Abstract: An electronic gaming machine includes a processor configured to control display of a plurality of columns of symbol positions, where each column of symbol positions includes a plurality of symbols. The processor is also configured to select the symbols for each column and simulate display of the first reel strip stopping prior to simulating display of the second reel strip stopping, whereby a sub-category of prize associated with a prize sub-category symbol is indicated to a player of the electronic gaming machine prior to indicating a category of prize associated with a prize category symbol. The processor is also configured to determine whether a first column includes the prize sub-category symbol as well as whether a second column includes the prize category symbol. If the prize sub-category and prize category symbols are included, the processor is also configured to provide an award.

Abstract: A gaming system selects a plurality of base symbols for display. When a winning symbol combination exists in the base symbols selected, and the winning symbol combination includes a defined base symbol, the gaming system selects a bonus symbol for display that is disposed over the defined base symbol.

Abstract: An electronic gaming machine includes a processor configured to control a display device to display a plurality of columns of symbol positions, where each column of symbol positions includes a plurality of symbols selected from an associated reel strip of a plurality of reel strips. The processor is also configured to select the symbols for each column, and control the display device to simulate stopping the first reel strip prior to controlling the display device to simulate stopping the second reel strip, whereby a sub-category of prize associated with a prize sub-category symbol is indicated to a player of the electronic gaming machine prior to indicating a category of prize associated with a prize category symbol. The processor is also configured to determine whether a first column includes the prize sub-category symbol as well as whether a second column includes the prize category symbol.

Abstract: A gaming device comprises a display, a processor, and a memory storing instructions. When the instructions are executed by the processor, the instructions cause the processor to select a plurality of symbols from each of a plurality of reel strips, wherein at least one of the plurality of reel strips comprises a designated symbol, control the display to display the selected symbols of each of the plurality of reel strips in a corresponding column of symbol positions, and evaluate the selected symbols for winning combinations. The evaluation includes upon the selected symbols including the designated symbol and a first prize symbol, awarding a first prize, and upon the selected symbols including the designated symbol and a second prize symbol, awarding a second prize.

Abstract: A gaming system is disclosed that comprises a symbol selector configured to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display in a respective plurality of display positions in a display area, the set of symbols including a plurality of defined special symbols, and a special symbol determiner configured to determine whether at least two special symbols are displayed adjacent each other. The gaming system is configured to hold special symbols determined to be displayed adjacent each other at respective display positions for at least one subsequent selection of symbols. The gaming system further comprises an outcome evaluator configured to determine a game outcome based on the displayed symbols including the displayed held special symbols.

Abstract: A gaming system selects a plurality of base symbols for display. When a winning symbol combination exists in the base symbols selected, and the winning symbol combination includes a defined base symbol, the gaming system selects a bonus symbol for display that is disposed over the defined base symbol.

Abstract: A gaming device comprises a display, a processor, and a memory storing instructions. When the instructions are executed by the processor, the instructions cause the processor to select a plurality of symbols from each of a plurality of reel strips, wherein at least one of the plurality of reel strips comprises a designated symbol, control the display to display the selected symbols of each of the plurality of reel strips in a corresponding column of symbol positions, and evaluate the selected symbols for winning combinations. The evaluation includes upon the selected symbols including the designated symbol and a first prize symbol, awarding a first prize, and upon the selected symbols including the designated symbol and a second prize symbol, awarding a second prize.

Abstract: A gaming device comprises a display, a processor, and a memory storing instructions. When the instructions are executed by the processor, the instructions cause the processor to select a plurality of symbols from each of a plurality of reel strips, wherein at least one of the plurality of reel strips comprises a designated symbol, control the display to display the selected symbols of each of the plurality of reel strips in a corresponding column of symbol positions, and evaluate the selected symbols for winning combinations. The evaluation includes upon the selected symbols including the designated symbol and a first prize symbol, awarding a first prize, and upon the selected symbols including the designated symbol and a second prize symbol, awarding a second prize.

Abstract: An electronic gaming machine includes a processor configured to control a display device to display a plurality of columns of symbol positions, where each column of symbol positions includes a plurality of symbols selected from an associated reel strip of a plurality of reel strips. The processor is also configured to select the symbols for each column, and control the display device to simulate stopping the first reel strip prior to controlling the display device to simulate stopping the second reel strip, whereby a sub-category of prize associated with a prize sub-category symbol is indicated to a player of the electronic gaming machine prior to indicating a category of prize associated with a prize category symbol. The processor is also configured to determine whether a first column includes the prize sub-category symbol as well as whether a second column includes the prize category symbol.

