Abstract: A gaming machine having features for increasing player appeal is set forth. The machine generally includes a processor, a display, and a memory device. The processor randomly selects one of a plurality of outcomes of the gaming machine in response to a wager. The display displays visual elements to be viewed by the player. The memory device is coupled to the processor and stores at least two data sets for producing at least two different types of visual and/or audio elements in the basic game or bonus game, or at least two different types of bonus game formats. The processor selects one of the two data sets in response to the occurrence of a predetermined time, a number of wager inputs by players of the gaming machine, or after determining a favorite play content based on the number of wager inputs by players.

Abstract: A gaming machine having features for increasing player appeal is set forth. The machine generally includes a processor, a display, and a memory device. The processor randomly selects one of a plurality of outcomes of the gaming machine in response to a wager. The display displays visual elements to be viewed by the player. The memory device is coupled to the processor and stores at least two data sets for producing at least two different types of visual and/or audio elements in the basic game or bonus game, or at least two different types of bonus game formats. The processor selects one of the two data sets in response to the occurrence of a predetermined time, a number of wager inputs by players of the gaming machine, or after determining a favorite play content based on the number of wager inputs by players.

Abstract: A gaming machine having features for increasing player appeal is set forth. The machine generally includes a processor, a display, and a memory device. The processor randomly selects one of a plurality of outcomes of the gaming machine in response to a wager. The display displays visual elements to be viewed by the player. The memory device is coupled to the processor and stores at least two data sets for producing at least two different types of visual and/or audio elements in the basic game or bonus game, or at least two different types of bonus game formats. The processor selects one of the two data sets in response to the occurrence of a predetermined time, a number of wager inputs by players of the gaming machine, or after determining a favorite play content based on the number of wager inputs by players.

Abstract: A gaming machine having features for increasing player appeal is set forth. The machine generally includes a processor, a display, and a memory device. The processor randomly selects one of a plurality of outcomes of the gaming machine in response to a wager. The display displays visual elements to be viewed by the player. The memory device is coupled to the processor and stores at least two data sets for producing at least two different types of visual and/or audio elements in the basic game or bonus game, or at least two different types of bonus game formats. The processor selects one of the two data sets in response to the occurrence of a predetermined time, a number of wager inputs by players of the gaming machine, or after determining a favorite play content based on the number of wager inputs by players.

Abstract: A gaming machine having features for increasing player appeal is set forth. The machine generally includes a processor, a display, and a memory device. The processor randomly selects one of a plurality of outcomes of the gaming machine in response to a wager. The display displays visual elements to be viewed by the player. The memory device is coupled to the processor and stores at least two data sets for producing at least two different types of visual and/or audio elements in the basic game or bonus game, or at least two different types of bonus game formats. The processor selects one of the two data sets in response to the occurrence of a predetermined time, a number of wager inputs by players of the gaming machine, or after determining a favorite play content based on the number of wager inputs by players.

Abstract: A wagering game is conducted on a gaming machine in response to a wager from a player. In addition to a basic game, such as a slot game, the wagering game includes a risk/reward feature that accumulates awards over a plurality of rounds. The risk/reward feature allows the player to risk any of the awards accumulated during a current round in exchange for a possibility of “banking” the current round's awards and advancing to a next round. Regardless of whether the player undertakes the risk, the player is allowed to retain any of the awards accumulated during prior rounds.

Abstract: A gaming machine having features for increasing player appeal is set forth. The machine generally includes a processor, a display, and a memory device. The processor randomly selects one of a plurality of outcomes of the gaming machine in response to a wager. The display displays visual elements to be viewed by the player. The memory device is coupled to the processor and stores at least two data sets for producing at least two different types of visual and/or audio elements in the basic game or bonus game, or at least two different types of bonus game formats. The processor selects one of the two data sets in response to the occurrence of a predetermined time, a number of wager inputs by players of the gaming machine, or after determining a favorite play content based on the number of wager inputs by players.

Abstract: A gaming machine having features for increasing player appeal is set forth. The machine generally includes a processor, a display, and a memory device. The processor randomly selects one of a plurality of outcomes of the gaming machine in response to a wager. The display displays visual elements to be viewed by the player. The memory device is coupled to the processor and stores at least two data sets for producing at least two different types of visual and/or audio elements in the basic game or bonus game, or at least two different types of bonus game formats. The processor selects one of the two data sets in response to the occurrence of a predetermined time, a number of wager inputs by players of the gaming machine, or after determining a favorite play content based on the number of wager inputs by players.

Abstract: A gaming machine having features for increasing player appeal is set forth. The machine generally includes a processor, a display, and a memory device. The processor randomly selects one of a plurality of outcomes of the gaming machine in response to a wager. The display displays visual elements to be viewed by the player. The memory device is coupled to the processor and stores at least two data sets for producing at least two different types of visual and/or audio elements in the basic game or bonus game, or at least two different types of bonus game formats. The processor selects one of the two data sets in response to the occurrence of a predetermined time, a number of wager inputs by players of the gaming machine, or after determining a favorite play content based on the number of wager inputs by players.

Abstract: A gaming machine having features for increasing player appeal is set forth. The machine generally includes a processor, a display, and a memory device. The processor randomly selects one of a plurality of outcomes of the gaming machine in response to a wager. The display displays visual elements to be viewed by the player. The memory device is coupled to the processor and stores at least two data sets for producing at least two different types of visual and/or audio elements in the basic game or bonus game, or at least two different types of bonus game formats. The processor selects one of the two data sets in response to the occurrence of a predetermined time, a number of wager inputs by players of the gaming machine, or after determining a favorite play content based on the number of wager inputs by players.

