WO2008097193A1

WO2008097193A1 - Gaming machine with switchable winnings-rates

Info

Publication number: WO2008097193A1
Application number: PCT/SG2007/000042
Authority: WO
Inventors: Po Lian Poh; Lay Ngee Tay
Original assignee: Weike (S) Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2007-02-08
Filing date: 2007-02-08
Publication date: 2008-08-14

Abstract

A gaming machine, a method of implementing a main game on a gaming machine. The gaming machine comprises: a main game; a winnings switch module coupled to the gaming machine for selecting one of a plurality of different winnings distribution modes for distributing winnings from the main game into one or more of a group consisting of cash redeemable winnings, non-cash redeemable winnings and score points winnings.

Description

Gaming Machine With Switchable Winnings-Rates

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates broadly to a gaming machine, to a method for implementing a main game on a gaming machine, and to a computer readable data storage medium having stored thereon computer code means for instructing a computer processor of a gaming machine to execute a method for implementing a main game.

BACKGROUND

In the context of payout rates, a gaming machine coupled to a POOL has been proposed to maintain low payout rates while at the same time facilitating an environment in which players' spending habits on the gaming machine may be improved in terms of making the spending of money more transparent or evident to players.

However, implementing the above gaming machine may pose a problem in that such a gaming machine cannot be used in a casino without a POOL system. Furthermore, although the above gaming machine can increase players' playing time and increase revenue, a problem may arise in that the actual cash payout of the gaming machine is not reduced. In addition, a problem may arise in that the above gaming machine may offer little to offset the operators' costs such as rental costs, equipment maintenance costs, government taxes, promotion fees, management fees, licensing fees, operating costs etc.

Hence, there exists a need for a gaming machine that seeks to address at least one of the above problems.

SUMMARY In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine comprising: a main game; a winnings switch module coupled to the gaming machine for selecting one of a plurality of different winnings distribution modes for distributing winnings from the main game into one or more of a group consisting of cash redeemable winnings, non-cash redeemable winnings and score points winnings.

The different winnings distribution modes may be associated with different pre-determined cash winnings rates.

_ For one winnings distribution mode, the associated cash winnings rate may be 100%.

For one winnings distribution mode, the associated cash winnings rate may be θ%.

For one winnings distribution mode, the associated cash winnings rate may be greater than 0% and smaller than 100%.

The gaming machine may further comprise a POOL switch module coupled to the gaming machine for selecting one of a plurality of different POOL game modes for deducting a pre-determined amount of cash-credits to contribute to a POOL under the control of a POOL game system; wherein the different POOL game modes are associated with different pre-determined amounts of cash-credits.

The POOL switch module may be used to deduct a pre-determined amount of cash-credits from a wagered amount of cash-credits wagered for the main game.

Prizes awarded from the POOL may comprise non-redeemable game points/tokens usable for playing the main game.

The gaming machine may be implemented as a physical gaming machine or as a virtual gaming machine. The virtual gaming machine may be implemented on a portable device or a desktop device.

The virtual gaming machine may be implemented via the Internet or via interactive TV.

The non-cash redeemable winnings may comprise non-cash redeemable winnings points/tokens.

The non-cash redeemable winnings points/tokens may be redeemable for loyalty points, eαtertainment shows/displays or both.

The cash redeemable winnings may comprise cash redeemable credits, cash redeemable winnings points/tokens or both.

The gaming machine may further comprise a prize redeeming module for redeeming the cash redeemable and non-cash redeemable winnings into cash prizes and non-cash prizes respectively.

The gaming machine may further comprise a promotion module for altering a conversion algorithm applied in the prize redeeming module.

The promotion module may be further arranged to award prizes based on the score points winnings.

The promotion module may be further arranged for altering the conversion algorithm based on a promotional time period, identification of a specific player or both.

