U.S. Pat. No. 8,616,960

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of a gaming method and gaming controller as described are adapted to determine a minimum prize value for a current game outcome based on a previous game outcome and set the prize to be awarded for the current game outcome to the minimum prize value if a provisional prize value determined based on the current game outcome is less than the determined minimum prize value. Embodiments may be applied to any type of game, such as a spinning reel game, poker, keno, bingo, pinball, dice and the like implemented.

In a first form, a stand alone gaming machine is provided wherein all or most components required for implementing the game are present in a player operable gaming machine.

In a second form, a distributed architecture is provided wherein some of the components required for implementing the game are present in a player operable gaming machine and some of the components required for implementing the game are located remotely relative to the gaming machine. For example, a “thick client” architecture may be used wherein part of the game is executed on a player operable gaming machine and part of the game is executed remotely, such as by a gaming server; or a “thin client” architecture may be used wherein most of the game is executed remotely such as by a gaming server and a player operable gaming machine is used only to display audible and/or visible gaming information to the player and receive gaming inputs from the player.

However, it will be understood that other arrangements are envisaged. For example, an architecture may be provided wherein a gaming machine is networked to a gaming server and the respective functions of the gaming machine and the gaming server are selectively modifiable. For example, the gaming system may operate in stand alone gaming machine mode, “thick client” mode or “thin client” mode depending on the game being played, operating conditions, and so on. Other variations will be apparent to persons skilled in the art.

Irrespective of the form, the gaming system comprises several core components. At the broadest level, the core components are a player interface50and a game controller60as illustrated inFIG. 1. The player interface is arranged to enable manual interaction between a player and the gaming system and for this purpose includes the input/output components required for the player to enter instructions and play the game.

Components of the player interface may vary from embodiment to embodiment but will typically include a credit mechanism52to enable a player to input credits and receive payouts, one or more displays54and a game play mechanism56comprising one or more input devices that enable a player to input game play instructions.

The game controller60is in data communication with the player interface and typically includes a processor62that processes the game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and outputs game play outcomes to the display. Typically, the game play instructions are stored as program code in a memory64but can also be hardwired. Herein the term “processor” is used to refer generically to any device that can process game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and may include: a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic device or other computational device, a general purpose computer (e.g. a PC) or a server.

A gaming system in the form of a stand alone gaming machine202is illustrated inFIG. 2. The gaming machine202includes a console12having a display14on which is displayed representations of a game16that can be played by a player. A mid-trim20of the gaming machine202houses a bank of buttons22for enabling a player to interact with the gaming machine, in particular during game play. The mid-trim20also houses a credit input mechanism24which in this example includes a coin input chute24A and a bill collector24B. Other credit input mechanisms may also be employed, for example, a card reader for reading a smart card, debit card or credit card. A reading device may also be provided for the purpose of reading a player tracking device, for example as part of a loyalty program. The player tracking device may be in the form of a card, flash drive or any other portable storage medium capable of being read by the reading device.

A top box26may carry artwork28, including for example pay tables and details of bonus awards and other information or images relating to the game. Further artwork and/or information may be provided on a front panel29of the console12. A coin tray30is mounted beneath the front panel29for dispensing cash payouts from the gaming machine202.

The display14shown inFIG. 2is in the form of a video display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, the display14may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, any other suitable video display unit, or the visible portion of an electromechanical device. The top box26may also include a display, for example a video display unit, which may be of the same type as the display14, or of a different type.

FIG. 3shows a block diagram of operative components of a typical gaming machine which may be the same as or different to the gaming machine ofFIG. 2.

The gaming machine100includes a game controller101having a processor102. Instructions and data to control operation of the processor102are stored in a memory103, which is in data communication with the processor102. Typically, the gaming machine100will include both volatile and non-volatile memory and more than one of each type of memory, with such memories being collectively represented by the memory103.

The gaming machine has hardware meters104for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring player credit, an input/output (I/O) interface105for communicating with peripheral devices of the gaming machine100. The input/output interface105and/or the peripheral devices may be intelligent devices with their own memory for storing associated instructions and data for use with the input/output interface or the peripheral devices. A random number generator module113generates random numbers for use by the processor102. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the reference to random numbers includes pseudo-random numbers.

