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AU2024200063B2 - Facilitating Wagering by Multiple Players - Google Patents
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AU2024200063B2 - Facilitating Wagering by Multiple Players - Google Patents

Facilitating Wagering by Multiple Players

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Publication number
AU2024200063B2
AU2024200063B2 AU2024200063A AU2024200063A AU2024200063B2 AU 2024200063 B2 AU2024200063 B2 AU 2024200063B2 AU 2024200063 A AU2024200063 A AU 2024200063A AU 2024200063 A AU2024200063 A AU 2024200063A AU 2024200063 B2 AU2024200063 B2 AU 2024200063B2
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Australia
Prior art keywords
player
gaming
display
station
game
Prior art date
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Active
Application number
AU2024200063A
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AU2024200063A1 (en
Inventor
John F. Acres
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Acres Technology
Original Assignee
Acres Technology
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Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US12/167,584 external-priority patent/US20100004058A1/en
Priority claimed from US12/167,549 external-priority patent/US8192267B2/en
Priority claimed from US12/167,535 external-priority patent/US20100004054A1/en
Priority claimed from US12/167,525 external-priority patent/US20100004053A1/en
Priority claimed from AU2009202187A external-priority patent/AU2009202187B2/en
Application filed by Acres Technology filed Critical Acres Technology
Priority to AU2024200063A priority Critical patent/AU2024200063B2/en
Publication of AU2024200063A1 publication Critical patent/AU2024200063A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of AU2024200063B2 publication Critical patent/AU2024200063B2/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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  • Slot Machines And Peripheral Devices (AREA)
  • Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)

Abstract

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING WAGERING BY MULTIPLE PLAYERS OF GAMING MACHINES 5 Embodiments of the present concept provide an electronic gaming device that facilitates wagering by multiple players on a single gaming device. In one embodiment, a gaming device includes a first station to accommodate a first player, a second station to accommodate a second player, and at least one display for displaying game outcomes at both the first and second stations. The gaming device may include a common meter that stores credits available for 10 wagering at the first and second station, or may include separate meters for displaying credits or scores for each gaming station. 20 24 20 00 63 04 J an 2 02 4 M E T H O D A N D A P P A R A T U S F O R F A C I L I T A T I N G W A G E R I N G B Y M U L T I P L E P L A Y E R S O F G A M I N G M A C H I N E S 2 0 2 4 2 0 0 0 6 3 0 4 J a n 2 0 2 4 A B S T R A C T O F T H E D I S C L O S U R E 5 E m b o d i m e n t s o f t h e p r e s e n t c o n c e p t p r o v i d e a n e l e c t r o n i c g a m i n g d e v i c e t h a t f a c i l i t a t e s w a g e r i n g b y m u l t i p l e p l a y e r s o n a s i n g l e g a m i n g d e v i c e . I n o n e e m b o d i m e n t , a g a m i n g d e v i c e i n c l u d e s a f i r s t s t a t i o n t o a c c o m m o d a t e a f i r s t p l a y e r , a s e c o n d s t a t i o n t o a c c o m m o d a t e a s e c o n d p l a y e r , a n d a t l e a s t o n e d i s p l a y f o r d i s p l a y i n g g a m e o u t c o m e s a t b o t h t h e f i r s t a n d s e c o n d s t a t i o n s . T h e g a m i n g d e v i c e m a y i n c l u d e a c o m m o n m e t e r t h a t s t o r e s c r e d i t s a v a i l a b l e f o r 1 0 w a g e r i n g a t t h e f i r s t a n d s e c o n d s t a t i o n , o r m a y i n c l u d e s e p a r a t e m e t e r s f o r d i s p l a y i n g c r e d i t s o r s c o r e s f o r e a c h g a m i n g s t a t i o n .

Description

in their entirety for all purposes.
The disclosures of the above-listed applications are all incorporated herein by reference 5 TITLE GAMING DEVICE (Attorney Docket No. 1351-0045).
30 “Method and Apparatus for Facilitating Wagering by Multiple Players of Gaming Machines” No. 12/167,584, to John Acres, filed concurrently herewith, for SHARED BONUS ON 2024200063
for SHARED GAME PLAY ON GAMING DEVICE (Attorney Docket No. 1351-0044); and
(Attorney Docket No. 1351-0043); No. 12/167,549, to John Acres, filed concurrently herewith, 10 Throughout concurrently this specification, herewith, for METHODunlessOFtheALLOCATING context requires otherwise, CREDITS FOR the word “comprise” GAMING DEVICES and variations such as “comprises”, “comprising” and “comprised” are to be understood to imply MACHINES (Attorney Docket No. 1351-0007); No. 12/167,535, to John Acres, filed
25 the presence ofFOR APPARATUS a stated integer or group FACILITATING of integersBY WAGERING butMULTIPLE not the exclusion of anyOF PLAYERS other integer or GAMING group ofNo. integers. 12/167,525, to John Acres, filed concurrently herewith, for METHOD AND Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “include” Commonly assigned U.S. Patent Applications: 15 and variations such as “includes”,RELATED “including”APPLICATIONS and “included” are to be understood to imply the presence of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or 20 group of integers. in the description, claims, abstract or drawings.
The headings and subheadings in this specification are provided for convenience to assist the reader, and they are not to be interpreted SO as to narrow or limit the scope of the disclosure
the reader, and theyand The headings aresubheadings not to be interpreted so as to narrow in this specification or limit are provided the scope of for convenience to the disclosure assist
20 in the description, claims, abstract or drawings. group of integers.
presence of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or
15 RELATED APPLICATIONS and variations such as "includes", "including" and "included" are to be understood to imply the Commonly assigned U.S. Patent Applications: Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "include" No. 12/167,525, to John Acres, filed concurrently herewith, for METHOD AND group of integers. 25 APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING WAGERING BY MULTIPLE PLAYERS OF GAMING the presence of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or MACHINES (Attorney Docket No. 1351-0007); No. 12/167,535, to John Acres, filed and variations such as "comprises", "comprising" and "comprised" are to be understood to imply
10 concurrently herewith, for METHOD OF ALLOCATING CREDITS FOR GAMING DEVICES Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" (Attorney Docket No. 1351-0043); No. 12/167,549, to John Acres, filed concurrently herewith, for SHARED GAME PLAY ON GAMING DEVICE (Attorney Docket No. 1351-0044); and 30 No. 12/167,584, to John Acres, filed concurrently herewith, for SHARED BONUS ON "Method and Apparatus for Facilitating Wagering by Multiple Players of Gaming Machines"
5 GAMING DEVICE (Attorney Docket No. 1351-0045). TITLE The disclosures of the above-listed applications are all incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.
30 TECHNICAL FIELD compete against other players whom they may or may not know. Normally the competitors are This disclosure relates generally to electronic gaming devices, and more particularly to based strictly on competition, i.e., each player bets his or her own money on separate games to electronic gaming devices that facilitate wagering by multiple players on a single gaming device. see who can win the most. While the tournament format involves multiple players, it is typically 5 In such tournaments, each player bets his or her own money and competes with other players to 2024200063
BACKGROUND ART Gaming tournaments in which multiple players compete against one another are known.
25 Any discussion of background art, any reference to a document and any reference to some semblance of a shared gaming experience. information that is known, which is contained in this specification, is provided only for the may prevent the other player from fully engaging with his or her own game, it at least provides purpose of facilitating an understanding of the background art to the present invention, and is not other's gaming experience or even focus on their own gaming experience. While this distraction 10 an acknowledgement or admission that any of that material forms part of the common general playing, and any jackpots or bonuses that might result, they typically cannot participate in the knowledge in Australia or any other country as at the priority date of the application in relation selects adjacent gaming machines to play SO that each can keep an eye on the other's betting,
20 to which this specification has been filed. share a casino gambling experience as much as they might like. For example, if the couple Gaming has conventionally been a social activity for many players. That is, part of the stations at a multi-player electronic table, multiple players, e.g., a couple, may not be able to enjoyment of gaming is sharing an exciting experience with others. This can easily be seen at Although players may select gaming machines adjacent to one another, or adjacent gaming 15 craps tables, sports books, poker tournaments, and other types of gaming. With electronic player-machine setup where individual devices typically support only play by a single player. gaming devices, such as slot machines, this social interaction can be hampered somewhat by the gaming devices, such as slot machines, this social interaction can be hampered somewhat by the
15 player-machine setup where individual devices typically support only play by a single player. craps tables, sports books, poker tournaments, and other types of gaming. With electronic Although players may select gaming machines adjacent to one another, or adjacent gaming enjoyment of gaming is sharing an exciting experience with others. This can easily be seen at stations at a multi-player electronic table, multiple players, e.g., a couple, may not be able to Gaming has conventionally been a social activity for many players. That is, part of the 20 share a casino gambling experience as much as they might like. For example, if the couple to which this specification has been filed. selects adjacent gaming machines to play so that each can keep an eye on the other’s betting, knowledge in Australia or any other country as at the priority date of the application in relation
10 playing, and any jackpots or bonuses that might result, they typically cannot participate in the an acknowledgement or admission that any of that material forms part of the common general other’s gaming experience or even focus on their own gaming experience. While this distraction purpose of facilitating an understanding of the background art to the present invention, and is not may prevent the other player from fully engaging with his or her own game, it at least provides information that is known, which is contained in this specification, is provided only for the 25 some semblance of a shared gaming experience. Any discussion of background art, any reference to a document and any reference to Gaming tournaments in whichBACKGROUND multiple playersART compete against one another are known.
5 In such tournaments, each player bets his or her own money and competes with other players to see who can win the most. While the tournament format involves multiple players, it is typically electronic gaming devices that facilitate wagering by multiple players on a single gaming device. based strictly on competition, i.e., each player bets his or her own money on separate games to This disclosure relates generally to electronic gaming devices, and more particularly to 30 compete against other players whom they may or may TECHNICAL not know. Normally the competitors are FIELD distributed in a casino, or—at best—side by side on separate gaming devices. Hence, while gaming tournaments provide some interaction between players, this interaction is limited in its ability to provide a rewarding shared gaming experience. Further, while tournaments provide some semblance of competition, this competition can be tempered by the player’s intense focus game initiating button and a second game initiating button. 5 on his or her own gaming results. The first gaming station and the second gaming station respectively may include a first 2024200063
Community betting has also increased in popularity. With community betting, two or for wagering at the first gaming station and the second gaming station.
25 more players pool their money to play a single gaming machine. With this technique, the players a common credit input device configured to allocate inputted credits SO as to be available typically all stand near a single gaming device where they deposit their pooled money and take the first and second gaming stations; and turns initiating the gaming device. Typically, this type of betting is popular for large jackpot at least one display for displaying game outcomes resulting from the wagering made at 10 type machines, such as Mega-Bucks®, where a max bet is needed to be eligible for the big prize a second gaming station to accommodate wagering by a second player; and the prize is large enough that the players can split any winnings and still feel successful. a first gaming station to accommodate wagering by a first player; While community betting provides a shared gaming experience, it can quickly lead to boredom 20 comprising: by the player not currently placing the wagers. In addition, the shared gaming experience is In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming device usually limited to the bond of theSUMMARY pooled money. OF Hence, there is usually no direct competition or INVENTION 15 way to compare the wagering results of one player versus the wagering results of the other players. players.
15 way to compare the wagering results of one player versus the wagering results of the other SUMMARY OF INVENTION usually limited to the bond of the pooled money. Hence, there is usually no direct competition or In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming device by the player not currently placing the wagers. In addition, the shared gaming experience is 20 comprising: While community betting provides a shared gaming experience, it can quickly lead to boredom a first gaming station to accommodate wagering by a first player; and the prize is large enough that the players can split any winnings and still feel successful.
10 a second gaming station to accommodate wagering by a second player; type machines, such as Mega-Bucks®, where a max bet is needed to be eligible for the big prize at least one display for displaying game outcomes resulting from the wagering made at turns initiating the gaming device. Typically, this type of betting is popular for large jackpot the first and second gaming stations; and typically all stand near a single gaming device where they deposit their pooled money and take 25 a common credit input device configured to allocate inputted credits so as to be available more players pool their money to play a single gaming machine. With this technique, the players for wagering at the first gaming station and the second gaming station. Community betting has also increased in popularity. With community betting, two or
5 The first gaming station and the second gaming station respectively may include a first on his or her own gaming results. game initiating button and a second game initiating button. some semblance of competition, this competition can be tempered by the player's intense focus
ability to provide a rewarding shared gaming experience. Further, while tournaments provide
gaming tournaments provide some interaction between players, this interaction is limited in its
distributed in a casino, or-at best-side by side on separate gaming devices. Hence, while
The first gaming station may include at least one game button configured to place a wager on the gaming device and the second gaming station may include at least one game button configured to place a wager on the gaming device. on the second gaming station. The at least one display may include a common display to display the game outcomes a second player score meter configured to display a score associated with wagering made 5 resulting from wagering made on both the first and second gaming stations. the first gaming station; and 2024200063
The first and second gaming stations may be configured to accommodate wagering on a a first player score meter configured to display a score associated with wagering made on
25 common gaming event shown on the common display. The gaming device may further comprise: The first and second gaming stations may be configured to accommodate wagering on available to wager at the first gaming station and the second gaming station. gaming events alternately controlled by the first and second gaming stations, the gaming events The gaming device may further comprise a common credit meter to display credits 10 being shown on the common display. the primary credit meter. The gaming device may further comprise a player indicator configured to designate may be allocated to the primary credit meter, the secondary credit meter receiving credits from
20 which of the first and second gaming stations is activated to wager on and control a gaming meter may be designated as a secondary credit meter, and credits inputted into the gaming device event. The first credit meter may be designated as a primary credit meter and the second credit The gaming device may further comprise: input device to the first and second credit meters. 15 a first credit meter to display credits available to wager at the first gaming station; and The gaming device may automatically allocate credits inputted in the common credit a second credit meter to display credits available to wager at the second gaming station. a second credit meter to display credits available to wager at the second gaming station.
15 The gaming device may automatically allocate credits inputted in the common credit a first credit meter to display credits available to wager at the first gaming station; and input device to the first and second credit meters. The gaming device may further comprise:
event. The first credit meter may be designated as a primary credit meter and the second credit 20 meter may be designated as a secondary credit meter, and credits inputted into the gaming device which of the first and second gaming stations is activated to wager on and control a gaming may be allocated to the primary credit meter, the secondary credit meter receiving credits from The gaming device may further comprise a player indicator configured to designate
10 the primary credit meter. being shown on the common display. The gaming device may further comprise a common credit meter to display credits gaming events alternately controlled by the first and second gaming stations, the gaming events available to wager at the first gaming station and the second gaming station. The first and second gaming stations may be configured to accommodate wagering on 25 common The gaming device may further comprise: gaming event shown on the common display. a first player score meter configured to display a score associated with wagering made on The first and second gaming stations may be configured to accommodate wagering on a
5 the first gaming station; and resulting from wagering made on both the first and second gaming stations. a second player score meter configured to display a score associated with wagering made The at least one display may include a common display to display the game outcomes on the second gaming station. configured to place a wager on the gaming device.
wager on the gaming device and the second gaming station may include at least one game button
The first gaming station may include at least one game button configured to place a
The common display may be partitioned into a first display portion associated with the
30 first gaming station and a second display associated with the second gaming station. station and may associate the second identified player with the second gaming station. The first display portion may be configured to display a game outcome from a first The player tracking unit may associate the first identified player with the first gaming gaming event, and the second display portion may be configured to display a game outcome identification device configured to identify the first and second player. 5 from a second gaming event. The gaming device may further comprise a player tracking unit including a player 2024200063
The first and second gaming events may initiate and end at substantially similar times. to allow visibility of both displays from each gaming station in a second position.
25 The gaming device may be configured to award prizes associated with displayed game of the first and second displays from the second and first gaming stations in a first position, and outcomes derived from both of the first and second gaming events. The physical partition may be manipulatable by a player to respectively restrict visibility The first gaming event may be independent of the second gaming event. The physical partition may be removable. 10 The common display may be configured to be partitioned when displaying gaming and second displays. information separately associated with the first and second gaming stations and to be The gaming device may further comprise a physical partition interposed between the first
20 unpartitioned when displaying gaming information common to both the first and second gaming gaming information may be unitarily displayed across both the first and second displays. stations.The first and second displays may be positioned in the gaming device such that common The at least one display may include a first display to display game outcomes resulting wagering made on both of the first and second gaming stations. 15 from wagering on the first gaming station and a second display to display game outcomes Each of the first and second displays may be configured to show scores associated with resulting from wagering on the second gaming station. resulting from wagering on the second gaming station.
15 Each of the first and second displays may be configured to show scores associated with from wagering on the first gaming station and a second display to display game outcomes wagering made on both of the first and second gaming stations. The at least one display may include a first display to display game outcomes resulting The first and second displays may be positioned in the gaming device such that common stations. 20 gaming information may be unitarily displayed across both the first and second displays. unpartitioned when displaying gaming information common to both the first and second gaming The gaming device may further comprise a physical partition interposed between the first information separately associated with the first and second gaming stations and to be
10 and second displays. The common display may be configured to be partitioned when displaying gaming The physical partition may be removable. The first gaming event may be independent of the second gaming event. The physical partition may be manipulatable by a player to respectively restrict visibility outcomes derived from both of the first and second gaming events. 25 of the first and second displays from the second and first gaming stations in a first position, and The gaming device may be configured to award prizes associated with displayed game to allow visibility of both displays from each gaming station in a second position. The first and second gaming events may initiate and end at substantially similar times.
5 The gaming device may further comprise a player tracking unit including a player from a second gaming event. identification device configured to identify the first and second player. gaming event, and the second display portion may be configured to display a game outcome The player tracking unit may associate the first identified player with the first gaming The first display portion may be configured to display a game outcome from a first 30 station and may associate the second identified player with the second gaming station. first gaming station and a second display associated with the second gaming station.
The common display may be partitioned into a first display portion associated with the
The points earned on the first gaming station may be attributed to a player account
30 associated with the first identified player, and points earned on the second gaming station may be allocating credits input in a gaming device, the method comprising: attributed to a player account associated with the second identified player. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of The player tracking unit may be configured to prompt identification of the first player and station and the second gaming station. 5 may separately prompt the identification of the second player. The gaming device may further comprise game buttons shared between the first gaming 2024200063
The player tracking unit may further include at least one player input device such that a events associated with the first gaming station and the second gaming station.
25 first identified player can specify which gaming station to associate with a player account linked The gaming device may further comprise a game initiating button to initiate gaming to the first identified player, and such that a second identified player can specify which gaming station in a second single player mode. station to associate with a player account linked to the second identified player. The first game initiating button may initiate a gaming event at only the first gaming 10 In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming first and second gaming stations in a first single player mode. device comprising: The first game initiating button may be configurable to initiate gaming events at both the
20 a first gaming station to accommodate wagering on the gaming device; a second game initiating button associated with the second gaming station. a second gaming station to accommodate wagering on the gaming device; a first game initiating button associated with the first gaming station; and at least one display for displaying game outcomes resulting from the wagering made at The gaming device may further comprise: 15 the first and second gaming stations; and both the first and second gaming stations. a common meter that stores credits available for wagering on at least one gaming event at a common meter that stores credits available for wagering on at least one gaming event at
15 both the first and second gaming stations. the first and second gaming stations; and The gaming device may further comprise: at least one display for displaying game outcomes resulting from the wagering made at a first game initiating button associated with the first gaming station; and a second gaming station to accommodate wagering on the gaming device; 20 a second game initiating button associated with the second gaming station. a first gaming station to accommodate wagering on the gaming device; The first game initiating button may be configurable to initiate gaming events at both the device comprising:
10 first and second gaming stations in a first single player mode. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming The first game initiating button may initiate a gaming event at only the first gaming station to associate with a player account linked to the second identified player. station in a second single player mode. to the first identified player, and such that a second identified player can specify which gaming 25 The gaming device may further comprise a game initiating button to initiate gaming first identified player can specify which gaming station to associate with a player account linked events associated with the first gaming station and the second gaming station. The player tracking unit may further include at least one player input device such that a
5 The gaming device may further comprise game buttons shared between the first gaming may separately prompt the identification of the second player. station and the second gaming station. The player tracking unit may be configured to prompt identification of the first player and In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of attributed to a player account associated with the second identified player. 30 allocating credits input in a gaming device, the method comprising: associated with the first identified player, and points earned on the second gaming station may be
The points earned on the first gaming station may be attributed to a player account receiving a monetarily-based tender input from a first player on the gaming device;
30 converting the inputted monetarily-based tender to credits available for wagering by the gaming event by the first player; first player at a first gaming station of the gaming device, and available for wagering by a second receiving a wager of a portion of the credits from the common credit meter on a first player at a second gaming station of the gaming device; gaming device; 5 receiving a wager of a portion of the available credits from the first or second player on gaming station of the gaming device and by a second player on a second gaming station of the 2024200063
the gaming device; and common credit meter that are available for wagering on gaming events by a first player on a first
25 adding credits awarded as a result of the wager to the available credits. converting a monetarily-based tender input to the gaming device into credits on a Converting the inputted monetarily-based tender to credits available for wagering may operating a gaming device, the method comprising: include storing the credits available for wagering on a common credit meter, from which wagers In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of 10 may be made placed by the first player and the second player. which wagers may be placed by the second player. Converting the inputted monetarily-based tender to credits available for wagering may allocating a portion of the credits available for wagering to a second credit meter, from
20 include: which wagers may be placed by the first player; and storing the credits available for wagering on a first credit meter, from which wagers may allocating a portion of the credits available for wagering to a first credit meter, from be placed by the first player; and include: 15 allocating a portion of the credits stored on the first credit meter to a second credit meter, Converting the inputted monetarily-based tender to credits available for wagering may from which wagers may be placed by the second player. from which wagers may be placed by the second player.
15 Converting the inputted monetarily-based tender to credits available for wagering may allocating a portion of the credits stored on the first credit meter to a second credit meter, include: be placed by the first player; and allocating a portion of the credits available for wagering to a first credit meter, from storing the credits available for wagering on a first credit meter, from which wagers may 20 which wagers may be placed by the first player; and include: allocating a portion of the credits available for wagering to a second credit meter, from Converting the inputted monetarily-based tender to credits available for wagering may
10 which wagers may be placed by the second player. may be made placed by the first player and the second player. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of include storing the credits available for wagering on a common credit meter, from which wagers operating a gaming device, the method comprising: Converting the inputted monetarily-based tender to credits available for wagering may 25 converting a monetarily-based tender input to the gaming device into credits on a adding credits awarded as a result of the wager to the available credits. common credit meter that are available for wagering on gaming events by a first player on a first the gaming device; and
5 gaming station of the gaming device and by a second player on a second gaming station of the receiving a wager of a portion of the available credits from the first or second player on gaming device; player at a second gaming station of the gaming device; receiving a wager of a portion of the credits from the common credit meter on a first first player at a first gaming station of the gaming device, and available for wagering by a second 30 gaming event by the first player; converting the inputted monetarily-based tender to credits available for wagering by the
receiving a monetarily-based tender input from a first player on the gaming device; incrementing the common credit meter with credits awarded as a result of the wager placed on the first gaming event by the first player; receiving a wager of a portion of the credits from the common credit meter on a second gaming event by the second player; and station of the gaming device; 5 incrementing the common credit meter with credits awarded as a result of the wager credit meter that are available for wagering on gaming events by a first player at a first player 2024200063 placed on the second gaming event by the second player. converting a monetarily-based tender input to the gaming device into credits on a first
25 The method may further comprise: operating a gaming device, the method comprising: incrementing a first player score in response to the first gaming event; and In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of incrementing a second player score in response to the second gaming event. outputting the monetarily-based tender. 10 The method may further comprise incrementing the common credit meter with credits tender; and awardedconverting from a shared bonus event as a result of the first or second gaming event. the remaining credits on the common credit meter to a monetarily-based
20 The method may further comprise incrementing a first player score and a second player receiving a command to cash-out any credits remaining on the common credit meter; score inThe response to the shared bonus event. method may further comprise: Converting the monetarily-based tender input to the gaming device into credits on the credits on the common credit meter. 15 common credit meter that are available for wagering on gaming events by the first player and the on the common credit meter and converting a monetarily-based tender from the second player to second player may include converting a monetarily-based tender from the first player to credits second player may include converting a monetarily-based tender from the first player to credits
15 on the common credit meter and converting a monetarily-based tender from the second player to common credit meter that are available for wagering on gaming events by the first player and the credits on the common credit meter. Converting the monetarily-based tender input to the gaming device into credits on the The method may further comprise: score in response to the shared bonus event. 20 receiving a command to cash-out any credits remaining on the common credit meter; The method may further comprise incrementing a first player score and a second player converting the remaining credits on the common credit meter to a monetarily-based awarded from a shared bonus event as a result of the first or second gaming event.
