Casino gambling machine with bonus round award redemption

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to casino game playing services for gambling units such as slot machines and video poker machines and, more particularly, to methods of redeeming accumulated credits after the completion of a bonus game on a gambling unit.

[0002] BACKGROUND ART

[0003] Gaming machines generally allow a user to play a main game specific to the gaming machine and then enter a bonus round to win extra game credits or game tokens. Generally, the bonus round is triggered by an event occurring during the main game. Once into the bonus round, the user engages in a bonus game to win the extra credits or tokens. Generally, a user is not given prizes separately in the bonus round, but transferred back into the main game upon completion of the bonus game. The extra game credits or game tokens are added on to the main game total and given to the user at the end of the main game.

[0004] There are a number of prior art devices that distribute prizes other than game tokens or game credits. For instance, one category of prior art devices includes automated games of chance where the machine dispenses a pull-tab ticket. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,980,385 to Clapper, Jr. discloses an electronic apparatus for dispensing pull-tab tickets containing game scoring indicia. If the ticket is a winning ticket, than the user may redeem it for a number of prizes including cash. This type of device is designed to allow for game play in jurisdictions where typical gaming machines are not allowed. Another type of prior art device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,949,042 to Dietz, II et al. is designed to look like a conventional gaming machine such as a slot machine. The machine is not real gaming machine, however. The machine presents a typical three-by-three matrix display of symbols similar to conventional slot machines, but the display is not randomly generated. Instead the display imitates the pattern of a pull-tab coupon that is dispensed from the machine each time the machine is played. Finally, other prior art, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,935,000 to Sanchez, III et al., emphasizes device that are designed to provide a high level of security on conventional gaming ticket dispensing machines. These machines only dispense gaming tickets, and do not provide gaming tickets according to game play. The security is achieved by using different manners of coding on the gaming tickets that may be redeemed at other locations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] According to one aspect, the present invention may be embodied in an electronic gambling unit for allowing a user to play a main gambling game and a bonus round game, and for dispensing value to the user at the conclusion of the bonus round game. Such an electronic gambling unit may include a display unit capable of generating color images or other display mechanism capable of displaying symbols associated with the main gambling game and the bonus round game. The electronic gambling unit may further include an input device that allows the user to make a plurality of input selections, a currency-accepting mechanism capable of allowing the user to deposit a medium of currency, a value-dispensing mechanism capable of dispensing value to the user, and a controller operatively coupled to the display unit, the input device, the currency-accepting mechanism, and the value-dispensing mechanism. The controller may include a processor and a memory operatively coupled to the processor.

[0006] The controller may be programmed to allow the user to make a wager via the input device after the currency-accepting mechanism detects the deposit of currency by the user, and cause a first sequence of images representing the main gambling game to be generated on the display unit after the user makes a wager. The controller may be further programmed to determine the outcome of the main gambling game and a currency payout associated with the outcome, and to determine the occurrence of triggering event causing entry into the bonus round game. The controller may be further programmed to cause a second sequence of images representing the bonus round game to be generated on the display unit, to determine the outcome of the bonus round game and the bonus payout associated with the outcome of the bonus round game, to cause the value-dispensing mechanism to dispense value to the user after the bonus payout is determined, and to return to the main game at the conclusion of the bonus round game.

[0007] The value-dispensing mechanism may be capable of dispensing any suitable objects that may be representative of some monetary value, such as paper currency, coins, tokens, gaming machine credit, tickets for shows, meals, casino service, hotel services, and the like. For example, the value-dispensing mechanism may be a printing apparatus capable of printing an award ticket and the award ticket may be printed and dispensed after the bonus award is determined automatically or based on information that may be acquired from selections made by the user at the input device or on information obtained from a player tracking system via a player tracking interface that may be included in the electronic gambling unit. Alternatively, the value-dispensing mechanism may be capable of dispensing value by incrementing value on an item having data stored thereon or value maintained in a player tracking system.

[0008] According to another aspect, the present invention may be embodied in a method of dispensing bonus awards to a user at the conclusion of a bonus round game of an electronic gambling unit that allows the user to play a main gambling game and a bonus round game. Such a method may include accepting and detecting a deposit of currency by the user, allowing the user to make a wager of the deposited currency via an input device, and displaying a first sequence of symbols representing the main gambling game on a display mechanism after the user makes a wager. The method may further include determining an outcome of the main gambling game and a currency payout associated with the outcome of the first gambling game, detecting the occurrence of a triggering event during execution of the main gambling game, and displaying a second sequence of symbols representing the bonus round game after detecting the triggering event. Still further, the method may include determining the outcome of the bonus round game and a bonus payout associated with the outcome of the bonus round game, dispensing value to the user via a value-dispensing mechanism after determining the bonus payout, and returning to the main gambling game at the conclusion of the bonus round game.

