US20030153375A1 - Casino game having player control of award level - Google Patents
Casino game having player control of award level Download PDFInfo
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- US20030153375A1 US20030153375A1 US10/364,118 US36411803A US2003153375A1 US 20030153375 A1 US20030153375 A1 US 20030153375A1 US 36411803 A US36411803 A US 36411803A US 2003153375 A1 US2003153375 A1 US 2003153375A1
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- 230000000750 progressive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 15
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- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 3
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- 238000005303 weighing Methods 0.000 description 2
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/326—Game play aspects of gaming systems
- G07F17/3262—Player actions which determine the course of the game, e.g. selecting a prize to be won, outcome to be achieved, game to be played
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/3286—Type of games
- G07F17/3295—Games involving skill, e.g. dexterity, memory, thinking
Abstract
Description
- This non-provisional application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application entitled “Knowledge-Based Casino Game Having a Category Feature” having Ser. No. 60/356,719 filed on Feb. 13, 2002.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- This invention is related to casino games, and more particularly, to knowledge-based casino games.
- 2. Background
- Casino games are popular with the public and over the past decade many varieties of new casino games have been introduced. These new games are implemented in standalone gaming machines, in wide area networks, and over the Internet. Casino bonusing games are also increasingly popular when placed in operation with underlying casino games such as, for example, slot machines. Such bonusing games not only attract players but provide additional gaming excitement.
- Older, more traditional casino games and casino bonus games simply generate a random or pseudorandom result in a game round such as is found in a slot game. The only input from the player is to place a wager and then spin the reels. Occasionally, the player may be prompted to pick an object (within a bonus game) but with no mathematical effect one way or the other. Other casino games and casino bonus games involve decision-making game rounds that receive inputs based on a player's skill, strategy, or even knowledge. In these games a player may receive a higher award based on his/her skill, knowledge, and/or strategy. An example of a skill casino game is video poker.
- In co-pending application entitled “Knowledge-based Casino Game and Method Therefor”, Ser. No. 09/372,560 commonly assigned to Mikohn Gaming Corporation, a knowledge-based casino game is set forth which presents queries to players in a bonus game and/or in an underlying game of chance. A need exists to provide a feature in the underlying casino gaming machine and/or in the casino bonus game that gives the player control over the game, for example, the difficulty level of a knowledge-based game, or the type of questions asked in a knowledge-based game. A need exists to allow the player in such knowledge-based games to make a decision as to what award level the player should play for thereby adding further player excitement. There exists a desire to offer knowledge-based games in which the player who “knows” the answer is rewarded with a greater prize than the player who “guesses” the answer. Finally, there exists a continual need to add more challenge, risk, and excitement to a casino player's experience whether in a knowledge-based casino game, in a skill casino game, in a strategy casino game, or in other casino games by giving the player control over what the award level the player seeks.
- The present invention solves the aforesaid problem by providing player control of the award level such in a casino game or in a casino bonus game such as an underlying gaming machine having a casino bonus game. In the present invention, player control is increased by allowing the player to make a decision on which award level(s) to play for such as based, for example, on difficulty. In knowledge-based casino games, the player determines the types of questions that will appear in the game. The player may choose a category in a knowledge-based casino game based on the level of difficulty and the potential award. A method is set forth for providing a category choice to the player of a casino game so as to increase the player's expected value and, therefore, to win more at the casino game. During operation of a casino game, a category feature is displayed during a displayed decision-making game round under control of a processor. If the player chooses a more difficult category, the player's expected value from the casino game is increased. The displayed information may be at least one category, an associated potential award level (for a correct or incorrect answer), and/or an associated difficulty level.
- FIG. 1a sets forth the hardware configuration of a casino gaming machine incorporating the category feature embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 1b sets an underlying casino gaming machine having a casino knowledge-based bonus game incorporating the category feature embodiment of the present invention into a separate screen.
- FIG. 2 sets forth the hardware configuration of an underlying casino gaming machine having a casino knowledge-based bonus game incorporating the category feature embodiment of the present invention into a separate display.
- FIG. 3 sets forth one embodiment of the method of the present invention showing the various method steps for implementing the category feature embodiment into the present invention for a casino game.
- FIG. 4 sets forth another embodiment of the method of the present invention showing the various method steps for implementing the category feature into the present invention for a casino game.
- FIG. 5 sets forth the player control of the award level of the present invention in a wide area progressive network.
- FIG. 6 sets forth the player control of the award level of the present invention in a casino game played over the Internet.