In the example shown inFIG. 3, a player interface120includes peripheral devices that communicate with the game controller101comprise one or more displays106, a touch screen and buttons107, a card and/or ticket reader108, a printer109, a bill acceptor and/or coin input mechanism110and a coin output mechanism111. Additional hardware may be included as part of the gaming machine100, or hardware may be omitted as required for the specific implementation. For example, while buttons or touch screens are typically used in gaming machines to allow a player to place a wager and initiate a play of a game any input device that enables the player to input game play instructions may be used. For example, in some gaming machines a mechanical handle is used to initiate a play of the game.

In addition, the gaming machine100may include a communications interface, for example a network card112. The network card may, for example, send status information, accounting information or other information to a central controller, server or database and receive data or commands from the central controller, server or database.

FIG. 4shows a block diagram of the main components of an exemplary memory103. The memory103includes RAM103A, EPROM103B and a mass storage device103C. The RAM103A typically temporarily holds program files for execution by the processor102and related data. The EPROM103B may be a boot ROM device and/or may contain some system or game related code. The mass storage device103C is typically used to store game programs, the integrity of which may be verified and/or authenticated by the processor102using protected code from the EPROM103B or elsewhere.

It is also possible for the operative components of the gaming machine100to be distributed, for example input/output devices106,107,108,109,110,111to be provided remotely from the game controller101.

FIG. 5shows a gaming system200in accordance with an alternative embodiment. The gaming system200includes a network201, which for example may be an Ethernet network. Gaming machines202, shown arranged in three banks203of two gaming machines202inFIG. 5, are connected to the network201. The gaming machines202provide a player operable interface and may be the same as the gaming machines202,100shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, or may have simplified functionality depending on the requirements for implementing game play. While banks203of two gaming machines are illustrated inFIG. 5, banks of one, three or more gaming machines are also envisaged.

One or more displays204may also be connected to the network201. The displays204may, for example, be associated with one or more banks203of gaming machines. The displays204may be used to display representations associated with game play on the gaming machines202, and/or used to display other representations, for example promotional or informational material.

In a thick client embodiment, game server205implements part of the game played by a player using a gaming machine202and the gaming machine202implements part of the game. With this embodiment, as both the game server and the gaming device implement part of the game, they collectively provide a game controller. A database management server206may manage storage of game programs and associated data for downloading or access by the gaming devices202in a database206A. Typically, if the gaming system enables players to participate in a Jackpot game, a Jackpot server207will be provided to monitor and carry out the Jackpot game. Additional servers212may be provided to implement other functions depending on the embodiment implemented for the gaming venue.

In a thin client embodiment, game server205implements most or all of the game played by a player using a gaming machine202and the gaming machine202essentially provides only the player interface. With this embodiment, the game server205provides the game controller. The gaming machine will receive player instructions, pass these to the game server which will process them and return game play outcomes to the gaming machine for display. In a thin client embodiment, the gaming machines could be computer terminals, e.g. PCs running software that provides a player interface operable using standard computer input and output components.

Servers are also typically provided to assist in the administration of the gaming network200, including for example a gaming floor management server208, and a licensing server209to monitor the use of licenses relating to particular games. An administrator terminal210is provided to allow an administrator to run the network201and the devices connected to the network.

The gaming network200may communicate with other gaming systems, other local networks, for example a corporate network, and/or a wide area network such as the Internet, for example through a firewall211.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in accordance with known techniques, functionality at the server side of the network may be distributed over a plurality of different computers. For example, elements may be run as a single “engine” on one server or a separate server may be provided. For example, the game server205could run a random generator engine. Alternatively, a separate random number generator server could be provided. Further, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a plurality of games servers could be provided to run different games or a single game server may run a plurality of different games as required by the terminals.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to gaming systems that determine a minimum prize value to be awarded for a game outcome based on a previous prize value and set a prize to be awarded for a game outcome to the minimum prize value if a provisional prize value, determined based on the game outcome, is less than the determined minimum prize value. Embodiments may be applied for any type of game, for example spinning reel, poker, keno, bingo, pin and ball, dice games etc Embodiments may be used in game systems which use mechanical random result generation processes or electronic random number generators to generate game outcomes.

