US 2012023.8346A1 (19) (12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2012/023834.6 A1 Hurst (43) Pub. Date: Sep. 20, 2012

(54) GAMING DEVICE HAVING (52) U.S. Cl...... 463/20 ELEMENTS (57) ABSTRACT (76) Inventor: Matt Hurst, Taipa (MO) Embodiments of the present invention are directed to gaming devices that incorporate various aspects of the traditional (21) Appl. No.: 13/050,856 Asian of Mahjong. or symbols may be used in various types of that include a single hand of (22) Filed: Mar 17, 2011 dealt tiles, hands that use tile drawing and discarding, poker e - f 9 style game play with a dealt and/or drawn hand of Mahjong tiles, multi-player games with Mahjong tiles, and other types Publication Classification of games that utilize elements from Mahjong. These games (51) Int. Cl. may be more favorably received than traditional slot machine A63F 9/24 (2006.01) games by players with familiarity with Mahjong.

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FIG. 3 Patent Application Publication Sep. 20, 2012 Sheet 4 of 9 US 2012/023834.6 A1

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GAMING DEVICE HAVING MAHONG 0010 FIGS. 6A and 6B are detail diagrams of a gaming ELEMENTS display showing progression of a game having Mahjong ele ments according to embodiments of the invention. FIELD OF THE INVENTION 0011 FIGS. 7A and 7B are detail diagrams of a gaming display showing progression of another game having Mah 0001. This disclosure relates generally to gaming devices, jong elements according to embodiments of the invention. and more particularly to gaming devices that include ele 0012 FIG. 8 is a detail diagram of a gaming device having ments of Mahjong in game play. Mahjong elements according to embodiments of the inven tion. BACKGROUND 0013 FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a multiplayer game 0002 Legalized has developed rapidly in having Mahjong elements according to embodiments of the Macau (or Macao) since it opened its industry to foreign invention. companies in 2002. Since electronic gaming devices have traditionally been a large part of casino business in the United DETAILED DESCRIPTION States, Australia, Europe, and other countries with legalized gaming, a similar business model has likewise been attempted 0014 Embodiments of the present invention are directed in Macau. In the above mentioned countries, slot machines to gaming devices and methods of operating gaming devices have typically included spinning reel type games, video poker to incorporate elements of Mahjong gameplay. Mahjong is an games, and, to a lesser extent, video keno and blackjack ancient and popular game that originated in and is games. Although some of these games have enjoyed modest common in various forms throughout Eastern Asia. The term popularity in Macau, many players are not familiar with the “Mahjong' (or "Mah Jong') is used in this document, as it is game play ideas of these gaming devices, and hence do not the most common form of spelling in roman characters, play these gaming devices. meant to represent the phonetic spelling of the 0003. In order to improve popularity, many slot machine dialect for the term, whereas spelling for Mandarin in manufactures have attempted to tailor games to Chinese play format would be Ma Jiang, the being ers in order to gain popularity and improve business. One Pitié in traditional Chinese, and if in simplified Chinese. Such attempt was made by Bally Gaming at the opening of the The traditional Asian game of Mahjong consists of 144 tiles Macau Sands Casino in May 2004, with their game titled (although variations of the game sometimes contain more or "Mah Jong,” which was basically an old mechanical stepper fewer tiles). It is these symbols, and commonly recognized reel style game already released in the United States, but with variations of these symbols, that are referred to in this inven new artwork utilizing some of the symbols used in the game tion. of Mahjong (or Mah Jong). While this game was moderately 0015 FIG. 1 is a detail diagram illustrating an example set Successful, it had little resemblance to the actual game of of Mahjong tiles according to embodiments of the invention. Mahjong, and merely utilized some of its symbols, replacing Images in this figure have been drawn by Jerry Crimson Mann those used in the game in the USA. Another game introduced and are used under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share by Bally was Golden 8's, another artwork combination Alike 3.0 Unported license. Referring to FIG. 1, the 144 appealing to the Chinese appreciation of the number 8, but Mahjong tiles are separated into Simple tiles, Honor tiles, and again with little association with anything else recognizable Bonus tiles. The words “tile' or “tiles' will be regularly used in this document, but other terms and/or objects could be used to Chinese players. Other efforts were made by manufactur interchangeably, Such as symbols, cards, plaques, graphic ers such as IGT, with games Such as "Fa Cai 12s. Again, this icons etc. to represent the images of the symbols used in the was another game involving simply changing the artwork traditional Asian game of Mahjong for the purposes outlined from a pre-existing game to Some apparently auspicious Chi in this document. nese symbolisms, which was no more than moderately suc 0016 Embodiments of this invention are meant to provide cessful. unique games for enjoyment, particularly in casino type envi 0004. The relative lack of success of these games, and ronments (whether land based, sea based, server based, Inter others, was based on their Superficial attention to Asian cul net type, or otherwise). These methods of play, incorporated ture, and their lack of combining the symbols used with with the use of Mahjong tiles, open up a new realm of games playing methods that Chinese players were accustomed to. for potential offer to people. Application of these games could Embodiments of this invention address these and other issues be, but is not limited to the following: table style gaming in in the prior art. (in similar fashion to Blackjack or others), electronic BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS gaming machines (slot machines), computer games (includ ing but not limited to Internet style games), and hand held 0005 FIG. 1 is a detail diagram illustrating an example set device style gaming (such as mobile phones, tablets, and of Mahjong tiles according to embodiments of the invention. PDAs or otherwise) as discussed below. 0006 FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram that illustrates 0017. As discussed below embodiments of the present a gaming device according to embodiments of the invention. concept combine the traditional tiles of the ancient Chinese 0007 FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the gaming device game of Mahjong with various features of traditional gaming illustrated in FIG. 2. devices to create a unique mix of games readily identifiable 0008 FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of networked by Asian players with easily understood methodology and gaming devices according to embodiments of the invention. potentially meaningful payouts based on pay tables that 0009 FIG. 5 is a detail diagram of a gaming device having resemble winning combinations within the actual game of Mahjong elements according to embodiments of the inven Mahjong. tion. Like to display the tiles in a row of 13, rather than two 0018. The advantages of the methods of gaming outlined rows if possible in the embodiments discussed in this disclosure include sym US 2012/023834.6 A1 Sep. 20, 2012

