Abstract: A slot machine which: reads, from among the symbol image data stored in the memory, two symbol image data including symbol image data that may be combined with each other on condition that the side-BET is input; reduces the read symbol image data so that the two symbol images are displayed in a region for displaying a single symbol; generates combined symbol image data based on the reduced symbol image data; rearranges the generated combined symbol in the first display region and rearranges symbols corresponding to the plural types of symbol image data in the second display region; changes scaling ratios of the symbol image data so that area ratios of respective symbol images of the combined symbol are changed according to the number of times in executing the basic games; and selectively executes one bonus game from among a plurality of bonus games according to types of the combination of the combined symbol displayed in the first display region and the single symbols displayed in the second display region.

Abstract: A gaming device and a method for operating a gaming device which increases the possibility of obtaining a winning combination of symbols on reels. In one embodiment, the gaming device rearranges one or more sets of indicated symbols on the reels to potentially generate additional combinations of symbols on a payline. In another embodiment, the gaming device rearranges one or more sets of symbols displayed along a rearrangement path to potentially generate additional combinations of symbols on a payline. The rearranged symbols may move to different reels and different paylines in the rearrangement. The gaming device, in one embodiment performs an evaluation of the rearranged symbols after each rearrangement to give each rearrangement a chance to generate a winning combination of symbols on the reels.

Abstract: A gaming device and a method for operating a gaming device which increases the possibility of obtaining a winning combination of symbols on reels. In one embodiment, the gaming device rearranges one or more sets of indicated symbols on the reels to potentially generate additional combinations of symbols on a payline. The rearranged symbols may move to different reels and different paylines in the rearrangement. The gaming device, in one embodiment performs an evaluation of the rearranged symbols after each rearrangement to give each rearrangement a chance to generate a winning combination of symbols on the reels.

Abstract: A gaming device and a method for operating a gaming device which increases the possibility of obtaining a winning combination of symbols on reels. In one embodiment, the gaming device rearranges at least two sets of indicated symbols on the reels to potentially generate additional combinations of symbols on a payline. The rearranged symbols may move to different reels and different paylines in the rearrangement. The gaming device, in one embodiment performs an evaluation of the rearranged symbols after each rearrangement to give each rearrangement a chance to generate a winning combination of symbols on the reels.

Abstract: A gaming machine is described wherein a player first plays a primary game, such as the spinning and stopping of mechanical or video reels displaying symbols. A plurality of progressive jackpots is displayed to the player. Upon a jackpot-winning outcome of the primary game, the number of different progressive jackpots paid to the player depends on the number of credits bet by the player. In one embodiment, the jackpot above each column of symbols gets incremented upon a special symbol, such as a credit value, being displayed in that column. As the jackpots are won, other jackpots are shifted over the columns to replace the won jackpots. In another embodiment, the determination of which jackpot is won depends on the outcome of the primary game.

Abstract: A gaming device and method of operating a gaming device having a plurality of groups of elements. The gaming device indicates one of the elements. Terminators are distributed and associated with each of the elements of another one of the groups of elements. In one embodiment, an award is associated with each of the gaming elements. The gaming elements are indicated and the award associated with each indicated gaming element provided to the player until a gaming element associated with a terminator is indicated.

Abstract: A method of playing a casino game by offering a player a plurality of objects, each of which has a probability of success and associated award. The player chooses an object and receives the associated award when the chosen object is successful. The player continues to chose objects until the casino game ends. Ending may occur randomly after each object is chosen, upon all chosen objects resulting in a success, or upon the player choosing a fixed number of objects.

Abstract: The present invention provides new player excitement during the play of a game of chance by providing a controlled random event during the execution of a secondary or bonus round. When bonus game play is invoked during play of the primary game, an amount to be issued during secondary game play is generated. This amount is not awarded directly; instead a plurality of possible winnings is available, each equal to or less than the amount to be issued. A random event separate from the primary game is used to pick one of the plurality of possible winnings which is awarded to a player. The separate random event may be a mechanical event or an electronic event. The difference between the amount given to a player and the original amount to be issued may be used to generate further bonus game play, or may be used to fund a progressive.

