WO2007147161A2 - Gaming device and method of use - Google Patents

Abstract

A gaming apparatus allows players to collect accumulated credits at a future date in return for larger prizes or higher payback percentages during game play. The gaming apparatus includes a gaming device for playing a game. A display is coupled with the gaming device. A controller is in communication with the gaming device and the display. The controller is configured to receive a wager and determine a game outcome. The controller can determine a credit balance based on the game outcome. The controller receives a request to cashout the credit balance and determines a first and second payout. The first payout is paid at the present time and the second payout is paid at a future time. The first and second payouts are displayed to the player and the player is allowed to choose one of the payouts. The payout chosen by the player is awarded.

Description

GAMING DE\ ICE AND METHOD OK I SE

I ϊ j Field of the Im ention f2j The present invention relates to gaming dex ices and, more particularly, to a gaming dev ice that picn ides the opnoit of collecting accumulated credits or winnings at a future date. fJJ Background f4j Gaming devices are well known in the art, and a large variety of gaming dex ices hav e been developed. In geπcial, gaming de\ ices allow users oi pla>ets> to plaj a game In many casino- tj pc gaming dev ices, the outcome of the game depends, at least m part, on a randomly generated cv cut For example, a gaming device raaj use a random rmrribci generatoi to geπeiate a sandom or pseudo-random numbci (hereinafter, both types aie iefened to as, a "landom number") f5| The tandom number can be used to determine a game outcome I- or example the random number may then be competed to a predefined table to determine a corresponding outcome of the event If the tandom number falls within a certain range of numbers on the table, the plavet ma\ win the corresponding predefined prize The table may also contain display information that allows the gaming device to generate a display that corresponds to the outcome of Ae game The gaming de\ ice ma\ present the outcome of the game on a large Λ arsety of display deuces, such as mechanical spinning reels 01 video screens.

|6j Some gaming devices award bonus piizes in addition to prizes that are awarded in a primary game. Of coυise, the pu/e m the pπmary game mav simply be the oppom.mit\ to play the bonus game Λ bonus pπze is generaih defined as a prize in addition to the pπze obtained from the primary game and that is¹ sv, aided to the plaver when a predefined event occurs. An example of a bonus game cai be found in U S patent number 5.848.932 to Adams Adam* discloses a priraaiy game haung three spinning game reels and a bonus game having a bonus display with one spinning wheel. The spuming wheel is divided into multiple sections, and each section has a symbol representing a prize When predetermined indicia are displayed on the spinning game reels of the primary game, the wheel of the bonus displav spins and stops. The bonus pπze is displaced as the svmtrøl on the w heel being pointed 10 b\ a pomtei I he botiits prize is awarded m addition to any prices awarded m the primary game Another bonus game J=J disclosed m Baerlochei et al (U S Patent No

6 336 S63> Baeriocher et a! discloses a slot machine with a bonus award d«pla\ I he bonus award display has a bonus_* wheel and a median seal, mox able pointer

|7| Gaming deuces m casinos aie more successful w hen thev aie abie to captπ ate and hold a game piavet s mteie-it for a long period of time When a game pla\ er plays a gaming de\ ice for a longer period of time, more rex emie is geneuued fot the casino A game placer may los>e interest with a game that ha* a viatic display that changes \ erv little o\ci time oi that the pUx ei deems to be unaltracln e

|8{ One \\ ay gaming de\ ice raamtfacuues hav e added additional enjovment and cxtuctnent to gammg de\ ices it. thiough the us>e of largϊi pπ/e amounts and higher pa>baclι percentages Most games that htπ e higher payback peicentages lequire larger \sageis Foi example a slot machine that accepts wagers in 25 cent mciemems max ha\ e a payback peiceπtage of S8 percent while a slot machine that accepts vuϊgets in Sl 00 inciements may !ιa\ e a payback peitentage of 90 peitent \ Joi tnachme that accepts wager ^■> m $5 00 mciements maj lune a payback peiceπtage of 9^ peicent f9| Most games that ha\e iargei pu/es typical fy lequuie iamet wageis 1 oi example a slot machine mav otTci a top pπye of S 100 00 foi a 21-cent wages and S^OO 00 for a $ ! 00 wages

110] bnfoitunateK when a casino mci eases the size of the pπze or the payback peiceπtage on gaming de\ tees with iowei-wager miπunum amounts, the piofltabsiity of the gaining de\ice for the casino decjeases ftl] What is needed n> a gammg device that can awaid larger prizes and higtiei pavback peicentages while still inauitaming ihe same piofit matgm fot a casino

| I 2| SUMMARY OF OVE EMBODIMENT OF IHE INVENTION

|l3j Adv antages of One or More Embodiments of the Present Intention

(Ϊ4j The van oυs) embodiments oi the present invention may, but do not necessarily, achie\e one or more of the following adv antages fl5j the abiiits to provide game plavcrs with a irtoie exciting and desirable gaming cvpeiience, |16] the ability to attract more patrons to play a game,

|J7j provide longer pia> times and a greater payout possibility for a player;

|t8j ρro\ ide greater rexenues for gaming operators, f I9J prtnidc a gammg de\ ice that can award higher payback pcicemages,

|2G] pro\ ide a gaining device that can award larger prizes,

|21| ρro\ ide a gaming device that raav allow a player to select a time period to collect a payout or cashout ;

|22J provide a gaming dev ice that may allow a player to select a paytable ,

£23J pio\ ide a gaming dc\ ice that allows a ciedit balance now or a largei amount at a futuie time, and

|24| provide a gaming device that allows a player to select a paytable befoie beginning a game

