US20050130731A1 - Gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme - Google Patents

Gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20050130731A1
US20050130731A1 US10/731,941 US73194103A US2005130731A1 US 20050130731 A1 US20050130731 A1 US 20050130731A1 US 73194103 A US73194103 A US 73194103A US 2005130731 A1 US2005130731 A1 US 2005130731A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
game
wager
detecting
reel
game play
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/731,941
Inventor
Allon Englman
Joel Jaffe
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
LNW Gaming Inc
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority to US10/731,941 priority Critical patent/US20050130731A1/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Assigned to WMS GAMING INC. reassignment WMS GAMING INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: ENGLMAN, ALLON G., JAFFE, JOEL R.
Priority to US10/867,269 priority patent/US20050130737A1/en
Priority to CA 2487575 priority patent/CA2487575C/en
Priority to AU2004235604A priority patent/AU2004235604B2/en
Priority to EP04029054A priority patent/EP1544811A3/en
Priority to ZA200409969A priority patent/ZA200409969B/en
Publication of US20050130731A1 publication Critical patent/US20050130731A1/en
Priority to US12/351,433 priority patent/US7819737B2/en
Priority to US12/882,656 priority patent/US8444467B2/en
Priority to AU2011200268A priority patent/AU2011200268B2/en
Priority to US13/898,988 priority patent/US9230411B2/en
Assigned to BALLY GAMING, INC. reassignment BALLY GAMING, INC. MERGER (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: WMS GAMING INC.
Assigned to SG GAMING, INC. reassignment SG GAMING, INC. CHANGE OF NAME (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BALLY GAMING, INC.
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/3244Payment aspects of a gaming system, e.g. payment schemes, setting payout ratio, bonus or consolation prizes
    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/34Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements depending on the stopping of moving members in a mechanical slot machine, e.g. "fruit" machines

Definitions

  • This invention is directed to gaming machines, and more particularly, to a gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme.
  • Gaming machines providing base games such as electronically driven video slots, video poker, video blackjack, video keno, video bingo, video pachinko, video lottery, and mechanically driven reel slots, etc., are well known in the gaming industry. Generally gaming machines are configured to operate as “stand-alone” units (that may or may not be coupled to a backroom computer) where the outcome of game play is “locally determined”, or as part of a server-based gaming network where the outcome of game play may be either locally determined or “centrally determined”.
  • slot games provided by either video slot machines or mechanical spinning reel slot machines have proven to be one of the most popular wagering games.
  • slot game designers continually seek ways to improve game play and increase coin-in revenue per wagering game (e.g., the amount wagered by the player per game).
  • competition for slot game players has resulted in game designs with lower game play denominations for those players desiring maximum game play time for their coin-in.
  • Competition has also resulted in slot game designs with higher numbers of pay lines to increase an occurrence of a winning symbol combination per wagering game and to increase coin-in revenue per wagering game.
  • Bonus games are also utilized to attract slot game players and to increase coin-in revenue per wagering game. Bonus games, typically initiated by an occurrence of a bonus triggering event occurring during slot game play, are desirable because they generally result in some type of win for the player. For example, some bonus games associated with slot game play provide “free” spins to the player.
  • bonus game Because of the popularity of bonus games, gaming machine manufacturers have attempted to use them to as a basis to increase coin-in revenue per wagering game played. For example, one bonus scheme allows a player to buy a chance to participate in a bonus game where bonus game play may yield a progressive jackpot. This chance to participate in the bonus game is provided to the player in exchange for the player providing “additional coin-in” (i.e., coin-in that is above what is required for standard base game play on the gaming machine). Although this scheme does result in an increased coin-in amount per slot game played, the additional coin-in amounts are utilized to fund the progressive jackpot rather than to increase coin-in revenues per game.
  • additional coin-in i.e., coin-in that is above what is required for standard base game play on the gaming machine.
  • Another bonus scheme allows a player to pay 5 addition credits per spin (multiplied by the amount bet per line) to possibly qualify for bonus game play if a bonus triggering event occurs during the reel spin and if the player has selected the maximum number of pay lines bet per game. Without the 5 additional credits per spin per pay line, bonus game play will never be triggered. Thus, for a player desiring a possible chance to participate in bonus game play, the player's coin-in must increase from 20 credits to 25 credits per pay line selected. Although this scheme does result in an increased coin-in revenue amount per game, the player must always select to play the maximum number of pay lines; a costly proposition for the player just to have a possible chance to participate in bonus game play.
  • the present invention provides a gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme where, in response to a first wager for base game play plus additional coin-in per game (a second wager), a player has an opportunity for enhanced game play.
  • a second wager additional coin-in per game
  • an existing aspect of game play is enhanced. Therefore, depending on the gaming machine configuration, the additional coin-in per game may result in one of a number enhanced game play schemes that increase player excitement while at the same time, increase coin-in revenue per game played.
  • the additional coin-in per game may result in more frequent bonus game play via lowering a threshold for a bonus triggering event to occur.
  • the additional coin-in per game may result in an enhanced or “supersized” bonus game to be awarded to the player when bonus game play is triggered.
  • Enhanced bonus game play results in an higher value payout average than standard bonus game play.
  • the additional coin-in per game may result in an enhanced bonus game having a lower threshold for a bonus triggering event to occur; a combination enhanced bonus game scheme.
  • the additional coin-in per game may result in a winning symbol combination paying an enhanced award associated with an enhanced pay table rather than paying a standard award associated with a standard pay table.
  • the additional coin-in per game may operate as insurance yielding a guaranteed value payout in the event of a non-winning outcome of game play.
  • the additional coin-in per game may be collected after the initial wager at a time when the game outcome is only partially displayed.
  • the additional coin-in per game results in a larger value payout in the event of a winning outcome.
  • the additional coin-in per game may activate game features.
  • the additional coin-in per game may activate one or more special reel symbol(s) capable of being repositioned within an outcome symbol array to yield a higher value payout.
  • the additional coin-in per game may activate additional reel movement after the outcome symbol array is displayed to reposition an extra reel symbol into the outcome symbol array and yield a higher value payout.
  • the additional coin-in per game may activate a possibility of generating an extra pay line that includes an extra reel symbol if the extra pay line results in a higher value payout.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme in accordance the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the electronic components of the gaming machine of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an embodiment of an enhanced game play scheme routine that may be performed during game play of the gaming machine of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 4 is a flowchart of another embodiment of an enhanced game play scheme routine that may be performed during game play of the gaming machine of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 5 is an exemplary mechanical button panel for enhanced game play on the gaming machine of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 6 is an exemplary display screen that may be displayed on the gaming machine of FIG. 1 during performance of the enhanced game play scheme routine of FIG. 3 .
  • FIGS. 7-12 are a series of exemplary display screens that may be displayed during performance of yet another embodiment of an enhanced game play scheme routine performed during game play of the gaming machine of FIG. 1 .
  • FIGS. 13-18 are a series of exemplary display screens that may be displayed during performance of a further embodiment of an enhanced game play scheme routine during game play of the gaming machine of FIG. 1 .
  • FIGS. 19-22 are a series of exemplary display screens that may be displayed during performance of yet a further embodiment of an enhanced game play scheme routine during game play of the gaming machine of FIG. 1
  • the present invention provides a gaming machine having a number of enhanced game play schemes where, in response to receipt of a second wager to select an option for enhanced game play, a player is provided with enhanced game play.
  • the option may be provided before or after a first wager from the player.
  • Enhanced game play may include (1) providing more frequent bonus game play, (2) providing a larger value payout for bonus game play, (3) providing more frequent bonus game play and providing a larger payout for bonus game play, (4) providing a larger value payout for base game play, (5) providing a guaranteed payout at a predetermined value if a game outcome is a non-winning outcome, (6) providing one or more game features, (7) providing a larger value payout for base game play if, after a partial outcome of game play is displayed, the player selects the option, (8) activating an extra wild symbol capable of being repositioned within an outcome symbol array to yield a higher value payout, (9) providing a possibility of an additional movement of a reel to reposition an extra reel symbol, above or below the outcome symbol array, into the outcome symbol array to yield a higher value payout, or (10) providing a possibility of generating an extra pay line that includes an extra reel symbol, above or below an outcome symbol array, if the extra pay line results in a higher value payout, to name a few.
  • the present invention is preferably implemented using a video slot machine. It is contemplated that the present invention may also be implemented using other types of video gaming machines or, in some cases, using an adaptable mechanical spinning reel gaming machine having flat panel transmissive display positioned in front of the mechanical spinning reels where the flat panel transmissive display is able to superimpose video images upon the mechanical spinning reels.
  • a mechanical spinning reel gaming machine with superimposed video images generated via a variable display device such as a flat panel transmissive display is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,433, entitled “Reel Spinning Slot Machine With Superimposed Video Image”, naming Loose et al. as inventors, filed May 22, 2001 (“the Loose et al. patent”), and herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
  • An advantageous feature of the gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme is that, in response to an additional wager per game, a player has an opportunity for enhanced game play, thereby increasing player enjoyment and increasing coin-in revenue per game.
  • the gaming machine having one or more enhanced game play scheme allows a player “super-size” existing game play by enhancing base game play, enhancing bonus game play, enhancing the frequency of bonus game play, enhancing pay table value payouts, etc., via a second, or additional, wager.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one possible embodiment of a gaming machine 10 offering an enhanced game play scheme.
  • the gaming machine 10 may be configured as a stand-alone gaming machine or may be configured as part of a server-based gaming network having one or more coupled servers and a number of additional gaming machines.
