Patent Publication Number: US-9412240-B2

Title: Gaming systems and methods for operating gaming systems

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a continuation of Ser. No. 10/481,050 filed on Dec. 16, 2003, which claims priority to international application PCT/US02/11195, filed on Mar. 28, 2002. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Conventional gaming apparatuses (including lottery apparatuses) and gaming systems offer a variety of bonus game features and large jackpot payouts. Most gaming system bonus wins fall into two basic categories. A first category is the large progressive jackpot. The large progressive jackpot occurs at a random time so the player has no idea of when the jackpot will hit. 
     A second category of gaming system bonus wins is a bonus game in which the player is aware of an approaching bonus game. Here, all players have some type of indication that a bonus is coming and only one player will win the bonus amount. The second category or type of bonus was designed to encourage players to play more as the expected bonus game plays. The problem with this type of bonus is that some players sit around and wait for the bonus game to hit and them jump in and try to win the bonus. Casino operators, or any other facilities having gaming apparatuses, do not like this because the unaware tourist leaves a loser and the savvy local player takes the winnings. Additionally, conventional gaming apparatuses require players to play and win an underlying first game before the bonus game is even offered to the player. Thus it is very difficult to ever reach a bonus game. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a gaming apparatus is provided that comprises a display unit that is capable of generating video images, a value input device, and a controller. The controller may be operatively coupled to the display unit and the value input device. The controller may comprise a processor and a memory operatively coupled to the processor. The controller may be programmed to cause a first video image to be generated on the display unit. The first video image may represent a game selected from the group of games consisting of video poker, video blackjack, video slots, video keno, video bingo, other video card games, and video pachinko. The video image may comprise an image of at least five playing cards if the first game comprises video poker. The first video image may comprise an image of a plurality of simulated slot machine reels if the first game comprises video slots. If the first game comprises video blackjack, the first video image may comprise an image of a plurality of playing cards. Also, the first video image may comprise an image of a plurality of keno numbers if the first game comprises video keno, and the first video image may comprise an image of a bingo grid if the first game comprises video bingo. 
     In addition, the memory operatively coupled to the controller may be adapted to store a second video image for display on the display unit, wherein the second video image represents a second game comprising an instant bonus game. The controller may also be programmed to allow the instant bonus game to be played by a player without requiring play of the first game. Additionally, the memory operatively coupled to the controller is adapted to store data representing a value payout associated with the instant bonus game after the instant bonus game is played by the player. The data may be transmitted to the controller from a network computer. 
     The memory for the gaming apparatus may also store data representing a minimum jackpot value for the instant bonus game. Additionally, the memory may store data representing a buy-in amount for the instant bonus game. The controller may be programmed to notify the player when the instant bonus game will begin. Also, a gaming system may be provided comprising a plurality of gaming apparatuses as defined above, wherein said gaming apparatuses are interconnected to form a network of gaming apparatuses. These gaming apparatuses may be interconnected via the Internet, a serial network, an ethernet network, a firewire based network, other LAN, WAN, internet or intranet networks. The gaming system may provide the instant bonus game described above on the plurality of gaming apparatuses to allow a plurality of players to compete for the value payout of the instant bonus game. The payout of the instant bonus games on the apparatuses in the gaming system may comprise a percentage of a plurality of buy-in amounts collected from the plurality of players playing the instant bonus game. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a gaming apparatus comprising a first display unit that is capable of generating video images and a value input device may be provided. The gaming apparatus may also include a controller that is operatively coupled to the first display unit and the value input device. The controller may comprise a processor and a memory operatively coupled to the processor. The controller may be programmed to allow a person to make a wager and to cause a first video image to be generated on the first display unit, wherein the first video image represents a first game. In addition, the controller may be programmed to cause a second video image to be generated on a second display unit after each completion of the first game. The second video image may represent an instant bonus game. In addition, the memory of the controller may store data to represent a value payout associated with an outcome of the instant bonus game. 
     In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, a gaming apparatus is provided comprising a display unit that is capable of generating video images, and a value input device. The gaming apparatus may also include a controller that is operatively coupled to the display unit and the value input device. The controller may comprise a processor and a memory operatively coupled to the processor. The controller may be programmed to allow a person to make a wager. Additionally, the controller may be programmed to cause a first video image to be generated on the display unit wherein the first video image represents a first game selected from the group of games consisting of video poker, video blackjack, video slots, video keno, and video bingo. The first video image may comprise an image of at least five playing cards if the first game comprises video poker. The first video image may comprise an image of a plurality of simulated slot machine reels if the first game comprises video slots. Also, the first video game may comprise the image of a plurality of playing cards if the first game comprises video blackjack. Additionally, the first video image may comprise an image of a plurality of keno numbers if the first game comprises video keno. The first video image may also comprise an image of a bingo grid if the first game comprises video bingo. 
     The memory operatively coupled to the controller associated with the gaming apparatus may be adapted to store a second video image to be generated on the display unit, wherein the second video image is displayed after each completion of the first game. The second video image may represent a second game comprising an instant bonus game. Also, the controller may be programmed to allow the instant bonus game to be played by a player after a buy-in value is received from the player. The memory operatively coupled to the controller may be further adapted to store data representing the value payout associated with the instant bonus game. 
     In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, a gaming apparatus is provided comprising a display unit that is capable of generating video images, a value input device, and a controller. The controller may be operatively coupled to the display unit and the value input device. The controller may comprise a processor and a memory operably coupled to the processor and may be programmed to allow a person to make a wager and to make a payline selection. In addition, the controller may be programmed to cause a first video image to be generated on the display unit, wherein the first video image may comprise a plurality of simulated slot machine reels of a slot machine. The slot machine reels may have a plurality of slot machine symbols. Additionally, the memory of the controller may store a second video image that represents an instant bonus game. The gaming apparatus&#39; controller may further be programmed to allow the instant bonus game to be played by a player without requiring play of the slots game. Also, the memory of the controller may store data representing a value payout associated with an outcome of the instant bonus game. 
     In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, a gaming method may be provided that may comprise causing a first video image to be generated, wherein the first video image represents a first game selected from the group of games consisting of video poker, video blackjack, video slots, video keno, video bingo, other video card games, and video pachinko. 
     The first video image may comprise an image of at least five playing cards if the first game comprises video poker. Also, the first video image may comprise an image of a plurality of simulated slot machine reels if the first game comprises video slots. Additionally, the first video image may comprise an image of a plurality of playing cards if the first game comprises video blackjack. The first video image may also comprise an image of a plurality of keno numbers if the first game comprises video keno. Also, the first video image may comprise an image of a bingo grid if the first game comprises video bingo. 