{25J Those and other advantages may be realized by reference tυ the remaining portions of the specification. claims, and abstract

|26| Brief Description of One Embodiment of the Present Indention

|27j in certain embodiments, the present invention relates to a gaining apparatus that includes a gaming dev ice for allowing a player to pla\ a game \ display is coupled with the gaming de\ ice. A controϊlei is HI communication with the gaming device and the display The control lei is coiifϊgiued to receive a wager and determine a game outcome The controller also can determine a credit balance based on the game outcome

The controller further is configured to receive a request to cashout the credit balance and determine a first and second payout. I he rust payout is paid at the piesent time and the second payout is paid at a future time. The first and second pay outs are displayed to the pla\er and the plaver is allowed to choose one of the payouts. The payout chosen by the player is awaided.

|28j in other embodiments, the piesent imention relates to a gaming method, lite method includes reeehnig a wager and allow ing a player to choose a time period when an account balance will be paid, the time peiiod at least including a first time period at the end of a game and a second tune period after the game has ended The player is allowed to play the game A payout amount is determined based on the time period that was selected

A cashout request is iecehed and the payout amount is paid |29] The above description sets forth, rathei bioacSly, a $υmmar\ of one embodiment of the present invention so that flic detailed description that follows may be better understood and contributions of the present invention to the art may be better appreciated. Some of the embodiments of the present invention may not include all of the feaftoes OJ characteristics listed in the above summary Thcio are. of course, additional features of the invention that wili be described below and will form the subject matter of claims. 1« this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail it is to be understood that the inv ention is¹ not limited irt its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following dcsciiption or a& illustrated in the draw ings The inx cntion is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and earned tun in various ways Also, it is io be ursdeistood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting

[3OJ BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DILWVlXGS

|3l| Figute 1 is substantially a ftont \ iew of a gaming deuce of the ptesent invention

|32| Figute 2 is substantia!!} a schematic diagiam of a portion of the gaming dev ice of figure 1.

|33J Figure 3 is substantial!^ a flowchart of a gaming method of the present invention

[J4J Figute 4 is substantially a ft out view of figuie 1 shovvmg an additional possible game display.

|35j Figure 5 is substantially a paytable for use with the gaming dc\ ice of figure 4

|36] Figure 6 is substantially a flow chart of another gaming method of the present tm ention.

|37| Figute 7 is substantially a fiont v iew of figυie 1 showing anothei possible game display

|381 Figure S is substantially a paytable for use with the gaming deuce of figure ^"

|39j DESCRIPTION' OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THK PRKSEM ΪNΛ'ENTION

|40j in the following detailed description of the embodiments, teferenee is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application The drawings show, b> wa\ of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention mas be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments ma\ be utilized and structural changes may be made w ithout departing from the scope of the present imention. f41j Game Apparatus |42] Referring to figure 1, one embodiment disclosed hetem compuses a gaming apparatus or de\ ice, generally indicated by reference number 10. Gaming dev ice IO comprises a pπmarv. game apparatus 20 and a display 50 Game apparatus 20 may be any of a large number of devices that are adapted to allow players to pla\ a game FOΪ example, game apparatus 20 may utilize reel displays, such as spinning teels 22-24 ot a \ ideo display (not shown\ to display outcomes of the game, Means may also be provided for accepting wageis, such as a coin slot 2 i or \oueher and card reader 25, and for awarding prizes, such as a coin dspenser 2^ Voucher and card readei 25 can tead and prim paper vouchers and can ioad and modify playei tracking catds with monetaij amounts and othci information A. handle 2b and button 28 are pro\idcd fo: activating game appaialii¹* 20 to begin a game Λ cashout button 40 may be piυvidcd that allows a game player to collect an accumulated ciedu balance Jn at least one embodiment, game apparatus 20 may be an S Plus model gaming device mannfacnned by Internationa! Game Technology in Reno, Nevada

|43| Game apparatus 20 maj be controlled b\ an eleαiomc cαnnolkr 82 (see figure 2) that utilizes a random nuinbei generator 83 {figure 2} Hie random number generator produces a landυm or pseudo-mndom numbei for each game. The outcome of the game ma\ be deteimsned by compaπng the random number to a table of outcome*, oi paytable stored in a memory and accessed b\ conti oiler 82 Λ ntanbei of different paj tables may be used, and diffetciit tables may be used fot different games The paytablεs can be designed so t hat different prizes have different probabilities of being awarded. Such design techniques are well knowo in gaining. bxamples of such designs are shown in U S patent numbet 4.448.410 issued to ϊelnaes. and U.S. patent number 5,456,4b5, issued to Durham. Controller S2 causes reels 22-24 or the s ideo display to show the outcome of the game that corresponds to the outcome of the iaodoin number geneiator. It is recogm/ed that game apparatus 20 ma\ opeiate in man\ other wa> s and still achie\e the objects of the present invention |44j Pa> out Display

|45j Referring to figures I and 2. gaining de\ice 10 mav have a housing 32 with a front panel 33. Housing 32 can be made from many different materials such as metal or plastic and can include decorative coverings (not sho wτfi or attachments and lights (not show n) A pair of player input de\ ices 38 and 39 can be mounted in housing 32 Plavei input devices 38 and 39 can be buttons oi handles {not shown) or rotaϊ> Knobs (not shown}

Player input devices 38 and 3^c-> could also be touch screen displays. Plas er input device 3S may hav e a label

^{^}Pa> out Later^"' and pla\ er input de\ ice 3$ max' ha\ e a label "Payout Now ^!\ Pla\ er input dev ices 38 and 39 can allow a game player to pro\ κio input to gaming device 10 A display such as a ctcdit meter can be used to display prizes or credit balances won on gaming de\ ice 10.