  • the gaming machine 10 may be any type of wagering gaming machine offering the enhanced game play scheme and may therefore have varying structures and methods of operation.
  • the gaming machine 10 may be a video gaming machine configured to play a video wagering game, or it may be a mechanical spinning reel slot machine (with or without an arm mechanism).
  • various elements of the gaming machine 10 are described below, but it should be understood that numerous other elements may exist and may be utilized in any number of combinations to create a variety of gaming machine types.
  • the gaming machine 10 includes a cabinet 12 having a door 14 to provide access to the interior of the gaming machine 10 .
  • Attached to the door 14 are audio speaker grills 17 and a belly glass area 18 that typically displays game theme artwork. Sounds provided via the audio speaker grills 17 and associated audio speakers may include the sound of spinning slot machine reels, a dealer's voice, music, announcements or any other audio related to the wagering game.
  • the value input devices may include a coin slot acceptor 20 or a note acceptor 22 to input value to the gaming machine 10 .
  • the note acceptor 22 may accept value in any number of forms, including currency or a currency-sized paper ticket voucher inscribed with information such as a bar code representing value, the name of the casino, the date, etc.
  • value may encompass gaming tokens, coins, paper currency, ticket vouchers, credit or debit cards, smart cards, and any other object representative of value.
  • the gaming machine 10 may also include a player tracking area 23 having a card reader 24 , a keypad 25 and a small display 26 .
  • the player tracking area 23 may be located in any number of areas of the gaming machine 10 .
  • the small display 26 may be implemented using a vacuum fluorescent display (VFD), a liquid crystal display (LCD), an LED display, and/or a touch screen to display information to a game player or casino employee.
  • the card reader 24 may include any type of card reading device, such as a magnetic card reader, memory card reader, an optical card reader, etc.
  • the card reader 24 may be used to read data from a card (e.g., a credit card, a player tracking card, a smart card, etc.) offered by a player. If provided for player tracking purposes, the card reader 24 may be used to read data from, and/or write data to, cards capable of storing data. Such data may include the identity of a player, the identity of a casino, the player's gaming habits, etc. Once gathered, the data can be “mined” (i.e., the data is sorted to identify patterns and establish relationships) for any number of purposes including administering player awards, distinguishing player preferences and habits, accounting, etc.
  • a card e.g., a credit card, a player tracking card, a smart card, etc.
  • the gaming machine 10 also includes a main display device 31 for displaying video game images (e.g., simulated reel symbols, simulated cards, simulated numbers, etc.), or in the case of a mechanical spinning reel slot machine, for displaying a symbol array of artwork and blank symbols affixed to mechanical spinning reels viewable to the player.
  • the symbol array may include occurrences of non-winning symbol combinations where no value payout is awarded to the player, or occurrences of winning symbol combinations (reflected in a pay table) where value payouts are awarded to the player.
  • the main display device 31 may display animation, 2-D or 3-D images and digital video playback.
  • the main display device 31 may be implemented as a CRT, an LCD, a VFD, a plasma display, an organic liquid crystal display or other type of video display suitable for use in a gaming machine, and includes a touch screen.
  • the main display device 31 may include an LCD-TFT display displaying video reel artwork symbols and blank symbols.
  • the main display device 31 includes a reel display area and may additionally include a touch screen. Alternatively, the touch screen may be provided at a location disposed part from the main display device 31 .
  • the reel display area is adapted to display game information to a player while, at the same time, allowing the player to view a reel symbol array provided by the stopped mechanical spinning reels.
  • the game information displayed to the player may include game denominations, available credits, pay lines, wagering information, and other suitable game information.
  • the gaming machine 10 may also include a box top 34 having additional speaker(s) 36 and a top box display device 38 .
  • the top box display device 38 may include a camera and/or a microphone, and/or physical objects such as mechanical reels, wheels, or dice.
  • the top box display device 38 if configured as a dynamic display (e.g., a flat panel video display), may enable a number of game enhancements such as bonus games, interactive tournament games, progressive jackpot games, etc.
  • the top box display device 38 if configured as a static display, may display award information such as pay tables for base or bonus games via glass art.
  • the gaming machine 10 may also include a player control panel 44 .
  • the player control panel 44 may be provided with a number of pushbuttons or touch-sensitive areas (i.e., touch screen) that may be pressed by a player to select games, make wagers, make gaming decisions, etc.
  • the term “button” is intended to encompass any device that allows a player to make an input, such as a mechanical input device that must be depressed to make an input selection or a display area that a player may simply touch.
  • the number of pushbuttons may include one or more “Bet” buttons for wagering, a “Max Bet” button for making the maximum wager allowable for the game, a “Play” button for beginning pay, a “Repeat” button for repeating the previous wagering selection, a “Collect” button for terminating play and cashing out of the game, a “Help” button for viewing a help screen, a “See Pays” button for causing the main display device 31 to generate one or more display screens showing the odds or payout information for the game or games provided by the gaming machine 10 , and a “Call Attendant” button for calling an attendant.
  • the player control panel 44 is shown to be separate from the main display device 31 , it should be understood that the control panel 44 could be generated as a touch-sensitive screen by the main display device 31 .
  • a player when a player inserts value in the gaming machine 10 , credits corresponding to the amount deposited are displayed on a credit meter of the gaming machine 10 .
  • the player After depositing the appropriate amount of value and making appropriate selections, the player begins base game play by pulling a mechanical arm or by pushing an appropriate button such as a Bet button, a Max Bet button, or a Play button on the player control panel 44 .
  • Subsequent game play outcome displayed via the main display device 31 may be determined either centrally or locally (1) using a random number generator (RNG) resulting in a pseudo random set of outcomes, or (2) by selecting a game outcome from a fixed set of outcomes (pooled), or (3) other suitable technique.
  • RNG random number generator
  • a bonus game when triggered by a bonus triggering event such as an occurrence of selected symbols, a bonus game may be made available to the player. Like base game play, an outcome associated with bonus game play may be determined using an RNG, a fixed set of outcomes, or other suitable technique. Additional details describing enhanced game play on the gaming machine 10 having an enhanced game play scheme are included below as described in connection with FIGS. 3-22 .
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a number of components that may be incorporated in the gaming machine 10 of FIG. 1 .
  • the gaming machine 10 includes a controller 200 that may comprise a program memory 202 (including a read only memory (ROM)), a microcontroller-based platform or microprocessor (MP) 204 , a random-access memory (RAM) 206 and an input/output (I/O) circuit 208 , all of which may be interconnected via a communications link, or an address/data bus 210 .
  • the microprocessor 204 is capable of displaying images, symbols and other indicia such as characters, people, places, things, and faces of cards.
  • the RAM 206 is capable of storing event data or other data used or generated during a particular game.
  • the program memory 202 is capable of storing program code that controls the gaming machine 10 so that it plays a particular game in accordance with applicable math models, game rules, and pay tables. For example, when an additional coin-in amount is received for a wager, the microprocessor 204 , executing code in the program memory 202 , causes a bonus triggering event to occur and then enables subsequent bonus game play.
  • the controller 200 may include multiple microprocessors 204 .
  • the controller 200 may include one microprocessor for executing low level gaming functions and another processor for executing higher-level game functions such as some communications, security, maintenance, etc.
  • the memory of the controller 200 may include multiple RAMs 206 and multiple program memories 202 , depending on the requirements of the gaming machine 10 .
  • the I/O circuit 208 is shown as a single block, it should be appreciated that the I/O circuit 208 may include a number of different types of I/O circuits.
  • the RAM(s) 206 and program memory(s) 202 may be implemented as semiconductor memories, magnetically readable memories, and/or optically readable memories, etc.
  • the term “controller” is used herein to refer collectively to the program memory 202 , the microprocessor 204 , the RAM 206 and the I/O circuit 208 .
  • FIG. 2 illustrates that multiple peripheral devices, depicted as peripheral devices 211 , 212 , and 214 , may be operatively coupled to the I/O circuit 208 .
  • the peripheral devices may include a control panel with buttons, a coin slot acceptor, a note acceptor, a bill validator, a card reader, a keypad, a sound circuit driving speakers, a card reader display, a video display, a touch screen, etc.
  • the peripheral devices may include a number of electromechanical spinning reels and a mechanical arm similarly coupled to the I/O circuit 208 . Although three peripheral devices are depicted, more or less peripheral devices may be included.
  • controller 200 is a preferable implementation of the present invention
  • present invention also includes implementation via one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), adaptable computing integrated circuits, one or more hardwired devices, or one or more mechanical devices.
  • ASICs application specific integrated circuits
  • FPGA field programmable gate arrays
  • adaptable computing integrated circuits one or more hardwired devices, or one or more mechanical devices.
  • One manner in which the gaming machine 10 may operate is described below in connection with one or more flowchart(s) that represents a number of portions or routines of one or more computer programs, which may be stored in one or more of the memories of the controller 200 .
  • the computer program(s) or portions thereof may also be stored remotely, outside of the gaming machine 10 and may therefore control the operation from a remote location.
  • the gaming machine 10 having an enhanced game play scheme allows a player to optionally “upgrade” game play by enhancing existing base game play, enhancing existing bonus game play, enhancing the frequency of bonus game play, enhancing pay table value payouts, etc.
  • FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an embodiment of an enhanced game play scheme routine 300 that may be performed by the controller 200 of the gaming machine 10 or by another controller coupled to the controller 200 (a “coupled controller”) during game play.