The gaming machine may further comprise a card reader/writer arranged for storing one or more of a group consisting of said cash redeemable winnings, non- cash redeemable winnings and score points winnings into a stored-value card and for retrieving one or more of a group consisting of existing cash redeemable winnings, non-cash redeemable winnings and score points winnings from the stored-value card.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for implementing a main game on a gaming machine, the method comprising selecting one of a plurality of different winnings distribution modes for distributing winnings from the main game into one or more of a group consisting of cash redeemable winnings, non-cash redeemable winnings and score points winnings utilizing a winnings switch module of the gaming machine; and selectively varying the winnings distribution mode utilizing the winnings switch module.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer readable data storage medium having stored thereon computer code means for instructing a computer processor of a gaming machine to execute a method for implementing a main game on a gaming machine, the method comprising selecting one of a plurality of different winnings distribution modes for distributing winnings from the main game into one or more of a group consisting of cash redeemable winnings, non-cash redeemable winnings and score points winnings utilizing a winnings switch module of the gaming machine; and selectively varying the winnings distribution mode utilizing the winnings switch module.

In the method, the different winnings distribution modes may be associated with different pre-determined cash winnings rates.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will be better understood and readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from the following written description, by way of example only, and in conjunction with the drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a flow chart illustrating the gaming process of an example embodiment.

Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a gaming machine implementing the example embodiment.

Figure 3 is a screenshot showing a reel game.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a POOL game system according to one implementation.

Figure 5 is a schematic drawing of a computer controlled gaming machine for implementing the example embodiment.

Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of implementing a main game on a gaming machine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an example embodiment, a player buys cash-credits using cash at the start of accessing the gaming machine. The gaming machine implements a main game that may take different forms in different embodiments. If a player terminates playing on the gaming machine, any remaining cash-credits are returned to the player as cash. Additionally, the gaming machine is selectively coupled to a POOL game based on a setting of an internal POOL switch module. The POOL switch module is used to select one of a plurality of different POOL game modes. The different POOL game modes are associated with different pre-determined amounts of cash-credits to be deducted from the player's cash-credits to contribute to an accumulated POOL for the POOL game. The contribution to the POOL may range from 0%-100% of the cash-credits. If the deduction is set at 0% of the cash-credits, no cash-credits are contributed to the POOL amount. If the deduction is set at 100% of the cash-credits, all of the player's cash-credits are contributed to the POOL game and the player does not play the main game. Alternatively, the deduction may be carried out from a wagered amount of cash-credits wagered for the main game.

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that when the POOL switch module is set to select a POOL game mode with an associated cash-credits deduction amount of zero cash-credits, no cash-credits are deducted from the player to contribute to the POOL ie. the gaming machine is not participating in the POOL game.

In the following description, winnings from the main game may be distributed as

-one or more of a group consisting of cash redeemable winnings, non-cash redeemable winnings and score points winnings. Cash redeemable winnings may be redeemed for cash prizes while non-cash redeemable winnings may be redeemed for non-cash prizes. Score points winnings, e.g. in the form of arcade-style car racing game scores or arcade-style player ranking scores, provide entertainment to the player and are not redeemable for any prizes. With regard to the POOL game, the POOL game may award game points/tokens, among other prizes, to the player. These game points/tokens are not redeemable for any prizes but can be used to play the main game.

The POOL game may be based on a lottery concept i.e. POOL prizes may be won from the POOL while playing the gaming machine. Alternatively, the POOL may be programmed to pay out prizes for game tournaments such as Texas Hold'em etc. The POOL prizes may include, but are not limited to, cash prizes, for example in the form of cash-credits, physical prizes such as a car or condominium or non- redeemable game points/tokens. Pooled funds contributed to the POOL may be used to pay for operator costs such as management fees, licensing fees, promotion fees, government tax, etc.

Among the different categories of POOL prizes that may be awarded to the player, non-redeemable game points/tokens awarded from the POOL can be used to play the main game. Therefore, when the gaming machine is coupled to the POOL and the player wins non-redeemable game points/tokens from the POOL game, the player is allowed to play the main game using cash-credits, the non- redeemable game points/tokens or both. If the player wins the main game, the winnings are distributed by the gaming machine based on a setting of an internal winnings switch module. The winnings switch module is used for selecting one of a plurality of different winnings distribution modes for distributing winnings from the main game into one or more of a group consisting of cash redeemable winnings, non-cash redeemable winnings and score points winnings. The different winnings distribution modes are associated with different pre-determined cash winnings rates for the gaming machine. In the example embodiment, the winnings from the main game may be paid out to the player as one or more of a group consisting of winnings cash-credits, winnings points/tokens and score points winnings. By changing the setting of the winnings switch module, the operator can vary/limit the amount of real cash winnings from the gaming machine. For example, to give zero cash prizes when the player has won the main game, the operator may use the winnings switch module to select to pay out the main game winnings only in terms of score points winnings.