An embodiment of a game system600for providing a game applying a minimum prize value is illustrated inFIG. 6. The system600comprises a player interface50and a game controller60game controller. The player interface includes a display54for displaying game data including outcome data and prize data, and a game play mechanism56enabling a player to input game play instructions. The game controller60includes a processor62and a memory64. In this embodiment memory64stores game rules610, for the game being played, minimum prize data620and player data630. In this embodiment a game outcome generator640and a prize manager650are implemented as functions in the processor62.

The game outcome generator640can include all the functions required for generating a random result, applying game rules to the random result to generate a game outcome, displaying the game outcome and determining whether a prize is to be awarded to the player for the game outcome based on game rules610. Alternatively the game outcome generator may receive game result data generated using another module or a mechanical random result generation process and simply be adapted to apply game rules610to the generated game result data to determine the game outcome and whether a prize winning event has occurred. The outcome generator may also be adapted to determine a provisional value for prize to be awarded for a winning event, for example based on a wager and the winning outcome. Alternatively a provisional value for the prize to be awarded may be determined by the prize manager650based on a game outcome and optionally player data such as the wagered amount for a game. Player data630is optional in determining prizes for game outcomes as prizes may be awarded for “free play” games which do not require a wager to be placed.

The prize manager650is adapted to determine a minimum prize value for a current game outcome based on a previous game outcome. The prize manager650compares a provisional prize value for a prize to be awarded to the player for the current game outcome with the determined minimum prize value, and modifies the prize value to be awarded to the minimum prize value if the provisional prize value is less than the minimum prize value.

The minimum prize value for a current game outcome is determined based on a previous game outcome. For example the minimum prize value may be calculated from a previous prize value, for example doubling a previously awarded prize value. Alternatively where a previous game outcome met no prize wining criteria, the minimum prize value may be determined based on a game rule, for example set to a given credit value such as ten credits. In one embodiment, a series of game outcomes are calculated as a series of free spins and a minimum prize value is set by the first prize which is awarded, whether this be in the first game outcome, the second game outcome etc. (Put another way, the minimum prize is zero until an award is made). The minimum prize value for a current game outcome can be stored in memory64as player data630along with other game play instructions, including any wager data and win meter credit data635.

The number of game outcomes for which a minimum prize value can be applied may be defined as a fixed number or based on game outcomes in accordance with game rules610. For example, a minimum prize value may be applied for a number of “free spins” (also know as free games) in a spinning reel game, where the number of “free spins” is determined based on a predetermined combination appearing in an outcome reel spin of a previous game, such as three cats for three “free spins” or three dogs for four “free spins”. In another the number of game outcomes may be randomly selected in accordance with a random result generation process and game rules. Alternatively a minimum prize value may be applied for a series of feature games, initiated when an entry criteria is met, such as a feature game trigger symbol occurring in a base game outcome, and a minimum prize value may be determined and applied for a plurality of successive feature game outcomes until an end condition is met, such as an exit symbol appearing in a feature game outcome or a given number of feature game outcomes being generated.

In some embodiments a mathematical operation used to determine the minimum prize value may also be based on a game outcome. For example, an outcome including a doubler, or two times multiplier, symbol can cause a minimum prize value to be determined by doubling a previous prize value, whereas a three time multiplier symbol may cause a minimum prize value to be determined by tripling a previous prize value.

Alternatively a mathematical operation used to determine the minimum prize value may be randomly selected for a player from a plurality of minimum prize determination functions625stored in memory64. For example, minimum prize determination functions625may include multipliers of a number of given values to be applied to a previous prize value, mathematical functions for application to one or more previous values, such as addition of two previous prize values to give the minimum prize value, or combinations thereof. A skilled person should appreciate that any number of mathematical functions may be applied to determine a minimum prize value based on at least one previous prize value.

