Abstract: When a start condition of a payout variable game is fulfilled during a base game, depending on number of award-not-accompanied occurrence times of a specific symbol combination selected by a player at the beginning payout variable game to be executed a predetermined number of times at maximum, a number of credits to be paid out to an award-accompanied occurrence of the specific symbol combination during the payout variable game is varied depending on number of award-not-accompanied occurrence times of the specific symbol combination. Alternatively, a number of credits to be paid out at a termination of the payout variable game is varied depending on number of award-accompanied occurrence times of the specific symbol combination.

Abstract: A gaming machine comprises: a display device for displaying symbols variably and statically on a display screen; a contact input device to be operated; a storage device for storing winning combinations of symbols; and a processor being operable to: conduct another internal lottery to determine a combination of symbols to be displayed statically; determine whether the determined combination matches one of the predetermined winning combinations; provide a payout corresponding thereto when the statically displayed combination is determined to match the one; shift a game to a feature game when the statically displayed combination is determined to include a trigger symbol; urge a game player to operate the contact input device to trigger the internal lottery in the feature game; and provide a point to one of a plurality of feature levels in the feature game such that an accumulated points may reach a predetermined number of points.

Abstract: A scatter object symbol is randomly selected among plural symbols. The symbols are rearranged. A payout determined by a combination of the symbols rearranged on a payline is awarded. When a predetermined number or more of the scatter object symbols are rearranged, the scatter object symbol is set as a scatter symbol. It is notified contents of a payout determined on the basis of the scatter symbol and the corresponding payout is awarded.

Abstract: A gaming device having a bonus scheme wherein the success or failure of a current selection directly affects the player's chances for success in a later selection. The probabilities of success are related to the number of previous successful attempts by the player.

Abstract: A gaming device having wild indicator symbols associated with symbols displayed within a display device on a set of reels. The wild indicator symbols may also be associated with a card or plurality of cards within a display device. A processor determines whether the wild indicators will be associated with the symbols or cards and also determines if the wild indicators will be activated. If the wild indicators are activated, the processor transforms those symbols or cards associated with the wild indicators into wild symbols or wild cards.

Abstract: A wagering gaming device that enables a player to affect the movement of a functional element of a game by use of a user input device. More specifically, the present invention provides a processor controlled wagering gaming device that receives input from a user input device. The user manipulates the input device in the manner in which he wishes the functional element or to move. The processor receives the information from the input device and calculates parameters. The processor moves the functional element. This sequence or feature may be employed in a primary game, bonus game or in any stand alone game.

Abstract: A method of playing a slot machine game in which a player wagers upon one or more symbols and then collect awards for combinations of two or more symbols wagered upon appearing in adjacent to each other in the symbol matrix. The slot machine game may also provide a symbol repositioning feature in which one or more symbols are moved from their original positions to other positions in the symbol matrix.

Abstract: A central determination gaming system which provides a player a choice in outcomes. In one embodiment of the present invention, upon a player initiating a game play at one of a plurality of gaming terminals in communication with a central controller, the central controller selects a plurality of game outcomes from a pool of game outcomes. The selected game outcomes are communicated to the gaming terminal and the gaming terminal provides one of the selected game outcomes to the player based on at least one choice made by the player regarding the game play. The provided game outcome is prevented from further selections from the pool of game outcomes.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes: a display; an operation unit that allows a player to input operations; a controller that performs game process for providing a game to the player by displaying a progress of the game on the display in accordance with the operations input through the operation unit; and a storage that stores information indicating a first magnification and a second magnification that is larger than the first magnification. The controller performs the game process including: accepting an input of a bet of a game value on the game through the operation unit; selecting one of the first magnification and the second magnification based on an amount of the game value bet on the game; and paying out an award that is determined by multiplying the game value bet on the game by the selected one of the first magnification and the second magnification. The controller performs selecting the second magnification when the amount of the game value bet on the game is equal to or more than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A gaming machine is provided for playing a wagering game. The gaming machine includes a wager-input device and at least one display for displaying a bonus game of the wagering game. The bonus game has a plurality of outcomes. A probability of winning a certain one or more of the plurality of outcomes varies in response to an occurrence of a predetermined event during the bonus game.

