Patent Publication Number: US-2012028703-A1

Title: Virtual banks for community group bonus games

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/367,906 filed Jul. 27, 2010. 
    
    
     LIMITED COPYRIGHT WAIVER 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. Copyright 2011, WMS Gaming, Inc. 
     FIELD 
     Embodiments of the inventive subject matter relate generally to wagering game systems, and more particularly to implementing virtual banks for community group bonus games in wagering game systems. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Wagering game machines, such as slot machines, video poker machines and the like, have been a cornerstone of the gaming industry for several years. Generally, the popularity of such machines depends on the likelihood (or perceived likelihood) of winning money at the machine and the intrinsic entertainment value of the machine relative to other available gaming options. Where the available gaming options include a number of competing wagering game machines and the expectation of winning at each machine is roughly the same (or believed to be the same), players are likely to be attracted to the most entertaining and exciting machines. Shrewd operators consequently strive to employ the most entertaining and exciting machines, features, and enhancements available because such machines attract frequent play and hence increase profitability to the operator. Therefore, there is a continuing need for wagering game machine manufacturers to continuously develop new games and gaming enhancements that will attract frequent play. 
     Traditionally, wagering game machines have been confined to physical buildings, like casinos (e.g., major casinos, road-side casinos, etc.). The casinos are located in specific geographic locations that are authorized to present wagering games to casino patrons. However, with the proliferation of interest and use of the Internet, some wagering game manufacturers have recognized that a global public network, such as the Internet, can reach to various locations of the world that have been authorized to present wagering games. Consequently, some wagering game manufacturers have created wagering games that can be processed by personal computing devices and offered via online casino websites (“online casinos”). 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       Embodiments are illustrated in the Figures of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example mechanism for implementing virtual banks of related wagering game sessions associated with a community group bonus game in a wagering game system, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  is an example graphical representation of a virtual bank of related wagering game sessions associated with a community group bonus game, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 3  is a conceptual diagram that illustrates an example of a wagering game system architecture, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 4  is a flow diagram illustrating operations for implementing a virtual bank of related wagering game sessions associated with a community group bonus game in a wagering game system, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 5  is a flow diagram illustrating additional operations for implementing a virtual bank of related wagering game sessions associated with a community group bonus game in a wagering game system, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 6  is a flow diagram illustrating operations for forming a virtual bank of related wagering game sessions associated with a community group bonus game in a wagering game system, according to some embodiments; 
         FIG. 7  is a conceptual diagram that illustrates an example of a wagering game machine architecture, according to some embodiments; and 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a wagering game machine, according to example embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     This description of the embodiments is divided into five sections. The first section provides an introduction to some embodiments, while the second section describes example wagering game machine architectures. The third section describes example operations performed by some embodiments and the fourth section describes example wagering game machines in more detail. The fifth section presents some general comments. 
     Introduction 
     This section provides an introduction to some embodiments. 
     Wagering game systems offer wagering game players (“players”) entertainment value and the opportunity to win monetary value. In some embodiments, a wagering game system can dynamically create and manage various virtual banks of related wagering game sessions for a plurality of players that want to play community group bonus games. The related wagering game sessions of each virtual bank are associated with the same community group bonus game that can be triggered for all the players in the virtual bank while playing one or more types of base wagering games, as will be further described below with reference to  FIGS. 1-6 . Players can access the wagering game system to join a virtual bank of related wagering game sessions via one or more physical casinos and/or online casinos that are part of the wagering game system. 
       FIG. 1  is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example mechanism for implementing virtual banks of related wagering game sessions associated with a community group bonus game in a wagering game system, according to some embodiments. In the example shown in  FIG. 1 , the wagering game system (“system”)  100  includes a wagering game server  150  connected to one or more wagering game machines (“gaming machines”)  160  via a communications network  155  (e.g., a local area network (LAN), wireless LAN (WLAN), etc.). The wagering game server  150  is also connected to other gaming machines  160  via the Internet  157 . The gaming machines  160  can be primarily dedicated for use in conducting wagering games in one or more physical casinos (e.g., casino floor standing models, handheld mobile units, bar-top models, etc.), and can access the communications network  155  to communicate with the wagering game server  150  via a wireless or wired connection. The gaming machines  160  can also include non-dedicated devices (e.g., desktop personal computers (PCs), mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptop computers, etc.), which can allow players to play wagering games remotely via the Internet  157 . 
     In one example, at stage A, the gaming machine  160  provides a player&#39;s login information and game selection information to the wagering game server  150  via the Internet  157  to gain access to wagering games offered by the wagering game system  100 . For example, the player can gain access to an online casino implemented by the wagering game server  150 . The player&#39;s login information may include a username, password, player card information, biometric information, account number, and/or other information used for uniquely verifying the identity of the player and locating the player&#39;s wagering game system account. The game selection information may include a game ID or other type of information uniquely identifying the wagering game selected by the player at the gaming machine  160 . In some examples, the game selection information can indicate that the player wants to join a virtual bank of related wagering game sessions that are associated with a community group bonus game. The player may also request to join a virtual bank after the player&#39;s wagering game session is initiated. 
     In some embodiments, the virtual bank of related wagering game sessions that are associated with the community group bonus game may comprise a plurality of wagering game sessions (associated with the wagering game accounts of a plurality of players) that are associated with the same community group bonus game. The related wagering game sessions of the virtual bank can be associated with the same community group bonus game such that, when the community group bonus game is triggered for the virtual bank, all the related wagering game sessions are provided an award based on the game results of the same instance of the community group bonus game. In one example, each player associated with the virtual bank separately plays a base wagering game (which could be the same or different base wagering game as the other players) until the community group bonus game is triggered for the virtual bank. While each player plays the base wagering game, each player builds up a bonus multiplier based on the player&#39;s activity in the base wagering game. For example, the amount wagered and the speed of play while the player plays the base wagering game can all increase the value of the bonus multiplier. The bonus multiplier indicates the multiple by which the game results of the community group bonus game are multiplied by to determine each player&#39;s award. Therefore, although all the players in the bank are provided an award based on the game results of the same instance of the community group bonus game, some players can win a larger award than other players by building up their bonus multiplier. 
     At stage B, the wagering game server  150  initiates a wagering game session for the player. In one embodiment, the wagering game server  150  identifies the player&#39;s wagering game system account based on the login information received from the gaming machine  160 . The wagering game server  150  determines the player&#39;s account balance and other account related information used to initiate a wagering game session for the player. The wagering game server  150  also determines the base wagering game the player wants to play based on the game selection information received from the gaming machine  160 . The wagering game server  150  can then prepare to present an instance of the base wagering game at the gaming machine  160 . Furthermore, in one example, the wagering game server  150  can determine that the player wants to join a virtual bank of related wagering game sessions associated with the community group bonus game based on the received game selection information or subsequent player input. 
