Robert J Bartholomew

US Patent:

6358149, Mar 19, 2002

Filed:

Feb 4, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/245048

Inventors:

Richard J. Schneider - Las Vegas NV
Joseph G. Hart - Corvallis OR
Joseph W. Canon - Albany OR
Robert P. Bartholomew - Corvallis OR
Michael B. Shelby - Corvallis OR
Lawrence R. Pitman - Corvallis OR

Assignee:

Acres Gaming Incorporated - Las Vegas NV

International Classification:

A63F 924

US Classification:

463 27, 463 42

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for awarding bonuses over a gaming network having a plurality of gaming machines, such as slot machines, interconnected by a network. Play is allowed to occur on a plurality of gaming machines as the bonus pool, common to the gaming machines over the network is incremented responsive to play on the plurality of gaming machines. The total number of eligible gaming machines is detected responsive to play on each of the plurality of gaming machines. A first threshold value is set in consideration of the total number of eligible gaming machines detected. A bonus period would be initiated when the bonus pool satisfies the first threshold value. Accordingly, the threshold necessary to start the bonus period would be low if few players are detected, and high if many players are detected. Bonus amounts are paid from the bonus pool to the eligible gaming machines after which time the bonus period would end. Alternately, bonuses would be paid responsive to detected triggering events during the bonus period, such as the occurrence of a special symbol on the slot machine reels.

US Patent:

6878063, Apr 12, 2005

Filed:

Mar 13, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/389633

Inventors:

Vincent S. Manfredi - Las Vegas NV, US
Richard J. Schneider - Corvallis OR, US
William J. Turner - Corvallis OR, US
Robert P. Bartholomew - Corvallis OR, US
Lawrence R. Pitman - Las Vegas NV, US

Assignee:

Acres Gaming Incorporated - Las Vegas NV

International Classification:

A63F009/24

US Classification:

463 25

Abstract:

A method of providing incentive to play gaming devices during certain off-peak hours comprises three types of periods: an earning period over which earned credits are accumulated responsive to the level of play on the gaming device, a redeeming period where the earned credits can be played, and a regular period where credits are neither earnable or playable. In this way, the player is given an incentive to play during certain times of the week which are otherwise off-peak playing times where the casino might be relatively empty. The amount of credits earned and redeemed can also be dependent upon the player level so that more valuable customers are given preferential bonuses to encourage play.

US Patent:

7824264, Nov 2, 2010

Filed:

Sep 22, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/668560

Inventors:

Robert P. Bartholomew - Las Vegas NV, US
Erik B. Petersen - Las Vegas NV, US
Lawrence R. Pitman - Las Vegas NV, US
Michael B. Shelby - Las Vegas NV, US

Assignee:

IGT - Reno NV

International Classification:

A63F 9/24
A63F 13/00
G06F 17/00
G06F 19/00

US Classification:

463 26, 463 16, 463 25, 463 27, 463 42, 273138 A, 273434, 273439, 273460

Abstract:

A default bonus award and a set of non-default bonus awards are determined for a type of gaming machine. A criterion for qualifying for a bonus award is also determined. Then, if a bonus session is active and a player meets the criterion, a bonus award is randomly selected for the player. In one embodiment, the random bonus award is selected immediately after the player is identified at the gaming machine, before he has begun play.

US Patent:

7958021, Jun 7, 2011

Filed:

Sep 10, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/660343

Inventors:

Rena M. Schoonmaker - Las Vegas NV, US
Robert P. Bartholomew - Corvallis OR, US
Richard J. Schneider - Las Vegas NV, US

Assignee:

IGT - Reno NV

International Classification:

G07F 19/00

US Classification:

705 30

Abstract:

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a slot machine data collection and reporting system capable of operating with multi-denomination, multi-game machines. These machines allow the patron to select the denomination of the wager unit, the game type, and the exact game pay schedule to be played. Each possible combination of denomination, game type, and game pay schedule may result in a unique theoretical hold percentage. Each combination may also have differing levels of player acceptance. The described system allows for the computation and tracking of handle, game hold percentage, theoretical hold percentage, and net win for each of the possible combinations within a single slot machine cabinet, and for all the games coupled to a gaming network.

US Patent:

8052517, Nov 8, 2011

Filed:

Aug 10, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/916343

Inventors:

Vincent S. Manfredi - Las Vegas NV, US
Richard J. Schneider - Corvallis OR, US
William J. Turner - Corvallis OR, US
Robert P. Bartholomew - Corvallis OR, US
Lawrence R. Pitman - Las Vegas NV, US

Assignee:

IGT - Reno NV

International Classification:

A63F 9/24

US Classification:

463 25, 463 16, 463 17, 463 18, 463 19, 463 26, 463 27, 463 28, 463 29

Abstract:

A method for customizing play of a gaming device to a particular player level or group, where the gaming device is connected by a network to a host computer, includes creating a player account accessible by the host computer. The player account is associated with a player and has stored therein one of a plurality of player levels. The player is allowed to play on the gaming device and the gaming device is operated responsive to the player level. That is, the step of operating the gaming device includes adjusting a bonus triggering threshold and/or quantitative amount awarded based on the player level. In this way, high rated players such as those that gamble frequently and in high amounts, have gaming and bonusing events and award amounts tailored to their style of play and preferences to encourage continued play.

Author:

Robert E. Bartholomew

ISBN #:

0786409975

Author:

Robert E. Bartholomew

ISBN #:

0870815970

Author:

Robert E. Bartholomew

ISBN #:

0870815989

Author:

Robert E. Bartholomew

ISBN #:

0893417513

Author:

Robert Bartholomew

ISBN #:

0878680993