United States Patent (19)
`Pease et al.
`
`USOO5855515A
`Patent Number:
`11
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`5,855,515
`Jan. 5, 1999
`
`54 PROGRESSIVE GAMING SYSTEM
`
`75 Inventors: Logan L. Pease, Reno; Dwight E.
`Crevelt, Las Vegas; Chris D.
`s
`Reddicks, Reno, all of Nev.
`73 Assignee: International Game Technology, Reno,
`Nev.
`
`21 Appl. No.: 722,374
`1-1.
`22 Filed:
`Sep. 30, 1996
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`4,837,728 6/1989 Barrie et al. ............................ 364/412
`4.948,138 8/1990 Pease et al......
`... 273/138 A
`5,265,874 11/1993 Dickinson et al.
`... 273/138 A
`5,326,104 7/1994 Pease et al......
`... 273/138 A
`5,351,970 10/1994 Fioretti ...................................... 463/41
`5,429,361
`7/1995 Raven et al. .............................. 463/42
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`48825/85 5/1986 Australia ........................ G07F 17/34
`44536/93 3/1995 Australia ........................ G07F 17/32
`2111317 7/1994 Canada ........................... G07F 01/02
`2101983 2/1995 Canada ..............
`... GO6F 15/28
`2147773 5/1985 United Kingdom.
`A63F 9/22
`2148135 5/1985 United Kingdom .............. A63F 9/00
`Primary Examiner-George Manuel
`63 Continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 600,670, Feb. 13, 1996, Pat.
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Sheridan Ross P.C.
`No. 5,766,076.
`6
`57
`ABSTRACT
`51) Int. Cl. ........................................................ A63F 9/22
`52 U.S. Cl. ................................................................ 463/27 A progressive gaming System with wide applicability to a
`58 Field of Search ...
`463/40, 41, 42,
`potentially large number of playerS is provided. A three-level
`463/25, 26, 27, 29; 273/143 R, 410
`hierarchy can be used in which a portion of wagers and
`individual terminals are earmarked for contribution to a
`progressive jackpot, each casino is allotted one chance at a
`prize for each threshold amount of contribution and a
`win/loss decision is made, for each Such chance, by a central
`computer System.
`
`56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4,283,709 8/1981 Lucero et al. ............................ 463/42
`4,621,814 11/1986 Stephan et al. ..................... 273/138 A
`4,660,833 4/1987 Dickinson et al. ................. 273/143 R
`
`1 Claim, 7 Drawing Sheets
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`C.S. COLLECS
`CONTRIBUTIONS AND
`STATUS ON
`RANDOMY-SELECTED
`MACHINES FROMMGP
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`ADD CONTRIBUTIONS FO
`MGR'S CUMULATIve
`CONTRIBUTIONS AND THE
`PRCGRESSIVEAMOUNT
`
`ARE THE
`GPS CONTRIBUTIONS
`ENOUGH TO EARN
`A JACKPOTRY
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`ARE
`THERE MOARE
`MGPS TO BE
`POLED
`d
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`242
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`- 256
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`HAS HE
`MAXIMUMACKET
`TRES pERPOLIEEEN
`REACHED FOR
`TS MGP
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`HERE AN
`ACTIVE
`MACHINE
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`SUSTRACTACKPORY
`AMOUNTXFROd
`MGPSCUAM LaTVE
`CONTRIBUTIONS
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`BROADCAST THE
`PROGRESSWEa?yOUNT
`TOAL MGPS
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`APCK A
`RANDOM
`NUMBER
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`BEGIN THE
`NEXT POLE
`CYCLE
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`PEARFORM
`EOD
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`254
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`PLAYERAACTive
`MACHINE WINSACKPOT
`NOTIFY THEMGPAND
`| RESET THE PROGRESSIVE
`AMOUNT
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`DOES RE
`RANDOMNUMBER
`MatC THE
`KiNNiG NUMBER
`2
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`EVERI EX. 1012; Page 1
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jan. 5, 1999
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`EVERI EX. 1012; Page 2
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`U.S. Patent
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jan.5, 1999
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`Sheet 3 of 7
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jan. 5, 1999
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`C. S, COLLECTS
`CONTRIBUTIONS AND
`STATUS ON
`RANDOMLY-SELECTED
`MACHINES FROM
`M GP
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`2O2
`
`F1 G2 B
`
`WAS THERE
`AN ACTIVE
`MACHINE 2
`
`YES
`
`A DD CONTRIBUTIONS