Abstract: A gaming method, apparatus and system for playing a game of chance is disclosed in which a plurality of gaming machines may be linked together for mutually competitive play. According to one embodiment, two or more gaming machines are linked to a centrally located display exhibiting a game board comprising one or more groups of earmarkable cells in one or more groups. Players on the gaming machines wager and attempt to achieve winning outcomes which earmark cells in the group with designators of their respective gaming machines. When a predetermined number or configuration of cells of a group are earmarked, an award may be distributed to those gaming machines having earmarked cells according to the number of designators within that group associated with each gaming machine. The game of chance may be configured for play on an individual gaming machine.

Abstract: An amusement apparatus comprising a roulette wheel (102), a hi/lo betting area (112), wherein, in use, the roulette wheel (102) is arranged to be spun and a winning number generated thereby, the hi/lo betting area (112) being arranged to allow a player to place a bet on whether the winning number generated by a spin of the roulette wheel (102) will be higher or lower than the winning number of a preceding spin.

Abstract: A game and gaming apparatus include a main game and a bonus game. A player is entitled to participate in the bonus game without an additional wager beyond that required to play the main game. Winning outcomes of the main game determine the indicia used to play the bonus game. In one embodiment upon a winning outcome of the main game, an indicia, such as an image of a winning amount, is transferred to the bonus game. In another embodiment, the bonus event includes categories associated with winning outcomes of the main game, the categories activated based upon wins of the main game. In one embodiment, the main game is a game of video poker. Winning hands are associated with or activate positions of the bonus game. Play of the bonus game comprises selection of at least one of the indicia or positions/categories which have been activated.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments, a slot machine comprises at least one display device operable to display at least one indicium. The indicium defines an outcome for a game. The display device is further operable to update the indicia displayed on the one or more display devices based on a signal of a processor. The slot machine further comprises a means for moving the at least one display device. For example, the one or more display devices may be moved about an axis in a circular or curvilinear path, relative to a viewing perspective. In other embodiments, a slot machine comprises at least one display device operable to display at lease on indicium defining an outcome for a game, wherein a left edge of the display device defines at least a portion of perimeter of a left base of a cylindrical shape and a right edge of the display device defines at least a portion of a perimeter of a right base of the cylindrical shape.

Abstract: A method of playing a slot machine game in which a player wagers upon one or more symbols and then collect awards for combinations of two or more symbols wagered upon appearing in adjacent to each other in the symbol matrix. The slot machine game may also provide a symbol repositioning feature in which one or more symbols are moved from their original positions to other positions in the symbol matrix.

Abstract: An electronic gaming method and system with a game preview display. A field of game symbols is presented on the game display to the player as a preview for deciding whether or not to play the displayed game. If the player decides to play the game, the player selects a field element to turn the symbol displayed into a wild symbol. The player's selection of the field element for the wild symbol location is received by the game software which determines and displays each winning combination of symbols that is formed by such wild symbol location selection. A new game field can then be constructed and previewed on the game display.

Abstract: The gaming system and method disclosed herein provides that the probability that a group bonus event will be triggered for a plurality of gaming devices in the gaming system is independent of the number of players that are currently playing such gaming devices. The gaming system and method disclosed herein further provides that different players that are wagering different amounts at different rates are provided different quantities of evaluation points such that if a group bonus event is triggered, different players are provided different group bonus event awards proportional to each individual player's wagering activity.

Abstract: A gaming system, game controller and method of gaming implementing a game wherein one or more symbols are selected to be retained from a previous game outcome based on symbols which contribute to a winning symbol combination in the game outcome. One or more subsequent game outcomes can be generated including the retained symbols. The retained symbols from a previous game outcome can be selected from symbols which contribute to a winning symbols combination in the previous game outcome. In the subsequent game outcome, the retained symbols can contribute to further winning symbol combinations.

