Abstract: Methods and systems facilitate the adjustment of probabilities of triggering different bonus games in a slot machine where the probability adjustment is based on supplemental data. Programming and data structure design are provided to implement a bonus trigger probability adjusting arrangement based on supplemental data input. Such supplemental data includes the state a dynamic interactive game theme sequence displayed at the gaming machine. Player interactions with the theme can alter the sequence of the theme display and affect the adjustment of probabilities.

Abstract: A slot machine, gaming method, and program product are provided to simulate a wheel spin interaction. A simulated wheel object is provided with physical simulation of movement interactions both with a player and with a simulated flapper object through simulated pin objects present on the wheel. Player interaction is simulated to allow wheel pull back and spin activation. Flapper interaction is simulated to provide realistic interaction of the wheel and flapper with displacement by the simulated pins in both directions. The wheel may also be decelerated and nudged by the simulated pins.

Abstract: A method includes receiving game command input signals on a game controller signal input path to a gaming device and splitting the game command input signals from the game controller signal input path onto a signal monitoring path. Game command data representing the game command input signals from the monitoring path are stored and used in evaluating two or more game control aspects associated with the game command data to produce a respective automation indicator for each game control aspect. The respective automation probabilities for each game control aspect are combined to produce an overall automation indicator value. A participation status of the player may then be modified in response to a characteristic of the overall automation indicator value.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a display system, player input system, and processor programed 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 primary game state in which a primary 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 secondary input device while the gaming machine is in the primary game state, and to place the gaming machine in a secondary state in response to a player actuation of the activated primary input device.

Abstract: Methods facilitate tournaments in which tournament players play their tournament rounds at different times rather than concurrently as in a standard tournament. These methods may include monitoring for a player who is qualified tournament play. This monitoring is conducted by a tournament controller and may involve determining if one or more qualifying parameter values associated with a communication from a gaming machine satisfy a qualifying parameter definition which may be set by a system operator via the tournament controller. Where a tournament-qualified player is detected at a gaming machine, that gaming machine is enabled for play of a tournament game. The tournament game may then be conducted through the gaming machine to produce a tournament score for the player. This score is stored in memory associated with the tournament controller along with scores similarly produced for other qualified players.

Abstract: A gaming system, apparatus, and method are disclosed providing improvements to feature games played on slot machines or other gaming machines. A bonus symbol feature game selection is provided that determines multiple feature games to be made available for the player by a player selection. The games made available are determined at least in part based on the base game result. A wheel enhancement feature game is provided in which a wheel is modified with various types of persistent modifications selected by player picks. The enhancements accumulate until a wheel spin is achieved, building excitement with the player. Chances of achieving a wheel spin may also be altered by the persistent modifications.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed providing slot machine games a capability of adjusting probabilities of triggering different bonus games based on non-random factors provided in supplemental data. Programming and data structure design are provided to implement a bonus trigger probability adjuster based on supplemental data input. Such data can include the state a dynamic interactive game theme displayed at the gaming machine. Player interactions with the theme can alter the sequence of the theme display.

Abstract: A gaming machine, system, method, and program product provide a new slot machine game in which a gaming continuum displays advancement toward a highest state. The gaming continuum and includes a game activation display function that, based on a random selection associated with a wager activation, either partially advances the gaming continuum to provide a losing game outcome or totally advances the gaming continuum to provide a winning game outcome, the gaming continuum entering a decay state after each game outcome. The decay state includes displaying an advancing level of the gaming continuum decreasing toward an initial state. If a wager activation occurs before the initial state is reached, the level of the continuum is used as the starting state of the subsequent game round.

Abstract: A gaming system, apparatus, and method are disclosed providing synchronized reel movement in wagering games played on slot machines or other gaming machines. A synchronized game outcome is provided in which slot reels rotate in a synchronized fashion at a slow rate, allowing the player to observe potential reel stop combinations passing over the game display. Processes for implementing the synchronization are provided for mechanical and simulated reels.

Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and software products are provided for slot machine tournaments to allow bettors to bet on slot machine tournament players and events. A bettor interface is provided including a first area showing a group of currently remaining gaming machines in the competition and their point totals and enabling selection of machines to wager upon, and a second wagering interface display area presents a group of potential wagers to be made. At least some of the potential wagers presented with a target point total and calculated wager odds of reaching said target point total. Fixed or portable devices may be programmed to connect to the network to access the competition wager interface and allow bettors view, make selections, and activate wagers on the eventual outcome of the competition through the competition wager interface.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a cabinet defining a cabinet volume with a front access opening. A display assembly having one or more display devices is mounted on the gaming machine cabinet through a translation frame and a display assembly translation structure. The translation frame is mounted in the cabinet so as to be moveable relative to the cabinet between a frame home position and a frame raised position. The display assembly translation structure connects the display assembly to the translation frame, and is operable to move between a retracted position in which the display assembly registers with part of the cabinet access opening and an extended position in which the display assembly is separated forwardly from the front access opening by at least a cabinet access distance.

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: 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 method of controlling prize targets displayed during a play in a target-interactive game includes receiving a total prize amount to be awarded for the play of the game and determining an expected target value for a respective record from a target sequence comprising a sequence of records. The method further includes selecting a target value for the respective record from a number of different available target values, where the selected target value comprises a value from among the number of different available target values that bears a predefined relationship to the expected target value. Once the target value is selected, the method includes selecting a target type correlated to the selected target value and then causing a prize target corresponding to the selected target type to be launched in the game.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a video gaming system and one or more video monitors operatively connected to receive a game video signal. A wager input device is also included in the system and configured to receive a wager on a result in the video game. An image evaluation processing system is connected to receive the game video signal and is configured to evaluate the game video signal to identify a result in the game. The wager resolution system is connected to the image evaluation processing system and to the wager input device, and is configured to receive the wager and the result identified by the image evaluation processing system, and to resolve the wager based at least in part on that result.

Abstract: A slot machine, gaming method, and program product are provided to simulate a wheel spin interaction. A simulated wheel object is provided with physical simulation of movement interactions both with a player and with a simulated flapper object through simulated pin objects present on the wheel. Player interaction is simulated to allow wheel pull back and spin activation. Flapper interaction is simulated to provide realistic interaction of the wheel and flapper with displacement by the simulated pins in both directions. The wheel may also be decelerated and nudged by the simulated pins.

Abstract: A method includes receiving game command input signals on a game controller signal input path to a gaming device and splitting the game command input signals from the game controller signal input path onto a signal monitoring path. Game command data representing the game command input signals from the monitoring path are stored and used in evaluating two or more game control aspects associated with the game command data to produce a respective automation probability for each game control aspect. The respective automation probabilities for each game control aspect are combined to produce an overall automation probability value. A participation status of the player may then be modified in response to a characteristic of the overall automation probability value.