`TO PROGRESSIVE
`AMOUNT AND
`SUBTRACT FROM
`MGPS
`ACCUMULATED
`A MOUNT
`
`214
`au-PCKABAN2OM
`NUMBER
`
`ARE THE MGP'S
`CONTRIBUTIONS ENOUGH
`TO EARN A JACKPOT
`TRY 2
`
`A DD CONTRIBUTIONS TO
`M G PS ACCUMULATED
`CONTRIBUTIONS
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`SEND NEW
`PROGRESSIVE AMOUNT
`TO THE MGP
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`DOES THE
`RANDOM NUMBER
`MATCH THE
`WINNING
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`PLAYERATACTIVE
`MACHINE WINS JACKPOT
`NOTIFY THE MGPAND
`RESET THE PROGRESSIVE
`A MOUNT
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`EVERI EX. 1012; Page 5
`Everi v. Sightline IPR2022-00614
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jan.5, 1999
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`Sheet 5 of 7
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`F1 G 3
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`CENTRAL SYSTEM SENDS
`POLL TO A CASINO
`CONTAINING A CURRENT
`JACKPOTAMOUNT
`
`CASINO SENDS
`INFORMATION TO CENTRAL
`SYSTEM REGARDING
`CONTRIBUTION TOWARD
`JACKPOTAND IDENTITY OF
`ALL OR SOMEACTIVE
`PLAYERS
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`3O2
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`3O4.
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`CUMULATIVE
`CONTRIBUTION OF
`THIS CASINO GREATER
`HAN THRESHOLD2
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`A DD CONTRIBUTION TO
`CASINOS CUMULATIVE
`CONTRIBUTION
`
`NOTIFY CASINO THAT
`THERE HAS BEEN A WIN.
`EITHER CENTRAL SYSTEM
`OR CASINO SELECTS
`WINNER RANDOMLY FROM
`AMONG THOSE ACTIVE
`PLAYERS WHOSE IDENTITY
`WASSENT TO CENTRAL
`SYSTEM
`
`
`
`ADD THRESHOLDAMOUNT
`TO PROGRESS/VEAMOUNT
`AND SUBTRACT THE
`THRESHOLD AMOUNT FROM
`CUMULATIVE
`CONTRIBUTION
`
`216
`
`
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`PICK RANDOM NUMBER
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`216
`
`DOES
`RANDOM NUMBER
`MATCHA STORED
`WES,
`NUMBER:
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`EVERI EX. 1012; Page 6
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jan. 5, 1999
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`Sheet 6 of 7
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`F1 G4
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`4O2
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`CENTRAL SYSTEM
`RANDOMLY SELECTSA
`CASINO (OR OTHER
`GROUP), PREFERABLY WITH
`WEIGHTING
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`CENTRAL SYSTEM
`SELECTSA MACHINEAT
`THAT CASINO, PREFERABLY
`WITH WEIGHTING
`
`IS THE
`SELECTED
`MACHINE
`ACTIVE 2
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`CASINO IDENTIFIES
`PLAYERAT THE SELECTED
`MACHINE, PRINTS-OUT THE
`IDENTITY AND SENDS
`IDENTITY TO THE CENTRAL
`SYSTEM (FOR STORAGE
`AND PRINTING)
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`5O2
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`CASINO SENDS CENTRAL
`SYSTEM IDENTITY OFA
`POOL OF ACTIVE
`MACHINES OR POTENTIAL
`WINNERS (ACTIVE
`PLAYERS )
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`CENTRAL SYSTEM
`SELECTS A
`MACHINEAT
`EACH CASINO
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`CEWTRAL SYSTEM
`MAKES A WIN) LOSS
`OECISIOW
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`1 FA WIN, CENTRAL
`SYSTEM SELECTSA
`CASINO AND
`NOTIFIES THE
`CASINO OF
`THE WIN
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jan. 5, 1999
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`Sheet 7 of 7
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`CENTRAL SYSTEM SENDS
`POLL TO A CASINO
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`6O2
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`CASINO SELECTSA
`AOTENTIAL WINNER
`RANDOMILY AND SENDS
`| DENTITY TO CENTRAL
`SYSTEM
`
`CUMULATIVE
`CONTRIBUTION OF
`THIS CASINO
`GREATER THAN
`HRESHOLD2
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`214
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`ADD THRESHOLD
`AgN. TO
`PROGRESSIVE
`A MOUNT AND
`SUBTRACT THE
`THRESHOLD AMOUNT
`FROM CUMULATIVE
`CONTRIBUTION
`
`
`
`ADD CONTRIBUTION TO
`CASINOS CUMULATIVE
`CONTRIBUTION
`
`PICK RANDOM NUMBER
`
`NOTIFY CASINO
`THAT THERE HAS
`BEEN A WIN
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`218
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`DOES
`RANDOM
`NUMBER MATCHA
`STORED WINNING
`NUMBER2
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`EVERI EX. 1012; Page 8
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`

`1
`PROGRESSIVE GAMING SYSTEM
`
`This is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 08/600,670,
