US007857693B1

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 7,857,693 B1 Johnson et al. (45) Date of Patent: Dec. 28, 2010

(54) MULTI-SPIN POKER GAMING SYSTEM 4,373,726 A 2f1983 Churchill et al. WITH PREDETERMINED GAME 4,448,419 A 5/1984 Telnaes OUTCOMES 4,455,025 A 6, 1984 Itkis 4,467.424. A 8/1984 Hedges et al. (75)75 Inventors: Nicho th. Style (US); 4,494,1974,527,798. A 7/19851/1985 TroySiekierski et al. et al. ryan D. Wolf, Reno, NV (US) 4,582,324. A 4, 1986 Koza et al. (73) Assignee: IGT, Reno, NV (US) (Continued) (*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS past list cyed under 35 wo WO O2097749 12/2002 OTHER PUBLICATIONS (21) Appl. No.: 11/764,603 Diamonopoly Advertisement by International Gamco, Inc. published (22) Filed: Jun. 18, 2007 2002. Related U.S. Application Data (Continued) (60) Provisional application No. 60/805,293, filed on Jun. Primary Examiner-Dmitry Suhol 20, 2006. Assistant Examiner Malina K Rustemeyer (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm K&L Gates LLP (51) Int. Cl. A63F 9/24 (2006.01) (57) ABSTRACT (52) U.S. Cl...... 463/13: 463/25; 463/30; 463/43 A gaming System which provides a predetermined outcome (58) Field of Classification Search ...... 41 to a player. The gaming device a plurality of playing cards in See application file for complete search history. a plurality of playing card positions to forman initial primary poker hand. The gaming device enables the player to select (56) References Cited one or more of the initially dealt playing cards in the primary poker hand to hold or to discard, wherein the held playing U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS cards in the primary hand are also held in one, more or each of 2,228, 180 A 1, 1941 Pauli a plurality of simultaneously played poker hands. The gaming 2.474,573 A 6, 1949 Cohen device evaluates the set of held playing cards and determines, 3,589,729 A 6, 1971 Girard possibly utilizing at least one stored table of Solutions, the 3,628,259 A 12, 1971 Kahn appropriate playing cards to generate in the appropriate play 4,156,976 A 6, 1979 Mikun ing card positions to form a plurality of poker hands with a 4,157,829 A 6, 1979 Goldman et al. total combined payout equal to the selected predetermined 4,332,389 A 6/1982 Loyd et al. ame outcome value 4,335,809 A 6, 1982 Wain 9. 4,339,798 A 7/1982 Hedges et al. 4,365,810 A 12/1982 Richardson 49 Claims, 32 Drawing Sheets

Poker Game Outcomes sed Distributi Wr lose Jasks wo T Straight Flush Full Four of Straight|Royal Lose Jacks. Two Thee Straight|Flush Full Four of Straight|Royal Amount BetterPair House a Kind Flush Flush SerPair k House a Kind Fish Flush 1 2so () (3) () () (7 (40) (O) (2) 0 Yes 9 o 1 Yes || Yes 8 1 \ es es 2 2 Yes S 2 2 Yes Yes E. r as E.4 51 1 -H - 5 Yes 4. 5 - is es Yes N 6 - 2 1 Yes Yes Yes Yes - es Yes 4 4 | 3 | 2 4-1 2 3 o 8 i. 1 Yes Yes 8 es es 8 Yes Yes i -I - Ye Yes 4 4 7 Yes Yes 4. 4 7 Yes Yes Yes - 4. 7 Yes || Yes Yes 2 -I Yes Yes Yes 6 1 2 res it. He . Y Yes Yes N eS : 1 : ; 21800 Y es es 9 9 US 7,857,693 B1 Page 2

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 5,577,731 11, 1996 Jones 5,580,053 12, 1996 Crouch 4,624.462 11, 1986 Itkis 5,580,311 12, 1996 Haste, III 4,636.951 1, 1987 Harlick 5,584,486 12, 1996 Franklin 4,652,998 3, 1987 Koza et al. 5,593, 161 1/1997 Boylan et al. 4,669,730 6, 1987 Small 5,595.538 1/1997 Haste, III 4,689,742 8, 1987 Troy et al. 5,609,337 3, 1997 Clapper, Jr. 4,798,387 1, 1989 Richardson 5,628,684 5, 1997 Bouedec 4,805,907 2, 1989 Hagiwara 5,630,753 5, 1997 Fuchs 4,815,741 3, 1989 Small 5,630,754 5, 1997 Rebane 4,817.951 4, 1989 Crouch et al. 5,639,092 6, 1997 Macaisa 4,842,278 6, 1989 Markowicz 5,645,485 7/1997 Clapper, Jr. 4,848,771 7, 1989 Richardson 5,657,899 8, 1997 Stoken 4,856,787 8, 1989 Itkis 5,664,781 9, 1997 Feola 4,861,041 8, 1989 Jones et al. 5,674,128 10, 1997 Holch et al. 4,880,237 11, 1989 Kishishita 5,678,001 10, 1997 Nagel et al. 4,882.473 11, 1989 Bergeron et al. 5,697,843 12, 1997 Manship et al. 4,982,337 1, 1991 Burr et al. 5,707,285 1, 1998 Place et al. 5,007,649 4, 1991 Richardson 5,711,715 1, 1998 Ringo et al. 5,011, 159 4, 1991 Fortunato et al. 5,718,431 2, 1998 Ornstein 5,042.809 8, 1991 Richardson 5,720.483 2, 1998 Trinh 5,042,818 8, 1991 Weingardt 5,722,891 3, 1998 Inoue 5,092,598 3, 1992 Kamille 5,725,428 3, 1998 Achmuller 5,100,137 3, 1992 Fulton 5,732,950 3, 1998 Moody 5,118,109 6, 1992 Gumina 5,735.432 4, 1998 Stoken et al. 5,119,295 6, 1992 Kapur 5,743,530 4, 1998 Skladet al. 5,154.429 10, 1992 LeVasseur 5,749,784 5, 1998 Clapper, Jr. 5,158,293 10, 1992 Mullins 5,775,692 7, 1998 Watts et al. 5,165,693 11, 1992 Handlon, Sr. 5,779,545 7, 1998 Berg et al. 5,167413 12, 1992 Fulton 5,779,547 7, 1998 SoRelle et al. 5,223,698 6, 1993 Kapur 5,791,987 8, 1998 Chen et al. 5,224,706 7, 1993 Bridgeman et al. 5,800,269 9, 1998 Holch et al. 5,265,874 11, 1993 Dickinson et al. 5,810,664 9, 1998 Clapper, Jr. 5,265,882 11, 1993 Malek 5,813,911 9, 1998 Margolin 5,275.400 1, 1994 Weingardt et al. 5,816,915 10, 1998 Kadlic 5,276,312 1, 1994 McCarthy 5,816,916 10, 1998 Moody 5,280,915 1, 1994 Grossman 5,823,873 10, 1998 Moody 5,282,620 2, 1994 Keesee 5,823,874 10, 1998 Adams 5,288,081 2, 1994 Breeding 5,830,067 11, 1998 Graves et al. 5,294,120 3, 1994 Schultz 5,839,955 11, 1998 Mangano et al. 5,294,128 3, 1994 Marquez 5,848,932 12, 1998 Adams 5,297,802 3, 1994 Pocock et al. 5,855,515 1/1999 Pease et al. 5,303,929 4, 1994 Sandeen 5,868,618 2, 1999 Netley et al. 5,320,356 6, 1994 Cauda 5,868,619 2, 1999 Wood et al. 5,324,035 6, 1994 Morris et al. 5,871,398 2, 1999 Schneier et al. 5,326, 104 T. 1994 Pease et al. 5,876.283 3, 1999 Parra et al. 5,328, 189 T. 1994 Malek 5,879,233 3, 1999 Stupero 5,332,219 T. 1994 Marnell et al. 5,882,258 3, 1999 Kelly et al. 5,348,299 9, 1994 Clapper, Jr. 5,882,259 3, 1999 Holmes, Jr. et al. 5,351,970 10, 1994 Fioretti 5,882,260 3, 1999 Marks et al. 5,356,140 10, 1994 Dabrowski et al. 5,909,875 6, 1999 Weingardt 5,377,975 1, 1995 Clapper, Jr. 5,915,588 6, 1999 Stoken et al. 5,377,993 1, 1995 Josephs 5,928,082 7, 1999 Clapper, Jr. 5,393,061 2, 1995 Manship et al. 5,934,675 8, 1999 Handelman et al. 5,398,932 3, 1995 Eberhardt et al. 5,941,771 8, 1999 Haste, III 5,401,023 3, 1995 Wood 5,944,606 8, 1999 Gerow 5,407,199 4, 1995 Gumina 5,949,042 9, 1999 Dietz, II et al. 5,417,430 5, 1995 Breeding 5,954,335 9, 1999 Moody 5,452,899 9, 1995 Skratulia et al. 5,954,582 9, 1999 Zach 5,476,259 12, 1995 Weingardt 5,971,849 10, 1999 Falciglia 5,486,005 1, 1996 Neal 5,976,016 11, 1999 Moody et al. 5.487,544 1, 1996 Clapper, Jr. 5,980,385 11, 1999 Clapper, Jr. 5,489,101 2, 1996 Moody 5.984,779 11, 1999 Bridgeman et al. 5,496.038 3, 1996 Kangsanaraks 6,007,066 12, 1999 Moody 5,511,781 4, 1996 Wood et al. 6,007,424 12, 1999 Evers et al. 5,531448 T. 1996 Moody 6,012,720 1, 2000 Webb 5,536,008 T. 1996 Clapper, Jr. 6,012.981 1, 2000 Fujioka et al. 5,542,669 8, 1996 Charron et al. 6,012,984 1, 2000 Roseman 5,544,892 8, 1996 Breeding 6,017,032 1, 2000 Grippo et al. 5,562,284 10, 1996 Stevens 6,024,640 2, 2000 Walker et al. 5,564,701 10, 1996 Dettor 6,045,129 4, 2000 Cooper et al. 5,570.885 11, 1996 Ornstein 6,050,568 4, 2000 Hachcquet 5,573,249 11, 1996 Johnson 6,056.289 5/2000 Clapper, Jr. US 7,857,693 B1 Page 3

6,062.980 5, 2000 Luciano 6,533,664 B1 3/2003 Crumby 6,062.981 5, 2000 Luciano, Jr. 6,537,150 B1 3/2003 Luciano et al. 6,079,710 6, 2000 Brown 6,561,898 B2 5/2003 Moody 6,089,982 T/2000 Holch et al. 6,568,680 B1 5/2003 Moody et al. 6,089,985 T/2000 Morath et al. 6,569,017 B2 5/2003 Enzminger et al. 6,093,100 T/2000 Singer et al. 6,599,187 B2 7/2003 Gerow 6,098,985 8, 2000 Moody 6,607,439 B2 8, 2003 Schneier et al. 6,102,400 8, 2000 Scott et al. 6,609.974 B2 8, 2003 Mead et al. 6,120,024 9, 2000 Lind 6,612,927 B1 9/2003 Slomiany et al. 6,120,378 9, 2000 Moody et al. 6,619,660 B2 9, 2003 Schaefer et al. 6,126,541 10, 2000 Fuchs 6,652,377 B1 1 1/2003 Moody 6,126,542 10, 2000 Fier 6,656,040 B1 12/2003 Brosnan et al. 6,132,311 10, 2000 Williams 6,656,044 B1 12/2003 Lewis 6,135,882 10, 2000 Kadlic 6,672.959 B2 1/2004 Moody et al. 6,135,883 10, 2000 Hachcquet 6,676,126 B1 1/2004 Walker et al. 6,146,271 11, 2000 Kadlic 6,685,562 B1 2/2004 Rantanen 6,146,272 11, 2000 Walker et al. 6,695,695 B2 2/2004 Angel 6,149,156 11, 2000 Feola 6,729,961 B1 5, 2004 MillerSchone 6,149,521 11, 2000 Sanduski 6,733,385 B1 5/2004 Enzminger et al. 6,155,925 12, 2000 Giobbi et al. 6,749,500 B1 6/2004 Nelson et al. 6,159,095 12, 2000 Frohm et al. 6,964.418 B2 11/2005 Moody 6,168,521 1, 2001 Luciano et al. 6,988,946 B2 1/2006 Michaelson et al. 6,174,233 1, 2001 Sunaga et al. 7,007,953 B1 3/2006 Cabot 6,176,781 1, 2001 Walker et al. 2002/0010013 A1 1/2002 Walker et al. 6,183.361 2, 2001 Cummings et al. 2002/00399.17 A1 4/2002 Armstrong et al. 6, 190,255 2, 2001 Thomas et al. 2002fOO77173 A1 6/2002 Luciano et al. 6,196,547 3, 2001 Pascal et al. 2002fOO77174 A1 6/2002 Luciano et al. 6,203,429 3, 2001 Demar et al. 2002fOO82070 A1 6/2002 Macke et al. 6,210,275 4, 2001 Olsen 2002fOO82071 A1 6/2002 Riendeau et al. 6,210,276 4, 2001 Mullins 2002fOO82085 A1 6/2002 Osterer 6,217,448 4, 2001 Olsen 2002/0090986 A1 7/2002 Cote et al. 6,220,959 4, 2001 Holmes, Jr. et al. 2002/0094.871 A1 7/2002 Luciano et al. 6,220,961 4, 2001 Keane et al. 2002/0098882 A1 7/2002 Lindet al. 6,241,606 6, 2001 Riendeau et al. 2002O098883 A1 7/2002 Packes, Jr. et al. 6,254,480 T/2001 Zach 2002/0111207 A1 8, 2002 Lindet al. 6,273,820 8, 2001 Haste, III 2002/0111214 A1 8, 2002 Lindet al. 6,280,325 8, 2001 Fisk 2002fO113369 A1 8/2002 Weingardt 6,280,328 8, 2001 Holch et al. 2002/0132661 A1 9, 2002 Lindet al. 6,302,791 10, 2001 Frohm et al. 2002/0132666 A1 9, 2002 Lindet al. 6,306,038 10, 2001 Graves et al. 2002/0196342 A1 12/2002 Walker et al. 6,309.298 10, 2001 Gerow 2003/006O257 A1 3/2003 Katz et al. 6,311,978 11, 2001 Moody 2003, OO60261 A1 3/2003 Katz et al. 6,312,334 11, 2001 Yoseloff 2003, OO60276 A1 3/2003 Walker et al. 6,315,289 11, 2001 Sakamoto et al. 2003/0100371 A1 5/2003 Gatto et al. 6,315,291 11, 2001 Moody 2003/010O372 A1 5/2003 Gatto et al. 6,322.445 11, 2001 Miller 2003.0125101 A1 7/2003 Campo 6,325,716 12, 2001 Walker et al. 2003. O181231 A1 9, 2003 Vancura et al. 6,334,613 1, 2002 Yoseloff 2003. O190943 A1 10, 2003 Walker et al. 6,342.007 1, 2002 Wood et al. 2003/021 1884 A1 11/2003 GauSelmann 6,358,150 3, 2002 Mir et al. 2003,0224854 A1 12/2003 Joao 6,358,151 3, 2002 Enzminger et al. 2004, OO14515 A1 1/2004 Tracy et al. 6,364.313 4, 2002 Moody 2004.0036212 A1 2/2004 Walker et al. 6,368,218 4, 2002 Angell, Jr. 2004/0038723 A1 2/2004 Schneier et al. 6,386,977 5, 2002 Hole 2006/0066051 A1 3/2006 Nicely 6,402,614 6, 2002 Schneier et al. 2006/01781.83 A1 8, 2006 Van Asdale 6,419,578 T/2002 Moody et al. 2006/0264255 A1 11, 2006 Borissov 6,419,583 T/2002 Crumby et al. 6.425,824 T/2002 Baerlocher et al. OTHER PUBLICATIONS 6,447,395 9, 2002 Stevens Electronic Pull Tabs Advertisement by 21 Century Gaming, pub 6.450,885 9, 2002 Schneier et al. lished prior to 2002. 6,454,648 9, 2002 Kelly et al. Instant Winner Advertisement by Williams/WMS Gaming, published RE37,885 10, 2002 Acres et al. prior to 2002. 6,471,591 10, 2002 Crumby Lucky Times California Lottery Newsletter published 1996. 6,475,086 11, 2002 Zach Spin Poker Deluxe Video Poker Advertisement, written by Action 6,508,711 1, 2003 Ono Gaming, published in 2006. 6,517,074 2, 2003 Moody et al. Spin Poker Game Summary, written by Gambling Guide II Dado, 6,524, 184 2, 2003 Lind et al. available prior to Jun. 2006. 6,524,185 2, 2003 Lind The Truth About Spin Poker article written by Dan Paymar, published 6,527,638 3, 2003 Walker et al. on Nov. 8, 2001. U.S. Patent Dec. 28, 2010 Sheet 1 of 32 US 7,857,693 B1

U.S. Patent US 7,857,693 B1

FIG. 2 (Prior Art)

Hand #1

Hand #2

Hand #3

Handha

Hand #5

Hand #6

Hand #7

Hand #8

Hand #9 U.S. Patent Dec. 28, 2010 Sheet 3 of 32 US 7,857,693 B1

N

S

s i 5.

5. U.S. Patent Dec. 28, 2010 Sheet 4 of 32 US 7,857,693 B1

FIG. 4 Begin with an empty list of poker 102 hand seeds.

Randomly generate a new random number generator poker hand seed.

Determine a poker hand associated with the generated poker hand seed.

ls the poker Discard the hand assOciated generated poker with the generated poker hand seed hand seed. already included in the list of possible poker hands?

Add the generated poker hand seed to the list of poker hand seeds.

DOes the list include every possible poker hand which may beformed utilizing the different possible playing Card Combinations?

116 Mark the list of poker hand seeds as full. U.S. Patent Dec. 28, 2010 Sheet 5 of 32 US 7,857,693 B1

FIG. 5 120 122

Poker Hand Determined by Associated

Poker Hand Seed Poker Hand Seed 122a 1,028,113 3HJC 6D QH 9S

58,449 ADAH3C KHQH 122b

2097814389 QC QH2D 3S 8C 122c

110737.1101 JCJHQH KH2C 122d

1520O681 9D 1 ODJD QDKD 122e 22092.1901 1 ODJD QDKDAD 122f

Poker Game Outcome Payout Amount Royal Flush 250 Straight Flush 200 Four-Of-a-kind

Two Pair 1 Pair of Jacks or Better | 1 U.S. Patent Dec. 28, 2010 Sheet 6 of 32 US 7,857,693 B1

FIG. 6A

Begin with an empty distribution table wherein the minimum payout 202 amount is zero and the maximum win payout amount is the product of the top award and the number of poker hands simultaneously played.

Generate and list every payout amount between 204 the minimum payout amount and the maximum payout amount.

Determine each different configuration of outcomes used which 206 may be formed based on the poker game outcomes available according to the utilized paytable.

Mark the distribution table as complete after advancing to last 208 payout amount and last determined outcome configuration. U.S. Patent Dec. 28, 2010 Sheet 7 of 32 US 7,857,693 B1

FIG. 6B Begin with an empty distribution table wherein the minimum payout amount is zero and the maximum win payout amount is the product 202 of the top award and the number of poker hands simultaneously played.

Generate and list every payout amount between 204 the minimum payout amount and the maximum payout amount.

Determine each different configuration of outcomes used which may be formed based on the poker game outcomes available 206 according to the utilized paytable.

Attempt to find a new distribution which uses all of the outcomes used for one of the outcome configurations and 210 results in one of the determined payout amounts.

ls a NO new distribution found?

Add the distribution to the distribution table.

Have enough distributions been found for that payout amount and outcome configuration?

Advance to the next payout amount or outcome Configuration used.

Mark the distribution table as complete after advancing to last 208 payout amount and last determined outcome Configuration.

U.S. Patent Dec. 28, 2010 Sheet 9 of 32 US 7,857,693 B1

Select one of the generated poker hand seeds 250

Shuffle a deck of playing cards using a random number 252 Sequencer that is seeded with the selected poker hand seed

Generate a designated number of playing cards of the 254 shuffled deck into a designated number of playing card positions along a designated payline

Determine which of the playing cards of the initial poker 256 hand to hold based on a suitable auto-hold strategy

Generate a playing card from the shuffled deck for each 258 discarded playing card and for each vacant playing card position in each of the secondary poker hands

Analyze each of the poker hands to determine the payout 260 associated with each poker hand

Determine, for each different payline wager configuration, a 262 total combined payout of each of the analyzed poker hands

For each payline wager Configuration, associate the determined total combined payout with the selected 264 poker hand seed

U.S. Patent Dec. 28, 2010 Sheet 12 of 32 US 7,857,693 B1

C V O cy) S. cy

O N O (Y)

SF O (Y)

CD w O cy) C S. S Nd o cy

O s cy) V O cy)

: : : : : : f 3 s U.S. Patent Dec. 28, 2010 Sheet 13 of 32 US 7,857,693 B1

FIG. 13

306a

3060

306C

Hand #4 306C 304b. Handi5

306e

306g

3040 U.S. Patent Dec. 28, 2010 Sheet 14 of 32 US 7,857,693 B1

FIG. 14

Determine which of the playing cards generated as the initial poker hand to hold 280

282

Can the appropriate playing cards be generated in the

appropriate playing Card

No positions to form a plurality of poker hands Yes with a total payout equal to the payout amount associated with the selected poker hand Seed ?

Remove the selected poker Retain the selected poker hand seed from the Set of hand Seed in the Set of available poker hand Seeds available poker hand seeds

284 286

U.S. Patent US 7,857,693 B1

U.S. Patent Dec. 28, 2010 Sheet 17 Of 32 US 7,857,693 B1

FIG. 17 304 2 Hand #1 Payout:0 -a a o,a 312a Z 11 44 ba Hand #2 Payout: 1

304 314C PoiroPayout:0

3.14d Payout: 1

-Payout:0

314f PoiroPayout:0

314.g PacifPayout: 1

314h Hand 8 Payout:0

312h .

314 Hand 9 Payout:0

.O) 312 (a 304d

U.S. Patent Dec. 28, 2010 Sheet 18 of 32 US 7,857,693 B1

KX () () () () () () () ()

Cs X& &OXXX O s S&S&

XXXX SSXSSX &XXX C S& XKOXO x x X KXO X X. X&S XXX. QXXXXXXXXA

XXXXXXXXX {) () () () () () () () () U.S. Patent Dec. 28, 2010 Sheet 19 of 32 US 7,857,693 B1

s

s

8) 8)

C>N) gNo CC) i {X {X {3 || C3 C31 DEp

CNK» (No. cock {) () () ()K) () () () () U.S. Patent US 7,857,693 B1

U.S. Patent Dec. 28, 2010 Sheet 21 of 32 US 7,857,693 B1

U.S. Patent Dec. 28, 2010 Sheet 22 of 32 US 7,857,693 B1

Determine and Display a plurality of playing Cards 402

404

FIG. 22 406

player play Yes according to the auto-hold strategy?

Based Generate a playing Card On the held from the Shuffled deck for each vacant playing playing cards and

the remaining playing card position cards in the deck, can the

appropriate playing cards be generated in the appropriate playing card positions to result in a plurality of poker hands with a total payout equal to the selected predetermined

game outcome Solution be found Value?

for the selected poker game outcome seed that is compatible with the held playing Cards P Generate the appropriate playing cards in the appropriate playing card positions to result in a plurality of poker hands with a total payout equal to the selected predetermined Replace at least game outcome value One of the held playing Cards Based on the found solution, generate the appropriate playing cards in the appropriate playing card positions to result in a plurality of poker hands with a total payout equal to the selected predetermined game outcome value

Provide the player the predetermined game outcome

U.S. Patent Dec. 28, 2010 Sheet 23 of 32 US 7,857,693 B1

X X 8X XXXXX 2X x

CXXXXX &CXXXX CXXX Y 8X.S& s 2: XXXX&S Q&Aaya away

{XXXX XXX && S&S OXOXOXOXOXOXXOXOXOXOXOXOXXX KOXXXX XOXOXOXOXOXOXO& AAA A 1 Yaaaa NaaS

Xxxxxx 4 Af x XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 2.8SE is XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXCXXXXXXXX is 3 2s XXXXXXXX{XXXXXXX S&SX& 18 Y &XXXXXXXX

CXXXXXXX && 8&XS&

U.S. Patent Dec. 28, 2010 Sheet 26 of 32 US 7,857,693 B1

{X () () ()(K) () () () ()

&OXXXX XXX.XXXXXXXX S. &OXOXXXXXXX

d XXXXXXXXX

XXX XXX X.XXXXXXXX XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO& &XXXXXXX

() () () () () () () () () U.S. Patent Dec. 28, 2010 Sheet 27 of 32 US 7,857,693 B1

U.S. Patent US 7,857,693 B1

U.S. Patent Dec. 28, 2010 Sheet 29 Of 32 US 7,857,693 B1

U.S. Patent Dec. 28, 2010 Sheet 31 of 32 US 7,857,693 B1

FIG. 3OB

"I 50

"ill ill-ill |

El 6

...... 34 Hill.ity"

l,

"it '' '' It i? "I IHit I.

