| Enhanced big wheel game -> Monitor Keywords |
|
|
 
Enhanced big wheel gameRelated Patent Categories: Amusement Devices: Games, Chance DevicesEnhanced big wheel game description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060157927, Enhanced big wheel game. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims benefit of Australian Patent Application Serial No. 2004907319 filed Dec. 24, 2004. TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present invention relates to enhancement of a Big Wheel gaming system and methods of operating Big Wheel games that have enhanced play. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Casinos have a variety of gambling games all vying for the attention of gamblers. For first-time or novice players, this choice can be dazzling and daunting. In addition, each game has its own set of rules which often must be known before the game can be played properly. This may deter first-time or novice players. [0004] The game of `Big Wheel` (or `Chocolate Wheel` as it is colloquially known) is regarded by all casino operators as the easiest game to play in Casinos throughout the world. [0005] The Big Wheel is a communal game, in that a number of players can participate in a common determination of result. It is a rotatable wheel made up of a number of segments which typically have a number, or symbol on each segment, and an indicator. Players place a wager on one or more of the numbers or symbols. The wheel is spun and an indicator indicates the outcome of the game at the time the wheel comes to rest. If the indicator points to a number or symbol which has had a wager placed on it, the player who placed the wager on that number wins. The rate of return depends on the number of times the winning number or symbol appears on the wheel. [0006] The game is attractive to novice players because of the simplicity of the game, and the potential for prizes of up to 50 times their wager. However, what is regarded as its biggest attributes can also be seen as its limitations. It is difficult to introduce variety into the game, due to the limited opportunities for betting. There is also no potential to offer larger prizes, due to constraints on the size of the wheel and number of prize pieces of the wheel. These factors lead to short periods of play by players, who often move to other games before too long. [0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming system and a method of operating a gaming system to enhance the attractiveness of Big Wheel to players and encourage them to play for a longer time. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] In a broad form, a Big Wheel game according to the present invention comprises an optional player bet, in addition to the normal wager, that makes players eligible for a bonus feature. [0009] In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of operating a Big Wheel game, comprising the steps of: [0010] receiving primary player wagers on potential game outcomes from participating players, one or more of said potential game outcomes comprising a bonus feature; [0011] receiving additional player wagers on the game outcome comprising said bonus feature from at least one of said participating players; [0012] determining the game outcome; [0013] crediting any primary player wager winnings resulting from the determined game outcome; and [0014] if the determined game outcome comprises the bonus feature, then providing the bonus feature-to players who made the additional-wagers. [0015] In preferred embodiments, the player wagers are received electronically, ideally via player terminals. [0016] Preferably, the bonus feature provided is one or more features selected from the set comprising: one or more free game(s); a multiplier to be applied to any respective primary player wager winnings in a subsequent game or games; a multiplier applied to the amount of the respective player's additional wager; a bonus game or other special game play feature; or a non-game related prize. In the case of a bonus game, the bonus game may comprise the steps of displaying bonus options on a respective terminal of each player that placed an additional wager; receiving a selected bonus option from the respective terminal; and awarding each player based upon their selected bonus option. [0017] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a Big Wheel gaming system, comprising a plurality of electronic player terminals and a Big Wheel display, each terminal allowing a respective player to place primary wagers on potential game outcomes, wherein one or more of said potential game outcomes comprising a bonus feature, each terminal further allowing a respective player to place an additional wager on the game outcome comprising said bonus feature; the gaming system having a primary mode, in which a game outcome is determined and displayed on said Big Wheel display and any primary wager winnings are credited to respective player terminals, and a bonus mode, which is instigated only when the game outcome of said primary mode comprises said bonus feature and there is at least one player that placed an additional wager, the bonus mode providing said bonus feature to respective terminals of additional wager winning players. [0018] The present invention advantageously provides a player with the option of playing an enhanced Big wheel game by placing a wager, in addition to the regular wager, on the chance of winning a bonus feature, thereby providing variety and longer interest in the game. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING [0019] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which: Continue reading about Enhanced big wheel game... Full patent description for Enhanced big wheel game Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Enhanced big wheel game patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Enhanced big wheel game or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Paper sheet handling device Next Patent Application: Enhanced roulette Industry Class: Amusement devices: games ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Enhanced big wheel game patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.133 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Computers: Graphics , I/O , Processors , Dyn. Storage , Static Storage , Printers 174 |
 * Protect your Inventions * US Patent Office filing 
PATENT INFO |
|