     At stage C, the wagering game server  150  relates the player&#39;s wagering game session to a virtual bank of related wagering game sessions associated with a plurality of additional players and the community group bonus game. In one embodiment, the wagering game sessions of multiple players can be related to one another by associating the wagering game sessions to the same instance of the community group bonus game. In one example, the wagering game server  150  can link the wagering game sessions to the same instance of the community group bonus game, such that all the wagering game sessions display the same instance of the community group bonus game (when the bonus game is triggered), and the game results of the community group bonus game are used to determine the award each player of the virtual bank earns from the bonus game, as will be further described below. Furthermore, the wagering game server  150  can provide an indication to each player that the wagering game sessions are linked to the same instance of the community group bonus game by presenting a graphical representation of the virtual bank on the display of each of the gaming machines  160  associated with the players, as will be further described below. 
     In some embodiments, the wagering game server  150  can relate the player&#39;s wagering game session to an existing virtual bank of related wagering game sessions associated with the community group bonus game. In one example, each virtual bank of related wagering game sessions may have a limit on the number of wagering game sessions that can join the virtual bank. For example, the wagering game server  150  can be configured to limit the number of related wagering game sessions in a virtual bank to 8 wagering game sessions. The wagering game server  150  can determine which of the existing virtual banks of related wagering game sessions have not reach the predefined limit. The wagering game server  150  may add the player&#39;s wagering game session to one of the existing virtual bank that have not reached the predefined limit. If all the existing virtual banks have reached the predefined limit, the wagering game server  150  can create a new virtual bank for the player (and for one or more additional players). It is noted, however, that in other embodiments the players may be provided the option to initiate and customize new virtual banks and/or the players may be added to existing virtual banks by other techniques, as will be further described below with reference to  FIG. 6 . 
     At stage D, the gaming machine  160  presents a graphical representation of the virtual bank of related wagering game sessions on a display of the gaming machine  160  associated with the player. In one embodiment, the wagering game server  150  can cause the gaming machine  160  associated with the player to present the graphical representation of the virtual bank of related wagering game sessions. For example, the wagering game server  150  can provide game content associated with the base wagering game, the player&#39;s wagering game system account information (e.g., account balance), the player&#39;s virtual gaming community information (e.g., virtual gaming community profile), information associated with the other wagering game sessions of the virtual bank, and other game-related information, to cause the gaming machine  160  to present the graphical representation of the virtual bank of related wagering game sessions.  FIG. 2  illustrates an example graphical representation of the virtual bank of related wagering game sessions associated with the community group bonus game, according to some embodiments. In this example, the graphical representation of the virtual bank  200  can include a plurality of graphical elements  205  that represent each of the related wagering game sessions of the virtual bank and visually indicate the number of related wagering game sessions (and players) of the virtual bank. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , each of the graphical elements  205  can be an icon of a casino floor wagering game machine. The icons can be arranged in a row such that they resemble a physical bank of wagering game machines in a casino floor. It is noted, however, that in other implementations the graphical elements  205  can be icons representing the theme of the base wagering game being played in the gaming machine  160 , icons representing the theme of the community group bonus game, graphical elements that are customizable by each of the players (e.g., customizable avatars), a thumbnail graphical representation of the base wagering game each player is playing, or other types of graphical elements. The graphical representation of the virtual bank  200  can also include identification information associated with each player of the virtual bank (e.g., each player&#39;s virtual gaming community username, nickname, etc.), and player status and/or performance information associated with each of the wagering game sessions. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , each player&#39;s username  204  can be displayed below the corresponding graphical element  205 . Also, an indication of each player&#39;s current bonus multiplier  206  can be superimposed over the graphical element  205 . The value of the bonus multiplier associated with each player can be dynamically updated in all of the gaming machines  160  as the players build up their bonus multipliers while playing the base wagering games. In other examples, additional information associated with each player can be displayed along with the graphical elements  205 , such as the amount each player wins after each round of the base wagering game, the amount each player wins after the community group bonus game, a graphical indication of each player&#39;s status and/or awards in the virtual gaming community, etc. Furthermore, the graphical representation of the virtual bank  200  displayed at each gaming machine  160  includes the base wagering game  210  being played by each player (e.g., video of reels spinning), a button panel  215 , a balance indicator  230 , and a side panel  220  for additional gaming-related features. For example, the side panel  220  can include a system wide progressive section  221  (e.g., listing the jackpot amounts for one or more progressives), a virtual gaming community section  222  (e.g., listing each player&#39;s friends from the virtual gaming community that are currently playing in a physical casino or online casino associated with the wagering game system  100 ), a game chat section  223  (e.g., chat for the players in the virtual bank), and a news feed section  224  (e.g., real-time reporting of casino-related news, promotions, big wins, etc.). It is noted, however, that in other examples the graphical representation of the virtual bank  200  may include other features, such as display customization options, various menus listing options and features for the casino, for the virtual bank and/or for the displayed games, etc. It is also noted that, in other examples, the default placement of the different graphical components of the virtual bank within the display window of a gaming machine  160  can vary and may be customizable by the player. The graphical elements  205  that represent all the related wagering game sessions and the corresponding players of the virtual bank can provide players a community gaming experience, whether the players are at one or more physical casinos or online accessing one or more online casino websites. The community aspect of the virtual bank is further emphasized by having all the players of the virtual bank win an award that is based on the game results of the community group bonus game. 
     At stage E, the wagering game server  150  determines when the community group bonus game is triggered for the virtual bank of related wagering game sessions. In one embodiment, the community group bonus game is triggered randomly for the virtual bank while the players play the base wagering game. For example, the wagering game server  150  can determine when the community group bonus game is triggered based on a random number generator. In another embodiment, the community group bonus game is triggered randomly but with a time limit. For example, the wagering game server  150  can start a timer after the community group bonus game is played out. If the community group bonus game is not randomly triggered once again within a predefined time limit (e.g., 10 minutes), the wagering game server  150  detects that the time limit has been reached and automatically triggers the community group bonus game. It is noted, however, that in other embodiments the community group bonus game can be triggered based on other factors; e.g., the community group bonus game can be triggered based on the gaming activity of the players in the virtual bank (e.g., amounts wagered, number of max bets in a row, speed of play, etc.). After the wagering game server  150  determines that the community group bonus game is triggered, the wagering game server  150  initiates the community group bonus game for presentation on the gaming machines  160  associated with the virtual bank. For example, the wagering game server  150  can provide game content, account information, and other game-related information to cause the gaming machines  160  to present the community group bonus game to the players. In some embodiments, when the community group bonus game is triggered for a virtual bank, all the players in the virtual bank are eligible to win bonus awards in the community group bonus game. In other embodiments, when the community group bonus game is triggered, only the players that have wagered an extra amount (in addition to the regular wager for the base wagering game) will be eligible to participate and win bonus awards in the community group bonus game. 
     At stage F, the gaming machine  160  presents the community group bonus game. For example, the gaming machine  160  presents the community group bonus game to the player using the game content, account information, and other game-related information received from the wagering game server  150 . In one embodiment, prior to starting the community group bonus game, the wagering game server  150  selects one of the players associated with the related wagering game sessions of the virtual bank to be an active participant in the community group bonus game (e.g., make selections in a picking bonus game), as will be further described below with reference to  FIG. 5 . The player that is selected to be the active participant in the community group bonus game may be referred to as the “lucky player” of the virtual bank. 
