Abstract:
An apparatus and a method facilitate single user and tournament play of wagering games on a computer-controlled machine. A player provides control input in order to control the game. The machine simulates the rolling of dice to obtain scoring combinations, and the player makes strategic gaming decisions concerning the holding, releasing and re-rolling of the dice, and the assignment of the resulting dice combinations to scoring categories. A game progresses as a player attempts to fill a plurality of scoring categories in order to achieve a high total score. A player wagers on each simulated roll of the dice, and is paid for winning assignments of combinations to categories. The computer-controlled slot machines are generally linked to a wide area network, facilitating tournament play among multiple players and progressive jackpots. Computer-controlled slot machines include machine-readable media reading and writing devices, allowing players to save and restore games in progress.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 09/298,604 filed on Apr. 23, 1999, now abandoned, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to gaming systems, and in particular to computer-controlled casino dice games. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Traditional slot machine play typically involves wagering on the spin of a mechanical or video-simulated reel. No decision making is involved, other than the decision to play. No skill is involved where the outcome of such gaming is based upon chance. 
     The interconnection of multiple gaming machines to facilitate a gaming system with progressive jackpots is in use today. Although such wide area links involve progressive jackpots, they do not take full advantage of the potential created by the interconnection of a plurality of gaming machines. Wide area links of gaming machines typically involve traditional computer-controlled slot machines, which, although popular, do not involve a substantial skill element. 
     Furthermore, traditional slot machines facilitate a limited persistence of play. After any given spin, a player is likely to leave the computer-controlled slot machine, because each spin is a completed cycle rather than part of an ongoing game. A game in which each spin or turn is a part of an ongoing game would be advantageous because such a system would encourage a player to continue playing in order to complete a game in progress. 
     Additionally, traditional slot machine play is a solitary activity. Players compete only against the house, in an introverted process in which they interact not with each other, but only with the gaming machines. With the advent of wide area links of gaming machines, a tremendous potential exists to facilitate multiple player tournaments, in which players would not only compete for the same progressive jackpots, but actually compete against each other in real time. Such multiple player gaming would be more socially interactive, and would facilitate a fun gaming dynamic. 
     Also, traditional slot machines are not equipped to permit a player to take a break, and to later resume game play. If a player physically leaves an individual slot machine, that player may never revisit the specific game state which the player left behind. Because players like to take short and long term breaks for a variety of reasons, a method to allow a player to save a game state and later restore the saved game would be advantageous. Players would like to be able to take breaks of any length and later resume a saved game at the same or another physical location. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides apparatus and method for the playing various casino games on a variation of a standard computer-controlled slot machine. One such game is designated herein by the term Check. In the game of Check, a player spins (rolls) five simulated dice to obtain certain scoring combinations during each turn. Each turn lasts from one to three spins. After the first spin, a player may end the turn or spin again. If a player spins again, the player may re-spin all of the dice, or hold any number of the dice and re-spin the others. After a maximum of three spins in this manner, the turn ends. Once a turn is over, the player must assign the result of the dice to one of a number of categories on a scorecard. If the result of the dice does not fit any of the categories, the player must assign a zero to one of the categories. Over the course of multiple turns, the player attempts to fill out the multiple predefined categories on the scorecard. The game is over when the player has filled all of the predefined categories and the resulting point values are accumulated. 
     The game of Check involves a substantial skill element. During the course of a game, a player must make various decisions, for example, whether to assign an existing score to a category or to roll again, which dice to roll again and which dice to hold, and to which category to assign a score. The outcome of the game and the amount of a player&#39;s winnings or losses are directly dependent upon the decisions the player makes. 
     Another such game is denoted herein by the term Z Sixty Six. In the game of Z Sixty Six, a player spins (rolls) six simulated dice to obtain three, four, five, and six of a kind. A player must achieve a minimum of three of a kind in order to begin a game. Each turn of a game lasts from one to three spins. During the first spin of a turn, a player spins all six dice, attempting to achieve a resulting combination in which at least three of the dice are of the same numerical value. After the first spin of a turn, the number displayed by the largest plurality of the dice automatically becomes a target number for the current turn. The dice displaying the target number are automatically held, and if at least three dice displaying the target number have been generated, points are assigned to a score area associated with the target number. 
     After the first spin, the player re-spins the dice that were not held, attempting to generate more dice displaying the target number. Where more dice displaying the target number are generated, a predetermined number of points is added to the appropriate scoring category, and the additional scoring dice are held. After a maximum of three spins total, the turn ends. Over the course of multiple turns, the player attempts to fill out the multiple predefined, scoring categories. The game is over when the player has filled all of the predefined categories. 
