Abstract: A method of operating a wagering game comprises detecting receipt of a primary wager for playing a primary wagering game, and activating a first bonus feature in response to one or more first eligibility criteria, the first bonus feature having a first bonus payback percentage. The method further comprises activating a second bonus feature in response to one or more second eligibility criteria, the one or more second eligibility criteria including activation of the first bonus feature. The second bonus feature has a second bonus payback percentage higher than the first bonus payback percentage. The method further comprises displaying a randomly selected outcome of the primary wagering game, and in response to at least one triggering event associated with the first and the second bonus features, conducting the first or second bonus feature if the first and second bonus feature is active.

Abstract: A method of conducting a wagering game having a scaled progressive award comprises receiving a first wager from a player, displaying a first play of a primary wagering game, and calculating an increment of the first wager in accordance with an increment rate. If the first wager is equal to a minimum wager, the increment is deposited into a first bin. If the first wager is greater than a minimum wager, a first portion of the increment is deposited into the first bin and a second portion of the increment is deposited into a second bin. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, a scaled progressive award is awarded, comprising a sum of a reset value, the first bin, and any additional bins for which the player qualifies.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for operating a gaming machine on a gaming network is disclosed. The gaming machine allows playing a wagering game and includes a storage device to store an instruction set for the wagering game. The wagering game includes a randomly selected outcome selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to receiving a wager input from a player. An interface is coupled to the storage device and is capable of communication with the network to receive at least a part of the instruction set for the wagering game from the network. The wagering game provides access to a community event over the network.

Abstract: A method of playing a poker game comprises receiving a primary wager to initiate game play and displaying a first card hand formed from a first group of cards. The method further comprises evaluating whether the first card hand is a winning hand payable according to a paytable. The method further comprises displaying a second card hand formed from a second group of cards, and if the second card hand satisfies a bonus award criteria, awarding a bonus award. In an embodiment, the first card hand comprises five cards and the second card hand comprises two cards.

Abstract: A method for conducting a wagering game on a gaming terminal comprises displaying a plurality of player-selectable elements that initially mask a value, at least one of the player-selectable elements comprises an end-game outcome having a variable value, and in response to a player selecting one of the player-selectable elements that is not the end-game outcome, revealing the value of the selected one of the player-selectable elements and decreasing the value of the end-game outcome.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, architectures, and methods provide a wagering game machine with instrumentality to enable a wagering game that may be automatically generated from identification of an activation event.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system and method for conducting a wagering game on a plurality of gaming machines is disclosed. A first community event is triggered and two or more gaming machines from the plurality of gaming machines are selected to participate in the first community event. A second community event is triggered—prior to completion of the first community event—and at least one gaming machine is selected from the plurality of gaming machines to participate in the second community event. The at least one gaming machine being different from the two or more gaming machines selected to participate in the first community event. A substitute-community-event award is provided to the at least one gaming machine without playing the second community event.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing additional selections of predefined objects during a wagering game is disclosed. In one embodiment, at the onset of the game, a fixed number of selections and selectable objects is defined by the game and is presented to the player. Each selectable object has identifiable similarities or identical characteristics with at least one other object creating the potential of selecting matched sets. If a matched set is selected within the predetermined allowed number of selections, the matched set is removed from the selected group of objects. A number identical to the number of objects in the matched set is added to the available selections count. This method gives more control to the player and provides another element to the wagering game by adding the possibility of additional selections to the possibility of other awards.

Abstract: A gaming system having an input device for receiving a wager to play a wagering game including a trail-based game. A display for displaying the trail-based game is also included. The trail-based game includes a plurality of elements along a trail. Each of the plurality of elements has an associated award. In response to a player meeting a predetermined criterion, the player is awarded the associated award for all of the plurality of elements.

Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes both enhanced as well as new ways of winning a progressive jackpot. New ways of becoming eligible for a progressive jackpot are also disclosed. In some embodiments, the reset amount, startup value, and funding percentage may be selected as needed to improve player excitement and anticipation. Players may also customize various aspects of the progressive game upon payment of a fee.

Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a progressive jackpot awarded in response to a jackpot win event. The gaming system includes a first gaming machine linked to the progressive jackpot, the first gaming machine accepting a first wager. The gaming system further includes a second gaming machine linked to the progressive jackpot, the second gaming machine accepting a second wager that is greater than the first wager. A first player making the first wager at the first gaming machine is awarded the progressive jackpot if the jackpot win event is associated with the first gaming machine. A second player making the second wager at the second gaming machine is awarded the progressive jackpot plus an expected value equalizing award if the jackpot win event is associated with the second gaming machine.

Abstract: A method for playing a wagering game allows an opportunity to achieve a progressive award. A wager input is received from a player for playing the wagering game. A triggered progressive game includes player-selectable elements, each of the player-selectable elements being capable of association with a progressive-winning outcome. An outcome is assigned to each of the player-selectable elements, wherein a probability that the outcome is a progressive-winning outcome depends upon an amount of the wager input. The player-selectable elements are displayed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method of conducting a wagering game is disclosed. The method comprises revealing a plurality of symbol-bearing objects to form a plurality of user-playable hands. At least one hand from the plurality of user-playable hands is discarded, via player selection. A first plurality of community symbol-bearing objects is revealed. The plurality of community symbol-bearing objects is capable of being combined with one or more of the non-discarded plurality of user-playable hands to form an individual best hand.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gaming terminal and a method of playing at the gaming terminal. The gaming terminal has a basic wagering game and a bonus game. The bonus game simulates the building of a world and provides bonus awards based on an accumulation of assets by the simulated world. In response to a player terminating a gaming session, the accumulated assets are selectively stored by the player in a memory device and can be used in subsequent gaming sessions. Additionally, the player can choose to save the status of the gaming session and return at a later time to the same status as the first gaming session.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method of conducting a wagering game is disclosed. The method comprises revealing a plurality of symbol-bearing objects to form a plurality of user-playable hands. At least one hand from the plurality of user-playable hands is discarded, via player selection. A first plurality of community symbol-bearing objects is revealed. The plurality of community symbol-bearing objects is capable of being combined with one or more of the non-discarded plurality of user-playable hands to form an individual best hand.

Abstract: A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a value input device adapted to receive an input value corresponding to a wager to enable the play of a wagering game. A display is configured to display a randomly determined outcome and a controller is operative to accept a redemption of wagering insurance in association with the randomly determined outcome prior to a reveal of the randomly determined outcome and is operative to alter at least one aspect of the wagering game consistent with a condition defined by the wagering insurance.

Abstract: A gaming terminal is utilized for playing a wagering game. The gaming terminal includes a wager-input device and a display for displaying the wagering game. The wagering game includes a randomly-selected outcome selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to a wager input received via the wager-input device. The plurality of outcomes include at least one outcome that awards standard credits and bonus tokens. A credit output device outputs a value of the standard credits and the bonus tokens in response to achieving the at least one outcome. The bonus tokens are exchangeable for a special event on a second gaming terminal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting a wagering game are disclosed. A value input device receives a wager from a player to play the wagering game. A processor is operative to define a plurality of possible destinations; define a plurality of possible different movement patterns for moving the objects to the destinations; and for a given one of the objects, assign probabilities to the respective possible movement patterns and select one of the possible movement patterns based on the assigned probabilities. A display depicts the object going to a selected one of the destinations in accordance with the assigned movement pattern. The assigned probabilities for the given object may, for example, depend upon the destination that is selected.

Abstract: A method and gaming terminal for playing a wagering game. The method includes conducting the wagering game at a gaming terminal. A plurality of player-selectable game elements are displayed, such that the game elements are divided into a plurality of types. A player selects at least one of the game elements and a predetermined award amount is then revealed. If the player selects an award-all-of-type element, then all of the game elements associated with that particular type are revealed. The player then receives a wagering game payoff based on the selection.

Abstract: A chance game feature for a gaming machine is controlled by a processor in response to a wager. The feature comprises a matrix, a plurality of moving targets, and an object. The matrix defines an entrance end, an exit end, and a plurality of paths extending between the entrance end and the exit end. The moving targets are proximate the exit end. The object traverses one of the paths and is received by one of the targets. The receiving target is randomly selected from among the plurality of targets prior to the object traversing the one of the paths. A position of the receiving target when the object reaches the exit end is calculated, and one of the paths that lead to the position of the receiving target is randomly selected. A payout is awarded based on the receiving target.