Abstract: A method for introducing player skill-dependent play through a gaming machine for a wagering game includes receiving a skill level input specifying a first skill level from a set of skill levels, and placing the gaming machine in a first state in response to that skill level input. Each respective skill level in the set of skill levels is correlated to a different respective numerical proportion between a player skill-dependent component and a random component of a portion of the wagering game. After placing the gaming machine in the first state, the method includes providing a number of result opportunities through the gaming machine and providing a respective result for each result opportunity. At least a portion of these results are selected at random according to the first value of the numerical proportion between the player skill-dependent component and the random component.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a skill level input specifying a first skill level from a set of different skill levels, and in response to the skill level input, placing the gaming machine in a first state. Each respective skill level in the set of different skill levels is correlated to a different respective proportion between a player skill-dependent component and random component of the wagering game. Thus placing the gaming machine in the first state has the effect of setting that skill-dependent to random proportion to a desired value. After placing the gaming machine in the first state, the method includes receiving player inputs for which a prize may ultimately be awarded. This prize is determined by (i) any player inputs included in the player input set for the player skill-dependent component and (ii) the random component in an award proportion based on the desired value.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a skill level input specifying a first skill level from a set of different skill levels, and in response to the skill level input, placing the gaming machine in a first state. Each respective skill level in the set of different skill levels is correlated to a different respective proportion between a player skill-dependent component and random component of the wagering game. Thus placing the gaming machine in the first state has the effect of setting that skill-dependent to random proportion to a desired value. After placing the gaming machine in the first state, the method includes receiving player inputs for which a prize may ultimately be awarded. This prize is determined by (i) any player inputs included in the player input set for the player skill-dependent component and (ii) the random component in an award proportion based on the desired value.

Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a display for displaying a base game of the wagering game in response to receiving a wager input from a player and a controller coupled to the display. The controller is programmed to randomly increment during game play a bonus-time eligibility counter for a community bonus game, decrement the bonus-time eligibility counter as real time progresses, and render a player eligible to play the community bonus game if the bonus-time eligibility counter is greater than zero when a community bonus game is triggered.

Abstract: Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of configuring gaming devices, and computer programs for configuring gaming devices are featured. A gaming system for playing a wagering game is disclosed which includes a processor(s), an input device(s), a gaming device(s), and a memory device(s) storing instructions that, when executed by at least one of the processors, cause the gaming system to: receive, via at least one of the input devices, a desired value for a player-performance variable and/or a game-configuration variable for at least one of the gaming devices; based on the desired value, output a recommended value for a configuration parameter for the gaming device(s); and, responsive to a confirmation input received via at least one of the input devices, configure the gaming device(s) in accordance with at least the recommended value for the first configuration parameter.

Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a display for displaying a base game of the wagering game in response to receiving a wager input from a player and a controller coupled to the display. The controller is programmed to randomly increment during game play a bonus-time eligibility counter for a community bonus game, decrement the bonus-time eligibility counter as real time progresses, and render a player eligible to play the community bonus game if the bonus-time eligibility counter is greater than zero when a community bonus game is triggered.

Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a display for displaying a base game of the wagering game in response to receiving a wager input from a player and a controller coupled to the display. The controller is programmed to randomly increment during game play a bonus-time eligibility counter for a community bonus game, decrement the bonus-time eligibility counter as real time progresses, and render a player eligible to play the community bonus game if the bonus-time eligibility counter is greater than zero when a community bonus game is triggered.

Abstract: A multi-player gaming system sensing multiple simultaneous contacts on a surface of a gaming table, differentiating contacts by different players. Privacy controls selectively display private information visible to only one of the players on or near the display surface of the gaming table. The gaming system also detects physical objects placed on the surface of the gaming table, causing wagering game functions or peripheral functions to be performed as a result of the placement of the object on the display surface.

Abstract: Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of configuring gaming devices, and computer programs for configuring gaming devices are featured. A gaming system for playing a wagering game is disclosed which includes a processor(s), an input device(s), a gaming device(s), and a memory device(s) storing instructions that, when executed by at least one of the processors, cause the gaming system to: receive, via at least one of the input devices, a desired value for a player-performance variable and/or a game-configuration variable for at least one of the gaming devices; based on the desired value, output a recommended value for a configuration parameter for the gaming device(s); and, responsive to a confirmation input received via at least one of the input devices, configure the gaming device(s) in accordance with at least the recommended value for the first configuration parameter.

