METHOD FOR ESTABLISHING AN ADVANCED INCENTIVE JACKPOT

POOL FROM FIRST AND SECOND GAMING MACHINES WITH

DIFFERENT THEORETICAL HOLD VALUES

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS FROM WHICH PRIORITY

IS CLAIMED

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No.

60/863,639, filed on October 31, 2006 (Attorney Docket No. 060518.00640), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to gaming machines, and more

particularly, to a system and method for accumulating one or more progressive incentive

pools and for awarding prizes or jackpots to one or more users from the pool(s).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The growth and competition in the casino gaming market in recent years and the increasingly sophisticated and complex technology being integrated into the gaming environment, at the individual game, casino management, and auditing levels, presents

both challenges and opportunities to game manufacturers, gaming establishment

operators, and regulatory agencies. The technological capabilities and requirements of,

for example, advanced electronic games, multi-site gaming operations, detailed player tracking, wide area progressive jackpots, and various alternatives to the use of currency

and coins by players, all present a potentially huge pool of ever-changing data which can

be of great value to casino operators (from a management standpoint) and to regulators from an audit/compliance stand point.

[0004] One area that has received a lot of attention in recent years has been providing

added incentives to players of electronic gaming machines, such as mechanical reel, video slot machines and video poker machines. One type of incentive is given through a

progressive jackpot pool. The progressive jackpot pool is a constantly accumulating

award based on coin or credit-in, i.e., the tokens played by players, on a plurality of

predetermined gaming machines. The progressive jackpot pool typically starts at a

predetermined minimal value that continuously increases with user activity until some randomly chosen triggering event occurs. The progressive jackpot award is awarded to

the player under some predetermined conditions, usually the prior art include a randomly

established maximum value as the trigger event. One such system which provides a

progressive jackpot gaming system is disclosed in US Patent 6,110,043 which issued on

August 29, 2000 and is assigned to Mikohn Gaming Corporation.

[0005] Typically, progressive jackpot systems utilize fixed add-on controllers which

operate independent of the host player tracking system. For example, when a casino

wants to set up a progressive jackpot system, the progressive controller-based system is

limited to a specific game, specific type of game or logical bank of games. In other

words, typically all of the gaming machines which are connected to the progressive system and which contribute to the jackpot accumulator must be of the exact same type

of machine, e.g., the same video slot machine. A separate progressive controller must be

installed for each game to be connected to the progressive jackpot system.

[0006] One of the problems associated with this type of system is that each of the

games, such as a slot machine, must be physically connected to the progressive controller be part of a progressive jackpot. Furthermore, the configuration, i.e., the gaming

machines included in the progressive system are fixed and not easily changed. And

finally, other casino revenue sources such as tables, bingo, sports book, internet gaming,

retail, hotel, services and so once cannot be part of a progressive jackpot.

[0007] Previously, progressive jackpot systems pay a progressive jackpot award from a

pool. Contributions to the pool are made in response to each credit wagers made by the

players. The contributions are, typically, deducted from the wagers. One problem with such a system deducting a portion of the wagers made to the gaming machine increases

the complexity of the casino's accounting and reporting. For example, the coin-in and

payout for each machine must be recorded and, generally, reported to a governmental

jurisdictional body, to ensure that the gaming machine meets the jurisdiction's

specifications. Removing a portion of the wager to place in the pool, and then paying it

out in a progressive jackpot award, greatly increases the complexity in meeting these

requirements.

[0008] However, the prior art progressive jackpot systems are inflexible and do not provide the casino operator with the maximum benefit and advantages available from the

information and systems now available. The present invention is aimed at providing an

advanced incentive progressive jackpot system that accumulates one or more jackpot or

incentive pool(s) based on the ever-changing data gathered by the casino operators.

