Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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PATENT APPLICATION
for
BINGO OVERLAY GAMES SYSTEM AND METHOD
Inventor(s): Perry MALONE
Trent SCHWARTZ
Andrew BRANSCOMBE
FMD Ref. No.: 230544.00017
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BINGO OVERLAY GAMES SYSTEM AND METHOD
RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
60/885,965, filed Jan. 22, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated
herein by
reference in its entirety.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0001] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material
which is
subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the
facsimile
reproduction of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in
the Patent
and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all
copyright rights
whatsoever.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for
playing Bingo
overlay games.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In a conventional 75-number format Bingo game, game cards are issued
having
numbers and optional free spaces randomly positioned in columns and rows under
the
I
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letters B-I-N-G-O. Bingo balls are randomly drawn and called in sequence so
that
players may try to match the called numbers to one or more patterns on their
game cards.
Electronic versions of Bingo games played on computers connected to local area
or wide
area networks may automate one or more aspects of play, such as the issuing of
game
cards to players, the random number draw, and even the matching of called
numbers to
one or more game cards and identification of the winner. A sequence of calls,
such as
"B-12", "G-40", "I-10", etc. continues until a player has matched a certain
predetermined
winning game pattern, such as a column, a row, a diagonal, or a special shape
on one or
more of the player's game cards. In such conventional Bingo play, the chance
of winning
correlates to the total number of game cards issued, and the number of winning
game
patterns being played, and players may have no control over increasing their
chances of
winning a Bingo game other than to increase the number of Bingo game cards
purchased.
[0004] Even if a player has purchased a number of game cards to play in a
game, if there
are many players playing, the chances of holding a winning game card may be
small. For
example, there may be only one or two winners out of hundreds of players
playing the
same Bingo game. If winning becomes too difficult, players may get discouraged
from
continuing to play the game. Also, if players have automated all settings in
electronic
versions of Bingo games, there may be very little for the player to do.
[0005] What is needed is a system and method of playing Bingo which may
increase the
chance to win, and which may increase player interaction during Bingo game
play.
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SUMMARY
[0006] The present invention relates to systems and methods for playing Bingo
overlay
games.
[0007] In an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of playing
Bingo on a
data processing system, comprising: providing at least one Bingo overlay game
configured to be playable on top of an underlying Bingo game; and linking the
outcome
of the at least one Bingo overlay game to numbers called in the underlying
Bingo game.
[0008] In an embodiment, the method further comprises displaying a current
status of the
at least one Bingo overlay game.
[0009] In another embodiment, the method further comprises displaying the
current status
of the at least one Bingo overlay game substantially in real-time, in
dependence upon the
numbers called in the underlying Bingo game.
[0010] In another embodiment, the method further comprises indicating the
current status
of the at least one Bingo overlay game utilizing a graphic icon; and
indicating a change in
the current status of the at least one Bingo overlay game with a change in the
graphic
icon.
[0011] In another embodiment, the method further comprises summarizing all of
the
Bingo overlay games being played in a Bingo overlay games summary screen.
[0012] In another embodiment, the method further comprises displaying the
Bingo
overlay games summary screen in conjunction with at least one screen relating
to the
underlying Bingo game.
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[0013] In another embodiment, the method further comprises linking the outcome
of the
at least one Bingo overlay game to a plurality of numbers called before the
last number
called in the underlying Bingo game.
[0014] In another embodiment, the method further comprises defining the length
of the
plurality of numbers called before the last number called in the underlying
Bingo game to
between two and twelve.
[0015] In another embodiment, the method further comprises cancelling the at
least one
Bingo overlay game if the underlying Bingo game ends before the defined length
of the
plurality of numbers is reached.
[0016] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for
playing Bingo on
a data processing system, comprising: means for providing at least one Bingo
overlay
game configured to be playable on top of an underlying Bingo game; means for
linking
the outcome of the at least one Bingo overlay game to numbers called in the
underlying
Bingo game.
[0017] In an embodiment, the system further comprises means for displaying a
current
status of the at least one Bingo overlay game.
[0018] In another embodiment, the system further comprises means for
displaying the
current status of the at least one Bingo overlay game substantially in real-
time, in
dependence upon the numbers called in the underlying Bingo game.