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the POOL switch module and the winnings switch module may be provided as a single module.

Figure 1 is a schematic flowchart 100 illustrating the gaming process of the example embodiment. At step 102, the player inserts cash into the gaming machine for buying cash-credits. At step 104, the gaming machine converts the money into cash-credits. At any time the player terminates playing the gaming machine, at step 106, remaining cash-credits are returned to the player as cash.

At step 108, the gaming machine determines a cash-credits amount to deduct from the player as contribution to the accumulated POOL based on the POOL switch module setting. If the cash-credits amount to be deducted for contributing to the POOL game is more than zero, at step 110, the player, ie. the gaming machine, automatically participates in the next "draw" of the POOL game. It is determined whether or not a POOL prize has been won. If a POOL prize has been won at step 110, the POOL prize is awarded to the player at numeral 112. One category of the POOL prizes is in the form of non-redeemable game points/tokens. If the player is awarded non-redeemable game points/tokens from the POOL, at step 114, the player has a non-redeemable game points/tokens balance. The non- redeemable game points/tokens have no monetary value and unused non-redeemable game points/tokens are not redeemable as prizes to the player when the player terminates playing the gaming machine. When the player terminates playing the gaming machine, the unused non-redeemable game points/tokens can be transferred to e.g. a player stored-value card and may be used for gaming purposes at a later time or on a different gaming machine.

At step 116, the main game is played. The player may use the remaining cash-credits and/or non-redeemable game points/tokens, if any, to play the main game. At step 118, it is determined whether or not the player has won or lost the main game. If the player has lost the main game at step 118, the process loops back to step 106.

If the player wins the main game at step 118, at step 120, the gaming machine determines the distribution of the main game winnings based on the setting of the winnings switch module. The respective distribution of winnings cash-credits (see numeral 122), winnings points/tokens (see numeral 124) and score points winnings (see numeral 126) is based on the setting of the winnings switch module for a given mode having a pre-determined cash winnings rate for the gaming machine. For example, in one winnings distribution mode selected using the winnings switch module, the main game winnings are distributed as 50% of the main game winnings in winnings cash-credits, 0% of the main game winnings in winnings points/tokens and 50% of the main game winnings in score points winnings, thus effectively conforming to a selected associated pre-determined cash winnings rate of 50% for the gaming machine. In another winnings distribution mode selected using the winnings switch module, the main game winnings are distributed as 100% of the main game winnings in winnings cash-credits, 0% of the main game winnings in winnings points/tokens and 0% of the main game winnings in score points winnings, thus effectively conforming to a selected associated pre-determined cash winnings rate of 100% for the gaming machine. In yet another example of a winnings distribution mode, the main game winnings are distributed as 70% of the main game winnings in winnings cash-credits, 15% of the main game winnings in winnings points/tokens and 15% of the main game winnings in score points winnings. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that any combination of winnings cash-credits, winnings points/tokens and score points winnings may be implemented in different winnings distribution modes in other embodiments.

In the example embodiment, on one hand, the player may transfer, if any, the winnings cash-credits (see numeral 122), winnings points/tokens (see numeral 124) and score points winnings (see numeral 126) to the player stored-value card when the player terminates playing the gaming machine. For example, the winnings cash- credits (at numeral 122) are added to the remaining cash-credits balance of the player (see numeral 128) for transferring the player stored-value card. On the other hand, the player can select to redeem cash and/or non-cash prizes, if applicable, from the gaming machine. At step 130, a prize redeeming module is provided such that the player can redeem the cash and/or non-cash prizes. The prize redeeming module uses a conversion algorithm to carry out the redemption of the prizes.

For the winnings cash-credits at numeral 122, the prize redeeming module redeems the winnings cash-credits as cash (see numeral 132) to the player upon the player terminating play at the gaming machine.

For the winnings points/tokens at numeral 124, the winnings points/tokens may be redeemed as non-cash prizes (see numeral 134) and such winnings may be classified as "Play for Points" winnings. The winnings distribution modes for awarding such non-cash redeemable winnings may particularly be desired for gaming machines implementing slot games. The real value of the winnings points/tokens is realised when the player redeems his or her winnings points/tokens for non-cash prizes. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that non-cash prizes may take many forms. For example, the winnings points/tokens may be converted to loyalty points by the prize redeeming module and stored in e.g. a player stored-value card. These loyalty points may be accumulated for redeeming prizes at a later stage.

