Abstract: A method of conducting a wagering game includes determining a randomly-selected outcome in response to receiving a wager input from a player. The randomly-selected outcome is selected from a plurality of outcomes that includes at least one winning outcome. Each of the plurality of outcomes is represented via a plurality of symbols arranged in a plurality of columns. The method further includes displaying the randomly-selected outcome. A prize is awarded if a symbol combination is aligned along an active payline to indicate the winning outcome. The symbol combination includes a number of symbols that is less than the number of columns.

Abstract: A gaming terminal having a set of primary reels and a multiplier reel on which a player can place a separate wager on the perceived likelihood that any payout associated with the primary reels will be increased by an amount revealed on the multiplier reel. The wager on the multiplier reel must be received before the game outcome associated with the primary reels is revealed to the player. Input devices are provided to allow the player to place a wager on the multiplier reel, and symbols on the multiplier reel indicate the multiplier amount or are indicative of whether the payout associated with the game outcome will be increased. These symbols can be different colors, and the player can place a wager on the probability that the multiplier reel will stop on a particular color. If it does, the payout is increased by a multiplier associated with the particular color.

Abstract: A method for playing a wagering game includes receiving wager inputs from a player for a wagering game. A randomly-selected outcome is selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to receiving the wager inputs. The selecting of the randomly-selected outcome is determined in accordance with a gaming math feature. A data set representing a game-play characteristic is stored before discontinuing game-play in a gaming session. In response to the player continuing the wagering game in a subsequent gaming session, the data set is accessed. The gaming math feature for the wagering game in the subsequent gaming session is altered based on the game-play characteristic.

Abstract: A method for playing a wagering game includes receiving wager inputs from a player for a wagering game. At least one randomly-selected outcome is selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to receiving the wager inputs. A gaming record is obtained based on a gaming event during a first gaming session of the wagering game. A data set representing the gaming record is stored during the first gaming session. During a second gaming session of the wagering game, the gaming record is displayed as defined by the data set.

Abstract: Wagering game terminal and method of operating same are disclosed in which players collect symbols and/or symbol combinations that are indicative of a randomly selected outcome. The symbols and/or symbol combinations may be collected anytime they appear on the wagering game terminal, or they may be collected only if they appear in a certain manner or at a certain time. Players who manage to complete a predefined collection of symbols and/or symbol combinations are awarded a special event game, such as a bonus game, a jackpot, and the like. The players may carry over the symbols and/or symbol combinations they have collected across multiple gaming sessions and multiple gaming terminals. In this way, the players may retain the benefit of their previous gaming experiences.

Abstract: A communication feature or a plurality of communication features allows a player to know that he or she has selected a special event to be conducted in the wagering game. Generally, the player must meet certain criteria (e.g., play the maximum number of paylines) or, perhaps, make an additional wager to be eligible for the special event. The communication features may include (i) an indicator within the player-input device that is used to allow the player to select the special event, (ii) a banner that is displayed prior to and during the wagering game that indicates that the special event is activated, (iii) a placard that is displayed prior to the wagering game that indicates that the special event is activated, and/or (iv) the altering of one or more symbols that are used to indicate the randomly selected outcome of the wagering game.

Abstract: A gaming machine including a first video-type display having a first aspect ratio and a first resolution, which together define a first display characteristic set. The gaming machine further includes a second video-type display having a second aspect ratio and a second resolution, which together define a second display characteristic set that is different from the first display characteristic set. The gaming machine further includes a video controller that is coupled to a controller that is coupled to the first video-type display and to the second video-type display. The controller, which can be external to the gaming machine or in the gaming machine, is programmed to instruct the video controller to cause a first set of images to be displayed on the first video-type display and a second set of images to be displayed on the second video-type display.

Abstract: A gaming machine has a wager-input device for receiving a first wager from a player to play a wagering game having a basic game and a bonus game. A display displays a plurality of symbols located thereon during the basic game. The symbols indicate a randomly-selected outcome selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to the wager. The plurality of outcomes includes a bonus-triggering outcome. A set of available game-enhancement parameters is displayed and the player is provided an option of submitting a second wager to purchase at least one of the set of available game-enhancement parameters. The set of available game-enhancement parameters provides an enhancement selected from the group consisting of: additional bonus-triggering outcomes providing a higher probability of triggering the bonus game, and enhanced awards during the bonus game.

