Patent · US Active

Linked gaming machines with shared bonus game

US8337311B2 · kind B2 · utility

5Cited by
1References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 14, 2008
Grant dateDec 25, 2012
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 5, 2031

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG07F17/3276
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A base game may be a conventional video reel-type game. During play of the base game, at least a first progressive jackpot is accumulated by a first percentage of the wagers. A community Bingo game is concurrently initiated for all eligible players (players betting above the minimum bet) when an eligible player achieves a special symbol combination in the base game. The number of virtual Bingo cards dealt to each eligible player is based on the player's average bet. A central controller then random selects Bingo numbers, one at a time, and the first player to fill in a Bingo card wins the bonus game and an award. Only the player that triggered the bonus game is eligible for the first progressive jackpot. At various levels of the game, the players are motivated to bet above the minimum bet to be eligible for the bonus game and increase the player's chances of winning the bonus game.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.