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 device comprising:
a housing; a plurality of input devices supported by the housing, said plurality of input devices including:
(i) an acceptor of a first physical item associated with a first monetary value,(ii) a validator configured to identify the first physical item, and(iii) a cashout device configured to receive an input to cause an initiation of a payout associated with a credit balance; a display device supported by the housing; a processor; and a memory device which stores a plurality of instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to operate with the display device and the plurality of input devices to, for each play of a game:
(a) set a total award value to an initial value;(b) display the set total award value;(c) display at least one of a plurality of symbols;(d) determine any award values associated with the displayed symbols;(e) increase the total award value by any of said determined award values;(f) display the increased total award value; and(g) if the total award value is greater than or equal to a first trigger value:
(i) increase the total award value based on a first progressive award value, said increase occurring independent of any additional determination to provide said first progressive award value to a player,(ii) display the increased total award value, and(iii) determine whether the increased total award value is greater than or equal to a second trigger value associated with a second progressive award value.