Abstract: A control unit in communication with a plurality of gaming machines selects one or more of the active machines to be set to an enhanced play mode. The selection may be random or based on other factors. During the enhanced play mode, the awards attributed to each symbol combination are increased, and the game parameters, other than the award amounts may be changed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a game played on a gaming device that displays a randomly selected array of symbols, where the symbols across one or more pay lines are evaluated by circuitry to determine an award to be granted. One of the possible symbols is a special symbol that offers various special functions. The special symbol switches between two or more states, where each state provides a different function. The switching is stopped randomly or by the player, and the resulting function is carried out. In another embodiment, the special symbol allows symbols to be moved in the array or provides other functions.

Abstract: A game played on a gaming machine, or any other suitable device, is described wherein a player plays a base game, such as the random selection and display of symbols where combinations of symbols across one or more paylines grant awards to a player. Upon a triggering event, such as a certain outcome in the base game, special features are randomly selected for application to the base game. The special features may include wild cards, multipliers, and the number of game to which the special features apply. Any combination of special features may be randomly selected in response to a triggering event. Many other features are described.

Abstract: Various bonus games for being played on a gaming machine are described. The base game may consist of the random selection and display of a 5×3 matrix of symbols. In one bonus game (FIGS. 5-7), upon a certain outcome of the base game including special symbols, all symbols in the matrix except for the special symbols are replaced with values, such as different credit amounts. The player selects a particular special symbol using a touch screen, and the identified special symbol randomly moves to select one of the displayed values in the matrix. In another game (FIGS. 11-13), the player applies hidden multipliers to a randomly selected award value in the matrix. In another game (FIGS. 14-19), pointers moving across the matrix of values accumulate values for awarding to the player. The multi-stage interactive bonus games add excitement and more player involvement.

Abstract: A game variation played on a gaming device displaying reels is disclosed. The game grants awards to the player for certain combinations of symbols. When a player gets one or more special symbols in an initial game, the player gets a free spin of one or more reels while the reels that display the special symbols are held. The player continues to get free spins as long as additional special symbols are displayed after each spin. The player may be granted awards for winning symbols combinations after each spin. In one embodiment, a certain number of special symbols across a payline awards the player a jackpot. In another embodiment, the game is a bonus game where any reels containing special, or trigger, symbols are shifted by one position after each free spin and then held for the next free spin. Only reels that do not display a trigger symbol are spun. The bonus game ends when there are no more trigger symbols displayed. The game may be played on a video gaming machine or a motor-driven reel machine.

Abstract: A control unit in communication with a plurality of gaming machines selects one or more of the active machines to be set to an enhanced play mode. The selection may be random or based on other factors. During the enhanced play mode, free games are provided, or the awards attributed to each symbol combination are increased, or additional symbols combinations are deemed winning combinations, or other game parameters may be changed that are advantageous to the player. The wagers by all the players playing machines connected to the progressive jackpot system are used to set the number of free games or the length of the enhanced play mode. The number of free games increases or the length of time of the enhanced play mode increases along with the jackpot that may be won in the enhanced play mode until the values are reset to starting values upon a jackpot win.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a certain number of special games are granted to a player, or the special games are only enabled for a certain time period. The special games may be free bonus games or paid games. At the end (or beginning) of each special game, at least one position in the array of symbols is designated as a special symbol. The special symbol may be a wild card, a scatter symbol, a multiplier, or any other special symbol. The special symbol selected for a particular game is carried over into the next special game, so the special symbols are accumulated and remain in their positions in the array for the series of special games. Awards, if any, are granted after each game based on the use of the special symbol(s) in combination with other symbols across one or more pay lines. The special symbol position in the array (or the special symbol type) may be selected by the gaming machine or by the player. Other embodiments are disclosed where special symbols are designated by the gaming machine or the player.

Abstract: Various bonus games for being played on a gaming machine are described. The base game may consist of the random selection and display of a 5×3 matrix of symbols. In one bonus game (FIGS. 5-7), upon a certain outcome of the base game including special symbols, all symbols in the matrix except for the special symbols are replaced with values, such as different credit amounts. The player selects a particular special symbol using a touch screen, and the identified special symbol randomly moves to select one of the displayed values in the matrix. In another game (FIGS. 11-13), the player applies hidden multipliers to a randomly selected award value in the matrix. In another game (FIGS. 14-19), pointers moving across the matrix of values accumulate values for awarding to the player. The multi-stage interactive bonus games add excitement and more player involvement.

Abstract: Various bonus games for being played on a gaming machine are described. The base game may consist of the random selection and display of a 5×3 matrix of symbols. In one bonus game (FIGS. 5-7), upon a certain outcome of the base game including special symbols, all symbols in the matrix except for the special symbols are replaced with values, such as different credit amounts. The player selects a particular special symbol using a touch screen, and the identified special symbol randomly moves to select one of the displayed values in the matrix. In another game (FIGS. 11-13), the player applies hidden multipliers to a randomly selected award value in the matrix. In another game (FIGS. 14-19), pointers moving across the matrix of values accumulate values for awarding to the player. The multi-stage interactive bonus games add excitement and more player involvement.