I all

U.S. Patent Dec. 28, 2010 Sheet 32 of 32 US 7,857,693 B1

FIG. 31

60 24

PAYMENT ACCEPTOR 64

MEMORY PROCESSOR DEVICES 30 DEVICE DISPLAY DEVICE 16, 18

S OUND 48

a a was to wa m us is a to se m

70

TOUCH SCREEN CONTROLLER TOUCH SCREEN US 7,857,693 B1 1. 2 MULTI-SPN POKER GAMING SYSTEM patent disclosure in exactly the form it appears in the Patent WITH PREDETERMINED GAME and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise OUTCOMES reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. PRIORITY CLAIM BACKGROUND This application is a non-provisional application of claims The present disclosure relates in general to a multi-spin priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Appli poker gaming system which provides the player a predeter cation Ser. No. 60/805,293, filed on Jun. 20, 2006, the entire mined game outcome. contents of which are incorporated herein. 10 The majority of the contemporary wagering gaming devices or gaming terminals, such as slot machines or poker CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED games, randomly generate awards and other outcomes. Such APPLICATIONS gaming terminals typically include a relatively low probabil ity associated with obtaining the highest award, relatively This application relates to the following co-pending com 15 medium probabilities associated with obtaining medium monly owned patent applications: "GAMING DEVICE range awards and relatively higher probabilities associated INCLUDING OUTCOME POOLS FOR PROVIDING with obtaining low range awards. These gaming terminals GAME OUTCOMES Ser. No. 10/261,744: “CENTRAL also include probabilities associated with obtaining losses or DETERMINATION GAMING SYSTEM WHERE THE no award at all. The probabilities of obtaining the awards and SAME SEED IS USED TO GENERATE THE OUTCOMES the amount of the awards determine the average expected pay FOR A PRIMARY GAME AND ASECONDARY GAME out percentage of these wagering gaming terminals. Because Ser. No. 10/371,958: “CENTRAL DETERMINATION each of the outcomes of these gaming terminals are com GAMING SYSTEM WHICH PROVIDES A PLAYERA pletely individually and independently randomly determined, CHOICE IN OUTCOMES, Ser. No. 10/442,318; “CEN there is no certainty that a player will ever obtain any particu TRAL DETERMINATION GAMING SYSTEM WITH A 25 lar award. No matter how many times a player plays the game, GAME OUTCOME GENERATED BY A GAMING TER since the gaming terminal generates each of the outcomes MINAL AND APPROVED BY A CENTRAL CONTROL randomly or completely based upon a probability calculation, LER,” Ser. No. 10/383,423: “CENTRAL DETERMINA there is no certainty that the game will ever provide the player TION GAMING SYSTEM WITHAGAMING TERMINAL with a rare outcome, such as a jackpot award, or any other ASSISTING THE CENTRAL CONTROLLER IN THE 30 specific value for that matter. On the other hand, due to the GENERATION OF A GAME OUTCOME Ser. No. 10/431, random determination, the gaming terminal can provide the 755, “CENTRAL DETERMINATION GAMING SYSTEM rare outcomes. Such as jackpot awards, numerous times in a WITHA KENO GAME, Ser. No. 10/601,482; “GAMING Small number of plays. DEVICE HAVING AN INTERACTIVE POKER GAME For example, a probability-based S1 poker machine gam WITH PREDETERMINED OUTCOMES, Ser. No. 10/934, 35 ing terminal may be programmed to payback, on average, 258: “CENTRAL DETERMINATION POKER GAME 95% of all wagers placed with a 1% chance of generating a Ser. No. 10/945,642; “GAMING DEVICE HAVING A PRE S10 win outcome, a 5% chance of generating a S5 win out DETERMINEDRESULTPOKER GAME Ser. No. 11/031, come, a 10% chance of generating a S2 win outcome, a 40% 663: “CENTRAL DETERMINATION OFFER AND chance of generating a S1 win outcome and a 44% chance of ACCEPTANCE GAME WITH MULTIPLIER Ser. No. 40 generating a S0 loss outcome. However, when one hundred 11/048.220; “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR GENER game outcomes are generated by the probability-based poker ATING A POOL OF SEEDS FOR A CENTRAL DETER machine gaming terminal, the actual payback may be 137% MINATION GAMING SYSTEM, Ser. No. 11/046,354; of all wagers placed and the actual generated outcomes may APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR GENERATING A be six S10 win outcomes, one S5 win outcome, eighteen S2 POOL OF SEEDS FOR A CENTRAL DETERMINATION 45 win outcomes, thirty-six S1 win outcomes and thirty-nine SO GAMING SYSTEM, Ser. No. 11/071,372; “MULTI-PLAY loss outcomes. POKER GAMING SYSTEM WITH PREDETERMINED This uncertainty is faced by players and casinos or other GAME OUTCOMES, Ser. No. 60/709,959; “CENTRAL gaming establishments. For example, certain casinos prefer DETERMINATION GAMING SYSTEM WITH A CEN that a relatively high number of players hit low awards while TRAL CONTROLLER PROVIDING A GAME OUTCOME 50 a relatively low number of players hit high awards. When AND AGAMING TERMINAL DETERMINING A PRE players hit high awards periodically, casinos can attract more SENTATION OF THE PROVIDED GAME OUTCOME.” players, because of the positive publicity large wins generate. Ser. No. 11/303,585; “METHOD FOR DISPLAYING AN By using desired payback percentages or probabilities, the INTERACTIVE GAME HAVING A PREDETERMINED casinos can also expect to make a certain level of profit. The OUTCOME Ser. No. 10/829,578; “METHOD FOR DIS 55 random determinations can, however, unexpectedly cause PLAYING AN INTERACTIVE GAME HAVING A PRE casinos to Suffer a loss or, on the other hand, to reap a larger DETERMINED OUTCOME Ser. No. 10/846,448; than expected profit in the short run and lose business in the METHOD FOR DISPLAYING AN INTERACTIVE long run due to a reputation for only paying out low awards. GAME HAVING A PREDETERMINED OUTCOME Ser. Regulatory bodies in certainjurisdictions do not permit the No. 10/864,784; and “STUD BINGO, Ser. No. 11/031,048. 60 use of probability-based gaming terminals in part for these reasons. These regulatory bodies permit the use of wagering COPYRIGHT NOTICE gaming terminals which are guaranteed to provide certain or definite awards, so that, for example, a certain number of wins A portion of the disclosure of this patent document con is guaranteed and the overall amount paid back to players is tains or may contain material which is Subject to copyright 65 guaranteed. That is, the actual payback percentage is fixed protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the pho and not an average expected amount. One type of gaming tocopy reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the terminal which complies with this requirement is an instant US 7,857,693 B1 3 4 type lottery gaming terminal. An instant-type lottery gaming In order to comply with the above mentioned regulatory terminal includes a finite pool or set of electronic tickets with rules that do not permit the use of probability-based gaming each electronic ticket assigned to a predetermined outcome. terminals, central determination gaming systems have been Alternatively, each electronic ticket could be assigned to a implemented wherein the central system maintains one or random number or game play seed which is deterministic of 5 more predetermined pools or sets of game outcomes. Each a predetermined outcome. In this embodiment, the gaming game outcome in each set or pool includes a game outcome terminal utilizes the random number or game play seed in a component (i.e., a win, a loss, a secondary game trigger or selected deterministic random number generating algorithm other Suitable outcome) with an associated value or payout to generate random numbers that the gaming terminal then amount, if any, and a game presentation component (i.e., how uses to determine and provide the predetermined outcome. In 10 the game outcome is displayed or presented to the player). In an instant-type lottery gaming terminal, as the predetermined these systems, when a player makes a wager on one of the outcome for each electronic ticket is revealed to a player on gaming devices, the central system independently selects a the gaming terminal, the ticket is removed (i.e., flagged as game outcome from a set or pool of game outcomes and flags used) from the finite pool or set of electronic tickets. Once or marks the selected game outcome as used. Once a game removed from the pool or set, a ticket cannot be used again to 15 outcome is flagged as used, it is prevented from further selec determine another game outcome. This type of gaming ter tion from the set or pool and cannot be selected by the central minal provides players with all of the available outcomes over controller upon another wager. The selected game outcome is communicated to the individual gaming terminal. The indi the course of the play cycle and guarantees the actual wins vidual gaming terminal displays or presents the game presen and losses. tation component and provides the player the game outcome Since an instant-type lottery gaming machine has a finite component with the associated value, if any, for the selected pool of predetermined win/loss outcomes, it is possible to game outcome. Additionally, certain central determination configure the pool to specific conditions or criteria requested gaming systems have also been implemented wherein the by the casino or gaming establishment. An example of these conditions or criteria are the number of tickets included in the central system maintains one or more predetermined pools or 25 sets of random number or game outcome seeds. pool and the exact payback percentage or payback Sum for the Central production or control can assist a casino or other pool as a whole. The payback percentage or Sum represents entity in maintaining appropriate records, controlling gam the guaranteed payout for the entire pool of predetermined ing, reducing and preventing cheating or electronic or other outcomes. Other examples of conditions or criteria are what errors, reducing or eliminating win-loss Volatility and the prizes will be awarded and the frequency of winning outcome 30 like. However, it should be appreciated that some existing tickets amongst the total number of tickets for the pool. For central determination gaming systems involve minimal to no example, if a predetermined pool includes twenty S1 tickets player interaction other than initiating a game play at a gam and the pool has a payback sum of S10, then the pool might ing terminal. That is, similar to an instant type lottery game, consist of one S5 win outcome, one S2 win outcome, three S1 the central controller selects a game outcome from the pool win outcomes and fifteen S0 loss outcomes and may be rep 35 and the selected game outcome is provided to the player with resented as the following outcomes: 5, 2, 1, 1, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, the player unable to influence the provided game outcome. 0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0. It should be appreciated that the above Therefore, a need exists for central determination gaming described pool of twenty tickets is for illustration purposes systems that provide an increased level of player interaction only and a pool could include any suitable desired number of while still providing a predetermined game outcome to a tickets including a large number such as one million or more. 40 player. It should be appreciated that even though a pool may con As described above, in addition to central determination tain more than one of the same game outcome (i.e., the loss or gaming systems, other known gaming devices are operable to the win and if a win, the value), the presentation to the player provide a player a predetermined outcome. In these gaming (such as the cards dealt or drawn in the case of simulated card devices, rather than receiving an outcome from a central games) is preferably varied for each sequential game out 45 controller, the gaming device stores a plurality of predeter come. For example, in the twenty ticket pool described above, mined outcomes in a memory device. Upon a player initiating while three game outcomes may each determine a win game a game at the gaming device, the predetermined outcome outcome with a value of S1, in a poker game machine each which will ultimately be provided to the player is selected and game outcome will be preferably presented to the player as flagged or marked as used. The gaming device then proceeds one of a plurality of different card combinations that all yield 50 with one or more game sequences and upon the conclusion of the same S1 win outcome. the game sequences, the selected predetermined outcome is Central determination gaming systems are also generally provided to the player. In another embodiment, a predeter known. A central determination gaming system provides a mined game outcome is determined based on the results of a plurality of individual gaming terminals, located in a gaming bingo or keno game. In this embodiment, a plurality of indi establishment, such as a casino, coupled by one or more 55 vidual gaming device each utilizes one or more bingo or keno communication links, to a central processor or controller. games to determine the predetermined game outcome which When a player plays a game on one of the gaming terminals, will be provided to the player for any game played at that a game outcome is randomly generated based on probability gaming device. data by the central controller. The generated game outcome Poker games Such as draw poker games are also well and how the game outcome is to be presented or displayed to 60 known. In a typical draw poker game, a gaming device ini the player are communicated from the central controller to the tially deals five cards all face up from a conventional virtual individual gaming terminal and then provided to the player. It deck of fifty-two playing cards. The gaming device enables should be appreciated that one central processor may continu the player to select the cards, if any, to hold via one or more ously run hundreds or thousands of individual gaming termi input devices, such as pressing related hold buttons or via the nals at once. Additionally, each individual gaming terminal 65 touch screen. The player then presses the deal button and the may include a plurality of different types of games played at gaming device removes each of any unwanted or discarded a plurality of different denominations. cards from the display. The gaming device replaces each US 7,857,693 B1 5 6 removed playing card with another card dealt from the ten of clubs generated along a third payline (i.e., payline #3 of remaining cards in the deck. This results in a five-card hand FIG. 1) form a third individual poker hand (i.e., Hand #3 of which the gaming device evaluates or compares to a payout FIG. 2). table which utilizes conventional poker hand rankings to It should be appreciated that since in a spin-poker game, a determine the winning hands. The gaming device provides plurality of playing cards are generated in a plurality of play the player with an award, if any, based on a winning hand and ing card positions on a plurality of reels and a plurality of the amount of credits the player wagered on the hand. overlapping paylines run through the plurality of playing card Another known poker game includes multiple hands of positions to form a plurality of individual poker hands, which poker played simultaneously. In one such game, the gaming playing cards are generated in which playing card positions 10 determines the total payout amount for all of the played poker device generates or deals a plurality of hands of cards, such as hands. That is, if even one playing card generated in one three, five, ten, fifty or one-hundred individual hands of cards. playing card position is changed, depending on the number of In alternative versions, (i) the gaming device initially deals or paylines which overlap and intersect this one playing card displays the same playing cards for each of the individual position, at least one and most likely a plurality of poker hands of cards, or (ii) the gaming device only deals or displays 15 hands are changed to reflect this one changed playing card. playing cards for a primary hand and the remaining simulta For example, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, if the seven of hearts neously played hands do not initially display any individual playing card generated in the middle playing card position of playing cards. The gaming device enables the player to the third reel column is changed to the ace of clubs playing choose the playing cards to hold, if any, in a primary hand. card, then the poker hand formed along payline #3 no longer The held cards in the primary hand are also held in each of the results in a pair of sevens poker hand and the poker hands remaining hands of cards. After holding Zero, one or more formed along paylines #4 and #7 each now result in winning, cards in the primary hand (and thus holding Zero, one or more pair of aces poker hands. of the same cards in each of the remaining hands), the gaming In one embodiment of Such a spin poker game, the gaming device removes the remaining non-held playing cards from device deals or generates a plurality of cards in a plurality of each of the hands of cards. For each hand of cards, the gaming 25 playing card positions along a primary payline to form a device independently deals or generates a replacement card primary poker hand. In one embodiment, the gaming device for each removed, non-held playing card, wherein each hand deals or generates a plurality of playing cards in a plurality of of cards is associated with its own deck of cards. The gaming playing card positions along a plurality of additional paylines device compares each individual poker hand, hand by hand, to form Zero, one or more additional poker hands. In these to a payout table which utilizes conventional poker hand 30 embodiments, the gaming device enables the player to choose rankings to determine the award, if any, associated with each the playing cards to hold, if any, in the primary hand. The of the individual poker hands. The gaming device determines gaming device duplicates each held playing card in the pri a total award based on any of the determined awards and mary poker hand in all of the playing card positions of the provides the determined total award to the player. same reel column as the held playing card and thus, each held In another type of poker game with multiple hands played 35 playing card in the primary hand is also held in each of the simultaneously, one or more cards are included in a plurality remaining poker hands. After holding Zero, one or more play of poker hands. In this poker game, known as spin poker or ing cards in the primary hand (and thus holding Zero, one or hand-spin poker, a plurality of playing cards are generated or more of the same playing cards in each of the remaining hands dealt in a plurality of playing card positions on a plurality of of cards), the gaming device removes the remaining non-held virtual reels. In one spin poker gaming device, each playing 40 playing cards from the primary poker hand. For each non card position includes a separate reel. Such as a unisymbol held playing card, the gaming device independently gener reel. In this spin poker gaming device, the reel strip associated ates, via the reels for each vacant playing card position, a with each reel includes each of the playing cards that may be replacement playing card. As described above, the held play dealt to a player in a poker game. A plurality of paylines run ing cards and the replacement playing cards form a plurality through the plurality of playing card positions, wherein each 45 of individual poker hands. The gaming device compares each wagered on payline represents an individual poker hand individual poker hand, handby hand, to a payout table which played by the player. That is, similar to how a symbol gener utilizes conventional poker hand rankings to determine the ated on a reel may be simultaneously intersected by a plurality award, if any, associated with each of the individual poker of different overlapping paylines and thus be included in a hands. The gaming device determines a total award based on plurality of symbol combinations, a playing card generated at 50 any of the determined awards and provides the determined a playing card position in a spin poker game may be simul total award to the player. taneously intersected by a plurality of overlapping paylines Some known gaming devices have attempted to provide a and thus be included in a plurality of individual poker hands. poker game wherein the outcome is predetermined. In these For example, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, even though only known games, a player is shown a first group of cards and fifteen playing cards are dealt or generated on the reels, the 55 invited to select one or more cards to be discarded. The player gaming device utilizes these fifteen playing cards to form nine is then shown a second group of cards and a payoff is provided individual poker hands of five playing cards each. In this if the second group of cards is a winning hand according to a example: the playing cards of the seven of clubs, the jack of predetermined payout Schedule. In these games, the initial spades, the queen of diamonds, the six of hearts and the nine group of cards and the second group of cards are both prede of diamonds generated along a first payline (i.e., payline #1 of 60 termined prior to the time the game is played. For this reason, FIG. 1) form a first individual poker hand (i.e., Hand #1 of there can often be an inconsistency between the players FIG. 2), the playing cards of the seven of clubs, the two of selection of cards that are to be discarded and the transition diamonds, the four of hearts, the five of spades and the nine of from the initial group of cards to the second group of cards. diamonds generated along a second payline (i.e., payline #2 This inconsistency can interfere with the desired simulation of FIG. 1) form a second individual poker hand (i.e., Hand #2 65 of a card game which provides a predetermined outcome. of FIG. 2) and the playing cards of the seven of clubs, the two One known gaming device described in U.S. Pat. No. of diamonds, the seven of hearts, the king of diamonds and the 6,729,961 includes a poker game wherein an initial hand of US 7,857,693 B1 7 8 cards is displayed to a player. The player designates which of play poker game with ten possible payout amounts includes the initial hand of cards are to be held and which are to be 12,565,671,261 possible distributions of poker game out discarded and the game displays an intermediate hand gener comes. It should be appreciated that since the gaming device ated in accordance with the player-specified designations. In enables the player to play a variable number of simulta this gaming device, a second hand which is associated with a neously played poker hands (i.e., the player may play one to value equal to the value associated with the predetermined ten poker hands in a ten-play poker game), each different game outcome is shown and in those cases where the player number of played poker hands includes a different number of specified designation (Hold/Discard) is inconsistent with a possible distributions of poker game outcomes. For example, transition from the intermediate hand to the second hand, an if a player is simultaneously playing seven poker hands in a entertaining display is shown and the predetermined game 10 ten-play poker game, the gaming device must utilize a differ outcome is provided to the player. ent set of possible distributions than if the player were simul Additionally, if there is an inconsistency between the taneously playing six or eight poker hands in the ten-play award provided for the player's second hand which is based poker game. It should be further appreciated that each set of on the player's selections of cards to be discarded and the possible distributions is specific to the number of possible award associated with the predetermined outcome, other 15 payout amounts and the value of each possible payout known gaming devices employ a mystery win card to increase amount, wherein if the number of possible payout amounts or the provided win amount up to the win amount associated the value of each possible payout amount changes, so may the with the predetermined game outcome. In other known gam set of possible distributions. ing devices, any inconsistency between the award provided Moreover, in a spin poker gaming device, once a distribu for the player's second hand which is based on the players tion has been selected, the gaming device must still determine selections of cards to be discarded and the award associated which cards to draw to complete that distribution. If no cards with the predetermined outcome is held in an escrow or are held, there are 982,869,376,029,609,100,032,000 ways to progressive pool to be subsequently provided to a player. draw 15 cards. If 1 card is held, there are 25,028,504,609,870, It should be appreciated that to provide a predetermined 361,600 ways to draw 12 cards. If 2 cards are held, there are game outcome to a player that is simultaneously playing a 25 494,478,121,737,600 ways to draw 9 cards. If 3 cards are plurality of poker hands, the predetermined game outcome held, there are 7,731,052,560. If 4 cards are held, there are must be divided over one or more of the simultaneously 97.290 ways to draw 3 cards. Accordingly, it is not practical played poker hands while taking into account the different for a gaming device to try all possible distributions to deter amounts wagered on the different simultaneously played mine an appropriate distribution of poker game outcomes or poker hands. That is, the gaming device must find a distribu 30 to determine that no solution or appropriate distribution tion of outcomes which adds up to the award amount or value exists. Therefore, since the gaming device must react quickly of the predetermined game outcome. For example, in a ten to the player's choice, a need exists for a gaming system and play poker gaming device (i.e., a gaming device which method to quickly select an appropriate distribution or deter enables a player to simultaneously player ten poker hands), mine that no solution exists. there must be exactly ten individual payout amounts which 35 Accordingly, many challenges exist in providing a prede each match a payout from the applicable paytable of poker termined game outcome to a player simultaneously playing a game outcomes, that all add up to the award or value of the plurality of poker hands. One challenge which must be over predetermined game outcome. However, a ten-play poker come in providing a predetermined game outcome to a player game with ten possible payout amounts includes 92.378 dif that is simultaneously playing multiple hands of poker is ferent possible distributions of poker game outcomes. For 40 determining which playing cards to draw in each of the simul example, using only the payout values of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 25. taneously played poker hands to produce a total payout 50 and 250, these ten individual payout values may be com amount for all of the played poker hands equal to the value or bined (using one or more distributions) to add up to the payout associated with the predetermined game outcome. following values: After determining the payout associated with the predeter 747: There is exactly 1 distribution: 45 mined game outcome, the gaming device must determine 250, 250, 50, 50, 50, 50, 25, 9, 9,4 (based on the playing cards the player designated to hold and 748: There is no distribution. discard as well as the amount wagered on each of the simul 749: There is exactly 1 distribution: taneously played poker hands) one or more distributions of 250, 250, 50, 50, 50, 50, 25, 9, 9, 6 poker game outcomes for the simultaneously played poker 750: There are 5 distributions: 50 hands which would result in a total payout for all of the 250, 250, 250, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 simultaneously played poker hands equaling the payout asso 250, 250, 50, 50, 50, 50, 50, 0, 0, 0 ciated with the predetermined game outcome. 250, 250, 50, 50, 50, 50, 25, 25, 0, 0 Additionally, in providing a spin-poker game with a pre 250, 250, 50, 50, 50, 25, 25, 25, 25, 0 determined game outcome, not only must the gaming device 250, 250, 50, 50, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25 55 determine one or more distributions of poker game outcomes 993: There is 1 distribution: for the simultaneously played poker hands which would 250, 250, 250, 50, 50, 50, 50, 25, 9, 9 result in a total payout for all of the simultaneously played 994-999: There is no distribution. poker hands equaling the payout associated with the prede 1000: There are 4 distributions: termined game outcome, the gaming device must also deter 250, 250, 250, 250, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 60 mine which playing cards to generate in which playing card 250, 250, 250, 50, 50, 50, 50, 50, 0, 0 positions to result in one of the determined poker game out 250, 250, 250, 50, 50, 50, 50, 25, 25, 0 come distributions. As described above, since at least one 250, 250, 250, 50, 50, 50, 25, 25, 25, 25 playing card in at least one playing card position is included This problem is only magnified if more poker hands are in a plurality of individual poker hands (based on the number simultaneously played. For example, a twenty-play poker 65 of overlapping paylines which run through this one playing game with ten possible payout amounts includes 10,015,005 card position), determining which playing card to generate in possible distributions of poker game outcomes and a fifty even one playing card position influences a plurality of the US 7,857,693 B1 9 10 individual poker hands played. As at least one playing card essary to form the poker hands that are associated with pay generated in at least one playing card position affects a plu outs that total the payout amount associated with the poker rality of the individually played poker hands, which playing hand seed. cards are generated in which playing card positions thus In one embodiment, a player at a gaming device initiates affects if the total payout for all of the individually played 5 game play of the multi-hand spin poker game by wagering on poker hands equals the predetermined game outcome. one or more paylines. Upon initiation of the multi-hand spin Accordingly, the greater the number of wagered on, overlap poker game, a predetermined game outcome or predeter ping paylines, the greater the likelihood that at least one mined game outcome value is selected or otherwise commu playing card generated in at least one playing card position nicated to the gaming device. The predetermined game out will affect a plurality of simultaneously played poker hands 10 come value correlates to one or more distributions of poker game outcomes (determined via the first database) which are and the lower the likelihood that the gaming device will be associated with individual payout amounts that total or equal able to generate the appropriate playing cards in the appro the predetermined game outcome value. priate playing card positions to form a plurality of poker In one embodiment, the gaming device selects a poker hand hands with a total payout equal to a predetermined game 15 seed that is associated with a payout equal to the predeter outcome value. Thus, even if a gaming device determines an mined game outcome value. The gaming device shuffles a appropriate distribution of poker game outcomes for the deck of playing cards (using one or more random number simultaneously played poker hands which results in a total sequencers that are seeded with the selected poker hand seed) payout for all of the simultaneously played poker hands and generates or displays along a designated or first payline a equaling the payout associated with the predetermined game 20 designated number of playing cards from the shuffled deck. outcome, if the gaming device is unable to generate the appro The generated or displayed playing cards form the initial priate playing cards in the appropriate playing card positions poker hand. In addition to the initial displayed poker hand, in to form a plurality of poker hands which form the determined one embodiment, the gaming device simultaneously displays poker game outcome distribution, the predetermined game one or more secondary poker hands along one or more sec outcome cannot be provided to the player without causing one 25 ondary paylines, wherein each simultaneously displayed sec or more of the inconsistencies described above. ondary poker hand includes equivalent playing cards as the Therefore, a need exists for a central determination gaming initial poker hand. system whereina player may play a plurality of simultaneous In one embodiment, the gaming device enables a player to hands in a spin-poker game and a predetermined game out select one or more of the generated playing cards from the come is provided to the player. 30 initial poker hand to hold or discard. In this embodiment, the gaming device holds any playing cards held in the initial poker hand in one, more or each of the plurality of simulta SUMMARY neously displayed secondary poker hands. That is, for each held playing card, the gaming device holds or duplicates that The present disclosure relates to a central determination is held playing card in each playing card position of the same gaming system which provides a multi-hand spin poker game reel column. The gaming device evaluates the set of playing wherein the player is provided a predetermined game out cards selected by the player to hold and determines if, based COC. on the held playing cards and the remaining playing cards in In one embodiment, prior to a player initiating game play the deck, the appropriate playing cards can be generated in the of a multi-hand spin poker game at a gaming device, one or 40 appropriate playing card positions to result in one of the poker more databases or tables are generated. A first database or game outcome distributions (from the first database) associ look-up table includes a plurality of different payout amounts ated with the selected predetermined game outcome value. for the multi-hand spin poker game (i.e., a payout of Zero to a In one embodiment, if the gaming device determines that maximum possible payout amount) and the distributions of the appropriate playing cards can be generated in the appro possible poker game outcomes which correlate to each of the 4s priate playing card positions to result in at least one of the payout amounts. The distribution of possible poker game distributions of poker game outcomes (from the first data outcomes for this database is based on an applicable paytable base) which matches at least one of the poker game outcome and the number of simultaneously played poker hands. For distributions associated with selected predetermined game example, assuming nine poker hands will be simultaneously outcome value, the gaming device generates such determined played and according to an applicable paytable, the payout so playing cards in the appropriate playing card positions to amount associated with a poker game outcome of a straight form a plurality of final poker hands along the plurality of flush is two-hundred, this database may include an entry that paylines. The gaming device analyzes each of the final poker for the payout amount of one-thousand-eight-hundred, the hands generated along each wagered on payline to determine, only distribution of poker game outcomes which corresponds based on the applicable paytable, the payout associated with to that payout amount is nine Straight-flush poker hand out- ss each poker hand. The gaming device provides a total com comes (i.e., nine straight-flush poker hands which payout bined payout of each of the analyzed poker hands to the two-hundred each equals the total payout amount of one player, wherein the payouts associated with each of the pro thousand-eight-hundred). vided final poker hands generated along each wagered on A second database or look-up table includes a plurality of payline add up to the selected predetermined game outcome different poker hand seeds (which are each deterministic of an 60 value. initial hand of playing cards and a payout amount) and Zero, In one embodiment, if the gaming device is unable to one or more solutions or solution screens which are associ determine the appropriate playing cards to generate in the ated with each poker hand seed. For each poker hand seed, the appropriate playing card positions to result in at least one of different solutions are based on which of the playing cards in the distributions of poker game outcomes (from the first data the deterministic initial poker hand are held, the payout 65 base) which matches at least one of the poker game outcome amount associated with the poker hand seed and which play distributions associated with the selected predetermined ing cards to display in which playing card positions are nec game outcome value in a set amount of time (or in a set US 7,857,693 B1 11 12 number of attempts), the gaming device attempts to find or an appropriate paytable) as well as by the number of poker determine a stored solution (from the second database) for the hands simultaneously played. For example, Table 1 below selected poker game outcome seed that is compatible with the illustrates all of the different configurations of poker game playing cards the player designated to hold and the playing outcomes possible for a nine-play game (wherein an equal cards the player designated to discard. It should be appreci amount is wagered on each game played) which would result ated that one embodiment of the gaming system disclosed in a payout amount of eleven. herein also provides that an algorithm searches for a solution using a deterministic random number generator, but only TABLE 1 searches for a set length of time or for a set or limited number of attempts. If the algorithm fails to find a solution in the set 10 Poker Game Outcomes Used length of time, the gaming system utilizes a table of solutions Payouts of Each Outcome in parentheses to look up an applicable solution. Such a blend of the utiliza Jacks or Two- Three- Full tion of one or more algorithms and the utilization of one or Win Lose Better pair of-a- Straight Flush House more data tables to produce a predetermined game outcome Amount (O) (1) (1) kind (3) (7) (7) (7) Substantially increases the capabilities of the gaming system 15 6 1 1 disclosed herein. 6 1 1 In one Such embodiment, an applicable solution provides a 6 1 1 6 1 1 total payout for all of the simultaneously played poker hands 6 1 1 generated on all of the wagered on paylines that equals the 6 1 1 predetermined game outcome value. If the gaming device 8 finds a stored solution which corresponds with the playing 7 1 6 2 cards held by the player and a total payout amount of each 5 3 simultaneously played poker hand generated on all of the 4 4 wagered on paylines equal to the selected predetermined 3 5 game outcome value, the gaming device displays to the player 25 2 6 1 7 the playing cards in the playing card positions associated with 8 the found solution and provides the player the selected pre 2 5 2 determined game outcome value. 