter display73to yield a multiplied, or mega-award. The mega-award is credited to the player and the counter display73resets to zero. Although not separately illustrated, a variable bonus game button enabling one or more of the accrued winning outcomes to be redeemed at one time my also be included on the gaming machine10. Moreover, the bonus button, the multiplier bonus button and the variable bonus button, may be implemented as mechanical buttons or as touch screen buttons and may be included individually or in combination on any type of gaming machines.

Referring again toFIG. 1, when a player inserts value in the gaming machine10, a number of credits corresponding to the amount deposited are shown on a credit meter for example, on the credit meter53(FIG. 2). After depositing the appropriate amount of value and making a pay line(s) selection, the player can begin game play by pulling the mechanical arm or by pushing an appropriate button such as the Bet button, the Max Bet button, or the Play button on the player control panel44. Additional details describing game play on the gaming machine10having a player time-selectable bonus award scheme are included below as described inFIG. 7.

FIG. 6is a block diagram of a number of components that may be incorporated in each of the gaming machine(s)10ofFIG. 1. Referring toFIG. 6, the gaming machine10, includes a controller200that may comprise a program memory202(including a read only memory (ROM)), a microcontroller-based platform or microprocessor (MP)204, a random-access memory (RAM)206and an input/output (I/O) circuit208, all of which may be interconnected via a communications link, or an address/data bus210. The microprocessor204is capable of displaying images, symbols and other indicia such as characters, people, places, things, and faces of cards. The RAM206is capable of storing event data or other data used or generated during a particular game. The program memory202is capable of storing program code which controls the gaming machine10so that it plays a particular game in accordance with applicable math models, game rules, and pay tables. For example, when a winning outcome is redeemed by a player playing a slot game, the microprocessor204, executing code in the program memory202, causes a winning symbol combination to be displayed to the player and causes associated credits to be awarded to the player.

It should be appreciated that although only one microprocessor204is shown, the controller200may include multiple microprocessors204. For example, the controller200may include one microprocessor for executing low level gaming functions and another processor for executing higher level game functions such as some communications, security, maintenance, etc. Similarly, the memory of the controller200may include multiple RAMs206and multiple program memories202, depending on the requirements of the gaming machine10. Although the I/O circuit208is shown as a single block, it should be appreciated that the I/O circuit208may include a number of different types of I/O circuits. The RAM(s)206and program memory(s)202may be implemented as semiconductor memories, magnetically readable memories, and/or optically readable memories, etc. Further, the term “controller” is used herein to refer collectively to the program memory202, the microprocessor204, the RAM206and the I/O circuit208.

FIG. 6illustrates that multiple peripheral devices, depicted as peripheral devices211,212, and214, may be operatively coupled to the I/O circuit208. The peripheral devices may include a control panel with buttons, a coin slot acceptor, a note acceptor, a bill validator, a card reader, a keypad, a sound circuit driving speakers, a card reader display, a video display, a touch screen, etc. In the case of a spinning reel slot machine, the peripheral devices may include a number of electromechanical spinning reels and a mechanical arm similarly coupled to the I/O circuit208. Although three peripheral devices are depicted, more or less peripheral devices may be included.

It should be appreciated that although the controller200is a preferable implementation of the present invention, the present invention also includes implementation via one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), adaptable computing integrated circuits, one or more hardwired devices, or one or more mechanical devices. Furthermore, although the controller200preferably resides in each of the gaming machine10the present invention includes providing some or all of its functions at another location such as a server coupled to the gaming machine10.

One manner in which the gaming machine10may operate is described below in connection with one or more flowchart(s) which represents a number of portions or routines of one or more computer programs, which may be stored in one or more of the memories of the controller200. The computer program(s) or portions thereof may also be stored remotely, outside of the gaming machine10and may therefore control the operation from a remote location.

As previously mentioned, typical bonus game award schemes do not allow a player to accrue bonus games for later play. Thus, the player has little control over prior bonus game play and therefore cannot control the rhythm and emotion of game play. In addition, some bonus game award schemes require a player to quickly learn new game skills to play the bonus game. The gaming machine10having a player time-selectable bonus award scheme however, is configured to allow a player to choose when to redeem the winning outcomes yielding winning symbol combinations and associated value payouts. In addition, redemption of the winning outcomes preferably requires only that the player select the appropriate bonus button and then use existing game skills (required for base game play) to cause the associated winning symbol combination to be displayed.

Accrual of winning outcomes by a player during base game play may be triggered by a number of events including, but not limited to, pre-selected symbols, pre-selected symbol combinations that may or may not be reflected in the base game pay table display, a player's identity, promotional events, the number of base games played, a dollar amount or credit amount played or won by the player, player tracking card data, the time of day, the day of week, etc. Alternatively, winning outcomes may also accrue due to operation of a pseudo random generator device.