10 tender; The and method may further comprise incrementing the common credit meter with credits outputting the monetarily-based tender. incrementing a second player score in response to the second gaming event. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of incrementing a first player score in response to the first gaming event; and 25 operating a gaming device, the method comprising: The method may further comprise: converting a monetarily-based tender input to the gaming device into credits on a first placed on the second gaming event by the second player.
5 credit meter that are available for wagering on gaming events by a first player at a first player incrementing the common credit meter with credits awarded as a result of the wager station of the gaming device; gaming event by the second player; and
receiving a wager of a portion of the credits from the common credit meter on a second
placed on the first gaming event by the first player;
incrementing the common credit meter with credits awarded as a result of the wager allocating a portion of the credits on the first credit meter to a second credit meter, the
30 credits on the second credit meter being available for wagering on gaming events by a second based tender; and player at a second player station of the gaming device; converting the remaining credits on the first and second credit meters to a monetarily-
meters; receiving a wager of a portion of the credits from the first credit meter on a first gaming 5 event by the first player; receiving a command to cash-out any credits remaining on the first and second credit 2024200063
incrementing the first credit meter with credits awarded as a result of the wager placed on The method may further comprise:
25 the first gaming event by the first player; and of the first or second gaming event. receiving a wager of a portion of the credits from the second credit meter on a second credits respectively awarded to the first and second player from a shared bonus event as a result gaming event by the second player. The method may further comprise incrementing the first and second credit meters with 10 The method may further comprise incrementing the first credit meter with credits score in response to the shared bonus event. awarded as a result of the wager placed on the second gaming event by the second player. The method may further comprise incrementing a first player score and a second player
20 The method may further comprise incrementing the second credit meter with credits awarded from a shared bonus event as a result of the first or second gaming event. awarded as a result of the wager placed on the second gaming event by the second player. The method may further comprise incrementing only the first credit meter with credits The portion of credits allocated from the first credit meter to the second credit meter may incrementing a second player score in response to the second gaming event. 15 be dictated by the first player. incrementing a first player score in response to the first gaming event; and The method may further comprise: The method may further comprise:
15 incrementing a first player score in response to the first gaming event; and be dictated by the first player. incrementing a second player score in response to the second gaming event. The portion of credits allocated from the first credit meter to the second credit meter may The method may further comprise incrementing only the first credit meter with credits awarded as a result of the wager placed on the second gaming event by the second player. 20 awardedThe from a shared bonus event as a result of the first or second gaming event. method may further comprise incrementing the second credit meter with credits The method may further comprise incrementing a first player score and a second player awarded as a result of the wager placed on the second gaming event by the second player.
10 score in response to the shared bonus event. The method may further comprise incrementing the first credit meter with credits The method may further comprise incrementing the first and second credit meters with gaming event by the second player. credits respectively awarded to the first and second player from a shared bonus event as a result receiving a wager of a portion of the credits from the second credit meter on a second 25 of the first or second gaming event. the first gaming event by the first player; and The method may further comprise: incrementing the first credit meter with credits awarded as a result of the wager placed on
5 receiving a command to cash-out any credits remaining on the first and second credit event by the first player; meters; receiving a wager of a portion of the credits from the first credit meter on a first gaming converting the remaining credits on the first and second credit meters to a monetarily- player at a second player station of the gaming device; 30 based tender; and credits on the second credit meter being available for wagering on gaming events by a second
9 allocating a portion of the credits on the first credit meter to a second credit meter, the outputting the monetarily-based tender.
30 The method may further comprise: first and second credit meters that are respectively available for wagering on gaming events by receiving a command to cash-out any credits remaining on the first and second credit Converting the monetarily-based tender input to the gaming device into credits on the meters; to credits on the second credit meter. 5 converting the remaining credits on the first credit meter to a first monetarily-based credits on the first credit meter and converting a monetarily-based tender from the second player 2024200063
tender; the first and second players includes converting a monetarily-based tender from the first player to
25 converting the remaining credits on the second credit meter to a second monetarily-based first and second credit meters that are respectively available for wagering on gaming events by tender; and Converting the monetarily-based tender input to the gaming device into credits on the outputting the first and second monetarily-based tenders. on the second gaming event by the second player. 10 In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of incrementing the second credit meter with credits awarded as a result of the wager placed operating a gaming device, the method comprising: gaming event by the second player; and
20 converting a monetarily-based tender input to the gaming device into credits on a first receiving a wager of a portion of the credits from the second credit meter on a second credit meter and a second credit meter that are respectively available for wagering on gaming the first gaming event by the first player; events by a first player at a first gaming station of the gaming device and by a second player at a incrementing the first credit meter with credits awarded as a result of the wager placed on 15 second gaming station of the gaming device; event by the first player; receiving a wager of a portion of the credits from the first credit meter on a first gaming receiving a wager of a portion of the credits from the first credit meter on a first gaming
15 event by the first player; second gaming station of the gaming device; incrementing the first credit meter with credits awarded as a result of the wager placed on events by a first player at a first gaming station of the gaming device and by a second player at a the first gaming event by the first player; credit meter and a second credit meter that are respectively available for wagering on gaming 20 receiving a wager of a portion of the credits from the second credit meter on a second converting a monetarily-based tender input to the gaming device into credits on a first gaming event by the second player; and operating a gaming device, the method comprising:
10 incrementing the second credit meter with credits awarded as a result of the wager placed In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of on the second gaming event by the second player. outputting the first and second monetarily-based tenders. Converting the monetarily-based tender input to the gaming device into credits on the tender; and 25 first and second credit meters that are respectively available for wagering on gaming events by converting the remaining credits on the second credit meter to a second monetarily-based the first and second players includes converting a monetarily-based tender from the first player to tender;
5 credits on the first credit meter and converting a monetarily-based tender from the second player converting the remaining credits on the first credit meter to a first monetarily-based to credits on the second credit meter. meters; Converting the monetarily-based tender input to the gaming device into credits on the receiving a command to cash-out any credits remaining on the first and second credit 30 first andThe second credit meters that are respectively available for wagering on gaming events by method may further comprise:
outputting the monetarily-based tender.
the first and second players may include splitting the converted credits between the first credit meter and the second credit meter.
meters; The converted credits may be automatically split evenly between the first credit meter and the second credit meter. receiving a command to cash-out any credits remaining on the first and second credit 5 The converted credits may be split between the first credit meter and the second credit The method may further comprise: 2024200063
meter according to player directives. outputting the monetarily-based tender.
25 The method may further comprise: based tender; and incrementing a first player score in response to the first gaming event; and converting the remaining credits on the first and second credit meters to a monetarily-
meters; incrementing a second player score in response to the second gaming event. 10 The method may further comprise incrementing the first and second credit meters with receiving a command to cash-out any credits remaining on the first and second credit credits respectively awarded to the first and second player from a shared bonus event as a result The method may further comprise:
20 of the first or second gaming event. credits awarded during a shared bonus event as a result of the first or second gaming event. The method may further comprise incrementing a first player score and a second player credits in proportion to the directed credit split between the first and second credit meters with score inThe response to the shared bonus event. method may further comprise incrementing first and second credit meters with 15 The method may further comprise incrementing the first and second credit meters in awarded as a result of the first or second gaming event. proportion to the directed credit split between the first and second credit meters with credits proportion to the directed credit split between the first and second credit meters with credits
15 awarded as a result of the first or second gaming event. The method may further comprise incrementing the first and second credit meters in The method may further comprise incrementing first and second credit meters with score in response to the shared bonus event. credits in proportion to the directed credit split between the first and second credit meters with The method may further comprise incrementing a first player score and a second player 20 credits awarded during a shared bonus event as a result of the first or second gaming event. of the first or second gaming event. The method may further comprise: credits respectively awarded to the first and second player from a shared bonus event as a result
10 receiving a command to cash-out any credits remaining on the first and second credit The method may further comprise incrementing the first and second credit meters with meters; incrementing a second player score in response to the second gaming event. converting the remaining credits on the first and second credit meters to a monetarily- incrementing a first player score in response to the first gaming event; and 25 based tender; and The method may further comprise: outputting the monetarily-based tender. meter according to player directives.
5 The method may further comprise: The converted credits may be split between the first credit meter and the second credit receiving a command to cash-out any credits remaining on the first and second credit and the second credit meter. meters; The converted credits may be automatically split evenly between the first credit meter
meter and the second credit meter.
the first and second players may include splitting the converted credits between the first credit converting the remaining credits on the first credit meter to a first monetarily-based
30 tender; three reel display, a four reel display, or a five reel display.
converting the remaining credits on the second credit meter to a second monetarily-based The first and second mechanical spinning reel displays may each include at least one of a tender; and spinning reel display and a second mechanical spinning reel display. 5 outputting the first and second monetarily-based tenders. The first and second spinning reel slot games respectively may include a first mechanical 2024200063
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of displays of the first and second gaming stations.
25 sharing game play on a gaming device, the method comprising: in response to a predetermined number of symbols occurring on a payline that spans gaming receiving a wager from a first player at a first gaming station of the gaming device; Awarding prizes associated with a combined gaming outcome may include awarding prizes
outcomes. receiving a wager from a second player at a second gaming station of the gaming device; 10 initiating a gaming event on the gaming device, the gaming event being displayed at the in response to a predetermined number of symbols being displayed in the first and second gaming first gaming station and the second gaming station; Awarding prizes associated with a combined gaming outcome may include awarding prizes
20 awarding prizes associated with a first gaming outcome displayed at the first gaming displaying a second spinning reel slot game at the second gaming station. station; and displaying a first spinning reel slot game at the first gaming station; and awarding prizes associated with a second gaming outcome displayed at the second gaming Initiating the gaming event may include: 15 station. outcome of the first gaming outcome and the second gaming outcome The method may further comprise awarding prizes associated with a combined gaming The method may further comprise awarding prizes associated with a combined gaming
15 outcome of the first gaming outcome and the second gaming outcome. station.
Initiating the gaming event may include: awarding prizes associated with a second gaming outcome displayed at the second gaming displaying a first spinning reel slot game at the first gaming station; and station; and 20 displaying a second spinning reel slot game at the second gaming station. awarding prizes associated with a first gaming outcome displayed at the first gaming Awarding prizes associated with a combined gaming outcome may include awarding prizes first gaming station and the second gaming station;
10 in response to a predetermined number of symbols being displayed in the first and second gaming initiating a gaming event on the gaming device, the gaming event being displayed at the outcomes. receiving a wager from a second player at a second gaming station of the gaming device; Awarding prizes associated with a combined gaming outcome may include awarding prizes receiving a wager from a first player at a first gaming station of the gaming device; 25 in response to a predetermined number of symbols occurring on a payline that spans gaming sharing game play on a gaming device, the method comprising: displays of the first and second gaming stations. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of
5 The first and second spinning reel slot games respectively may include a first mechanical outputting the first and second monetarily-based tenders. spinning reel display and a second mechanical spinning reel display. tender; and The first and second mechanical spinning reel displays may each include at least one of a converting the remaining credits on the second credit meter to a second monetarily-based 30 three reel display, a four reel display, or a five reel display. tender;
converting the remaining credits on the first credit meter to a first monetarily-based
The first and second spinning reel slot games respectively may include a first video
30 spinning reel display and a second video spinning reel display. requesting player inputs from the second player at the second gaming station; and The first and second video spinning reel displays may be positioned on a common gaming has been transferred to the shared bonus; display. requesting player inputs from the first player at the first gaming station after game play 5 The first and second video spinning reel displays may be positioned on separate gaming The method may further comprise: 2024200063
displays. determined to be a shared bonus.
25 Initiating the gaming event may include: the second gaming station of the gaming device to the shared bonus when the bonus is displaying a first video poker hand dealt at the first gaming station; and gaming device to a shared bonus and transferring game player from a base game being played on displaying a second video poker hand dealt at the second gaming station. transferring game play from a base game being played on the first gaming station of the 10 The first video poker hand and the second video poker hand may be dealt from separate device to play the shared bonus; and card decks. station and a second player playing at a second gaming station both interact with the gaming
20 The method may further comprise displaying an indicator to designate one of the first or determining if the bonus is a shared bonus where a first player playing at a first gaming second player to provide an option of switching a dealt video poker hand with a video poker hand receiving a bonus trigger; dealt to the other one of the first or second player. implementing a bonus on a gaming device, the method comprising: 15 The indicator may designate the other one the first or second player after an initially In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of designated player utilizes the switching option. designated player utilizes the switching option.
15 In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of The indicator may designate the other one the first or second player after an initially implementing a bonus on a gaming device, the method comprising: dealt to the other one of the first or second player. receiving a bonus trigger; second player to provide an option of switching a dealt video poker hand with a video poker hand 20 determining if the bonus is a shared bonus where a first player playing at a first gaming The method may further comprise displaying an indicator to designate one of the first or station and a second player playing at a second gaming station both interact with the gaming card decks.
10 device to play the shared bonus; and The first video poker hand and the second video poker hand may be dealt from separate transferring game play from a base game being played on the first gaming station of the displaying a second video poker hand dealt at the second gaming station. gaming device to a shared bonus and transferring game player from a base game being played on displaying a first video poker hand dealt at the first gaming station; and 25 the second gaming station of the gaming device to the shared bonus when the bonus is Initiating the gaming event may include: determined to be a shared bonus. displays.
5 The method may further comprise: The first and second video spinning reel displays may be positioned on separate gaming requesting player inputs from the first player at the first gaming station after game play display. has been transferred to the shared bonus; The first and second video spinning reel displays may be positioned on a common gaming 30 requesting player inputs from the second player at the second gaming station; and spinning reel display and a second video spinning reel display.
13 The first and second spinning reel slot games respectively may include a first video awarding credits to the first and second player as result of the player inputs from the first
30 player and the player inputs from the second player, respectively. been placed; and The method may further comprise: analyzing the bonus outcome after operation of the bonus event when the side bet has incrementing a first player score in response to the player inputs from the first player; and operating the bonus event after determining if the side bet has been placed; 5 incrementing a second player score in response to the player inputs from the second determining if the second player has placed the side bet; 2024200063
player. player when it is determined that the bonus event is not a shared bonus event;
25 The player inputs from the first player and the player inputs from the second player may inviting the second player to place a side bet regarding a bonus outcome of the first be requested alternatively during the shared bonus. The method may further comprise: In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of gaming stations after the completion of the shared bonus event. 10 operating a gaming device, the method comprising: returning operation of the gaming device to the base game play on the first and second
and monitoring a base game play of a first player playing at a first gaming station on the
20 gaming device and a base game play of a second player playing at a second gaming station on players when the second player accepts the invitation to participate in the shared bonus event; the gaming device; operating the shared bonus event by receiving player inputs from the first and second receiving a bonus trigger from the first player to initiate a bonus event; bonus event is a shared bonus event; 15 determining if the bonus event is a shared bonus event where both the first and second inviting the second player to participate in the bonus event when it is determined that the players interact with the gaming device during the bonus event; players interact with the gaming device during the bonus event;
15 inviting the second player to participate in the bonus event when it is determined that the determining if the bonus event is a shared bonus event where both the first and second bonus event is a shared bonus event; receiving a bonus trigger from the first player to initiate a bonus event; operating the shared bonus event by receiving player inputs from the first and second the gaming device; 20 players when the second player accepts the invitation to participate in the shared bonus event; gaming device and a base game play of a second player playing at a second gaming station on and monitoring a base game play of a first player playing at a first gaming station on the
10 returning operation of the gaming device to the base game play on the first and second operating a gaming device, the method comprising: gaming stations after the completion of the shared bonus event. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of The method may further comprise: be requested alternatively during the shared bonus. 25 inviting the second player to place a side bet regarding a bonus outcome of the first The player inputs from the first player and the player inputs from the second player may player when it is determined that the bonus event is not a shared bonus event; player.
5 determining if the second player has placed the side bet; incrementing a second player score in response to the player inputs from the second operating the bonus event after determining if the side bet has been placed; incrementing a first player score in response to the player inputs from the first player; and analyzing the bonus outcome after operation of the bonus event when the side bet has The method may further comprise: 30 been placed; and player and the player inputs from the second player, respectively.
14 awarding credits to the first and second player as result of the player inputs from the first awarding credits to the second player for the side bet based on the analysis of the bonus
30 outcome. The method may further comprise: The side bet placed by the second player may include a side bet regarding at least one of display. the bonus outcomes including a minimum bonus outcome amount, a maximum bonus outcome display, and the plurality of selectable objects may be displayed across the common gaming 5 amount,The a minimum number of bonus picks made, or a maximum number of bonus picks made. first player station and the second player station may share a common gaming 2024200063
The method may further comprise operating a single-player bonus event for the first awarding the second prize value to the second player.
25 player when the second player declines the invitation to participate in the shared bonus event. revealing a second prize value associated with the second object; and The method may further comprise respectively incrementing a first player score and a object from the plurality of selectable objects; second player score in proportion to credits earned by the first player and the second player receiving a player input from the second player, the player input indicating a second 10 during the bonus event. awarding the first prize value to the first player; In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of revealing a first prize value associated with the first object;
20 operating a shared bonus event on a gaming device, the method comprising: from the plurality of selectable objects; transferring game play from a base game being played on a first gaming station of the receiving a player input from the first player, the player input indicating a first object gaming device to the shared bonus event; gaming station; 15 transferring game player from a base game being played on a second gaming station of displaying a plurality of selectable objects at the first gaming station and the second the gaming device to the shared bonus event; the gaming device to the shared bonus event;
15 displaying a plurality of selectable objects at the first gaming station and the second transferring game player from a base game being played on a second gaming station of gaming station; gaming device to the shared bonus event; receiving a player input from the first player, the player input indicating a first object transferring game play from a base game being played on a first gaming station of the 20 from the plurality of selectable objects; operating a shared bonus event on a gaming device, the method comprising: revealing a first prize value associated with the first object; In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of
10 awarding the first prize value to the first player; during the bonus event. receiving a player input from the second player, the player input indicating a second second player score in proportion to credits earned by the first player and the second player object from the plurality of selectable objects; The method may further comprise respectively incrementing a first player score and a 25 revealing a second prize value associated with the second object; and player when the second player declines the invitation to participate in the shared bonus event. awarding the second prize value to the second player. The method may further comprise operating a single-player bonus event for the first
5 The first player station and the second player station may share a common gaming amount, a minimum number of bonus picks made, or a maximum number of bonus picks made. display, and the plurality of selectable objects may be displayed across the common gaming the bonus outcomes including a minimum bonus outcome amount, a maximum bonus outcome display. The side bet placed by the second player may include a side bet regarding at least one of 30 outcome. The method may further comprise:
15 awarding credits to the second player for the side bet based on the analysis of the bonus rendering the first object unselectable for the remainder of the shared bonus event after
30 receiving the player input from the first player; and The method may further comprise: rendering the second object unselectable for the remainder of the shared bonus event after objects displayed on the second gaming display. receiving the player input from the second player. objects displayed on the first gaming display and a second portion of the plurality of selectable 5 The first player station and the second player station may share a common gaming gaming display and a second gaming display, with a first portion of the plurality of selectable 2024200063
display partitioned into a first display portion and a second display portion, and the plurality of The first player station and the second player stations may respectively include a first
25 selectable objects may be repetitively displayed on the first and second display portions of the receiving the player input from the second player. common gaming display. rendering the second object unselectable for a remainder of the shared bonus event after The method may further comprise: receiving the player input from the first player; and 10 rendering the first object unselectable for the remainder of the shared bonus event after rendering the first object unselectable for a remainder of the shared bonus event after receiving the player input from the first player; and The method may further comprise:
20 rendering the second object unselectable for the remainder of the shared bonus event after repetitively displayed on the first and second gaming displays. receiving the player input from the second player. gaming display and a second gaming display, and the plurality of selectable objects may be The first player station and the second player station may share a common gaming The first player station and the second player station respectively may include a first 15 display partitioned into a first display portion and a second display portion, with a first portion of the plurality of selectable objects displayed on the second display portion. the plurality of selectable objects displayed on the first display portion and a second portion of the plurality of selectable objects displayed on the first display portion and a second portion of
15 the plurality of selectable objects displayed on the second display portion. display partitioned into a first display portion and a second display portion, with a first portion of The first player station and the second player station respectively may include a first The first player station and the second player station may share a common gaming gaming display and a second gaming display, and the plurality of selectable objects may be receiving the player input from the second player. 20 repetitively displayed on the first and second gaming displays. rendering the second object unselectable for the remainder of the shared bonus event after The method may further comprise: receiving the player input from the first player; and
10 rendering the first object unselectable for a remainder of the shared bonus event after rendering the first object unselectable for the remainder of the shared bonus event after receiving the player input from the first player; and The method may further comprise: rendering the second object unselectable for a remainder of the shared bonus event after common gaming display. 25 receiving the player input from the second player. selectable objects may be repetitively displayed on the first and second display portions of the The first player station and the second player stations may respectively include a first display partitioned into a first display portion and a second display portion, and the plurality of
5 gamingThe display and a second gaming display, with a first portion of the plurality of selectable first player station and the second player station may share a common gaming objects displayed on the first gaming display and a second portion of the plurality of selectable receiving the player input from the second player. objects displayed on the second gaming display. rendering the second object unselectable for the remainder of the shared bonus event after 30 The method may further comprise: receiving the player input from the first player; and
rendering the first object unselectable for the remainder of the shared bonus event after alternately receiving additional player inputs from the first and second players until a predetermined threshold of player selections has been met; and transferring game play from the shared bonus event back to the respective base games second gaming station. being played at the first and second gaming stations. awarding prizes associated with a second gaming outcome displayed on a display at the 5 The method may further comprise: gaming station; and 2024200063 alternately receiving additional player inputs from the first and second players until a first awarding prizes associated with a first gaming outcome displayed on a display at the first
25 bonus-ending symbol is selected by one of the first or second player; the switching option; receiving additional player inputs from the player that did not select the first bonus- or second player, the indicator alternately designating one of the first or second player to provide ending symbol until a second bonus-ending symbol is selected; and of switching a dealt video poker hand with a video poker hand dealt to the other one of the first 10 transferring game play from the shared bonus event back to the respective base games displaying an indicator to designate one of the first or second player to provide an option being played at the first and second gaming stations. second gaming station;
20 In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of showing a second video poker hand dealt from a second card deck on a display at the sharing game play on a gaming device, the method comprising: receiving a wager via the gaming gaming station; device from a first player at a first gaming station of the showing a first video poker hand dealt from a first card deck on a display at the first 15 gaming device; of the gaming device; receiving a wager via the gaming device from a second player at a second gaming station receiving a wager via the gaming device from a second player at a second gaming station
15 of the gaming device; gaming device; showing a first video poker hand dealt from a first card deck on a display at the first device from a first player at a first gaming station of the gaming station; sharing game play on a gaming device, the method comprising: receiving a wager via the gaming 20 showing a second video poker hand dealt from a second card deck on a display at the In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of second gaming station; being played at the first and second gaming stations.
