Method and Apparatus for Team Play of Slot Machines

The present invention relates generally to electronic gaming devices, such as slot machines, and more particularly, to a system for permitting team play of such electronic gaming devices.

Gambling is becoming an increasingly popular form of entertainment, offering gamblers many game alternatives, including numerous table games, such as poker, blackjack and roulette, and various electronic gaming devices, including slot machines, video poker devices, video keno devices and video blackjack devices (hereinafter, collectively referred to as "slot machines"). Slot machines are an important source of income for the gambling industry. Accordingly, casinos constantly search for new gaming strategies and features to distinguish their slot machines from competitors in the industry, and to provide additional incentives for slot machine players to play longer and to return to the casino on their next trip.

Unlike table games, where a group of players typically play against one another or against the casino (often referred to as the "house"), conventional slot machines have traditionally been an individual game. A number of table games, such as blackjack and craps, encourage a team-like mentality, where a group of players play against the house. The success of slot machines can be attributed, at least in part, to their passive and isolated nature, relative to the more competitive and social nature of table games. Many potential players, however, are averse to the isolation typically associated with slot machine play and the inability to interact with other people for help or moral support.

In order to increase the maximum award that can be profitably awarded by an individual slot machine, many casinos have introduced progressive slot machines. Progressive slot machines are a group of linked slot machines that permit players to win a relatively large progressive jackpot prize, in addition to their nonjackpot winnings at each individual gaming machine. The progressive jackpot prize is determined by allocating a portion of the money wagered at each individual linked slot machine to the progressive jackpot prize sum. Thus, the progressive jackpot value continues to increase until a player hits the progressive jackpot prize at one of the linked machines. Progressive slot machines may have the unintended result of encouraging a quasi-competitive environment where players compete against each other for the progressive jackpot prize. Once the progressive jackpot prize is awarded to a player, the progressive jackpot prize amount is reset, typically to a predefined initial progressive jackpot prize value.

Unfortunately, however, progressive slot machines have experienced only marginal success in increasing slot machine play at many casinos, since the large progressive jackpot prize is typically awarded infrequently. In addition, the play of progressive slot machines continues to be primarily an individual game. Even though progressive slot machine players compete, to a certain extent, for the progressive jackpot prize, the primary competitive component of progressive slot machine play remains the player against the individual slot machine. Furthermore, to the extent that progressive slot machine players compete for the progressive jackpot prize, there is no cooperative effort among players or other positive social interaction. Thus, it has been found that the competitive and social aspects of progressive slot machine play do not fully satisfy the expectations of many players.

In addition, while playing progressive or conventional slot machines, players can easily hit an "unlucky streak" and lose a significant amount of money in a short period of time. There is currently no effective way for players to protect themselves. The successful play of one progressive slot machine player, for example, will typically not help reduce the losses of other progressive slot machine players. Although gambling loss insurance programs are available, such programs are not widely utilized and require an advance payment that some players are reluctant to provide.

Sports are another popular form of entertainment, offering both active and passive sports enthusiasts many game alternatives. Many people, of course, are attracted to sports for their competitive and social aspects. Golf, for example, is often played in a tournament environment where players compete against one another, with many golf tournaments incorporating a team component. The popular "better ball" golf tournament format, for example, permits the team score for each golf hole to be the lowest number of strokes obtained by any team player for a given hole. Another variation is the "best ball" format, where the best field position of any team player on each stroke is utilized by all team players for the subsequent stroke. Thus, in both tournament formats, a group of players are able to play a round of golf as part of a cooperative team, competing against other teams. While the "better ball" format spreads the risk of one or more bad holes among all the players on the team, the "best ball" format spreads the risk of one or more bad strokes among all the players on the team.

As apparent from the above-described deficiencies with conventional slot machine systems, a need exists for a system that permits team play of slot machines and increases player interaction. A further need exists for a system that increases the competitive and social aspects of slot machine play. Yet another need exists for a system that spreads the financial risk associated with slot machine play among a plurality of players.

Generally, according to one aspect of the invention, a plurality of slot machines and a slot server enable team play of the slot machines by a plurality of slot machine players. The game results of each player on a given team are combined in a predefined manner to obtain a team game result. The game results of each player may be combined on a "per-spin" basis, or the game results may be collected for each team player over an entire play session, with the net result of each team player combined on a "per-session" basis.

In a "per-spin" embodiment, each team player initiates play (on the same or separate slot machines), and the individual game results of each team player are combined in a predefined manner to obtain the best team game result, with the best team game result being the one that provides the highest resulting payout, for each spin. The individual game results of each team player can be combined by selecting the symbol obtained by the team players in each reel position that provides the team game result with the highest resulting payout. Alternatively, the individual game result of the team player providing the highest resulting payout can be selected as the team game result.

In a "per-session" embodiment, each team player continues play for an entire play session, and the net result of each team player is analyzed in a predefined manner on a "per-session" basis to obtain the team session result. A session can be defined, for example, in terms of (i) the number of plays per session; (ii) the duration of the session; or (iii) the number of plays until a predefined event occurs. The team session result can be defined, for example, as (i) the highest individual net result of a team player after an entire session; (ii) the average of the net result of each team player after an entire session; (iii) the sum of the highest five payouts awarded to any team player during the session; or (iv) the sum of each of the highest payouts for each spin.

A more complete understanding of the present invention, as well as further features and advantages of the present invention, will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description and drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a suitable communications network environment for interconnecting one or more electronic gaming devices, such as slot machines, with a slot server;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the slot server of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a slot machine of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are plan views of various embodiments of the slot machine of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 illustrates a sample table from the player database of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 illustrates a sample table from the registered team database of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 illustrates a sample table from the machine database of FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 illustrates a sample table from the per-spin transaction database of FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 illustrates a sample table from the per-session transaction database of FIG. 2;

FIG. 11 illustrates a sample table from the per-spin payout database of FIG. 3;

FIG. 12 illustrates a sample table from the per-session payout database of FIG. 3;

FIG. 13 illustrates a sample table from the per-spin probability database of FIG. 3;

FIG. 14 illustrates a sample table from the per-session probability database of FIG. 3;

FIGS. 15A through 15C, collectively, are a flowchart describing an exemplary per-spin process implemented by the slot machine of FIG. 3;

FIGS. 16A and 16B, collectively, are a flowchart describing an exemplary per-spin process implemented by the slot server of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 17A through 17C, collectively, are a flow chart describing an exemplary per-session process implemented by the slot machine of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 18 as FIGS. 18A and 18B are a flow chart describing an exemplary per-session process implemented by the slot server of FIG. 2.

FIG. 1 shows an illustrative slot network 110 for transferring information between one or more slot machines 300-303 and a slot server 200. According to a feature of the present invention, the slot server 200 permits team-play of slot machines by a plurality of slot machine players using the slot machines 300-303. The game results of each player on a given team are combined in a predefined manner, and the best overall game result, providing the highest payout, is provided to each of the team members.

According to a further feature of the invention, the game results of each player on a given team may be combined in a predefined manner on a "per-spin" basis. The game results may also be collected for each team player over an entire play session, with the net result of each team player analyzed in a predefined manner on a "per-session" basis. In this manner, team players are encouraged to support and cheer on one another and may compete against other teams. Thus, the social and competitive aspects of slot machine play are dramatically increased. In addition, the potential loss to each team player is minimized, since a non-winning per-spin or per-session game result by a team player can be offset when combined with the corresponding winning results of another team member.

As used herein, the term "slot machine" refers to any programmable gaming device generating a random or pseudo-random event in which one or more players can wager on the outcome of the event. Examples of slot machines include traditional slot machines, video poker, video bingo, video keno and video blackjack devices. Teams may be formed by individual slot machine players or by a casino, for example, on an anonymous ad hoc basis. Players can optionally register for team play with a casino, for example, by providing the names and player tracking numbers of team players and the preferences of the team, such as whether per-spin or per-session team play is preferred, and the preferred length of each session for per-session play. Team players can be linked electronically, for example, by means of player tracking cards. Thus, the slot server 200 can recognize players as members of a team once the player tracking card of each team member has been inserted into a card reader on the slot machine 300-303. Slot server 200 can indicate to a team player whether other team members are currently playing a slot machine 300-303, such as a representative slot machine 300, in the casino. The presence of all team members may not be required to initiate team play.

Generally, in a "per-spin" embodiment of the present invention, each team player initiates play in a conventional manner, and the individual game results of each team player are combined in a predefined manner to obtain the best team game result, with the best team game result being the one that provides the highest resulting payout, for each spin. In the illustrative implementation of the per-spin embodiment discussed herein, the individual game results of each team player are combined by selecting the symbol obtained by the team players in each reel position that provides the team game result with the highest resulting payout. In an alternate implementation, the individual game result of the team player providing the highest resulting payout can be selected as the team game result.

For example, three team players, Jack, Mary and Bob commence per-spin team play on three of compatible slot machines 300-303, such as three-reel slot machines. Once the team players initiate play at their respective slot machines, the following individual game results and team game result may occur (assuming the team game result is obtained by selecting one symbol from each reel position that provides the best team game result):

If each of the team players in the above example had been playing on conventional slot machines, only Mary would have been a winner of five coins. As per-spin team players, however, each of the team players is awarded five coins for the "best team game result" of "cherry/cherry/cherry," based on the payout awards provided in the per-spin payout database 1100, discussed further below in conjunction with FIG. 11. As discussed further below, in conjunction with FIGS. 3 and 4, in the per-spin embodiment, the slot machine 300 may optionally include a display indicating the individual game result of each team player after each spin of the slot machine 300, as well as the combined team game result. In this manner, the interactive aspects of team play are reinforced to team players and team players can ensure that the best team game result has been selected for each spin. In one implementation of the per-spin embodiment, each team player must wait for all other players on the same team to complete their spin before obtaining the team game result. A "waiting" message can be presented next to the names of the team players that have not completed their spin. In a further variation, individual team players can continue individual play while waiting for the team results.

