Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gaming terminal and a method of playing a wagering game at a gaming terminal whereby multiple players make selections and accumulate bonus awards as the game is passed from one player to another. Play continues until a game-terminating object is selected. At that time, each player that participated in the wagering game receives his or her accumulated awards plus any awards won by subsequent players.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a value input device, one or more displays, and a controller. The value input device receives a wager from a player to play the wagering game. The one or more displays display a trail including a plurality of spaces and an award value associated with one or more of the plurality of spaces. The controller is operative to change the award value based on an occurrence of a random event independent from the trail.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gaming terminal and a method of playing a wagering game at a gaming terminal whereby multiple players make selections and accumulate bonus awards as the game is passed from one player to another. Play continues until a game-terminating object is selected. At that time, each player that participated in the wagering game receives his or her accumulated awards plus any awards won by subsequent players.

Abstract: A prize progression graphic displayed at a gaming machine includes a number of prize progressions with each respective prize progression including a respective prize and a respective set of progression segments. The respective prize associated with a prize progression represents a prize that may be won if all of the steps are taken, that is, all of the progression segments for the given prize progression are completed. In addition to displaying the prize progression graphic, a number of player selectable objects are displayed at the gaming machine. In the course of play, a player is enabled to select from among the player selectable objects to reveal prize progression affecting elements. Some prize progression affecting elements cause a corresponding change in progress along of one or more prize progressions, while other such elements modify the prize progressions such as by shifting prizes associated with the prize progressions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gaming terminal and a method of playing a wagering game, whereby a player at one gaming terminal is allowed to link to other gaming terminals via a player-selectable option. The wagering game may include a basic game and a bonus game. Once linked, the player can enter a bonus game that is triggered by an outcome at a linked terminal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gaming terminal and a method of playing a wagering game at a gaming terminal whereby multiple players make selections and accumulate bonus awards as the game is passed from one player to another. Play continues until a game-terminating object is selected. At that time, each player that participated in the wagering game receives his or her accumulated awards plus any awards won by subsequent players.

Abstract: A gaming machine uses mathematical modeling and graphical displays to provide players with realistic depictions of gaming activities for wagering. Three-dimensional mathematical models are used to simulate real-world interactions of physical objects, with a display showing the player a visual representation of the game interactions. By providing the player with a realistic depiction of real-world gaming activities, a gaming machine according to the present invention involves the player in the wagered-upon activity to a greater extent than traditional gaming machines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting a wagering game are disclosed. After a player makes a wager, a display depicts a combination of symbols. If the displayed combination yields a predetermined award and meets a predetermined criterion, a win multiplier feature is invoked. In the win multiplier feature the symbols of the combination are associated with respective multipliers, and then the player is prompted to select one of the symbols of the combination. The display reveals the multiplier associated with the selected symbol. The predetermined award is multiplied by the revealed multiplier.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gaming terminal and a method of playing a wagering game at a gaming terminal whereby multiple players make selections and accumulate bonus awards as the game is passed from one player to another. Play continues until a game-terminating object is selected. At that time, each player that participated in the wagering game receives his or her accumulated awards plus any awards won by subsequent players.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gaming terminal and a method of playing a wagering game at a gaming terminal whereby multiple players make selections and accumulate bonus awards as the game is passed from one player to another. Play continues until a game-terminating object is selected. At that time, each player that participated in the wagering game receives his or her accumulated awards plus any awards won by subsequent players.

Abstract: The present invention is a gaming machine having a shuffle feature and a simultaneous multiple award feature. The method for conducting the shuffle feature includes displaying a plurality of value-based symbols in a random array where each of the plurality of value-based symbols displays a number indicating a value, increasing the displayed number of one of the plurality of value-based symbols in response to a player selection, rearranging the plurality of value-based symbols in view of the random array such that the rearranged plurality defines an award and awarding the award to the player. The method for conducting the simultaneous multiple award feature includes displaying an assemblage of selectable tiles that conceal an associated plurality of icons, receiving successive player selections of the tiles, selectively revealing a first group and a second group of related game-theme icons, selectively revealing a wild icon and simultaneously awarding a first and a second award.