Abstract: A gaming device which includes one or more outcome pools for providing outcomes to players. After a predetermined event occurs, the gaming device processor draws one or more outcomes from one or more pools. The gaming device provides the drawn outcomes to a player and prevents the drawn outcomes from being provided to any player again until the processor has provided players with all of the outcomes remaining in the pools of the drawn outcomes.

Abstract: A gaming system for producing a unique bonusing event is described. The method includes the step of a player placing a wager on a reel-slot-type video game and displaying a plurality of randomly selected game symbols on the game display. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, such as a winning or losing combination of symbols, randomly selecting a number of wild symbol positions, and location of the wild symbol positions on the screen display. The wild symbol positions are then converted to wild symbols, and the game is scored using the original game symbols and wild symbols.

Abstract: A gaming device such as a video based gaming device provides a player the ability to modify at least one element of the gaming device. The gaming device may then modify other elements to ensure a desired house advantage. The probability of occurrence for one or more outcomes, the payout corresponding to one or more outcomes, and the wager amount required to play a game, may be modified by a player. The gaming device may then automatically determine changes in the values of other elements in order to maintain a constant house advantage. The player may also impose constraints on the value of one or more elements so that the gaming device cannot change the constrained elements in maintaining the house advantage. Software running on the gaming device may use an equation that takes into account pertinent elements such as the size of the jackpot, the size of the wager needed to play each game, and probability of hitting the jackpot during a game.

Abstract: A method for providing real-time machine learning to agents used in video games is disclosed. Initially, adjusted fitnesses of a set of agents within a population are determined. An agent having a relatively low adjusted fitness is then removed from the population. Subsequently, a parent agent is probabilistically selected from the population to generate an offspring agent. Finally, the removed agent is replaced by the offspring agent, maintaining a continuous real-time replacement cycle.

Abstract: A method, a system, and a recording medium are provided herein by which a user selects a number of a plurality of events for which an outcome of each event is not known to the user. A predicted result is then automatically indicated to the user based on a probability that a predetermined outcome will occur among the user-selected number of events.

Abstract: Gaming devices and methods of operating gaming devices are provided. In an embodiment, a single activation of a gaming device can cause a series of outcomes including a symbol cascading effect upon the occurrence of sequential triggering events. In an embodiment, the triggering event occurs when a predetermined combination of symbols is generated and displayed in associated symbol positions, and a designated symbol is generated and displayed in at least one symbol position. If the triggering event occurs, the outcome can include fixing or locking the designated symbol in the symbol position and replacing each of the symbols in the combination of symbols with a generated symbol. Awards are provided for each winning combination, and an incremented modifier is applied to the awards for the occurrence of at least one triggering event. The likelihood that the triggering event will occur increases with each designated symbol fixed in a symbol position.

Abstract: A gaming device that incorporates mechanical display devices to provide a player-selectable award feature that may be implemented with a primary or bonus game. The gaming device randomly generates a plurality of digit positions or places of an award and enables the player to pick which position or digit receives a first randomly generated number, which digit receives a second randomly generated number, etc., until each of the positions have a number, whereby the gaming device determines the player's original award. The player can elect to modify the original award using a plurality of methods to create an ultimate award. The gaming device display the digits, digit positions, and modification methods.

Abstract: Provided in embodiments of the present invention is a configurable reel lighting apparatus for gaming devices. In one embodiment, a gaming device having a plurality of spinnable reels includes a molded frame visually separating the reels and having a plurality of openings. The gaming device also includes a plurality of individual light sources corresponding to at least a portion of the plurality of openings, where each light source is associated with one of the plurality of spinnable reels.

Abstract: The gaming system, gaming device and method provides a reel game that includes stacks of symbols configured on the reels to provide a large number of winning symbol combinations. The gaming device includes a plurality of reels wherein each reel includes a reel-strip and a plurality of symbols. Each of the plurality of reels is configured to include one or more stacks of symbols wherein a stack of symbols is formed by placing a plurality of identical symbols adjacent to each other on a single reel. If two non-adjacent reels each generated a stack of identical symbols and at least one reel positioned between the two non-adjacent reels generated symbols different from the symbols used to form the stack of identical symbols, at least one symbol on the at least one reel positioned between the two non-adjacent reels is modified into the symbol that forms the stacks of identical symbols.