10 displaying an indicator to designate one of the first or second player to provide an option transferring game play from the shared bonus event back to the respective base games of switching a dealt video poker hand with a video poker hand dealt to the other one of the first ending symbol until a second bonus-ending symbol is selected; and or second player, the indicator alternately designating one of the first or second player to provide receiving additional player inputs from the player that did not select the first bonus- 25 the switching option; bonus-ending symbol is selected by one of the first or second player; awarding prizes associated with a first gaming outcome displayed on a display at the first alternately receiving additional player inputs from the first and second players until a first
5 gamingThe station; and method may further comprise: awarding prizes associated with a second gaming outcome displayed on a display at the being played at the first and second gaming stations. second gaming station. transferring game play from the shared bonus event back to the respective base games
predetermined threshold of player selections has been met; and
alternately receiving additional player inputs from the first and second players until a
The method may further comprise awarding prizes associated with a combined gaming
30 outcome of the first gaming outcome and the second gaming outcome. displayed at the second gaming station. The first video poker hand and the second video poker hand may include identical poker first gaming outcome displayed at the first gaming station and the second gaming outcome hands. The wager received from the first player at the first gaming station may be on both the 5 An order of draw cards for each of the first video poker hand and the second video poker gaming outcome displayed at the second gaming station. 2024200063
hand may be identical. The wager received from the first player at the first gaming station may be on the second
25 The first video poker hand and the second video poker hand may receive draw cards from be awarded to one of the first or second player that receives a better final poker hand. separateThe card decks. first and second side bets may be placed in a common pot, and the common pot may The method may further comprise providing the first player an option of switching the placed to utilize the option. 10 first video poker hand dealt with the second video poker hand dealt. of the initially dealt video poker hands, the blocking option requiring a second side bet to be The indicator may designate the other one of the first or second player after an initially providing each of the first player and the second player with an option to block the switch
20 designated player utilizes the switching option. placed to utilize the option; The designated one of the first or second player may place a side bet to utilize the dealt video poker hand with another player, the switching option requiring a first side bet to be switching option. providing each of the first player and the second player an option to switch an initially 15 An amount of the side bet may be awarded to one of the first or second player that The method may further comprise: receives a better final poker hand. receives a better final poker hand.
15 The method may further comprise: An amount of the side bet may be awarded to one of the first or second player that providing each of the first player and the second player an option to switch an initially switching option. dealt video poker hand with another player, the switching option requiring a first side bet to be The designated one of the first or second player may place a side bet to utilize the 20 placed to utilize the option; designated player utilizes the switching option. providing each of the first player and the second player with an option to block the switch The indicator may designate the other one of the first or second player after an initially
10 of the initially dealt video poker hands, the blocking option requiring a second side bet to be first video poker hand dealt with the second video poker hand dealt. placed to utilize the option. The method may further comprise providing the first player an option of switching the The first and second side bets may be placed in a common pot, and the common pot may separate card decks. 25 be awarded to one of the first or second player that receives a better final poker hand. The first video poker hand and the second video poker hand may receive draw cards from The wager received from the first player at the first gaming station may be on the second hand may be identical.
5 gaming outcome displayed at the second gaming station. An order of draw cards for each of the first video poker hand and the second video poker
hands. The wager received from the first player at the first gaming station may be on both the first gaming outcome displayed at the first gaming station and the second gaming outcome The first video poker hand and the second video poker hand may include identical poker 30 displayed at the second gaming station. outcome of the first gaming outcome and the second gaming outcome.
The method may further comprise awarding prizes associated with a combined gaming
The wager received from one of the players may be on a better one of the first and second gaming outcomes respectively displayed at the first and second gaming stations. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of separate card decks. sharing game play on a gaming device, the method comprising: receiving a wager via the gaming The first video poker hand and the second video poker hand may receive draw cards from 5 device from a first player at a first gaming station of the gaming device; hand may be identical. 2024200063
receiving a wager via the gaming device from a second player at a second gaming station An order of draw cards for each of the first video poker hand and the second video poker
25 of the gaming device; hands. showing a first video poker hand dealt from a first card deck on a display at the first The first video poker hand and the second video poker hand may include identical poker gaming station; outcome of the first gaming outcome and the second gaming outcome. 10 showing a second video poker hand dealt from a second card deck on a display at the The method may further comprise awarding prizes associated with a combined gaming second gaming station; second gaming station.
20 providing each of the first player and the second player an option to switch an initially awarding prizes associated with a second gaming outcome displayed on a display at the dealt video poker hand with another player, the switching option requiring a first side bet to be gaming station; and placed to utilize the option; awarding prizes associated with a first gaming outcome displayed on a display at the first 15 providing each of the first player and the second player with an option to block the switch placed to utilize the option; of the initially dealt video poker hands, the blocking option requiring a second side bet to be of the initially dealt video poker hands, the blocking option requiring a second side bet to be
15 placed to utilize the option; providing each of the first player and the second player with an option to block the switch awarding prizes associated with a first gaming outcome displayed on a display at the first placed to utilize the option; gaming station; and dealt video poker hand with another player, the switching option requiring a first side bet to be 20 awarding prizes associated with a second gaming outcome displayed on a display at the providing each of the first player and the second player an option to switch an initially second gaming station. second gaming station;
10 The method may further comprise awarding prizes associated with a combined gaming showing a second video poker hand dealt from a second card deck on a display at the outcome of the first gaming outcome and the second gaming outcome. gaming station; The first video poker hand and the second video poker hand may include identical poker showing a first video poker hand dealt from a first card deck on a display at the first 25 hands. of the gaming device; An order of draw cards for each of the first video poker hand and the second video poker receiving a wager via the gaming device from a second player at a second gaming station
5 hand may be identical. device from a first player at a first gaming station of the gaming device; The first video poker hand and the second video poker hand may receive draw cards from sharing game play on a gaming device, the method comprising: receiving a wager via the gaming separate card decks. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of
gaming outcomes respectively displayed at the first and second gaming stations.
19 The wager received from one of the players may be on a better one of the first and second
The method may further comprise providing the first player an option of switching the first video poker hand dealt with the second video poker hand dealt. The method may further comprise displaying an indicator to designate one of the first or FIG. 1B is an isometric view of the gaming device illustrated in FIG. 1A. second player to provide an option of switching a dealt video poker hand with a video poker embodiments of the invention. 5 hand dealt to the other one of the first or second player. FIG. 1A is a functional block diagram that illustrates a gaming device according to 2024200063
The indicator may alternatively designate one of the first or second player to provide the the accompanying drawings, in which:
25 switching option. The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to The indicator mayBRIEF designate the other oneOFofTHE DESCRIPTION the first or second player after an initially DRAWINGS designated player utilizes the switching option. 10 The designated one of the first or second player may place a side bet to utilize the gaming outcomes respectively displayed at the first and second gaming stations. switching option. The wager received from one of the players may be on a better one of the first and second
20 An amount of the side bet may be awarded to one of the first or second player that displayed at the second gaming station. receives a better final poker hand. first gaming outcome displayed at the first gaming station and the second gaming outcome The first and second side bets may be placed in a common pot, and the common pot may The wager received from the first player at the first gaming station may be on both the 15 be awarded to one of the first or second player that receives a better final poker hand. gaming outcome displayed at the second gaming station. The wager received from the first player at the first gaming station may be on the second The wager received from the first player at the first gaming station may be on the second
15 gaming outcome displayed at the second gaming station. be awarded to one of the first or second player that receives a better final poker hand. The wager received from the first player at the first gaming station may be on both the The first and second side bets may be placed in a common pot, and the common pot may first gaming outcome displayed at the first gaming station and the second gaming outcome receives a better final poker hand. 20 displayed at the second gaming station. An amount of the side bet may be awarded to one of the first or second player that The wager received from one of the players may be on a better one of the first and second switching option.
10 gaming outcomes respectively displayed at the first and second gaming stations. The designated one of the first or second player may place a side bet to utilize the
designated player utilizes the switching option. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The indicator may designate the other one of the first or second player after an initially 25 The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to switching option. the accompanying drawings, in which: The indicator may alternatively designate one of the first or second player to provide the
5 FIG. 1A is a functional block diagram that illustrates a gaming device according to hand dealt to the other one of the first or second player. embodiments of the invention. second player to provide an option of switching a dealt video poker hand with a video poker FIG. 1B is an isometric view of the gaming device illustrated in FIG. 1A. The method may further comprise displaying an indicator to designate one of the first or
first video poker hand dealt with the second video poker hand dealt.
20 The method may further comprise providing the first player an option of switching the
FIGs. 2A, 2B, and 2C are detail diagrams of exemplary types of gaming devices according to embodiments of the invention. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of networked gaming devices according to each station. embodiments of the invention. wide chair or two separate seats may be provided SO that each player is positioned in front of 5 FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a gaming device according to embodiments of the of the right half. Alternatively, two separate screens may be used. In either situation, a double 2024200063
invention. screen. One player may be stationed in front of the left half of the screen and the other in front
25 FIGs. 5-7 are detail diagrams of exemplary types of gaming devices according to as an LCD or plasma display, includes a pair of stations-one for each player-in front of the embodiments of the invention. In one aspect of the present development, a single game having a wide video screen, such FIGs. 8A, 8B, and 8C are flow diagrams of credit sharing procedures according to separate meters for displaying credits or scores for each gaming station. 10 embodiments of the invention. meter that stores credits available for wagering at the first and second station, or may include FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a bonus procedure according to embodiments of the game outcomes at both the first and second stations. The gaming device may include a common
20 invention. player, a second station to accommodate a second player, and at least one display for displaying FIGs. 10A, 10B, and 10C are detail diagrams of bonus procedures according to device. In one embodiment, a gaming device includes a first station to accommodate a first embodiments of the invention. shared gaming experience by facilitating wagering by multiple players on a single gaming 15 Embodiments of the present concept provide an electronic gaming device that enables a DESCRIPTION OF DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS EMBODIMENTS
15 Embodiments of the present concept provide an electronic gaming device that enables a shared gaming experience by facilitating wagering by multiple players on a single gaming embodiments of the invention. device. FIGs. In one10A, embodiment, a gaming device includes a first station to accommodate a first 10B, and 10C are detail diagrams of bonus procedures according to 20 player, a second station to accommodate a second player, and at least one display for displaying invention. game outcomes at both the first and second stations. The gaming device may include a common FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a bonus procedure according to embodiments of the
10 meter that stores credits available for wagering at the first and second station, or may include embodiments of the invention. separate meters for displaying credits or scores for each gaming station. FIGs. 8A, 8B, and 8C are flow diagrams of credit sharing procedures according to In one aspect of the present development, a single game having a wide video screen, such embodiments of the invention. 25 as an LCD or plasma display, includes a pair of stations—one for each player—in front of the FIGs. 5-7 are detail diagrams of exemplary types of gaming devices according to screen. One player may be stationed in front of the left half of the screen and the other in front invention.
5 of the right half. Alternatively, two separate screens may be used. In either situation, a double FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a gaming device according to embodiments of the wide chair or two separate seats may be provided so that each player is positioned in front of embodiments of the invention. each station. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of networked gaming devices according to
according to embodiments of the invention.
FIGs. 2A, 2B, and 2C are detail diagrams of exemplary types of gaming devices
The gaming machine may be implemented to permit each player to play separate games.
30 For example, each player may play a separate video poker game in which each player wagers bet meter 28. The credit meter 27 may indicate the total number of credits remaining on the and initiates a game, using separate control buttons, at his or her own pace regardless of the rate display (not shown). The gaming cabinet 15 may also include a credit meter 27 and a coin-in or of wagering and playing by the other player, i.e., the gaming is asynchronous. Or there may be a 2A), a video display (FIGs. 2B and 2C), or a combination of both spinning reels and a video 5 common game initiation, via a single control button, but with separate outcomes displayed, one a player interface panel 30. The gaming display 20 may include mechanical spinning reels (FIG. 2024200063
on each screen. device 10. The cabinet 15 may include a gaming display 20, a base portion 13, a top box 18, and
25 In another aspect, the players fund the bets from a single pool of money, which may be The gaming device 10 includes a cabinet 15 housing components to operate the gaming implemented by a single credit meter on the gaming machine. The wager for each player could to the electronic gaming machine 10 shown in FIGs. 1A and 1B. be identical or different from one another. Any winnings, e.g., from jackpots or bonuses, could types mentioned, for ease of illustration the present embodiments will be described in reference 10 go to a single winning pool, such as the credit meter that funds the bets. Alternatively, each other similar devices. Although embodiments of the invention will work with all of the gaming player could have a jackpot meter upon which wins from the respective games are stored. gaming devices (such as cell phones), personal computers, server-based gaming terminals, and
20 FIGs. 1A and 1B illustrate example gaming devices according to embodiments of the machines, wireless gaming devices, multi-player gaming stations, modified personal electronic invention. video poker machines, for instance. Other gaming devices may include computer-based gaming Referring to FIGs. 1A and 1B, a gaming device 10 is an electronic gaming machine. devices such as electro-mechanical spinning-reel type slot machines, video slot machines, and 15 Although an electronic gaming machine or “slot” machine is illustrated, various other types of principles of the invention. The term "electronic gaming device" is meant to include various devices may be used to wager monetarily based credits on a game of chance in accordance with devices may be used to wager monetarily based credits on a game of chance in accordance with
15 principles of the invention. The term “electronic gaming device” is meant to include various Although an electronic gaming machine or "slot" machine is illustrated, various other types of devicesReferring such as electro-mechanical spinning-reel type slot machines, video slot machines, and to FIGs. 1A and 1B, a gaming device 10 is an electronic gaming machine. video poker machines, for instance. Other gaming devices may include computer-based gaming invention. 20 machines, wireless gaming devices, multi-player gaming stations, modified personal electronic FIGs. 1A and 1B illustrate example gaming devices according to embodiments of the gaming devices (such as cell phones), personal computers, server-based gaming terminals, and player could have a jackpot meter upon which wins from the respective games are stored.
10 other similar devices. Although embodiments of the invention will work with all of the gaming go to a single winning pool, such as the credit meter that funds the bets. Alternatively, each types mentioned, for ease of illustration the present embodiments will be described in reference be identical or different from one another. Any winnings, e.g., from jackpots or bonuses, could to the electronic gaming machine 10 shown in FIGs. 1A and 1B. implemented by a single credit meter on the gaming machine. The wager for each player could 25 The gaming device 10 includes a cabinet 15 housing components to operate the gaming In another aspect, the players fund the bets from a single pool of money, which may be device 10. The cabinet 15 may include a gaming display 20, a base portion 13, a top box 18, and on each screen.
5 a player interface panel 30. The gaming display 20 may include mechanical spinning reels (FIG. common game initiation, via a single control button, but with separate outcomes displayed, one 2A), a video display (FIGs. 2B and 2C), or a combination of both spinning reels and a video of wagering and playing by the other player, i.e., the gaming is asynchronous. Or there may be a display (not shown). The gaming cabinet 15 may also include a credit meter 27 and a coin-in or and initiates a game, using separate control buttons, at his or her own pace regardless of the rate 30 bet meter 28. The credit meter 27 may indicate the total number of credits remaining on the For example, each player may play a separate video poker game in which each player wagers
The gaming machine may be implemented to permit each player to play separate games.
gaming device 10 that are eligible to be wagered. In some embodiments, the credit meter 27 may reflect a monetary unit, such as dollars. However, it is often preferable to have the credit meter 27 reflect a number of ‘credits,’ rather than a monetary unit. The bet meter 28 may reflecting the balance of the credits that remain on the gaming device 10 when a player cashes indicate the amount of credits to be wagered on a particular game. Thus, for each game, the previously printed tickets with a credit balance. The ticket printer 38 may print out tickets 5 player transfers the amount that he or she wants to wager from the credit meter 27 to the bet acceptor 37 and a ticket printer 38. The bill acceptor 37 may accept and validate paper money or 2024200063
meter 28. In some embodiments, various other meters may be present, such as meters reflecting wager on a game and initiates the game. The player interface panel 30 may further include a bill
25 amounts won, amounts paid, or the like. In embodiments where the gaming display 20 is a video 10 a "Max Bet" game actuating button 33 may be included that places the maximum credit monitor, the information indicated on the credit meters may be shown on the gaming display buttons 33 may initiate a game with a pre-specified amount of credits. On some gaming devices itself 20 (FIG. 2B). interface panel 30 may include one or more game actuating buttons 33. The game actuating 10 The base portion 13 may include a lighted panel 14, a coin return (not shown), and a assistance from casino personnel, such as by lighting the candle 19. In addition, the player gaming handle 12 operable on a partially rotating pivot joint 11. The game handle 12 is the credits remaining on the gaming device (as indicated on the credit meter 27), or request
20 traditionally included on mechanical spinning-reel games, where the handle may be pulled during the next game, change the number of lines being played on a multi-line game, cash out toward a player to initiate the spinning of reels 22 after placement of a wager. The top box 18 some of the game buttons 32 may cause the gaming device 10 to bet a credit to be wagered may include a lighted panel 17, a video display (such as an LCD monitor), a mechanical bonus actuated by the player to cause the gaming device 10 to perform a specific action. For example, 15 device (not shown), and a candle light indicator 19. The player interface panel 30 may include The player interface panel 30 may include one or more game buttons 32 that can be various devices so that a player can interact with the gaming device 10. various devices SO that a player can interact with the gaming device 10.
15 The player interface panel 30 may include one or more game buttons 32 that can be device (not shown), and a candle light indicator 19. The player interface panel 30 may include actuated by the player to cause the gaming device 10 to perform a specific action. For example, may include a lighted panel 17, a video display (such as an LCD monitor), a mechanical bonus some of the game buttons 32 may cause the gaming device 10 to bet a credit to be wagered toward a player to initiate the spinning of reels 22 after placement of a wager. The top box 18 20 during the next game, change the number of lines being played on a multi-line game, cash out traditionally included on mechanical spinning-reel games, where the handle may be pulled the credits remaining on the gaming device (as indicated on the credit meter 27), or request gaming handle 12 operable on a partially rotating pivot joint 11. The game handle 12 is
10 assistance from casino personnel, such as by lighting the candle 19. In addition, the player The base portion 13 may include a lighted panel 14, a coin return (not shown), and a interface panel 30 may include one or more game actuating buttons 33. The game actuating itself 20 (FIG. 2B). buttons 33 may initiate a game with a pre-specified amount of credits. On some gaming devices monitor, the information indicated on the credit meters may be shown on the gaming display 25 10 a “Max Bet” game actuating button 33 may be included that places the maximum credit amounts won, amounts paid, or the like. In embodiments where the gaming display 20 is a video wager on a game and initiates the game. The player interface panel 30 may further include a bill meter 28. In some embodiments, various other meters may be present, such as meters reflecting
5 acceptor 37 and a ticket printer 38. The bill acceptor 37 may accept and validate paper money or player transfers the amount that he or she wants to wager from the credit meter 27 to the bet previously printed tickets with a credit balance. The ticket printer 38 may print out tickets indicate the amount of credits to be wagered on a particular game. Thus, for each game, the reflecting the balance of the credits that remain on the gaming device 10 when a player cashes meter 27 reflect a number of 'credits,' rather than a monetary unit. The bet meter 28 may
may reflect a monetary unit, such as dollars. However, it is often preferable to have the credit
gaming device 10 that are eligible to be wagered. In some embodiments, the credit meter 27 out by pressing one of the game buttons 32 programmed to cause a ‘cashout.’ These tickets may
30 be inserted into other gaming machines or redeemed at a cashier station or kiosk for cash. below, the microprocessor 40 may have different tasks depending on the setup and function of The gaming device 10 may also include one or more speakers 26 to transmit auditory In other embodiments where the gaming device 10 is coupled to a network 50, as described information or sounds to the player. The auditory information may include specific sounds bill acceptor 37), and orchestrating the lighting and sound emanating from the gaming device 10. 5 associated with particular events that occur during game play on the gaming device 10. For represent the outcome of a game, communicating with the other peripheral devices (such as the 2024200063
example, a particularly festive sound may be played during a large win or when a bonus is operating game logic stored in memory (not shown) as firmware, controlling the display 20 to
25 triggered. The speakers 26 may also transmit “attract” sounds to entice nearby players when the control virtually all of the operations of the gaming devices and attached equipment, such as game is not currently being played. device 10. If the gaming device 10 is a standalone gaming device, the microprocessor 40 may The gaming device 10 may further include a secondary display 25. This secondary The gaming device 10 includes a microprocessor 40 that controls operation of the gaming 10 display 25 may be a vacuum fluorescent display (VFD), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode the game or the secondary display screen at various times and in various situations. ray tube (CRT), a plasma screen, or the like. The secondary display 25 may show any Gaming Incorporated's retrofit technology which allows information to be placed over areas of
20 combination of primary game information and ancillary information to the player. For example, window is International Game Technology's "service window." Another example is Las Vegas the secondary display 25 may show player tracking information, secondary bonus information, location vary temporally as communication needs change. One example of such a resizable advertisements, or player selectable game options. selectable game options. This window may be fixed in size and location or may have its size and 15 The gaming device 10 may include a separate information window (not shown) dedicated information, player tracking information, secondary bonus information, advertisements or player to supplying any combination of information related to primary game play, secondary bonus to supplying any combination of information related to primary game play, secondary bonus
15 information, player tracking information, secondary bonus information, advertisements or player The gaming device 10 may include a separate information window (not shown) dedicated selectable game options. This window may be fixed in size and location or may have its size and advertisements, or player selectable game options. location vary temporally as communication needs change. One example of such a resizable the secondary display 25 may show player tracking information, secondary bonus information, 20 window is International Game Technology’s “service window.” Another example is Las Vegas combination of primary game information and ancillary information to the player. For example, Gaming Incorporated’s retrofit technology which allows information to be placed over areas of ray tube (CRT), a plasma screen, or the like. The secondary display 25 may show any
10 the game or the secondary display screen at various times and in various situations. display 25 may be a vacuum fluorescent display (VFD), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode The gaming device 10 includes a microprocessor 40 that controls operation of the gaming The gaming device 10 may further include a secondary display 25. This secondary device 10. If the gaming device 10 is a standalone gaming device, the microprocessor 40 may game is not currently being played. 25 control virtually all of the operations of the gaming devices and attached equipment, such as triggered. The speakers 26 may also transmit "attract" sounds to entice nearby players when the operating game logic stored in memory (not shown) as firmware, controlling the display 20 to example, a particularly festive sound may be played during a large win or when a bonus is
5 represent the outcome of a game, communicating with the other peripheral devices (such as the associated with particular events that occur during game play on the gaming device 10. For bill acceptor 37), and orchestrating the lighting and sound emanating from the gaming device 10. information or sounds to the player. The auditory information may include specific sounds In otherThe embodiments where the gaming device 10 is coupled to a network 50, as described gaming device 10 may also include one or more speakers 26 to transmit auditory 30 below, the microprocessor 40 may have different tasks depending on the setup and function of be inserted into other gaming machines or redeemed at a cashier station or kiosk for cash.
out by pressing one of the game buttons 32 programmed to cause a 'cashout.' These tickets may the gaming device. For example, the microprocessor 40 may be responsible for running the base
30 game of the gaming device and executing instructions received over the network 50 from a each player points proportional to the money or credits wagered by the player. Players typically bonus server or player tracking server. In a server-based gaming setup, the microprocessor 40 To induce the player to use the card and be an identified player, the casino may award may act as a terminal to execute instructions from a remote server that is running game play on won, and rate of play. 5 the gaming device. device 46 thus permitting the casino to track player activity, such as amounts wagered, credits 2024200063
The microprocessor 40 may be coupled to a machine communication interface (MCI) 42 the gaming devices in the casino, the player inserts the player tracking card into the identification
25 that connects the gaming device 10 to a gaming network 50. The MCI 42 may be coupled to the information of interest to the casino in connection with marketing efforts. Prior to playing one of microprocessor 40 through a serial connection, a parallel connection, an optical connection, or in FIG. 3. The player account may include the player's name and mailing address and other some cases a wireless connection. The gaming device 10 may include memory 41 (MEM), such player account that is stored on a server or host computer, described below with reference to 10 as a random access memory (RAM), coupled to the microprocessor 40 and which can be used to gaming. The casino issues a unique player-tracking card to the player and opens a corresponding store gaming information, such as storing total coin-in statistics about a present or past gaming Briefly summarizing such a system, a player registers with the casino prior to commencing
20 session, which can be communicated to a remote server or database through the MCI 42. The Player tracking systems using player tracking cards and card readers 46 are known in the art. MCI 42 may also facilitate communication between the network 50 and the secondary display 25 identification device 46 may instead, or additionally, identify players through other methods. or a player tracking unit 45 housed in the gaming cabinet 15. card that is issued by the casino to individual players who choose to have such a card. The 15 The player tracking unit 45 may include an identification device 46 and one or more identify a player, by, for example, reading a player-tracking device, such as a player tracking buttons 47 associated with the player tracking unit 45. The identification device 46 serves to buttons 47 associated with the player tracking unit 45. The identification device 46 serves to
15 identify a player, by, for example, reading a player-tracking device, such as a player tracking The player tracking unit 45 may include an identification device 46 and one or more card that is issued by the casino to individual players who choose to have such a card. The or a player tracking unit 45 housed in the gaming cabinet 15. identification device 46 may instead, or additionally, identify players through other methods. MCI 42 may also facilitate communication between the network 50 and the secondary display 25 20 Player tracking systems using player tracking cards and card readers 46 are known in the art. session, which can be communicated to a remote server or database through the MCI 42. The Briefly summarizing such a system, a player registers with the casino prior to commencing store gaming information, such as storing total coin-in statistics about a present or past gaming
10 gaming. The casino issues a unique player-tracking card to the player and opens a corresponding as a random access memory (RAM), coupled to the microprocessor 40 and which can be used to player account that is stored on a server or host computer, described below with reference to some cases a wireless connection. The gaming device 10 may include memory 41 (MEM), such FIG. 3. The player account may include the player’s name and mailing address and other microprocessor 40 through a serial connection, a parallel connection, an optical connection, or in 25 information of interest to the casino in connection with marketing efforts. Prior to playing one of that connects the gaming device 10 to a gaming network 50. The MCI 42 may be coupled to the the gaming devices in the casino, the player inserts the player tracking card into the identification The microprocessor 40 may be coupled to a machine communication interface (MCI) 42
5 device 46 thus permitting the casino to track player activity, such as amounts wagered, credits the gaming device. won, and rate of play. may act as a terminal to execute instructions from a remote server that is running game play on To induce the player to use the card and be an identified player, the casino may award bonus server or player tracking server. In a server-based gaming setup, the microprocessor 40 30 each player points proportional to the money or credits wagered by the player. Players typically game of the gaming device and executing instructions received over the network 50 from a
the gaming device. For example, the microprocessor 40 may be responsible for running the base accrue points at a rate related to the amount wagered, although other factors may cause the
30 casino to award the player various amounts. The points may be displayed on the secondary of reflected on the bet meter 28. That is, the player can generally depress a "bet one" button (one display A25wager or using other methods. In conventional player tracking systems, the player may take may be placed by pushing one or more of the game buttons 32, which may be his or her card to a special desk in the casino where a casino employee scans the card to $20 is inserted the credit meter will change from 400 credits to 2000 credits. 5 determine how many accrued points are in the player’s account. The player may redeem points denomination selected. Thus, in the above example, if a penny denomination is selected after the 2024200063
for selected merchandise, meals in casino restaurants, or the like, which each have assigned point multiple denominations, the credit meter 27 will reflect the amount of credits relative to the
25 values. In some player tracking systems, the player may use the secondary display 25 to access or one credit for each nickel of the inserted twenty dollars. For gaming devices 10 that support their player tracking account, such as to check a total number of points, redeem points for machine and a $20 bill inserted into the bill acceptor 37, the credit meter will reflect 400 credits various services, make changes to their account, or download promotional credits to the gaming the denomination of the gaming device 10. That is, if the gaming device 10 is a nickel slot 10 device 10. In other embodiments, the identification device 46 may read other identifying cards The credit meter 27 displays the numeric credit value of the money inserted dependent on (such as driver licenses, credit cards, etc.) to identify a player and match them to a corresponding devices, regardless of the manner in which wager value-input is accomplished.
