IP Library Granted Patent US 8,591,317
Granted Patent B2
US 8,591,317 · App. 12/267,319 · Granted Nov 26, 2013

Method for presenting a multi-tiered promotional game in a gaming environment

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,591,317
App. No.
12/267,319
Granted
Nov 26, 2013
Kind
B2
Abstract

Various embodiments are directed to gaming machines, gaming systems, methods and computer-readable media for presenting a multi-tiered promotional game having at least a promotional base game component and a promotional bonus game component. According to one method, player eligibility is determined for a multi-tiered promotional game and is based on player tracking information. The promotional base game component is presented after play of a primary game if the player is deemed eligible for the multi-tiered promotional game. Promotional credits are awarded to the player for a winning outcome in the promotional base game component. The player is also awarded a bonus game entry point for a promotional bonus game component if the player is deemed eligible for the multi-tiered promotional game, wherein a predetermined number of bonus game entry points are required to play the promotional bonus game component.

Claims (36)

1. A method for presenting a multi-tiered promotional game that is supplemental to and distinct from a primary game, the multi-tiered promotional game having a promotional game component, bonus game component, and cash giveaway component, the method comprising:

determining eligibility of a player for a multi-tiered promotional game based on player tracking information of the player;

presenting the promotional game component after play of a primary game if the player is deemed eligible for the multi-tiered promotional game and on a pre-scheduled and pre-determined cycle, wherein the promotional game component has a pre-selected outcome;

awarding promotional credits to the player for a winning outcome in the promotional game component;

enrolling the player in the cash giveaway component if the player is deemed eligible for the multi-tiered promotional game; and

awarding the player a bonus game entry point for a promotional bonus game component when the promotional game component is presented to the player, wherein a predetermined number of bonus game entry points are required to play the promotional bonus game component.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining eligibility of the player further comprises:

accessing player tracking information on a backend system; and

determining whether the player has earned a sufficient number of points to play the multi-tiered promotional game.

3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising determining whether the multi-tiered promotional game is active.

4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising awarding promotional money to the player in response to a winning outcome of the promotional game component.

5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising initiating the promotional bonus game component when the player has accumulated the required number of bonus game entry points.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the promotional game component and the promotional bonus game component are different games.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the promotional bonus game component includes another play of the promotional game component.

8. A method for presenting a multi-tiered promotional game to a player, the method comprising:

receiving player tracking information from a player, wherein the player tracking information includes two or more data fields having multi-tiered promotional points and multi-tiered bonus entry points;

initiating a primary game in response to a player wager;

presenting the promotional game after the primary game if the player is eligible for the multi-tiered promotional game, and on a pre-scheduled and pre-determined cycle wherein the promotional game is supplemental to and distinct from the primary game and wherein the promotional game has a pre-selected outcome;

awarding promotional credits to the player for a winning outcome in the promotional game;

enrolling the player in a cash giveaway if the player is deemed eligible for the multi-tiered promotional game; and

awarding the player an bonus game entry point for a promotional bonus game at the completion of the multi-tiered promotional game, wherein a predetermined number of bonus entry points are required to play the promotional bonus game.

9. The method of claim 8 , further comprising presenting the promotional bonus game if the player has a sufficient number of bonus game entry points.

10. The method of claim 8 , wherein the player tracking information is received via a player tracking card.

11. The method of claim 8 , wherein the player tracking information is received via a personal identification number inputted by the player.

12. The method of claim 8 , wherein the promotional game and the promotional bonus game are different games.

13. The method of claim 8 , wherein the promotional bonus game includes another play of the promotional game.

14. A method for presenting a multi-tiered promotional game that is supplemental to and distinct from a primary game to a player, the method comprising:

receiving player tracking information;

presenting a promotional game after play of the primary game for an eligible player on a pre-scheduled and pre-determined cycle, wherein player eligibility is based upon the player tracking information and wherein the promotional game has a pre-determined outcome;

enrolling the eligible player in a cash giveaway; and

initiating play of a promotional bonus game for the eligible player having accrued a sufficient number of promotional bonus game entry points, wherein bonus game entry points are accrued each time the promotional game is presented to the player.

15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the player tracking information includes a total of the player's promotional game points and promotional bonus game points.

16. The method of claim 14 , wherein the player tracking information is received via a player tracking card.

17. The method of claim 14 , wherein the player tracking information is received via a personal identification number inputted by the player.

18. The method of claim 14 , wherein the promotional game and the promotional bonus game are different games.

19. The method of claim 14 , wherein the promotional bonus game includes another play of the promotional game.

Assignments (11)
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded May 23, 2025
From: LNW GAMING, INC.
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 071340/0404 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE THE APPLICATION NUMBER PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL: 051642 FRAME: 0164. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT. Recorded Mar 21, 2023
From: BALLY GAMING, INC.
To: SG GAMING, INC.
Reel/Frame 063460/0211 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Feb 7, 2023
From: SG GAMING, INC.
To: LNW GAMING, INC.
Reel/Frame 062669/0341 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Apr 22, 2022
From: SG GAMING INC.
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
Reel/Frame 059793/0001 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Jan 18, 2020
From: BALLY GAMING, INC.
To: SG GAMING, INC.
Reel/Frame 051642/0164 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Apr 11, 2018
From: SCIENTIFIC GAMES INTERNATIONAL, INC.; BALLY GAMING, INC.
To: DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 045909/0513 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Dec 15, 2017
From: SCIENTIFIC GAMES INTERNATIONAL, INC.; BALLY GAMING, INC.
To: DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 044889/0662 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Dec 1, 2014
From: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
To: SHFL ENTERTAINMENT, INC; ARCADE PLANET, INC.; BALLY GAMING, INC; BALLY GAMING INTERNATIONAL, INC.; BALLY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; SIERRA DESIGN GROUP
Reel/Frame 034501/0049 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Aug 4, 2014
From: WEIGLE, VIVIAN ELAINE
To: BALLY GAMING, INC.
Reel/Frame 033457/0577 →
AMENDED AND RESTATED PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Nov 30, 2013
From: BALLY GAMING, INC.
To: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 031745/0001 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 13, 2009
From: MCLAUGHLIN, PAUL C.; YOUNG, SHAWN
To: BALLY GAMING, INC.
Reel/Frame 022680/0776 →