Abstract: An electronic gaming machine (EGM) that uses a feature symbol set and plurality of reel sets, where each feature symbol defines an inactive feature symbol and an activated feature symbol, and where each reel set includes reels that use an activated feature symbol. The EGM identifies a selected reel set that includes an activated feature symbol and initiates a spin. The EGM cause first and second reels to stop spinning and, in response to determining that at least one first activated symbol appears on each of the first and second reels, triggers a feature causing one or more overlay symbols with prize identifiers to be overlaid onto a play area. The EGM stop the spinning of the other reels, evaluates an outcome of the spin that includes at least one overlay symbol with an associated prize identifier, and awards a prize indicated by the prize identifier based on the evaluation.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a display for displaying a game including game symbols arranged into an array of game positions. A game controller controls the display of randomly selected game symbols on the display in an array of game positions, preferably arranged into reels. One or more bonus positions are also displayed above the reels, the bonus positions each being associated with a reel. The bonus positions each display a bonus symbol associated with a game enhancing element, such as a credit prize, multiplier, free games or a jackpot. When a special symbol is displayed in each game position of a reel, the controller must award the game enhancing element associated with the bonus symbol displayed in the bonus position associated with the reel. A method is also provided.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed in relation to an event-driven distributed networked jackpot architecture. An example apparatus includes a transaction aggregator to monitor transactions with respect to a user device and a transaction engine regarding content provided to the user device; and transaction services to process the transactions from the transaction aggregator to at least: determine occurrence of an event with respect to the user device based on an evaluation of the transactions; when the event is determined to occur, trigger a notification of the event to the user device; and update a record based on the processing of the transactions.

Abstract: There is provided a gaming system, gaming machine, and method that utilize an electronic display device configured to display a plurality of reels, an array, and a source of wild symbols external to the array. The reels bear a plurality of symbols including standard symbols and value-bearing symbols. The reels are spun and stopped to land symbols from the plurality of symbols in the array. The source may dispense wild symbols that randomly transform a subset of the landed symbols into wilds. In response one or more value-bearing symbols being transformed into wild value-bearing symbols and contributing to a standard winning combination, the player is awarded a first award for the winning combination and a second award based on values borne by the contributing wild value-bearing symbols.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for enhancing or otherwise modifying gaming indicia sources, such as slot game reels sourcing slot games, poker decks sourcing poker hands, etc. Slot game embodiments involve replacing or modifying symbols with new or transformed symbols on a slot game event basis, such as on a spin-by-spin basis. Multiple sets of different symbol replacement instructions may be provided, such that selection of one of the sets will cause different modifications to the slot reels than had another set been selected. Embodiments enable such selection and reel variation on a spin-by-spin basis in slot games.

Abstract: A gaming device includes a display, a processor, and a memory storing a plurality of sets of reel strips which include configurable and non-configurable symbols. A free game series is initiated responsive to a trigger condition being met in a base game. A player selects from among a plurality of options defining a number of free games and a threshold number of configurable symbols that sets an additional feature trigger condition. The options are arranged such that for relatively more free games, the threshold number of configurable symbols increases. When the additional feature trigger condition is met, a plurality of additional feature game instances are initiated. The configurable symbols are held in place for feature game instances.

Abstract: Systems and methods of gaming are disclosed herein. An example method includes receiving a credit wager to initiate play of a base game. The method also includes designating a first symbol display position on the display, selecting a first symbol from a symbol set for display at the first symbol display position, evaluating whether the first symbol is an award symbol, and controlling the display to display a secondary game in response to a determination that the first symbol is an award symbol.

Abstract: Systems and methods which employ one or more triggering events that occur in association with an expansion of a displayed portion of a symbol display position matrix and an activation of one or more features associated with one or more elements of the expanded symbol display position matrix.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes an input device and a processor coupled to the input device. The input device is configured to receive a game play event from a player. The processor is programmed to determine whether a jackpot trigger condition is satisfied based at least in part on the game play event. The jackpot trigger condition includes a target quantity of games played, a target set of game tokens, a target pattern of game symbols, and/or a target pattern of game play outcomes. The processor is further programmed to award a jackpot credit to one or more players when the jackpot trigger condition is satisfied.

