Shared Progressive Gaming System and Method

Abstract

The present invention provides a progressive system for paying out a primary progressive prize and a secondary progressive prize. The system includes a progressive controller, a plurality of game devices each configured to execute a game of chance, and a network interconnecting the progressive controller and the game devices. A funding module is executable by the progressive controller to maintain primary and secondary progressive awards and detect occurrence of a win event on any of the game devices. Upon occurrence of the win event, the funding module awards the primary progressive award, and also determines a distribution of the secondary progressive award. The system further includes a prize server and a prize expiration and reissue module executable by the prize server which determines an expiration period for a prize issued by any of the game devices, and then funds the prize to the secondary progressive award upon expiration of the expiration period.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 088,659, filed Mar. 23, 2005, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]This invention pertains generally to progressive systems for gaming. More particularly, this invention relates to a shared progressive gaming system and method which allows a plurality of players to share a progressive prize.[0004]2. The Prior Art[0005]Progressive systems for gaming environments such as casinos are known. A typical progressive system arrangement includes a plurality of gaming devices, such as slot machines, video poker machines, video keno machines, video lottery machines, each linked for communication with a central progressive controller. A wager is made to play the game associated with the gaming devices. For each wager made at the gaming devices, a portion is used to fund a progressive prize which is maintained a...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

First, the motivation for winning a large progressive jackpot is diminished, even where as in Celona “the player at the machine that generated the progressive jackpot-winning outcome may receive a greater proportion.” This diminished motivation arises from the fact that the player perceives that he or she will have to “share” the displayed or advertised jackpot with other players.

Players prefer playing for a large life-changing jackpot, and the sharing of the jackpot, even where the player receives a greater proportion, reduces the overall player interest.

Additionally, the incentive for remaining eligible to share in the jackpot is inadequate in the Celona implementation.

Absent such indicators and cues, players are less informed and are less likely to satisfy the requirement of remaining eligible.

This problem results in decreased play and lost revenues for the operator.

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