Gaming Bonus System With Progressive Play Triggers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Players are attracted to gaming devices with low House Edge and high payout percentages, making it challenging for casinos to increase revenue without reducing player attraction, as increasing the House Edge can lead to decreased Hours Played and Plays Per Hour, and regulatory constraints limit adjustments to slot machines.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where bonus games or awards are triggered after a preselected number of plays, with progressively increased play requirements and award values, encouraging players to play longer and more frequently, thereby increasing revenue without significantly altering the House Edge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the House Edge is increased to increase revenue, then casino profitability improves, but player attraction decreases and Hours Played reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-determines bonus game triggers and award amounts before players play, storing them in memory. This preliminary setup allows the casino to control revenue through the House Edge while simultaneously guaranteeing players attractive bonus awards, thus maintaining player attraction even when House Edge is increased
Solution Approach 2:
Bonus games act as an intermediary mechanism between the basic game and the jackpot. They provide players with additional winning opportunities and entertainment value, compensating for the increased House Edge and maintaining player engagement without requiring the casino to lower the House Edge
2Productivity
If the House Edge is increased to increase revenue, then casino profitability improves, but Hours Played and Plays Per Hour decrease
Solution Approach 1:
Bonus games are triggered periodically based on predetermined criteria (certain symbol combinations or number of plays), creating regular intervals of player excitement and potential wins. This periodic reward structure keeps players engaged for longer durations despite the increased House Edge
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback to players through bonus game triggers and awards, creating a positive reinforcement loop. This feedback mechanism maintains player motivation and extends playing sessions, counteracting the negative effect of increased House Edge on play duration
3Quantity of substance
If virtual reels are used to expand jackpot size, then jackpot amount increases, but player knowledge of true odds is obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-determines and stores bonus game trigger conditions and award amounts in memory before players play. This preliminary action allows the casino to offer large jackpots through virtual reels while maintaining transparency about the true odds, as the bonus structures are predetermined and can be disclosed to players
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses software-based virtual reels that replicate the appearance of physical reels but with expanded stopping positions. This copying approach allows the jackpot amount to be increased through software configuration while the predetermined bonus structure maintains odds transparency, as the virtual copy can display information about true probabilities
4Adaptability or versatility
If microprocessor technology is used to create virtual reels, then game flexibility and jackpot size increase, but regulatory adjustments become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-determines all bonus game parameters, trigger conditions, and award amounts during the manufacturing or setup phase and stores them in memory. This preliminary configuration allows the game to be certified with fixed odds and structures, making regulatory approval easier even though the game uses flexible microprocessor technology
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses predetermined parameters for bonus games that can be configured during manufacturing but remain fixed during operation. This approach maintains game flexibility through software while ensuring regulatory compliance, as the parameters are established before the game goes live and can be verified by regulators
Data Source
AI summary
A method of conducting a wagering game includes indicating a random outcome by displaying selected game symbols, initiating a first bonus at a preselected number of plays, providing a first award of a first desired number of credits, initiating a second bonus at a first multiple of the preselected number of plays, wherein the first multiple is a number greater than 1, providing a second award of a second desired number of credits, wherein the second desired number of credits is the product of the first desired number of credits times the first multiple, initiating a third bonus at a second multiple of the preselected number of plays, wherein the second multiple is a number greater than 1, and providing a third award of a third desired number of credits, wherein the third desired number of credits is the product of the first desired number of credits times the second multiple.