Moreover, the present invention broadens the traditional scope of the progressive jackpot

system to incorporate all slot machines and other casino revenue sources by eliminating the need for a physical connection to a physical jackpot controller to be part of the

progressive jackpot.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In a first aspect of the present invention, a method for establishing an advanced

incentive jackpot pool is provided. The method includes the steps of providing first and

second gaming machines usable by a plurality of users. The first gaming machine has a

first theoretical hold value and the second gaming machine has a different theoretical

hold vale. The advanced incentive jackpot pool is associated with the first and second

gaming machines. The method includes the steps of allowing a first user to use the first

gaming machine and responsively establishing a first incremental value as a function of

the first theoretical hold value, adding the first incremental value to the advanced

incentive jackpot pool, allowing a second user to use the first gaming machine and responsively establishing a second incremental value as a function of the second

theoretical hold value, and adding the second incremental value to the advanced incentive

jackpot pool. The method further includes the steps of awarding at least a portion of the

advanced incentive jackpot pool to a winning one of the users in response to an

occurrence of predetermined advanced incentive jackpot conditions.

[0010] In a second aspect the present invention, a method for establishing an advanced

incentive jackpot pool is provided. The method includes the step of providing first and

second gaming machines usable by a plurality of users. The first gaming machine has a

first theoretical hold value and the second gaming machine has different second theoretical hold value. The advanced incentive jackpot pool is associated with the first and second gaming machines. The method also includes the steps of allowing a first user

to use the first gaming machine and responsively establishing a first incremental value,

adding the first incremental value to the advanced incentive jackpot pool, allowing a second user to use the first gaming machine and responsively establishing a second

incremental value, and adding the second incremental value to the advanced incentive

jackpot pool.

[0011] In a third aspect of the present invention, a system and method for establishing

an advanced incentive jackpot pool is provided. The system includes first and gaming

machines usable by a plurality of users. The first gaming machine has a first theoretical

hold value and the second gaming machine has a different second theoretical hold value.

The advanced incentive jackpot pool is associated with the first and second gaming machines. A host computer is operatively coupled to the first and second gaming

machines for establishing a first incremental value in response to a first user using the

first gaming machine and adding the first incremental value to the advanced incentive

jackpot pool and for establishing a second incremental value in response to a second user

using the second gaming machine and adding the second incremental value to the

advanced incentive jackpot pool.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the

same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when

considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0013] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a progressive jackpot system, according to an

embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure Ia is a block diagram of a multi-site system for providing a progressive

jackpot pool, according to a second embodiment of the present invention; [0015] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a gaming machine of the system;

[0016] Figure 3 is a flow diagram of a method for accumulating a progressive jackpot

pool according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 4 is a flow diagram of a method for accumulating a progressive jackpot

pool according to another embodiment of the present invention; and,

[0018] Figure 5 is a flow diagram of a method for accumulating a progressive jackpot

pool according to another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0019] The present invention is a system 10 and a method for establishing one or more

advanced incentive or bonus pool (s). Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals

indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, the system is generally shown at 10 in Figure 1. The system 10 includes one or more gaming machines 12 and a host computer 14 in communication via a network 16 with each gaming machine 12.

[0020] In one aspect of the present invention, the system 10 is part of a player tracking

system. In the player tracking system 10, the user 18, such as a player or other patron, is

identified via a player tracking card and/or a player identification number entered into a

player tracking device (not shown) at each EGM 12. Player tracking accounts may be

used, generally, to provide bonuses to a user, in addition to the award designated by, in

the case of a video slot or poker machine, the EGM's 12 paytable. These bonuses may be awarded to the user 18 based a set of criteria, including, but not limited to, a) the user's play on the machine 12, b) the user's overall play, c) play during a predetermined period of time, and d) the user's birthday or anniversary, or e) any other definable

criteria. Additionally, bonuses may be awarded on a random basis, i.e., to a randomly

chosen user or randomly chosen game 12. Bonuses may also be awarded in a

discretionary manner or based on other criteria, such as, purchases made at a gift shop or

other affiliated location. In one aspect, the bonuses may be in the form of bonus points

or advanced incentive points which may be exchanged for goods and/or services or

downloaded to a gaming machine 12 for use and/or play. Downloaded bonus points may

be cashable or non-cashable.