Abstract: A gaming system and method for conducting a wagering game includes a powerup feature. A wager input receives a wager from a player to play a single play of a wagering game. At least one display displays a plurality of reels with symbols. A controller is coupled to the wager input and the at least one display. The controller is operative randomly generate an outcome of the wagering game from a plurality of wagering game outcomes. The controller displays the randomly generated wagering game outcome on the plurality of reels. The plurality of outcomes includes the award of a powerup to a player. The powerup allows the player to activate a game enhancement feature on a future play of the wagering game. The plurality of wagering game outcomes can also include a credit award. A player may select the credit award or an offered powerup.

Abstract: A multi-player gaming system sensing multiple simultaneous contacts on a surface of a gaming table, differentiating contacts by different players. Privacy controls selectively display private information visible to only one of the players on or near the display surface of the gaming table. The gaming system also detects physical objects placed on the surface of the gaming table, causing wagering game functions or peripheral functions to be performed as a result of the placement of the object on the display surface.

Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a wager input device for receiving a wager from a player to play a wagering game. The system includes a display for displaying an array of selectable elements. Each of the selectable elements is associated with an award. The system also includes a player input device for receiving selections from the array of selectable elements. Also included in the gaming system is a feature for returning to the array of selectable elements. The feature includes at least one game-return outcome and at least one game-terminating outcome awarding a first award for the selections. A multiplier changes each time a game-return outcome is achieved.

Abstract: A multi-player gaming system sensing multiple simultaneous contacts on a surface of a gaming table, differentiating contacts by different players. Privacy controls selectively display private information visible to only one of the players on or near the display surface of the gaming table. The gaming system also detects physical objects placed on the surface of the gaming table, causing wagering game functions or peripheral functions to be performed as a result of the placement of the object on the display surface.

Abstract: A multi-player gaming system sensing multiple simultaneous contacts on a surface of a gaming table, differentiating contacts by different players. Privacy controls selectively display private information visible to only one of the players on or near the display surface of the gaming table. The gaming system also detects physical objects placed on the surface of the gaming table, causing wagering game functions or peripheral functions to be performed as a result of the placement of the object on the display surface.

Abstract: A method of conducting a wagering game comprises receiving a wager from a player, and displaying a plurality of selectable elements arranged in an array, each of the selectable elements associated with a respective outcome. The method further comprises receiving a plurality of selections of the selectable elements, and after receiving the plurality of selections, revealing the outcomes associated with the selected elements. For each outcome which comprises an award, the award is provided to the player. For each outcome which comprises an expander element, outcomes associated with all selectable elements in a direction of expansion associated with the expander element are revealed, and if any such revealed outcomes comprise an award, the award is provided to the player.

Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a display for displaying a base game of the wagering game in response to receiving a wager input from a player and a controller coupled to the display. The controller is programmed to randomly increment during game play a bonus-time eligibility counter for a community bonus game, decrement the bonus-time eligibility counter as real time progresses, and render a player eligible to play the community bonus game if the bonus-time eligibility counter is greater than zero when a community bonus game is triggered.

Abstract: A gaming system and method for conducting a wagering game includes a powerup feature. A wager input receives a wager from a player to play a single play of a wagering game. At least one display displays a plurality of reels with symbols. A controller is coupled to the wager input and the at least one display. The controller is operative randomly generate an outcome of the wagering game from a plurality of wagering game outcomes. The controller displays the randomly generated wagering game outcome on the plurality of reels. The plurality of outcomes includes the award of a powerup to a player. The powerup allows the player to activate a game enhancement feature on a future play of the wagering game. The plurality of wagering game outcomes can also include a credit award. A player may select the credit award or an offered powerup.

Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a wager input device for receiving a wager from a player to play a wagering game. The system includes a display for displaying an array of selectable elements. Each of the selectable elements is associated with an award. The system also includes a player input device for receiving selections from the array of selectable elements. Also included in the gaming system is a feature for returning to the array of selectable elements. The feature includes at least one game-return outcome and at least one game-terminating outcome awarding a first award for the selections. A multiplier changes each time a game-return outcome is achieved.

Abstract: A multi-player gaming system sensing multiple simultaneous contacts on a surface of a gaming table, differentiating contacts by different players. Privacy controls selectively display private information visible to only one of the players on or near the display surface of the gaming table. The gaming system also detects physical objects placed on the surface of the gaming table, causing wagering game functions or peripheral functions to be performed as a result of the placement of the object on the display surface.

Abstract: A method of conducting a wagering game comprises receiving a wager from a player, and displaying a plurality of selectable elements arranged in an array, each of the selectable elements associated with a respective outcome. The method further comprises receiving a plurality of selections of the selectable elements, and after receiving the plurality of selections, revealing the outcomes associated with the selected elements. For each outcome which comprises an award, the award is provided to the player. For each outcome which comprises an expander element, outcomes associated with all selectable elements in a direction of expansion associated with the expander element are revealed, and if any such revealed outcomes comprise an award, the award is provided to the player.