Abstract: A gaming system and method for conducting a wagering game includes providing a first event eligibility-based equity relative to a first wagering game and converting the first event eligibility-based equity to an exchange medium. The exchange medium may be cash or a second event eligibility-based equity relative to a second wagering game. The first event eligibility-equity may be stored for later use on the first wagering game.

Abstract: Method and system are disclosed for conducting a wagering game having increased excitement and enjoyment over existing wagering games. The method and system involve a bank of wagering game terminals connected to a bank controller. Each wagering game terminal allows players to play a basic wagering game that is independent of other wagering game terminals. The wagering game terminals also allow players to play a bonus game where players take turns playing to win a portion of a jackpot. The portion awarded to each player may be the actual amount won by that player, or it may be a percentage of the entire jackpot based on the actual amount won by the player relative to other players. In one implementation, only players at wagering game terminals that exceed a minimum level of wagering activity may play the bonus game.

Abstract: A method for playing a wagering game allows an opportunity to achieve a progressive award. A wager input is received from a player for playing the wagering game. A triggered progressive game includes player-selectable elements, each of the player-selectable elements being capable of association with a progressive-winning outcome. An outcome is assigned to each of the player-selectable elements, wherein a probability that the outcome is a progressive-winning outcome depends upon an amount of the wager input. The player-selectable elements are displayed.

Abstract: A method for playing a wagering game allows an opportunity to achieve a progressive award. A wager input is received from a player for playing the wagering game. A triggered progressive game includes player-selectable elements, each of the player-selectable elements being capable of association with a progressive-winning outcome. An outcome is assigned to each of the player-selectable elements, wherein a probability that the outcome is a progressive-winning outcome depends upon an amount of the wager input. The player-selectable elements are displayed.

Abstract: A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting a trigger for a bonus game associated with presentation of a wagering game. The operations can further include, in response to the trigger, providing, for presentation, an option to select either a prize or play of the bonus game. The operations can further include detecting a selection of either the prize or the play of the bonus game, and providing either the prize or the play of the bonus game based on the selection.

Abstract: Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting wagering games, and computer programs for executing wagering games are disclosed. A gaming system is disclosed which includes one or more processors and one or more memory devices storing instructions that, when executed by at least one of the processors, cause the gaming system to: receive a wager to play a wagering game with symbol-bearing reels, each of which has distinct reel positions populated by various symbols, at least one reel bearing a symbol clump; and, display via a display device a randomly determined outcome of the wagering game. Each wagering-game outcome includes predetermined symbols occupying distinct array positions in a displayed array. Each reel position has a weighted probability of occupying an array position in the array. The weighted probabilities are configured such that the symbol clump, when part of a wagering-game outcome, can only land in its entirety in the array.

Abstract: A gaming system and method includes receiving a wager and in response thereto a basic game is conducted. The basic game includes a plurality of symbols that indicate a randomly selected outcome. In response to an offer trigger, an offer is displayed to conduct one or more subsequent plays of the basic game at a reduced maximum bet wager having a wager amount that is less than a normal maximum bet wager amount. A second input is received indicative of an acceptance of the offer for a reduced maximum bet wager. A randomly selected outcome is displayed. The plurality of possible outcomes each include a plurality of symbols arranged in an array. If the randomly selected outcome includes a winning symbol combination, an award is provided for any winning outcome. The provided award is determined as though a normal maximum bet wager amount was received.

Abstract: A method of operating a wagering game comprises receiving a primary wager, displaying a randomly selected outcome of a primary wagering game, and displaying at least one progressive jackpot. A first portion of the primary wager is allocated to fund the at least one progressive jackpot. An increment amount to be added to the at least one progressive jackpot is randomly determined, the at least one progressive jackpot is incremented by the increment amount, and in response to a triggering event, the at least one progressive jackpot is awarded. Alternatively, a random determination is made whether to increase the at least one progressive jackpot by a predetermined increment amount and, in response to a determination to increase the at least one progressive jackpot, the at least one progressive jackpot is incremented by the predetermined increment amount.

Abstract: A multi-mode gaming terminal comprising, a wager input device, a primary display for displaying a primary wagering game. And at least one controller operative to: (i) detect a selection between a cash mode of operation and a tournament mode of operation; (ii) if the cash mode is selected, execute the primary wagering game configured with a first payback return; (iii) if the tournament mode is selected, execute the primary wagering game in a tournament mode configured with a second payback return and a tournament return, wherein on each tournament eligible play of the primary wagering game resulting in a winning outcome, a predetermined number of tournament points are awarded and added to a tournament entry; and (iv) upon the occurrence of a triggering event, entering the tournament entry into at least one tournament.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a method for controlling a wagering game server to make a game piece available in a wagering game on a wagering game machine. The method can include detecting, by the wagering game server, player input associated with the wagering game. The method can also include receiving, via a network, community information from a virtual community, wherein the community information arises from interaction between members of the virtual community and identifies the game piece available for use in the wagering game. The method can also include determining that the game piece is available for use in the wagering game, and determining content including an indication that the game piece is available for use in the wagering game. The method can also include providing the content for presentation on a wagering game machine.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for operating a gaming machine on a gaming network is disclosed. The gaming machine allows playing a wagering game and includes a storage device to store an instruction set for the wagering game. The wagering game includes a randomly selected outcome selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to receiving a wager input from a player. An interface is coupled to the storage device and is capable of communication with the network to receive at least a part of the instruction set for the wagering game from the network. The wagering game provides access to a community event over the network.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system and method for conducting a wagering game on a plurality of gaming machines is disclosed. A first community event is triggered and two or more gaming machines from the plurality of gaming machines are selected to participate in the first community event. A second community event is triggered—prior to completion of the first community event—and at least one gaming machine is selected from the plurality of gaming machines to participate in the second community event. The at least one gaming machine being different from the two or more gaming machines selected to participate in the first community event. A substitute-community-event award is provided to the at least one gaming machine without playing the second community event.