     In both Check and Z Sixty Six, the player inserts coins (or utilizes credit play) for each spin (roll) of the dice, and is paid for filling the categories. Payouts are dependent upon the category filled, and the number of rolls needed to achieve the scoring dice combinations. Bonuses may be paid for successfully completing the scorecard. 
     Furthermore, both games directly facilitate persistence of play. Each spin is part of an ongoing game. A player is encouraged to continue playing to complete turns and games in order to maximize the resulting point values or scores accumulated on the scorecard. 
     The computer-controlled slot machines may be interlinked onto a local and wide-area network with other computer-controlled slot machines. This facilitates multiple player tournaments in which players compete against each other in real time, in contrast to playing “against the house.” The wide area network also facilitates the payment of progressive or other special jackpots. The wide-area link may have progressive jackpots or flat-rate jackpots, and these prizes may be paid daily, weekly, monthly, and/or yearly. 
     The present invention also includes a method to save and restore games in progress. A player may save a game onto a magnetic card, bar coded voucher, or other machine-readable medium. The player may later resume the saved game by inserting the machine-readable medium into any similar computer-controlled slot machine, either at the same location, or elsewhere on the wide area network. The computer-controlled slot machine is then initialized to the conditions and states determined by the saved game information from the machine-readable medium, and the player may resume the game from where previously terminated. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a computer-controlled slot machine, in accordance with one embodiment of the gaming system of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of four computer-controlled slot machines assembled in a bar table according to another embodiment of the present invention for single or simultaneous multiple user play. 
     FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a local area network of computer-controlled slot machines, according to the present invention for progressive gaming activity. 
     FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a wide area network of computer-controlled slot machines, according to the present invention for progressive gaming activity. 
     FIG. 5A is a diagram of a touch-sensitive display of a computer-controlled slot machine, in accordance with one embodiment of the gaming system of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5B is a diagram of a touch-sensitive display of a computer-controlled slot machine, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the gaming system of the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the microprocessor-controlled computer and the computer program which facilitate game play according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of game play according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of game play according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 9 is illustrates score categories comprising two distinct display areas, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the games of Check and Z Sixty Six are played on a computer-controlled slot machine, for example as shown in FIG.  1 . The computer-controlled slot machine  101  includes a microprocessor-controlled computer  103  within a tamperproof and lockable cabinet  109  having a coin acceptor  111  for wagers and a bill validator  113  for wager, and preferably including a touch-sensitive display  115  for player input and game display. In addition, the computer-controlled slot machine includes a sound speaker  17  for output of digital sound and voice simulations, a tower light [ 119 ] (not shown) to indicate jackpots and other game statistics, and a meter  121  to display progressive jackpot information and other text. The computer  103  controls release of coins to a coin hopper  123  for paying players, and controls a ticket printer  125  for generating vouchers. The computer  103  also controls a machine-readable medium reading and writing device  129  for saving and restoring games in progress. 
     An alternative embodiment of the computer-controlled slot machine is illustrated in FIG. 2. A “bar buddy” version of a computer-controlled slot machine  201  includes all of the features of the computer-controlled slot machine  101 . Each “bar buddy” computer-controlled slot machine  201  contains four such computer-controlled slot machines  101 , assembled within a bar table  203 . Each of the four touch-sensitive displays  115  for player input and game display are mounted in the surface of the bar table  203 . The bar buddy computer-controlled slot machine  201  enables from one to four players to play Check or Z Sixty Six simultaneously, either against each other or against the house. The various modes of game play are detailed below. 
     Each computer-controlled slot machine  101  is preferably connected to a local area computer network as illustrated in FIG.  3 . The local area computer network  301  is controlled by a microprocessor-controlled server computer  303  which controls game play, records game statistics, accounts for vouchers and jackpots, and links the games together. The local area computer network  301  also preferably includes a progressive meter display  305  for showing progressive jackpot information. a flat rate award display  307  for showing flat rate jackpot information, and an additional display  309  for showing the scores that presently qualify for jackpots on the local area network  301 . In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, all of the computer-controlled slot machines  101  are connected to the local area computer network  301  in conventional manner via private dedicated lines  311 . In an alternative embodiment, some or all of the computer-controlled slot machines  101  positioned at remote locations are connected to the local area computer network  301  via modems and public telephone lines operated in secure mode through encryption/decryption techniques. 