In other implementations, such as for gaming machines that are used in a tournament setting, the winnings points/tokens at numeral 124 may be redeemed as cash (see numeral 132), non-cash prizes (see numeral 134), or both, at the end of the tournament. In such instances, the winnings points/tokens may be cash redeemable winnings, non-cash redeemable winnings or both.

In the example embodiment above, the cash redeemable winnings may be classified as "Play for Real (Money)" winnings and the winnings distribution modes for awarding such winnings may particularly be desired for gaming machines implementing casino live tables with card games.

For the score points winnings at numeral 126, score points winnings are not redeemable for any prizes. These type of winnings may be classified as "Play for Fun" winnings. In other words, for score points winnings, the player is rewarded with an outcome which provides the player with leisure/relaxation, i.e. providing arcade-style gaming entertainment.

At step 136, a Promotion module is provided to control (see numeral 138) the conversion algorithm of the prize redeeming module for altering e.g. the redemption rate of the cash and non-cash prizes. Different marketing/promotion schemes e.g. over a promotional time period or for particular players may be implemented on the gaming machine by programming the Promotion module accordingly. One marketing/promotion example may be the gaming machine being programmed to pay out a special "give-back" rate of 50% more cash when converting cash-credits to a particular player as compared to other players. Another marketing/promotion example may be the gaming machine being programmed to reward the player with "special" vouchers when converting the winnings points/tokens into non-cash prizes. An example of such "special" vouchers may be a voucher for a free stay in a grand hotel. Yet another marketing/promotion example may be the gaming machine being programmed to reward the player with more entertainment value in addition to the score points winnings entertainment such as showing a free movie show to the player.

In the example embodiment, as another marketing/promotion example, the

Promotion module is programmed to award the player (see numeral 140) with cash prizes and/or non-cash prizes if the player fulfils a certain criteria such as having the highest score points winnings on e.g. a racing car ranking Scoreboard. This may serve to attract players to the gaming machine to compete to achieve the highest score points winnings.

In the above example embodiment, the gaming machine may be configured to vary/limit main game winnings by using the winnings switch module. The winnings switch module is used to select a pre-determined cash winnings rate for the gaming machine. This may allow the gaming machine operator to increase revenue by reducing actual cash winnings but increase the entertainment of the player by increasing score points winnings e.g. for arcade-style ranking. Furthermore, the above gaming machine may be configured to allow the player to play the POOL game, -based on the POOL switch module. The POOL game may award non- redeemable game points/tokens to the player which may be used to play the main game. Thus, for such a scenario, in addition to participating in the POOL game for a chance to win POOL prizes, the player has the added entertainment of playing the main game using the non-redeemable game points/tokens.

In the following, an implementation of the example embodiment is described. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the implementation and/or the example embodiment. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive.

Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a gaming machine 200 implementing the example embodiment. In the example embodiment, the main game is implemented as a reel game. The gaming machine 200 comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen 202, a keyset 204 of push buttons, a cash input mechanism in the form of a stored-value card slot 206, a winnings button 208, a prize pay-out tray 210 and a top box 212. In addition, the gaming machine 200 further comprises an internal POOL switch module 214 and an internal winnings switch module 216.

The POOL switch module 214 and the winnings switch module 216 can be implemented in a number of different ways, as would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art. Typically, the switch modules are implemented as a programmable module, in which setting of the module correspond to varying parameters of a computer algorithm controlling the programming of the pool contribution and the winnings distributions. The programming of the POOL switch module and the winnings switch module may be implemented in different forms. One example is to provide a connector in each of the switch modules for coupling to an external user interface and using the external user interface to configure the settings of the switch modules. Another example is to provide a keypad integrated on each of the switch modules for configuring the settings of the switch modules. Yet another example is to provide a mechanical switch element, such as a set of electrical jumpers, on each of the switch modules for configuring the settings of the switch modules.

The gaming machine 200 further comprises a prize redeeming module 218 and a promotion module 220 coupled to the prize redeeming module 218.

