METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY OPERATING A GAME MACHINE
A gaming device such as a slot machine may be operated in an automated play mode in which the need for player input is reduced or eliminated. Game play cycles may be continuously performed in the automated play mode without player input. One or more parameters for controlling the automated play mode may be determined based on player input and/or data or a program stored in the gaming device and/or data or a program stored in a controller in communication with the gaming device. Termination of the automated play mode may result from player input and/or may be determined on the basis of a parameter that may be determined on the basis of player input or may be determined automatically by the gaming device or by a controller in communication with the gaming device.
1 - 65 . (canceled)
66 . A method comprising:
receiving a monetary deposit;
receiving an actuation of an actuatable portion of a gaming device, the actuation simultaneously indicating:
selection of an automated play mode of the gaming device; and
a number of game play cycles to be performed during the automated play mode.
67 . The method of claim 66 , further comprising:
initiating the automated play mode in response to receiving the actuation;
performing the indicated number of game play cycles without input from a player of the gaming device; and
terminating the automated play mode upon completion of the indicated number of game play cycles.
68 . The method of claim 66 , further comprising:
initiating the automated play mode in response to receiving the actuation,
performing at least one game play cycle in the automated play mode;
generating a winning outcome; and
terminating the automated play mode in response to generating the winning outcome.
69 . The method of claim 66 , further comprising:
initiating the automated play mode in response to receiving the actuation;
performing at least one game play cycle in the automated play mode;
receiving an input from a player of the gaming device; and
terminating the automated play mode in response to the received input.
70 . The method of claim 66 , further comprising:
receiving an indication of an amount to be wagered on each of the game play cycles.
71 . The method of claim 70 , wherein the receiving of the indication of the amount to be wagered occurs before the receiving of the actuation.
72 . The method of claim 70 , wherein the receiving of the indication of the amount to be wagered occurs after the receiving of the actuation.
73 . The method of claim 66 , wherein the actuatable portion of the gaming device is a push button.
74 . The method of claim 66 , wherein the actuatable portion of the gaming device is a region of a touch screen.
75 . The method of claim 66 , wherein the indicated number of game play cycles is ten game play cycles.
76 . The method of claim 66 , wherein the indicated number of game cycles is 50 game play cycles.
77 . The method of claim 66 , wherein the indicated number of game play cycles is 100 game play cycles.
78 . A gaming device comprising:
control means for controlling operation of the gaming device; and
an actuatable portion in communication with the control means and configured to simultaneously indicate:
selection of an automated play mode of the gaming device; and
a number of game play cycles to be performed during the automated play mode.
79 . The gaming device of claim 78 , wherein the actuatable portion is a push button.
80 . The gaming device of claim 78 wherein the actuatable portion is a region of a touch screen.
81 . The gaming device of claim 78 , wherein the control means includes a processor programmed to receive a signal that indicates actuation of the actuatable portion.
82 . A gaming device comprising:
control means for controlling operation of the gaming device;
a first actuatable portion in communication with the control means and configured to simultaneously indicate:
selection of an automated play mode of the gaming device; and
a first number of game play cycles to be performed during the automated play mode; and
a second actuatable portion in communication with the control means and configured to simultaneously indicate:
selection of the automated play mode; and
a second number of game play cycles to be performed during the automated play mode.
83 . The gaming device of claim 82 , wherein the first actuatable portion is a first push button and the second actuatable portion is a second push button.
84 . The gaming device of claim 82 , wherein the first actuatable portion is a first region of a touch screen and the second actuatable portion is a second region of the touch screen.
85 - 95 . (canceled)
96 . A method comprising:
initiating an automated play mode of a gaming device;
during the automated play mode, receiving interaction from a player of the gaming device such that the player performs an earning activity; and
increasing a credit balance of the gaming device in response to the interaction.
97 . The method of claim 96 , wherein the earning activity includes viewing an advertisement presented on a display that is part of the gaming device.
98 . The method of claim 96 , wherein the earning activity includes answering at least one survey question.
99 . The method of claim 96 , wherein the earning activity includes shopping via an interface provided by the gaming device.
100 . A gaming device comprising:
first means for initiating an automated play mode of the gaming device;
second means, associated with the first means, for receiving during the automated play mode interaction from a player of the gaming device such that the player performs an earning activity; and
third means, responsive to the second means, for increasing a credit balance of the gaming device.