     Each local area network  301  of computer-controlled slot machines  101  may be connected to a wide area computer network as illustrated in FIG.  4 . The wide area computer network  401  includes local area computer networks  301  at various physical locations. The wide area computer network  401  is controlled by a central-site computer  403  which operates in 24-hour-a-day communication with all local area computer networks  301  on the wide area computer network  401  for security, accounting, and verification of games and jackpots. If a local area computer network  301  is connected to a wide area computer network  401 , the progressive meter display  305 , the flat rate award display  307 , and the additional display  309  of that local area computer network  301  all display jackpot and other information pertaining to the entire wide area network  401 . For example, the additional display  309  of a local area computer network  301  which is connected to a wide area computer network  401  shows scores that presently qualify for jackpots on the wide area network  401 . In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each local area computer network  301  is connected to the wide area computer network  401  in conventional secured cryptographic manner via private dedicated lines  311 . In an alternative embodiment, some or all of the local area computer networks  301  are connected to the wide area computer network  401  in secured cryptographic manner via modems and public telephone lines. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the computer-controlled slot machine  101  includes a touch-sensitive display  115  for player input and game display. FIG. 5A illustrates the layout of the touch-sensitive display in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention for playing the game of Check. The touch-sensitive display  115  allows the player to make input selections conveniently, and displays game information in various ways, depending upon game state. The upper left area of the display  115  displays a scorecard  501  which includes thirteen dual purpose score areas  503  pertaining to the thirteen possible scoring categories. These areas are utilized to accept a player&#39;s selection of a scoring category after achieving a scoring spin, and also to display the score achieved by a player in that category, as detailed below with respect to game play. 
     The computer-controlled display scorecard  501  is divided into two portions. The upper portion  505  of the scorecard  501  includes dual purpose score areas  503  of the display for Ones (or Aces)  507 , Twos (or Deuces)  509 , Threes  511 , Fours  513  , Fives  515 , and Sixes  517 . If the player exceeds a pre-determined score threshold on the upper portion  505  of the scorecard  501 , the player is awarded a bonus score which is displayed in the bonus score display area  519  of the upper portion  505  of the scorecard  501 . The upper portion  505  of the scorecard  501  also includes an upper portion score total display area  520  for displaying the total of all of the scores achieved in the scoring categories of the upper portion  505  of the scorecard  501 . A detailed explanation of scoring is provided below with respect to game play. 
     The lower portion  521  of the display scorecard  501  includes dual purpose score areas  503  for 3-of-a-Kind  523 , 4-of-a-Kind  525 , Full House  527 , a four-dice Straight  529 , a five-dice Straight  531 , the sum of all five dice (or Chance)  533 , and 5-of-a-Kind (or Check)  535 . The lower portion  521  of the scorecard  501  also includes a lower portion score total display area  537  for displaying the total of all of the scores achieved in the scoring categories of the lower portion  521  of the scorecard  501 . 
     The display  115  includes a grand total score display area  539  which displays a player&#39;s grand total score as the sum of the upper portion score total and the lower portion score total. 
     The bottom left area of the display  115  includes five simulated dice  541 . The bottom left area of the display  115  includes five hold buttons  543  immediately below the simulated dice  541 . These hold buttons  543  are touch-sensitive areas, and are for holding a specific simulated die  541  on a series of spins (rolls) when the player is attempting to obtain a certain combination, as detailed below with respect to game play. 
     The middle left area of the display  115  includes a text message box  545  for informing players of games states, such as number of spins remaining, winning combinations, game over, and for informing players of the amount of payouts. 
     The upper right area of the display  115  includes a message area  547  showing the position of the current scorecard  501  in the daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly prize jackpot award among multiple player networks for the prevailing scores. Alternatively, the message area  547  may show the top five scores on a multiple-player network that qualify for a jackpot, as well as the bottom five scores that so qualify, so that the player can see scores required to achieve a jackpot, as detailed below with respect to jackpots. 
     The bottom right area of the touch-sensitive display  115  includes a number of touch-sensitive areas which facilitate configuration and control of the game of Check. Specifically, a touch-sensitive spin button  549  activates a spin (roll) of the simulated dice  541 , a touch-sensitive reset button  551  resets the scorecard  501 , and a touch-sensitive start game button  553  starts a game. A touch-sensitive wager button  555  allows a player to select the number of credits to wager, a touch-sensitive game mode selection button  557  allows a player to switch between game modes, and a touch-sensitive save-restore game button  559  allows a player to save or restore a game in progress to or from a card or voucher of machine-readable medium. Of course, the various buttons or control inputs, for example  543 ,  549 ,  551 ,  553 ,  555  and  557 , described herein as touch-sensitive areas on the display,  115  may also be provided as mechanical electrical input devices, as desired. 
     FIG. 5B illustrates the layout of the touch-sensitive  115  display in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention for playing the game of Z Sixty Six. The touch-sensitive display  115  allows the player to make input selections conveniently, and displays game information in various ways, depending upon game state. The upper left area of the display  115  displays a paytable  561  which indicates predetermined amounts to be paid for achieving specific scoring combinations. The paytable  561  is updated as the game progresses to reflect predetermined amounts to be paid for achieving scoring combinations at different stages of game play. 