bol recognition with familiar game play elements. In addi However, it is often preferable to have the credit meter 27 tion, some embodiments of the present invention utilize all of reflect a number of credits, rather than a monetary unit. The the tiles used in the game of Mahjong instead of just including bet meter 28 may indicate the amount of credits to be wagered a few of them as art work as previously attempted. These onaparticular game. Thus, for each game, the player transfers embodiments may use draws and discards of the Mahjong the amount that he or she wants to wager from the credit meter tiles or symbols to generate a final hand that the player may 27 to the bet meter 28. In some embodiments, various other compare to a paytable, a dealer, or other players to determine meters may be present, such as meters reflecting amounts if the final hand is associated with an award. Other embodi won, amounts paid, or the like. In embodiments where the ments described herein take advantage of already popular gaming display 20 is a video monitor, the information indi game styles, such as poker style games, which players can cated on the credit meters may be shown on the gaming associate with, but with the additional cultural association display itself 20. with the Mahjong tiles that are incorporated. In embodiments 0023 The base portion 13 may include a lighted panel 14, that use paytables to determine prizes associated with a play a coin return (not shown), and a gaming handle 12 operable on er's hand, the paytables may be configured to pay awards for a partially rotating pivot joint 11. The game handle 12 is combinations of tiles that are meaningful in the game of traditionally included on mechanical spinning-reel games, Mahjong. That is, winning hands or games with associated where the handle may be pulled toward a player to initiate the pays may be similar to winning combinations in the tradi spinning of reels 22 after placement of a wager. The top box tional game. For example, these combinations, sequences, or 18 may include a lighted panel 17, a video display (such as an groupings of tiles may relate to the various traditional group LCD monitor), a mechanical bonus device (not shown), and a ings used in Mahjong, such as "Chow'' (sequence of Suited candle light indicator 19. The player interface panel 30 may tiles, such as 1, 2, and 3 of a particular suit), and/or “Pung include various devices so that a player can interact with the (three identical symbols of the same tile, such as 3 units of the gaming device 10. single Suit), or any other combinations or groupings. 0024. The player interface panel 30 may include one or While these traditional groupings may be utilized in a pay more game buttons 32 that can be actuated by the player to table, other embodiments of the invention may use com cause the gaming device 10 to perform a specific action. For pletely different groupings, sequences, or sets to indicate a example, Some of the game buttons 32 may cause the gaming winning hand. device 10 to bet a credit to be wagered during the next game, 0019. Before discussing specific game play for any change the number of lines being played on a multi-line embodiments, a brief description of various types of gaming game, out the credits remaining on the gaming device (as devices and gaming systems will be discussed below. These indicated on the credit meter 27), or request assistance from gaming devices and systems, or features of these devices and casino personnel. Such as by lighting the candle 19. In addi systems, may be used with Mahjong game play elements as tion, the player interface panel 30 may include one or more discussed below to create new and improved game devices game actuating buttons 33. The game actuating buttons 33 and game Systems. may initiate a game with a pre-specified amount of credits. On 0020 FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate example gaming devices Some gaming devices 10 a "Max Bet' game actuating button according to embodiments of the invention. 33 may be included that places the maximum credit wager on 0021 Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a gaming device 10 is an a game and initiates the game. The player interface panel 30 electronic gaming machine. Although an electronic gaming may further include a bill acceptor 37 and a ticket printer 38. machine or “slot machine is illustrated, various other types The bill acceptor 37 may accept and validate paper money or of devices may be used to wager monetarily based credits on previously printed tickets with a credit balance. The ticket a in accordance with principles of the inven printer 38 may print out tickets reflecting the balance of the tion. The term "electronic gaming device' is meant to include credits that remain on the gaming device 10 when a player various devices such as electro-mechanical spinning-reel cashes out by pressing one of the game buttons 32 pro type slot machines, video slot machines, and video poker grammed to cause a 'cashout. These tickets may be inserted machines, for instance. Other gaming devices may include into other gaming machines or redeemed at a cashier station computer-based gaming machines, wireless gaming devices, or kiosk for cash. multi-player gaming stations, modified personal electronic 0025. The gaming device 10 may also include one or more gaming devices (such as cell phones), personal computers, speakers 26 to transmit auditory information or sounds to the server-based gaming terminals, and other similar devices. player. The auditory information may include specific sounds Although embodiments of the invention will work with all of associated with particular events that occur during game play the gaming types mentioned, for ease of illustration the on the gaming device 10. For example, a particularly festive present embodiments will be described in reference to the Sound may be played during a large win or when a bonus is electronic gaming machine 10 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. triggered. The speakers 26 may also transmit “attract sounds 0022. The gaming device 10 includes a cabinet 15 housing to entice nearby players when the game is not currently being components to operate the gaming device 10. The cabinet 15 played. may include a gaming