Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for operating a gaming terminal where the gaming terminal cabinet itself is an active feature or element of the wagering game. The method and system of the invention involve a gaming terminal cabinet that is transformable from a primary external configuration to a secondary external configuration. The transformation of the gaming terminal cabinet may be based on an outcome of a basic wagering game, a bonus wagering game, or both. The secondary external configuration may involve a single transformation or it may involve multiple transformations. At the end of the wagering game, the gaming terminal cabinet may be transformed back into the primary external configuration. The transformation of the gaming terminal cabinet may also be used to attract the attention of passersby when the gaming terminal is idle to thereby generate interest in the gaming terminal.

Abstract: A gaming terminal and a method for playing a wagering game utilizing a two-way cascading symbol feature are disclosed. The wagering terminal has first and second displays, with a first game outcome displayed as a plurality of symbols on the first display. The symbols are analyzed to determine if they satisfy a predetermined condition. All symbols satisfying the condition are added to the second display. The symbols in the second display then are analyzed for a winning combination. If no winning combination exists, the game is over. A winning combination awards the player credits, before removing the winning symbols from the second display. All remaining symbols shift down one position. The symbols in the upper display are analyzed until no more winning combinations exists.

Abstract: Method and system are disclosed for operating a wagering game terminal where unused game assets accrued by players in one game are restored to them in a subsequent game. The method and system of the invention involves awarding game assets to the players as they progress through a game. The players may be represented by characters or avatars in each game, and the accrued game assets are then added to the inventory of the avatars. The game assets may or may not be usable in the current game or even in the current gaming session. In the latter case, the game assets are returned to player characters or avatars in a subsequent game or a gaming session. This allows the players to retain the benefits of their game assets should they decide not to use them or are unable to use them in the current game or gaming session.

Abstract: A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a game board and a plurality of reels, each reel having a plurality of symbols for representing an outcome of the wagering game. The player is given a predefined number of free spins of the reels upon occurrence of a predetermined event in the wagering game, such as a start-bonus outcome. A number symbol appearing on the reels after one of the free spins determines how many game spaces to move the player around the game board. Various prizes are awarded to the player when he or she lands on certain ones of the game spaces.

Abstract: The present invention is a gaming machine and method for conducting a crap slot game. The gaming machine includes a first display for displaying a slot game outcome and a second display for displaying a player interactive wagering interface. The method includes detecting selection of a first wager amount from a number of displayed wager amounts, detecting selection of a first wager cell from a displayed assemblage of wager cells. Each of the wager cells corresponds to one of a number of winning game outcomes having respective value payout ratios. The method further includes displaying the first wager amount in the first wager cell, displaying the game play outcome of the wagering game on the first display and awarding a value payout to the player if the game play outcome includes the winning game outcome corresponding to the first wager cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for operating a gaming terminal where the gaming terminal cabinet itself is an active feature or element of the wagering game. The method and system of the invention involve a gaming terminal cabinet that is transformable from a primary external configuration to a secondary external configuration. The transformation of the gaming terminal cabinet may be based on an outcome of a basic wagering game, a bonus wagering game, or both. The secondary external configuration may involve a single transformation or it may involve multiple transformations. At the end of the wagering game, the gaming terminal cabinet may be transformed back into the primary external configuration. The transformation of the gaming terminal cabinet may also be used to attract the attention of passersby when the gaming terminal is idle to thereby generate interest in the gaming terminal.

Abstract: A gaming machine controlled by a processor in response to a wager, comprising a basic game and a bonus game is disclosed. The basic game includes a plurality of basic game outcomes, which include at least one start-bonus outcome. The bonus game feature is triggered by the start-bonus outcome indicated on a basic game visual display. The bonus game includes a chamber for displaying a plurality of physical balls which have a first and second indicia and a plurality of bonus prize tubes. Each prize tube is configured to display a randomly generated first or a second bonus prize award. The bonus game further includes a ball control feature activated by the start-bonus outcome which displays a prize ball in one of the prize tubes corresponding to a randomly generated bonus outcome. The prize ball will be displayed in the prize tube with the first indicia if the first bonus prize award is generated or with the second if the second bonus prize award generated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus of utilizing symbol markers that, when included in a winning outcome, present an additional award to the player during operation of a slot machine. A symbol marker may be varied in type, frequency, associated award, and quantity. A symbol marker may trigger different award types based on its visual appearance or frequency within a winning combination. Awards can be credits, multipliers, bonus game triggers, and free spins, among others. The order of placement of a symbol marker can be random or defined. The winning outcome that includes a symbol marker can be based on the game's winning outcome definition or on a predetermined location or locations.

Abstract: A gaming terminal for conducting a wagering game comprises an input device for receiving a wager input from a player of the gaming terminal, a display for displaying a game outcome randomly selected from a plurality of game outcomes in a basic game including a start bonus game outcome in response to receiving the wager input, a nonlinear path extending in three dimensions, a at least one movable element for representing a bonus game outcome. The at least one moveable element moves along the nonlinear path in response to the start bonus game outcome being selected in the basic game.

Abstract: A gaming machine with an improved game display is disclosed. Polyhedral reel strips are used in a gaming machine to present game outcomes in configurations previously not practicable. In addition, the polyhedral reels provide a game display that is more easily readable than can be obtained from the traditional mechanical circular reel.