`filed Feb. 13, 1996 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,766,076. The present
`invention relates to a progressive gaming System and, in
`particular, to a System which provides an opportunity to win
`a jackpot or other prize to any of a number of electronically
`coupled gaming devices.
`BACKGROUND INFORMATION
`Gaming Systems have included progressive Systems in
`which the machines are linked together So that, in addition
`to the normal games played on the gaming machines, players
`can compete for an additional prize. One type of progressive
`gaming System is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No.
`4,837,728, issued Jun. 6, 1989, and assigned to International
`Game Technology.
`Although progressive gaming Systems have proved to be
`Successful, it is believed there is a potential to provide
`progressive gaming Systems which could make the Systems
`available to a larger number of players, preferably while
`maintaining or enhancing the System's resistance to cheat
`ing.
`In the past, progressive Systems have been typically
`organized on a gaming device level, e.g., Such that when a
`prize was awarded by the central System, it was directly
`awarded by the central System to an individual gaming
`device or terminal. This is believed to, from a practical point
`of View, place limits on the size of the progressive System,
`and thus limit its availability to potential players.
`Furthermore, in many previous progressive Systems, the
`only gaming devices or terminals which could be used to
`participate in the progressive gaming were those which were
`Specially constructed for coupling to a particular progressive
`System, Such as only gaming devices made by a particular
`manufacturer, only those devices for playing a particular
`game, and/or only those devices using a certain monetary
`denomination or range of denominations (e.g. only dollar
`slot machines).
`In Some progressive Systems, the event which triggerS a
`potential win of a progressive jackpot is a win at a local
`gaming device. For example, in Some slot machine Systems,
`no progressive jackpot may be awarded until a play at one
`of the slot machines connected to the progressive System has
`resulted in a winning combination. In Some Systems, no
`prizes are awarded until a threshold condition occurs (Such
`as the progressive jackpot reaching a variable threshold
`amount). The progressive jackpot will then be awarded to
`the player at the first connected slot machine to indicate a
`win. Although Such a System is operable, it is believed a
`System which requires a local win in order to qualify for a
`progressive jackpot win does not provide the greatest enter
`tainment value and player attraction possible.
`Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a
`progressive gaming System which is not limited to awarding
`prizes to an individual gaming device or terminal, is not
`limited to a particular manufacturer, Style or denomination
`of gaming terminal, is not limited to awarding the progres
`Sive jackpot only to local winners, and/or has potential for
`enhancing the number of players who can partake in the
`progressive System play while maintaining or enhancing
`resistance to cheating.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`The present invention permits a hierarchically-organized
`progressive gaming System in which the central System need
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`not directly award a prize to a player at an individual gaming
`device or terminal. In one embodiment, multiple casinos (or
`other groupings) are coupled to a central System, and the
`central System provides each casino or group with a prede
`termined number (e.g. one) of chances at a prize for each
`buy-in, i.e. each multiple of a predetermined amount of
`contribution to the prize or jackpot. If a prize is awarded, as
`a result of Such a chance at the prize, the casino or group
`awards the prize to a player (or players) who is (or recently
`was) actively playing in that casino or group, and who was
`randomly selected (possibly with Some weighting, e.g.,
`based on the denomination of the game) with the winner
`preferably being Selected at the casino level. Thus, in one
`embodiment, the invention involves a hierarchy of at least
`three levels, gaming terminal, casino, and central System, in
`which there is no need for direct communication between
`the gaming terminals and the central System. Further,
`according to the present invention it is possible for a player
`to win a progressive jackpot even though that player has not
`had a local win, i.e. has not won a game on the particular
`gaming device being used.