20 player tracking account. Although FIG. 1A shows the player tracking unit 45 with a card reader (not shown). One of skill in the art will readily see that this invention is useful with all gambling as the identification device 46, other embodiments may include a player tracking unit 45 with a coin acceptor (not shown) or a credit, debit or casino account card into a card reader/authorizer biometric scanner, PIN code acceptor, or other methods of identifying a player to pair the player printed tickets with a credit value into the bill acceptor 37. The player may also put coins into a 15 with their player tracking account. then initiating a gaming session. The player may initially insert monetary bills or previously During typical play on a gaming device 10, a player plays a game by placing a wager and During typical play on a gaming device 10, a player plays a game by placing a wager and
15 then initiating a gaming session. The player may initially insert monetary bills or previously with their player tracking account. printed tickets with a credit value into the bill acceptor 37. The player may also put coins into a biometric scanner, PIN code acceptor, or other methods of identifying a player to pair the player coin acceptor (not shown) or a credit, debit or casino account card into a card reader/authorizer as the identification device 46, other embodiments may include a player tracking unit 45 with a 20 (not shown). One of skill in the art will readily see that this invention is useful with all gambling player tracking account. Although FIG. 1A shows the player tracking unit 45 with a card reader devices, regardless of the manner in which wager value-input is accomplished. (such as driver licenses, credit cards, etc.) to identify a player and match them to a corresponding
10 The credit meter 27 displays the numeric credit value of the money inserted dependent on device 10. In other embodiments, the identification device 46 may read other identifying cards the denomination of the gaming device 10. That is, if the gaming device 10 is a nickel slot various services, make changes to their account, or download promotional credits to the gaming machine and a $20 bill inserted into the bill acceptor 37, the credit meter will reflect 400 credits their player tracking account, such as to check a total number of points, redeem points for 25 or one credit for each nickel of the inserted twenty dollars. For gaming devices 10 that support values. In some player tracking systems, the player may use the secondary display 25 to access multiple denominations, the credit meter 27 will reflect the amount of credits relative to the for selected merchandise, meals in casino restaurants, or the like, which each have assigned point
5 denomination selected. Thus, in the above example, if a penny denomination is selected after the determine how many accrued points are in the player's account. The player may redeem points $20 is inserted the credit meter will change from 400 credits to 2000 credits. his or her card to a special desk in the casino where a casino employee scans the card to A wager may be placed by pushing one or more of the game buttons 32, which may be display 25 or using other methods. In conventional player tracking systems, the player may take 30 reflected on the bet meter 28. That is, the player can generally depress a “bet one” button (one of casino to award the player various amounts. The points may be displayed on the secondary
26 accrue points at a rate related to the amount wagered, although other factors may cause the the buttons on the player interface panel 30, such as 32), which transfers one credit from the
30 credit meter 27 to the bet meter 28. Each time the button 32 is depressed an additional single Each of the symbols 22A or blank areas makes up a "stop" on the spinning reel 22A where the credit transfers to the bet meter 28 up to a maximum bet that can be placed on a single play of device 10A and the number of different symbols 23A that may appear on the spinning reels 22A. the electronic gaming device 10. The gaming session may be initiated by pulling the gaming the presence of blank areas typically depends on the number of reels 22A present in the gaming 5 handle 12 or depressing the spin button 33. On some gaming devices 10, a “max bet” button multiple symbols 23A that may be separated by blank areas on the spinning reels 22A, although 2024200063
(another one of the buttons 32 on the player interface panel 30) may be depressed to wager the machines 10A have three to five spinning reels 22A. Each of the spinning reels 22A has
25 maximum number of credits supported by the gaming device 10 and initiate a gaming session. 20A having a plurality of mechanical spinning reels 22A. Typically, spinning-reel gaming If the gaming session does not result in any winning combination, the process of placing Referring to FIG. 2A, a spinning-reel gaming machine 10A includes a gaming display a wager may be repeated by the player. Alternatively, the player may cash out any remaining machine 10C. 10 credits on the credit meter 27 by depressing the “cash-out” button (another button 32 on the illustrates an example video slot machine 10B, and FIG. 2C illustrates an example video poker player interface panel 30), which causes the credits on the credit meter 27 to be paid out in the of the invention. FIG. 2A illustrates an example spinning-reel gaming machine 10A, FIG. 2B
20 form of a ticket through the ticket printer 38, or may be paid out in the form of returning coins FIGs. 2A to 2C illustrate exemplary types of gaming devices according to embodiments from a coin hopper (not shown) to a coin return tray. applied to the credit meter 27. If instead a winning combination (win) appears on the display 20, the award may enter into a bonus mode or simply award the player with a bonus amount of credits that are 15 corresponding to the winning combination is immediately applied to the credit meter 27. For land on a played payline on reels 22. If any bonus games are initiated, the gaming device 10 example, if the gaming device 10 is a slot machine, a winning combination of symbols 23 may example, if the gaming device 10 is a slot machine, a winning combination of symbols 23 may
15 land on a played payline on reels 22. If any bonus games are initiated, the gaming device 10 corresponding to the winning combination is immediately applied to the credit meter 27. For may enter into a bonus mode or simply award the player with a bonus amount of credits that are If instead a winning combination (win) appears on the display 20, the award applied to the credit meter 27. from a coin hopper (not shown) to a coin return tray. 20 FIGs. 2A to 2C illustrate exemplary types of gaming devices according to embodiments form of a ticket through the ticket printer 38, or may be paid out in the form of returning coins of the invention. FIG. 2A illustrates an example spinning-reel gaming machine 10A, FIG. 2B player interface panel 30), which causes the credits on the credit meter 27 to be paid out in the
10 illustrates an example video slot machine 10B, and FIG. 2C illustrates an example video poker credits on the credit meter 27 by depressing the "cash-out" button (another button 32 on the machine 10C. a wager may be repeated by the player. Alternatively, the player may cash out any remaining Referring to FIG. 2A, a spinning-reel gaming machine 10A includes a gaming display If the gaming session does not result in any winning combination, the process of placing 25 20A having a plurality of mechanical spinning reels 22A. Typically, spinning-reel gaming maximum number of credits supported by the gaming device 10 and initiate a gaming session. machines 10A have three to five spinning reels 22A. Each of the spinning reels 22A has (another one of the buttons 32 on the player interface panel 30) may be depressed to wager the
5 multiple symbols 23A that may be separated by blank areas on the spinning reels 22A, although handle 12 or depressing the spin button 33. On some gaming devices 10, a "max bet" button the presence of blank areas typically depends on the number of reels 22A present in the gaming the electronic gaming device 10. The gaming session may be initiated by pulling the gaming device 10A and the number of different symbols 23A that may appear on the spinning reels 22A. credit transfers to the bet meter 28 up to a maximum bet that can be placed on a single play of 30 Each of the symbols 22A or blank areas makes up a “stop” on the spinning reel 22A where the credit meter 27 to the bet meter 28. Each time the button 32 is depressed an additional single
27 the buttons on the player interface panel 30, such as 32), which transfers one credit from the reel 22A comes to rest after a spin. Although the spinning reels 22A of various games 10A may
30 have various numbers of stops, many conventional spinning-reel gaming devices 10A have reels appears on the video display 20B. That is, each symbol position on the screen is independent of 22A with twenty two stops. example, some video slot games 10B spin reels for each individual symbol position (or stop) that During game play, the spinning reels 22A may be controlled by stepper motors (not flexibility of the video display 20B allows for various reel 22B and game configurations. For 5 shown) under the direction of the microprocessor 40 (FIG. 1A). Thus, although the spinning-reel of the virtual spinning reels 22B. Although FIG. 2B shows five virtual spinning reels 22B, the 2024200063
gaming device 10A has mechanical based spinning reels 22A, the movement of the reels display 20B be a touchscreen to accept player input. A number of symbols 23A appear on each
25 themselves is electronically controlled to spin and stop. This electronic control is advantageous 20B may be a CRT, LCD, plasma screen, or the like. It is usually preferable that the video because it allows a virtual reel strip to be stored in the memory 41 of the gaming device 10A, display virtual spinning reels 22B and various other gaming information 21B. The video display where various “virtual stops” are mapped to each physical stop on the physical reel 22A. This Referring to FIG. 2B, a video gaming machine 10B may include a video display 20B to 10 mapping allows the gaming device 10A to establish greater awards and bonuses available to the bonus mechanism in the top box 18, or a secondary display 25 (FIG. 1A) to execute a bonus. player because of the increased number of possible combinations afforded by the virtual reel machines 10A include an electronic display screen in the top box 18 (FIG. 1B), a mechanical
20 strips. Because the display 20A usually cannot be physically modified, some spinning reel slot A gaming session on a spinning reel slot machine 10A typically includes the player may individually stop one after another (typically from left to right) to build player anticipation. pressing the “bet-one” button (one of the game buttons 32A) to wager a desired number of initiate the spinning of the reels 22A. The spinning reels 22A may all stop at the same time or 15 credits followed by pulling the gaming handle 12 (FIGs. 1A, 1B) or pressing the spin button 33A one of the game buttons 32A) to both wager the maximum number of credits permitted and to spin the reels 22A. Alternatively, the player may simply press the “max-bet” button (another to spin the reels 22A. Alternatively, the player may simply press the "max-bet" button (another
15 one of the game buttons 32A) to both wager the maximum number of credits permitted and credits followed by pulling the gaming handle 12 (FIGs. 1A, 1B) or pressing the spin button 33A initiate the spinning of the reels 22A. The spinning reels 22A may all stop at the same time or pressing the "bet-one" button (one of the game buttons 32A) to wager a desired number of may individually stop one after another (typically from left to right) to build player anticipation. A gaming session on a spinning reel slot machine 10A typically includes the player 20 Because the display 20A usually cannot be physically modified, some spinning reel slot strips.
machines 10A include an electronic display screen in the top box 18 (FIG. 1B), a mechanical player because of the increased number of possible combinations afforded by the virtual reel
10 bonus mechanism in the top box 18, or a secondary display 25 (FIG. 1A) to execute a bonus. mapping allows the gaming device 10A to establish greater awards and bonuses available to the Referring to FIG. 2B, a video gaming machine 10B may include a video display 20B to where various "virtual stops" are mapped to each physical stop on the physical reel 22A. This display virtual spinning reels 22B and various other gaming information 21B. The video display because it allows a virtual reel strip to be stored in the memory 41 of the gaming device 10A, 25 20B may be a CRT, LCD, plasma screen, or the like. It is usually preferable that the video themselves is electronically controlled to spin and stop. This electronic control is advantageous display 20B be a touchscreen to accept player input. A number of symbols 23A appear on each gaming device 10A has mechanical based spinning reels 22A, the movement of the reels
5 of the virtual spinning reels 22B. Although FIG. 2B shows five virtual spinning reels 22B, the shown) under the direction of the microprocessor 40 (FIG. 1A). Thus, although the spinning-reel flexibility of the video display 20B allows for various reel 22B and game configurations. For During game play, the spinning reels 22A may be controlled by stepper motors (not example, some video slot games 10B spin reels for each individual symbol position (or stop) that 22A with twenty two stops. 30 appears on the video display 20B. That is, each symbol position on the screen is independent of have various numbers of stops, many conventional spinning-reel gaming devices 10A have reels
reel 22A comes to rest after a spin. Although the spinning reels 22A of various games 10A may every other position during the gaming sessions. In these types of games, very large numbers of
30 pay lines or multiple super scatter pays can be utilized since similar symbols could appear at displayed above the spinning reels 22B to inform the player, perhaps, which symbol combination every symbol position on the video display 20B. On the other hand, other video slot games 10B information 21B to be displayed. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, banner information may be more closely resemble the mechanical spinning reel games where symbols that are vertically Also, as mentioned above, the video display 20B may allow various other game 5 adjacent to each other are part of the same continuous virtual spinning reel 22B. screen shot and information from memory, and re-display that image. 2024200063
Because the virtual spinning reels 22B, by virtue of being computer implemented, can After the bonus sequence is completed, the video display 20B may then retrieve the previous
25 have almost any number of stops on a reel strip, it is much easier to have a greater variety of the resulting screen shot in memory and display a bonus sequence on the video display 20B. displayed outcomes as compared to spinning-reel slot machines 10A (FIG. 2A) that have a fixed 10B. That is, if a bonus is triggered during game play, the video display 20B may simply store number of physical stops on each spinning reel 22A. 20B, bonuses, such as second screen bonuses are relatively easy to award on the video slot game 10 With the possible increases in reel 22B numbers and configurations over the mechanical Because the video display 20B can easily modify the image output by the video display gaming device 10A, video gaming devices 10B often have multiple paylines 24 that may be five possible winning paylines 24.
20 played. By having more paylines 24 available to play, the player may be more likely to have a five gaming sessions, the odds of winning would be identical as above: five credits wagered and winning combination when the reels 22B stop and the gaming session ends. However, since the paylines 24. If, on the other hand, the player only wagers one credit on one payline 24, but plays player typically must wager at least a minimum number of credits to enable each payline 24 to be the five played paylines 24. This gives a total of five credits wagered and five possible winning 15 eligible for winning, the overall odds of winning are not much different, if at all, than if the one credit per payline 24 and be eligible for winning symbol combinations that appear on any of player is wagering only on a single payline. For example, in a five line game, the player may bet player is wagering only on a single payline. For example, in a five line game, the player may bet
15 one credit per payline 24 and be eligible for winning symbol combinations that appear on any of eligible for winning, the overall odds of winning are not much different, if at all, than if the the five played paylines 24. This gives a total of five credits wagered and five possible winning player typically must wager at least a minimum number of credits to enable each payline 24 to be paylines 24. If, on the other hand, the player only wagers one credit on one payline 24, but plays winning combination when the reels 22B stop and the gaming session ends. However, since the 20 five gaming sessions, the odds of winning would be identical as above: five credits wagered and played. By having more paylines 24 available to play, the player may be more likely to have a five possible winning paylines 24. gaming device 10A, video gaming devices 10B often have multiple paylines 24 that may be
10 Because the video display 20B can easily modify the image output by the video display With the possible increases in reel 22B numbers and configurations over the mechanical 20B, bonuses, such as second screen bonuses are relatively easy to award on the video slot game number of physical stops on each spinning reel 22A. 10B. That is, if a bonus is triggered during game play, the video display 20B may simply store displayed outcomes as compared to spinning-reel slot machines 10A (FIG. 2A) that have a fixed 25 the resulting screen shot in memory and display a bonus sequence on the video display 20B. have almost any number of stops on a reel strip, it is much easier to have a greater variety of After the bonus sequence is completed, the video display 20B may then retrieve the previous Because the virtual spinning reels 22B, by virtue of being computer implemented, can
5 screen shot and information from memory, and re-display that image. adjacent to each other are part of the same continuous virtual spinning reel 22B. Also, as mentioned above, the video display 20B may allow various other game more closely resemble the mechanical spinning reel games where symbols that are vertically information 21B to be displayed. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, banner information may be every symbol position on the video display 20B. On the other hand, other video slot games 10B 30 displayed above the spinning reels 22B to inform the player, perhaps, which symbol combination pay lines or multiple super scatter pays can be utilized since similar symbols could appear at
every other position during the gaming sessions. In these types of games, very large numbers of is needed to trigger a bonus. Also, instead of providing a separate credit meter 27 (FIG. 1A) and
30 bet meter 28, the same information can instead be displayed on the video display 20B. In etc. are typically needed for wins, a player would likely hold the two aces that have been dealt addition, “soft buttons” 29B such as a “spin” button or “help/see pays” button may be built using of aces, even before the player decides what to discard in the draw. Since pairs, three of a kind, the touch screen video display 20B. Such customization and ease of changing the image shown video poker game 10C may provide a bonus or payout for the player having been dealt the pair 5 on the display 20B adds to the flexibility of the game 10B. In the example shown in FIG. 2C a player has been dealt two aces, a three, a six, and a nine. The 2024200063
Even with the improved flexibility afforded by the video display 20B, several physical 10C may give bonus credits for certain combinations received on the first hand before the draw.
25 buttons 32B and 33B are usually provided on video slot machines 10B. These buttons may given for winning combinations resulting from the final hand, although some video poker games include game buttons 32B that allow a player to choose the number of paylines 24 he or she of those five cards, and then draws new cards to replace the discarded ones. All pays are usually would like to play and the number of credits wagered on each payline 24. In addition, a max bet poker in which a player is dealt a hand of five cards, has the opportunity to hold any combination 10 button (one of the game buttons 32B) allows a player to place a maximum credit wager on the several poker hands (multi-hand poker). Typically, video poker machines 10C play "draw" maximum number of available paylines 24 and initiate a gaming session. A repeat bet or spin one hand of poker on the video display 20C, various other video poker machines 10C may show
20 button 33B may also be used to initiate each gaming session when the max bet button is not paytable for various winning hands. Although the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3C shows only used. information 21C including a number of player selectable soft (touch-screen) buttons 29C and a Referring to FIG. 2C, a video poker gaming device 10C may include a video display 20C The video display 20C may present a poker hand of five cards 23C and various other player 15 that is physically similar to the video display 20B shown in FIG. 2B. The video display 20C paytable for various winning hands, as well as a plurality of player selectable soft buttons 29C. may show a poker hand of five cards 23C and various other player information 21C including a may show a poker hand of five cards 23C and various other player information 21C including a
15 paytable for various winning hands, as well as a plurality of player selectable soft buttons 29C. that is physically similar to the video display 20B shown in FIG. 2B. The video display 20C The video display 20C may present a poker hand of five cards 23C and various other player Referring to FIG. 2C, a video poker gaming device 10C may include a video display 20C information 21C including a number of player selectable soft (touch-screen) buttons 29C and a used. 20 paytable for various winning hands. Although the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3C shows only button 33B may also be used to initiate each gaming session when the max bet button is not one hand of poker on the video display 20C, various other video poker machines 10C may show maximum number of available paylines 24 and initiate a gaming session. A repeat bet or spin
10 several poker hands (multi-hand poker). Typically, video poker machines 10C play “draw” button (one of the game buttons 32B) allows a player to place a maximum credit wager on the poker in which a player is dealt a hand of five cards, has the opportunity to hold any combination would like to play and the number of credits wagered on each payline 24. In addition, a max bet of those five cards, and then draws new cards to replace the discarded ones. All pays are usually include game buttons 32B that allow a player to choose the number of paylines 24 he or she 25 given for winning combinations resulting from the final hand, although some video poker games buttons 32B and 33B are usually provided on video slot machines 10B. These buttons may 10C may give bonus credits for certain combinations received on the first hand before the draw. Even with the improved flexibility afforded by the video display 20B, several physical
5 In the example shown in FIG. 2C a player has been dealt two aces, a three, a six, and a nine. The on the display 20B adds to the flexibility of the game 10B. video poker game 10C may provide a bonus or payout for the player having been dealt the pair the touch screen video display 20B. Such customization and ease of changing the image shown of aces, even before the player decides what to discard in the draw. Since pairs, three of a kind, addition, "soft buttons" 29B such as a "spin" button or "help/see pays" button may be built using 30 etc. are typically needed for wins, a player would likely hold the two aces that have been dealt bet meter 28, the same information can instead be displayed on the video display 20B. In
30 is needed to trigger a bonus. Also, instead of providing a separate credit meter 27 (FIG. 1A) and and draw three cards to replace the three, six, and nine in the hope of receiving additional aces or
30 other cards leading to a winning combination with a higher award amount. After the draw and 50, banks of gaming devices 70 coupled to the network 50, banks of gaming devices 70 coupled revealing of the final hand, the video poker game 10C typically awards any credits won to the gaming devices 70-75 may include traditional slot machines 75 directly coupled to the network credit meter. gaming devices 70-75 may include differently configured gaming devices. For example, the 5 The player selectable soft buttons 29C appearing on the screen respectively correspond to the gaming devices 10, 10A, 10B, and 10C shown in FIGs. 1A-1B and 2A-2C, other coupled 2024200063
each card on the video display 20C. These soft buttons 29C allow players to select specific cards Although some of the gaming devices 70-75 coupled on the gaming network 50 may resemble
25 on the video display 20C such that the card corresponding to the selected soft button is “held” another during particular gaming modes such as tournament play or remote head-to-head play. before the draw. Typically, video poker machines 10C also include physical game buttons 32C connections may allow multiple gaming devices 70-75 to remain in communication with one that correspond to the cards in the hand and may be selected to hold a corresponding card. A server 80 may be coupled to one or more gaming databases 90. These gaming network 50 10 deal/draw button 33C may also be included to initiate a gaming session after credits have been any combination of one or more of EGMs 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, and 75. Additionally, the gaming wagered (with a bet button 32C, for example) and to draw any cards not held after the first hand and 75 are generically referred to as EGMs 70-75. The term EGMs 70-75, however, may refer to
20 is displayed. through a network 50. For ease of understanding, gaming devices or EGMs 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, Although examples of a spinning reel slot machine 10A, a video slot machine 10B, and a 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, and 75 may be coupled to one another and coupled to a remote server 80 video poker machine 10C have been illustrated in FIGs. 2A-2C, gaming machines and various embodiments of the invention. Referring to FIG. 3, multiple electronic gaming devices (EGMs) 15 other types of gaming devices known in the art are contemplated and are within the scope of the FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating networked gaming devices according to invention. invention.