Abstract: A gaming system comprises a wager input device for receiving a primary wager, a display for displaying a primary wagering game, and a controller operative to (i) detect receipt of the primary wager, (ii) cause the display to present a randomly selected outcome of the primary wagering game, the randomly selected outcome selected from a plurality of possible outcomes, the plurality of possible outcomes including at least one winning outcome, (iii) determine if the randomly selected outcome is the at least one winning outcome, (iv) determine if the at least one winning outcome satisfies a booster eligibility requirement, (v) in response to the randomly selected outcome being the at least one winning outcome, provide a first award, and (vi) in response to the at least one winning outcome satisfying the booster eligibility requirement, provide a second award.

Abstract: A gaming terminal is utilized for playing a wagering game. The gaming terminal includes a wager-input device and a display for displaying the wagering game. The wagering game includes a randomly-selected outcome selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to a wager input received via the wager-input device. The plurality of outcomes include at least one outcome that awards standard credits and bonus tokens. A credit output device outputs a value of the standard credits and the bonus tokens in response to achieving the at least one outcome. The bonus tokens are exchangeable for a special event on a second gaming terminal.

Abstract: A gaming terminal is utilized for playing a wagering game. The gaming terminal includes a wager-input device and a display for displaying the wagering game. The wagering game includes a randomly-selected outcome selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to a wager input received via the wager-input device. The plurality of outcomes include at least one outcome that awards standard credits and bonus tokens. A credit output device outputs a value of the standard credits and the bonus tokens in response to achieving the at least one outcome. The bonus tokens are exchangeable for a special event on a second gaming terminal.

Abstract: A gaming system and method includes one or more input devices, display devices, processors, and memory devices. The memory device(s) store instructions that, when executed by the processor(s), cause the gaming system to receive an input indicative of a wager for a base wagering game, initiate the base wagering game, initiate a bonus game, and establish a minimum bonus payout threshold for the bonus game. At least one bonus game outcome is determined for the bonus game. An aggregate award is determined for the at least one bonus game outcome. In response to the aggregate award being greater than the minimum bonus payout threshold, the aggregate award is awarded. In response to the aggregate award being less than the minimum bonus payout threshold, the aggregate award is awarded plus a supplemental award. The supplemental award is equal to the difference between the minimum bonus payout threshold and the aggregate award.

Abstract: A multi-mode gaming terminal comprising, a wager input device, a primary display for displaying a primary wagering game. And at least one controller operative to: (i) detect a selection between a cash mode of operation and a tournament mode of operation; (ii) if the cash mode is selected, execute the primary wagering game configured with a first payback return; (iii) if the tournament mode is selected, execute the primary wagering game in a tournament mode configured with a second payback return and a tournament return, wherein on each tournament eligible play of the primary wagering game resulting in a winning outcome, a predetermined number of tournament points are awarded and added to a tournament entry; and (iv) upon the occurrence of a triggering event, entering the tournament entry into at least one tournament.

Abstract: A gaming system includes an input device, a display device, a processor, and a memory device. The memory device stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the gaming system to receive a wager for playing a wagering game having an overall volatility. A plurality of volatility components are displayed on the display device, the volatility components having respective component ratings. Each component rating contributes to a total rating of the overall volatility. The wagering game is selected from a plurality of wagering games, each of the plurality of wagering games having (a) the same total rating and (b) at least one different component rating.

Abstract: A method for playing a wagering game allows an opportunity to achieve a progressive award. A wager input is received from a player for playing the wagering game. A triggered progressive game includes player-selectable elements, each of the player-selectable elements being capable of association with a progressive-winning outcome. An outcome is assigned to each of the player-selectable elements, wherein a probability that the outcome is a progressive-winning outcome depends upon an amount of the wager input. The player-selectable elements are displayed.

Abstract: A wagering game has an overall payback percentage and a portion of the wagering game has a default expected value. A gamble feature is offered to the player prior to play of the portion of the wagering game but after a wager has been received. The gamble feature has a possibility of a successful outcome or an unsuccessful outcome. The outcome of the gamble feature affects the default expected value for the portion of the wagering game. The default expected value of the portion of the wagering game is altered based on the outcome of the gamble feature. The portion of the wagering game is conducted using the altered expected value.