Post play bingo

Abstract

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

1 . A gaming system comprised of a primary game and a secondary competitive game 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 bingo game played with predetermined bingo cards having number designations randomly assigned in a grid layout on a bingo card. Players compete to first achieve “bingo” by matching such numbers to a predesignated pattern to numbers randomly announced by a game operator.  
   
   
       3 . The gaming system of  claim 1  wherein the primary game is played as part of a session consisting of a series of traditional bingo games where players purchase one or more bingo cards to participate in such games.  
   
   
       4 . The gaming system of  claim 3  wherein players further purchase one or more bingo cards to participate in the secondary game. Bingo cards for the secondary game are formatted in similar fashion to those used in the primary game.  
   
   
       5 . The gaming system of  claim 4  wherein players must purchase at least one bingo card for the secondary game prior to commencement of the primary game in order to participate in said secondary game.  
   
   
       6 . The gaming system of  claim 5  wherein bingo numbers for the primary game are announced and marked on the bingo cards purchased for both the primary and the secondary game.  
   
   
       7 . The gaming system of  claim 6  wherein a player must be the first to achieve the predetermined bingo pattern designated for that primary game to be the winner of that game.  
   
   
       8 . The gaming system of  claim 7  wherein a player who first achieves such predetermined pattern, but on a secondary bingo card, will be the winner of the primary game and gain entry into the secondary game.  
   
   
       9 . The gaming system of  claim 8  wherein both the primary and secondary games include preannounced prize amounts, which may be determined in accordance with applicable laws or regulations by the game operator.  
   
   
       10 . The gaming system of  claim 9  wherein, in one embodiment, the number which the winning player bingos determines said winning player's position or entry point into the secondary game.  
   
   
       11 . The gaming system of  claim 10  wherein in different embodiments, player position in the secondary game can be determined not by the last number called but by other methods such as the column (ie “B,” “I,” “N,” “G,” or “O”) in which the last number called appears.  
   
   
       12 . The gaming system of  claim 10  wherein play in the secondary game can be carried forward or continued throughout an individual bingo session or across sessions.  
   
   
       13 . The gaming system of  claim 10  wherein, in an additional embodiment, the number on which the winning player bingos is utilized to constitute a called number for a secondary game, also conducted in the manner of traditional bingo.  
   
   
       14 . The gaming system of  claim 10  wherein winners of previous secondary games can become eligible to participate in the sharing of prizes awarded in subsequent secondary games.  
   
   
       15 . The gaming system of  claim 14  wherein, in one embodiment, such subsequent prize sharing can be conditioned upon a previous secondary game winner's continued participation in subsequent secondary games.  
   
   
       16 . The gaming system of  claim 15  whereby, in another embodiment, such subsequent prize sharing can be conditioned upon a previous secondary game winner's physical presence in the game location.  
   
   
       17 . The gaming system of  claim 15  wherein the method of prize distribution in the secondary game does not impact or alter the winner or prize distribution in the primary game.  
   
   
       18 . The gaming system of  claim 14  wherein player excitement and competition is enhanced by the possibility of sharing in subsequent secondary game prizes.  
   
   
       19 . The gaming system of  claim 14  which acts as a marketing method to increase player participation during individual sessions through player purchase of secondary game bingo cards.  
   
   
       20 . The gaming system of  claim 16  which further acts as a marketing method to increase player patronage and loyalty to the location offering the secondary game.  
   
   
       21 . The gaming system of  claim 14  which may be effected manually through use of traditional paper bingo cards.  
   
   
       22 . The gaming system of  claim 17  which may be effected electronically, with subsequent prize sharing being conditioned upon a previous secondary game winner's continued participation in ongoing primary or secondary games.  
   
   
       23 . The gaming system of  claim 14  wherein following purchase of one or more bingo cards for a said secondary game, no additional consideration by a player must be given by said player in order to participate in said secondary game.  
   
   
       24 . A gaming apparatus comprising a processor configured to implement a primary game and subsequently effect play of a secondary game upon the occurrence of at least one prespecified event during play of said primary game and at least one display in communication with said processor.  
   
   
       25 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 24  further comprising an element to facilitate communication with said processor and one or more remote processors to effect implementation of said secondary game.  
   
   
       26 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 24  wherein the primary and secondary game is played against at least one other participant.  
   
   
       27 . A gaming system, in one embodiment, 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.  
   
   
       28 . The gaming system of  claim 27  further comprising, in one embodiment, a remote secondary game computer in communication with said first gaming terminal and said at least one additional terminal to implement said secondary game.