Abstract: The present invention includes a variety of methods to issue awards during free spins. In general, the present invention involves placing a wager, spinning the slot reels, triggering the free-spin bonus feature, and collecting awards based upon the cumulative numeric value(s) attained over the course of one or more free spins. In a preferred embodiment, a cumulative numeric value starts at zero and increases by the amount shown on “increase value” symbols, with each cumulative numeric value associated with an award. Upon completion of the free spins, the game issues the award associated with the final cumulative numeric value.

Abstract: A gaming method, apparatus and system for playing a game of chance is disclosed in which a plurality of gaming machines may be linked together for mutually competitive play. According to one embodiment, two or more gaming machines are linked to a centrally located display exhibiting a game board comprising one or more groups of earmarkable cells in one or more groups. Players on the gaming machines wager and attempt to achieve winning outcomes which earmark cells in the group with designators of their respective gaming machines. When a predetermined number or configuration of cells of a group are earmarked, an award may be distributed to those gaming machines having earmarked cells according to the number of designators within that group associated with each gaming machine. The game of chance may be configured for play on an individual gaming machine.

Abstract: Embodiments related to conducting a wagering game according to the rules of a base game includes defining a finite set of game indicia. In some embodiments the player plays multiple sequential game hand by placing a wager, receiving game indicia from the finite set cumulatively excluding any game indicia previously dealt, playing the game hand to completion, collecting the game indicia from the player and excluding the dealt game indicia from further play, and displaying at least the excluded game indicia or any winning combinations precluded by the excluded game indicia. In some embodiments the game hands continue in sequence until a restoration event, which may include a manually triggered restoration or an automatic restoration event, that restores the excluded game indicia. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A slot machine enables the selection of one or more symbol positions in a symbol matrix to provide additional and/or enhanced awards (“Lucky Spot”). The preferred embodiment of the present invention offers a new “wandering” wild symbol with an associated multiplier value, as follows: During each spin, the slot game randomly selects one of fifteen symbol positions as the Lucky Spot; A multiplier value is associated with the Lucky Spot from within a range of 2 to 5; The Lucky Spot and associated multiplier value are then displayed in the symbol matrix in the selected symbol position; After each spin, the slot game issues Lucky Spot awards based on the winning combinations using the Lucky Spot; and Alternatively, the Lucky Spot concept can also be implemented in various alternative methods.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus and method of conducting a wagering game are disclosed. The wagering game includes a basic game and a bonus game triggered by the basic game. The apparatus tracks a number of the basic games played since a predetermined event, and alters a probability of triggering the bonus game based on the tracked number.

Abstract: A gaming device that includes a plurality of elements or symbols which are each in one or more of a plurality of element groups or sets. The gaming device also includes a plurality of player selectable selections. Each player selectable selection is associated with one of the plurality of element groups or sets. In one embodiment, the player is enabled to pick one of the selections and each element in the element group or set associated with the picked selection is flagged or marked. If a designated element or combination of elements are not flagged, the player is enabled to pick at another one of the selections, one at a time, until a designated element or combination of elements are flagged or marked. Once a designated element or combination of elements are flagged or marked, the player is provided an award based, at least in part, on the specific element or combination of elements which are flagged or marked.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gaming device having a game that may be implemented in a primary or bonus game. More specifically, the present invention provides a processor controlled gaming device that presents a plurality of masked value choices to the player, provides a time period in which the player can elect to accept a masked choice and reveals and provides a value associated with the choice to the player if the player accepts in time. If the player does not accept in time or decides not to accept the choice, the gaming device, in one preferred embodiment, reveals the value the player could have accepted when the time period lapses or times out. When the player has successfully accepted a predefined number of masked choices, the game adds or multiplies the values yielded by the choices to form an award for the player.

Abstract: A gaming system includes a central server or controller operable to communicate a plurality of different commands to a plurality of gaming machines to provide non-tournament game play and to provide tournament game play on the same gaming machines.

