Abstract: A gaming system, apparatus, and method are disclosed providing game players an exciting chance to win any of multiple progressive prizes within a free spin bonus round by accumulating different prize segment symbols which are displayed in a meter zone for each possible progressive prize. Various ways are described to add free spins to the bonus round, making it more exciting by giving the player increased chance to fill all the segments associated with a particular progressive prize, thereby winning the prize.

Abstract: A wagering game, gaming machine, networked gaming system, and associated methods are disclosed including a bank of gaming machines connected to an overhead display enabling players at the respective gaming machines to qualify to play a community feature game displayed on the overhead display wherein each qualified player may view a slow motion finish and/or replay including a flash photograph-effect.

Abstract: A top box wheel assembly and method are disclosed wherein a flat panel display is mounted on a rectangular shaped cabinet top box structure and a circular bezel structure overlays the flat panel display such that a wheel-shaped display area is provided. The circular bezel structure also is shown to include a rectangular cutout base to also provide a rectangular-shaped display area. The circular bezel structure is further shown to include a circular pattern of LEDs which may be operated synchronously or quasi-synchronously with the wheel-shaped display area on which a rotating wheel may be displayed together with an indicator.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a cabinet having a main video display mounted on a front side of the cabinet. The gaming machine also includes at least one more additional video display mounted on the front side of the cabinet either above or below the game video display. The player controls include a separate player control touch screen mounted on a ledge projecting forwardly from the front side of the gaming machine cabinet, and facing upward to present reconfigurable player touch controls for the gaming machine. These controls may be reconfigured within a game or to change the game presentation on the machine in response to player commands or gaming network conditions.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed wherein a decision field is displayed having a number of result tokens spaced apart at different locations about the decision field, with each result token displaying a respective potential result. A decision point is also displayed within the decision field. This decision point is associated with two or more direction options which are preferably graphically depicted along with the decision point, and the player is enabled to make a direction input to select one of the direction options.

Abstract: A free spin game accumulates symbols to win a prize. An offer is made for the player to purchase additional “free spins” if the game is within a designated threshold number of accumulated symbols for winning a free prize. That is, the player can purchase more spins if they have almost achieved a prize. These re-spins are offered to the player at a price based on expected values of all possible prizes that could be achieved in the re-spin.

Abstract: A wagering game, gaming machine, networked gaming system, and associated methods are disclosed including a bank of gaming machines connected to an overhead display enabling players at the respective gaming machines to qualify to play a community feature game displayed on the overhead display wherein each qualified player may view general and personalized real-time position updates.

Abstract: A multi-site tournament gaming system and method are disclosed wherein multiple casino operators are engaged to initiate a series of player qualifying events and to hold a multi-session tournament of the qualified players to determine the site winners; and, a final tournament is operated wherein the site winners are provided prizes and compete to be named the ultimate champion.

Abstract: A modified pick selection bonus game feature is provided including picking hidden selections to accumulate matching symbols and win a prize. The game includes improved features such as a prize bump bonus symbols to increase the value of all available bonus prizes.

Abstract: A method provides a secondary game for controlling free plays awarded in a wagering game conducted through a gaming machine. Once results are displayed for a number of free plays awarded in the wagering game, a secondary game is conducted and the outcome of the secondary game may award additional free plays. Once results for the additional free plays are displayed, the secondary game is conducted again and the outcome of the secondary game may award yet more free plays. Each instance of the secondary game may include a result that does not trigger additional free plays and thus may end the play sequence at the gaming machine.

Abstract: A multi-site tournament gaming system and method are disclosed wherein multiple casino operators are engaged to initiate a series of player qualifying events and to hold a multi-session tournament of the qualified players to determine the site winners; and, a final tournament is operated wherein the site winners are provided prizes and compete to be named the ultimate champion.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed in which a gaming machine provides both a base game and a side game which may be played and wagered upon concurrently or according to some play sequence. The base game may be one type of game displayed on a portion of a primary display of the gaming machine and the side game may be a different type of game displayed on a remaining portion of the primary display.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and program products are taught which provide a slot machine game that increases the size of the symbol array as a mystery feature. As the player spins the reels, the number of positions available on each reel grows randomly to allow more paylines. Other embodiments may include free spin bonuses, as well as bonus features that further increase the number of positions on each reel, and adjust the probability of reel expansions based on the current array size.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed in which a gaming machine provides both a base game and a feature game which may be triggered by the base game. The feature game includes a player selectable set of symbols, where the symbols include one or more high and low value incrementing symbols and one or more terminator symbols; such that, when a player selects one of the incrementing symbols, the player's position on a ladder or other graduated sequence increments to a higher value award, all the symbols in the set are shown and then recovered and shuffled with one of the remaining high value incrementing symbols being replaced by a terminator symbol. The process iterating until the player selects a terminator symbol or achieves the jackpot (highest) award on the ladder.

Abstract: A method includes displaying a button graphic on a touch screen video display device associated with a gaming machine. The button graphic defines a button display area on the touch screen video display device which may be touched to cause a touch screen controller associated with the touch screen video display device to generate a game feature input. In response to the game feature input, a game feature in a game offered through the gaming machine is modified in some fashion. In addition to displaying the button graphic, the button graphic is modified to add a first message regarding the game feature. This modification of the button graphic is performed in association with a modification of the game feature, and the first message includes text indicating that the game feature has been modified.

Abstract: A gaming system, apparatus, and method are disclosed with one or more mode selection zones presented as a selectable “good luck charm,” which, when selected by the player, can change various aspects of the game including the game theme, special animations, bonus functionality, and paytables. In some embodiments, more options of selectable theme symbols are awarded or made available persistently as the player continues to play.

Abstract: A gaming system, apparatus, and method are disclosed with one or more additional payline awards made through special symbols appearing in the game. The number of additional paylines is determined based at least on the special symbol present. A preferred version provides a slot machine game with a payline meter zone on a dedicated display or beside the reels which emphasizes to the player the amount of additional paylines provided and their application in the prize award.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and program products are disclosed for providing distributed RNG calculation capability. Generally, gaming machines cooperate on a gaming network to calculate a result for a RNG algorithm. A preferred system uses peer machines to perform partial RNG calculations, but cooperating server machines may also be used. One method calculates a first partial RNG calculation at a first machine using a seed value. The first machine transmits results of the first partial calculation to a second machine, which completes the RNG calculation. Some algorithms may include a step of combining partial results from two or more gaming machines. A preferred system uses a RNG state tracker and a seed tracker operating on a RNG master machine. This machine initializes a partial RNG with a seed value, and then tracks the state of the partial RNG using results from the completed calculation obtained over the network.

Abstract: Method, apparatus, and program products relating to a multi-mode game play. A player places a bet through a player station to commence play in a first play mode of a multi-mode game. The first play mode may award a prize specified as a number of plays at a different (“second”) play mode. The second play mode has a different associated prize structure and a higher expected net value per play as compared to the first play mode. Once the player has played the specified number of plays at the second play mode the game switches back to the first play mode for additional plays.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method may include presenting a wagering game at an electronic gaming machine in accordance with a gaming application stored on a local memory of the electronic gaming machine. The method may further include determining whether the electronic gaming machine is scheduled to present one or more replacement game assets in connection with the wagering game in lieu of one or more local game assets stored on the local memory. The method may also include, in response to determining that the electronic gaming machine is scheduled to present one or more replacement game assets: (i) downloading the one or more replacement game assets stored remotely from the wagering game to the local memory; and (ii) presenting the one or more replacement game assets in lieu of one or more local game assets during presentation of the wagering game.