Abstract: A multi-game package environment for a gaming device includes at least a first and second game. The first game is eligible to trigger a payout of one or more first progressive feature prizes associated with the first game and ineligible to trigger a payout of one or more second progressive feature prizes associated with the second game. A first set of random-based game outcomes are generated for a round of play of the first game to randomly determine a bulk progressive feature prize update operation across at least one progressive feature prize of each of the games in the multi-game package. A second set of random-based game outcomes is generated to randomly determine whether one of the one or more first progressive feature prizes in the first game is triggered. Concurrently, an amount by which to update a visual meter associated with each updated progressive feature prize may be determined.

Abstract: A gaming machine comprising a display device and game-logic circuitry that initiates a cycle counter and links a multiplier value to a symbol position. The display device selectively populates the symbol position with a value-bearing symbol including award indicia indicating an award value, updates the award indicia at least partially as a function of the award value and the multiplier value and locks, in response to the symbol position being populated by the value-bearing symbol, the value-bearing symbol within the symbol position and updates the award indicia based on the award value and the multiplier value, updates the cycle counter and the multiplier value in response to the symbol position remaining unpopulated, presents multiplier indicia associated with the updated multiplier value, and presents an award at least partially as a function of an award value indicated by award indicia of any locked value-bearing symbols within a plurality of symbol positions.

Abstract: Described herein is a gaming machine and, a method of gaming thereon, comprising: a symbol selector for selecting a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols during play of a game, the set of symbols including a plurality of function symbols; a display having at least a game area, the selected symbols being displayed in said game area; an outcome evaluator for determining that at least one predefined triggering criterion is satisfied; and a game area expander for expanding said game area in response to said at least one predefined triggering criterion being satisfied, such that at least one additional symbol of the set of symbols is displayed in an expanded game area.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a display, a timer and computing hardware configured to execute a software product. Execution of the software product results in generating and rendering a graphical user interface on the display with four or more user-selectable graphical objects. Selection of a first user-selectable graphical object at a first spatial position on the graphical user interface and a movement of the selected first user-selectable graphical object along a path towards a second user-selectable graphical object at a second spatial position is detected and a position of the first user-selectable graphical object is exchanged with the position of the second user-selectable graphical object. If, during a predetermined time period, a selection of a third user-selectable graphical object and a movement of the third user-selectable graphical object towards a fourth user-selectable graphical object is detected, the positions of the third and fourth objects is exchanged.

Abstract: A gaming machine comprises game-logic circuitry and a display device that presents a plurality of symbol positions and modifier positions. The game-logic circuitry causes the display device to present (i) a modifier outcome by populating one or more modifier positions with modifier symbols, and (ii) an animation of one or more symbol positions being populated with value-bearing symbols having award indicia in response to the modifier outcome including a first modifier symbol at a first modifier position. The game-logic circuitry increases, for a preexisting value-bearing symbol prior to the modifier outcome, the award value of the preexisting value-bearing symbol, wherein the display device presents an updated award indicia based on the increased award value, removes, in response to a termination condition, any locked value-bearing symbols from the symbol positions, and provides an aggregated award as a function of the award values of the locked value-bearing symbols occupying the symbol positions.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a processor and a presentation device coupled to the processor. The processor is programmed to determine that a free play trigger condition is satisfied, and to execute one or more free plays based on the free play trigger condition to create one or more free play outcomes. Each free play outcome is a winning free play outcome or a non-winning free play outcome. The presentation device is configured to present winning free play outcomes when at least one free play outcome is a winning free play outcome. Non-winning free play outcomes are not presented.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for electronic gaming are disclosed. In a first aspect, a method of electronic gaming includes selecting a plurality of primary game symbols, displaying the plurality of primary game symbols, initiating, based upon the plurality of primary game symbols, a secondary game, displaying a trigger symbol in association with the secondary game, displaying a trigger symbol action associated with the trigger symbol, selecting a plurality of secondary game symbols in association with the secondary game (where one of the secondary game symbols comprising the trigger symbol), displaying the plurality of secondary game symbols, and performing the trigger symbol action based upon the trigger symbol.

