Patent ID: 7736226

Claim:
A method for increasing play in a casino environment having gaming machines, the gaming machines each configured to enable base game play whose outcome is based at least partially on a random event, the method comprising: providing a progressive jackpot winnable on at least one individual gaming machine; receiving a wager from a player playing a base game at one individual gaming machine; assigning a predetermined portion of the wager to fund the progressive jackpot; determining a current sum of the predetermined portion of wagers from one or more gaming machines in the casino environment; calculating an annuitized value of the progressive jackpot using a data processing device of a progressive controller, the annuitized value being a total payout value of the progressive jackpot when invested in an annuity and paid over a period of time ending at a future date, wherein the annuitized value is based on the current sum of the predetermined portion of wagers; displaying the annuitized value of the progressive jackpot in a manner visible to the player; updating the current sum of the predetermined portion of the wagers; recalculating the annuitized value with the updated sum of the predetermined portion of the wagers; displaying the recalculated annuitized value, wherein the display of the recalculated annuitized value increments at a faster rate than actual cash contributions to the progressive jackpot; and in response to a triggering event, providing the player with an option to receive an award that is equal to a total of the current sum of the predetermined portion of wagers or an annuity funded by the total of the current sum of the predetermined portion of wagers.