`To avoid the need for using only machines of a certain
`manufacturer or configured for a certain game, the System is
`preferably configured to operate in conjunction with any of
`a number of different types of gaming devices, (and/or
`networks of other electronic communication Systems). In
`one embodiment, the progressive System can include any
`casino which uses a player tracking System Such as a System
`in which users may use one or more encoded cards, which
`enable play, and/or identify the player. Because, particularly,
`these Systems can be coupled to any of a number of types of
`machines, including machines made by different
`manufacturers, having different denominations and the like,
`the progressive gaming System of the present invention can
`be used in connection with a wide variety of gaming and
`other devices.
`A number of approaches can be used to maintain or
`enhance resistance to cheating. In one embodiment, the
`progressive System is used only in connection with machines
`which have a capability of identifying a player, Such as
`machines having a player tracking System. Preferably a
`casino identifies a potential winner for a given "chance” at
`the prize before the central system determines whether the
`casino (or, more properly, a player at that casino) has won
`the prize. Typically, in the System, the central computer will
`not know the identity of all potential winners (and/or will not
`know the identity of the winning player) at the time the prize
`is awarded. In another embodiment, for each poll of the
`casino or other group, the casino randomly Selects one
`current (or recent) player who will get all the chances at the
`progressive prize for that poll. Typically there will be at most
`one chance at a progressive prize per poll. In another
`embodiment, for each chance a casino has at a prize, the
`casino transmits the identity or names of a plurality of
`randomly or pseudo-randomly selected players (winner
`nominees) to the central System and, if the central System
`determines that the casino was a winner, the central System
`Selects, randomly, one of the nominated playerS as the
`winner. In another embodiment, rather than identifying
`players, the casino Selects a particular machine or device as
`a potential winner.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1 is a Schematic view of a gaming System, according
`to one embodiment of the present invention;
`FIGS. 2A and 2B are flowcharts depicting methods for
`Selecting a winner, according to embodiments of the present
`invention;
`
`EVERI EX. 1012; Page 9
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`3
`FIG. 3 is a flowchart depicting a method for Selecting a
`winner, according to an embodiment of the present inven
`tion;
`FIG. 4 is a flowchart depicting a method for Selecting a
`winner, according to an embodiment of the present inven
`tion;
`FIG. 5 is a flowchart depicting a method for selecting a
`winner, according to an embodiment of the present inven
`tion; and
`FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting a method for Selecting a
`winner, according to an embodiment of the present inven
`tion.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`AS depicted in FIG. 1, a gaming System may include a
`plurality of electronically-coupled components. In the
`embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the system can be consid
`ered in three portions, a casino gaming and player tracking
`System 102, a casino progressive System 104, and a central
`computer system 106. The first portion 102 includes a
`plurality of gaming devices or terminals 108a, 108b, 108c,
`which can be any of a plurality of gaming devices or other
`operable and/or entertainment devices. In the depicted
`embodiment, the gaming devices 108a, 108b, 108c are slot
`machines. Other types of gaming devices that can be used
`include electronic slot machines, electronic poker machines,
`blackjack machines, lottery terminals, and the like. In the
`depicted embodiment the gaming devices 108a, 108b, 108c
`are coupled in a daisy-chain fashion through daisy chain unit
`110a, to a processor controller 112, for coupling to a
`computer such as front end controller computer 114. The
`System may include a plurality of daisy chain units
`110a–110d, each of which is coupled to a plurality of
`gaming devices 108. Although in the depicted embodiment
`there are three gaming devices 108a, 108b, 108c, connected
`to the first unit 110a, there may be more or fewer gaming
`devices coupled to each unit, and there may be more or
`fewer units. Gaming terminals can be coupled to the con
`troller 114 in topologies other than a daisy chain fashion,
`Such as a Star topology, a ring topology, a hub topology and
`the like, as will be apparent to those of skill in the art.