[0009] These and other features of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the description of the preferred embodiments, which is made with reference to the drawings, a brief description of which is provided below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 is an exemplary illustration, partially in section, of a side view of an electronic gambling unit designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

[0011]FIG. 2 is an exemplary illustration of an award ticket that may be printed and dispensed by the gambling unit of FIG. 1;

[0012]FIG. 3 is an exemplary block diagram of the hardware components of the electronic gambling unit of FIG. 1;

[0013]FIG. 4 is an exemplary flow diagram of a main control routine that may be implemented by the controller of FIG. 3;

[0014]FIG. 5 is an exemplary flow diagram of a play video poker game routine that may be implemented by the controller of FIG. 3;

[0015]FIG. 6 is an exemplary illustration of graphics that may be displayed on the display unit when the controller of FIG. 3 executes the play video poker game routine of FIG. 5;

[0016]FIG. 7 is an exemplary flow diagram of a play video slot machine routine that may be implemented by the controller of FIG. 3;

[0017]FIG. 8 is an exemplary illustration of graphics that may be displayed on the display unit when the controller of FIG. 3 executes the play video slot machine routine of FIG. 7;

[0018]FIG. 9 is an exemplary flow diagram of a play video blackjack game routine that may be implemented by the controller of FIG. 3; FIG. 10 is an exemplary illustration of graphics that may be displayed on the display unit when the controller of FIG. 3 executes the play video blackjack game routine of FIG. 9; and

[0019]FIG. 11 is an exemplary flow diagram of a bonus round game routine in accordance with the teachings of the present invention that may be implemented by the controller of FIG. 3.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Turning now to the figures, as shown in FIG. 1, a casino gambling unit <b>10</b>, such as a slot machine or any other like apparatus, may generally include a cabinet <b>12</b> which generally surrounds the machine interior (not shown) and is viewable by users. The gambling unit <b>10</b> may further include a display unit <b>14</b> disposed on the front of the cabinet <b>12</b> for displaying graphics and information associated with the video gambling game or games that the user may play at the gambling unit <b>10</b>. For example, the display unit <b>14</b> may display graphics for, inter alia, a plurality of reels <b>16</b>-<b>20</b> on a gambling unit <b>10</b> configured for the user to play video slots. The display unit <b>14</b> may be a color display unit, a monochrome display or any other suitable display. Further, the display unit <b>14</b> may be embodied in a cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor, a plasma display, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or any other suitable display technology. For example, the display unit <b>14</b> may be embodied in a Multisync LCD Model 1810 available from NEC Technologies. The gambling unit <b>10</b> may also include a number of buttons <b>22</b>-<b>28</b> that a user may actuate to make bets or wagers, and game-specific selections such as holding or discarding cards, and a handle or arm <b>30</b>, a spin button <b>32</b>, or any other type of input device.

[0021] The configuration of the gambling unit <b>10</b> of FIG. 1 is exemplary, an in no way limiting as to the types of gambling units contemplated for use with the method and apparatus of the present invention. For example, the display unit <b>14</b> may display graphics of dealt cards or configurations of numbers for other video gambling games such as video poker, video blackjack, video keno and the like. Still further, the gambling unit <b>10</b> may be a traditional slot machine having mechanical reels instead of the display unit <b>14</b> and still have application with the method and apparatus of the present invention. Additionally, one or more of the arm <b>30</b> and buttons <b>22</b>-<b>28</b> and <b>32</b> on the gambling unit <b>10</b> may be replaced by other types of input devices that are known in the art. For example, the display unit <b>14</b> described above may have a touch-sensitive device installed thereon. Such a touch screen may be available from MicroTouch or any other suitable vendor. Other combinations and configurations of mechanical and electronic displays, and input and activation devices will be apparent to those skilled in that art and are contemplated for use with the present invention.