Abstract: A gaming machine's payout is controlled by payout data. In one embodiment the payout data is written in a high level format, such as in a format that is readable by an individual to allow the identification of specific payout parameters in the payout data. In one embodiment the payout data is stored on mass media or removable media located in the gaming machine that makes the payout data easily accessible and less expensive than media used in the prior art. As a result, the payout data may be efficiently modified, updated, or distributed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a gaming device, a gaming system and a method for operating a gaming device or gaming system with a plurality of progressive awards. The gaming device enables a player to select one of the progressive awards. The player's selection of which progressive award to play for is based, at least in part, on a relative probability of the player winning the selected progressive award compared to the relative probabilities of the player winning the non-selected progressive awards. After selecting which award to play for, the gaming device either provides the selected progressive award to the player or modifies the relative probability that the player will win the selected progressive award with one or more of any award selections remaining. Such a configuration enables the player to strategically select which award to play for and the order that the player will play for the awards.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a gaming device, a gaming system and a method for operating a gaming device or gaming system with a plurality of progressive awards. The gaming device enables a player to select one of the progressive awards. The player's selection of which progressive award to play for is based, at least in part, on a relative probability of the player winning the selected progressive award compared to the relative probabilities of the player winning the non-selected progressive awards. After selecting which award to play for, the gaming device either provides the selected progressive award to the player or modifies the relative probability that the player will win the selected progressive award with one or more of any award selections remaining. Such a configuration enables the player to strategically select which award to play for and the order that the player will play for the awards.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a gaming device, a gaming system and a method for operating a gaming device or gaming system with a plurality of progressive awards. The gaming device enables a player to select one of the progressive awards. The player's selection of which progressive award to play for is based, at least in part, on a relative probability of the player winning the selected progressive award compared to the relative probabilities of the player winning the non-selected progressive awards. After selecting which award to play for, the gaming device either provides the selected progressive award to the player or modifies the relative probability that the player will win the selected progressive award with one or more of any award selections remaining. Such a configuration enables the player to strategically select which award to play for and the order that the player will play for the awards.

Abstract: Gaming systems/processes employing display elements activated by direction-indicating symbols from adjacent display elements. A slot game event provides a display grid having deactivated grid positions and at least one activated grid position. A direction-indicating symbol is randomly presented in the activated grid position, indicating the direction of a deactivated grid position, and the deactivated grid position is activated in response. Distinguishing non-selected grid positions from selected grid positions may involve visually de-emphasizing the non-selected grid positions, such as by dimming or obscuring, or highlighting the selected grid positions. An activated grid position may be deactivated if a stop symbol is randomly presented in the grid position. Game play may be repeated until all activated grid positions are deactivated grid positions and/or de-emphasized grid positions.

Abstract: A method for lottery wagering on actual events. The method according to the present invention includes selecting a subset of wagering data DW from a set of pre-qualifying data DPQ prior to conclusion of a pre-qualifying event of a phased competition consisting of a pre-qualifying event and a final event. The method further includes assembling pre-qualifying data DPQ for preliminary participants after conclusion of a pre-qualifying event and assembling concluding data DC for final participants after conclusion of the final event. Winners are selected from the final participants after the final event based on the concluding data. Winning lottery data DL is determined from a correlation between the winners' and their respective pre-qualifying data.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a gaming device, a gaming system and a method for operating a gaming device or gaming system with a plurality of progressive awards. The gaming device enables a player to select one of the progressive awards. The player's selection of which progressive award to play for is based, at least in part, on a relative probability of the player winning the selected progressive award compared to the relative probabilities of the player winning the non-selected progressive awards. After selecting which award to play for, the gaming device either provides the selected progressive award to the player or modifies the relative probability that the player will win the selected progressive award with one or more of any award selections remaining. Such a configuration enables the player to strategically select which award to play for and the order that the player will play for the awards.

Abstract: A gaming device including a plurality of reels, where in an unlimited free spin mode, the gaming device causes at least one of the reels to lock or remain stationary when a locking symbol appears on that reel. At least one of the symbols on the reels is associated with each of the unlocked reels. The gaming device enables a player to pick at least one of the symbols associated with the unlocked reels to determine a modifier. The gaming device activates at least one of the unlocked reels for a number of additional free spins. Each time the selected symbol occurs on at least one of the reels, the gaming device changes or increments the value of the modifier. When there are no additional free spins remaining, the gaming device modifies any awards obtained by the player in the additional free spins by the modifier to provide the player with a modified award.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a gaming device, a gaming system and a method for operating a gaming device or gaming system with a plurality of progressive awards. The gaming device enables a player to select one of the progressive awards. The player's selection of which progressive award to play for is based, at least in part, on a relative probability of the player winning the selected progressive award compared to the relative probabilities of the player winning the non-selected progressive awards. After selecting which award to play for, the gaming device either provides the selected progressive award to the player or modifies the relative probability that the player will win the selected progressive award with one or more of any award selections remaining. Such a configuration enables the player to strategically select which award to play for and the order that the player will play for the awards.