`In one embodiment, the gaming devices 108, which are
`used in connection with the described progressive gaming
`System, are those devices which are configured to use a
`player tracking System, and preferably a player tracking
`System which permits the casino computer System to iden
`tify the playerS playing at Such machines. In general, a
`player tracker System involves a card reader or other user
`input-output (I/O) or identification device 172a, 172b, 172c,
`and cables 174a through 174d, or other communication links
`and/or communication electronics for providing information
`obtained via the I/O devices 172a, 172b, 172c to a computer
`Such as front end controller 114, as well as Software in the
`computer and/or gaming devices for communicating player
`information and using Such information, e.g., as described
`below. In one embodiment, the player I/O devices 172a,
`172b, 172c include a card reader 176, and a display screen
`178. In one embodiment, players may purchase or otherwise
`obtain player tracking cards which are encoded with infor
`mation Such as being magnetically encoded, optically
`encoded, and/or punch encoded. In one embodiment, the
`cards may appear Similar to a normal credit card with a
`magnetic Strip thereon for encoding information. In one
`embodiment, when players purchase Such cards, a player
`credit amount, related to the purchase price, is encoded on
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`the card. Alternatively, the card may be encoded with an
`identity number (ID) or other identification information that
`is then used to determine the value in a corresponding
`account held in the central computer System. When the card
`is inserted in the card slot 176, the gaming device 108a will
`accept the encoded credits or deduct them from the value
`held in the account as a wager amount, preferably updating
`the information to deduct wager amounts and reflect a
`current credit balance, and/or to add winnings. Other iden
`tification devices can also be used, Such as voice print
`identification, retinal Scan identification, fingerprint or
`thumbprint Scan identification, and the like. Other types of
`player tracker cards and/or Systems can also be used, Such as
`Systems which accept an ordinary credit card or debit card,
`Systems which accept cards configured with a microproces
`Sor and/or memory (so-called Smart cards), and the like.
`In one embodiment the present invention preferably is
`used in connection with a casino (or other grouping) which
`is configured with Such a player tracking System. This
`provides numerous benefits. First, Such Systems provide an
`electronic coupling of gaming devices 108, to a central
`network or system 118, and thus the present invention can be
`implemented by making use of much of the network, com
`munications and/or other infrastructure which is already
`present 102, and thus can be implemented with little addi
`tional hardware. Furthermore, this advantage is consistent
`with the desire, noted above, to provide a progressive System
`which is not limited to a particular gaming device manu
`facturer or configuration. Many player tracking Systems
`have the capability to couple together gaming devices from
`many manufacturers or having many configurations, and
`thus by implementing the described progressive System,
`using an in-place player tracker System, this goal can be
`readily achieved. Yet another positive aspect of implement
`ing the present invention in connection with a player tracker
`System, is the ability to maintain or enhance Safeguards
`against cheating, e.g., by identifying potential winners (Such
`as using the player tracker identity capability) preferably
`prior to determination of a winner by the central computer.
`In the embodiment which is depicted and described, it is
`contemplated that a single chance at a particular prize or
`jackpot will be provided for each predetermined amount
`contributed by a casino toward the prize or jackpot.
`Although much of the following description is in terms of
`prize chances given to a “casino, the invention is not
`limited to embodiments in which only casino-wide chances
`at the prize are provided. There are many ways in which a
`plurality of gaming devices can be grouped together, So as
`to provide Such grouping of gaming devices with chances at
`the prize. For example, a chance at a prize may be given (for
`each minimum contribution of the grouping toward the
`jackpot) to a Subset of all the gaming devices in a casino,
`Such as all the devices in a particular location of the casino,
`all the devices configured for a particular game, all the
`devices having a particular denomination or denominations,
`or the like. Unlike previous Systems, Such groupings by
`game or denomination are optional. The casino may be
`divided into Several regions or groups, each group of gaming
`devices being able to accumulate contributions toward the
`prize of a size to attain a chance at the prize. The progressive
`System may be configured Such that the groupings are
`changed from time to time, Such as providing different
`groupings at different times of day, e.g., depending on the
`level of activity in the casino. It is also possible to have
`groupings which include gaming devices in two or more
`casinos, Such as all gaming devices in all casinos owned by
`a particular company, a group of gaming devices in one
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`casino, plus a group of devices in another casino, or the like.
