Linked gaming machines
OwnerBenjamin T. Gomez, Lawrence E. DeMar +2inventors
InventorsBenjamin T. Gomez, Lawrence E. DeMar, Alfred Thomas, Scott D. Slomiany
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Abstract
Apparatus and method for operating a plurality of gaming machines each having an attraction feature associated with the machine. The attraction features are caused to be operated as a group when any one of the linked gaming machines gives a signal indicative of a predetermined event designed to activate its attraction feature, such as entry into a bonus round.
Claims46
A method for operating a plurality of gaming machines in a bonus round, comprising the steps of:
- providing an attraction mechanism for each gaming machine;
- electronically linking said gaming machines;
- and
- causing said attraction mechanisms to be operated as a group when any one of said linked gaming machines provides an electronic signal indicative of a bonus round being activated.
A method for operating a plurality of gaming machines, comprising the steps of:
- providing an attraction feature for each gaming machine;
- and
- causing said attraction features to be operated as a group when any one of said linked gaming machines provides a signal indicative of a predetermined event designed to activate an attraction feature.
A coordinated group of gaming machines, comprising:
- a plurality of gaming machines, each machine having a basic game which a player can play;
- an attraction mechanism associated with each said gaming machine;
- an operator for each said attraction mechanism responsive to an activation signal;
- a communication network linking said operators;
- and
- a signal generator which yields an activation signal upon a predetermined event, said activation signal being communicated to each said operator to operate said attraction mechanisms as a group.
An electronically linked group of gaming machines, comprising:
- a plurality of gaming machines, each machine having a basic game upon which a player places a wager and plays said basic game;
- a mechanized feature associated with each said gaming machine, said mechanized feature having parts which visibly move in a manner perceptible by a player;
- a controller operating said mechanized feature upon an activation signal;
- a communication network linking said controllers;
- and
- a signal generator which yields an activation signal upon a predetermined event in operation of a gaming machine, said activation signal being communicated to each said controller to operate said mechanized features as a group.
A gaming system comprising:
- a plurality of gaming machines;
- an attraction feature associated with each gaming machine which can be caused to function;
- at least one controller linking said attraction features and causing said attraction features to operate as a group.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.