15 FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating networked gaming devices according to other types of gaming devices known in the art are contemplated and are within the scope of the embodiments of the invention. Referring to FIG. 3, multiple electronic gaming devices (EGMs) video poker machine 10C have been illustrated in FIGs. 2A-2C, gaming machines and various 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, and 75 may be coupled to one another and coupled to a remote server 80 Although examples of a spinning reel slot machine 10A, a video slot machine 10B, and a 20 through a network 50. For ease of understanding, gaming devices or EGMs 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, is displayed. and 75 are generically referred to as EGMs 70-75. The term EGMs 70-75, however, may refer to wagered (with a bet button 32C, for example) and to draw any cards not held after the first hand
10 any combination of one or more of EGMs 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, and 75. Additionally, the gaming deal/draw button 33C may also be included to initiate a gaming session after credits have been server 80 may be coupled to one or more gaming databases 90. These gaming network 50 that correspond to the cards in the hand and may be selected to hold a corresponding card. A connections may allow multiple gaming devices 70-75 to remain in communication with one before the draw. Typically, video poker machines 10C also include physical game buttons 32C 25 another during particular gaming modes such as tournament play or remote head-to-head play. on the video display 20C such that the card corresponding to the selected soft button is "held" Although some of the gaming devices 70-75 coupled on the gaming network 50 may resemble each card on the video display 20C. These soft buttons 29C allow players to select specific cards
5 the gaming devices 10, 10A, 10B, and 10C shown in FIGs. 1A-1B and 2A-2C, other coupled The player selectable soft buttons 29C appearing on the screen respectively correspond to gaming devices 70-75 may include differently configured gaming devices. For example, the credit meter. gaming devices 70-75 may include traditional slot machines 75 directly coupled to the network revealing of the final hand, the video poker game 10C typically awards any credits won to the 30 50, banks of gaming devices 70 coupled to the network 50, banks of gaming devices 70 coupled other cards leading to a winning combination with a higher award amount. After the draw and
31 and draw three cards to replace the three, six, and nine in the hope of receiving additional aces or to the network through a bank controller 60, wireless handheld gaming machines 72 and cell
30 phones 73 coupled to the gaming network 50 through one or more wireless routers or antennas tracking network. For player tracking capabilities, when a player inserts a player tracking card in 61, personal computers 74 coupled to the network 50 through the internet 62, and banks of embodiments, however, the network 50, server 80, and database 90 may be part of a player gaming devices 71 coupled to the network through one or more optical connection lines 64. dedicated to communications regarding specific game or tournament play. In other 5 Additionally, some of the traditional gaming devices 70, 71, and 75 may include electronic Thus, in some embodiments, the network 50, server 80, and database 90 may be 2024200063
gaming tables, multi-station gaming devices, or electronic components operating in conjunction such as BINGO or keno may benefit from at least some server 80 based control.
25 with non-gaming components, such as automatic card readers, chip readers, and chip counters, player selection. Additionally, tournament based games, linked games, and certain game types, for example. allowing fast downloading of particular game types or themes based on casino preference or Gaming devices 71 coupled over an optical line 64 may be remote gaming devices in a gaming environment. Server based gaming environments may be advantageous to casinos by 10 different location or casino. The optical line 64 may be coupled to the gaming network 50 the gaming devices 70-75 may be terminals that are run by a remote server 80 in a server based through an electronic to optical signal converter 63 and may be coupled to the gaming devices 71 (FIG. 1A) and memory 41 to run and control game play on the gaming device 70-75, or some of
20 throughAsanmentioned optical toabove, electronic signal converter 65. The banks of gaming devices 70 coupled to each gaming device 70-75 may have an individual processor 40 the network 50 may be coupled through a bank controller 60 for compatibility purposes, for local a, b, g, or n, Zigbee, RF protocols, optical transmission, near-field transmission, or the like. organization and control, or for signal buffering purposes. The network 50 may include serial or fiber optic lines or may be a wireless network utilizing a wireless protocol such as IEEE 802.11 15 parallel signal transmission lines and carry data in accordance with data transfer protocols such protocols. Although not shown in FIG. 3, substantially the entire network 50 may be made of as Ethernet transmission lines, Rs-232 lines, firewire lines, USB lines, or other communication as Ethernet transmission lines, Rs-232 lines, firewire lines, USB lines, or other communication
15 protocols. Although not shown in FIG. 3, substantially the entire network 50 may be made of parallel signal transmission lines and carry data in accordance with data transfer protocols such fiber optic lines or may be a wireless network utilizing a wireless protocol such as IEEE 802.11 organization and control, or for signal buffering purposes. The network 50 may include serial or a, b, g, or n, Zigbee, RF protocols, optical transmission, near-field transmission, or the like. the network 50 may be coupled through a bank controller 60 for compatibility purposes, for local 20 As mentioned above, each gaming device 70-75 may have an individual processor 40 through an optical to electronic signal converter 65. The banks of gaming devices 70 coupled to (FIG. 1A) and memory 41 to run and control game play on the gaming device 70-75, or some of through an electronic to optical signal converter 63 and may be coupled to the gaming devices 71
10 the gaming devices 70-75 may be terminals that are run by a remote server 80 in a server based different location or casino. The optical line 64 may be coupled to the gaming network 50 gaming environment. Server based gaming environments may be advantageous to casinos by Gaming devices 71 coupled over an optical line 64 may be remote gaming devices in a allowing fast downloading of particular game types or themes based on casino preference or for example. 25 player selection. Additionally, tournament based games, linked games, and certain game types, with non-gaming components, such as automatic card readers, chip readers, and chip counters, such as BINGO or keno may benefit from at least some server 80 based control. gaming tables, multi-station gaming devices, or electronic components operating in conjunction
5 Thus, in some embodiments, the network 50, server 80, and database 90 may be Additionally, some of the traditional gaming devices 70, 71, and 75 may include electronic dedicated to communications regarding specific game or tournament play. In other gaming devices 71 coupled to the network through one or more optical connection lines 64. embodiments, however, the network 50, server 80, and database 90 may be part of a player 61, personal computers 74 coupled to the network 50 through the internet 62, and banks of 30 tracking network. For player tracking capabilities, when a player inserts a player tracking card in phones 73 coupled to the gaming network 50 through one or more wireless routers or antennas
to the network through a bank controller 60, wireless handheld gaming machines 72 and cell the card reader 46 (FIG. 1A), the player tracking unit 45 sends player identification information
30 obtained on the card reader 46 through the MCI 42 over the network 50 to the player tracking display portion 125A and a second display portion 125B that respectively correspond to the first server 80, where the player identification information is compared to player information records separate display units (FIG. 7). As discussed above, the gaming display 120 includes a first in the player database 90 to provide the player with information regarding their player account or The gaming display 120 may include a single widescreen display unit (FIGs. 5 and 6) or 5 other features at embodiments. the gaming device 10 where the player is wagering. Additionally, multiple 2024200063
databases 90 and/or servers 80 may be present and coupled to one or more networks 50 to shown for the gaming device 100 in FIG. 4, additional gaming stations may be present in other
25 provide a variety of gaming services, such as both game/tournament data and player tracking and may be reversed in other embodiments. Further, although only two gaming stations are data. right-side portion of the gaming device 100. This correspondence, however, is exemplary only The various systems described with reference to FIGs 1-3 can be used in a number of side portion of the gaming device 100, and the second gaming station 115B corresponds to the 10 ways. For instance, the systems can be used to track data about various players. The tracked second player interface panel 135B. Here, the first gaming station 115A corresponds to the left- data can be used by the casino to provide additional benefits to players, such as extra bonuses or 135A, while a second gaming station 115B may include a second display portion 125B and a
20 extra benefits such as bonus games and other benefits as described above. These added benefits gaming station 115A may include a first display portion 125A and a first player interface panel further entice the players to play at the casino that provides the benefits. both configured into multiple gaming stations. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a first FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a gaming device according to embodiments of the 110 of the gaming device 100 may include a display 120 and a player interface panel 130 that are 15 invention. multiple player stations to facilitate wagering by multiple players. That is, the gaming cabinet Referring to FIG. 4, a gaming device 100 may include a gaming cabinet 110 that has Referring to FIG. 4, a gaming device 100 may include a gaming cabinet 110 that has
15 multiple player stations to facilitate wagering by multiple players. That is, the gaming cabinet invention. 110 of the gaming device 100 may include a display 120 and a player interface panel 130 that are FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a gaming device according to embodiments of the both configured into multiple gaming stations. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a first further entice the players to play at the casino that provides the benefits. 20 gaming station 115A may include a first display portion 125A and a first player interface panel extra benefits such as bonus games and other benefits as described above. These added benefits 135A, while a second gaming station 115B may include a second display portion 125B and a data can be used by the casino to provide additional benefits to players, such as extra bonuses or
10 second player interface panel 135B. Here, the first gaming station 115A corresponds to the left- ways. For instance, the systems can be used to track data about various players. The tracked side portion of the gaming device 100, and the second gaming station 115B corresponds to the The various systems described with reference to FIGs 1-3 can be used in a number of right-side portion of the gaming device 100. This correspondence, however, is exemplary only data.
25 and may be reversed in other embodiments. Further, although only two gaming stations are provide a variety of gaming services, such as both game/tournament data and player tracking shown for the gaming device 100 in FIG. 4, additional gaming stations may be present in other databases 90 and/or servers 80 may be present and coupled to one or more networks 50 to
5 embodiments. other features at the gaming device 10 where the player is wagering. Additionally, multiple The gaming display 120 may include a single widescreen display unit (FIGs. 5 and 6) or in the player database 90 to provide the player with information regarding their player account or separate display units (FIG. 7). As discussed above, the gaming display 120 includes a first server 80, where the player identification information is compared to player information records 30 display portion 125A and a second display portion 125B that respectively correspond to the first obtained on the card reader 46 through the MCI 42 over the network 50 to the player tracking
33 the card reader 46 (FIG. 1A), the player tracking unit 45 sends player identification information gaming station 115A and second gaming station 115B. If the gaming display 120 is a single
30 widescreen display unit, the first and second display portions 125A and 125B may respectively may be shared while the game includes first and second game initiation buttons 233A, 233B. As correspond to the left and right halves of the gaming display. In some embodiments (FIG. 6), the respects to a single station gaming device. In some of these embodiments game buttons 32B gaming display 120 may be partitioned into two display areas (i.e., the first and second display button 33B (FIG. 2B) such that the layout of the player interface panel may be similar in some 5 portions 125A and 125B) that each display a separate game playable by different players. in other embodiments, each player station may share game buttons 32B and/or a game initiation 2024200063
Alternatively, in other embodiments (FIG. 5), the gaming display 120 may display a common 133B, respectively, to allow each of the players to wager on the gaming device 100. However,
25 game where the first and second display portions 125A and 125B simply correspond to second player interface panels 135A and 135B may include a game initiating button 133A and respective sides of the gaming display 120 that may contain player specific information. Some types of buttons include a "cash out" button or a "change"/'help" button. Each of the first and of the various configurations of the gaming display 120 will be discussed in further detail below stations because only one such button for the gaming device 100 is necessary. Examples of these 10 in the embodiments illustrated in FIGs. 5-7. 132A and 132B, however, may not need to be functionally duplicated for the separate gaming The player interface panel 130 may include a plurality of buttons 132A, 133A, 132B, and the game buttons 132B that correspond to the second player station 115B. Other game buttons
20 133B that are configured into a first player interface panel 135A and a second player interface some of the game buttons 132A that correspond to the first player station 115A will be similar to panel 135B. Because the first and second player interface panels 135A, 135B are configured to 132A and 132B include wagering buttons, such as a "bet-one" button and/or a "max bet" button, facilitate separate wagering by two players, some of the buttons 132A, 133A, 132B, and 133B one or more game buttons 132B and a game initiating button 133B. Since the game buttons 15 may perform similar functions for the respective gaming station with which it corresponds. For a game initiating button 133A. Likewise, the second player interface panel 135B may include example, the first player interface panel 135A may include one or more game buttons 132A and example, the first player interface panel 135A may include one or more game buttons 132A and
15 a game initiating button 133A. Likewise, the second player interface panel 135B may include may perform similar functions for the respective gaming station with which it corresponds. For one or more game buttons 132B and a game initiating button 133B. Since the game buttons facilitate separate wagering by two players, some of the buttons 132A, 133A, 132B, and 133B 132A and 132B include wagering buttons, such as a “bet-one” button and/or a “max bet” button, panel 135B. Because the first and second player interface panels 135A, 135B are configured to 20 some of the game buttons 132A that correspond to the first player station 115A will be similar to 133B that are configured into a first player interface panel 135A and a second player interface the game buttons 132B that correspond to the second player station 115B. Other game buttons The player interface panel 130 may include a plurality of buttons 132A, 133A, 132B, and
10 132A and 132B, however, may not need to be functionally duplicated for the separate gaming in the embodiments illustrated in FIGs. 5-7. stations because only one such button for the gaming device 100 is necessary. Examples of these of the various configurations of the gaming display 120 will be discussed in further detail below types of buttons include a “cash out” button or a “change”/”help” button. Each of the first and respective sides of the gaming display 120 that may contain player specific information. Some 25 second player interface panels 135A and 135B may include a game initiating button 133A and game where the first and second display portions 125A and 125B simply correspond to 133B, respectively, to allow each of the players to wager on the gaming device 100. However, Alternatively, in other embodiments (FIG. 5), the gaming display 120 may display a common
5 in other embodiments, each player station may share game buttons 32B and/or a game initiation portions 125A and 125B) that each display a separate game playable by different players. button 33B (FIG. 2B) such that the layout of the player interface panel may be similar in some gaming display 120 may be partitioned into two display areas (i.e., the first and second display respects to a single station gaming device. In some of these embodiments game buttons 32B correspond to the left and right halves of the gaming display. In some embodiments (FIG. 6), the 30 may be shared while the game includes first and second game initiation buttons 233A, 233B. As widescreen display unit, the first and second display portions 125A and 125B may respectively
gaming station 115A and second gaming station 115B. If the gaming display 120 is a single described in reference to FIGs. 2A-2C, the particular layout and function of the buttons 32A,
30 33A, 32B, and 33B will depend largely on the type of gaming device 100 being played. playing the gaming device 100. The gaming device 100 may also include one or more seats 150. In the embodiment average payouts, or have random bonuses occur more frequently when there are multiple players illustrated in FIG. 4, the gaming device 100 includes a double seat 150 that can accommodate implementing a better pay back percentage is to have shared bonuses available with higher 5 two players. In other embodiments, however, the gaming device 100 may include two separate back percentage when there are multiple players playing the gaming device 100. One method of 2024200063
chairs or stools. In either type of embodiment, each player is preferably positioned in front of a 100, the casino may choose to implement game play on the gaming device that gives a better pay
25 gaming station 115A or 115B to allow for a comfortable playing environment. The double seat player may join. If the casino chooses to encourage multiple players to play the gaming device 150 shown in FIG. 4 includes two supports 155 for stability. Other embodiments, however, may conventional gaming device. When a single player is playing the gaming device 100, a second include only one support 155 or additional supports 155. single player mode using one of the gaming stations 115A, 115B in a similar manner to a 10 The gaming device may have multiple player tracking units (45 in FIG. 1) with multiple going unused when only one person is looking to play it, the gaming device may be played in a card readers (46 in FIG. 1) or may utilize a single player tracking unit 45 with a card reader 46 multiple players may be playable by a single player. That is, to prevent the gaming device from
20 that keeps player tracking data after each player has inserted and removed his or her player card. It is also noted, that these embodiments of gaming devices facilitating wagering by The players may be able to use the one or more buttons (47 in FIG. 1) associated with the player certain time period or amount wagered. tracking unit 45 to assign a particular player tracking card to a particular gaming station 115A players may choose to switch which player card in inserted is the gaming device 100 after a 15 and 115B. This may ensure that each player gets credit for their wagering activities. credit the wagering activity from both players on the single player account. In this situation, Alternatively, the gaming device 100 may only accept a single player tracking card and simply Alternatively, the gaming device 100 may only accept a single player tracking card and simply
15 credit the wagering activity from both players on the single player account. In this situation, and 115B. This may ensure that each player gets credit for their wagering activities. players may choose to switch which player card in inserted is the gaming device 100 after a tracking unit 45 to assign a particular player tracking card to a particular gaming station 115A certain time period or amount wagered. The players may be able to use the one or more buttons (47 in FIG. 1) associated with the player 20 It is also noted, that these embodiments of gaming devices facilitating wagering by that keeps player tracking data after each player has inserted and removed his or her player card. multiple players may be playable by a single player. That is, to prevent the gaming device from card readers (46 in FIG. 1) or may utilize a single player tracking unit 45 with a card reader 46
10 going unused when only one person is looking to play it, the gaming device may be played in a The gaming device may have multiple player tracking units (45 in FIG. 1) with multiple single player mode using one of the gaming stations 115A, 115B in a similar manner to a include only one support 155 or additional supports 155. conventional gaming device. When a single player is playing the gaming device 100, a second 150 shown in FIG. 4 includes two supports 155 for stability. Other embodiments, however, may 25 player may join. If the casino chooses to encourage multiple players to play the gaming device gaming station 115A or 115B to allow for a comfortable playing environment. The double seat 100, the casino may choose to implement game play on the gaming device that gives a better pay chairs or stools. In either type of embodiment, each player is preferably positioned in front of a
5 back percentage when there are multiple players playing the gaming device 100. One method of two players. In other embodiments, however, the gaming device 100 may include two separate implementing a better pay back percentage is to have shared bonuses available with higher illustrated in FIG. 4, the gaming device 100 includes a double seat 150 that can accommodate averageThe payouts, or have random bonuses occur more frequently when there are multiple players gaming device 100 may also include one or more seats 150. In the embodiment 30 playing the gaming device 100. 33A, 32B, and 33B will depend largely on the type of gaming device 100 being played.
35 described in reference to FIGs. 2A-2C, the particular layout and function of the buttons 32A,
In other embodiments, a single player may be enabled or even encouraged to play both
30 gaming stations. Since some players play multiple adjacent gaming devices substantially common display 220 corresponding to the second player station 215B. Each of the first and simultaneously, these embodiments would allow such players to play multiple games on a single player station 215A, while the player 2 score 260B may be positioned on an opposite side of the gaming device. In further embodiments, a single game initiation button 133A or 133B may be score 260A may be positioned on the side of the common display 220 corresponding to the first 5 configured to initiate games at both gaming stations 115A, 115B substantially simultaneously. may correspond to the first and second player stations 215A and 215B. That is, the player 1 2024200063
Credits awarded on each of the gaming stations 115A, 115B may be transferred to a single credit individual player scores 260A, 260B and a player turn indicator 240. These player specific items
25 meter or may be kept separate to promote the feeling of playing two separate games. The common display 220 may, however, include player specific information, such as The configuration of the gaming device 100 into multiple gaming stations 115A, 115B soft buttons 229 to interact with the gaming device. allows players to play independently on separate games on the same gaming device 100, as well such as a banner or a common credit meter. The common display 220 may also include common 10 as allowing players to play in a more interactive manner through shared displays, common credit addition, the common display 220 may show player information 221 common to both players, meters, shared bonuses, etc. Some of the various features of these configurations are described 220 may display a single base game, such as a video slot game or a video poker game. In
20 in further detail below. 2A) the common display 220 may include a plurality of spinning reels. The common display FIGs. 5-7 are detail diagrams of exemplary types of gaming devices according to the common display 220 is a video display. However, in a spinning reel slot machine (e.g., FIG. embodiments of the invention. FIG. 5 illustrates a gaming device 200 with a common display, gaming station 215A, and a second gaming station 215B. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, 15 FIG. 6 illustrates a gaming device 300 with a partitioned display, and FIG. 7 illustrates a gaming Referring to FIG. 5, the gaming device 200 includes a common display 220, a first device 400 with separate displays. device 400 with separate displays.
15 Referring to FIG. 5, the gaming device 200 includes a common display 220, a first FIG. 6 illustrates a gaming device 300 with a partitioned display, and FIG. 7 illustrates a gaming gaming station 215A, and a second gaming station 215B. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, embodiments of the invention. FIG. 5 illustrates a gaming device 200 with a common display, the common display 220 is a video display. However, in a spinning reel slot machine (e.g., FIG. FIGs. 5-7 are detail diagrams of exemplary types of gaming devices according to 20 2A) the common display 220 may include a plurality of spinning reels. The common display in further detail below. 220 may display a single base game, such as a video slot game or a video poker game. In meters, shared bonuses, etc. Some of the various features of these configurations are described
10 addition, the common display 220 may show player information 221 common to both players, as allowing players to play in a more interactive manner through shared displays, common credit such as a banner or a common credit meter. The common display 220 may also include common allows players to play independently on separate games on the same gaming device 100, as well soft buttons 229 to interact with the gaming device. The configuration of the gaming device 100 into multiple gaming stations 115A, 115B 25 The common display 220 may, however, include player specific information, such as meter or may be kept separate to promote the feeling of playing two separate games. individual player scores 260A, 260B and a player turn indicator 240. These player specific items Credits awarded on each of the gaming stations 115A, 115B may be transferred to a single credit
5 may correspond to the first and second player stations 215A and 215B. That is, the player 1 configured to initiate games at both gaming stations 115A, 115B substantially simultaneously. score 260A may be positioned on the side of the common display 220 corresponding to the first gaming device. In further embodiments, a single game initiation button 133A or 133B may be player station 215A, while the player 2 score 260B may be positioned on an opposite side of the simultaneously, these embodiments would allow such players to play multiple games on a single 30 common display 220 corresponding to the second player station 215B. Each of the first and gaming stations. Since some players play multiple adjacent gaming devices substantially
In other embodiments, a single player may be enabled or even encouraged to play both second player stations 215A, 215B may include game buttons 232A, 232B and game initiating buttons 233A, 233B. In operation, the gaming device 200 may allow a player at the first player station 215A buttons associated with the first player station 215A. After player 2 has placed a wager and and a player at the second player station 215B to alternately play the base game that appears on attempts to wager during player 2's turn, he or she will be unable to place a wager using the 5 the common display 220. For example, player 1 may start the wagering by choosing to play five 215A may have any back lighting turned off and become inactive. That is, even if player 1 2024200063 lines at one credit per line and pushing the game initiating button 233A in the first player station game buttons 232A and game initiating button 233A corresponding to the first player station
25 215A. The credits bet by player 1 (in this case, five) may be deducted from a common credit corresponding to the second player station 215B may become illuminated and activated while the meter (part of the player information 221) or from an individual credit meter (FIG. 6). If the which player is allowed to wager, the game buttons 232B and game initiating button 233B wager made by player 1 results in a win, either the common credit meter 221 or player 1’s indicate that it is player 2's turn to wager. In addition to having the player indicator 240 indicate 10 individual credit meter is incremented by the amount of the wagering win. After player 1 has completed a gaming session, the player indicator 240 may change to In addition, events that happen during player 1’s wager may accumulate points on the include dividing an amount awarded by an amount wagered in generating a player score.
