Methods and apparatus for facilitating a flat rate play session and for extending same

Abstract

The present invention is directed generally to a method and apparatus for operating a gaming device having a flat rate play session costing a flat rate price. The flat rate play session spans multiple plays on the gaming device over a pre-established duration. The gaming device identifies price parameters and determines the flat rate price of playing the gaming device based on those price parameters. In one embodiment, identifying price parameters includes receiving player selected price parameters. In another embodiment, price parameters further incorporate operator selected price parameters. Should the player decide to pay the flat rate price, the player simply deposits the necessary funds into the gaming device or makes a credit account available for the gaming device to debit. Once the player initiates play, the gaming device tracks the duration remaining in the flat rate play session and stops the play when the given period has elapsed. During the play, payouts are made either directly to the player in the form of coins or indirectly in the form of credits to the players credit account.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY [0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part application of commonly-owned, co-pending patent application Ser. No. 10 / 001,089 entitled GAMING DEVICE FOR A FLAT RATE PLAY SESSION AND A METHOD OF OPERATING SAME and filed Nov. 2, 2001; which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Pat. No. 6,319,127 entitled GAMING DEVICE FOR A FLAT RATE PLAY SESSION AND A METHOD OF OPERATING SAME and filed Mar. 3, 2000; which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 6,077,163 entitled GAMING DEVICE FOR A FLAT RATE PLAY SESSION AND A METHOD OF OPERATING SAME and filed Jun. 23 1997.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates generally to the structure and operation of at least one gaming device, such as a slot machine, wherein a flat rate price purchases a flat rate play session comprising multiple plays. [0004] 2. Description of Related Art [0005] There are numerous types of gaming devices in use today. Most of these ga...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes a method and apparatus for playing a gaming device using a flat rate price package. The method involves identifying a price parameter, such as the amount wagered per play or the type of gaming device, and determining a flat rate price based on the selected price parameter. The flat rate play session spans a pre-established duration and is initiated upon receiving a flat rate payment. The technical effect of this invention is to provide a more efficient and cost-effective way of playing gaming devices, while still maintaining the quality and experience of traditional gaming sessions."

Problems solved by technology

Furthermore, having to purchase each individual play is inconvenient.

Although slot machine tournaments are popular with some players, the tournaments are inflexible and not accommodating to individual players preferences.

Because these machines are available only to tournament players and not the general public, the machine owners lose revenue for all machines designated but not played during a tournament.

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