Abstract: A gaming terminal for playing a basic wagering game and a bonus game includes a display for displaying a randomly selected outcome such as a start-bonus outcome. The gaming terminal further includes a player-input device for receiving gaming input and a bonus game region, which includes a plurality of bonus indicators for indicating a bonus award. At least one of the bonus indicators includes a bonus-indicia video display located in a back portion of the bonus indicator for displaying a bonus indicia. Upon selection by the player, the bonus indicator rotates to position the video display within the line of sight of a player.

Abstract: A gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme is provided where, in response to receipt of a second wager to select an option, a player is provided with enhanced game play. Enhanced game play may include (1) providing more frequent bonus game play, (2) providing a larger bonus game value payout, (3) providing more frequent bonus game play and providing a larger bonus game value payout, (4) providing a larger or multiplied game value payout, (5) providing a guaranteed value payout for a non-winning outcome, (6) providing game features (7) providing a larger game value payout based on a partial game outcome, (8) providing an extra wild symbol capable of repositioning, and (9) providing a possibility of an additional reel movement to reposition an extra reel symbol or (10) providing a possibility of an extra pay line to include an extra reel symbol to increase a value payout.

Abstract: A gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme is provided where, in response to receipt of a second wager to select an option, a player is provided with enhanced game play. Enhanced game play may include (1) providing more frequent bonus game play, (2) providing a larger bonus game value payout, (3) providing more frequent bonus game play and providing a larger bonus game value payout, (4) providing a larger game value payout, (5) providing a guaranteed value payout for a non-winning outcome, (6) providing game features (7) providing a larger game value payout based on a partial game outcome, (8) providing an extra wild symbol capable of repositioning, and (9) providing a possibility of an additional reel movement to reposition an extra reel symbol or (10) providing a possibility of an extra pay line to include an extra reel symbol to increase a value payout.

Abstract: A gaming machine with an improved game display is disclosed. Polyhedral reel strips are used in a gaming machine to present game outcomes in configurations previously not practicable. In addition, the polyhedral reels provide a game display that is more easily readable than can be obtained from the traditional mechanical circular reel.

Abstract: A gaming machine with an improved game display is disclosed. An extendable display is hidden by an obstruction until an event occurs in the game play that causes the extendable display to extend from behind the obstruction into the player's field of vision. The extendable display shows indicium related to the game play such as the award credits, multipliers, game terminators, additional picks, or any other type of player information. Multiple extendable displays may be hidden behind a single obstruction and selected for display by the gaming machine's CPU, the player, or a combination of the player and the gaming machine's CPU.

Abstract: A gaming machine with an improved game display is disclosed. A mobile flat panel display (FPD) is located in the game display to provide an additional attraction and entertainment to players. The FPD is connected to a drive mechanism that translates the FPD to various positions within the game display or moves the FPD out of the player's viewing area in the game display. The central processing unit controls the movement of the FPD and the video image displayed. If desired, the video image displayed may correlate with the position of the FPD in the game display as well as with the progression of the game.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus for conducting a wagering game comprises a video screen for displaying a dynamic video image and a structure for displaying non-video artwork. The video and non-video artworks are visually linked to form an integrated image associated with the wagering game. The structure covers a portion, but not all, of the video screen. Thus, video images on conventional video screens may effectively be blended with non-video artwork to create entertaining and attractive displays.

Abstract: A new type of progressive game can be used in conjunction with wagering games. A gaming terminal is capable of playing a progressive game that is triggered during or after the typical wagering game that is played at the gaming terminal. The gaming terminal includes an input device for receiving inputs from a player during the wagering game. Such inputs include a wager amount. A display displays a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game in response to receiving the wager amount from the player. In response to the progressive game being triggered, the display then displays a plurality of player-selectable game elements. The player selects one or more of the player-selectable game elements. The progressive game payoff is determined based on his or her selection.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus for conducting a wagering game comprises an electro-mechanical award display including a plurality of physical elements. A processor is operative to record a wager to play the wagering game and, in response to a predetermined criterion, move the physical elements between an extended position and a retracted position to indicate a game outcome.

Abstract: A slot machine conducts a wagering game including a plurality of symbol-bearing reels. The reels are rotated and stopped to randomly place symbols on the reels in visual association with a display area. In response to the displayed symbols including a plurality of symbols selectable by the player, the player is prompted to select one of the selectable symbols. The machine provides an award based on the selected symbol and any other of the displayed symbols associated with the selected symbol.