System and method for providing a bonus game on a bingo based game

The gaming system that includes a server, a Class II gaming machine communicatively coupled to the server, and a processor. The processor is programmed to, upon an input of a wager by a player operating the Class II gaming machine, provide a bingo based game on the Class II gaming machine, the bingo based game including gaming content that includes at least one bingo game card, determine that a triggering event has occurred during play of the bingo based game, and based on the triggering event, providing the player with at least one free bingo card in a bingo based bonus game.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments described herein relate generally to gaming machines and, more particularly, to systems and methods for providing a bonus game on a Class II bingo based game.

Federally, traditional bingo is classified as Class II gaming by the National Indian Gaming Commission. This includes the basic characteristics of requiring more than one participant, having a preannounced prize and pattern for a winner to complete on bingo cards sold prior to commencement of the game, a random number call and an element of competition between players.

In response to player demand for novelty in this age of computers and electronic gaming devices, the bingo industry is faced with providing new and improved bingo based games without violating the rules of Class II gaming. Thus, the challenge facing Class II bingo game operators is maintaining the integrity of traditional bingo while, at the same time, satisfying player novelty demand and cultivating player loyalty.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a gaming system is provided. The gaming system includes a server, a Class II gaming machine communicatively coupled to the server, and a processor. The processor is programmed to, upon an input of a wager by a player operating the Class II gaming machine, provide a bingo based game on the Class II gaming machine, the bingo based game including gaming content that includes at least one bingo game card, determine that a triggering event has occurred during play of the bingo based game, and based on the triggering event, providing the player with at least one free bingo card in a bingo based bonus game.

In another aspect, a method for providing a bonus game on a Class II bingo based game is provided. The method includes providing a Class II bingo based game to a player operating a gaming machine, the Class II bingo based game including gaming content that includes at least one bingo game card, determining that a triggering event has occurred during play of the Class II bingo based game, and based on the triggering event, providing the player with at least one free bingo card in a bingo based bonus game.

In yet another aspect, one or more computer storage media embodying computer-executable instructions stored thereon for providing a bonus game on a Class II bingo based game is provided. The instructions include the steps of providing a Class II bingo based game to a player operating a gaming machine, the Class II bingo based game comprising gaming content that includes at least one bingo game card, determining that a triggering event has occurred during play of the Class II bingo based game, and based on the triggering event, providing the player with at least one free bingo card in a bingo based bonus game.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments of systems and methods for use providing a bonus game on a Class II bingo based game are described herein. Currently, providing a bonus game on a Class II bingo based game can be extremely difficult. For example, once a triggering event occurs (e.g., a particular pattern on a bingo card is achieved) in a current Class II bingo base game, and credits are awarded for the triggering event, a bonus game initiated from the triggering event must utilize the credits awarded for the triggering event for providing future winnings during the bonus game. Thus, in attempt to satisfy the rules of Class II gaming, the credits awarded in the base game are split between each bingo card used in the bonus game. However, splitting up the credits in this way proves to be extremely difficult when the number of bingo game cards that will be used in the bonus game is unknown. For example, the number of bingo cards used in a bonus game can be as few as one, or as many as several hundred. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a bonus game on a Class II bingo based game and eliminate the deficiencies of current Class II bonus games by providing a player with at least one free bingo card in a bingo based bonus game. As such, the free bingo based bonus card is independent of the bingo based game, and therefore, not held under the same constraints as a bingo based bonus card that must share a portion of the credits from the base game.

Exemplary technical effects of systems and methods described herein include at least one of: (a) providing a Class II bingo based game to a player operating a gaming machine, the Class II bingo based game comprising gaming content that includes at least one bingo game card; (b) determining that a triggering event has occurred during play of the Class II bingo based game; and (c) based on the triggering event, providing the player with at least one free bingo card in a bingo based bonus game.

FIG. 1is a schematic diagram of an exemplary gaming machine100(e.g., a Class II configured gaming machine) that facilitates providing a bonus game on a Class II bingo based game. Gaming machine100may be any type of gaming machine, and may include, without limitation, different structures than those shown inFIG. 1. Moreover, gaming machine100may employ different methods of operation than those described below.

In the exemplary embodiment, gaming machine100includes a cabinet102configured to house a plurality of components, such as a gaming machine controller, peripheral devices, presentation devices, and player interaction devices. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, gaming machine100includes a plurality of input devices, such as switches and/or buttons104that are coupled to a front106of cabinet102. Buttons104may be used to start play of a primary or secondary game. One button104may be a “Bet One” button that enables the player to place a bet or to increase a bet. Another button104may be a “Bet Max” button that enables the player to bet a maximum permitted wager. Yet another button104may be a “Cash Out” button that enables the player to receive a cash payment or other suitable form of payment, such as a ticket or voucher, which corresponds to a number of remaining credits.