2 4 1 2 2 3 2 2 In one embodiment, if the gaming device is unable to 2 2 3 2 30 determine the appropriate playing cards to generate in the 2 1 4 2 appropriate playing card positions to resultina distribution of 2 5 2 poker game outcomes from the first database which matches 4. 1 1 3 4 2 3 at least one of the poker game outcome distributions associ 4 2 3 ated with selected predetermined game outcome and the gam 4 1 3 1 ing device is further unable to find a stored solution for the 35 4 1 3 1 selected poker game outcome seed from the second database 4 1 3 1 that is compatible with the playing cards the player desig 4 2 2 1 4 2 2 1 nated to hold and the playing cards the player designated to 4 2 2 1 discard, the gaming device modifies one or more aspects of 4 3 1 1 the played poker game. In one embodiment, the gaming 40 4 3 1 1 device overrides the player's designation regarding which 4 3 1 1 4 4 1 playing cards to hold and which playing cards to discard and 4 4 1 forces the player to follow an alternative holding strategy. In 4 4 1 another embodiment, the gaming device replaces one or more 4 4 1 of the player's held playing cards with different playing 45 4 4 1 cards. In these embodiments, after modifying one or more 4 4 1 aspects of the played poker game, the gaming device repeats the process described above until either determining the As illustrated in Table 1, the gaming system determines appropriate playing cards to generate in the appropriate play that, based on the payout associated with each possible poker ing card positions as described above, or until an applicable 50 game outcome of the applicable paytable and the number of Solution is found and displayed to the player as described hands simultaneously played, there are thirty-nine different above. configurations of poker game outcomes possible which It should be appreciated that even if the gaming device would result in the payout amount of eleven. For example, the must modify one or more aspects of the played poker game, combination of six losing outcomes (paying Zero credits the gaming device will ultimately generate one or more poker 55 each), one two-pair poker game outcome (paying one credit), hands along one or more wagered on paylines which result in one three-of-a-kind poker game outcome (paying three cred a total payout Such that the gaming device provides the player its) and one straight poker game outcomes (paying seven the selected predetermined game outcome value. credits) would result in a total payout amount of eleven. Generation of Distribution Table Additionally, the combination of five jacks-or-better poker In one embodiment, as mentioned above, prior to the play 60 game outcome (paying one credit each), three two-pair poker of any of the multi-play spin poker games, the gaming system game outcome (paying one credit each) and one three-of-a- determines and stores, a first table or database which includes kind poker game outcomes (paying three credits) would also for each available payout amount (i.e., from Zero to the maxi result in a total payout amount of eleven. mum payout), the different configurations or distributions of It should be appreciated that as the above described poker poker game outcomes which would result in that payout 65 game outcomes configuration determination is dependent on amount. This determination is based on the payout amounts the specific paytable used as well as the number of hands associated with each poker game outcome (as designated by simultaneously played, if the specific paytable used and/or US 7,857,693 B1 13 14 the number of hands simultaneously played changes, any After a set of each possible poker hand seeds is generated, generated distribution table may need to be modified to the gaming system selects one of the generated poker hand account for any changes. That is, each different number of seeds, shuffles the deck of playing cards (using a random simultaneously played poker hands may require a separate number sequencer that is seeded with the selected poker hand distribution table which must be determined and stored for 5 seed) and generates, draws or deals a designated number of each applicable paytable which may be utilized. Moreover, as playing cards of the shuffled deck to form an initial poker the player may wager different amounts on each of the simul hand. It should be appreciated that given the same poker hand taneously played poker hands, such different wager amounts seed, the selected random number sequencer(s) will always may correspond to different pay tables used for the different produce these same playing cards in the same order to form simultaneously played poker hands which may each require a 10 the same initial poker hand. For example, if the gaming system selects the first poker separate distribution table to be determined and appropriately hand seed of 13, the gaming system seeds one or more stored. selected random number sequencer(s) with the number 13 to Assigning Payout Amounts with Poker Hand Seeds shuffle a deck of playing cards. In this example, the order of 15 the first fourteen playing cards in the shuffled deck is: the In addition to determining one or more applicable distri seven of spades, the queen of clubs, the ace of diamonds, the bution tables, in one embodiment the gaming devices deter four of spades, the four of clubs, the four of diamonds, the two mines and stores a second database or look-up table. The of hearts, a joker, the seven of diamonds, the two of Spades, second database or look-up table includes a plurality of dif the nine of diamonds, the four of hearts, the seven of hearts ferent poker hand seeds (which, as described below, are each and the queen of diamonds. The first five playing cards of the deterministic of an initial hand of playing cards and a payout shuffled deck (i.e., the seven of spades, the queen of clubs, the amount) and Zero, one or more solutions or Solution screen ace of diamonds, the four of spades, and the four of clubs) are which are associated with each poker hand seed. For each the initial poker hand for the selected first poker hand seed of poker hand seed, the different solutions of this database are 13. Accordingly, if the gaming system generates or deals the based on which of the playing cards in the initial poker hand are held, the payout amount associated with the poker hand 25 initial poker hand for the selected poker hand seed of 13 along seed and which playing cards must be generated in which a designated payline of a five-reel column, three playing card playing card positions to form the poker hands that are indi positions per reel column hand-spin poker game, the plurality vidually associated with payouts that total the payout amount of reels would display: associated with the poker hand seed. 30 In one embodiment, to create this database, the gaming System or gaming System developer generates or compiles a set or list of random number generator poker hand seeds. Seven of Queen Ace of Four of Four of Each poker hand seed, when applied to or used by one or more Spades of Clubs Diamonds Spades Clubs selected deterministic random number generating algo 35 rithms, is deterministic of an order of playing cards in a deck of playing cards. It should be appreciated that as the first In one embodiment, the gaming system determines which designated number of ordered playing cards form an initial of these generated playing cards to hold and which of these poker hand, each poker hand seed is thus deterministic of an generated playing cards to discard based on a Suitable con initial poker hand. The set or list of poker hands seeds include 40 ventional auto-hold algorithm or strategy. In this embodi one poker hand seed that is deterministic for each possible ment, the gaming system's auto-hold strategy takes an appro poker hand that may be formed utilizing different combina priate paytable into account in determining which playing tions of the playing cards in a set or deck of playing cards. For cards to hold and which playing cards to discard for the initial example, a first poker hand seed of 13 is deterministic of a first poker hand determined based on the selected poker hand hand that includes the playing cards of the seven of Spades, 45 seed. As described above, each held playing card on a reel is the queen of clubs, the ace of diamonds, the four of spades and also held in each other playing card position of that reel the four of clubs, while a second poker hand seed of 25484 is column and thus each playing card is held in one, more or deterministic of a second poker hand that includes the playing each of a plurality of simultaneously played secondary poker cards of the two of spades, the three of spades, the four of hands. It should be appreciated that since the auto-hold strat spades, the five of Spades and the six of spades. egy is based on an applicable paytable, any alterations or 50 modifications to the applicable paytable may alter the auto In one embodiment, the generated set or list of poker hand hold algorithms recommendation of which playing cards to seeds includes only one poker hand seed which is determin hold and which playing cards to discard for each generated istic of each different playing card combination possible. poker hand. That is, the gaming system generates a poker hand seed, Applying a Suitable auto-hold algorithm to the example determines the initial poker hand associated with or otherwise 55 determined by the generated poker hand seed and determines described above, the gaming system determines to hold the if the determined initial poker hand is already included in the four of spades and the four of clubs and to discard the seven list or set of possible poker hands which may beformed based of spades, queen of clubs and ace of diamonds. Accordingly, on the different playing cards available. Thus, if the gaming if the gaming system held the four of spades and the four of system generates a previously generated poker hand seed, 60 clubs as the fourth playing card and the fifth playing card in that poker hand seed is not added to the set or list of possible each of the plurality of simultaneously played secondary poker hand seeds and the gaming system continues with poker hands, the plurality of reels would display: generating possible poker hand seeds. It should be appreci ated that in one embodiment, each different arrangement or order of the same playing cards is considered a different 65 Four of Four of possible poker hand which is associated with a different poker Spades Clubs hand seed. US 7,857,693 B1 16 the selected poker hand seed. It should be appreciated that -continued since a player may wager on a variable number of paylines for each play of the spin poker game disclosed herein, each Four of Four of Spades Clubs different number of wagered on paylines may be associated Four of Four of with a different total payout. Thus, a selected poker hand seed Spades Clubs may be associated with different payout amounts depending on the number of paylines actively wagered on. In one embodiment, after determining which playing cards In the above-described example, assuming each of nine to hold for the poker hand associated with the selected poker paylines were wagered on, the gaming system analyzes these hand seed, the gaming system generates, deals or draws a 10 nine poker hands to determine if any of the formed poker playing card from the shuffled deck for each discarded play hands are associated with a winning playing card combina ing card and for each vacant playing card position in each of tion. In this example, according to an applicable paytable, the secondary poker hands. The plurality of generated playing these nine poker hands are associated with a total combined cards and any held playing cards form a plurality of poker payout of ninety-eight credits. That is: hands wherein each formed poker hand is based on which 15 playing cards intersect each payline. That is, for a designated payline, the gaming system determines which playing cards Playing Cards in Poker Poker Hand intersect or are otherwise generated along the designated Payline Hand Outcome Payout payline to determine the individual poker hand formed for 1 Four of Diamon s. Two of Three-of-a-kind 3 that designated payline. It should be appreciated that since a Spades, Queen o plurality of paylines may intersect or run through the same Diamonds, Four of Spades, playing card, one or more playing cards may each be included Four of Clubs in a plurality of individual poker hands. 2 Four of Diamonds, Seven of Four-of-a-kind 40 In the example described above, after discarding the appro Diamonds, Four of Hearts, 25 Four of Spades, Four o priate non-held playing cards (i.e., the seven of spades, the Clubs queen of clubs and the ace of diamonds), the gaming system Diamon Full House 7 generates or deals the next nine cards from the shuffled deck into the remaining unoccupied playing card positions. That is, the gaming system generates or deals playing cards (in order Loser O from the shuffled deck) to the three playing card positions left 30 vacant from the three non-held discarded playing cards and the six unoccupied playing card positions from the secondary poker hands. As the next nine playing cards are the four of Two-Pair 1 diamonds, the two of hearts, a joker, the seven of diamonds, the two of spades, the nine of diamonds, the four of hearts, the 35 6 Two of Hearts, Seven of Two-Pair 1 seven of hearts and the queen of diamonds, the plurality of S. Seven of Hearts, reels would display: Four of Spades, Four o 7 oker, Nine of Diamonds, Three-of-a-kind 3 40 Seven of Hearts, Four of Solution Screen 1A Spades, Four of Clubs 8 oker, Nine of Diamonds, Three-of-a-kind 3 Four of Seven of Four of Four of Four of Queen of Diamonds, Four of Diamonds Diamonds Hearts Spades Clubs Spades, Four of Clubs Two of Two of Seven of Four of Four of 9 oker, Two of Spades, Four Four-of-a-kind 40 Hearts Spades Hearts Spades Clubs 45 of Hearts, Four of Spades, Joker Nine of Queen of Four of Four of Four of Clubs Diamonds Diamonds Spades Clubs Total: 98 In one embodiment, this solution or solution screen of which playing cards to generate in which playing card posi 50 Accordingly, the payout of ninety-eight credits is associated tions is associated with the selected poker hand seed and with the selected first poker hand seed of 13 if the player stored for Subsequent use. In another embodiment, this solu wagers on nine paylines. tion or Solution screen is associated with the selected poker hand seed but not stored for Subsequent use. That is, as this Determination of Look-Up Solution Table Solution is associated with the auto-hold strategy, the gaming 55 After determining the payout amount to associate with the system can redetermine this solution relatively quickly (i.e., selected poker hand seed, the gaming device determines by dealing the playing cards from the shuffled deck into the which of the playing cards of the initial poker hand (for the unoccupied playing card positions) and thus there is no need selected poker hand seed) to hold based on one or more to store this solution. intelligent alternative holding strategies. Similar to the auto After generating or drawing a playing card for each vacant 60 hold strategy, the gaming systems intelligent alternative playing card position, the gaming system analyzes each of the holding strategies take an appropriate paytable into account in poker hands generated along each of the wagered on paylines determining which playing cards to hold and which playing to determine the payout associated with each poker hand. The cards to discard for the generated initial poker hand. gaming system determines a total payout for each of the In one embodiment, if no intelligent alternative holding individual payouts associated with each of the poker hands 65 strategies exist for the initial poker hand associated with or generated along each of the wagered on paylines. The gaming generated based on the selected poker hand seed, the gaming system associates the determined total combined payout with system stores or retains the selected poker hand seed. On the US 7,857,693 B1 17 18 other hand, if at least one intelligent alternative holding strat holding strategy exists. This alternative holding strategy is egy exists for the initial poker hand associated with the holding the queen of hearts and the ace of diamonds and selected poker hand seed, for each of the intelligent alterna discarding the seven of spades, the four of spades and the four tive holding strategies for the selected poker hand seed, the of clubs. Accordingly, if the queen of hearts and the ace of gaming system attempts to find, based on which playing card diamonds are held as the second playing card and the third are held according to the alternative holding strategy, which playing card in each of the plurality of simultaneously played playing cards to generate in which playing card positions that secondary poker hands (and the remaining playing cards are will form a plurality of poker hands with a total payout equal discarded), the plurality of reels would display: to the payout previously associated with that selected poker hand seed. In one embodiment, for each intelligent alternative 10 holding strategy, the gaming system utilizes the stored table Queen Ace of of different distributions of poker game outcomes from the of Clubs Diamonds first database to access any poker game outcome distributions Queen Ace of for the payout amount previously associated with the selected of Clubs Diamonds poker hand seed. For each accessed poker game outcome 15 Queen Ace of distribution with a payout equal to the payout previously of Clubs Diamonds associated with the selected poker hand seed, the gaming system evaluates the set of cards designated as held under the For this intelligent alternative holding strategy, the gaming alternative holding strategy and determines if, based on the system utilizes the stored poker game outcome distribution held playing cards and the remaining playing cards in the table to access the different poker game outcome distributions shuffled deck, any of the accessed poker game outcome dis associated with the payout amount of ninety-eight. It should tributions are possible. be appreciated that the gaming system accesses the distribu In one embodiment, if the gaming system cannot determine tions for the payout amount of ninety-eight because ninety any available playing cards to generate in the appropriate eight is the payout amount previously associated with the playing card positions to result in a poker game outcome 25 selected poker hand seed of 13. In this example, the distribu distribution with the same payout as the payout previously tion table includes fifty-two entries for the payout amount of associated with the selected poker hand seed, the gaming ninety-eight. A first entry for a payout of ninety-eight requires system removes the selected poker hand seed from the set or two four-of-a-kind poker hands, two full house poker hands, list of available poker hand seeds. On the other hand, if the one three-of-a-kind poker hand, one two-pair poker hand and gaming system determines one or more available playing 30 three losing poker hands. A second entry for a payout of cards to generate in the appropriate playing card positions to ninety-eight requires two four-of-a-kind poker hands, one full result in a poker game outcome distribution with the same house poker hand, three three-of-a-kind poker hands, two payout as the payout previously associated with the selected two-pair poker hands and one losing poker hand. poker hand seed, the gaming system retains the selected poker For each entry with a payout of ninety-eight, the gaming hand seed in the set or list of available poker hand seeds. That 35 system evaluates the queen of clubs and the ace of diamonds is, if the gaming system determines the appropriate playing held according to the alternative holding strategy and deter cards (from the playing cards remaining in the deck) togen mines if, based on these held playing cards and the remaining erate in the unoccupied or vacant playing card positions. Such playing cards in the deck, one of the determined poker game that the generated playing cards and any held playing cards outcome distributions is possible. That is, utilizing the held form a plurality of poker hands with a total combined payout 40 playing cards and the remaining playing cards in the deck, the equal to the payout associated with the selected poker hand gaming system attempts to generate playing cards in the nine seed, then the selected poker hand seed is retained or kept in vacant playing card positions in the secondary poker hands to the set of possible poker hand seeds. In one embodiment, the build a plurality of poker hands with one of the two poker gaming system utilizes playing cards, in order, from the game outcome distributions for the payout of S98 previously shuffled deck to generate in the vacant playing card positions 45 associated with the selected poker hand seed of 13. It should to form a plurality of poker hands with a total combined be appreciated any Suitable manner of providing Zero, one or payout equal to the payout associated with the selected poker more playing cards to each of the played poker hands may be hand seed. implemented in the gaming system disclosed herein. In another embodiment, the gaming system utilizes any In this case, the gaming system determines that, based on playing cards from the shuffled deck to generate in the vacant 50 the held queen of clubs and ace of diamonds and the remain playing card positions to form a plurality of poker hands with ing playing cards in the deck, the appropriate playing cards a total combined payout equal to the payout associated with cannot be generated which result in the first poker game the selected poker hand seed. outcome distribution with a payout of $98. That is, the gam In one embodiment, in addition to retaining the selected ing system cannot generate playing cards in the appropriate poker hand seed, the Solution of which playing cards togen 55 playing card positions to result in two four-of-a-kind poker erate in which playing card positions to result in an overall hands, two full house poker hands, one three-of-a-kind poker payout equal to the payout associated with the selected poker hand, one two-pair poker hand and three losing poker hands. hand seed is stored. In another embodiment, if the gaming After determining that playing cards cannot be generated system is unable to determine which playing cards to generate in vacant playing card positions to form the poker hands of the in which playing card positions in a set amount of time (or a 60 first poker game outcome distribution, the gaming system set number of attempts), the Solution is stored. Accordingly, turns to the second entry which results in a payout of ninety in this embodiment, if the gaming system determines which eight. For this entry, the gaming system determines that, playing cards to generate in which playing card positions in a based on the held queen of clubs and the ace of diamonds and set amount of time (or a set number of attempts), the Solution the remaining playing cards in the deck, the appropriate play is stored 65 ing cards can be generated which result in the second poker For example, the gaming system determines that for the game outcome distribution with a payout of S98. That is, the selected first poker hand seed of 13, one intelligent alternative gaming System can generate playing cards in the appropriate US 7,857,693 B1 19 20 playing card positions to result in two four-of-a-kind poker After determining at least one solution for each intelligent hands, one full house poker hand, three three-of-a-kind poker alternative holding strategy for the selected poker hand seed, hands, two two-pair poker hands and one losing poker hand. for every other hold strategy the player may employ the After the determined playing cards are generated and placed gaming system attempts to generate which playing cards to in the appropriate playing card positions, a solution or Solu 5 generate in which vacant playing card positions to form a tion screen for holding the queen of clubs and the ace of plurality of poker hands with a total payout equal to the diamonds would be the plurality of reels would display: payout associated with the selected poker hand seed. In one embodiment, one or more of the these solutions are stored for each alternative hold strategy the player may employ. That is, 10 for every possible hold strategy the player may select, the Solution Screen 1B gaming system attempts to generate and store a solution Four of Queen Ace of Queen Four of which includes the playing cards held and any Subsequent Hearts of Clubs Diamonds of Diamonds Hearts generated playing cards, wherein the playing cards in their Queen Queen Ace of Five of Joker 15 respective playing card positions form a plurality of poker of of Clubs Diamonds Hearts hands with a total payout equal to the payout previously Spades associated with the selected poker hand seed. Ace of Queen Ace of Ace of Ace of Hearts of Clubs Diamonds Spades Clubs In the example described above, after determining a solu tion for the one intelligent alternative holding strategy, the gaming system attempts to determine a Suitable solution for Accordingly, since the gaming system determined the any of the thirty remaining ways to play the initial poker hand. appropriate playing cards (from the playing cards remaining It should be appreciated that the thirty remaining ways to play in the deck) to provide in the unoccupied or vacant playing the initial poker hand are the thirty-two original ways to play card positions for at least one alternative holding strategy the five card poker hand minus the auto-hold strategy way to (wherein the provided playing cards and any held playing 25 play and the one intelligent alternative hold strategy way to cards form a plurality of poker hands with a total combined play discussed above. In this example, the gaming system payout equal to the payout associated with the selected poker determines that solutions exist for two of the possible remain hand seed), the selected first poker hand seed of 13 is retained ing ways to play the initial poker hand associated with the or kept in the set of possible poker hand seeds. Additionally, selected poker hand seed of 13. That is, the gaming system since the intelligent alternative holding strategy of holding 30 determines that if a player holds only the seven of spades (and discards the remaining playing cards in the initial poker the queen of clubs and the ace of diamonds results in a hand), a solution exists (as seen in solution screen IC below), solution screen with the same payout of S98 as was previously wherein the solution includes which playing cards to generate associated with the selected first poker hand seed of 13, the in which playing card positions for form a plurality of poker Solution for this alternative holding strategy of which playing 35 hands with a total payout equal to the payout previously cards must be generated in which playing card positions to associated with the selected poker hand seed. The gaming result in an overall payout equal to the payout associated with system also determines that if the player holds only the queen the selected poker hand seed is stored in a table of solutions of clubs (and discards the remaining playing cards in the associated with the selected first poker hand seed. initial poker hand) another Solution exists (as seen in Solution In one embodiment, if the gaming system cannot determine 40 screen ID below), wherein the solution includes which play a solution for an intelligent alternative holding strategy, the ing cards to generate in which playing card positions to form gaming system must modify one or more of the playing cards a plurality of poker hands with a total payout equal to the held according to the intelligent alternative holding strategy payout previously associated with the selected poker hand such that a plurality of poker hands are formed with a total seed. payout equal to the payout associated with the selected poker 45 hand seed. For example, if an intelligent alternative holding strategy includes holding a designated playing card in each playing card position of a designed reel or reel column, the Solution Screen 1C gaming system may modify one of the playing cards in one of Seven Two of Two of Seven of Three of the playing card positions of the designated reel column (and 50 of Clubs Hearts Diamonds Diamonds Spades thus modify the playing cards in some, but not all of the Seven Three Two of Three of Nine of plurality of poker hands) to result in a plurality of poker hands of of Diamonds Hearts Diamonds are formed with a total payout equal to the payout associated Spades Spades with the selected poker hand seed. Seven Seven Three of Seven of Joker of of Clubs Clubs In one embodiment, for each of the intelligent alternative 55 holding strategies for the selected poker hand seed, the gam Spades Hearts ing system attempts to find a solution (i.e., generate a plurality of playing cards in the vacant playing card positions) to form a plurality of poker hands with a total payout equal to the payout previously associated with that selected poker hand 60 seed as described above. In one embodiment, the gaming Solution Screen 1D system retains or stores one or more determined solutions for Seven of Queen Queen of Nine of Nine of each intelligent alternative holding strategies for the selected Hearts of Hearts Hearts Clubs Clubs poker hand seed, wherein the displayed playing cards in their Three of Queen Three of Three of Three of displayed playing card positions form a plurality of poker 65 Diamonds of Hearts Spades Clubs hands with a total payout equal to the payout previously Clubs associated with the selected poker hand seed. US 7,857,693 B1 21 22 central server or controller. Upon receiving the game out -continued come request, the central controller independently selects one of the game outcomes from a set or pool of game outcomes Solution Screen 1D and flags or marks the selected game outcome as used. Once Joker Queen Seven of Seven Queen of a game outcome is flagged as used, it is prevented from of Diamonds of Clubs Spades further selection from the set or pool and cannot be selected Clubs by the central controller upon another wager. The selected game outcome is communicated to the individual gaming In one embodiment, each determined solution is stored in device to be utilized in the initiated multi-play spin poker associated with the selected poker hand seed. In another 10 game. In another embodiment, the predetermined game out embodiment, the gaming system stores one or more, but not come is stored in a memory device of the gaming device. In all of the determined solutions associated with the selected this embodiment, the gaming device selects a game outcome poker hand seed. In another embodiment, any other deter from a set or pool of stored game outcomes and flags the mined solutions which the gaming system can redetermine selected game outcome as used. relatively quickly (i.e., in a set amount of time or in a set 15 In one embodiment, each predetermined game outcome or number of attempts) are not stored in associated with the predetermined game outcome value includes an outcome selected poker hand seed. component (Such as a win, a lose, a secondary game trigger In the example described above, the gaming system deter ing or other Suitable outcome) which is associated with a mines that Solution screen 1 A (the auto-hold strategy solu value or payout amount, if any. For example, a predetermined tion) and solution screen 1C can be redetermined within a set game outcome of win S98 is selected. amount of time (or within a set number of attempts) and thus In one embodiment, after a predetermined game outcome these solutions do not need to be stored in associated with the value is selected, the gaming system selects a poker hand seed selected first poker hand seed. On the other hand, the gaming for the selected predetermined game outcome value. In one system determines that solution screens 1B and 1D require embodiment, the gaming system selects a poker hand seed for more computing time to determine (i.e. cannot be determined 25 the selected predetermined game outcome value based on the within a set amount of time or a set number of attempts) and payout associated with each poker hand seed. That is, the thus these solutions are stored in association with the selected payout previously associated with the selected poker hand seed must match the selected predetermined game outcome first poker hand seed. value. For example, for the selected predetermined game After determining the payout associated with the selected 30 outcome of win $98, the gaming system selects the first poker poker hand seed and determining Solutions for any intelligent hand seed of 13 which, as described above, is associated with holding strategies a player may employ, the gaming system a payout of S98. The selected poker hand seed is deterministic determines if each of the poker hand seeds in the generated set of a plurality of playing cards. are associated with a payout and Zero, one or more solutions. In different embodiments, if more than one poker hand If not all of the generated poker hands seeds are each associ 35 seed is associated with a payout equal to the selected prede ated with a payout, the gaming system selects another poker termined game outcome value, the gaming system randomly hand seed, shuffles a deck based on the selected poker hand selects one of these poker hand seeds. In one embodiment, the seed and proceeds as described above. If each of the poker central controller selects a poker hand seed for the predeter hand seeds in the generated set are associated with a payout mined game outcome value and communicates the selected amount, the second database or look-up table is complete 40 predetermined game outcome value and the selected poker with a plurality of different poker hand seeds and Zero, one or hand seed to the gaming device. In another embodiment, the more solutions which are associated with each poker hand gaming device selects a poker hand seed for the predeter seed. mined game outcome value communicated from the central Game Play controller. After determining the payout to associate with each gen 45 In one embodiment, the gaming device shuffles a deck of erated poker hand seed, the gaming system is adapted for playing cards (using a random number sequencer that is game play of a multi-play spin poker game. In one embodi seeded with the selected poker hand seed, such as seen in U.S. ment, a player selects a number of paylines to wager on (i.e., Pat. No. 6,533,664). For example, for the selected first poker a number of simultaneous poker hands to play) from one hand seed of 13, the gaming device seeds one or more selected payline (i.e., one poker hand) to a designated number of 50 random number sequencer(s) with the number 13 to shuffle paylines (i.e., a designated number of poker hands)) and an the deck of playing cards. As described above, the order of the amount to wager on each payline (or simultaneously played first fourteen playing cards in a deck shuffled with the hand). In this embodiment, upon a player making Such a selected poker hand seed of 13 is: the seven of spades, the wager, a predetermined game outcome or a predetermined queen of clubs, the ace of diamonds, the four of spades, the game outcome value is selected. The selected predetermined 55 four of clubs, the four of diamonds, the two of hearts, a joker, game outcome represents the outcome which will ultimately the seven of diamonds, the two of spades, the nine of dia be provided to the player. It should be appreciated that the monds, the four of hearts, the seven of hearts and the queen of selected predetermined game outcome valve must be pro diamonds. vided to the player over the selected number of simulta After shuffling the deck of playing cards according to the neously played poker hands while taking into account the 60 selected poker hand seed, the gaming device generates, draws applicable paytable, the amount wagered on each of the or deals a designated number of playing cards of the shuffled simultaneously played poker hands on the plurality of pay deck. In one embodiment, each playing card position is a lines. separate, independent or unisymbol reel which is operable to In one embodiment, the predetermined game outcomes are generate any of the playing cards of the shuffled deck. In this stored in a central controller. In this embodiment, upon a 65 example, the first five playing cards of the shuffled deck (i.e., player initiating game play at the gaming device, the initiated the seven of spades, the queen of clubs, the ace of diamonds, gaming device communicates a game outcome request to the the four of spades, and the four of clubs) are generated or US 7,857,693 B1 23 24 displayed along a designated payline as the initial poker hand full house poker hands, one three-of-a-kind poker hand, one for the selected poker hand seed. Accordingly, after the initial two-pair poker hand and three losing poker hands and a poker hand is generated or displayed along the designed second entry for a payout of S98 requires two four-of-a-kind payline, the plurality of displayed playing for a five-reel col poker hands, one full house poker hand, three three-of-a-kind umn, three playing card positions per reel column hand-spin poker hands, two two-pair poker hands and one losing poker poker game would be: hand. In one embodiment, after the player designates which play ing cards to hold and which playing cards to discard, the gaming device determines if the player followed the auto Seven of Queen Ace of Four of Four of 10 hold strategy for the initial poker hand. If the player followed Spades of Clubs Diamonds Spades Clubs the auto-hold strategy for the initial poker hand, the gaming device proceeds in generating, dealing or drawing a playing card from the shuffled deck for each discarded playing card In one embodiment, in addition to the initial primary poker and for each vacant playing card position in each of the hand, the gaming device simultaneously displays one or more 15 secondary poker hands to form a plurality of final poker secondary poker hands along one or more secondary poker hands. The gaming device analyzes each of the final poker hand paylines. In one embodiment, the simultaneously dis hands generated along each wagered on payline to determine played secondary poker hands each include the same playing the payout associated with each poker hand. The gaming cards as or