Abstract: A gaming machine having features for increasing player appeal is set forth. The machine generally includes a processor, a display, and a memory device. The processor randomly selects one of a plurality of outcomes of the gaming machine in response to a wager. The display displays visual elements to be viewed by the player. The memory device is coupled to the processor and stores at least two data sets for producing at least two different types of visual and/or audio elements in the basic game or bonus game, or at least two different types of bonus game formats. The processor selects one of the two data sets in response to the occurrence of a predetermined time, a number of wager inputs by players of the gaming machine, or after determining a favorite play content based on the number of wager inputs by players.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a plurality of linked gaming machines and a controller coupled to the gaming machines. The gaming machines are used for playing one or more wagering games having a plurality of symbols that indicate a randomly selected outcome. Each gaming machine includes at least one wager-input device for receiving a first type of wager, which allows the player to play the wagering game, and the second type of wager, which allows the player to be eligible for a progressive jackpot. The controller determines a first cumulative value of the first type of wagers, a second cumulative value of the second type of wagers, and a distributable wager pool that is derived from a portion of the first cumulative value and a portion of the second cumulative value. The distributable wager pool can fund the progressive jackpot.

Abstract: A gaming machine conducts a wagering game in response to a wager. The machine provides a first group of first elements and a second group of second elements. A first element from the first group is selected and then compared to one or more second elements in the second group. The machine awards a payout based on any matches between the selected first element and the one or more second elements in the second group. The second elements may be ranked, and the payout may be based on the rank of any second elements that match the selected first element.

Abstract: A gaming machine having features for increasing player appeal is set forth. The machine generally includes a processor, a display, and a memory device. The processor monitors time signals from a clock and randomly selects one of a plurality of outcomes of the gaming machine in response to a wager amount. The display displays visual elements to be viewed by the player. The memory device is coupled to the processor and stores at least two data sets for producing at least two different types of visual elements. The processor selects one of at least two data sets in response to the occurrence of a predetermined time, a completion of a bonus game, or a number of plays by players of said game. The gaming machine may also include audio speakers and audio elements that replace the changing visual elements, or audio and video elements can be displayed in unison as a function of the time.

Abstract: A gaming machine having features for increasing player appeal is set forth. The machine generally includes a processor, a display, and a memory device. The processor randomly selects one of a plurality of outcomes of the gaming machine in response to a wager. The display displays visual elements to be viewed by the player. The memory device is coupled to the processor and stores at least two data sets for producing at least two different types of visual and/or audio elements in the basic game or bonus game, or at least two different types of bonus game formats. The processor selects one of the two data sets in response to the occurrence of a predetermined time, a number of wager inputs by players of the gaming machine, or after determining a favorite play content based on the number of wager inputs by players.

Abstract: A wagering game is conducted on a gaming machine in response to a wager from a player. In addition to a basic game, such as a slot game, the wagering game includes a risk/reward feature that accumulates awards over a plurality of rounds. The risk/reward feature allows the player to risk any of the awards accumulated during a current round in exchange for a possibility of “banking” the current round's awards and advancing to a next round. Regardless of whether the player undertakes the risk, the player is allowed to retain any of the awards accumulated during prior rounds.

Abstract: A game of chance is conducted on a gaming machine controlled by a processor in response to a wager. A primary game outcome is randomly selected from a plurality of possible primary game outcomes. In response to the primary game outcome being a bonus triggering outcome, a plurality of secondary game outcomes are randomly selected and represented with respective successive free spins of a plurality of symbol-bearing reels. In each free spin the reels are rotated and stopped to place symbols on the reels in visual association with a symbol array. Payout multipliers are randomly selected for, and vary with, the respective secondary game outcomes. Payouts are awarded for the respective secondary game outcomes according to a pay table. Each payout is multiplied by the respective payout multiplier.

Abstract: A slot machine comprises a plurality of mechanical or simulated reels. Each reel bears a plurality of discrete symbols and a continuous graphical element extending between adjacent ones of the discrete symbols such that the discrete symbols are unified by the graphical element. The discrete symbols are superimposed over the graphical element. The reels are rotated and stopped to place a portion of each reel in visual association with a display area. A payout is determined based on the portion of each reel associated with the display area. In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of discrete symbols are replaced with discrete symbol positions, and a discrete symbol on each reel moves between adjacent ones of the discrete symbol positions as the reel is rotated. A payout may be accumulated based on each discrete symbol position traversed by the discrete symbol.

Abstract: A game of chance is conducted on a gaming machine controlled by a processor in response to a wager. A primary game outcome is randomly selected from a plurality of possible primary game outcomes. In response to the primary game outcome being a bonus triggering outcome, a plurality of secondary game outcomes are randomly selected and represented with respective successive free spins of a plurality of symbol-bearing reels. In each free spin the reels are rotated and stopped to place symbols on the reels in visual association with a symbol array. Payout multipliers are randomly selected for, and vary with, the respective secondary game outcomes. Payouts are awarded for the respective secondary game outcomes according to a pay table. Each payout is multiplied by the respective payout multiplier.

Abstract: A gaming machine conducts a wagering game in response to a wager. The machine provides a first group of first elements and a second group of second elements. A first element from the first group is selected and then compared to one or more second elements in the second group. The machine awards a payout based on any matches between the selected first element and the one or more second elements in the second group. The second elements may be ranked, and the payout may be based on the rank of any second elements that match the selected first element.