Abstract: A gaming machine and method comprising a primary game with a plurality of gaming symbols and a separate bonus indicator. Operation of the bonus indicator is automatically initiated upon commencement of the primary game and play of the bonus indicator is of approximately the same duration as play of the primary game. The outcome of the bonus indicator may be entirely independent of the outcome of the primary game. A positive outcome on the bonus indicator may yield either a prize for the player or an opportunity to play a bonus round game. In its preferred embodiment, the invention includes a five-reel slot game as the primary game and a single-reel slot game as the bonus indicator.

Abstract: A method and device for gaming, in which a primary game is played consisting of plural concurrent gaming propositions. The player is free to select which of the plural propositions is to be played, usually by wager magnitude. The primary game leads to a secondary game. The secondary game includes a “mechanism” which periodically changes throughout several wagers. Additionally, the primary and/or secondary game contains at least one outcome that leads to a separate bonus game.