Abstract: A method of controlling a gaming machine according includes causing a video display system of the gaming machine to display a number of activation icons. Each of the activation icons includes a respective activation value so that the number of activation icons define a activation value range from a minimum activation value to a relatively higher maximum activation value. The method further includes receiving a activation selection input that selects one of the activation icons to place the activation value included in the selected activation icon as a activation for an activation of the gaming machine. In response to the activation selection input and under control of a result generating processing system associated with the gaming machine, a result for the activation is obtained and, where the result is a winning result, the video display system is caused to display the result obtained for the activation selection input in a numerical prize graphic comprising a static numerical value.

Abstract: A gaming system having an input device for receiving a wager to play a wagering game including a trail-based game. A display for displaying the trail-based game is also included. The trail-based game includes a plurality of elements along a trail. Each of the plurality of elements has an associated award. In response to a player meeting a predetermined criterion, the player is awarded the associated award for all of the plurality of elements.

Abstract: A method for playing a wagering game allows an opportunity to achieve a progressive award. A wager input is received from a player for playing the wagering game. A triggered progressive game includes player-selectable elements, each of the player-selectable elements being capable of association with a progressive-winning outcome. An outcome is assigned to each of the player-selectable elements, wherein a probability that the outcome is a progressive-winning outcome depends upon an amount of the wager input. The player-selectable elements are displayed.

Abstract: A method for playing a wagering game allows an opportunity to achieve a progressive award. A wager input is received from a player for playing the wagering game. A triggered progressive game includes player-selectable elements, each of the player-selectable elements being capable of association with a progressive-winning outcome. An outcome is assigned to each of the player-selectable elements, wherein a probability that the outcome is a progressive-winning outcome depends upon an amount of the wager input. The player-selectable elements are displayed.

Abstract: A method for playing a wagering game allows an opportunity to achieve a progressive award. A wager input is received from a player for playing the wagering game. A triggered progressive game includes player-selectable elements, each of the player-selectable elements being capable of association with a progressive-winning outcome. An outcome is assigned to each of the player-selectable elements, wherein a probability that the outcome is a progressive-winning outcome depends upon an amount of the wager input. The player-selectable elements are displayed.

Abstract: A method for playing a wagering game allows an opportunity to achieve a progressive award. A wager input is received from a player for playing the wagering game. A triggered progressive game includes player-selectable elements, each of the player-selectable elements being capable of association with a progressive-winning outcome. An outcome is assigned to each of the player-selectable elements, wherein a probability that the outcome is a progressive-winning outcome depends upon an amount of the wager input. The player-selectable elements are displayed.

Abstract: A method for playing a wagering game allows an opportunity to achieve a progressive award. A wager input is received from a player for playing the wagering game. A triggered progressive game includes player-selectable elements, each of the player-selectable elements being capable of association with a progressive-winning outcome. An outcome is assigned to each of the player-selectable elements, wherein a probability that the outcome is a progressive-winning outcome depends upon an amount of the wager input. The player-selectable elements are displayed.

Abstract: A method for playing a wagering game allows an opportunity to achieve a progressive award. A wager input is received from a player for playing the wagering game. A triggered progressive game includes player-selectable elements, each of the player-selectable elements being capable of association with a progressive-winning outcome. An outcome is assigned to each of the player-selectable elements, wherein a probability that the outcome is a progressive-winning outcome depends upon an amount of the wager input. The player-selectable elements are displayed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting a wagering game are disclosed. After a player makes a wager, a display depicts a combination of symbols. If the displayed combination yields a predetermined award and meets a predetermined criterion, a win multiplier feature is invoked. In the win multiplier feature the symbols of the combination are associated with respective multipliers, and then the player is prompted to select one of the symbols of the combination. The display reveals the multiplier associated with the selected symbol. The predetermined award is multiplied by the revealed multiplier.

Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a community display for displaying a community game having a plurality of features for determining a community award that is awarded to all players at eligible linked gaming machines. The community game includes selection of a player at an eligible linked gaming machine to interact with the community game to determine the community award. One of the plurality of features includes a community free spin feature that awards free spins of a base wagering game to each player.

Abstract: A method for playing a wagering game allows an opportunity to achieve a progressive award. A wager input is received from a player for playing the wagering game. A triggered progressive game includes player-selectable elements, each of the player-selectable elements being capable of association with a progressive-winning outcome. An outcome is assigned to each of the player-selectable elements, wherein a probability that the outcome is a progressive-winning outcome depends upon an amount of the wager input. The player-selectable elements are displayed.

Abstract: A gaming machine comprises a central processing unit and a pendulum. The central processing unit operates the gaming machine in response to a wager and selects a game outcome from a plurality of possible game outcomes. The pendulum indicates the game outcome selected by the central processing unit.

Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a community display for displaying a community game having a plurality of features for determining a community award that is awarded to all players at eligible linked gaming machines. The community game includes selection of a player at an eligible linked gaming machine to interact with the community game to determine the community award. One of the plurality of features includes a community free spin feature that awards free spins of a base wagering game to each player.

Abstract: A gaming system having an input device for receiving a wager to play a wagering game including a trail-based game. A display for displaying the trail-based game is also included. The trail-based game includes a plurality of elements along a trail. Each of the plurality of elements has an associated award. In response to a player meeting a predetermined criterion, the player is awarded the associated award for all of the plurality of elements.

Abstract: A method for playing a wagering game allows an opportunity to achieve a progressive award. A wager input is received from a player for playing the wagering game. A triggered progressive game includes player-selectable elements, each of the player-selectable elements being capable of association with a progressive-winning outcome. An outcome is assigned to each of the player-selectable elements, wherein a probability that the outcome is a progressive-winning outcome depends upon an amount of the wager input. The player-selectable elements are displayed.

Abstract: A method for conducting a wagering game includes receiving a wager input from a player for playing a wagering game during a gaming session. The wagering game has a game-play progression that includes a plurality of game episodes. At least one randomly-selected outcome is selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to receiving the wager input. In response to a predetermined game-play condition, a first game episode is completed and a status of the game-play progression is saved. In response to playing a subsequent gaming session of the wagering game, game-play is continued in a second game episode from the saved status of the game-play progression.

Abstract: A method for conducting a wagering game includes receiving wager inputs from a player for a wagering game that is played during a gaming session occurring over a period of time. At least one randomly-selected outcome of a plurality of outcomes is selected in response to receiving the wager inputs. A gaming indicia is presented during the gaming session and, in response to a predetermined condition occurring during the period of time of the gaming session, the gaming indicia is altered in a subsequent gaming session of the wagering game played by the player.

Abstract: A gaming machine and a method for conducting a wagering game at the gaming machine includes a bonus payout based on a similarity of objects that are accumulated by a player. The accumulated objects are compared with a final object and a player is awarded a first bonus payout based on identical matching of objects and a second bonus payout based on the similarity of objects.

Abstract: A gaming machine is provided for playing a wagering game. The gaming machine includes a wager-input device and at least one display for displaying a plurality of player-selectable elements that mask corresponding ones of a plurality of awards. The plurality of awards include multiple types of the plurality of awards. Each one of the plurality of awards of the same type has a predetermined value that is different from a value of a different one of the types of the plurality of awards. At least one player-selectable element masks at least two different types of awards. An input device receives player-inputs that select at least two of the plurality of player-selectable elements. A number and a type of the masked awards corresponding with the selected player-selectable elements are revealed to the player in response to receiving the player inputs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus of revealing previously hidden indicia associated with selectable objects on a separate display image upon completion of a selection game. The selected objects and associated indicia are displayed as an identifiable group and the unselected objects and associated indicia are presented as another identifiable group. The indicia are indicative of an award, an end bonus marker, or a trigger for another game feature.