|46| Pavout now credit meter 1 SO can display the credit balance that can be paid if a player chooses to collect a payout at the end of a game Payout later credit meter 1 1 1 can display the credit balance that can be paid if a player chooses to collect a pajout at a future time aftei the game Iras ended Using both credit meters 1 10 and

1 1 1 can allow a game player to view both credit balances during a game

{47J A display 50 such as a \ ideo thsplaj can be mounted in front panel 33 Display ^O can be am suitable display including video displays, plasma displays, LCD displays, ϊ ED meters and the like Display 50 may be a single display ojt can be mote than one display

|48| Display 50 may be acthated upon the occunence of a payout om cash out event in piiman game apparatus 20 A payout e\ ent may be started when a game player depresses cashout button 40 tn game appajatus 20

|49j Sev eral gaming dev ices 10 ma> be m communication with a computer network server 60 ^figure 2) and widi other gaming devices 10 through a cable 62 such as an Ethernet cable Sen er 60 can be a conventional network seπer that contains software that can operate on a processor Server 60 can collect and transmit game information and instructions between server 60 and gaming de\ see 10

|50| As seen m figuie I, display 50 is shown displacing an instruction set 52 Instruction set 52 can inform a game plaver of a selection or choice foi the pla>eι to make hi figure L instruction set 52 asks the player rø select a payout. Display 50 can also show several payout options. For example, assume that the game player has selected to cash out of the game and collect their accumulated credits, credit balance or w innings by depiessing cashout button 40 Display 50 may present the game player with sev eral options as to how ard when to collect their credit balance |5l] Displav 50 mas show a pavout now option 54 and a payout later option 56 Pa>oιιt now option 54 would pay the game player's credit balance now or at the present time. Payout later option 56 would pa\ the game player's credit balance at a future time or date lhe future time may be any peiiod of time such as ramutes hours, days, weeks, months or years In ieturn for allow ing the casino or game operatoi to retain the player's mone> for a period of time, tie credits to be paid back to the pla> er at a future date are increased |52| Figure 1 shows a game display of gammg device 10 that is in the process of cashing out The game piayer has a credit balance of 327 credits as shown on payout now ctcdit meter 1 10 and a credit balance of 360 ciedits as show n on payout laics ciedit metei 1 1 I The credit balance is the sum of {he player^'s initial deposit into gaming dev ice I O and any additions through game w innings and am subtractions tiuough placing vuigeis OT bets f53| Payout now option S4 indicates that the game player can collect a credit balance of 327 credits at the piesem time if the piajer depiεsses playεi input deuce 39 the ciedit balance of 32? credits is paid to the player immediately using voucher and card reader 25 or com dispenser 2^T Other methods of dispensing the player's ciedit balance may also be used f54| Payout laiei credit mete* 1 1 1 shows that 360 credits ma\ be paid out to the player at a future time Payout latei option 56 indicates that the game player can collect their credit balance at a funis e time or daie If the player depresses player input άc\ ice 38, a laiger number of credits than the pia>er"s credit balance can be paid to the piayer at a future date For example, payout latei option 56 indicates that the plas er can tecεi\ e 360 credits if they wait 6 months to collect their credit balance. For pavout later option 56, a cashless cashout using a cashless de\ ice may be used Vouchei and card leader 25 can pi int a \ oυchei or t ecord data on a card that indicates die 360 ciedits to be paid and the date after which the 360 ciedits can be collected The \ oucher imprinted w ith the 360 credits can be issued to the piayer If the plavei selects pa>otU later option 56, gaming de\ ice 10 can issue a voucher or other media that arc essentially a promissory note or IOU for pasment at a future date f55j Varioub t\pes of media ma> be used to award the pay out latei option 56 such as vouchers, coupons. tickets, stubs, certificates, raemoiy storage dev ices, and cards Λ cashless dev ice is meant to be anything that can be assigned or communicate a particular value. For example, one cashless device may be a voucher. The \oucher can be issued with a specific value. ! he \ahie associated with the voucher can be updated by recording (e g , bv printing) a new value on the v ouches when a player chooses to cash out from a particular gaming device.

|56| Another cashless device is a plaser card that can be linked to a cash or credit account such that a player's winnings oi losses can be credited to 01 debited from the account Preferably, the gaming device has a leader that gathers account identifying information in the caul, queries a centra! computer oi accesses_* a compute* network, and receiv es mfotraatioπ about the plav ef s cash 01 credit account fS7J Cashless devices are capable of having a variable v alue One way this can be achieved is by inipπming a unique code or identifier on the cashless device This code could he, for example, a bar code or could be encoded on a magnetic stπp, such as those used on cicdit cards The identifier is associated w ith a database that stores information about the cashless device and a placet account The ύifounation stored can include many different things, but includes player information and a credit and. or cash account balance. Prefeiabiy. the balance stored tn the database can be modified For example, the balance may be updated when a player wins or loses eiedits, pays additional currency to be converted to credits, or decides to cash out all or pait of the \aiuc of the cashless device.

|58j Cashless devices can also contain, 01 be linked to, a piayet hacking system Playef tracking systems aie often used b\ gaining proprietors to track a plav er's wagering habits, and to award "comps" such as room upgrades, free meals, show- tickets, etc l he information recoided might include the kind of games the playei has piaved, how often the player v isits the establishment, Ae amount w on or lost by the player, the amount of time spent piaving games of chance, etc

|59j Other methods of dispensing the credits associated with payout later option 56 may also be used. For example, the casino may issue and mail a check to the game player for 360 credits in 6 months if the game plaser provides bank account information, the v alue of 360 credits may be transferred electronically to the player^'s bank account in 6 months

|60j Other embodiments may encourage or require the player to return to the casino in 6 months *n order to collect the larger payout amount. W hen the player returns to the casino, they are more likely to play games and genciate ιc\cnue for the casino

|6!J Turning now to figυie 2, gaming device 10 comprises a controller 82 that is adapted to control the operation of the game apparatus 20. Controller 82 may be one or more micro-computers or processor boards

