Abstract: A method includes storing multiple bet configurations for a gaming machine. Each bet configuration specifies a respective pay table and minimum bet for a play on the gaming machine, with the pay tables each including a number N of prize levels and each prize level corresponding to a respective numerical prize value for a win on the gaming machine while the corresponding bet configuration is in an active state at the gaming machine. The minimum bets for the different bet configurations are unequal and are related by a translating ratio. The different numerical prize values for the different bet configurations are also related by that same translating ratio. A bet configuration activation input selects one of the bet configurations and that bet configuration is placed in the active state. Game play inputs received while the selected bet configuration is in the active state are resolved according to that bet configuration.

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 player selection game feature includes picking hidden selections to accumulate matching symbols and win a prize. Symbol accumulation areas are displayed along with the symbol location field from which player selections are made. These symbol accumulation areas help the player track the game symbols which have been selected. As a prize bump bonus symbols may be included in the player selection game to increase the value of all available prizes in the game.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed with one or more stacked wild symbols which when appearing, trigger one or more re-spins wherein stacked wild symbols are locked in place for at least one re-spin. Awards are paid following each game outcome. In the event that a portion of a stacked wild symbol is displayed as part of a game outcome, the associated reel may nudge upward or downward to shift the entire stacked wild symbol into view, awards are then paid on the winning outcomes, and one or more re-spins may ensue with any displayed stacked wild symbols being locked for at least one subsequent re-spin.

Abstract: Provided is a mixed-math slot machine game having a reels-first base game and a mystery bonus feature with prize-first game logic. After any winning play of the base game, the reels have the possibility of re-spinning a number of times, with the preferred version varying the re-spins from one to four times, for example. If this happens, the game screen informs the player that he or she has been awarded the bonus. While this bonus is triggered by the first base game spin of the reels, the possible prizes it awards are statistically weighted based on the amount of the initial base game prize from the winning reel stop. Various ways of implementing the change of gaming logic are provided.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a cabinet having a main video display mounted on a front side of the cabinet. The gaming machine also includes at least one additional video display mounted on the front side of the cabinet either above or below the game video display. The player controls include a separate player control touch screen mounted on a deck projecting forwardly at the front side of the gaming machine cabinet, and facing upwardly to present reconfigurable player touch controls for the gaming machine. These controls may be reconfigured within a game or to change the game presentations on the machine in response to player commands or gaming network conditions.

Abstract: A convertible in-revenue and out-of-revenue gaming system is disclosed that includes a server connected to automatically convert operating modes and control in-revenue and out-of-revenue operation of one or more banks of gaming machines. Additionally disclosed are gaming machines with video cameras connected to provide live video feed to one or more displays, such as during tournament play when live video feed of the players and the player tournament positions may be driven in real-time to an overhead display by the server operating in a tournament controller mode.

Abstract: Methods and gaming systems provide a player selection game in which the prizes available in the game increase in response to certain player selections from the various player selectable elements. Prizes are increased in a manner that makes it clear to the player that they have obtained an enhanced prize. In particular, prizes are increased in the course of the player selection game so that the lowest prize available after a prize increase is greater than the highest prize available prior to the prize increase.

Abstract: A slot machine game provides a bonus feature wherein, after the base-game reels have stopped to populate the symbol array, a rectangular region or group of symbols within in the symbol array is selected, and this region is rotated to produce a modified symbol array which is then evaluated for wins. This is preferably done after spins that do not win a prize, in order to improve the payout and excitement of the game. The group rotation can be made available in base or bonus games, and can be used with game logic that searches for a suitable group to rotate by evaluating the prize that will result and choosing a group above a designated threshold.

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. 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; such that, when a player selects one of the incrementing symbols, the player's position on a ladder or other graduated sequence increments to a higher value award, all the symbols in the set are shown and then recovered and shuffled with one of the remaining high value incrementing symbols being replaced by a terminator symbol. The process iterating until the player selects a terminator symbol or achieves the jackpot (highest) award on the ladder.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a cabinet having a main video display mounted on a front side of the cabinet. The gaming machine also includes at least one additional video display mounted on the front side of the cabinet either above or below the game video display. The player controls include a separate player control touch screen mounted on a deck projecting forwardly at the front side of the gaming machine cabinet, and facing upwardly to present reconfigurable player touch controls for the gaming machine. These controls may be reconfigured within a game or to change the game presentations on the machine in response to player commands or gaming network conditions.

Abstract: A convertible in-revenue and out-of-revenue gaming system is disclosed that includes a server connected to automatically convert operating modes and control in-revenue and out-of-revenue operation of one or more banks of gaming machines. Additionally disclosed are gaming machines with video cameras connected to provide live video feed to one or more displays, such as during tournament play when live video feed of the players and the player tournament positions may be driven in real-time to an overhead display by the server operating in a tournament controller mode.

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 includes receiving one or more primary game inputs at a gaming machine, each primary game input defining a wager for a respective play of a primary game presented through the gaming machine and also initiating the respective play of the primary game. Each qualifying wager in the primary game offered through the gaming machine is applied in a predefined fashion toward an entry fee in one or more gaming machine tournaments. Ultimately, the value of the tournament entry fee account may reach a first level which is predefined as a level required for participation in a tournament. Once this level has been reached, the method includes enabling the affected player to participate in the tournament. Thus the player need not stop play of the wagering game to pay any entry fee which may be required for participation in a tournament game.

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 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 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 gaming machine includes a cabinet having a main video display mounted on a front side of the cabinet. The gaming machine also includes at least one more additional video display mounted on the front side of the cabinet either above or below the game video display. The player controls include a separate player control touch screen mounted on a ledge projecting forwardly from the front side of the gaming machine cabinet, and facing upward to present reconfigurable player touch controls for the gaming machine. These controls may be reconfigured within a game or to change the game presentation on the machine in response to player commands or gaming network conditions.

Abstract: A method includes maintaining a progressive pool value at a progressive prize meter in a progressive gaming system and, in response to the receipt of a qualifying game play input, conducting a round of a wagering game. An award value for a progressive prize in the progressive gaming system is identified from a set containing a number of different potential award values. In response to a progressive prize triggering event for the round of the wagering game, the progressive prize is awarded and a deduction is taken from the progressive pool value. The value of the progressive prize is equal to the award value identified from the set containing different potential award values.