20 player 1 point meter 260A. Similarly, events that occur during player 2’s wager may accumulate wagered, the respective wagering rate, etc. For example, one normalizing scoring scheme may points on the player 2 point meter 260B. This way, if a common credit meter is used, the players based on the relative wagering success of each player can be compared irrespective of amounts have an opportunity to compare the relative success each has had against the other. The scores scores shown on the player 1 point meter 260A and the player 2 point meter 260B SO that scores 15 shown on the player 1 point meter 260A and the player 2 point meter 260B may be based on a gaming device 200. In addition, a normalized scoring scheme may be used to normalize the comparison of the respective player’s payback versus the theoretical payback percentage of the comparison of the respective player's payback versus the theoretical payback percentage of the
15 gaming device 200. In addition, a normalized scoring scheme may be used to normalize the shown on the player 1 point meter 260A and the player 2 point meter 260B may be based on a scores shown on the player 1 point meter 260A and the player 2 point meter 260B so that scores have an opportunity to compare the relative success each has had against the other. The scores based on the relative wagering success of each player can be compared irrespective of amounts points on the player 2 point meter 260B. This way, if a common credit meter is used, the players 20 wagered, the respective wagering rate, etc. For example, one normalizing scoring scheme may player 1 point meter 260A. Similarly, events that occur during player 2's wager may accumulate include dividing an amount awarded by an amount wagered in generating a player score. In addition, events that happen during player 1's wager may accumulate points on the
10 After player 1 has completed a gaming session, the player indicator 240 may change to individual credit meter is incremented by the amount of the wagering win. indicate that it is player 2’s turn to wager. In addition to having the player indicator 240 indicate wager made by player 1 results in a win, either the common credit meter 221 or player 1's which player is allowed to wager, the game buttons 232B and game initiating button 233B meter (part of the player information 221) or from an individual credit meter (FIG. 6). If the 25 corresponding to the second player station 215B may become illuminated and activated while the 215A. The credits bet by player 1 (in this case, five) may be deducted from a common credit game buttons 232A and game initiating button 233A corresponding to the first player station lines at one credit per line and pushing the game initiating button 233A in the first player station
5 215A may have any back lighting turned off and become inactive. That is, even if player 1 the common display 220. For example, player 1 may start the wagering by choosing to play five attempts to wager during player 2’s turn, he or she will be unable to place a wager using the and a player at the second player station 215B to alternately play the base game that appears on buttons associated with the first player station 215A. After player 2 has placed a wager and In operation, the gaming device 200 may allow a player at the first player station 215A
buttons 233A, 233B.
second player stations 215A, 215B may include game buttons 232A, 232B and game initiating completed a gaming session, the player indicator 240 may again indicate that it is player 1’s turn
30 and the button illumination and activation procedure may be reversed. triggering player will be added to the triggering player's credit meter. That is, the interactive Although the above operational example indicates that player 1 and player 2 switch player may be able to participate in an interactive bonus, but the credits earned by the non- wagering turns after each gaming session, multiple gaming sessions by each player may be the triggering player reaches a certain bonus threshold. In some embodiments, a non-triggering 5 implemented with each player’s turn. In addition, the number of gaming sessions per turn may achieve a bonus goal, or bonuses where the non-triggering player can place a side bet on whether 2024200063
be varied by casino personnel, by the players themselves, or set through a player preference where both players are competing for prizes, bonuses where both players are cooperating to
25 setting associated with the player tracking information. Further, the number of gaming sessions involved in the gaming experience. These dual-player interactive bonuses may include bonuses per turn may not necessarily be equal. For example, the gaming device 200 may be set so that players. This dual-player interactive bonus may be preferable because it keeps both players player 1 receives three wagering opportunities per turn while player 2 receives only one interactive for both players. That is, a bonus may be triggered that requires interaction by both 10 opportunity. This may allow players to contribute different amounts of money to a common In other embodiments, however, a bonus triggered by one player may provide a bonus that is credit meter and wager a corresponding percentage of the time. In the above example (where award from the bonus credited to his or her player point meter 260A or individual credit meter.
20 player 1 gets three turns to every one for player 2), player 1 may have contributed $75.00 to the screen bonus during a gaming session, player 1 would get to play the bonus or at least get any common credit meter while player 2 contributed $25.00. bonus or had the turn when the bonus was awarded. For example, if player 1 triggered a second Further, although FIG. 5 shows that the player point meters 260A, 260B, credit meter 221 Bonuses awarded during a gaming session may be played by the player who triggered the 15 and player indicator embodiments. 240 are displayed on the common display 220, separate credit meters (such as 27 and 28 in FIG. 1) and/or a mechanical indicator (not shown) may be implemented in other as 27 and 28 in FIG. 1) and/or a mechanical indicator (not shown) may be implemented in other
15 embodiments. and player indicator 240 are displayed on the common display 220, separate credit meters (such Bonuses awarded during a gaming session may be played by the player who triggered the Further, although FIG. 5 shows that the player point meters 260A, 260B, credit meter 221 bonus or had the turn when the bonus was awarded. For example, if player 1 triggered a second common credit meter while player 2 contributed $25.00. 20 screen bonus during a gaming session, player 1 would get to play the bonus or at least get any player 1 gets three turns to every one for player 2), player 1 may have contributed $75.00 to the award from the bonus credited to his or her player point meter 260A or individual credit meter. credit meter and wager a corresponding percentage of the time. In the above example (where
10 In other embodiments, however, a bonus triggered by one player may provide a bonus that is opportunity. This may allow players to contribute different amounts of money to a common interactive for both players. That is, a bonus may be triggered that requires interaction by both player 1 receives three wagering opportunities per turn while player 2 receives only one players. This dual-player interactive bonus may be preferable because it keeps both players per turn may not necessarily be equal. For example, the gaming device 200 may be set SO that 25 involved in the gaming experience. These dual-player interactive bonuses may include bonuses setting associated with the player tracking information. Further, the number of gaming sessions where both players are competing for prizes, bonuses where both players are cooperating to be varied by casino personnel, by the players themselves, or set through a player preference
5 achieve a bonus goal, or bonuses where the non-triggering player can place a side bet on whether implemented with each player's turn. In addition, the number of gaming sessions per turn may the triggering player reaches a certain bonus threshold. In some embodiments, a non-triggering wagering turns after each gaming session, multiple gaming sessions by each player may be player may be able to participate in an interactive bonus, but the credits earned by the non- Although the above operational example indicates that player 1 and player 2 switch 30 triggering player will be added to the triggering player’s credit meter. That is, the interactive and the button illumination and activation procedure may be reversed.
completed a gaming session, the player indicator 240 may again indicate that it is player 1's turn bonus may allow both players to be involved in a bonus while only providing credits to a
30 triggering one of the players. In other embodiments, an interactive bonus may be configured so appear on only one portion of the display 320. On the other hand, soft buttons 365A, 365B that that when one player triggers the bonus, the other player plays the bonus. The credits awarded in Some soft buttons 329 that are not used in wagering, or rarely used, such as a "help button" may the bonus may still be credited to the triggering player’s credit meter. The interactive bonus 321, such as banners may be displayed using both portions 325A and 325B of the display 320. 5 procedure is described in additional detail below with reference to FIG. 9 and exemplary dual- may be carried out on the full display screen 320. Additionally, common player information 2024200063
player interactive bonuses are described below with reference to FIGs. 10A-10C. 315B may be separate, a cooperative bonus triggered by either player or the gaming device 300
25 As mentioned above, it may be advantageous to have player score meters 460A and 460B dual-player interactive bonuses. Thus, while the base games at each player station 315A and to keep track of the players wagering results. The scoring may be based primarily on the total players. Additionally, second screen bonuses may be conducted as single screen cooperative or wins for each player. Other scoring, besides total win, could be kept, however. Such scoring capability may be useful in displaying "see pays" or "help screens" that are useful to both 10 could be win based, but not based on total win, or could be based on activity other than wins. partition. That is, the display 320 may be capable of displaying single screen images. This For example, some scoring/award could be offered if both players achieve specific outcomes and the second gaming station 315B. The partitioning of the display 320 may be only a virtual
20 back to back. In another version players could work in tandem to accomplish a specific goal, and the second display portion 325B respectively correspond to the first gaming station 315A such as completing a bonus game. In another version, scoring could be determined by how much a first display portion 325A and a second display portion 325B. The first display portion 325A each player won as a percentage of total wagers made. For example, if Mary wins $130 on $170 Referring to FIG. 6, the gaming device 300 includes a display 320 that is partitioned into 15 of wagers, her score is 130/170 * 100 = 76. Ted wins $150 on $210 wagered but has a score of procedures may instill a sense of competition between friendly players. 150/210 * 100 = 71, therefore Mary wins even though Ted won more in jackpots. These scoring 150/210 * 100 = 71, therefore Mary wins even though Ted won more in jackpots. These scoring
15 procedures may instill a sense of competition between friendly players. of wagers, her score is 130/170 * 100 = 76. Ted wins $150 on $210 wagered but has a score of Referring to FIG. 6, the gaming device 300 includes a display 320 that is partitioned into each player won as a percentage of total wagers made. For example, if Mary wins $130 on $170 a first display portion 325A and a second display portion 325B. The first display portion 325A such as completing a bonus game. In another version, scoring could be determined by how much 20 and the second display portion 325B respectively correspond to the first gaming station 315A back to back. In another version players could work in tandem to accomplish a specific goal, and the second gaming station 315B. The partitioning of the display 320 may be only a virtual For example, some scoring/award could be offered if both players achieve specific outcomes
10 partition. That is, the display 320 may be capable of displaying single screen images. This could be win based, but not based on total win, or could be based on activity other than wins. capability may be useful in displaying “see pays” or “help screens” that are useful to both wins for each player. Other scoring, besides total win, could be kept, however. Such scoring players. Additionally, second screen bonuses may be conducted as single screen cooperative or to keep track of the players wagering results. The scoring may be based primarily on the total 25 dual-player interactive bonuses. Thus, while the base games at each player station 315A and As mentioned above, it may be advantageous to have player score meters 460A and 460B 315B may be separate, a cooperative bonus triggered by either player or the gaming device 300 player interactive bonuses are described below with reference to FIGs. 10A-10C.
5 may be carried out on the full display screen 320. Additionally, common player information procedure is described in additional detail below with reference to FIG. 9 and exemplary dual- 321, such as banners may be displayed using both portions 325A and 325B of the display 320. the bonus may still be credited to the triggering player's credit meter. The interactive bonus Some soft buttons 329 that are not used in wagering, or rarely used, such as a “help button” may that when one player triggers the bonus, the other player plays the bonus. The credits awarded in 30 appear on only one portion of the display 320. On the other hand, soft buttons 365A, 365B that triggering one of the players. In other embodiments, an interactive bonus may be configured SO
39 bonus may allow both players to be involved in a bonus while only providing credits to a are used during wagering, such as a “spin” button may appear on each portion 325A and 325B of
30 the display 320. Again, each player interface panel of each gaming station 315A and 315B may player station 315A and a second player station 315B, a first player at the first player station include game buttons 332A, 332B and game initiating buttons 333A, 333B. the outcomes of the gaming sessions. For example, in a gaming station 300 that includes a first As shown in FIG. 6, each player station 315A, 315B may have a respective credit meter substantially simultaneously by allowing each of the multiple players to place multiple bets on 5 360A, 360B. Having separate credit meters 315A, 315B may allow players who play at different Some embodiments may take advantage of having gaming sessions configured to occur 2024200063
speeds or use different wagering amounts to use equal shares of any inputted credits. For timing.
25 example, if 5000 credits were input into the gaming device 300 and split evenly between the two session on the player stations 315A, 315B may be substantially independent of each other in players, each player would have 2500 credits to wager. This may prevent a situation on a to allow each player to play at a rate that is comfortable to them. In other words, each gaming common credit meter where a player playing max bet uses a larger percentage of the credits on directly compared between the players. Alternatively, the gaming device 300 may be configured 10 the common credit meter than another player who is playing less than max bet. Additional competition between players since the outcome of each gaming session can be immediately and details about splitting credits input into the gaming device 300 are discussed below with respective gaming station 315A, 315B. This configuration may be preferable to heighten
20 reference to FIGs. 8A-8C. gaming sessions substantially simultaneously after each player has placed a wager at their In operation, the gaming device 300 using a partitioned display 320 may allow each playing a similar type of game, the gaming device 300 may be configured to carry out the player to wager on separate base games. In some embodiments, the base games may be similar on the second player station 315B may choose to play a video keno game. If the players are 15 in theme. In other embodiments, however, each player may have the opportunity to select a station 315A may choose to play a video slot machine with a tropical theme while another player theme they would like to play on their player station. For example, a player on the first player theme they would like to play on their player station. For example, a player on the first player
15 station 315A may choose to play a video slot machine with a tropical theme while another player in theme. In other embodiments, however, each player may have the opportunity to select a on the second player station 315B may choose to play a video keno game. If the players are player to wager on separate base games. In some embodiments, the base games may be similar playing a similar type of game, the gaming device 300 may be configured to carry out the In operation, the gaming device 300 using a partitioned display 320 may allow each 20 gaming sessions substantially simultaneously after each player has placed a wager at their reference to FIGs. 8A-8C. respective gaming station 315A, 315B. This configuration may be preferable to heighten details about splitting credits input into the gaming device 300 are discussed below with
10 competition between players since the outcome of each gaming session can be immediately and the common credit meter than another player who is playing less than max bet. Additional directly compared between the players. Alternatively, the gaming device 300 may be configured common credit meter where a player playing max bet uses a larger percentage of the credits on to allow each player to play at a rate that is comfortable to them. In other words, each gaming players, each player would have 2500 credits to wager. This may prevent a situation on a 25 session on the player stations 315A, 315B may be substantially independent of each other in example, if 5000 credits were input into the gaming device 300 and split evenly between the two timing. speeds or use different wagering amounts to use equal shares of any inputted credits. For
5 Some embodiments may take advantage of having gaming sessions configured to occur 360A, 360B. Having separate credit meters 315A, 315B may allow players who play at different substantially simultaneously by allowing each of the multiple players to place multiple bets on As shown in FIG. 6, each player station 315A, 315B may have a respective credit meter the outcomes of the gaming sessions. For example, in a gaming station 300 that includes a first include game buttons 332A, 332B and game initiating buttons 333A, 333B. 30 player station 315A and a second player station 315B, a first player at the first player station the display 320. Again, each player interface panel of each gaming station 315A and 315B may
are used during wagering, such as a "spin" button may appear on each portion 325A and 325B of
315A may be able to place a wager on the game outcome at the first player station 315A and on 25 the game at the second player station 315B. Additionally, the first player may be able to place an Some casinos may find it more advantageous to limit the types of wagers that can be made on the
additional The wager gamingon the better device of the 300 may be two game outcomes configured to allow at theor some first alland of second player stations these possible wagers.
315A and 315B. When making a wager on the better of the two game outcomes, the amount of 5 the wager Player 2 may be 2 higher than a wager on a single gaming 2+A 2+1 station because of 1+the 2+1+A A better odds 1 2024200063
afforded to the player. Player 1 2 1+2 + A 2+A 1+2+A 1
In other embodiments, each of the first and second players may beBetter Better limited to placing Wager only Station Station Station Stations one wager, butPlayer may have Player several options as to where Player and how Player they placeStation Station & that wager. & For Combo example, a firstOwn player at aOther first playerBetter station 315ABoth may place Own the wager on the game Super Other outcome at 10 the first player station 315A, on the game outcome at the second player station 315B, or on the Table 1: better of the two game outcomes at the first and second player station 315A, 315B. Again, the
20 wager on the better of the two game outcomes may require an additional wager amount or side from the first and second player stations 315A, 315B): bet to be made. In these embodiments, it may still be preferable to have the gaming sessions 1 below sets out each of these options (the symbol "A" means the better of the game outcomes occur substantially simultaneously so that the wagering and game outcomes are relatively gaming device 300 when the gaming device 300 includes two player stations 315A, 315B. Table 15 synchronized. may result in each player having up to seven different possible wagers that may be made at the Implementing a gaming device 300 to include each of the wagering possibilities above Implementing a gaming device 300 to include each of the wagering possibilities above may result in 15 synchronized. each player having up to seven different possible wagers that may be made at the gaming device 300 when the gaming device 300 includes two player stations 315A, 315B. Table occur substantially simultaneously SO that the wagering and game outcomes are relatively 1 below sets out each of these options (the symbol “Δ” means the better of the game outcomes bet to be made. In these embodiments, it may still be preferable to have the gaming sessions 20 from the first and second player stations 315A, 315B): wager on the better of the two game outcomes may require an additional wager amount or side
better of the two game outcomes at the first and second player station 315A, 315B. Again, the
10 Table 1: the first player station 315A, on the game outcome at the second player station 315B, or on the Own Other Better Both Own Other Super example, a first player at a first player station 315A may place the wager on the game outcome at Player Player Player Player Station & Station & one wager, but may have several options as to where and how they place that wager. For Combo Station Station Station Stations Better Better Wager In other embodiments, each of the first and second players may be limited to placing only
Player 1 1 2 Δ 1+2 1+Δ 2+Δ 1+2+Δ afforded to the player.
5 Player 2 2 1 Δ 2+1 2+Δ 1+ Δ the wager may be higher than a wager on a single gaming station because of the better odds 2+1+Δ
315A and 315B. When making a wager on the better of the two game outcomes, the amount of
The gaming device 300 may be configured to allow some or all of these possible wagers. additional wager on the better of the two game outcomes at the first and second player stations
25 Some casinos may find it more advantageous to limit the types of wagers that can be made on the the game at the second player station 315B. Additionally, the first player may be able to place an
315A may be able to place a wager on the game outcome at the first player station 315A and on gaming device 300 to avoid player confusion, while other casinos may choose to allow all of the
30 different types of wagers to give players a wide variety of wagering options at the gaming the option to 'hold' different cards before the draw. This embodiment may enhance the device. Having a wide variety of wagering options may make the gaming device more appealing In another embodiment, players could be given identical hands in video poker, but have to experienced players because of the different wagering combinations possible. Further, giving additional bonus may be given to each player. 5 players the ability to place multiple wagers may allow players to place larger bets when they feel both display portions 325A, 325B a predetermined number of times (e.g., six or more times), an 2024200063
that one player station or both player stations are “hot.” For example, if a player at the second In another example, if a scatter symbol, such as the boomerang symbols in FIG. 6 appeared on
25 player station 315B acquires several winning outcomes in a row, the player at the first player a combined five symbol cherry pay on a super pay line using both player stations 315A, 315B. station 315A may wish to place a wager on the outcome at the second player station 315B since cherry symbol on a middle pay line (see FIG. 6, for example), a bonus could be given for getting it appears that the second player station may be “hot” or on a winning streak. pay line and reels 1 and 2 of the second player station 315B (the right gaming station) have a 10 In some embodiments the base games at each player station 315A, 315B may be linked. and 5 of the first player station 315A (the left gaming station) have a cherry symbol on a middle For example, in a video slot embodiment, the gaming sessions may be configured to initiate reels from both of the player stations 315A, 315B are used in a win. For example, if reels 3, 4,
20 substantially simultaneously so that the reel spins at each player station are substantially five symbol pay). The super line pay / super scatter pay bonuses may include situations where synchronized. After all of the reels have stopped, additional bonus pays may be given to the credits), or each player has a certain number of symbols in a win (e.g., both player 1 and 2 have a players for having similar winning combinations or for having a super line pay / super scatter each player has over a certain win amount (e.g., both player 1 and 2 have win totals over 500 15 pay. The similar winning combination bonuses may include situations where each player has a pay), each player has a certain number of wins (e.g., both player 1 and 2 have 4 paying lines), line pay including the same symbols (e.g., both player 1 and player 2 have a three symbol cherry line pay including the same symbols (e.g., both player 1 and player 2 have a three symbol cherry
15 pay), each player has a certain number of wins (e.g., both player 1 and 2 have 4 paying lines), pay. The similar winning combination bonuses may include situations where each player has a each player has over a certain win amount (e.g., both player 1 and 2 have win totals over 500 players for having similar winning combinations or for having a super line pay / super scatter credits), or each player has a certain number of symbols in a win (e.g., both player 1 and 2 have a synchronized. After all of the reels have stopped, additional bonus pays may be given to the 20 five symbol pay). The super line pay / super scatter pay bonuses may include situations where substantially simultaneously SO that the reel spins at each player station are substantially reels from both of the player stations 315A, 315B are used in a win. For example, if reels 3, 4, For example, in a video slot embodiment, the gaming sessions may be configured to initiate
10 and 5 ofInthe first player station 315A (the left gaming station) have a cherry symbol on a middle some embodiments the base games at each player station 315A, 315B may be linked. pay line and reels 1 and 2 of the second player station 315B (the right gaming station) have a it appears that the second player station may be "hot" or on a winning streak. cherry symbol on a middle pay line (see FIG. 6, for example), a bonus could be given for getting station 315A may wish to place a wager on the outcome at the second player station 315B since 25 a combined five symbol cherry pay on a super pay line using both player stations 315A, 315B. player station 315B acquires several winning outcomes in a row, the player at the first player In another example, if a scatter symbol, such as the boomerang symbols in FIG. 6 appeared on that one player station or both player stations are "hot." For example, if a player at the second
5 both display portions 325A, 325B a predetermined number of times (e.g., six or more times), an players the ability to place multiple wagers may allow players to place larger bets when they feel additional bonus may be given to each player. to experienced players because of the different wagering combinations possible. Further, giving In another embodiment, players could be given identical hands in video poker, but have device. Having a wide variety of wagering options may make the gaming device more appealing 30 the option to ‘hold’ different cards before the draw. This embodiment may enhance the different types of wagers to give players a wide variety of wagering options at the gaming
gaming device 300 to avoid player confusion, while other casinos may choose to allow all of the competitive nature of the game since the players will be given equal initial cards; thus relying on their personal strategy of card holding to determine which player ends up with more credits. In some embodiments, the redraws for each hand may be from the same deck and hence may differ only by the specific cards held by each player. For example, if each player were initially given a 5 20 hand of “Jack” “10” “4” “6” “4”, and player 1 decided to hold the “Jack” and draw for the other in Table 3. 2024200063 four cards, while player 2 decided to hold the two “4”s and draw three cards, the result may look similar example as above, the results of this embodiment may look something like that illustrated something like that illustrated in Table 2. the initial hand is the same, but each 'hand' draws from a different deck of cards. Using a to multi-hand poker games, such as DOUBLE PLAY POKER or TRIPLE PLAY POKER where
Table the 2: shown after the draw may come from separate decks. This embodiment is more similar cards
15 Card #1 Card #2 Card #3 Card #4 Card #5 In other embodiments, however, while the initial cards may be the same for each player,
Player #1 Jack (held) which cards to hold before the draw. 10 4 6 4 Player #2 may provide embodiment Jackcompetition that 10 varies only 4 (held) 6 decisions4 regarding by each player's (held) Player #1 – Jack (held) 8 4 Jack Queen is, on the draw the cards "8" "4" "Jack" "Queen" were dealt in that order to each player. This
After Draw Note that the same cards in the same order were given to each player in this embodiment. That
10 Player #2 – 8 4 4 (held) Jack 4 (held) After Draw After Draw
10 Player #2 - 8 4 4 (held) Jack 4 (held)
Note that After Drawthe same cards in the same order were given to each player in this embodiment. That is, on the Player #1 draw - the cards Jack “8” (held) “4” “Jack” 8 “Queen” were 4 dealt in that order to eachQueen Jack player. This embodiment Player #2 may provide Jack competition 10 that varies4 only by each player’s (held) 6 decisions regarding 4 (held)
which cards to hold Player #1 Jack before (held) the draw.10 4 6 4
15 In other embodiments, Card #1 however, Card #2while the initial Card #3 cards may Cardbe#4 the sameCard for each #5 player,
the cards shown after the draw may come from separate decks. This embodiment is more similar Table 2:
to multi-hand poker games, such as DOUBLE PLAY POKER or TRIPLE PLAY POKER where the initial hand is the same, but each ‘hand’ draws from a different deck of cards. Using a something like that illustrated in Table 2.
similar example as above, the results of this embodiment may look something like that illustrated four cards, while player 2 decided to hold the two "4"s and draw three cards, the result may look
20 5 in Table 3. hand of "Jack" "10" "4" "6" "4", and player 1 decided to hold the "Jack" and draw for the other
only by the specific cards held by each player. For example, if each player were initially given a
some embodiments, the redraws for each hand may be from the same deck and hence may differ
their personal strategy of card holding to determine which player ends up with more credits. In
43 competitive nature of the game since the players will be given equal initial cards; thus relying on
Table 3: Card #1 Card #2 Card #3 Card #4 Card #5 player 1 makes the choice to switch hands. On the other hand, if player 1 chooses to keep his or
Player #1 Jack (held) 10 4 6 hands for the next game. Thus, in the example above, the indicator 240 may point to player 2 if4 Player #2 Jack 10 4 (held) 6 4 (held) result in the indicator 240 changing to show that another player has the choice of switching
20 Player may #1cards hold – Jack and (held) draw 2 embodiments, cards. In some Queen 7 to switch Jack making the choice hands may 2024200063
After Draw poker hands on the respective gaming stations may be switched, after which time each player
Player #2 – King 4 4 (held) King 4 (held) maintaining their current hand may occur. If player 1 chooses to switch hands with player 2, the
After Draw time limit in which player 1 must make a decision or a default action, such as each player
prompted to keep his or her existing hand, or switch cards with player 2. There may also be a
15 Note that different cards are given to each player on the draw (although it is statistically possible the indicator shows that player 1 has the choice to switch the initial hands, player 1 may be
in this embodiment that both players receive the same cards). That is, player 1 receives the cards which of the players has the choice of switching the initially dealt poker hands. For example, if
5 “2” “Queen” “7” “Jack” on the draw while player 2 receives the cards “King” “4” “King” on the embodiments, an indicator, such as an arrow 240 (FIG. 5) may be implemented to illustrate
draw. This embodiment may allow for larger differences in the credits earned by each player, player prior to allowing the players to hold cards and draw replacement cards. In some of these
because each player will have different decks to draw from. Hence, even if two players hold the poker hand and allow at least one of the players the option of switching hands with another
10 same cards from In yet the embodiments, other initial hand, they maypoker a video end up with game different may final deal each handsa and player different separate credit or unique
awards. awards.