     At stage G, the wagering game server  150  determines the game results of the community group bonus game. For example, in a slot-based bonus game, the wagering game server  150  determines the game results for each spin of the community group bonus game (e.g., using a random number generator). In one embodiment, when the community group bonus game is triggered, the wagering game server  150  determines how many free spins and related features (e.g., wild reels, extra free spins, extra bonus games, etc.) to award to the virtual bank of related wagering game sessions. In one example, the wagering game server  150  can determine how many free spins and other bonus features to award to the virtual bank based on selections made by the “lucky player” of the virtual bank, as will be further described below with reference to  FIG. 5 . 
     At stage H, the wagering game server  150  determines the award (e.g., monetary award) each player wins based on game results of the community group bonus game and the value of each player&#39;s multiplier. For example, in a slot-based bonus game, the wagering game server  150  determines the monetary award each player wins after each spin of the community group bonus game. In one example, if the first spin of the community group bonus game results in a win of $10 for the virtual bank shown in  FIG. 2 , the player named BULLS_FAN91 will be awarded $70 for the first spin because the player earned a 7× multiplier while playing the base wagering game. Similarly, the player named JACKPOT_JO will be awarded only $10 for the first spin because the player only earned a 1× multiplier, and the player KA-CHING — 72 will be awarded $100 for the first spin because the player earned a 10× multiplier. 
     The graphical representation of the virtual bank  200  shown in  FIG. 2  is temporarily changed when the community group bonus game is triggered and presented at each of the gaming machines  160 . For example, when the community group bonus game is triggered, the wagering game server  150  causes each of the gaming machines  160  to superimpose a notification message over the base wagering game  210  notifying the players that the bonus game has been triggered. When the community group bonus game is presented at each gaming machine  160 , the section of the graphical representation of the virtual bank  200  that displays the base wagering game  210  is changed to display the community group bonus game. Also, when the community group bonus game is started, the section that displayed the graphical elements  205  may be changed to display a real-time leaderboard showing how much total money each player in the virtual bank has won after each spin. Also, at each gaming machine  160 , the section that displayed the graphical elements  205  can display an indication of how much each player wins for each spin. After the community group bonus game is completed, the wagering game server  150  can superimpose a summary notification at each gaming machine  160  indication the total monetary award each player won based on the game results and the value of the player&#39;s multiplier. In some examples, when the wagering game server  150  selects a “lucky player” for the virtual bank, the wagering game server  150  can cause the gaming machines  160  to present a visual representation or an animation of the selection of the “lucky player” for the virtual bank, and also a visual representation of the “lucky player” making bonus game selections for the virtual bank, as will be further described below. It is noted that the wagering game server  150  can also cause the gaming machines  160  to present other audio-visual elements within the graphical representation of the virtual bank  200 . For example, for a slot-based game, the graphical elements  205  may be an animation of an avatar (customized by each player) pulling the slot handle (and increasing the value of the multiplier) as the player plays the base wagering game. The avatar may also have the same theme as the base wagering game or the community group bonus game. In another example, the graphical elements  205  can comprise real-time (or slightly delayed) video of the base wagering game of each player (e.g., video of the reels spinning and stopping). It is noted, however, that in other embodiments the graphical representation of the virtual bank  200  may be different; for example, the graphical representation of the virtual bank  200  can show the results after each spin of the community group bonus game and the amount awarded to each player next to the corresponding graphical element  205  (instead of displaying a real-time leaderboard). Also, in some embodiments, the graphical representation of the virtual bank  200  can be configurable by each of the players. 
     It is noted that the players associated with the virtual banks of related wagering game session may be online players that access the wagering game system  100  via the Internet  157  (e.g., an online casino implemented within the wagering game server  150 ), or players at one or more physical casinos that are part of the wagering game system  100 . Also, in some embodiments, a virtual bank of related wagering game sessions can be comprised of online players and/or players at one or more physical casinos. 
     Although  FIG. 1  describes some embodiments, the following sections describe many other features and embodiments. 
     Operating Environment 
     This section describes example operating environments and networks and presents structural aspects of some embodiments. More specifically, this section includes discussion about wagering game system architectures. 
     Wagering Game System Architectures 
       FIG. 3  is a conceptual diagram that illustrates an example of a wagering game system architecture  300 , according to some embodiments. As illustrated, the wagering game system architecture  300  includes a wagering game controller  310  and a plurality of gaming machines  360 . The wagering game controller  310  is configured to control game content (e.g., game elements, game updates, game results, etc.) and communicate game-related information and other information (e.g., virtual gaming community services) to and from the plurality of gaming machines  360 . In one example, the wagering game controller  310  includes a wagering game server  350 , an account server  370 , and a community server  380 . The wagering game controller  310  may be configured to communicate with other systems, devices, and networks. For example, the wagering game controller  310  may be configured to communicate (e.g., via the Internet  392 ) with one or more additional physical casinos (e.g., casino network  398 ), and/or one or more remote wagering game servers that host and manage one or more additional online casinos (e.g., remote wagering game server  395 ). For example, the wagering game controller  310  can communicate with the casino network  398  and the remote wagering game server  395  to implement virtual banks of related wagering game sessions associated with a community group bonus game across multiple networks associated with the wagering game system  300  (e.g., as described herein with reference to  FIGS. 1-6 ). 
     The wagering game server  350  is configured to manage and control content for presentation on the gaming machines  360 . As illustrated, in some embodiments, the wagering game server  350  includes a game management unit  352  configured to manage game content and provide (e.g., stream) game content and other game-related information to the gaming machines  360  associated with primary (or base) wagering games and secondary wagering games (e.g., bonus games). The game management unit  352  is configured to generate (e.g., using a random numbers generator) game results (e.g., win/loss values), including win amounts, for wagering games played on the gaming machines  360 . The game management unit  352  can communicate the game results to the gaming machines  360  via the network  355 . In some embodiments, the game management unit  352  can also generate random numbers and provide them to the gaming machines  360  so that the gaming machines  360  can generate game results. The wagering game server  350  can also include a content store  354  configured to store content used for presenting wagering games (e.g., base games, secondary bonus games, etc.) and other game-related information associated with wagering games presented on the gaming machines  360  of the system  300 . The wagering game server  350  can also include a virtual bank management unit  356  configured to initiate and manage the virtual banks of related wagering game sessions, as described herein with reference to  FIGS. 1-2  and  4 - 6 . 
     The account server  370  is configured to control player-related accounts accessible via the wagering game system  300 . The account server  370  can manage player financial accounts (e.g., performing funds transfers, deposits, withdrawals, etc.) and player information (e.g., avatars, screen name, account identification numbers, social contacts, financial information, etc.). The account server  370  can also provide auditing capabilities, according to regulatory rules, and track the performance of players, machines, and servers. The account server  370  can include an account controller configured to control information for player wagering game system accounts. The account server  370  can also include an account store configured to store information for player wagering game system accounts. 