equivalent playing cards to the initial primary device provides the total combined payout of each of the poker hand. For example, if the initial primary poker hand individually analyzed poker hands to the player. It should be includes the four of Spades playing card and four of clubs appreciated that since the payout associated with the selected playing cards, a first secondary poker hand may include the poker hand seed was previously determined based on follow four of diamonds playing card and the four of hearts playing ing an auto-hold strategy, if the player follows the auto-hold card. In this example, another secondary poker hand may strategy during game play, the payouts associated with each 25 of the final poker hands generated along each wagered on includes the five of spades playing card and the five of clubs payline will add up to the selected predetermined game out playing card. It should be appreciated that in this embodi come value. That is, if the player follows the auto-hold strat ment, as long as the same poker game outcomes are possible egy, regardless of the number of overlapping paylines on the draw for each secondary poker hand, the actual playing wagered on, the gaming device is able to generate the appro cards displayed in each of the secondary poker hands does not 30 priate playing cards in the appropriate playing card positions matter. In another embodiment, the simultaneously displayed to result in a plurality of poker hands (generated along poker hands do not initially include any playing cards. wagered on paylines) with a total payout equal to the selected For example, in a nine-payline, nine-hand poker game, the predetermined game outcome value. gaming device enables the player to wager on nine paylines to For example, if the player followed the auto-hold strategy simultaneously play nine poker hands wherein the held cards 35 and held the four of spades and the four of clubs (and dis from the primary poker hand are held, carried over or repli carded the seven of Spades, the queen of clubs and the ace of cated into each of the eight other simultaneously played poker diamonds), the gaming device deals the next nine cards from hands. It should be appreciated that even though Zero, one or the shuffled deck into the vacant or unoccupied playing card more cards may be carried over from one or more simulta positions. That is, the gaming system deals playing cards, in neously played poker hands, each simultaneously played 40 order from the shuffled deck, to the three playing card posi poker hand is evaluated independent of the remaining simul tions left vacant from the three non-held discarded playing taneously played poker hands. cards and the six vacant playing card positions from the After the player is provided an initial poker hand, the secondary poker hands to form a plurality of final poker gaming device enables the player to select one or more of the hands. The gaming device analyzes each of the final poker initially dealt playing cards in the primary poker hand to hold 45 hands generated along each of the wagered on paylines to or to discard. As described above, the held playing cards in the determine the payout associated with each poker hand. The primary hand are also held in one, more or each of the other gaming device provides the total combined payout of each of simultaneously displayed hands of playing cards. That is, if a the analyzed poker hands to the player. playing card generated on a reel in a first reel column is held, In one embodiment, if the player did not follow the auto that playing card is held in each playing card position (or 50 hold strategy for the initial poker hand, the gaming device unisymbol reel) of the first reel column. evaluates the set of playing cards selected by the player to In addition to enabling the player to designate which play hold and determines if, based on the held playing cards and ing cards to hold and which playing cards to discard, in one the remaining playing cards in the deck, the appropriate play embodiment, the gaming device utilizes the stored table of ing cards can be dealt, generated or drawn in the appropriate different distributions of poker game outcomes for each pay 55 playing card positions to result in one of the poker game out amount to determine which distributions of poker game outcome distributions previously determined to be associated outcomes result in a total payout equal or Substantially equal with the selected predetermined game outcome value. It to the selected predetermined game outcome value. In this should be appreciated that since one or more playing cards embodiment, the gaming device utilizes the stored distribu generated in one or more playing card positions are included tion table which corresponds to the applicable pay table, the 60 in a plurality of poker hands, the appropriate placement of number of wagered on paylines (i.e., the number of simulta each playing card in the appropriate playing card position is neously played poker hands) and the amount wagered on each necessary to insure that a plurality of poker hands are formed of the paylines or simultaneously played poker hands. For (along a plurality of wagered on paylines) with a total payout example, for the selected predetermined game outcome value equal to the predetermined game outcome value. That is, in of $98, the gaming device utilizes the stored table of poker 65 addition to determining, based on the held playing cards and game outcome distributions to determine that a first entry for the remaining playing cards in the deck, which playing cards a payout of S98 requires two four-of-a-kind poker hands, two must be generated to form a plurality of poker hands with a US 7,857,693 B1 25 26 total payout equal to the selected predetermined game out hands and one losing poker hand. In this case, the gaming come value, the gaming device must also determine if these device determines in a set amount of time (or a set number of determined playing cards can each be generated in the appro attempts), the appropriate playing cards to generate in the priate playing card position Such that a plurality of poker appropriate playing card positions to result in a plurality of hands are formed with a total payout equal to the selected poker hands having a distribution of poker game outcomes predetermined game outcome value. For example, even if the which matches the first compatible poker game outcome dis gaming device determines, based on the held playing cards tribution for the selected predetermined game outcome value and the remaining playing cards in the deck, which playing of $98. Accordingly, the gaming device generates, deals or cards to generate to form a plurality of poker hands with a displays the determined playing cards in the appropriate play total payout equal to the selected predetermined game out 10 ing card positions to form a plurality of final poker hands. The come value, if the gaming device is unable to generate Such gaming device analyzes each of the final poker hands gener playing cards in the appropriate playing card positions, the ated along each wagered on payline to determine the payout gaming device must either determine another plurality of associated with each poker hand. The gaming device deter playing cards to place in the appropriate playing card posi mines a total combined payout of each of the analyzed poker tions or the gaming device must utilize one of the solutions 15 hands and provides the determined total payout to the player. associated with the selected poker hand seed as described in The gaming device displayed playing cards matches solution more detail below. In other words, the gaming system dis screen 1C described above. It should be appreciated that in closed herein utilizes an algorithm and/or a look-up table to this example, the gaming device is able to generate the appro determine which playing cards to generate in which playing priate playing cards in the appropriate playing card positions card positions. to result in a plurality of poker hands (generated along In one embodiment, if the gaming device determines the wagered on paylines) with a total payout equal to the selected appropriate playing cards to generate in the appropriate play predetermined game outcome value. ing card positions to result in a plurality of poker hands In one embodiment, if the gaming device is unable to having a distribution of poker game outcomes which matches determine, in a set amount of time (or a set number of at least one of the poker game outcome distributions associ 25 attempts), the appropriate playing cards to generate in the ated with selected predetermined game outcome, the gaming appropriate playing card positions to result in a plurality of device generates or displays such determined playing cards to poker hands having a distribution of poker game outcomes the player to form a plurality of final poker hands along a which matches at least one of the poker game outcome dis plurality of wagered on paylines. The gaming device analyzes tributions associated with the selected predetermined game each of the final poker hands generated along each wagered 30 outcome value the gaming device attempts to find or deter on payline to determine the payout associated with each poker mine a stored solution for the selected poker game outcome hand. The gaming device determines a total combined payout seed that is compatible with the playing cards the player of each of the analyzed poker hands and provides the deter designated to hold and the playing cards the player designated mined total payout to the player. It should be appreciated that to discard. In this embodiment, the gaming device accesses the payouts associated with each of the provided final poker 35 the previously stored set of Solutions or Solution screens hands add up to the selected predetermined game outcome associated with the selected poker hand seed and tries to find value. a solution which includes the same playing cards as those held In one embodiment, the gaming device attempts to deter by the player. That is, if the player designated to hold two of mine the appropriate playing cards to generate in the appro the five playing cards in the initial poker hand, the gaming priate playing card positions to result in a plurality of poker 40 device determines if a stored solution (previously associated hands having a distribution of poker game outcomes which with the selected poker game) exists which includes the two matches at least one of the poker game outcome distributions playing cards the player designated to hold and results in a associated with selected predetermined game outcome for a plurality of poker hands having a distribution of poker game set or limited amount of time. In another embodiment, the outcomes which matches at least one of the poker game gaming device attempts to determine the appropriate playing 45 outcome distributions associated with selected predeter cards to generate in the appropriate playing card positions to mined game outcome value. If the gaming device is able to result in a plurality of poker hands having a distribution of find or determine a stored solution associated with the poker game outcomes which matches at least one of the poker selected poker hand seed which includes the playing cards game outcome distributions associated with selected prede held by the player, the gaming device generates or displays termined game outcome in a set or limited number of 50 the playing cards in the appropriate playing card positions attempts. based on the determined solution to the player. The generated For example, if the player holds only the seven of spades playing cards form a plurality of final poker hands. The gam (and discards the remaining playing cards in the initial poker ing device analyzes each of the final poker hands generated hand), the gaming device determines if based on the held along each wagered on payline to determine the payout asso seven of spades and the remaining playing cards in the deck, 55 ciated with each poker hand. The gaming device determines a whether the appropriate playing cards can be generated in the total combined payout of each of the analyzed poker hands appropriate playing card positions to result in a plurality of and provides the determined total payout to the player. It poker hands having a distribution of poker game outcomes should be appreciated that the determined total payout for which matches the first compatible poker game outcome dis each of the poker hands generated along each of the paylines tribution for the selected predetermined game outcome value 60 wagered on equals the selected predetermined game outcome of S98. That is, the gaming device determines if, based on the value. seven of spades held in the first playing card position for each For example, if the player holds only the queen of clubs of the simultaneously played poker hands and the remaining (and discards the remaining playing cards in the initial poker playing cards in the deck, if the appropriate playing cards can hand), the gaming device determines if based on the held be generated into the appropriate playing card positions to 65 queen of clubs and the remaining playing cards in the deck, result in two four-of-a-kind poker hands, one full house poker whether the appropriate playing cards can be generated in the hand, three three-of-a-kind poker hands, two two-pair poker appropriate playing card positions to result in a plurality of US 7,857,693 B1 27 28 poker hands having a distribution of poker game outcomes the gaming device overrides the player's designation regard which matches the first compatible poker game outcome dis ing which playing cards to hold and which playing cards to tribution for the selected predetermined game outcome value discard and forces the player to follow the auto-hold strategy. of S98. That is, the gaming device determines if, based on the In this embodiment, the gaming device proceeds as described queen of clubs held in the second playing card position for 5 above regarding the player following the auto-hold strategy. each of the simultaneously played poker hands and the In another embodiment, if the gaming device is unable to remaining playing cards in the deck, if the appropriate play determine the appropriate playing cards to generate in the ing cards can be generated into the appropriate playing card appropriate playing card positions to result in a plurality of positions to result in two four-of-a-kind poker hands, two full poker hands having a distribution of poker game outcomes house poker hands, one three-of-a-kind poker hand, one two 10 which matches at least one of the poker game outcome dis pair poker hand and three losing poker hands. In this case, the tributions associated with selected predetermined game out gaming device is unable to determine, in a set amount of time come and the gaming device is further unable to find a stored (or a set number of attempts, the appropriate playing cards to Solution for the selected poker game outcome seed that is generate in the appropriate playing card positions to result in compatible with the playing cards the player designated to a plurality of poker hands having a distribution of poker game 15 hold and the playing cards the player designated to discard, outcomes which matches the first compatible poker game the gaming device overrides the player's designation regard outcome distribution for the selected predetermined game ing which playing cards to hold and which playing cards to outcome value of $98. Accordingly, the gaming device discard and forces the player to follow one of the alternative attempts to determine for the second compatible poker game hold strategies for the selected poker hand seed. In this outcome distribution for the payout of S98 (i.e., two four-of embodiment, the gaming device proceeds as described above a-kind poker hands, one full house poker hand, three three regarding the player following one of the alternative hold of-a-kind poker hands, two two-pair poker hands and one Strategies. losing poker hand), whether the appropriate playing cards can In another embodiment, if the gaming device is unable to be generated in the appropriate playing card positions to determine the appropriate playing cards to generate in the result in a plurality of poker hands having a distribution of 25 appropriate playing card positions to result in a plurality of poker game outcomes which matches the second poker game poker hands having a distribution of poker game outcomes outcome distribution associated with selected predetermined which matches at least one of the poker game outcome dis game outcome. In this case, the gaming device is unable to tributions associated with selected predetermined game out determine, in a set amount of time (or a set number of come and the gaming device is further unable to find a stored attempts) the appropriate playing cards to generate in the 30 Solution for the selected poker game outcome seed that is appropriate playing card positions to result in a plurality of compatible with the playing cards the player designated to poker hands having in a distribution of poker game outcomes hold and the playing cards the player designated to discard, which matches the second compatible poker game outcome the gaming device must replace one or more of the players distribution for the selected predetermined game outcome held playing cards with different playing cards. In different value of S98. 35 embodiments, the replaced playing cards are predetermined, In this example, since the gaming device is unable to deter randomly determined, determined based on the players mine the appropriate playing cards to generate in the appro wager, determined based on the player's status (e.g., deter priate playing card positions to result in a plurality of poker mined through a player tracking system), determined from hands having a distribution of poker game outcomes which the occurrence of one or more symbols or determined based matches either the first or the second poker game outcome 40 on any other suitable method. In this embodiment, after distribution associated with the selected predetermined game replacing one or more of the player's held playing cards with outcome value of $98, the gaming device attempts to find a different playing cards, the gaming device repeats the process stored solution for the selected poker game outcome seed that described above in determining the appropriate playing cards is compatible with the playing cards the player designated to to generate in the appropriate playing card positions to result hold and the playing cards the player designated to discard. In 45 in a plurality of poker hands having a distribution of poker this example, the gaming device finds and displays to the game outcomes which matches at least one of the poker game player the playing cards in the playing card positions associ outcome distributions associated with selected predeter ated with the stored solution which includes the held queen of mined game outcome and further determining a stored solu clubs (i.e., Solution screen 1D above). The generated playing tion screen for the selected poker game outcome seed that is cards form a plurality of final poker hands. The gaming device 50 compatible with the playing cards the player designated to analyzes each of the final poker hands generated along each hold and the playing cards the player designated to discard. wagered on payline to determine the payout associated with Accordingly, regardless of how the player plays the multi each poker hand. The gaming device determines a total com play spin poker game disclosed herein, the gaming device will bined payout of S98 for each of the analyzed poker hands and ultimately provide the player the selected predetermined provides the determined total payout to the player. It should 55 game outcome. be appreciated that the determined total payout of S98 equals Accordingly, one embodiment of the gaming system dis the selected predetermined game outcome value of S98. closed herein provides a multi-play spin poker game which In one embodiment, if the gaming device is unable to provides a predetermined game outcome to a player wherein determine the appropriate playing cards to generate in the a player is enabled to make one or more choices or decisions appropriate playing card positions to result in a plurality of 60 during the multi-play spin poker game while the predeter poker hands having a distribution of poker game outcomes mined game outcome is still provided to the player. which matches at least one of the poker game outcome dis Accordingly, one embodiment of the gaming system dis tributions associated with selected predetermined game out closed herein also provides that an algorithm searches for a come and the gaming device is further unable to find a stored Solution using a deterministic random number generator, but Solution for the selected poker game outcome seed that is 65 only searches for a set length of time or for a set or limited compatible with the playing cards the player designated to number of attempts. If the algorithm fails to find a solution in hold and the playing cards the player designated to discard, the set length of time, the gaming system utilizes a table of US 7,857,693 B1 29 30 Solutions to look up an applicable solution. Accordingly, the hand spin poker game sequences based on which playing Solution look-up table is built to contain Solutions to only cards the player designated to hold and which playing cards situations where the algorithm fails to find a solution in the set the player designated to discard. length of time. FIGS. 30A and 30B are perspective views of alternative Additional features and advantages are described in, and 5 embodiments of the gaming device disclosed herein. will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description and FIG. 31 is a schematic block diagram of an electronic the figures. configuration of one embodiment of the gaming device dis closed herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 10 DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a multi-hand spin poker game wherein one or more playing cards are each included in one or The present disclosure provides a central determination more different, simultaneously played poker hands. gaming system wherein one or more gaming devices are FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the multi-hand spin poker game operable to each play a separate multi-play spin poker game of FIG. 1, illustrating each simultaneously played poker hand 15 and provide a predetermined game outcome to the player. individually. Referring to FIG.3, one embodiment of the gaming system FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the central controller in 10 includes a central server or controller 12 and a plurality of communication with a plurality of gaming machines in accor gaming machines or gaming devices 14a. 14b . . . 14z in dance with one embodiment disclosed herein. communication with or linked to the central server or proces FIG. 4 is a flowchart of one embodiment disclosed herein Sor 12. The number of gaming machines in the gaming system illustrating the generation of a list of poker hand seeds which can vary as desired by the implementer of the gaming system. are deterministic of every possible poker hand which may be These gaming machines are referred to herein alternatively as formed. the group of gaming machines, the linked gaming machines FIG. 5 is a chart of one embodiment disclosed herein or the system gaming machines. The play of each of the illustrating a plurality of poker hand seeds and the poker hand 25 gaming machines 14a. 14b ... 14z in the group is monitored each of the poker hand seeds is deterministic of when the by the central server 12. The central server or controller may poker hand seed is applied to or used by one or more selected be any Suitable server or computing device which includes a deterministic random number generating algorithms. processor and a memory or storage device. In alternative FIG. 6A is a flowchart of one embodiment disclosed herein embodiments, the central server is a progressive controller or illustrating the generation of a distribution table. 30 another gaming machine in the gaming System. FIG. 6B is a flowchart of another embodiment disclosed Determination of Possible Poker Hands herein illustrating the generation of a distribution table. Referring to FIG.4, in one embodiment, prior to the play of FIG. 7 is a paytable of one embodiment disclosed herein any of the multi-play spin poker games, a set or list of poker illustrating the different possible poker game outcomes and hand seeds is generated or compiled, wherein the set or list the payout amounts associated with each of the poker game 35 initially includes poker hand seeds which are deterministic of OutCOmeS. every possible poker hand which may be formed utilizing FIG. 8 is a chart of one embodiment disclosed herein different playing card combinations. The number of possible illustrating a generated distribution table including a plurality poker hands which may be formed is based on the number of of possible payout amounts and the different outcome con playing cards in a deck or set of playing cards as well as the figurations which may be generated to result in the payout 40 number of playing cards in each poker hand. For example, for amountS. a five card poker hand dealt out of a standard fifty-two card FIG. 9 is a flowchart of one embodiment disclosed herein deck there are 2,598,960 different possible poker hands illustrating the association of a payout amount with a poker which may be formed using different combinations of the hand seed. available playing cards. In different embodiments, this set or FIGS. 10, 11, 12 and 13 are top plan views of one embodi 45 list is generated by the game developer, game development ment disclosed herein illustrating the association of a payout system, central controller, by an individual gaming machine, amount with a poker hand seed based on a suitable auto-hold by a casino or gaming machine operator or by any other algorithm. Suitable method. In one embodiment, each different arrange FIG. 14 is a flowchart of one embodiment disclosed herein ment or order of the same playing cards is considered a illustrating a determination of whether to retain each gener 50 different possible poker hand which is associated with a dif ated poker hand seed. the association of a payout amount with ferent poker hand seed. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the a poker hand seed. number of different possible poker hands which may be FIGS. 15, 16 and 17 are top plan views of one embodiment formed using different combinations of the available playing disclosed herein illustrating a play of the multi-hand spin cards is significantly increased. For example, if each different poker game according to one alternative holding strategy. 55 arrangement of the same playing cards is considered a differ FIGS. 18, 19, 20 and 21 are top plan views of one embodi ent possible poker hand, the 2.598,960 different possible ment disclosed herein illustrating a play of the multi-hand poker hands is increased by a factor of 120 to 311,875.200 spin poker game according to one alternative holding strategy different possible poker hands. and the Subsequent association of a solution screen with a In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, after beginning poker hand seed. 60 with an empty list of poker hand seeds as indicated in block FIG.22 is a flowchart of one embodiment disclosed herein 102, the gaming system randomly generates a new random illustrating a play of the multi-hand spin poker game wherein number generator poker hand seed as indicated in block 104. the gaming device determines, based on any playing cards Each poker hand seed, when applied to one or more selected held by a player, how to provide the predetermined game deterministic random number generating algorithms, is deter outcome to the player. 65 ministic of a different one of the possible poker hands which FIGS. 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29 are top plan views of may be generated or dealt from a deck or set of available one embodiment disclosed herein illustrating different multi playing cards. US 7,857,693 B1 31 32 In one embodiment, the available playing cards from a poker hand are altered or otherwise modified, the list of single fifty-two card deck are utilized. In another embodi possible poker hands available would also be altered or modi ment, the playing cards from a plurality of fifty-two card fied and thus the list of poker hand seeds would require decks are utilized. In another embodiment, the playing cards appropriate alterations or modifications. from a predetermined set of player cards are utilized. In FIG. 5 illustrates a sampling of a full list of poker hand another embodiment, the playing cards from a deck of more seeds. As seen in FIG. 5, each poker hand seed 120 is deter than fifty-two playing cards, such as a deck including one or ministic or otherwise associated with a poker hand 122. For more joker' or wild playing cards, are utilized. example, a first poker hand seed 120a is deterministic or After generating a poker hand seed, the gaming system otherwise associated with a first poker hand 122a of the three determines a poker hand associated with the generated poker 10 of hearts, the jack of clubs, the six of diamonds, the queen of hand seed as indicated in block 106. In this embodiment, the hearts and the nine of spades. A second poker hand seed 120b gaming system applies the generated poker hand seed to one is deterministic of otherwise associated with a second poker or more selected deterministic random number generating hand 122b of the ace of diamonds, the ace of hearts, the three algorithms to determine the poker hand associated with the of clubs, the king of hearts and the queen of hearts. In this generated poker hand seed. In one embodiment, the gaming 15 example, a third poker hand seed 120c is deterministic of or system shuffles a deck of playing cards (using a random otherwise associated with a third poker hand 122c of the number sequencer that is seeded with the selected poker hand queen of clubs, the queen of hearts, the two of diamonds, the seed) and generates, draws or deals a designated number of three of spades and the eight of clubs and a fourth poker hand playing cards from the shuffled deck. In this embodiment, the seed 120d is deterministic of or otherwise associated with a dealt playing cards from the poker hand associated with the fourth poker hand 122d of the jack of clubs, the jack of hearts, generated poker hand seed. For example, when a designated the queen of hearts, the king of hearts and the two of clubs. first poker hand seed of 1,028,113 is applied to one or more Generation of Distribution Table selected deterministic random number generating algo In addition to determining the different poker game out rithms, the designated first poker hand seed yields an associ comes possible for each of the possible poker hands in the set ated first poker hand or combination of playing cards includ 25 or list of possible poker hands, the gaming system determines ing the three of hearts, the jack of clubs, the six of diamonds, and stores for each available payout amount (i.e., from Zero to the queen of hearts and the nine of spades. In another the maximum payout), the different configurations or distri example, when a designated second poker hand seed of butions of poker game outcomes which would result in that 58,449 is applied to one or more selected deterministic ran payout amount. This determination is based on the payout dom number generating algorithms, the designated second 30 amounts associated with each poker game outcome (as des poker hand seed yields an associated second poker hand or ignated by an appropriate paytable) as well as by the number combination of playing cards including the ace of diamonds, of poker hands simultaneously played. the ace of hearts, the three of clubs, the king of hearts and the Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, in one embodiment, the queen of hearts. It should be appreciated that as each poker gaming system begins with an empty distribution table hand seed is deterministic of a specific poker hand, each time 35 wherein the minimum payout amount is Zero and the maxi a specific poker hand seed is applied or used by one or more mum win or payout amount is the product of the top award selected deterministic random number generating algo and the number of poker hands simultaneously played as rithms, the poker hand seed will yield the same playing cards indicated in block 202. In this embodiment, the gaming sys to generate the same poker hand. tem utilizes an applicable paytable. Such as the paytable illus The gaming system next determines if the poker hand 40 trated in FIG. 7. For example, as illustrated in the distribution associated with or determined by the generated poker hand table of FIG. 8, if the top award is two-hundred-fifty and the seed is already included in the list of possible poker hands as nine poker hands are simultaneously played, the maximum indicated in diamond 108. Since the set or list of possible win or payout amount is two-thousand-two-hundred-fifty. poker hands includes only one of each different playing card After setting the minimum payout amount and the maxi combination possible, if the poker hand associated with the 45 mum win or payout amount, the gaming system generates and generated poker hand seed is already included in the list of lists every win or payout amount between the minimum pay possible poker hands, the generated poker hand seed is dis out amount and the maximum payout amount as indicated in carded as indicated in block 110 and the gaming system block 204 of FIG. 6A or 6B. For example, as seen in FIG. 8, proceeds to block 104 as described above. If the poker hand if the minimum payout amount is Zero and the maximum win associated with the generated poker hand seed is not already 50 or payout amount is two-thousand-two-hundred-fifty, the included in the list of possible poker hands, the gaming sys gaming system lists every payout amount between the mini tem adds the generated poker hand seed to the list as indicated mum payout amount and the maximum payout amount. It in block 112. should be appreciated that for illustration purposes, FIG. 8 After adding the generated poker hand seed to the list, the displays a sampling of the different payout amounts listed for gaming system determines if the list includes every possible 55 this generated distribution. poker hand which may be formed utilizing the different pos After listing every possible payout amount, as indicated in sible playing card combinations as indicated in diamond 114. block 204 of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the gaming system determines If the list does not include every possible poker hand, the each different configuration of outcomes used which may be gaming system proceeds to block 104 as described above. If formed based on the poker game outcomes available accord the list includes every possible poker hand, the gaming sys 60 ing to the utilized paytable. In this embodiment, each differ tem marks or flags the list of poker hand seeds as full as ent configuration of outcomes used represents the different indicated in block 116. It should be appreciated that since the poker game outcomes which are utilized over the plurality of different possible poker hands which may be formed is based simultaneously played poker hands played. This determina on the types of available playing cards, number of available tion is based on the number of simultaneously played poker playing cards and the number of playing cards in each poker 65 hands as well as the number of different poker game out hand, if the types of available playing cards, the number of comes available to be provided to the player. For example, for available playing cards or the number of playing cards in each a poker game with ten different outcomes possible (i.e., the US 7,857,693 B1 33 34 ten different poker game outcomes listed in the paytable of table will include the lesser number of distributions found, FIG. 7) there are 2' or one-thousand-twenty-four different wherein the distribution table will include at least one distri possible configurations of outcomes used which the gaming bution, if any are possible. system determines. In one embodiment, as seen in FIG. 6A, If not enough distributions have been found for that win after determining which different configurations of poker amount and selected outcome configuration, the gaming sys game outcomes can be used for each payout amount, the tem proceeds to block 210 as described above. If no new gaming system marks the distribution table as complete as distribution is found or enough distributions have been found indicated in block 208. for that win amount and outcome configuration used, the gaming system advances to the next, if any, win amount, or In the alternative embodiment of FIG. 6B, as described in 10 the next, if any, outcome configuration as indicated in block more detail below, the database of FIG. 8 includes one or 218. After the last win amount and the last determined out more Outcomes Used columns which display a sampling of come configuration have been examined, the marks the dis the different outcome configurations possible for nine simul tribution table as complete as indicated in block 210. In one taneously played poker hands. For example, one configura embodiment, the determined distribution table is communi tion of outcomes requires that only losing game outcomes 15 cated to each of the gaming devices of the gaming system. As (i.e., losing poker hands) are used over the plurality of simul described below, since it is necessary for each gaming device taneously played poker hands played (i.e., each of the plural to determine what distribution of wins or payouts to use once ity of poker hands must be a losing poker hand). Another the player is dealt an initial hand and designated which play configuration of outcomes requires that losing game out ing cards to hold and discard, each gaming device must store comes and poker game outcomes of jacks or better are the the determined distribution table. only outcomes which may be utilized over the plurality of For example, based on the paytable listed in FIG. 7 and as simultaneously played poker hands played (i.e., each of the seen in FIG. 8, for a nine play poker game, if the selected plurality of poker hands must be either a losing poker hand or configuration of outcomes used requires that each outcome a jacks or better poker hand). It should be appreciated that if used is a losing outcome, then the gaming system determines a configuration of outcomes requires that a specific poker 25 that the only possible payout amount which may be formed game outcome be utilized, then at least one of the simulta