In the exemplary embodiment, gaming machine100also includes a coin acceptor108for accepting coins and/or tokens, and a bill acceptor110for accepting and/or validating cash bills, coupons, and/or ticket vouchers112. Bill acceptor110may also be capable of printing tickets112. Furthermore, in some embodiments, bill acceptor110includes a card reader or validator for use with credit cards, debit cards, identification cards, and/or smart cards. The cards accepted by bill acceptor110may include a magnetic strip and/or a preprogrammed microchip that includes a player's identification, credit totals, and any other relevant information that may be used. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, gaming machine100includes one or more presentation devices114. Presentation devices114are mounted to cabinet102, and may include a primary presentation device for displaying a primary game and a secondary presentation device for displaying a secondary or bonus game. Presentation devices114may include, without limitation, a plasma display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a display based on light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), polymer light emitting diodes (PLEDs), and/or surface-conduction electron emitters (SEDs), a speaker, an alarm, and/or any other device capable of presenting information to a user.

In an exemplary embodiment, presentation device114is used to display one or more game images, symbols, and/or indicia such as a visual representation or exhibition of movement of an object (e.g., a mechanical, virtual, or video reel), dynamic lighting, video images, and the like. In an alternative embodiment, presentation device114displays images and indicia using mechanical means. For example, presentation device114may include an electromechanical device, such as one or more rotatable reels, to display a plurality of game or other suitable images, symbols, or indicia.

In one embodiment, gaming machine100randomly generates game outcomes using probability data. For example, each game outcome is associated with one or more probability values that are used by gaming machine100to determine the game output to be displayed. Such a random calculation may be provided by a random number generator, such as a true random number generator (RNG), a pseudo-random number generator (PNG), or any other suitable randomization process.

FIG. 2is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary electrical architecture200that may be used with gaming machine100. In the exemplary embodiment, gaming machine100includes a gaming machine controller202having a processor204communicatively coupled to a memory area206. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, processor204and memory area206reside within cabinet102(shown inFIG. 1) and may be collectively referred to herein as a “computer” or “controller.” Gaming machine100is configurable and/or programmable to perform one or more operations described herein by programming processor204. For example, processor204may be programmed by encoding an operation as one or more executable instructions and providing the executable instructions in memory area206.

Controller202communicates with one or more other gaming machines100or other suitable devices via a communication interface208. Communication interface208may operate as an input device (e.g., by receiving data from another device) and/or as an output device (e.g., by transmitting data to another device). Processor204may be a microprocessor, a microcontroller-based platform, a suitable integrated circuit, and/or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). However, the above examples are exemplary only, and thus are not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the term “processor.”

Memory area206stores program code and instructions, executable by processor204, for controlling gaming machine100. For example, memory area206stores data such as image data, event data, player input data, random or pseudo-random number generation software, pay table data, trigger event conditions, game play events, a list of predefined periods of time to execute the game play events, game play outcomes, and/or other information or applicable game rules that relate to game play on gaming machine100. Moreover, memory area206may include one or more forms of memory. For example, memory area206can include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, and/or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). In some embodiments, other suitable magnetic, optical, and/or semiconductor-based memory may be included in memory area206by itself or in combination. In one embodiment, the above data and program code and instructions, executable by processor204for providing a bonus game on a Class II bingo based game may be stored and executed from a memory area remote from computing device gaming machine100. For example, the data and the computer-executable instructions may be stored in a cloud service, a database, or other memory area accessible by gaming machine100. Such embodiments reduce the computational and storage burden on gaming machine100. As such, memory area206may be a local and/or a remote computer storage media including memory storage devices.

In the exemplary embodiment, gaming machine100includes a credit display210, which displays a player's current number of credits, cash, account balance or the equivalent. Gaming machine100also includes a bet display212, which displays a player's amount wagered. Credit display210and bet display212may be standalone displays independent of presentation device114, or credit display210and bet display212may be incorporated into presentation device114.

Moreover, in an exemplary embodiment, presentation device114is controlled by controller202. In some embodiments, presentation device114includes a touch screen214and an associated touch screen controller216. In such embodiments, presentation device114may operate as an input device in addition to presenting information. A video controller218is communicatively coupled to controller202and touch screen controller216to enable a player to input game play decisions (e.g., actions) into gaming machine100via touch screen214. Furthermore, gaming machine100includes one or more communication ports220that enable controller202to communicate with external peripheral devices (not shown) such as, but not limited to, external video sources, expansion buses, other displays, a SCSI port, or a key pad.

FIG. 3is a block schematic diagram of an exemplary gaming system300(e.g., a Class II gaming system) that includes a plurality of gaming machines100. Each gaming machine100is coupled via communication interface208(shown inFIG. 2) to one or more servers, such as a gaming server302, using a network304. Gaming server302includes a processor (not shown) that facilitates data communication between each gaming machine100and other components of gaming system300. Such data is stored in, for example, a memory area306, such as a database, that is coupled to gaming server302.