Generally, in a "per-session" embodiment of the present invention, each team player continues play in a conventional manner for an entire play session, and then the net result of each team player can be analyzed in a predefined manner on a "per-session" basis to obtain the team session result. A session can be defined, for example, in terms of (i) the number of plays per session, such as 100 plays of the slot machine; (ii) the duration of the session, such as one hour; or (iii) the number of plays until a predefined event occurs, such as a particular game result (e.g., one team player hits "cherry/cherry/cherry"). As discussed further below, the slot server 200 monitors the game results of each team player for the duration of the session, and then awards the team session result to each team player after the session is complete. In the illustrative implementation of the per-session embodiment discussed herein, the highest individual net result of a team player after an entire session is selected as the team session result. In alternate implementations, the team session result can be defined as (i) the average of the net result of each team player after an entire session; (ii) the sum of the highest five payouts awarded to any team player during the session; (iii) the sum of each of the highest payouts for each spin; or (iv) the sum of all payouts for a given game result, such as a predefined game result, the most frequently occurring game result, or the game result providing the highest payout over an entire session. Virtual tournaments are possible, with a plurality of teams competing against one another for the highest team session result.

For example, three team players, Jack, Mary and Bob commence per-session team play on three of compatible slot machines 300-303, such as three-reel slot machines, and continue for an entire session of 100 plays. A compatible slot machine may be defined, for example, as a slot machine having the same manufacturer and model number. Once each of the team players completes the session at their respective slot machines, the following individual net results and team session result may occur (assuming the team session result is obtained by selecting the highest individual net result):

Once the session is complete, the slot server 200 determines that the highest individual net result is +100. Since each player inserted 100 coins to complete the 100 play session, the slot server 200 then instructs the respective slot machines to dispense 200 coins to each team player to obtain the desired team session result of 100 coins (a profit of 100 coins for each player). If each of the individual team members obtains a negative net result, the slot server 200 selects the best negative net result as the team session result and instructs the respective slot machines to dispense the appropriate amount of coins to each team player that results in each player obtaining a minimum loss equal to the team session result.

As discussed further below, in conjunction with FIGS. 3 and 5, in the per-session embodiment, the slot machine 300 may optionally include a display indicating the current net result of each team player, as well as the current team session result. In this manner, the interactive aspects of team play are reinforced to team players and team players can ensure that the correct team session result has been selected for the session. Alternatively, the individual net results and team session results may be displayed only upon completion of a session. In one implementation of the per-session embodiment, each team player could be required to play a session simultaneously. In an alternate implementation, team players could play at separate times, and the team session result can be calculated once each team player has completed the session. A "waiting" message can be presented next to the names of the team players that have not completed their session. Preferably, no coins are paid out until the session is complete.

The slot server 200 and the slot machines 300-303, discussed further below in conjunction with FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively, may be embodied as conventional hardware and software, as modified herein to carry out the functions and operations described below. The slot server 200 and slot machines 300-303 transmit data between one another. The transmitted data may represent player names and corresponding identification numbers and team associations, credit balance amounts and play results. The slot server 200 and each of the slot machines 300-303 may communicate by means of cable or wireless links on which data signals can propagate.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the architecture of an illustrative slot server 200. The slot server 200 may be embodied, for example, as an RS 6000 server, manufactured by IBM Corp., as modified herein to execute the functions and operations of the present invention. The slot server 200 includes known hardware components, such as a central processing unit (CPU) 205 in communication with each of a data storage device 210, a read only memory (ROM) 220, a random access memory (RAM) 230, a clock 240, a communications port 250 and a slot network interface 260. The CPU 205 can be in communication with the data storage device 210, the read only memory (ROM) 220, the random access memory (RAM) 230, the clock 240, the communications port 250 and the slot network interface 260, either by means of a shared data bus, or dedicated connections, as shown in FIG. 2. The CPU 205 may be embodied as a single processor, or a number of processors.

As discussed further below in conjunction with FIGS. 6 through 10, the data storage device 210 includes a player database 600, a registered team database 700, a machine database 800, a per-spin transaction database 900 and a per-session transaction database 1000. The player database 600 stores information on each player, including an identifier of each player's team and the player's loyalty reward points balance. The registered team database 700 stores information on each team that is registered for slot machine play, including an identification of each team member. The machine database 800 stores information on each slot machine in a casino, including the type of each machine. The stored machine information may be used, for example, to ensure that each team player is utilizing on of compatible slot machines 300-303. The per-spin transaction database 900 stores play results for each team playing in a per-spin embodiment of the present invention. The per-session transaction database 1000 stores play results for each team playing in a per-session embodiment of the present invention.

The data storage device 210 and/or ROM 220 are operable to store one or more instructions, which the CPU 205 is operable to retrieve, interpret and execute. As shown in FIG. 2 and discussed further below in conjunction with FIGS. 16 and 18, the data storage device 210 includes a per-spin process 1600 and a per-session process 1800, to implement the two illustrative embodiments of the present invention. As discussed below, the per-spin process 1600 and the per-session process 1800 are each executed in cooperation with similar processes 1500, 1700, respectively. These processes 1500, 1700 are executed on the individual slot machines 300-303 being utilized by team members.