- 1. Overview
- In FIG. 1a is shown a
gaming machine 10 such as a video knowledge-based gaming machine modified to incorporate the present invention. Thevideo gaming machine 10, itself, is conventional and may comprise a number of different designs. Thegaming machine 10 can be any casino knowledge-basedgaming machine 10 that displays a knowledge-basedgame 75 having a decision-making game round to a player and then receives the player's input. In order to illustrate the various embodiments of the feature of the present invention, standard components are succinctly described in the following as they are well known in the art. Furthermore, the category feature of the present invention can be implemented in software components or over networks such as wide area progressives and over the Internet as subsequently described. - The block diagram hardware components of such a
gaming machine 10 as shown in FIG. 1a are illustrative only and include a processor, computer, orcontroller 20 interconnected 26 to adevice 30 for receiving bets or wagers from players. Thedevice 30 can be of any suitable design or construction and can be, for example, but not limited to, a bill reader, coin acceptor, credit device, credit card reader, ticket reader, smart card reader, debit card reader, or any combination thereof. How a wager is received indevice 30 is immaterial to the teachings of the present invention. Theprocessor 20 is also connected 24 to anaward 40 which can be, for example, but not limited to, a display showing current available player credits and the associated separate devices for delivering payouts to the player such as: a coin or ticket dispenser, a device for delivering payout information to a smart card; etc. How an award is made to the player is also immaterial to the present invention. Furthermore, the award can be any type of an award, such as but not limited to: a monetary value, a free game play, a compensation, a physical item such as a car, etc. - The
processor 20 is usually connected 28 to a random number generator (RNG) 50, which may be a separate hardware component or a software module within amemory 60. The RNG 50 is any random or pseudorandom number generator conventionally used in gaming machines. Theprocessor 20 is interconnected 62 to thememory 60 and interconnected 72 to adisplay 70 a. Thegaming machine 10 is shown in functional block diagrams, and conventional clocks, ports, busses, buffers, hoppers, hopper controllers, etc., are not shown. - The category feature
embodiment 200 of the present invention is independent of the type of casino knowledge-basedgaming machine 10 and will be used herein to illustrate the present invention. - It is to be expressly understood that the
category feature 200, as shown in FIG. 1b, can also be used with a knowledge-basedbonus game 140 having decision-making game rounds that is displayed in the same CRT or display 70 a as a separate display screen. The underlying game, not shown, played indisplay 70 a can be any suitable video casino game including, but not limited to, black jack, poker, slots, keno, etc. FIG. 1b illustrates the use of thecategory feature 200 during the play of a knowledge-basedbonus game 140, which occurs as a separate screen in thesame display 70 a. It is to be expressly understood that several variations of the present invention exist. - The
category feature 200 is further shown in FIG. 2 with a conventionalunderlying gaming machine 100 a having acasino bonus game 100 b in aseparate display 110. Theunderlying gaming machine 100 a is shown to be a slot machine. In FIG. 2, symbols 92 are shown which are also conventional in play of conventional slot machines. Threereels symbols payline 90 is shown, it is to be expressly understood that conventional slot machines have a plurality of paylines and such paylines need not be linear but could, for example, zigzag over the face of the reels in various combinations. - In FIG. 2, the
processor 20 is further interconnected over a two-way bus 22 to adisplay processor 120. Thedisplay processor 120 is interconnected over a two-way communication channel 124 with adisplay 110 and is also interconnected over amemory bus 122 with adisplay memory 130. It is to be expressly understood that in some designs for the hardware of the present invention, theprocessor 20 can drive over 22 thedisplay 110 without using aseparate display processor 120 anddisplay memory 130. For example, in FIG. 1a, the processor operates thecasino game 75 for a player in thedisplay 110. - In FIG. 2, the
conventional slot machine 100 a has a bonus condition such as thebonus symbol 80 on thepayline 90. The provision of a bonus symbol(s) 80 on thepayline 90 is also conventional and it is well known thatslot machines 10 can have a bonus condition (whether or not on the payline) randomly appear that results in a player having the opportunity to play abonus game 140. In FIG. 2, theprocessor 20 overline 22 delivers the bonus condition to thecasino bonus game 100 b. When a player receives thebonus symbol 80 on thepayline 90, which may be any suitable bonus condition, the player's attention is then directed to thecasino bonus game 100 b having decision making game rounds. - The bonus condition can be any suitable event that occurs in the casino game and is not limited to a
bonus symbol 80 appearing on thepayline 90. For exemplary purposes, we assume a bonus condition has occurred in the play of theunderlying game 100 a that results in play of the casino knowledge-basedbonus game 100 b. When the player plays the knowledge-basedbonus game 140 indisplay 110, thecategory feature 200 of the present invention, in one embodiment, appears. In many conventional slot games with a bonus game, the same CRT is used for both games. Hence, the knowledge-basedbonus game 140 withcategory feature 200 can be implemented in thedisplay 70 b as a second screen or as discussed above for FIGS. 1a and 1 b. This eliminates the use of aseparate display processor 120 anddisplay memory 130. In other words, thebonus game 140 is displayed as a second screen in the embodiment of FIG. 1b. - The category feature200 of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The category feature 200 of the present invention, as will be explained in the following, creates interest and excitement for the player. The
category feature 200 is itself a decision-making game round in that, as with thecasino game 75 orbonus game 140, the player has a choice among possible inputs with at least one of the possible inputs increasing the expected value for the player in the play of the game round for theunderlying casino game 75 orbonus game 140. - The term “casino game” is defined herein to be any gaming machine or any underlying gaming machine having a bonus game implemented with a computer-based control such as
processor 20 in FIGS. 1 and 2. The present invention can be incorporated into casino table games. As will be pointed out later, the casino game can be part of a wide area progressive or played over the Internet or other online environment. Such casino games are regulated in the responsible jurisdiction by suitable gaming regulations ensuring fairness to players and casinos at a given long-term players' expected value (or house advantage from the viewpoint of the casino) over all play of the casino game based on the output of a random number generator. - The term “decision-making” game round is defined herein to mean a game round wherein the player has a choice among possible inputs with at least one of the possible inputs increasing the expected value for the player in the play of the game round for the casino game. The term “decision-making” knowledge-based game round is defined herein to mean a knowledge-based game round wherein the player has a choice among possible inputs with at least one of the possible inputs increasing the expected value for the player in the play of the knowledge-based game round for the casino game.
