Abstract: A multi-player on-line gaming method is disclosed where different players independently play different games on their computers in a common gaming environment. Each of the players sharing the common environment is presented with a similar display by the game server. In one embodiment, each player is presented with a display of four slot machines after registering with a server for an on-line gaming session. Each player selects, using a cursor pointing device, one of the four slot machines to play, and that machine is then associated with the player. The remote web-based game server controlling the game allows the player to see other on-line players playing on the other slot machines displayed on the same screen so the players share a common gaming experience as in a casino. The players may chat in real time by typing in their conversations via a keyboard on their home computer.

Abstract: Various embodiments of games having payout wheels are described herein. In one embodiment, in a main or primary game, a plurality of reels displays a combination of symbols. A second game forming part of the gaming system consists of a plurality of wheels that are initiated upon the display of a predetermined combination of symbols on the reels in the primary game. At least one outcome of a first wheel indicates that the payout will be decided by an additional wheel, having higher payouts than the first wheel. The invention may be implemented using video techniques or electromechanical techniques.