Slot machine game and system with improved jackpot feature

Abstract

Certain embodiments provide a method and system for awarding a progressive prize. The system includes a bank of gaming machines accepting different bets per play as selected by a player. A random number is selected from a predetermined fixed range of numbers that does not change during play of a gaming machine. The player is allotted one or more numbers for each credit bet. The allotted numbers represent a subset of the predetermined fixed range of numbers. A feature game is triggered for the progressive prize based on a numerical comparison between the selected random number and the number(s) allotted to the player. Certain embodiments provide a trigger condition for a feature outcome based on an event having a probability related to credits bet per game at a gaming machine. A probability of success in the feature game may be higher than a probability of success in the base game.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to apparatus for use with a system of linked poker machines and in particular the apparatus provides an improved jackpot mechanism for use with such a poker machine system. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Many schemes have been devised in the past to induce players to play slot machines including schemes such as specifying periods during which jackpot prizes are increased or bonus jackpots paid. Other schemes involve awarding an additional prize to a first player to achieve a predetermined combination on a poker machine. These methods, while effective, add to club overheads because of the need for additional staff to ensure that the scheme is operated smoothly. [0003] More recently, with the advent of poker machines linked through electrical networks it has been possible to automatically generate jackpot prizes on the basis of information received from the machines being played which are connected to the system and one such prior art arrangeme...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a random prize awarding system associated with a gaming console that offers a feature outcome when a game has achieved a trigger condition, such as a certain credit bet per game. The system includes trigger means that test for the trigger condition and initiate the feature outcome when it occurs. The trigger condition is determined by an event with a probability related to credits bet per game on the game. The feature outcome can be a second game or a simplified game with a higher probability of success. The prize awarded in a jackpot game by the system is a monetary amount that is incremented with each game played on each gaming machine or console in the system. The invention should be taken to include gaming systems which include user interfaces other than traditional slot machines.

Problems solved by technology

These methods, while effective, add to club overheads because of the need for additional staff to ensure that the scheme is operated smoothly.

With some prior art combination based trigger arrangements there is a serious disadvantage in that the player betting a single token per line, is just as likely to achieve a jackpot as the player playing multiple tokens per line.

However, in their conventional format these games have inherent limitations: (i) Games which use specific combinations of symbols to trigger jackpots are perceived by many players as being unwinnable.

However, it is extremely complex to develop a wide variety of combinations which support both a feature game and mathematically exact jackpot triggers; (iii) Typically, it would be expected that the game return (RTP) is independent of the number of coins bet per line.

With conventional progressive jackpot games though, increasing the credits bet per line creates a relative disadvantage as far as RTP is concerned.

This creates a scale of diminishing returns.

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