Abstract: A slot machine includes a display, and a controller. The controller is operable to execute a unit game for rearranging symbols arranged on the display, and in a case where symbols rearranged on a payline on the display is a combination formed by numerical symbols and a currency unit symbol, generate a prize of as much an amount as determined by the numerical symbols and the currency unit symbol.

Abstract: An embodiment of a gaming device includes a game having at least three choices, wherein each of the choices either trumps or is trumped by one of the other choices, and a processor programmed to determine if an outcome enhancing condition is satisfied, enable a player to elect to enhance an outcome if an outcome enhancing condition is satisfied, enable the player to select one of said choices, select one of said choices, determine an outcome based on a comparison of the player's choice with the processor's choice, provide a win outcome if the player elected to enhance an outcome and the comparison of the player's choice with the processor's choice results in a draw determination, provide a draw outcome if the player elected to enhance an outcome and the comparison of the player's choice with the processor's choice results in a lose determination.

Abstract: A bonus scheme that has more than one and preferably at least three bonus games. Each bonus game provides excitement and enjoyment to the player via creative visual and audio displays. Each bonus game also has its own theme and may or may not be based upon schemes already known in the art of gaming devices. While the individual bonus games are not necessarily related to each other, the overall bonus scheme, preferably in the initial screen, ties the bonus games together in a master theme that provides flexibility for the individual bonus games to have their own themes. The preferred embodiment of the present invention automatically activates the bonus scheme upon a bonus triggering event. The game selects for the player one of three bonus games contained in the bonus scheme. The player plays the selected game and receives an award and the game returns the player to the base game.

Abstract: A gaming device that enables a player to pick at least one of a plurality of selections, wherein at least one of the selections is associated with a terminator. The gaming device determines if the picked selection is associated with a terminator. If the picked selection is not associated with a terminator, the gaming device places the picked selection to occupy a position of a selection group. The gaming device enables the player to pick another one of the selections and again determines if the picked selection is associated with a terminator. If the picked selection is associated with a terminator, the gaming device modifies the position of at least one of the picked selections. After modifying the positions of one or more of the picked selections, the gaming device determines the modified award based on the awards or values associated with the modified positions of the picked selections. The gaming device provides the determined modified award to the player and ends the game.

Abstract: Gaming machines, systems and methods for sizing or resizing visible reel symbols are disclosed. Gaming machines include an exterior housing, master gaming controller, display device and mechanical or virtual reels. Reels include a plurality of reel stops, each containing a visible reel symbols or a blank or ghost region. Visible reel symbols are expanded into adjacent reel stops, which can be ghosts or blank reel stops, such that blank areas are reduced. A reel configurator sizes or resizes the visible reel symbols, which reel configurator can be located at a remote host or within the gaming machine itself. A remote host can provide downloadable virtual reel strips and visible reel symbols to gaming machines within a system including processor-based machines. Resizing of visible reel symbols can involve stretching the symbols in a direction that extends into one or both reel stops adjacent to the reel stop containing the stretched reel symbol.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for at least partially revealing a first award on a display device of the gaming device, unrevealing the first award, and at least partially revealing a second award on the display device. The first award is stored in and randomly chosen from a first table and the second award is randomly chosen from a second table. The game includes a plurality of methods or mechanisms with which to unreveal or not display the first revealed award.