[0021] In one aspect of the present invention, the advanced incentive pool is used to fund

an advanced incentive jackpot which is awarded to one or more users under a set of predetermined rules. For example, an advanced incentive jackpot may be awarded to a

user whose contribution to the advanced incentive pool results in the pool reaching or

surpassing a predetermined value. In another example, an advanced incentive jackpot

game may be initialized under a set of predetermined rules. An advanced incentive

jackpot may be paid from the advanced incentive pool to one or more winners of the

advanced incentive jackpot game. Contributions may also be made to one or more

hidden pools, which may be used to initial or seed the advanced incentive pool, when the

advanced incentive is begun or after a advanced incentive jackpot has been awarded. One system for awarding a advanced incentive jackpot is disclosed in commonly

assigned US Patent Application Serial No. 11/779,537, filed on July 18, 2007 (Docket

No. 060518-00648), which is hereby incorporated by reference in it entirety. In one

embodiment of the present invention, it is important to note that contributions to

advanced incentive jackpot or hidden pools are not made from the wagers (if a wagering

based gaming machine) or transactions (if a non- wagering based gaming machine), but

rather will be generally be related or associated with a marketing budget. In one embodiment of the present invention, it is important to note that contributions to

advanced incentive jackpot or hidden pools are not made from the wagers (if a wagering

based gaming machine) or transactions (if a non-wagering based gaming machine), but

rather will be generally be related or associated with a marketing budget.

[0022] An advanced incentive jackpot may be a number of advanced incentive points

(which may be designated as cashable or non-cashable) or may be for a specified good

and/or service (which may have a value defined in terms of advanced incentive points). Gaming Machines

[0023] Gaming machines 12A- 121 include, but are not limited to, electronic gaming

machines (EGM) (such as video slot, video poker machines, video arcade games or slot

machines with mechanical reels), virtual gaming machines, e.g., for online gaming, an

interface to a table management system for table games, online bingo, online keno, point of sale terminals, online hotel folios, kiosk devices or any other device connected to the

system. In the illustrated embodiments, eight electronic gaming machines 12A-12H are

shown in Figure 1. However, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited

to any number or type of gaming machines. In one embodiment, the gaming machines 12 are organized in banks, with each bank containing a plurality of gaming machines. Other

types of gaming machines 12 which may be included are indicated with reference

number 121. Other types of machines or other casino revenue sources, such as kiosks,

point of sale devices, are designated 12 J.

[0024] Alternatively, the gaming machines 12 could be grouped by various dollar

denominations or specific game designs or themes (not shown) as is well known in the

art. For example, each gaming machine 12 may be playable using different

denominations, e.g., a penny video slot machine game or a nickel video slot machine. In

one embodiment, the denomination used or played is selectable by the casino. In another

embodiment, the user may be given a choice of denominations.

[0025] Additionally, a gaming machine 12 may be able to play different games or the

same game with different themes, symbols, etc

[0026] The gaming machine 12 allows each user 18 to establish a first input on the

gaming machine 12C. The first input is related to the user's usage of gaming machines

12. The first input could include the user logging into, playing and/or using the gaming machine 12 for other transactions. The other transactions could include, but are not

limited to, playing the game, a table game, use of a point of sale terminal, kiosk

transactions with the user's account or purchases. The first input is accomplished via

mechanical switches, buttons, a touch screen interface, player input sensing device (not

shown), etc. Such gaming machines 12 are well known in the art and are therefore not

further discussed. The gaming machine 12C in response to the first input by the user 18

sends a signal to the host computer 14.

[0027] The gaming machines 12 are playable by a plurality of users. Each user 18 selects one gaming machine 12C to play and insert cash, credit, coupon, player tracking

card, etc. into the gaming machine 12C. Generally, the gaming machines 12 have an

associated number of credits or coins required in order to play. In the case of video slot

or poker games, the game is played and an award in the form of credits may be awarded to the user based on a pay table associated with the gaming machine. Referring to Figure

2, a block diagram of a suitable gaming machine 12C is shown. The gaming machine 12C comprises a game controller, or central processing unit 20 (CPU), a coin-bill

management device 22, a display processor 24, a RAM 26 (generally provided as a

memory device), and a ROM 28 (generally provided as an EPROM), and a player

tracking device 30 (described in more detail below). The CPU 20 performs various

calculations and motion control necessary for the progress of the game. The coin-bill

management device 22 detects the insertion of the coins and/or the bills and performs a

necessary process for managing the coins and the bills. The display processor 24

interprets commands issued from the CPU 20 and displays desirable images on a gaming

