System and method for automatic progressive link dispersal

Abstract

Certain embodiments provide a system and method for automatic progressive link management and dispersal. Certain embodiments of a progressive gaming system include a first progressive link, wherein the first progressive link includes a first progressive amount. The system also includes a second progressive link, wherein the second progressive link includes a second progressive amount. The system further includes a progressive manager capable of automatically dispersing to the second progressive amount a portion of the first progressive amount greater than a base amount upon removal of the first progressive link. In an embodiment, the progressive manager calculates the portion of the first progressive amount that is greater than the base amount. In an embodiment, the first and second progressive links are active in multiple gaming environments. The progressive manager may schedule automatic dispersal of the portion of the first progressive amount to a selected progressive amount at a selected time.

1 . A method of managing progressive links in a progressive gaming system, said gaming system including 1) a first progressive link having a first gaming machine and playing a first progressive game, 2) a second progressive link having a second gaming machine and playing a second progressive game, 3) a third progressive link having a third gaming machine and playing a third progressive game, and 4) a controller, and wherein said first progressive link is removable from the system, said method comprising:
 offering via the controller respective first, second, and third progressive awards from said first, second and third progressive games, wherein the first progressive game having said first progressive award is started at a base amount;   monitoring via said controller a predefined link removal event representative of said first progressive link being removed; and   in response to a predefined link removal event having been detected,   (1) evaluating via said controller said second progressive link and said third progressive link, said evaluating determining how much said second progressive link and said third progressive link have been played; and   (2) dispersing via said controller to at least one of said second and third progressive awards at least a portion of said first progressive award greater than said base amount based on how much said second progressive link and said third progressive link have been played.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , and further comprising calculating said portion of said first progressive amount greater than said base amount. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , and wherein said first and second progressive links are active in first and second gaming environments. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , and further comprising scheduling automatic dispersal of said portion of said first progressive amount to a selected progressive amount at a selected time. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , and further comprising scheduling automatic dispersal of said portion of said first progressive amount to a selected progressive amount over a period of time. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , and further comprising tracking via at least one meter said first and second progressive amounts. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , and further comprising dispersing said first progressive amount and an additional amount to said second progressive amount.