Gaming systems

Abstract

A method of awarding a prize in a gaming system including a plurality of game consoles (11, 12, 13) comprising the steps of providing a trigger value derived from a random variable having a non-uniform distribution, periodically receiving count data from each game console, being data representing at least one parameter of a game console, calculating a total value representing the total count data received, comparing the total value with the trigger value, transmitting a prize instruction signal to an output means if the total value has a predetermined relationship with the trigger value, whereby the prize instruction signal results in at least one game console issuing a prize.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to gaming systems such as those incorporating gaming machines including slot machines, poker machines, keno machines and others. The invention also relates to internet gaming using personal computers and other devices. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention is particularly relevant to jackpot gaming systems in which a number of electric gaming machines (EGM's) are networked. These gaming systems can be externally triggered promotional jackpots, EGM triggered jackpots and externally triggered regulatory jackpots. [0003] EGM triggered jackpots require EGM's specifically made for this purpose. Accordingly a club wishing to offer this facility with their EGMs must purchase new ones that offer this feature. All EGMs participating in a linked jackpot of this type typically must be of the same type, e.g. manufacturer and game. Furthermore they tend to have a relatively limited configurability in terms of prize va...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0033] Alternatively count data is collected asynchronously with game play on one / more gaming consoles.

[0034] It is preferred that the comparing step is performed synchronously with playing one / more gaming consoles.

Problems solved by technology

Furthermore they tend to have a relatively limited configurability in terms of prize values, return to player, number of levels and themes.

In many jurisdictions however the winnings paid in promotional external jackpots are not deductible for gaming tax purposes.

This is because promotional jackpots do not offer the required fairness (statistically equal probability of win per unit bet for all players at all times, i.e. non-deterministic) to be considered tax deductible regulatory jackpots.

Conventionally the implementation of externally triggered regulatory jackpots has been difficult due to the requirement for non-deterministic behaviour.

Furthermore meeting the regulatory jackpot requirements is difficult when the EGMs participating in the jackpot are of different denominations and / or offer a variety of bets (multi-line and / or ability to select number of credits to bet on each play) and also when the communications between the EGM and the external jackpot trigger do not guarantee play by play delivery of information.

While such methods attempt to reduce computational load and critical timing requirements compared to jackpots that are triggered off specific plays of an EGM, there is still significant software complexity, computational load and real time requirements associated with these methods.

Verification of correct jackpot operation under all patterns of play and system load is time consuming and itself requires statistical analysis to interpret the results.

However the system described in this patent application has a number of drawbacks.

Firstly the jackpot prize cannot be a fixed value.

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