Abstract: Disclosed herein is a game played on a gaming device that displays a randomly selected array of symbols, where the symbols across one or more pay lines are evaluated by circuitry to determine an award to be granted. One of the possible symbols is a special symbol that offers various special functions. The special symbol switches between two or more states, where each state provides a different function. The switching is stopped randomly or by the player, and the resulting function is carried out. In another embodiment, the special symbol allows symbols to be moved in the array or provides other functions.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a video slot machine displays an array of symbols, and awards are granted to the player based on certain combinations of symbols across a pay line or in a pattern. While the reels appear to be spinning, or at any time prior to the final symbol display, the player may designate one or more of the positions in the array to be a special symbol. This special symbol may be a wild card, a high value symbol, a scatter symbol, a multiplier, a bonus game trigger symbol, or any other type of special symbol. The virtual reels stop rotating, and all other symbols in the array are then displayed along with the special symbol in the designated position. The player is then granted an award based upon any winning symbol combinations as affected by the special symbol. In another embodiment, the position of the special symbol in the array is selected automatically by the gaming machine.

Abstract: In one embodiment, on an additional display unit for each gaming machine in a system of gaming machines, a jackpot game is played after each main game on an associated gaming machine. A jackpot control unit, common to all gaming machines, predetermines the jackpot game outcome for each gaming machine. A jackpot win is determined by the jackpot control unit based on a triggering event. The main game and jackpot game may be the spinning of actual or virtual reels, where the resulting symbol combinations determine the award to the player. Because the display for the jackpot symbols may be situated in a separate housing, it can be connected to any gaming machine without modifying the machine.

Abstract: The gaming device displays an array of randomly selected symbols. In one embodiment, only a first jackpot can be awarded to a player if a first bet is made, and both the first jackpot and a second jackpot can be awarded to the player if a higher bet is made. In one embodiment, the first jackpot is associated with all pay lines that are evaluated from left to right, and the second jackpot B is associated with all pay lines that are evaluated from right to left. The amounts in both jackpots are displayed to the player. Additionally, all non-jackpot awards according to the winning symbol combinations from left to right and right to left are granted to the player, depending on the amount of the bet. Due to certain features of the game, the player can exercise strategy in making the appropriate bet.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a gaming machine carries out a main game, such as a spinning reel type game, either using physical reels or simulated reels on a video screen. A special combination of symbols activates a video bonus game. The bonus game comprises a plurality of N unknown options in the form of icons, where the player may only make M choices, where M is less than N. In another embodiment, M is less than or equal to N. The unknown options may include, for example, different award credits. The options may be presented as hidden values behind doors or using other attractive presentation. The N values behind the closed doors are displayed in an order unrelated to the arrangement of the unknown options so the player sees what she can possibly win. The player then makes her M selections to win the awards behind the doors. There may be additional levels of the bonus game.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a gaming machine includes a separate touch screen located in an area where buttons are typically located. The touch screen virtual buttons may be both configurable by the player and configurable by the gaming machine. In one embodiment, the touch screen is 3-dimensional in that areas for being touched by the player are raised to give the impression of a physical button. Each raised portion may give tactile feedback to the player when pressed.

Abstract: A plurality of EGMs are connected within a network. Each of the EGMs is remotely configurable so as to enable an operator to select any desired parameter of the game. The configuration of one EGM may be uploaded to the network and programmed into other EGMs connected to the network. An operator may program the initial EGM at the EGM itself or remotely. In another embodiment, one EGM (a master) may download its configuration settings into other EGMs.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a gaming machine includes a separate touch screen located in an area where buttons are typically located. The touch screen virtual buttons may be both configurable by the player and configurable by the gaming machine. A joystick may also be provided on the gaming machine. In one embodiment, the player is given extra credits by the gaming machine if large denomination currency is inserted into the gaming machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning of a symbol display device on the door element of a casing of a coin actuated entertainment automat. The symbol display device at the coin actuated entertainment automate wherein the symbol display device is furnished as a television monitor or as a roller shaped circulating body. The symbol display device exhibits conventionally a fixed position on the front side with the disadvantage that a stray light free observation of the symbol display device is not possible for each user of the coin actuated entertainment automat. This disadvantage is to be removed with the construction according to the present invention. The symbol display device is disposed vertically shiftable on the front side of the casing of a coin actuated entertainment automat for obtaining a reflection free view position of the symbol display device.

Abstract: A game performed by a gaming machine is described herein which involves an element of player skill in order for the gaming machine to grant an award to the player. The player is presented with a plurality of images to select in a certain manner, such as in a logical order, within a specified period of time. The proper selection of the images results in an award to the player. Video or mechanical reels, having images around their peripheries, then stop to reflect the player-selected images. The concept of the player making selections and the selections appearing as a final outcome on reels (or other display means) to determine an award may be applied to many other types of games.

Abstract: The ambient brightness around a gaming machine is determined by a light sensor, which is preferably located on the gaming machine. The sensor signal is used to control a power supply for the lights in the gaming machine such that the brightness of all displays and/or symbols of the gaming machine is optimum for the ambient brightness. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the energizing voltage to the lights is automatically increased over time to offset the natural diminishing of the light's output over time. In another embodiment, the brightness of the lights may be adjusted by the player.

Abstract: The gaming device displays an array of randomly selected symbols. In one embodiment, only a first jackpot can be awarded to a player if a first bet is made, and both the first jackpot and a second jackpot can be awarded to the player if a higher bet is made. In one embodiment, the first jackpot is associated with all pay lines that are evaluated from left to right, and the second jackpot B is associated with all pay lines that are evaluated from right to left. The amounts in both jackpots are displayed to the player. Additionally, all non-jackpot awards according to the winning symbol combinations from left to right and right to left are granted to the player, depending on the amount of the bet. Due to certain features of the game, the player can exercise strategy in making the appropriate bet.

Abstract: A gaming device displays a game field with a start field and a target field separated by at least one field. The number of fields separating the start field from the target field is determined for each play of the game by, for example, a pseudo random number generator. In some embodiments, the game field has multiple start fields and multiple target fields that may change position in the game field with each play of the game. An indicator randomly selects the number of moves for the player and a virtual player in competition with the actual player. The object of the game may be for the player to reach a target field before the gaming machine virtual player reaches a target field. An award may be based on the player reaching the target field before the virtual player.

Abstract: Abstract of the disclosure method for the determination of a winning value upon reaching of a game result at a coin operated entertainment automat with a symbol game arrangement. Coin operated entertainment automat comprise a symbol game arrangement where the circulating bodies displays in a rest position of winning or non-winning symbol combination. The winning value associated with the displayed symbol combination can in following under danger of loss in a risk game be staked against a higher winning value. This new feature is to assure that the player always maintains a maximum game tension independent of the amount of the stake. This is accomplished in that at jackpot is continuously filled from the game stake and is present to be released at an unknown point in time. An achieved winning value can be staked in the risk game against the jackpot.