Gaming apparatus and systems

Abstract

An embodiment of the present invention provides a bonus scheme associated with a gaming process that is a feature event. With reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 , a gaming process is conducted at Steps S 3 to S 5 , the outcome of which determines a gaming process win value. At Step S 7 the gaming process win value is compared to a threshold value and, if the gaming process win value is less than, or equal to the threshold value, a bonus prize is awarded to the player at Step S 9.

1 . A method of awarding a bonus prize to a player, the method including the steps of:
 defining a threshold value;   conducting a gaming process so as to determine a gaming process win value, wherein the gaming process is a feature event, or part thereof; and   comparing the gaming process win value to the threshold value and, if the gaming process win value is less than or equal to the threshold value, awarding the bonus prize to the player.   
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the threshold value is a constant predefined value. 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 2  wherein the threshold value is zero. 
     
     
         4 . A method according  claim 1  wherein the threshold value is randomly determined. 
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 1  further including the steps of:
 defining a gaming participation threshold level; 
 determining a gaming participation level for the player; and 
 making the award to the player of the bonus prize contingent upon the player's gaming participation level being equal to, or greater than, the gaming participation threshold level. 
 
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the method is triggered by a triggering bet. 
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the threshold value is dependent upon a bet placed by the player. 
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 6  wherein the threshold value is dependent upon the triggering bet. 
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 7  wherein the bet upon which the threshold value is dependent is a side bet placed at the commencement of the gaming process. 
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 7  wherein the threshold value is equal to a first factor multiplied by the bet upon which the threshold value is dependent. 
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein a value of the bonus prize is dependent upon a bet placed by the player. 
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 11  wherein the value of the bonus prize is equal to a second factor multiplied by the bet upon which the value of the bonus prize is dependent. 
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 12  wherein the value of the second factor is dependent upon the gaming process win value. 
     
     
         14 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the value of the bonus prize is calculated in accordance with a predetermined or random calculation scheme. 
     
     
         15 . A method according to  claim 14  wherein the calculation scheme provides a substantially inverse relationship between the value of the bonus prize and the gaming process win value. 
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the bonus prize is any one or more of:
 game credits; cash; a physical prize; extra free games; a jackpot and/or a re-play of the feature. 
 
     
     
         17 . Computer executable code for instructing a computer to perform the method according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         18 . A computing apparatus having a central processing unit, associated memory and storage devices, and input and output devices, the apparatus being configured to perform a method according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         19 . Gaming apparatus for awarding a bonus prize to a player, the apparatus including:
 a component for defining a threshold value;   a component for conducting a gaming process so as to determine a gaming process win value, wherein the gaming process is a feature event, or part thereof; and   a component for comparing the gaming process win value to the threshold value and, if the gaming process win value is less than or equal to the threshold value, awarding the bonus prize to the player.   
     
     
         20 . A gaming system for awarding a bonus prize to a player, the system including:
 a component for defining a threshold value;   a component for conducting a gaming process so as to determine a gaming process win value, wherein the gaming process is a feature event, or part thereof; and   a component for comparing the gaming process win value to the threshold value and, if the gaming process win value is less than or equal to the threshold value, awarding the bonus prize to the player.   
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 20  further including a central control for running a gaming algorithm, and a plurality of remote clients in communication with the central control over a communications network, the remote clients including screens for the display of information to players.