In one embodiment, one or more gaming machines100may be remote gaming machines that access a casino over network304. In this embodiment, it will be understood that a player operating a remote gaming machine has virtual access to any casino coupled to network304and associated with gaming server302. Further, while gaming machines100are described herein as video bingo machines, video poker machines, video slot machines, and/or other similar gaming machines that implement alternative games, gaming machines100may also be a personal computers coupled to the Internet or to a virtual private network such that a player may participate in a game of chance, remotely. In other embodiments, the player may use a cell phone or other web enabled devices coupled to a communication network to establish a connection with a particular casino. Moreover, gaming machines100may be terminal-based machines, wherein the actual games, including random number generation and/or outcome determination, are performed at gaming server302. In such an embodiment, gaming machines100display results of a game via presentation device114(shown inFIGS. 1 and 2).

In one embodiment, gaming server302performs a plurality of functions including, for example, game outcome generation, executing a game play event for a player, executing a bingo based bonus game, player tracking functions, and/or accounting functions, to name a few. However, in alternative embodiments, gaming system300may include a plurality of servers that separately perform these functions and/or any suitable function for use in a network-based gaming system.

In some embodiments, gaming server302provides a Class II game of chance (e.g., bingo) to a player operating one of gaming machines100. A typical game play cycle for a bingo game implemented on gaming machines100will now be described with reference toFIG. 3.

Initially, a player requests to place a wager on a game of chance. Thereafter, gaming server302accesses a directory, brief description, and a schedule of all available games from memory area306and sends the information to the player. In one embodiment, choosing an amount wagered per chance/bingo card during the game of chance is predefined by, for example, gaming server302. However, once the player has selected a game of chance (e.g., a bingo game), and prior to a start of the bingo game, gaming server302may also query the player as to a preference on these strategic decisions. For example, gaming server302may determine an amount a player wants to wager per chance/bingo card. As such, this information may be stored in memory area306and used to limit the necessary player interaction during a play of a game of chance.

When a time before a start of a particular bingo game is less than a preset time, gaming server302notifies each player that the game is closed. When the bingo game begins, gaming server302accepts a ball drawing result after a ball is called. Once an identification of the ball is established, gaming server302correlates the identification of the ball with each player's bingo card(s). If, upon receipt of a triggering event (e.g., a designated pattern is achieved) by one of the players, gaming server302may either end the bingo based game and provided the player that achieved the designated pattern an award, or gaming server302may initiate a bingo based bonus game for that particular player. In one embodiment, gaming server302provides the player an award and/or at least one free bingo card for play in the bingo based bonus game.

In addition, gaming server302may also track data of players using gaming machines100. For example, gaming server302can store physical characteristics of players, such as, but not limited to, a gender of a player and an age of a player. Gaming server302can also track and store other data related to the players using player tracking identification, such as a player card. For example, gaming server302can store information about a player, such as loyalty points, player address, phone number, and/or any information that may be retrieved and transmitted to gaming machines100. In some embodiments, gaming server302stores and tracks information such as, but not limited to, an average amount of a wager played at gaming machines100, any funds a player may have in an account, as well as data relating to reportable events.

With reference now toFIG. 4, a flowchart that illustrates an exemplary method400for use with gaming system300(shown inFIG. 3) is provided. Operations in method400may be performed by one or more gaming machines100, by gaming server302, and/or by any other computing device or combination thereof. In exemplary embodiments, and referring toFIGS. 2,3, and4, a Class II bingo based game is provided to a player on a gaming machine (e.g., one of gaming machines100) at402. For example, upon receipt of a wager by a player operating a gaming machine (e.g., gaming machine100), a Class II bingo based game is provide to the player on gaming machine100. At404, a triggering event is determined to have occurred during play of the bingo based game. In one embodiment, a triggering event may be a designated pattern that is achieved or simply a designated ball that has been called and claimed by the player on a particular bingo card in the bingo based game. In one embodiment, the designated pattern is a game ending pattern for the bingo based game. In another embodiment, the designated pattern is not a game ending pattern for the bingo based game.

At406, based on the triggering event, the player is provided with at least one free bingo card in a bingo based bonus game. In one embodiment, the player may also receive an award/credit in addition to receiving the at least one free bingo card. As mentioned above, in current Class II bingo based games, the award/credits for the bingo based game are split up among each of the bingo cards in the bonus game as they are played. However, embodiments of the present disclosure enable a player to win a free bingo card for a bingo based bonus game based on a triggering event. As such, play of the free bingo card in the bingo based bonus game is independent of the bingo based game and also independent of the credits/awards given during the bingo based bonus game. Therefore, if a triggering event is achieved on a free bingo card in a bingo bonus game, one or more additional free bingo cards may be provided.