display 32. The RAM 26 temporarily stores programs and data necessary for the

progress of the game, and the ROM 28 stores, in advance, programs and data for

controlling basic operation of the gaming machine 12C, such as the booting operation

thereof, game code, and graphics. [0028] Host Computer

[0029] The gaming machines 12 are connected via the network 16 to one or more host

computers 14. The host computer 14 is generally located at a remote or central location,

and is generally shown in Figure 1. The host computer 14 includes a computer program

application 34 which maintains one or more databases 36, which in one embodiment,

determines an incremental value as a function of a historical composite value, and

accumulates an advanced incentive pool 38, and hidden pool 40. As shown in Figure Ia,

the advanced incentive gaming system 10 could further include additional host computers

14. The host computers 14 in this embodiment are in communication via the network 16 to determine the advanced incentive pool 38 over multiple sites or casino properties.

[0030] In one embodiment, the database(s) 36 of the advanced incentive system 10 are Oracle database(s). The computer program application 34 utilizes databases 36 to record,

track, and report accounting information regarding the gaming machines 12 and the

users. Additionally, the computer program application 34 and the databases 36 are used

to maintain information related to the user 18 and the gaming machine 12C in

communication with the host computer 14. The host computer 14 could incorporate a

player or user tracking system or an additional player tracking system may be utilized to

identify for the host computer 14 the user 18 at each gaming machine 12. The computer

program application 34 logs the first inputs of the user 18 and various additional activities on the gaming machine 12 in a database 36 on the host computer 14.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the host computer 14 includes a user database 42 for each user 18 registered with the casino or gaming facility, also known as a carded

player or user to those skilled in the art. In addition, the host computer 14 includes a

machine database 44 for each gaming machine 12 in communication with the host

computer 14. The host computer 14 through either communication with the gaming

machine 12 and the user database 42 or optionally through the player tracking system

identifies the user 18 at the gaming machine 12C. The computer program application 34

stores the identified user's first inputs as data in the user database 42. The user database 42 can further include additional data related to activity by the user 18 on the gaming

machine 12. Such additional data may include, but not limited to, the user's usage on the

gaming machine 12, the wagers, the amount won, the amount lost, and the purchases by

the user 18. The flexibility of the system allows for the casino operator to configure the gathering of additional data and/or additional databases 36 to understand the activity of

the user 18 in the gaming facility.

[0032] The machine database 44 includes as data the first inputs for each gaming machine 12 in communication with the host computer 14. The machine database 44 may

include as data the wagers placed at each gaming machine 12, the amount won or paid

out to the user 18, the amount lost by the user 18 at the gaming machine 12, and the

purchases placed at the gaming machine 12. The machine database 44 can further include as data such information about the user 18 that has established the first input into the gaming machine 12. In addition, the casino operator can configure the storing of

additional parameters for determining or tracking the gaming activity at each gaming

machine 12A- 121.

[0033] The computer program application 34 utilizes various parameters programmable

or configurable by the casino or gaming facility to determine a contribution to the

advanced incentive jackpot pool 38 and/or the hidden pool 40.

[0034] Player Session Ratings

[0035] In one aspect of the present invention, a contribution to the advanced incentive jackpot pool and/or the hidden pool is made when a session is updated with data and/or at

the termination of a session. A session is a period during which a gaming machine 12 is

being used by a user and during which information related to the user(s)' use of the

gaming machine is recorded, e.g., wager, coin-in, and payout information. The recorded

information may be used to determine whether a contribution to the advanced incentive

jackpot pool and/or hidden pool is made, and if so, the value thereof.

[0036] In one aspect of the present invention, a session may be opened:

[0037] (a) when a user logs (or is logged) onto a gaming machine 12 and begins using

the gaming machine 12 through play or use (such as through a purchase on a point of sale device or viewing of information on a kiosk or property management system, or remote

or Internet gaming systems associated with the casino),

[0038] (b) while a user is logged in and after a closing of the previous session (see

below),

[0039] (c) at the start of anonymous use of the gaming machine 12, and/or

[0040] (d) other predetermined criteria.

[0041] In another aspect of the present invention, a session may be updated:

[0042] (a) after a predetermined amount of use (based on time and/or amount wagered during the current session,

[0043] (b) when the user logs out,

[0044] (c) when a transaction is completed, e.g., at a point of sale terminal,

[0045] (d) other predetermined criteria.

