GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING MULTIPLE LEVEL PROGRESSIVE AWARDS WITH INCREASED ODDS OF WINNING HIGHER LEVEL PROGRESSIVE AWARDS

摘要

A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines is provided. The gaming system includes a plurality of progressive awards arranged in a hierarchy. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event or qualifying condition, a bonus game is started. A player can win a next higher progressive award by accumulating award values. If the player's total award value is greater than or equal to a trigger value for a progressive award, the player wins the progressive award. Unless a termination condition occurs, the bonus game continues. The total award value is set to the progressive award value. Alternatively, the progressive award value is added to the player's total award value. The trigger value for a progressive award can be the startup value for that progressive award.

主权项

1. A gaming system comprising:
at least one input device; at least one display device; at least one processor; and at least one memory device which stores a plurality of instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to operate with the at least one input device and the at least one display device to:
(a) receive a placement of a wager in association with a play of a wagering game,(b) for the play of the wagering game:
(i) determine a wagering game outcome,(ii) display the determined wagering game outcome,(iii) determine any award associated with the determined wagering game outcome, and(iv) display any determined award associated with the determined wagering game outcome, and(c) if a triggering event occurs:
(i) for each of a plurality of free games:
(A) determine a free game outcome,(B) display the determined free game outcome,(C) accumulate any points associated with the determined free game outcome,(D) determine any award associated with the determined free game outcome, and(E) display any determined award associated with the determined free game outcome,(ii) determine if a quantity of accumulated points is associated with any of a plurality of progressive awards, wherein a first progressive award is associated with a first quantity of accumulated points and a second, different progressive award is associated with a second, different quantity of accumulated points, and(iii) if the quantity of accumulated points is associated with at least one of the plurality of progressive awards, cause said at least one of the progressive awards to be provided.