[0019] In another embodiment, the system further comprises means for
indicating the
current status of the at least one Bingo overlay game utilizing a graphic
icon, and
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indicating a change in the current status of the at least one Bingo overlay
game with a
change in the graphic icon.
[0020] In another embodiment, the system further comprises means for
summarizing all
of the Bingo overlay games being played in a Bingo overlay games summary
screen.
[0021] In another embodiment, the system further comprises means for
displaying the
Bingo overlay games summary screen in conjunction with at least one screen
relating to
the underlying Bingo game.
[0022] In another embodiment, the system further comprises means for linking
the
outcome of the at least one Bingo overlay game to a plurality of numbers
called before
the last number called in the underlying Bingo game.
[0023] In another embodiment, the system further comprises means for defining
the
length of the plurality of numbers called before the last number called in the
underlying
Bingo game to between two and twelve.
[0024] In another embodiment, the system further comprises means for
cancelling the at
least one Bingo overlay game if the underlying Bingo game ends before the
defined
length of the plurality of numbers is reached.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] In the figures which illustrate exemplary embodiments:
FIG. I is an illustrative data processing system that may provide a suitable
operating environment;
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FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an illustrative Bingo game system
playable
over a network;
FIG. 3 is an illustrative Bingo overlay games user interface in accordance
with an
embodiment;
FIGS. 4A - 4D are illustrative Bingo overlay games user interfaces for
wagering
in accordance with an embodiment;
FIG. 5 is an illustrative Bingo overlay games details user interface in
accordance
with an embodiment;
FIG. 6 is an illustrative Bingo overlay games summary display in accordance
with
an embodiment;
FIG. 7 is an illustrative Bingo game screen with a Bingo overlay games summary
display in accordance with an embodiment;
FIG. 8 is an illustrative Bingo game screen with a Bingo overlay games summary
display with game status fields in operation in accordance with an embodiment;
FIG. 9 is an illustrative Bingo overlay games summary display with game status
fields in operation in accordance with an embodiment; and
FIG. 10 is a flow chart of an illustrative method in accordance with an
embodiment.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] As noted above, the present invention relates to a system and method
for playing
Bingo, and more particularly, for playing Bingo overlay games in conjunction
with an
underlying Bingo game.
[0027] The invention may be practiced in various embodiments. A suitably
configured
data processing system, and associated communications networks, devices,
software and
firmware may provide a platform for enabling one or more of these systems and
methods.
By way of example, FIG. 1 shows a generic data processing system 100 that may
include
a central processing unit ("CPU") 102 connected to a storage unit 104 and to a
random
access memory 106. The CPU 102 may process an operating system 101,
application
program 103, and data 123. The operating system 101, application program 103,
and data
123 may be stored in storage unit 104 and loaded into memory 106, as may be
required.
An operator 107 may interact with the data processing system 100 using a video
display
108 connected by a video interface 105, and various input/output devices such
as a
keyboard 110, mouse 112, and disk drive 114 connected by an 1/0 interface 109.
In
known manner, the mouse 112 may be configured to control movement of a cursor
in the
video display 108, and to operate various graphical user interface ("GUI")
controls
appearing in the video display 108 with a mouse button. The disk drive 114 may
be
configured to accept data processing system readable media 116. The data
processing
system 100 may form part of a network via a network interface 111, allowing
the data
processing system 100 to communicate with other suitably configured data
processing
systems (not shown). The particular configurations shown by way of example in
this
specification are not meant to be limiting.
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[0028] Now referring to FIG. 2, shown is an illustrative network 200 to which
one or
more data processing systems 100 may be suitably configured and connected as
Bingo
game clients 100a - 100d, or as a Bingo game server 210. With the networked
configuration shown in FIG. 2, it will be appreciated that the Bingo game may
be played
between players at Bingo game clients 100a - 100d located at various
geographic
locations. Details on how such a Bingo network may operate are provided, for
example,
in U.S. Patent No. 6,585,590 issued to Malone, which is incorporated by
reference herein
in its entirety.