display 20, a base portion 13, a top box 0026. The gaming device 10 may further include a sec 18, and a player interface panel 30. The gaming display 20 ondary display 25. This secondary display 25 may be a may include mechanical spinning reels, a video display, or a vacuum fluorescent display (VFD), a liquid crystal display combination of both spinning reels and a video display. The (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT), a plasma screen, or the like. gaming cabinet 15 may also include a credit meter 27 and a The secondary display 25 may show any combination of coin-in or bet meter 28. The credit meter 27 may indicate the primary game information and ancillary information to the total number of credits remaining on the gaming device 10 player. For example, the secondary display 25 may show that are eligible to be wagered. In some embodiments, the player tracking information, secondary bonus information, credit meter 27 may reflect a monetary unit, such as dollars. advertisements, or player selectable game options. US 2012/023834.6 A1 Sep. 20, 2012

0027. The gaming device 10 may include a separate infor the gaming devices in the casino, the player inserts the player mation window (not shown) dedicated to Supplying any com tracking card into the identification device 46 thus permitting bination of information related to primary gameplay, second the casino to track player activity, Such as amounts wagered, ary bonus information, player tracking information, credits won, and rate of play. secondary bonus information, advertisements or player selectable game options. This window may be fixed in size 0031. To induce the player to use the card and be an iden and location or may have its size and location vary temporally tified player, the casino may award each player points pro as communication needs change. One example of Such a portional to the money or credits wagered by the player. resizable window is International Game Technology’s “ser Players typically accrue points at a rate related to the amount Vice window'. Another example is Las Vegas Gaming Incor wagered, although other factors may cause the casino to porated's retrofit technology which allows information to be award the player various amounts. The points may be dis placed over areas of the game or the secondary display Screen played on the secondary display 25 or using other methods. In at various times and in various situations. conventional player tracking systems, the player may take his 0028. The gaming device 10 includes a microprocessor 40 or her card to a special desk in the casino where a casino that controls operation of the gaming device 10. If the gaming employee scans the card to determine how many accrued device 10 is a standalone gaming device, the microprocessor points are in the player's account. The player may redeem 40 may control virtually all of the operations of the gaming points for selected merchandise, meals in casino restaurants, devices and attached equipment, such as operating game or the like, which each have assigned point values. In some logic stored in memory (not shown) as firmware, controlling player tracking systems, the player may use the secondary the display 20 to represent the outcome of a game, commu display 25 to access their player tracking account, such as to nicating with the other peripheral devices (such as the bill check a total number of points, redeem points for various acceptor 37), and orchestrating the lighting and Sound ema services, make changes to their account, or download promo nating from the gaming device 10. In other embodiments tional credits to the gaming device 10. In other embodiments, where the gaming device 10 is coupled to a network 50, as the identification device 46 may read other identifying cards described below, the microprocessor 40 may have different (such as driver licenses, credit cards, etc.) to identify a player tasks depending on the setup and function of the gaming and match them to a corresponding player tracking account. device. For example, the microprocessor 40 may be respon Although FIG. 2 shows the player tracking unit 45 with a card sible for running the base game of the gaming device and reader as the identification device 46, other embodiments executing instructions received over the network 50 from a may include a player tracking unit 45 with a biometric scan bonus server or player tracking server. In a server-based gam ner, PIN code acceptor, or other methods of identifying a ing setup, the microprocessor 40 may act as a terminal to player to pair the player with their player tracking account. execute instructions from a remote server that is running 0032. A player typically plays the gaming device 10 by game play on the gaming device. placing a wager and activating an input mechanism to initiate 0029. The microprocessor 40 may be coupled to a a game associated with the placed wager. As used herein, a machine communication interface (MCI) 42 that connects the gaming event refers to any activity that affects the calculation gaming device 10 to a gaming network 50. The MCI 42 may or display of a game outcome. Game events include interac be coupled to the microprocessor 40 through a serial connec tions occurring between the gaming device 10, the player, tion, a parallel connection, an optical connection, or in some and/or a connected game system. Example gaming events cases a wireless connection. The gaming device 10 may include a player inserting a player account card in a gaming include memory 41 (MEM). Such as a random access memory device, a double-pay bonus time period activation, a first (RAM), coupled to the microprocessor 40 and which can be spinning reel coming to a stop, a player's input to hold a card used to store gaming information, such as storing total coin-in in a poker hand, etc. A game refers to the calculation and statistics about a present or past gaming session, which can be completion of one game outcome. That is, a game includes a communicated to a remote server or database through the single game cycle that begins with the initiation of the MCI 42. The MCI 42 may also facilitate communication wagered upon game and ends with the completion of all between the network 50 and the secondary display 25 or a activities relating to the wager placed including any interven player tracking unit 45 housed in the gaming cabinet 15. ing bonuses. In other words, a game encompasses all gaming 0030 The player tracking unit 45 may include an identi events dependent on a placed wager during an initiated game fication device 46 and one or more buttons 47 associated with including all amounts due the player that are paid directly by the player tracking unit 45. The identification device 46 the gaming machine, or as a manual payment by casino per serves to identify a player, by, for example, reading a player Sonnel to the player playing that gaming machine. For tracking device. Such as a player tracking card that is issued