Gaming device method and apparatus employing alternate payout features

Abstract

In accordance with one or more embodiments, a gaming device includes a novel payout structure wherein, upon placing a wager, an initial value of a prize is established at the gaming device. During the duration of a game play (which may last, in one or more embodiments, for a predetermined number of rounds or a predetermined amount of time) the value of the prize is adjusted based on outcomes or symbols obtained by the player. For example, the value of the prize may be decreased from a substantially high initial value over the course of a game play. At the end of the game play, a player is provided with a prize based on the final value of the prize.

1 . A method, comprising: 
 receiving, at a gaming device, a wager for initiating a game play of a game, 
 wherein the game play comprises a predetermined number of rounds of the game and the wager is an amount sufficient to pre-pay for the predetermined number of rounds;  
   establishing, in response to the wager, an initial balance of winnings, 
 wherein the initial balance of winnings is greater than the amount of the wager;  
   determining a predetermined number of outcomes, the predetermined number of outcomes comprising at least one respective outcome for each of the predetermined number of rounds;    adjusting the initial balance of winnings based on at least one of the determined outcomes, thereby determining a current balance of winnings, 
 wherein at least one of the outcomes causes the current balance of winnings to be less than the initial balance of winnings;  
   determining, after the predetermined number of rounds has been concluded, a final balance of winnings; and    providing the final balance of winnings to a player who initiated the game play.    
     
     
         2 - 42 . (canceled)