utilizing the available losing outcomes is a payout amount of neously played poker hands must result in that specific poker Zero (i.e., a losing game outcome). In another example, if game outcome. selected configuration of outcomes used requires that each In this alternate embodiment, after listing every possible outcome must be a losing game outcome or a jacks or better payout amount and determining each of the different possible 30 poker game outcome, then the gaming system determines that configurations of outcomes used, the gaming system deter the possible payout amounts of one (i.e., one jacks or better mines, for each different configuration of outcomes used if it poker hand and eight losing poker hands), two (i.e., two jacks is possible, utilizing an appropriate paytable, to form a dis or better poker hands and seven losing poker hands), three tribution of outcomes which pays one of the listed win or (i.e., three jacks or better poker hands and six losing poker payout amounts. In this embodiment, the gaming system 35 hands), four (i.e., four jacks or better poker hands and five selects, one at a time, each determined outcome configuration losing poker hands), five (i.e., five jacks or better poker hands and determines, for the selected outcome configuration, and four losing poker hands) six (i.e., six jacks or better poker which possible payout amounts may result from different hands and three losing poker hands), seven (i.e., seven jacks distributions of the outcomes used in the selected outcome or better poker hands and two losing poker hands) and eight distribution. In one embodiment, the gaming system attempts 40 (i.e., eight jacks or better poker hands and one losing poker to find a new distribution which uses all of the outcomes used hand) may each beformed utilizing the available losing game for the selected outcome configuration and results in one of outcomes and jacks or better poker game outcomes. the determined win amounts as indicated in block 210 of FIG. As seen in the distribution table of FIG. 8, a plurality of the 6B. If a new distribution is found, the gaming system adds the different win or payout amounts each have a number of dif distribution to the distribution table as indicated in diamond 45 ferent outcome configurations which may be used to result in 212 and block 214. The gaming system then determines if that win amount. For example, nine different outcome con enough distributions have been found for that win amount and figurations may each be utilized to result in a payout or win selected outcome configuration as indicated in diamond 216. amount offive. Moreover, one outcome configuration may be The determination of when enough distributions have been distributed a plurality of different ways and still result in the found is a balance between game play aesthetics and available 50 same payout or win amount. For example, as seen in FIG. 8, storage space. That is, more distributions means more options for the outcome configuration including losing poker hands, to choose from for each situation (i.e., more variety of poker jacks or better poker hands and two pair poker hands, at least hand distributions to display to the player). However, more five different distributions of this outcome configuration may stored distributions equates to a larger distribution table and be utilized and still result in the payout amount of five. It more memory or storage space necessary to hold the larger 55 should be appreciated that as the above described poker game distribution table. Accordingly, for multi-hand spin poker outcomes configuration determination is dependent on the games with less simultaneously played poker hands (e.g., specific paytable used as well as the number of hands simul three played hands or five played hands), a target of around taneously played, if the specific paytable used and/or the five distributions for each win amount and outcome configu number of hands simultaneously played changes, the above ration is considered enough distributions. Formulti-hand spin 60 described sequence must be again determined to account for poker games with a greater number of simultaneously played any changes. poker hands (e.g., ten played hands, fifty played hands or In an alternative embodiment, one or more entries in a first one-hundred played hands), a target of at least one distribu distribution table (configured for a first number of simulta tion for each win amount and outcome configuration is con neously played poker hands) may be used for a second dis sidered enough distributions. In these embodiments, if fewer 65 tribution table (configured for a lower number of simulta than the target number of distributions are found after a num neously played poker hands) if the same specific paytable is ber of attempts (e.g., ten or fifteen attempts), the distribution utilized for each distribution table. In this embodiment, for a US 7,857,693 B1 35 36 first distribution table, the gaming system indexes each entry hearts, and the nine of spades) along a designated one of the or Solution by the associated win amount and the number of paylines to represent the initial poker hand for the selected losing outcomes (i.e., outcomes with a payout of Zero). The poker hand seed. Accordingly, if the multi-hand poker game gaming system compares the first distribution to a second will be implemented on a five-reel column, three playing card distribution table (with less simultaneously played poker positions per reel column gaming device, FIG. 10 illustrates hands than the first distribution table) to determine any entries the initial poker hand generated for the first poker hand seed or solution with losing outcomes in the first distribution table of 1,028,113. As seen in FIG. 10, the playing cards of the which may be carried over or utilized in the second distribu initial poker hand 302a to 302e are generated along a payline tion table. It should be appreciated that entries with losing which runs through the middle playing card position of each outcomes may be carried over because one losing outcome 10 reel column. It should be appreciated that the playing cards of may be associated with one poker hand which is no longer the initial poker hand may be generated along any payline played when the number of simultaneously poker hands is which runs through any combination of playing card posi reduced. For example, if a distribution table configured for tions. ten simultaneously played poker hands includes an entry for In one embodiment, the gaming system determines which a payout of S750 which includes three losing outcomes, then 15 of the playing cards of the initial poker hand to hold based on that same entry for a payout of S750 may be used in distribu a Suitable auto-hold algorithm or strategy as indicated in tion tables configured for seven, eight or nine simultaneously block 256 of FIG.9. In this embodiment, the gaming systems played poker hands. In this example, one losing outcome may auto-hold strategy takes an appropriate paytable into account be associated with the one less poker hand which is played in determining which playing cards to hold and which playing when the number of simultaneously played poker hands is cards to discard for the dealt poker hand. It should be appre reduced from ten to nine, two losing outcomes may be asso ciated that since the auto-hold strategy is based on an appli ciated with the two less poker hands which are played when cable paytable, any alterations or modifications to the appli the number of simultaneously played poker hands is reduced cable paytable may alter the auto-hold algorithms from ten to eight and three losing outcomes may be associated recommendation of which playing cards to hold and which with the three less poker hands which are played when the 25 playing cards to discard for each generated poker hand. It number of simultaneously played poker hands is reduced should be further appreciated that as described above, each from ten to seven. held playing card is also held in one, more or each of a Assigning Payout Amounts with Poker Hand Seeds plurality of simultaneously played secondary poker hands. In addition to determining one or more applicable distri bution tables, in one embodiment, the gaming system deter 30 Applying a Suitable auto-hold algorithm to the example mines and stores a second database or look-up table. The described above, the gaming system determines that under a second database or look-up table includes the previously suitable auto-hold strategy, the jack of clubs 302b and the generated set or list of possible poker hand seeds (which are queen of hearts 302d should be held and the three of hearts each deterministic of an initial hand of playing cards and are 302a, the six of diamonds 302c and the nine of spades 302e further associated with a payout amount) and Zero, one or 35 should be discarded. Accordingly, as seen in FIG. 11, the jack more solutions which are associated with each poker hand of clubs 302b is held in each playing card position for the seed. For each poker hand seed, the different solutions of this second reel column and the queen of hearts 302d is held in database are based on which of the playing cards in the initial each playing card position for the fourth reel column. Accord poker hand are held, the payout amount associated with the ingly, the jack of clubs and the queen of hearts are held as the poker hand seed and which playing cards are necessary to 40 second playing card and the fourth playing card in each of the generate in which playing card positions to form a plurality of plurality of simultaneously played secondary poker hands poker hands that are associated with individual payouts that and the remaining playing cards from the initial poker hand total the payout amount associated with the poker hand seed. are discarded. In one embodiment, to create this database, the gaming In one embodiment, after determining which playing cards system or gaming system developer selects one of the gener 45 to hold from the poker hand associated with the selected ated poker hand seeds as indicated in block 250 of FIG.9. The poker hand seed, as indicated in block 258 of FIG. 9, the gaming system shuffles a deck of playing cards (using a gaming system generates a playing card from the shuffled random number sequencer that is seeded with the selected deck for each discarded playing card and for each vacant poker hand seed) and generates, draws or deals a designated playing card position in each of the secondary poker hands. In number of playing cards of the shuffled deckinto a designated 50 this embodiment, the gaming system generates playing cards, number of playing card positions as indicated in blocks 252 in order, from the shuffled deck to form a plurality of poker and 254. It should be appreciated that given the same poker hands. hand seed, the selected random number sequencer(s) will In the example described above, after discarding the appro always produce these same playing cards in the same order. priate non-held playing cards (i.e., the three of hearts, the six For example, if the gaming system selects the first poker 55 of diamonds and the nine of Spades), the gaming system hand seed of 1,028,113, one or more selected random number generates or deals the next nine playing cards from the sequencer(s) are seeded with the number 1,028,113 to shuffle shuffled deck into the remaining unoccupied playing card a deck of playing cards. Such shuffling results in the order of positions. That is, as seen in FIG. 12, the gaming system the playing cards in the shuffled deck as: the three of hearts, generates playing cards 304a to 304i from the shuffled deck to the jack of clubs, the six of diamonds, the queen of hearts, the 60 the three playing card positions left vacant from the three nine of spades, the two of diamonds, the two of hearts, the non-held discarded playing cards and the six vacant playing three of clubs, the five of spades, the seven of hearts, the eight card positions in the secondary poker hands. In this example, of diamonds, the jack of hearts, the king of hearts, the king of the next nine playing cards from the shuffled deck that are clubs, the four of clubs, the eight of spades and the ten of generated in vacant playing card positions are the two of hearts. In this example, the gaming system deals or generates 65 diamonds, the two of hearts, the three of clubs, the five of the first five playing cards of the shuffled deck (i.e., the three spades, the seven of hearts, the eight of diamonds, the jack of of hearts, the jack of clubs, the six of diamonds, the queen of hearts, the king of hearts, and the king of clubs. US 7,857,693 B1 37 38 After generating Zero, one or more playing cards, the gam gaming system determines which of the playing cards gener ing system analyzes each of the poker hands to determine the ated to hold. Similar to the auto-hold strategy, the gaming payout associated with each poker hand as indicated in block systems intelligent alternative holding strategies takes an 260 of FIG. 9. In the multi-play spin poker game disclosed appropriate paytable into account in determining which play herein, each poker hand is formed based on which playing 5 ing cards to hold and which playing cards to discard for the cards intersect each payline. That is, for a designated payline, generated initial poker hand. the gaming system determines which playing cards intersect In one embodiment, one of the gaming systems intelligent or are otherwise generated on the designated payline and if alternative holding strategies includes holding the playing Such playing cards form a winning poker hand. It should be card(s) which translate to an optimal expected value for the appreciated that since a plurality of paylines may intersector 10 played poker hand. For example, for a five-card poker hand, run through the same generated playing card, that generated there are thirty-two different ways to hold Zero, one or more playing card may be included in a plurality of individual playing cards. Each of these thirty-two different ways to play poker hands. is associated with an average expected value. In this embodi As indicated in block 262, the gaming system determines, ment, the gaming system indexes each of these thirty-two for each different payline wager configuration, a total com 15 different ways to play from the way to play with the highest bined payout for each of the analyzed poker hands. As indi average expected value (i.e., the auto-hold strategy) to the cated in block 264, for each payline wager configuration, the way to play with the lowest average expected value. In one determined total payout is associated with the selected poker embodiment, as the gaming system has previously held play hand seed. That is, since each different payline includes an ing cards which yield the highestaverage expected value (i.e., individual poker hand and a player may wager on any number the playing cards held according to the auto-hold strategy), of paylines, the number of wagered on paylines determines the gaming systems intelligent alternative holding strategy the number of poker hands played which thus determines the includes selecting a different way to play that is associated different total combined payouts to associate with the with the next highest average expected value. selected poker hand seed. For example, for a selected poker In another embodiment, the gaming systems intelligent hand seed, if each of nine poker hands generated along nine 25 alternative holding strategy includes selecting a plurality of paylines is associated with a payout of one, then a wager on different ways to play that are associated with a plurality of each of the paylines results in a total combined payout of nine the next highest average expected values. In another embodi associated with the selected poker hand seed, while a wager ment, the gaming system selects the next highest average on six of the paylines results in a total combined payout of six expected value (or a plurality of the next highest average associated with the selected poker hand seed. It should be 30 expected values) as the gaming systems intelligent alterna appreciated that enabling a player to wager different amounts tive holding strategy if the next highest average expected on different paylines is further factored into the plurality of value (or plurality of the next highest average expected val different payline wager configurations for each selected ues) each exceed a designated threshold average expected poker hand seed. Accordingly, each poker hand seed may be value. associated with a plurality of different payouts depending on 35 In another embodiment, the gaming systems intelligent the number of wagered on paylines and the wager amount on alternative holding strategy includes holding the playing each payline. cards which form a winning hand (i.e., a poker hand that is In the above-described example, the gaming system ana associated with a payout greater than Zero prior to any draw). lyzes the generated formed poker hands to determine if any In another embodiment, the gaming systems intelligent alter are associated with a winning playing card combination. 40 native holding strategy includes holding one or more playing According to an applicable paytable, the gaming system cards based on one or more heuristic patterns. That is, heu determines that these generated poker hands result in a total ristic patterns exist in the form of “poker strategy charts”. combined payout of three credits. That is, as illustrated in which players can buy online or in casino gift shops. Such FIGS. 12 and 13, a payout of one credit 308a is associated heuristic charts outline a simple set of rules which help the with the pair of jacks poker hand (including the two of dia 45 players play intelligently, but not always optimally (due to a monds, the jack of clubs, the eight of diamonds, the queen of simplification of the rules from what a computer can handle to hearts and the jack of hearts) generated along payline #1 what a player can handle, resulting in Some sacrifices in the 306a; a payout of one credit 308b is associated with the pair optimal strategy to reduce complexity). of jacks poker hand (including the two of diamonds, the jack In one embodiment, if no intelligent alternative holding of clubs, the five of spades, the queen of hearts and the jack of 50 strategies exist for the initial poker hand associated with the hearts) generated along payline #2306b; and a payout of one selected poker hand seed, the gaming system retains the credit 308g is associated with the pair of jacks poker hand selected poker hand seed in the set of generated poker hand (including the three of clubs, the jack of clubs, the seven of seeds. hearts, the queen of hearts and the jack of hearts) generated In one embodiment, for each of the intelligent alternative along payline #7306g. Accordingly, if an equal wager were 55 holding strategies for the selected poker hand seed, as indi placed on all nine paylines, the gaming system associates the cated in diamond 282 of FIG. 14, the gaming system attempts payout of three credits with the selected poker hand seed of to find a plurality of playing cards which will form a plurality 1,028,113. It should be appreciated that this process is of poker hands with a total payout equal to the payout previ repeated for each different possible payline wager configura ously associated with that selected poker hand seed. In this tion. 60 embodiment, as one or more playing cards are each included In one embodiment, after determining the payout amount in a plurality of individual poker hands, the gaming system associated with the selected poker hand seed for each differ attempts to find a solution which includes the playing cards ent payline wager configuration, the gaming system deter held according to the alternative holding strategy and Zero, mines which of the playing cards generated as the initial one or more Subsequently generated playing cards in the poker hand to hold based on one or more intelligent alterna 65 appropriate playing card positions to form a plurality of poker tive holding strategies. That is, for each intelligent alternative hands with a total payout equal to the payout previously holding strategy, as indicated in block 280 of FIG. 14, the associated with the selected poker hand seed. US 7,857,693 B1 39 40 In one embodiment, for each vacant playing card position, cards and the remaining playing cards in the deck. The gam the gaming system generates a playing card, in order, from the ing system then utilizes the stored table of different distribu previously shuffled deck of playing cards. For example, if the tions of poker game outcomes which would result in each gaming system must generate playing cards for six vacant payout amount and a previous determination regarding which playing card positions, the gaming system generates the next poker game outcomes are possible based on the held playing six playing cards from the shuffled deck of playing cards. In cards. In this embodiment, the gaming system utilizes the one such embodiment, if the playing cards generated from the stored distribution table which corresponds to the applicable deck (and any held playing cards) do not form a plurality of pay table, the number of simultaneously played poker hands poker hands resulting in a poker game outcome distribution and the amount wagered on each of the simultaneously played with the same payout as the payout previously associated with 10 poker hands. The gaming system utilizes the appropriate dis the selected poker hand seed, the gaming system replaces one tribution table to determine a distribution of outcomes that or more of the generated playing cards. The gaming system provides a total payout equal to the payout associated with the again determines if the playing cards form a plurality of poker selected poker hand seed. That is, the distribution table is hands associated with a total payout that is equal to or Sub Sorted by payout amount and by win categories used within stantially equal to payout previously associated with the 15 each payout amount. Accordingly, given a payout amount and selected poker hand seed. If the formed plurality of poker a set of win categories possible (as determined by the cards hands are still not associated with a total payout that is equal held according to the intelligent alternative holding strategy), to or Substantially equal to the payout previously associated the gaming system first searches the table for the entries with with the selected poker hand seed, the gaming system repeats the matching payout amount and then searches those entries the playing card replacement process described above one or for win categories used that are compatible with the given win more times. categories possible. If a compatible distribution is determined In another embodiment, for each vacant playing card posi (utilizing the stored table of different distributions of poker tion, the gaming system generates any playing card from the game outcomes which would result in each payout amount previously shuffled deck of playing cards regardless of the and the previous determination regarding which poker game order of the shuffled deck. In this embodiment, the gaming 25 outcomes are possible based on the held playing cards), the system utilizes each of the remaining playing cards in the gaming system selects one of the compatible distributions and deck and attempts to determine the appropriate playing cards attempts to utilize the selected distribution to determine to be generated in the appropriate playing card positions to which playing cards to generate in which playing card posi form a plurality of poker hands with a total payout equal or tions to form a plurality of poker hands with outcomes that Substantially equal to the payout amount previously associ 30 match the selected compatible distribution. ated with the selected poker hand seed. In different embodi In one embodiment, as indicated in block 284 of FIG. 14, if ments, determining which playing cards to generate to form the gaming system cannot determine, for any alternative hold the plurality of poker hands may be determined as described ing strategy for the initial poker hand of the selected poker in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/945,642 hand seed, any available playing cards to generate in any which is incorporated herein by reference, in U.S. Pat. No. 35 vacant playing card position to form a plurality of poker 6,729,961 B1 which is incorporated herein by reference or in hands which would result in a poker game outcome distribu any other Suitable manner. tion which is associated with the same payout as the payout In one embodiment, the gaming system utilizes the stored previously associated with the selected poker hand seed, the table of different distributions of poker game outcomes to selected poker hand seed must be removed from the set or list determine any poker game outcome distributions for the pay 40 of available poker hand seeds. For example, if three intelli out amount previously associated with the selected poker gent alternative holding strategies exist for the initial poker hand seed. For each determined poker game outcome distri hand associated with a selected poker hand seed and based on bution with the same payout as the payout previously associ the playing cards held in each of these three intelligent alter ated with the selected poker hand seed the gaming system native holding strategies, the gaming system is unable to individually evaluates the playing cards held under the alter 45 determine which playing cards to generate in which vacant native holding strategy for the initial poker hand of the playing card positions to form a plurality of poker hands selected poker hand seed and determines if, based on these associated with the same total payout as the payout previously held playing cards and the remaining playing cards in the associated with the selected poker hand seed, then the gaming deck, the appropriate playing cards (from the remaining play system must remove the selected poker hand seed. ing cards in the deck) can be generated in the appropriate 50 On the other hand, if the gaming system determines, for at playing card positions to form a plurality of poker hands that least one intelligent alternative holding strategy for the initial corresponds with one of the poker game outcome distribu poker hand of the selected poker hand seed, one or more tions which is associated with the payout amount previously available playing cards to generate to form a plurality of poker associated with the selected poker hand seed. That is, for each hands associated with the same, total payout as the payout alternative holding strategy for the initial poker hand of the 55 previously associated with the selected poker hand seed, the selected poker hand seed, the gaming system attempts to selected poker hand seed is retained in the set or list of determine which of the available playing cards to generate in available poker hand seeds as indicated in block 286. That is, which unoccupied or vacant playing card positions to form a if the gaming system determines, for at least one alternative plurality of poker hands along a plurality of paylines wherein holding strategy for the initial poker hand of the selected the total payout for each of the formed poker hands is equal to 60 poker hand seed, the appropriate playing cards (from the or Substantially equal to the payout associated with the playing cards remaining in the deck) to generate in any unoc selected poker hand seed. cupied or vacant playing card positions, wherein the gener In another embodiment, to determine which playing cards ated playing cards and any held playing cards form a plurality to generate in which playing card positions, the gaming sys of poker hands with a total combined payout equal to the tem evaluates the set of playing cards to hold under the intel 65 payout associated with the selected poker hand seed, then the ligent alternative holding strategy and determines which selected poker hand seed is retained or kept in the set of poker game outcomes are possible based on the held playing possible poker hand seeds. For example, if three alternative US 7,857,693 B1 41 42 holding strategies exist for the initial poker hand associated hands are associated with a total combined payout of three with a selected poker hand seed and based on the playing credits. That is, as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, a payout of cards held in each of these three alternative holding strategies, one credit 314b is associated with the pair of jacks poker hand the gaming system determines for at least one of the alterna generated along payline #2312b; a payout of one credit 3.14d tive holding strategies, which playing cards to generate in 5 is associated with the pair of jacks poker hand generated which vacant playing card positions to form a plurality of along payline #4312d; and a payout of one credit 314g is poker hands associated with the same total payout as the associated with the pair of jacks poker hand generated along payout previously associated with the selected poker hand payline #8 312g. Accordingly, since the alternative holding seed, then the gaming system retains and stores the selected strategy of holding the jack of clubs results in the same payout poker hand seed. It should be appreciated that in one embodi 10 of three credits as was previously associated with the selected ment, in addition to retaining the selected poker hand seed, poker hand seed of 1,028,113, the selected poker hand seed of the Solution of which playing cards must be generated in 1,028,113 is retained or stored and a solution for this alterna which playing card positions to result in an overall payout tive holding strategy is also stored in associated with the equal to the payout associated with the selected poker hand selected poker hand seed. seed is stored in association with the stored poker hand seed. 15 As illustrated in FIG. 18, the second alternative holding In one embodiment, if the selected poker hand seed is strategy for the poker hand seed of 1,028,113 is holding only retained and for at least one intelligent alternative holding the queen of hearts 302d and discarding the three ofhearts, the strategy, the gaming system is unable to generate which play jack of clubs, the six of diamonds and the nine of Spades. ing cards to generate in which playing card positions to result Accordingly, if the queen of hearts is held in each playing card in a plurality of poker hands with a total payout equal to the position on the fourth reel column and is thus held as the payout associated with the selected poker hand seed, the fourth playing card in each of the plurality of simultaneously gaming system must modify at least one of the generated played secondary poker hands, the gaming system attempts to playing cards. In this embodiment, after modifying at least find twelve playing cards (from the plurality of playing cards one of the generated playing cards, the gaming system repeats remaining in the shuffled deck) to generate in the appropriate the process described above to form a plurality of poker hands 25 playing card positions to form a plurality of poker hands with a total payout equal to the payout associated with the which would result in one of the above-listed poker game selected poker hand seed. outcome distributions associated with a payout of S3 previ For example, utilizing the database of poker game outcome ously associated with the selected poker hand seed of 1,028, distributions, the gaming system determines that the payout 113. In this case, as seen in FIG. 19, the gaming system of S3 (associated with the selected poker hand seed of 1,028, 30 generates the next twelve cards 304a to 304l from the deck 113) is associated with the poker game outcome distributions (previously shuffled using the selected poker hand seed) into of: (a) one three-of-a-kind poker hand and eight losing poker the remaining unoccupied playing card positions. These gen hands; (b) three two-pair poker hands and six losing poker erated playing cards along with the queen of hearts held hands; (c) two two-pair poker hands, onejacks or better poker according to the alternative holding strategy form a plurality hand and six losing poker hands; (d) one two-pair poker hand, 35 of poker hands. two jacks or better poker hands and six losing poker hands; or In the above-described example, the gaming system ana (e) three jacks or better poker hands and six losing poker lyzes the nine formed poker hands to determine if any are hands. associated with a winning playing card combination. Accord In this example, the gaming system determines that for the ing to an applicable paytable, the gaming system determines poker hand seed of 1,028,113 (which is deterministic of the 40 that if nine paylines are each equally wagered on these nine initial poker hand displayed in FIG. 10), two alternative hold poker hands are associated with a total combined payout of ing strategies exist. The first alternative holding strategy, as Zero credits. Accordingly, since this alternative holding strat seen in FIG. 15, is holding only the jack of clubs 302b and egy is not associated with the same payout of S3 as was discarding the three of hearts, the six of diamonds, the queen previously associated with the selected poker hand seed of of hearts and the nine of spades. Accordingly, if the jack of 45 1,028,113, one or more playing cards must be modified. In clubs is held in each playing card position on the second reel one embodiment, with reference to the different poker hand column and is thus held as the second playing card in each of distributions that yield a total payout of S3, the gaming system the plurality of simultaneously played secondary poker utilizes an appropriate backfill algorithm to determine which hands, the gaming system attempts to find twelve playing playing cards to modify. For example, as seen in FIG. 20. cards (from the plurality of playing cards remaining in the 50 based on the poker game outcomes which yield a total payout shuffled deck) to generate in the appropriate playing card of S3, the queen of hearts held according to this alternative positions to form a plurality of poker hands which would holding strategy and one or more of the generated playing result in one of the above-listed poker game outcome distri cards, the gaming system utilizes an appropriate backfill algo butions associated with a payout of S3 (i.e., the payout pre rithm to replace the generated eight of diamonds with the king viously associated with the selected poker hand seed of 1,028, 55 of spades 316. 