     Below the paytable  561  are six score areas  503  of the display  115 . There is a score area for Ones (or Aces)  507 , for Twos (or Deuces)  509 , for Threes  511 , for Fours  513  , for Fives  515 , and for Sixes  517 . Scoring combinations are assigned to appropriate score areas  503 . A detailed explanation of scoring is provided below with respect to game play. 
     The bottom left area of the display  115  includes six simulated dice  541 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5B, the simulated dice are in the form of a video simulated dice reels. Below the video simulated dice  541  is a touch sensitive spin button  549  that activates a spin (roll) of the simulated dice  541 . In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5B, the spin button  549  is in the form of one spin bar common to all simulated dice  541  on the display  115 . 
     The upper central area of the display  115  includes a text message box  545  for informing players of games states, such as number of spins remaining, winning combinations, game over, and for informing players of the amount of payouts. The upper right area of the display  115  includes a message area  547  showing the top score on a multiple-player network that qualifies for a jackpot, as well as the bottom score that so qualifies, so that the player can see scores required to achieve a jackpot, as detailed below with respect to jackpots. Alternatively, the message area  547  may show the position of the current score in the daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly prize jackpot award among multiple player networks for the prevailing scores. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5B, a text message box  545  for informing players of payout amounts, and a text message box  545  for informing players of the number of accumulated credits are located below the message area  547 . 
     The bottom right area of the touch-sensitive display  115  includes a number of touch-sensitive areas which facilitate configuration and control of the game of Z Sixty Six. A touch-sensitive reset button  551  resets the game, and a touch-sensitive start game button  553  starts a game. A touch-sensitive game mode selection button  557  allows a player to switch single and multiple-player game modes. A touch-sensitive save-restore game button  559  allows a player to save or restore a game in progress to or from a card or voucher of machine-readable medium. A touch-sensitive collect button  563  allows a player to collect accumulated winnings. In one embodiment, a touch-sensitive translate button  565  allows a player to select a language to be used for display output. Of course, the various buttons or control inputs, for example  551 ,  553 ,  557 , and  559  described herein as touch-sensitive areas on the display  115 , may also be provided as mechanical electrical input devices, as desired. 
     FIG. 6 illustrates the computer system that facilities game play. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention for playing the game of Check, game play is facilitated by a computer program  601  executing in the microprocessor-controlled computer  103  within the computer-controlled slot machine  101 . In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the computer program is stored on a read-only memory integrated circuit  603  that is operatively coupled to the microprocessor-controlled computer  103  in the computer-controlled slot machine  101 . Of course, in alternative embodiments, the computer program may be stored on various other storage media, such as semiconductor memory or optical or magnetic disk, or the like. 
     The computer program  601  executes from the random access memory  605  of the microprocessor-controlled computer  103  in the computer-controlled slot machine  101 , and includes code  607  and data  609  to facilitate the play of the game of Check in accordance with the game rules, as detailed below with respect to game play. 
     The computer program accepts user input from various user input devices  611  of the types previously described, including coin acceptor  111 , bill validator  113 , the touch-sensitive display  115 , and the machine-readable medium reading and writing device  129 . Other input devices including mechanical button type switches and lever-arm switch actuators may be used in alternative embodiments as desired. 
     The computer program also controls computer operation of the various output devices  613  such as the display  115 , the sound speaker  117 , a tower light  119 , the meter  121 , the coin hopper  123 , the ticket printer  125 , and the machine-readable medium reading and writing device  129 . 
     Preferably, the computer program  601  also controls communication with the microprocessor-controlled server computer  303  which controls the local area computer network  301 . The computer program  601  controls this communication via a network port  615  and network connectivity circuitry  617  contained within the microprocessor-controlled computer  103 . 
     The computer program  601  utilizes a random number generator  619  to produce random numbers that represent the results of the simulated rolling of the simulated dice  541 . The computer program  601  utilizes animation circuitry  621  to produce the simulation of dice on the display  115 . 
     FIG. 7 is a flowchart, illustrating play of the game of Check according to one embodiment of the present invention. The object of the game is to ‘spin’ the simulated dice  541  for scoring combinations, and to get the highest total score accumulated within scoring categories of possible dice combinations. A player begins by inserting  701  one or more coins into the coin acceptor  111 , by inserting  701  one or more bills into the bill validator  113 , or by utilizing credits. The player then presses  703  the touch-sensitive start game button  553  to begin game play. The player then selects  705  the number of credits to wager on the spin of the simulated dice  541  by utilizing the touch-sensitive wager button  555  which controls the selection of the number of credits to be wagered. The player next spins  707  the simulated dice  541  by pressing the touch-sensitive spin button  549 . The computer program  601  utilizes the random number generator  619  to produce random numbers that represent the results of the simulated roll of the simulated dice  541 . 
     On each turn, the player may spin  707  the simulated dice  541  up to three times in order to get the highest scoring combination for one of thirteen scoring categories. The thirteen scoring categories are illustrated by the following table: 
     