[0046] In one aspect of the present invention, the data session is updated when the data

session is closed. In one aspect of the present invention, the data session is closed when

the user changes modes, for example:

[0047] (a) at a gaming machine which offers different games and/or themes, when the user changes games and/or themes, and/or,

[0048] (b) at a gaming machine which offers the ability to play at different

denominations, when the user changes denominations.

[0049] In another aspect, the data session may be closed:

[0050] (a) after a predetermined amount of use (e.g., based on time and/or amount

wagered during the current session,

[0051] (b) when the user logs out,

[0052] (c) when a transaction is completed, e.g., at a point of sale terminal, and/or

[0053] (d) other predetermined criteria.

[0054] Typically, a contribution to the advanced incentive jackpot pool and/or hidden

pool is made when the session is updated and/or at the close of each session. The value

of the contributions, i.e., the first and second incremental values, may be determined as a

function of the total amount of wagers or transactions in the session and/or a historical composite value and/or a theoretical win percentage. Typically, one or more of the

following may be multiplied by predetermined percentage(s) in determining the value of

the contribution and/or other values, such as the total number of wagers or purchases in

the session.

[0055] Theoretical win or hold percentage

[0056] The contribution to either pool may be determined as function of a predetermined

theoretical win or hold percentage. In one aspect of the invention, each gaming

machine 12 has a theoretical hold percentage. The theoretical hold percentage may be

defined as the casino or establishment's estimated, average revenue percentage. For example, if the gaming machine 12 is a slot machine, the hold percentage is the expect

house's estimate, average take or revenue for a particular machine. For a point of sale

terminal, such as a cash register, the theoretical hold percentage may be set to an

estimated profit percentage for the given cash register.

[0057] The contribution to either pool may therefore be determined by multiplying the

theoretical hold percentage by one or more other values: including, but not limited to:

[0058] (a) total value of wagers or purchases or transaction in the session and/or

[0059] (b) total number of wagers or purchases or transaction in the session and/or

[0060] (c) a predetermined or constant percentage and/or

[0061] (d) a historical composite value (see below).

[0062] One system and method for establishing a advanced incentive jackpot pool as a

function of a theoretical hold percentage is disclosed in commonly assigned, US Patent

Application Serial No. 11/066,064, filed on February 25, 2005 and titled, "SYSTEM

AND METHOD FOR ESTABLISHING A PROGRESSIVE JACKPOT AWARD",

which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0063] Historical composite value

[0064] In one aspect of the present invention, the contribution is determined as a function of a historical composite value to calculate a first incremental value and, optionally, one or more second incremental value(s). The host computer 14 and the computer program

application 34 determine the first incremental value and optionally the second

incremental value in response to each signal from the plurality of gaming machines 12 in

communication with the host computer 14.

[0065] The parameters to determine the historical composite value could include various

data gathered by the advanced incentive gaming system 10 and stored within the

databases 36. The historical composite value is then multiplied by a percentage or other

function to determine a first incremental value and optionally a second incremental value

to be added to the advanced incentive jackpot pool 38 and the hidden pool 40

respectively.

[0066] In one aspect, the historical composite value could be established from a variety

of the data stored in the user database 42 and/or the machine database 44. The historical

composite value could be determined based on the data stored in the user database 42. The computer program application 34 can determine the historical composite value as data averaged over a period of time. The period of time is configurable by the casino

operator to have the historical composite value equate to an average wager, an average

amount won, and/or an average loss by the user identified at the gaming machine 12.

The computer program application 34 uses the historical composite value to determine

the first incremental value as a function, usually a percentage, of the historical composite

value. The computer program application 34 determines the first incremental value each

time the gaming machine 12 sends a signal indicating the first input by the user 18 on the

gaming machine 12C.

[0067] In a second aspect, the historical composite value could be established base on

various data stored and gathered within the machine database 44 by the advanced

incentive gaming system 10. The historical composite value can be data averaged over a

period of time such as the wagers, amount won, amount lost or the house take from the

gaming machine 12. The period of time is configurable by the casino operator to have the

historical composite value equate to an average wager, an average amount won, and/or an

average amount lost and/or an average house take from each gaming machine 12. The

computer program application 34 uses the historical composite value to determine the

first incremental value as a function, usually a percentage, of the historical composite value. The computer program application 34 determines the first incremental value each

time the gaming machine 12 sends a signal indicating the first input by the user 18 on the

gaming machine 12C.