The LCD screen 202 displays the reel game. The LCD screen 202 is incorporated with touch screen technology to allow a player to play the games contained in the gaming machine 200. The keyset 204 of push buttons allows the player to operate or initiate the gaming machine 200. The stored-value card slot 206 receives a stored-value card from the player for buying/transferring cash-credits to play the games in the gaming machine 200. The stored-value card also allows the player to transfer unused non-redeemable game points/tokens from a previous gaming session to play the games in the gaming machine 200. In addition, any existing winnings points/tokens are transferable both to and from the gaming machine 200 using the stored-value card. Furthermore, the stored-value card allows the player to transfer any score points winnings to and from the gaming machine 200.

The winnings button 208 allows the player to request for winnings from the gaming machine 200 e.g. when the player stops playing the gaming machine. When the winnings button 208 is activated, the player can select whether to transfer the winnings cash-credits and winnings points/tokens to the stored-value card or to redeem cash prizes and/or non-cash prizes. The prize redeeming module 218 is provided such that the player may redeem cash and/or non-cash prizes using the cash redeemable winnings and/or non-cash redeemable winnings, if applicable, when the player selects to redeem prizes. The redemption of prizes is based on a conversion algorithm applied in the prize redeeming module 218. The promotion module 220 coupled to the prize redeeming module 218 is provided for altering the conversion algorithm based on marketing/promotion schemes e.g. over a promotional time period or for particular players.

When the winnings button 208 is activated, the player receives cash prizes redeemed from the cash redeemable winnings, if any, via the stored-value card, or by direct money payout from the machine if the machine is so configured. Non-cash prizes redeemed from the non-cash redeemable winnings may be collected from the prize pay-out tray 208. Other forms of non-cash prizes collection, if applicable, are also possible e.g. transferring loyalty points to the stored-value card or showing a_ movie show via the LCD screen 202. Furthermore, if any POOL prizes are awarded by the POOL game, depending on the nature of the POOL prizes e.g. cash or non- cash, the player can receive such POOL prizes via the stored-value card, the prize pay-out tray 208 or both.

In the example embodiment, the POOL switch module 214 is used to select one of a plurality of different POOL game modes. As described above, the different POOL game modes are associated with different pre-determined amounts of cash- credits to be deducted from the player's cash-credits to contribute to the POOL game. The winnings switch module 216 is used for selecting one of a plurality of different winnings distribution modes for distributing reel game winnings into one or more of a group consisting of cash redeemable winnings, non-cash redeemable winnings and score points winnings. The different winnings distribution modes are associated with different pre-determined cash winnings rates for the gaming machine.

The top box 212 is located on the top of the gaming machine 200 and comprises an artwork panel 220. The artwork panel 220 displays winning combinations for winning the reel game. The amount of reel game winnings awarded when the player wins each turn of the reel game is governed based on an odds table stored or programmed in the gaming machine 200. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that although a stored-value card is described above for the player to buy/transfer cash-credits, the gaming machine may be configured to comprise a coin acceptor or a bill validator for accepting cash. Furthermore, the gaming machine may be configured to accept electronic cash payment for buying cash-credits by accessing a bank payment gateway authorised by the player or by accessing an online player account of the player maintained in a centralised system coupled to the gaming machine.

Figure 3 is a screenshot 302 of the LCD screen 202 showing the reel game 304 in the example embodiment. The reel game 304 comprises a plurality of rotatable reels 306 containing graphical symbols e.g. 308. The reel game 304 involves a matching of a pre-determined sequence of the graphical symbols e.g. 308 appearing on the reels 306. Once the player obtains an occurrence of a combination of graphical symbols e.g. 308 and the combination matches one of those of the graded winnings scale as displayed on the artwork panel 220 (Figure 2), the gaming machine 200 (Figure 2) awards a pre-determined amount of reel game winnings to the player according to the winnings scale. A touch screen SPIN button 310 is displayed and the player can play each turn of the reel game by depressing the

SPIN button 310. A cash-credits amount 312 is displayed. As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, when the player first initiates the gaming machine 200

(Figure 2), the cash-credits amount 312 is the amount of cash-credits the player has bought/transferred using the stored-value card.

Based on the setting of the POOL switch module 214 (Figure 2), the cash- credits amount 312 is decreased accordingly when the gaming machine participates in the next "draw" of the POOL game. The POOL contribution for each "draw" is displayed in a POOL contribution display 314.

