Abstract:
A gaming system and method for use in one or more casino establishments for offering a secondary game initiated after a loss. The gaming machine and method are offered on electronic gaming machines such as slot machines and video poker machines, but may also be deployed in other forms such as on a general purpose computing device in stand-alone form or connected to a network such as the internet.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority benefit from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/706,978, filed on Jun. 13, 2012, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0002]    Portions of this disclosure contain material in which copyright is claimed by the applicant. The applicant has no objection to the copying of this material in the course of making copies of the application file or any patents that may issue on the application, but all other rights whatsoever in the copyrighted material are reserved. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Electronic gaming machines (“EGMs”) offer a variety of games such as slot games, video poker games, roulette games, keno games and other types of wagering games that are commonly deployed at a casino for use by players. Play on the EGMs typically requires the player to place a wager on the outcome of a primary game. On many such EGMs, secondary games or bonus rounds are also available after the player qualifies by attaining a certain winning combination or event on or related to the primary game. The player would then enter the secondary game or bonus round where they have an opportunity to win extra game credits, game tokens or other awards. The player automatically enters the secondary game or bonus round upon achieving a winning game outcome, or alternatively, when a bonus symbol appears in a predetermined position on the reels of a slot game (or the game display of another type of game) upon completion of the game. The player may be awarded credits for winning the base game and then additional credits for winning the secondary game. 
         [0004]    Historically, the format of game play with winning combinations entitling the player to enter a secondary or bonus round have worked well for players and gaming establishments. They generate player excitement and maintain the interest of the player. However, for a player who hits a streak of losses, it may result in the player leaving the game, and possibly the gaming establishment without further play. 
         [0005]    The present invention is a gaming system and method for offering a “secondary game” or “bonus game” to a player on a wheel. Like other games played on an EGM, the player places an initial wager to play. A random number generator on the EGM generates an outcome and that outcome is displayed on the EGM display to the player. In the event the outcome is a winning combination, the player is awarded a prize in accordance with the EGM pay table, and a chance to play the bonus game for an additional opportunity to win a prize. Eligibility for play of the bonus game opportunity may be provided as a function of standard game play, or it may require an optional buy-in wager placed by the player. The optional buy-in may be presented at the beginning of the base game, or at the end of the base game, but before the bonus game begins. It is also possible to offer the bonus game function either through the stand-alone EGM game program or through either a separate bonusing device or server dedicated to the bonus game that is connected to a single EGM or group of EGMs. Alternatively, a general server-based gaming system networked to the EGM may provide the bonus game, and it may be offered either to a single player or to multiple players where the wagers from the connected EGMs are pooled together to provide available funding for prizes. A networked game provides greater flexibility in designing the game for payout volatility and prize size. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it functions, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show embodiments of the present invention in which: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1A  shows an electronic gaming machine having a bonus game played on a bonus wheel; 
           [0008]      FIGS. 1B-1F  shows electronic gaming machines for playing a game connected to a network controlled by a server; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a Wheel of Fortune® machine manufactured by IGT; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3A  shows electronic gaming machines for playing a game connected to a network controlled by a server and including a networked bonus game display; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3B  shows a group of electronic gaming machines on a network connected to a server based system and an external system; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  shows a flow chart of game play on an electronic gaming machine with a base game and a bonus game; 
           [0013]      FIGS. 5A-B  shows game play screens on an electronic gaming machine with a base game and a bonus game; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  shows a rectangular shaped flat screen display; 
           [0015]      FIGS. 7A-C  show a bezel with openings that is fitted over a rectangular flat screen to enhance bonus game images; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  shows an electronic gaming machine with a rectangular shaped flat screen display with openings and having a bezel fitted over the flat screen to enhance bonus game images. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    The present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Throughout  FIGS. 1-8 , like elements of the invention are referred to by the same reference numerals for consistency purposes. 
         [0018]      FIG. 1A  shows a group of EGMs connected to a central controller. Each EGM  101  is a wagering device that is used in a casino and may be configured to display and play any of a number of different types of games, including but not limited to electromechanical spinning reel type slot games, video reel games, video poker, keno, roulette, craps, blackjack, or any other type of wagering game. 