[0068] In one aspect of the present invention, the historical composite value does not include, or is not based on, the current (or last) wager or sets of wagers. In another

aspect of the present invention, the historical composite value is only based on data from

closed data sessions.

[0069] Alternatively, the historical composite value could be determined by various data

stored in either the user or machine databases 42, 44. The historical composite value

could be determined over a period of time to generally equate to the average take,

average coins wagered, or any combination of the data stored in the user database 42 and

the machine database 44. In addition, the historical composite value could be a

configurable parameter in the computer program application 34 sampled over a period of

time and include data specific to the user, the user database 42, and/or data specific to the

gaming machine 12, the machine database 44 and alternatively any combination thereof.

[0070] The contribution to either pool may therefore be determined by multiplying the

historical composite value by one or more other values: including, but not limited to:

[0071] (a) total value of wagers or purchases or transaction in the session and/or

[0072] (b) total number of wagers or purchases or transaction in the session and/or

[0073] (c) a predetermined or constant percentage and/or

[0074] (d) the theoretical hold percentage (see above).

[0075] Jackpots

[0076] In one aspect of the present invention, the advanced incentive jackpot pool 38 is

accumulated by the host computer 14. The host computer 14 continuously updates the

advanced incentive jackpot pool 38 by adding the first incremental value in response to

the signal from the gaming machine 12.

[0077] With reference to Figure 3, a flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3 shows a method for establishing an advanced

incentive jackpot pool. In a first step 46, a plurality of gaming machines 12 playable by a

plurality of users is provided. In one aspect, each gaming machine 12 may be playable in

first and second modes selectable by the user. The advanced incentive jackpot pool may

be associated with the plurality of gaming machines 12. In a second step 48, a data

session may be opened on the host computer 14 in response to a first input by one of the users on a selected one of the gaming machines. As discussed above, the input may be

the act, by the user, of logging onto the selected one of the gaming machines. Or if the

user's play is anonymous, by use of the machine by the user.

[0078] In a third step 50, the user is allowed to select one of the first and second modes

and to play the gaming machine 12 in the selected one of the first and second modes. As

discussed above, the modes may be related to the user's choice of games on a multi-game

gaming machine and/or a choice of denomination on a multi-denomination gaming

machine. After the user's choice is made, the user may begin using or playing the

gaming machine. In a first decision block 52, if predefined criteria requiring an update of the session are met (see above), then the method proceeds to a fourth step 54. Otherwise

the method proceeds to the second decision block 58.

[0079] In a fourth step 54, information related to the user's play of the game, for

example, wagers or wager information, is recorded on the host computer in the data

session. In one aspect, the information recorded may be related to the user's play of the selected one of the gaming machines during the data session (see above).

[0080] In a fifth step 56, an incremental value may be established as a function of the

recorded information in the data session and added to an advanced incentive jackpot pool. In one embodiment, the step of establishing the incremental value as a function of the recorded information in the data session adding the first incremental value to an

advanced incentive jackpot pool is performed each time wager information is updated in

the data session. In one embodiment, the first incremental amount is established as a

function of the updated wager information.

[0081] In the second decision block 58, if the user changes mode, e.g., by changing the

game or denomination being played, then control proceeds to a sixth step 60. Otherwise,

the method returns to the first decision block 52.

[0082] In the sixth step 60, the data session may be closed in response to the user

choosing to play the game in the other of the first and second modes and the data session

is updated. For example, in a multi-game gaming machine 12, if the user changes games, the data session may be closed. Or if the gaming machine 12 may be played with

different denominations, then if the user switches denominations, then the current data

session may be closed. In one aspect of the present invention, a new data session may be

automatically opened when the previous data session is closed (unless the data session is

closed because the user has logged out or otherwise terminated play).