10 In yet other embodiments, a video poker game may deal each player a separate or unique same cards from the initial hand, they may end up with different final hands and different credit
poker hand and allow at least one of the players the option of switching hands with another because each player will have different decks to draw from. Hence, even if two players hold the
player prior to allowing the players to hold cards and draw replacement cards. In some of these draw. This embodiment may allow for larger differences in the credits earned by each player,
5 embodiments, "2" "Queen" "7"an"Jack" indicator, such on the as an draw arrow while 240 2(FIG. player 5) may receives thebe implemented cards to "King" "King" "4" illustrate on the
which of the players has the choice of switching the initially dealt poker hands. For example, if in this embodiment that both players receive the same cards). That is, player 1 receives the cards
15 the indicator shows that player 1 has the choice to switch the initial hands, player 1 may be Note that different cards are given to each player on the draw (although it is statistically possible
prompted to keep his or her existing hand, or switch cards with player 2. There may also be a time limit After Draw in which player 1 must make a decision or a default action, such as each player maintaining Player #2 - their current King hand may occur. 4 If player 1 chooses to switch 4 (held) King hands with player 2, the 4 (held)
poker Draw After hands on the respective gaming stations may be switched, after which time each player 20 may hold Player #1 cards - and Jack draw (held)cards. In some 2 embodiments, Queen making the7choice to switch Jackhands may
result in#2the Player indicator 240 changing to Jack 10 show that 4another (held) player has 6the choice of switching 4 (held)
hands for the next Player #1 game. Jack (held)Thus, in the 10 example above, 4 the indicator 6240 may point 4to player 2 if
player 1 makes the choice Card #1 to switch Cardhands. #2 On the other Card #3 hand, if player Card #4 1 chooses Cardto #5 keep his or
Table 3: her dealt hand, the indicator may continue to point to player 1. In other words, the ability to
30 switch hands may only change to another player when the player currently with the switching bidding. Additionally, in embodiments where only the highest bidding player has to front the ability makes the choice to switch hands. In other embodiments, however, the indicator may As the stakes go higher, it may become more risky for each of the players to continue betting or switch between players each hand regardless of whether a player uses a hand switching choice or option to up the side bet, while the second player may again be given another chance to match. 5 not. Alternatively, a player may get multiple choices (either a set number of turns or a number of exceed the first player's side bet to prevent the switch. The first player may then be given the 2024200063
times actually using the switch choice) before the indicator changes to another player. occurs or not. That is, if a first player attempts to buy a switch, a second player may match or
25 If the indicator only changes to another player when the player uses the option of embodiments may allow a bidding game between the two players as to whether a hand-switch switching initial hands, some strategy may be employed by the player to determine when to may be put in a common pot and won by the player with the better final hand. In addition, some switch hands. For example, if the player’s initial hand is significantly better, about equal, or from the first player trying to buy the switching option. In this scenario, each player's side bet 10 even a little worse than the other player’s initial hand, that player may choose to play their own bet bet. In other embodiments, the other player may place a similar side bet to "block" the side hand and use the hand-switching option during a later gaming event. However, in some are sharing a common credit meter, additional points may be risked instead of credits for the side
20 embodiments, there may be a set limit on how long a player can hold the switching option. This they lose those credits to the other player. If the gaming device is configured SO that the players set limit may be based on time or number of games played. However, if that player opts to buy the switching option and ends up not having the better hand, In yet another embodiment, each player may have the option to place a side bet or buy the hand, the side bet turns into a wash because they simply get the credits back from the side bet. 15 switching option. This additional side bet may be included in a common pool or pot that is Therefore, if one player opts to buy the switching option and ends up having the better final awarded to the player with the better final hand (i.e., the hand after the draw has been made). awarded to the player with the better final hand (i.e., the hand after the draw has been made).
15 Therefore, if one player opts to buy the switching option and ends up having the better final switching option. This additional side bet may be included in a common pool or pot that is hand, the side bet turns into a wash because they simply get the credits back from the side bet. In yet another embodiment, each player may have the option to place a side bet or buy the However, if that player opts to buy the switching option and ends up not having the better hand, set limit may be based on time or number of games played. 20 they lose those credits to the other player. If the gaming device is configured so that the players embodiments, there may be a set limit on how long a player can hold the switching option. This are sharing a common credit meter, additional points may be risked instead of credits for the side hand and use the hand-switching option during a later gaming event. However, in some
10 bet. In other embodiments, the other player may place a similar side bet to “block” the side bet even a little worse than the other player's initial hand, that player may choose to play their own from the first player trying to buy the switching option. In this scenario, each player’s side bet switch hands. For example, if the player's initial hand is significantly better, about equal, or may be put in a common pot and won by the player with the better final hand. In addition, some switching initial hands, some strategy may be employed by the player to determine when to 25 embodiments may allow a bidding game between the two players as to whether a hand-switch If the indicator only changes to another player when the player uses the option of occurs or not. That is, if a first player attempts to buy a switch, a second player may match or times actually using the switch choice) before the indicator changes to another player.
5 exceed the first player’s side bet to prevent the switch. The first player may then be given the not. Alternatively, a player may get multiple choices (either a set number of turns or a number of option to up the side bet, while the second player may again be given another chance to match. switch between players each hand regardless of whether a player uses a hand switching choice or As the stakes go higher, it may become more risky for each of the players to continue betting or ability makes the choice to switch hands. In other embodiments, however, the indicator may 30 bidding. Additionally, in embodiments where only the highest bidding player has to front the switch hands may only change to another player when the player currently with the switching
her dealt hand, the indicator may continue to point to player 1. In other words, the ability to credits (i.e., risk credits in the common pot), the bidding part of the game may become even
30 more competitive. There may be a bid cap to prevent players from bidding too many credits side bet pool and an event happens that was wagered upon in the pool, the player who won the and/or substantially slowing down game play. If there is a cap on the bidding or the gaming a better payback percentage after fifty gaming events, etc. After each player contributes to the device is configured to only allow one side bet and one reciprocal side bet to block, the blocking stake first, who gets the most hands above a straight in a predetermined amount of time, who has 5 player may have final say over whether a switch is made or not made. That is, if a first player amount of time, who wins a total of $100.00 first, who runs out of credits from an initial credit 2024200063
attempts to buy a switch by placing a side bet, the second player may block the side bet by a 500 credit pay first, who triggers a bonus first, who has a higher score after a predetermined
25 matching the first player’s side bet. Here, the side bet credits may be returned to each player, player's success or failure. For example, the players may be able to place a side bet on who wins may be placed in a common pot awarded to the player with a higher final hand, or may be the gaming device such that each player can wager on their respective success or even the other partially returned and partially entered into a common pot awarded to the player with a higher competition among the players. In some embodiments, a side bet pot or pool may be set up on 10 final hand. By having at least a portion of the side bet entered into a common pot awarded to the Separate side bets may also be made regarding any aspect of gaming to increase the player with the higher final hand, the first player may only attempt to switch initial hands when to the casino or gaming establishment.
20 the hands are similarly matched. For example, if the second player has a much better hand, such is made. In other embodiments, a portion of the side bets made by each player may be allocated as drawing an initial flush while the first player has five random cards, the first player may notbet either placing a side bet to switch hands and/or placing a blocking side bet if a switching side risk trying to buy a switch because the second player would likely block the switch by placing a three other low cards), then the first and second player have an interesting decision to make in 15 similar side bet and likely winning the first player’s side bet amount if the flush ends up beating drawing an ace (with four lower cards) and the second player drawing a pair of low cards (with whatever the first player draws. However, if the initial hands are closer, such as the first player whatever the first player draws. However, if the initial hands are closer, such as the first player
15 drawing an ace (with four lower cards) and the second player drawing a pair of low cards (with similar side bet and likely winning the first player's side bet amount if the flush ends up beating three other low cards), then the first and second player have an interesting decision to make in risk trying to buy a switch because the second player would likely block the switch by placing a either placing a side bet to switch hands and/or placing a blocking side bet if a switching side bet as drawing an initial flush while the first player has five random cards, the first player may not 20 is made. In other embodiments, a portion of the side bets made by each player may be allocated the hands are similarly matched. For example, if the second player has a much better hand, such to the casino or gaming establishment. player with the higher final hand, the first player may only attempt to switch initial hands when
10 Separate side bets may also be made regarding any aspect of gaming to increase the final hand. By having at least a portion of the side bet entered into a common pot awarded to the competition among the players. In some embodiments, a side bet pot or pool may be set up on partially returned and partially entered into a common pot awarded to the player with a higher the gaming device such that each player can wager on their respective success or even the other may be placed in a common pot awarded to the player with a higher final hand, or may be 25 player’s success or failure. For example, the players may be able to place a side bet on who wins matching the first player's side bet. Here, the side bet credits may be returned to each player, a 500 credit pay first, who triggers a bonus first, who has a higher score after a predetermined attempts to buy a switch by placing a side bet, the second player may block the side bet by
5 amount of time, who wins a total of $100.00 first, who runs out of credits from an initial credit player may have final say over whether a switch is made or not made. That is, if a first player stake first, who gets the most hands above a straight in a predetermined amount of time, who has device is configured to only allow one side bet and one reciprocal side bet to block, the blocking a better payback percentage after fifty gaming events, etc. After each player contributes to the and/or substantially slowing down game play. If there is a cap on the bidding or the gaming 30 side bet pool and an event happens that was wagered upon in the pool, the player who won the more competitive. There may be a bid cap to prevent players from bidding too many credits
46 credits (i.e., risk credits in the common pot), the bidding part of the game may become even side bet may be awarded the total amount of the side bet pool. In other embodiments, however,
30 the gaming device may deduct a small “handling” or “administrative” fee from the pool before displays 420A, 420B, however, may allow for different types of competitive bonuses. For awarding the remainder to the winning player. above with respect to the partitioned display 320 illustrated in FIG. 6. The separation of the Different embodiments may allow player’s to “buy” a duplicate of the other player’s Bonuses may be implemented in a substantially similar manner to the bonuses described 5 initial hand. This additional wager or side bet may be made before the initial hands are shown, the players. 2024200063
or in some embodiments, may be allowed after the initial hand is shown or a potion of the initial score meter 470A, 470B on each display 420A, 420B to keep the sense of competition between
25 hand is shown. In embodiments where the side bet is allowed after the initial hand is displayed, more comfortable with the display layout. However, it may be preferable to include a player the ability to place such a side bet to buy a duplicate hand may be restricted to situations where conventional gaming device displays (e.g., be less cluttered) allowing experienced players to feel the initial hand does not include a winning combination of cards or a winning combination of 420B may be advantageous in that the layout of the displays may more closely resemble 10 cards above a specific value (e.g., a combination with a pay above the amount of the side bet). The more individualized nature of these embodiments having separate displays 420A, Referring to FIG. 7, the gaming device 400 includes a first display 420A and a second separate game initiating buttons 433A, 433B.
20 display 420B. The first and second displays 420A and 420B are separate displays that are 465B. Again, each player station 415A, 415B includes separate game buttons 432A, 432B and spaced apart on the gaming device 400. This spacing may be very small so that the first and information may include individual credit meters 460A, 460B and individual soft buttons 465A, second display 420A and 420B can show image portions 425A, 425B corresponding to a full more individualized player information on each display 420A, 420B. This individualized player 15 image displayed across both displays, or the spacing may be relatively large to provide improved the single partitioned display 320 in FIG. 6, the multiple displays 420A and 420B may have viewing angles and comfort at the individual gaming stations 415A and 415B. As compared to viewing angles and comfort at the individual gaming stations 415A and 415B. As compared to
15 the single partitioned display 320 in FIG. 6, the multiple displays 420A and 420B may have image displayed across both displays, or the spacing may be relatively large to provide improved more individualized player information on each display 420A, 420B. This individualized player second display 420A and 420B can show image portions 425A, 425B corresponding to a full information may include individual credit meters 460A, 460B and individual soft buttons 465A, spaced apart on the gaming device 400. This spacing may be very small SO that the first and 20 465B. Again, each player station 415A, 415B includes separate game buttons 432A, 432B and display 420B. The first and second displays 420A and 420B are separate displays that are separate game initiating buttons 433A, 433B. Referring to FIG. 7, the gaming device 400 includes a first display 420A and a second
10 The more individualized nature of these embodiments having separate displays 420A, cards above a specific value (e.g., a combination with a pay above the amount of the side bet). 420B may be advantageous in that the layout of the displays may more closely resemble of the initial hand does not include a winning combination of cards or a winning combination conventional gaming device displays (e.g., be less cluttered) allowing experienced players to feel the ability to place such a side bet to buy a duplicate hand may be restricted to situations where 25 more comfortable with the display layout. However, it may be preferable to include a player hand is shown. In embodiments where the side bet is allowed after the initial hand is displayed, score meter 470A, 470B on each display 420A, 420B to keep the sense of competition between or in some embodiments, may be allowed after the initial hand is shown or a potion of the initial
5 the players. initial hand. This additional wager or side bet may be made before the initial hands are shown, Bonuses may be implemented in a substantially similar manner to the bonuses described Different embodiments may allow player's to "buy" a duplicate of the other player's above with respect to the partitioned display 320 illustrated in FIG. 6. The separation of the awarding the remainder to the winning player. 30 displays 420A, 420B, however, may allow for different types of competitive bonuses. For the gaming device may deduct a small "handling" or "administrative" fee from the pool before
side bet may be awarded the total amount of the side bet pool. In other embodiments, however, example, if a temporary or permanent physical partition 490 is positioned between the displays
30 420A, 420B, bonuses requiring strategy against the other player may be advantageously and score points, any credits won from these bonuses will be transferred (599) to the common implemented. For example, a bonus requiring the matching of turned-over cards (e.g., a dual-player interactive bonuses) where both player 1 and player 2 are eligible to receive credits positional-memory type of game) may be preferably implemented in a gaming device 400 having If the gaming device is configured to include shared bonuses (i.e., cooperative bonuses or 5 separated displays 420A, 420B where the players are competing against each other for the player 2's wager may also increment player 2's score (522). 2024200063
highest bonus score. In another example, a Battle Ship® styled bonus may be implemented If the gaming device is configured to record a player score, a winning gaming session based on
25 where players compete against each other for varying bonus award levels. Similarly, in the gaming session, the award won by player 2 is transferred back (525) to the common credit meter. linked video poker competition described above, it may be preferable to have separated displays again simply forfeited. If player 2, however, receives a winning combination in his or her 420A, 420B to obfuscate a poker holding strategy. the common credit meter. If the wager placed by player 2 does not result in a win, the credits are 10 FIGs. 8A, 8B, and 8C are flow diagrams of credit sharing procedures according to Similarly, when player 2 places a wager (520), the amount of the wager is deducted from embodiments of the invention. FIG. 8A illustrates a credit sharing procedure utilizing a common based on player 1's wager may also increment player 1's score (512).
20 credit meter, FIG. 8B illustrates a credit sharing procedure utilizing primary and secondary credit meter. If the gaming device is configured to record a player score, a winning gaming session meters, and FIG. 8C illustrates a credit sharing procedure utilizing separate credit meters. her gaming session, the award won by player 1 is transferred back (515) to the common credit Referring to FIG. 8A, the credit sharing procedure utilizing a common credit meter places a conventional gaming device. If player 1, however, receives a winning combination in his or 15 credits input into the gaming device (500) in the common credit meter. When player 1 places a placed by player 1 does not result in a win, the credits are simply forfeited in a similar manner to wager (510), the amount of the wager is deducted from the common credit meter. If the wager wager (510), the amount of the wager is deducted from the common credit meter. If the wager
15 placed by player 1 does not result in a win, the credits are simply forfeited in a similar manner to credits input into the gaming device (500) in the common credit meter. When player 1 places a a conventional gaming device. If player 1, however, receives a winning combination in his or Referring to FIG. 8A, the credit sharing procedure utilizing a common credit meter places her gaming session, the award won by player 1 is transferred back (515) to the common credit meters, and FIG. 8C illustrates a credit sharing procedure utilizing separate credit meters. 20 meter. If the gaming device is configured to record a player score, a winning gaming session credit meter, FIG. 8B illustrates a credit sharing procedure utilizing primary and secondary credit based on player 1’s wager may also increment player 1’s score (512). embodiments of the invention. FIG. 8A illustrates a credit sharing procedure utilizing a common
10 Similarly, when player 2 places a wager (520), the amount of the wager is deducted from FIGs. 8A, 8B, and 8C are flow diagrams of credit sharing procedures according to the common credit meter. If the wager placed by player 2 does not result in a win, the credits are 420A, 420B to obfuscate a poker holding strategy. again simply forfeited. If player 2, however, receives a winning combination in his or her linked video poker competition described above, it may be preferable to have separated displays 25 gaming session, the award won by player 2 is transferred back (525) to the common credit meter. where players compete against each other for varying bonus award levels. Similarly, in the If the gaming device is configured to record a player score, a winning gaming session based on highest bonus score. In another example, a Battle Ship styled bonus may be implemented
5 player 2’s wager may also increment player 2’s score (522). separated displays 420A, 420B where the players are competing against each other for the If the gaming device is configured to include shared bonuses (i.e., cooperative bonuses or positional-memory type of game) may be preferably implemented in a gaming device 400 having dual-player interactive bonuses) where both player 1 and player 2 are eligible to receive credits implemented. For example, a bonus requiring the matching of turned-over cards (e.g., a 30 and score points, any credits won from these bonuses will be transferred (599) to the common 420A, 420B, bonuses requiring strategy against the other player may be advantageously
48 example, if a temporary or permanent physical partition 490 is positioned between the displays credit meter and the player scores will be incremented accordingly (585/595). These shared
30 bonuses can be triggered during a gaming session wagered on by either player 1 (580) or player meter (598). Credits won in the shared bonus that are attributed to player 2 may, depending on 2 (590). and score points, credits won that are attributed to player 1 are transferred to the primary credit As discussed above, a credit sharing procedure utilizing a common credit meter may be dual-player interactive bonuses) where both player 1 and player 2 are eligible to receive credits 5 preferable in embodiments where players are taking turns wagering on a common display (FIG. If the gaming device is configured to include shared bonuses (i.e., cooperative bonuses or 2024200063
5). In addition, a common credit meter may be preferable where the two players are playing with increment player 2's score meter (522).