A random πumbei generator S^ may be in communication w ith eontrollet 82 Random number geπetator S3 is capable of randomly generating a iandorn number, and pioxiding the random number to controller 82

|62| it is> recognized thai contioϊlei 82 and random number genera toi 83 ma> be a si tig! c processor or processor boaid Coπtrollei 82 may be in communication with a computer network sen es 60 through an electrical cable 62 such as an Ethernet cable

|63| Seivei 60 and couπoliei 82 can collect uageϊi.. determine am prizes a» aided by gaming deuce 10 keep .separate accounts and paytables for payout now and payout later options, ifxiate and display ciedit balances, and display the types of cashout options piesented on display 50 f64| One or more sensors 84-86 may be provided for determining the position of reels 22-24 Sensois 84-86 may sense the positions of reels 22-24. Controllei 82 is adapted io detect when a player desires to collect their winnings or credit balance tkough the depression of cashout button 40 that is in commυnicatjon w ith controller

82

|651 Controller S2 can also detect when coins or currency have been inserted into com slot 21 or a voucher or card is inserted into voucher and card reader 25. Controllei 82 can also detect uhen an error has occurred, and w hen a sensor detects tampering

|66| Controller 82 can keep 2 credit balance accounts One account is for the payout now option and the one is for the payout later option. Controller 82 can update credit meters 110 and 11 1 with the current balances after each game Displaying both credit balances allows the game player to see how many credits are in each payout option 10

|67] Wlien controller 82 detects that castioυt button 40 lias been depressed, it may begin a cashoitt oi ρa\oαt sequence by activating display 50. Display 50 may comprise many different kinds of display devices, such as

\ ideo screens, lights, light emitting diodes, etc. f68| Display 50 may display to a plavcr various eashoHi options such as> pavout now option 54 (figure 1 ) and payout later option 56 (figure 1) and prompt the player to perform an action. In an embodiment, the player is prompted to select one of the options by pressing either player input device 38 or 39. pja\ er input de\ ices 38 and 39 each may be a simple button a keyboard, or a touch screen display. Plaj er input de\ ices 38 and 39 ma\ bo in communication with contiollci S2

|69| When controller 82 detects one of piajei input dc\ ices 38 or 39 being selected, controller 82 performs a routine to pay out the credn balance using the selected payout option If player input device 39 is selected for payout now option 54, controller 82 may issue a voucher using voucher and card reader 25 for the present value of the CΪ edit balance shown on payout now ctcdit rnεiei ! 10 Conti oiler 82 may also issue the present cietiit balance In updating a pjayet caul oi issuing cuπency using coin dispense* 2^"^

|70| If player input de\ ice 38 is selected fot pa\out later option 56, contiollei 82 ma> issue a voucher using voucher and catd reader 25 for the future value of the credit balance shown on payout later credit meter 1 1 1 and in pavout latei option 56 Controller S2 may also issue the future αedit balance by updating a player card using

\ oucher and card reader 25.

|7I j ContioSler 82 may determine the fuluie value of payout latei option 56 and the amount shown on payout later credit meter i l l by using a formula that reflects the time value of monev. The formula mav be a future salue formula that uses variables of present \alue, time, interest rate and compounding period One such formula is given by the equation"

|72| rv pv { P ry

(73| Where

|?4| FV " Fumre Value of payout later option 11

|75] PY Present Yaiue of payout

|76j r = interest rate

[77 j n = number of compounding peπods f78| Another foimula may be given by flic equation P = X -+- YT whcjo P is the prize awarded, X is a fixed amount, V is a fixed per day amount and 1 is the number of days until the prize is to be awarded, In this embodiment, a player may be able to specify the date the player wants to receive the payout. Voucher and card reader 25 w ould generate a vouchei with the pa> oυt date selected b\ the playei and the amount to be paid on that date

[79J This embodiment allows the gaming de\ ice player flexibility to determine or select the dale that the payout later amount will be awarded Oihes formulas may also be used to calculate- payout latct option %.

[8OJ The gaming dc\ ice owner or casino benefits from being able to hold the pla>er's money for a longer peiiod of time As such, the intcjest iate πia> be set such that Jt appioximates the iirteiest rate thai a casino would pay to boπuw mone>

|81J Hie longer the casino can wait befoie paying the player, the greater die benefit to the casino I Sow e\er. die casino may also benefit by having the placer ieturnat an eaiϋei time in oτdeτ to resume playing vaπoυs garner. When a playei iciuπis to the casino to collect the payout later amount, a larger percentage of players ma> be mclmed to play additional casino games or make purchases resulting in additional gaming revenue for the casino operator

|821 Therefore, the casino mav benefit more by having piavers return earlier rather than later and the pas o ut