[0083] In a seventh step 62, an incremental value may be established as a function of the

recorded information in the data session and adding the first incremental value to a

advanced incentive jackpot pool. In one embodiment, the step of establishing a first

incremental value as a function of the recorded information in the data session and

adding the first incremental value to an advanced incentive jackpot pool is performed

each time wager information is updated in the data session. In one embodiment, the first

incremental amount is established as a function of the updated wager information.

[0084] In one embodiment the first incremental amount is a function of the updated wager information multiplied by a predetermined percentage. In another embodiment, the

first incremental amount is a function of the updated wager information multiplied by a

theoretical hold percentage associated with the selected one of the gaming machines.

[0085] In one aspect of the present invention, the theoretical hold percentage is

dependent upon the selected one of the first and second modes. For example, in a multi- game game, each game playable on the selected one of the gamine machines 12 may

have a different theoretical hold. Thus, the incremental amount may be determined as a

function of the theoretical hold of the game in the mode being played.

[0086] In a seventh step 58, at least a portion of the advanced incentive jackpot pool

may be awarded to a progressive winning one of the users in response to an occurrence of

predetermined progressive jackpot conditions.

[0087] Additionally, a current data session may be closed (and a new data session may

be opened) in response to:

[0088] (a) passage of a predetermined amount of time;

[0089] (b) after the one of the users logs out;

[0090] (c) after a predetermined number of wagers in the data session; and,

[0091] (d) after a predetermined value of wagers in the data session and (e) other

predetermined criteria.

[0092] With reference to Figure 4, in one exemplary embodiment of the present

invention, in a first step 66, the advanced incentive jackpot system 10 allows the user 18 to establish a first input into the gaming machine 12C. As previously discussed, the first input may include, but not limited to, the user logging into, playing and/or using the

gaming machine for other transactions. In a second step 64, the gaming machine 12C

sends the signal in response to the first input by the user 18. The advanced incentive

jackpot pool 38 is contributed to by the plurality of gaming machines 12 in communication via the network 16 with the host computer 14. There may be additional

restrictions or qualifications that the user 18 must meet to win and/or contribute to the

advanced incentive jackpot pool 38, i.e., maximum wager, identified user or some other

configurable parameters or restrictions set by the casino operator.

[0093] In a third step 70, the host computer 14 determines the first incremental value

upon each signal received from the plurality of gaming machines 12A- 121 indicating the

first input by the user 18 on the gaming machine 12C. The first incremental value is determined as a function of the historical composite value. The function in the illustrated

embodiment is a percentage of the historical composite value. However, the first

incremental value could also be determined the function and configurable by the casino

operator. In a fourth step 66, the first incremental value is responsively added into the

advanced incentive jackpot pool 38. The advanced incentive jackpot pool 38 is

continuously updated by the host computer 14 with each addition of the first incremental

value as determined based on signals received from the plurality of gaming machines 12.

[0094] The computer program application 34 may include parameters to allow for the

casino operator to set the function that determines the first incremental value and

optionally a second incremental value. The function and second function used can be a

percentage of the historical composite value, or any additional function configurable

within the computer program application 34 by the casino operator.

[0095] In the illustrated embodiment, the advanced incentive jackpot system 10 may

include a hidden pool 40. The hidden pool 40 can be used to initially fund the advanced

incentive jackpot pool 38 to a minimum value after a triggering event. In addition, the

hidden pool 40 could be used to fund secondary prizes. The secondary prizes may

include compensation for entertainment ticket, credits at the casino, food and/or rooms

comps as just a few examples of the potentially unlimited secondary prizes.

[0096] The hidden pool 40 is accumulated by the computer program application 34 determining a second incremental value as a second function of a historical composite

value. The second function in the illustrated embodiment is usually a percentage and

may be the same as the function to determine the first incremental value. However, the

second function is configurable by the casino operator to satisfy the funds needed to

maintain the advanced incentive jackpot pool 38. The host computer 14 determines the

second incremental value upon each signal received from the plurality of gaming

machines 12 indicating the first input by the user 18 on the gaming machine 12C. The

second incremental value is responsively added into the hidden pool 40. The hidden pool 40 is continuously updated by the host computer 14 with each addition of the second

incremental value. The hidden pool 40 can be configured by the casino operator

establishing a maximum value for the hidden pool 40. The second incremental value is

determined and added to the hidden pool 40 only when the hidden pool 40 is below the

maximum value. The hidden pool 40 can be transferred into the advanced incentive

jackpot pool 38 after the awarding of the advanced incentive jackpot pool 38 to establish

a minimum value or initial value of the advanced incentive jackpot pool 38.