  • the enhanced game play scheme routine 300 provides one example of game play where, in response to receipt of a second wager to select an option, a player is provided with enhanced game play.
  • the enhanced game play scheme routine 300 may be executed in conjunction with any number of other wagering base or bonus games provided by gaming machines.
  • the enhanced game play scheme routine 300 begins operation when the controller 200 provides an option for enhanced game play of the wagering game on the gaming machine 10 (step 302 ). Exercising the option by a player may result in (1) providing more frequent bonus game play, (2) providing a larger value payout average for bonus game play, (3) providing more frequent bonus game play and providing a larger payout for bonus game play, (4) providing a larger value payout average for base game play, (5) providing a guaranteed payout at a predetermined value if a game outcomes yields only non-winning symbol combinations, and (6) providing one or more game features.
  • Game play is enabled upon detecting a first wager from a player (step 304 ).
  • Detection of the first wager includes detecting a value input and detecting a bet.
  • the controller 200 detects the value input when a player deposits one or more of coins, paper currency, card, or a voucher into a value input device of the gaming machine 10 .
  • a number of credits associated are displayed on a credit meter of the main display device 31 .
  • the controller 200 enables a pay line selection. If there is only one pay line, the controller 200 enables initiation of base game play. If there is more than one pay line, the controller 200 also enables a bet-per-pay line selection.
  • the bet-per-pay line selection causes an amount per pay line to be bet or wagered with the total wager divided equally between each selected pay line if multiple pay lines are selected.
  • the bet-per-pay line is also displayed to the player via a bet meter on the gaming machine 10 .
  • the controller 200 enables the player to select a maximum bet (via a “Max Bet Spin” button, for example).
  • the player may chose the maximum bet option causing maximum pay line selection and maximum credits rather than the pay line selection and the bet per pay line selection.
  • FIG. 5 is an exemplary mechanical button panel 450 for a slot game play on a slot machine having one or more of the enhanced game play scheme routines described herein.
  • the mechanical button panel 450 includes four buttons 451 , 452 , 453 , and 454 for pay line selection, and five buttons 461 , 462 , 463 , 464 , and 465 for a number of credit(s) bet per pay line.
  • button 455 which when selected, may enable the player selection of the option for enhanced game play.
  • providing the option for enhanced game play may include a first wager where the player selects a maximum number of pay lines available for the slot game.
  • the option for enhanced game play is selected, or exercised, when the player wagers additional credits.
  • enhanced game play is enabled upon detecting a second wager from the player (step 306 ).
  • the amount of the second wager may vary depending on the wagering game offered and further depending on the pay lines selected and the bet per pay line. For example, if enhanced game play requires an additional 5 credits per credit bet (per pay line), then enhanced game play for a 15 pay line bet at 5 credits per pay line would require a second wager equivalent to 25 credits. The total amount wagered for the game would therefore be 100 credits; 75 credits for “un-enhanced” game play plus 25 credits to upgrade to enhanced game play.
  • the controller 200 Upon detecting the second wager, the controller 200 enables enhanced game play of the wagering game (step 308 ); in the illustrated example, enables a reel spin.
  • the player may spin the reels by depressing a button such as a “Spin Reels” pushbutton provided on the player control panel 44 or by depressing a video display button provided by a touch screen on the gaming machine 10 .
  • a handle e.g., an electromechanical arm
  • the controller 200 having determined a game outcome based on operation of a pseudo random generator device, stops the reels such that they display a reel symbol array representing the game outcome associated with enhanced game play (step 316 ). If the reel symbol array includes a winning symbol combination and/or if associated bonus game play yields credits, a value payout (i.e., one or more credits) is awarded to the player (step 318 ).
  • the game outcome and/or the value payout may vary, depending on the enhancement enabled upon detecting the second wager.
  • the enhancement enabled is an increase in the likelihood of an occurrence of a bonus game
  • detection of the second wager by the controller 200 may lower the threshold for an occurrence of a bonus game triggering event (step 310 ). For example, if un-enhanced game play requires that three like symbols (e.g., three Waitress symbols) appear, scattered within the reels symbol array in order to trigger bonus game play, then enhanced game play may require that only two like symbols appear in the reels symbol array in order to trigger bonus game play.
  • An advantage of this type of game enhancement is increased entertainment for the player as the interval between bonus game play is shortened.
  • the enhancement enabled is an increase in the value payout average resulting from bonus game play (step 312 )
  • detection of the second wager by the controller 200 may cause one of any number of enhanced bonus game schemes having enhanced value payouts to occur.
  • the enhanced value payouts for bonus game play yield an overall increased value payout average to the player as compared with the value payout average associated with un-enhanced game play. For example, if un-enhanced game play yields 10 free spins per bonus game, then enhanced game play, costing 3 additional credits on a nine line slot game, may yield 20 free spins per bonus game.
  • FIG. 6 is an exemplary display screen 500 that may be displayed on the gaming machine of FIG. 1 during performance of the enhanced game play scheme routine 300 .
  • the exemplary display screen 500 illustrates one example of an enhanced bonus game having an enhanced value payout.
  • the exemplary display screen 500 includes a video dashboard having a credit meter 502 for displaying a number of credits available for base game play (e.g., 400 credits), a pay line indicator 504 for displaying the number of pay lines selected (e.g., 15 pay lines), a bet indicator 506 for displaying the number of credits wagered per pay line for an un-enhanced game (e.g., a first wager of 1 credit per pay line).
  • a credit meter 502 for displaying a number of credits available for base game play (e.g., 400 credits)
  • a pay line indicator 504 for displaying the number of pay lines selected (e.g., 15 pay lines)
  • a bet indicator 506 for displaying the number of credits wagered per pay line for an un
  • a total bet indicator 508 is also provided for displaying the total credits wagered for the game (e.g., 17 credits); in this case, 15 credits for the first wager, plus 2 credits for the second wager enabling enhanced bonus game play. Also included are a number of player selectable buttons such as a select line button 512 , a bet per line button 514 , a spin/stop reels button 516 , a max bet spin button 518 , etc. Although illustrated as virtual touch screen buttons, some of the player selectable buttons may also be configured into the mechanical button panel described in connection with FIG. 4 .
  • the player selects the option for enhanced game play by placing the second wager of 2 additional credits.
  • Enhanced game play causes doubling of the number of free spins awarded during bonus game play.
  • the player having placed the second wager of two credits, having won a bonus game, and having selected a first symbol 520 from among five symbols (i.e., five cowboy hats) during bonus game play, is awarded 16 free spins rather than 8 spins, thereby yielding an overall increased value payout average to the player as compared with the value payout average associated with un-enhanced game play.
  • enhanced game play may yield double, triple, etc., the un-enhanced value payout amount associated with the same bonus game outcome.
  • enhanced game play may yield a bonus game having 10 free spins with double, triple, etc., value pay outs.
  • enhanced game play may allow the player during bonus game play to select/reveal items until two bonus game-ending items are selected/revealed (e.g., enhanced game play may include one “terminator saver”).
  • additional credits on average, are paid out to the player(s) during enhanced game play of a bonus game.
  • the enhancement enabled is an increase in the likelihood of an occurrence of a bonus game (step 310 ) and increase in the value payout average resulting from bonus game play (step 312 )
  • detection of the second wager by the controller 200 may cause one of any number of bonus game schemes to occur which result in increased bonus game occurrences, increased value payout averages per bonus game, or both.
  • enhanced game play costing 6 additional credits may enable (a) the first bonus game to be triggered by two like reel symbols, (b) the second bonus game to yield ten free spins, and (c) the third bonus game to yield five value symbols.
  • the six additional credits provided via the second wager may be allocated evenly (i.e., 2 credits per bonus game) between the three bonus games.
  • the enhancement enabled is an increase in the value payout average resulting from base game play (step 314 )
  • detection of the second wager by the controller 200 may cause one of any number of base game schemes having enhanced value payouts to occur.
  • the enhanced value payouts for base game play yield an overall increased value payout average to the player as compared with the value payout average associated with un-enhanced game play.
  • detection of the second wager by the controller 200 may cause an increase to all or part of the value payouts associated with winning symbol combinations displayed on a pay table of the gaming machine 10 .
  • enhanced game play costing 5 additional credits per game per credit bet may enable a value payout of 500 credits for the same five like symbols.
  • Such an enhancement scheme maximizes the volatility of game play for those players wishing to exercise the option by placing the second wager.
  • un-enhanced game play of a five reel game has no value payout for two like symbols displayed in a symbol array, then enhanced game play costing 5 additional credits per game per credit bet (per pay line), may enable a 2 credit payout for all two like symbols displayed in the symbol array.
  • Such an enhancement scheme allows for lower volatility game play for a player wishing to exercise the option by placing the second wager.
  • Another example of a base game scheme having an enhanced value payout includes providing a guaranteed value payout to the player at the conclusion of every game. Therefore, if the enhancement enabled is providing a guaranteed payout at a predetermined value if a game outcomes is a non-winning outcome (step 312 ), detection of the second wager by the controller 200 may cause one of any number of game schemes to occur where a guaranteed value payout occurs. For example, if un-enhanced game play of a nine pay line slot game only yields a value payout for winning symbol combinations appearing in a pay table of the gaming machine 10 , then enhanced game play, costing one additional credit for every nine pay line slot game, yields a 10 credit value payout if the game outcome yields only non-winning symbol combinations.
  • the enhancement enabled is activating one or more game feature(s)
  • detection of the second wager by the controller 200 may cause one of any number of game features to be included in the game.
