Abstract: A video poker game using a traditional deck of fifty-two cards plus a Joker card with randomly generated diamond-shaped indicia. In the base game, the appearance of diamond-shaped indicia initiates a free games bonus event. In the bonus event, the appearance of diamond-shaped indicia affects the value of winning poker hands achieved during the free games.

Abstract: The present invention teaches novel methods for simultaneous indication of winning combinations in the symbol matrix. More specifically, the present invention simultaneously indicates all winning combinations formed by symbols appearing in symbol positions common to multiple pay lines. In a preferred embodiment, symbol positions common to multiple pay lines that display winning symbol combinations are simultaneously indicated to the player in a first manner. In addition, the remaining symbol positions for each of said multiple pay lines are simultaneously indicated in a second manner.

Abstract: The present invention defines connected pay lines in a symbol matrix by using combinations of connected symbol positions in a symbol matrix. The term “connected symbol positions” refers to symbol positions that are adjacent to each other in the symbol matrix; the term “connected pay lines” refers to a pay line comprised of connected symbol positions.

Abstract: The present invention replicates a symbol into one or more other symbol positions of the symbol matrix in accordance with the replication properties of the location in which said symbol appears in the symbol matrix. A preferred embodiment of the present invention (“Replicating Wilds”) uses a symbol matrix formed by three rows and five columns in which the middle position of the third column possesses replication properties for the wildcard symbol such that a wildcard symbol replicates itself into all adjacent symbol positions.

Abstract: The present invention includes a variety of methods to calculate symbol award values based upon the location of one or more predetermined symbols in the symbol matrix. In a preferred embodiment, the award value for a symbol varies according to the row in which said symbol appears. In another embodiment, the award value for symbols varies according to the relative locations of said symbols to each other in the symbol matrix.