- The term “category” is defined herein to provide a player with a choice of distinct choices for continued play of the casino game. The player is presented with the categories and based on her/his confidence (i.e., skill, knowledge, ability to strategize, etc); the player can make a decision on which category to proceed. In one embodiment, the categories are subject matter areas for queries such as trivia questions. In another embodiment, each category simultaneously provides a player not only with subject matter but also potential award levels, so that the player can choose by weighing his/her familiarity with the category with his/her desire for a high award level.
- 2. Method
- A method for implementing the
category feature 200 of the present invention is illustrated, in one example, in FIG. 3 and can be implemented in suitable software in thegaming machine 10 of FIG. 1a or in theunderlying gaming machine 100 a and the casino knowledge-based bonus games of FIG. 1b or FIG. 2. - With respect to FIG. 2, when the knowledge-based
bonus game 140 is entered upon the occurrence of a condition such as thebonus symbol 80 appearing on thepayline 90, theprocessor 20 overbus 22 causes thedisplay processor 120 to start 300. Thebonus game 140 is then displayed in display 110 (or in thesame display 70 a as a separate screen as shown in FIG. 1b). - In general, the casino game whether it is the
gaming machine 10 of FIG. 1 or thecasino bonus game 100 b of FIG. 2 has a knowledge-based decision-making game round displayed to a player for the player to respond to. The displayed game round can be any knowledge-based decision-making casino game round under the teachings of the present invention to which a player can respond. - The
processor 20 displays 310 a stored (in memory 130) first decision-making game round to a player. The first decision-making game round is acategory feature 200 having, for example, but not limited to, a plurality of subject categories and potential award levels for knowledge-based queries. Other types of categories are discussed below. The plurality of subject categories corresponds to a plurality of possible inputs that the player can respond to. - The player then
inputs 390 at least one input of the plurality of possible inputs which is received 315 in the knowledge-basedbonus game 140 to respond to the displayed first decision-making game round 310. The received 315 at least one input from the player dictates the award level for the second decision-making game round. On the basis of the receivedinput 315 from the player, thedisplay processor 120 causes thedisplay memory 130 to display in the casino bonus game 140 a second decision-making game round 320 to the player, the second decision-making game round 320 is a knowledge-based query in the selected category having a corresponding plurality of possible player inputs. - For example, in the second decision-
making game round 320, thedisplay memory 130 randomly addresses a stored trivia question, having a plurality of answers inmemory 130 for display in the knowledge-basedbonus game display 110. The trivia question is displayed 320 along with the plurality ofanswers 325 as a knowledge-based bonus game round for the player to respond to. For example, with a question with three answers, the three answers are three possible inputs that the player can respond to. The answers have values that are a function of the input received in the first decision-making game round 310. - The player then
inputs 390 at least one answer from the possible answers which is received 330 in the knowledge-basedbonus casino game 140 according to the method of the present invention. If the at least one answer is correct 335 (or more correct), anaward 340 is given and the game ends 350. If the answer is incorrect, the casino knowledge-basedbonus game 140 ends 350. Alternatively, if incorrect, the player may still receive, in one variation, alower award 345 based on the number of answers required to be correct. - While the terms “first” and “second” decision making game rounds are used above referring to distinct parts of the bonus game, the invention is not so limited. The player first chooses the category which controls the award level and the player then responds to a knowledge-based query such as a trivia question. In one embodiment, this occurs immediately and sequentially as shown in FIG. 3. In another embodiment, the player may make the “first” decision at the beginning of play so that it remains the same selection for all subsequent knowledge-based queries. In this embodiment, the player selects the category once for all future queries until the player leaves the machine (i.e., cashes out). In a variation of this latter embodiment, the player may reset the category choice, for continued play without cashing out.
