Restricted-access progressive game for a gaming machine

Abstract

A method of operating a progressive wagering game comprises conducting multiple sessions of a wagering game at a gaming terminal by receiving wagers from first and second players and providing access to a restricted-access progressive game to only the first player. The progressive game has a progressive jackpot funded by a portion of the first player's wagers. Alternatively stated, the method includes denying access to the progressive game to the second player such that only the first player is eligible to win the jackpot. Further, the restricted-access progressive game may comprise conducting, at a gaming terminal, a first set of sessions of a wagering game with a first group of players, and a second set of sessions of a wagering game with a second group of players. A first progressive jackpot is eligible to only the first group, while a second progressive jackpot is eligible to only the second group.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to gaming machines and, more particularly, to a gaming terminal and a gaming network having an enhanced progressive game which is accessible by only a certain individual, or a limited number of players. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Gaming machines, 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 machines with players is dependent on the likelihood (or perceived likelihood) of winning money at the machine and the intrinsic entertainment value of the machine relative to other available gaming options. Where the available gaming options include a number of competing machines and the expectation of winning each machine is roughly the same (or believed to be the same), players are most likely to be attracted to the most entertaining and exciting of the machines. [0003] Consequently, shrewd operators stri...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] The present invention relates to a restricted-access progressive game that is accessed only by a single player or a select group of players such that entry to the progressive game is based on permission given by the control system operating the progressive game. The present invention includes a method of operating a progressive wagering game at a gaming terminal. The method comprises conducting multiple sessions of a wagering game at the gaming terminal by receivin

Problems solved by technology

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

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