[0022] Currency accepting mechanism <b>34</b>-<b>38</b> may be disposed on the front of the gambling unit <b>10</b> or in any other suitable location. The currency accepting mechanisms <b>36</b>-<b>40</b> may be embodied in any device that can accept value from the user. As used herein the term “value” is intended to encompass conventional tokens, coin or bill currency or any other suitable objects that may be representative of some monetary value. Furthermore, as used herein the term value may include cards having value associated therewith (e.g., printed cards, smart cards or the like). For example, slot <b>34</b> may accept coins or tokens, bill acceptor <b>36</b> may accept and validate bill currency, and card reader <b>38</b> may accept coupons, printed cards, smart cards or any other suitable electronic currency that is accepted by the casino. By way of a particular example, the bill validator <b>36</b> may be a validator that is commercially available from Japanese Coin Mechanisms (JCM) under model number WBA-12-SS. As shown in FIG. 2, the currency accepting mechanism may be coupled to, and controlled by, a controller <b>70</b>. When a user deposits value into the currency accepting mechanisms <b>34</b>-<b>38</b>, a representation of the value that the user has may be displayed to the user on the display unit <b>14</b> or on some other display disposed on the cabinet <b>12</b>. Additionally, a currency accepting mechanism such as the card reader <b>38</b>, upon receiving a smart card or player tracking card, may interface with a player tracking system to which the gambling unit <b>10</b> is connected to acquire user profile, preference and credit information for the user for use by the gambling unit <b>10</b> in a manner described more fully below. As the user plays various video gambling games, the value may be incremented as the user wins and may be decremented as the user loses.

[0023] The gambling unit <b>10</b> may include additional features to enhance the users game playing experience, such as audio speakers <b>42</b> and an aroma dispenser <b>44</b>. The audio speakers <b>42</b>, which may be embodied in speakers that are commercially available from Boston Acoustics under model number CX9³, or may be embodied in any other suitable speakers, cooperate with a sound generator (not shown) to provide various forms of audio that are relevant to the video gambling game that the user is playing. For example, the sound generator, which may be any suitable and known audio generating circuit, may generate signals representing sounds such as the noise of spinning slot machine reels, a dealers voice, music, announcements or any other suitable audio related to a video gambling game. The aroma dispenser <b>44</b>, which may be mounted above the display unit <b>14</b> or may be mounted in any other suitable location on the gambling unit <b>10</b>, may be manufactured by MicroScent or DigiScents.

[0024] A printer <b>46</b> may also be disposed on the front of the gambling unit <b>10</b> or in any other suitable location. One exemplary printer <b>46</b> is available from SEIKO Instruments USA, Inc. under model number PSA-66-000N. The printer <b>46</b>, which may be responsive to a controller, may be used for printing tickets <b>48</b> reflecting the winnings accumulated by a user. For example, when a user desires to cash out, the printer <b>46</b> may print a ticket <b>48</b> having the number of user credits printed thereon. The user may then redeem the printed ticket <b>48</b> for cash, a check or credit at a casino facility. Alternatively, if the electronic gambling unit <b>10</b> is used for lottery purposes, the printed ticket may be redeemed at a lottery facility. Still further, the printed ticket <b>48</b> may prepare and dispense unique tickets, such as the sample ticket <b>48</b> illustrated in FIG. 2, for awards based on the user's performance during game play, award elections made by the user, information about the user provided by a smart card or player tracking system, and the like. Among other features, the printer <b>46</b> may print information on the ticket <b>48</b> such as the casino name <b>50</b>, the type of ticket <b>52</b>, a validation number <b>54</b> and associated bar code <b>56</b> with control and security information, the date and time of issuance <b>58</b>, redemption instructions <b>60</b> and restrictions <b>62</b>, a description of the award <b>64</b>, and any other information that may be necessary to implement the award ticket system. An example of an award ticket system producing unique award tickets is the EZ Pay Ticket System by International Gaming Technology of Las Vegas, Nev.

[0025] During typical use of the gambling unit <b>10</b>, a user inserts into the gambling unit <b>10</b> value that the user may bet. For example, a user may deposit tokens or coins via the slot <b>34</b>, may insert a card having information representative of value into the card acceptor <b>38</b> or may insert a monetary bill into the bill acceptor <b>36</b>. The following description refers to value being inserted into and dispensed from the gambling unit <b>10</b>. Once the gambling unit <b>10</b> recognizes that the user has deposited value, the user may make a wager using the buttons <b>22</b>-<b>28</b>, which may allow the user to wager various units of value on the outcome of the game. After making a wager, the user begins a game either by pulling the arm <b>30</b> or by actuating the spin button <b>32</b>, either of which causes the gambling unit to graphically spin the reels <b>16</b>-<b>20</b> for a period of time.