         [0019]    A group of EGMs  101  forms a bank that may be connected together for different types of system applications. For example, a group of EGMs  101  may be linked together for bonusing in a variety of ways, including progressive bonuses where a portion of an amount wagered is applied to a progressive meter that advances as additional games are played. It is also common for EGMs in a casino establishment to be connected to systems for player tracking so that the casino can keep track of the amount of play by each individual player. In that case, each player is issued a player tracking device such as a card that is inserted into a card slot  103  on EGM  101  during play. The card identifies the player to the system and all wagered amounts are tracked for loyalty rewards and other marketing programs of the casino. Other systems connecting EGMs  101  are used for accounting purposes so that a casino operator can monitor and track play, and assess performance of EGMs across the entire casino floor. 
         [0020]    Each EGM  101  has a number of components. A display  105  is used to show game play and resulting outcomes, and may be in the form of a video display (shown), or alternatively, physical reels. Touch screen displays are included on most EGMs and provide a flexible interface for operation of EGM  101 , including displaying symbols  106  during play. Other components include a bill validator and a coin acceptor that are both housed inside EGM  101  into which bills may be inserted through bill slot  107  and coins may be inserted through coin head  108 , respectively. Buttons  109  on the exterior of EGM  101  are used to control certain EGM operations in conjunction with touch screen display  105 . A handle  111  (see  FIGS. 2A and 3A ) may be used to initiate play of a game and speakers  113  (see  FIGS. 2A and 3A ) are used to provide sounds in conjunction with game play and other EGM operations. EGMs further include a top box  115  for displaying pay tables, artwork, advertising or other types of information either on fixed glass or on other displays such as an integrated video panel. Top box  115  may be fitted with a liquid crystal display (“LCD”) screen to permit aspects of game play from either a base game or a secondary game to be shown in top box  115 . Meters  117  for tracking credits available for play and other amounts are positioned near the bottom or screen  105 . A coin tray  119  at the bottom of EGM  101  is used to catch coins as they are dispensed to a player. It is also common for EGM  101  to include a ticket-in, ticket-out (“TITO”) component that is part of the bill validator housed inside of EGM  101  that may accept bar coded credits through slot  107  and for which the value of the credits is displayed on meters  117  upon a ticket being inserted. 
         [0021]    All operational functions of EGM  101  are controlled by a controller such as a microprocessor (not shown) housed in side EGM  101 . The controller executes instructions that include operation of a random number generator (“RNG”) that is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Game outcomes are determined based on the results corresponding to the numbers selected by the RNG. 
         [0022]    In the system of  FIG. 1A , EGMs  101  are connected to a controller  121  that is used to interface with EGMs  101  to perform a number of different functions, depending on how games on EGMs  101  are configured to operate. For example, controller  121  may instruct EGMs  101  to dispense cash bonuses based on winning events on a networked bonus feature such as a bonus wheel  201  as shown in  FIG. 2A . Controller  121  is a microprocessor based device such as a computer or server that is in two-way communication with each of the EGMs  101  in a multi-device system over a network connection  123 . Controller  121  receives signals from EGM  101  that may indicate any of a number of different types of events occurring on EGM  101 . 
         [0023]      FIGS. 1B-1F  show a number of general purpose computing devices which may be used to play a game. These figures show a smartphone  171  in  FIG. 1B  which may be an Apple iPhone 4S® as pictured, or any other mobile phone type device. A tablet computer  173  is shown in  FIG. 1C  which may be an Apple iPad 3® as pictured, or any other tablet computing device. A desktop computer  175  is shown in  FIG. 1D  which may be a Lenovo® machine as pictured, or any other desktop computer. A laptop computer  177  is shown in  FIG. 1E  which may be a Lenovo® computer or any other laptop computer. And, a home video gaming device  179  is shown in  FIG. 1F  which may be a Microsoft Xbox® system or any other home video system. Other types of network connected devices could also be used to play games including portable video gaming devices such as a Sony PSP®, a Nintendo GameBoy®, or an internet connected television with a browser or app capabilities. Any of these devices is capable of playing a game, including a wagering game, through an app loaded onto the device or through a website accessible using a browser on the device. In the case of the networked game, payment may be made by credit card, Paypal® or another payment service. The RNG is run securely on a server based system and then delivers the outcomes over the internet to be displayed on the general purpose computing device. 
