Spinner game of chance and skill

Abstract

A game of chance and skill whereby players deposit credits in exchange for the ability to spin at least one rotatable spinning mechanism. The spinning mechanism rotates through a plurality of zones assigned varying numeric, alphabetic or symbolic values. In a preferred embodiment, the player is able to exert limited control over both the positive and negative acceleration of the spinning mechanism within predetermined parameters. When the spinning mechanism ceases to spin, the player is awarded the value assigned to the zone identified by the spinning mechanism. The player may then continue play in the same manner, redeem earned value, or exchange the same for a chance to spin a second more advantageous spinning mechanism. Progressive redemption rates encourage continued play. Various game limitations may apply to control length and duration of play.

1 . An apparatus for playing a game of chance and skill, the apparatus comprising:
 (a) at least one spinning mechanism divided into a plurality of zones, wherein each zone is associated with a game value a player may be awarded;   (b) at least one input device capable of receiving instruction from a player to activate said spinner mechanism;   (c) a display capable of communicating said game values said player is awarded;   (d) and a control unit in electromagnetic communication with said spinner mechanism(s), said input device(s), and said display, configured to award said player game value according to the terminal position of said spinner mechanism(s).   
     
     
         2 . An apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein said control unit is configured to convert said awarded game value into redemption credit. 
     
     
         3 . An apparatus as in  claim 2 , wherein said control unit is configured to accord higher redemption rates when said player has been awarded each member of a predetermined group of game values. 
     
     
         4 . An apparatus as described in  claim 3  further comprising the elements of:
 (a) a second spinning mechanism divided into a plurality of zones, wherein each zone is associated with said game value said player may be awarded; 
 (b) a selection input device capable of allowing a player to signal a desire to switch play to said second spinner mechanisms, said second spinning mechanism and selection input device in electromagnetic communication with said control unit. 
 
     
     
         5 . An apparatus as described in  claim 4 , wherein said control unit is configured to allow said player to initiate said spinner mechanism an unlimited number of times provided said player relinquishes a credit prior to each initiation. 
     
     
         6 . An apparatus as described in  claim 4 , wherein said control unit is configured to allow said player to initiate said spinner mechanism(s) an unlimited number of times within a predetermined timeframe. 
     
     
         7 . An apparatus as described in  claim 4 , wherein said control unit is configured to allow said player to initiate said spinner mechanism(s) a predetermined number of times within an unlimited timeframe. 
     
     
         8 . An apparatus as described in  claim 4 , wherein said control unit is configured to allow said player to initiate said spinner mechanism(s) an unlimited number of times in an unlimited timeframe until the terminal position of said spinner mechanism(s) is associated with a zone indicating the end of game play. 
     
     
         9 . A method of playing a game of chance and skill, the method comprising the steps of:
 (a) allowing a player to initiate a first spinner mechanism divided into a plurality of zones;   (b) awarding player game value associated with the zone indicated by the first spinner mechanism's terminal position;   (c) allowing player to redeem game value for redemption credit.   
     
     
         10 . A method as described in  claim 9  further comprising the steps of
 (a) allowing a player to initiate a second spinning mechanism divided into a plurality of zones upon satisfying predetermined criteria. 
 
     
     
         11 . A method as described in  claim 10  further comprising the step of
 (a) increasing the redemption rate when a player has been awarded all game values in a predetermined game value group. 
 
     
     
         12 . A method as described in  claim 11  further comprising the steps of:
 (a) allowing the player to initiate said first spinner mechanism successive times provided said player deposits additional credit. 
 
     
     
         13 . A method as described in  claim 11  further comprising the steps of:
 (a) allowing a player to initiate the said first spinner mechanism an unlimited number of times within an allotted time period; 
 (b) ending game upon the expiration of said allotted time period. 
 
     
     
         14 . A method as described in  claim 11  further comprising the step of:
 (a) allowing a player to initiate the said first spinner mechanism a predetermined number of times; 
 (b) ending game upon the expiration of the predetermined number of initiations. 
 
     
     
         15 . A method as described in  claim 11  further comprising the step of:
 (a) allowing player to initiate the first spinning mechanism an unlimited number of times until a game ending zone is indicated by its terminal position; 
 (b) ending game play.