25 jointly-owned money, such as with a husband and wife. A common credit meter may also foster back to the primary credit meter (521). In both type of embodiments, these wins by player 2 may a more cooperative player environment where each player is rooting for the other to do as well as meter (523). In other embodiments, however, these awards won by player 2 may be credited possible. This shared gaming experience is much more difficult to satisfyingly achieve with awards won by player 2 during the gaming session will be credited back to the secondary credit 10 conventional gaming devices. Even if separate player scores are kept, any competition will be placed by player 2 are deducted from the secondary credit meter (520). In some embodiments, friendlier because both players are working towards the common goal of increasing the number credit meter (515). In addition, these wins may increment player 1's score meter (512). Wagers
20 of credits on the common credit meter as much as possible. and any awards won by player 1 during the gaming session will be credited back to the primary Referring to FIG. 8B, the credit sharing procedure utilizing the primary and secondary In operation, wagers placed by player 1 are deducted from the primary credit meter (510) credit meters places credits input into the gaming device (500) in the primary credit meter. In the how many credits to pass along to the secondary credit meter (505), which is used by player 2. 15 embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8B, the primary credit meter is attributed to player 1. In other player 1 may be thought of as the pilot and player 2 as the copilot. That is, player 1 may decide embodiments, however, the primary credit mater may be attributed to any of the players. Here, embodiments, however, the primary credit mater may be attributed to any of the players. Here,
15 player 1 may be thought of as the pilot and player 2 as the copilot. That is, player 1 may decide embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8B, the primary credit meter is attributed to player 1. In other how many credits to pass along to the secondary credit meter (505), which is used by player 2. credit meters places credits input into the gaming device (500) in the primary credit meter. In the In operation, wagers placed by player 1 are deducted from the primary credit meter (510) Referring to FIG. 8B, the credit sharing procedure utilizing the primary and secondary 20 and any awards won by player 1 during the gaming session will be credited back to the primary of credits on the common credit meter as much as possible. credit meter (515). In addition, these wins may increment player 1’s score meter (512). Wagers friendlier because both players are working towards the common goal of increasing the number
10 placed by player 2 are deducted from the secondary credit meter (520). In some embodiments, conventional gaming devices. Even if separate player scores are kept, any competition will be awards won by player 2 during the gaming session will be credited back to the secondary credit possible. This shared gaming experience is much more difficult to satisfyingly achieve with meter (523). In other embodiments, however, these awards won by player 2 may be credited a more cooperative player environment where each player is rooting for the other to do as well as 25 back to the primary credit meter (521). In both type of embodiments, these wins by player 2 may jointly-owned money, such as with a husband and wife. A common credit meter may also foster increment player 2’s score meter (522). 5). In addition, a common credit meter may be preferable where the two players are playing with
5 If the gaming device is configured to include shared bonuses (i.e., cooperative bonuses or preferable in embodiments where players are taking turns wagering on a common display (FIG. dual-player interactive bonuses) where both player 1 and player 2 are eligible to receive credits As discussed above, a credit sharing procedure utilizing a common credit meter may be and score points, credits won that are attributed to player 1 are transferred to the primary credit 2 (590). 30 meter (598). Credits won in the shared bonus that are attributed to player 2 may, depending on bonuses can be triggered during a gaming session wagered on by either player 1 (580) or player
49 credit meter and the player scores will be incremented accordingly (585/595). These shared the embodiment of the gaming device, be transferred to the secondary credit meter (597) or to the primary credit meter (598). The player scores, however, may be incremented according to each of the player’s performance/results from the bonus (585/595). As mentioned above, these wagers placed by player 2 are deducted from the second credit meter (520) and any wins by shared bonuses can be triggered during a gaming session wagered on by either player 1 (580) or meter (515). In addition, these wins may increment player 1's score meter (512). Similarly, 5 player 2 (590). any awards won by player 1 during the gaming session will be credited back to the first credit 2024200063
This credit sharing procedure illustrated in FIG. 8B may be preferable when all money In operation, wagers placed by player 1 are deducted from the first credit meter (510) and
25 input into the gaming device belongs to the primary or pilot player. For example, if one of two automatically split awards according to the tracked contribution ratio. friends has already lost all of his or her daily budgeted money, the other friend may direct some embodiments, the gaming device may track the amounts contributed by each player and of his or her credits to the secondary credit meter so that the friends can still have a shared asking for the other player to input credits to increment the second credit meter (504). In these 10 gaming experience while the friend with the remaining money controls the amount loaned or may simply ask for one player to input credits to increment the first credit meter (502) before given to the other friend. This situation may be similar to a craps player allowing another player device to split the credits at a 5:1 ratio for player 1. In other embodiments, the gaming device
20 to place a “gift” $20 bet for having a favorable streak of dice rolling. player 1 contributes $100.00 and player 2 contributes $20.00, the players may set the gaming Referring to FIG. 8C, the credit sharing procedure utilizing separate credit meters between the players or the players may select how the credits should be split. For example, if automatically splits credits input into the gaming device (500) between a first credit meter (502) on additional gaming stations. The gaming device may be configured to split the credits equally 15 and a second credit meter (504). In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8C, the first credit meter embodiments, however, this attribution can be reversed or changed for additional players playing is attributed to the player 1 and the second credit meter is attributed to player 2. In other is attributed to the player 1 and the second credit meter is attributed to player 2. In other
15 embodiments, however, this attribution can be reversed or changed for additional players playing and a second credit meter (504). In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8C, the first credit meter on additional gaming stations. The gaming device may be configured to split the credits equally automatically splits credits input into the gaming device (500) between a first credit meter (502) between the players or the players may select how the credits should be split. For example, if Referring to FIG. 8C, the credit sharing procedure utilizing separate credit meters 20 player 1 contributes $100.00 and player 2 contributes $20.00, the players may set the gaming to place a "gift" $20 bet for having a favorable streak of dice rolling. device to split the credits at a 5:1 ratio for player 1. In other embodiments, the gaming device given to the other friend. This situation may be similar to a craps player allowing another player
10 may simply ask for one player to input credits to increment the first credit meter (502) before gaming experience while the friend with the remaining money controls the amount loaned or asking for the other player to input credits to increment the second credit meter (504). In these of his or her credits to the secondary credit meter SO that the friends can still have a shared embodiments, the gaming device may track the amounts contributed by each player and friends has already lost all of his or her daily budgeted money, the other friend may direct some 25 automatically split awards according to the tracked contribution ratio. input into the gaming device belongs to the primary or pilot player. For example, if one of two In operation, wagers placed by player 1 are deducted from the first credit meter (510) and This credit sharing procedure illustrated in FIG. 8B may be preferable when all money
5 any awards won by player 1 during the gaming session will be credited back to the first credit player 2 (590). meter (515). In addition, these wins may increment player 1’s score meter (512). Similarly, shared bonuses can be triggered during a gaming session wagered on by either player 1 (580) or wagers placed by player 2 are deducted from the second credit meter (520) and any wins by each of the player's performance/results from the bonus (585/595). As mentioned above, these
the primary credit meter (598). The player scores, however, may be incremented according to
the embodiment of the gaming device, be transferred to the secondary credit meter (597) or to player 2 during the gaming session will be credited back to the second credit meter (525). In
30 addition, these wins by player 2 may increment player 2’s score meter (522). After the bonus has been triggered, the gaming device determines if the bonus is a shared bonus. If the gaming device is configured to include shared bonuses (i.e., cooperative bonuses or bonus, or the gaming device (or gaming server) may randomly trigger a bonus for either player. dual-player interactive bonuses) where both player 1 and player 2 are eligible to receive credits triggered a bonus. Player 2, however, may also initiate a bonus game (600) by triggering a 5 and score points, credits won that are attributed to player 1 may be transferred to the first credit embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, a bonus game has been initiated (600) because player 1 has 2024200063
meter (598). Credits won in the shared bonus that are attributed to player 2 may be transferred to Referring to FIG. 9, a bonus game is initiated (600) by a bonus trigger. In the the second credit meter (597). In shared bonuses where players share a final award, the final 25 invention. award may be automatically split (599) between the first credit meter (502) and the second credit FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a bonus procedure according to embodiments of the meter (504) according to the split ratio established earlier. The player scores, however, may be a second credit meter, individual tickets for each of the credit meters may preferably be printed. 10 incremented according to each of the player’s performance/results from the bonus (585/595). As each of the credit meters may be printed. In embodiments where there is a first credit meter and mentioned above, these shared bonuses can be triggered during a gaming session wagered on by out for the combined total of the primary and secondary credit meters, or individual tickets for
20 either player 1 (580) or player 2 (590). a primary credit meter and a secondary credit meter (FIG. 8B), a single ticket could be printed This credit sharing procedure may be advantageous where players are playing separate printed to reflect the amount shown by the common credit meter. In embodiments where there is base games with separate credit meters or where players have each input a different amount of embodiments where the players share a common credit meter (FIG. 8A), a single ticket may be 15 money, but still want to participate in shared bonuses. each of these various embodiments of the gaming device may be handled differently. For When cashing out credits using the ticket printer 38 (FIG. 1) or coin hopper (not shown), When cashing out credits using the ticket printer 38 (FIG. 1) or coin hopper (not shown),
15 each of these various embodiments of the gaming device may be handled differently. For money, but still want to participate in shared bonuses. embodiments where the players share a common credit meter (FIG. 8A), a single ticket may be base games with separate credit meters or where players have each input a different amount of printed This to reflect the amount shown by the common credit meter. In embodiments where there is credit sharing procedure may be advantageous where players are playing separate 20 a primary credit meter and a secondary credit meter (FIG. 8B), a single ticket could be printed either player 1 (580) or player 2 (590). out for the combined total of the primary and secondary credit meters, or individual tickets for mentioned above, these shared bonuses can be triggered during a gaming session wagered on by
10 each of the credit meters may be printed. In embodiments where there is a first credit meter and incremented according to each of the player's performance/results from the bonus (585/595). As a second credit meter, individual tickets for each of the credit meters may preferably be printed. meter (504) according to the split ratio established earlier. The player scores, however, may be FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a bonus procedure according to embodiments of the award may be automatically split (599) between the first credit meter (502) and the second credit 25 invention. the second credit meter (597). In shared bonuses where players share a final award, the final Referring to FIG. 9, a bonus game is initiated (600) by a bonus trigger. In the meter (598). Credits won in the shared bonus that are attributed to player 2 may be transferred to
5 embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, a bonus game has been initiated (600) because player 1 has and score points, credits won that are attributed to player 1 may be transferred to the first credit triggered a bonus. Player 2, however, may also initiate a bonus game (600) by triggering a dual-player interactive bonuses) where both player 1 and player 2 are eligible to receive credits bonus, or the gaming device (or gaming server) may randomly trigger a bonus for either player. If the gaming device is configured to include shared bonuses (i.e., cooperative bonuses or 30 After the bonus has been triggered, the gaming device determines if the bonus is a shared bonus. addition, these wins by player 2 may increment player 2's score meter (522).
51 player 2 during the gaming session will be credited back to the second credit meter (525). In
If the bonus is a shared bonus (640), the gaming device next determines whether player 2 has joined the bonus. That is, with some embodiments having a shared bonus, the non-triggering player may decide not to participate in the shared bonus (particularly if the non-triggering player embodiments of the invention. FIG. 10A illustrates a bonus procedure implemented on common is at riskFIGs. of losing credits). In these situations, the triggering player will play the bonus by 10A, 10B, and 10C are detail diagrams of bonus procedures according to 5 himself or herself, or a single-player bonus may be substituted with a similar average payback (697). 2024200063
(650). If, on the other hand, the second player chooses to join the shared bonus (660), the shared incremented on the respective player point meters (695) before returning to the base games
25 bonus is played and any credits awarded during the bonus will be allocated to each of the players gaming device. If player scores are being kept, points attributable to each player may be (670). has been completed, the gaming device returns to the one or more base games (690) on the Returning to the gaming devices determination of bonus type, if the gaming device bet awards are determined and allocated to the proper credit meters. After the credit allocation 10 determines that the bonus is not a shared bonus (610), the gaming device next determines if After player 1 has completed the bonus (680), any awards from the bonus including side player 2 is allowed to make a side bet on the bonus. In some embodiments, side bets from a non- (630).
20 triggering player may increase the friendly competition among the players. For example, a side If the gaming device determines that a side bet is not available, player 1 begins play of the bonus bet may be made that player 1 does not reach a certain award threshold. In another example, a determines the form and amount of the side bet and then allows player 1 to play the bonus (630). side bet may be made such that player 1 will only make two successful picks before picking a insurance bet). If the second player is allowed to place a side bet (620), the gaming device 15 bonus stopping symbol. Various other side bets may be presented to the second player based on from the second player's credit meter (or from the common credit meter as a form of an the performance or luck of the first player. The side bet may deduct a certain number of credits the performance or luck of the first player. The side bet may deduct a certain number of credits
15 from the second player’s credit meter (or from the common credit meter as a form of an bonus stopping symbol. Various other side bets may be presented to the second player based on insurance bet). If the second player is allowed to place a side bet (620), the gaming device side bet may be made such that player 1 will only make two successful picks before picking a determines the form and amount of the side bet and then allows player 1 to play the bonus (630). bet may be made that player 1 does not reach a certain award threshold. In another example, a 20 If the gaming device determines that a side bet is not available, player 1 begins play of the bonus triggering player may increase the friendly competition among the players. For example, a side (630). player 2 is allowed to make a side bet on the bonus. In some embodiments, side bets from a non-
10 After player 1 has completed the bonus (680), any awards from the bonus including side determines that the bonus is not a shared bonus (610), the gaming device next determines if bet awards are determined and allocated to the proper credit meters. After the credit allocation Returning to the gaming devices determination of bonus type, if the gaming device has been completed, the gaming device returns to the one or more base games (690) on the (670). 25 gaming device. If player scores are being kept, points attributable to each player may be bonus is played and any credits awarded during the bonus will be allocated to each of the players incremented on the respective player point meters (695) before returning to the base games (650). If, on the other hand, the second player chooses to join the shared bonus (660), the shared
5 (697). himself or herself, or a single-player bonus may be substituted with a similar average payback FIGs. 10A, 10B, and 10C are detail diagrams of bonus procedures according to is at risk of losing credits). In these situations, the triggering player will play the bonus by embodiments of the invention. FIG. 10A illustrates a bonus procedure implemented on common player may decide not to participate in the shared bonus (particularly if the non-triggering player
joined the bonus. That is, with some embodiments having a shared bonus, the non-triggering
52 If the bonus is a shared bonus (640), the gaming device next determines whether player 2 has display, while FIGs. 10B and 10C illustrate bonus procedures implemented on partitioned or
30 separate displays. object and credit amount is also shown on the second display 730. Each display 720, 730 may Referring to FIG. 10A, the bonus implemented on the shared display 710 is a shared middle object on the first display 720, which is revealed to be worth 250 credits, the revealed bonus where the players can compete for a better bonus score. In this embodiment, player 1 and similarly located object 735 on the second display 730. Thus, if player 1 selects the upper 5 player 2 are presented a screen of ten selectable objects 715 and take turns choosing available selectable objects 725, 735. Here, each object 725 on the first display 720 corresponds to 2024200063
selectable objects 715. A player turn indicator 712 may be used to keep track of which player displays 720, 730. Like the embodiment described above, each player is presented with 10
25 has the next pick. FIG. 10B, and FIG. 10C, embodiments of a secondary bonus procedure are reference to FIG. 10A, except that it is implemented on different portions of a display or separate described. The common display 710 may also include player score meters 716, 718 that bonus score. This embodiment may be similar to the embodiment described above with respectively keep the total score for player 1 716 and the total score for player 2 718. partitioned display or separate displays 720, 730 where the players can compete for a better 10 Each player may be allowed to choose a predetermined number (e.g., three) of the Referring to FIG. 10B, the illustrated bonus is a shared bonus that is implemented on a selectable objects 715 or the bonus may continue until a “stop bonus” symbol is chosen or all of winning player's win meter is added to that player's credit meter or the common credit meter.
20 the objects 715 have been chosen. The player who triggered the bonus may be awarded the first respective credit meter or to the common credit meter. However, in other embodiments, only the selection. Once the first player makes a selection, a value is revealed for that selection on both In some embodiments, each of the player score meter values may be added to the player's bonus screens and the object 715 becomes unselectable for both players. The second player may value on their player score meter 716, 718 may be indicated as winning the bonus competition. 15 then select one of the remaining nine objects. Alternate selections are made until both players added to that player's score meter 716, 718. At the end of the bonus the player with the larger have exhausted their three selections. Each value corresponding to a player’s selection may be have exhausted their three selections. Each value corresponding to a player's selection may be
15 added to that player’s score meter 716, 718. At the end of the bonus the player with the larger then select one of the remaining nine objects. Alternate selections are made until both players value on their player score meter 716, 718 may be indicated as winning the bonus competition. bonus screens and the object 715 becomes unselectable for both players. The second player may In some embodiments, each of the player score meter values may be added to the player’s selection. Once the first player makes a selection, a value is revealed for that selection on both 20 respective credit meter or to the common credit meter. However, in other embodiments, only the the objects 715 have been chosen. The player who triggered the bonus may be awarded the first winning player’s win meter is added to that player’s credit meter or the common credit meter. selectable objects 715 or the bonus may continue until a "stop bonus" symbol is chosen or all of
10 Referring to FIG. 10B, the illustrated bonus is a shared bonus that is implemented on a Each player may be allowed to choose a predetermined number (e.g., three) of the partitioned display or separate displays 720, 730 where the players can compete for a better respectively keep the total score for player 716 and the total score for player 2 718. bonus score. This embodiment may be similar to the embodiment described above with described. The common display 710 may also include player score meters 716, 718 that 25 reference to FIG. 10A, except that it is implemented on different portions of a display or separate has the next pick. FIG. 10B, and FIG. 10C, embodiments of a secondary bonus procedure are displays 720, 730. Like the embodiment described above, each player is presented with 10 selectable objects 715. A player turn indicator 712 may be used to keep track of which player
5 selectable objects 725, 735. Here, each object 725 on the first display 720 corresponds to player 2 are presented a screen of ten selectable objects 715 and take turns choosing available similarly located object 735 on the second display 730. Thus, if player 1 selects the upper bonus where the players can compete for a better bonus score. In this embodiment, player 1 and middle object on the first display 720, which is revealed to be worth 250 credits, the revealed Referring to FIG. 10A, the bonus implemented on the shared display 710 is a shared 30 object and credit amount is also shown on the second display 730. Each display 720, 730 may separate displays.
display, while FIGs. 10B and 10C illustrate bonus procedures implemented on partitioned or also include player score meters 726, 728, 736, 738 that show each player’s score. The first
30 display 720 may highlight the first player’s score 726 since player 1 is playing on the first to obscure the invention. Thus, while the invention is described in conjunction with the specific display 720. Similarly, the second display 730 may highlight the second player’s score 738 since patent disclosure. Further, well known processes have not been described in detail in order not player 2 is playing on the second display 730. Additionally, each of the first display 720 and the numerous other arrangements may be devised in accordance with the inventive principles of this 5 second display 730 may have a respective player turn indicator 722, 732 to show which player specific details are shown for purposes of illustrating the inventive principles. However, 2024200063
has the Some next selection. embodiments of the invention have been described above, and in addition, some
25 Referring to FIG. 10C, the illustrated bonus is a shared bonus that is implemented on a each player. partitioned display or separate displays 740, 750. As with the embodiment described with In other embodiments, a script may be used to determine the order of the selections made by reference to FIG. 10B, each display 740, 750 shows ten selectable objects 745, 755. In this the only variable in the player's scores is based on the particular selections made by each player. 10 embodiment, however, the selectable objects 745, 755 do not directly correspond to one another. given to both players, although not arranged behind the same selectable objects 745, 755, SO that That is, a similarly positioned selectable object does not necessarily have a similarly located "stop bonus" symbol is selected. In some embodiments, the same distribution of bonus values is
20 corresponding object on the other display. Rather, in this embodiment, each player makes (e.g., three selections) or each player may continue choosing selectable objects 745, 755 until a selections independent of the other player. Thus, as shown in FIG. 10C player 1 has made three In this embodiment, each player may be given a predetermined number of selections selections on the first display 740 with a total of 475 credits that is reflected on the player score and reflected on the player score meter 758 on the second display 750. 15 meter 746 on the first display 740 and is reflected on the player score meter 756 on the second with a total of 400 credits that is reflected on the player score meter 748 on the first display 740 display 750. Player 2, on the other hand, has made three selections on the second display 750 display 750. Player 2, on the other hand, has made three selections on the second display 750
15 with a total of 400 credits that is reflected on the player score meter 748 on the first display 740 meter 746 on the first display 740 and is reflected on the player score meter 756 on the second and reflected on the player score meter 758 on the second display 750. selections on the first display 740 with a total of 475 credits that is reflected on the player score In this embodiment, each player may be given a predetermined number of selections selections independent of the other player. Thus, as shown in FIG. 10C player 1 has made three 20 (e.g., three selections) or each player may continue choosing selectable objects 745, 755 until a corresponding object on the other display. Rather, in this embodiment, each player makes “stop bonus” symbol is selected. In some embodiments, the same distribution of bonus values is That is, a similarly positioned selectable object does not necessarily have a similarly located
10 given to both players, although not arranged behind the same selectable objects 745, 755, so that embodiment, however, the selectable objects 745, 755 do not directly correspond to one another. the only variable in the player’s scores is based on the particular selections made by each player. reference to FIG. 10B, each display 740, 750 shows ten selectable objects 745, 755. In this In other embodiments, a script may be used to determine the order of the selections made by partitioned display or separate displays 740, 750. As with the embodiment described with 25 each player. Referring to FIG. 10C, the illustrated bonus is a shared bonus that is implemented on a Some embodiments of the invention have been described above, and in addition, some has the next selection.
5 specific details are shown for purposes of illustrating the inventive principles. However, second display 730 may have a respective player turn indicator 722, 732 to show which player numerous other arrangements may be devised in accordance with the inventive principles of this player 2 is playing on the second display 730. Additionally, each of the first display 720 and the patent disclosure. Further, well known processes have not been described in detail in order not display 720. Similarly, the second display 730 may highlight the second player's score 738 since 30 to obscure the invention. Thus, while the invention is described in conjunction with the specific display 720 may highlight the first player's score 726 since player 1 is playing on the first
54 also include player score meters 726, 728, 736, 738 that show each player's score. The first embodiments illustrated in the drawings, it is not limited to these embodiments or drawings. Rather, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that come within the scope and spirit of the inventive principles set out in the appended claims. Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art are 5 deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. 2024200063
5 deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.
Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art are
within the scope and spirit of the inventive principles set out in the appended claims.
Rather, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that come
55 embodiments illustrated in the drawings, it is not limited to these embodiments or drawings.

Claims (20)

The claims defining the invention are as follows:
1. A gaming device comprising: a first gaming station to accommodate wagering by a first player; a second gaming station to accommodate wagering by a second player; at least one display for displaying game outcomes resulting from wagering made at the first gaming station and the second gaming station; 2024200063
a common credit input device configured to allocate inputted credits so as to be available for wagering at the first gaming station and the second gaming station; a credit meter associated with the common credit input device, the credit meter configured to display a credit balance; one or more processors; and memory storing processor-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the gaming device to: initiate, responsive to an input received at the common credit input device, a first game on the first gaming station, the first game being displayed on a first portion of the at least one display and generating a first game outcome; initiate, responsive to the input received at the common credit input device, a second game on the second gaming station, the second game being displayed on a second portion of the at least one display and generating a second game outcome; receive, via a user input to a player input device at either the first gaming station or the second gaming station, a wager option allocated to a better outcome between the first game outcome and the second game outcome; substantially simultaneously implementing play of the first game and the second game such that the first game outcome and the second game outcome are synchronously output via the at least one display; determine, based on the first game outcome and the second game outcome, the better outcome; and update, based on the better outcome and the wager option, the display of the credit balance on the credit meter.
2. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the first gaming station and the second gaming station respectively include a first game initiating button and a second game initiating button.
3. The gaming device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first gaming station includes at least one game button configured to place a wager on the gaming device and 2024200063
wherein the second gaming station includes at least one game button configured to place a wager on the gaming device.
4. The gaming device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second gaming stations are configured to accommodate wagering on a common gaming event shown on the at least one display.
5. The gaming device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a player indicator configured to designate which of the first and second gaming stations are activated to wager on and control a gaming event.
6. The gaming device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the credit meter further comprises: a first credit meter to display credits available to wager at the first gaming station; and a second credit meter to display credits available to wager at the second gaming station.
7. The gaming device of claim 6, wherein the gaming device automatically allocates inputted credits in the common credit input device to the first credit meter and the second credit meter.
8. The gaming device of claim 6 or 7, wherein the first credit meter is designated as a primary credit meter and the second credit meter is designated as a secondary credit meter, where credits inputted into the gaming device are allocated to the primary credit meter, the secondary credit meter receiving credits from the primary credit meter. 22 Jan 2026
9. The gaming device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a first player score meter configured to display a score associated with wagering made on the first gaming station; and a second player score meter configured to display a score associated with wagering made on the second gaming station. 2024200063
10. The gaming device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the gaming device is configured to award prizes associated with displayed game outcomes derived from the first game and the second game.
11. The gaming device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first game is independent of the second game.
12. The gaming device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the first portion of the display and the second portion of the display is configured to show scores associated with wagering made on both of the first and second gaming stations.
13. The gaming device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion of the display and the second portion of the display are positioned in the gaming device such that common gaming information may be unitarily displayed across both the first portion of the display and the second portion of the display.
14. The gaming device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a removable physical partition interposed between the first portion of the display and the second portion of the display.
15. The gaming device of claim 14, wherein the physical partition is manipulatable by a player to respectively restrict visibility of the first portion of the display and the second portion of the display from the second and first gaming stations in a first position, and to allow visibility of both the first portion of the display and the second 22 Jan 2026 portion of the display from each gaming station in a second position.
16. The gaming device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a player tracking unit including a player identification device configured to identify a first player and a second player. 2024200063
17. The gaming device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the player tracking unit associates the first player with the first gaming station and associates the second player with the second gaming station.
18. The gaming device of claim 16 or 17, wherein points earned on the first gaming station are attributed to a player account associated with the first player, and points earned on the second gaming station are attributed to a player account associated with the second player.
19. The gaming device of any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the player tracking unit is configured to prompt identification of the first player and separately prompt the identification of the second player.
20. The gaming device of any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the player tracking unit further includes at least one player input device such that a first player can specify which gaming station to associate with a player account linked to the first player, and such that a second player can specify which gaming station to associate with a player account linked to the second player.
AU2024200063A 2008-07-03 2024-01-04 Facilitating Wagering by Multiple Players Active AU2024200063B2 (en)

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Applications Claiming Priority (14)

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US12/167,584 2008-07-03
US12/167,584 US20100004058A1 (en) 2008-07-03 2008-07-03 Shared bonus on gaming device
US12/167,549 US8192267B2 (en) 2008-07-03 2008-07-03 Shared game play on gaming device
US12/167,525 2008-07-03
US12/167,535 2008-07-03
US12/167,549 2008-07-03
US12/167,535 US20100004054A1 (en) 2008-07-03 2008-07-03 Method of allocating credits for gaming devices
US12/167,525 US20100004053A1 (en) 2008-07-03 2008-07-03 Method and apparatus for facilitating wagering by multiple players of gaming machines
AU2009202187A AU2009202187B2 (en) 2008-07-03 2009-06-03 Method and Apparatus for Facilitating Wagering by Multiple Players of Gaming Machines
AU2015213394A AU2015213394B2 (en) 2008-07-03 2015-08-14 Method and Apparatus for Facilitating Wagering by Multiple Players of Gaming Machines
AU2017228652A AU2017228652A1 (en) 2008-07-03 2017-09-14 Method and Apparatus for Facilitating Wagering by Multiple Players of Gaming Machines
AU2019236634A AU2019236634A1 (en) 2008-07-03 2019-09-24 Method and Apparatus for Facilitating Wagering by Multiple Players of Gaming Machines
AU2021205009A AU2021205009B2 (en) 2008-07-03 2021-07-13 Method and Apparatus for Facilitating Wagering by Multiple Players of Gaming Machines
AU2024200063A AU2024200063B2 (en) 2008-07-03 2024-01-04 Facilitating Wagering by Multiple Players

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AU2019236634A Abandoned AU2019236634A1 (en) 2008-07-03 2019-09-24 Method and Apparatus for Facilitating Wagering by Multiple Players of Gaming Machines
AU2021205009A Ceased AU2021205009B2 (en) 2008-07-03 2021-07-13 Method and Apparatus for Facilitating Wagering by Multiple Players of Gaming Machines
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AU2019236634A Abandoned AU2019236634A1 (en) 2008-07-03 2019-09-24 Method and Apparatus for Facilitating Wagering by Multiple Players of Gaming Machines
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AU2021205009A1 (en) 2021-08-12
AU2024200063A1 (en) 2024-01-25
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AU2015213394A1 (en) 2015-09-10

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