  • the feature may, for example, be a special function indicator that indicates a random or predetermined position(s) on the reels. A symbol landing in the indicated position may be considered a wild symbol or a scatter symbol for that spin of the reels.
  • the feature may be an expanding wild symbol such that if the player places the second wager, a regular wild symbol expands to occupy the entire reel.
  • the feature may be to eliminate or override one or more less-favorable outcomes in a bonus game.
  • the less-favorable outcome may, for example, be a low credit award or a stopper (e.g., a terminator or party pooper) symbol in a bonus round where the player makes selections until selecting an item that reveals the stopper symbol.
  • a stopper e.g., a terminator or party pooper
  • FIG. 4 is a flowchart of another embodiment 320 of an enhanced game play scheme routine that may be performed by the controller 200 during game play of the gaming machine 10 or by a coupled controller during game play.
  • the enhanced game play scheme routine 320 provides one example of game play where, in response to receipt of a second wager to select an option, a player is provided with enhanced game play.
  • the enhanced game play scheme routine 320 begins operation when the controller 200 detects a first wager for game play of the wagering game (step 322 ).
  • the controller 200 enables game play and then displays a partial wagering game outcome (step 324 ); in this case, enables a reel spin and displays a partial reel symbol array provided by at least two stopped reels of the total number of reels.
  • the controller 200 then provides an option to the player for enhanced game play (step 326 ) where enhanced game play includes increasing a value of some or all of the value payouts associated with the winning base game outcomes (e.g., winning symbol combinations).
  • the controller 200 In response to receiving a second wager indicating player selection of the option (step 328 ), the controller 200 displays a full outcome associated with enhanced game play (step 332 ); in this case, stops the remaining spinning reels to display a full reel symbol array. If the full outcome associated with enhanced base game play includes a winning outcome, a value payout is awarded to the player (step 334 ) where the value payout reflects the increase of some or all of the value payouts associated with the winning base game outcomes.
  • FIGS. 7-12 are a series of exemplary display screens 600 that may be displayed during performance of yet another embodiment of an enhanced game play scheme routine 650 during game play of the gaming machine of FIG. 1 .
  • the exemplary display screens 600 illustrate one example of the enhanced game play scheme routine 650 where a reel symbol (e.g., a Super Wild symbol) is able to be repositioned in a reel symbol array if it is activated and if repositioning would yield a higher value payout to the player.
  • a reel symbol e.g., a Super Wild symbol
  • the exemplary display screen 600 includes a video dashboard having a credit meter 602 displaying 842 credits, a pay line indicator 604 displaying 20 pay lines, a bet indicator 606 displaying a first wager of 1 credit per pay line, a total bet indicator 608 displaying total credits wagered of 20 credits for a first wager for game play.
  • the 842 credits displayed on the credit meter 602 reflect a deduction of 20 credits prior to the reel spin.
  • the deduction of wagered credits may not be reflected on the credit meter 602 until after the reel spin.
  • buttons such as a select line button 612 , a bet per line button 614 , a spin/stop reels button 616 , a max bet spin button 618 , etc.
  • a select line button 612 a bet per line button 614
  • a spin/stop reels button 616 a spin/stop reels button 616
  • a max bet spin button 618 a number of player selectable buttons such as a select line button 612 , a bet per line button 614 , a spin/stop reels button 616 , a max bet spin button 618 , etc.
  • the some of the player selectable buttons may also be configured within the mechanical button panel described in connection with FIG. 4 .
  • one of the reel symbols on one of the reels is designated as a super wild reel symbol 620 (e.g., a Super Wild symbol) that is able to be repositioned in an outcome reel symbol array if the supper wild symbol is activated and if repositioning would yield a higher value payout to the player.
  • the controller 200 detects a first wager of a first amount of credits from a player to play the slot game, the controller 200 provides an option to activate the super wild symbol 620 .
  • the option is preferably provided only when the first wager includes player selection of a maximum number of pay lines available for the slot game. For example, for a reel symbol array having fifteen reel symbols and up to twenty player pay lines, the option is preferably provided only when the first wager includes player selection of twenty pay lines. It is contemplated that in other slot game designs, the option may be offered when less pay lines are selected, when the first wager includes a maximum number of credits per pay line bet, etc.
  • the total bet indicator 608 reflects the second wager by increasing from 20 to 25 credits
  • the super wild symbol 620 is activated and enhanced slot game play is enabled.
  • the second credit amount is preferably directly proportional to a number of credits bet per selected pay line(s).
  • Activating may also include changing a color of the super wild reel symbol to notify the player of the activated state.
  • the reels are rotated (see, FIG. 9 ) and stopped to display a first reel symbol array 621 . If the super wild symbol 620 appears in the first reel symbol array 621 (see, FIG.
  • the super wild symbol 620 is repositioned (see, FIG. 11 ) to display a second reel symbol array 623 (see, FIG. 12 ) if the second reel symbol array has a higher value payout than the first reel symbol array.
  • the repositioned super wild symbol completes a four money-symbol pay line resulting in a 100 credit value output.
  • the super wild symbol 620 Because of the repositioning of the super wild symbol 620 , a probability of an occurrence of a winning outcome is higher in the second reel symbol array than in the first symbol array. Further the super wild symbol is repositioned by the controller 200 to maximize the value payout to the player.
  • FIGS. 13-18 are a series of exemplary display screens 700 that may be displayed during performance of a further embodiment of an enhanced game play scheme routine 750 during game play of the gaming machine of FIG. 1 .
  • the exemplary display screens 700 illustrate one example of the enhanced game play scheme routine 750 where a reel displaying a first extra symbol is able to be “nudged”, or undergoes an additional slight movement, to reposition the first extra symbol in a reel symbol array if the additional movement would yield a higher value payout to the player.
  • the exemplary display screen 700 includes a video dashboard having a credit meter 702 , a pay line indicator 704 displaying 20 pay lines, a bet indicator 706 displaying a first wager of 1 credit per pay line, a total bet indicator 708 displaying total credits wagered of 20 credits. Also included are a number of player selectable buttons such as a select line button 712 , a bet per line button 714 , a spin/stop reels button 716 , a max bet spin button 718 , etc. Although illustrated as virtual touch screen buttons, some of the player selectable buttons may also be configured within the mechanical button panel described in connection with FIG. 4 .
  • a first extra reel symbol 720 i.e., a gold bar
  • a second extra reel symbol 722 i.e., a money bag
  • the controller 200 receives a first wager of a first amount of credits from a player to play the slot game
  • the controller 200 provides an option to activate a possibility of movement of the first reel 724 to reposition either the first extra reel symbol 720 or the second extra reel symbol 722 after the reels spin and stop.
  • the option is preferably provided only when the first wager includes player selection of a maximum number of pay lines available for the slot game. It is contemplated that the option may be offered however, when less pay lines are selected, when the first wager includes a maximum number of credits per pay line bet, etc.
  • the total bet indicator 708 reflects the second wager by increasing from 20 to 25 credits, the possibility of movement of the first reel 724 to reposition either the first extra reel symbol 720 or the second extra reel symbol 722 is activated and therefore enhanced slot game play is enabled.
  • the second credit amount is preferably directly proportional to a number of credits bet per selected pay line(s).
  • Activating may also include changing a color of the first and second extra reel symbol 720 , 722 (see, FIG. 14 ) and/or displaying the words “SUPER NUDGE ACTIVATED” to notify the player of the activated state.
  • the reels are rotated (see, FIG. 15 ) and stopped to display a second reel symbol array 729 (see, FIG. 16 ).
  • the first extra reel symbol 720 i.e., a bank safe
  • the second extra reels symbol 722 i.e., a piggy bank
  • FIG. 16 If the addition movement of the first reel 724 to reposition the first extra symbol 720 into a third reel symbol array results in a higher value payout than the second symbol array (see, FIG. 17 ), then the first extra reel will nudge downward by one reel position to form the third symbol array 731 .
  • the first extra reel will nudge upward by one reel position to form the third array 731 .
  • repositioning the first extra symbol 720 , a bank safe, into the third reel symbol array creates a five bank safe combination yielding in a higher value payout than the second symbol array.
  • first or second extra reel symbol Because of the possibility of repositioning either the first or second extra reel symbol, a probability of an occurrence of a winning outcome is higher in the third reel symbol array than in the second symbol array. Further, either the first or second extra reel symbol is repositioned via the additional movement of the first reel 724 by the controller 200 to maximize the value payout to the player.
  • FIGS. 19-22 are a series of exemplary display screens 800 that may be displayed during performance of yet a further embodiment of an enhanced game play scheme routine 850 during game play of the gaming machine of FIG. 1 .
  • the exemplary display screens 800 illustrate one example of the enhanced game play scheme routine 850 where an extra reel symbol is used to generate a new pay line having a winning symbol combination and yielding a value payout to the player.
  • the exemplary display screen 800 includes a video dashboard having a credit meter 802 displaying 924 credits, a pay line indicator 804 displaying 20 pay lines, a bet indicator 806 displaying a first wager of 1 credit per pay line, a total bet indicator 808 displaying total credits wagered of 20 credits. Also included are a number of player selectable buttons such as a select line button 812 , a bet per line button 814 , a spin/stop reels button 816 , a max bet spin button 818 , etc. Although illustrated as virtual touch screen buttons, some of the player selectable buttons may also be configured within the mechanical button panel described in connection with FIG. 4 .
  • an extra reel symbol 820 (i.e., gold bar) is displayed above a first symbol array 827 of fifteen reel symbols.
