A method provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded.
1. A method of bonusing in a gaming system including an input apparatus for inputting player identification, the method comprising:
monitoring wagers placed by a group of un-identified players who do not use the input apparatus to input identification;
monitoring wagers placed by each identified player, who uses the input apparatus to input identification, in a group of identified players;
calculating a total un-identified players wager amount by multiplying the un-identified players' wagers by a percentage;
calculating a specific prize award for an identified player from the total un-identified players wager amount, wherein the specific prize award is determined by comparing the wagers of one identified player to the group of identified players wagers; and
awarding the specific prize award to the identified player.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein comparing the wagers of one identified player to the group of identified players wagers comprises determining a fraction by dividing the wagers of one identified player by the group of identified players wagers.
3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising calculating a specific prize award for the identified players from the total un-identified players wager amount, wherein the specific prize award is distributed among the identified players, and wherein the distribution is weighted according to a comparison of wagers made by each identified player to the group of identified players wagers.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the awards include restricted game credits.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the awards include cash awards.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the awards include player's club points.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the wagers by un-identified players are monitored over a period of time.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the awards include game credits that are playable on a bonus game.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the bonus game is playable on a device different than the device upon which the player wagered.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the awarding occurs after a monitored period of time ends.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the calculating is performed by a server.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the awarding occurs when the prize award reaches a preselected prize level.
13. The method of claim 1 , wherein the awarding is tied to another promotional event.
14. The method of claim 1 , wherein the awarding is tied to a winning outcome in a specific game.
15. The method of claim 1 , wherein the awarding occurs randomly.
16. The method of claim 1 , wherein the awarding occurs while the identified player is actively wagering on a game.
17. The method of claim 1 , wherein the awarding occurs on a different day as the monitoring.
18. The method of claim 1 , wherein the awarding occurs on an identified player's next visit.
19. The method of claim 1 , wherein the percentage is dynamically modified to maintain a desired profitability.
20. The method of claim 1 , wherein the calculating of the specific prize award is weighted by an identified player type.
21. The method of claim 1 , wherein the group of identified players wagering is monitored over the same time period as un-identified player wagering.
22. The method of claim 1 , wherein the awarding occurs at fixed time intervals.
23. A method of bonusing in a gaming system including an input apparatus for inputting player identification, the method comprising:
monitoring wagers placed by a group of un-identified players who do not use the input apparatus to input identification;
monitoring wagers placed by each identified player, who uses the input apparatus to input identification, in a group of identified players;
calculating a total un-identified players wager amount by multiplying the un-identified players' wagers by a percentage;
calculating a specific prize award for identified players from the total un-identified players wager amount, wherein the specific prize award is distributed among the identified players, and wherein the distribution is weighted according to a win/loss rate of the identified player; and
awarding the specific prize award to the identified players.
24. The method of claim 23 , wherein an identified player receives a larger award for having a higher win/loss rate.
25. The method of claim 23 , wherein an identified player receives a larger award for having a lower win/loss rate.