     The gaming method may also comprise causing a second video image of a second game to be generated, wherein the second game comprises an instant bonus game. The gaming method may further comprise allowing the instant bonus game to be played without requiring play of the first game. Additionally, the gaming method may include determining a value payout associated with the instant bonus game after the instant bonus game is played by the player. As an alternative to allowing the instant bonus game to be played without requiring play of the first game, the gaming method may alternatively comprise causing a second video image of a second game to be generated after each completion of the first game, wherein the second game comprises an instant bonus game. 
     In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, a memory may be provided, wherein the memory has a computer program stored therein that is capable of being used in connection with the gaming apparatus. The memory may comprise a first memory portion physically configured in accordance with computer program instructions that would cause the gaming apparatus to allow a person to make a wager. Additionally, the memory may include a second memory portion physically configured in accordance with computer program instructions that would cause the gaming apparatus to cause a first video image to be generated on a display unit wherein the first video image would represent a first game selected from the group of first games consisting of video poker, video blackjack, video slots, video keno, and video bingo. A third memory portion may also be included in the memory that is physically configured in accordance with computer program instructions that would cause a second video image to be generated on the display unit, wherein the second video image represents an instant bonus game. 
     The memory may also comprise a fourth memory portion physically configured in accordance with computer programs instructions that would cause the gaming apparatus to allow the instant bonus game to be played without requiring play of the first game. The memory may also comprise a fifth memory portion physically configured in accordance with computer program instructions that would determine a value payout associated with the instant bonus game after the instant bonus game is played. 
     In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, a slot machine may be provided that includes a housing, a transparent display portion associated with the housing, a value input device, and a plurality of mechanically rotatable reels. The mechanically rotatable reels may have a plurality of slot machine symbols formed thereon. Furthermore, the mechanically rotatable reels may be disposed in the housing so that the slot machine symbols are visible to a player through the transparent display portion. The slot machine may also have a display unit that is capable of generating video images, wherein the controller is operatively coupled to the mechanically rotatable reels, the display unit, and the value input device. The controller may comprise a processor and a memory operatively coupled to the processor. The controller may be programmed to determine a value payout associated with an outcome of a slots game, wherein the controller is programmed to determine the outcome of the slots game based on a configuration of the slot machine symbols. 
     The memory for the controller may be adapted to store a video image for display on the display unit, and wherein the video image represents an instant bonus game. The controller may be programmed to allow the instant bonus game to be played by a player without requiring play of the slots game and the memory for the controller may be adapted to store data representing a value payout associated with the instant bonus game. 
     In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, a gaming system includes at least one display device, at least one input device, at least one processor, and at least one memory device which stores a plurality of instructions. When the plurality of instructions are executed by the at least one processor, they cause the at least one processor to operate with the at least one display device and the at least one input device to, at a first point in time, determine a first game outcome in association with a play of a first game, display the determined first game outcome, display any first game award associated with the determined first game outcome, and if a second game triggering event occurs in association with the play of the first game: (A) determine a second game outcome in association with a play of the second game, (B) display the determined second game outcome, and (C) display any second game award associated with the determined second game outcome. The plurality of instructions, when executed by the at least one processor further cause the at least one processor to operate with the at least one display device and the at least one input device to, at a second, different point in time, independent of any occurrence of any second game triggering event, determine a second game outcome in association with a play of the second game, display the determined second game outcome, and display any second game award associated with the determined second game outcome. 
     In still another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for operating a gaming system, including, at a first point in time, causing at least one processor to execute a plurality of instructions to determine a first game outcome in association with a play of a first game, causing at least one display device to display the determined first game outcome, causing the at least one display device to display any first game award associated with the determined first game outcome, and if a second game triggering event occurs in association with the play of the first game: (A) causing the at least one processor to execute the plurality of instructions to determine a second game outcome in association with a play of the second game, (B) causing the at least one display device to display the determined second game outcome, and (C) causing the at least one display device to display any second game award associated with the determined second game outcome. The method further includes, at a second, different point in time, independent of any occurrence of any second game triggering event, causing the at least one processor to execute the plurality of instructions to determine a second game outcome in association with a play of the second game, causing the at least one display device to display the determined second game outcome, and causing the at least one display device to display any second game award associated with the determined second game outcome. 
     In still another aspect of the present invention, a non-transitory computer readable medium including a plurality of instructions, which when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to, at a first point in time determine a first game outcome in association with a play of a first game, cause at least one display device to display the determined first game outcome, cause the at least one display device to display any first game award associated with the determined first game outcome, and if a second game triggering event occurs in association with the play of the first game (A) determine a second game outcome in association with a play of the second game, (B) cause the at least one display device to display the determined second game outcome, and (C) cause the at least one display device to display any second game award associated with the determined second game outcome. The plurality of instructions, which when executed by at least one processor, further cause the at least one processor to, at a second, different point in time, independent of any occurrence of any second game triggering event, determine a second game outcome in association with a play of the second game, cause the at least one display device to display the determined second game outcome, and cause the at least one display device to display any second game award associated with the determined second game outcome. 
     The features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed description of various embodiments, which is made with reference to the drawings, a brief description of which is provided below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an embodiment of a gaming system in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an embodiment of one of the gaming units shown schematically in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates an embodiment of a control panel for a gaming unit; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram of the electronic components of the gaming unit of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart of an embodiment of a main routine that may be performed during operation of one or more of the gaming units; 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart of an alternative embodiment of a main routine that may be performed during operation of one or more of the gaming units; 
         FIG. 6  is an illustration of an embodiment of a visual display that may be displayed during performance of the video poker routine of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an illustration of an embodiment of a visual display that may be displayed during performance of the video blackjack routine of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart of an embodiment of a video poker routine that may be performed by one or more of the gaming units; 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart of an embodiment of a video blackjack routine that may be performed by one or more of the gaming units; 
         FIG. 10  is an illustration of an embodiment of a visual display that may be displayed during performance of the slots routine of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 11  is an illustration of an embodiment of a visual display that may be displayed during performance of the video keno routine of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a flowchart of an embodiment of a slots routine that may be performed by one or more of the gaming units; 
         FIG. 13  is a flowchart of an embodiment of a video keno routine that may be performed by one or more of the gaming units; 
         FIG. 14  is an illustration of an embodiment of a visual display that may be displayed during performance of the video bingo routine of  FIG. 15 ; and 
         FIG. 15  is a flowchart of an embodiment of a video bingo routine that may be performed by one or more of the gaming units. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of a gaming system  10  in accordance with the invention. Referring to  FIG. 1 , the gaming system  10  may include a first group or network  12  of gaming units  20  operatively coupled to a network computer  22  via a network data link or bus  24 . The gaming system  10  may include a second group or network  26  of gaming units  30  operatively coupled to a network computer  32  via a network data link or bus  34 . The first and second gaming networks  12 ,  26  may be operatively coupled to each other via a network  40 , which may comprise, for example, the Internet, a serial network, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), an ethernet network, a firewire based network, and other intranet networks, via a first network link  42  and a second network link  44 . 
