Abstract: A method includes storing multiple bet configurations for a gaming machine. Each bet configuration specifies a respective pay table and a set of bet levels including a minimum bet level. A payout percentage may be selected for each bet level. The pay tables each include 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 translation ratio. The different numerical prize values for the different bet configurations are also related by that same translating ratio. A bet configuration may be placed in the active state at a gaming machine and plays are then resolved according to the bet configuration in the active state.

Abstract: A method includes storing multiple bet configurations for a gaming machine. Each bet configuration specifies a respective pay table and a set of bet levels including a minimum bet level. A payout percentage may be selected for each bet level. The pay tables each include 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 translation ratio. The different numerical prize values for the different bet configurations are also related by that same translating ratio. A bet configuration may be placed in the active state at a gaming machine and plays are then resolved according to the bet configuration in the active state.

Abstract: A method includes storing multiple bet configurations for a gaming machine. Each bet configuration specifies a respective pay table and a set of bet levels including a minimum bet level. A payout percentage may be selected for each bet level. The pay tables each include 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 translation ratio. The different numerical prize values for the different bet configurations are also related by that same translating ratio. A bet configuration may be placed in the active state at a gaming machine and plays are then resolved according to the bet configuration in the active state.

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 includes storing multiple bet configurations for a gaming machine. Each bet configuration specifies a respective pay table and a set of bet levels including a minimum bet level. A payout percentage may be selected for each bet level. The pay tables each include 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 translation ratio. The different numerical prize values for the different bet configurations are also related by that same translating ratio. A bet configuration may be placed in the active state at a gaming machine and plays are then resolved according to the bet configuration in the active state.

Abstract: A method for extending a play in a reel-type wagering game includes first producing a game symbol array for a play in the wagering game. Any prizes indicated by the initial game symbol array are awarded. An evaluation is then be performed to determine if a triggering condition is associated with the initial game symbol array. Where the evaluation detects the triggering condition, at least one line of game symbols is shifted in a shifting direction by a selected number of symbol locations. This shift creates a new game symbol array for which additional prizes may be awarded. Then the evaluation for the triggering condition is conducted again for the new game symbol array and the process repeats. The process continues until no triggering condition is detected for a given symbol array or until some other condition terminates the play.

Abstract: A slot machine game feature provides for several types of persistent indicias in a player selection round. One type of persistent indicia can result not only awards an initial credit value when picked, like a regular pick result, but also have a persistent effect in the bonus round which continues to award another randomly-generated credit value in conjunction with each remaining or subsequent pick that the player makes in the bonus. Some versions include cumulative persistent effects, where multiple picks may uncover persistent prize features. Other persistent indicia cause other effects that persist through the player selection round.

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: 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 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 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 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.

Abstract: A slot machine game provides a special region that appears before reels stop spinning, and is defined independently of the symbols within it. The region is activated and placed into randomized game results, using foreknowledge of the spin result while the reels are shown to the player to still be spinning. The region acts upon the symbols that stop inside it in various ways. Awards may be provided that are independent of any other awards in the game result. Eligible symbols may be enhanced in various ways such as being made wild. Other awards may be based on how many of a certain type of symbol land in the special regions. The regions may appear in base or bonus games and may persist between spins.

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 slot machine game feature provides for several types of persistent indicias in a player selection round. One type of persistent indicia can result not only awards an initial credit value when picked, like a regular pick result, but also have a persistent effect in the bonus round which continues to award another randomly-generated credit value in conjunction with each remaining or subsequent pick that the player makes in the bonus. Some versions include cumulative persistent effects, where multiple picks may uncover persistent prize features. Other persistent indicia cause other effects that persist through the player selection round.

Abstract: A method for extending a play in a reel-type wagering game includes first producing a game symbol array for a play in the wagering game. Any prizes indicated by the initial game symbol array are awarded. An evaluation is then be performed to determine if a triggering condition is associated with the initial game symbol array. Where the evaluation detects the triggering condition, at least one line of game symbols is shifted in a shifting direction by a selected number of symbol locations. This shift creates a new game symbol array for which additional prizes may be awarded. Then the evaluation for the triggering condition is conducted again for the new game symbol array and the process repeats. The process continues until no triggering condition is detected for a given symbol array or until some other condition terminates the play.

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.

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: 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 method includes designating at least one of the paylines defined through a matrix of symbol locations as an enhanced value payline which is associated with a respective value enhancer. Upon receipt of a game play input to initiate a play of the wagering game at least some of the symbol locations are populated with a respective game symbol for that respective play of the game. Once the game symbols are displayed for a play of the game, the respective value enhancer associated with each respective enhanced value payline is applied to enhance the value of a paytable prize for that respective payline to produce an enhanced prize. The method ultimately includes awarding this enhanced prize for each enhanced value payline and also awarding a respective paytable prize for each winning payline that is not an enhanced value payline.