Abstract: A method is described of providing a game for use with a gaming machine that is arranged to select symbols, present the selected symbols on a display and award an award if a winning outcome occurs. The method comprises receiving identification data for a player and displaying representations of game play of the game, wherein at least one character is depicted as one or more graphic objects. At least one attribute of the character may be amended if a triggering event occurs during game play. The amended attribute may be stored for retrieval in a subsequent game session by the player, wherein the stored amended attribute is associated with the identification data for the player.

Abstract: A method is described for use with a gaming machine that is arranged to select symbols, present the selected symbols on a display and award an award if a winning outcome occurs. A plurality of game options are displayed on the display for selection by a player, each game option defining a respective number of opportunities to win and a corresponding probability of winning in each opportunity, wherein at least two of the displayed game options have a substantially equal return-to-player by specifying the respective number of opportunities to win in inverse proportion to the corresponding probability of winning. In one arrangement the corresponding probability of winning for a game option depends on a number of spinning reels on which a special symbol may appear. A number of games may be varied in inverse proportion to the number of reels on which the special symbol may appear.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of operating a gaming system or network comprising a plurality of linked gaming machines. The method involves monitoring an aspect of player activity of an identified player on one or more of the gaming machines and, dependent on the monitored activity of the player, an award is provided to another player. Preferably the award is only awarded to the other player after the other player has identified themselves at a location in the gaming system or network. The award may take the form of a player favourable modification of the gaming machine on which the other player is playing. Such a modification may be, for example, making the other player eligible for an award such as a jackpot or special bonus.

Abstract: There is disclosed a gaming machine having a plurality of jackpot prizes associated with it, a player's eligibility to win one of the plurality of jackpot prizes being dependent upon an amount wagered. In a one aspect there is provided a gaming machine having a game control means arranged to play a game, a bet selecting arrangement for selecting one of a number of predetermined amounts to wager on the outcome of the game, each of said predetermined amounts to wager having at least one dedicated jackpot prize associated with it, a first display means configured to display the outcome of said game, wherein in the event that a predetermined winning event occurs said game includes the award of at least one dedicated jackpot prize associated with a respective selected predetermined amount wagered on the game.

Abstract: A gaming machine comprises a display and a game controller arranged to control images of symbols displayed on the display. The game controller is arranged to play a game wherein at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the display and, if a predefined winning event occurs, a prize is awarded. A plurality of sub-games constitute the game displayed on the display. As an initial display, fewer than a full set of images of each of the sub-games are displayed to show a partial outcome of the game, the fewer than the full set of images being representative of a determination of an expected value for each of the sub-games.

Abstract: A gaming system (10, 100) implementing a base game and a feature game. A game controller (101) controls play of the game. The gaming system has at least one display (14, 106) and a player interface (107). The feature game comprises at least one series of game events, in which a plurality of symbols from at least one predetermined symbol set that includes at least first and second symbols, are randomly selected and displayed on the at least one display (14, 106). The feature game is a challenge feature and during play of the feature game, the game controller (101) maintains in computer memory (103) counters for said at least first and second symbols, varies the value of said counters on the occurrence of the at least first and second symbols and causes the at least one display to show a value of the counters. The values of the counters are evaluated against predetermined competitive criteria to determine the outcome of the series of game events.