     The first network  12  of gaming units  20  may be provided in a first casino or facility, and the second network  26  of gaming units  30  may be provided in a second casino or facility located in a separate geographic location than the first casino or facility. For example, the two facilities may be located in different areas of the same city, or they may be located in different states. The network  40  may include a plurality of network computers or server computers (not shown), each of which may be operatively interconnected. Where the network  40  comprises the Internet, data communication may take place over the communication links  42 ,  44  via an Internet communication protocol. 
     The network computer  22  may be a server computer and may be used to accumulate and analyze data relating to the operation of the gaming units  20 . For example, the network computer  22  may continuously receive data from each of the gaming units  20  indicative of the dollar amount and number of wagers being made on each of the gaming units  20 , data indicative of how much each of the gaming units  20  is paying out in winnings, data regarding the identity and gaming habits of players playing each of the gaming units  20 , etc. The network computer  32  may be a server computer and may be used to perform the same or different functions in relation to the gaming units  30  as the network computer  22  described above. The network computer  32  may be used to initiate an instant bonus game for the players using the gaming units  20 , as well as determining a value payout associated with the instant bonus game. This will be described in more detail below. 
     Although each network  12 ,  26  is shown to include one network computer  22 ,  32  and four gaming units  20 ,  30 , it should be understood that different numbers of computers and gaming units may be utilized. For example, the network  12  may include a plurality of network computers  22  and tens or hundreds of gaming units  20 , all of which may be interconnected via the data link  24 . The data link  24  may provided as a dedicated hardwired link or a wireless link. Although the data link  24  is shown as a single data link  24 , the data link  24  may comprise multiple data links. 
     It should also be noted that the terms gaming apparatus and gaming unit are intended to be interchangeable. Additionally, the terms are intended to include video lottery terminals. Video lottery terminals operate essentially the same as gaming apparatuses found in state regulated casinos or other facilities, except that they generally use ticket printers to print tickets that can be exchanged for cash payments instead of paying winning amounts through a coin hopper as in conventional gaming apparatuses. 
     It should also be noted that the terms gaming apparatus and gaming unit are intended to be interchangeable. Additionally, the terms are intended to include video lottery terminals. Video lottery terminals operate essentially the same as gaming apparatuses found in state regulated casinos or other facilities, except that they generally use ticket printers to print tickets that can be exchanged for cash payments instead of paying winning amounts through a coin hopper as in conventional gaming apparatuses. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of one possible embodiment of one or more of the gaming units  20 . Although the following description addresses the design of the gaming units  20 , it should be understood that the gaming units  30  may have the same design as the gaming units  20  described below. It should be understood that the design of one or more of the gaming units  20  may be different than the design of other gaming units  20 , and that the design of one or more of the gaming units  30  may be different than the design of other gaming units  30 . Each gaming unit  20  may be any type of gaming unit and may have various different structures and methods of operation. For exemplary purposes, various designs of the gaming units  20  are described below, but it should be understood that numerous other designs may be utilized. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the gaming apparatus or unit  20  may include a display support structure  50 , which may also be referred to as a housing or cabinet. The display support structure  50  may include one or more input devices, which may include a coin slot or acceptor  52 , a paper currency acceptor  54 , a ticket reader/printer  56  and a card reader  58 , which may be used to input value to the gaming unit  20 . A value input device may include any device that can accept value from a customer. As used herein, the term “value” may encompass gaming tokens, coins, paper currency, ticket vouchers, credit or debit cards, and any other object representative of value. 
     If provided on the gaming unit  20 , the ticket reader/printer  56  may be used to read and/or print or otherwise encode ticket vouchers  60 . The ticket vouchers  60  may be composed of paper or another printable or encodable material and may have one or more of the following informational items printed or encoded thereon: the facility name, the type of ticket voucher, a validation number, a bar code with control and/or security data, the date and time of issuance of the ticket voucher, redemption instructions and restrictions, a description of an award, and any other information that may be necessary or desirable. Different types of ticket vouchers  60  could be used, such as bonus ticket vouchers, cash-redemption ticket vouchers, casino chip ticket vouchers, extra game play ticket vouchers, merchandise ticket vouchers, restaurant ticket vouchers, show ticket vouchers, etc. The ticket vouchers  60  could be printed with an optically readable material such as ink, or data on the ticket vouchers  60  could be magnetically encoded. Other methods known to those skilled in the art could also be used. The ticket reader/printer  56  may be provided with the ability to both read and print ticket vouchers  60 , or it may be provided with the ability to only read or only print or encode ticket vouchers  60 . In the latter case, for example, some of the gaming units  20  may have ticket printers  56  that may be used to print ticket vouchers  60 , which could then be used by a player in other gaming units  20  that have ticket readers  56 . 
     If provided, the card reader  58  may include any type of card reading device, such as a magnetic card reader or an optical card reader, and may be used to read data from a card offered by a player, such as a credit card or a player tracking card. If provided for player tracking purposes, the card reader  58  may be used to read data from, and/or write data to, player tracking cards that are capable of storing data representing the identity of a player, the identity of a casino, the player&#39;s gaming habits, etc. 
     The gaming unit  20  may include one or more audio speakers  62 , a coin payout tray  64 , an input control panel  66 , and color video display units  70  and  71  for displaying images relating to the game or games provided by the gaming unit  20 . The audio speakers  62  may generate audio representing sounds such as the noise of spinning slot machine reels, a dealer&#39;s voice, music, announcements or any other audio. The gaming apparatus may include a plurality of mechanically rotatably reels, wherein each of the plurality of mechanical reels have a plurality of symbols or images formed thereon. Each of the mechanically rotatably reels may be independently rotatable. The gaming apparatus may further include a transparent display member disposed in the housing  50  so that the images formed on the reels are visible to a player. The input control panel  66  may be provided with a plurality of pushbuttons or touch-sensitive areas that may be pressed by a player to select games, make wagers, make gaming decisions, etc. 
     The gaming unit  20  may function as a mechanical slots gaming apparatus, wherein the mechanical slots gaming apparatus may replace the color video display  70  with a transparent display portion in the housing  50  that allows viewing of a plurality of mechanically rotatable reels. Each of the mechanical reels may be independently rotatable about an axis and may have a plurality of slot machine symbols formed on a surface of the mechanical reels. The mechanical reels may be disposed within the housing so that the slot machine symbols are visible to a player through the transparent display portion. If a plurality of mechanically rotatable reels replace the video display  70 , the video display  71  could be used to display video images associated with an instant bonus game. 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates one possible embodiment of the control panel  66 , which may be used where the gaming unit  20  is a slot machine having a plurality of mechanical or “virtual” (i.e. video) reels. Referring to  FIG. 2A , the control panel  66  may include a “See Pays” button  72  that, when activated, causes the display unit  70  to generate one or more display screens showing the odds or payout information for the game or games provided by the gaming unit  20 . As used herein, the term “button” is intended to encompass any device that allows a player to make an input, such as an input device that must be depressed to make an input selection or a display area that a player may simply touch. The control panel  66  may include a “Cash Out” button  74  that may be activated when a player decides to terminate play on the gaming unit  20 , in which case the gaming unit  20  may return value to the player, such as by returning a number of coins to the player via the payout tray  64 . 