[0026] As the reels <b>16</b>-<b>20</b> spin the gambling unit <b>10</b> determines the outcome of the game and stops the reels <b>16</b>-<b>20</b> from spinning according to the determined outcome of the game. As the reels <b>16</b>-<b>20</b> are stopped, symbols representative of the game outcome, which are disposed on the periphery of the reels <b>16</b>-<b>20</b>, are displayed to the user. If the gambling unit <b>10</b> determines that the outcome of the game is a “winner,” a winning combination of symbols is displayed to the user and the gambling unit <b>10</b> pays out either by dispensing value to the user or by incrementing the number of credits available to the user to wager on the game. The concept of dispensing value may include dropping tokens into a payout tray <b>40</b>, adding value to a card placed in the card acceptor <b>38</b>, printing and dispensing an award ticket <b>48</b> from the printer <b>46</b>, accumulating value for the user within the gambling unit <b>10</b> or any other suitable technique of distributing value to a user. If the outcome of the game is a winner, the game ends after the gambling unit <b>10</b> pays out. However, if the outcome of the game is not a winner, the combination of symbols displayed to the user is not a winning combination, the gambling unit <b>10</b> does not pay out and the game simply ends with the user losing the wagered value.

[0027] A game controller <b>70</b> may be disposed within the cabinet <b>12</b> of the electronic gambling unit <b>10</b>. The game controller <b>70</b> may be coupled to the display unit <b>14</b>, the audio speakers <b>42</b>, and the aroma dispenser <b>44</b> via a cabling harness (or bus) <b>75</b> running through the interior of the cabinet <b>12</b>. The game controller <b>70</b> may be embodied in hardware that is commercially available in, for example, the International Game Technology “Game King” platform for video gambling machines. The game controller <b>70</b> may be embodied in a 16 or 32 bit, 16 megahertz (MHZ) 80C960SA microcontroller, which is commercially available from Intel, or may be embodied in any other suitable microcontroller. As shown in detail in FIG. 3, the game controller <b>70</b> may include a processor <b>80</b> that is communicatively coupled to both of a memory <b>82</b> and an input/output circuit <b>84</b>, via a bus <b>86</b>. The memory <b>82</b> of the game controller <b>70</b> may be random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), such as a semiconductor ROM, or any suitable combination thereof. Alternatively or additionally, an additional program memory <b>83</b> may be communicatively coupled to the game controller <b>70</b> via the bus <b>86</b>. For example, a memory such as any one, or any suitable combination, of an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), a one time programmable electrically programmable read only memory (OTP EPROM), a static random access memory (SRAM), FLASH or any other suitable memory element may be externally connected to the microcontroller. Furthermore, the memory(ies) may be embodied in other computer-readable media such as optical media, e.g., CDs, rewritable CDs, DVDs and the like, or magnetic media, e.g., floppy disks, hard drives, zip disks and the like. Further detail regarding the functionality of the game controller <b>70</b> is described hereinafter with respect to FIGS. <b>4</b>-<b>11</b>.

[0028] As previously mentioned, the controller <b>70</b> may be coupled to the electrical components of the gambling unit <b>10</b> as described in relation to FIG. 1 via bus <b>75</b>. In addition, the gambling unit <b>10</b> may be connected, along with other gambling units, to a player tracking system via a player tracking interface <b>88</b>. The player tracking interface <b>88</b> may facilitate the exchange of player tracking information for the user between the controller <b>70</b> and a central repository. For example, when a user inserts a smart card or player tracking card in the card acceptor <b>38</b>, the controller <b>70</b> may issue a request through the player tracking interface <b>88</b> for user preference information such as whether the user prefers to be paid in tokens, tracking system credit, award tickets for cash, credit, goods and services, and the like, and whether the user prefers payout of bonus awards at the conclusion of bonus play.