The communications port 250 connects the slot server 200 to a slot machine interface 260, thereby permitting the slot server 200 to communicate with each connected slot machine, such as the slot machines 300-303 shown in FIG. 1. The communication port 250 may include multiple communication channels for simultaneous connections. It is noted that the functionality provided by the slot server 200, such as providing each slot machine 300-303 with team information and coordinating team play, could be provided directly by one or more of the slot machines 300-303 or by a separate team controller (not shown), as would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the architecture of an illustrative slot machine 300. The architecture illustrated in FIG. 3 is also descriptive of the functionality of the slot machines 301-303 shown in FIG. 1. A plan view of the per-spin and per-session embodiments of the slot machine 300 are shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively. The slot machine 300 includes known hardware components, such as a CPU 310 and a data storage device 320, which may function in a similar manner to those corresponding components described above in conjunction with FIG. 2.

As previously indicated, the present invention permits team play of slot machines on a "per-spin" or "per-session" basis. In one implementation, each slot machine 300 maintains separate databases for storing the probability that a given game result will occur, and the corresponding payout associated with each winning game result, for a number of team sizes, for each of the "per-spin" and "per-session" embodiments. Thus, as discussed further below in conjunction with FIGS. 11 through 14, respectively, the data storage device 320 includes a per-spin payout database 1100, a per-session payout database 1200, a per-spin probability database 1300 and a per-session probability database 1400. Generally, the per-spin payout database 1100 and the per-session payout database 1200 store the payouts associated with each winning game result for a number of team sizes, for the per-spin and per-session embodiments, respectively. Likewise, the per-spin probability database 1300 and the per-session probability database 1400 store the probability that a given game result will occur for a number of team sizes, for the per-spin and per-session embodiments, respectively. The respective payout databases 1100, 1200 or the probability databases 1300, 1400, for each of the "per-spin" and "per-session" embodiments, can be adjusted in accordance with the present invention to fund team play. Alternatively, both the respective payout databases 1100, 1200 and the probability databases 1300, 1400, for each of the "per-spin" and "per-session" embodiments, can be adjusted to find team play. For a more detailed discussion of a conventional slot machine, and the associated probabilities and payouts, see J. Regan, Winning at Slot Machines (Citadel Press 1985), incorporated by reference herein.

In addition, the data storage device 320 and/or ROM (not shown) are operable to store one or more instructions, which the CPU 310 is operable to retrieve, interpret and execute. As shown in FIG. 3 and discussed further below in conjunction with FIGS. 15 and 17, the data storage device 320 includes a per-spin process 1500 and a per-session process 1700, to implement the "per-spin" and "per-session" embodiments of the present invention. As previously indicated, the per-spin process 1500 and the per-session process 1700 are executed by the slot machines 300-303 being utilized by team players, in cooperation with similar processes 1600, 1800, respectively, executing on the slot server 200 to coordinate team play.

In a per-spin embodiment, each player starts the representative slot machine 300 in a conventional manner by providing a form of payment, for example, by depositing one or more coins or bills in a coin/bill acceptor 355, or inserting a credit card, debit card or smart card into a card reader 364. If the player inserts a player tracking card, the slot machine 300 will determine if the player is registered with a team. If the player is not registered with a team, the player can play the slot machine 300 in a conventional manner.

If the player is registered with a team, however, and agrees to participate in team play while one or more of the player's teammates are currently playing, team play can be enabled. Each team player then initiates play by pressing a starting controller 374, such as a "spin reels" button on their respective slot machine 300-303. Thereafter, the CPU 310 on each respective slot machine 300-303 initiates the random number generator 378 to generate a random number. The CPU 310 looks up the generated random number in the appropriate field of the appropriate probability database per-spin probability database 1300, discussed below in conjunction with FIG. 13, and based on the number of team players currently playing retrieves the corresponding reel combination, or individual game result. Each CPU 310 also directs a reel controller 330 to spin the reels 332, 334, 336 and to stop them at a point when a combination of symbols corresponding to the retrieved individual game result is displayed. The individual game result of each team player is then transmitted to the slot server 200, which generates the resulting team game result in a predefined manner.

The slot server 200 then transmits the individual game results and resulting team session result to each slot machine 300-303, for display to each team player on a display 410 (FIG. 4). Based on the identified team session result, each slot machine 300-303 stores the payout credits, if any, in a random access memory (RAM) (not shown). A hopper controller 352 is connected to a hopper 354 for dispensing coins. Each team player can cash out in a conventional manner by pushing a cash out button 370 on his or her respective slot machine 300-303. The CPU 310 then checks the RAM to see if the player has any credit and, if so, signals the hopper 354 to release an appropriate number of coins into a payout tray (not shown).