Abstract: A method for gathering marketing information from a player including transmitting a marketing question to a player proximate in space to a compensation dispensing machine, receiving a response to the marketing question from the player, and transmitting a signal to the compensation dispensing machine providing compensation to the player. The signal can be transmitted proximate in time to receiving the response. Alternatively, the method for gathering marketing information from a player can include transmitting a marketing question to a player, receiving a response to the marketing question from the player, and transmitting a signal causing a compensation dispensing machine to provide compensation to the player at a time proximate to receipt of the response. The compensation dispensing machine can be proximate in space to the player.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sporting event based lottery game wherein the lottery game result depends on the performance of competitors in the sporting event and the prize determination process does not involve any comparison among the game tickets. The lottery game authority or player selects a sporting event and determines the rules of the lottery game. The rules and the list of competitors in the sporting event are made available to players. The player may be randomly assigned a plurality of competitors that may perform well under the rules of the lottery game and a ticket with the randomly assigned competitors is issued to the player. As the sporting event progresses, a score is assigned to each competitor according to their performance. At the end of the sporting event, the player computes a score for his ticket and if the score is higher than a predetermined score, the player wins a prize.

Abstract: A gaming device having a display with multiple rotating award reels and an award indicator that moves in multiple directions to indicate one of the awards on one of the award reels is provided. In one embodiment, the reels rotate horizontally and in different directions. The indicator resides at the distal end of a member. The member is attached to a base. The base moves at least vertically so that the indicator covers or reaches each rotating award reel. The base can also move horizontally or rotate to change in both X and Y directions. When the indicator and reels stop moving, the indicator points to or indicates an award that is provided to a player as either a primary or bonus award of the gaming device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating one or more pools or sets of seeds for use in a central determination gaming system. In one embodiment of the present invention, a processor of the apparatus or seed generator randomly generates a predetermined number of random number seeds. After the predetermined number of seeds are generated, the processor simulates the game outcome value that each generated seed ultimately determines. Having simulated a game outcome value for each generated seed, the processor determines if the set of seeds satisfies a required condition or criteria. If the required conditions or criteria are satisfied, the set is complete and ready for use in a central determination gaming system. If the required conditions or criteria are not satisfied, the processor modifies the generated set of seeds until the required conditions or criteria are satisfied.

Abstract: A gaming device including a plurality of reel sets connected where at least one of the reel sets includes concentric reels having an inner reel and an outer reel. The inner reel includes a plurality of symbols and a plurality of symbol positions where at least two of the symbols are displayed by one of the symbol positions. The outer reel defines a plurality of different viewable areas where one of the outer reel is positionable to enable a player to view at least one of the symbols through a first viewable area and a different number of the symbols through a second viewable area. A processor causes the inner reel and the outer reel to move and provides any outcome to the player based on any symbols displayed by the first viewable area or the second viewable area when the first or second viewable area is indicated on the outer reel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating one or more pools or sets of seeds for use in a central determination gaming system. In one embodiment of the present invention, a processor of the apparatus or seed generator randomly generates a predetermined number of random number seeds. After the predetermined number of seeds are generated, the processor simulates the game outcome value that each generated seed ultimately determines. Having simulated a game outcome value for each generated seed, the processor determines if the set of seeds satisfies a required condition or criteria. If the required conditions or criteria are satisfied, the set is complete and ready for use in a central determination gaming system. If the required conditions or criteria are not satisfied, the processor modifies the generated set of seeds until the required conditions or criteria are satisfied.

Abstract: A gaming environment is described. If a predetermined condition is met, one of plural games is selected as a free game. Here, realizable winning combination and reel are different in each of selectable plural games. If the game is selected, symbols are variably displayed and stopped displayed using the reel corresponding to the selected game. And, if the combination of stopped displayed symbols is any of the winning combination corresponding to the selected game, the payout number corresponding to the realized winning combination is provided to a player.

Abstract: A gaming environment is described. In a base game, if scatter symbols are displayed with a predetermined number and above, a game mode is shifted to a free game. In the free game, different reels are used between in a first reel display portion on which the scatter symbol was displayed and on in a second reel display portion on which the scatter symbol was not displayed. Also, expectation value of payout number can be changed without changing payout table.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus, such as a slot machine, that randomly determines a combination of symbols and pays prizes according to a determined payout table, is used to perform a gaming method similar to conventional slot machine play, but that permits greater interaction with the player. The gaming method provides the player with the option of increasing an amount wagered after at least one of the symbols has been determined. The method additionally provides the player with the option to randomly determine a symbol or symbols a second time, or to force a symbol to be the same as a symbol already determined, optionally at additional cost. The method includes making appropriate adjustments to a payout table, depending on the player's actions during game play.