Abstract: A method of gaming comprising: selecting, in each whole reel symbol game round, symbols for display to a player in a set of display positions, subsets of the display positions corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of reels set side by side, by: selecting a whole reel symbol from a whole reel symbol set for at least one of the reels, such that the whole reel symbol is at all display positions of the at least one reel, and, selecting symbols for each of the other reels from respective ones of a plurality of reel symbol sets, each reel symbol set comprised of a plurality of different symbols; and determining an outcome for each game round based on the selected symbols.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to gaming systems that are capable of providing improved game functionality using locking links and a lock function that can be automatically performed in an electronic game during game play. The locking links and a lock function can increase player engagement and can lead to increased play of the gaming machine.

Abstract: A gaming machine, such as a video slot or video poker machine, may be configured to execute an interface. The gaming machine may be configured to receive, a plurality of times, player input to play a first wagering game on the gaming machine. The gaming machine may be further configured to generate, each time the player input is received, game results for the first wagering game. The gaming machine may also be configured to generate game results for a second wagering game. The gaming machine may also be configured to present an animation of the wagering agent engaging in wagering activities.

Abstract: A video slot machine has M reels, each displaying N symbols when stopped. Above the display of the reels is a set of generally valuable replacement symbols that have been independently selected at random independent from the reel display. Each reel is associated with a particular replacement symbol in the set. If a special symbol is displayed on a reel, the replacement symbol associated with that reel substitutes for the special symbol when determining the award. Examples of the replacement symbols include wild symbols, bonus symbols, and multiplier symbols. After each game, the replacement symbols are shifted, and used replacement symbols are randomly replaced to vary the possibilities for each game. The player is incentivized to play longer due to the possibility of using valuable replacement symbols in the symbol array and the possibility of very high awards being granted by multiple special symbols being displayed.

Abstract: A bonus device and method are set forth for gaming machines. The bonus device is configured as a two dimensional display or three dimensional object, such as a sphere, box, or football shape, which can be controlled to rotate, spin or move to display a bonus. The bonus device is embedded with display technology that allows the bonus amounts, to change upon certain conditions in the base game such as an increased number of credits wagered, combinations achieved in the base game, or other random occurrences.

Abstract: An electronic method of gaming in a gaming system comprises receiving a selection of one of a plurality game options; forming, based on the selected game option, a set of symbols to be used in the generation of at least one game outcome generating a game outcome with the game controller by selecting subsets of the symbols of the respective reels of the formed set of symbols for display on a display of the gaming system in a plurality of columns of symbol display positions with which the respective reels are associated; and making an award upon the symbols displayed at the symbol display positions in the game outcome including a winning combination of symbols.

Abstract: An electronic gaming machine is provided, including a player interface, a meter, a game display, and a game controller. The player interface is configured to receive a wager for a round of the wagering game. The meter is configured to record a wager amount for the round. The game display is configured to display a matrix of symbols. The game controller is coupled to the meter and the game display. The game controller is configured to conduct the round of the wagering game, including selecting the matrix of symbols. The game controller is further configured to detect a trigger symbol among the matrix of symbols. The trigger symbol corresponds to a multiplier feature. The game controller is further configured to award a multiple of the wager amount according to the multiplier feature.

Abstract: A method of executing a competitive event using playing cards and a random symbol selector by providing a single random playing card face-down at each three distinct areas. A player identifying a single card position selected as a position having a playing card of the highest rank by the player by indicating a single symbol. A random symbol indicator identifying a random only one of the symbols as a random outcome and turning the single face-down playing card. Comparing ranks of all face-up playing cards on the gaming table and determining if the identified single card position has a highest rank among all face-up playing cards and identifying the player that identified the single playing card position as having a winning outcome in the competitive event. Wagers may also be placed on the selection.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing ultraviolet (UV) sterilization, disinfection and decontamination of electronic gaming machines (EGMs), gaming chips, dice, playing cards, currency, TITO tickets, etc. The ultraviolet sterilization, disinfection and decontamination may include a singular or plurality of UV lamps of any type or style or UV LEDs or RGB-UV LEDs or any type or style of UV LEDs of at least such wavelengths to be effective in at least partially reducing or eliminating viruses or the like. The UV sources are mounted on, in or proximate to a variety of gaming devices or equipment such as EGMs, mechanical gaming machines, chip trays, chippers, dice holders, automatic card shufflers, bill validators, currency counting devices, currency dispensing devices, printers, magnetic card readers, playing card and currency sterilization, disinfection or decontamination storage mechanisms, ATMs, redemption machines, promotional kiosks, etc., or similar devices used in other industries.

