Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for triggering a bonus game with a wagering game machine are described. A bonus triggering module is used for adjusting a payout frequency to trigger one or more bonus games. In some embodiments, the bonus triggering module uses a player selection to trigger a bonus game. In various embodiments, occurrences of hidden events are generated to mystery trigger a bonus game. Wagering game machines according to the various embodiments of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a wagering game mechanism associating the game-outcome symbol of multiple reels of the wagering game to a unified game-symbol outcome. The wagering game generates an outcome symbol array with independent array elements and one or more associated groups of array elements. The associated groups of array elements are visually coordinated while the reels are spinning. Each associated group of array elements share a common game-outcome symbol based upon reels having a common reel strip for the associated group or a particular game-outcome symbol array element of the associated group. When the reels stop spinning and the wagering game outcome is displayed, the elements of a given associated group share an identical game-outcome symbol.

Abstract: A gaming system performs a wagering game by determining an outcome, based at least in part, on one or more random elements. The wagering game uses a plurality of symbol bearing reels that includes at least one adjustable reel having an adjustable reel strip with one or more adjusting symbol positions thereon. When a wagering game is initiated and while the symbol bearing reels are spinning, a series of symbols are sequentially displayed by the adjustable reels at the adjusting symbol positions. The symbols may optionally increase in value as displayed to enhance player anticipation. The number and location of adjustable reels, the number and location of adjusting symbol positions on each adjustable reel, and the symbols displayed at the adjusting symbol positions may be randomly or statically determined. During the wagering game, the order of display of the series of symbols at the adjusting symbol locations may be random or based on previously displayed symbols.

Abstract: A system and method for viewing and ordering wager gaming content utilizes a network server to provide an interface to a user coupled to the network. In one embodiment, the server is an Internet web based server, and the user is a thin client, using an Internet browser to view and select wager gaming content. The web based server may be coupled to an order entry system to facilitate ordering and payment for selected wager gaming content. The order entry system may also be coupled to a content server to provide for downloading of selected wager gaming content.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide time control aspects for a wagering game. A first portion of a wagering game may be presented at a first rate of motion through time and a second portion may be presented at a second rate of motion through time. Further, some graphical object may be displayed according to first rate of motion through time while other graphical objects are simultaneously display according to a second rate of motion through time. Additionally, a portion of a wagering game may be replayed from a previous point in time.

Abstract: A method for playing a wagering game. The method includes conducting a basic game having a randomly selected outcome. The randomly selected outcome is selected from a plurality of outcomes and is indicated by a plurality of symbols. Each of the plurality of symbols has a first function. A side-wager option is presented that allows a player to change a function of a certain one of the plurality of symbols to one of a plurality of second functions. In response to the player selecting the side-wager option, one of the plurality of second functions is selected. Also, the second function is attributed to the certain one of the plurality of symbols when the randomly selected outcome is indicated.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to acquire an original player input value associated with a wagering game. One or more simulations may be run in reverse from a randomly selected statistical outcome to determine at least one of a modified starting game parameter value, a modified intermediate-time game parameter value, and a modified player input value. Original starting game parameter values, intermediate-time game parameter values, and/or player input values may be modified to provide the modified starting game parameter values, intermediate-time game parameter values, and player input values, respectively. At least a portion of the simulation running forward based on the modified values may be displayed. Other apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide three-dimensional transformations on graphical images. The transformations may vary in accordance with various wagering game functions.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to present a wagering game upon which monetary value may be wagered; to present an initial image including a subset of a swarm in space representing a portion of the wagering game; and to determine the actual outcome of the wagering game based on player input indications, swarm behavior modeling, and a selected statistical game outcome. An updated image may then be generated and presented, derived from the initial image and the actual outcome.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method of displaying a gaming outcome in a gaming machine. The method includes displaying an image having two or more picks to a player, wherein at least one pick is hidden; receiving an indication of the pick selected by the player; modifying the image to reflect the pick selected by the player; and revealing one or more hidden picks.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide time control aspects for a wagering game. A first portion of a wagering game may be presented at a first rate of motion through time and a second portion may be presented at a second rate of motion through time. Further, some graphical object may be displayed according to first rate of motion through time while other graphical objects are simultaneously display according to a second rate of motion through time. Additionally, a portion of a wagering game may be replayed from a previous point in time.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus affecting the interaction between characters and a three-dimensional wagering game environment are described herein.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to acquire an original player input value associated with a wagering game. One or more simulations may be run in reverse from a randomly selected statistical outcome to determine at least one of a modified starting game parameter value, a modified intermediate-time game parameter value, and a modified player input value. Original starting game parameter values, intermediate-time game parameter values, and/or player input values may be modified to provide the modified starting game parameter values, intermediate-time game parameter values, and player input values, respectively. At least a portion of the simulation running forward based on the modified values may be displayed. Other apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to present a wagering game upon which monetary value may be wagered; to present an initial image including a subset of a swarm in space representing a portion of the wagering game; and to determine the actual outcome of the wagering game based on player input indications, swarm behavior modeling, and a selected statistical game outcome. An updated image may then be generated and presented, derived from the initial image and the actual outcome.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for triggering a bonus game with a wagering game machine are described. A bonus triggering module is used for adjusting a payout frequency to trigger one or more bonus games. In some embodiments, the bonus triggering module uses a player selection to trigger a bonus game. In various embodiments, occurrences of hidden events are generated to mystery trigger a bonus game. Wagering game machines according to the various embodiments of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide three-dimensional transformations on graphical images. The transformations may vary in accordance with various wagering game functions.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, architectures, and methods provide instrumentality to control adjustment of a feature of a wagering game and/or a feature of another wagering game to match a fixed parameter of the combination of the wagering games correlated to a relationship between a parameter of each of the wagering games.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method of displaying a gaming out-come in a gaming machine. The method includes displaying an image having two or more picks to a player, wherein at least one pick is hidden; receiving an indication of the pick selected by the player; modifying the image tore flect the pick selected by the player; and revealing one or more hidden picks.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus affecting the interaction between events, objects, and three-dimensional wagering game environment are described herein.

Abstract: A method and gaming terminal for playing a wagering game. The method includes conducting the wagering game at a gaming terminal. A plurality of player-selectable game elements are displayed, such that the game elements are divided into a plurality of types. A player selects at least one of the game elements and a predetermined award amount is then revealed. If the player selects an award-all-of-type element, then all of the game elements associated with that particular type are revealed. The player then receives a wagering game payoff based on the selection.