[0029] Referring now to FIGS. 4, 5, <b>7</b>, <b>9</b>, and <b>11</b>, a number of routines are shown that are illustrated using blocks, which represent functions that may be embodied in software instructions stored in the memory <b>82</b> (FIG. 3) and carried out by the processor <b>80</b>. The instructions may be written in any suitable high level language such as, for example, any suitable version of C, C+, C++or the like. Alternatively, instructions for implementing the functional blocks may be written in any suitable assembly or machine level language.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4, a main routine <b>100</b> may begin execution at a block <b>102</b> at which user attraction graphics may be displayed on the display unit <b>14</b>. User attraction graphics may include a scrolling list of games that may be played on the electronic gambling unit <b>10</b>, cartoons, videos, etc. While graphics are being displayed, a block <b>104</b> intermittently checks to see if a user is detected. Such a function may be carried out by, for example, polling the currency accepting mechanisms <b>34</b>-<b>38</b> or the touch-sensitive input device. Alternatively, the currency accepting mechanisms <b>34</b>-<b>38</b> and touch-sensitive devices may be configured to notify the controller <b>70</b> when valid currency is inserted or user contact is detected, respectively. As long as no user is detected, control passes from the block <b>104</b> back to the block <b>102</b>. If, however, the block <b>104</b> determines that a user is present, control passes to a block <b>106</b>.

[0031] The execution of the block <b>106</b> causes the display of a game selection graphic to the user. The game selection graphic may include a list of video gambling games that may be played on the electronic gambling unit <b>10</b>. Additionally, at the block <b>106</b>, the user may be prompted to deposit value into the electronic gambling unit, via the currency accepting mechanisms <b>34</b>-<b>38</b>. The execution of the routine <b>100</b> may not proceed past the block <b>106</b> until the user deposits at least the minimum value required for the gambling unit <b>10</b>. Any value that the user deposits will be stored as credit.

[0032] After the block <b>106</b> displays the list of available video gambling games to the user, a block <b>108</b> detects which game has been selected and branches control to one of subroutines <b>110</b>-<b>114</b>, each of which represents a particular video gambling game. It should be noted that although three subroutines are shown in FIG. 4, more, fewer or different subroutines representing more, fewer or different video gambling games may be used. For example, a game such as slots with mechanical wheels will forego the game selection block <b>108</b> and proceed directly to playing the mechanical slot machine game. Accordingly, more, fewer or different video gambling games may be present on any given electronic gambling unit <b>10</b>. The description of the subroutines <b>110</b>-<b>114</b> is undertaken with respect to FIGS. 5, 7 and <b>9</b> after the remaining blocks of FIG. 4 are described.

[0033] After one of the subroutines <b>110</b>-<b>114</b> have been executed, control passes to a block <b>116</b>, which queries whether the user has expressed a desire to stop playing the electronic gambling unit <b>10</b>. The user may express such a desire by selecting a quit graphic displayed on the display unit <b>14</b> or through any other suitable manner that informs the game controller <b>70</b> of the user's desire to stop playing the electronic gambling unit <b>10</b>. If the user does not desire to quit, control passes from the block <b>116</b> back to the block <b>108</b> so that the user may select another video gambling game to play. If, however, the user desires to quit, control passes from the block <b>16</b> to a block <b>118</b>, which cashes out the user by dispensing coins, tokens or currency, dispensing tickets or coupons, either pre-printed or printed by the printer <b>46</b>, adding value to the user's smart card or player tracking profile, or otherwise reward the user for credits accumulated while playing the gambling unit <b>10</b>. After the block <b>118</b> has completed execution, control passes back to the block <b>102</b>, at which time the electronic gambling unit <b>10</b> again displays graphics to attract another user.

[0034] When the block <b>108</b> determines that the user desires to play a video poker game, control passes to the subroutine <b>110</b>, which is illustrated in detail in FIG. 5. As described hereinafter, the various blocks of the subroutine <b>110</b> recite various functions that are carried out by the game controller <b>70</b> in conjunction with the display unit <b>14</b> to make certain graphics appear on the display unit <b>14</b>. Exemplary graphics for a video poker game are shown and described in conjunction with FIG. 6.

[0035] At a block <b>130</b>, the subroutine <b>110</b> requests the user to make a wager and, after a wager is entered, control passes to a block <b>132</b>, at which virtual hands of cards are dealt to the user and to the dealer, which is the opponent of the user (e.g., the dealer may be considered to be the game controller <b>70</b>, which is competing against the user). After the virtual hands have been dealt to the user and the dealer, the user may have an opportunity at the block <b>134</b> to increase the initial wager made at the block <b>130</b>. After the block <b>134</b> executes, control passes to a block <b>136</b>, which allows the user to discard and draw cards in an attempt to improve the user's virtual hand.