example, if an item was awarded as a result of a wager that by the casino to individual players who choose to have such a could be saved and used later, the game would encompass the card. The identification device 46 may instead, or addition awarding of the item, which is part of the game outcome, but ally, identify players through other methods. Player tracking not the later use of that item since the later use would affect a systems using player tracking cards and card readers 46 are different game outcome. A game session refers to one or more known in the art. Briefly Summarizing such a system, a player played games. For example, a game session for a particular registers with the casino prior to commencing gaming. The player may include each game played on a specific gaming casino issues a unique player-tracking card to the player and device, each game played between insertions of money or opens a corresponding player account that is stored on a credits, each game played between an initial money or credit server or host computer, described below with reference to insertion and a cash-out or Zeroing out of credits, each game FIG. 4. The player account may include the player's name and played during a casino stay, or each game played over a mailing address and other information of interest to the casino predetermined time period. Alternatively, game sessions may in connection with marketing efforts. Prior to playing one of refer to games played by multiple players over a specified US 2012/023834.6 A1 Sep. 20, 2012 time periodorevent period with respect to aparticular gaming 0038 FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating networked device or group of gaming devices. gaming devices according to embodiments of the invention. 0033. The player may initially insert monetary bills or Referring to FIG. 4, multiple electronic gaming devices previously printed tickets with a credit value into the bill (EGMs) 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, and 75 may be coupled to one acceptor 37. The player may also put coins into a coin accep another and coupled to a remote server 80 through a network tor (not shown) or a credit, debit or casino account card into a 50. For ease of understanding, gaming devices or EGMs 70. card reader/authorizer (not shown). In other embodiments, 71, 72, 73, 74, and 75 are generically referred to as EGMs stored player points or special bonus points awarded to the 70-75. The term EGMs 70-75, however, may refer to any player or accumulated and/or stored in a player account may combination of one or more of EGMs 70, 71, 72,73, 74, and be able to be substituted at or transferred to the gaming device 75. Additionally, the gaming server 80 may be coupled to one 10 for credits or other value. For example, a player may or more gaming databases 90. These gaming network 50 convert stored loyalty points to credits or transfer funds from connections may allow multiple gaming devices 70-75 to his bank account, credit card, casino account or other source remain in communication with one another during particular of funding. The selected source of funding may be selected by gaming modes such as tournament play or remote head-to the player at time of transfer, determined by the casino at the head play. Although some of the gaming devices 70-75 time of transfer or occur automatically according to a pre coupled on the gaming network 50 may resemble the gaming defined selection process. One of skill in the art will readily devices 10 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, other coupled gaming see that this invention is useful with all gambling devices, devices 70-75 may include differently configured gaming regardless of the manner in which wager value-input is devices. For example, the gaming devices 70-75 may include accomplished. traditional slot machines 75 directly coupled to the network 0034. The credit meter 27 displays the numeric credit 50, banks of gaming devices 70 coupled to the network 50. value of the money or other value inserted, transferred, or banks of gaming devices 70 coupled to the network through a stored dependent on the denomination of the gaming device bank controller 60, wireless handheld gaming machines 72 10. That is, if the gaming device 10 is a nickel slot machine and cellphones 73 coupled to the gaming network 50 through and a S20 bill inserted into the bill acceptor 37, the credit one or more wireless routers or antennas 61, personal com meter will reflect 400 credits or one credit for each nickel of puters 74 coupled to the network 50 through the internet 62, the inserted twenty dollars. For gaming devices 10 that sup and banks of gaming devices 71 coupled to the network port multiple denominations, the credit meter 27 will reflect through one or more optical connection lines 64. Addition the amount of credits relative to the denomination selected. ally, some of the traditional gaming devices 70, 71, and 75 Thus, in the above example, if a penny denomination is may include electronic gaming tables, multi-station gaming selected after the S20 is inserted the credit meter will change devices, or electronic components operating in conjunction from 400 credits to 2000 credits. with non-gaming components, such as automatic card read 0035. A wager may be placed by pushing one or more of ers, chip readers, and chip counters, for example. the game buttons 32, which may be reflected on the bet meter 0039 Gaming devices 71 coupled over an optical line 64 28. That is, the player can generally depress a “bet one' button may be remote gaming devices in a different location or (one of the buttons on the player interface panel 30, such as casino. The optical line 64 may be coupled to the gaming 32), which transfers one credit from the credit meter 27 to the network 50 through an electronic to optical signal converter bet meter 28. Each time the button 32 is depressed an addi 63 and may be coupled to the gaming devices 71 through an tional single credit transfers to the bet meter 28 up to a optical to electronic signal converter 65. The banks of gaming maximum bet that can be placed on a single play of the devices 70 coupled to the network 50 may be coupled through electronic gaming device 10. The game may be initiated by a bank controller 60 for compatibility purposes, for local pulling the gaming handle 12 or depressing the spin button33. organization and control, or for signal buffering purposes. On some gaming devices 10, a “max bet” button (another one The network 50 may include serial or parallel signal trans of the buttons 32 on the player interface panel 30) may be mission lines and carry data in accordance with data transfer depressed to wager the maximum number of credits Sup protocols such as Ethernet transmission lines, RS-232 lines, ported by the gaming device 10 and initiate a game. firewire lines, USB lines, or other communication protocols. 