- Consider the following example of a knowledge-based game in which the player is first given a choice of several categories of trivia and is shown possible award levels associated with each category. For example, in an embodiment suitable to the TRIVIAL PURSUIT® brand of game, when the first decision-
making game round 310 is displayed, the player is shown six categories of trivia (for example, Sports & Leisure, Science & Nature, History, People & Places, Entertainment, Pot Luck, or any other desired categories). Each category has an associated award level as shown in Table 1 below:TABLE 1 Award Category level Sports & Leisure 100x Science & Nature 60x History 120x People & Places 80x Entertainment 40x Pot Luck 92x - The award levels shown correspond to the
award 340 if the player correctly answers thequestion 320 from the designated category on the first try. For example, an award level of 100× indicates that if the player correctly answers a question from this category on the first try, the player will win an award of 100 times the amount wagered. The design of the game could also dictate to the player award levels if the player answers incorrectly on the first try. For example, the award level for an incorrect answer could be one-half the award level for the correct response, or it could be nothing. Alternatively, the award level for an incorrect answer may be fixed, for example, at 25×, regardless of the potential value of the correct award. Or, the player may win the award level shown if correct on the first try, three-quarters the award level shown if correct on the second try, and one-half the award level shown if correct on the third try, etc. In practice, it may be preferable to indicate to the player (for example, via rules of play) the award levels for both correct and incorrect answers. - The advantage of this invention is player control over the casino game. That is, the player must weigh his or her familiarity with the trivia category (hence, chance of getting the potential award) with the desired award level and make a decision. For example, a player who knows about science and nature will have to decide whether to choose the category Science & Nature (for a potential award of 60× the bet), or risk getting a
question 320 in an unfamiliar area such as History (for a potential award of 120× the bet). In other words, the player must choose between comfort level (knowledge of category) and the desire for maximum win (of potential award). While thefirst decision round 320 adds time to the play of the game, it provides further player excitement, enthusiasm and satisfaction. - Clearly, too, the amount the player wins if incorrect will also play a part. If an incorrect answer still pays the player one-half the potential win, then in the example above, the player has no additional risk in choosing History over Science & Nature. This is because even a wrong answer in History pays 60× the wager (equal to ½ of 120× the bet), which is the same amount paid if the correct answer is input for Science & Nature. On the other hand, if a wrong answer pays nothing, then the situation is quite different yet again. It should be clear that the instant invention is robust in accommodating different manners of awarding for right and wrong responses, while retaining the player decision involved in weighing familiarity vs. desired award level.
- While the foregoing has been described in terms of explicit award levels for being right on the first guess, the instant invention is not limited to this implementation. The award levels depicted may be those associated with being wrong (as opposed to being right), or any other measure associated with the trivia round. Indeed, the award levels need not be numerical. Instead, they may simply be emblematic of the potential award, as in Jumbo, High, and Low, for example. What is important is that the player is given some indication of how. much the question will be worth, whether explicitly or indirectly.
- In another example, the present invention may also be applied to “difficulty” categories corresponding to the category feature. For example, when the first decision-
making game round 310 is displayed, the player is shown four categories of difficulty (for example, easy, medium, hard, “killer,” or any other desired categories). Each difficulty category has an associated award level as shown in Table 2 below:TABLE 2 Difficulty Award category level Easy 40x Medium 60x Hard 80x “Killer” 150x - Again, the player is presented with interesting choices to make a decision on. In the casino game, when the first decision-making round is displayed310, the player is presented with a display showing the plurality of
difficulty categories 310 rather than defined subject categories. In the display are messages (such as words, numbers, icons, graphics, etc.) indicating to the player the degree of easiness or hardness. For example, a difficulty category of “easy” with an award level of 60× indicates that if the player correctly plays a game from this “easy” category, the player will win an award of 60 times the amount wagered. When, for example, the “easy” category isinput 390 by the player, the second decision-making round will then display agame 320 considered “easy” to play. The player must weigh her/his skill, stratagem, and/or knowledge, in playing the decision-making game corresponding to the selected category with the desire of winning the most money. - Knowledge-based casino games represent one embodiment of the present invention. As another embodiment, consider a die game in which a die is rolled and the number rolled dictates the award. In the Easy version of the game, a roll of 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 results in a pay of 70, while a roll of 1 results in a pay of 10. The expected value for this game is therefore ⅚ (70)+⅙ (10)=60. A Hard version may have a roll of 6 resulting in a pay of 300 and a roll of 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 resulting in a pay of 0, for an expected value of ⅙ (300)+⅚ (0)=50. The Easy and Hard designations, in this case, apply as to probability of success in the die game, which is not a decision-making game.