Redemption of the winning outcomes may occur in a variety of ways depending on the gaming machine configuration and the player's preferences. In one embodiment, the gaming machine having a player time-selectable bonus award scheme is configured with a bonus button (e.g., Can't Lose button) having a counter display or meter that increments a number each time a winning outcome is accrued and decrements the number each time a player chooses to redeem one of the accrued winning outcomes. When one winning outcome is redeemed, an award, or value payout associated with a revealed winning symbol combination is credited to the player.

FIG. 7is a flowchart of a winning outcome accrual and redemption routine300that may be performed by the controller200of the gaming machine. Alternatively, the winning outcome accrual and redemption routine300may be performed by another controller coupled to the gaming machine10. The winning outcome accrual and redemption routine300provides one example of a player time-selectable bonus award scheme provided by the gaming machine10. Although discussed below in the context of a slot game for illustrative purposes, it is contemplated the winning outcome accrual and redemption routine300may be executed in conjunction with any number of other wagering games provided by gaming machines.

Referring toFIG. 7, the winning outcome accrual and redemption routine300begins operation when the controller200detects a wager for base game play (step302). Detection of a wager includes detecting a value input, detecting a bet, and detecting game play initiation by a player. The controller200detects the value input when a player deposits one or more of coins, paper currency, a card, or a voucher into a value input device of the gaming machine10. When the controller200detects the value input, a number of credits corresponding to the amount deposited are displayed on a credit meter of the main display device31, for example, on the credit meter53. After value input detection, the controller200enables a pay line selection. If there is only one pay line as illustrated inFIG. 2, the controller200enables initiation of base game play. If there is more than one pay line, the controller200also enables a bet-per-pay line selection. The bet-per-pay line selection causes an amount per pay line to be bet or wagered with the total wager divided equally between each selected pay line if multiple pay lines are selected. The bet-per-pay line is also displayed to the player via a bet meter (e.g., the bet meter55) on the gaming machine10. In addition, the controller200enables the player to select a maximum bet (via a “Max Bet Spin” button). Thus, the player may chose the maximum bet option causing maximum pay line selection and maximum credits rather than the pay line selection and the bet per pay line selection.

Upon detecting the pay line(s) and bet-per-pay line selections (if applicable) and verifying the value input, the controller200enables play of the base game; in the illustrated example, enables reel spin (step304). The player may spin the reels of a slot game by depressing a button such as a “Spin Reels” pushbutton provided on the player control panel44or depressing a video display button provided by a touch screen on the gaming machine10. Alternatively, if the slot game is a mechanical spinning reel slot game utilizing a number of mechanical spinning reels, the player may pull a handle provided on the gaming machine10to initiate the reel spin. In either case, the controller200, having determined a game outcome based on operation of a pseudo random generator device, stops the reels such that they display a symbol array representing the game outcome.

Upon completion of the base game, if reel symbols on the stopped reels match one of the winning symbol combinations displayed on a pay table, the controller200credits (step306) the player with a value payout associated with the displayed winning symbol combination. The additional value payout is reflected as credits on a credit meter (e.g., the credit meter53). If reel symbols on the stopped reels do not match one of the winning symbol combinations, indicating a loss, no value payout is credited to the player.

During base game play, a player may accrue a number of winning outcomes as discussed above. Accrual of a winning outcome may result from an occurrence of a particular reel symbol or combination of reel symbols. A winning outcome may also accrue as a result of operation of a pseudo random generator device or may accrue based on a predetermined criterion such as a player's identity, promotional events, a pre-selected number of base games played, a pre-selected dollar amount or credit amount, player tracking card data, a particular time of day, day of the week, etc.

As previously mentioned, a counter display on the gaming machine10is configured to display the number of winning outcomes the player has accrued. The details of the winning outcome, however, are not revealed until the winning outcome is redeemed by the player. For example,FIG. 8is an exemplary reel display area402that may be displayed on the main display device31during performance of the winning outcome accrual and redemption routine300. In the illustrated example, the exemplary reel display area402includes one pay line403, a denomination indicator404for indicating a value-per-credit, a credit meter405for displaying a number of credits available for game play, a win meter406for displaying credits resulting from a winning symbol combination, a bet indicator407for displaying the number of credits wagered for a current game. Also included in the exemplary reel display area402are a “Spin Reels” button408, a “Max Bet” button409, a “Cash Out” button410, and the bonus game button419. As described in connection withFIGS. 4 and 5, the bonus game button419includes a counter display421and a feature name, (i.e., “Can't Lose”) and is adapted to enable a player who has accumulated winning outcomes, to redeem the winning outcomes at a time of his choosing. Alternatively, the counter display421may be separately located from the bonus game button419.

