Value engine providing current cash value for wagering game indicia

Abstract

A value engine for a gaming machine generally determines a cash value for player cards, symbols, or other gaming indicia even though the indicia does not form a winning outcome. The value engine may determine the cash value for the indicia at various times or stages during a game. The cash value may be presented to the player, and the player may be permitted to accept or decline the cash value. If accepted, the cash value may be paid out to the player. If declined the player may continue playing the game. The value engine is may be used with or implemented as part of a variety of wagering games and presents a challenging and engaging choice to players to to further continued play and entertainment at a gaming machine.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention.[0002]The invention relates to electronic wagering games and systems, particularly to a gaming machine configured to provide value for partial or incomplete game outcomes.[0003]2. Related Art.[0004]Traditional electronic wagering games and systems accept a wager, present a wagering game to a player, evaluate the outcome of the game, and then award the player if the outcome is a winning outcome. For example, in video poker, a player may place his or her wager to receive an initial draw of cards. The player may then choose which cards to hold and which to discard. If, at the end of the game, the player possesses cards which form a winning hand, the player wins an award. If not, the player loses his or her wager.[0005]In the case of a slot game, the game proceeds in similar fashion. For example, a player places a wager to obtain a spin of one or more slot reels. If, at the end of the game, the reels stop such that a winning out...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes a value engine that determines the current cash value of a player's cards or symbols in a wagering game and presents it to the player. The player can choose to accept the cash value or continue playing the game to achieve a winning outcome. The value engine takes into account the odds of winning and generates the cash value accordingly. The gaming machine can present the cash value to the player through a display and input device, and the player can choose to take the cash value or continue playing the game. The technical effect of the value engine is to enhance the enjoyment and entertainment of wagering games by giving the player a challenging choice to accept or forgo the current cash value."

Problems solved by technology

If the player does not take the current cash value of his or her game indicia or achieve a winning outcome, the player typically will lose his or her wager.

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