In a per-session embodiment, each team player starts his or her representative slot machine 300-303 in a conventional manner. If a player inserts a player tracking card, the slot machine 300 will determine if the player is registered with a team. If the player is not registered with a team, the player can play the slot machine 300 in a conventional manner. If the player is registered with a team, however, and agrees to participate in team play while one or more of the player's teammates are currently playing, each team player continues play in a conventional manner for an entire play session, in the manner described above. Once the session is complete, each slot machine 300-303 being utilized by a team player can signal the slot server 200 with each player's net result. The slot server 200 combines the net result of each team player in a predefined manner on a "per-session" basis to obtain a team session result.

The slot server 200 then transmits the individual net results of each team player and the resulting team session result to each slot machine 300-303, for display to each team player on a display 510 (FIG. 5). Based on the identified team session result, each CPU 310 locates the corresponding payout in the appropriate field of the per-session payout database 1200, shown in FIG. 12, based on the number of team players currently playing. When a payout is awarded to the per-session team players, the slot machine 300 stores the credits in a random access memory (RAM) (not shown) or dispenses the appropriate number of coins using the hopper controller 352 and hopper 354.

A player tracking device 360 is also in communication with the CPU 310. The player tracking device 360 comprises a card reader 364 for reading player identification information stored on a player tracking card (not shown), which is preferably encoded with information to identify the player, in a known manner. The player tracking device 360 also preferably includes a display 362, having an associated player interface, such as a numeric keypad 363 for entry of player information. The player card tracking device may be embodied, for example, as the Mastercom device, commercially available from Bally Manufacturing. For a discussion of player card tracking devices, see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,429,361 to Raven et al., incorporated by reference herein.

The slot machine 300 also includes a slot network interface 376 that provides a communication path between the representative slot machine 300 and the slot server 200. Thus, as discussed further below, information may be communicated among the player tracking device 360, slot machine 300 and slot server 200. In alternative embodiments, the slot machine 300 does not include the reel controller 330, or reels 332, 334, 336. Instead, the video display area 346 graphically displays representations of objects contained in the selected game, such as graphical reels or playing cards. These representations are preferably animated to simulate playing of the selected game.

As previously indicated, the player database 600, shown in FIG. 6, stores information on each player, including an identifier of each player's team, if any, and the player's loyalty reward points balance. The player database 600 maintains a plurality of records, such as records 605 through 620, each associated with a different player. For each player identified by a player identifier in field 630, the player database 600 includes the name and address of the player in fields 635 and 640, respectively. In addition, the player database 600 includes an identifier of each team the player is associated with in field 645. Finally, the player database 600 includes each player's current loyalty reward points balance in field 650.

As previously indicated, the registered team database 700, shown in FIG. 7, stores information on each team that is registered for slot machine play, including an identification of each team member. The registered team database 700 maintains a plurality of records, such as records 705 and 710, each associated with a different team. For each team identified by a team identifier in field 720, the registered team database 700 includes an indication of each team player in fields 725 through 735, and the duration of each session for the illustrative per-session embodiment in field 740. In this manner, the slot server 200 can determine the names and player identifiers of each player on a given team.

As previously indicated, the machine database 800, shown in FIG. 8, stores information on each slot machine in a casino, including the type of each machine. The machine database 800 maintains a plurality of records, such as records 805 and 810, each associated with a different slot machine, such as the slot machine 300. For each slot machine identified by a machine identifier in field 820, the illustrative machine database 800 indicates the machine type in field 825, and the associated number of reels, possible denominations and maximum wager in field 830 through 840, respectively. In this manner, the slot server 200 can determine if each team player is utilizing a compatible slot machine 300-303.

As previously indicated, the per-spin transaction database 900, shown in FIG. 9, stores play results for each team playing in a per-spin embodiment of the present invention. The per-spin transaction database 900 maintains a plurality of records, such as records 905 and 910, each associated with a different team. For each team identified by a team identifier in field 920, the per-spin transaction database 900 includes the per-spin results for each team player in fields 930, 940 and 950. Specifically, for a first team player, the per-spin results include an identifier of the player in field 931, the corresponding game result in fields 932 through 934, and an identifier of the machine utilized by the player in field 935. In this manner, the slot server 200 can analyze the per-spin individual game results of each player on a given team and combine them in a predefined manner to obtain a team game result. In one embodiment, the individual game results are combined by selecting the symbol in each reel position that provides the team with the best overall game result having the highest payout.

As previously indicated, the per-session transaction database 1000, shown in FIG. 10, stores play results for each team playing in a per-session embodiment of the present invention. The per-session transaction database 1000 maintains a plurality of records, such as records 1005 and 1010, each associated with a different team. For each team identified by a team identifier in field 1020, the per-session transaction database 1000 includes the to-date session results for each team player in fields 1030, 1040 and 1050. Specifically, for a first player, the to-date session results include an identifier of the player in field 1031, an identifier of the machine utilized by the player in field 1032, and the current coin-in, coin-out and net values (coin-out less coin-in) in fields 1033 through 1035, respectively. In this manner, upon completion of a defined session, the slot server 200 can combine the individual net results of each team player to obtain the team session result. In one embodiment, the individual net results are combined by selecting the highest net result of each player on a given team and adjusting the coin-out of the additional players to obtain the same net result.