  • the extra reel symbol 820 is preferably displayed above the third reel 824 although it may be displayed above or below any of the reels.
  • the controller 200 receives a first wager of a first amount of credits from a player to play the slot game, the controller 200 provides an option to activate a possibility of generating an extra pay line that includes the extra reel symbol 820 .
  • the option is preferably provided only when the first wager includes player selection of a maximum number of pay lines available for the slot game. It is contemplated that the option may be offered however, when less pay lines are selected, when the first wager includes a maximum number of credits per pay line bet, etc.
  • the total bet indicator 808 reflects the second wager by increasing from 20 to 25 credits, the possibility of generating an extra pay line including the extra reel symbol 820 is activated and enhanced slot game play is enabled.
  • the second credit amount is preferably directly proportional to a number of credits bet per selected pay line(s).
  • Activating may also include changing a color of the third reel 824 and/or displaying the words “SUPER SYMBOL ACTIVATED” to notify the player of the activated state (see, FIG. 20 ). Next, the reels are rotated (see, FIG.
  • the extra reel symbol 820 is also rotated and stopped (see, FIG. 21 ). If the extra reel symbol 820 (i.e., money bag) completes a winning symbol combination, the extra pay line 830 is generated including the first extra reel symbol 820 (see, FIG. 22 ). The extra pay line 830 , including the extra reel symbol 820 , may be generated to include five reel symbols in one in any number of patterns. In the illustrated example of FIG. 22 , the extra symbol 820 in the extra pay line 830 creates a five moneybag combination yielding a value payout of 300 credits.
  • the extra pay line is generated by the controller 200 to maximize the value payout to the player.
  • the player may be required to place an extra wager (i.e., the second wager) to buy virtually any feature or to make any feature available to the player.
  • an extra wager i.e., the second wager
  • the gaming machine having a number of enhanced game play schemes increases coin-in revenue per game played and increases player enjoyment.
  • the gaming machine having one or more enhanced game play scheme allows a player “supersize” existing game play by enhancing base game play, enhancing bonus game play, enhancing the frequency of bonus game play, enhancing pay table value payouts, etc., via an additional wager amount.

Abstract

A gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme is provided where, in response to receipt of a second wager to select an option, a player is provided with enhanced game play. Enhanced game play may include (1) providing more frequent bonus game play, (2) providing a larger bonus game value payout, (3) providing more frequent bonus game play and providing a larger bonus game value payout, (4) providing a larger game value payout, (5) providing a guaranteed value payout for a non-winning outcome, (6) providing game features (7) providing a larger game value payout based on a partial game outcome, (8) providing an extra wild symbol capable of repositioning, and (9) providing a possibility of an additional reel movement to reposition an extra reel symbol or (10) providing a possibility of an extra pay line to include an extra reel symbol to increase a value payout.

Description

    REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/428,516 filed May 1, 2003 and entitled “Gaming Machine With Interactive Pop-Up Windows,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
  • FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
  • This invention is directed to gaming machines, and more particularly, to a gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme.
  • BACKGROUND
  • Gaming machines providing base games such as electronically driven video slots, video poker, video blackjack, video keno, video bingo, video pachinko, video lottery, and mechanically driven reel slots, etc., are well known in the gaming industry. Generally gaming machines are configured to operate as “stand-alone” units (that may or may not be coupled to a backroom computer) where the outcome of game play is “locally determined”, or as part of a server-based gaming network where the outcome of game play may be either locally determined or “centrally determined”.
  • Slot games provided by either video slot machines or mechanical spinning reel slot machines have proven to be one of the most popular wagering games. As a result, slot game designers continually seek ways to improve game play and increase coin-in revenue per wagering game (e.g., the amount wagered by the player per game). For example, competition for slot game players has resulted in game designs with lower game play denominations for those players desiring maximum game play time for their coin-in. Competition has also resulted in slot game designs with higher numbers of pay lines to increase an occurrence of a winning symbol combination per wagering game and to increase coin-in revenue per wagering game. There is a visual limit, however, to the maximum number of pay lines that can be offered per wagering game.
  • Bonus games are also utilized to attract slot game players and to increase coin-in revenue per wagering game. Bonus games, typically initiated by an occurrence of a bonus triggering event occurring during slot game play, are desirable because they generally result in some type of win for the player. For example, some bonus games associated with slot game play provide “free” spins to the player.
  • Because of the popularity of bonus games, gaming machine manufacturers have attempted to use them to as a basis to increase coin-in revenue per wagering game played. For example, one bonus scheme allows a player to buy a chance to participate in a bonus game where bonus game play may yield a progressive jackpot. This chance to participate in the bonus game is provided to the player in exchange for the player providing “additional coin-in” (i.e., coin-in that is above what is required for standard base game play on the gaming machine). Although this scheme does result in an increased coin-in amount per slot game played, the additional coin-in amounts are utilized to fund the progressive jackpot rather than to increase coin-in revenues per game.
  • Another bonus scheme allows a player to pay 5 addition credits per spin (multiplied by the amount bet per line) to possibly qualify for bonus game play if a bonus triggering event occurs during the reel spin and if the player has selected the maximum number of pay lines bet per game. Without the 5 additional credits per spin per pay line, bonus game play will never be triggered. Thus, for a player desiring a possible chance to participate in bonus game play, the player's coin-in must increase from 20 credits to 25 credits per pay line selected. Although this scheme does result in an increased coin-in revenue amount per game, the player must always select to play the maximum number of pay lines; a costly proposition for the player just to have a possible chance to participate in bonus game play.
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • In general, the present invention provides a gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme where, in response to a first wager for base game play plus additional coin-in per game (a second wager), a player has an opportunity for enhanced game play. In other words, for additional coin-in per game, an existing aspect of game play is enhanced. Therefore, depending on the gaming machine configuration, the additional coin-in per game may result in one of a number enhanced game play schemes that increase player excitement while at the same time, increase coin-in revenue per game played.
  • In one embodiment, the additional coin-in per game may result in more frequent bonus game play via lowering a threshold for a bonus triggering event to occur.
  • In another embodiment, the additional coin-in per game may result in an enhanced or “supersized” bonus game to be awarded to the player when bonus game play is triggered. Enhanced bonus game play results in an higher value payout average than standard bonus game play.
  • In a yet another embodiment, the additional coin-in per game may result in an enhanced bonus game having a lower threshold for a bonus triggering event to occur; a combination enhanced bonus game scheme.
  • In a further embodiment, the additional coin-in per game may result in a winning symbol combination paying an enhanced award associated with an enhanced pay table rather than paying a standard award associated with a standard pay table.
  • In yet a further embodiment, the additional coin-in per game may operate as insurance yielding a guaranteed value payout in the event of a non-winning outcome of game play.
  • In an additional embodiment, the additional coin-in per game may be collected after the initial wager at a time when the game outcome is only partially displayed. The additional coin-in per game results in a larger value payout in the event of a winning outcome.
  • In yet an additional embodiment, the additional coin-in per game may activate game features.
  • In another additional embodiment, the additional coin-in per game may activate one or more special reel symbol(s) capable of being repositioned within an outcome symbol array to yield a higher value payout.
  • In another further embodiment, the additional coin-in per game may activate additional reel movement after the outcome symbol array is displayed to reposition an extra reel symbol into the outcome symbol array and yield a higher value payout.
  • In yet another further embodiment, the additional coin-in per game may activate a possibility of generating an extra pay line that includes an extra reel symbol if the extra pay line results in a higher value payout.
  • Additional aspects of the invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed description of various embodiments, which is made with reference to the drawings, a brief description of which is provided below.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme in accordance the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the electronic components of the gaming machine of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an embodiment of an enhanced game play scheme routine that may be performed during game play of the gaming machine of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 4 is a flowchart of another embodiment of an enhanced game play scheme routine that may be performed during game play of the gaming machine of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 5 is an exemplary mechanical button panel for enhanced game play on the gaming machine of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 6 is an exemplary display screen that may be displayed on the gaming machine of FIG. 1 during performance of the enhanced game play scheme routine of FIG. 3.
  • FIGS. 7-12 are a series of exemplary display screens that may be displayed during performance of yet another embodiment of an enhanced game play scheme routine performed during game play of the gaming machine of FIG. 1.
  • FIGS. 13-18 are a series of exemplary display screens that may be displayed during performance of a further embodiment of an enhanced game play scheme routine during game play of the gaming machine of FIG. 1.
  • FIGS. 19-22 are a series of exemplary display screens that may be displayed during performance of yet a further embodiment of an enhanced game play scheme routine during game play of the gaming machine of FIG. 1
  • DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • The description of the preferred examples is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment of the invention. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims defining the invention.
  • In general, the present invention provides a gaming machine having a number of enhanced game play schemes where, in response to receipt of a second wager to select an option for enhanced game play, a player is provided with enhanced game play. The option may be provided before or after a first wager from the player. Enhanced game play may include (1) providing more frequent bonus game play, (2) providing a larger value payout for bonus game play, (3) providing more frequent bonus game play and providing a larger payout for bonus game play, (4) providing a larger value payout for base game play, (5) providing a guaranteed payout at a predetermined value if a game outcome is a non-winning outcome, (6) providing one or more game features, (7) providing a larger value payout for base game play if, after a partial outcome of game play is displayed, the player selects the option, (8) activating an extra wild symbol capable of being repositioned within an outcome symbol array to yield a higher value payout, (9) providing a possibility of an additional movement of a reel to reposition an extra reel symbol, above or below the outcome symbol array, into the outcome symbol array to yield a higher value payout, or (10) providing a possibility of generating an extra pay line that includes an extra reel symbol, above or below an outcome symbol array, if the extra pay line results in a higher value payout, to name a few.