Later formula may be arranged so thai the playei does not iecen e a substantial benefit for waning longei to recehe the n payout hi some situations, the casino may choose to lose money on the payout later option in order to make more mone> from returning players The payout later algorithm may afso be designed to encourage the player to return within a pre-determmed period of time by reducing the payout later amount after the pre-dctermined period of time has elapsed. f83j The casino mav also choose to penalize players who do not ictura to collect their pa\ outs in a timely 12

manner l^jot example, if a game p!a>eι selects payout later option 56 {figure J }„ the pkyei ma> collect 360 credits from 6 to 7 months after the payout \oucher lias been issued. If the player has not collected then payout after 7 months, the payout amount mav be reduced to the oiiginal payout now amount of 327 ciedits Limiting the time that the extia credits can be collected can sen e as an incentiv e for players to iemrn to the casino |84| In another embodiment, controller 82 is not confirmed to track play under two pay tables and to update mo accounts Rather, the gaming device records all relevant game playing activities and it updates one of the accounts such as the payout now account If the player selects the payout later option at the end of game play, the gaming device calculates the payout later balance fiom the recorded game playing activities |85j One of the advantages of using game appaiatus 20 is that ihe player can -view the ctedit balance in both the payout now and payout later accounts on credit meters 1 10 and i 1 ϊ Under some circumstances a player may deplete the payout now account while these are credits remaining in the payout later account Tn these cπcumstances the pla) er can continue to play \v ith the pas out later account, thetebv foiegotng the payout now option

|86J Game Play Method f87| Referring now to figure 3 a flowchart of a method of game play 200 using gaming dev ice K) is shown At step 202, a playei ma\ initiate game play method 200 by placing a wage* on gamsng device 10 (fsgine 1 } Ihe wager mav be in the form of cash or credit from actual domestic or foreign currency, vouchers, coupons, tickets, electronic cards, and other souices oi forms of w agers known in the an Once the plas ei initiates game plav method 200, the player may plav a game on the game apparatus at step 204

|88| Λt decision 206, the contiotlei may detect if cashout button 40 has been depressed, indicating that a plaver desues to collect their credit balance on the game appaiarus. If the coinroilei does not detect activation of cashout button 40, method 200 proceeds to step 208 where the plaser may be notified of the game outcome from the game. This mav include adding or subtracting credits from both the pavoυt now account and the payout later account of the player^'s credit balance, depending upon the game outcome, and displaying the new credit balances Method 200 then ictuiτib to step 202 wheie the pla\ei may then place a wager again and play 13

gaming device 10.

|89j if the controller detects actuation of eashout button 40, the controller can start a cashout routine, At step 210. the controller can determine a payout later amount. The pav out later amount may be determined by a formula, may be a fixed amount, or may be linked to a game outcome bv a pavtablc Next at step 212, the payout now and payout iater amounts can be sho^n to the player on display 50 (figure 1 }. The player is allowed to select either the payout now option or the payout later option

|9GJ At decision 214, the controller can check to see if one of player input devices 38 or 39 (figure 1 ) have been activated li^'neithei of player input dev ices iS oi i9 has been actu ated, method 200 returns to step 212 and waih for player input After a period of time has elapsed without otic of the playei input devices being activated, the controller may automatically choose one of the payout options If one of the playet input dc\ ices has been selected, method 200 may proceed to step 216 where a payout is made to the player according to the payout type selected b\ the player

|9Ϊ| For example, if the player selected the payout iaiet option 5θ as show ti m figure 1. a voucher for 360 credits would be issued to the plavei that can be paid or collected 6 months or longer in the future f92| The steps shown hi the flowchart do not necessarily mψly that the steps have to lake place m a particular oider The oidei of i>tep;> may be \aried: some steps may be eliminated; and, some ^tep^ may be replaced with othei steps. Such variations still fall within rhe scope of the invention,

|93j First Altemathe Fmbodiment

[94] Referπny to figure 4. an alternatn e embodiment of a gaining dύ\ ice 300 is shown. Gaming dc\ ice 300 m&y be similai to gaming dev ice 10, except that dssplav 50 can show additional different payout options and allow a game player to choose a pavoυt option piioi to starring a game.

|95| Display 50 raav be shown to a game player after a wager has been placed but before the start of a game.

As seen in figure 4, display 50 is shown displaying an instruction set 302 after a wager has been placed but before the game has begun. Instruction set 302 can inform a game player of a selection or choice for the player to make In figure 4. πistiuction set 302 abks the player to select a payout time pciiod Display 50 can also 14

show several payout options that can be selected. Display 50 may present the game player with several options as to how and when to collect their credit balance,

|96| Display 50 may show a payout now option 310 and a payout later option 315. Payout now option 310 would pay the game player's credit balance at the end of a game when the player has selected to cashout. If the player selects payout HOW option 3 H), ail games on gaming device 300 will be played with a paytable that has an average overall payback percentage of 89°Ό.

|97J Payout later option 315 would pay the game player's credit balance at a later time, or a pre- determined peiiod of time after the game has ended and the player has elected to cashout. Tf the player selects payout later option 315, all games on gaming device 300 will be played with a paytable that has an average overal l payback percentage of 92%, f9S| Controller 82 (figure 2) and random number generator 83 (figure 2) will apply the selected paytable.

Payout later option 315 would pay the game player's ctedit balance at a future time ot date. The date of payout of the accumulated credit balance may be randomly chosen by the controller, or maybe chosen by the controller to coincide with slow periods in the casino, or the player may be allowed to select the time period, if the player is allowed to select the time period for the later payout, controller 82 may adjust the payback percentage.

|99j In return for allowing the casino or game operator to retain the player^'s money for a period of time, the credits to be patcl back to the pϊayer at a future date are increased,

1100} Payout now option 310 indicates that the game player can collect their credit balance at the end of the game. If the player depresses player input device 39, controller 82 applies a paytabie with an average overall payout percentage of 89%.

