Method and apparatus for directing a game in accordance with speed of play

Abstract

In accordance with the present invention, a gaming device such as a slot machine calculates a speed of game play, and in turn determines a pay schedule based on the speed of game play. The pay schedule for higher speeds of game play typically provides a higher payout percentage, which attracts players and provides an incentive to play faster and for longer periods of time. The greater speed of play and time period of playing may actually increase revenues derived from the gaming device, even though the payout percentage is higher. Speed of game play may be calculated by measuring the number of games played in a predetermined time period, or the time elapsed between games. The gaming device may select a payout table from a plurality of payout tables based on this speed. Alternatively, the gaming device may determine a multiplier based on the speed of game play, and adjust a base payout table in accordance with the multiplier.

1 . A method for directing a game, comprising: 
 calculating a speed of game play; and    determining an outcome probability based on the speed of game play.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , in which the step of calculating a speed of game play comprises: 
 measuring a number of games in a predetermined time period.    
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , in which the step of calculating a speed of game play comprises: 
 measuring a time elapsed between a first game and a second game.    
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , in which the first game and the second game are consecutive games of a series of games.