Abstract: An electronic gaming machine may include a plurality of mechanical reels, each of which may include a plurality of symbols. The electronic gaming machine may also include a processor configured execute instructions stored on a memory. When the processor executes the instructions, the processor may control a first mechanical reel of the plurality of mechanical reels to spin and stop on a first stop position relative to a centerline, such that the first mechanical reel displays a first plurality of active symbols. In addition, the processor may execute the instructions to control a second mechanical reel of the plurality of mechanical reels to spin and stop on a second stop position relative to the centerline. In at least one embodiment, the second stop position may be vertically offset from the first stop position, such that the second mechanical reel displays a second plurality of active symbols greater than the first plurality of active symbols displayed by the first mechanical reel.

Abstract: An electronic gaming system comprising a display, and a game controller that includes a processor and a memory device storing instructions to select and display a plurality of symbols in a respective plurality of display positions in a display area for each implemented game. The processor also adds a wild marker to each display position that includes a special symbol, each wild marker remaining persistent for subsequent games until a random trigger condition occurs. When a random trigger condition occurs, the processor adds a wild symbol to each display position that includes a wild marker, evaluates a game outcome based on the selected and displayed symbols inclusive of all added wild symbols, and awards a win amount if the outcome corresponds to a winning outcome.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a gaming device that has a video display. When the player initiates the game, an animation is shown. If the game had a losing outcome, the animation is very short and allows the player to quickly try for a win. If instead the game has a winning outcome the gaming device spins reels or otherwise shows the player how much he or she has one. The animation may also indicate progress toward a mystery jackpot or a group mystery jackpot.

Abstract: Methods and systems to identify options of secondary client devices for a device handover of game play include establishing a session of game play of a game for a primary client device by executing the game on a server and streaming video frames to the primary client device. A profile is generated for each secondary client device that is identified to be local to the primary client device. A handover option is provided to the primary client device during game play, identifying one or more of the secondary client devices, based on the profile. A selection of a secondary client device from the handover option causes pausing of the streaming of video frames to the primary client device, accessing the game state for the game, and resuming game play using the secondary client device.

Abstract: Systems and methods that utilize connecting symbols accumulated in association with one or more game outcomes to activate one or more features.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to allow the viewing of an item from several virtual positions for evaluation and potential purchase. The information, including photographs, about the item is made available using the Internet.

Abstract: A credit-substitution symbol mechanic for a gaming device is described. The credit-substitution symbol mechanic randomly triggers an add-substitution symbol feature in a game instance with an initial reel area and randomly determines an expanded reel size for a plurality of reels to be displayed in an expanded reel area. The credit-substitution symbol mechanic randomly determines a substitution symbol to be added to a first reel of the plurality of reels and randomly determines the substitution symbol is a credit-substitution symbol. The credit-substitution symbol mechanic determines that the credit-substitution symbol is part of a payline. The credit-substitution symbol mechanic performs a first payout for the payline that pays out a payline award and performs a second payout for the payline that pays out a credit value of the credit-substitution symbol.

Abstract: An electronic gaming machine includes a processor configured to control a display device to display a matrix of award symbol display positions, in which at least some of the award symbol display positions include an award symbol. The processor is also configured to control the display device to display at least one selection indicium within the matrix, determine a starting award symbol display position and an ending award symbol display position within the matrix, randomly determine a path between the starting award symbol display position and the ending award symbol display position, control the display device to display the at least one selection indicium traversing the randomly determined path between the starting award symbol display position and the ending award symbol display position, and in response to the at least one selection indicium stopping on the ending award symbol display position, provide an award associated with the ending award symbol display position to a player.