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 How the Dice Score 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Upper Portion of Scorecard 
                   
               
               
                   
                 One (or aces) 
                 Total of dice showing One only 
               
               
                   
                 Twos (or Deuces) 
                 Total of dice showing Two only 
               
               
                   
                 Threes 
                 Total of dice showing Three only 
               
               
                   
                 Fours 
                 Total of dice showing Four only 
               
               
                   
                 Fives 
                 Total of dice showing Five only 
               
               
                   
                 Sixes 
                 Total of dice showing Six only 
               
               
                   
                 Bottom Portion of Scorecard 
               
               
                   
                 3-of-a-kind 
                 Total of all five dice 
               
               
                   
                 4-of-a-Kind 
                 Total of all five dice 
               
               
                   
                 Full House (3 of one number, 
                 25 
               
               
                   
                 2 of another number) 
               
               
                   
                 Four-Dice Straight 
                 30 
               
               
                   
                 Five-Dice Straight 
                 40 
               
               
                   
                 5-of-a-Kind (or a Check) 
                 50 
               
               
                   
                 Chance (any five dice) 
                 Total of all five dice 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     After each spin the player may assign  709  the value of the simulated dice  541  to one of the possible scoring categories by utilizing the dual purpose score areas  503  of the touch-sensitive display  115 . If a player does so, the computer under program control senses the touched areas  503  and totals the value of the simulated dice  541  and calculates and displays the resulting score in the dual purpose score area  503  on the touch-sensitive display  115 . The total score of the upper portion  505  of the scorecard  501  is displayed on the upper portion score total display area  520  on the touch-sensitive display  115 . If the total score of the upper portion  505  of the scorecard  501  is 63 or higher, for example, then a bonus of 35 points, for example, is added to the upper portion score. This bonus is displayed on the bonus score display area  519  on the display  115 . The total score of the lower portion  521  of the scorecard  501  is displayed on the lower portion score total display area  537  on the display  115 . The grand total score is calculated by adding the upper portion and the lower portion scores together. The grand total score is displayed on the grand total score display area  539  on the display  115 . 
     Each scoring category can only be scored or selected once during a game. Once a category is used, it cannot be reused until the next game either when the game is over because the scorecard  501  is complete or the player presses the touch-sensitive reset button  551 . Pressing the touch-sensitive reset button  551  clears the entire scorecard  501  in preparation for the start of a new game. 
     Instead, if the player has not yet spun  707  three times during the present turn, the player may elect not to assign  709  the value of the simulated dice  541 , but instead to spin  707  again. If the player elects to spin  707  again, the player may hold  711  one or more of the simulated dice  541  by pressing one or more of the associated hold button(s)  543 . The player may also release  711  one or more of any held simulated dice  541  by again pressing the associated hold button(s)  543 . The player may also elect not to hold or release  711  any of the simulated dice  541 . The player then selects  705  the number of credits to wager on the spin of the simulated dice  541  by utilizing the touch-sensitive wager button  555 . The player next spins  707  the simulated dice  541  by pressing the touch-sensitive spin button  549 . 
     A turn is over after a player has spun  707  three times, or has assigned  709  the value of the simulated dice  541  to one of the possible scoring categories by utilizing the dual purpose score areas  503  of the touch-sensitive display  115 . After a player has spun  707  three times, the player must assign  709  the value of the simulated dice  541  to one of the possible scoring categories by utilizing the dual purpose score areas  503  of the touch-sensitive display  115 . If the score cannot be placed into one of the categories because it does not correspond or qualify, then the player must utilize the dual purpose score areas  503  of the touch-sensitive display to assign  709  a zero to one of the remaining categories. 
     If the player has achieved a scoring combination and assigns  709  it to one of the scoring categories, the player is paid  713  via the coin hopper  123 . Alternatively, the player may elect to receive credits. The computer program  601  calculates payment according to a paytable, which is based upon points scored per turn, and the number of spins needed to achieve the points, as shown, for example, in the following table: 
     
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 NUMBER OF COINS 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 ×3 
                 ×2 
                 ×1 
               
               
                   
                 CATEGORY 
                 Spin 1 
                 Spin 2 
                 Spin 3 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 ONES 
                 TOTAL × 3 
                 TOTAL × 2 
                 TOTAL OF 1&#39;s 
               
               
                   
                 TWOS 
                 TOTAL × 3 
                 TOTAL × 2 
                 TOTAL OF 2&#39;s 
               
               
                   
                 THREES 
                 TOTAL × 3 
                 TOTAL × 2 
                 TOTAL OF 3&#39;s 
               
               
                   