[0029] As will now be described, "Bingo overlay games" as the term is used in
the
present disclosure, refers to any games that may be overlaid on top of, and
played in
conjunction with, an underlying Bingo game. For example, Bingo overlay games
may
include different types of bets that a user may place on a sequence of numbers
called for
the underlying Bingo game. As an example, the bets may be fixed-odds bets that
pay out
a certain amount of winnings based on a predetermined payout ratio calculated
from the
probabilities of winning the overlay game. The Bingo overlay games may use a
sequence
of numbers called for an underlying Bingo game, but are otherwise independent
of the
underlying Bingo game. That is, the ability for a player to win one or more
Bingo
overlay games is not determined by the Bingo game cards purchased by the
player for the
main underlying Bingo game. A player may thus have significant flexibility in
deciding
whether or not to play the Bingo overlay games, and when to play the Bingo
overlay
games. In addition, the player may have significant flexibility in determining
the
different types of overlay games to play, and the total number of overlay
games to play
simultaneously. Illustrative examples will now be provided with reference to
FIGS. 3 to
8.
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[0030] Referring to FIG. 3, shown is an illustrative GUI screen 300 for Bingo
overlay
games in accordance with an embodiment. As illustrated, the "Bingo Bets" games
offered may include a plurality of different types of Bingo overlay games 310.
Using
screen 300, players may select one or more Bingo overlay games to play, and
make bets
for each one. Upon confirmation by the player, the bet for each overlay game
may be
placed for an upcoming Bingo game, and appropriate funds may be debited from
the
player's account.
[0031] Each of the available overlay games may be explained in more detail
upon a
player selecting the '?" button 312 on screen 300. For example, the player
may be
provided with the following descriptions for the different types of "Bingo
Bets":
1) Bingo War: Will the last number of the Bingo overlay draw be higher or
lower than the first?
2) Oddly Enough: Will there be mostly odd or even numbers in the Bingo
overlay draw?
3) Totally Odd: Will the total of all six numbers in the Bingo overlay draw
be odd or even?
4) Hot or Not: Will the total of all six numbers in the Bingo overlay draw be
Hot or Not?
5) Row Range: Will one row have more numbers in the Bingo overlay draw
than any other?
6) Lucky Number: Will your lucky number appear in the Bingo overlay
draw?
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7) Bingo Cocktail: Will the Bingo overlay draw contain a number from each
row of the flashboard?
8) Tiny Total: What will the sum of the digits in the Bingo overlay draw
total equal?
9) Better Bettor: How many consecutively higher numbers will appear in the
Bingo overlay draw?
[0032] In addition to the above illustrative examples of "Bingo Bets" Bingo
overlay
games, it will be appreciated that virtually any type and virtually any number
of other
Bingo overlay games may be devised to be played in a similar manner to the
above nine
illustrative Bingo overlay games, as will now be described.
[0033] The Bingo overlay games may be suitably configured to be compatible
with any
common Bingo game formats, such as 75-, 80- 90-number formats, with or without
the
use of free spaces. Also, rather than basing the Bingo overlay games on an
independent
draw of numbers, the Bingo overlay games may be played based on a sequence of
numbers called during the course of the underlying Bingo game. As will be
appreciated,
many variations are possible, such as using a fixed length sequence of numbers
called, a
variable length sequence of numbers called, skipping certain values in the
sequence of
numbers called, using different mathematical operations on the sequence of
numbers
called, etc.
[0034] In an embodiment, if the type of underlying Bingo game being played may
affect
the playability, or fairness of one or more of the Bingo overlay games, one or
more of the
affected Bingo overlay games may be temporarily disabled for that particular
game. For
example, in 75-number Bingo, there may be some patterns on the Bingo cards
that do not
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require any numbers from one or more rows of the flashboard. For such odd
patterns, the
numbers from these rows are traditionally not called. For example, the "fixed
postage
stamp" pattern does not require any B-, I- or N- numbers to be marked, so all
B-, I- and
N- numbers may be excluded from the draw. In this case, it may not make sense
to play
one or more of the Bingo overlay games, and therefore the Bingo overlay games
may be
temporarily disabled for play, or may not be selectable by a user for a given
Bingo game.
