Method, apparatus, and system for providing a player with opportunities to ...

(54) METHOD, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING A PLAYER WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO WIN A FEATURE EVENT AWARD

(75) Inventor: Lee E. Cannon, Bozeman, MT (US)

(73) Assignee: IGT, Reno, NV (US)

( * ) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term ol this patent is extended or adjusted under 35 U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.

(21) Appl. No.: 09/866,388

(22) Filed: May 25, 2001

(65) Prior Publication Data

US 2002/0177483 Al Nov. 28, 2002

(51) Int. C I. A63F 9/24

(52) U.S. CI 463/42; 463/16; 463/25;

463/29

(58) Field of Search 463/17, 20, 16,

463/25, 29, 42

(56) References Cited

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A method ol gaming and related gaming devices and systems. A base, or primary game is employed wherein qualification for an additional leature event is based upon one or more predetermined activities associated with the primary game. The primary game may include a slot machine type game, video poker, or other electronic or electromechanical type gaming machines. The leature event wagering opportunity for which qualification is sought to be earned by a player may include a live contest, a reenacted live contest, or what is termed herein a luture leature contest. Banks ol machines may be networked for qualified participation in the leature event and such networking may include the linking ol machines at remote locations and even the inclusion ol gaming conducted via the Internet.

77 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets

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* cited by examiner

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