- Another example of a decision-making game is a variation of a blackjack casino game. The player is presented with two categories of blackjack. An Easy version may be traditional blackjack, while a Hard version may always begin with the dealer having a Ten as the upcard (thus hurting the player's chance of success). The player is given a choice and makes a decision as to which game version to play. To compensate, the player winning the Hard version would be awarded more than the player winning the Easy version. The categories are casino game variations based on difficulty and any casino game can be utilized.
- Returning to the knowledge-based embodiment set forth above, alternatively, the second decision-making round can display a
question 320 considered “easy” to answer. - The two knowledge-based examples above can also be combined to lead to a greater challenge for the player. For example, as shown in Table 3 below and in FIG. 4, the player is presented320 with both a subject category feature and an associated difficulty category feature. Each combination of categories has an associated award level:
TABLE 3 Subject Difficulty Award Category Category level Sports & Leisure Medium 120x Science & Nature Medium 60x Sports & Leisure Easy 100x People & Places “Killer” 80x Entertainment Easy 40x Entertainment Hard 92x - For example, as shown in FIG. 3, in the first decision-making game round displayed310 to a player, the first decision-
making game round 310 can display acategory feature 200 having, for example, but not limited to, a plurality of subject categories and associated award levels as shown in Table 3. Theplayer inputs 390 one which is received 315. - In FIG. 4 a variation occurs wherein the categories are displayed310 and the
player inputs 390 one category which is received 315. The machine then displays 360 and theplayer inputs 390 one award level which is received 385. A question matching the selected category at the selected award level is then randomly selected from a question database. It is to be understood that the award levels could first be selected, followed by the selection of categories. - For example, in the display of the
question 320, thedisplay memory 130 addresses a stored question, having a plurality of answers inmemory 130 for display in thebonus game display 110. The question is displayed 320 along with the plurality ofanswers 325. For example, with a question with three answers, the three answers are three possible inputs that the player can respond to. The answers have an award level that is a function of the input received 385. - The player then
inputs 390 an answer from the possible answers which is received 330 in thebonus casino game 140 according to the method of the present invention. If the answer is correct 335 (or more correct), anaward 340 is given and the game ends 350. If the answer is incorrect, thecasino bonus game 140 ends 350. Alternatively, if incorrect, the player may still receive, in one variation, alower award 345. - The above examples are based upon award levels that are multiples of the wager. Any suitable award level could be provided including: coins, credits, money, objects, free plays, etc.
- 3. Wide Area Progressive
- The
category feature 200 can also be used in a wide area progressive. For example, in one variation of the present invention, thecategory feature 200 is used during play of the casino gaming machines interconnected into a wide area progressive 800 as shown in FIG. 5. In such wide areaprogressive systems 800, acentral controller 810 is used to control the wide area progressive. The method of the present invention can be implemented into thecentral controller 810 of a casino gaming machine in a plurality of casino gaming machines GM all interconnected over abus 820 in a wide area progressive 800. As shown in FIG. 1, aport 150 interfaces theprocessor 20 to thebus 820. - It is to be expressly understood that there are a variety of wide area
progressive system configurations 800 and that such system configurations can be adapted to include an island of gaming machines, gaming machines spread across a casino, gaming machines interconnected together amongst a variety of casinos or a progressive system connected over a network or over the Internet. Again, the topological configuration of a wide areaprogressive system 800 does not affect the teachings of thesubject choice feature 200 of the present invention. - 4. Internet
- In another variation of the present invention, the casino gaming machine is a player's own personal computer PC interconnected to a
central computer 900 over theInternet 910. It is immaterial whether the casino game is being played in the software in the player's personal computer PC or whether the player's personal computer PC operates as an input/output device for the casino game being operated by software in thecentral computer 900. - In FIG. 6, the
computer 900 is located at a remote location and communicates 910 a over theInternet 910 to a plurality of personal computers PC 1-PC j. The communication links 910 are conventional and use of theInternet 910 to establish such communication links is well known and not material to the present invention. In the same fashion, as discussed above for the wide area progressive 800, thecomputer 900 randomly causes acategory feature 200 to appear on a personal computer PC while a player is playing a casino game. Again, if the player correctly responds to this random display, the player receives an award and, if incorrectly responds, the game continues. - In summary, one embodiment for a method of operating a casino game has been set forth having the following method steps. Displaying in the casino game a plurality of categories to the player with each of the displayed categories having an award level. The player looks over the displayed categories and makes a decision as to which category to select. In the variation of this method where the award level is higher for certain subjects or difficulty, then, if the player is confident, the player can decide on a category (and/or subject matter category) that provides a higher award level. If not confident, the player decides on a less difficult category and a lower possible award. Whether the award levels are the same or differ for each category, the player has control (based on the player's preference or confidence) over the selection and what happens next in the play of the casino game. The casino game receives a category input for one of the plurality of possible category inputs from the player. The casino game in response displays a query (in the case of a knowledge-based casino game) from a database corresponding to the category input having a plurality of possible player answer inputs. The casino game receives at least one answer input of the plurality of possible answer inputs from the player and awards the player with an award based on the correctness of the at least one answer input and the award level of the selected category.