Referring again toFIG. 7(in conjunction with the exemplary reel display area402), the controller200determines whether the player has won, or accrued a winning outcome (step308). If the player has not accrued a winning outcome, the controller200enables additional base game play if another wager is detected (step302). If another wager is not detected and the player has not accrued a winning outcome, the controller200may detect selection (step326) of a cash-out option via selection of a cash-out button by the player, for example, via selection of the “Collect” button provided on the gaming machine10. Upon detecting selection of the cash-out button by the player, the gaming machine dispenses value (step328) to the player and clears the credit meter accordingly. The value may be dispensed as coins, paper currency, a credit on a card, or a voucher indicating credit, depending on operation of the gaming machine10and the player's preferences.

Referring toFIG. 8, if the player has won a winning outcome, the controller200increments a number (step310) on the counter display421The player then has the option of returning to base game play or redeeming the winning outcome (or a previously accrued winning outcome) via selection of the bonus game button419. If the controller200detects selection of the bonus game button419(step312) and the controller200verifies that a winning outcome has been previously accrued (step313), and the controller200causes the reels to spin and then stop to display a winning symbol combination (step314a) to the player. The counter display421is also decremented (step314b) indicating that the player has redeemed one winning outcome.

As previously mentioned, a principle feature of the gaming machine10having the player time-selectable bonus award scheme is that redemption of a winning outcome by a player always yields a win for the player. Thus, the controller200credits (step316) the player's value input based on an award or value payout associated with the displayed winning symbol combination. Further, in addition to crediting the player's value input, redemption of a winning outcome may also result in accrual of yet another winning outcome. In that case, the counter display421is not decremented and instead reflects the number of winning outcomes prior to redemption of the winning outcome.

If the controller200does not detect selection of the bonus game button419by the player, the controller200enables additional base game play. If additional game play is not desired, the controller200detects selection (step326) of the cash-out option and dispenses remaining value to the player (step328) accordingly.

For example, referring again toFIG. 8, upon completion of a reel spin, the credit meter405displays696available credits for additional game play, the win meter406displays no credits indicating that the player did not get a winning symbol combination, and the counter display421on the bonus game button displays seven accrued winning outcomes.

As mentioned above, the player may choose to redeem accumulated winning outcomes at any time during base game play. If the player chooses to redeem a winning outcome, the player selects the bonus game button419. Upon selection of the bonus game button419(step312), the controller200causes the reels to spin (FIG. 9) and then stop (FIG. 10) to display a winning symbol combination (e.g., 2 triple bars and 1 single bar) to the player (step314a). In addition, the controller200cause the counter display421to decrement by one (step314b), yielding six remaining winning outcomes.

As a result of the winning symbol combination, the number of available credits is increases by five from 696 to 701 credits. Continuing with the example, if the player redeems another winning outcome, the controller200causes the reels to spin (FIG. 11) and then stop (FIG. 12) to display another winning symbol combination (e.g., 1 single bar with fire, 7 with fire and a double bar with fire) to the player (step314a). In addition, the controller200causes the counter display421to decrement by one (step314b), yielding five remaining winning outcomes.

As a result of the winning symbol combination, the number of available credits is increased by 40 from 701 to 741 credits. If the player redeems yet another winning outcome, the controller200causes the reels to spin and then stop (FIG. 13) to display yet another winning symbol combination plus a winning outcome (e.g., 1 chili pepper with a guaranteed win, and an additional winning outcome shown as Can't Lose) to the player (step314a). The controller200does not cause the counter display421to decrement by one because the spin resulted in the addition of another winning outcome. Thus after the spin, five winning outcomes still remain.

As a result of the winning symbol combination (e.g., the chili pepper with a guaranteed win), the number of available credits is increases by four from 741 to 745 credits. If the player chooses to return to base game play, the controller200detects a wager (step302) and play continues as described above. Alternatively, if the player chooses to cash-out, the controller200detects activation of the collect button (step326) and dispenses value (step328) in an amount equivalent to seven hundred and forty-five credits.

