Post play Bingo

Abstract

The invention is directed to methods and processes for conducting a secondary competitive pull tab or other game of chance wherein entry and play in such game is determined by results of play in a primary traditional pull tab or other game of chance. The invention is further directed to addressing inadequacies in the prior art in meeting pull tab and game of chance market demand for novelty, the cultivation of player loyalty and to provide a unique and improved method of pull tab and game of chance marketing, player incentives and prize distribution.

1 . A gaming system comprised of a primary and a secondary competitive game of chance in which entry into said secondary game is determined by methods and results of play in the primary game.  
   
   
       2 . The gaming system of  claim 1  wherein the primary game consists of a traditional pull tab game played with a predetermined number of pull tab tickets of predetermined prize amounts included. Players compete to first acquire pull tab tickets with the largest prizes offered.  
   
   
       3 . The gaming system of  claim 2  wherein the primary game is played as part of a deal consisting of a series of tickets where players purchase one or more tickets to participate in such games.  
   
   
       4 . The gaming system of  claim 3  wherein a player must be the first to acquire a winning ticket with a predetermined prize to be the winner of that prize.  
   
   
       5 . The gaming system of  claim 4  wherein a player who first acquires such predetermined prize will be the winner of that prize and gain entry into the secondary game.  
   
   
       6 . The gaming system of  claim 5  wherein both the primary and secondary games include preannounced prize amounts, which may be determined in accordance with applicable laws or regulations.  
   
   
       7 . The gaming system of  claim 6  wherein, in one embodiment, the specific prize awarded in the primary game then determines said winning player's position, or entry point, into the secondary game.  
   
   
       8 . The gaming system of  claim 7  wherein play in the secondary game can be carried forward or continued over a specified time period.  
   
   
       9 . The gaming system of  claim 8  wherein winners of previous primary or secondary games can become eligible to receive additional prizes or participate in the sharing of prizes awarded in subsequent secondary games.  
   
   
       10 . The gaming system of  claim 9  wherein, in one embodiment, such award of additional prizes or prize sharing can be conditioned upon a previous primary or secondary game winner's continued participation in subsequent primary or secondary games.  
   
   
       11 . The gaming system of  claim 10  whereby, in another embodiment, such subsequent additional prize awards or prize sharing can be conditioned upon a previous primary or secondary game winner's physical presence in the game location in order to claim a subsequent secondary game prize or a portion thereof.  
   
   
       12 . The gaming system of  claim 11  wherein the method of prize distribution in the secondary game does not impact or alter the winner or prize distribution in the primary game.  
   
   
       13 . The gaming system of  claim 12  wherein player excitement and competition is enhanced due to the possibility of the player sharing in subsequent secondary game prizes.  
   
   
       14 . The gaming system of  claim 13  which further acts as a forced marketing method to increase player patronage and loyalty to the location offering the secondary game.  
   
   
       15 . The gaming system of  claim 14  which may be effected manually through use of traditional paper tickets or electronically with computerized assistive devices.  
   
   
       16 . The gaming system of  claim 15  wherein following purchase of one or more tickets for said primary game, no additional consideration by a player must be given by said player in order to participate in a said secondary game.  
   
   
       17 . The gaming system of  claim 16  wherein, in another embodiment, the primary and secondary games are played on a configuration of electronically linked slot machines.  
   
   
       18 . A gaming apparatus encompassing  claim 17  comprising a processor configured to implement a primary game and subsequently effect play of a secondary game upon the occurrence of at least one pre-specified event during play of said primary game and at least one display in communication with said processor.  
   
   
       19 . A gaming system of  claim 18  comprising a gaming terminal at which a primary game is implemented and, upon the occurrence of at least one prespecified event during play of said primary game a secondary game is initiated and at least partially effected for play by a player using said first gaming terminal and at least one additional gaming terminal in communication with said first gaming terminal, said secondary game also being at least partially effected at said at least one additional terminal for participation and competitive play by another player.  
   
   
       20 . The gaming apparatus claim of  19  wherein the secondary game is played against at least one other participant.