In addition to the above displays, a non-redeemable game points/tokens amount 316, a winnings points/tokens amount 318 and a score points winnings amount 320 are displayed. As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, when the player first initiates the gaming machine 200 (Figure 2), the game points/tokens amount 316, the winnings points/tokens amount 318 and the score points winnings amount 320 are the respective accumulated game points/tokens, winnings points/tokens and score points winnings, if any, transferred to gaming machine 200 (Figure 2) using the stored-value card. The game points/tokens amount 316 is adjusted based on results of the POOL game, when applicable. The cash-credits amount 312, the winnings points/tokens amount 318 and the score points winnings amount 320 are adjusted based on the setting of the winnings switch module 216 (Figure 2) and the results of each turn of the reel game.

The cash-credits amount 312, the game points/tokens amount 316 or both may be used as a variable wager for playing the reel game. The wager is selected for the next turn of each reel game. A touch screen reel wager button 322 is displayed on the LCD screen 202 for the player to select a wager amount. Depressing the reel wager button 320 allows the player to use a wager credit select button 324 and Left/Right select buttons 326, 328 for selecting a wager amount. The player may use the Left/Right select buttons 324, 326 to highlight one or both of the cash-credits amount 312 and the game points/tokens amount 316 for wagering. The player confirms the final selection by depressing the wager credit select button 322.

Upon confirming one or both of the cash-credits amount 312 and the game points/tokens amount 316 to be used for wagering, the player uses touch screen Increase/Decrease buttons 330, 332 respectively to adjust the wager amount. The player can adjust the wager amount for the reel game in pre-determined steps by depressing the Increase/Decrease buttons 330, 332. For example, for each time the Increase/Decrease buttons 330, 332 are depressed, the wager amount is adjusted by fifty points. The wager amount is displayed in a reel wager amount display 334 and the relevant selected one or both of the cash-credits amount 312 and the game points/tokens amount 316 are correspondingly decremented according to the displayed wager amount.

During playtime on the gaming machine 200 (Figure 2), based on the setting of the POOL switch module 214 (Figure 2), the player, i.e. the gaming machine, can participate in the POOL game for a chance to win POOL prizes. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the POOL game may be implemented in a variety of different ways. For example, the POOL game may be such that the POOL is won based on a particular winning combination of the graphical symbols e.g. 308 displayed on the rotatable reels 306. Alternatively or additionally, the POOL prize may be awarded based on events not directly linked to the reel game itself. For example, the POOL prizes may be awarded based on a random lottery to a particular gaming machine, or based on operating parameters of the gaming machine such as operating time, total of consumed game points etc. In the example embodiment, a winning combination of graphical symbols for which the POOL prize is awarded is displayed on the artwork panel 220 (Figure 2).

If the player wins the POOL game and is awarded non-redeemable game points/tokens, the game points/tokens amount 316 is increased accordingly. It is noted again that the POOL prize(s) may be awarded in different forms, e.g. awarding physical prizes such as a car or a condominium (compare numeral 112 of

Figure 1). In such embodiments, a POOL prize award message may be displayed on the LCD screen 202, notifying the player of the awarded prize and the mode of collection of the awarded prize. Typically, casino staff would be alerted to the awarding of a POOL prize by a central processing/control system to which the gaming machine is connected and a casino staff member may be alerted to approach the player of the relevant gaming machine to ensure an appropriate awarding of the won POOL prize. Alternatively, non-cash prizes may be awarded to the player via the prize pay-out tray 208 (Figure 2).

In an embodiment in which a cash redeemable prize from the POOL game is awarded, the cash redeemable prize may be included in the current balance of the cash-credits amount 312 and may be collected by the player by depressing the button 208 (Figure 2).

In the example embodiment, odds tables governing the pay-out rates of the POOL game and the reel game respectively may be stored or programmed in the gaming machine. The non-redeemable game points/tokens winnings rate of the POOL game may be pre-programmed to a high rate while the cash "winnings" rate of the reel game may be programmed to be lower using the winnings switch module 216 (Figure 2). In other words, the overall winnings rate of the reel game may be programmed to be high in terms of non-cash redeemable winnings and/or score points winnings rather than cash redeemable winnings. This may reduce actual cash winnings to the player while providing more entertainment to the player. In addition, the POOL game may be programmed to award non-redeemable game points/tokens to the player for the player to prolong playing the reel game while increasing the pooled funds contributed to the POOL in the form of deducted cash-credits during each POOL game "draw". With the pooled funds contributed to the POOL and reduced cash winnings using the winnings switch module 216 (Figure 2), the operators' costs such as rental costs, equipment maintenance costs, government taxes, promotion fees, management fees, licensing fees, operating costs etc may be paid by gaming machine.

