FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to gaming machines, and in particular, to a gaming machine and method of using the same for allowing wagers to continuously place on simulcast live and/or recorded pari-mutuel race events.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Casinos utilizing various gaming devices such as slot machines have become very popular due to the ease of play and widespread availability of such machines. The popularity of these casino gaming devices has come at the expense of pari-mutuel racing operators who have seen their share of the gaming market dwindle. As a result, it is highly desirable to provide a gaming machine and method of use that allows for the pari-mutuel racing operators to take advantage of these highly popular forms of wagers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a gaming machine is provided that allows individuals to continuously place multiple casino and lottery styled pari-mutuel wagers on simulcast live and/or recorded pari-mutuel race events. The gaming machine has the ability to be linked to a network of said gaming machines in pari-mutuel and/or other wagering venues such that the gaming machines function under current simulcast regulations with jurisdictional approval of said wagers.

In one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a display screen to provide a graphic display of a plurality of pari-mutuel gaming options to a player, and a selection device operable by the player to select at least one of the pari-mutuel gaming options displayed on the screen, the selection device operable by the player to input a wager corresponding to the selected at least one pari-mutuel gaming option. The gaming machine has the ability to be linked to a network of gaming machines in pari-mutuel and/or other wagering venues.

In another embodiment, the invention provides for a method of pari-mutuel wagering, that includes the steps of providing a pari-mutuel gaming machine, displaying a plurality of pari-mutuel game options to a player, and placing a pari-mutuel wager on at least one of the plurality of pari-mutuel game options displayed to the player.