In another embodiment of the invention, the gaming machine having a player time-selectable bonus award scheme is configured with multiplier bonus button (e.g., Mega-multiplier button) having a counter display or meter that increments a multiplier number each time a winning outcome is accrued and decrements to zero each time the player selects the multiplier bonus button to redeem all accrued winning outcome(s) at one time. The counter display increments by a predetermined multiplier number that can vary depending on the game implementation. Each time a winning outcome is accrued, an associated multiplier number is added to previous multiplier numbers on the counter display to form a total multiplier number. When redeemed, an award associated with one revealed winning symbol combination is multiplied by the total multiplier number reflected on the counter display, and the resulting multiplied award, or “mega-award”, is credited to the player. Thus, all winning outcomes previously accrued are redeemed at one time, resulting in one winning symbol combination yielding a mega-award, and the counter display resets to zero.

For example, a mechanical spinning reel slot machine having a player time-selectable bonus award scheme may be configured with three reels with each reel displaying one Mega-multiplier Can't Lose symbol among other reel symbols. Each of the Mega-multiplier Can't Lose symbols has a different predetermined multiplier number although it is contemplated that the Mega-multiplier Can't Lose symbols on each of the reels can have the same multiplier number. The first Mega-multiplier Can't Lose symbol has a multiplier number of 3×, the second has a multiplier number of 4×, and the third has a multiplier number of 10×. During game play, one spin results in accrual of a 3× winning outcome and another spin results in accrual of a 10× winning outcome. A counter display of the mechanical spinning reel slot machine therefore reflects a 13× winning outcome. At a time of the player's choosing, the player selects a Mega-multiplier Can't Lose button on the mechanical spinning reel slot machine and the mechanical spinning reels spin until a winning symbol combination is displayed. A mega-award equivalent to 13 times the award associated with the winning symbol combination is credited to the player and the counter display is decremented to zero.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the gaming machine having a player time-selectable bonus award scheme is configured with (1) a counter display that increments a number each time a winning outcome is accrued and decrements the number each time a player chooses to redeem the accrued winning outcome, (2) a bonus button (e.g., a Can't Lose button) that enables the player to redeem one winning outcome at a time, and (3) a multiplier bonus button (e.g., a Mega-multiplier button) that enables the player to redeem all winning outcomes at one time via displaying one winning symbol combination with an award that is multiplied by a number equivalent to all of the accrued winning outcomes. If the player selects the first button to redeem one winning outcome, the counter display is decremented by one number. If the player selects the second button to redeem all winning outcomes at one time, the counter display is reset to zero (unless redemption results in another winning outcome). In addition, an award associated with one revealed winning symbol combination is multiplied by the total multiplier number reflected on the counter display, and the resulting multiplied award, or “mega-award”, is credited to the player

In a further embodiment of the invention, the gaming machine having a player time-selectable bonus award scheme is configured with (1) a counter display that increments by a number each time a winning outcome is accrued and decrements by a number equivalent to a number of winning outcomes the player chooses to redeem at one time, (2) a variable bonus button (e.g., Variable Can't Lose button) that enables the player to redeem one or more winning outcomes at one time via displaying one winning symbol combination with an associated award that is multiplied by a number equivalent to the number of winning outcomes that the player redeems at the one time. Thus, when the player selects the variable bonus button to redeem two winning outcomes at one time, the counter display decrements by two, and the award associated with the resulting winning symbol combination is multiplied by two.

For example, a video slot machine having a player time-selectable bonus award scheme may be configured a counter display and a Variable Can't Lose™ button. During game play, one spin may result in accrual of one winning outcome; the counter display increments one. Another spin may result in a 3× winning outcome; the counter display incrementing three to yield a total of four accrued winning outcomes. Yet another spin may result in accrual of a 10× winning outcome. The counter display of the mechanical spinning reel slot machine therefore reflects a total of a 14 winning outcomes. At a time of the players choosing, the player selects the Variable Can't Lose button to redeem one winning outcome. An award associated with the resulting winning symbol combination is credited to the player and the counter display reflects a total of 13 winning outcomes. Next, the player elects to redeem four winning outcomes at one time via selecting the Variable Can't Lose button. An award equivalent to four times the award associated with the resulting winning symbol combination is credited to the player and the counter display decrements to reflect a total of nine winning outcomes.

As may be apparent from the discussion above, the present invention providing a player time-selectable bonus award scheme enhances game play by providing the player with an opportunity to accumulate, and redeem, at a time of the player's choosing, winning outcomes yielding winning symbol combinations having guaranteed awards. Redemption of each of the accrued winning outcomes is accomplished when a player selects an option to display a winning symbol combination associated with the winning outcome. Selection of the option to display the winning symbol combination associated with the winning outcome always yields an award and sometimes yields another winning outcome symbol, redeemable at a time of the player's choosing. A counter display on the gaming machine increments a number as each winning outcome is accrued, and decrements the number as each winning outcome is redeemed.

From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be affected without departing from the scope of the novel concept of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitations with respect to the specific methods and apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.