  • As described below, the present invention is preferably implemented using a video slot machine. It is contemplated that the present invention may also be implemented using other types of video gaming machines or, in some cases, using an adaptable mechanical spinning reel gaming machine having flat panel transmissive display positioned in front of the mechanical spinning reels where the flat panel transmissive display is able to superimpose video images upon the mechanical spinning reels. A mechanical spinning reel gaming machine with superimposed video images generated via a variable display device such as a flat panel transmissive display is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,433, entitled “Reel Spinning Slot Machine With Superimposed Video Image”, naming Loose et al. as inventors, filed May 22, 2001 (“the Loose et al. patent”), and herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
  • An advantageous feature of the gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme is that, in response to an additional wager per game, a player has an opportunity for enhanced game play, thereby increasing player enjoyment and increasing coin-in revenue per game. Thus, unlike prior art schemes that allow a player to become eligible for possible game play (e.g., bonus game play, progressive jackpot game play) via an additional wager, the gaming machine having one or more enhanced game play scheme allows a player “super-size” existing game play by enhancing base game play, enhancing bonus game play, enhancing the frequency of bonus game play, enhancing pay table value payouts, etc., via a second, or additional, wager.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one possible embodiment of a gaming machine 10 offering an enhanced game play scheme. The gaming machine 10 may be configured as a stand-alone gaming machine or may be configured as part of a server-based gaming network having one or more coupled servers and a number of additional gaming machines. The gaming machine 10 may be any type of wagering gaming machine offering the enhanced game play scheme and may therefore have varying structures and methods of operation. For example, the gaming machine 10 may be a video gaming machine configured to play a video wagering game, or it may be a mechanical spinning reel slot machine (with or without an arm mechanism). For exemplary purposes, various elements of the gaming machine 10 are described below, but it should be understood that numerous other elements may exist and may be utilized in any number of combinations to create a variety of gaming machine types.
  • Referring to FIG. 1, the gaming machine 10 includes a cabinet 12 having a door 14 to provide access to the interior of the gaming machine 10. Attached to the door 14 are audio speaker grills 17 and a belly glass area 18 that typically displays game theme artwork. Sounds provided via the audio speaker grills 17 and associated audio speakers may include the sound of spinning slot machine reels, a dealer's voice, music, announcements or any other audio related to the wagering game.
  • Also attached to the door 14 are a number of value input devices that allow a player to insert value for game play. The value input devices may include a coin slot acceptor 20 or a note acceptor 22 to input value to the gaming machine 10. The note acceptor 22 may accept value in any number of forms, including currency or a currency-sized paper ticket voucher inscribed with information such as a bar code representing value, the name of the casino, the date, etc. As used herein, the term “value” may encompass gaming tokens, coins, paper currency, ticket vouchers, credit or debit cards, smart cards, and any other object representative of value.
  • The gaming machine 10 may also include a player tracking area 23 having a card reader 24, a keypad 25 and a small display 26. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the player tracking area 23 may be located in any number of areas of the gaming machine 10. The small display 26 may be implemented using a vacuum fluorescent display (VFD), a liquid crystal display (LCD), an LED display, and/or a touch screen to display information to a game player or casino employee. The card reader 24 may include any type of card reading device, such as a magnetic card reader, memory card reader, an optical card reader, etc. The card reader 24 may be used to read data from a card (e.g., a credit card, a player tracking card, a smart card, etc.) offered by a player. If provided for player tracking purposes, the card reader 24 may be used to read data from, and/or write data to, cards capable of storing data. Such data may include the identity of a player, the identity of a casino, the player's gaming habits, etc. Once gathered, the data can be “mined” (i.e., the data is sorted to identify patterns and establish relationships) for any number of purposes including administering player awards, distinguishing player preferences and habits, accounting, etc.
  • The gaming machine 10 also includes a main display device 31 for displaying video game images (e.g., simulated reel symbols, simulated cards, simulated numbers, etc.), or in the case of a mechanical spinning reel slot machine, for displaying a symbol array of artwork and blank symbols affixed to mechanical spinning reels viewable to the player. The symbol array may include occurrences of non-winning symbol combinations where no value payout is awarded to the player, or occurrences of winning symbol combinations (reflected in a pay table) where value payouts are awarded to the player. In addition, the main display device 31 may display animation, 2-D or 3-D images and digital video playback.
  • For video gaming machines, the main display device 31 may be implemented as a CRT, an LCD, a VFD, a plasma display, an organic liquid crystal display or other type of video display suitable for use in a gaming machine, and includes a touch screen. For example, in a video gaming machine offering a slot game, the main display device 31 may include an LCD-TFT display displaying video reel artwork symbols and blank symbols.
  • For mechanical spinning reel slot machines, the main display device 31 includes a reel display area and may additionally include a touch screen. Alternatively, the touch screen may be provided at a location disposed part from the main display device 31. The reel display area is adapted to display game information to a player while, at the same time, allowing the player to view a reel symbol array provided by the stopped mechanical spinning reels. The game information displayed to the player may include game denominations, available credits, pay lines, wagering information, and other suitable game information. When the mechanical spinning reels are rotated and stopped, the resulting symbol array in conjunction with game information displayed in the reel display area provide a game outcome and game status to the player.
  • Referring again to FIG. 1, the gaming machine 10 may also include a box top 34 having additional speaker(s) 36 and a top box display device 38. Although not separately illustrated, the top box display device 38 may include a camera and/or a microphone, and/or physical objects such as mechanical reels, wheels, or dice. The top box display device 38, if configured as a dynamic display (e.g., a flat panel video display), may enable a number of game enhancements such as bonus games, interactive tournament games, progressive jackpot games, etc. Alternatively, the top box display device 38, if configured as a static display, may display award information such as pay tables for base or bonus games via glass art.
  • The gaming machine 10 may also include a player control panel 44. The player control panel 44 may be provided with a number of pushbuttons or touch-sensitive areas (i.e., touch screen) that may be pressed by a player to select games, make wagers, make gaming decisions, etc. As used herein, the term “button” is intended to encompass any device that allows a player to make an input, such as a mechanical input device that must be depressed to make an input selection or a display area that a player may simply touch. The number of pushbuttons may include one or more “Bet” buttons for wagering, a “Max Bet” button for making the maximum wager allowable for the game, a “Play” button for beginning pay, a “Repeat” button for repeating the previous wagering selection, a “Collect” button for terminating play and cashing out of the game, a “Help” button for viewing a help screen, a “See Pays” button for causing the main display device 31 to generate one or more display screens showing the odds or payout information for the game or games provided by the gaming machine 10, and a “Call Attendant” button for calling an attendant. Further, although the player control panel 44 is shown to be separate from the main display device 31, it should be understood that the control panel 44 could be generated as a touch-sensitive screen by the main display device 31.
  • Referring again to FIG. 1, when a player inserts value in the gaming machine 10, credits corresponding to the amount deposited are displayed on a credit meter of the gaming machine 10. After depositing the appropriate amount of value and making appropriate selections, the player begins base game play by pulling a mechanical arm or by pushing an appropriate button such as a Bet button, a Max Bet button, or a Play button on the player control panel 44. Subsequent game play outcome displayed via the main display device 31 may be determined either centrally or locally (1) using a random number generator (RNG) resulting in a pseudo random set of outcomes, or (2) by selecting a game outcome from a fixed set of outcomes (pooled), or (3) other suitable technique. In addition, when triggered by a bonus triggering event such as an occurrence of selected symbols, a bonus game may be made available to the player. Like base game play, an outcome associated with bonus game play may be determined using an RNG, a fixed set of outcomes, or other suitable technique. Additional details describing enhanced game play on the gaming machine 10 having an enhanced game play scheme are included below as described in connection with FIGS. 3-22.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a number of components that may be incorporated in the gaming machine 10 of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 2, the gaming machine 10, includes a controller 200 that may comprise a program memory 202 (including a read only memory (ROM)), a microcontroller-based platform or microprocessor (MP) 204, a random-access memory (RAM) 206 and an input/output (I/O) circuit 208, all of which may be interconnected via a communications link, or an address/data bus 210. The microprocessor 204 is capable of displaying images, symbols and other indicia such as characters, people, places, things, and faces of cards. The RAM 206 is capable of storing event data or other data used or generated during a particular game. The program memory 202 is capable of storing program code that controls the gaming machine 10 so that it plays a particular game in accordance with applicable math models, game rules, and pay tables. For example, when an additional coin-in amount is received for a wager, the microprocessor 204, executing code in the program memory 202, causes a bonus triggering event to occur and then enables subsequent bonus game play.
  • It should be appreciated that although only one microprocessor 204 is shown, the controller 200 may include multiple microprocessors 204. For example, the controller 200 may include one microprocessor for executing low level gaming functions and another processor for executing higher-level game functions such as some communications, security, maintenance, etc. Similarly, the memory of the controller 200 may include multiple RAMs 206 and multiple program memories 202, depending on the requirements of the gaming machine 10. Although the I/O circuit 208 is shown as a single block, it should be appreciated that the I/O circuit 208 may include a number of different types of I/O circuits. The RAM(s) 206 and program memory(s) 202 may be implemented as semiconductor memories, magnetically readable memories, and/or optically readable memories, etc. Further, the term “controller” is used herein to refer collectively to the program memory 202, the microprocessor 204, the RAM 206 and the I/O circuit 208.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates that multiple peripheral devices, depicted as peripheral devices 211, 212, and 214, may be operatively coupled to the I/O circuit 208. The peripheral devices may include a control panel with buttons, a coin slot acceptor, a note acceptor, a bill validator, a card reader, a keypad, a sound circuit driving speakers, a card reader display, a video display, a touch screen, etc. In the case of a spinning reel slot machine, the peripheral devices may include a number of electromechanical spinning reels and a mechanical arm similarly coupled to the I/O circuit 208. Although three peripheral devices are depicted, more or less peripheral devices may be included.