Abstract: A gaming machine is disclosed that comprises a selector configured to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display in respective display positions in a display area, and a display position selector configured to select at least one display position. The system also has a function allocator configured to allocate a WILD function to each symbol displayed at a selected display position and to allocate a WILD function to each displayed symbol that is the same as a symbol displayed at a selected display position. An outcome evaluator determines a game outcome based on the displayed symbols and each allocated WILD function, and an award allocator allocates an award based on the game outcome determined by the outcome evaluator. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic gaming machine includes a processor configured to control a display device to display a plurality of columns of symbol positions, where each column of symbol positions includes a plurality of symbols selected from an associated reel strip of a plurality of reel strips. The processor is also configured to select the symbols for each column, and control the display device to simulate stopping the first reel strip prior to controlling the display device to simulate stopping the second reel strip, whereby a sub-category of prize associated with a prize sub-category symbol is indicated to a player of the electronic gaming machine prior to indicating a category of prize associated with a prize category symbol. The processor is also configured to determine whether a first column includes the prize sub-category symbol as well as whether a second column includes the prize category symbol.

Abstract: An electronic gaming machine includes a processor configured to control a display device to display a plurality of columns of symbol positions, where each symbol position includes a symbol selected from a set of symbols. The processor is also configured to determine whether any of the symbol positions include a designated symbol, and if so, to: i) control the display device to hold the designated symbol in the symbol position for at least one subsequent game instance of a series of game instances, and ii) increase a multiplier used in determining a game award from a first multiplier to a second, larger, multiplier. The processor is also configured to evaluate the symbols included in each symbol position to determine whether a winning combination of symbols is displayed. If a winning combination of symbols is displayed, the processor also calculates a game award using one of the first multiplier or the second multiplier.

Abstract: A gaming system is disclosed that comprises a symbol selector configured to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display in a respective plurality of display positions in a display area, the set of symbols including a plurality of defined special symbols, and a special symbol determiner configured to determine whether at least two special symbols are displayed adjacent each other. The gaming system is configured to hold special symbols determined to be displayed adjacent each other at respective display positions for at least one subsequent selection of symbols. The gaming system further comprises an outcome evaluator configured to determine a game outcome based on the displayed symbols including the displayed held special symbols.

Abstract: An electronic gaming machine includes a processor configured to control a display device to display a plurality of columns of symbol positions, where each symbol position includes a symbol selected from a set of symbols. The processor is also configured to determine whether any of the symbol positions include a designated symbol, and if so, to: i) control the display device to hold the designated symbol in the symbol position for at least one subsequent game instance of a series of game instances, and ii) increase a multiplier used in determining a game award from a first multiplier to a second, larger, multiplier. The processor is also configured to evaluate the symbols included in each symbol position to determine whether a winning combination of symbols is displayed. If a winning combination of symbols is displayed, the processor also calculates a game award using one of the first multiplier or the second multiplier.

Abstract: A gaming system selects a plurality of base symbols for display. When a winning symbol combination exists in the base symbols selected, and the winning symbol combination includes a defined base symbol, the gaming system selects a bonus symbol for display that is disposed over the defined base symbol.

Abstract: A gaming system is disclosed that comprises a symbol selector configured to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display in a respective plurality of display positions in a display area, the set of symbols including a plurality of defined special symbols, and a special symbol determiner configured to determine whether at least two special symbols are displayed adjacent each other. The gaming system is configured to hold special symbols determined to be displayed adjacent each other at respective display positions for at least one subsequent selection of symbols. The gaming system further comprises an outcome evaluator configured to determine a game outcome based on the displayed symbols including the displayed held special symbols.

Abstract: A gaming system selects a plurality of base symbols for display. When a winning symbol combination exists in the base symbols selected, and the winning symbol combination includes a defined base symbol, the gaming system selects a bonus symbol for display that is disposed over the defined base symbol.

Abstract: A gaming device comprises a display, a processor, and a memory storing instructions. When the instructions are executed by the processor, the instructions cause the processor to select a plurality of symbols from each of a plurality of reel strips, wherein at least one of the plurality of reel strips comprises a designated symbol, control the display to display the selected symbols of each of the plurality of reel strips in a corresponding column of symbol positions, and evaluate the selected symbols for winning combinations. The evaluation includes upon the selected symbols including the designated symbol and a first prize symbol, awarding a first prize, and upon the selected symbols including the designated symbol and a second prize symbol, awarding a second prize.

Abstract: A gaming machine is disclosed that comprises a selector configured to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display in respective display positions in a display area, and a display position selector configured to select at least one display position. The system also has a function allocator configured to allocate a WILD function to each symbol displayed at a selected display position and to allocate a WILD function to each displayed symbol that is the same as a symbol displayed at a selected display position. An outcome evaluator determines a game outcome based on the displayed symbols and each allocated WILD function, and an award allocator allocates an award based on the game outcome determined by the outcome evaluator. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gaming machine is disclosed that comprises a selector configured to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display in respective display positions in a display area, and a display position selector configured to select at least one display position. The system also has a function allocator configured to allocate a WILD function to each symbol displayed at a selected display position and to allocate a WILD function to each displayed symbol that is the same as a symbol displayed at a selected display position. An outcome evaluator determines a game outcome based on the displayed symbols and each allocated WILD function, and an award allocator allocates an award based on the game outcome determined by the outcome evaluator. A corresponding method is also disclosed.