Progressive wagering system

Abstract

A linked progressive gaming system and method of operation is disclosed that is capable of accepting wagers in different currencies and different denominations of the same currency and allowing players in diverse locations to play for common progressive prizes. The system periodically computes each current prize value using the data acquired from each gaming device, and displays the values at each location where participating gaming devices are located, in the currency used at each particular location. Multiple prizes may be supported simultaneously. Each gaming device may be linked to one or more prizes. Progressive prize award events may be triggered by random events associated with play based on wagers made on gaming devices or by the central system based on prize criteria exceeding a boundary limit. A Free Play apparatus is disclosed that allows non-progressive gaming devices, as well as other traditional games, to participate in progressive play.

1 - 16 . (canceled)  
   
   
       17 . A method of creating linkage on a wagering system, the system comprising a host computer directly or indirectly in communication with at least one gaming device, between a prize and at least one gaming device comprising the following steps: 
 A) determining a host computer total wager amount for a prize;    B) recording the host computer total wager amount in the host computer;    C) recording a gaming device total wager amount on the gaming device; and    D) linking the prize to the gaming device when the host computer total wager amount is substantially equal to the gaming device total wager amount.    
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the prize is a progressive prize.  
   
   
       19 . A method of operating a wagering system, the system comprising a host computer directly or indirectly in communication with at least one gaming device, comprising the following steps: 
 A) determining a host computer total wager amount for a prize;    B) recording the host computer total wager amount in the host computer; C) recording a gaming device total wager amount on the gaming device;    D) linking the prize to the gaming device when the host computer total wager amount is substantially equal to the gaming device total wager amount; and    E) allowing a player to place a wager on the gaming device that competes for the prize when the host computer total wager amount is substantially equal to the gaming device total wager amount.    
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the prize is a progressive prize.  
   
   
       21 . A method of operating a progressive wagering system, the system comprising a host computer and at least one gaming environment manager, the method comprising the following steps: 
 (A) the host computer establishing a win number for a progressive prize;    (B) the host computer transmitting the win number to the gaming environment manager; and    (C) the gaming environment manager qualifying all messages relating to acquisition data and prize related event conditions with the win number.    
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising a step of the host computer accumulating wagers for the progressive prize by win number.  
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising a step of the host computer processing all events for the progressive prize by win number.  
   
   
       24 . A method of operating a wagering system capable of accepting wagers in at least one of a plurality of currencies and a plurality of denominations of the same currency comprising the steps of: 
 (A) determining a total wager amount for a prize;    (B) allowing a player to place a wager having an amount; and    (C) determining odds of an outcome of at least one prize award event using at least the total wager amount and the wager amount.    
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 24  wherein the prize is a progressive prize.  
   
   
       26 . The method of claims  24  or  25  wherein the odds of the prize award event outcome vary depending on the value of the wager amount.  
   
   
       27 . The method of claims  24  or  25  wherein the odds of the prize award event outcome vary depending on the value of the total wager amount.  
   
   
       28 . The method of claims  24  or  25  wherein the step of determining the odds comprises dividing the total wager amount by the amount of the wager.  
   
   
       29 . The method of claims  24  or  25  wherein the step of determining the odds comprises generating a number based on the total wager amount, generating a number based on the amount of the wager, and comparing the number based on the amount of the wager to the number based on the total wager amount.  
   
   
       30 . A method for determining a win/lose outcome for a prize award event, the event being associated with a prize having a value, comprising the steps of: 
 (A) determining a total wager amount for the prize;    (B) allowing a player to place a wager having an amount; and    (C) determining the outcome using at least the total wager amount and the wager amount.    
   
   
       31 . The method of  claim 30  wherein the prize is a progressive prize.  
   
   
       32 . The method of claims  30  or  31  wherein the step of determining the outcome comprises dividing the total wager amount by the amount of the wager to provide an odds number.  
   
   
       33 . The method of  claim 32  wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises determining a range of numbers based on the odds number.  
   
   
       34 . The method of  claim 33  wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises generating a random number within the odds range of numbers, comparing the random number to a pre-defined winning number and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number is substantially equal to the pre-defined number.  
   
   
       35 . The method of  claim 33  wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises generating a random number within the odds range of numbers, comparing the random number to a pre-defined winning number and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number is equal to the pre-defined number.  
   
   
       36 . The method of claims  30  or  31  wherein the step of determining the outcome comprises determining a range of numbers based on the total wager amount.  
   
   
       37 . The method of  claim 36  wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises generating at least one random number within the total wager amount number range based on the wager amount, comparing the random number to a pre-defined winning number and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number is substantially equal to the pre-defined number.  
   
   
       38 . The method of  claim 36  wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises generating at least one random number within the total wager amount number range based on the wager amount, comparing the random number to a pre-defined winning number and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number is equal to the pre-defined number.  
   
   
       39 . The method of  claim 36  wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises generating at least one pre-defined winning number based on the wager amount within the total wager amount number range, generating a random number within the total wager amount number range, comparing the random number within the total wager amount number range to the pre-defined winning number based on the wager amount and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number within the total wager amount number range is substantially equal to the pre-defined winning number based on the wager amount.  
   
   
       40 . The method of  claim 36  wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises generating at least one pre-defined winning number based on the wager amount within the total wager amount number range, generating a random number within the total wager amount number range, comparing the random number within the total wager amount number range to the pre-defined winning number based on the wager amount and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number within the total wager amount number range is equal to the pre-defined winning number based on the wager amount.  
   
   
       41 . The method of claims  30  or  31  wherein the wager is a payment.  
   
   
       42 . The method of  claim 41  wherein the payment is at least an amount paid for at least one item of merchandise.  
   
   
       43 . A method for determining a win/lose outcome for a prize award event associated with a prize in a wagering system, the system being capable of accepting wagers in at least one of a plurality of currencies and a plurality of denominations of the same currency, comprising the steps of: 
 (A) determining a total wager amount for the prize;    (B) allowing a player to place a wager having an amount; and    (C) determining the outcome using at least the total wager amount and the wager amount.    
   
   
       44 . The method of  claim 43  wherein at least one prize is a progressive prize.  
   
   
       45 . The method of claims  43  or  44  wherein the step of determining the outcome comprises dividing the total wager amount by the amount of the wager to provide an odds number.  
   
   
       46 . The method of  claim 45  wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises determining a range of numbers based on the odds number.  
   
   
       47 . The method of  claim 46  wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises generating a random number within the odds range of numbers, comparing the random number to a pre-defined winning number and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number is substantially equal to the pre-defined number.  
   
   
       48 . The method of  claim 46  wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises generating a random number within the odds range of numbers, comparing the random number to a pre-defined winning number and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number is equal to the pre-defined number.  
   
   
       49 . The method of claims  43  or  44  wherein the step of determining the outcome comprises determining a range of numbers based on the total wager amount.  
   
   
       50 . The method of  claim 49  wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises generating at least one random number within the total wager amount number range based on the wager amount, comparing the random number to a pre-defined winning number and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number is substantially equal to the pre-defined number.  
   
   
       51 . The method of  claim 49  wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises generating at least one random number within the total wager amount number range based on the wager amount, comparing the random number to a pre-defined winning number and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number is equal to the pre-defined number.  
   
   
       52 . The method of  claim 49  wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises generating at least one pre-defined winning number based on the wager amount within the total wager amount number range, generating a random number within the total wager amount number range, comparing the random number within the total wager amount number range to the pre-defined winning number based on the wager amount and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number within the total wager amount number range is substantially equal to the pre-defined winning number based on the wager amount.  
   
   
       53 . The method of  claim 49  wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises generating at least one pre-defined winning number based on the wager amount within the total wager amount number range, generating a random number within the total wager amount number range, comparing the random number within the total wager amount number range to the pre-defined winning number based on the wager amount and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number within the total wager amount number range is equal to the pre-defined winning number based on the wager amount.  
   
   
       54 . The method of claims  43  or  44  wherein the wager is a payment.  
   
   
       55 . The method of  claim 54  wherein the payment is at least an amount paid for at least one item of merchandise.  
   
   
       56 . A method of operating a wagering system, the system being capable of accepting wagers in at least one of a plurality of currencies and a plurality of denominations of the same currency, comprising the following steps: 
 (A) determining a total wager amount for at least one prize;    (B) allowing a player to place a wager having an amount on a game;    (C) linking the at least one prize to a secondary device;    (D) interfacing the secondary device with the game; and    (E) determining on the secondary device a win/lose outcome for the at least one prize using at least the total wager amount and the wager amount.    
   
   
       57 . The method of  claim 56  wherein the at least one prize is a progressive prize.  
   
   
       58 . The method of claims  56  or  57  wherein the step of determining the outcome comprises dividing the total wager amount by the amount of the wager to provide an odds number.  
   
   
       59 . The method of  claim 58  wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises determining a range of numbers based on the odds number.  
   
   
       60 . The method of  claim 59  wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises generating a random number within the odds range of numbers, comparing the random number to a pre-defined winning number and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number is substantially equal to the pre-defined number.  
   
   
       61 . The method of  claim 59  wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises generating a random number within the odds range of numbers, comparing the random number to a pre-defined winning number and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number is equal to the pre-defined number.  
   
   
       62 . The method of  claim 56  or  57  wherein the step of determining the outcome comprises determining a range of numbers based on the total wager amount.  
   
   
       63 . The method of  claim 62  wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises generating at least one random number within the total wager amount number range based on the wager amount, comparing the random number to a pre-defined winning number and generating a win outcome for the prize award event it the random number is substantially equal to the pre-defined number.  
   
   
       64 . The method of  claim 62  wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises generating at least one random number within the total wager amount number range based on the wager amount, comparing the random number to a pre-defined winning number and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number is equal to the pre-defined number.  
   
   
       65 . The method of  claim 62  wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises generating at least one pre-defined winning number based on the wager amount within the total wager amount number range, generating a random number within the total wager amount number range, comparing the random number within the total wager amount number range to the pre-defined winning number based on the wager amount and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number within the total wager amount number range is substantially equal to the pre-defined winning number based on the wager amount.  
   
   
       66 . The method of  claim 62  wherein the step of determining the outcome further comprises generating at least one pre-defined winning number based on the wager amount within the total wager amount number range, generating a random number within the total wager amount number range, comparing the random number within the total wager amount number range to the pre-defined winning number based on the wager amount and generating a win outcome for the prize award event if the random number within the total wager amount number range is equal to the pre-defined winning number based on the wager amount.  
   
   
       67 . The method of  claim 56  wherein the secondary device is a free play apparatus.  
   
   
       68 . A method of operating a progressive wagering system, the system comprising at least one device driver and a host computer, the method comprising the following steps: 
 (A) the host computer establishing a win number for a progressive prize;    (B) the host computer transmitting the win number to the device driver; and    (C) the device driver qualifying all messages relating to acquisition data and prize related event conditions with the win number.    
   
   
       69 . The method of  claim 68  further comprising a step of the host computer accumulating wagers for the progressive prize by win number.  
   
   
       70 . The method of  claim 68  further comprising a step of the host computer processing all events for the progressive prize by win number.  
   
   
       71 . A method for creating linkage between a prize and at least one apparatus comprising the steps of: 
 (A) determining a total wager amount for at least one prize;    (B) linking the prize to at least one apparatus adapted to determine a win/lose outcome for the prize using at least the total wager amount and a wager amount.    
   
   
       72 . The method of  claim 71  wherein the apparatus is a gaming device.  
   
   
       73 . The method of  claim 71  wherein the apparatus is a point-of-sale device.  
   
   
       74 . The method of  claim 73  wherein the point-of-sale device is a cash register.  
   
   
       75 . The method of  claim 71  wherein the apparatus is a table game.  
   
   
       76 . The method of  claim 75  wherein the table game is black jack.  
   
   
       77 . The method of  claim 71  wherein the prize is a progressive prize.  
   
   
       78 . The method of  claim 71  wherein the wager amount is a payment.  
   
   
       79 . The method of  claim 78  wherein the payment is at least an amount paid for at least one item of merchandise.  
   
   
       80 . A gaming device comprising: 
 (A) a machine capable of accepting a wager and awarding at least one prize wherein the machine is arranged to award the prize when a prize award event is achieved; and    (B) an apparatus arranged to test for the prize award event and to initiate an award of the prize when the prize award event occurs, the prize award event being determined by an outcome having a probability related to a total wager amount.    
   
   
       81 . The device of  claim 80  wherein the prize award event is determined by the outcome having a probability related to both a total wager amount and the wager on the game.  
   
   
       82 . The device of  claim 80  or  81  wherein the machine is arranged to play a main game, approximately during which testing for the prize award event will occur.  
   
   
       83 . The device of  claim 82  wherein the main game is a standard game normally offered on the machine and the prize is at least one progressive prize.  
   
   
       84 . The device of  claim 82  wherein the main game is a standard game normally offered on the machine and the prize is at least one bonus prize.  
   
   
       85 . The device of  claim 82  wherein the prize award event is determined by selecting a random number from a range of numbers determined from the total wager amount, allotting to the prize at least one number selected from the range of numbers, the size of the set of allotted numbers being related to the wager bet on the main game, and in the event that one of the allotted numbers matches the random number, initiating the award of the prize.  
   
   
       86 . The device of  claim 82  wherein the range of numbers is related to the total wager amount divided by the wager.  
   
   
       87 . The device of  claim 86  wherein the range of numbers is equal to the total wager amount expressed as a currency denomination.  
   
   
       88 . The device of  claim 87  wherein the currency denomination is cents.  
   
   
       89 . The device of  claim 87  wherein the set of allotted numbers includes one number for each unit of the currency denomination wagered on the main game.  
   
   
       90 . The device of  claim 88  wherein the set of allotted numbers includes one number for each cent wagered on the main game.  
   
   
       91 . The device of  claim 85  wherein the allotted numbers is a block of numbers.  
   
   
       92 . The device of  claim 91  wherein the block of numbers contains the lowest numbers in the range of numbers.  
   
   
       93 . A method of awarding a prize on a device capable of accepting a wager on at least one main game comprising the steps of: 
 (A) testing for a prize award event wherein the event has a probability of occurring related to a prize's total wager amount;    (B) initiating an award of the prize when a prize award event occurs.    
   
   
       94 . The method of  claim 93  wherein the testing comprises the steps of: 
 (A) selecting a random number from a range of numbers determined from the total wager amount;    (B) allotting to the prize at least one number selected from the range of numbers, the size of the set of allotted numbers being related to the wager bet on the main game; and    (C) initiating the award of the prize in the event that one of the allotted numbers matches the random number.    
   
   
       95 . The method of  claim 94  wherein the range of numbers is related to the total wager amount divided by the wager.  
   
   
       96 . The method of  claim 94  wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount is equal to a sum of all wagers expressed as a currency denomination made over the theoretical number of handle pulls between the prize award events.  
   
   
       97 . The method of  claim 96  wherein currency denomination is cents.  
   
   
       98 . The method of  claim 96  wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount includes one number for each unit of currency denomination wagered on the game.  
   
   
       99 . The method of  claim 97  wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount includes one number for each unit of currency denomination wagered on the game.  
   
   
       100 . The method of  claim 94  wherein the at least one allotted number is a block of numbers selected from the range of numbers.  
   
   
       101 . The method of  claim 100  wherein the block of numbers contains the lowest numbers in the range of numbers.  
   
   
       102 . The method of  claim 93  wherein the prize award event has a probability of occurring related to both the total wager amount and the wager.  
   
   
       103 . The method of  claim 102  wherein the testing comprises the steps of: 
 (A) selecting a random number from a range of numbers determined from the total wager amount;    (B) allotting to the prize at least one number selected from the range of numbers, the size of the set of allotted numbers being related to the wager bet on the main game; and    (C) initiating the award of the prize in the event that one of the allotted numbers matches the random number.    
   
   
       104 . The method of  claim 103  wherein the range of numbers is related to the total wager amount divided by the wager.  
   
   
       105 . The method of  claim 103  wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount is equal to a sum of all wagers expressed as a currency denomination made over the theoretical number of handle pulls between the prize award events.  
   
   
       106 . The method of  claim 105  wherein currency denomination is cents.  
   
   
       107 . The method of  claim 105  wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount includes one number for each unit of currency denomination wagered on the game.  
   
   
       108 . The method of  claim 106  wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount includes one number for each unit of currency denomination wagered on the game.  
   
   
       109 . The method of  claim 103  wherein the at least one allotted number is a block of numbers selected from the range of numbers.  
   
   
       110 . The method of  claim 109  wherein the block of numbers contains the lowest numbers in the range of numbers.  
   
   
       111 . The method of  claim 102  further comprising the step of playing the main game at substantially the same time as the testing.  
   
   
       112 . The method of  claim 111  wherein the testing comprises the steps of: 
 (A) selecting a random number from a range of numbers determined from the total wager amount;    (B) allotting to the prize at least one number selected from the range of numbers, the size of the set of allotted numbers being related to the wager bet on the main game; and    (C) initiating the award of the prize in the event that one of the allotted numbers matches the random number.    
   
   
       113 . The method of  claim 112  wherein the range of numbers is related to the total wager amount divided by the wager.  
   
   
       114 . The method of  claim 112  wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount is equal to a sum of all wagers expressed as a currency denomination made over the theoretical number of handle pulls between the prize award events.  
   
   
       115 . The method of  claim 114  wherein currency denomination is cents.  
   
   
       116 . The method of  claim 114  wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount includes one number for each unit of currency denomination wagered on the game.  
   
   
       117 . The method of  claim 115  wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount includes one number for each unit of currency denomination wagered on the game.  
   
   
       118 . The method of  claim 112  wherein the at least one allotted number is a block of numbers selected from the range of numbers.  
   
   
       119 . The method of  claim 118  wherein the block of numbers contains the lowest numbers in the range of numbers.  
   
   
       120 . The method of  claim 111  wherein the prize is at least one bonus prize of a group of additional bonus prizes.  
   
   
       121 . The method of  claim 120  wherein the testing comprises the steps of: 
 (A) selecting a random number from a range of numbers determined from the total wager amount;    (B) allotting to the prize at least one number selected from the range of numbers, the size of the set of allotted numbers being related to the wager bet on the main game; and    (C) initiating the award of the prize in the event that one of the allotted numbers matches the random number.    
   
   
       122 . The method of  claim 121  wherein the range of numbers is related to the total wager amount divided by the wager.  
   
   
       123 . The method of  claim 121  wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount is equal to a sum of all wagers expressed as a currency denomination made over the theoretical number of handle pulls between the prize award events.  
   
   
       124 . The method of  claim 123  wherein currency denomination is cents.  
   
   
       125 . The method of  claim 123  wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount includes one number for each unit of currency denomination wagered on the game.  
   
   
       126 . The method of  claim 124  wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount includes one number for each unit of currency denomination wagered on the game.  
   
   
       127 . The method of  claim 121  wherein the at least one allotted number is a block of numbers selected from the range of numbers.  
   
   
       128 . The method of  claim 127  wherein the block of numbers contains the lowest numbers in the range of numbers.  
   
   
       129 . The method of  claim 111  wherein the prize is at least one progressive prize.  
   
   
       130 . The method of  claim 129  wherein the testing comprises the steps of: 
 (A) selecting a random number from a range of numbers determined from the total wager amount;    (B) allotting to the prize at least one number selected from the range of numbers, the size of the set of allotted numbers being related to the wager bet on the main game; and    (C) initiating the award of the prize in the event that one of the allotted numbers matches the random number.    
   
   
       131 . The method of  claim 130  wherein the range of numbers is related to the total wager amount divided by the wager.  
   
   
       132 . The method of  claim 130  wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount is equal to a sum of all wagers expressed as a currency denomination made over the theoretical number of handle pulls between the prize award events.  
   
   
       133 . The method of  claim 132  wherein currency denomination is cents.  
   
   
       134 . The method of  claim 132  wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount includes one number for each unit of currency denomination wagered on the game.  
   
   
       135 . The method of  claim 133  wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount includes one number for each unit of currency denomination wagered on the game.  
   
   
       136 . The method of  claim 130  wherein the at least one allotted number is a block of numbers selected from the range of numbers.  
   
   
       137 . The method of  claim 136  wherein the block of numbers contains the lowest numbers in the range of numbers.  
   
   
       138 . The method of  claim 111  wherein the main game is a standard game normally offered on the machine and the prize is at least one bonus prize of a group of additional bonus prizes.  
   
   
       139 . The method of  claim 138  wherein the testing comprises the steps of: 
 (A) selecting a random number from a range of numbers determined from the total wager amount;    (B) allotting to the prize at least one number selected from the range of numbers, the size of the set of allotted numbers being related to the wager bet on the main game; and    (C) initiating the award of the prize in the event that one of the allotted numbers matches the random number.    
   
   
       140 . The method of  claim 139  wherein the range of numbers is related to the total wager amount divided by the wager.  
   
   
       141 . The method of  claim 139  wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount is equal to a sum of all wagers expressed as a currency denomination made over the theoretical number of handle pulls between the prize award events.  
   
   
       142 . The method of  claim 141  wherein currency denomination is cents.  
   
   
       143 . The method of  claim 141  wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount includes one number for each unit of currency denomination wagered on the game.  
   
   
       144 . The method of  claim 142  wherein the range of numbers determined from the total wager amount includes one number for each unit of currency denomination wagered on the game.  
   
   
       145 . The method of  claim 139  wherein the at least one allotted number is a block of numbers selected from the range of numbers.  
   
   
       146 . The method of  claim 145  wherein the block of numbers contains the lowest numbers in the range of numbers.  
   
   
       147 . The method of  claim 138  wherein at least one of the bonus prizes is a progressive prize.  
   
   
       148 . The method of  claim 147  further comprising directly or indirectly connecting at least one of the devices to a central system, outputting a signal from the device based on the wager that directly or indirectly causes the progressive prize to increase and outputting a second signal when the prize award event occurs that causes the progressive prize to be awarded.  
   
   
       149 . The method of  claim 147  further comprising directly or indirectly connecting a secondary device to the device, directly or indirectly connecting at least one of the secondary devices to a central system, outputting a signal from the secondary device based on the wager that directly or indirectly causes the progressive prize to increase and outputting a second signal from the secondary device when the prize award event occurs that causes the progressive prize to be awarded.  
   
   
       150 . The method of  claim 147  wherein each of the progressive prizes is increased with each game played on each of the main games on a central system.  
   
   
       151 . A prize for at least one gaming device wherein the prize is awarded upon the occurrence of a prize award event, a probability of the prize award event occurring being related to a total wager amount.  
   
   
       152 . The prize of  claim 151  wherein the prize is a progressive prize.  
   
   
       153 . The prize of  claim 151  wherein the prize is at least one bonus prize of a group of additional bonus prizes.  
   
   
       154 . The prize of  claim 151  wherein the probability of the prize award event occurring is related to the total wager amount and a wager made on the gaming device.  
   
   
       155 . The prize of  claim 154  wherein the device is arranged to play a main game at substantially the same time as testing for the prize award event occurs.  
   
   
       156 . The prize of  claim 155  wherein the main game is a standard game normally offered on the device and the prize is at least one progressive prize.  
   
   
       157 . The prize of  claim 151  wherein an occurrence of the prize award event is determined by selecting a random number from a predetermined range of numbers to be associated with a main game, and allotting to the game a set of numbers selected from the predetermined range of numbers, the size of the set of allotted numbers being related to a wager bet on the game, and in the event that one of the numbers allotted to the game matches the randomly selected number, the event has occurred.  
   
   
       158 . The prize of  claim 157  wherein the predetermined number range is equal to the total wager amount expressed as a currency denomination.  
   
   
       159 . The prize of  claim 158  wherein the currency denomination is cents.  
   
   
       160 . The prize of  claim 151  wherein an occurrence of the prize award event is determined by selecting a random number from a predetermined range of numbers to be associated with a main game, and allotting to the game a set of numbers selected from the predetermined range of numbers, the size of the set of allotted numbers being mathematically related to a wager bet on the game, and in the event that one of the numbers allotted to the game matches the randomly selected number, the event has occurred.  
   
   
       161 . The prize of  claim 160  wherein the predetermined number range is equal to the total wager amount expressed as a currency denomination.  
   
   
       162 . The prize of  claim 161  wherein the currency denomination is cents.  
   
   
       163 . The prize of  claim 151  wherein an occurrence of the prize award event is determined by selecting a random number from a predetermined range of numbers to be associated with a main game, and allotting to the game a number in the range of numbers, the allotted number being proportional to a wager bet on the game and in the event that the allotted number is greater than or equal to the randomly selected number, the event has occurred.  
   
   
       164 . The prize of  claim 163  wherein the predetermined range of numbers is related to the total wager amount divided by the wager.  
   
   
       165 . The prize of  claim 163  wherein the predetermined number range is equal to the total wager amount expressed as a currency denomination.  
   
   
       166 . The prize of  claim 165  wherein the currency denomination is cents.  
   
   
       167 . The prize of  claim 151  wherein an occurrence of the prize award event is determined by selecting a random number from a predetermined range of numbers to be associated with a main game, and allotting to the game a number in the range of numbers, the allotted number being proportional to a wager bet on the game and in the event that the allotted number is less than or equal to the randomly selected number, the event has occurred.  
   
   
       168 . The prize of  claim 167  wherein the predetermined range of numbers is related to the total wager amount divided by the wager.  
   
   
       169 . The prize of  claim 167  wherein the predetermined number range is equal to the total wager amount expressed as a currency denomination.  
   
   
       170 . The prize of  claim 169  wherein the currency denomination is cents.  
   
   
       171 . The prize of  claim 151  wherein an occurrence of the prize award event is determined by selecting a random number from a predetermined range of numbers to be associated with a main game, and allotting to the game a number in the range of numbers, the allotted number being inversely proportional to a wager bet on the game and in the event that the allotted number is less than or equal to the randomly selected number, the event has occurred.  
   
   
       172 . The prize of  claim 171  wherein the predetermined range of numbers is related to the total wager amount divided by the wager.  
   
   
       173 . The prize of  claim 171  wherein the predetermined number range is equal to the total wager amount expressed as a currency denomination.  
   
   
       174 . The prize of  claim 173  wherein the currency denomination is cents.  
   
   
       175 . The prize of  claim 151  wherein an occurrence of the prize award event is determined by selecting a random number from a predetermined range of numbers to be associated with a main game, and allotting to the game a number in the range of numbers, the allotted number being inversely proportional to a wager bet on the game and in the event that the allotted number is greater than or equal to the randomly selected number, the event has occurred.  
   
   
       176 . The prize of  claim 175  wherein the predetermined range of numbers is related to the total wager amount divided by the wager.  
   
   
       177 . The prize of  claim 175  wherein the predetermined number range is equal to the total wager amount expressed as a currency denomination.  
   
   
       178 . The prize of  claim 177  wherein the currency denomination is cents.  
   
   
       179 . The prize of  claim 157  wherein the allotted set of numbers selected from the predetermined range of numbers is a block of numbers.  
   
   
       180 . The prize of  claim 179  wherein the block of numbers contains the lowest numbers in the predetermined range.  
   
   
       181 . The prize of  claim 158  wherein the allotted set of numbers selected from the predetermined range of numbers is a block of numbers.  
   
   
       182 . The prize of  claim 181  wherein the block of numbers contains the lowest numbers in the predetermined range.  
   
   
       183 . The prize of  claim 154  wherein the gaming device is directly or indirectly connected to a central system and wherein a signal-output from the device based on the wager directly or indirectly causes the prize to increase and wherein a second signal is output from the device when the prize award event occurs that causes the prize to be awarded.  
   
   
       184 . The prize of  claim 154  wherein the gaming device is directly or indirectly connected to a secondary device, wherein the secondary device is directly or indirectly connected to a central system and wherein a signal output from the secondary device based on the wager directly or indirectly causes the prize to increase and wherein a second signal is output from the secondary device when the prize award event occurs that directly or indirectly causes the prize to be awarded.