  • It should be appreciated that although the controller 200 is a preferable implementation of the present invention, the present invention also includes implementation via one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), adaptable computing integrated circuits, one or more hardwired devices, or one or more mechanical devices.
  • One manner in which the gaming machine 10 may operate is described below in connection with one or more flowchart(s) that represents a number of portions or routines of one or more computer programs, which may be stored in one or more of the memories of the controller 200. The computer program(s) or portions thereof may also be stored remotely, outside of the gaming machine 10 and may therefore control the operation from a remote location.
  • As previously discussed, unlike prior art schemes that allow a player to be eligible for possible game play (e.g., bonus game, progressive jackpot) only via additional coin-in, the gaming machine 10 having an enhanced game play scheme allows a player to optionally “upgrade” game play by enhancing existing base game play, enhancing existing bonus game play, enhancing the frequency of bonus game play, enhancing pay table value payouts, etc.
  • FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an embodiment of an enhanced game play scheme routine 300 that may be performed by the controller 200 of the gaming machine 10 or by another controller coupled to the controller 200 (a “coupled controller”) during game play. The enhanced game play scheme routine 300 provides one example of game play where, in response to receipt of a second wager to select an option, a player is provided with enhanced game play. Although discussed below in the context of a video slot game for illustrative purposes, it is contemplated that the enhanced game play scheme routine 300 may be executed in conjunction with any number of other wagering base or bonus games provided by gaming machines.
  • Referring to FIG. 3, the enhanced game play scheme routine 300 begins operation when the controller 200 provides an option for enhanced game play of the wagering game on the gaming machine 10 (step 302). Exercising the option by a player may result in (1) providing more frequent bonus game play, (2) providing a larger value payout average for bonus game play, (3) providing more frequent bonus game play and providing a larger payout for bonus game play, (4) providing a larger value payout average for base game play, (5) providing a guaranteed payout at a predetermined value if a game outcomes yields only non-winning symbol combinations, and (6) providing one or more game features.
  • Game play is enabled upon detecting a first wager from a player (step 304). Detection of the first wager includes detecting a value input and detecting a bet. The controller 200 detects the value input when a player deposits one or more of coins, paper currency, card, or a voucher into a value input device of the gaming machine 10. When the controller 200 detects the value input, a number of credits associated are displayed on a credit meter of the main display device 31. After value input detection, the controller 200 enables a pay line selection. If there is only one pay line, the controller 200 enables initiation of base game play. If there is more than one pay line, the controller 200 also enables a bet-per-pay line selection. The bet-per-pay line selection causes an amount per pay line to be bet or wagered with the total wager divided equally between each selected pay line if multiple pay lines are selected. The bet-per-pay line is also displayed to the player via a bet meter on the gaming machine 10. In addition, the controller 200 enables the player to select a maximum bet (via a “Max Bet Spin” button, for example). Thus, the player may chose the maximum bet option causing maximum pay line selection and maximum credits rather than the pay line selection and the bet per pay line selection.
  • Pay line selection and bet per pay line selection may be made by the player using a touch screen and/or a mechanical button panel. FIG. 5 is an exemplary mechanical button panel 450 for a slot game play on a slot machine having one or more of the enhanced game play scheme routines described herein. The mechanical button panel 450 includes four buttons 451, 452, 453, and 454 for pay line selection, and five buttons 461, 462, 463, 464, and 465 for a number of credit(s) bet per pay line. Also included is button 455 which when selected, may enable the player selection of the option for enhanced game play. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, providing the option for enhanced game play may include a first wager where the player selects a maximum number of pay lines available for the slot game.
  • Referring again to FIG. 3, the option for enhanced game play is selected, or exercised, when the player wagers additional credits. Thus, enhanced game play is enabled upon detecting a second wager from the player (step 306). The amount of the second wager may vary depending on the wagering game offered and further depending on the pay lines selected and the bet per pay line. For example, if enhanced game play requires an additional 5 credits per credit bet (per pay line), then enhanced game play for a 15 pay line bet at 5 credits per pay line would require a second wager equivalent to 25 credits. The total amount wagered for the game would therefore be 100 credits; 75 credits for “un-enhanced” game play plus 25 credits to upgrade to enhanced game play.
  • Upon detecting the second wager, the controller 200 enables enhanced game play of the wagering game (step 308); in the illustrated example, enables a reel spin. The player may spin the reels by depressing a button such as a “Spin Reels” pushbutton provided on the player control panel 44 or by depressing a video display button provided by a touch screen on the gaming machine 10. Alternatively, if the slot game is a mechanical spinning reel slot game utilizing a number of mechanical spinning reels, the player may pull a handle (e.g., an electromechanical arm) provided on the gaming machine 10 to initiate the reel spin. In either case, the controller 200, having determined a game outcome based on operation of a pseudo random generator device, stops the reels such that they display a reel symbol array representing the game outcome associated with enhanced game play (step 316). If the reel symbol array includes a winning symbol combination and/or if associated bonus game play yields credits, a value payout (i.e., one or more credits) is awarded to the player (step 318).
  • The game outcome and/or the value payout may vary, depending on the enhancement enabled upon detecting the second wager.
  • If the enhancement enabled is an increase in the likelihood of an occurrence of a bonus game, detection of the second wager by the controller 200 may lower the threshold for an occurrence of a bonus game triggering event (step 310). For example, if un-enhanced game play requires that three like symbols (e.g., three Waitress symbols) appear, scattered within the reels symbol array in order to trigger bonus game play, then enhanced game play may require that only two like symbols appear in the reels symbol array in order to trigger bonus game play. An advantage of this type of game enhancement is increased entertainment for the player as the interval between bonus game play is shortened.
  • If the enhancement enabled is an increase in the value payout average resulting from bonus game play (step 312), detection of the second wager by the controller 200 may cause one of any number of enhanced bonus game schemes having enhanced value payouts to occur. The enhanced value payouts for bonus game play yield an overall increased value payout average to the player as compared with the value payout average associated with un-enhanced game play. For example, if un-enhanced game play yields 10 free spins per bonus game, then enhanced game play, costing 3 additional credits on a nine line slot game, may yield 20 free spins per bonus game.
  • FIG. 6 is an exemplary display screen 500 that may be displayed on the gaming machine of FIG. 1 during performance of the enhanced game play scheme routine 300. The exemplary display screen 500 illustrates one example of an enhanced bonus game having an enhanced value payout. Referring to FIG. 6, the exemplary display screen 500 includes a video dashboard having a credit meter 502 for displaying a number of credits available for base game play (e.g., 400 credits), a pay line indicator 504 for displaying the number of pay lines selected (e.g., 15 pay lines), a bet indicator 506 for displaying the number of credits wagered per pay line for an un-enhanced game (e.g., a first wager of 1 credit per pay line). A total bet indicator 508 is also provided for displaying the total credits wagered for the game (e.g., 17 credits); in this case, 15 credits for the first wager, plus 2 credits for the second wager enabling enhanced bonus game play. Also included are a number of player selectable buttons such as a select line button 512, a bet per line button 514, a spin/stop reels button 516, a max bet spin button 518, etc. Although illustrated as virtual touch screen buttons, some of the player selectable buttons may also be configured into the mechanical button panel described in connection with FIG. 4.
  • In the illustrated example, the player selects the option for enhanced game play by placing the second wager of 2 additional credits. Enhanced game play causes doubling of the number of free spins awarded during bonus game play. Thus, the player, having placed the second wager of two credits, having won a bonus game, and having selected a first symbol 520 from among five symbols (i.e., five cowboy hats) during bonus game play, is awarded 16 free spins rather than 8 spins, thereby yielding an overall increased value payout average to the player as compared with the value payout average associated with un-enhanced game play.
  • In another example, if un-enhanced game play yields an un-enhanced value payout amount associated with a bonus game outcome, then enhanced game play may yield double, triple, etc., the un-enhanced value payout amount associated with the same bonus game outcome. Returning to the free spin example, for a second wager of 3 credits on a nine pay line slot game, enhanced game play may yield a bonus game having 10 free spins with double, triple, etc., value pay outs. In yet a further example, if un-enhanced game play allows a player during bonus game play to select/reveal items having a credit value until a bonus game-ending item (e.g., a terminator, a party pooper) is selected/revealed, enhanced game play may allow the player during bonus game play to select/reveal items until two bonus game-ending items are selected/revealed (e.g., enhanced game play may include one “terminator saver”). In all of the above examples, additional credits, on average, are paid out to the player(s) during enhanced game play of a bonus game. Although too numerous to mention, other examples of an enhanced bonus game having increased value payouts for bonus game play, are contemplated.
