Abstract: A method includes providing a GUI comprising rows and columns of symbol positions, and patterns across the columns. The method includes outputting a first outcome including an initial symbol for each symbol position, and determining whether the symbols on each pattern form, for the first outcome, a winning pattern comprising a first symbol in two or more symbol positions of the pattern. The method includes replacing, in each winning pattern for the first outcome, the first symbol with a second symbol to form a second outcome, outputting the second outcome, and determining whether the symbols form a winning pattern for the second outcome. The winning pattern for the second outcome comprises the second symbol being in two or more symbol positions of the pattern. The second symbol in a particular symbol position of the wining pattern for the second outcome is an initial symbol selected for the particular symbol position.

Abstract: A method includes spinning a plurality of reels. The method further includes determining a plurality of re-spin costs corresponding to a plurality of re-spin combinations. The method additionally includes displaying a first re-spin cost of the plurality of re-spin costs, where the first re-spin cost will result from inclusion of a first reel in a selected combination of reels to re-spin or hold. The method also includes providing an option to include the first reel in the selected combination of reels. The method additionally includes, responsive to receiving input data indicating to include the first reel in the selected combination of reels, displaying a second re-spin cost of the plurality of re-spin costs, where the second re-spin cost will result from inclusion of a second reel in the selected combination of reels. The method also includes, responsive to receiving a re-spinning instruction, re-spinning the selected combination of reels.

Abstract: Methods, machines, and systems for additional movement of one or more symbols of a reel-type game after the reels are spun for a turn of the reel-type game, but before a next turn of the game, are described. The symbol(s) moved after the reels are spun may comprise a scatter symbol or a symbol other than a scatter symbol. A tip of an off-reel-display symbol positioned outside of a reel-display area may be visible within the reel-display area to notify a player of the reel-type game that additional movement of the off-reel-display symbol is imminent. The off-reel-display symbol may be moved, onto a symbol that is being displayed within the reel-display area, after payment of any award(s) earned for certain combinations of symbols occurring on paylines with the reel-display area and/or after payment of any awards earned for a prescribed number of scatter symbols being displayed within the reel-display area.

Abstract: Machines, servers and reel-type games are disclosed which provide a player with a visible indication of progress being made towards award of a stacked or expanding symbol on a reel, thereby heightening anticipation and increasing excitement of the game. A trigger condition for appearance of the stacked or expanding symbol can be achieved (i.e. accumulated or collected) over multiple turns or spins of the game. Progress towards meeting the trigger condition is displayed to the player directly on the display of the game.

Abstract: Methods, machines, and systems for additional movement of one or more symbols of a reel-type game after the reels are spun for a turn of the reel-type game, but before a next turn of the game, are described. The symbol(s) moved after the reels are spun may comprise a scatter symbol or a symbol other than a scatter symbol. A tip of an off-reel-display symbol positioned outside of a reel-display area may be visible within the reel-display area to notify a player of the reel-type game that additional movement of the off-reel-display symbol is imminent. The off-reel-display symbol may be moved, onto a symbol that is being displayed within the reel-display area, after payment of any award(s) earned for certain combinations of symbols occurring on paylines with the reel-display area and/or after payment of any awards earned for a prescribed number of scatter symbols being displayed within the reel-display area.

Abstract: Machines, servers and reel-type games are disclosed which provide a player with a visible indication of progress being made towards award of a stacked or expanding symbol on a reel, thereby heightening anticipation and increasing excitement of the game. A trigger condition for appearance of the stacked or expanding symbol can be achieved (i.e. accumulated or collected) over multiple turns or spins of the game. Progress towards meeting the trigger condition is displayed to the player directly on the display of the game.