[0036] After the user has had the opportunity to improve his or her hand at the block <b>136</b>, control passes to a block <b>138</b>, at which the dealer has the opportunity to improve its hand by discarding and drawing cards. After the block <b>138</b> has completed, control passes to a block <b>140</b>, at which the game controller <b>70</b> determines the outcome of the game and determines the payout. If the user has won the game (e.g., the user's hand is better than the dealer's hand), the payout will be positive. If, however, the user has not won the game, the user may forfeit his wagers made at the block <b>130</b> and <b>134</b>. After the block <b>140</b> has determined the outcome, a block <b>350</b> queries whether a triggering event has occurred that entitles the user to enter bonus play. If a triggering event occurs, such as the appearance of a Joker or the dealing of a particular combination of cards, control passes to block <b>352</b> for execution of bonus play in a manner described more fully below. If no triggering event occurs, or upon completion of bonus play, control passes to a block <b>142</b> which increments or decrements the user's value based on the results determined at the block <b>140</b> and/or during bonus play.

[0037] After the user's value has been incremented or decremented at the block <b>142</b>, a block <b>144</b> queries whether the user desires to continue playing the video poker game. If the user desires to play the video poker game again, control passes from the block <b>144</b> back to the block <b>130</b>, which requests the user to make a wager. If the user does not desire to continue playing the video poker game, execution returns to the block <b>116</b> of the routine <b>100</b> of FIG. 4.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 6, an exemplary video display <b>150</b>, which may be associated with the play video poker game routine <b>110</b>, may include video images representative of a plurality of cards <b>152</b> in a dealer's hand, which may be shown face down, and a plurality of cards <b>154</b> in a users hand, which may be shown face up. To allow the user to control the play of the video poker game, a plurality of button graphics may be displayed. In particular, button graphics for change <b>160</b>, menu/cash/credit <b>162</b> and bet one credit <b>164</b> may be displayed. Further, button graphics for hold/cancel <b>166</b> may be displayed, each of which may pertain to a particular one of the user's cards <b>154</b>. Button graphics for play max credits <b>168</b> and deal/draw/start <b>170</b> may also be displayed. As noted previously, the touch-sensitive input device may be a touch screen that may be disposed over the display unit <b>14</b>. Accordingly, each of the button graphics <b>160</b>-<b>170</b> may be associated with a particular area of the touch-sensitive input device that is located between the display unit <b>14</b> and the user. A graphic representing the number of credits <b>172</b> may also be displayed to inform the user of the number of credits that he or she has remaining.

[0039] When a user desires to play a video slot machine game, a play video slot machine game routine <b>112</b>, as shown in FIG. 7, is executed. The routine <b>112</b> includes a number of blocks that may be embodied in software instructions stored in the memory <b>82</b> (FIG. 3). The execution of the routine <b>112</b> may begin at a block <b>180</b>, at which a user may make a wager on the outcome of the video slot machine game. After the user has made an appropriate wager, control passes to a block <b>182</b>. At the block <b>182</b> virtual slot machine reels, which may be embodied in video graphics, begin to spin to simulate the operation of a traditional mechanical slot machine.

[0040] While the virtual reels spin, a block <b>184</b> may select one or more random numbers that dictate the symbols on which the various virtual reels will stop when the reels cease spinning. Essentially, the block <b>184</b> determines the outcome of the video slot machine game. After the block <b>184</b> completes, control passes to a block <b>186</b>, which stops each one of the virtual reels from spinning. The virtual reels may be stopped in a left to right manner, from the perspective of the user, or in any other suitable manner or sequence.

[0041] After the virtual reels have been stopped by the block <b>186</b>, a block <b>188</b> evaluates the game outcome and determines the payout to which the user is entitled. For example, if a virtual reels have stopped on high payout symbols, the user may receive a large payout. If, however, the virtual reels have stopped on symbols having no payout, the user loses the money that was wagered at the block <b>180</b>. After the payout has been determined at the block <b>188</b>, a block <b>350</b> queries whether a triggering event has occurred that entitles the user to enter bonus play. If a triggering event occurs, such as the appearance of a particular combination of symbols on the slot machine wheels, control passes to block <b>352</b> for execution of bonus play in a manner described more fully below. If no triggering event occurs, or upon completion of bonus play, control passes to a block <b>190</b> which appropriately increments or decrements the value that the user has accumulated within the electronic gambling unit <b>10</b> and passes control to a block <b>200</b>.