In one embodiment, a limit may be on how many free bingo cards a player may be awarded during play of a particular bingo based bonus game. For example, as explained above, based on the triggering event, the player is provided with at least one initial free bingo card in a bingo based bonus game. However, a player may win additional free bingo cards during play of the initial free bingo card. Furthermore, a player may win more free bingo cards during play of each of the additional free bingo cards. As such, a limit may be provided as to how many free bingo cards may be given to the player during a particular bingo based bonus game. In one embodiment, once a triggering event has occurred that initiates an award of an additional free bingo card, it is first determined whether or not the number of free bingo cards has reached a defined threshold for the particular bingo based bonus game. If the number of free bingo cards has not reached the defined threshold, then a player is awarded another free bingo card. However, if the number of free bingo cards has reached the defined threshold, the player is not awarded a free bonus card and play continues on any remaining free bingo cards.

In one embodiment, either in place of, or in addition to setting a limit on a number of free bingo cards that may be provided during a particular bingo based bonus game, a time limit may also be applied to the bingo based bonus game. For example, the time limit may be a period of time a player is able to win additional free bingo cards during the bingo based bonus game. Thus, once the period of time expires, the player is no longer able to win additional free bingo cards during the particular bingo based bonus game. In a further embodiment, a time limit may be placed on the bingo based bonus game itself. Thus, at the end of the time limit, the bingo based bonus game ends.

In another embodiment, play continues on the bingo based bonus game until a game ending pattern is achieved on the free bingo card or on each of the one or more free bingo cards if more than one free bingo card has been provided during the bingo based bonus game. Thus, if additional free bingo cards are awarded to a player during play of an initial free bingo card, the bingo based bonus game does not end until the initial free bingo card and each of the additional free bonus cards have achieved a game ending pattern. In one embodiment, the game ending pattern may be a different pattern for each of the free bingo cards provided during the bingo based bonus game. In another embodiment, the game ending pattern may be shared among two or more of the free bingo cards. However, once the bingo based bonus game has ended, play continues on the bingo based game. In one embodiment, the bingo based bonus games may also end when a game ending pattern is achieved on any free bingo card during play of the bingo based bonus game. In another embodiment, a bingo based bonus game may include a plurality of the embodiments described above. For example, the bingo based bonus game may have two or more of: a time limit on the bingo based bonus game, a time limit during which free bingo cards may be awarded, a limit on a number of free bingo cards that may be awarded, game ending patterns for each of the free bingo cards, and a game ending pattern for the bingo based bonus game itself. Additionally, the termination event of the bonus bingo game can be predefined, or randomly determined. For example, in a randomly determined configuration, the duration of the bonus time window, or the quantity of the bonus bingo cards to be awarded, or the game ending pattern, etc., can be randomly generated before or during a bonusing event.

One of ordinary skill in the art, guided by the teaching herein will appreciate that one or more operations in method400may be performed repeatedly. For example, game play events may be received repeatedly, and at least a portion of the steps described above may be performed based on each game play event.

Further, the systems and methods described herein are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein but, rather, operations of the methods and/or components of the system and/or apparatus may be utilized independently and separately from other operations and/or components described herein. Further, the described operations and/or components may also be defined in, or used in combination with, other systems, methods, and/or apparatus, and are not limited to practice with only the systems, methods, and storage media as described herein.

A computer, controller, or server, such as those described herein, includes at least one processor or processing unit and a system memory. The computer, controller, or server typically has at least some form of computer readable media. By way of example and not limitation, computer readable media include computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically embody computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and include any information delivery media. Those skilled in the art are familiar with the modulated data signal, which has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. Combinations of any of the above are also included within the scope of computer readable media.

Although the present disclosure is described in connection with an exemplary gaming system environment, embodiments of the present disclosure are operational with numerous other general purpose or special purpose gaming system environments or configurations. The gaming system environment is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of any aspect of the disclosure. Moreover, the gaming system environment should not be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illustrated in the exemplary operating environment.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program components or modules, executed by one or more computers or other devices. Aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented with any number and organization of components or modules. For example, aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the specific computer-executable instructions or the specific components or modules illustrated in the figures and described herein. Alternative embodiments of the present disclosure may include different computer-executable instructions or components having more or less functionality than illustrated and described herein.

The order of execution or performance of the operations in the embodiments of the present disclosure illustrated and described herein is not essential, unless otherwise specified. That is, the operations may be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified, and embodiments of the present disclosure may include additional or fewer operations than those disclosed herein. For example, it is contemplated that executing or performing a particular operation before, contemporaneously with, or after another operation is within the scope of aspects of the present disclosure.