Gaming System Jackpot Probability Adjustment via Reel Re-Spins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gaming systems fail to ensure that the probability of winning a jackpot prize is proportional to the amount wagered, which does not meet regulatory requirements in many jurisdictions, and existing solutions like increasing jackpot trigger symbols are not visually enhancing and may not be feasible for all game types, particularly those with fixed symbol carriers.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining the amount wagered and re-spinning or re-selecting reels a corresponding number of times to adjust the probability of winning a jackpot prize, with the number of re-spins or re- selections proportional to the wager, allowing for a secondary game to potentially award the jackpot based on specific symbol combinations, and allocating a percentage of each wager to a jackpot prize pool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of jackpot trigger symbols is increased to meet regulatory requirements for proportionality between wager amount and jackpot probability, then the regulatory compliance is improved, but the visual appeal and game design quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gaming system separates the jackpot trigger mechanism from the main game display by using a secondary game interface. The reel spins occur in the background while the secondary game presents the jackpot opportunity in a dedicated, visually distinct area, allowing compliance without compromising main game aesthetics
Solution Approach 2:
A secondary game is introduced as an intermediary layer between the player and the jackpot award mechanism. This secondary game handles the compliance requirement for proportional jackpot probability while the main game maintains its original visual design and appeal
2Reliability
If the number of jackpot trigger symbols is increased to achieve proportional jackpot probability, then the regulatory requirement is met, but the implementation feasibility deteriorates for games with fixed symbol carriers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically adding more jackpot trigger symbols to reels with a software-based secondary game system. This substitution allows the same compliance outcome to be achieved without modifying the physical reel structures, making implementation feasible for existing fixed symbol carrier machines
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary game mechanism serves multiple functions: it ensures regulatory compliance for jackpot probability proportionality, maintains compatibility with existing reel configurations, and provides a unified interface for various game types regardless of their symbol carrier mechanics
3Reliability
If reel re-spins are performed based on wagered amount to tie jackpot probability to wager, then regulatory compliance is improved, but the game time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines the number of reel re-spins in advance based on the wagered amount before the actual spin occurs. This preliminary calculation allows the game to efficiently execute the required number of spins without dynamic adjustments during gameplay, minimizing unnecessary delays
Solution Approach 2:
The reel re-spins are integrated into the game flow as a continuous process rather than discrete interruptions. The secondary game interface maintains engagement throughout the re-spin sequence, and the system processes multiple re-spins in succession to efficiently complete the compliance requirement without significant time loss
Data Source
AI summary
A method of gaming, game controller and gaming system wherein an amount wagered on a game is determined and symbols selected from a symbol set to display in designated symbol positions, the resulting symbols used to determine a first game outcome. Symbols are re-selected for at least one of the designated symbol positions a number of times depending on the amount wagered, to provide a corresponding number of further game outcomes in which a jackpot prize is eligible to be awarded.