0036. If the game does not result in any winning combi Although not shown in FIG. 4, substantially the entire net nation, the process of placing a wager may be repeated by the work 50 may be made offiber optic lines or may be a wireless player. Alternatively, the player may cash out any remaining network utilizing a wireless protocol such as IEEE 802.11a, credits on the credit meter 27 by depressing the “cash-out” b, g, or n, Zigbee, RF protocols, optical transmission, near button (another button 32 on the player interface panel 30), field transmission, or the like. which causes the credits on the credit meter 27 to be paid out 0040. As mentioned above, each gaming device 70-75 in the form of a ticket through the ticket printer 38, or may be may have an individual processor 40 (FIG. 2) and memory 41 paid out in the form of returning coins from a coin hopper (not to run and control game play on the gaming device 70-75, or shown) to a coin return tray. some of the gaming devices 70-75 may be terminals that are 0037. If instead a winning combination (win) appears on run by a remote server 80 in a server based gaming environ the display 20, the award corresponding to the winning com ment. Server based gaming environments may be advanta bination is immediately applied to the credit meter 27. For geous to casinos by allowing fast downloading of particular example, if the gaming device 10 is a slot machine, a winning game types or themes based on casino preference or player combination of symbols 23 may land on a played payline on selection. Additionally, tournament based games, linked reels 22. If any bonus games are initiated, the gaming device games, and certain game types, such as BINGO or keno may 10 may enter into a bonus mode or simply award the player benefit from at least some server 80 based control. with a bonus amount of credits that are applied to the credit 0041. Thus, in some embodiments, the network 50, server meter 27. 80, and database 90 may be dedicated to communications US 2012/023834.6 A1 Sep. 20, 2012 regarding specific game or tournament play. In other embodi five. Although there are thirteen dealt Mahjong tiles 122 ments, however, the network 50, server 80, and database 90 distributed in two rows in the illustrated embodiments, more may be part of a player tracking network. For player tracking or fewer tiles 122 may be dealt, and the tiles may be distrib capabilities, whena player inserts a player tracking card in the uted in many various patterns or shapes, such as a single row card reader 46 (FIG. 2), the player tracking unit 45 sends of thirteen tiles. The soft buttons include a player help button player identification information obtained on the card reader 129, and a game activation button 125 labeled “DEAL.” The 46 through the MCI 42 over the network 50 to the player game information on the gaming display 120 includes a game tracking server 80, where the player identification informa banner 121, a credit and bet meter 128, and a game paytable tion is compared to player information records in the player 127. database 90 to provide the player with information regarding 0046. In operation, gaming device 100 displays thirteen their player account or other features at the gaming device 10 Mahjong tiles 122 on the gaming display 120 in response to where the player is wagering. Additionally, multiple data receiving a wager placed by a player. The received Mahjong bases 90 and/or servers 80 may be present and coupled to one tiles are analyzed and compared against a paytable 127 to or more networks 50 to provide a variety of gaming services, determine if the Mahjong hand results in any winning com Such as both game/tournament data and player tracking data. binations associated with an award. In the illustrated hand the 0042. The various systems described with reference to player has received a three tile meld, four pairs of tiles, and FIGS. 2-4 can be used in a number of ways. For instance, the two single tiles. The player may be awarded 10 credits for the systems can be used to track data about various players. The three tile meld and 1 credit for each pair of the four pairs of tracked data can be used by the casino to provide additional tiles on a 5 credit wager. Hence, the player would receive an benefits to players, such as extra bonuses or extra benefits award of 14 credits for the hand displayed in FIG. 5. Such as bonus games and other benefits as described above. 0047. The above game operation simply displays 13 Mah These added benefits further entice the players to play at the jong tiles 122 during each game play and compares various casino that provides the benefits. combinations of received tiles (such as melds, pairs, straights, 0043. The above gaming devices and systems illustrate the etc.) to a game paytable 127. However, various other embodi types of gaming products that can be implemented with Mah ments may employ many different variations in game play. jong game aspects, as well as providing an overview of some For example, 13 Mahjong tiles 122 are used in the embodi of the features of these devices and systems. Discussed below ment displayed in FIG. 5, but more or fewer tiles may be used are various embodiments of gaming devices and systems that to make up a hand. In other embodiments, a player may have utilize Mahjong elements. These embodiments represent interact with the game to arrange the tiles in a particular order various manners of implementing Mahjong game play on to receive awards. For example, a player may have to move gaming devices and systems, and are provided to highlight tiles 122 around the game display 120 to form scoring melds, possible features and game play modes. Many additional pairs, etc. that are associated with awards. In one example, a embodiments, however, are possible and are contemplated by player may have to decide how to use a particular tile in a this invention. scoring combination, such as whether to use it in a pair or straight. In another example, a common tile 122 could be used Single Hand Embodiments in two different scoring combinations. Different embodi 0044. In one embodiment, a player is dealt a set hand of ments could integrate a self sorting functionality, where the Mahjong tiles or symbols with no Subsequent opportunity to optimum play is suggested or prompted to the player, and/or discard or change the tiles dealt. The original hand dealt is the tiles are sorted automatically into scoring groups and then assessed against a predetermined paytable, a dealer possibly highlighted accordingly. hand, and/or one or more other hands to ascertain whether the 0048 FIGS. 6A and 6B show another example embodi hand is of a winning ranking or not. The player is then paid ment with a single hand deal using Mahjong tiles. Referring according to the value of the hand, and the amount wagered to FIG. 6A, 13 Mahjong tiles 222 are dealt on a gaming on the hand. The player may be dealt any number of tiles from display 220 in response to a wager. Here, the dealt Mahjong 1 to a maximum number of tiles, although a deal of thirteen tiles 222 are dealt face down or otherwise hidden from the may be popular as this is the typical size of a traditional player. In this embodiment, the player selects 8 of the 13 tiles Mahjong hand. The paytable may be set up to award prizes for 222 to form a Mahjong hand that is compared to a paytable specific combinations of tiles in the player's final hand. For 227 in order to determine if any awards are won by the player. example melds of three or four tiles may be awarded a par The game information 228 here shows that the player has ticular value, pairs of similar tiles may be award Smaller eight picks remaining. prizes, straights of three or more tiles may also be associated 0049 Referring to FIG. 6B, the player has now selected with prizes. Various other combinations that use the Honor or six tiles 222, which are revealed to the player as shown in FIG. Bonus tiles may also pay additional prizes. 