Abstract: A gaming device activated by a wager has a vocabulary database and a processor operating a display to simulate spinning of virtual reels each having letters of given point values arranged about the periphery of each virtual reel and independently stopping the reels in a random fashion to display a given number of contiguous letters on each reel in a scrambled fashion. The letters of each reel are displayed side-by-side with the letters of the other virtual reels, forming a matrix of M lines (i.e., rows) and N columns. The player selects the number of lines for the game and the bet per line and presses a PLAY button, to initiate spinning and then random stopping of the reels. The processor then determines if the scrambled letters from only the selected line(s) create a word found in the database.

Abstract: A gaming machine activated, in one embodiment, by a wager has a database of words and a processor for operating a primary programmatic element wherein a plurality of letters each having a discrete point value are displayed in a scrambled manner on a first display and then rearranged to form a word found in the database. The player is invited to discard one or more letters, the processor replacing discarded letters and generating a word of the highest point value, which may be the original word or a word containing at least one of the replacement letters. A payout is calculated based on a payout schedule visible to the player and the total value of the letters in the word. Upon occurrence of a predetermined event or an invitation, a second programmatic element initiates a bonus round, issues a new group of randomly generated letters and places these letters onto a game board layout presented on a second display.

Abstract: An amusement gaming apparatus for conducting tournaments having a plurality of player stations for playing a slot-machine-type game. Each player station has a display and user interface controls for providing inputs to the player station. A controller allows each player station to participate in the tournament and provides a display showing progress of each game at each respective players' display. A common display provides a visual display representing progress of all participants. The common display is positioned to provide all players at the player stations substantially similar and easy viewing of the common display. The computer messages all aspects of the tournament.