Abstract: A gaming device having an accumulation game with changing selections. The gaming device generates or picks, one at a time, a plurality of selections. Each generated selection is accumulated or marked and then changed to another selection. The gaming device continues generating selections, accumulating the generated selections and changing the generated selections until at least one selection is generated and accumulated a designated number of times. When at least one selection is generated and accumulated the designated number of times, an award is provided to the player wherein the award is based on the selection which was generated and accumulated the designated number of times.

Abstract: A gaming device which displays multiple results wherein subsequently displayed results are formed from previously displayed results. A gaming device randomly generates and displays a first set of symbols. The gaming device also generates a second set of symbols. The second set of symbols are not initially displayed to a player. The gaming device compares the first and second set of symbols to determine whether any symbols in the first set of symbols match any symbols in the second set of symbols. The gaming device displays the matching symbols and then displays the second set of symbols.

Abstract: A slot-type gaming machine using an expandable symbol array to create a series of sequentially larger symbol arrays with the potential for additional or enhanced awards. The generation of the larger arrays can be performed through a variety a different mechanisms, such as the addition of a reel to the base array. The secondary arrays may be generated only under specific sets of circumstances that occur in the base array including, a winning pay line, the occurrence of a bonus triggering symbol, etc. To increase player interest in the game, some embodiments include allowing the player to determine where the additional symbols to create the larger array are placed in the base array.

Abstract: A plurality of columns each having a plurality of symbol positions are displayed. A gaming system generates and displays one of a plurality of symbols in each symbol position. At least one of the plurality of symbols is a designated symbol with an indicated quantity. The indicated quantity indicates whether the designated symbol is active or inactive. For each winning symbol combination containing at least one designated symbol, the indicated quantity associated with any designated symbol in the winning symbol combination is decremented and any non-designated symbols are removed from the display. Any designated symbols with an associated numeral of zero are inactive and are removed from each winning symbol combination. Any remaining symbols are shifted in a predetermined direction. For each empty symbol position, the gaming system generates and displays a new symbol and repeats the above steps until no winning symbol combinations remain.

Abstract: A cascading symbol game includes designated symbols such as wild symbols. In the cascading symbol game, a gaming device generates and displays a symbol from a plurality of symbols for each of a plurality of symbol positions. The gaming device removes at least one symbol from at least one of the plurality of symbol positions. The gaming device repositions at least one displayed symbol to another one of the symbol positions to create at least one empty symbol position. If a designated event occurred, the gaming device generates and displays at least one designated symbol, such as a wild symbol, in the at least one empty symbol position, wherein the at least one designated wild symbol is generated independent of the plurality of symbols. The gaming device displays any award associated with any winning symbol combination formed from the displayed symbols.

Abstract: The claimed embodiments contemplate methods, systems and apparatuses directed to an active display button. In various embodiments, an active display button may generally be a button containing one or more elements that move when the button is engaged. By example, and not limitation, these elements may include one or more reels, be they mechanical or video, or perhaps a rotating indicator. The active display button may also include lights, vibratory motors and other experience-enhancing implements. The active display button may be installed on a gaming machine and operated in conjunction with the gaming device, separate from the gaming machine on which it is installed or perhaps as part of the operation of the gaming machine.

Abstract: The claimed embodiments contemplate methods, systems and apparatuses directed to an active display button. In various embodiments, an active display button may generally be a button containing one or more elements that move when the button is engaged. By example, and not limitation, these elements may include one or more reels, be they mechanical or video, or perhaps a rotating indicator. The active display button may also include lights, vibratory motors and other experience-enhancing implements. The active display button may be installed on a gaming machine and operated in conjunction with the gaming device, separate from the gaming machine on which it is installed or perhaps as part of the operation of the gaming machine.