     If the gaming unit  20  provides a slots game having a plurality of reels and a plurality of paylines which define winning combinations of reel symbols, the control panel  66  may be provided with a plurality of selection buttons  76 , each of which allows the player to select a different number of paylines prior to spinning the reels. For example, five buttons  76  may be provided, each of which may allow a player to select one, three, five, seven or nine paylines. 
     If the gaming unit  20  provides a slots game having a plurality of reels, the control panel  66  may be provided with a plurality of selection buttons  78  each of which allows a player to specify a wager amount for each payline selected. For example, if the smallest wager accepted by the gaming unit  20  is a quarter ($0.25), the gaming unit  20  may be provided with five selection buttons  78 , each of which may allow a player to select one, two, three, four or five quarters to wager for each payline selected. In that case, if a player were to activate the “5”, button  76  (meaning that five paylines were to be played on the next spin of the reels) and then activate the “3” button  78  (meaning that three coins per payline were to be wagered), the total wager would be $3.75 (assuming the denomination was $0.25). 
     The control panel  66  may include a “Max Bet” button  80  to allow a player to make the maximum wager allowable for a game. In the above example, where up to nine paylines were provided and up to five quarters could be wagered for each payline selected, the maximum wager would be 45 quarters, or $11.25. The control panel  66  may include a spin button  82  to allow the player to initiate spinning of the reels of a slots game after a wager has been made. The control panel  66  may further include an instant bonus game button  84  to allow the player to buy and play an instant bonus game. 
     In  FIG. 2A , a rectangle is shown around the buttons  72 ,  74 ,  76 ,  78 ,  80 ,  82 . It should be understood that that rectangle simply designates, for ease of reference, an area in which the buttons  72 ,  74 ,  76 ,  78 ,  80 ,  82  may be located. Consequently, the term “control panel” should not be construed to imply that a panel or plate separate from the housing  50  of the gaming unit  20  is required, and the term “control panel” may encompass a plurality or grouping of player activatable buttons. 
     Although one possible control panel  66  is described above, it should be understood that different buttons could be utilized in the control panel  66 , and that the particular buttons used may depend on the game or games that could be played on the gaming unit  20 . Although the control panel  66  is shown to be separate from the display unit  70 , it should be understood that the control panel  66  could be generated by the display unit  70 . In that case, each of the buttons of the control panel  66  could be a colored area generated by the display unit  70 , and some type of mechanism may be associated with the display unit  70  to detect when each of the buttons was touched, such as a touch-sensitive screen. 
     Gaming Unit Electronics 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a number of components that may be incorporated in the gaming unit  20 . Referring to  FIG. 3 , the gaming unit  20  may include a controller  100  that may comprise a program memory  102 , a microcontroller or microprocessor (MP)  104 , a random-access memory (RAM)  106  and an input/output (I/O) circuit  108 , all of which may be interconnected via an address/data bus  110 . It should be appreciated that although only one microprocessor  104  is shown, the controller  100  may include multiple microprocessors  104 . Similarly, the memory of the controller  100  may include multiple RAMs  106  and multiple program memories  102 . Although the I/O circuit  108  is shown as a single block, it should be appreciated that the I/O circuit  108  may include a number of different types of I/O circuits. The RAM(s)  104  and program memories  102  may be implemented as semiconductor memories, magnetically readable memories, and/or optically readable memories, for example. Also, multiple controllers may be present within the gaming apparatus  20  to control different components. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates that the control panel  66 , the coin acceptor  52 , the bill acceptor  54 , the card reader  58 , the ticket reader/printer  56 , and the display units  70  and  71  may be operatively coupled to the I/O circuit  108 , each of those components being so coupled by either a unidirectional or bidirectional, single-line or multiple-line data link, which may depend on the design of the component that is used. The speaker(s)  62  may be operatively coupled to a sound circuit  112 , that may comprise a voice- and sound-synthesis circuit or that may comprise a driver circuit. The sound-generating circuit  112  may be coupled to the I/O circuit  108 . Additionally, if the gaming unit  20  functions as a mechanical slots gaming apparatus having a plurality of mechanical reels, then the controller may be connected to the mechanical reels or to sensors that indicate the positions of the reels. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the components  52 ,  54 ,  56 ,  58 ,  66 ,  70 ,  71 , and  112  may be connected to the I/O circuit  108  via a respective direct line or conductor. Different connection schemes could be used. For example, one or more of the components shown in  FIG. 3  may be connected to the I/O circuit  108  via a common bus or other data link that is shared by a number of components. Furthermore, some of the components may be directly connected to the microprocessor  104  without passing through the I/O circuit  108 . 
     Overall Operation of Gaming Unit 
     One manner in which one or more of the gaming units  20  (and one or more of the gaming units  30 ) may operate is described below in connection with a number of flowcharts which represent a number of portions or routines of one or more computer programs, which may be stored in one or more of the memories of the controller  100 . The computer program(s) or portions thereof may be stored remotely, outside of the gaming unit  20 , and may control the operation of the gaming unit  20  from a remote location. Such remote control may be facilitated with the use of a wireless connection, or by an Internet interface that connects the gaming unit  20  with a remote computer (such as one of the network computers  22 ,  32 ) having a memory in which the computer program portions are stored. For example, the network computers  22 ,  32  could be used to control an instant bonus game for players of the gaming units  20 . The computer program portions may be written in any high level language such as C, C++ or the like or any low-level, assembly or machine language. By storing the computer program portions therein, various portions of the memories  102 ,  106  are physically and/or structurally configured in accordance with computer program instructions. 
       FIG. 4  is a flowchart of a main operating routine  180  that may be stored in the memory of the controller  100 . Referring to  FIG. 4 , the main routine  180  may begin operation at block  182  during which an attraction sequence may be performed in an attempt to induce a potential player in a casino or other facility to play the gaming unit  20 . The attraction sequence may be performed by displaying one or more video images on the display unit  70  and/or causing one or more sound segments, such as voice or music, to be generated via the speakers  62 . The attraction sequence may include a scrolling list of standard games that may be played on the gaming unit  20  and/or video images of various games being played, such as video poker, video blackjack, video slots, video keno, video bingo, video pachinko, etc. 
     During performance of the attraction sequence, if a potential player makes any input to the gaming unit  20  as determined at a block  184 , the attraction sequence may be terminated and a game-selection display may be generated on the display unit  70  at block  186  to allow the player to select a game available on the gaming unit  20 . The gaming unit  20  may detect an input at block  184  in various ways. For example, the gaming unit  20  could detect if the player presses any button on the gaming unit  20 ; the gaming unit  20  could determine if the player deposited one or more coins into the gaming unit  20 ; the gaming unit  20  could determine if player deposited paper currency into the gaming unit; etc. 