11 OJ I Payout later option 315 indicates that the game player can collect their credit balance at a future time or date. If the player depresses player input device 38, controller 82 applies a paytable with an average overall payout percentage of 92%.

|102| Gaming device 300 can allow a game player to select a paytable. The later the payout time after the game has ended, the larger the payback percentage awarded by the controller. 15

|tθ3j Pa\oub fiom garamg de\ iee 100 may be made m the same matinei a.s pιe\ iouslv descπbed foi gaming dcx ice 10 such as using \ouchcn> oi playei cards

|tO4j filming rκn\ to figuie 5, se\eial possible pavtables foi use w ith, gammg deuce 300 are shown In an embodiment, the outcome of each game is randomly selected Random number genet ator B^ geneiates a random nυrabet arid supplies the random numbei to contiolϊer &2 Contioilei 82 compares the random mmibεt to one of the pay tables shown m figure 5

1105] Figure *> can include a game outcome column 322. a payout column ^24, a payout now ptobabilny column 326 and a payout latci probability column 32h Tlϊe average paj-baek pe: credit w agered is indicated in κn\ 330 Random nunibeis (not shown) can be assigned to each ιow of figure 5 foi both paj out now and payout latct options flO6| For example, asbiime that the taπdom number generator produced a random numbei indicating that cherry cheuy'anv w as the game outcome If the game playei has selected the payout now option ¹MO {figtue

4), the probability of inumg the cheuj, 'cherry any combination is 10 ot 10% If the game plaj et lias selected the pavout latei option M 5 (fϊgiae 4), the piobabthh of hitting the chetiy-'cherrs any combination is 103 or

10 3% Random ntsmbeis can be assigned to each game outcome to acluev e the desued payback percentage as is known in tl\e art

IIO7| Once coπtiollei 82 (figme 2 ) landomlv deteimines the garne outcome, comsoHei 82 ciedits or debus the plaseis account oi ctedit balance aceordmg to the game outcome and updates ciedft metei H O w ith the current credit balance

|tOSj m othei embodiments, a minimum \\ageτ amount may be iernened oi loΛvefed if a payout later option is selected by the pla% er Foi example if a player chooses to wait 3 months to collect then pavout or ciedit balance, the ounsrøura wagei amount on a game mav be lowered fiom $1 00 to 50 cents

|ΪO9] in another embodiment, a list of pa\ out time pciiodb may be piesented to the player to choose from before the game begins Each time penod ma> be associated with a different paytable Foi example, the list of payout time periods ma> include 2 weeks, i month, 2 months 3 months and 6 months The player's credit 16

balance would be paid after the time penod selected b\ the pkner ends I J JO} First Alternative Game Phn Method

I til j Referring now to figure 6, a fSowcbait of an alternative method of game play 400 using gaming de\ see

300 i* shown At step 402, a player m&\ mitiatc game play method 400 b\ placmg a w ager on gamtng άt'Λ ice

300 (figure 1) The wagei may be m the form of cash or ci edit from actual domestic oi foreign currency,

\ouehers, coupons, tickets, electronic cards, and other sources or forms of wagers known in the art

1112] At step 404, a payout now option 3 S O (figuie 4} and a pa>oitt later option 31 S ^ilguie 4) can be pi evented to the playei on display ^O (figure 4) The pLajer may be requested to select one of the pa\ tables to be used duππg game play using pla>er input devices 38 and >9 (fϊguic 4) Along with the selected pa> table, the game pla>ei w ill also be selecting when the} will iecen e their account balance If the payout now option ib selected the αedπ balance will be paid at the end of the game If the payout later option is selected the credit balance will be paid out at a futiue time or date Hie pavout latet pa\ table may have etthei large! pu/es or a iaiger payback percentage

|tl3j At decision 406, the contioSler checks to see if o«e of player input deΛ ices 38 oi 30 ha\e been αctn ated

If neither of player input dev ices IS oi ^"W has been activated method 400 returns to step 404 and waits for plasei input Aftα a peiiod of time has elapsed without one of the piayei mput de\ ices being actu ated the controllei may automaticall> choose one of the pavout options ϊf one of the piayei input de>> ices has been selected, method 400 may pioeeed to step 4OS where the plaver may play a game on gaming dev ice 300 using the selected paytable Gaming de\ ice IOO would use the selected pavtαblc to add and subtract credits from the playei ^'s ciedit balance I he ciedit balance may be shown on credit metei 1 S O {figure 4)

| I J4| At step 410 the pia\er is notified of the outcome of the game and any ciedits w on or lost ma> be added to or subtracted front the ρla\ eι s αedtt balance depending upon the game outcome

|ϊ 15] Method 400 then proceeds to decision 412 whcie metliod 400 checks to see if an> ciedits are temamuig in the pla>ci^"s account if no ciedits icmam in the account or if the amount of ciedits in the account is belov, a minimum w ager uilue method 400 returns to step 402 and warts for additional wagetb to be added 17

|H6j If sufficient α edits remain in the p!aveτ\ account balance, method 4(K) pioeeeds to decision 414 \t decision 414. flic conti oiler detects if cashout button 40 [figure 4} has been depressed indicating that a placet desires to collect the credit balance on the gaming de\ ice $00 If the coπtiollei does not detect actn ation of ta_»hout button 40, method 400 ιcturn_> to step 408 where the placer mav plav garøπig dc\ ice ^ 00 agam

|J 17] if the controller detects activation of cashout button +0, method 400 pioeeeds to step 116 At step 116 a pa\out is made to the plaver according to the pas out tvpe selected bv the ρk\ei at decision 406

11 IS] fot example, if the plaxci selected the pax out later paj-tabic ^"*15 (figure 4) a v oucher would be issued to the player foi the amount of credits shown on ciedn mctci 1 IO (figuie 4} that tun be paid or collected at a future date f i 19] The steps shown m the flow chat! do not necessaπlv imply that the steps hav e to take place m a particular order The otdci of steps max be vaπecL some steps ma> be eliminated_* and, some steps ma\ be ieplaced with othei steps Such variations still fall w ithin the scope oi the invention

