Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating networked gaming devices to display a calendar image within a promotions display on a gaming machine. The method includes configuring a promotion at a configuration workstation coupled over a network to a plurality of gaming devices. Players are permitted to play one of the gaming devices with each of said gaming device having a touch screen display. A calendar graphic is displayed within the touch screen display having of a plurality of day boxes, with the promotion associated with and displayed within one of the day boxes. Information about the promotion is communicated to the player via the touch screen display associated with the gaming device. The method and apparatus accepts a communication from the player via the touch screen display indicative of a player selection of the promotion displayed in one of the day boxes, and implements the promotion responsive to the selection.

Abstract: A content manager feature includes global controls, e.g., volume and display contrast across the entire floor. The program shows prompts including configuring graphical screens with a system variable laid over the display such as player-preferred name. The content manager, the calendar, and anything else appearing on the touch screen are displayed with key pad, touch screen, or on the game screen with or without touch controls.

Abstract: A content manager feature includes global controls, e.g., volume and display contrast across the entire floor. The program shows prompts including configuring graphical screens with a system variable laid over the display such as player-preferred name. The content manager, the calendar, and anything else appearing on the touch screen are displayed with key pad, touch screen, or on the game screen with or without touch controls.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating networked gaming devices to display a calendar image within a promotions display on a gaming machine. The method includes configuring a promotion at a configuration workstation coupled over a network to a plurality of gaming devices. Players are permitted to play one of the gaming devices with each of said gaming device having a touch screen display. A calendar graphic is displayed within the touch screen display having of a plurality of day boxes, with the promotion associated with and displayed within one of the day boxes. Information about the promotion is communicated to the player via the touch screen display associated with the gaming device. The method and apparatus accepts a communication from the player via the touch screen display indicative of a player selection of the promotion displayed in one of the day boxes, and implements the promotion responsive to the selection.

Abstract: When a special symbol appears during play of the gaming machine game, the secondary game is initiated. At initiation, a bonus prize is determined by the secondary game microcontroller by consulting a bonus game paytable stored therein where each bonus prize corresponds to a bonus spot on the secondary game. A multi-ended pointer of the secondary game spins around the field of bonus spots and the player is prompted to select which end of the pointer is active. Upon selection of the end—e.g. blue or green—a microcontroller operating the spinner calculates the point at which the spinner will cease to spin so that the selected pointed end is pointing toward the selected bonus prize. The player is given the illusion that he or she controls which bonus prize is won since the green side of the pointer will point to a different bonus prize than the blue side.

Abstract: A video gaming device in which a first game having a first award structure is influenced by a second game having an award structure enhancement operatively coupled to the first game all of which are integrally found on a video display monitor.