113). In this case, as seen in FIG. 16, the gaming system In this example, the gaming system analyzes the nine generates the next twelve cards 304a to 304l from the deck formed poker hands to determine if any are associated with a (previously shuffled using the selected poker hand seed) into winning playing card combination. According to an appli the remaining unoccupied playing card positions. These gen cable paytable, the gaming system determines that if nine erated playing cards along with the jack of clubs held accord 60 paylines are each equally wagered on these nine poker hands ing to the alternative holding strategy form a plurality of are associated with a total combined payout of S3. That is, as poker hands. illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21, a payout of one credit 320d is In the above-described example, the gaming system ana associated with the pair of kings poker hand generated along lyzes the nine formed poker hands to determine if any are payline #4318d; a payout of one credit 320g is associated associated with a winning playing card combination. Accord 65 with the pair of kings poker hand generated along payline #7 ing to an applicable paytable, the gaming system determines 318g; and a payout of one credit 320h is associated with the that if nine paylines are equally wagered on these nine poker pair of kings poker hand generated along payline #8 318h. US 7,857,693 B1 43 44 Accordingly, since the alternative holding strategy of holding the queen of hearts, when modified, results in the same payout -continued of S3 as was previously associated with the selected poker hand seed of 1,028,113, the solution for this modified alter native holding strategy is stored in association with the selected poker hand seed. After determining at least one solution for each alternative X holding strategy for the selected poker hand seed, the gaming X system attempts to find a suitable solution for every other hold strategy the player may employ. In one embodiment, one or 10 more of the these solution are stored for each alternative hold In addition to generating Jacks or Better playing cards in strategy the player may employ. That is, for every possible each of the designated playing card positions, the algorithm hold strategy the player may play for the selected poker hand directs the gaming system not to generate playing cards that seed, the gaming system attempts to find and store a solution can lead to any other winning combination in the remaining which includes the playing cards held and any Subsequent 15 playing card positions. It should be appreciated that these dealt playing cards, wherein the displayed playing cards in displayed solutions are not all the possible solutions. It should their displayed playing card positions form a plurality of be further appreciated that in the case where all nine paylines poker hands with a total payout equal to the payout previously are played with equal betamounts, each of these solutions can associated with the selected poker hand seed. In one embodi be flipped horizontally and or vertically and still work, due to ment, as described below, if the gaming system determines an the symmetry of the payline arrangements. That is, the sym applicable solution within a set amount of time, the gaming metry with the plurality of paylines enables the poker game system does not store the determined solution in association disclosed herein to be presented as a horizontal or vertical with the hold strategy for the selected poker hand seed. On the mirror image. other hand, if the gaming system does not determine the In one embodiment, each determined solution is stored in applicable solution in the set amount of time, the solution is 25 associated with the selected poker hand seed. In another stored. embodiment, the gaming system stores one or more, but not In the example described above, after determining the solu all of the determined solutions associated with the selected tions for the two alternative holding strategies, the gaming poker hand seed. In one embodiment, the Solution associated system attempts to find a suitable solution for any of the with the auto-hold strategy is not stored because the gaming twenty-nine remaining ways to play the initial poker hand. It 30 system can redetermine this solution within a set amount of should be appreciated that the twenty-nine remaining ways to time during actual game play (i.e., by dealing the playing play the initial poker hand are the thirty-two original ways to cards from the shuffled deck into the unoccupied playing card play the five card poker hand minus the auto-hold strategy positions). In another embodiment, any other determined way to play and the two alternative hold strategies discussed Solutions which the gaming system can redetermine within a 35 set amount of time during actual game play are not stored in above. associated with the selected poker hand seed. That is, if based In one embodiment, the gaming system attempts to find a on the playing cards held and the remaining playing cards in Suitable solution for each remaining way to play by utilizing the deck, the gaming system determines in a set amount of one or more custom algorithms. That is, taking into account time (or in a set number of attempts) which playing cards to the fact that at least one playing card generated in at least one 40 generate in which playing card positions such that the total playing card position is included in a plurality of individual payout of the formed poker hands equals (or is substantially poker hands, the gaming system utilizes one or more algo equal to) the payout associated with the selected poker hand rithms to attempt to find the appropriate playing cards to seed, the gaming system can reproduce this determination generate in the appropriate playing card positions to form a during actual game play and the gaming system does not need plurality of poker hands (along a plurality of wagered on 45 to store the Solution of which playing cards to generate in paylines) which result in a total payout equal to the selected which playing card positions. predetermined game outcome value. It should be appreciated In one embodiment, not storing one or more solutions with that it is most advantageous to utilize such algorithms for the each poker hand seed enables the table of solutions to be Small payouts scenarios that will be provided to players most significantly compressed. Such compression enables the pro frequently, such as a payout of S3. For example, the algorithm 50 cessor to search through the compressed tables quicker which may specify to generate a plurality of Jacks, a plurality of requires less processing power and provides for a quicker Queens, a plurality of Kings or a plurality of Aces (i.e., Jacks game play. In another embodiment, when storing Solutions, or Better playing cards) in the following playing card posi the gaming system does not specify Suits (or enables one Suit tions: to be replaced with another suit). In this embodiment, by not 55 storing information regarding which Suits are associated with which playing cards for a given solution, the gaming system allows for up to 24:1 compression of the database or look-up table of different solutions for different poker hand seeds. After determining the payout associated with the selected 60 poker hand seed, the gaming system determines if each of the poker hand seeds in the generated set are associated with a payout and Zero, one or more solutions. If not all of the poker hands seeds are each associated with a payout, the gaming system selects another poker hand seed, shuffles a deck based 65 on the selected poker hand seed and proceeds as described above. If each of the poker hand seeds in the generated set are associated with a payout amount, the second database or US 7,857,693 B1 45 46 look-up table is complete with a plurality of different poker ministic of a predetermined game outcome value) from a set hand seeds and Zero, one or more solution which are associ or pool of predetermined game outcome values (or game ated with each poker hand seed. outcome seeds) and flags or marks the selected predetermined In one alternative embodiment, to generate the second game outcome value (or game outcome seed) as used. Once a database or look-up table of Solutions, the gaming system: predetermined game outcome value (or game outcome seed) A) Runs simulated plays of the game collecting pay is flagged as used, it is prevented from further selection from amounts for corresponding hand-sets; the set orpool and cannot be selected by the central controller B) Repeats the following steps for some number of itera upon another wager. The selected predetermined game out tions: come value (or game outcome seed) is communicated to the a. Starting with a different random seed for each itera 10 individual gaming device to be utilized in the poker game. In tion, shuffles the deck, takes the first 5 cards, applies another embodiment, the gaming device selects one of the auto-hold, and fills the screen with the remaining predetermined game outcome values (or game outcome cards, seeds) stored in a memory device of the gaming device. In b. Evaluates the screen and determines which hands are another embodiment, the gaming device generates a prede hit, and what the pay amount (P) is, 15 termined game outcome value and sends the generated pre c. Generates a list of the most intelligent hold strategies determined game outcome value to a central controller for for the first five cards, verification. If the central controller does not verify that the d. Attempts to achieve the pay Pfor the given initial draw generated predetermined game outcome value may be used, and each of the intelligent hold strategies using a the gaming device generates another predetermined game poker hand building algorithm, and outcome value for verification. e. If the poker hand building algorithm produces a solu In one embodiment, the central controller maintains at least tion screen for every intelligent hold strategy, adds the one predetermined set or pool of predetermined game out seed and Solution screens to the table; come values or game outcome seeds for each type of game C) Attempts to find solution screens for every hold strat provided on the gaming terminals. In an alternative embodi egy, 25 ment, the central controller maintains a plurality of predeter D) Stores any found solution screen from C) into a table; mined sets or pools of predetermined game outcome values E) Saves a compressed version of the table which only for each type of provided game. In another embodiment, the contains solution screens which required more than M central controller maintains a predetermined set or pool of iterations to find; and predetermined game outcome values for each denomination F) Removes the solution screens corresponding to the auto 30 of each type of game provided on the gaming terminals. In hold. another embodiment, the central controller maintains at least Game Play one predetermined set or pool of predetermined game out After determining the payout amount to associate with come seeds. Each game outcome seed is deterministic of a each poker hand seed, the gaming system is adapted for game predetermined game outcome value. Other methods for Stor play of a multi-play spin poker game. In one embodiment, a 35 ing the pool or set of predetermined game outcome values player selects a number of paylines to wager on (i.e., simul may be employed. taneous poker hands to play) from one payline (or poker In one embodiment, each set or pool of predetermined hand) to a designated number of paylines (or poker hands) game outcome values may include a plurality of each type of and an amount to wager on each payline (i.e., each simulta predetermined game outcome values. For example, a pool of neously played poker hand). In this embodiment, upon a 40 one thousand game outcome values may include hundreds or player making Such a wager, a predetermined game outcome thousands of a lower range payout (i.e., a win S1 game out or predetermined game outcome value is selected. The come) and one or few of the highest payout (i.e., a win $2250 selected predetermined game outcome represents the out game outcome). In one embodiment, a plurality of the game come which will ultimately be provided to the player. It outcome value in the predetermined set or pool are different. should be appreciated that the selected predetermined game 45 In another embodiment, all of the predetermined game out outcome value must be provided to the player over the come values in the set or pool are different. selected number of simultaneously played poker hands while In one embodiment, after a predetermined game outcome taking into account the amount wagered on each of the pay value is selected, the gaming device selects one of the poker lines or simultaneously played poker hands. hand seeds associated with a payout amount equal to the Each predetermined game outcome includes an outcome 50 predetermined game outcome value. In this embodiment, the component, Such as a win, a loss, a secondary game triggering gaming device accesses the table or database of which poker or other Suitable outcome, with an associated payout amount. hand seeds are associated with which payouts to select one of In one embodiment, the gaming system associates each pre the poker hand seeds which is associated with a payout determined game outcome value with a poker hand seed. In amount equal to the selected predetermined game outcome this embodiment, the gaming system selects a poker hand 55 value. It should be appreciated that ifa plurality of poker hand seed with a payout amount which corresponds with the pay seeds each yield payout amounts equal to the selected prede out amount of the predetermined game outcome value. termined game outcome value, the gaming device randomly In one embodiment, the predetermined game outcome is or otherwise selects one of the poker hand seeds. selected by the central server or controller 12 and provided to In another embodiment, a predetermined game outcome the player at the gaming device 14. In this embodiment, each 60 value is determined for each of a plurality of linked or net of a plurality of Such gaming devices are in communication worked gaming devices based on the results of a Bingo or with the central server or controller. Upon a player initiating Keno game. In this embodiment, each individual gaming game play at one of the gaming devices, the initiated gaming device utilizes one or more Bingo or Keno games to deter device communicates a game outcome request to the central mine the predetermined game outcome value provided to the server or controller. Upon receiving the game outcome 65 player for the interactive game played at that gaming device. request, the central controller independently selects a prede In one embodiment, the Bingo or Keno game is displayed to termined game outcome value (or game outcome seed deter the player. In another embodiment, the Bingo or Keno game US 7,857,693 B1 47 48 is not displayed to the player, but the results of the Bingo or part of the predetermined game outcome. For example, if the Keno game determine the predetermined game outcome four corners of a bingo card are marked within the first twenty value for the interactive game. selected elements, a supplemental award of S10 is provided to In these embodiments, as each gaming device is enrolled in the player as part of the predetermined game outcome. It a Bingo (or Keno) game. Such as upon an appropriate wager 5 should be appreciated that in this embodiment, the player of a or engaging an input device, the enrolled gaming device is gaming device may be provided a Supplemental or intermit provided a different Bingo card. Each Bingo card consists of tent award regardless of if the enrolled gaming device's pro a matrix or array of elements, wherein each element is des vided bingo card wins or does not win the bingo game as ignated with a separate indicia, Such as a number. It should be described above. appreciated that each different Bingo card includes a different 10 In another embodiment, the wagered on gaming device combination of elements. For example, if four Bingo cards enrolls in a bingo game. In this embodiment, a bingo server are provided to four enrolled gaming devices, the same ele calls the bingo balls that result in a specific outcome and a ment may be present on all four of the Bingo cards while specific pay amount for the gaming machine. The gaming another element may solely be present on one of the Bingo device contains a list of seeds and win amounts, very similar cards. 15 to the pool of predetermined game outcomes described In operation of these embodiments, upon providing or above. Given the Bingo game's pay amount, the gaming associating a different bingo card to each of a plurality of device finds a seed which is associated with the pay amount. enrolled gaming devices, the central controller randomly It should be appreciated that any Suitable manner of selecting selects or draws, one at a time, a plurality of the elements. As or generating a predetermined game outcome may be imple each element is selected, a determination is made for each mented with the gaming system disclosed herein. gaming device as to whether the selected element is present Referring to FIG. 22, in one embodiment, after selecting, on the bingo card provided to that enrolled gaming device. determining or receiving the predetermined game outcome This determination can be made by the central controller, the (and either determining an associated poker game seed or gaming device, a combination of the two, or in any other selectingapoker game seed which is associated with the same suitable manner. If the selected element is present on the 25 payout as the predetermined game outcome value), the gam bingo card provided to that enrolled gaming device, that ing device determines and displays a plurality of playing selected element on the provided bingo card is marked or cards as indicated in block 402. The displayed playing cards flagged. This process of selecting elements and marking any are based on the poker game seed for the predetermined game selected elements on the provided bingo cards continues until outcome value. In this embodiment, the gaming device one or more predetermined patterns are marked on one or 30 applies the selected poker game seed through one or more more of the provided bingo cards. It should be appreciated selected deterministic random number generating algorithms that in one embodiment, the gaming device requires the to determine and display the plurality of playing cards deter player to engage a “daub' button (not shown) to initiate the mined by or otherwise associated with the selected poker process of the gaming device marking or flagging any game seed. As described above, the selected poker hand seed selected elements. 35 is deterministic of a plurality of playing cards. After one or more predetermined patterns are marked on For example, if the selected predetermined game outcome one or more of the provided bingo cards, a game outcome is is associated with a payout of S3 and the poker hand seed of determined for each of the enrolled gaming devices based, at 1,028,113 (which is associated with a payout of S3) is least in part, on the selected elements on the provided bingo selected, the gaming device utilizes the selected poker hand cards. As described above, the game outcome determined for 40 seed of 1,028,113 to shuffle a deck of playing cards. After each gaming device enrolled in the bingo game is utilized by shuffling the deck of playing cards according to the selected that gaming device to determine the predetermined game poker hand seed, the gaming device draws, generates or deals outcome provided to the player. For example, a first gaming a designated number of playing cards of the shuffled deck device to have selected elements marked in a predetermined along a designated payline. In this example, as illustrated in pattern is provided a first outcome of win S10 which will be 45 FIG. 23, the first five playing cards of the shuffled deck (i.e., provided to a first player regardless of how the first player the three of hearts 302a, the jack of clubs 302b, the six of plays in a first game and a second gaming device to have diamonds 302c, the queen of hearts 302d, and the nine of selected elements marked in a different predetermined pat spades 302e) are generated or displayed to the player along tern is provided a second outcome of win S2 which will be payline #5 502e as the initial poker hand for the selected provided to a second player regardless of how the second 50 poker hand seed. It should be appreciated that the initial poker player plays a second game. It should be appreciated that as hand may be generated along any of the paylines. It should be the process of marking selected elements continues until one further appreciated that the selected predetermined game out or more predetermined patterns are marked, this embodiment come 504 is displayed for illustration purposes and is not insures that at least one bingo card will win the bingo game displayed to the player. and thus at least one enrolled gaming device will provide a 55 In one embodiment, the plurality of provided playing cards predetermined winning game outcome to a player. It should form an initial primary poker hand. In addition to the initial be appreciated that other suitable methods for selecting or primary poker hand, the gaming device simultaneously dis determining one or more predetermined game outcome val plays at least one and preferably a plurality of poker hands ues may be employed. along Zero, one or more of the paylines. In one embodiment, In one example of the above-described embodiment, the 60 the simultaneously displayed poker hands each include the predetermined game outcome value may be based on a same playing cards as the initial primary poker hand. In Supplemental award in addition to any award provided for another embodiment, the simultaneously displayed poker winning the bingo game as described above. In this embodi hands do not initially include any playing cards. In this ment, if one or more elements are marked in Supplemental embodiment, the gaming device enables the player to simul patterns within a designated number of drawn elements, a 65 taneously play a plurality of poker hands wherein the held Supplemental or intermittent award or value associated with cards from the primary poker hand are held or carried over the marked Supplemental pattern is provided to the player as into each of the other simultaneously played poker hands as US 7,857,693 B1 49 50 described below. For example, in the nine-hand poker game to hold, the playing cards the player designated to discard, a (i.e., the player wagered on nine paylines to play nine poker randomly selected Subset of playing cards held cards or any hands) illustrated in FIG. 23, the gaming device enables the other suitable set of cards. player to simultaneously play nine poker hands wherein the After the player is provided an initial poker hand along a held cards from the primary poker hand are held, carried over 5 designated payline, the gaming device enables the player, or replicated into each of the eight other simultaneously using one or more input devices, to select one or more of the played poker hands. It should be appreciated that even though initially dealt playing cards in the primary poker hand to hold Zero, one or more cards may be carried over from one or more or to discard as indicted in block 404 of FIG.22. As described simultaneously played poker hands, each simultaneously above, the held playing cards in the primary hand are also held played poker hand is evaluated independent of the remaining 10 in one, more or each of the other simultaneously displayed simultaneously played poker hands. hands of playing cards. It should be appreciated that even In one embodiment, the simultaneously displayed second though Zero, one or more cards may be carried over from one ary poker hands each include the same playing cards as or or more simultaneously played poker hands, each simulta equivalent playing cards to the initial primary poker hand. For neously played poker hand is played apparently independent example, if the initial primary poker hand includes the five of 15 of the remaining simultaneously played poker hands. Appro hearts playing card and five of clubs playing cards, a first priate messages such as “PLEASE SELECT CARDS TO secondary poker hand may include the five of diamonds play HOLD may be provided to the player visually, or through ing card and the five of hearts playing card. In this example, Suitable audio or audiovisual displays. another secondary poker hand may includes the seven of As seen in FIGS. 23 and 24, if the player selects to hold the spades playing card and the seven of clubs playing card. It jack of clubs 302b and the queen of hearts 302d, the jack of should be appreciated that in this embodiment, as long as the clubs is replicated in each playing card position of the second same poker game outcomes are possible on the draw for each reel column, the queen of hearts is replicated in each playing secondary poker hand, the actual playing cards displayed in card position of the fourth reel column and thus these two held each of the secondary poker hands does not matter. In another cards are replicated, carried over or otherwise displayed in embodiment, the simultaneously displayed poker hands do 25 each of the other simultaneously displayed poker hands. not initially include any playing cards. Alternatively, as seen in FIGS. 23 and 25, if the player selects to hold the jack of clubs 302b, the jack of clubs is replicated In one embodiment, the playing cards are dealt from a in each playing card position of the second reel column, and single fifty-two card deck. In another embodiment, the play the jack of clubs is replicated, carried over or otherwise dis ing cards are dealt from a plurality of fifty-two card decks. In 30 played in each of the other simultaneously displayed poker another embodiment, the playing cards are selected from a hands. Alternatively, as seen in FIGS. 23 and 26, if the player predetermined set of cards. In another embodiment, the play selects to the queen of hearts 302d, the queen of hearts is ing cards are selected from a deck of more than fifty-two replicated in each playing card position of the fourth reel playing cards, such as a deck including one or more joker” or column and thus the queen of hearts is replicated, carried over wild playing cards. In this embodiment, a joker or wild play or otherwise displayed in each of the other simultaneously ing card may substitute for any other playing card or a limited displayed poker hands. number of playing cards. In addition to enabling the player to designate which play In one embodiment, the number of playing cards in each ing cards to hold and which playing cards to discard, in one initial poker hand and each second or final poker hand (i.e., embodiment, the gaming device utilizes the stored table of the poker hands after the draw) is the same. In another 40 different distributions of poker game outcomes which would embodiment, the number of playing cards in each of the initial result in each payout amount (FIG. 8) to determine which poker hands and in each of the second poker hands are dif distributions of poker game outcomes would result in a total ferent. In one embodiment, the second or final poker hands payout equal to or Substantially equal to the selected prede have fewer cards than the initial poker hands. In another termined game outcome value. In this embodiment, the gam embodiment, the second or final poker hands have more cards 45 ing devices utilizes the stored distribution table which corre than the initial poker hands. For example, each initial poker sponds to the applicable pay table, the number of hand may include four playing cards and each of the second simultaneously played poker hands and the amount wagered poker hands may include five playing cards. In this embodi on each of the simultaneously played poker hands. For ment, the player is enabled to hold or discard Zero to four of example, for the selected predetermined game outcome value the initially dealt playing cards and the gaming device 50 of S3 the gaming device utilizes the stored table of poker replaces/draws the number of cards that the player requested game outcome distributions to determine that a first entry for plus one additional card. This additional card provides that a payout of S3 requires one three-of-a-kind poker hand and the player's second poker hand is provided an outcome based eight losing poker hands; a second entry for a payout of S3 on the player's five-card second poker hand. requires three two-pair poker hands and six losing poker In another embodiment, the set of playing cards to draw 55 hands; a third entry for a payout of S3 requires two two-pair from is the initial set of playing cards with the previously poker hands, one jacks or better poker hand and six losing dealt playing cards removed. For example, if the poker game poker hands; a fourth entry for a payout of S3 requires on is played with a fifty-two card deck, then the set of playing two-pair poker hand, two jacks or better poker hands and a six cards to draw from is the forty-seven cards remaining after the losing poker hands; and a fifth entry for a payout of S3 five initial playing cards are provided to the player. In another 60 requires three jacks or better poker hands and six losing poker embodiment, the set of playing cards to draw from is the hands. entire initial set of playing cards from which the initial poker In one embodiment, after the player designates which play hand was selected from (i.e., a full fifty-two card deck). In ing cards to hold and which playing cards to discard, the another embodiment, the set of playing cards is a randomly gaming device determines if the player followed the auto chosen Subset of playing cards. In another embodiment, the 65 hold strategy for the initial poker hand as indicated in dia set of cards to draw from may be merged with other sets of mond 406. If the player followed the auto-hold strategy for playing cards, such as the playing cards the player designated the initial poker hand as indicated in block 408, the gaming US 7,857,693 B1 51 52 device proceeds in dealing, generating or drawing a playing attempt. That is, many attempts to determine which playing card from the shuffled deck for each discarded playing card cards to generate in which playing card positions will be made and for each vacant playing card position in each of the as the gaming device explores as many different playing card secondary poker hands to form a plurality of final poker layouts as possible. It should be appreciated that it is unlikely hands. The gaming device analyzes each of the final poker that the gaming device running a deterministic algorithm will hands generated along each wagered on payline to determine Successfully determine which playing cards to generate in the payout associated with that poker hand. The gaming which playing card positions (to result in a plurality of poker device determines a total combined payout of each of the hands with a total payout equal to the selected predetermined analyzed poker hands. As indicated in block 410, the gaming game outcome value) on a nine-payline poker game with device provides the determined total payout to the player. It 10 winning poker hands on a majority of the paylines because should be appreciated that since the payout of the selected after the gaming device generates playing cards for only three poker hand seed (which is equal to the payout associated with paylines (i.e., only three individual poker hands), the majority the selected predetermined game outcome value) was previ of the playing cards in a majority of the playing card positions ously determined based on following an auto-hold strategy, if (and thus the remaining paylines and remaining poker hands) the player follows the auto-hold strategy during game play, 15 are already determined. the payouts associated with each of the provided final poker In one embodiment, if the gaming device determines, in the hands for the wagered on paylines will add up to the selected set or limited amount of time (or in the set number of predetermined game outcome value. attempts) the appropriate playing cards to generate in the For example, as seen in FIGS. 24 and 27, if the player appropriate playing card positions to result in a plurality of followed the auto-hold strategy and held the jack of clubs poker hands with a total payout equal to the selected prede 302b and the queen of hearts 302d (and discarded the three of termined game outcome value, as indicated in blocks 414 and hearts 302a, the six of diamonds 302c and the nine of spades 410 of FIG. 22, the gaming device displays such determined 302e), the gaming device deals the next nine cards from the playing cards and provides the player the selected predeter shuffled deck into the remaining unoccupied playing card mined game outcome value. positions. That is, the gaming system deals playing cards 25 In one embodiment, for each vacant playing card position, 304a to 304i, in order from the shuffled deck, to the three the gaming device generates a playing card from the previ playing card positions left vacant from the three non-held ously shuffled deck of playing cards, wherein each generated discarded playing cards of the initial poker hand and the six playing card is generated in order. For example, if the gaming unoccupied playing card positions from the secondary poker device must generate playing cards for twelve vacant playing hands to form a plurality of final poker hands. Since in this 30 card positions, the gaming device generates the next twelve example the player wagered equally on all nine paylines, playing cards from the shuffled deck of playing cards. In this gaming device analyzes each of the final poker hands to embodiment, the gaming device determines if the generated determine a payout associated with each poker hand. As playing cards form a plurality of poker hands associated with described above, FIG. 13 illustrates each individual final a total payout equal to the selected predetermined game out poker hand and the individual payouts associated with these 35 come value. If the generated playing cards form a plurality of final poker hands. The total combined payout or sum of each poker hands associated with a total payout equal to the of the analyzed poker hands which is equal to the selected selected predetermined game outcome value, the gaming predetermined game outcome value, in this case S3, is pro device generates the determined playing cards in the deter vided to the player. Appropriate messages such as "YOUR mined playing card positions and provides the player the TOTAL AWARD IS 3’ may be provided to the player visu 40 selected predetermined game outcome value. ally, or through Suitable audio or audiovisual displays. For example, as seen in FIGS. 25 and 28, if the player held In one embodiment, if the player did not follow the auto the jack of clubs 302b (and discarded the three of hearts 302a, hold strategy for the initial poker hand, as indicated in dia the six of diamonds 302c, the queen of hearts 302d and the mond 412, the gaming device evaluates the set of playing nine of Spades 302e), the gaming device determines that cards selected by the player to hold and determines if, based 45 based on the held jack of clubs, the appropriate playing cards on the held playing cards and the remaining playing cards in can be generated in the appropriate playing card positions to the deck, the appropriate playing cards can be dealt, gener result in a plurality of poker hands (along each wagered on ated or drawn in the appropriate playing card positions to payline) with a total payout equal to the selected predeter result in a plurality of poker hands (generated along the mined game outcome value of S3. In this case, the gaming wagered on paylines) with a total payout equal to the selected 50 device determines that generating playing cards 304a to 304l predetermined game outcome value. In one embodiment, the in the appropriate playing card positions results in a plurality gaming device attempts to determine, for a set or limited of poker hands with a total payout of S3 (which is equal to the amount of time, the appropriate playing cards to generate in selected predetermined game outcome value). As described the appropriate playing card positions to result in a plurality above, FIG.17 illustrates each individual final poker hand and of poker hands with a total payout equal to the selected 55 the individual payouts associated with these final poker predetermined game outcome value. In another embodiment, hands. Accordingly, the gaming device displays the deter the gaming device attempts to determine, in a set or limited mined playing cards 304a to 304land provides the player the number of attempts, the appropriate playing cards to be gen selected predetermined game outcome value. Appropriate erated in the appropriate playing card positions to result in a messages such as “YOUR TOTAL AWARD IS 3’ may be plurality of poker hands with a total payout equal to the 60 provided to the player visually, or through suitable audio or selected predetermined game outcome value. audiovisual displays. In this embodiment, random permutations of payline and In one embodiment, for each vacant playing card position, reel ordering are necessary because it is not expected that the the gaming system generates any playing card from the pre gaming device will determine a solution of which playing viously shuffled deck of playing cards regardless of the order cards to generate in which playing card positions (to result in 65 of the shuffled deck. In this embodiment, the gaming system a plurality of poker hands with a total payout equal to the utilizes each of the remaining playing cards in the deck and selected predetermined game outcome value) on the first attempts to find the appropriate playing cards to generate in US 7,857,693 B1 53 54 the appropriate playing card positions to form a plurality of poker hands with a total payout equal to the selected prede poker hands with a total payout equal to the selected prede termined game outcome value in the set amount of time (or in termined game outcome value. the set number of attempts), as indicated in diamond 416, the In another embodiment, the gaming device utilizes the gaming device attempts to find or determine a stored solution stored table of different distributions of poker game outcomes for the selected poker game outcome seed that is compatible which would result in each payout amount (as seen in FIG. 8) with the playing cards the player designated to hold and the to determine which distributions of poker game outcomes playing cards the player designated to discard. In this embodi would result in a total payout equal to or Substantially equal to ment, the gaming device accesses the previously stored set of the payout associated with the selected predetermined game Solutions associated with the selected poker hand seed and outcome. In this embodiment, the gaming device utilizes the 10 tries to find a solution which includes the same playing cards stored distribution table which corresponds to the applicable previously held by the player. That is, if the player designated pay table, the number of simultaneously played poker hands to hold two of the five playing cards in the initial poker hand, and the amount wagered on each of the simultaneously played the gaming device determines if a stored solution (previously poker hands. For example, for the payout of S3 associated associated with the selected poker game) exists which with the selected predetermined game outcome, the gaming 15 includes the two playing cards the player designated to hold device utilizes the stored table of poker game outcome distri and results in a distribution of poker game outcomes which butions to determine that a first entry for a payout of S3 matches at least one of the poker game outcome distributions requires one three-of-a-kind poker hand and eight losing associated with selected predetermined game outcome. If the poker hands; a second entry for a payout of S3 requires three gaming device determines a stored solution associated with two-pair poker hands and six losing poker hands; a third entry the selected poker hand seed which includes the playing cards for a payout of S3 requires two two-pair poker hands, one held by the player, based on the determined solution, as jacks or better poker hand and six losing poker hands; a fourth indicated in blocks 418 and 410, the gaming device displays entry for a payout of S3 requires one two-pair poker hand, two the appropriate playing cards in the appropriate playing card jacks or better poker hands and six losing poker hands; and a positions and provides the player the selected predetermined fifth entry for a payout of S3 requires three jacks or better 25 game outcome value. That is, the gaming system disclosed poker hands and six losing poker hands. herein also provides that an algorithm searches for a solution In this embodiment, to determine which playing cards to using a deterministic random number generator, but only generate in which playing card positions, the gaming device searches for a set length of time. If the algorithm fails to find evaluates the set of playing cards the player designated to hold a solution in the set length of time, the gaming system utilizes and determines which poker game outcomes are possible 30 a table of Solutions to look up an applicable solution. based on the held playing cards and the remaining playing For example, as seen in FIGS. 26 and 29, if the player held cards in the deck. The gaming device accesses the stored table the queen of hearts 302d and discarded the remaining playing of different distributions of poker game outcomes which cards, the gaming device determines that, after a suitable result in each payout amount and the previous determination amount of time trying, a plurality of poker hands (which each regarding which poker game outcomes are possible based on 35 include the held queen of hearts) cannot beformed with a total the held playing cards. In this embodiment, the gaming device payout equal to the selected predetermined game outcome determines a distribution of outcomes that provides a total value of S3. Accordingly, in this example, the gaming device payout equal to selected predetermined game outcome value. finds the stored solution which includes the held queen of That is, the distribution table is sorted by payout amount and clubs and is associated with a payout of S3. As seen in FIGS. by win categories used within each payout amount. Accord 40 21 and 29, based on the found solution, the gaming device ingly, given a payout amount and a set of win categories generates a plurality of playing cards in a plurality of playing possible (as determined by the player's held playing cards), card positions to form a plurality of poker hands with a total the gaming device first searches the table for the entries with payout equal to the selected predetermined game outcome the matching payout amount and then