         [0024]    EGM  101  of  FIG. 2  is a Wheel of Fortune® machine manufactured by IGT. Most of the components of this EGM are the same as the EGMs of  FIG. 1A . However, this EGM includes a bonus wheel  130  that is a physical rotating wheel with award segments  135  around the wheel incorporated into the EGM cabinet. Upon getting a Wheel of Fortune bonus symbol on the base game, a player is entitled to spin bonus wheel  130  for a chance at a bonus award, the amount of which depends on the resulting segment stopping at indicator  140 . A set of different progressive bonus prizes  145  are also available to a player for hitting certain symbol combinations on the base game and those progressive bonuses are shown in top box  115 . 
         [0025]      FIG. 3A  shows a group of EGMs  101  and controller  121  connected on network  123  along with a bonus device  201 . Bonus device  201  is in the form of a wheel  203  with different potential winning outcome amounts  205  shown on it. Bonus device  201  also includes an indicator  207  to indicate the winning position when wheel  203  comes to a stop. Prize values  209  or other symbols representing different outcomes are shown in the different positions or segments of wheel  203 . It should be understood that bonus device  201  may alternatively be a screen for displaying a bonus indicator such as a wheel or any other indicator representation. Further, bonus device  201  may alternatively be incorporated in the housing of EGM  101  such as in top box  115 , or it may be a separate device situated nearby to EGM  101  and shared by more than one EGM  101  so that it may be displayed prominently for visitors to a casino establishment to see thereby raising the excitement level for the player playing and the other casino customers. Bonus device  201  may take the form of any bonus indicator, a variety of which are known, including but not limited to reels, “pick a prize” reveal type bonus indicators, timers, arrows, etc. Bonus device  201  may also be in the form of a dedicated device specifically designed for a particular type of bonus, such as a wheel. 
         [0026]    In  FIG. 3A , EGM  101  is shown as a casino gaming device of the type depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2A . It should be understood that any one or more of the general purpose computing devices of FIG.  2 B- 2 F—smartphone  171 , tablet computer  173 , desktop computer  175 , laptop computer  177 , or home video gaming system  179  shown in FIGS.  2 B- 2 F—could be placed on a network connected to server based system  221  and used to deliver a game as described herein. For purposes of this specification, reference to one or more EGMs  101  in an environment using a limited access intranet of the type typically found in a casino would also apply to one or more general purpose computing devices with a secure connection to a server over the internet and not involving a physical casino property at all, and which may or may not require a wager or payment to play. 
         [0027]      FIG. 3B  shows server based system  221  connected to a network with multiple computing devices for playing games. It should be understood that the network shown in  FIG. 3B  operates in a manner similar to the network of  FIG. 3A , except that the computing devices on the network of  FIG. 3B  are connected over the internet  223  with each device  171 - 179  connected over a secure connection  225   a - e  to server based system  221  which connects to internet  223  over network connection  227 . Payments can be made securely over internet  223  using connections  225   a - e , and then delivered to an operator over connection  227 . Similarly, the game is executed on server based system  221  using a secure RNG with the outcomes being delivered to the individual devices  171 - 179  over internet  223 . Alternatively, the game software or a portion of it may be resident and executed on each device  171 - 179 . Wagers by players and payments to players may be made using accounts set up with an operator of a website on which the games are run. 
         [0028]    It will be understood that the type of network over which data is communicated can be one of several different types of networks. These networks include a Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), an intranet or the Internet. Other proprietary networks could also be used without departing from the principles of the invention. This would include such networks as a Windows network or an Ethernet network. 
         [0029]    For the EGMs and connected networks shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the game play of the invention follows a sequence of steps shown in the flow chart of  FIG. 4 . The player begins at start  405  and places a wager  410  to initiate play on EGM  101 . The wager may be a single wager that allows the player to play a base game and be eligible for a bonus game. Or, the wager may have two components, a first base game wager permitting the player to play the base game and a second, optional wager, for the player to be eligible for participation in the bonus game, depending on the outcome of the base game. 
         [0030]    Once the wager or wagers are placed, a base game RNG is selected  415  and the corresponding outcome for the base game is displayed  420 . The base game outcome may be either a winner, a loser and/or it may include a symbol or group of symbols that triggers the bonus game, which determination is made at step  425 . If it is a winner, the player is awarded the appropriate prize at step  430 , usually in the form of credits added to a credit meter that is one of meters  117 . Once the award is made, the player is returned to the step of placing a wager  410 . 