Abstract: A slot machine of the present invention comprises: a display having a screen capable of displaying a symbol arrangement image in which a plurality of symbols are arranged and a valid area image having a shape capable of including one or more of the symbols; and a controller in communication with the display determining a size of the valid area image so that the number of symbols capable of being included increases as the number of BETs increases, displaying to said screen said symbol arrangement image in which the plurality of symbols are arranged and said valid area image of which size having been determined, so as to superpose said valid area image on said symbol arrangement image, in such a manner that said valid area image moves and then stops, and providing an award in accordance with a symbol included in the stopped valid area image.

Abstract: A gaming device including a plurality of award values and a plurality of modifier values. A characteristic is associated with at least one award value position and at least one modifier value position. The gaming device provides an award to a player associated with at least one award value position and at least one modifier value position, wherein the award includes an additional award when the award value position and the modifier value position contain the same or related characteristics.

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: When stopping all of simulated reels results in magnet symbols belonging to two or more adjacent reels being in a form that the magnet symbols attract each other, the adjacent reels are linked to each other. After that, the reels are variably displayed and stopped with the link of the adjacent reels kept.

Abstract: The game may be played with game pieces, such as cards, e.g., in poker, balls or numbers, e.g., in Bingo or Keno, The game randomly draws a first set of game pieces for a programmed number of game pieces. In one aspect of the game, the player may be given an opportunity to purchase, for an additional wager, i.e., the cost of the opportunity, additional game pieces. The cost of the opportunity is based on the potential payout and the odds of winning. The cost to the player of an additional game piece or card is a function of the potential amount of the payout if the player achieves a winning combination, and the odds of the player achieving the winning results, which is a function of the game piece needed and the game pieces remaining in the programmed number of game pieces.

Abstract: A method of conducting a wagering game according to the rules of a base game includes defining a finite set of game indicia. 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. 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. The invention also includes a method for conducting multiple game hands dealt simultaneously from a finite set continuously depleted of dealt game indicia.

Abstract: A gaming method includes receiving a wager from a player, displaying an image representative of a primary game, determining if a bonus event trigger has occurred, displaying an image representative of a bonus game, the bonus game including a representation associated with the player and a representation associated with an opponent, the representations each having at least one attribute associated with the bonus game, if the bonus event trigger occurs, and determining a payout associated with an outcome of the bonus game. The method also includes offering the player at least one advantage option, the at least one advantage option affecting at least one of the at least one attribute of the representation associated with the player and the at least one attribute of the representation associated with the opponent. A gaming machines and system may be provided to carry out such a method.

Abstract: A stop control game which stops the symbols being scrolled by pressing a stop switch when a combination of the symbol “LOBSTER”s has come to a stop is executed in a unit game while the base game is being executed. When the player presses a stop switch to stop the symbols, a first payout table is selected if a combination of the symbol “CRAB”s has not come to a stop on the payline L, whereas a second payout table defining a larger amount of payout than the first payout table is selected if the combination of the symbol “CRAB”s has come to a stop on the payline. Then, if a winning combination is rearranged in the following game, payout occurs based on the selected payout table.

Abstract: A method and device is set forth for playing a game where an inventory of game indicia is arranged in a random but established, serial order. For each hand of play the player makes a wager and game indicia are displayed in order from the inventory to define a winning or losing outcome. A display, as hands are played, displays the remaining constituency of the inventory and the player, before any game, can order re-shuffling and re-constitute of the inventory.