Abstract: An electronic gaming machine includes a game controller configured to (a) determine, during a base game, that a feature game trigger condition is satisfied; (b) activate a feature game within the base game; (c) display, a feature game play area associated with the feature game, the feature game play area including a plurality of zone patterns overlaid on the symbol display positions; (d) convert the symbol display positions into independent feature game reels; (e) generate a first game outcome by (i) holding a first set of feature game reels displaying the prize symbols while (ii) selecting and displaying a symbol for a second set of feature game reels; (f) determine that at least one zone pattern is complete with prize symbols; (g) apply a zone multiplier associated with the zone pattern to credit values within the zone pattern; and (h) award the incremented credit values to the player.

Abstract: Embodiments of this concept are direct to a game that includes a combination of an entertainment game and a gambling game. This game combination provides an entertainment game that retains the playability and fun of a skill game or other non-traditional gambling game while allowing for wagers to still be placed and awards won. In some embodiments, the wager-based gambling game is tied directly into the entertainment game, which provides additional entertainment and excitement. Other embodiments separate some of the aspects of the gambling game from the entertainment game to retain the feel of well known gaming devices while still providing an entertainment game to the player.

Abstract: An anamorphic display device is provided. The anamorphic device includes a secondary display configured to be detachably coupled to a computing device including a primary display; and a non-transitory device operatively coupled to the primary and secondary displays and having instructions thereon that are configured, when executed, to render an anamorphic image on at least one of the primary and secondary displays so as to create, in combination, a three-dimensional effect from a point of view facing the primary and secondary displays.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for identifying positions of card hands that will be accorded some heightened value or enrichment on a future hand(s) of the game. In one embodiment, a player of a poker game may be notified in connection with a current hand that some preset progress or other partial progress is made towards a potentially favorable result, where that progress is made known to the player so that the player knows it is coming on a subsequent poker game.

Abstract: A gaming device in accordance with some implementations includes a housing, a reel-spin initiation member, and a reel configured to spin in response to a user actuation of the reel-spin initiation member, the reel including a peripheral member having a plurality of symbols thereon and an array of light-emitting elements coupled to the reel. The gaming device also includes a controller coupled to the array of light-emitting elements and configured to selectively illuminate respective light-emitting elements of the array of light-emitting elements while the reel is rotating to produce an animated visual element.

Abstract: A gaming system includes at least one input device adapted to receive a physical item associated with a monetary value that establishes a credit balance, an input indicative of a wager drawn on the credit balance for a wagering game, and a cashout input that initiates a payout from the credit balance. In response to a wager input, a wagering game is initiated that includes the spinning and stopping of a set of bonus reels through a plurality of bonus spins populating a bonus array with bonus symbols. The bonus reels comprise a combination of symbols reducing display processing requirements and improve mapping random numbers to displayed symbols for display during bonus spins having reduced durations. When completed, an award is determined based according to values associated with less than all of the bonus symbols displayed in a bonus outcome array.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes an illustrative method that includes initiating a first play of a game, where the game includes an array of cells; rendering a first distribution of symbols in the array of cells, where each cell in the array of cells includes a discrete symbol in the first distribution of symbols; determining that the first distribution of symbols qualifies for a symbol upgrade, where the set of symbols include a first symbol type; identifying each symbol in the first distribution of symbols that includes the first symbol type; and automatically performing the symbol upgrade, where each symbol in the set of symbols as well as at least one additional symbol not in the set of symbols are upgraded from the first symbol type to a second symbol type.

Abstract: An electronic gaming machine includes a processor configured to control a display device to display a matrix of game positions, initiate a plurality of games, and control the display device to display each game of the plurality of games in an associated game position of the matrix of game positions. The processor is also configured to determine an outcome of each game, where each outcome is a qualifying outcome or a non-qualifying outcome, as well as to evaluate the matrix of game positions to determine whether a qualifying pattern is formed in the matrix by at least two qualifying outcomes. In response to the qualifying pattern being formed, the processor is also configured to provide an award to a player of the electronic gaming machine. Each outcome may be individually evaluated to provide one or more additional awards to the player as well.