                 FOURS 
                 TOTAL × 3 
                 TOTAL × 2 
                 TOTAL OF 4&#39;s 
               
               
                   
                 FIVES 
                 TOTAL × 3 
                 TOTAL × 2 
                 TOTAL OF 5&#39;s 
               
               
                   
                 SIXES 
                 TOTAL × 3 
                 TOTAL × 2 
                 TOTAL OF 6&#39;s 
               
               
                   
                 3 of a Kind 
                 TOTAL × 3 
                 TOTAL × 2 
                 TOTAL × 1 
               
               
                   
                 4 of a Kind 
                 TOTAL × 3 
                 TOTAL × 2 
                 TOTAL × 1 
               
               
                   
                 Full House 
                  75 
                  50 
                  25 
               
               
                   
                 Small Straight 
                  90 
                  60 
                  30 
               
               
                   
                 Large Straight 
                 120 
                  80 
                  40 
               
               
                   
                 Chance 
                 TOTAL × 3 
                 TOTAL × 2 
                 TOTAL × 1 
               
               
                   
                 Check 
                 150 
                 100 
                  50 
               
               
                   
                 Check Bonus 1 
                 300 
                 250 
                 100 
               
               
                   
                 Check Bonus 2 
                 300 
                 200 
                 100 
               
               
                   
                 Check Bonus 3 
                 300 
                 200 
                 100 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 SCORECARD BONUSES 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 TOP HALF 63+ POINTS 
                  +35 COINS 
               
               
                   
                 ALL CATEGORIES FILLED 
                  +100 COINS 
               
               
                   
                 SCORE 250-299 PTS. 
                  +50 COINS 
               
               
                   
                 SCORE 300-349 PTS. 
                  +100 COINS 
               
               
                   
                 SCORE 350-399 PTS. 
                  +150 COINS 
               
               
                   
                 SCORE 400-449 PTS. 
                  +200 COINS 
               
               
                   
                 SCORE 450-499 PTS. 
                  +250 COINS 
               
               
                   
                 SCORE 500-549 PTS. 
                  +300 COINS 
               
               
                   
                 SCORE 550-599 PTS. 
                  +350 COINS 
               
               
                   
                 SCORE 600-644 PTS. 
                  +400 COINS 
               
               
                   
                 PERFECT SCORE 
                 +6000 COINS 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     If the player assigns  709  a zero score to one of the categories, the player is not paid. Alternative embodiments may employ different paytables, as desired. 
     The player may then proceed with the next turn and continue filling the scorecard  501 . To proceed with the next turn, the player utilizes the touch-sensitive wager button  555  to select  705  the number of credits to be wagered on the spin of the simulated dice. The player next spins  707  the simulated dice  541  by pressing the touch-sensitive spin button  549  and plays a turn, as described above. The game ends  715  when the player has filled all thirteen categories with a score or a zero or is out of credits to play the computer-controlled slot machine  101 . 
     Once the game has ended, the computer program  601  evaluates the player&#39;s scorecard  501  against other current scores to determine if a progressive jackpot will be awarded on a daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly basis. If the player has a currently qualifying scorecard  501 , the computer-controlled slot machine  101  prints  717  a voucher for the player with a control number and other pertinent information for later redemption, if the scorecard  501  is a winner. 
     Utilizing a local area computer network  301  and a wide area computer network  401 , multiple players may play the game of Check against one another instead of “against the house.” Utilizing a local area computer network  301 , each participating player deposits money into an individual computer-controlled slot machine  101  for each spin. The player who achieves the highest scorecard  501  of all of the players who are participating in that multiple player game on the local area computer network  301  wins the money deposited by the various participating players (typically, minus a percentage for the house). The same methodology can be utilized across a wide area computer network  401 , allowing players at different physical locations to compete against each other in real time. 
     FIG. 8 is a flowchart, illustrating play of the game of Z Sixty Six according to one embodiment of the present invention. The object of the game is to ‘spin’ the simulated dice  541  for scoring combinations, and to get the highest total score accumulated within scoring categories of possible dice combinations. A player begins by inserting  801  one or more coins into the coin acceptor  111 , by inserting  801  one or more bills into the bill validator  113 , or by utilizing credits. The player then presses  803  the touch-sensitive start game button  553  to begin game play. In one embodiment, three credits are automatically wagered  805  on each spin of the simulated dice  541 . In another embodiment, the player selects the number of credits to wager on the spin of the simulated dice  541  by utilizing the touch-sensitive wager button  555  which controls the selection of the number of credits to be wagered. The player next spins  807  the simulated dice  541  by pressing the touch-sensitive spin button  549 . The computer program  601  utilizes the random number generator  619  to produce random numbers that represent the results of the simulated roll of the simulated dice  541 . 
     The player must achieve at least three of kind on a single spin to begin play of an individual game. Until a spin generates at least three simulated dice  541  displaying identical numbers, the player must continue spinning  807  to attempt to generate the minimum achievement required for game entry. A wager is required for each spin of the simulated dice  541 . Once a spin generates at least three simulated dice  541  displaying identical numbers, those simulated dice  541  are automatically held  811 , and a predetermined number of points is automatically assigned  813  to the appropriate scoring area  503 . The number of points awarded is displayed in the appropriate score area  503 , which preferably changes color to indicate active status, for example as illustrated in the Appendices A 1  to A 36  attached hereto and formed a part hereof. The spin that generated the requisite achievement is counted as the first spin of a turn, and the scoring number becomes a target number for the remainder of the turn. A target number is a number that the player can receive points for generating during a given turn. 
     For example, if a first spin results in four aces (ones), the predetermined number of points for achieving four of a kind on the first spin of a first turn is automatically assigned  813  to the scoring area  503  for aces  507 . Aces becomes the target number for the remainder of the turn. Thus, on the subsequent spins of the turn, the player will receive additional points only for generating aces. 
     The requirement of generating at least three of a kind applies only to the first turn. A player must achieve three of a kind to enter the game and begin the first turn. Once a player has generated the requisite achievement and entered the game, subsequent turns do not require a minimum achievement to begin. 
     On each turn, the player may spin  807  the simulated dice  541  up to three times in order to get the highest scoring combination for one of six scoring categories. The six scoring categories are illustrated by the following table: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Score Category 
                 How the Dice Score 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 One (or aces) 
                 Dice showing One only 
               