As previously indicated, the per-spin payout database 1100, shown in FIG. 11, stores the payouts associated with each winning reel combination for a number of team sizes, for the per-spin embodiment. The per-spin payout database 1100 maintains a plurality of records, such as records 1102-1134, each associated with a different possible game result. For each possible game result identified in field 1140, the per-spin payout database 1100 includes the corresponding prize awarded for a single player, two member team and three member team in fields 1150 through 1170, respectively.

For example, if a single player not associated with a team hits the reel combination "orange/orange/orange," shown in record 1118, the player will be awarded 20 credits for the illustrative one-coin wager model. Likewise, if the team game result for a two member team is the reel combination "orange/orange/orange," each member of the team will be awarded 10 credits for the illustrative one-coin wager model. In a multiple coin play embodiment of the slot machine 300, the per-spin payout database 1100 can include additional fields for recording payouts associated with the number of coins wagered by the player, as well as the corresponding team size, as would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Generally, the payout for a given game result decreases as the size of a team increases, to compensate for the increased probability of a winning game result.

As previously indicated, the per-session payout database 1200, shown in FIG. 12, stores the payouts associated with each winning reel combination for a number of team sizes, for the per-session embodiment. The per-session payout database 1200 maintains a plurality of records, such as records 1202-1234, each associated with a different possible game result. For each possible game result identified in field 1240, the per-session payout database 1200 includes the corresponding prize awarded for a single player, two member team and three member team in fields 1250 through 1270, respectively.

For example, if a single player hits the reel combination "orange/orange/orange," shown in record 1218, the player will be awarded 20 credits for the illustrative one-coin wager model. Likewise, if a player from a two member team hits the reel combination "orange/orange/orange," on an individual pull of a team session, the individual player will be awarded 15 credits for the illustrative one-coin wager model. In a multiple coin play embodiment of the slot machine 300, the per-spin payout database 1200 can include additional fields for recording payouts associated with the number of coins wagered by the player, as well as the corresponding team size, as would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Because player net results approach the expected value return as the number of plays in the session increases, per-session payout database 1200 may be modified to generally increase payout levels for longer sessions.

As previously indicated, the per-spin probability database 1300, shown in FIG. 13, stores the probability that a given reel combination will result for a number of team sizes in the per-spin embodiment, for an illustrative slot machine having three reels, each with two hundred twenty (220) virtual reel stop positions. The number of reel stops on each reel of the illustrative per-spin embodiment of the present invention has been increased by a factor of ten over a conventional twenty-two stop machine, in order to permit the probability of the occurrence of the "seven" symbol (7) to be reduced for team sizes greater than one. It is noted that a game result is selected in the illustrative per-spin embodiment by generating three random numbers and looking up the result in the per-spin probability database 1300.

The per-spin probability database 1300 maintains a plurality of records, such as records 1305-1330, each associated with a different reel symbol. For each reel symbol identified in field 1140, the per-spin probability database 1300 indicates the number of times, on average, that the reel symbol will result on each reel for each 220 token plays of the slot machine 300 in fields 1351-1353, 1361-1363 and 1371-1373 for a single player, two member team and three member team, respectively. In an alternate embodiment, the probability of a winning game result can be reduced by dynamically increasing the number of reels 332, 334, 336.

As previously indicated, the per-session probability database 1400, shown in FIG. 14, stores the probability that a given reel combination will result for a number of team sizes in the per-session embodiment, for an illustrative slot machine having three reels, each with twenty two (22) symbols. Thus, as shown in field 1252 of record 1202, 8,570 combinations out of a possible 10,648 reel combinations result in a nonwinning game result for a single player in a per-session embodiment.

The per-session probability database 1400 maintains a plurality of records, such as records 1402-1436, each associated with a different possible game result. For each possible game result identified in field 1440, the per-session probability database 1400 includes the random numbers which lead to that reel combination for a single player in field 1452, and the corresponding number of times, on average, that the game result will occur for each 10,648 token plays of the slot machine 300 in field 1454. Likewise, the per-session probability database 1400 indicates the random numbers and corresponding expected hits per cycle for the two member team and three member team in fields 1462-1464 and 1472-1474, respectively.

For example, the game result "orange/orange/orange," shown in record 1420 of the per-session probability database 1400, will be theoretically expected 42 times for each 10,648 token plays of the illustrative slot machine 300 by a single player of the per-session embodiment. In an illustrative embodiment, the symbol "orange" appears twice on reel number one, three times on reel number two, and seven times on reel number three. Thus, the probability that the game result "orange/orange/orange" will result is 42 (2.times.3.times.7) out of the total 10,648 possible game results (22.times.22.times.22) for a single player of the per-session embodiment. Likewise, the probability that the game result "orange/orange/orange" will result is 30 out of the total 10,648 possible game results for a player from a two member team on an individual pull of a team session.