     The community server  380  is configured to provide a wide range of services to members of virtual gaming communities. For example, the community server  380  may allow players to: 
     Create Social Networks—When creating social networks, members can create electronic associations that inform network members when selected members are: 1) online, 2) performing activities, 3) reaching milestones, 4) etc. 
     Establish a Reputation—Community members can establish reputations based on feedback from other community members, based on accomplishments in the community, based on who is in their social network, etc. 
     Provide Content—Community members can provide content by uploading media, designing wagering games, maintaining blogs, etc. 
     Filter Content—Community members can filter content by rating content, commenting on content, or otherwise distinguishing content. 
     Interact with Other Members—Community members can interact via newsgroups, chat, e-mail, discussion boards, instant messaging, etc. 
     Participate in Community Activities—Community members can participate in community activities, such as multi-player games, bonus games, interactive meetings, discussion groups, real-life meetings, etc. 
     Connect Casino Players to Online Members—Community members who are playing in casinos can interact with members who are online. For example, online members may be able to: see activities of social contacts in the casino, chat with casino players, participate in community games involving casino players, etc. 
     In some embodiments, the community server  380  enables online community members (e.g., operating a personal computer (PC) or a mobile device) to participate in and/or monitor wagering games that are being presented in one or more casinos. The community server  380  can enable community members to connect with and track each other. For example, the community server  380  can enable community members to select other members to be part of a social network. The community server  380  can also enable members of a social network to track what other social network members are doing in a virtual gaming community and a real-world casino. For example, in some implementations, the community server  380  assists in enabling members of a social network to see when network members are playing wagering game tables and machines in a casino, accessing a virtual gaming community web site, achieving milestones (e.g., winning large wagers in a casino), etc. 
     The community server  380  can store and manage content for a virtual gaming community For example, in some embodiments, the community server  380  can host a web site for a virtual gaming community. In one example, the virtual gaming community website may include, or provide access to, one or more online casinos. Additionally, the community server  380  can enable community members and administrators to add, delete, and/or modify content for virtual gaming communities. For example, the community server  380  can enable community members to post media files, member-designed games, commentaries, etc., all for consumption by members of a virtual gaming community. 
     The community server  380  can track behavior and gaming activity of community members. In some embodiments, the community server  380  tracks how individuals and/or groups use the services and content available in a virtual gaming community. The community server  380  can then report the gaming activity of each player to the wagering game server  350 . The community server  380  can analyze member behavior and categorize community members based on their behavior. The community server  380  can configure network components to customize content based on individual and/or group habits. 
     The community server  380  can manage various promotions offered to members of a virtual gaming community. For example, the promotions community server  380  can distribute promotional material when members achieve certain accomplishments (e.g., scores for online games) in a virtual gaming community Members may use some of the promotional material when playing wagering games in a casino. 
     The gaming machines  360  are configured to present wagering games and receive and transmit information (e.g., to/from the wagering game server  350 ) to control the content that is presented for the wagering games (e.g., base wagering games and secondary wagering games). The gaming machines  360  can include input devices  362 , a wagering game unit  364 , a content store  366 , and a presentation unit  368 . The input devices  362  may include buttons, joysticks, touch screens, cameras, etc., used to detect player input associated with wagering games. The wagering game unit  364  is configured to manage and control the game content that is presented on the gaming machine  360 . The wagering game unit  364  can also provide game activity information to the wagering game server  350  in order for the wagering game server  350  to monitor each player&#39;s gaming activity. Furthermore, the wagering game unit  364  can generate game results based on random numbers received from the wagering game server  350 , or may communicate with the wagering game server  350  to obtain the game results. The content store  366  is configured to store content that is presented on the wagering game machine  360 . The presentation unit  368  is configured to control the presentation of the game content on the wagering game machine  360 . The presentation unit  368  can include one or more browsers and any other software and/or hardware suitable for presenting audio and video content. It is noted, however, that in other implementations the game content can be presented using other display technologies. 
     The gaming machines described herein (e.g., gaming machines  360 ) can take any suitable form, such as floor standing models, handheld mobile units, bartop models, workstation-type console models, surface computing machines, etc., and can access a communication network  355  to communication with the wagering game controller  310  via a wireless or wired connection. Further, gaming machines can be primarily dedicated for use in conducting wagering games, or can include non-dedicated devices, such as personal computers (PC), mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptop computers, etc. For example, the non-dedicated devices can provide players access to wagering games via a wireless network within a physical casino, or remotely via the Internet  392 . 
     In some embodiments, each of the gaming machines  360  and the wagering game server  350  are configured to work together such that the gaming machine  360  can be operated as a thin, thick, or intermediate client. For example, one or more elements of game play may be controlled by the gaming machine  360  (client) or the wagering game server  350  (server). Game play elements can include executable game code, lookup tables, configuration files, game results, audio or visual representations of the game, game assets or the like. In a thin-client example, the wagering game server  350  can perform functions such as determining game results or managing assets, while the gaming machine  360  can present an audible/graphical representation of such outcome or asset modification to the players. In a thick-client example, the gaming machine  360  can determine game outcomes and communicate the outcomes to the wagering game server  350  for recording or managing a player&#39;s wagering game system account. 
     In some embodiments, either the gaming machines (client) or the wagering game server(s) can provide functionality that is not directly related to game play. For example, account transactions and account rules may be managed centrally (e.g., by the wagering game server(s)) or locally (e.g., by the gaming machines). Other functionality not directly related to game play may include power management, presentation of advertising, software or firmware updates, system quality or security checks, etc. 
     Each component shown in the wagering game system architecture  300  is shown as a separate and distinct element connected via the communications network  355 . However, some functions performed by one component could be performed by other components. For example, the wagering game server  350  can be configured to perform some or all of the functions of the account server  370 , and/or the game management unit  352  can be configured to perform some or all of the functions of the virtual bank management unit  356 . Furthermore, the components shown may all be contained in one device, but some, or all, may be included in, or performed by multiple devices, as in the configurations shown in  FIG. 3  or other configurations not shown, e.g., the virtual bank management unit  356  can be distributed across the wagering game server  350  and the gaming machines  360 . Furthermore, the wagering game system architecture  300  can be implemented as software, hardware, any combination thereof, or other forms of embodiments not listed. For example, any of the network components (e.g., the wagering game tables, machines, servers, etc.) can include hardware and machine-readable media including instructions for performing the operations described herein. Machine-readable media includes any mechanism that provides (i.e., stores and/or transmits) information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a wagering game table, machine, computer, etc.). For example, tangible machine-readable storage media includes read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory machines, and other types of tangible medium suitable for storing instructions. Machine-readable transmission media includes any media suitable for transmitting software over a network. 
     Although  FIG. 3  describes some embodiments, the following sections describe many other features and embodiments. 
     Example Operations 
     This section describes operations associated with some embodiments. In the discussion below, the flow diagrams will be described with reference to the block diagrams presented above. However, in some embodiments, the operations can be performed by logic not described in the block diagrams. 