Credit units or “credits” representing a monetary value are often used for wagers and prizes, the credits can be redeemed as cash or other prizes of equivalent value when a player chooses to stop playing. For example, each credit unit may represent a monetary value of 5 cents, so a player winning 10000 credits may redeem the monetary value of $500 for the 10000 credits from the gaming venue when they have finished playing.

An embodiment of a game play process where a minimum prize value is applied is illustrated inFIG. 7. In this example wagers and prizes are given as credits and the minimum prize value for a current game outcome is determined by multiplying the number of prize credits for the previous game outcome by two. The embodiment illustrated the minimum prize value is applied for each game outcome, for example this process may be executed for a series of a given number of game outcomes initiated by placing a bet. A minimum prize value710for a current game outcome is determined based on a prize value for a previous game outcome. Where this is an initial game and no previous game outcome has occurred the minimum prize value may be set to a given value, for example zero or ten credits. In the case, where the prize is set at zero, the minimum prize value will continue to be zero until an award is made. Where a previous prize value for a previous game outcome exists then the minimum prize value is determined based on the previous prize value. For example where the previous prize value is fifty credits the minimum prize value is determined by doubling this value, thus the minimum prize value is one hundred credits. The determined minimum prize value may also be displayed to the player. A game outcome is generated720and displayed to the player. A provisional prize value is determined730based on the generated game outcome, for example a provisional prize value of fifty credits for three cherries appearing in a win line of the displayed game outcome. The provisional prize value may be displayed to the player along with the game outcome. The determined provisional prize value is compared with the minimum prize value740determined for the outcome. Where the provisional prize value is greater or equal to the minimum prize value, the prize value to be awarded for the outcome will be set to the provisional prize value750. For example, where the minimum prize value is ten credits and the provisional prize value fifty credits, then the prize to be awarded770will be set to fifty credits. However, where the provisional prize value is less than the provisional prize value, the prize value to be awarded is set to the determined minimum prize value760. For example, where the provisional prize value is fifty credits and the minimum prize value is one hundred credits, then the prize value to be awarded will be set to one hundred credits. The prize is then awarded to the player770and the previous prize value updated780for subsequent use based on the prize awarded for use when determining the next minimum prize value710. That is where there are a series of game outcomes, the prize value of a current game outcome is used as the basis for the minimum prize value in a subsequent game round. It will be appreciated that the game round referred to as the subsequent game round will be the current game round when it is conducted.

It should be appreciated by the skilled person that in the above method, the minimum prize value for a current game for this embodiment will be at least double the minimum prize awarded for a previous game. This process can be repeated with the minimum prize value increasing for each current game outcome for the given number of game outcomes. The final value of the current prize value is then awarded to the player.

The gaming system of one embodiment provides “base games” and “feature games” wherein the minimum prize value is applied. For example the feature becomes available once eligibility criteria are met. The eligibility for a feature game may be based on an outcome of a base game, for example the appearance of a special symbol or combination of symbols in a game outcome of a base game. The player may pay an additional bet, known as an “ante bet”, for a chance to play a feature game. Alternatively payment of an ante bet alone may fulfill the eligibility criteria to play a feature game applying a minimum prize value. The amount wagered for an ante bet may determine a minimum prize value multiplier value and/or the number of game outcomes for which a minimum prize value may be applied in the feature game.

In one variation during the feature game, a series of game outcomes are generated for which a minimum prize value is applied. Feature game outcomes may be generated until an end condition is met. For example, an end condition may be that a specified number of feature game outcomes have been generated or a feature game outcome including an end condition such as a specified symbol has occurred.

An example of a game play process where the minimum prize value is applied in a feature game is illustrated inFIG. 8. The player places a bet to start the play of a base game810and an outcome is generated for the base game815. If the eligibility criteria820for a feature game are not met then any prize for the base game will be awarded825and the game process readies for the play of the next base game. If the game outcome fulfils the eligibility criteria820to play a feature game, then the game play process continues on to generate outcomes for one or more feature games where a minimum prize value is determined and applied for the feature game outcome. The number of feature game outcomes may be preset or based on an outcome of the base game. The mathematical function selected for determining a minimum prize value for each outcome may also be preset or based on base game outcomes.