         [0031]    In the event that the outcome of the base game includes a bonus trigger, the player is offered the opportunity to initiate a bonus game. Eligibility for the bonus game may be provided in a number of possible ways. First, it may be part of the overall game play with no additional wager being required. Second, it may be contingent on a separate wager at the “place wager” step  410 . Or third, it may be contingent on a separate wager placed at the time of the determination of the outcome of the base game at step  425 . Once eligibility is established, the player is given the opportunity to play the bonus game  435 . A bonus game RNG is then selected  440 , and the corresponding outcome of the secondary is displayed  445 . The bonus game outcome may be either a winner or a loser and that determination is made at step  450 . If it is a winner, the player is awarded the appropriate prize  430 , and returned to begin a new game at the “place wager” step  410 . If the outcome of the bonus game is a loser, the player is returned directly to the place wager step  410  without being awarded a prize. 
         [0032]      FIG. 5A  shows a screen shot of displays  105  and  115  of EGM  101  during play of a base game. In this embodiment, display  115  is a flat screen LCD that has been fitted with a bezel  500  having a round, wheel-shaped opening so that a video wheel may be displayed for viewing. Bezel  500  may include one or more additional openings  520  around the periphery of the round, wheel shaped opening to provide visual effects on display  115 . 
         [0033]    In  FIG. 5A , display screen  105  shows symbols  406  representing the outcome of a game on EGM  101 . Once play has ended, it is determined whether the player has won or lost. In the representative display shown in  FIG. 5A , the player has won by lining up 3 wheel symbols  506  on pay line  505 . In that case, the base game ends and the player is eligible for a bonus game in the form of a spin of wheel  510 . In an embodiment in accordance with the invention, bonus wheel includes dynamic wheel segments  515  which may change from spin to spin. In the example shown in  FIG. 5A , wheel  510  includes 12 segments with four segments showing “MAJOR,” four segments showing “MINOR,” and four segments showing “MINI,” where each of the three segment symbols (MAJOR, MINOR AND MINI) represent a separate progressive jackpot that corresponds in size to its name with MAJOR being a large jackpot, MINOR being a jackpot that is smaller than the MAJOR jackpot, and MINI being a relatively small jackpot compared to MAJOR and MINOR. 
         [0034]    Once wheel  507  begins to spin, the value of each of the progressive jackpots is shown with the incrementing value for each of the jackpots that the player is playing for. An example of this display is shown in  FIG. 5B  where MAJOR is $135.46, MINOR is $5.00 and MINI is $3.86 and each of these amounts continues to increment as the wheel spins. The jackpots and their respective values are shown as an overlay and are transparent so that the player can see wheel  510  continuing to spin behind the jackpots. As wheel  510  slows and comes to a stop, the jackpot meters fade and disappear revealing wheel  510  again and the winning segment in full view as it comes to a stop at winning indicator  507 . Different visual and sound effects may be used to further enhance the excitement for the player. For example, progressive meters  515  may flash on and off as wheel  510  spins and any flashing of meters  515  may include different color schemes and patterns. 
         [0035]    Additional openings  520  in bezel  500  may cause light patterns and different colors to flash or move around the periphery of wheel  510 . A flashing of progressive meters  515 , different colors and sounds over wheel  510  may also be used as a signal that one or more of meters  515  is approaching its maximum limit and the probability of hitting that progressive jackpot is increasing. 
         [0036]    In addition to wheel  510  and openings  520  displaying different effects during the play of the base game and bonus game to increase the excitement level for players, wheel  510  and openings  520  may also display different effects during attract mode when EGM  101  is not being played, but is set up to display different light patterns and sounds to attract players to it. In one embodiment of the invention, wheel  510  is set to move in a slow spin mode rather than sitting idle waiting for a new player. The slow spin mode is likely to work more effectively to attractant to players than having an idle wheel when EGM  101  is not in play. A slow spin can be seen from a distance by players seeking out an EGM to play. 
         [0037]    Another aspect of the present invention is the manner in which wheel  510  spins. Once the base game ends and the player is notified that he is eligible for the bonus game, he is given the opportunity to push the bonus button. As the bonus game starts, wheel  510  may begin to spin slowly at first, and then accelerate to full speed. As the bonus game comes to an end, bonus wheel  510  decelerates as it comes to a stop with the winning segment coming to rest under indicator  507 . In attract mode where EGM  101  is not in use, it is common for EGM  101  to perform different functions to catch a potential player&#39;s attention as he walks past. It is not uncommon for lights to flash, audio to be played, or images to flash on display  105 . However, a new attract mode feature is to cause wheel  510  to continuously spin slowly until a player sits down to play. In addition, an overlay of the progressive jackpots showing the respective values incrementing can be shown either at predefined intervals or at times when they are closing in on a maximum value where there is an increasing probability that there will be a winner. 