[0035] In an embodiment, the winners of the Bingo overlay games may be
determined by
when the underlying Bingo game ends. For example, the Bingo overlay games may
be
based on the last few numbers (e.g. last six numbers) drawn before the last
number drawn
for the game. This will be explained in more detail further below. It will be
appreciated,
however, that other variations may be used to determine the winners of the
Bingo overlay
games.
[0036] In operation, the Bingo overlay games may be configured such that a
player may
open a Bingo overlay games screen (such as screen 300 shown in FIG. 3), and
select one
or more of the Bingo overlay games to wager on. Referring now to FIGS. 4A to
4D,
shown in FIG. 4A is an illustrative screen 400A for wagering on the "Bingo
War" game
410. As shown, screen 400A may include controls 412, 416 selectable by the
player to
indicate whether the player thinks the last number of the Bingo overlay games
draw will
be higher or lower than the first. Screen 400A may also show the payout 414,
418
depending the player's selection. In this illustrative example, wagering that
the last
number will be higher or lower than the first pays out the same x1.90.
[0037] FIG. 4B shows illustrative screen 400B in which the player has
indicated that he
thinks the last number will be lower than the first, using control 416. This
is indicated in
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display area 420. As noted earlier, the payout for this wager is xl.90 in this
illustrative
example.
[0038] FIG. 4C now shows illustrative screen 400C in which the player has
picked the
last number to be lower than the first, and allows the player to place a wager
424 for a
specific amount, using wager controls 426, 428. The player may also select the
number
of games 430 to play the "Bingo War" game, using number of games controls 432,
434.
[0039] Finally, FIG. 4D shows illustrative screen 400D in which confirmation
of the
player's bet is shown, including the amount of the wager 424, the payout 425,
and the
number of games 430 for which to play the "Bingo War" game. The player may
continue
with the wagering by selecting the "Bet Again" button 440, which may bring the
player
back to screen 300 shown in FIG. 3.
[0040] After the player has selected a number of games to play, the
information may be
summarized in chart form. As an illustrative example, FIG. 5 shows a detailed
screen 500
(e.g. selectable by clicking tab 502) showing a number of Bingo overlay games
512,
514a, 514b, 516, 518 that the player has selected to play. For example, Bingo
overlay
games 514a, 514b, entitled "Lucky Number", may include a bet by a player that
the last
six numbers called before the final number is one of the lucky numbers "42"
and "29"
selected by the user, as indicated in column 520.
[0041] In an embodiment, detailed screen 500 may also be used to show the
progress of
the games the player has selected to play. For example, as indicated by the
"X" in status
column 530, neither lucky number "42" nor lucky number "29" has come up, or
perhaps
has come up and is no longer one of the last six numbers called. For these two
bets, the
player has selected a wager of "2.00" as shown in column 540, in whichever
currency
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may be applicable. As shown in column 550, the "Lucky Number" bets may be
configured to have a payout of "24.00", should the player win the wager.
[0042] In another embodiment, detailed screen 500 may also show the number of
times
each game is to be played, as selected by the player. For example, the player
may select a
predefined maximum number of future games for which the bets may be placed
(see FIG.
4D, for example).
[0043] In an illustrative embodiment, future bets may remain pending, and may
be
"placed" and debited one game in advance. Also, players may be permitted to
cancel
future bets that are pending, but have not yet been placed in a game. As an
illustrative
example, a player may choose to place wagers on "Bingo War" and "Oddly
Enough", and
play each Bingo overlay game for the next 20 Bingo game sessions. If the bet
was to be
played for the next 20 Bingo game sessions, such information could be included
in the
detailed screen 500 shown in FIG. 5 in column 560, for example.
[0044] In an alternative embodiment, the same Bingo overlay games may be
replayed
indefinitely for every Bingo game, until a player decides to stop playing the
overlay
games. Whether or not a player can cancel may also be determined based on
whether or
not funds have already been debited from their account.