     In certain embodiments, the operations can be performed by executing instructions residing on machine-readable storage media (e.g., software), while in other embodiments, the operations can be performed by hardware and/or other logic (e.g., firmware). In some embodiments, the operations can be performed in series, while in other embodiments, one or more of the operations can be performed in parallel. Moreover, some embodiments can perform less than all the operations shown in any flow diagram. 
     The following discussion of  FIGS. 4-6  describes example mechanisms for implementing virtual banks of related wagering game sessions in a wagering game system. 
       FIG. 4  is a flow diagram (“flow”)  400  illustrating operations for implementing a virtual bank of related wagering game sessions associated with a community group bonus game in a wagering game system, according to some embodiments. The flow of  400  will be described with reference to the example system architecture of  FIG. 3 . The flow diagram begins at block  402 . 
     At block  402 , the wagering game server  350  initiates a wagering game session for a plurality of players. In one embodiment, the game management unit  352  of the wagering game server  350  accesses the account server  370  to identify each player&#39;s wagering game system account based on the login information received from each of the gaming machine  360  associated with the players. The game management unit  352  determines each player&#39;s account balance, and other account related information used to initiate a wagering game session for the player. The game management unit  352  may also determine each player&#39;s virtual gaming community username, player preferences, avatar configurations, and other player profile related information. The game management unit  352  also determines the base wagering game each player wants to play based on the game selection information received from each gaming machine  360 . After block  402 , the flow continues at block  404 . 
     At block  404 , the wagering game server  350  determines that the plurality of players want to participate in a virtual bank of related wagering game sessions associated with a community group bonus game. For example, the virtual bank management unit  356  of the wagering game server  350  can detect when a player selects an option (e.g., button, menu item, etc.) at the corresponding gaming machine  360  that indicates that the player wants to play a community group bonus game. The player can select the option to play the community group bonus game before or after the player selects the base wagering game. In one example, the virtual bank management unit  356  can provide various options for the type and/or themes of base wagering games that can be played within the virtual bank associated with the community group bonus game. The virtual bank management unit  356  also determines whether each of the plurality of players want to join an existing virtual bank of related wagering game sessions, or whether one or more of the players want to create and customize a new virtual bank, as will be further described below with reference to  FIG. 6 . It is noted that the plurality of players can be online players accessing the wagering game system  300  via the Internet  392 , and/or players at one or more physical casinos associated with the wagering game system  300 . After block  404 , the flow continues at block  406 . 
     At block  406 , the wagering game server  350  relates the wagering game sessions associated with the plurality of players to the same community group bonus game to add the wagering game sessions to an existing virtual bank or to create a new virtual bank of related wagering game sessions. In one embodiment, the virtual bank management unit  356  can relate the wagering game sessions associated with the players by associating the wagering game sessions to the same instance of the community group bonus game. In one example, the instance of the community group bonus game can be associated with an existing virtual bank of related wagering game sessions. In another example, the instance of the community group bonus game can be associated with a new virtual bank of related wagering game sessions. In one embodiment, the virtual bank management unit  356  can associate the wagering game sessions to the same instance of the community group bonus game such that all the wagering game sessions of the virtual bank display the same instance of the community group bonus game (when the bonus game is triggered), and the game results of the community group bonus game are used to determine each player&#39;s award from the bonus game (as was described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-2 ). Furthermore, the virtual bank management unit  356  can provide an indication to each player that the wagering game sessions are related by presenting a graphical representation of the virtual bank on the display of each of the gaming machines  360  associated with the players of the virtual bank. After block  406 , the flow continues at block  408 . 
     At block  408 , the wagering game server  350  causes each gaming machine  360  associated with each player that is part of the virtual bank to display a graphical representation of the virtual bank of related wagering game sessions including the base wagering game. For example, the virtual bank management unit  356  causes each gaming machine  360  to display the graphical representation of the virtual bank of related wagering game sessions, as was described above with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . After block  408 , the flow continues at block  410 . 
     At block  410 , the wagering game server  350  awards a bonus multiplier to each player and dynamically updates the value of each player&#39;s bonus multiplier based on each player&#39;s gaming activity associated with the base wagering game. In one embodiment, the virtual bank management unit  356  initially awards a 1× bonus multiplier to each player of the virtual bank of related wagering game sessions. The virtual bank management unit  356  determines each player&#39;s gaming activity associated with the base wagering game (e.g., by communicating with the game management unit  352  and/or the gaming machines  360 ) to dynamically update the value of each player&#39;s bonus multiplier. In one example, the players can build up the value of their bonus multiplier while playing the base wagering game based on gaming activity such as the amount of each wager, the number of max bets in a row, the speed of play, the number of rounds played, etc. As described above, based on each player&#39;s gaming activity, the virtual bank management unit  356  can cause the gaming machines  360  to dynamically update the value of each bonus multiplier that is awarded and displayed in conjunction with the graphical elements  205  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) associated with the players within the graphical representation of the virtual bank  200  at each gaming machine  360 . After block  410 , the flow continues at block  512  of  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 5  is a flow diagram illustrating additional operations for implementing a virtual bank of related wagering game sessions associated with a community group bonus game in a wagering game system, according to some embodiments. The flow shown in  FIG. 5  is a continuation of the flow  400  shown in  FIG. 4 , and begins at block  512 . 
     At block  512 , the wagering game server  350  determines when the community group bonus game is triggered for the virtual bank of related wagering game sessions. In one embodiment, the virtual bank management unit  356  determines when the community group bonus game is triggered based on a random number generator (i.e., triggered randomly), based on a time limit, and/or based on the gaming activity of the players of the virtual bank, as was described above with reference to  FIG. 1 . After block  512 , the flow continues at block  514 . 
     At block  514 , the wagering game server  350  causes the gaming machines  360  of the players associated with the virtual bank of related wagering game sessions to present the community group bonus game. For example, the virtual bank management unit  356  causes the gaming machines  360  to present the community group bonus game in place of, or superimposed over, the base wagering game within the graphical representation of the virtual bank, as was described above with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . After block  514 , the flow continues at block  516 . 
     At block  516 , the wagering game server  350  selects one of the players associated with the virtual bank of related wagering game sessions to be an active participant during the community group bonus game. The player selected as the active participant for the virtual bank is provided the opportunity to make one or more selections for all the players in the virtual bank that drive the community group bonus game, as will be further described below. The player that is selected to be the active participant during the community group bonus game may be referred to as the “lucky player” of the virtual bank. In one embodiment, the virtual bank management unit  356  can select the lucky player randomly. In another embodiment, the virtual bank management unit  356  can select the lucky player based on the performance of the players in the base wagering games. For example, the player in the virtual bank that has won the most money in the base wagering game when the bonus game is triggered is selected as the lucky player. In another example, the player that has the highest multiplier is selected as the lucky player. In another embodiment, the virtual bank management unit  356  can select the lucky player based on the cumulative game history and/or game achievements of the players. For example, the virtual bank management unit  356  can access the account server  370  (or other network component) to determine the player of the virtual bank that has the most coin-in, or has played the most wagering games, or has won the most money in the wagering game system  300 , and then select that player as the lucky player. In another example, the player that is ranked the highest is one or more leaderboards of certain wagering games (e.g., the base wagering game each player is playing) is selected as the lucky player. It is noted, however, that in other embodiments the virtual bank management unit  356  can select the lucky player based on other criteria; for example, the virtual bank management unit  356  can select the lucky player based on participation in the virtual gaming community. For example, the player of the virtual bank that has the most friends in the virtual gaming community, or the player that has invited the most friends to join the virtual gaming community is selected as the lucky player. 
