Class II/Class III hybrid gaming machine, system and methods
US8133113B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 22, 2004 |
| Grant date | Mar 13, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 18, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07F17/3262
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides a gaming machine that can play both Class II and Class III games. Some implementations provide a gaming machine that has certain features (e.g., a true random number generator or “RNG”) enabled for Class III play and disabled for Class II play. Some aspects of the invention provide methods for determining when a Class III game is available. Other aspects of the invention allow a player to “line up” for a desired Class III game while playing another game, such as a Class II game or another Class III game, on the same gaming machine until the desired Class III game is available. Some such implementations grant higher priority to certain players according to their gaming history, e.g., as indicated by player tracking/player loyalty data. Alternative aspects of the invention allocate available Class III games in other ways, e.g., by playing a Class II game for a chance to play a Class III game, by lottery, or otherwise. Player tracking information may be shared and/or combined for Class II and Class III game play and may be used to determine gaming history.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.