Abstract: A gaming machine is described wherein a player first plays a primary game, such as the spinning and stopping of mechanical or video reels displaying symbols. A plurality of progressive jackpots is displayed to the player, where the progressive jackpots are incremented at different random rates. Upon a jackpot-winning outcome of the primary game, the number of different progressive jackpots paid to the player depends on the number of credits bet by the player. The jackpots are incremented upon jackpot-incrementing symbols being displayed by the reels. In one embodiment, the jackpot above each column of symbols gets incremented upon a special symbol, such as a credit value, being displayed in that column.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a gaming machine carries out a main game which initiates a bonus game for a certain outcome of the main game. In one embodiment, the bonus game displays a plurality of hidden objects in the form of icons. The objects may be credits, money, letters, symbols, or anything else. The player chooses one or more options, and the hidden values for the selected options are revealed to the player. The player's goal is to obtain the highest value amount by, for example, choosing the highest value icon, or by spelling words from accumulated letters, or by accumulating symbols. After each selection by the player, the gaming machine offers the player a value (e.g., a number of credits) to end the bonus game. The player may accept the offer or continue playing the bonus game to its conclusion.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a gaming machine carries out a main game, such as a spinning reel type game, either using physical reels or simulated reels on a video screen. A special combination of symbols activates a video bonus game. The bonus game comprises a plurality of N unknown options in the form of icons, where the player may only make M choices, where M is less than N. In another embodiment, M is less than or equal to N. The unknown options may include, for example, different award credits. The options may be presented as hidden values behind doors or using other attractive presentation. The N values behind the closed doors are displayed in an order unrelated to the arrangement of the unknown options so the player sees what she can possibly win. The player then makes her M selections to win the awards behind the doors. There may be additional levels of the bonus game.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a game played on a gaming device that displays a randomly selected array of symbols, where the symbols across one or more pay lines are evaluated by circuitry to determine an award to be granted. In one embodiment, the gaming device allows the player to designate a position in the array for a next spin of the virtual reels. After the next spin, the symbol in that designated position becomes a scatter symbol. A scatter symbol is a symbol whose significance applies whether it occurs on a certain pay line or not. A certain number of scatter symbols in the array causes an award to be granted to the player. The scatter symbols may have other special award features, such as a providing an award multiplier or initiating a bonus game.

Abstract: A control unit in communication with a plurality of gaming machines selects one or more of the active machines to be set to an enhanced play mode. The selection may be random or based on other factors. During the enhanced play mode, the awards attributed to each symbol combination are increased, and the game parameters, other than the award amounts may be changed.

Abstract: A control unit in communication with a plurality of gaming machines selects one or more of the active machines to be set to an enhanced play mode. The selection may be random or based on other factors. During the enhanced play mode, the awards attributed to each symbol combination are increased, and the game parameters, other than the award amounts may be changed.

Abstract: The gaming device comprises a main game, which results in random outcomes. At least one of the outcomes enables a secondary game. Indicia are selected and displayed in the secondary game. A player positions the indicia of the secondary game by operating controls. A pay out to the player is made based on the indicia and their positions selected by the player.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a top light is provided for a slot machine wherein the white light source and colored film is replaced by a red/green/blue light emitting diode (LED) source. The red, green, and blue components of the LED source are selectively controlled to produce any color and any effect (e.g., flashing) so as to generate any color code required in any jurisdiction without changing the top light for each jurisdiction.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a gaming machine includes a separate touch screen located in an area where buttons are typically located. The touch screen virtual buttons may be both configurable by the player and configurable by the gaming machine. In one embodiment, the touch screen is 3-dimensional in that areas for being touched by the player are raised to give the impression of a physical button. Each raised portion may give tactile feedback to the player when pressed.

Abstract: A system of linked gaming machines is disclosed herein. Upon a certain triggering event occurring, eligible gaming machines simultaneously receive a signal for initiating a free game bonus round. The player awarded the most credits or points from the play of the free games is awarded a special jackpot. The possibility of the free game bonus round occurring at any time provides incentive for players to keep playing the linked gaming machines. A free game pot, used to fund the free games, is accumulated from a percentage of wagers, where the percentage is dynamically changed based on the level of the free game pot.

Abstract: In a virtual spinning reels type video slot machine, one or more of the possible symbols are special symbols. Examples of special symbols are wild cards and multipliers. If the special symbol cannot be utilized in the current game to grant an award to the player, the special symbol is carried over into the next game. When the player spins the reels for the next game, the special symbol(s) moves (e.g., randomly) to any position in the array as the reels appear to spin. When the reels stop, the special symbol(s) carried over from the previous game is applied to the current game to grant an award to the player. In another embodiment, special symbols are not extinguished after they are used, but may continue for any selected number of games.