A minimum prize value is determined828for the first feature game as described above. A feature game outcome is then generated830and displayed to the player. A provisional prize value for the game outcome is also determined and can be displayed to the player along with the game outcome. The provisional prize value may be a prize value determined for the currently generated game outcome only or may be a cumulative prize value based on a prize value for a current game outcome added to a cumulative prize total of prizes to be awarded for previous game outcomes, for example a cumulative prize total stored in a win meter for the feature game. The provisional prize value is compared with the minimum prize value840. If the provisional prize value is less than the minimum prize value, then the prize is set to the minimum prize value850. If the provisional prize value is greater than the minimum prize value then the prize to be awarded is set to the provisional prize value860. The prize for the feature game outcome is awarded870and the previous prize value updated875based on the prize awarded.

The end criteria for the feature are checked880to determine whether the feature game is completed, for example if a predetermined number of feature game outcomes have been generated, an end symbol occurred in the feature game outcome or the like. If the feature game is not completed then the game play process continues with a new minimum prize value determined885based on the previous prize value and a further feature game outcome830is generated and the new minimum value applied etc until the end criteria are met. Once the end criteria are met the feature game is completed and the game play process returns to the start for the next base game810.

It should be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that generating game outcome is used herein to refer to a process which can give rise to a win entitlement for a player. For example in a spinning reel embodiment, generating a game outcome may involve spinning all reels to cause a set of symbols to be displayed to the player for win entitlement to be determined based on combinations of symbols appearing the in the displayed symbol set. Generating a game outcome may also involve changing only part of a symbol set, for example by spinning one reel while others are held, holding some selected symbols while reels are spun behind the held symbols or nudging a reel, to generate a new symbol set for which win entitlement can be determined. Similarly, for other styles of games generating a game outcome can occur by modifying part of a previous game outcome to generate a new game outcome for win entitlement assessment to determine a prize to be awarded for the game outcome. For example, in a card game dealing a new card to add to a hand or in a dice game re-rolling one of a plurality of dice may constitute generating a new game outcome. Game rules can define what actions constitute generating a new game outcome, and it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that what constitutes generating a new game outcome can vary for different game embodiments.

Modifications to the exemplary game process are envisaged within the scope of various embodiments. For example, a feature game outcome may award generation of further feature game outcomes or a plurality of base games may be played before a feature game is started. A minimum prize value may be determined using a different mathematical function to determine the minimum prize value for each feature game. The feature game may be a different game from a base game, for example a base game may be a spinning reel game and the feature game a dice game. These and any other modifications are contemplated within the scope of the present invention. Feature games may be “free play” games or have a different betting structure to base games. Feature games may be similar to a base game but introduce different features such as additional symbols or prize patterns. Alternatively prize values for feature game outcomes may differ from those of a base game.

An outcome of one or more base games, as well as fulfilling eligibility criteria for a feature game may also be used to determine the mathematical functions used to determine minimum prize values for one or more feature games. For example, a series of base games may be played before a feature game can be played. For each of these base games, if a specified outcome occurs this causes a mathematical function to be made available for selection for determining a minimum prize value during a feature game. For example, each time a combination of three dogs appears in a game outcome the number of times a predetermined mathematical function, say a two times multiplier, can be added to a set of mathematical functions used to determine a minimum prize values for a feature game. The size of the set of mathematical functions can be used to determine the number of game outcomes generated for a feature game, with one of the mathematical functions used to determine the minimum prize value for each game outcome until each has been used once. The size of such a set of mathematical functions or the mathematical functions eligible for adding to the set may be fixed, defined in game rules or based on the amount of an ante bet.

In an alternative example, for a spinning reel game, each time a combination of three cats appears in a win line of the game a two times multiplier may be added to the player's set of minimum prize value determining functions. Each time a combination of four cats appears on a win line a three times multiplier is added to the set of minimum prize value determining functions. These multipliers may be selectively applied during the play of one or more feature games. Selecting which mathematical function to apply to determine a minimum prize value may be based on a predetermined order, such as the order in which the player won the minimum prize determination functions or applying the function in a highest multiplier to lowest multiplier order. Alternatively selecting which minimum prize determination function to apply can be done using pseudo-random number generation performed by a game controller processor. If a set of minimum prize value determining functions are not all applied for a sequence of feature game outcomes, any unused minimum prize value determining functions may be lost or carried over for use in current feature games, dependent on the game rules of the particular game.