- In summary of another embodiment of the method of the present invention, a knowledge-based casino bonus game during play of an underlying casino game of chance by a player has the following method steps. The knowledge-based casino bonus is entered from the underlying game of chance upon the occurrence of a bonus event. A plurality of categories is displayed to the player with each of the plurality of categories having an award level. At least one of the award levels being higher in value than the remaining award levels. The bonus game receives a category input selecting one category of the plurality of possible category inputs from the player so that the player controls the award level by selecting a category. The bonus game displays a query to the player in a display corresponding to the selected category, the displayed query having a plurality of possible player answer inputs. The bonus game receives at least one answer input of the plurality of possible answer inputs in the displayed query from the player. The player is awarded based on the correctness of the at least one answer input and the award level of the selected category.
- In yet the summary of another embodiment of the method of the present invention, a method of playing a casino game having the following is set forth. A wager is received from a player to play the casino game. In the casino game a plurality of categories is displayed to the player upon the occurrence of an event in the play of the casino game such as, but not limited to a bonusing event. Each of the plurality of categories having an award level, the award level a function of the category. A category input corresponding to one of the plurality of possible category inputs is received from the player so that the player controls the award level. A decision-making game based upon the category input is then played by the player. The decision-making game can be a knowledge-based game with a query being displayed with possible answers. The decision-making game can be a strategy game with a strategy component such as a puzzle being displayed with possible stratagem outcomes. The decision-making game can be a skill game such as hitting an object. The decision-making game can be another casino game such as blackjack being played at different difficulty levels. The decision-making game corresponding to the selected category has at least a first possible outcome and a second possible outcome. The player is awarded based on the actual outcome and the award level for the selected category. The first possible outcome provides the player with a higher award than the second possible outcome.
- The above disclosure sets forth a number of embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in this art will however appreciate that other arrangements or embodiments, not precisely set forth, could be practiced under the teachings of the present invention and that the scope of this invention should only be limited by the scope of the following claims.
Claims (26)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/364,118 US20030153375A1 (en) | 2002-02-13 | 2003-02-11 | Casino game having player control of award level |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US35671902P | 2002-02-13 | 2002-02-13 | |
US10/364,118 US20030153375A1 (en) | 2002-02-13 | 2003-02-11 | Casino game having player control of award level |
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US20030153375A1 true US20030153375A1 (en) | 2003-08-14 |
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US10/364,118 Abandoned US20030153375A1 (en) | 2002-02-13 | 2003-02-11 | Casino game having player control of award level |
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US (1) | US20030153375A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1503833A4 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2003209088A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2475856A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2003068351A1 (en) |
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US20040077408A1 (en) * | 2002-10-21 | 2004-04-22 | D'amico Michael H. | Gaming award method and apparatus |
US20050059476A1 (en) * | 2003-09-15 | 2005-03-17 | Olaf Vancura | Multi-reel, multi-line bonus game for a casino base game having game features and method therefor |
US20060105829A1 (en) * | 2004-11-18 | 2006-05-18 | Olaf Vancura | Wagering game with an improved wheel bonus game and method therefor |
US20060172792A1 (en) * | 2005-02-02 | 2006-08-03 | Mikohn Gaming Corporation | Casino game having a bonus game and method therefor |
US20070202937A1 (en) * | 2006-02-28 | 2007-08-30 | Peires Grant C | Method and System for a Game of Knowledge For Multiple Players Including Wagering |
US20080060210A1 (en) * | 2006-09-07 | 2008-03-13 | Trout Blair S | Computerized antler scoring system |
US20080076513A1 (en) * | 2006-09-25 | 2008-03-27 | Barbara Esses | Slot Machine Game with Additional Award Indicator |
US20080090652A1 (en) * | 2006-10-16 | 2008-04-17 | Kuehling Brian L | Progressive controller |
