Bingo Progressive Jackpot Pool Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Bingo games face challenges in maintaining a consistent award structure and odds for interim pattern awards due to varying numbers of players and Bingo cards, making it difficult to achieve a desired payout rate, and there is a need to present Bingo outcomes in a format similar to Class III games like slot machines.
Innovation Solution
A method for conducting a multi-player Bingo game over a gaming network with a progressive jackpot system, where players can wager different amounts, and the progressive jackpot award is calculated based on the ratio of their wager to the maximum wager, with a main and reserve pool system to manage the jackpot, and multi-level pattern mapping to align with various award amounts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of Bingo cards is fixed to maintain consistent odds for interim pattern awards, then the payout rate for interim awards can be controlled, but the game cannot accommodate varying numbers of players in real-time environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the number of Bingo cards variable rather than fixed. The system allows the number of cards to change based on player participation while using computer simulation to calculate adjusted odds that maintain consistent payout rates. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining reliable odds and adapting to varying player numbers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of card quantity from a fixed value to a variable that can be adjusted based on player input. By allowing the number of Bingo cards to change dynamically and using simulation to recalculate odds accordingly, the system maintains consistent interim award payout rates while adapting to different player counts in real-time.
2Ease of operation
If Bingo games allow variable numbers of players and cards, then real-time player participation is enabled, but the award structure and odds for interim patterns become inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors the number of active Bingo cards and player participation. Based on this feedback, the computer simulation recalculates the odds for interim pattern awards to maintain consistent payout rates. This feedback loop ensures that the award structure remains reliable even as player numbers fluctuate in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary computer simulation calculations to determine the appropriate odds for interim pattern awards before the actual game begins. By pre-calculating the adjusted odds based on the current number of cards, the system ensures consistent award structures are in place before players start playing, maintaining reliability while allowing variable participation.
3Reliability
If the progressive jackpot award is based on the ratio of player wager to maximum wager, then fairness across different wager amounts is achieved, but the jackpot management complexity increases with main and reserve pools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the progressive jackpot into two separate pools: a main pool and a reserve pool. This segmentation allows for more manageable jackpot management while maintaining fairness. The ratio-based award calculation is applied to these segmented pools, distributing awards proportionally and reducing the complexity of managing a single large jackpot while ensuring fair treatment of players with different wager amounts.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and gaming units for conducting a wagering game and an associated progressive jackpot in a gaming network having a plurality of operatively coupled gaming units are described. A progressive jackpot award amount may be determined in part based on the amount of the player's wager for the occurrence of the wagering game in relation to a maximum wager amount that may be made on one of the gaming units in the gaming network. The progressive jackpot pool may include a main pool and a reserve pool. Portions of players' wagers being added to the progressive jackpot pool may be apportioned between the main pool and the reserve pool based on calculation performed at the gaming network, with the apportionment being at least partially determined by the amount in the main pool.