     The game-selection display generated at block  186  may include, for example, a list of video games that may be played on the gaming unit  20  and/or a visual message to prompt the player to deposit value into the gaming unit  20 . While the game-selection display is generated, the gaming unit  20  may wait for the player to make a game selection. Upon selection of one of the games by the player as determined at block  190 , the controller  100  may determine at a block  192  if an instant bonus game is available. If an instant bonus game is available, the controller  100  may generate an instant bonus attraction and display the instant bonus attraction and an instant bonus paytable at a block  194  on either of the video display units  70  or  71 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the network computer  32  could be used to initiate and facilitate the display of the instant bonus game. Additionally, the video image of the instant bonus attraction and the instant bonus paytable may be a separate video image from the first video image of the standard game that was selected by the player, or the video image of the instant bonus attraction and the instant bonus paytable may simply comprise a portion of the first video image of the standard game selected by the player. In other words, the two video images of the standard game selected by the player and the instant bonus game may be displayed simultaneously on the display  70 , or one video image could be displayed on the display  70  and the other video image could be displayed on the display  71 . 
     The instant bonus attraction may be performed in an attempt to induce a player to buy outright a bonus game, before playing a standard game. In other words, a player is given the opportunity to play the bonus game, for a fee, without having to “earn” the bonus game through successful play(s) of the standard game. Therefore, a player is provided the ability to play the instant bonus game whenever he or she desires. The instant bonus game may be considered similar to a lottery because all players are given the option to pay money to play the bonus game. The paytable associated with the instant bonus game may be different from a paytable for the bonus game where the player “earned” the bonus game as a result of a successful play of a standard game, or a series of successful plays of a standard game. For example, the controller  100  may establish a $10 minimum to buy the instant bonus game, and the payout for winning the purchased instant bonus game with the $10 wager would be $100. Winning the same bonus game in a situation where the player “earned” the bonus game after successful play of the standard game could result in a $1000 payout for an identical $10 wager. It should also be noted that the controller  100  may set different minimum wagers or buy-in amounts for a purchased instant bonus game and an “earned” bonus game. Additionally, the paytable for the instant bonus game may be configured so that a minimum jackpot value is set, and that minimum jackpot value is displayed on the display  70 , or any other display device, for viewing by the player. 
     Several variations to the paytable and associated payouts described above for the instant bonus game could be implemented. For example, the gaming system  10  could be offered on a plurality of gaming apparatuses, wherein the gaming system  10  would control the timing of an instant bonus game so that a plurality of players could compete for the bonus. The ability to have multiple players playing for the same bonus game could be as simple as allowing a small group of friends to compete against each other, or as sophisticated as having a very large number of players competing for a large jackpot. For games having very large jackpots, the gaming system  10  may contribute monetarily to the jackpot for the instant bonus game. Additionally, the instant bonus game may be extended to include progressive jackpots where the jackpot is advertised in advance. For instant bonus games associated with wide area progressive jackpots, the timing of the jackpot could be scheduled at a predictable time which may also be included in an advertisement. 
     The gaming system  10  may further notify all of the players competing for the instant bonus jackpot of the current jackpot amount. The payout for an instant bonus game may thus comprise a contribution from the operator of the gaming system  10  as well as a percentage of all of the amounts wagered by the plurality of players playing the bonus game. The controllers for the gaming apparatuses in the gaming system  10  may update and display for the players the current value of the instant bonus jackpot as additional wagers are made, or the network computer  32  could be used for this. It should also be noted that the host facility or an operator of the gaming system  10  may control the timing of the instant bonus game through the network computer  32 . The operator&#39;s control of the instant bonus game may be supplemented by, or replaced by, the controllers in the gaming system  10 . 
     Referring again to the routine  180  of  FIG. 4 , if the controller determines at a block  196  that the player wishes to buy and play an instant bonus game, the controller  100  may display the instant bonus game on the display  70  and allow the player to play the instant bonus game at a block  200 . The controller  100  may prompt the player to insert value equaling the minimum buy-in amount before allowing the player to play the instant bonus game. At a block  202 , the controller may determine if the player won the instant bonus game. If the player did not win the instant bonus game, then the routine  180  may return to the block  194  where the controller may generate the instant bonus attraction. The routine  180  could alternatively take the player directly to one of the game routines  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240 , or  250 , if the player did not win the instant bonus game. If the player won the instant bonus game, the player may be credited according to the instant bonus paytable at a block  204 . The routine  180  may then return to the block  194  where the instant bonus attraction may be generated and displayed. 
     If the gaming apparatus  20  does not have an instant bonus game available, or if the player chooses not to buy and play the instant bonus game when it is available, upon selection of one of the standard games by the player, the controller  100  may cause one of a number of standard game routines to be performed to allow the selected game to be played. For example, the standard game routines could include a video poker routine  210 , a video blackjack routine  220 , a slots routine  230 , a video keno routine  240 , a video bingo routine  250 , and a video pachinko routine (not shown). At a block  260 , if no game selection is made within a given period of time, the operation may branch back to block  186 . 
     After one of the routines  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240 ,  250  has been performed to allow the player to play one of the standard games, block  260  may be utilized to determine whether the player wishes to terminate play on the gaming unit  20  or to select another game. If the player wishes to stop playing the gaming unit  20 , which wish may be expressed, for example, by selecting a “Cash Out” button, the controller  100  may dispense value to the player at block  262  based on the outcome of the game(s) played by the player. The operation may then return to block  182 . If the player did not wish to quit as determined at block  260 , the routine may return to block  186  where the game-selection display may again be generated to allow the player to select another game. 
     An alternative configuration for the controller  100  could include revising the routine  180  so that a user is taken directly to one of the games  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240  or  250  after playing the instant bonus game at the block  200 . This could occur only if the player wins the instant bonus game, only if the player loses the instant bonus game, or regardless of whether the player wins or loses the instant bonus game. Yet another alternative configuration could include taking the player to the block  260  after playing the instant bonus game to allow the player to quit immediately after playing the instant bonus game. As with the alternative described above, this could occur only if the player wins the instant bonus game, only if the player loses the instant bonus game, or regardless of whether the player wins or loses the instant bonus game. 
     It should be noted that although five standard gaming routines are shown in  FIG. 4 , a different number of routines could be included to allow play of a different number of games. The gaming unit  20  may also be programmed to allow play of different games. Likewise, the instant bonus game described above may be the same bonus game for all of the standard games, or it may be different for each of the standard games selected. It is also possible to have multiple instant bonus games available for each of the standard games, or for a group of the standard games. 