US20080153570A1 (en) * | 2006-11-06 | 2008-06-26 | Barbara Esses | Slot machine bonus round with skill level choice |
WO2008060459A3 (en) * | 2006-11-10 | 2008-09-12 | Wms Gaming Inc | Apparatus to pass a value based parameter for a wagering game |
US20090112782A1 (en) * | 2007-10-26 | 2009-04-30 | Microsoft Corporation | Facilitating a decision-making process |
US20090124328A1 (en) * | 2007-11-09 | 2009-05-14 | Alvaro Nores | Slot Machine Game with Award Based on Another Machine |
US20090280910A1 (en) * | 2006-06-30 | 2009-11-12 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Method and Apparatus For Use of Movement and Position Sensors With Portable Handheld Wagering Devices |
US20090305776A1 (en) * | 2006-11-10 | 2009-12-10 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Portal for wagering games |
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US7934993B2 (en) | 2006-10-16 | 2011-05-03 | Igt | Secure progressive controller |
US8337292B2 (en) | 2006-11-10 | 2012-12-25 | Etasse Limited | Slot machine game with side wager on reel order |
US8376829B2 (en) | 2005-01-14 | 2013-02-19 | Etasse Limited | Slot machine game with respin feature which identifies potential wins |
US8784191B1 (en) | 2013-03-07 | 2014-07-22 | Igt | Gaming system and method for providing a symbol elimination game |
US8851979B2 (en) | 2013-03-07 | 2014-10-07 | Igt | Gaming system and method for providing a symbol elimination game |
US8992301B2 (en) | 2012-09-27 | 2015-03-31 | Igt | Gaming system and method for providing a game which populates symbols along a path |
US9028318B2 (en) | 2012-09-27 | 2015-05-12 | Igt | Gaming system and method for providing a game which populates symbols along a path |
US9039512B2 (en) | 2012-09-27 | 2015-05-26 | Igt | Gaming system and method for providing a game which populates symbols along a path |
US9165419B2 (en) | 2006-10-23 | 2015-10-20 | Etasse Limited | Slot machine bonus game providing awards for manual dexterity |
US9214067B2 (en) | 2012-09-06 | 2015-12-15 | Igt | Gaming system and method for providing a streaming symbols game |
US20160071374A1 (en) * | 2014-09-10 | 2016-03-10 | Universal Entertainment Corporation | Gaming machine awarding plural types of progressive payouts which are different in payout amounts and in each of which part of bet amount is accumulated each time unit game is executed |
US9520031B2 (en) | 2008-07-07 | 2016-12-13 | Etasse Limited | Slot machine game with symbol lock-in |
US9767652B2 (en) | 2006-11-10 | 2017-09-19 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Automatic wagering game generator |
US10186106B2 (en) | 2016-09-21 | 2019-01-22 | Igt | Gaming system and method for determining awards based on interacting symbols |
US10643428B2 (en) | 2018-03-13 | 2020-05-05 | Synergy Blue Llc | Regulated casino games, gaming machines and computer-implemented methods having payout schedules and associated returns to player (RTPs) selected based upon time to successful interaction |
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- 2003-02-11 CA CA002475856A patent/CA2475856A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US20040077408A1 (en) * | 2002-10-21 | 2004-04-22 | D'amico Michael H. | Gaming award method and apparatus |
US20060116196A1 (en) * | 2003-09-15 | 2006-06-01 | Mikohn Gaming Corporation | Multi-reel, multi-line bonus game for a casino base having game features and method therefor |
US20050059476A1 (en) * | 2003-09-15 | 2005-03-17 | Olaf Vancura | Multi-reel, multi-line bonus game for a casino base game having game features and method therefor |
US20060116191A1 (en) * | 2003-09-15 | 2006-06-01 | Mikohn Gaming Corporation | Multi-reel, multi-line bonus game for a casino base game having game features and method therefor |
US6997805B2 (en) | 2003-09-15 | 2006-02-14 | Mikohn Gaming Corporation | Multi-reel, multi-line bonus game for a casino base game having game features and method therefor |
US7192343B2 (en) | 2003-09-15 | 2007-03-20 | Progressive Gaming International Corporation | Multi-reel, multi-line bonus game for a casino base game having game features and method therefor |
US20060105829A1 (en) * | 2004-11-18 | 2006-05-18 | Olaf Vancura | Wagering game with an improved wheel bonus game and method therefor |
US8376829B2 (en) | 2005-01-14 | 2013-02-19 | Etasse Limited | Slot machine game with respin feature which identifies potential wins |
US20060172792A1 (en) * | 2005-02-02 | 2006-08-03 | Mikohn Gaming Corporation | Casino game having a bonus game and method therefor |
US20070202937A1 (en) * | 2006-02-28 | 2007-08-30 | Peires Grant C | Method and System for a Game of Knowledge For Multiple Players Including Wagering |
US9011249B2 (en) * | 2006-06-30 | 2015-04-21 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Method and apparatus for use of movement and position sensors with portable handheld wagering devices |
US20090280910A1 (en) * | 2006-06-30 | 2009-11-12 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Method and Apparatus For Use of Movement and Position Sensors With Portable Handheld Wagering Devices |
