Progressive jackpot alerts in a gaming system

Abstract

Various embodiments are directed to a gaming system capable of providing periodic progressive level alerts or promotions. In one embodiment, the user is able to register for a progressive level alert. In another embodiment, the progressive level alert is presented on an affiliated or third party website. By providing progressive jackpot amount information, the user, who may not otherwise patronize a casino, is encouraged to visit the particular casino offering games capable of awarding a progressive jackpot prize of a predetermined amount.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A progressive gaming system, comprising:
 a progressive server for managing a progressive jackpot associated with a lottery game;   a data warehouse coupled to the progressive gaming system, wherein the data warehouse contains jackpot amount data;   a user interface configured to receive patron preferences regarding personalized progressive level alerts comprising at least a timed interval between personal progressive jackpot alerts; and   a notification server in communication with the data warehouse, wherein the notification server issues a personalized progressive jackpot level alert, before a progressive prize is awarded, to at least one patron in accordance with the timed interval.   
     
     
         2 . The progressive gaming system of  claim 1 , further comprising a player tracking system in communication with the notification server, wherein the player tracking system provides patron data regarding the least one patron requesting the progressive level alert. 
     
     
         3 . The progressive gaming system of  claim 1 , further comprising a web portal for receiving patron information and a patron request for the progressive level alert. 
     
     
         4 . The progressive gaming system of  claim 1 , further comprising an affiliated third party website in communication with the notification server, wherein the affiliated third party website receives and presents a progressive level alert. 
     
     
         5 . A method for issuing a progressive jackpot alert, the method comprising the steps of:
 storing progressive jackpot amounts and the locations of the progressive jackpots from one or more progressive gaming systems in a data warehouse;   providing a user interface configured to receive patron preferences regarding personalized progressive level alerts;   receiving patron preference data from a web portal, wherein the patron preference data includes contact information and a timed interval for triggering a progressive jackpot alert associated with at least one lottery game; and   issuing a personalized communication, before a progressive prize is awarded, to the patron from a notification server in accordance with the timed interval.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the communication is an email or a text message to the patron. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising generating a patron list of all patrons requesting the progressive level alert by the notification server. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising archiving sent communications in a database. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising: determining whether the patron is located in close proximity to a progressive jackpot; and transmitting a targeted, time-appropriate message regarding lottery games available for play.