[0042] The block <b>200</b> determines whether the user desires to continue to playing the video slot machine game. If the user desires to play again, control passes from the block <b>200</b> back to the block <b>180</b>. If, however, the user does not desire to play again, control passes to the block <b>116</b> of the main routine <b>100</b> of FIG. 4.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 8, an exemplary video display <b>220</b>, which may be associated with the play video slot machine game routine <b>112</b>, may include video images that represent a plurality of virtual slot machine reels <b>222</b>. While three such virtual slot machine reels <b>222</b> are shown in FIG. 8, it should be understood that any number of virtual reels could be used. To allow the user to control the play of the video slot machine, a plurality of button graphics may be displayed. In particular, button graphics for change <b>224</b>, menu/cash/credit <b>226</b> and bet one credit <b>228</b> may be displayed. Further, button graphics for betting 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25 credits, shown as <b>230</b>-<b>238</b> in FIG. 8 may also be provided. Button graphics for play max credits <b>240</b> and spin <b>242</b> may also be displayed. As noted with respect to FIG. 6, the touch-sensitive input device may be a touch screen that may be disposed over the display unit <b>14</b>. Accordingly, each of the button graphics <b>224</b>-<b>242</b> may be associated with a particular area of the touch-sensitive input device that is located between the display unit <b>14</b> and the user. A graphic representing the number of credits <b>244</b> may also be displayed to inform the user of the number of credits that he or she has remaining.

[0044] When a user desires to play a video blackjack game, a play video blackjack game routine <b>114</b>, as shown in FIG. 9, is executed. The routine <b>114</b> includes a number of blocks that may be embodied in software instructions stored in the memory <b>82</b> (FIG. 3). The execution of the routine <b>114</b> may begin at a block <b>260</b> at which a user makes a wager on the outcome of the blackjack game. After the user has made a wager, a block <b>262</b> deals virtual cards to both of the user and the dealer, against which the user is playing.

[0045] After the cards are dealt, a block <b>264</b> tests whether the dealer has a hand that totals to <b>21</b>. If the user does not have <b>21</b>, control passes to a block <b>266</b>, at which the user may double down. After the execution of the block <b>266</b>, a block <b>268</b> determines whether the user wants to be “hit” (i.e., be dealt an additional card). If the user is hit, a block <b>270</b> determines if the user has “bust” (i.e., has exceeded <b>21</b>). If the user has not bust, control passes back to the block <b>268</b>, which allows the user to hit again.

[0046] If the user decides not to hit, control passes from the block <b>268</b> to a block <b>272</b>, which determines if the dealer wants to hit. If the dealer hits, control passes to a block <b>274</b>, which determines if the dealer has bust. If the dealer has not bust, control passes from the block <b>274</b> back to the block <b>272</b> to provide the dealer another opportunity to hit. If the dealer decides not to hit, control passes to a block <b>276</b>, which determines the outcome of the blackjack game. For example, the block <b>276</b> may determine which of the user or the dealer has the higher hand that does not exceed <b>21</b>. Additionally, if the user busts at the block <b>270</b> or the dealer busts at the block <b>274</b> or if the block <b>264</b> determines that the dealer has <b>21</b>, control passes to the block <b>276</b>. In sum, the block <b>276</b> performs the function of evaluating the traditional rules of blackjack and determining the magnitude of the payout that should be paid to the user.

[0047] After the block <b>276</b> determines the outcome and payout for the game, a block <b>350</b> queries whether a triggering event has occurred that entitles the user to enter bonus play. If a triggering event occurs, such as the appearance of a Joker or the dealing of a particular combination of cards, control passes to block <b>352</b> for execution of bonus play in a manner described more fully below. If no triggering event occurs, or upon completion of bonus play, control passes to a block <b>278</b> which increments or decrements the value of the user based on the payout calculated by the block <b>276</b>. Upon completion of the block <b>278</b>, the block <b>280</b> determines whether the user desires to play another game of blackjack. If the user desires to play blackjack again, control passes to the block <b>260</b>. Alternatively, if the user does not desire to play blackjack again, control passes to the block <b>116</b> of the main routine <b>100</b> of FIG. 4.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 10, an exemplary video display <b>290</b>, which may be associated with the play video slot machine game routine <b>114</b>, may include video images that represent a plurality of cards <b>292</b> that form a dealer's hand of cards and a plurality of cards <b>294</b> that form the user's hand of cards. To allow the user to control the play of the video blackjack game, a plurality of button graphics may be displayed. In particular, button graphics for change <b>296</b>, menu/cash/credit <b>298</b> and bet one credit <b>300</b> may be displayed. Further, button graphics for hit <b>302</b>, stay <b>304</b> and play max credits <b>306</b>, as shown in FIG. 10 may also be provided. As noted with respect to FIGS. 6 and 8, the touch-sensitive input device may be a touch screen that may be disposed over the display unit <b>14</b>. Accordingly, each of the button graphics <b>296</b>-<b>306</b> may be associated with a particular area of the touch-sensitive input device that is located between the display unit <b>14</b> and the user. A graphic representing the number of credits <b>310</b> may also be displayed to inform the user of the number of credits that he or she has remaining.