The expected hits per cycle for the multiple player teams set forth in fields 1460 and 1470 are similar to those set forth in field 1450 for an individual player, except for the decreased probability of a number of winning game results (in order to fund team play). There are a number of ways to accomplish a decrease in the probability of a winning combination. In the illustrative example shown in FIG. 14, the probability of a winning combination for the multiple player teams has been decreased by increasing the number of nonwinning combinations for the multiple player teams, and providing a corresponding decrease to the winning combinations. For example, when random numbers in the range 8571 through 8917 are generated, they will result in nonwinning combinations for the two member team, as opposed to winning combinations for the individual player. In an alternative embodiment, a decrease in the probability of a winning combination for team play can be achieved by reallocating the symbol-to-reel allocation utilized by the slot machine 300 by increasing the number of symbols which do not contribute to winning combinations.

It is again noted that the representative data provided in the per-spin and per-session payout databases 1100, 1200 and the per-spin and per-session probability databases 1300, 1400 are meant to be examples of values that could be utilized to keep the house advantage approximately the same for team-play as for individual play with conventional slot machines, as would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

As previously indicated, the slot server 200 and the individual slot machines 300-303 being utilized by team players execute a number of cooperative processes in order to coordinate team play in both the per-spin and per-session embodiments. As discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 15 and 16, the individual slot machines 300-303 and the slot server 200 each execute per-spin processes 1500, 1600, respectively, to implement the per-spin embodiment of the present invention. Likewise, as discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 17 and 18, the individual slot machines 300-303 and the slot server 200 each execute per-session processes 1700, 1800, respectively, to implement the per-session embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 15A, in the per-spin embodiment, an individual representative slot machine 300 initiates the per-spin process 1500 upon receipt of player tracking data from the player tracking device 360 during step 1505. The slot machine 300 then retrieves the corresponding record from the player database 600, which may be stored locally or at the slot server 200, during step 1510.

A test is performed during step 1515 to determine if the player is registered on a team. If it is determined during step 1515 that the player is not registered on a team, then conventional slot machine play will continue during step 1520. If, however, it is determined during step 1515 that the player is registered on a team, then a further test is performed during step 1525 to determine if a record exists for the team in the per-spin transaction database 900. If it is determined during step 1525 that a record does not exist for the team in the per-spin transaction database 900, then the slot machine 300 signals the slot server 200 to create a new record for the team in the per-spin transaction database 900 during step 1530, before program control proceeds to step 1535.

The slot machine 300 receives a signal from the slot server 200 during step 1535 indicating the start of team play. The slot machine 300 then indicates to the player during step 1540 (FIG. 15B) that game play may begin and receives a signal from the player initiating game play during step 1545. Three random numbers are obtained from the random number generator 378 during step 1550. The symbols corresponding to each random number are then retrieved from the per-spin probability database 1300 during step 1555 and the individual game result is generated for the team player. The individual game result is then transmitted to the slot server 200 during step 1560.

Thereafter, each individual slot machine 300-303 where team players are playing receives a signal from the slot server 200 during step 1565 (FIG. 16C) indicating the individual game result of each team player and the resulting team game result. The appropriate payout is retrieved from the per-spin payout database 1100 during step 1570, based on the team game result and the number of team players. The hopper controller 352 is instructed to dispense the appropriate payout to the team player during step 1575. A test is performed during step 1580 to determine if the team players desire additional spins. If it is determined during step 1580 that the team players do desire additional spins, then program control returns to step 1545 (FIG. 15B) for further play in the manner described above. If, however, it is determined during step 1580 that the team players do not desire further spins, then program control will terminate.

As previously indicated, the slot server 200 executes a per-spin process 1600, shown in FIG. 16, in cooperation with the per-spin processes 1500 being executed by the individual slot machines 300-303 being utilized by team players. As shown in FIG. 16A, the slot server 200 initiates the per-spin process 1600 upon receipt of a signal from one or more of the individual slot machines 300-303 being utilized by team players during step 1605 to open a new record for a team in the per-spin transaction database 900. Thereafter, the slot server 200 will receive an identifier of each of the individual slot machines 300-303 being utilized by team players during step 1610.

A test is performed during step 1615 to determine if each of the individual slot machines 300-303 being utilized by team players are compatible. If it is determined during step 1615 that each of the individual slot machines 300-303 being utilized by team players are not compatible, then a message is sent to each of the individual slot machines 300-303 being utilized by team players during step 1620 indicating that one or more of the machines are not compatible. If, however, it is determined during step 1615 that each of the individual slot machines 300-303 being utilized by team players are compatible, then a signal is sent to the team players during step 1625 indicating that game play may begin.

After each spin, the slot server 200 receives signals from each of the individual slot machines 300-303 being utilized by team players during step 1630 indicating the individual game results of each team player. The individual game results are then recorded in the appropriate team record in the per-spin transaction database 900 during step 1635. The slot server 200 analyzes the individual game results during step 1640 (FIG. 16B) and then determines the team game result providing the highest possible payout. The slot server 200 then sends a signal to each of the individual slot machines 300-303 being utilized by team players during step 1645 indicating the individual game results of each team player, and the resulting team game result, before program control terminates.