     In one embodiment, after the startup screen of the community group bonus game is displayed, each of the gaming machines  360  of the players associated with the virtual bank can display a notification message indicating that the system is selecting the lucky player. In one example, within the graphical representation of the virtual bank  200  shown in  FIG. 2 , the gaming machines  360  may display an animation (e.g., an animated hot potato icon or an animated version of the graphical element  205 ) or other type of visual presentation or indicator (e.g., a highlighted background or spotlight) that moves from one graphical element  205  to the other, until it stops on the lucky player. The player that has been selected as the lucky player is displayed a congratulatory message (and/or a celebration presentation) indicating the player has been selected as the lucky player. The rest of the players are displayed a notification message indicating which player has been selected as the lucky player. It is noted, however, that in other implementations the selection of the lucky player can be presented to the players in various ways; e.g., the gaming machines  360  can display an animation of a horse race or other type of race involving each player&#39;s avatars and the player whose avatar reaches the finish line first is selected as the lucky player. After block  516 , the flow continues at block  518 . 
     At block  518 , the wagering game server  350  determines the bonus game features associated with the community group bonus game based on selections made by the player selected as the active participant (“the lucky player”). In one embodiment, the lucky player makes selections for all the players in the virtual bank that drive the community group bonus game. For example, the virtual bank management unit  356  causes the gaming machine  360  associated with the lucky player to present a picking screen that instructs the lucky player to select one of a predefined number of picking elements to reveal the bonus game features that will be associated with the community group bonus game. For instance, the gaming machine  360  can present a predefined number of graphical elements (e.g., icons, pictures, etc.) having the same theme as the community group bonus game and the player selects one of the graphical elements to reveal the bonus game features. In one example, for a slot-based bonus game, the bonus game features may include a number of free spins and some slot bonus features, such as wild reels (e.g., reel 2 wild, reel 4 wild, expanding wild, etc.) and extra free spins. The gaming machines  360  associated with the other players (that are not the lucky player) can display a live (or slightly delayed) video of the lucky player making the selection and the system revealing the bonus game features associated with the selection. For example, if the lucky player selects a graphical element that is associated with 10 free spins and an expanding wild feature, all the gaming machines  360  can display a notification and/or celebration indicating that the virtual bank will receive 10 free spins with an expanding wild feature. After revealing the bonus game features, the community group bonus game is started by spinning the reels. After block  518 , the flow continues at block  520 . 
     At block  520 , the wagering game server  350  determines the game results associated with the community group bonus, and also determines the award for each player based on the bonus game results and each player&#39;s multiplier, as was described above with reference to  FIG. 1 . The wagering game server  350  also causes the gaming machines  350  to present the game results of the community group bonus game, and also present the award provided to each player of the virtual bank. After block  520 , the flow ends. 
       FIG. 6  is a flow diagram (“flow”)  600  illustrating operations for forming a virtual bank of related wagering game sessions associated with a community group bonus game in a wagering game system, according to some embodiments. The flow of  600  will be described with reference to the example system architecture of  FIG. 3 . The flow diagram begins at block  602 . 
     At block  602 , for each player that wants to participate in a virtual bank of related wagering game sessions associated with a community group bonus game (e.g., determined in block  404  of  FIG. 4 ), the virtual bank management unit  356  of the wagering game server  350  determines whether the player wants to customize a new virtual bank of related wagering game sessions. In one embodiment, in addition to being able to provide input at the gaming machine  360  (e.g., via buttons, touch screen, keyboard, mouse, etc.) indicating that the player wants to participate in a virtual bank, the player can also provide input indicating that the player wants to customize a new virtual bank (or join an existing virtual bank). The gaming machine  360  then sends an indication of the player input to the wagering game server  350 . If the player wants to customize a new virtual bank, the flow continues at block  604 . Otherwise, the flow continues at block  610 . 
     At block  604 , the wagering game server  350  causes the gaming machine  360  to present a customization tool to allow the player to customize a new virtual bank of related wagering game sessions. In one embodiment, the virtual bank management unit  356  causes the gaming machine  360  to present a customization tool (e.g., a customization options menu) for customizing a new virtual bank. For example, the customization tool may allow the player to determine how many players to allow to join the virtual bank, the type of community group bonus game, the theme of the community group bonus game, the types of bonus game features offered for the community group bonus game, the type of graphical elements (e.g., graphical elements  205  shown in  FIG. 2 ) displayed within the graphical representation of the virtual bank, the audio (e.g., music) that is played for the virtual bank, etc. The customization tool may also allow the player to designate the new virtual bank as “private” or “public”. The customization tool may allow the player to invite friends from the virtual gaming community to join the new virtual bank. If the new virtual bank is designated as a private virtual bank, only the friends that the player invites to the new virtual bank can join. If the new virtual bank is designated as a public virtual bank, in addition to the friends the player invites to join the new virtual bank, other players accessing the wagering game system  300  can also join. In one example, the virtual bank management unit  356  can provide players that are interested in joining a virtual bank a listing of all the existing virtual banks that are public to give players the option to join virtual banks that were created by other players. The gaming machine  360  provides the customization options selected by the player to the virtual bank management unit  356 . After block  604 , the flow continues at block  606 . 
     At block  606 , the wagering game server  350  determines how to customize the new virtual bank of related wagering game sessions based on the selected customization options. In one embodiment, the virtual bank management unit  356  determines how to customize the new virtual bank based on the customization options selected by the player, and prepares to initiate the new virtual bank. After block  606 , the flow continues at block  608 . 
     At block  608 , the wagering game server  350  adds the player and one or more additional players to the customized virtual bank. For example, the virtual bank management unit  356  relates the player&#39;s wagering game session to the wagering game sessions of one or more of the player&#39;s friends that have indicated they want to join the customized virtual bank. The virtual bank management unit  356  relates the wagering game sessions by associating the wagering game sessions to the same community group bonus game, presenting the graphical representation of the customized virtual bank to the players, etc., as was described above with reference to  FIG. 1 . The player, however, does not have to wait until other players join the virtual bank. The virtual bank management unit  356  can relate the player&#39;s wagering game session to the community group bonus game and initiate the virtual bank with only the player&#39;s wagering game session to allow the player to play the base wagering game while the player waits for friends (or other players) to join the virtual bank. 