         [0038]    With respect to the progressive jackpots, it is also possible to configure the jackpots so that a winner is selected no later than a predefined upper limit for the prize. For example, in the case of the jackpots shown in  FIG. 5B , the MINI jackpot may have a starting value of $2.00 and a maximum value of $5.00 before it is won. Similarly, the MINOR jackpot may have a starting value of $5.00 and a maximum value of $25.00. And, the MAJOR jackpot may have a starting value of $100.00 and a maximum value of $1,000.00. For all three jackpots, the game designer may increase the probability of winning the jackpot as the jackpot grows with a 100% likelihood of hitting the jackpot when it reaches the maximum value. In that case, the player that times play to the incrementing jackpot as it hits its maximum will win. Displaying the jackpots during an attract mode, with different highlight features to indicate that the jackpot is close to the maximum is a highly effective attractant to potential players. 
         [0039]    Bonus display  115  may be implemented as a touchscreen display. The touchscreen functionality may be used for a number of different operations including selecting certain segments  515  to be dynamically changed or eliminated from play. For example, a player may be awarded opportunities during play of the base game or the bonus game to eliminate one or more segments  515  from the bonus game. If the player is awarded an opportunity, such as for example by lining up one or more symbols on a payline in the base game, or hitting a particular segment in the bonus game on successive plays, in that case, as wheel  510  is spinning, the player would be instructed to touch one of segments  515  during the next play of the bonus game. Doing so would eliminate the touched segment from wheel  510  thereby increasing the probability of hitting the remaining segments. In the case of the three progressive jackpots shown (MAJOR, MINOR, MINI) with four segments labeled for each of the three jackpots, eliminating one of the MINI segments would increase a player&#39;s chance to get a MAJOR or MINOR jackpot for that particular play of the bonus game and reduce the probability of hitting a MINI segment. Alternatively, touching a segment may cause that segment to change to a different award. For example, a player touching a MINI segment, may succeed in changing that MINI segment to a MAJOR segment thereby increasing the probability of hitting a MAJOR segment. In yet another embodiment, touching a segment may cause it to change to a fixed value award such as $500.00 or any other amount. 
         [0040]      FIG. 6  shows a standard flat screen display  600  of the type used to display wheel  510  and other bonus game images. Flat screen  600  may be a standard LCD screen, including LED or other technologies to improve the quality and/or resolution of the images presented. Flat screen  600  has a screen  605  and a frame  610 .  FIGS. 7A-C  show a bezel  500  with a circular opening  605  to display wheel  510  and other openings  620  which may be of any shape or size.  FIG. 7A  is a front drawing view,  FIG. 7B  is a side view and  FIG. 7C  is a front view with an ornamental component. In the case of  FIGS. 7A-C , openings  620  include a rectangular shaped opening and a grouping of nested circular openings around the outside of circular opening  605 . The nested openings may be formed of a separate component that is mounted to the front of bezel  500 . Bezel  500  is typically made of plastic, but may also be made of metal or another rigid material that is light, durable and long-lasting. Bezel  500  is mounted to the front of display  600  using screws or bolts  625  that pass through bezel  500  and attach to frame  610  of display  600 . Other elements of bezel  500  may include ornamental sections such as section  705  with lights  710  that may also be used to accompany different game play elements. 
         [0041]      FIG. 8  shows electronic gaming machine  101  with a rectangular shaped flat screen display with bezel  500  having openings  605 ,  620 , and fitted over the flat screen display to enhance bonus game images. 
         [0042]    While the invention has been described with respect to the figures, it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the bonus game may be a networked shared wheel indicator as shown in  FIG. 3A  which may be substituted for the individual video wheel  510  shown in  FIGS. 5A-B . In addition, instead of using a standard flat display screen, a transparent LCD may be used to show a video image of a set of jackpots over either of: 1) a second standard (non-transparent) LCD behind the transparent LCD; or 2) a physical wheel, a set of physical reels or one or more other physical indicator devices. Any variation and derivation from the above description and drawings are included in the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.