As previously indicated, the individual slot machines 300-303 and the slot server 200 each execute per-session processes 1700, 1800, shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, respectively, to implement the per-session embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 17A, in the per-session embodiment, an individual representative slot machine 300 initiates the per-session process 1700 upon receipt of player tracking data from the player tracking device 360 during step 1705. The slot machine 300 then retrieves the corresponding record from the player database 600, which may be stored locally or at the slot server 200, during step 1710.

A test is performed during step 1715 to determine if the player is registered on a team. If it is determined during step 1715 that the player is not registered on a team, then conventional slot machine play will continue during step 1720. If, however, it is determined during step 1715 that the player is registered on a team, then a further test is performed during step 1725 to determine if a record exists for the team in the per-session transaction database 1000. If it is determined during step 1725 that a record does not exist for the team in the per-session transaction database 1000, then the slot machine 300 signals the slot server 200 to create a new record for the team in the per-session transaction database 1000 during step 1730, before program control proceeds to step 1735.

The slot machine 300 receives a signal from the slot server 200 during step 1735 indicating the start of team play. The slot machine 300 then indicates to the player during step 1740 (FIG. 17B) that game play may begin and receives a signal from the player initiating game play during step 1745. The coin-in meter is updated during step 1750 to indicate the number of coins (or other form of payment) deposited by the player to initiate play. In addition, the coin-in information is sent to the slot server 200 during step 1755 for entry in the appropriate team record of the per-session transaction database 1000.

A random number is received from the random number generator 378 during step 1760, which is utilized during step 1765 to retrieve the corresponding game result from the appropriate field of the per-session probability database 1400. The payout corresponding to the retrieved game result is then retrieved during step 1770 from the per-session payout database 1200, based on the game result and the number of team players.

A signal is sent to the slot server 200 during step 1775 (FIG. 17C) indicating the team member's game result and payout for recording in the coin-out field of the per-session transaction database 1000. A test is performed during step 1780 to determine if the session has ended. If it is determined during step 1780 that the session has not ended, program control returns to step 1745 (FIG. 17B) for further play in the manner described above. If, however, it is determined during step 1780 that the session has ended, then a signal is sent to the slot server 200 during step 1785 indicating the end of the session.

Thereafter, a signal is received from the slot server 200 during step 1790 indicating the individual net results of each team player, and the resulting team session result. The individual net results and team session results are displayed to each team player during step 1792 using display 510 (FIG. 5), and the appropriate payout is awarded to each team player during step 1796, before program control terminates.

As previously indicated, the slot server 200 executes a per-session process 1800, shown in FIG. 18, in cooperation with the per-session processes 1700 being executed by the individual slot machines 300-303 being utilized by team players. As shown in FIG. 18, the slot server 200 initiates the per-session process 1800 upon receipt of a signal from one or more of the individual slot machines 300-303 being utilized by team players during step 1805 to open a new record for a team in the per-session transaction database 1000. Thereafter, the slot server 200 will receive an identifier of each of the individual slot machines 300-303 being utilized by team players during step 1810.

A test is performed during step 1815 to determine if each of the individual slot machines 300-303 being utilized by team players are compatible. If it is determined during step 1815 that each of the individual slot machines 300-303 being utilized by team players are not compatible, then a message is sent to each of the individual slot machines 300-303 being utilized by team players during step 1820 indicating that one or more of the machines are not compatible. If, however, it is determined during step 1815 that each of the individual slot machines 300-303 being utilized by team players are compatible, then a signal is sent to the team players during step 1825 indicating that game play may begin.

As per-session play continues, the slot server 200 will receive signals from each of the individual slot machines 300-303 being utilized by team players during step 1830, indicating the coin-in information and the individual net results of team players. Thereafter, once the session has ended, the slot server 200 will receive a signal from one or more of the individual slot machines 300-303 being utilized by team players during step 1835, indicating that the session is complete.

The slot server 200 calculates the team session result during step 1840. The slot server 200 then transmits the individual net results of each team player and the team session result to each of the individual slot machines 300-303 being utilized by team players during step 1845, before program control terminates.

As previously indicated, the present invention may be applied to video poker machines, as well as to the illustrative slot machines 300-303. In a video poker implementation, the game results of each player on a given team are combined, and the result providing the highest payout, is provided to each of the team members. The game results of each player on a given team may be combined, for example, by compiling the cards from every team player and selecting the hand with the highest possible payout from all of the drawn cards. In a further variation, each of the players on a team are dealt the same hand, and draw additional cards in a conventional manner. The best hand drawn by one of the team players is then selected as the team result. If more than one player on the team gets the same highest payout result, a bonus can be awarded to the team. In this manner, a team strategy where every player always picks a different draw combination than the other players is discouraged.

In yet another variation, each of the players on a team is dealt the same hand, and then votes on a strategy for which cards to hold, such as holding a pair. The slot server 200 then analyzes the votes and implements the strategy having the highest votes. If the resulting hand is a winning hand, the team players are awarded the resulting payout. Team players can consult with one another, to increase player interaction and permit team players to receive the input and experience of all the other team players towards achieving a payout.

It is to be understood that the embodiments and variations shown and described herein are merely illustrative of the principles of this invention and that various modifications may be implemented by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.