`Thus, although much of the following description is in terms
`of a “casino' group, this terminology is provided only for
`convenience of discussion, and with the understanding that
`other groupings of gaming devices can also be used.
`AS one example, it is assumed that a portion (e.g. 0.15%)
`of the wagers placed on the gaming devices 108a, 108b,
`108c are to be contributed toward the jackpot, and that a
`casino will receive one chance at the jackpot for every
`minimum contribution, e.g. for each S4,000 contributed to
`the jackpot. ASSume further, that there are five casinoS in the
`System, each of which does Sufficient Volume to contribute
`S20,000 per day towards the jackpot. Thus, in this example,
`the total jackpot will accumulate at an average rate of about
`S100,000 per day. In this situation, each casino will receive
`approximately 5 chances at the jackpot each day. That is,
`considering all five connected casinos there will be a total of
`25 chances at the jackpot per day. If it is assumed that the
`odds of winning a jackpot, for any chance, are Set at one in
`2,500, there will, on the average, be a prize awarded once
`every 10 days, and the average Size of that prize will be
`S1,000,000. Other examples will occur to those of skill in
`the art once the present disclosure is understood.
`It is contemplated that when the central System has
`determined that the prize has been won, the casino whose
`“chance” resulted in the win, will award the entire prize to
`one player (Selected, e.g. as described below). However, it is
`also possible to provide a System in which, once there has
`been an award of a prize, the casino may divide the winnings
`among two or more randomly Selected players, Such as by
`providing a first prize, Second prize, third prize, etc.
`In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the gaming devices 108a,
`108b, 108c in a casino (or other grouping) are coupled to a
`computer network, Such as a token ring network 118,
`providing information to a plurality of computerS Such as
`PC-type computers, for various purposes, Such as Security
`120, jackpot/fill booth operation 122, scale interface 124,
`camera interface 126, club booth 128, management 130, and
`transaction processing 132. In general, the hardware
`depicted in the casino 102 can be that known in the past for
`use in many types of player tracking Systems.
`The hardware of the progressive system 104, and particu
`larly the manner in which it is connected with the casino
`system 102, and the central computer system 106, and the
`manner in which it operates or is controlled, e.g., by
`Software, is believed to be different from previous systems.
`In one embodiment, the progressive System includes an
`electronic processor Such as a computer 138, and a data
`communications System Such as modems 142a, 142b, e.g.,
`for providing communication with the central computer
`system 106. The processor 138 receives information from
`the casino System, e.g., over a token ring connection 144,
`and/or a communications or data tap, Such as an RS232
`connection 146. The information received from the casino
`System 102 may include information regarding which gam
`55
`ing devices 108 are being played, the identity of players at
`various gaming devices, the amount wagered at the various
`coupled gaming devices in the casino, and the like. The
`processor 138 also provides information to the casino SyS
`tem 102, including information regarding the current value
`of the jackpot, received from the central system 106, via
`communication devices 142a, 142b, the existence of any
`winners, and the like. The processor 138 communicates a
`number of types of information to the central system 106,
`including accumulated amounts of contributions to the
`jackpot, e.g., in amounts to permit the casino System 102 to
`have a chance at the prize.
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`The central system 106 can be configured in an number of
`different manners. In the depicted configuration, the central
`System includes Several computers, Such as the work Station
`computer 152, a network server 154, a central computer 156,
`and an auxiliary central computer 158, coupled over a
`computer network System Such as an Ethernet System 160.
`Preferably, the central computer 106 can be coupled not only
`to the first casino system 102, described above, but also to
`a plurality of other casinos 165, each of which will be
`coupled via a processor Similar to the processor 138 depicted
`in FIG.1. In the depicted embodiment, a port Switch device
`162 is provided for re-routing modems to auxiliaries. The
`central system may include various printers 166a, 166b, or
`other peripheral devices. In one embodiment, the central
`computer System may have hardware Similar to that used for
`other gaming Systems central computers, Such as other
`progressive System central computers. However, the hard
`ware will be controlled or operated, e.g., using Software, in
`a fashion which is believed to be different from that of
`previous devices.