[12Oj Second Alternative Embodiment

1121 j Refeπmg to figuie 7₅ an aitematise embodiment of a gaming deuce 500 is shown Gaming de\ ice 500 ma) be similar to gaming deuce 300, except that dtspbs SO can show additional ddϊetent payout options d.αd allow a game plascϊ to choose a pax out option pnυr to starting a game

11221 Displav 50 mav be shown to a game pla-yei aftet a wages has been placed but before the statt of a game

As seen in figure 7 display 50 is shown displa>mg an instruction set 502 aftei a w agei has been placed but before the game has begun Instruction set 502 can mform a game pla\ci of a selection oi choice tor the plavct to make hi figuie ^, mstiuction set ^02 asks the plavei to select a pavout time Display ^O can also show sevetal pavoυt options that can be selected Display 50 ma> present the game pla\ei w ith sevesal options as to how and when to collect their csedit balance

I ϊ 23] Display 50 may ihov\ a pavout now pa\ table option S ] 0 and a pavout later ρtχ\ table option 5 i ^ Pas out now pas table option *> 10 w ould pay the game pSaxcr's credit balance at the end of a game w hen the player has selected to cashout If the plaver selects pavout now paytable option 510 all games on gaming de\ ice 500 v. ill 18

be p laved using paytable 520

|Ϊ24] Payout later paytable option 51 5 would pay the game player^'s credit balance at a later time, or a predetermined period of time after the game has ended and the player has elected to cashout. If the player selects payout later pa) table option 5 i 5. all games on gaming apparatus 500 will be played with pay table 522 I J 25] Controller 82 (figure 2) and random number generator S3 { figure 2) will appl> the selected pa> table. Payout later paytable option 515 v> ould pay the game player^'s credit balance at a future time or date The date of payout of the accumulated ciedit balance may be randomly chosen by the controller or may be chosen In the controllei to coincide with slow periods in the casino, oi the plaj et may be allow ed to select the lime period ϊf the plaj er is allowed to select the time period fot the Iatet payout, contt oiler 82 ma> adjust the paytable. {126] Jn ietutn fot alϊovung the casino or game operatoi to retain the player's money for a period of time, the pay tabic award amounts are increased

1127] Pavnut now pa\ table option 510 indicates that the game playei can collect their ciedit balance at the end of the game If the player depresses ρkr\ ex input device 3v\ conti oiler 82 applies paytable 520 |12S] Payout latei paytable option 515 indicates that the game player can collect their credit balance at a fulute time or date If the player depresses payout later button 38, controller 82 applies paytable 522 Gaming dev ice 500 can allow a game player tu select a paytable The later the payout time after the game has ended, the laiger the awards may be.

1129} Payouts from gaming de\ ice 5(K⁾ ma> be made in the same manner as prε\ iousl\ described fot gaming device 10 such as using vouchers or plaΛ er cards,

1130] 1 uniuig now to figute 8, several possible pay tables for use w ith gaming de\ ice 500 aie shown. In an embodiment, the outcome of each game is landomlv selected Random number generator 83 generates a random number and supplies the random number to controller 82. Controller S2 compares the random number to one of the paytables shown in figure 8

|131 | Figure 8 can include a game outcome column 550, payo ut now paytable 520 and payout later pa\ table 522 Random numbers (not shown) can be assigned to each row of figure 8 for both payout now and payout 19

latei options

|Ϊ32] For example, assume that the random number generator produced a random number indicating that cherry 'cheiry an\ \\ as the game outcome if the game player has selected the payout now pavtable 520, the game outcome is indicated as winning 5 credits If the game player has selected the payout latci pavtable 522, the game outcome is indicated as winning 6 ciedsts Random numbers can be assigned to each game outcome to achieve the desired payback percentage as is known in the art

|f 33J Once contioHe: S2 (figure 2) iandomiy determines the game outcome, tonftoiler 82 credits or debits the player's account or αedit balance accoiding so the game nutcomc and updates credit metei 1 10 w ith the current credit balance

{134] Other Embodiments fl35| ϊn othei embodiments, a minimum wager amount may be removed or lowered if a payout later option is selected by (he plavei Tot example, if a pia>ei chooses to w art 3 months to collect their payout OJ credit balance, the minimum wager amount on a game may be loweted from S i 00 to 50 ceuts

|t36j In aπαthei embodiment, a list of payout time periods may be piesemed to the piaver to choose Horn befoie the game begins Hach tune pet tod ma) be associated vuth a different pay table f<ατ example, the list of payout time periods may include 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, ^~\ months and 6 month;_* The piayei ^'s ciedit balance would be paid aftei the time peiiod selected b> the pia\ er ends.

1137} in another embodiment, pay table 522 ma> be arranged such that at least one game outcome occurs rnøie frequently than the game outcome m pa\ table 520 This can be accomplished bv mciea&ing the range of random numbeis assigned to that garae outcome.

11381 hi another embodiment, the game apparatus 20 may use onlv one pay table and the playet is awarded a predetermined fixed amount such as MG 00 or merchandise at a shop or restauiant if the plavei selects the payout later option,

|139| The magnitude of the difference in the game outcomes between the payout now pavtable and the payout later pay table mas depend upon the length of time the player must wait before recen ing the latet payout For 20

example, the longei the piaver must natt to receiv e the payout, the latgesr the pn/es and oi (he greatei the frequency

|14O| in one embodiment, the player may select different pavout later dates. For example, the player may recch e the pa> out one week kites or two weeks later In this embodiment controller 82 ma> genet ate and keep tiack of three paytables One of the pav tables is foi the payout now option, one ss for a payout later option m one week and one the other $s for a pavout later option in two weeks

|I41| The paytables may also be ananged to take advantage oi^'cc-itain habits of players For example, plac ets may play longer or place large; wageis during certain times The pas out later option may requne the pϊa\ et tn ietura to the casino during those times to iecenc oi collect the payout later payout Alternatively, the piayei may be required to teuirn during off-peak (less busy) times in order to collect the payout later payout fl42j ϊn an embodiment, game apparatus 20 is not configured to track play under two paytables, but awards the piayei a predetermined fixed amount, goods, and oi set v tec if the plavei selects the payout latet option