Abstract: A gaming machine is described herein. The gaming machine includes a control unit programmed to display a primary game screen including a plurality of virtual reels, receive a signal indicating a wager being placed on the primary game, and initiate a bonus feature selection game by displaying a bonus feature selection game screen including a plurality of bonus features. The processor receives a signal indicating one or more wagers being placed on the bonus feature game by the player, and responsive to each wager, randomly selects a bonus feature from the plurality of bonus features and modifies a bonus feature image to indicate a number of times the corresponding bonus feature has been randomly selected. The processor receives a signal to terminate the bonus feature game and initiates an instance of the primary game using the selected bonus features.

Abstract: A gaming machine provides a spinning reel game having a base game, from which a hold and spin game is triggered when a determined quantity of configurable symbols are displayed in a base game outcome. When the feature game is triggered, volatility options are presented to the player. After receiving a volatility selection that specifies a first control factor for a hold and spin game, the gaming machine conducts the hold and spin game per the specified first control factor while using at least another control factor to maintain a same return-to-player across the volatility options.

Abstract: A gaming device comprises a display, a processor, and a memory storing (i) a plurality of symbol position states, each defining a number of active symbol positions in each of a plurality of columns of symbol positions. Also stored in memory is data defining a plurality of sets of reel strips including a first set of reels strips, wherein each reel strip of the first set has a first stack length defining a number of consecutive reel strip positions containing the same symbol, and a second set of reel strips, wherein each reel strip of the second set of reel strips has a second stack length shorter than the first stack length. In at least a first game instance, the processor selects symbols from the first set of reel strips for display in the plurality of columns of symbol positions of the first symbol state.

Abstract: A wagering game system configured to perform operations to transmit to a mobile device, via a wireless communication device of the gaming system, an offer for presentation via the mobile device in response to detecting that the mobile device is located at a casino. The offer is associated with a wagering game machine within the casino. The operations can further include detecting, via an electronic tracking device associated with the wagering game machine, an electronic identifier provided from the mobile device. For instance, the mobile device can provide the electronic identifier to the wagering game machine. The operations can further include associating, via an electronic processing unit of the gaming system, the offer with the wagering game machine in response to detecting the electronic identifier.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of offering a pooled progressive jackpot in a play-by-play wagering network in which groups of users have a portion of their losses assigned to a progressive jackpot. One or more plays in a live sporting event have the progressive jackpot assigned to one or more wagers. When a user wins the wager that the progressive jackpot has been randomly assigned to, and the wager and user meet the eligibility requirements, the progressive jackpot is awarded.

Abstract: An electronic gaming device comprises a credit input device; a display; an input device operable to receive player input and a processor. The display displays a plurality of symbols selected for display, and one or both of a first trigger symbol and a second trigger symbol as part of the plurality of symbols selected for display. After displaying one or both of the first trigger symbol and the second trigger symbol, the processor animates collecting one or both of the first trigger symbol and the second trigger symbol. After displaying both of the first trigger symbol and the second trigger symbol are collected, the processor initiates a first composite feature game incorporating at least one characteristic of each of a first feature game and a second feature game.

Abstract: A described gaming system implements an arrangement wherein, as part of a first base game instance, a gaming device is caused to include, at a first symbol position of a symbol array to be implemented by a gaming device, a first Wild symbol at a first symbol position on a reel of a plurality of reels; and, as part of a second base game instance following the first game instance, a modification of the reel of the plurality of reels is performed to move the first Wild symbol into a second symbol position different than the first symbol position.

Abstract: A gaming system includes electronic components that implement a value-aggregation procedure for displaying, combining, and awarding credit values in a reel-spinning venue.

Abstract: Certain embodiments involve a system comprising at least one processor; and a memory storing instructions which when executed by the at least one processor cause the at least one processor to: cause a first symbol array to be selected and displayed on at least one display in a display area, the first symbol array including a plurality of selected symbols from each reel of a plurality of reels at respective symbol locations of the display area; add at least one first Wild symbol to the display; cause a second symbol array to be selected and displayed on the at least one display in the display area, the second symbol array including a plurality of selected symbols from each reel at the respective symbol locations of the display area; add at least one second Wild symbol to the display; and move the at least one first Wild symbol relative to the display area.