Bonus Trigger Allocation for Progressive Game Eligibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gaming systems limit player eligibility for progressive awards to maximum wagers, restricting strategic decision-making and player comfort levels, as eligibility is not independent of the wager amount.
Innovation Solution
A method where players accumulate bonus triggers through randomly selected outcomes, allowing them to play either a progressive game with higher expected value or a bonus event with lower expected value, depending on the number of triggers accumulated, providing flexibility and strategic choices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If player eligibility for progressive awards is limited to maximum wagers, then the casino can control risk and maintain progressive award structures, but player engagement and strategic decision-making are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the progressive award eligibility into multiple components: bonus triggers accumulated during base gameplay and wager amounts. Instead of requiring maximum wager for eligibility, players accumulate bonus triggers through random outcomes during normal play, then can choose to enter the progressive game when they have accumulated sufficient triggers, regardless of whether their wagers were maximum. This segmentation allows eligibility flexibility while maintaining progressive award structure through the trigger accumulation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by requiring players to accumulate bonus triggers during base gameplay before becoming eligible for the progressive game. These triggers are accumulated in advance through random outcomes during normal play, independent of wager amount. Once sufficient triggers are accumulated, players gain eligibility for the progressive award, allowing them to strategically decide when to enter based on their trigger accumulation rather than being constrained by wager requirements.
2Ease of operation
If players are required to make maximum wagers to qualify for progressive awards, then the expected value of progressive games can be maintained, but player comfort levels and strategic choices are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the qualification mechanism into bonus trigger accumulation (independent of wager amount) and wager-based entry into the progressive game. Players can accumulate triggers comfortably during base gameplay without being forced to make maximum wagers, then choose to enter the progressive game when they have sufficient triggers and are comfortable with their wager level. This segmentation provides both player comfort and access to expected value opportunities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic player choice by allowing players to decide when to enter the progressive game based on their accumulated bonus triggers and current comfort level. Instead of a static maximum wager requirement, players can accumulate triggers over multiple plays at various wager levels, then strategically choose when to convert their triggers into progressive game eligibility. This dynamic approach adapts to player comfort levels while preserving expected value opportunities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bonus triggers are awarded independently of wager amount, then player strategic decision-making is enhanced, but the casino's control over game economics becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the game economics into distinct components: bonus trigger awarding (based on random outcomes during base gameplay, independent of wager), progressive game entry (based on accumulated triggers plus current wager), and award distribution. This segmentation allows strategic player decisions regarding when to enter progressive games while maintaining manageable casino control through the structured trigger accumulation and redemption mechanism. The complexity is contained within well-defined economic parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where players receive information about their accumulated bonus triggers and can make informed strategic decisions about when to enter the progressive game. The system provides feedback on trigger accumulation status and eligibility, allowing players to adjust their strategies based on their current state. This feedback loop enables strategic decision-making while the casino maintains control through predefined trigger requirements and economic parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of conducting a wagering game includes awarding one or more bonus triggers in a randomly selected outcome of a base wagering game. The player is allowed to play a progressive game having a first expected value and is eligible to receive a progressive award in the progressive game if an X number of bonus triggers is accumulated. If the number of bonus triggers accumulated is less than X, the player is allowed to play a bonus event, which is different than the progressive game and has a second expected value, if a selection is received to indicate player selection of the bonus event. The bonus event has a bonus award that is less than the progressive award. The second expected value is less than or equal to the first expected value.