Method and apparatus for gaming machines with a tournament play bonus feature

摘要

A tournament gaming system is disclosed including one or more gaming machines programmed for play of at least one tournament game. A plurality of gaming machines may be linked for tournament play, as through a host computer. Qualification for tournament play may at least in part effectuated through participation in one or more primary games at a gaming machine programmed for tournament play. Tournament games may be conducted at a predetermined minimum rate of play. Variable rates of play responsive to specific game outcomes during tournament games are also disclosed.