               
                   
                 Twos (or Deuces) 
                 Dice showing Two only 
               
               
                   
                 Threes 
                 Dice showing Three only 
               
               
                   
                 Fours 
                 Dice showing Four only 
               
               
                   
                 Fives 
                 Dice showing Five only 
               
               
                   
                 Sixes 
                 Dice showing Six only 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     After the first spin of a turn, the number displayed by the largest plurality of the video simulated dice  541  automatically becomes the target number for the current turn. The simulated dice  541  of the target number are automatically held  811 , and the score area  503  for the target number preferably changes color to indicate that it is the active score area  503  for the turn. If at least three dice  541  displaying the target number have been generated, a predetermined number of points is assigned  813  to the score area  503  for the target number. 
     If the first spin does not result in a largest plurality of dice  541  displaying any one number, the player selects  809  a target number from amongst those displayed by an equal number of the simulated dice  541 . For example, if the first spin results in two aces, two deuces, one four and one five, the player may select  809  aces or deuces as the target number. The selection is made by touching the desired score area  503  of the touch-sensitive display  115 . Preferably, the score areas  503  which the player may touch to choose a target number blink or change color or size or otherwise provide visual indication of the choices available. 
     If the player has not yet spun  807  three times during the present turn, the player may spin  807  again. The player next spins  807  the simulated dice  541  by pressing the touch-sensitive spin button  549 . During the second and third spins of a turn, any generated dice  541  displaying the target number are held  811 . Preselected numbers of points are assigned  813  to the appropriate scoring area  503  for scoring three, four, five, or six of the target number. 
     After each spin, if the player has achieved a scoring combination, the player is paid  815  via the coin hopper  123 . Alternatively, the player may elect to receive credits. The number of predetermined points awarded for various scoring achievements is displayed in a paytable  545  on the display  115 . The paytable  545  is adjusted as the game progresses, reflecting predetermined numbers of points to be paid for various achievements at a particular stage of the game. For example, more points are awarded for achieving a six of a kind on a first spin than on a third spin. Amounts to be paid are based upon the odds of achieving various scoring combinations at a given stage of game play, taking into account number of unheld dice to be spun, and numbers removed from possible generation. An example of a paytable  545  for a first spin of a game appears below. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 NUMBER OF POINTS TO BE 
               
               
                   
                 ACHIEVMENT 
                 PAID 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 THREE OF A KIND 
                 3 
               
               
                   
                 FOUR OF A KIND 
                 10 
               
               
                   
                 FIVE OF A KIND 
                 50 
               
               
                   