Abstract: A game is provided including a prize progression graphic display at one or more gaming machines, each gaming machine being associated with a different player. The prize progression graphic includes a number of prize progressions with each respective prize progression including a respective prize and a respective set of progression segments. In one version, free spins are provided that produce, from the various players, a progress varying value or progression activation modifier. In another version, one of the prize progressions is shown in an active state. A number of selectable objects at each respective one of the one or more gaming machines, although other preferred forms of the game provides free spins rather than selectable objects. Each selectable object conceals a respective prize progression affecting element. Each respective prize progression affecting element comprises either a progress varying value or a progression activation modifier that modifies or changes the active state.

Abstract: A prize progression graphic displayed at a gaming machine includes a number of prize progressions with each respective prize progression including a respective prize and a respective set of progression segments. The respective prize associated with a prize progression represents a prize that may be won if all of the steps are taken, that is, all of the progression segments for the given prize progression are completed. In addition to displaying the prize progression graphic, a number of player selectable objects are displayed at the gaming machine. In the course of play, a player is enabled to select from among the player selectable objects to reveal prize progression affecting elements. Some prize progression affecting elements cause a corresponding change in progress along of one or more prize progressions, while other such elements modify the prize progressions such as by shifting prizes associated with the prize progressions.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing shared image games includes a number of gaming machines, with each gaming machine having a respective video display device. The apparatus also includes a shared image display control arrangement and a shared image prize controller. The shared image display control arrangement controls the respective video display device associated with each gaming machine in the number of gaming machines to produce a shared image graphic effect such as a multi-segmented prize reel that appears to extend across the different video display devices. The shared image prize controller operates to award a shared image prize for at least one of the gaming machines. This shared image prize corresponds to a prize represented at least in part by a respective one of the reel segments displayed at the video display device of the respective gaming machine when the reel segments appear to come to a stop.

Abstract: A gaming machine comprises at least one visual display (mechanical or video) and a game of chance controlled by a processor in response to a wager. The game of chance includes a primary game and a sorting feature. The sorting feature is triggered by certain start-feature outcomes of the primary game. The sorting feature includes a collection of scrambled objects, such as letters, symbols, pictures, or puzzle pieces, that are at least partially sorted during operation of the sorting feature. The sorting feature generates an award, such as a payoff, a payoff multiplier, or extended play, if the sorted objects match predetermined criteria.

Abstract: A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming machine comprises providing a representation of a passage of time, receiving a wager to play the wagering game, determining an outcome of the wagering game, the outcome being at least partially dependent upon the passage of time, and presenting an award, if any, based on the outcome.

Abstract: A slot machine conducts a wagering game in which a plurality of arrays of symbols are successively displayed. Each array may, for example, result from a free spin of a plurality of symbol-bearing reels. In each free spin, the reels are rotated and stopped to place the symbols on the reels in visual association with a display area. One or more of the symbols of each array are designated as wild. Payouts for the successive arrays are awarded according to a pay table. In one embodiment, the plurality of arrays are successively displayed during a bonus game triggered by a start-bonus outcome in a basic game.

Abstract: A gaming machine and a method of conducting a game of chance on the gaming machine are disclosed. In response to a wager from a player, the machine conducts a selection game including a plurality of selectable elements associated with respective outcomes. In response to a player's selection of one of the selectable elements, the machine awards the outcomes associated with the selected element and at least one of the non-selected elements. The awarded outcome may, for example, include a payoff, a bonus game, or awarding the outcome associated with yet another of the non-selected elements. If the awarded outcome includes the bonus game, the bonus game may re-trigger the selection game.

Abstract: A gaming machine conducts a wagering game. The machine includes a first display of a first type for displaying a primary game outcome, and a second display of a second type for displaying a secondary game outcome. The second type is different from the first type. A control system awards a first award if the primary outcome is a winning outcome, and awards a second award if the secondary outcome has a predetermined association with the winning outcome.

Abstract: A gaming machine comprises at least one visual display (mechanical or video) and a game of chance controlled by a processor in response to a wager. The game of chance includes a primary game and a sorting feature. The sorting feature is triggered by certain start-feature outcomes of the primary game. The sorting feature includes a collection of scrambled objects, such as letters, symbols, pictures, or puzzle pieces, that are at least partially sorted during operation of the sorting feature. The sorting feature generates an award, such as a payoff, a payoff multiplier, or extended play, if the sorted objects match predetermined criteria.