     At block  610 , if the wagering game server  350  determines that the player wants to join an existing virtual bank (at block  602 ), the wagering game server  350  determines whether the player can join an existing virtual bank. In one embodiment, the virtual bank management unit  356  may be configured to limit the number of players that are added to each virtual bank of related wagering game sessions. For instance, the virtual bank management unit  356  can limit the number of related wagering game sessions in a virtual bank to 8 wagering game sessions, or any other suitable predefined number of related wagering game sessions. In one example, the virtual bank management unit  356  can determine whether any of the existing virtual banks of related wagering game sessions have not reach the predefined limit. If at least one of the existing virtual banks has not reached the predefined limit, the flow continues at block  612 . Otherwise, if there are no open spots for the player in an existing virtual bank, the flow continues at block  614 . 
     At block  612 , the wagering game server  350  adds the player to an existing virtual bank of related wagering game sessions. For example, the virtual bank management unit  356  relates the wagering game sessions associated with the player to the existing virtual bank of related wagering game sessions, as was describe above with reference to  FIG. 1 . In one embodiment, if there are multiple existing virtual banks that have not reached the predefined limit, the virtual bank management unit  356  can select the existing virtual bank that has the least number of players (i.e., related wagering game sessions). In another embodiment, if there are multiple existing virtual banks that have not reached the predefined limit, the virtual bank management unit  356  can give the player the option of which existing virtual bank to join. 
     At block  614 , if all the existing virtual banks have reached the predefined limit of related wagering game sessions, the virtual bank management unit  356  can automatically initiate a new virtual bank with the default settings (i.e., not a customized version), and add the player to the new virtual bank. The virtual bank management unit  356  can also automatically add one or more additional players to the newly created virtual bank, as needed, until the predefined limit is reached. 
     After blocks  608 ,  612 , and  614 , the flow continues at block  406  of  FIG. 4 , where the virtual bank management unit  356  causes the gaming machines to present the graphical representation of the virtual bank to the players. It is noted, however, that in some embodiments the virtual bank management unit  356  may not limit the number of related wagering game sessions in each virtual bank. In this example, the virtual bank management unit  356  may just evenly distribute the players across the existing virtual banks. In one example, as the virtual bank management unit  356  adds extra players to an existing virtual bank, the gaming machine  360  may automatically scale the size of the sections within the graphical representation of the virtual bank  200  (e.g., shown in  FIG. 2 ) to display all the graphical elements  205  associated with all the players, and/or may automatically scale the size of the graphical elements  205 . 
     In some embodiments, while the players are playing their corresponding base wagering games, the virtual bank management unit  356  can offer players other ways to increase the value of their multiplier. For example, the virtual bank management unit  356  can initiate a “hot potato” style, multiplier power-up game, where a cash register icon (or other type of icon) randomly bounces from one graphical element  205  associated with one player to another. In this example, the player&#39;s graphical element  205  that has the cash register icon when the community group bonus game is triggered wins a multiplier power-up bonus. For example, the value of the multiplier can be doubled. In another example, the virtual bank management unit  356  can introduce a bingo style multiplier power-up game, where each player is provided one or more bingo balls with a number in each ball. When the community group bonus game is triggered, an animation of a bingo ball being randomly selected is presented to the players. The player that has the bingo ball with the number that was randomly selected wins a multiplier power-up bonus. 
     In some embodiments, besides making selections that drive the community group bonus game, the lucky player may be provided additional benefits. For example, the value of lucky player&#39;s multiplier may be automatically increased (e.g., by +2×), or the lucky player&#39;s total award after the community group bonus game may be increased by a certain percentage (e.g., 10%). In some embodiments, the player that is selected as the lucky player only has privileges during the community group bonus game. After the community group bonus game is played out, the virtual bank management unit  356  removes the lucky player status from the player and the players of the virtual bank continue playing the base wagering game. In this example, next time the community group bonus game is triggered, the virtual bank management unit  356  will again go through one of the processes described above for selecting the lucky player for the new instance of the community group bonus game. In other embodiments, the player retains the lucky player status until the next instance of the community group bonus game is triggered and a new lucky player is selected. In one example, the player that retains the lucky player status after the community group bonus game may receive benefits during the base wagering game. For example, the lucky player may receive free spins, additional pay lines, and/or an improved pay table during the base wagering game and until the next instance of the community bonus game is triggered. 
     In some embodiments, the wagering game server  350  may allow players to join two or more virtual banks of related wagering game sessions. For example, player P may join three different virtual banks: virtual bank A, a virtual bank B, and a virtual bank C. The wagering game server  350  may encourage players to participate in multiple virtual banks concurrently by providing players extra incentives. In one embodiment, if a player is participating in multiple virtual banks, and the community group bonus is triggered in one of the player&#39;s virtual banks, all of the player&#39;s wagering game sessions associated with the player&#39;s other virtual banks are temporarily associated with the community group bonus game that has been triggered. The wagering game server  350  then provides multiple awards to the player based on the bonus game results, i.e., the wagering game server  350  provides an award to the player for each wagering game session that is associated with the community group bonus game based on the bonus game results. For instance, in the example described above, if the community group bonus game is triggered for the virtual bank A, the wagering game server  350  determines whether the player is participating in any other virtual banks. In this example, since the player is also participating in virtual banks B and C, the player&#39;s wagering game session associated with virtual bank B is disassociated with virtual bank B and then associated with the instance of the community group bonus game that was triggered in virtual bank A. Also, the player&#39;s wagering game session associated with virtual bank C is disassociated with virtual bank C and then is associated with the same instance of the community group bonus game that was triggered in virtual bank A. After the game results for the community group bonus game that was triggered are determined, the wagering game server  350  determines a first award for the player&#39;s wagering game session associated with virtual bank A, a second award for the player&#39;s wagering game session associated with virtual bank B, and a third award for the player&#39;s wagering game session associated with virtual bank C, based on the game results of the single instance of the community group bonus game that was triggered for virtual bank A. In one example, the first award for the player&#39;s wagering game session associated with virtual bank A can be determined based on the bonus game results and based on the bonus multiplier the player had earned for virtual bank A. The second award for the player&#39;s wagering game session associated with virtual bank B can be determined based on the bonus game results and based on the bonus multiplier the player had currently earned for virtual bank B. The third award for the player&#39;s wagering game session associated with virtual bank C can be determined based on the bonus game results and based on the bonus multiplier the player had currently earned for virtual bank C. In another example, the first award is the same as described above, but the second and third awards for the player&#39;s wagering game session associated with virtual banks B and C, respectively, may only be based on the bonus game results (i.e., the multiplier will be the default multiplier 1×). 
     Additional Example Operating Environments 
     This section describes example operating environments, systems and networks, and presents structural aspects of some embodiments. 