US20080060210A1 (en) * | 2006-09-07 | 2008-03-13 | Trout Blair S | Computerized antler scoring system |
US8690664B2 (en) | 2006-09-25 | 2014-04-08 | Etasse Limited | Slot machine game with additional award indicator |
US20080076513A1 (en) * | 2006-09-25 | 2008-03-27 | Barbara Esses | Slot Machine Game with Additional Award Indicator |
US7934993B2 (en) | 2006-10-16 | 2011-05-03 | Igt | Secure progressive controller |
US7896741B2 (en) | 2006-10-16 | 2011-03-01 | Igt | Progressive controller |
US20080090652A1 (en) * | 2006-10-16 | 2008-04-17 | Kuehling Brian L | Progressive controller |
US9165419B2 (en) | 2006-10-23 | 2015-10-20 | Etasse Limited | Slot machine bonus game providing awards for manual dexterity |
US20080153570A1 (en) * | 2006-11-06 | 2008-06-26 | Barbara Esses | Slot machine bonus round with skill level choice |
US9514606B2 (en) | 2006-11-10 | 2016-12-06 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Wagering game with mystery bonus triggers |
US20100048293A1 (en) * | 2006-11-10 | 2010-02-25 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Wagering game with mystery bonus triggers |
US20100029369A1 (en) * | 2006-11-10 | 2010-02-04 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Wagering game with dynamically added sub-symbols |
US8202158B2 (en) | 2006-11-10 | 2012-06-19 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Apparatus to pass a value based parameter for a wagering game |
US8337292B2 (en) | 2006-11-10 | 2012-12-25 | Etasse Limited | Slot machine game with side wager on reel order |
US20090305776A1 (en) * | 2006-11-10 | 2009-12-10 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Portal for wagering games |
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US8678907B2 (en) | 2006-11-10 | 2014-03-25 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Wagering game with dynamically added sub-symbols |
US20100048283A1 (en) * | 2006-11-10 | 2010-02-25 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Parameter adjustment in a wagering game |
US9767652B2 (en) | 2006-11-10 | 2017-09-19 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Automatic wagering game generator |
US20090112782A1 (en) * | 2007-10-26 | 2009-04-30 | Microsoft Corporation | Facilitating a decision-making process |
US8504621B2 (en) | 2007-10-26 | 2013-08-06 | Microsoft Corporation | Facilitating a decision-making process |
US8702493B2 (en) | 2007-11-09 | 2014-04-22 | Etasse Limited | Slot machine game with award based on another machine |
US20090124328A1 (en) * | 2007-11-09 | 2009-05-14 | Alvaro Nores | Slot Machine Game with Award Based on Another Machine |
US9520031B2 (en) | 2008-07-07 | 2016-12-13 | Etasse Limited | Slot machine game with symbol lock-in |
US9214067B2 (en) | 2012-09-06 | 2015-12-15 | Igt | Gaming system and method for providing a streaming symbols game |
US9514601B2 (en) | 2012-09-06 | 2016-12-06 | Igt | Gaming system and method for providing a streaming symbols game |
US9881459B2 (en) | 2012-09-27 | 2018-01-30 | Igt | Gaming system and method for providing a game which populates symbols along a path |
US9028318B2 (en) | 2012-09-27 | 2015-05-12 | Igt | Gaming system and method for providing a game which populates symbols along a path |
US9318002B2 (en) | 2012-09-27 | 2016-04-19 | Igt | Gaming system and method for providing a game which populates symbols along a path |
US9039512B2 (en) | 2012-09-27 | 2015-05-26 | Igt | Gaming system and method for providing a game which populates symbols along a path |
US9633511B2 (en) | 2012-09-27 | 2017-04-25 | Igt | Gaming system and method for providing a game which populates symbols along a path |
US8992301B2 (en) | 2012-09-27 | 2015-03-31 | Igt | Gaming system and method for providing a game which populates symbols along a path |
US8851979B2 (en) | 2013-03-07 | 2014-10-07 | Igt | Gaming system and method for providing a symbol elimination game |
US8784191B1 (en) | 2013-03-07 | 2014-07-22 | Igt | Gaming system and method for providing a symbol elimination game |
US20160071374A1 (en) * | 2014-09-10 | 2016-03-10 | Universal Entertainment Corporation | Gaming machine awarding plural types of progressive payouts which are different in payout amounts and in each of which part of bet amount is accumulated each time unit game is executed |
US10186106B2 (en) | 2016-09-21 | 2019-01-22 | Igt | Gaming system and method for determining awards based on interacting symbols |
US10643428B2 (en) | 2018-03-13 | 2020-05-05 | Synergy Blue Llc | Regulated casino games, gaming machines and computer-implemented methods having payout schedules and associated returns to player (RTPs) selected based upon time to successful interaction |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1503833A4 (en) | 2006-11-29 |
EP1503833A1 (en) | 2005-02-09 |
WO2003068351A1 (en) | 2003-08-21 |
CA2475856A1 (en) | 2003-08-21 |
AU2003209088A1 (en) | 2003-09-04 |
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