Figure 4 shows a schematic drawing of a POOL game system 400 according to an example embodiment. The POOL system comprises a plurality of gaming machines for 402, 404, 406, each coupled to a POOL game unit 408. The gaming machines 402, 404, 406 may be implemented in a variety of different ways. For example, one or more of the gaming machines 402 are implemented as physical gaming machines. One or more other gaming machines 404 are implemented as virtual gaming machines on desktop devices. One or more other gaming machines 406 are implemented as virtual gaming machines on portable devices such as mobile phones, Personnel Digital Assistants (PDAs) or the like. The virtual gaming machines 404, 406 may be implemented via the Internet, interactive TV or other service networks. The coupling between the POOL game unit 408 and the respective gaming machines 402, 404, 406 may be implemented in a variety of different ways, including via the Internet, or via other wired or wireless networks.

The POOL game unit 408 comprises a database 410 for storing current POOL data and other information, and a processor 412 coupled to the database 410 for awarding prizes to players on the respective gaming machines 402, 404, 406, based on the POOL data stored in the database 410.

Each of the gaming machine 402, 404, 406 comprises respective POOL game modules (not shown) for transferring data representing cash-credits contributions from the respective gaming machines 402, 404, 406 to the database

410. Accordingly, money spent by players on the respective gaming machines 402,

404, 406 on deducted cash-credits contributes to the POOL data stored in the database 410, based on which prizes are awarded to players on the respective gaming machines 402, 404, 406 under the control of the processor 412.

The processor 412 may award the prizes based on events in the entertainment games e.g. tournament games implemented on the respective gaming machine 402, 404, 406, or based on a draw e.g. lottery draw executed by the processor 412. It will be appreciated that the POOL game system 400 thus provides a distributed entertainment gaming environment with a centralized POOL database for awarding prizes to players on the respective gaming machines 402, 404, 406. Since money spent on each of the gaming machines 402, 404, 406 is recorded in the central database 410, .based on which prizes can be awarded from the POOL, the example embodiment can provide a distributed entertainment system with a centralized awarding of POOL prizes, which may be centrally governed by entities such as government bodies. This may provide transparency of the POOL game system 400 for players, where information such as current POOL money balances and POOL winning rates may be made available to the public.

The example embodiments may be implemented on computer controlled gaming machines. They may be implemented as software, such as a computer program being executed within the gaming machine, and instructing the gaming machine to conduct the gaming process of the example embodiment.

The gaming machine may comprise a computer module 502, schematically shown in Figure 5. The computer module 502 in the example implementation includes a processor 504, a Random Access Memory (RAM) 506 and a Read Only

Memory (ROM) 508. The computer module 502 also includes a number of

Input/Output (I/O) interfaces, for example I/O interface 510 to a display 512.

The components of the computer module 502 typically communicate via an interconnected bus 514 and in a manner known to the person skilled in the relevant art.

The application program is typically supplied to the operator of the gaming machine encoded on a data storage medium such as a CD-ROM or a flash memory module such as a memory card/stick and read utilizing a corresponding data storage medium drive of a data storage device 516. The application program is read and controlled in its execution by the processor 504. Intermediate storage of program data may be accomplished using RAM 506.

Figure 6 is a flowchart 600 illustrating a method for implementing a main game on a gaming machine. At step 602, one of a plurality of different winnings distribution modes is selected for distributing winnings from the main game into one or more of a group consisting of cash redeemable winnings, non-cash redeemable winnings and score points winnings. At step 604, the winnings distribution mode is selectively varied utilizing the winnings switch module.

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the present invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive.

The gaming machines may be implemented as physical or virtual gaming machines, such as via the Internet, interactive TV, Local Area Network (LAN)-based or other service networks. The virtual gaming machines may be implemented on desk top devices or portable devices. For gaming machines implemented as physical gaming machines, although touch screen keys have been described in the example embodiment, other actuators such as mechanical keys or pull/push handles may also be used to play the games contained in the gaming machine.