6B. As the game information meter 228 shows, the player still 0045 FIG. 5 is a detail diagram of a gaming device having has two tiles 122 to select. Once the player chooses the two Mahjong elements according to embodiments of the inven remaining tiles 222, the 8 tile hand will be the final hand and tion. Referring to FIG. 5, a gaming device 100 includes a analyzed for winning combinations. In other embodiments, gaming display 120 and a player interface panel 130. The the player may continue selecting tiles if they do not like the player interface panel 130 includes one or more bet buttons eight tile hand that they have received. Here, selecting a new 132, one or more game buttons 131, and one or more game tile may cause a first selected tile 222 or a random one of the initiation buttons 133. The gaming display 120 includes one selected tiles to become ineligible as part of the 8 tile final or more elements of game indicia 122, one or more soft hand. The player may press one of the game buttons 225 when buttons 125, 129, and game information 121, 127,128. In the they have an eight tile hand that they want to play. Alterna embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the game indicia is thirteen tively, the player will receive the last selected 8 tiles 222 if the Mahjong tiles 122 displayed in a row of eight and a row of player continues choosing tiles until they are all revealed. US 2012/023834.6 A1 Sep. 20, 2012

Various other embodiments are also possible using final Mah 0055. In one embodiment, a Player is dealt a hand of jong tile hands that are a subset of all dealt tiles 222. Mahjong tiles, most likely 13, but not limited to 13 tiles (the 0050. In other embodiments one or more tiles 222, or an number effectively being anywhere from 1 to 144 or another additional symbol/tile(s), may be used as “wild” symbols. maximum number of tiles). The player then selects none, one, These wild symbols may be substitute for a particular symbol, or more tiles to be kept, and the rest are discarded. The player particular symbols, or all symbols in the set of Mahjong tiles is then dealt replacement tiles, from the remaining tiles in the to form winning combinations. The tiles that would act as set (one or more times), and the hand is assessed against a wild symbols could either be designated existing tiles that predetermined pay table to ascertain whether the hand is of a are part of the Mahjong set of tiles, or additional independent winning ranking or not. The player is then paid according to symbols introduced for this purpose. the value of the hand, and the amount wagered on the hand. Draw and/or Discard Embodiments 0056. In alternative embodiments, the player may be 0051 Traditional games of Mahjong commonly allow a allowed to discard a number of times, either based on a pre-set player to draw and discard tiles to attempt to improve the number of times, or according to the tiles dealt, or even strength of a hand. Similarly, some embodiments of this con according to the play method with the tiles dealt. These cept may deal multiple tiles to a player and then allow the embodiments may be advantageous in that they more closely player one or more opportunities to draw and/or discard tiles resemble methodology and game play for traditional games to attempt to improve a hand. For example, referring back to of Mahjong. FIG. 5, a player may be initially dealt 13 Mahjong tiles 122, 0057. In addition, other embodiments may use “multi play' hands, where identical sets of tiles are dealt for each of and then be presented with an opportunity to discard tiles and the multiple hands. Tiles held in one hand are held in all draw additional tiles. Here, the player may touch the tiles 122 hands, but each hand has an independent draw to form mul that she wishes to discard and then press the DEAL button tiple different final hands. More particularly, a player places a 125 or Repeat Bet button 133 to draw additional tiles to wager for every row of tiles she wishes to play up to a maxi replace the discarded tiles. A player may be given a set num mum allowed by the game. Once the player is dealt the first ber of opportunities to discard and draw tiles depending on row or rows of tiles, which is identical for each row or hand, the game rules. The number of opportunities to discard and the player has the option of selecting none, one or more of the draw tiles may be indicated in the player information banner tiles to be held. The tiles that are held are also held in any 121 or other location on the game display 120. additional rows of tiles that may have been dealt. Replace 0052. In other variations, a game may be divided up into ment tiles are dealt for those tiles discarded into each row, rounds where a player draws one or more tiles 122 at a time from the remaining tiles (normally 131 where 13 tiles are and either discards a corresponding number of tiles or final dealt in the original hand, but other embodiments could izes a hand. In one example, a player may draw one tile 122 include remaining tiles plus those already discarded). Each until she can form four groups or melds of tiles and one pair unique hand (each row) is assessed against a predetermined or head of tiles. The number of rounds or draws required to pay table to ascertain whether each hand is of a winning value. form a hand over a predefined value may be used at least in The player is then paid out according to his or her wager for part to determine if the player is awarded a prize and how each of the winning rows, in consideration of the rank or value large the prize may be. In the above example, the player may of the hand within the predetermined pay table in operation. have 10% of a prize value for a final hand deducted for each 0.058 Embodiment of this game may be implemented on draw that they use in creating a final hand. Thus, if the player an electronic gaming device or on a physical or electronic uses 10 draws during a single game to form a final hand, the gaming table. That is various embodiments may