     Wagering Game Machine Architecture 
       FIG. 7  is a conceptual diagram that illustrates an example of a wagering game machine architecture  700 , according to some embodiments. In  FIG. 7 , the wagering game machine architecture  700  includes a wagering game machine  706 , which includes a central processing unit (CPU)  726  connected to main memory  728 . The CPU  726  can include any suitable processor, such as an Intel® Pentium processor, Intel® Core 2 Duo processor, AMD Opteron™ processor, or UltraSPARC processor. The main memory  728  includes a wagering game unit  732 . In some embodiments, the wagering game unit  732  can present wagering games, such as video poker, video black jack, video slots, video lottery, reel slots, etc., in whole or part. The wagering game unit  732  may also facilitate the implementation of virtual banks of related wagering game sessions associated with a community group bonus game in a wagering game system, e.g., as described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-6 . 
     The CPU  726  is also connected to an input/output (“I/O”) bus  722 , which can include any suitable bus technologies, such as an AGTL+ frontside bus and a PCI backside bus. The I/O bus  722  is connected to a payout mechanism  708 , primary display  710 , secondary display  712 , value input device  714 , player input device  716 , information reader  718 , and storage unit  730 . The player input device  716  can include the value input device  714  to the extent the player input device  716  is used to place wagers. The I/O bus  722  is also connected to an external system interface  724 , which is connected to external systems  704  (e.g., wagering game networks). The external system interface  724  can include logic for exchanging information over wired and wireless networks (e.g., 802.11g transceiver, Bluetooth transceiver, Ethernet transceiver, etc.) 
     The I/O bus  722  is also connected to a location unit  738 . The location unit  738  can create player information that indicates the wagering game machine&#39;s location/movements in a casino. In some embodiments, the location unit  738  includes a global positioning system (GPS) receiver that can determine the wagering game machine&#39;s location using GPS satellites. In other embodiments, the location unit  738  can include a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that can determine the wagering game machine&#39;s location using RFID readers positioned throughout a casino. Some embodiments can use GPS receiver and RFID tags in combination, while other embodiments can use other suitable methods for determining the wagering game machine&#39;s location. Although not shown in  FIG. 7 , in some embodiments, the location unit  738  is not connected to the I/O bus  722 . 
     In some embodiments, the wagering game machine  706  can include additional peripheral devices and/or more than one of each component shown in  FIG. 7 . For example, in some embodiments, the wagering game machine  706  can include multiple external system interfaces  724  and/or multiple CPUs  726 . In some embodiments, any of the components can be integrated or subdivided. 
     In some embodiments, the wagering game machine  706  includes an online gaming module  737 . The online gaming module  737  can process communications, commands, or other information, where the processing can control and present online wagering games. In some embodiments, the online gaming module  737  can work in concert with the wagering game unit  732 , and can perform any of the operations described above. 
     Furthermore, any component of the wagering game machine  706  can include hardware, firmware, and/or machine-readable storage media including instructions for performing the operations described herein. 
     Example Wagering Game Machines 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a wagering game machine, according to example embodiments. Referring to  FIG. 8 , a wagering game machine  800  is used in gaming establishments, such as casinos. In some embodiments, the wagering game machine  800  can implement some of the functionality described above for facilitating the implementation of virtual banks of related wagering game sessions associated with a community group bonus game in a wagering game system, e.g., as described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-7 . 
     According to embodiments, the wagering game machine  800  can be any type of wagering game machine and can have varying structures and methods of operation. For example, the wagering game machine  800  can be an electromechanical wagering game machine configured to play mechanical slots, or it can be an electronic wagering game machine configured to play video casino games, such as blackjack, slots, keno, poker, blackjack, roulette, etc. 
     The wagering game machine  800  comprises a housing  812  and includes input devices, including value input devices  818  and a player input device  824 . For output, the wagering game machine  800  includes a primary display  814  for displaying information about a basic wagering game. In some implementations, the primary display  814  can also display information about a bonus wagering game and a progressive wagering game. The wagering game machine  800  also includes a secondary display  816  for displaying bonus wagering games, wagering game events, wagering game outcomes, and/or signage information. While some components of the wagering game machine  800  are described herein, numerous other elements can exist and can be used in any number or combination to create varying forms of the wagering game machine  800 . 
     The value input devices  818  can take any suitable form and can be located on the front of the housing  812 . The value input devices  818  can receive currency and/or credits inserted by a player. The value input devices  818  can include coin acceptors for receiving coin currency and bill acceptors for receiving paper currency. Furthermore, the value input devices  818  can include ticket readers or barcode scanners for reading information stored on vouchers, cards, or other tangible portable storage devices. The vouchers or cards can authorize access to central accounts, which can transfer money to the wagering game machine  800 . 
     The player input device  824  comprises a plurality of push buttons on a button panel  826  for operating the wagering game machine  800 . In addition, or alternatively, the player input device  824  can comprise a touch screen  828  mounted over the primary display  814  and/or secondary display  816 . 
     The various components of the wagering game machine  800  can be connected directly to, or contained within, the housing  812 . Alternatively, some of the wagering game machine&#39;s components can be located outside of the housing  812 , while being communicatively coupled with the wagering game machine  800  using any suitable wired or wireless communication technology. 
     The operation of the basic wagering game can be displayed to the player on the primary display  814 . The primary display  814  can also display a bonus game associated with the basic wagering game. The primary display  814  can include a cathode ray tube (CRT), a high resolution liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, light emitting diodes (LEDs), or any other type of display suitable for use in the wagering game machine  800 . Alternatively, the primary display  814  can include a number of mechanical reels to display the outcome. In  FIG. 8 , the wagering game machine  800  is an “upright” version in which the primary display  814  is oriented vertically relative to the player. Alternatively, the wagering game machine can be a “slant-top” version in which the primary display  814  is slanted at about a thirty-degree angle toward the player of the wagering game machine  800 . In yet another embodiment, the wagering game machine  800  can exhibit any suitable form factor, such as a free standing model, bartop model, mobile handheld model, or workstation console model. 
     A player begins playing a basic wagering game by making a wager via the value input device  818 . The player can initiate play by using the player input device&#39;s buttons or touch screen  828 . The basic game can include arranging a plurality of symbols along a payline  832 , which indicates one or more outcomes of the basic game. Such outcomes can be randomly selected in response to player input. At least one of the outcomes, which can include any variation or combination of symbols, can trigger a bonus game. 
     In some embodiments, the wagering game machine  800  can also include an information reader  852 , which can include a card reader, ticket reader, bar code scanner, RFID transceiver, or computer readable storage medium interface. In some embodiments, the information reader  852  can be used to award complimentary services, restore game assets, track player habits, etc. 
     General 
     This detailed description refers to specific examples in the drawings and illustrations. These examples are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the inventive subject matter. These examples also serve to illustrate how the inventive subject matter can be applied to various purposes or embodiments. Other embodiments are included within the inventive subject matter, as logical, mechanical, electrical, and other changes can be made to the example embodiments described herein. Features of various embodiments described herein, however essential to the example embodiments in which they are incorporated, do not limit the inventive subject matter as a whole, and any reference to the invention, its elements, operation, and application are not limiting as a whole, but serve only to define these example embodiments. This detailed description does not, therefore, limit embodiments of the invention, which are defined only by the appended claims. Each of the embodiments described herein are contemplated as falling within the inventive subject matter, which is set forth in the following claims.