       FIG. 5  is a flowchart of an alternative main operating routine  300  that may be stored in the memory of the controller  100 . The main routine  300  may be utilized for gaming units  20  and is similar to the routine  180  of  FIG. 4  except that the instant bonus game is assumed available on all gaming apparatus  20  is made available to the player after the player plays one of the standard games. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the main routine  300  may begin operation at block  302  during which an attraction sequence may be performed in an attempt to induce a potential player in a casino to play the gaming unit  20 . The attraction sequence may be performed by displaying one or more video images on the display units  70  and  71  and/or causing one or more sound segments, such as voice or music, to be generated via the speakers  62 . 
     During performance of the attraction sequence, if a potential player makes any input to the gaming unit  20  as determined at block  304 , the attraction sequence may be terminated and a game display may be generated on the display unit  70  at block  306 . The game display generated at block  306  may include, for example, an image of a standard casino game that may be played on the gaming unit  20  and/or a visual message to prompt the player to deposit value into the gaming unit  20 . Block  310  may be used to determine if the player requested initiation of a game, in which case the controller  100  may cause one of a number of game routines to be performed to allow the selected game to be played. For example, the standard game routines could include a video poker routine  210 , a video blackjack routine  220 , a slots routine  230 , a video keno routine  240 , a video bingo routine  250 , and a video pachinko routine (not shown). At the block  310 , if no game selection is made within a given period of time, the operation may branch back to block  302 . 
     After one of the standard game routines  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240 , or  250  has been completed, the controller  100  may generate and display an instant bonus attraction at a block  312 . As with the routine  180  from  FIG. 4 , the instant bonus attraction may be performed in an attempt to induce a player to buy outright a bonus game. As described above, the instant bonus game may be initiated by the gaming apparatus&#39; controller  100  or the network computer&#39;s controller. The instant bonus attraction may be generated regardless of the outcome of the standard game, so that a player is provided the opportunity to play the bonus game even after losing the standard game. The controller  100  may also display a paytable for the bonus game at the block  312 . The paytable data may be transmitted to the controller  100  from the network computer  22  via the network  40  and stored in the memory  102 . The paytable and the minimum wager may vary depending on whether the bonus game was “earned” or “bought.” For example, the minimum wager for a bonus game that is “earned” could be very low, if not free, and “earned” bonus games that are won could at the same time offer very large payouts. But, for instant bonus games that are “bought,” the minimum wager could be higher than the minimum wager required for “earned” bonus games, and at the same time, winning a “bought” instant bonus game could payout a smaller sum than winning an “earned” bonus game. 
     A block  314  in the routine  300  may determine whether or not a player wants to buy and play the instant bonus game. After a player has decided to play the instant bonus game and has deposited value into the gaming unit  20 , the player is allowed to play the instant bonus game at a block  316 . After the routine  300  has been performed to allow the player to play the instant bonus game, a block  320  may be utilized to determine whether the player won the instant bonus game. If the player did not win the instant bonus game, the routine may return to the block  312  where the instant bonus attraction is again generated. Alternatively, the routine may advance the player to a block  324  where the player is given the option to quit the routine. If the player won the instant bonus game, the player may be credited according to the instant bonus paytable at a block  322 , where the routine may then return to the block  312 . The information representing the value payout associated with a winning instant bonus game may be transmitted from the network computer  22  to the memory  102  of the controller  100 . 
     If the player does not want to play the bonus game (or an additional bonus game if he or she has already played one or more bonus games), a block  324  may be utilized to determine whether the player wishes to terminate play on the gaming unit  20 . If the player wishes to stop playing the gaming unit  20 , which wish may be expressed, for example, by selecting a “Cash Out” button, the controller  100  may dispense value to the player at block  326  based on the outcome of the game(s) played by the player. The operation may then return to block  302 . If the player did not wish to quit as determined at block  324 , the operation may return to block  306 . 
     Video Poker 
       FIG. 6  is an exemplary display  350  that may be shown on the display unit  70  during performance of the video poker routine  210  shown schematically in  FIG. 4 . Referring to  FIG. 6 , the display  350  may include video images  352  of a plurality of playing cards representing the player&#39;s hand, such as five cards. To allow the player to control the play of the video poker game, a plurality of player-selectable buttons may be displayed. The buttons may include a “Hold” button  354  disposed directly below each of the playing card images  352 , a “Cash Out” button  356 , a “See Pays” button  358 , a “Bet One Credit” button  360 , a “Bet Max Credits” button  362 , and a “Deal/Draw” button  364 . The display  350  may also include an area  366  in which the number of remaining credits or value is displayed. If the display unit  70  is provided with a touch-sensitive screen, the buttons  354 ,  356 ,  358 ,  360 ,  362 ,  364  may form part of the video display  350 . Alternatively, one or more of those buttons may be provided as part of a control panel that is provided separately from the display unit  70 . 
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart of the video poker routine  210  shown schematically in  FIG. 4 . Referring to  FIG. 8 , at block  370 , the routine may determine whether the player has requested payout information, such as by activating the “See Pays” button  358 , in which case at block  372  the routine may cause one or more pay tables to be displayed on the display unit  70 . At block  374 , the routine may determine whether the player has made a bet, such as by pressing the “Bet One Credit” button  360 , in which case at block  376  bet data corresponding to the bet made by the player may be stored in the memory of the controller  100 . At block  378 , the routine may determine whether the player has pressed the “Bet Max Credits” button  362 , in which case at block  380  bet data corresponding to the maximum allowable bet may be stored in the memory of the controller  100 . 
     At block  382 , the routine may determine if the player desires a new hand to be dealt, which may be determined by detecting if the “Deal/Draw” button  364  was activated after a wager was made. In that case, at block  384  a video poker hand may be “dealt” by causing the display unit  70  to generate the playing card images  352 . After the hand is dealt, at block  386  the routine may determine if any of the “Hold” buttons  354  have been activated by the player, in which case data regarding which of the playing card images  352  are to be “held” may be stored in the controller  100  at block  388 . If the “Deal/Draw” button  364  is activated again as determined at block  390 , each of the playing card images  352  that was not “held” may be caused to disappear from the video display  350  and to be replaced by a new, randomly selected, playing card image  352  at block  392 . 
     At block  394 , the routine may determine whether the poker hand represented by the playing card images  352  currently displayed is a winner. That determination may be made by comparing data representing the currently displayed poker hand with data representing all possible winning hands, which may be stored in the memory of the controller  100 . If there is a winning hand, a payout value corresponding to the winning hand may be determined at block  396 . At block  398 , the player&#39;s cumulative value or number of credits may be updated by subtracting the bet made by the player and adding, if the hand was a winner, the payout value determined at block  396 . The cumulative value or number of credits may also be displayed in the display area  366  ( FIG. 6 ). 
