Abstract: A data protection method includes identifying data indicative of a software element parameter of a software element to be protected, which may be a hash of the software element image or carrier medium image area. The method includes identifying data indicative of a medium parameter of a medium authorized to carry the software element, which may be a unique identifier embedded in a non-image area of the medium. A validation token is defined based on a predefined protocol and written to a non-image area of the medium, which token is a function of the software element parameter and medium parameter. A device for executing the software element uses the same predefined protocol to verify the token prior to allowing execution of the software element. If the software element is copied to another medium, the token is not verifiable for the copied software, thereby restricting execution of the copied software element.

Abstract: Methods for operating a gaming machine relate to gaming machines providing the option to initiate a deal which allows a dependency to be created between the results displayed during plays of a base game in the deal. The present invention, at least in some of its preferred forms, increases the player's anticipation and excitement during operation of the gaming machine.

Abstract: A gaming machine (1) including a base game of chance having random outcomes which include predetermined winning outcomes. The machine is adapted to pay winnings upon the occurrence of any of the winning outcomes. The machine is also adapted to allocate feature qualifying attributes such that accumulation of one ore more predetermined feature qualifying attributes opens a window of opportunity allowing a player to trigger a feature game at any time of their choosing whilst the window of opportunity is open. The window of opportunity remains open until the player no longer holds the one or more predetermined feature qualifying attributes.

Abstract: A gaming machine that operates a base game 1 and a feature game 2, 4. The feature game offers a range of possible benefits 4 such a prizes or beneficial alterations to the operation of the base game 1. The particular benefits chosen are a random selection 2 from the available range 4. The randomly selected benefits 5 may themselves interact with each other to provide a particularly generous prize or benefit to the player. The ability of the gaming machine to display very generous prizes is an attraction for players to select the gaming machine. However, the random selection process controls the frequency of awarding the generous prizes so as not to overly diminish the frequency of winning combinations in the base game 1 which may generate disinterest in the player.

Abstract: A spinning reel video poker machine that displays an initial array of symbols that may be on a simulation of spinning reels (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5). In response to a trigger additional symbols will become available on the video screen to extend existing paylines or provide new paylines. The new paylines may be part of an extension to an existing array or they may be part of a separate array of symbols or set of reels that becomes available in response to the trigger.