In the embodiments described above, a new minimum prize value is determined for each game outcome in a series. In an alternative embodiment a minimum prize value may be compared with a provisional prize value based on the outcome of two or more games, for example the provisional prize value may be selected as the best outcome out of a series of three game outcomes, alternatively the provisional prize outcome may be a cumulative total of prize values for a series of four game outcomes. The number of game outcomes in a series may be predetermined or selected based on game rules. It should be appreciated that it will be generally desirable for a player to have a provisional prize value for a game outcome (or series of outcomes) greater than the determined minimum prize value for the game outcome as this will increase the minimum prize value, and hence prize award guarantee, for current game outcomes.

Some exemplary embodiments of gaming methods, controllers and systems applying a minimum prize value based on a previous game outcome have been described herein. A person skilled in the art should readily appreciate that the minimum prize value may be applied in many alternative embodiments. Any modifications or alterations to the minimum prize value described herein are envisaged within the scope of the present application including that features of the embodiments and examples may be used to form further embodiments.

In the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in any country.

EXAMPLE 1

In the following non limiting example a player is playing a spinning reel game. According to game rules the previous prize value used to determine the minimum prize value is the player's cumulative total prize value for the feature game. The minimum prize value determination function in this example is defined by the game rules as a two times multiplier. The minimum prize value is applied for of a series of three feature games.

In this example, game rules define provisional prize values as the sum of a prize value for an outcome and the previously awarded prize value.

A player triggers a series of three feature games from a base game. During the feature games the play of the game is free.

The initial minimum prize value is determined to be zero as the player has a cumulative total of zero credits for the feature game before the first reel spin of the feature game.

A game outcome generated for the first free reel spin is illustrated inFIG. 9a. The symbols on the reels910include a winning combination of five of a kind “Pic5” symbols which pays five hundred credits. The provisional prize value924is therefore five hundred credits which is the sum of the prize outcome value926and the cumulative total value928. The provisional prize value is greater than the minimum prize value of zero credits920, so the player is awarded five hundred credits for the first reel spin.

For the second free spin the minimum prize value930is determined by doubling the previous prize value of five hundred credits, thus the minimum prize value930is one thousand credits.

The outcome for the second free reel spin is illustrated inFIG. 9b. The outcome912includes a five of a kind “Pic4” symbols which pays six hundred credits for the game outcome936. The provisional prize value934is eleven hundred credits, which is the sum of the prize total938and the game outcome prize value936. As the provisional prize value is greater than the minimum prize value the prize value to be awarded is set to the provisional prize value, thus the prize total becomes eleven hundred credits.

For the third free spin the minimum prize value940is determined by doubling the previous prize value of eleven hundred credits, thus the minimum prize value940is twenty two hundred credits.

The outcome for the third free spin is illustrated inFIG. 9c. The symbols on the reels914include two scatter symbols which pays fifty credits. The provisional prize value944is eleven hundred and fifty credits, which is the sum of the prize total948of fifty credits and the game outcome prize value946of eleven hundred credits. As the minimum prize value is greater than the provisional prize value the prize value to be awarded is set to the minimum prize value. The prize total awarded for the feature game is twenty two hundred credits.

EXAMPLE 2

In the following non limiting example a player is playing a spinning reel game. According to game rules the previous prize value used to determine the minimum prize value is the player's previously awarded prize value for the feature game. The minimum prize value determination function in this example is defined by the game rules as a two times multiplier. The minimum prize value is applied for of a series of three feature games.

In this example, game rules define provisional prize values as the prize value for a generated outcome.

A player triggers a series of three feature games from a base game. During the feature games the play of the game is free.

The initial minimum prize value is determined to be zero as the player has a previous total of zero credits for the feature game before the first reel spin of the feature game.