Furthermore, although the entertainment game has been described as a reel game, other forms and graphical representations of games including, but not limited to, table games, card games, numbers games, sports games etc., can be implemented instead. The winning combinations may also be governed by different game rules.

Claims

1. A gaming machine comprising: a main game; a winnings switch module coupled to the gaming machine for selecting one of a plurality of different winnings distribution modes for distributing winnings from the main game into one or more of a group consisting of cash redeemable winnings, non-cash redeemable winnings and score points winnings.

2. The gaming machine as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the different winnings distribution modes are associated with different pre-determined cash winnings rates.

3. The gaming machine as claimed in claim 2, wherein for one winnings distribution mode, the associated cash winnings rate is 100%.

4. The gaming machine as claimed in claims 2 or 3, wherein for one winnings distribution mode, the associated cash winnings rate is 0%.

5. The gaming machine as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein for one winnings distribution mode, the associated cash winnings rate is greater than 0% and smaller than 100%.

6. The gaming machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a POOL switch module coupled to the gaming machine for selecting one of a plurality of different POOL game modes for deducting a pre-determined amount of cash-credits to contribute to a POOL under the control of a POOL game system; wherein the different POOL game modes are associated with different pre- determined amounts of cash-credits.

7. The gaming machine as claimed in claim 6, wherein the POOL switch module is used to deduct a pre-determined amount of cash-credits from a wagered amount of cash-credits wagered for the main game.

8. The gaming machine as claimed in claims 6 or 7, wherein prizes awarded from the POOL comprise non-redeemable game points/tokens usable for playing the main game.

9. The gaming machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gaming machine is implemented as a physical gaming machine or as a virtual gaming machine.

10. The gaming machine as claimed in claim 9, wherein the virtual gaming machine is implemented on a portable device or a desktop device.

11. The gaming machine as claimed in claims 9 or 10, wherein the virtual gaming machine is implemented via the Internet or via interactive TV.

12. The gaming machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the non-cash redeemable winnings comprise non-cash redeemable winnings points/tokens.

13. The gaming machine as claimed in claim 12, wherein the non-cash redeemable winnings points/tokens are redeemable for loyalty points, entertainment shows/displays or both.

14. The gaming machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cash redeemable winnings comprise cash redeemable credits, cash redeemable winnings points/tokens or both.

15. The gaming machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a prize redeeming module for redeeming the cash redeemable and non-cash redeemable winnings into cash prizes and non-cash prizes respectively.

16. The gaming machine as claimed in claim 15, further comprising a promotion module for altering a conversion algorithm applied in the prize redeeming module.

17. The gaming machine as claimed in claim 16, wherein the promotion module is further arranged to award prizes based on the score points winnings.

18. The gaming machine as claimed in any one of claims 16 or 17, the promotion module being further arranged for altering the conversion algorithm based on a promotional time period, identification of a specific player or both.

19. The gaming machine as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comprising a card reader/writer arranged for storing one or more of a group consisting of said cash redeemable winnings, non-cash redeemable winnings and score points winnings into a stored-value card and for retrieving one or more of a group consisting of existing cash redeemable winnings, non-cash redeemable winnings and score points winnings from the stored-value card.

20. A method for implementing a main game on a gaming machine, the method comprising: selecting one of a plurality of different winnings distribution modes for distributing winnings from the main game into one or more of a group consisting of cash redeemable winnings, non-cash redeemable winnings and score points winnings utilizing a winnings switch module of the gaming machine; and selectively varying the winnings distribution mode utilizing the winnings switch module.

21. The method as claimed in claim 20, wherein the different winnings distribution modes are associated with different pre-determined cash winnings rates.

22. A computer readable data storage medium having stored thereon computer code means for instructing a computer processor of a gaming machine to execute a method for implementing a main game on a gaming machine, the method comprising: selecting one of a plurality of different winnings distribution modes for distributing winnings from the main game into one or more of a group consisting of cash redeemable winnings, non-cash redeemable winnings and score points winnings utilizing a winnings switch module of the gaming machine; and selectively varying the winnings distribution mode utilizing the winnings switch module.

23. The computer readable data storage medium as claimed in claim 22, wherein in the method, the different winnings distribution modes are associated with different pre-determined cash winnings rates.