Abstract: A method for playing a wagering game includes receiving wager inputs from a player for a wagering game. A randomly-selected outcome is selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to receiving the wager inputs. The selecting of the randomly-selected outcome is determined in accordance with a gaming math feature. A data set representing a game-play characteristic is stored before discontinuing game-play in a gaming session. In response to the player continuing the wagering game in a subsequent gaming session, the data set is accessed. The gaming math feature for the wagering game in the subsequent gaming session is altered based on the game-play characteristic.

Abstract: A wagering game system is provided and includes a plurality of gaming terminals, each gaming terminal communicating with a gaming control system configured to conduct a basic wagering game and a group game. The gaming control system is configured to assign at least a portion an award or a wager associated with a gaming terminal to the group game. In the group game, each player's assignment is applied to perform a collecting or building of an object or objects in the group game. Upon satisfaction of a predetermined realization event in the basic wagering game or the group game, an award is awarded for a selected group of objects in the group game at a time of the predetermined realization event.

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: 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 wagering game system includes a service for conducting a group-wagering game for a group of players under the control of a gaming control system and a plurality of gaming terminals, each gaming terminal connected to the service and being configured to conduct a group-wagering game in combination with the service. The gaming control system is configured to permit a player in the group of players to unilaterally alter a membership of the group of players.

Abstract: A method of playing a wagering game having a plurality of players playing at a plurality of gaming terminals, the wagering game including a basic game and a bonus game. The method includes the steps of conducting the basic game at a first gaming terminal, fulfilling a bonus game entry event at the first gaming terminal and satisfying, at the first gaming terminal during a bonus game, a bonus prize unlocking event to unlock a bonus prize. The method also includes satisfying, at any of the plurality of gaming terminals, a bonus prize win event subsequent to the bonus prize unlocking event to win a bonus prize and awarding bonus prize to a player satisfying the bonus prize win event.

Abstract: A wagering game system includes a service for conducting a group-wagering game for a group of players under the control of a gaming control system and a plurality of gaming terminals, each gaming terminal connected to the service and being configured to conduct a group-wagering game in combination with the service. The gaming control system is configured to permit a player in the group of players to unilaterally alter a membership of the group of players.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to wagering games and, more particularly, to a gaming machine which determines game outcomes with a mechanical selector mechanism. Wagering games with game outcomes produced by a mechanical mechanism have not been widely accepted. Mechanical gaming machines are susceptible to bias from both inherent manufacturing defects and wear related degradation. Because gaming machines must meet regulatory required payback percentages, deviation from random operation may jeopardize the gaming machine's license. To overcome bias that may cause operation of the gaming machine outside its regulatory approved technical specifications, a feedback control loop can be implemented in the gaming machine to detect and correct bias as it occurs.

Abstract: A wagering game system includes a service for conducting a group-wagering game for a group of players under the control of a gaming control system and a plurality of gaming terminals, each gaming terminal connected to the service and being configured to conduct a group-wagering game in combination with the service. The gaming control system is configured to permit a player in the group of players to unilaterally alter a membership of the group of players.

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 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: The present invention is directed to a gaming terminal and a method of playing a wagering game. The wagering game may include a basic game and a bonus game that includes selectable objects. The objects can be selected by a player or by a computer. Each of the selectable objects is associated with a bonus award. During game play, a player or computer selects objects until a predetermined number of selections occurs or a stop-selection feature occurs. After selection ends, the bonus awards associated with the selected objects are displayed. Subsequently, the awards associated with the non-selected objects may be revealed. At this time, instead of the game ending, at least one of the awards associated with the selected objects is altered, producing an adjusted bonus award for that selection. The player receives an overall bonus award that is based on the adjusted bonus awards.

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 during a bonus feature. In each free spin, the reels are rotated and stopped to place the symbols on the reels in visual association with a display area. In response to a random event, at least one symbol may change its function and maintain that function for a plurality of the successive free spins. For example, the symbol may become a wild symbol or a scatter pay symbol. Payouts for the free spins are awarded according to a pay table.

Abstract: A gaming machine with interactive pop-up windows providing enhanced game play schemes, including side-bet schemes, is described herein. Placing a side-bet utilizing interactive pop-up windows enables the player to make an additional wager to “purchase” one of any number of game enhancements, or to “side-bet” that the game outcome will include a particular symbol or symbol combination, depending on the side-bet scheme enabled for a particular gaming machine. In an embodiment, the player has an option to select one or more side-bet(s) via a pop-up window(s) prior to game play initiation. In another embodiment, the player has an option to select one or more side-bet(s) via a pop-up window(s) after a partial game outcome is displayed.

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 is disclosed. The wagering game includes winning symbol combinations that provide respective awards when arranged according to one or more predefined arrangements. After a player makes a wager, a plurality of symbol-bearing reels are rotated and stopped to place symbols on the reels in a symbol array. If the symbol array includes an activation symbol in a predefined location within the symbol array, the game activates an additional arrangement distinct from the predefined arrangements. The additional arrangement may, for example, be a scatter pay or a right-to-left pay along an active pay line. The game provides an award if the additional arrangement includes one of the winning symbol combinations.

Abstract: A gaming machine with an improved game display is disclosed. Polyhedral reel strips are used in a gaming machine to present game outcomes in configurations previously not practicable. In addition, the polyhedral reels provide a game display that is more easily readable than can be obtained from the traditional mechanical circular reel.

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 is disclosed. The wagering game includes winning symbol combinations that provide respective awards when arranged according to one or more predefined arrangements. After a player makes a wager, a plurality of symbol-bearing reels are rotated and stopped to place symbols on the reels in a symbol array. If the symbol array includes an activation symbol in a predefined location within the symbol array, the game activates an additional arrangement distinct from the predefined arrangements. The additional arrangement may, for example, be a scatter pay or a right-to-left pay along an active pay line. The game provides an award if the additional arrangement includes one of the winning symbol combinations.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes interactive pop-up windows that provide a player with an opportunity to configure or view different aspects of a wagering game. For example, the windows may allow the player to make side bets on a selected symbol, modify the appearance or function of a selected symbol, view a pay history for a selected symbol, and/or adjust a wager on an individual pay line in the case of a reel slot game.