A game outcome generated for the first free reel spin is illustrated inFIG. 10a. The symbols on the reels1010include a winning combination of five of a kind “Pic5” symbols which pays five hundred credits. The provisional prize value is therefore five hundred credits. The provisional prize value is greater than the minimum prize value of zero credits1020, so the player is awarded 500 credits for the first reel spin.

For the second free spin the minimum prize value1030is determined by doubling the previously awarded prize value of five hundred credits, thus the minimum prize value1030is one thousand credits.

The outcome for the second free reel spin is illustrated inFIG. 10b. The outcome1012includes a five of a kind “Pic4” symbols which pays six hundred credits, which is the provisional prize value. As the provisional prize value is less than the minimum prize value the prize value to be awarded is set to the minimum prize value of one thousand credits. The prize total becomes fifteen hundred credits.

For the third free spin the minimum prize value1040is determined by doubling the previous prize value of one thousand credits, thus the minimum prize value1040is two thousand credits.

The outcome for the third free spin is illustrated inFIG. 10c. The symbols on the reels1014include two scatter symbols which pays a provisional prize value of fifty credits. As the minimum prize value is greater than the provisional prize value, the prize value to be awarded is set to the minimum prize value of two thousand credits. The prize total awarded for the feature game becomes thirty five hundred credits.

EXAMPLE 3

In the following non limiting example a player is playing a spinning reel game. According to game rules the previous prize value used to determine the minimum prize value is the player's cumulative total prize value for the feature game. The minimum prize value determination function in this example is randomly selected by the game controller from a defined set of mathematical functions. The minimum prize value is applied for of a series of three feature games.

In this example, game rules define provisional prize values as the sum of a prize value for an outcome and the previously awarded prize value.

A player triggers a series of three feature games from a base game. During the feature games the play of the game is free.

The initial minimum prize value is determined to be zero as the player has a cumulative total of zero credits for the feature game before the first reel spin of the feature game.

A game outcome generated for the first free reel spin is illustrated inFIG. 11a. The symbols on the reels1110include a winning combination of five of a kind “Pic5” symbols which pays five hundred credits. The provisional prize value1124is therefore five hundred credits which is the sum of the prize outcome value1126and the cumulative total value1128. The provisional prize value is greater than the minimum prize value of zero credits1120, so the player is awarded five hundred credits for the first reel spin.

For the second free spin the mathematical function selected for determining the minimum prize value1130is a two time multiplier, thus the minimum prize value1130is determined by doubling the previous prize value of five hundred credits to give a minimum prize value of one thousand credits.

The outcome for the second free reel spin is illustrated inFIG. 11b. The outcome1112includes a five of a kind “Pic4” symbols which pays six hundred credits for the game outcome1136. The provisional prize value1134is eleven hundred credits, which is the sum of the prize total1138and the game outcome prize value1136. As the provisional prize value is greater than the minimum prize value the prize value to be awarded is set to the provisional prize value, thus the prize total becomes eleven hundred credits.

For the third free spin the mathematical function selected for determining the minimum prize value1140is a five hundred credit adder, thus the minimum prize value1140is determined by adding five hundred credits to the previous prize value of eleven hundred credits to give a minimum prize value1140of sixteen hundred credits.

The outcome for the third free spin is illustrated inFIG. 11c. The symbols on the reels1114include two scatter symbols which pays fifty credits. The provisional prize value1144is eleven hundred and fifty credits, which is the sum of the prize total1148of fifty credits and the game outcome prize value1146of eleven hundred credits. As the minimum prize value is greater than the provisional prize value the prize value to be awarded is set to the minimum prize value. The prize total awarded for the feature game is sixteen hundred credits.

EXAMPLE 4

In the following non limiting example a player is playing a spinning reel game. According to game rules the previous prize value used to determine the minimum prize value is the player's cumulative prize value for the feature game. The minimum prize value determination function in this example is defined by the game rules as a two times multiplier. The minimum prize value is applied for of a series of three feature games.

In this example, game rules define provisional prize values as the prize value for a generated outcome.

A player triggers a series of three feature games from a base game. During the feature games the play of the game is free.