[0097] Contributions From Gaming Machines With Different Theoretical Holds [0098] As discuss above, the system 10 includes a plurality of gaming machines 12. The

gaming machines 12 can include machines or devices upon which users or players place

wagers and play a game, such as video slot machines, machines through which the user

can access aspects of the system, make purchases, etc... . Each gaming machine 12 has a

theoretical hold. For gaming machines 12 upon which a player can make wagers, play a

game, and upon which a portion of the wagers may be paid back as payouts, the

theoretical hold may be defined as a theoretical percentage of the wagers which are

retained by the house or casino. If there are more than one gaming machine 12 of a

particular type of gaming machine, each one will generally have the same theoretical

hold. Different types of slot machines may, and generally will have different theoretical holds. For non- wagering gaming machines, the theoretical hold may be related to a profit

related thereto. For example, if the gaming machine 12 is a point of sale machine, its

theoretical hold may be related to the profit for type of point of sale device or the profit

for the location or store in which the point of sale device is located.

[0099] In one aspect of the present invention, the system 10 allows additions to the advanced incentive jackpot pool based on use of gaming machines 12 with different

theoretical hold values. Typically, an award from the advanced jackpot incentive can

then be won by a user using any one of the same gaming machines 12.

[00100] With particular reference to Figure 5, a method for establishing an advanced incentive jackpot pool based on usage of gaming machines with different

theoretical hold values, according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[00101] In a first step 80, a first gaming machine 12 usable by a plurality of users is provided. The first gaming machine has a first theoretical hold value. In a second step

82, a second gaming machine usable by the plurality of users is provided. The second gaming machine has a second theoretical hold value. Generally, the first and second

gaming machines 12 will be of different types and thus will have different theoretical

hold values. In a third step 84, a first user is allowed to use the first gaming machine and

a first incremental value is established. In one embodiment, the first incremental value is

established as a function of the first theoretical hold value. It should be noted that the

first incremental value may be otherwise determined. For example, it could be established as a function of a wager amount, a historical wager composite value, or any

other value or parameter, or combination thereof.

[00102] In a fourth step 86, the first incremental value is added to the advanced

incentive jackpot pool. In a fifth step 88, a second user is allowed to use the first gaming

machine 12 and a second incremental value is responsively established. In one

embodiment, the second incremental value is established as a function of the second

theoretical hold value. It should be noted that the first incremental value may be

otherwise determined.

[00103] In a sixth step 90, the second incremental value may be added to the advanced incentive jackpot pool.

[00104] In a sixth step 92, at least a portion of the advanced incentive jackpot may

be awarded to a winning one of the users in response to an occurrence of predetermined

advanced incentive jackpot conditions.

[00105] Awarding

[00106] At least a portion of the advanced incentive jackpot pool 38 is awarded to

the user 18 in response to the occurrence of a trigger event. The host computer 14 determines if the trigger event has occurred. The host computer 14 awards the advanced incentive jackpot pool 38 in response to the trigger event to the user 18 that satisfied or

caused the trigger event. The trigger event could include a playing of a advanced

incentive game and the winning of the advanced incentive game as the trigger event.

Such advanced incentive games may include, but not limited to, a game of chance, a

lottery, a lotto-type game, a random drawing, and a game of skill and/or strategy.

[00107] In another embodiment the trigger event could be defined as the advanced

incentive jackpot pool 38 being greater than or equal to a trigger value. The advanced

incentive jackpot pool 38 is awarded to the user 18 that the first incremental value in

response to that user's first input when added to the advanced incentive jackpot pool 38

became greater than or equal to the trigger value. Typically in this instance the host

computer 14 randomly establishes the trigger value and awards the advanced incentive jackpot pool 38 when the advanced incentive jackpot pool 38 is greater than or equal to

the trigger value.

[00108] The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be

understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of

words of description rather than of limitation. Obviously, many modifications and

variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings, and the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

[00109] Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are

possible in light of the above teachings. The invention may be practiced otherwise than

as specifically described within the scope of the appended claims.