     Although the video poker routine  210  is described above in connection with a single poker hand of five cards, the routine  210  may be modified to allow other versions of poker to be played. For example, seven card poker may be played, or stud poker may be played. Alternatively, multiple poker hands may be simultaneously played. In that case, the game may begin by dealing a single poker hand, and the player may be allowed to hold certain cards. After deciding which cards to hold, the held cards may be duplicated in a plurality of different poker hands, with the remaining cards for each of those poker hands being randomly determined. 
     Video Blackjack 
       FIG. 7  is an exemplary display  400  that may be shown on the display unit  70  during performance of the video blackjack routine  220  shown schematically in  FIG. 4 . Referring to  FIG. 7 , the display  400  may include video images  402  of a pair of playing cards representing a dealer&#39;s hand, with one of the cards shown face up and the other card being shown face down, and video images  404  of a pair of playing cards representing a player&#39;s hand, with both the cards shown face up. The “dealer” may be the gaming unit  20 . 
     To allow the player to control the play of the video blackjack game, a plurality of player-selectable buttons may be displayed. The buttons may include a “Cash Out” button  406 , a “See Pays” button  408 , a “Stay” button  410 , a “Hit” button  412 , a “Bet One Credit” button  414 , and a “Bet Max Credits” button  416 . The display  400  may also include an area  418  in which the number of remaining credits or value is displayed. If the display unit  70  is provided with a touch-sensitive screen, the buttons  406 ,  408 ,  410 ,  412 ,  414 ,  416  may form part of the video display  400 . Alternatively, one or more of those buttons may be provided as part of a control panel that is provided separately from the display unit  70 . 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart of the video blackjack routine  220  shown schematically in  FIG. 4 . Referring to  FIG. 9 , the video blackjack routine  220  may begin at block  420  where it may determine whether a bet has been made by the player. That may be determined, for example, by detecting the activation of either the “Bet One Credit” button  414  or the “Bet Max Credits” button  416 . At block  422 , bet data corresponding to the bet made at block  420  may be stored in the memory of the controller  100 . At block  424 , a dealer&#39;s hand and a player&#39;s hand may be “dealt” by making the playing card images  402 ,  404  appear on the display unit  70 . 
     At block  426 , the player may be allowed to be “hit,” in which case at block  428  another card will be dealt to the player&#39;s hand by making another playing card image  404  appear in the display  400 . If the player is hit, block  430  may determine if the player has “bust,” or exceeded 21. If the player has not bust, blocks  426  and  428  may be performed again to allow the player to be hit again. 
     If the player decides not to hit, at block  432  the routine may determine whether the dealer should be hit. Whether the dealer hits may be determined in accordance with predetermined rules, such as the dealer always hit if the dealer&#39;s hand totals 15 or less. If the dealer hits, at block  434  the dealer&#39;s hand may be dealt another card by making another playing card image  402  appear in the display  400 . At block  436  the routine may determine whether the dealer has bust. If the dealer has not bust, blocks  432 ,  434  may be performed again to allow the dealer to be hit again. 
     If the dealer does not hit, at block  436  the outcome of the blackjack game and a corresponding payout may be determined based on, for example, whether the player or the dealer has the higher hand that does not exceed 21. If the player has a winning hand, a payout value corresponding to the winning hand may be determined at block  440 . At block  442 , the player&#39;s cumulative value or number of credits may be updated by subtracting the bet made by the player and adding, if the player won, the payout value determined at block  440 . The cumulative value or number of credits may also be displayed in the display area  418  ( FIG. 7 ). 
     Slots 
       FIG. 10  is an exemplary display  450  that may be shown on the display unit  70  during performance of the slots routine  230  shown schematically in  FIG. 4 . Referring to  FIG. 10 , the display  450  may include video images  452  of a plurality of slot machine reels, each of the reels having a plurality of reel symbols  454  associated therewith. Although the display  450  shows five reel images  452 , each of which may have three reel symbols  454  that are visible at a time, other reel configurations could be utilized. 
     To allow the player to control the play of the slots game, a plurality of player-selectable buttons may be displayed. The buttons may include a “Cash Out” button  456 , a “See Pays” button  458 , a plurality of payline-selection buttons  460  each of which allows the player to select a different number of paylines prior to “spinning” the reels, a plurality of bet-selection buttons  462  each of which allows a player to specify a wager amount for each payline selected, a “Spin” button  464 , and a “Max Bet” button  466  to allow a player to make the maximum wager allowable. 
       FIG. 12  is a flowchart of the slots routine  230  shown schematically in  FIG. 4 . Referring to  FIG. 12 , at block  470 , the routine may determine whether the player has requested payout information, such as by activating the “See Pays” button  458 , in which case at block  472  the routine may cause one or more pay tables to be displayed on the display unit  70 . At block  474 , the routine may determine whether the player has pressed one of the payline-selection buttons  460 , in which case at block  476  data corresponding to the number of paylines selected by the player may be stored in the memory of the controller  100 . At block  478 , the routine may determine whether the player has pressed one of the bet-selection buttons  462 , in which case at block  480  data corresponding to the amount bet per payline may be stored in the memory of the controller  100 . At block  482 , the routine may determine whether the player has pressed the “Max Bet” button  466 , in which case at block  484  bet data (which may include both payline data and bet-per-payline data) corresponding to the maximum allowable bet may be stored in the memory of the controller  100 . 
     If the “Spin” button  464  has been activated by the player as determined at block  486 , at block  488  the routine may cause the slot machine reel images  452  to begin “spinning” so as to simulate the appearance of a plurality of spinning mechanical slot machine reels. At block  490 , the routine may determine the positions at which the slot machine reel images will stop, or the particular symbol images  454  that will be displayed when the reel images  452  stop spinning. At block  492 , the routine may stop the reel images  452  from spinning by displaying stationary reel images  452  and images of three symbols  454  for each stopped reel image  452 . The virtual reels may be stopped from left to right, from the perspective of the player, or in any other manner or sequence. 
     The routine may provide for the possibility of a bonus game or round if certain conditions are met, such as the display in the stopped reel images  452  of a particular symbol  454 . If there is such a bonus condition as determined at block  494 , the routine may proceed to block  496  where a bonus round may be played. The bonus round may be a different game than slots, and many other types of bonus games could be provided. If the player wins the bonus round, or receives additional credits or points in the bonus round, a bonus value may be determined at block  498 . A payout value corresponding to outcome of the slots game and/or the bonus round may be determined at block  500 . At block  502 , the player&#39;s cumulative value or number of credits may be updated by subtracting the bet made by the player and adding, if the slot game and/or bonus round was a winner, the payout value determined at block  500 . 
     Although the above routine has been described as a virtual slot machine routine in which slot machine reels are represented as images on the display unit  70 , actual slot machine reels that are capable of being spun may be utilized instead. 
