Electronic gaming machine and method of playing thereof

Abstract

A gaming machine is provided comprising: a display; and a game controller arranged to control images of a predetermined set of symbols selectively displayed on the display. The game controller is arranged to play a game wherein symbols from said set of symbols are displayed on the display, the symbols being randomly selected and/or located on the display to display at least one random event, and if a predefined winning event occurs, the gaming machine awards a prize. At least two symbols or combinations of symbols each represent two different predetermined trigger events, the occurrence of which triggers the award of a features prize. The machine further comprises bet apportioning function which operates under the control of a player to allow the player to apportion a total credit bet across two or more possible trigger events. The feature prize associated with the occurrence of a particular trigger event is dependant upon the amount of the credit apportioned to the respective trigger event. A method of playing the gaming machine is also provided comprising; displaying a plurality of trigger events for a game to be played on the gaming machine, providing a player interface via which the player chooses bet amounts to apportion to the displayed trigger events, displaying feature prize values associated with each of the displayed trigger events after the player has apportioned his bet between the displayed trigger events, in response to player initiation displaying a game sequence and a game outcome on the display, and if the game outcome is one of the trigger events awarding the associated feature prize value to the player.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent 2005900855 filed on Feb. 25, 2005, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. INTRODUCTION [0002] The present invention relates to electronic gaming machines and more particularly the invention relates to an alternative method of playing a game on such a gaming machine. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] There are already in existence a wide variety of games for use in gaming machines, such as the types commonly referred to as slot machines, fruit machines, poker machines, and keno machines. In order to achieve an edge over competitors, gaming machine producers provide special game features which provide players with novel alternatives. In gaming, it is usually those features associated with jackpots, a perceived or actual increased probability of winning or with other player options which are likely to attract player interest. [0004] An electronic...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0089] b) allowing a player to decide how much to bet on the primary game;

Problems solved by technology

Such machines or systems do not recognise that it is desirable for players to have an increased chance or at least a perception of an increased probability of a win when they increase their bet (or alternatively the prize should increase).

When multi line gaming was introduced, progressive game design became more complicated.

Progressive prize values, however, could not be multiplied in this way.

Images