                 SIX OF A KIND 
                 500 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Alternative embodiments may employ different paytables  545 , as desired. 
     A turn ends  817  after a player has spun  807  three times, or achieved six of the target number prior to the third spin. 
     Each scoring category can only be scored or selected once during a game. Once a category is used, it cannot be reused until the next game either when the game is over because a score has been assigned to each category, or the player presses the touch-sensitive reset button  551 . Pressing the touch-sensitive reset button  551  terminates the current game and starts a new game. Once a scoring category for a given number has been used, that number is replaced for the remainder of the game by a non-numerical symbol, for example the letter “Z” or a graphic symbol of a piece of fruit, or as desired. During subsequent turns, when the random number generator  619  generates the used number, the non-numerical symbol is displayed instead. 
     After completing a turn, the player may then proceed with the next turn and continue filling the score areas  503 . To proceed with the next turn, the player next spins  707  the simulated dice  541  by pressing the touch-sensitive spin button  549  and plays a turn, as described above. 
     The game ends  819  when the player has filled all six score areas  503  with a score, or is out of credits to play the computer-controlled slot machine  101 . 
     FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention in which each score area  503  comprises two distinct display areas. A first display area  901  is utilized to display accumulation of points for the associated scoring category. A second display area  903  identifies the associated scoring category, for example by displaying an identification video simulated die  905  displaying the number of the scoring category. Additionally, the second display area  903  is used to indicate a current target number for a turn, preferably by changing color to indicate that the number of the associated scoring category is the active target number. Also, the second display area  903  is preferably utilized to choose a target number from amongst those displayed by an equal number of the simulated dice  541  when necessary. The player chooses a target number by touching the second display area  903  associated with the chosen target number. The second display areas  903  which the player may touch to choose a target number blink or change color or size or otherwise provide visual indication of the choices available. Additionally, once a scoring category for a given number has been filled, the indicator for the associated second display area is replaced for the remainder of the game by a non-numerical symbol  907 , for example the letter “Z” or a graphic symbol of a piece of fruit, or as desired. 
     In alternative embodiments, display of accumulated points, identification of score category, indication of current target number, indication of available choices of target number, and indication of filled categories (and in other embodiments more or fewer functions as desired) are divided between at least two display areas, in various combinations as desired. 
     Once the game has ended, the computer program  601  evaluates the player&#39;s score against other current scores to determine if a progressive jackpot will be awarded on a daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly basis. If the player has a currently qualifying score, the computer-controlled slot machine  101  prints  821  a voucher for the player with a control number and other pertinent information for later redemption, if the score is a winner. In various embodiment, jackpots are awarded for achieving high scores, for achieving [high scores] low scores, or for achieving both high and low scores as desired. 
     Utilizing a local area computer network  301  and a wide area computer network  401 , multiple players may play the game of Z Sixty Six against one another instead of “against the house.” Utilizing a local area computer network  301 , each participating player deposits money into an individual computer-controlled slot machine  101  for each spin. The player who achieves the highest game score of all of the players who are participating in that multiple player game on the local area computer network  301  wins the money deposited by the various participating players (typically, minus a percentage for the house). The same methodology can be utilized across a wide area computer network  401 , allowing players at different physical locations to compete against each other in real time. 
     Additionally in both Check and Z Sixty Six, daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly jackpot prizes may be awarded to any number of highest scores (or alternatively any number of lowest scores). Additional amounts may be deducted from deposited wagers (credits) to cover such jackpots which thus have the potential to become multi-million dollar jackpots. Alternatively, achieving a predetermined score may be utilized for awarding a predetermined jackpot. For instance, if a player achieves a perfect score, meaning the theoretically highest score for each category, then a jackpot may be awarded for such achievement. 
     Preferably, a player may save a game in progress by pressing the touch-sensitive save-restore game button  559 . The computer program  601  then utilizes the machine-readable medium reading and writing device  129  to write the present scores and game states to a card or voucher. The player may later resume the saved game by inserting such card or voucher of machine-readable medium into the reading and writing device  129  of any computer-controlled slot machine  101 . The saved game information is then read from the card or voucher to initialize the conditions and states of the computer-controlled slot machine  101 . In various embodiments, a magnetic or optical or semiconductor medium may be used as desired to store and transfer scores and game states and other pertinent data on such card or voucher produced by the video slot machine  101 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, the game of Check or Z Sixty Six may be played over the Internet among a random collection of players at diverse locations, forming a virtual wide area network of such competing players. 
     In alternative embodiments, numerous other wagering games, including but not limited to Poker Dice, and Aces in the Pot may be configured for play and display on the display  115 , and played over a local area computer network  401  or wide area computer network  501  of computer-controlled slot machines  101 . 
     As used herein, the term “computer-controlled slot machine” denotes a computer controlled machine which facilitates wagering, which generally requires the input of money in order to be operated, and which outputs money in response to the achievement of winning wagering results. 
     Of course, the present invention is not limited to the generation and display of images in the form of the video simulated dice  541  illustrated in FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, and FIG.  9 . In other embodiments, other images are generated and displayed in the course of game play. For example, in one embodiment, the images generated and displayed are in the form of different colors. In another embodiment, graphical representations of different types of fruit are generated and displayed. In yet another embodiment, roman numerals are utilized. The generation and subsequent display of any image in a set of at least two display areas in the course of game play is within the scope of the present invention.