Gaming machines, particularly slot machines have become one of the more exciting wagering adventures available at casinos and the like. However, playing these slot machines is typically an insular and isolated activity. Even with the advent of "progressive" type machines the gaming experience remains a solitary one with a progressive jackpot escalating as a function of many players' activities yet being won by only the first person to achieve a certain outcome in a "winner take all" scheme. Thus, gaming machines continue to promote an "antisocial" and competitive environment.
However, there is a dichotomy among all players: one group appears to prefer the solitary pursuit of today's "winner take all" slot and video machines while a second group gambles for the entertainment experience and not the economic potential as a principal motivation.
Therefore, a need exists for a gaming apparatus and method therefore which encourages a communal spirit and encourages camaraderie among players during the course of play to provide not only a gaming experience with a far greater entertainment value, but also an opportunity for one player to contribute to the well being of all participants collectively and for one player individually.
Thus, a need exists for a game where a group of players contribute to a jackpot which is shared by all when at least one player succeeds in "hitting" a recognized winning combination thereby allowing the entire group of players to share in the excitement and reward of being a winner.