METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING A BONUS AWARD TO MULTIPLE PLAYERS PLAYING GAMING MACHINES ON A NETWORK BASED ON A WINNING OUTCOME AT A SINGLE LINKED MACHINE

摘要

A method and system for awarding a bonus to all eligible players on a gaming network is disclosed. A network of video poker machines in communication with a common controller facilitates one version of the invention. In response to one machine of the network generating a pre-established winning game outcome (e.g., four of a kind), the common controller causes each other player playing a machine on the network to be awarded a bonus. For example, the pre-established game winning outcome may be a minimum poker hand rank, specific poker hand rank and/or primary game winning dollar amount. An icon or audio tone notifies players of the bonus award. To be eligible for the bonus award, players may be required to play maximum coins or units on their machines and/or be identified as a player's club member.