searches those entries value of S3. The gaming device thus provides the player the for win categories used that are compatible with the given win 45 selected predetermined game outcome value of S3. Appropri categories possible. If a compatible distribution is determined ate messages such as “YOURTOTALAWARD IS 3’ may be (utilizing the stored table of different distributions of poker provided to the player visually, or through suitable audio or game outcomes which would result in each payout amount audiovisual displays. and the previous determination regarding which poker game In one embodiment, if the gaming device is unable to outcomes are possible based on the held playing cards), the 50 determine the appropriate playing cards to place in the appro gaming device selects one of the compatible distributions and priate playing card positions to yield a plurality of poker attempts to utilize the selected distribution to determine hands with a total payout equal to the selected predetermined which playing cards need to be generated in which playing game outcome value, the gaming device modifies at least one card positions to generate a plurality of poker hands with a aspect of the poker game. In one embodiment, as indicated in total payout equal to the selected predetermined game out 55 block 420 of FIG.22, the gaming device replaces one or more come value. If the gaming device determines the appropriate of the player's held playing cards with different playing playing cards for the selected compatible distribution, the cards. In different embodiments, the replaced playing cards gaming device generates these determined playing cards in are predetermined, randomly determined, determined based the determined playing card positions and provides the player on the players wager, determined based on the player's status the selected predetermined game outcome value. If the gam 60 (e.g., determined through a player tracking system), deter ing device does not determine the appropriate playing cards mined from the occurrence of one or more symbols or deter for the selected compatible distribution, the gaming device mined based on any other suitable method. In another selects another compatible distribution, if any, and repeats embodiment, the gaming device overrides the player's desig this process. nation regarding which playing cards to hold and which play In one embodiment, if the gaming device is unable to 65 ing cards to discard and forces the player to follow an alter determine the appropriate playing cards to generate in the native holding strategy. In these embodiments, after appropriate playing card positions to result in a plurality of modifying one or more aspects of the played poker game, the US 7,857,693 B1 55 56 gaming device returns to diamond 412 and determines if, Solution associated with the selected poker hand seed. In based on the modified held playing cards and the remaining other words, the gaming system disclosed herein utilizes an playing cards in the deck, the appropriate playing cards can be algorithm and/or a look-up table of Solutions to determine dealt, generated or drawn in the appropriate playing card which playing cards to generate in which playing card posi positions to result in a plurality of poker hands (generated tions to provide a player a predetermined game outcome along the wagered on paylines) with a total payout equal to value. the selected predetermined game outcome value. It should be Accordingly, in one embodiment, the gaming device dis appreciated that even if the gaming device must modify one or closed herein executes a game play of the spin poker game by: more aspects of the played poker game, when the appropriate A) Loading the compressed table and hand-set lists; playing cards are ultimately displayed in the appropriate 10 B) Receiving a seed; playing card positions, the gaming device provides the player C) Shuffling the deck according to received seed; the selected predetermined game outcome value. D) If the player plays according to the auto-hold strategy, In one embodiment, if the gaming device is unable to using the shuffled deck to determine which cards are determine the appropriate playing cards to generate in the placed on the Screen; and appropriate playing card positions to result in a plurality of 15 E) If the player does not play according to the auto-hold poker hands (generated along the wagered on paylines) with Strategy, a total payout equal to the selected predetermined game out a. Retrieving the list of hand-sets corresponding to the come value and the gaming device is further unable to find a received seed, stored solution for the selected poker game outcome seed that b. Applying aalgorithm with the retrieved list, wherein it is compatible with the playing cards the player designated to is required to find a solution within a small number of hold and the playing cards the player designated to discard, failed attempts or else move on to the next hand-set in the gaming device overrides the player's designation regard the list, ing which playing cards to hold and which playing cards to c. If a solution was not found for any hand-set in the list discard and forces the player to follow the auto-hold strategy. by the algorithm, retrieving the element of the com In this embodiment, the gaming device proceeds as described 25 pressed table corresponding to received seed, and above (i.e., returns to block 408 of FIG. 22) regarding the d. If the element of the table contains no solution screen player following the auto-hold strategy. for the hold strategy used by the player, forcing the In another embodiment, if the gaming device is unable to player to take a different hold strategy for which a determine the appropriate playing cards to generate in the Solution exists. appropriate playing card positions to result in a plurality of 30 In another embodiment, the gaming system disclosed poker hands (generated along the wagered on paylines) with herein: a total payout equal to the selected predetermined game out A. Determines, through simulation, the combinations of come value and the gaming device is further unable to find a paying hands on N lines that are possible for each pay P; stored solution for the selected poker game outcome seed that B. Builds a list of “hand-sets whose pays sum up to Pand is compatible with the playing cards the player designated to 35 are known to be possible from step (A): hold and the playing cards the player designated to discard, C. Given a pay P. retrieves the corresponding list of “hand the gaming device overrides the player's designation regard sets' L. p. ing which playing cards to hold and which playing cards to D. For each element V in L. p. discard and forces the player to follow one of the alternative 1. Sorts the hands in V by restrictiveness (i.e., a royal hold strategies for the selected poker hand seed. In this 40 flush is more restricted than a flush, which is more embodiment, the gaming device proceeds as described above restrictive than one-pair), regarding the player following the alternative hold strategy. . Makes a backup copy of the screen, It should be appreciated that since one or more playing . Initializes the random seed to a number based on a cards generated in one or more playing card positions are hash of the hand set V, the initial deal D, and the hold included in a plurality of poker hands, the appropriate place 45 Strategy h, ment of each playing card in the appropriate playing card 4. For each hand V i in V: position is necessary to insure that a plurality of poker hands i. Permutes the order in which the lines are looked at, are formed with a total payout equal to the payout of the ii. Permutes the order in which the spots on a line are predetermined game outcome. That is, in addition to deter looked at, mining, based on the held playing cards and the remaining 50 iii. Finds the first line in the permuted order for which playing cards in the deck, which playing cards must be gen the hand V i is not impossible, erated to form a plurality of poker hands with a total payout iv. If no line is found, reverts to backup copy of screen equal to selected predetermined game outcome value, the made in step B, and returns to step (C) starting over gaming device must determine if these determined playing with the first hand, cards can each be generated in the appropriate playing card 55 V. Attempts to build hand V i on the given line but position such that a plurality of poker hands are formed with putting down only the necessary number of cards, a total payout equal to the predetermined game outcome wherein: value. For example, even if the gaming device determines, I. When cards are placed on a previously open spot based on the held playing cards and the remaining playing of the screen they are placed in the first open spot cards in the deck, which playing cards to generate to form a 60 determined by the permutation created in step plurality of poker hands (along a plurality of wagered on (ii), paylines) with a total payout equal to the predetermined game II. When there are multiple choices for building a outcome value, if the gaming device is unable to place Such hand (say which face to create a three-of-a-kind playing cards in the appropriate playing card positions, the out of), the Suit or face is chosen randomly from gaming device must either determine another plurality of 65 among the candidates, and playing cards to place in the appropriate playing card posi III. If wild cards are available, one is used in favor tions or the gaming device must utilize one of the stored ofan alternate non-wildcard ifa random number US 7,857,693 B1 57 58 between 0 and 1 falls below a user defined level the selected poker hand seed, generates (based on the looked or if the hand cannot be completed without using up solution) the appropriate playing cards in the appropriate a wild, playing card positions, and provides the player the selected vi. If the attempt to build the poker hand failed, returns predetermined game outcome. to step (i) and tries again, In another embodiment, the gaming system disclosed vii. If the attempt to build the poker hand was success herein incorporates distributed computing to determine ful, continues on to the next hand, V (i+1) in V: which playing cards to generate in which playing card posi 5. If every poker hand in V is created successfully, exits tions to form a plurality of poker hands with a total payout loop and moves on to step (E); equal to a selected predetermined game outcome value for E) If failure to complete any hand set in L. p within the 10 each poker game played. In this embodiment, the gaming maximum number of attempts, exits the process in fail system utilizes multiple processors or a peer-to-peer com ure; puter network to find an applicable solution for how a player F) Fills any remaining open spots on the game screen with decides to play a game. In one embodiment, the gaming unused cards, wherein the gaming system: system utilizes idle gaming devices on the network (or gam a. Saves the current state of the screen in a backup copy, 15 ing devices currently with a low processing load) to find Such b. Permutes unused cards in deck, applicable solutions. c. Quits successfully If no combos are completed on In another embodiment, in addition to communicating a played lines by adding the playing cards, and predetermined game outcome value (and a selected poker d. Reverts to the backup copy created in step (1) and goes hand seed for the predetermined game outcome value), the back to step (2). central server communicates to a gaming device any appli In an alternative embodiment, if after replacing one play cable solutions for the selected poker hand seed. In one ing card the player designated to hold, the gaming device has embodiment, as each set of Solutions for each way a player not determined or found a suitable solution which would may play an initial poker hand are communicated to the generate a plurality of playing cards in the appropriate play gaming device, the need for the gaming device to store any ing card positions to form a plurality of poker hands with a 25 look-up tables of solutions is eliminated. In another embodi total payout equal to the selected predetermined game out ment, as each set of solutions for each way a player may play come, the gaming device replaces two playing cards the an initial poker hand are communicated to the gaming device, player designated to hold and again searches for a Suitable the need for the gaming device to determine which playing Solution screen. If replacing two playing cards does not result cards to generate in which playing card positions to form a in the gaming device finding a Suitable solution, the gaming 30 plurality of poker hands with a total payout equal to a selected device replaces three playing cards the player designated to predetermined game outcome value is also eliminated. hold. This process is repeated untila suitable solution is found In another embodiment, if the gaming device is unable to and the appropriate playing cards are generated in the appro determine, in a set amount of time, which playing cards to priate playing card positions. generate in which playing card positions to form a plurality of It should be appreciated that in the embodiments described 35 poker hands with a total payout equal to a selected predeter above, the poker hands provided after the first draw are the mined game outcome value, the gaming device communi final poker hands for the poker game. In another embodiment, cates a request for an applicable solution to the central server. at least one additional draw will occur and the poker hands In this embodiment, the central server stores gigabytes worth after the first draw are not final poker hands but rather are of solution tables and utilizes a more powerful processor than intermediate poker hands. 40 a gaming device wherein upon a request for a gaming device, In one alternative embodiment, the gaming system dis the central server instantly looks up the appropriate Solution closed herein does not utilize a look-up table of solutions for and communicates the appropriate Solution to the gaming one or more poker hand seeds. In this embodiment, the gam device. ing system screens out any poker hand seeds that are associ Moreover, while the disclosed gaming device has been ated with solutions (as described above). That is, in this 45 illustrated as a five card draw poker game, it should be appre embodiment, the gaming system only utilizes poker hand ciated that any type of poker game may be employed. As long seeds which the gaming device/gaming system is operable to as one or more predetermined game outcomes are provided to determine which playing cards to generate in which playing the player, the disclosed gaming device may be employed card positions in the set amount of time. In another embodi with other Suitable types of poker games, such as Texas ment, rather than utilizing the look-up table of solutions, if the 50 Hold'em, as well as other suitable multi-player non-poker gaming system is unable to determine which playing cards to cards games, such as blackjack. generate in which playing card positions in the set amount of In different alternative embodiments, the multi-spin poker time, the gaming system modifies one or more aspects of the game disclosed herein may be implemented in various con poker game, such as forcing the player to follow the auto-hold figurations for gaming machines or gaming devices, includ strategy, to provide the predetermined game outcome to the 55 ing but not limited to: (1) a dedicated gaming machine or player. gaming device, wherein the computerized instructions for In another embodiment, the gaming system stores a solu controlling any games (which are provided by the gaming tion for each possible way a player may play the initial poker machine or gaming device) are provided with the gaming hands associated with each initial poker hand. That is, for a machine or gaming device prior to delivery to a gaming five-card poker hand, the gaming system stores all thirty-two 60 establishment; and (2) a changeable gaming machine or gam ways to play the initial poker hands associated with each ing device, where the computerized instructions for control initial poker hand. In this embodiment, rather than attempting ling any games (which are provided by the gaming machine to determine which playing cards to generate in which play or gaming device) are downloadable to the gaming machine ing card positions to form a plurality of poker hands with a or gaming device through a data network when the gaming total payout equal to a selected predetermined game outcome 65 machine or gaming device is in a gaming establishment. In value, the gaming system looks-up the appropriate Solution one embodiment, the computerized instructions for control for how the player decided to play the initial poker hand for ling any games are executed by a central server, central con US 7,857,693 B1 59 60 troller or remote host. In such a “thin client' embodiment, the magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory may operate central server remotely controls any games (or other suitable in conjunction with the gaming device disclosed herein. interfaces) and the gaming device is utilized to display Such In one embodiment, part or all of the program code and/or games (or Suitable interfaces) and receive one or more inputs operating data described above can be stored in a detachable or commands from a player. In another embodiment, the or removable memory device, including, but not limited to, a computerized instructions for controlling any games are com suitable cartridge, disk or CD ROM. A player can use such a municated from the central server, central controller or removable memory device in a desktop, a laptop personal remote host to a gaming device local processor and memory computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA) or other comput devices. In Such a “thick client embodiment, the gaming erized platform. In one embodiment, the gaming device or device local processor executes the communicated comput 10 gaming machine disclosed herein is operable over a wireless erized instructions to control any games (or other suitable network, such as part of a wireless gaming system. In this interfaces) provided to a player. embodiment, the gaming machine may be a handheld device, In one embodiment, one or more gaming devices in a a mobile device or any other suitable wireless device that gaming system may be thin client gaming devices and one or enables a player to play any suitable game at a variety of more gaming devices in the gaming system may be thick 15 different locations. It should be appreciated that a gaming client gaming devices. In another embodiment, certain func device or gaming machine as disclosed herein may be a tions of the gaming device are implemented in a thin client device that has obtained approval from a regulatory gaming environment and certain other functions of the gaming device commission or a device that has not obtained approval from a are implemented in a thick client environment. In one Such regulatory gaming commission. It should be appreciated that embodiment, computerized instructions for controlling any the processor and memory device may be collectively primary games are communicated from the central server to referred to herein as a “computer.” the gaming device in a thick client configuration and comput In one embodiment, as discussed in more detail above, the erized instructions for controlling any secondary games or gaming device employs a predetermined or finite set or pool bonus functions are executed by a central server in a thin of awards or other game outcomes. In this embodiment, as client configuration. 25 each award or other game outcome is provided to the player, Two alternative embodiments of the gaming device are the gaming device removes the provided award or other game illustrated in FIGS. 30A and 30B as gaming device 14a and outcome from the predetermined set or pool. Once removed gaming device 14b, respectively. Gaming device 14a and/or from the set or pool, the specific provided award or other gaming device 14b are generally referred to herein as gaming game outcome cannot be provided to the player again. This device 14. 30 type of gaming device provides players with all of the avail In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 30A and 30B, able awards or other game outcomes over the course of the gaming device 14 has a support structure, housing or cabinet play cycle and guarantees the amount of actual wins and which provides Support for a plurality of displays, inputs, losses. controls and other features of a conventional gaming In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 31, the gaming machine. It is configured so that a player can operate it while 35 device includes one or more display devices controlled by the standing or sitting. The gaming device may be positioned on processor. The display devices are preferably connected to or a base or stand or can be configured as a pub-style table-top mounted to the cabinet of the gaming device. The embodi game (not shown) which a player can operate preferably ment shown in FIG. 30A includes a central display device 16 while sitting. As illustrated by the different configurations which displays a primary game. This display device may also shown in FIGS. 30A and 30B, the gaming device can be 40 display any secondary game associated with the primary constructed with varying cabinet and display configurations. game as well as information relating to the primary or sec In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 31, the gaming ondary game. The alternative embodiment shown in FIG.30B device preferably includes at least one processor 60, such as includes a central display device 16 and an upper display a microprocessor, a microcontroller-based platform, a Suit device 18. The upper display device may display the primary able integrated circuit or one or more application-specific 45 game, any suitable secondary game associated with the pri integrated circuits (ASICs). The processor is in communica mary game and/or information relating to the primary or tion with or operable to access or to exchange signals with at Secondary game. least one data storage or memory device 64. In one embodi In another embodiment, at least one display device may be ment, the processor and the memory device reside within the a mobile display device, such as a PDA or tablet PC, that cabinet of the gaming device. The memory device stores 50 enables at least a portion of the primary or secondary game to program code and instructions, executable by the processor, be played at a location remote from the gaming device. As to control the gaming device. The memory device also stores seen in FIGS. 30A and 30B, in one embodiment, the gaming other data Such as image data, event data, player input data, device includes a credit display 20 which displays a players random or pseudo-random number generators, pay-table data current number of credits, cash, account balance or the or information and applicable game rules that relate to the 55 equivalent. In one embodiment, gaming device includes a bet play of the gaming device. In one embodiment, the memory display 22 which displays a player's amount wagered. device stores a pool of predetermined outcomes which will be The display devices may include, without limitation, a provided to the players during the play of the interactive poker monitor, a television display, a plasma display, a liquid crystal game. display (LCD) a display based on light emitting diodes In one embodiment, the memory device includes random 60 (LED), a display based on a plurality of organic light-emitting access memory (RAM), which can include non-volatile RAM diodes (OLEDs), a display based on polymer light-emitting (NVRAM), magnetic RAM (MRAM), ferroelectric RAM diodes (PLEDs), a display based on a plurality of surface (FeRAM) and otherforms as commonly understood in the art. conduction electron-emitters (SEDs), a display including a In one embodiment, the memory device includes read only projected and/or reflected image or any other Suitable elec memory (ROM). In one embodiment, the memory device 65 tronic device or display mechanism. In one embodiment, as includes flash memory and/or EEPROM (electrically eras described in more detail below, the display device includes a able programmable read only memory). Any other Suitable touch-screen with an associated touch-screen controller. The US 7,857,693 B1 61 62 display devices may be of any suitable configuration, Such as input device is a bet max button (not shown) which enables a square, a rectangle or an elongated rectangle. the player to bet the maximum wager permitted for a game of The display devices of the gaming device are configured to the gaming device. display at least one and preferably a plurality of game or other In one embodiment, one input device is a cash out button Suitable images 54, symbols, playing cards and indicia Such 5 38. The player may push the cash out button and cash out to receive a cash payment or other suitable form of payment as any visual representation or exhibition of the movement of corresponding to the number of remaining credits. In one objects such as mechanical, virtual or video reels and wheels, embodiment, when the player cashes out, the player receives dynamic lighting, video images, images of people, charac the coins or tokens in a coin payout tray 40. In one embodi ters, places, things and faces of cards, tournament advertise 10 ment, when the player cashes out, the player may receive ments and the like. other payout mechanisms such as tickets or credit slips In one alternative embodiment, the symbols, images and redeemable by a cashier or funding to the player's electroni indicia displayed on or of the display device may be in cally recordable identification card. mechanical form. That is, the display device may include any In one embodiment, shown in FIG.30B, the gaming device electromechanical device, such as one or more mechanical 15 also includes a plurality of hold/discard buttons 60. The objects, such as one or more rotatable wheels, reels or dice, player may designate each of the plurality of playing cards configured to display at least one and preferably a plurality of dealt to the player as either a hold or discard by using the game or other Suitable images, symbols or indicia. hold/discardbuttons. In one embodiment, the gaming device includes one hold/discard button for all of the playing cards. As illustrated in FIG. 31, in one embodiment, the gaming In another embodiment, the gaming device includes an indi device includes at least one payment acceptor 24 in commu vidual hold/discardbutton for each of the dealt playing cards. nication with the processor. As seen in FIGS. 30A and 30B, In one embodiment, as mentioned above and seen in FIG. the payment acceptor may include a coin slot 26 and a pay 31, one input device is a touch-screen 66 coupled with a ment, note or bill acceptor 28, where the player inserts money, touch-screen controller 68 or some other touch-sensitive dis coins or tokens. The player can place coins in the coin slot or 25 play overlay to allow for playerinteraction with the images on paper money, ticket or voucher into the payment, note or bill the display. The touch-screen and the touch-screen controller acceptor. In other embodiments, devices Such as readers or are connected to a video controller 70. A player can make validators for credit cards, debit cards or credit slips could be decisions, such as which playing cards to hold or discard and used for accepting payment. In one embodiment, a player input signals into the gaming device by touching touch-screen may insert an identification card into a card reader of the 30 at the appropriate places. One such input device is a touch gaming device. In one embodiment, the identification card is screen button panel. It should be appreciated that the utiliza a smart card having a programmed microchip or a magnetic tion of touch-screens is widespread in the gaming industry. strip coded with a player's identification, credit totals and The gaming device may further include a plurality of com other relevant information. In another embodiment, a player munication ports for enabling communication of the proces may carry a portable device, such as a cell phone, a radio 35 Sor with external peripherals, such as external video sources, frequency identification tag or any other suitable wireless expansion buses, game or other displays, an SCSI port or a device, which communicates a player's identification, credit key pad. totals (or related data) and other relevant information to the In one embodiment, as seen in FIG. 31, the gaming device gaming device. In one embodiment, money may be trans includes a sound generating device controlled by one or more ferred to a gaming device through electronic funds transfer. 40 Sounds cards 48 which function in conjunction with the pro When a player funds the gaming device, the processor deter cessor. In one embodiment, the Sound generating device mines the amount of funds entered and the corresponding includes at least one and preferably a plurality of speakers 50 amount is shown on the credit or other Suitable display as or other sound generating hardware and/or software for gen described above. erating sounds, such as playing music for the primary and/or As seen in FIGS.30A, 30B and 31, in one embodiment the 45 secondary game or for other modes of the gaming device, gaming device includes at least one and preferably a plurality Such as an attract mode. In one embodiment, the gaming of input devices 30 in communication with the processor. The device provides dynamic sounds coupled with attractive mul input devices can include any suitable device which enables timedia images displayed on one or more of the display the player to produce an input signal which is read by the devices to provide an audio-visual representation or to other processor. In one embodiment, after appropriate funding of 50 wise displayfull-motion video with sound to attract players to the gaming device, the input device is a game activation the gaming device. During idle periods, the gaming device device, such as a play button 34 which is used by the player to may display a sequence of audio and/or visual attraction start any primary game or sequence of events in the gaming messages to attract potential players to the gaming device. device. The play button can be any suitable play activator such The videos may also be customized for or to provide any as a bet one button, a max bet button or a repeat the bet button. 55 appropriate information. In one embodiment, upon appropriate funding, the gaming In one embodiment, the gaming machine may include a device begins the game play automatically. In another sensor, such as a camera in communication with the processor embodiment, upon the player engaging one of the play but (and possibly controlled by the processor) that is selectively tons, the gaming device automatically activates game play. positioned to acquire an image of a player actively using the In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 30A and 30B, one 60 gaming device and/or the Surrounding area of the gaming input device is a bet one button36. The player places a bet by device. In one embodiment, the camera may be configured to pushing the bet one button. The player can increase the bet by selectively acquire still or moving (e.g., video) images and one credit each time the player pushes the bet one button. may be configured to acquire the images in either an analog, When the player pushes the bet one button, the number of digital or other suitable format. The display devices may be credits shown in the credit display preferably decreases by 65 configured to display the image acquired by the camera as one, and the number of credits shown in the bet display well as display the visible manifestation of the game in split preferably increases by one. In another embodiment, one screen or picture-in-picture fashion. For example, the camera US 7,857,693 B1 63 64 may acquire an image of the player and that image can be gaming device utilizes one or more portable devices carried incorporated into the primary and/or secondary game as a by a player, Such as a cell phone, a radio frequency identifi game image, symbol or indicia. cation tag or any other Suitable wireless device to track when In one embodiment, one or more of the gaming devices are a player begins and ends a gaming session. In another in communication with each other and/or at least one central embodiment, the gaming device utilizes any Suitable biomet server, central controller or remote host through a data net ric technology or ticket technology to track when a player work or remote communication link. In this embodiment, the begins and ends a gaming session. central server, central controller or remote host is any suitable During one or more gaming sessions, the gaming device server or computing device which includes at least one pro and/or player tracking system tracks any Suitable informa cessor and at least one memory or storage device. In different 10 tion, Such as any amounts wagered, average wager amounts Such embodiments, the central server is a progressive control and/or the time these wagers are placed. In different embodi ler or a processor of one of the gaming devices in the gaming ments, for one or more players, the player tracking system system. In these embodiments, the processor of each gaming includes the player's account number, the player's card num device is designed to transmit and receive events, messages, ber, the player's first name, the player's Surname, the players commands or any other Suitable data or signal between the 15 preferred name, the player's player tracking ranking, any individual gaming device and the central server. The gaming promotion status associated with the player's player tracking device processor is operable to execute such communicated card, the player's address, the player's birthday, the players events, messages or commands in conjunction with the opera anniversary, the player's recent gaming sessions, or any other tion of the gaming device. Moreover, the processor of the suitable data. central server is designed to transmit and receive events, In another embodiment, a plurality of players at a plurality messages, commands or any other Suitable data or signal of linked gaming devices in a gaming system participate in a between the central server and each of the individual gaming group gaming environment. In one embodiment, a plurality of devices. The central server processor is operable to execute players at a plurality of linked gaming devices work in con Such communicated events, messages or commands in con junction with one another, Such as playing together as a team junction with the operation of the central server. It should be 25 or group, to win one or more awards. In one Such embodi appreciated that one, more or each of the functions of the ment, any award won by the group is shared, either equally or central controller as disclosed herein may be performed by based on any Suitable criteria, amongst the different players of one or more gaming device processors. It should be further the group. appreciated that one, more or each of the functions of one or In another embodiment, a plurality of players at a plurality more gaming device processors as disclosed herein may be 30 oflinked gaming devices compete againstone anotherfor one performed by the central controller. or more awards. In one such embodiment, a plurality of In one embodiment, all of the gaming terminals which are players at a plurality of linked gaming devices participate in a coupled to the central processor are configured to play the gaming tournament for one or more awards. In another same type of game. