Wagering game with group jackpot

Abstract

System and method are disclosed for conducting a wagering game having increased excitement and enjoyment. The method / system of the invention involves a bank of wagering game terminals connected to a bank server. In addition to a basic wagering game, the wagering game terminals allow players to play a bonus game where only one or some of the players may win a prize. In one implementation, the prize is a jackpot composed entirely of game credits won by the players in the bonus game and pooled by the bank server. In another implementation, only players at wagering game terminals that exceed a minimum level of wagering activity may play the bonus game. The player that wins the bonus game receives the jackpot. If there are multiple winners, the jackpot is distributed amongst the winners based on their performance in the bonus game or some other criterion.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application for patent claims priority to, and hereby incorporates by reference, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 615,482, entitled “WAGERING GAME WITH GROUP JACKPOT,” filed on Oct. 1, 2004 with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to wagering game terminals and, more particularly, to a method and system of conducting a wagering game in which players at several wagering game terminals compete against each other while striving toward a common goal. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Wagering game terminals, such as slot machines, video poker machines, and the like, have been a cornerstone of the gaming industry for several years. Generally, the popularity of such terminals among players depends on the perceived likelihood of winning money at the terminal and the intrinsic entertainment value of the terminal relative to other available gaming option...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] The present invention is directed to a method and system for conducting a wagering game having increased excitement and enjoyment over existing wagering games. The method/system of the invention involves a bank of wagering game terminals connected to a bank server. In addition to a basic wagering game, the wagering game terminals allow players to play a bonus game where only one or some of the players may win a prize. In one implementation, the prize

Problems solved by technology

Further, when several wagering game terminals are linked together such that several players at several wagering game terminals compete for the same jackpot, the jackpot progressively increases at a much faster rate, which leads to further player excitement.

There are presently no arrangements where players at several wagering game terminals may play in competition against each other.

Nor are there any arrangements where a player's success benefits the players against whom he or she is competing.

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