Method and apparatus for controlling multiple games with one or more processors

Abstract

A method and apparatus for providing two or more wagering events or gaming opportunities at two or more different locations to two or more different players at the same time or concurrently though multi-tasking or other shared processing arrangement of a shared control module or processor. In one embodiment a control module is configured with a processor, memory, and one or more interfaces configured to communicate with two or more game terminals. The two or more game terminals may be located remote from the control module or in close proximity. The game terminals may be configured with a display and player interfaces to receive input from a player. In one embodiment one or more video adapters are located with the control module or the game terminal. As an advantage over the prior art, controlling and enabling two or more game terminals with a shared control module or a shared processor reduces costs and the required space on a per game or per terminal basis.

Description

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention relates to gaming systems and in particular to a method and apparatus for controlling two or more games with a single processor. 2. RELATED ART [0002] Worldwide, gaming has gained popularity and acceptance. At many locations that offer gaming, a significant portion of the profits may be generated by gaming or lottery play. Such locations may include numerous locations within casinos, lounges, grocery stores, convenience stores, transportation terminals such as airports, or bus stations. As a result, it may be desired to increase the number of gaming terminals at a location. One proposed solution is to simply increase the number of gaming machines at a location. This prior art solution, however, is not without drawbacks. [0003] One such drawback is that quite often the gaming locations have a limited amount of total floor space or a limited amount of space allocated for gaming machines. Hence, it may not be possible to simply increase th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] The various embodiments shown herein have the advantage of utilizing a single processor or control module to control two or more game terminals. This results in a cost saving on a per game terminal basis or on a per game basis because certain devices, such as the processor and memory can be shared and configured to control multiple games. This sharing reduces the cost on a per game basis. Since the cost of the processor, memory, and other related control devices may be a significant portion of the total cost of a prior art gaming machine, such shared processing may significantly reduce the cost on a per game basis. In addition, having fewer control modules and processors also reduces the cost of repair, upgrade, and maintenance, power consumption, and heat generation.

[0008] Another advantage of the method and apparatus described herein is that the space required to offer a game or wagering event to a player is reduced because certain space consuming components, such as those within the control module, are shared. In addition, such shared components may be located remote from the game terminals, such as for example in an area where more space is available. It is also contemplated that flat panel displays may be used in conjunction with the game terminals to further reduce the amount of space consumed by a game terminal.

[0009] Yet another advantage is that due to numerous game terminals and games being enabled by a single processor, numerous jurisdictional rules and regulations may be more easily complied with and in certain jurisdictions it may be possible to increase a game operator's number of game terminals without increasing the licensing requirements, or taxes or fees, which may be paid on a per processor basis.

Problems solved by technology

This prior art solution, however, is not without drawbacks.

One such drawback is that quite often the gaming locations have a limited amount of total floor space or a limited amount of space allocated for gaming machines.

Hence, it may not be possible to simply increase the number of gaming machines into the available allocated space because sufficient space may not be available.

In addition, gaming machines can be expensive so there is an added expense to the location for every additional gaming machine that is added.

These restrictions cover a wide range of aspects associated with gaming and often limit or restrict the number of gaming machines, based on a CPU count, that a location may have installed and operational.

Hence, the prior art solution of simply purchasing and installing additional gaming machines may result in more complex licensing requirements, an increased tax rate, or may not be allowed by the regulations of certain jurisdictions.

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