Abstract: An electronic gaming machine with a primary bill validator and a separate, auxiliary bill validator in case the primary bill validator either fails or performs less than optimally. The primary bill validator operates as the default bill validator to accept bills (e.g., paper currency and/or cashless ticket vouchers) to fund wagering activities of the EGM and the separate, auxiliary bill validator selectively operates to accept bills (e.g., paper currency and/or cashless ticket vouchers) to fund wagering activities of the EGM upon an occurrence of a bill validator switch event.

Abstract: A gaming device, which awards an initial award to a player, discloses to a player that a higher valued enticement award is available and selectable, and enables the player to selectively swap the initial award for an opportunity to select the enticement award. The game preferably discloses the value of the initial award and the enticement award. The game masks the enticement award in a pattern along with one or more masked consolation awards, the consolation awards having values less than the value of the initial award. The game reveals the awards using a secondary display having mechanical doors that open and close.

Abstract: The present invention provides various configurations of a cabinet of a gaming device. The cabinets have in combination a video monitor, a rotatable wheel and rotatable reel. In one embodiment, one or both of the rotatable wheel and reel are electromechanical. Each of the rotatable wheel and reel include an indicator for indicating one of a plurality of symbols or values that are displayed by the reel and wheel, respectively. The reel and wheel can also include one or more lights that highlight the displays at various times. One or both the reel and wheel can be tilted to aid the visibility of same.

Abstract: An illuminated display apparatus for use with a gaming device, where the display device includes a generally planar template with a plurality of sections having different sizes and shapes. The template is adapted to be illuminated by the gaming device. The sections define a plurality of apertures of differing shapes and sizes adapted to receive a plurality of removable and replaceable inserts. The plurality of inserts have corresponding differing shapes and sizes, wherein the inserts are adapted to removably engage the insert holders that have a similar shape and size.