     Video Keno 
       FIG. 11  is an exemplary display  520  that may be shown on the display unit  70  during performance of the video keno routine  240  shown schematically in  FIG. 4 . Referring to  FIG. 11 , the display  520  may include a video image  522  of a plurality of numbers that were selected by the player prior to the start of a keno game and a video image  524  of a plurality of numbers randomly selected during the keno game. The randomly selected numbers may be displayed in a grid pattern. 
     To allow the player to control the play of the keno game, a plurality of player-selectable buttons may be displayed. The buttons may include a “Cash Out” button  526 , a “See Pays” button  528 , a “Bet One Credit” button  530 , a “Bet Max Credits” button  532 , a “Select Ticket” button  534 , a “Select Number” button  536 , and a “Play” button  538 . The display  520  may also include an area  540  in which the number of remaining credits or value is displayed. If the display unit  70  is provided with a touch-sensitive screen, the buttons may form part of the video display  520 . Alternatively, one or more of those buttons may be provided as part of a control panel that is provided separately from the display unit  70 . 
       FIG. 13  is a flowchart of the video keno routine  240  shown schematically in  FIG. 4 . The keno routine  240  may be utilized in connection with a single gaming unit  20  where a single player is playing a keno game, or the keno routine  240  may be utilized in connection with multiple gaming units  20  where multiple players are playing a single keno game. In the latter case, one or more of the acts described below may be performed either by the controller  100  in each gaming unit or by one of the network computer  22 ,  32  to which multiple gaming units  20  are operatively connected. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13  at block  550 , the routine may determine whether the player has requested payout information, such as by activating the “See Pays” button  528 , in which case at block  552  the routine may cause one or more pay tables to be displayed on the display unit  70 . At block  554 , the routine may determine whether the player has made a bet, such as by having pressed the “Bet One Credit” button  530  or the “Bet Max Credits” button  532 , in which case at block  556  bet data corresponding to the bet made by the player may be stored in the memory of the controller  100 . After the player has made a wager, at block  558  the player may select a keno ticket, and at block  560  the ticket may be displayed on the display  520 . At block  562 , the player may select one or more game numbers, which may be within a range set by the casino. After being selected, the player&#39;s game numbers may be stored in the memory of the controller  100  at block  564  and may be included in the image  522  on the display  520  at block  566 . After a certain amount of time, the keno game may be closed to additional players (where a number of players are playing a single keno game using multiple gambling units  20 ). 
     If play of the keno game is to begin as determined at block  568 , at block  570  a game number within a range set by the casino may be randomly selected either by the controller  100  or a central computer operatively connected to the controller, such as one of the network computers  22 ,  32 . At block  572 , the randomly selected game number may be displayed on the display unit  70  and the display units  70  of other gaming units  20  (if any) which are involved in the same keno game. At block  574 , the controller  100  (or the central computer noted above) may increment a count which keeps track of how many game numbers have been selected at block  570 . 
     At block  576 , the controller  100  (or one of the network computers  22 ,  32 ) may determine whether a maximum number of game numbers within the range have been randomly selected. If not, another game number may be randomly selected at block  570 . If the maximum number of game numbers has been selected, at block  578  the controller  100  (or a central computer) may determine whether there are a sufficient number of matches between the game numbers selected by the player and the game numbers selected at block  570  to cause the player to win. The number of matches may depend on how many numbers the player selected and the particular keno rules being used. 
     If there are a sufficient number of matches, a payout may be determined at block  580  to compensate the player for winning the game. The payout may depend on the number of matches between the game numbers selected by the player and the game numbers randomly selected at block  570 . At block  582 , the player&#39;s cumulative value or number of credits may be updated by subtracting the bet made by the player and adding, if the keno game was won, the payout value determined at block  580 . The cumulative value or number of credits may also be displayed in the display area  540  ( FIG. 11 ). 
     Video Bingo 
       FIG. 14  is an exemplary display  600  that may be shown on the display unit  70  during performance of the video bingo routine  250  shown schematically in  FIG. 4 . Referring to  FIG. 14 , the display  600  may include one or more video images  602  of a bingo card and images of the bingo numbers selected during the game. The bingo card images  602  may have a grid pattern. 
     To allow the player to control the play of the bingo game, a plurality of player-selectable buttons may be displayed. The buttons may include a “Cash Out” button  604 , a “See Pays” button  606 , a “Bet One Credit” button  608 , a “Bet Max Credits” button  610 , a “Select Card” button  612 , and a “Play” button  614 . The display  600  may also include an area  616  in which the number of remaining credits or value is displayed. If the display unit  70  is provided with a touch-sensitive screen, the buttons may form part of the video display  600 . Alternatively, one or more of those buttons may be provided as part of a control panel that is provided separately from the display unit  70 . 
       FIG. 15  is a flowchart of the video bingo routine  250  shown schematically in  FIG. 4 . The bingo routine  250  may be utilized in connection with a single gaming unit  20  where a single player is playing a bingo game, or the bingo routine  250  may be utilized in connection with multiple gaming units  20  where multiple players are playing a single bingo game. In the latter case, one or more of the acts described below may be performed either by the controller  100  in each gaming unit  20  or by one of the network computers  22 ,  32  to which multiple gaming units  20  are operatively connected. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , at block  620 , the routine may determine whether the player has requested payout information, such as by activating the “See Pays” button  606 , in which case at block  622  the routine may cause one or more pay tables to be displayed on the display unit  70 . At block  624 , the routine may determine whether the player has made a bet, such as by having pressed the “Bet One Credit” button  608  or the “Bet Max Credits” button  610 , in which case at block  626  bet data corresponding to the bet made by the player may be stored in the memory of the controller  100 . 
     After the player has made a wager, at block  628  the player may select a bingo card, which may be generated randomly. The player may select more than one bingo card, and there may be a maximum number of bingo cards that a player may select. After play is to commence as determined at block  632 , at block  634  a bingo number may be randomly generated by the controller  100  or a central computer such as one of the network computers  22 ,  32 . At block  636 , the bingo number may be displayed on the display unit  70  and the display units  70  of any other gaming units  20  involved in the bingo game. 
     At block  638 , the controller  100  (or a central computer) may determine whether any player has won the bingo game. If no player has won, another bingo number may be randomly selected at block  634 . If any player has bingo as determined at block  638 , the routine may determine at block  640  whether the player playing that gaming unit  20  was the winner. If so, at block  642  a payout for the player may be determined. The payout may depend on the number of random numbers that were drawn before there was a winner, the total number of winners (if there was more than one player), and the amount of money that was wagered on the game. At block  644 , the player&#39;s cumulative value or number of credits may be updated by subtracting the bet made by the player and adding, if the bingo game was won, the payout value determined at block  642 . The cumulative value or number of credits may also be displayed in the display area  616  ( FIG. 14 ). 
     Numerous modifications and alternative embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. This description is to be construed as illustrative only, and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode of carrying out the invention. The details of the structure and method may be varied substantially without departing from the spirit of the invention, and the exclusive use of all modifications which come within the scope of the appended claims is reserved.