[0045] As noted earlier, in an embodiment, the Bingo overlay games may be
played using
the last few numbers called for the underlying Bingo game. Significantly, by
basing the
Bingo overlay games on numbers that will constantly change until the
underlying Bingo
game is concluded, the player's attention may be drawn to the Bingo overlay
games, as
well as the underlying Bingo games, until at or near the very end. Should the
player not
be a winner of the underlying Bingo game, the player may nevertheless be a
winner of
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one or more of the Bingo overlay games, increasing the excitement for the
player in
comparison to conventional Bingo games. In the event that the underlying Bingo
game
ends before a defined length of the last few numbers is reached, then the
Bingo overlay
games may be cancelled until the next round of the underlying Bingo game.
[0046] In an embodiment, the last number called may be excluded from the Bingo
overlay games draw in order to improve the likelihood that numbers will have
the same
probabilities of being called, no matter which Bingo pattern is played. By
definition, the
winning call number in a Bingo game always has to be a marked number, whereas
any
other number in a Bingo game doesn't necessarily have to be marked. For
example, in a
hypothetical 75-number format Bingo game that has no free space, it is just as
likely for
the last number called to be from any column B, I, N, G or O. Once a free
space is
introduced (which is standard in North America), it's slightly less likely
that the last
number called will be an N. This is because there are only 4 spaces that may
be daubed
under N while there are 5 spaces that may be daubed under B, I, G or O. The
result may
be very pronounced in a game such as a T pattern where the pattern consists of
4 spaces
under the N column and 1 space under the other columns. If the last number is
eliminated
from consideration, then all other numbers in the game has the same
probability.
[0047] While it is possible to use numbers other than the last few numbers
before the end
of the game, if for example the results were based on the first "X" numbers of
the
underlying Bingo game, then the results of the Bingo overlay games would be
decided
well before the end of the underlying Bingo game, and the additional
excitement that may
be provided is not prolonged until the end of the game.
[0048] In an embodiment, the excitement of the Bingo overlay games may be
enhanced
by providing the user with a Bingo overlay games summary screen with "real-
time" status
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of all of the Bingo overlay games being played. As shown by way of
illustration in FIG.
6, the Bingo overlay games summary screen 600 may be presented graphically,
such that
it illustrates the number and status of the Bingo overlay games being played
and the status
of those games in an efficient, easily readable manner.
[0049] In FIG. 6, the Bingo overlay games include "Bingo War" 602, "Row Range"
604,
"Oddly Enough" 606, "Tiny Total" 608, "Hot or Not" 610, and "Better Bettor"
612, and
the text and graphics used for each of these games may be suitably chosen such
that these
games are readily distinguishable.
[0050] Beside each of these games, status fields 602s, 604s, 606s, 608s, 610s,
612s may
be provided which may show what the present status is for each of these games.
However, before a Bingo game begins, the status fields 602s, 604s, 606s, 608s,
610s,
612s may remain empty, and the six individual bets have "?" indicators to show
that there
is no result to display.
[0051] In another embodiment, the player may access a larger Bingo game screen
view
700 which shows not only the Bingo overlay games summary screen 600, but
various bits
of information relating to the underlying Bingo game. For example, as shown in
FIG. 7,
Bingo cards 702, 704 to be played in the next game are shown. As well, a Bingo
overlay
draw field 710 shown near the bottom left of the screen may show the numbers
being
called in the current Bingo game. As shown in FIG. 7, the called numbers "13",
"56",
and "12" have been placed in the Bingo overlay draw field 710.
[0052] In FIG. 8, the Bingo overlay draw field 710 continues to fill up with
additional
called numbers "37", "1" and "18". As shown, this called number display field
710 holds
six balls, but does not include the current (or last) number called in the
underlying Bingo
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game. The status indicator fields 602s - 612s do not display any information
until the
Bingo overlay draw chamber is filled with six numbers. However, upon filling
up with
six numbers as shown in FIG. 8, the status indicator fields 602s - 612s begin
to display
status information.
[0053] With each successive number called, a new number (the second-to-last
number
called) enters the Bingo overlay draw field 710, and the oldest number (the
eighth-to-last
number called) exits Bingo overlay draw field 710. As each new number is
called the
status indicator for each bet updates to show what the outcome of that bet
would be if
Bingo was to be claimed on the current call.