`In one embodiment, all players who have active player
`tracking cards inserted in gaming devices 108 are eligible
`for progressive jackpots. Thus, in this embodiment, a player
`may win a progressive jackpot even though that player has
`had no win (or no recent win) on the particular gaming
`device(s) being played. An amount, either a flat amount for
`each actively played machine or a percentage of the coin-in
`amount, is earmarked for contribution to the progressive
`jackpot. A process, Such as the gateway processor 138,
`aggregates these contributions and maintains a current data
`base of game machines 108, and player identity (or, more
`precisely, player-tracker card identity).
`In this context, an active player may be defined in any of
`a number of ways. For example, a particular gaming
`machine may be considered to have an active player if (1)
`there is a card inserted in the player tracker System at the
`time of the polling cycle (described below), or within a
`certain period prior to the polling cycle, Such as a predeter
`mined number of Seconds prior to the polling cycle, or any
`time since the previous polling cycle at that casino or, (2) if
`the gaming device or terminal is currently being played or
`has been played within a certain period prior to the polling
`cycle, regardless of whether there is a card in the card slot,
`(although, in one embodiment, a player is eligible only if the
`player can be identified, e.g. by a player identification
`System). Preferably, the System also ensures that a player is
`actually playing a game and not merely inserting a card and
`Sitting at the machine without wagering. Therefore, certain
`other timing parameters for before and after a game is played
`may be included.
`In one embodiment, the gateway processor and/or casino
`System 102, is configured to identify abandoned player
`tracker cards, i.e., cards which are inserted in machines, but
`which have not been used for a predetermined period.
`Preferably, the processor 138 does not allow the players
`identified at Such machines to have a chance at the jackpot
`until play become active once again on that card.
`In one embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 2A, the central
`computer System collects contributions and Status on
`randomly-selected machines from the processor (MGP)
`coupled to the machines in a given casino or other group
`242. The collected contributions are added to the casino's
`cumulative contributions and to the progressive amount 244.
`If the contributions from a given casino or other group are
`insufficient to earn a try at the jackpot (e.g. by being less than
`a predetermined threshold amount), the central System con
`tinues to poll other casinos or other groups 248 if any groups
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`remain in this polling cycle 250, and otherwise broadcast a
`new progressive amount to all the casinos 252 before
`Starting the next poll cycle 254. However, if a given casino
`or group's contributions is Sufficient to earn a jackpot try, the
`central System first checks to See whether this casino or
`group has already had a number of jackpot tries for this poll
`which exceeds a prestored maximum jackpot tries per poll
`and determines whether there is no longer any active
`machine at this casino or group. In either of these cases, the
`procedure returns to step 250. Otherwise the amount
`required for a jackpot try is Subtracted from the cumulative
`contributions for this casino or group 262 and the central
`System picks a random number 264 and compares it with a
`prestored winning number 268. If there is no match, the
`System returns to Step 246. However, there has been a match,
`i.e., if there has been a win at the progressive jackpot, a
`player at one of the active machines at the casino or group
`which Succeeded at its try at the jackpot is the winner and the
`central System notifies the casino or group processor that
`there has been a win and resets the amount of the progressive
`prize 272. Preferably, in response to a win of a progressive
`prize, an “end of day accounting procedure is performed
`274 before beginning the next poll cycle 254.
`In another embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 2B, the
`central computer System 106 periodically or frequently polls
`the processors 138 for each of the various connected casinos
`102, 164, and collects the contribution from the various
`casinos. In one embodiment, the central System randomly
`Selects a player at each casino and requests the name (or
`other identifier) of the player. The central system may
`randomly selects a number of the gaming devices 108 at
`each casino, and requests information regarding the Status
`(e.g. valid player ID card inserted or not) at those selected
`machines. In this embodiment, Such information is collected
`in order to detect and/or discourage cheating. In one
`embodiment, the poll message also conveys to the gateway
`processor 138 information about the current value of the
`jackpot. This information can be conveyed back to the