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: 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: Method and apparatus for multi-purpose use of a gaming machine includes use of a secondary display area to effectuate delivery of special capabilities such as user interfaces for banking, self-provisioning, Internet browsing, award redemption, player tracking account administration, and on-line shopping. In one embodiment, a touch screen is used to activate menu selections, in another embodiment, a physical keyboard is provided. In other embodiments, interfaces to mobile telephone and personal digital assistant technologies are provided.

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: A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a display, a player interface, and a controller operatively associated with the display and the player interface. The controller is configured to permit a player to selectively modify a setting of the display and/or the game graphics. The player interface facilitates the selective modification.

Abstract: A method and gaming system for playing a wagering game at a plurality of gaming terminals. The method includes conducting the wagering game at each of the plurality of gaming terminals. The plurality of gaming terminals are divided into a plurality of teams. A plurality of game elements are displayed and arranged into tiers. At least one turn-ending element is included. A first gaming terminal in a first team selects at least one of the plurality of game elements in each of the tiers until encountering the at least one turn-ending element or until one of the plurality of elements has been selected in each of the plurality of tiers. The selecting continues until a predetermined event occurs and a winning team is determined among the plurality of teams based upon the selecting.

Abstract: A gaming machine is provided for playing a wagering game. The gaming machine includes a wager-input device and at least one display for displaying a bonus game of the wagering game. The bonus game has a plurality of outcomes. A probability of winning a certain one or more of the plurality of outcomes varies in response to an occurrence of a predetermined event during the bonus game.

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: 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.