Abstract: In accordance with a method and system for facilitating redemption of monetary value gaming tickets, such as issued by a gaming device upon cash-out, a ticket is presented, such as to a redemption kiosk. If the ticket is validated and has a monetary value which includes a fractional currency value, then the player is presented a wagering game based upon a wager comprising at least the fractional currency value of the ticket. If the outcome of the game is losing, then the player is paid a first whole currency value comprising the monetary value less the wager and when an outcome of the wagering game is winning, then the player is paid a second whole currency value which is greater than the monetary value (such as by including a winning amount), or the first whole currency value plus separate winnings, such as in the form of an award ticket.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a display system, player input system, and processor programmed or otherwise operable to perform a number of operations through the gaming machine hardware to provide a player-interactive feature. The gaming machine is adapted to operate in a base game state in which a base set of symbol locations is populated with game symbols responsive to a play initiation input from the player input system. The gaming machine is also controlled to activate a bonus input device while the gaming machine is in the base game state, and to place the gaming machine in a bonus state in response to a player actuation of the activated bonus input device. In response to a play initiation input while the gaming machine is in the bonus game state, two or more bonus game sets of symbol locations are populated with game symbols for that respective play initiation input.

Abstract: A multi-site tournament gaming system and method are disclosed wherein multiple casino operators are engaged to initiate a series of player qualifying events and to hold a multi-session tournament of the qualified players to determine the site winners; and, a final tournament is operated wherein the site winners are provided prizes and compete to be named the ultimate champion.

Abstract: A method for controlling contributions to a progressive prize pool includes randomly determining whether a progressive pool growth event is triggered for the given play input in a wagering game. Where it is determined that a progressive pool growth event is triggered, the contribution amount is determined and the progressive pool is increased by this contribution amount. Where multiple progressive pools are maintained in a system, additional steps are taken to identify which pool or pools are to be increased when a progressive pool growth event is triggered.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed in which a gaming machine provides both a base game and a feature game which may be triggered by the base game to provide an adjustable possible progressive award to the player. The feature game includes a player selectable set of symbols, where the symbols include one or more high and low value incrementing symbols and one or more terminator symbols. When a player selects one of the incrementing symbols, the player's position on a ladder or other graduated sequence of prize values increments to a higher value prize.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed that include generating a set of primary game outcomes with each primary game outcome being associated with a result in a primary game. A set of progressive prize bearing outcomes are associated with the set of first game outcomes according to a progressive win frequency rule. Each progressive prize bearing record is associated with a progressive win indicator and a progressive prize. A primary game outcome is determined in response to a game play request by a player. If the primary game outcome is associated with a winning result, the player is provided a corresponding award; independent of the primary game result, if the primary game outcome is associated with one of the progressive prize bearing records, the player is awarded a corresponding progressive prize.

Abstract: A wagering game includes a display assembly having a touch-sensitive display adjacent to or overlaying a display area operable to present a wagering game presentation. The touch-sensitive display is operable to display a residual graphic effect such as a trailing particle effect following the path of a player's finger or other contactor in contact with the touch-sensitive display. The residual graphic effect may include repeated discrete graphic elements such as a star or sparkle, or a game theme-associated element such as a butterfly or butterflies corresponding to a butterfly themed game. The residual graphic effect may also or alternatively include an effect such as a wave or ripple visual effect or a shockwave visual effect which does not necessarily include any discrete graphic element.

Abstract: A slot game includes a secondary game which upon being triggered displays an initial set of selectable symbols arranged on a touchscreen display at the gaming device, the player being provided ability to make selections from the selectable symbols until all selectable symbols have been selected, each selectable symbol corresponding to an associated benefit which is one of an award, an award enhancer, or one or more additional selectable symbols. If an option is picked revealing additional selectable symbols, the game adds more picks having associated benefit like those of the initial set and the player keeps selecting. The game may also have a “game pick” in which it removes one or more of the remaining unselected choices without awarding an associated benefit.