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US5707285A
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Method and apparatus for random prize selection in wagering games
Assignee: AGS LLC
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Filing: 1996-12-06
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Granted: 1998-01-13
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Expires: 2016-12-06
Abstract
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.
Inventors
- 👤 Vaughn Place
- 👤 Brad Johnson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 20:39
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07F; G07F17/00; G07F17/32; A; A63; A63F; A63F3/00; A63F3/00003; A63F3/00157; G07F17/3202; G07F17/3216; G07F17/322; A63F1/00; A63F9/00; A63F9/04; A63F9/0468
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
89 words
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.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
89 words
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.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the underlying game is a card game.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the underlying game is blackjack.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 3 wherein the predetermined event is a blackjack hand being dealt.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the predetermined event is the player receiving the blackjack hand.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the underlying game is an electronic game.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the prize is a monetary sum.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the prize is a good or service.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
82 words
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.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
82 words
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.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said random selection means comprises a computer.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said computer comprises: (A) random number generating means for generating a random number and (B) memory means for storing a predetermined pay table, whereby said computer may generate a random number and select a prize by comparing the random number to the pay table.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising sensing means for sensing wagers made by the player, whereby said computer may record and monitor wagers made by the player.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said display means is an electric sign.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said activation means is an electric switch, whereby said electric switch transmits a signal to said computer.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
123 words
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.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
123 words
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.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 15 wherein generating a random number comprises the following steps: (A) producing random numbers consecutively in a continuous manner and (B) recording one random number when the predetermined event occurs, whereby the recorded random number is used in selecting the prize.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-01-12 | 2001-07-14 | 2002-01-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-01-12 | 2005-07-14 | 2006-01-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-01-12 | 2009-07-14 | 2010-01-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |