Loss Insertion Mechanism for Gaming Device Payback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gaming devices face challenges in achieving precise control over payback percentages without altering existing paytables, which can affect game volatility and player experience, and are limited by the number of available paytables.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Loss Insertion Mechanism (LIM) that adjusts the payback percentage by inserting losing or winning outcomes, allowing for precise control of the payback percentage without modifying the base game paytable, using a software-based mechanism that can be integrated into the gaming device or bonus controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple paytables are provided in a single game to allow casinos to select different payback percentages, then flexibility in controlling payback percentage is improved, but device complexity increases and the number of available paytables is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the payback percentage control from the fixed paytable structure and places it into a separate, dynamically adjustable component. This allows the paytable to remain constant while the payback percentage can be independently modified through the selection of different award amounts, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capability for payback percentages without requiring multiple static paytables. The system can dynamically change the payback percentage by selecting different award amounts from a set of predefined options, providing flexibility while maintaining a single paytable structure and reducing overall system complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If symbols are added or removed from reels to achieve desired payback percentage, then payback percentage precision is improved, but significant design and testing time is required and game character may change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter being adjusted from symbol quantity to award amount. By modifying the award amounts associated with winning outcomes rather than adding or removing symbols, the system achieves precise payback percentage control while preserving the existing game design, symbol distribution, and overall game character, thereby eliminating extensive redesign and testing requirements.
3Loss of energy
If paytable is modified to achieve lower payback percentage, then casino profitability is improved, but player incentive and game volatility are negatively affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of payback percentages through selectable award amounts, allowing casinos to optimize profitability during different operating conditions while maintaining the ability to switch between different payback levels. This dynamic approach preserves player incentive and game volatility characteristics by keeping the original paytable and symbol distribution intact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes which parameter is being modified to achieve payback percentage adjustment. Instead of changing the paytable structure or symbol values, the system modifies the award amounts paid for winning outcomes. This allows profitability optimization while maintaining consistent game play characteristics and player incentive structures.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present concept provide means to control the payback percentage of games being played on gaming devices. In one example, a gaming device includes a processor configured to initiate a payback-controlling event and determine a game outcome to display on the game display in response to a gaming event being initiated. Here, the determined game outcome is a payback-controlling outcome when the payback-controlling event satisfies the payback-controlling criterion, and the determined game outcome is a game outcome determined from the base-game paytable when the payback-controlling event does not satisfy the payback-controlling criterion.