Abstract: Systems, methods, and program products are taught which provide a slot machine game that increases the size of the symbol array as a mystery feature. As the player spins the reels, the number of positions available on each reel grows randomly to allow more paylines. Other embodiments may include free spin bonuses, as well as bonus features that further increase the number of positions on each reel, and adjust the probability of reel expansions based on the current array size.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and program products are taught which provide a slot machine game that increases the size of the symbol array as a mystery feature. As the player spins the reels, the number of positions available on each reel grows randomly to allow more paylines. Other embodiments may include free spin bonuses, as well as bonus features that further increase the number of positions on each reel, and adjust the probability of reel expansions based on the current array size.

Abstract: A primary game may display multiple bonus game selection symbols on a reel. The bonus game selection symbols allow the player to choose a bonus game. The bonus game simulates a play in an actual wagering game with a wager that would normally be higher than the wager in the primary game.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and program products are taught which provide a slot machine game that increases the size of the symbol array as a mystery feature. As the player spins the reels, the number of positions available on each reel grows randomly to allow more paylines. Other embodiments may include free spin bonuses, as well as bonus features that further increase the number of positions on each reel, and adjust the probability of reel expansions based on the current array size.

Abstract: A slot machine has a player selection bonus game where a player selects concealed gamepieces from a group to reveal the value of the gamepiece. The preferred game has a burger building theme in which the game rules are related to building one or more hamburgers, and the hidden gamepieces represent burger ingredients. A particular selection allows the player to win larger prizes for future selections. Other designated selections may modify future selections still further (2× and 3× multipliers for double-decker and triple-decker bun selections). Certain gamepieces may change their function based on the context or state of the bonus game.

Abstract: A game is provided, including a free spin bonus game with selectable modifier feature, known in a preferred embodiment as a bank heist bonus game. Before each free spin, the player picks a vault to receive a modifier element that applies to the free spin. The modifier element may be a credit prize, increment bonus multiplier, award additional spins, or turn a random reel wild (may be maintained wild for all remaining free spins or a designated number of free spins), for example. Additional spins can also be retriggered on the reels up to a maximum of 20 free spins (get all the vaults). To begin the free spin bonus game, the game may prompt the player for some type of biometric input and either read or appear to read biometric data as part of the game theme.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and program products are taught which provide a slot machine game that increases the size of the symbol array as a mystery feature. As the player spins the reels, the number of positions available on each reel grows randomly to allow more paylines. Other embodiments may include free spin bonuses, as well as bonus features that further increase the number of positions on each reel, and adjust the probability of reel expansions based on the current array size.

Abstract: Provided is a variable jackpot meter feature for progressive games (either single or multiple tiered), which may be embodied in a game, a method of conducting or providing the game, or a system or program product. The meter coordinates graphics to the increasing value of the progressive jackpots. At its reset value, the progressive meter may be displayed in its least exciting graphical state indicating low “heat.” As the progressive meter value grows, the associated graphics would increase to indicate the amount has grown. By the time the progressive meter's value has reached or exceeded the progressive's expected value, the graphics may be in their most excited/active/hottest state. This state reinforces to the player that the progressive is a high value and it is a good time to try to win the prize.

Abstract: A slot machine has a player selection bonus game where a player selects concealed gamepieces from a group to reveal the value of the gamepiece. The preferred game has a burger building theme in which the game rules are related to building one or more hamburgers, and the hidden gamepieces represent burger ingredients. A particular selection allows the player to win larger prizes for future selections. Other designated selections may modify future selections still further (2× and 3× multipliers for double-decker and triple-decker bun selections). Certain gamepieces may change their function based on the context or state of the bonus game.

Abstract: A primary game may display multiple bonus game selection symbols on a reel. The bonus game selection symbols allow the player to choose a bonus game. The bonus game simulates a play in an actual wagering game with a wager that would normally be higher than the wager in the primary game.

Abstract: A method of operating a gaming machine includes receiving one or more primary game inputs through the gaming machine to initiate one or more plays of a primary game. After the one or more plays of the primary game, a feature game is initiated and presented at the gaming machine through a display device included with the gaming machine. In response to a triggering event in the feature game and prior to completion of the feature game, the method further includes initiating an embedded bonus game and presenting the embedded bonus game through the display device. Upon completion of the embedded bonus game, the method continues with presenting a remainder of the feature game. The method further includes awarding a total prize for the feature game and embedded bonus game. The total prize is made up of a feature game prize component obtained in the presentation of the feature game and an embedded bonus game prize component obtained in the presentation of the embedded bonus game.

Abstract: Gaming systems, methods, and software are provided which adjust the volatility of a gaming machine based on the player's current bankroll. A preferred embodiment includes a method that determines a game player's bankroll amount including cash or credits available for wagering. It then determines the desired payout volatility based on the game player's bankroll amount. From the desired volatility, the method selects a payout table based on the desired volatility. The method then includes receiving a wager input from the player effective to place a wager and conduct a game at a player station with the selected payout table. In some versions, a paytable may be selected directly using bankroll information, without the intermediate step of identifying a desired volatility level. Further, other factors may be considered in choosing the desired volatility or paytable.

Abstract: A method includes operating a gaming machine in a first display mode in which a display device associated with the gaming machine displays a base array and side graphics and in which a result for a respective game play initiated through the gaming machine is represented by a set of symbols included in the base array and where the side graphics provide a continuous graphical theme on at least two sides of the base array. In response to detecting a trigger event, the gaming machine switches to a second display mode in which the display device displays a graphical transformation of at least a part of the side graphics to replace that part of the side graphics with at least one additional array location and in which a result for a respective game play initiated through the gaming machine while operating in the second display mode is represented by a respective set of symbols included in the base array and each additional array location.