Abstract: A gaming machine having a display and a game controller arranged to control images displayed on the display. The game controller is arranged to play a game wherein symbols are randomly selected from a set of symbols, and selected symbols are displayed on the display and, if a winning combination of symbols results, the machine awards a prize. The range of symbols includes at least one first symbol and at least one second symbol. When the first and second symbols are displayed together a feature event is awarded by the game controller. The feature event when played results in one of a plurality of feature outcomes. The game controller is arranged during the feature event to animate the first and second symbols on the display to give the appearance of interaction between the first and second symbols, there being a plurality of different possible interactions which reflect the different feature outcomes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming device and method having a bonus game, where the bonus game displays a target set including a plurality of player selectable symbols. At least one of the symbols is designated as a target symbol in a target set. The gaming device provides a predetermined number of picks to begin a bonus game and enables a player to use the picks to pick symbols from the target set. If the player picks a symbol that is not a target symbol, a relationship indicator indicates the relationship between the target symbol and the picked symbol. The player continues to pick symbols in the target set until the player picks the target symbol. If the player picks a target symbol, the gaming device enables the player to pick symbols from a new target set. The player continues to pick symbols in target sets until the player has no picks remaining. Preferably, the gaming device provides an award for each picked target symbol.

Abstract: A game machine that displays symbols is provided. A display module of the game machine can display multiple types of symbols in multiple display regions when a game starts. An evaluation module evaluates whether or not a predetermined condition is met in a game. A display control module changes the number of symbols that can be displayed in the display regions when the condition is met. As a result, a game machine with symbols displayed in a unique manner is provided, and a game that provokes a player's curiosity can be implemented.

Abstract: The present invention is a gaming machine and method for conducting a crap slot game. The gaming machine includes a first display for displaying a slot game outcome and a second display for displaying a player interactive wagering interface. The method includes detecting selection of a first wager amount from a number of displayed wager amounts, detecting selection of a first wager cell from a displayed assemblage of wager cells. Each of the wager cells corresponds to one of a number of winning game outcomes having respective value payout ratios. The method further includes displaying the first wager amount in the first wager cell, displaying the game play outcome of the wagering game on the first display and awarding a value payout to the player if the game play outcome includes the winning game outcome corresponding to the first wager cell.

Abstract: A slot machine comprises a display including plural slot game areas on each of which a slot game can be executed. A replay is executed on a slot game area when a winning combination has been achieved on another slot game area. According to the slot machine, a new entertaining feature can be provided.

Abstract: A gaming machine has a plurality of displays for respectively displaying a plurality of games in which a plurality of players can participate, and a plurality of client terminals for accepting betting operations for betting gaming media with respect to each of the plurality of games. The plurality of client terminals are moved such that it becomes easier for a player of each client terminal at which a betting operation is made to view a display which displays a game with respect to which the betting operation is made.

Abstract: A gaming device including a free spins game displaying a plurality of reels including a plurality of symbols where the symbols include a plurality of award symbols and at least one target symbol. A plurality of selections including at least one game function are displayed to a player. In a game, the gaming device provides the player with a plurality of free spins of the reels. In each free spin, the gaming device provides the player with an award or awards for any award symbols or combinations of award symbols indicated on the reels. In addition, the gaming device provides the player with one or more picks of the selections for each target symbol indicated on the reels. The gaming device then determines the game function or game functions associated with the picked selections in each free spin. A total award based on the awards and game functions is provided to the player.

Abstract: A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming machine is disclosed. The wagering game includes winning symbol combinations that provide respective awards when arranged according to one or more predefined arrangements. After a player makes a wager, a plurality of symbol-bearing reels are rotated and stopped to place symbols on the reels in a symbol array. If the symbol array includes an activation symbol in a predefined location within the symbol array, the game activates an additional arrangement distinct from the predefined arrangements. The additional arrangement may, for example, be a scatter pay or a right-to-left pay along an active pay line. The game provides an award if the additional arrangement includes one of the winning symbol combinations.

Abstract: A gaming device having a transformable wild symbol or card on a set of reels or a transformable wild card in a set of cards, wherein the transformable wild symbol or card provides a signal to a player through a wild indicator or a non-wild indicator. The wild indicator indicates that the transformable wild symbol or card is in a wild state. The non-wild indicator indicates that the transformable wild symbol or card is in a non-wild state. In a wild state, the transformable wild symbol or card acts as a wild symbol or card on a set of reels, or a wild card.