Method and apparatus for random prize selection in wagering games
OwnerVaughn Place, Brad Johnsoninventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A wagering game apparatus and method is provided which permits the random selection of prizes for games such as blackjack, poker, and electronic games. A side wager is placed in a receptacle or designated area which indicates to the dealer that the player wishes to participate in the random jackpot selection portion of the game. If a random event occurs, such as the player being dealt a preselected combination of cards, the player or dealer may activate the random prize selection process. The random prize selection is performed by a computer which uses a random generated number to select a prize from a pay table. The prize may be displayed on or near the gaming table. The player is then awarded the random jackpot amount.
Claims16
A method of playing a wagering game comprising the following steps:
- (A) a player placing a prize wager,
- (B) playing an underlying game, the underlying game being capable of producing a predetermined event,
- (C) if the predetermined event occurs during the underlying game, then randomly selecting a prize from a predetermined set of prizes, and
- (D) awarding the prize to the player, whereby the underlying game may be enhanced by providing an opportunity for the player to win a randomly selected prize in the playing of the underlying game.
An apparatus for use with a wagering game, the game being capable of producing a predetermined event, the apparatus comprising:
- (A) random selection means for randomly selecting a prize from among a set of predetermined prizes,
- (B) activation means for activating said random selection means when the predetermined event occurs, and
- (C) display means for displaying the randomly selected prize, whereby the game is enhanced by allowing a player to win the randomly selected prize during the play of the wagering game.
A method of playing a wagering game comprising the following steps:
- (A) giving a player an option to place a prize wager,
- (B) playing an underlying game, the underlying game being capable of producing a predetermined event,
- (C) if the predetermined event occurs and the player placed a wager on the prize wager, generating a random number,
- (D) selecting a prize from a predetermined pay table by comparing the random number to the pay table, the pay table having a set of predetermined prizes corresponding to ranges of possible random numbers, and
- (E) awarding the prize to the player, whereby the underlying game may be enhanced by allowing the player to win a randomly selected prize in the playing of the underlying game.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.