The initial minimum prize value is determined based on a prize value for a game outcome of the base game which triggered the feature game. In this example the prize value for the game outcome triggering the feature game is three hundred credits. Thus the minimum prize value1220for the first reel spin of the feature game is six hundred credits, double the prize value for the base game.

A game outcome generated for the first free reel spin is illustrated inFIG. 12a. The symbols on the reels1210include a winning combination of five of a kind “Pic5” symbols which pays five hundred credits. The provisional prize value is therefore five hundred credits. The provisional prize value is less than the minimum prize value of six hundred credits1120, so the player is awarded six hundred credits for the first reel spin.

For the second free spin the minimum prize value1230is determined by doubling the previously awarded prize value of six hundred credits, thus the minimum prize value1230is twelve hundred credits.

The outcome for the second free reel spin is illustrated inFIG. 12b. The outcome1212includes a five of a kind “Pic4” symbols which pays six hundred credits, which is the provisional prize value. As the provisional prize value is less than the minimum prize value the prize value to be awarded is set to the minimum prize value of twelve hundred credits. The prize total becomes eighteen hundred credits.

For the third free spin the minimum prize value1040is determined by doubling the cumulative prize value of eighteen hundred credits, thus the minimum prize value1240is thirty six hundred credits.

The outcome for the third free spin is illustrated inFIG. 12c. The symbols on the reels1214include two scatter symbols which pays a provisional prize value of fifty credits. As the minimum prize value is greater than the provisional prize value, the prize value to be awarded is set to the minimum prize value of thirty six hundred credits. The prize total awarded for the feature game becomes fifty four hundred credits.

EXAMPLE 5

In the following non limiting example a player is playing a spinning reel game. According to game rules the previous prize value used to determine the minimum prize value is the player's cumulative total prize value for the feature game. The minimum prize value determination function in this example is defined by the game rules as a two times multiplier. The minimum prize value is applied for of a series of three feature games.

In this example, game rules define provisional prize values as the sum of a prize value for an outcome and the previously awarded prize value.

A player triggers a series of four feature games from a base game. During the feature games the play of the game is free.

The initial minimum prize value is determined to be zero as the player has a cumulative total of zero credits for the feature game before the first reel spin of the feature game.

A game outcome generated for the first free reel spin is illustrated inFIG. 13a. The symbols on the reels1310include no winning combinations. The provisional prize value1324is therefore zero credits which is the sum of the prize outcome value1326and the cumulative total value1328. As the minimum prize value is also zero credits1320, the player is awarded zero credits for the first reel spin.

For the second free spin the minimum prize value1330is determined, based on a the previous reel spin outcome having no winning combinations, in accordance with game rule by setting the minimum value to a given value. In this case the minimum prize value1330is twenty credits.

The outcome for the second free reel spin is illustrated inFIG. 13b. The outcome1312includes no wining combinations. The prize value is therefore zero for the game outcome1336. The provisional prize value1334is again zero, which is the sum of the prize total1338and the game outcome prize value1336. As the provisional prize value is less than the minimum prize value the prize value to be awarded is set to the minimum prize value of twenty credits.

For the third free spin the minimum prize value1340is determined by doubling the previous prize value of twenty credits, thus the minimum prize value1340is forty credits.

The outcome for the third free spin is illustrated inFIG. 13c. The symbols on the reels1314include two scatter symbols which pays fifty credits. The provisional prize value1344is seventy credits, which is the sum of the prize total1348of twenty credits and the game outcome prize value1346of fifty credits. As the minimum prize value is less than the provisional prize value the prize value to be awarded is set to the provisional prize value.

For the fourth free spin the minimum prize value1350is determined by doubling the previous prize value of seventy credits, thus the minimum prize value1350is one hundred and forty credits.

The outcome for the fourth free spin is illustrated inFIG. 13d. The symbols on the reels1316include two scatter symbols which pays fifty credits. The provisional prize value1354is one hundred and twenty credits, which is the sum of the prize total1358of seventy credits and the game outcome prize value1356of fifty credits. As the minimum prize value is greater than the provisional prize value the prize value to be awarded is set to the minimum prize value. The prize total awarded for the feature game is one hundred and forty credits.