Skill based prize games for wide area networks

US6007426A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• RLT Acquisition, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Matthew F. Kelly · Dublin, US
• Bryan M. Kelly · Alamo, US
• Norman B. Petermeier · Pleasanton, US
• John G. Kroeckel · Pleasanton, US
• John E. Link · Tracy, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 17, 1998
• Grant date: Dec 28, 1999
• Expiry date: Mar 17, 2018

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G07F17/3262
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

The present invention provides a prize redemption system for use with one or more game apparatuses. The prize redemption system includes a server in communication with the game apparatuses to form a wide area network that may include the Internet. A game is provided on a game apparatus for a player to play in exchange for monetary input, and prize credits are credited to the player based on the game outcome. A prize selection menu is then displayed by the game apparatus, the menu including one or more prizes, where the player may select a prize that has a prize cost within the player's prize credit amount. The player is dispensed a specific prize ticket that is redeemable for the selected prize. The game apparatus can also provide specific prizes and tournament games played for a tournament prize contributed to by multiple players. An operator can adjust prizes and payout percentages of the system to achieve a desired profitability for game apparatuses. Prize input is entered into a prize table describing multiple available prizes and also describing payout information that indicates a desired amount of payout that the operator wishes to provide back to players of the game apparatu…