101 . A method comprising:
initiating an automated play mode of a gaming device; and
providing a communications function to a player of the gaming device during the automated play mode.
102 . The method of claim 101 , wherein the communications function is provided free of charge.
103 . The method of claim 102 , wherein the communications function includes telephone service.
104 . The method of claim 103 , wherein the telephone service includes long distance telephone service.
105 . The method of claim 101 , wherein the communications function includes presenting a motion picture to the player.
106 . A gaming device comprising:
first means for initiating an automated play mode of the gaming device; and
second means for providing a communications function to a player of the gaming device during the automated play mode.
107 . The gaming device of claim 106 , wherein the second means includes a telephone handset.
108 . The gaming device of claim 106 , wherein the second means includes a display screen on which a motion picture is displayed to the player.
109 . A method comprising:
initiating an automated play mode of a gaming device;
performing a plurality of game play cycles during the automated play mode;
providing a first payout as a result of a first one of the game play cycles;
providing a second payout as a result of a second one of the game play cycles, the second payout being different from the first payout;
delaying a start of a next game play cycle after the first one of the game play cycles; and
not delaying a start of a next game play cycle after the second one of the game play cycles.
110 . The method of claim 109 , wherein the first payout is larger than the second payout.
111 . The method of claim 109 , wherein the first one of the game play cycles is prior in time to the second one of the game play cycles.
112 . The method of claim 109 , wherein the second one of the game play cycles is prior in time to the first one of the game play cycles.
113 . A method comprising:
initiating an automated play mode of a gaming device;
performing a plurality of game play cycles during the automated play mode;
providing a first payout as a result of a first one of the game play cycles;
providing a second payout as a result of a second one of the game play cycles, the second payout being different from the first payout;
delaying a start of a next game play cycle after the first one of the game play cycles by a first delay period; and
delaying a start of a next game play cycle after the second one of the game play cycles by a second delay period that is shorter than the first delay period.
114 . The method of claim 113 , wherein the first payout is larger than the second payout.
115 . The method of claim 113 , wherein the first one of the game play cycles is prior in time to the second one of the game play cycles.
116 . The method of claim 113 , wherein the second one of the game play cycles is prior in time to the first one of the game play cycles.
117 . A method comprising:
initiating an automated play mode of a gaming device;
performing a plurality of game play cycles during the automated play mode;
providing a first payout as a result of a first one of the game play cycles;
providing a second payout as a result of a second one of the game play cycles, the second payout being different from the first payout;
interrupting the automated play mode in response to the first payout; and
not interrupting the automated play mode in response to the second payout.
118 . The method of claim 117 , wherein the first payout is larger than the second payout.
119 . The method of claim 117 , wherein the first one of the game play cycles is prior in time to the second one of the game play cycles.
120 . The method of claim 117 , wherein the second one of the game play cycles is prior in time to the first one of the game play cycles.
121 . A gaming device, comprising:
means for receiving a monetary deposit; and
a control circuit coupled to the means for receiving, and configured to:
initiate an automated play mode of the gaming device;
perform a plurality of game play cycles during the automated play mode;
provide a first payout as a result of a first one of the game play cycles;
provide a second payout as a result of a second one of the game play cycles, the second payout being different form the first payout,
interrupt the automated play mode in response to the first payout; and
not interrupt the automated play mode in response to the second payout.
122 . A method comprising:
initiating an automated play mode of a gaming device;
performing at least one game play cycle during the automated play mode;
providing an outcome in a game play cycle during the automated play mode; and
in response to the outcome:
initiating a secondary game; and
exiting from the automated play mode.
123 . A gaming device, comprising:
means for receiving a monetary deposit; and
a control circuit coupled to the means for receiving, and configured to:
initiate an automated play mode of the gaming device;
perform a plurality of game play cycles during the automated play mode;
provide an outcome in a game play cycle during the automated play mode; and
in response to the outcome:
initiate a secondary game; and
exit from the automated play mode.
124 - 127 . (canceled)
128 . A method comprising:
associating a player with a gaming device;
initiating an automated play mode of the gaming device; and
actuating a cash-out function of the gaming device only at a time when a player identification card corresponding to the player is interfaced to the gaming device.
129 - 135 . (canceled)