[0049] As discussed with respect to FIGS. 5, 7, and <b>9</b>, the occurrence of a triggering event may entitle the user to play a bonus round. As shown in FIG. 11, the bonus round <b>352</b> may begin execution at a block <b>354</b> at which bonus game graphics may be displayed on the display unit <b>14</b>. The bonus round game graphics may include displays of slot machine wheels, dealt playing card configurations, numbers and the like that are appropriate and necessary for the particular bonus round game. The graphics may also include playing instructions for the bonus round game, including actions to be performed by the user such as holding/discarding cards, wagering bonus credits, initiating execution of the bonus round game and the like.

[0050] After the block <b>354</b> displays the bonus round game graphics, at a block <b>356</b>, the subroutine <b>352</b> allows the user to make a wager of bonus credits and perform any other selections necessary to play the bonus round game. After a wager and/or selections are made by the user, control passes to a block <b>358</b>, at which the bonus round game subroutine <b>352</b> executes the bonus round game. After the block <b>358</b> has completed, control passes to a block <b>360</b>, at which the game controller <b>70</b> determines the outcome of the bonus round game and determines the payout. If the user has won the bonus round game, the payout of bonus credits will be positive, and if the user has not won the game, the user may forfeit the bonus credits wagered at the block <b>356</b>. After the block <b>360</b> has determined the outcome, control passes to a block <b>362</b>, which increments or decrements the user's bonus credits based on the results determined at the block <b>360</b>.

[0051] After the block <b>362</b> increments or decrements the user's bonus credits, a block <b>364</b> queries whether the accumulated bonus credits, if any, should be paid out to the user. The determination may be based on various information available to the processor <b>70</b>. For example, the bonus round game may be configured to automatically pay out any accumulated bonus credits after one execution of the bonus round game or once the bonus credits exceed a specified maximum amount. Alternatively, the video display <b>14</b> may prompt the user to make specified selections on a touch-sensitive input device to either pay out the bonus credits or continue playing the bonus round game. Still further, the processor <b>70</b> may evaluate player profile information from the user's smart card or user profile on the player tracking system to determine whether the user has indicated a preference for receiving a payout of bonus credits, continue playing the bonus round game or to apply the bonus round credits to the normal game play.

[0052] If the processor <b>70</b> determines that bonus round credits are to be redeemed at block <b>364</b>, control passes from the block <b>364</b> to a block <b>366</b>, which determines the manner for converting the bonus credits into value. As with the previous determination regarding whether to redeem the bonus credits, the processor <b>70</b> at block <b>366</b> may use information from various sources to determine the manner or medium for dispensing the bonus credits to the user, including the configuration of the bonus round game, information entered by the user at the touch-sensitive display unit <b>14</b>, and user profile information from the user's smart card or the player tracking system. Based on the relevant information, the bonus credits may be redeemed by dispensing coins, tokens or currency at the coin tray <b>40</b> or bill validator, dispensing tickets or coupons, either pre-printed or printed by the printer <b>46</b> and having either a cash value or credit for or toward goods or services available at the gaming establishment, adding cash value or credit to the user's smart card or player tracking profile, or otherwise rewarding the user for bonus credit accumulated during the bonus round game.

[0053] After the user's bonus credits have been redeemed at the block <b>366</b>, or if the processor <b>70</b> determines that no bonus credits are to be redeemed at block <b>364</b>, a block <b>368</b> queries whether bonus play will continue either due to the user's election or the configuration of the bonus round game. If the processor <b>70</b> determines that bonus round play will continue, control passes from the block <b>368</b> to the block <b>356</b>, which requests the user to make a wager or make other bonus round game selections. If the processor <b>70</b> determines that bonus round game play has concluded, execution returns to the appropriate block <b>142</b>, <b>190</b> or <b>278</b> of the routines <b>110</b>, <b>112</b> or <b>114</b>, respectively.

[0054] Numerous modifications and alternative embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and not as limiting to the scope of the invention. The details of the structure may be varied substantially without departing from the spirit of the invention, and the exclusive use of all modifications, which are within the scope of the appended claims, is reserved.