Method of gaming, game controller, and a gaming system

Abstract: A method of gaming comprising conducting at least one dual game round, each dual game round being conducted by: generating a game outcome; determining whether to make an award in respect of the game outcome; and randomly determining whether to make a special award independently of the game outcome. (end of abstract)

Method of gaming, game controller, and a gaming system description/claims

Brief Patent Description

Full Patent Description

Patent Application Claims

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a non-provisional application, which claims priority to Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 200790445 filed Aug. 17, 2007 and Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2008900351 filed Jan. 25, 2008, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a method of gaming, a game controller and a gaming system.

In some existing gaming machines, such as slot machines, prizes are awarded based on whether a randomly set of selected symbols matches a pattern set out in a pay table. For example, on a five reel slot machine with a card based theme, prizes might be awarded for the pattern Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10 on a single pay line.

In some prior art gaming machines mystery prizes are awarded which are triggered by a pattern which is not identified in the pay table and is typically of an obscure nature, such as symbols position three on reel 1, position 5 on reel 2 etc. The symbol positions chosen for the mystery prize typically give a required frequency of mystery prize award. The choice of position is also determined by the game designer to avoid other pay outs which could cause confusion or push a prize over a total allowable limit for the game. As a result such mystery prizes do not occur at the same time as a jackpot prize.

There is a need for an alternative gaming system.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the invention provides a method of gaming comprising conducting at least one dual game round, each dual game round being conducted by:

generating a game outcome;

determining whether to make an award in respect of the game outcome; and

randomly determining whether to make a special award independently of the game outcome.

In an embodiment, each game round is conducted as a dual game round.

In an embodiment, each game round during a feature game is conducted as a dual game round.

In an embodiment, the method, comprises conducting the at least one dual game round in response to receipt of a bet.

In an embodiment, the method, comprises conducting the dual game round irrespective of the type of bet received.

In an embodiment, the method, comprises conducting the at least one dual game round in response to a trigger condition being met.

In an embodiment, the method, comprises conducting a sequence of dual game rounds.

In an embodiment, the method, comprises conducting the sequence as a free game sequence.

In an embodiment, the method, comprises randomly determining whether to make the special award by: