Methods for gaming machine triggering system events

Abstract

A system, method and apparatus is provided for a system in which a gaming machine triggers system events. The gaming machine may send messages to a server. The server may then process messages, and may send messages back to the gaming machine. Additionally, the server may send messages to other gaming machines also coupled to the server. The messages may concern bonuses, announcements of gaming events, and opportunities for tournament play, among other information. Thus, a gaming event (such as a jackpot or a good poker hand) may trigger a bonus or a tournament, for example. Additionally, messages may be sent to other components, such as audio and/or video components, which may then announce gaming events, for example.

1 . A method, comprising:
 receiving a message at a server from a first game machine related to a gaming event at the first gaming machine;   processing the message in relation to business rules of the server;   determining if an additional message needs to be sent responsive to the message; and   sending the additional message.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the additional message is a plurality of additional messages. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein sending the additional message includes sending the additional message to the first gaming machine. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein sending the additional message includes sending the additional message to a second gaming machine. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein sending the additional message includes sending the additional message to the first gaming machine and to a second gaming machine. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the additional message indicates a bonus is being provided to players. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the additional message indicates a tournament opportunity is available. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the additional message describes the gaming event. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein sending the additional message includes sending the additional message to a non-gaming machine. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the non-gaming machine is a sound system. 
   
   
       11 . A method, comprising:
 receiving a message at a first game machine from a server related to a gaming event at a second game machine;   processing the message locally; and   providing information to a player responsive to the message.   
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein providing information includes informing the player of a multiple player gaming opportunity. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein providing information includes informing the player of the gaming event. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein providing information includes informing the player of a bonus resulting from the gaming event. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein providing information includes informing the player of a change in gaming. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein processing the message locally includes preparing the first game machine for a multiple player game. 
   
   
       17 . A method, comprising:
 generating a gaming event locally at a first gaming machine;   creating a message responsive to the gaming event; and   sending the message to a server responsive to the gaming event.   
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 receiving a responsive message from the server at the first gaming machine.   
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising:
 the responsive message indicates a bonus is being applied.   
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising:
 the responsive message indicates a tournament opportunity is available.