be utilized in game is over. Many other variations in determining an award a table form (like Blackjack or Baccarat), in an electronic method and paytable are also possible using these principles. gaming machine form, in a casino-type game to be played on the Internet, or even in a traditional board game. Poker Style Embodiments 0059 FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an example embodiment 0053. In other embodiments, games may combine the tra of poker-styled game play on an electronic game device. ditional tiles (symbols) of the ancient Chinese game of Mah Referring to FIG. 7A, a gaming display 320 includes multiple jong with poker like methods of play. That is, the player is dealt Mahjong tiles 322 and a game button 325 that allows a dealt one or more rows at the beginning of a game of Mah player to progress game play, and game information that jong. Each dealt row may include the traditional number of 13 includes a paytable 327. Here, the player has been dealt 13 tiles, although more or fewer tiles may be dealt in other Mahjong tiles 322 face up as an initial hand. The player may embodiments. The player may then have the chance to hold, consult the paytable 327 to decide which tiles 322 are the discard, draw, or otherwise manipulate their dealt tiles to most advantageous to hold and which tiles should be dis achieve a final hand that is compared against a paytable. carded. After selecting tiles 322 to hold, the player may press These allowed actions with the dealt tiles may minor common the DRAW button 325 to discard the non-held tiles and draw poker play with cards. new tiles to replace the discarded tiles. 0054 These poker plays may be similar to some of the 0060 Referring to FIG.7B, the player has held eight tiles poker games available to players, such as “Draw Poker.” 322, discarded five tiles, and drawn five more tiles to com “Jacks or Better,” “Deuces Wild,” “Bonus Poker,” “Double plete a final hand. A game information display 328 informs Bonus Poker,” “Double Double Bonus Poker” (all commonly the player that the resulting final hand has winning combina seen games produced by IGT, and offered in casinos through tions worth 125 credits. out the USA and elsewhere), different varieties of stud poker (including but not limited to Caribbean Stud Poker), and any Spinning Reel Embodiments other forms of poker that could utilize Mahjong tiles instead 0061 Although the above embodiments have been dis of a standard deck of 52 cards (or 53 or more with joker(s)). cussed in relation to a video display, other embodiments may US 2012/023834.6 A1 Sep. 20, 2012 utilize multiple spinning reels to generate a Mahjong hand. “winning combinations' that appear on a paytable. That is, These spinning reels may be implemented as mechanical the player may play against a "dealer” or another player or spinning reels or video spinning reels. Unlike conventional players, where there are multiple hands dealt during each gaming devices that tend to award prizes from combinations game. Here, the player, along with the dealer or other players that start from the leftmost (and/or rightmost) reel, combina are dealt a hand of a particular number of tiles. The player tions of Mahjong tiles could be assessed based on all the may then play to obtain a final hand of equal or higher ranking symbols that fall on a payline, in a designated area, or on a gaming display. than the dealer (or other players) in order to receive a payout. 0062 FIG. 8 illustrates an example gaming device with This may be similar to game play in games Such as Caribbean spinning reels having Mahjong elements according to Stud Poker. Using similar rules as in Caribbean Stud Poker, embodiments of the invention. Referring to FIG. 8, a gaming each dealt hand must obtain a certain ranking in order to play device 400 includes a player interface area 430 and a gaming on against the remaining player(s)/dealer, and failure to display 420. The player interface area 430 may include one or obtain such a hand could result in an automatic folding of that more game orbet buttons 432 and one or more game initiation hand. buttons 433. The gaming display 420 may include game 0068. In some embodiments, the players may be able to information 421 and multiple game reels 423 that include hold, discard, and draw additional tiles using rules similar to images of Mahjong tile or symbols 422. The gaming display draw poker or blackjack. In other embodiments, players may 420 may also include a hand indicator 426 that highlights use community tiles to help form final hands, such as in Texas symbols 422 that come to rest when the reels 423 stop spin Hold 'Em Style poker. Additional game variations are also ning. These highlighted symbols 422 in the hand indicator possible. 426 may then be used to make winning combinations within 0069. These embodiments may again be implemented on a the Mahjong hand. Operation of this embodiment may be gaming table or on an electronic gaming device. FIG. 9 is a similar to the single hand embodiments discussed above, block diagram of a multiplayer game having Mahjong ele except that the symbols are spun for instead of simply dealt. ments according to embodiments of the invention. Referring 0063. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming display to FIG. 9, a multiplayer game using Mahjong elements 420 includes 13 reels 423 to form a hand with 13 Mahjong includes four game terminals 501, 502, 503, and 504 are symbols 422. However, in other embodiments, more or fewer connected via a signal line 505. If the gameterminals 501-504 reels may be used. Additionally, multiple positions on the are implemented on separated electronic gaming devices, the reels may be used as part of the Mahjong hand. For example, signal line 505 may connect each of these electronic gaming in a 5 reel embodiment, the two end reels 423 may be con devices. If the game terminals 501-504 are part of a common figured to only display2 symbols 422 while the middle three multi-player electronic gaming device or electronic table, the reels display 3 Mahjong symbols each. This would result in signal line 505 may connect these multiple terminals through 13 total displayed symbols 422 that could be used as the the gaming device. If the game terminals 501-504 are imple Mahjong hand. mented on a conventional game table, the signal line 505 is 0064. In other embodiments, the player may select one or not needed. Each of the game terminals 501-504 include a more reels to respin and show another symbol 422. These display or area to receive multiple Mahjong tiles 522 to form respins may be part of a bonus given to the player or part of a a hand. One of the game terminals 501-504 may be used by a game with a more stringent paytable. In either situation, the dealer is a "Beat the Dealer” embodiment, or each of the player may only have a set number of respins. terminals could be used by players. In poker-style embodi ments on conventional game tables that do not use a "Beat the Progressive Jackpot Embodiments Dealer rules and play against a set paytable, the dealer may 0065. In these embodiments, one or more progressive be positioned adjacent to the game terminals 501-504. In jackpots are associated with the game. These progressive various embodiments, more or fewer game terminals may be jackpots may be indicated or included in the paytable of the present. game, or may be awarded on top of a defined game paytable. 