Abstract: A gaming system for enabling the simultaneous play of real-money, wager-based gaming and free, play-for-fun gaming is described. The gaming system is configured to deliver a fun game to a client in conjunction with a real-money gaming event and to initiate play of a fun game upon a predesignated triggering event of the real money game. The fun game is played by a plurality of players and fun game controller directs game information to a fun game server. Fun game information can be displayed for multiple players to drive competitive-type play among players and can be used to provide awards and incentivize play.

Abstract: The present invention is a device embodying a reel-based game. The reel-based game includes a plurality of reels and a plurality of mini-reels. The mini-reels replace one or more of the plurality of reels or may replace one or more symbol-bearing positions of the reels. The added feature of the plurality of mini-reels enables the possible attainment of a greater number of symbol combinations and winning outcomes by replacing standard paylines associated with the reel or reel position with sets of paylines that cover all mini-reel-based outcomes.

Abstract: The present invention is a device embodying a reel-based game. The reel-based game includes a plurality of reels and a plurality of mini-reels. The mini-reels replace one or more of the plurality of reels or may replace one or more symbol-bearing positions of the reels. The added feature of the plurality of mini-reels enables the possible attainment of a greater number of symbol combinations and winning outcomes by replacing standard paylines associated with the reel or reel position with sets of paylines that cover all mini-reel-based outcomes.