Abstract: A game and gaming apparatus include a main game and a bonus game. A player is entitled to participate in the bonus game without an additional wager beyond that required to play the main game. Winning outcomes of the main game determine the indicia used to play the bonus game. In one embodiment upon a winning outcome of the main game, an indicia, such as an image of a winning amount, is transferred to the bonus game. In another embodiment, the bonus event includes categories associated with winning outcomes of the main game, the categories activated based upon wins of the main game. In one embodiment, the main game is a game of video poker. Winning hands are associated with or activate positions of the bonus game. Play of the bonus game comprises selection of at least one of the indicia or positions/categories which have been activated.

Abstract: A processor controlled gaming device having a display device in communication with the processor. When the display device receives an input from the player, gaming device randomly generates an outcome, the display device displays an event having the outcome and the gaming device provides the player with a payout in association with the outcome and the selected input. The inputs have paytables that vary in range. One input has a large, risky payout range with big and small payouts. One input has a small, conservative payout range with intermediate payouts. Other inputs have ranges that fall in between the risky and conservative ranges. Each of the ranges has the same overall expected value, so that the gaming device does not favor the player's choice of a risky or conservative input.

Abstract: Methods to provide an enhanced likelihood of winning an award and to provide enhanced awards based upon the appearance of symbols on free paylines or free hands of cards. In one embodiment base paylines and a free payline are defined using the same symbol matrix and same reel strips. The free payline is an additional payline with same frequencies of wins and losses as the base paylines. The player wagers upon any number of base paylines. The player receives a free payline if a designated number of base paylines are wagered upon. A multiplier enhances the award for winning symbol combinations appearing on the free payline, with the multiplier value equal to the total wager. In another embodiment, a player wagers upon any number of displayed poker hands. The player receives at least one free hand if a designated number of hands are wagered upon.

Abstract: A gaming machine 10 has a display 14 and a game controller arranged to control images of symbols displayed on the display 14. The game controller is arranged to play a game 16 in which at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the display 14. If a predefined winning event occurs, the machine 10 awards a prize to a player. When a trigger condition occurs in a base game of the game 16, a bonus game feature is awarded comprising a series of bonus games. If a particular special symbol outcome occurs during any of the bonus games, the particular special symbol outcome is collected towards a jackpot prize awarding event.

Abstract: A gaming device with a primary game scheme including one or more symbol generators and a plurality of wheels where each wheel is associated with a different one of the symbol generators. When one or more of the symbol generators generates at least one predetermined symbol, the gaming device activates or spins the wheel associated with that symbol generator. The gaming device provides any awards associated with the activated wheels to a player.

Abstract: A slot machine of the present invention includes: a display device on which plural types of symbols are arranged; at least one memory; and a controller.

Abstract: A gaming unit may comprise a gaming display being operable to generate images and a controller operatively coupled to the gaming display. The controller may be programmed to select and display a number of player symbols and to generate an outcome of a plurality reels. The controller also may be programmed to display on the gaming display an outcome of the reels, to determine the initial award amount of the outcome of the reels and to determine whether one of the displayed player symbols has a predetermined relationship and can be played on the displayed reel symbols. If the player can play a displayed player symbol, the controller may be programmed to allow the player to play one of the displayed player symbols on the displayed reel symbols and credit an additional award amount.

Abstract: A mechanical reel system with alterable reel symbols. Pivoting reel symbol members are provided at predetermined locations about a reel, each member having two, three, or six sides, for example. On each surface, a different symbol (or a blank symbol) is disposed thereon. A transmissive LCD is positioned over the reels, and when the reels display blanks, images are displayed on the LCD over the blanked area(s) during, e.g., a video bonus game played on the LCD. The symbol members can be altered within a game to display a different set of symbols on the reels, or they can be altered to convert the game from one theme to another. In another embodiment, a bellow-like reel strip, which is folded accordion-style, is retracted or extended relative to the periphery of the reel, allowing a symbol set or subset to replace a corresponding symbol (sub)set displayed on the underlying reel.