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality embodiment, a plurality of players at a plurality of linked of the gaming terminals are configured so that different gam 35 gaming devices play for one or more awards wherein an ing terminals may be used to play different types of games. outcome generated by one gaming device affects the out That is, Some gaming terminals may be used for playing a slot comes generated by one or more linked gaming devices. machine style game, others may be used for playing a poker In one embodiment, a plurality of the gaming devices are style game, others may be used for playing a blackjack style connected together and to a central controller through a data game, and the like. In another embodiment, a plurality of 40 network. In one embodiment, the data network is a local area gaming terminals may each be configured for playing a plu network (LAN), in which one or more of the gaming devices rality of different games. are Substantially proximate to each other and an on-site cen In another embodiment, one or more of the gaming devices tral server or controller as in, for example, a gaming estab are in communication with a central server or controller for lishment or a portion of a gaming establishment. In another monitoring purposes only. In this embodiment, each gaming 45 embodiment, the data network is a wide area network (WAN) device stores a pool of predetermined outcomes to be pro in which one or more of the gaming devices are in commu vided to the player in a memory and the central server or nication with at least one off-site central server or controller. controller monitors the activities and events occurring on the In this embodiment, the plurality of gaming devices may be plurality of gaming devices. In one embodiment, the gaming located in a different part of the gaming establishment or network includes a real-time or on-line accounting and gam 50 within a different gaming establishment than the off-site cen ing information system operably coupled to the central server tral server or controller. Thus, the WAN may include an or controller. The accounting and gaming information system off-site central server or controller and an off-site gaming of this embodiment includes a player database for storing device located within gaming establishments in the same player profiles, a player tracking module for tracking players geographic area, Such as a city or state. The WAN gaming and a credit System for providing automated casino transac 55 system may be substantially identical to the LAN gaming tions. system described above, although the number of gaming In one embodiment, the gaming device disclosed herein is devices in each system may vary relative to each other. associated with or otherwise integrated with one or more In another embodiment, the data network is an internet or player tracking systems. In this embodiment, the gaming intranet. In this embodiment, the operation of the gaming device and/or player tracking system tracks any players gam 60 device can be viewed at the gaming device with at least one ing activity at the gaming device. In one such embodiment, internet browser. In this embodiment, operation of the gaming the gaming device and/or associated player tracking system device and accumulation of credits may be accomplished timely tracks when a player inserts their playing tracking card with only a connection to the central server or controller (the to begin a gaming session and also timely tracks when a internet/intranet server) through a conventional phone or player removes their player tracking card when concluding 65 other data transmission line, digital signal line (DSL). T-1 play for that gaming session. In another embodiment, rather line, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, or other suitable connec than requiring a player to insert a player tracking card, the tion. In this embodiment, players may access an internet US 7,857,693 B1 65 66 game page from any location where an internet connection ing sites report to, and receive information from, the progres and computer, or other internet facilitator is available. The sive gaming system host site computer. Each central server expansion in the number of computers and number and speed computer is responsible for all data communication between of internet connections in recent years increases opportunities the gaming device hardware and Software and the progressive for players to play from an ever-increasing number of remote 5 gaming system host site computer. In one embodiment, an sites. It should be appreciated that enhanced bandwidth of individual gaming machine may trigger a progressive award digital wireless communications may render Such technology win. In another embodiment, a central server (or the progres Suitable for Some or all communications, particularly if Such sive gaming system host site computer) determines when a communications are encrypted. Higher data transmission progressive award win is triggered. In another embodiment, speeds may be useful for enhancing the Sophistication and 10 an individual gaming machine and a central controller (or response of the display and interaction with the player. progressive gaming system host site computer) work in con In another embodiment, the memory device of the central junction with each other to determine when a progressive win server or central controller stores different game programs is triggered, for example through an individual gaming and instructions, executable by a gaming device processor, to machine meeting a predetermined requirement established by control the gaming device. Each executable game program 15 the central controller. represents a different game or type of game which may be In one embodiment, a progressive award win is triggered played on one or more of the gaming devices in the gaming based on one or more game play events, such as a symbol system. Such different games may include the same or Sub driven trigger. In other embodiments, the progressive award stantially the same game play with different pay tables. In triggering event or qualifying condition may be by exceeding different embodiments, the executable game program is for a a certain amount of game play (Such as number of games, primary game, a secondary game or both. In another embodi number of credits, or amount of time), or reaching a specified ment, the game program may be executable as a secondary number of points earned during game play. In another game to be played simultaneous with the play of a primary embodiment, a gaming device is randomly or apparently ran game (which may be downloaded to or fixed on the gaming domly selected to provide a player of that gaming device one device) or vice versa. 25 or more progressive awards. In one such embodiment, the In this embodiment, each gaming device at least includes gaming device does not provide any apparent reasons to the one or more display devices and/or one or more input devices player for winning a progressive award, wherein winning the for interaction with a player. A local processor, Such as the progressive award is not triggered by an event in or based above-described gaming device processor or a processor of a specifically on any of the plays of any primary game. That is, local server, is operable with the display device(s) and/or the 30 a player is provided a progressive award without any expla input device(s) of one or more of the gaming devices. nation or alternatively with simple explanations. In another In operation, the central controller is operable to commu embodiment, a player is provided a progressive award at least nicate one or more of the stored game programs to at least one partially based on a game triggered or symbol triggered event, local processor. In different embodiments, the stored game Such as at least partially based on the play of a primary game. programs are communicated or delivered by embedding the 35 In one embodiment, one or more of the progressive awards communicated game program in a device or a component are each funded via a side bet or side wager. In this embodi (e.g., a "chip' to be inserted in a gaming device), writing the ment, a player must place or wager a side bet to be eligible to game program on a disc or other media, downloading or win the progressive award associated with the side bet. In one streaming the game program over a dedicated data network, embodiment, the player must place the maximum bet and the Internet or a telephone line. After the stored game programs 40 side bet to be eligible to win one of the progressive awards. In are communicated from the central server, the local processor another embodiment, if the player places or wagers the executes the communicated program to facilitate play of the required side bet, the player may wager at any credit amount communicated program by a player through the display during the primary game (i.e., the player need not place the device(s) and/or input device(s) of the gaming device. That is, maximum bet and the side betto be eligible to win one of the when a game program is communicated to a local processor, 45 progressive awards). In one such embodiment, the greater the the local processor changes the game or type of game played players wager (in addition to the placed side bet), the greater at the gaming device. the odds or probability that the player will win one of the In another embodiment, a plurality of gaming devices at progressive awards. It should be appreciated that one or more one or more gaming sites may be networked to the central of the progressive awards may each be funded, at least in part, server in a progressive configuration, as known in the art, 50 based on the wagers placed on the primary games of the wherein a portion of each wager to initiate a base or primary gaming machines in the gaming System, Via a gaming estab game may be allocated to one or more progressive awards. In lishment or via any Suitable manner. one embodiment, a progressive gaming system host site com In another embodiment, one or more of the progressive puteris coupled to a plurality of the central servers at a variety awards are partially funded via a side-bet or side-wager which of mutually remote gaming sites for providing a multi-site 55 the player may make (and which may be tracked via a side-bet linked progressive automated gaming system. In one embodi meter). In one embodiment, one or more of the progressive ment, a progressive gaming system host site computer may awards are funded with only side-bets or side-wagers placed. serve gaming devices distributed throughout a number of In another embodiment, one or more of the progressive properties at different geographical locations including, for awards are funded based on player's wagers as described example, different locations within a city or different cities 60 above as well as any side-bets or side-wagers placed. within a state. In one alternative embodiment, a minimum wager level is In one embodiment, the progressive gaming system host required foragaming device to qualify to be selected to obtain site computer is maintained for the overall operation and one of the progressive awards. In one embodiment, this mini control of the progressive gaming system. In this embodi mum wager level is the maximum wager level for the primary ment, a progressive gaming system host site computer over 65 game in the gaming machine. In another embodiment, no sees the entire progressive gaming system and is the master minimum wager level is required for a gaming machine to for computing all progressive jackpots. All participating gam qualify to be selected to obtain one of the progressive awards. US 7,857,693 B1 67 68 In one embodiment, the multi-play spin poker game may obtains, a given number of bonus game wagering points or be employed as either a primary game or a base game. The credits may be accumulated in a “bonus meter programmed primary or base game may comprise any Suitable reel-type to accrue the bonus wagering credits or entries toward even game, card game, number game or other game of chance tual participation in a bonus game. The occurrence of mul Susceptible to representation in an electronic or electrome tiple such bonus qualifying events in the primary game may chanical form which produces a predetermined outcome result in an arithmetic or exponential increase in the number upon activation from a wager. That is, different primary of bonus wagering credits awarded. In one embodiment, the wagering games, such as video poker games, video blackjack player may redeem extra bonus wagering credits during the games, video Keno, video bingo or any other suitable primary bonus game to extend play of the bonus game. or base game may be implemented. 10 In one embodiment, no separate entry fee or buy in for a In another embodiment, if the multi-play spin poker game bonus game need be employed. That is, a player may not is implemented as a primary game, then in addition to win purchase an entry into a bonus game, rather they must win or ning credits in the primary multi-play spin poker game, the earn entry through play of the primary game thus, encourag gaming device may also give players the opportunity to win ing play of the primary game. In another embodiment, quali credits in a bonus or secondary game or bonus or secondary 15 fication of the bonus or secondary game is accomplished round. The bonus or secondary game enables the player to through a simple “buy in by the player, for example, if the obtain a prize or payout in addition to the prize or payout, if player has been unsuccessful at qualifying through other any, obtained from the base or primary game. specified activities. In another embodiment, the player must In one embodiment, if the multi-play spin poker game is make a separate side-wager on the bonus game or wager a implemented as a secondary game, then the gaming device designated amount in the primary game to qualify for the can incorporate any Suitable wagering primary or base game. secondary game. In this embodiment, the secondary game The gaming machine or device may include Some or all of the triggering event must occur and the side-wager (or designated features of conventional gaming machines or devices. In one primary game wager amount) must have been placed to trig embodiment, in addition to winning credits or other awards in ger the secondary game. a base or primary game, the gaming device may also give 25 It should be appreciated that if the gaming device enables players the opportunity to win credits in a bonus or secondary the player to play a secondary game in addition to the multi game or bonus or secondary round. The bonus or secondary play spin poker game, then regardless of how the game out game enables the player to obtain a prize or payout in addition come is ultimately provided to the player, either as a value or to the prize or payout, if any, obtained from the base or payout from the primary or base game, as a value or payout primary game. In general, a bonus or secondary game pro 30 from the secondary or bonus game, as a lose from the primary duces a significantly higher level of player excitement than or base game or as a lose from the secondary or bonus game, the base or primary game because it provides a greater expec the game outcome is predetermined. For example, if the game tation of winning than the base or primary game and is accom outcome is a win outcome with an associated value or payout panied with more attractive or unusual features than the base of S10, the outcome may be presented to the player as a S10 or primary game. In one embodiment, the bonus or secondary 35 win outcome in the primary or base game, a S10 secondary or game may be any type of Suitable game, either similar to or bonus game win outcome or any combination of payouts in completely different from the base or primary game. the primary or base game and secondary or bonus game that In one embodiment, the triggering event or qualifying con result in a total payout of S10. Either way, the player is dition may be a selected outcome in the primary game or a provided S10 and that particular game outcome is removed particular arrangement of one or more indicia on a display 40 from the set of game outcomes. device in the primary game. In other embodiments, the trig It should be understood that various changes and modifi gering event or qualifying condition may be by exceeding a cations to the presently preferred embodiments described certain amount of game play (Such as number of games, herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such number of credits, amount of time), or reaching a specified changes and modifications can be made without departing number of points earned during game play. 45 from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without In another embodiment, the gaming device processor or diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended central server randomly provides the player one or more plays that such changes and modifications be covered by the of one or more secondary games. In one such embodiment, appended claims. the gaming device does not provide any apparent reasons to The invention is claimed as follows: the player for qualifying to play a secondary or bonus game. 50 1. A gaming device operable under control of at least one In this embodiment, qualifying for a bonus game is not trig processor, said gaming device comprising: gered by an event in or based specifically on any of the plays at least one display device configured to display a multi of any primary game. That is, the gaming device may simply hand spin poker game, said multi-hand spin poker game qualify a player to play a secondary game without any expla including: nation or alternatively with simple explanations. In another 55 (i) a plurality of playing cards, wherein different plurali embodiment, the gaming device (or central server) qualifies a ties of said playing cards form a plurality of different player for a secondary game at least partially based on a game poker hands that are each associated with a payout; triggered or symbol triggered event. Such as at least partially (ii) a plurality of playing card positions; and based on the play of a primary game. (iii) a plurality of paylines; In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a program 60 at least one memory device operable to store data repre which will automatically begin a bonus round after the player senting a predefined table which includes a plurality of has achieved a triggering event or qualifying condition in the poker hand seeds, wherein each poker hand seed is asso base or primary game. In another embodiment, after a player ciated with a payout, each poker hand seed is associated has qualified for a bonus game, the player may Subsequently with Zero, one or more predefined solutions and at least enhance his/her bonus game participation through continued 65 one poker hand seed is associated with at least one play on the base or primary game. Thus, for each bonus predefined solution, qualifying event, Such as a bonus symbol, that the player at least one input device; and US 7,857,693 B1 69 70 said at least one processor programmed to operate with non-held playing card positions to cause said primary poker said at least one display device, said at least one memory hand and each of said secondary poker hands to be associated device and said at least one input device to control a play with payouts which form a total payout equal to the predeter of the multi-hand spin poker game by: mined game outcome value. (a) determining a predetermined game outcome value; 4. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the at least one (b) accessing the predefined table of poker hand seeds to processor is programmed to control the play of the multi-hand select one of the poker hand seeds based on the prede spin poker game by replacing at least one of the playing cards termined game outcome value, wherein the payout asso the player designated to hold. ciated with the selected poker hand seed is equal to or 5. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the at least one Substantially equal to the predetermined game outcome 10 processor is programmed to control the play of the multi-hand value; spin poker game by enabling the player to select a plurality of (c) generating and displaying a plurality of playing cards in said generated and displayed playing cards to hold or to a plurality of said playing card positions to form a pri discard. mary poker hand along one of the paylines, wherein said 6. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the at least one generated playing cards are based on said selected poker 15 processor is programmed to control the play of the multi-hand hand seed; spin poker game by enabling the player to select each of said (d) enabling the player to select at least one of said gener generated and displayed playing cards to hold or to discard. ated and displayed playing cards in the primary poker 7. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the predeter hand to hold or to discard, wherein said selected playing mined game outcome value is associated with a value of Zero cards are respectively held or discarded in each of the for the play of the multi-hand spin poker game. secondary poker hands; 8. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein said predeter (e) determining if, based on the held playing cards, a plu mined game outcome value is selected from a plurality of rality of said playing cards can be generated in a plurality different predetermined game outcome values. of said non-held playing card positions to cause said 9. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein said predeter primary poker hand and each of said secondary poker 25 mined game outcome value is stored in said at least one hands to be associated with payouts which form a total memory device of the gaming device. payout equal to the predetermined game outcome value; 10. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein said predeter (f) if the plurality of playing cards can be generated in the mined game outcome value is received from a central con plurality of non-held playing card positions to cause the troller. primary poker hand and each of said secondary poker 30 11. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the predefined hands to be associated with payouts which form the total table is received from a central controller. payout equal to the predetermined game outcome value: 12. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein each playing (i) for each non-held playing card position, generating card position includes a reel. and displaying said determined playing card in said 13. A gaming system comprising: determined playing card position, and 35 at least one database including: (ii) providing the predetermined game outcome value to (i) data representing a plurality of different poker hand the player, and seeds, wherein each poker hand seed is associated (g) if the plurality of playing cards cannot be generated in with a payout, each poker hand seed is associated with the plurality of non-held playing card positions to cause Zero, one or more predefined solutions and at least one the primary poker hand and each of said secondary poker 40 poker hand seed is associated with at least one pre hands to be associated with payouts which form the total defined solution, payout equal to the predetermined game outcome value: (ii) data representing a plurality of payout amounts and (i) selecting one of the solutions associated with the at least one distribution of poker game outcomes, if poker hand seed of the predetermined game outcome any, which would result in each of said payout value, wherein said solution is based on the held play 45 amounts, and ing cards, (iii) data representing a set of predetermined game out (ii) generating and displaying a plurality of the playing come values; cards in the plurality of playing card positions, at least one central controller programmed to select at least wherein which of said playing cards are generated in one of said predetermined game outcome values from which of said playing card positions is based on the 50 the set of predetermined game outcome values; and selected Solution, and a plurality of gaming machines, each gaming machine (iii) providing the predetermined game outcome value to operable under control of at least one gaming machine the player. processor and configured to communicate with the at 2. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the at least one least one central controller, each gaming machine processor is programmed to control the play of the multi-hand 55 including: spin poker game by determining if, in a set amount of time and at least one display device configured to display a multi based on the held playing cards, a plurality of said playing hand spin poker game operable upon a wager, said cards can be generated in a plurality of said non-held playing multi-hand spin poker game including: card positions to cause said primary poker hand and each of (i) a plurality of playing cards, wherein different plu said secondary poker hands to be associated with payouts 60 ralities of said playing cards form a plurality of which form a total payout equal to the predetermined game different poker hands that are each associated with outcome value. a payOut, 3. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the at least one (ii) a plurality of playing card positions in said multi processor is programmed to control the play of the multi-hand hand spin poker game, and spin poker game by determining if, in a set number of 65 (iii) a plurality of paylines; attempts and based on the held playing cards, a plurality of at least one memory device; and said playing cards can be generated in a plurality of said at least one input device; US 7,857,693 B1 71 72 said at least one gaming machine processor programmed multi-hand spin poker game by determining if, in a set num to operate with said at least one input device, said at ber of attempts and based on the held playing cards, a plurality least one display device and said at least one memory of said playing cards can be generated in a plurality of said device to control a play of the multi-hand spin poker non-held playing card positions to cause said primary poker game by: 5 hand and each of said secondary poker hands to be associated (a) accessing the at least one database to select one of with payouts which form a total payout equal to the predeter the poker hand seeds based on the central controller mined game outcome value. Selected predetermined game outcome value; 16. The gaming system of claim 13, wherein each gaming (b) generating and displaying a plurality of playing machine processor is programmed to control the play of the cards in a plurality of said playing card positions to 10 multi-hand spin poker game by replacing at least one of the form a primary poker hand along one of the pay playing cards the player designated to hold. lines, wherein said generated playing cards are 17. The gaming system of claim 13, wherein each gaming based on said selected poker hand seed; machine processor is programmed to control the play of the (c) enabling the player to select at least one of said multi-hand spin poker game by enabling the player to select a generated and displayed playing cards in the pri- 15 plurality of said generated and displayed playing cards to mary poker hand to hold or to discard, wherein said hold or to discard. Selected playing cards are respectively held or dis 18. The gaming system of claim 13, wherein each gaming carded in each of the secondary poker hands; machine processor is programmed to control the play of the (d) determining if, based on the held playing cards, a multi-hand spin poker game by enabling the player to select plurality of said playing cards can be generated in a each of said generated and displayed playing cards to hold or plurality of said non-held playing card positions to to discard. cause said primary poker hand and each of said 19. The gaming system of claim 13, wherein the predeter secondary poker hands to be associated with pay mined game outcome value is associated with a value of Zero outs which form a total payout equal to the prede for the play of the multi-hand spin poker game. termined game outcome value, wherein said deter 25 20. The gaming system of claim 13, wherein the at least one mination is based, at least in part, on the data of said memory device of each gaming machine stores said at least at least one database; one database. (e) if the plurality of playing cards can be generated in 21. The gaming system of claim 13, wherein the central the plurality of non-held playing card positions to controller is operable to flag said selected predetermined cause the primary poker hand and each of said 30 game outcome value, to output the selected predetermined secondary poker hands to be associated with pay game outcome value and to prevent said selected game out outs which form the total payout equal to the pre come value from any subsequent selections. determined game outcome value: 22. The gaming system of claim 13, wherein the central (i) for each non-held playing card position, gener controller is operable to select at least one of said predeter ating and displaying said determined playing 35 mined game outcome values based on the results of a game card in said determined playing card position, selected from the group consisting of a bingo game, a keno and game and a lottery game. (ii) providing the predetermined game outcome 23. The gaming system of claim 13, wherein each playing value to the player; and card position of at least one of said gaming machines includes (f) if the plurality of playing cards cannot be gener 40 a reel. ated in the plurality of non-held playing card posi 24. A method of operating a gaming device, said method tions to cause the primary poker hand and each of causing the gaming device to: said secondary poker hands to be associated with (a) determine a predetermined game outcome value; payouts which form the total payout equal to the (b) access a predefined table of poker hand seeds to select predetermined game outcome value: 45 one of a plurality of poker hand seeds based on the (i) selecting one of the solutions associated with the predetermined game outcome value, wherein each poker poker hand seed of the predetermined game out hand seed is associated with a payout, each poker hand come value, wherein said solution is based on the seed is associated with Zero, one or more predefined held playing cards, Solutions, at least one poker hand seed is associated with (ii) generating and displaying a plurality of the 50 at least one predefined solution and the payout associ playing cards in the plurality of playing card ated with the selected poker hand seed is equal to or positions, wherein which of said playing cards Substantially equal to the predetermined game outcome are generated in which of said playing card posi value; tions is based on the selected Solution, and (c) generate and display a plurality of playing cards in a (iii) providing the predetermined game outcome 55 plurality of playing card positions to form a primary value to the player. poker hand along one of a plurality of paylines, wherein 14. The gaming system of claim 13, wherein each gaming different pluralities of said playing cards form a plurality machine processor is programmed to control the play of the of different poker hands that are each associated with a multi-hand spin poker game by determining if, in a set payout and said generated playing cards are based on amount of time and based on the held playing cards, a plural 60 said selected poker hand seed; ity of said playing cards can be generated in a plurality of said (d) enable the player to select at least one of said generated non-held playing card positions to cause said primary poker and displayed playing cards in the primary poker hand to hand and each of said secondary poker hands to be associated hold or to discard, wherein said selected playing cards with payouts which form a total payout equal to the predeter are respectively held or discarded in each of the second mined game outcome value. 65 ary poker hands; 15. The gaming system of claim 13, wherein each gaming (e) determine if, based on the held playing cards, a plurality machine processor is programmed to control the play of the of said playing cards can be generated in a plurality of US 7,857,693 B1 73 74 said non-held playing card positions to cause said pri 37. The method of claim 36, wherein the network is an mary poker hand and each of said secondary poker hands internet. to be associated with payouts which form a total payout 38. A method of operating a gaming system, said method equal to the predetermined game outcome value; comprising: (f) if the plurality of playing cards can be generated in the 5 (a) maintaining at least one database including: plurality of non-held playing card positions to cause the (i) data representing a plurality of different poker hand primary poker hand and each of said secondary poker seeds, wherein each poker hand seed is associated hands to be associated with payouts which form the total with a payout, each poker hand seed is associated with payout equal to the predetermined game outcome value: Zero, one or more predefined solutions and at least one (i) for each non-held playing card position, generate and 10 poker hand seed is associated with at least one pre display said determined playing card in said determined defined solution, playing card position, and (ii) data representing a plurality of payout amounts and (ii) provide the predetermined game outcome value to the at least one distribution of poker game outcomes, if player, and any, which would result in each of said payout (g) if the plurality of playing cards cannot be generated in 15 amounts, and the plurality of non-held playing card positions to cause (iii) data representing a set of predetermined game out the primary poker hand and each of said secondary poker come values; hands to be associated with payouts which form the total (b) causing at least one central controller to select at least payout equal to the predetermined game outcome value: one of said predetermined game outcome values from (i) select one of the solutions associated with the poker the set of predetermined game outcome values; and hand seed of the predetermined game outcome value, (c) causing at least one gaming machine to: wherein said i solution is based on the held playing (i) access the at least one database to select one of the cards, poker hand seeds based on the central controller (ii) generate and display a plurality of the playing cards in selected predetermined game outcome value; the plurality of playing card positions, wherein which of (ii) generate and display a plurality of playing cards in a said playing cards are generated in which of said playing plurality of playing card positions to form a primary card positions is based on the selected solution, and poker hand along one of a plurality of paylines, (iii) provide the predetermined game outcome value to the wherein different pluralities of said playing cards player. form a plurality of different poker hands that are each 25. The method of claim 24, which includes determining if, 30 associated with a payout and said generated playing in a set amount of time and based on the held playing cards, a cards are based on said selected poker hand seed; plurality of said playing cards can be generated in a plurality (iii) enable the player to select at least one of said gen of said non-held playing card positions to cause said primary erated and displayed playing cards in the primary poker hand and each of said secondary poker hands to be poker hand to holdor to discard, wherein said selected associated with payouts which form a total payout equal to the 35 playing cards are respectively held or discarded in predetermined game outcome value. each of the secondary poker hands; 26. The method of claim 24, which includes determining if, (iv) determine if, based on the held playing cards, a in a set number of attempts and based on the held playing plurality of said playing cards can be generated in a cards, a plurality of said playing cards can be generated in a plurality of said non-held playing card positions to plurality of said non-held playing card positions to cause said 40 cause said primary poker hand and each of said sec primary poker hand and each of said secondary poker hands ondary poker hands to be associated with payouts to be associated with payouts which form a total payout equal which form a total payout equal to the predetermined to the predetermined game outcome value. game outcome value, wherein said determination is 27. The method of claim 24, which includes replacing at based, at least in part, on the data of said at least one least one of the playing cards the player designated to hold. 45 database; 28. The method of claim 24, which includes enabling the (v) if the plurality of playing cards can be generated in player to select a plurality of said generated and displayed the plurality of non-held playing card positions to playing cards to hold or to discard. cause the primary poker hand and each of said sec 29. The method of claim 24, which includes enabling the ondary poker hands to be associated with payouts player to select each of said generated and displayed playing 50 which form the total payout equal to the predeter cards to hold or to discard. mined game outcome value: 30. The method of claim 24, wherein the predetermined (A) for each non-held playing card position, generate game outcome value is associated with a value of Zero. and display said determined playing card in said 31. The method of claim 24, wherein said predetermined 55 determined playing card position, and game outcome value is selected from a plurality of different (B) provide the predetermined game outcome value to predetermined game outcome values. the player; and 32. The method of claim 24, which includes storing said (vi) if the plurality of playing cards cannot be generated predetermined game outcome value. in the plurality of non-held playing card positions to 33. The method of claim 24, which includes receiving said 60 cause the primary poker hand and each of said sec predetermined game outcome value from a central controller. ondary poker hands to be associated with payouts 34. The method of claim 24, which includes receiving the which form the total payout equal to the predeter predefined table from a central controller. mined game outcome value: 35. The method of claim 24, wherein each playing card (A) select one of the solutions associated with the position includes a reel. 65 poker hand seed of the predetermined game out 36. The method of claim 24, which is provided over a data come value, wherein said solution is based on the network. held playing cards, US 7,857,693 B1 75 76 (B) generate and display a plurality of the playing 42. The method of claim 38, which includes causing said at cards in the plurality of playing card positions, least one gaming machine to enable the player to select a wherein which of said playing cards are generated plurality of said generated and displayed playing cards to in which of said playing card positions is based on hold or to discard. the selected Solution, and 5 43. The method of claim 38, which includes causing said at least one gaming machine to enable the player to select each (C) provide the predetermined game outcome value to of said generated and displayed playing cards to hold or to the player. discard. 39. The method of claim 38, which includes causing said at 44. The method of claim 38, wherein the predetermined least one gaming machine to determine if, in a set amount of 10 game outcome value is associated with a value of Zero. time and based on the held playing cards, a plurality of said 45. The method of claim 38, which includes causing the playing cards can be generated in a plurality of said non-held central controller to flag said selected predetermined game playing card positions to cause said primary poker hand and outcome value, to output the selected predetermined game each of said secondary poker hands to be associated with outcome value and to prevent said selected game outcome payouts which form a total payout equal to the predetermined 15 value from any Subsequent selections. game outcome value. 46. The method of claim 38, which includes causing the 40. The method of claim 38, which includes causing said at central controller to select at least one of said predetermined least one gaming machine to determine if, in a set number of game outcome values based on the results of a game selected attempts and based on the held playing cards, a plurality of from the group consisting of a bingo game, a keno game and said playing cards can be generated in a plurality of said a lottery game. non-held playing card positions to cause said primary poker 47. The method of claim 38, wherein each playing card hand and each of said secondary poker hands to be associated position of at said least one gaming machine includes a reel. with payouts which form a total payout equal to the predeter 48. The method of claim 38, which is provided over a data mined game outcome value. network. 41. The method of claim 38, which includes causing said at 25 49. The method of claim 48, wherein the network is an least one gaming machine to replace at least one of the play internet. ing cards the player designated to hold. UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION PATENT NO. : 7,857,693 B1 Page 1 of 1 APPLICATIONNO. : 1 1/76.4603 DATED : December 28, 2010 INVENTOR(S) : Johnson et al. It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below:

IN THE CLAIMS:

In Claim 24, Column 73, Line 22, replace “said isolution with --said solution--.

Signed and Sealed this First Day of March, 2011

David J. Kappos Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office