[0054] As an illustrative example, the "Bingo War" Bingo overlay game is
dependent on
whether the last number in the Bingo overlay draw field 710 is higher or lower
than the
first number in the Bingo overlay draw field 710. Call 15 in the game might be
#48 and
at that time, the Bingo overlay draw might contain the following numbers:
"11", "39",
"9", "57", "20", "4" (not shown in the drawings). On Call 15 then, the status
indicator for
Bingo War would be a down arrow since the last number "4" in the Bingo overlay
draw is
lower than the first number "11 P. On call 16, however, the number "29" that
was drawn
on call 15 may enter the Bingo overlay draw field 710 and push out the first
number "11"
in the chamber. The new Bingo overlay draw now contains: "39", "9", "57",
"20", "4",
and "48", and the status icon would then change to an up arrow, since the last
number
"48" is higher than the first number "39". If Bingo is claimed on call 16, any
bets on
Bingo War that wagered the last number would be higher than the first number
would be
paid.
[0055] Similarly, the status fields 602s - 612s for each of the Bingo overlay
games may
change as the called numbers in the Bingo overlay draw field 710 change. As
will be
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appreciated, the constantly changing status fields 602s - 612s in the Bingo
overlay games
summary screen 600 may enhance the appeal of the Bingo game as it progresses.
The
visual appeal of the Bingo overlay games may be further enhanced by using
graphic
symbols or icons to visually indicate at a glance whether or not the player
may win one or
more of the overlay games if the next number drawn is the last number for the
underlying
Bingo game. The use of graphic symbols or icons to display the current status
of the
Bingo overlay games may permit the player to more easily keep track of the
Bingo
overlay game results.
[0056] Now referring to FIG. 9, at the end of a Bingo game (and thus the Bingo
overlay
games), if a player has winning bets in one or more of the Bingo overlay
games, the
winning bets may be identified by the use of the icons shown in the status
fields 602s -
612s. Optionally, the winning games may be highlighted in some fashion using,
for
example, bolder colours, animated icons, flashing lights, etc. This may also
be
accompanied by suitable sound effects alerting the player that he is a winner
of one or
more Bingo overlay games.
[0057] Now referring to FIG. 10, shown is a schematic flowchart of a method in
accordance with an embodiment. As shown, method 1000 begins at block 1002,
where
method 1000 may prompt a player to select one or more Bingo overlay games to
play.
Next, at block 1004, method 1000 may prompt the player to place an appropriate
wager
on each of the Bingo overlay games. This step may be completed before the
start of the
next underlying Bingo game.
[0058] Upon selection of and wagering on one or more Bingo overlay games by a
player,
method 1000 may proceed to block 1006, where method 1000 may display to the
user a
list of Bingo overlay games being played. Method 1000 then proceeds to block
1008,
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where method 1000 receives the results of a number called from the underlying
Bingo
game. Method 1000 may then proceed to decision block 1010, where method 1000
determines if a sufficient number of calls has been made to start displaying
status
information for each of the Bingo overlay games. If no, method 1000 returns to
block
1008. If yes, method 1000 proceeds to block 1012.
[0059] At block 1012, method 1000 may display status information for each
Bingo
overlay game the player is playing, based on the current numbers drawn for the
Bingo
overlay games (e.g. as illustrated for example on screen 800 of FIG. 8
described earlier).
Method 1000 may then proceed to decision block 1014, where method 1000
determines if
the underlying Bingo game has ended.
[0060] If no, method 1000 proceeds to block 1016, where method 1000 receives
another
number called in the underlying Bingo game. At block 1018, method 1000 places
the
new called number into the Bingo overlay draw, and pushes out the earliest
drawn
number from the Bingo overlay draw. Method 1000 then returns to block 1012 to
display
the status information for each Bingo overlay game.
[0061] If yes, method 1000 proceeds to block 1020, where method 1000 displays
the final
status of the Bingo overlay games. Method 1000 may then proceed to block 1022
to
calculate and display the winnings to the player. Method 1000 then ends.
[0062] While illustrative embodiments have been described above, it will be
appreciated
that various changes and modifications may be made. More generally, the scope
of the
invention is defined by the following claims.
18