Alieinath el>\ a formula, similar to an interest founuia, could be used to calculate the pa\ out late? amount based on the payout now pii/e amount (pπncipal l and a piedeteimined interest tate In tins embodiment, the piaver could continue to earn tntetest until the date the piaver leUurw to the casmo to iecen e the payout

|I43| The present i mention may also be utilized in connection with sen er-basud downloadable games Tins would allow the garnmg dev ice to dow nload a paytabie and/or game (including thetne) from sen er 60 (figuie 2) oi anothei device (not shown) o\er a computei nehvoik (not show n) Theiefoie, the playei may play a ditTeient game or select from a set of different games depending on the option selected bv the piaver

|t44j in anothei embodiraent nnoK ing s ouchers, the playe? is not lequtred ϊo select the payout now oi payout iatet options while the player is at the gaming deΛ ice Ratheu the \ouchei is pimted with the pavout now amount, the pay out later amount, and a pavout later date If the pia\ ei eiects to redeem the \ oucher before the payout later date, the piaver w ill receh e the payout now amount, and if the piaver elects to redeem the \ oucher on oi aftci the payout later date, the player will receive the payout later amount fl45| In an embodiment, if the player choobcs to recene a payout latci amount bcfoic the specified pay out 21

later date, the player can do so, but the player will receis e a smaller amount, such as the payout nov> amount or the payout later amount with a proportional time related penalty.

|t46j In another embodiment, onK certain game apparatuses in a casino are enabled to award the payout later option and the player must request payment at one of the payout latei option-enabled game apparatuses. The credit balance would be deposited in the game apparatus and the player could plav the game apparatus with the credits or could elect to cash out the credits.

|f 47J Because the owner of the game apparatus may not want to discourage a player from playing further, the player may be able use the payout later amount before the payout later date However, the pϊayei may only use the amount at certain gaming devices, such a& payout later option enabled devices

{148] Although the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the embodiments of this invention.

Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and theii legal equivalents iaiher than by the examples given.

Claims

22

What is claimed is^*

1 A gaming apparatus comprising:

{A) A gaming device for allowing a player to play a game.

(B) a displav coupled with the gaming device;

(C) a controller to communication with the gaming device and the display, the controller being configured to

(a) rcceii c a wager,

(b) dote inline a game outcome:

(c) determine a credit balance based on the game outcome,

(d) receive a request to cash out the credit balance,

(c) determine a fitst and second pa\out, the fust pa>out being paid at {lie present time and tke second payout being paid at a future time; (t) display the first and second payouts; (g) allow the playei to choose one of the payouts, and (h) award the pa>out chosen by the playei

2 The gaming apparatus of claim 1, vdieiein the second payout has a highei percentage pas back than die first pavout,

3, Hie gaming apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the fust payout is associated \* ith a first pay table and the second pa>out is associated with a second pay table

4, The gaming apparatus of claim 3, wherein the second paytable provides larger prize amounts

5, The gaming apparatus of claim i, wherein the second payout is reduced after a pre- determined period of time 23

6. Tlie gaming apparatus of claim I. wherein the future time is a non-peak time.

7, A method of gaming comprising; (Λ) receiving a wager;

(B) allowing a player to chose a time period when an account balance w ill be paid, the time period at least including a first time period at the end of a gams and a second time period after tiie game has ended;

(C) allowing the player to play the game:

(D) determining a payout amount based on the time period that was selected, (G) receiving a cashouϊ request, and

(F) pa> ing the payout amount.

8 The method of claim 7, further comprising displaying the payout amount during the game,

9 The method of claim 7, fuiiher comprising displaying a fiisl and second payout amount during the game

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the first time period is associated with a first paytable and the second time period is associated v, ith a second paytable.

1 1. The method of claim 10. wherein the second paytable has a higher percentage payback than the first paytable.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the second paytahie has iaiger prizes.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the second paytabie awards prizes more frequently.

14. ^'Hie method of claim 7, wherein a minimum w ager is reduced when the second time period is selected,

15. The method of claim ^~, wherein the player is allowed to select a time period from a list of time periods.

16. The method of claim 7, wherein a formula is used to determine the payout amount

17. The method of claim 7. wherein the pas out is reduced, if the payout is not collected during the time period selected by the player.

18. A method of gaming comprising: 24

(Λ) recei\ mg a wager and establishing a balance;

(B) determining a game outcome:

(C) plaving a game;

(D) displaying the game outcome.

(E⁾ incrementing the balance b> the game outcome,

(F) displaying a first and a second payout of the balance, the first payout bemg paid at the end of a game and the second payout being paid a period of time aftci the game has ended.

(G) allowing a playei to select the first or second payoot. and (II) paving the payout selected b> playei

19 The method of claim 18. wherein the first payout is associated with a first paytable and the second payout is associated vuth a second paytabie

20 The method of efaho 19. wherein die second paytable has a higher percentage payback than the fust pa> table

2) The method of claim 19, wheiem the second paytable has kwgei piize amounts.

22 The method of claim 19. wherein the second payiable awards prizes more fiequeπtly

23. The method of claim 18, \\ herein a minimum wager is seduced when the second pa> out is selected

24 The method of eiairn 18, wherein the player is allowed to select the payout from a plurality of pa\outs

25. The method of claim IS, wherein a formula is used to determine the pas outs.