0070. Some embodiments of the invention have been The progressive award may be utilized as payment for a described above, and in addition, Some specific details are particular combination of symbols, or particular combina shown for purposes of illustrating the inventive principles. tions of symbols. The progressive award may be configured However, numerous other arrangements may be devised in as a single level progressive jackpot, or multiple levels of accordance with the inventive principles of this patent disclo progressive jackpot prizes. sure. Further, well known processes have not been described 0066. These embodiments may work in a similar manner in detail in order not to obscure the invention. Thus, while the as progressive jackpots work for slot machines, and table invention is described in conjunction with the specific games, such as the famous Mega Bucks jackpot produced by embodiments illustrated in the drawings, it is not limited to IGT, or Caribbean Stud Poker, with its progressive jackpot for these embodiments or drawings. Rather, the invention is a Royal Flush. To win the progressive jackpot a certain wager intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents (such as maximum bet) may be required. In a multi-hand that come within the scope and spirit of the inventive prin poker style embodiment, eligibility for the progressive award ciples set out in the appended claims. may require the player to play all hands. In a “beat the dealer embodiment, eligibility for the progressive award may 1. A method of operating a gaming device being played by require that the player beat the dealer during gameplay. These a player, the method comprising: embodiments may becombined with any of the other embodi receiving a wager to initiate a gaming event; ments of this concept. displaying a plurality of game indicia having Mahjong Beat the Dealer Embodiments symbols; 0067. In other embodiments, the player may be playing grouping the game indicia in one or more combinations against another set or hand of tiles instead of trying to obtain using at least a portion of the plurality of game indicia; US 2012/023834.6 A1 Sep. 20, 2012

comparing the one or more combinations of indicia with a nates the eligibility of one of the revealed tiles from being part prize threshold; and of combinations compared with the prize threshold. awarding prizes when the one or more combinations meet 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the tile eliminated the prize threshold. from eligibility is the eligible tile that was revealed earliest in 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the prize threshold is a the gaming event. pay table of combinations that are associated with prizes. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the tile eliminated 3. The method of claim 1, wherein: from eligibility is chosen at random from the eligible revealed the prize threshold is another plurality of displayed game tiles. indicia having Mahjong symbols that is grouped into 14. The method of claim 6, wherein displaying a plurality one or more combinations, and of game indicia having Mahjong symbols includes randomly meeting the prize threshold includes having combinations choosing thirteen Mahjong tiles from a set of one hundred in the displayed plurality of game indicia that are valued forty four possible Mahjong tiles. more than the combinations of the other plurality of 15. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying a plurality displayed game indicia. of game indicia having Mahjong symbols includes: 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the other plurality of spinning a plurality of game reels each having a plurality of displayed game indicia is received by a dealer. images with Mahjong symbols; and 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the other plurality of stopping the plurality of game reels to display the plurality displayed game indicia is received by another player. of game indicia. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the game indicia is an 16. A gaming device including: image of a tile with Mahjong symbols. a gaming display to display game indicia having Mahjong 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: symbols during a gaming event; receiving one or more player inputs to hold one or more of a player interface panel having one or more player input the tiles when the player indicates that a corresponding mechanisms; and tile is to be held; a processor configured to select a plurality of game indicia discarding any tiles that are not held by the player, and having Mahjong symbols to display on the game display, replacing any discarded tiles with new tiles. grouping the selected game indicia in one or more com 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising repeating the binations using at least a portion of the plurality of game steps of receiving one or more player inputs to hold one or indicia, comparing the one or more combinations of more of the tiles, discarding any tiles that are not held by the indicia with a prize threshold, and awarding prizes when player, and replacing any discarded tiles with new tiles a the one or more combinations meet the prize threshold. predetermined number of times. 17. The gaming device of claim 16, wherein the gaming 9. The method of claim 6, displaying a plurality of game display includes a plurality of spinning game reels having a indicia having Mahjong symbols includes: plurality of images with Mahjong symbols. displaying the plurality of tiles facedown; 18. The gaming device of claim 17, wherein number of receiving a selection from a player indicating one of the spinning reels is the same as the number of selected game plurality of facedown tiles; and indicia. turning over the facedown tile indicated by the player to 19. The gaming device of claim 17, wherein the number of reveal the Mahjong symbol associated with the tile. images displayed on the game reels is the same as the number 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising repeating of selected game indicia. the steps of receiving player selections and revealing the 20. The gaming device of claim 16, wherein the player Mahjong symbol associated with the selected tile a predeter interface includes a number of game buttons equal to the mined number of times. number of selected game indicia. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein selections made after the predetermined number of times has been reached elimi c c c c c