  • If the enhancement enabled is an increase in the likelihood of an occurrence of a bonus game (step 310) and increase in the value payout average resulting from bonus game play (step 312), detection of the second wager by the controller 200 may cause one of any number of bonus game schemes to occur which result in increased bonus game occurrences, increased value payout averages per bonus game, or both. For example, if un-enhanced game play of a nine pay line game (e.g., “X Marks The Spot”) having three separate bonus games where the first bonus game is triggered by three like reel symbols in a reel symbol array (e.g., Treasure Chest Scatter), the second bonus game yields five free spins (e.g., Free Spin Bonus), and the third bonus game yields three value symbols (e.g., Second Screen Bonus), then enhanced game play costing 6 additional credits may enable (a) the first bonus game to be triggered by two like reel symbols, (b) the second bonus game to yield ten free spins, and (c) the third bonus game to yield five value symbols. In one embodiment, the six additional credits provided via the second wager may be allocated evenly (i.e., 2 credits per bonus game) between the three bonus games.
  • If the enhancement enabled is an increase in the value payout average resulting from base game play (step 314), detection of the second wager by the controller 200 may cause one of any number of base game schemes having enhanced value payouts to occur. The enhanced value payouts for base game play yield an overall increased value payout average to the player as compared with the value payout average associated with un-enhanced game play. In other words, detection of the second wager by the controller 200 may cause an increase to all or part of the value payouts associated with winning symbol combinations displayed on a pay table of the gaming machine 10. For example, if un-enhanced game play of a five reel game has a value payout of 200 credits for five like symbols displayed in a symbol array, then enhanced game play costing 5 additional credits per game per credit bet (per pay line), may enable a value payout of 500 credits for the same five like symbols. Such an enhancement scheme maximizes the volatility of game play for those players wishing to exercise the option by placing the second wager. In another example, if un-enhanced game play of a five reel game has no value payout for two like symbols displayed in a symbol array, then enhanced game play costing 5 additional credits per game per credit bet (per pay line), may enable a 2 credit payout for all two like symbols displayed in the symbol array. Such an enhancement scheme allows for lower volatility game play for a player wishing to exercise the option by placing the second wager.
  • Another example of a base game scheme having an enhanced value payout includes providing a guaranteed value payout to the player at the conclusion of every game. Therefore, if the enhancement enabled is providing a guaranteed payout at a predetermined value if a game outcomes is a non-winning outcome (step 312), detection of the second wager by the controller 200 may cause one of any number of game schemes to occur where a guaranteed value payout occurs. For example, if un-enhanced game play of a nine pay line slot game only yields a value payout for winning symbol combinations appearing in a pay table of the gaming machine 10, then enhanced game play, costing one additional credit for every nine pay line slot game, yields a 10 credit value payout if the game outcome yields only non-winning symbol combinations.
  • If the enhancement enabled is activating one or more game feature(s), detection of the second wager by the controller 200 may cause one of any number of game features to be included in the game. The feature may, for example, be a special function indicator that indicates a random or predetermined position(s) on the reels. A symbol landing in the indicated position may be considered a wild symbol or a scatter symbol for that spin of the reels. The feature may be an expanding wild symbol such that if the player places the second wager, a regular wild symbol expands to occupy the entire reel. The feature may be to eliminate or override one or more less-favorable outcomes in a bonus game. The less-favorable outcome may, for example, be a low credit award or a stopper (e.g., a terminator or party pooper) symbol in a bonus round where the player makes selections until selecting an item that reveals the stopper symbol.
  • FIG. 4 is a flowchart of another embodiment 320 of an enhanced game play scheme routine that may be performed by the controller 200 during game play of the gaming machine 10 or by a coupled controller during game play. The enhanced game play scheme routine 320 provides one example of game play where, in response to receipt of a second wager to select an option, a player is provided with enhanced game play.
  • Referring to FIG. 4, the enhanced game play scheme routine 320 begins operation when the controller 200 detects a first wager for game play of the wagering game (step 322). Next, the controller 200 enables game play and then displays a partial wagering game outcome (step 324); in this case, enables a reel spin and displays a partial reel symbol array provided by at least two stopped reels of the total number of reels. The controller 200 then provides an option to the player for enhanced game play (step 326) where enhanced game play includes increasing a value of some or all of the value payouts associated with the winning base game outcomes (e.g., winning symbol combinations). In response to receiving a second wager indicating player selection of the option (step 328), the controller 200 displays a full outcome associated with enhanced game play (step 332); in this case, stops the remaining spinning reels to display a full reel symbol array. If the full outcome associated with enhanced base game play includes a winning outcome, a value payout is awarded to the player (step 334) where the value payout reflects the increase of some or all of the value payouts associated with the winning base game outcomes.
  • FIGS. 7-12 are a series of exemplary display screens 600 that may be displayed during performance of yet another embodiment of an enhanced game play scheme routine 650 during game play of the gaming machine of FIG. 1. The exemplary display screens 600 illustrate one example of the enhanced game play scheme routine 650 where a reel symbol (e.g., a Super Wild symbol) is able to be repositioned in a reel symbol array if it is activated and if repositioning would yield a higher value payout to the player.
  • Referring to FIG. 7, the exemplary display screen 600 includes a video dashboard having a credit meter 602 displaying 842 credits, a pay line indicator 604 displaying 20 pay lines, a bet indicator 606 displaying a first wager of 1 credit per pay line, a total bet indicator 608 displaying total credits wagered of 20 credits for a first wager for game play. In the illustrated example of FIG. 7, the 842 credits displayed on the credit meter 602 reflect a deduction of 20 credits prior to the reel spin. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, in some slot game designs, the deduction of wagered credits may not be reflected on the credit meter 602 until after the reel spin.
  • Also included on the video dashboard of the exemplary display screen 600 are a number of player selectable buttons such as a select line button 612, a bet per line button 614, a spin/stop reels button 616, a max bet spin button 618, etc. Although illustrated as virtual touch screen buttons, the some of the player selectable buttons may also be configured within the mechanical button panel described in connection with FIG. 4.
  • In the illustrated example of FIG. 7, one of the reel symbols on one of the reels (i.e., on reel five) is designated as a super wild reel symbol 620 (e.g., a Super Wild symbol) that is able to be repositioned in an outcome reel symbol array if the supper wild symbol is activated and if repositioning would yield a higher value payout to the player. When the controller 200 detects a first wager of a first amount of credits from a player to play the slot game, the controller 200 provides an option to activate the super wild symbol 620.
  • The option is preferably provided only when the first wager includes player selection of a maximum number of pay lines available for the slot game. For example, for a reel symbol array having fifteen reel symbols and up to twenty player pay lines, the option is preferably provided only when the first wager includes player selection of twenty pay lines. It is contemplated that in other slot game designs, the option may be offered when less pay lines are selected, when the first wager includes a maximum number of credits per pay line bet, etc.
  • Referring to FIG. 8, upon receiving a second wager (i.e., a second amount of credits, in this case 5 credits) indicating player selection of the option, the total bet indicator 608 reflects the second wager by increasing from 20 to 25 credits, the super wild symbol 620 is activated and enhanced slot game play is enabled. The second credit amount is preferably directly proportional to a number of credits bet per selected pay line(s). Activating may also include changing a color of the super wild reel symbol to notify the player of the activated state. Next, the reels are rotated (see, FIG. 9) and stopped to display a first reel symbol array 621. If the super wild symbol 620 appears in the first reel symbol array 621 (see, FIG. 10), the super wild symbol 620 is repositioned (see, FIG. 11) to display a second reel symbol array 623 (see, FIG. 12) if the second reel symbol array has a higher value payout than the first reel symbol array. In the illustrated example of FIG. 12, the repositioned super wild symbol completes a four money-symbol pay line resulting in a 100 credit value output.
  • Because of the repositioning of the super wild symbol 620, a probability of an occurrence of a winning outcome is higher in the second reel symbol array than in the first symbol array. Further the super wild symbol is repositioned by the controller 200 to maximize the value payout to the player.
  • FIGS. 13-18 are a series of exemplary display screens 700 that may be displayed during performance of a further embodiment of an enhanced game play scheme routine 750 during game play of the gaming machine of FIG. 1. The exemplary display screens 700 illustrate one example of the enhanced game play scheme routine 750 where a reel displaying a first extra symbol is able to be “nudged”, or undergoes an additional slight movement, to reposition the first extra symbol in a reel symbol array if the additional movement would yield a higher value payout to the player.
  • Referring to FIG. 13, the exemplary display screen 700 includes a video dashboard having a credit meter 702, a pay line indicator 704 displaying 20 pay lines, a bet indicator 706 displaying a first wager of 1 credit per pay line, a total bet indicator 708 displaying total credits wagered of 20 credits. Also included are a number of player selectable buttons such as a select line button 712, a bet per line button 714, a spin/stop reels button 716, a max bet spin button 718, etc. Although illustrated as virtual touch screen buttons, some of the player selectable buttons may also be configured within the mechanical button panel described in connection with FIG. 4.
  • In the illustrated example of FIG. 13, a first extra reel symbol 720 (i.e., a gold bar) and a second extra reel symbol 722 (i.e., a money bag) are displayed above and below the first reel 724 of a first symbol array 727 of fifteen reel symbols. When the controller 200 receives a first wager of a first amount of credits from a player to play the slot game, the controller 200 provides an option to activate a possibility of movement of the first reel 724 to reposition either the first extra reel symbol 720 or the second extra reel symbol 722 after the reels spin and stop.
  • The option is preferably provided only when the first wager includes player selection of a maximum number of pay lines available for the slot game. It is contemplated that the option may be offered however, when less pay lines are selected, when the first wager includes a maximum number of credits per pay line bet, etc.
  • Referring to FIG. 14, upon receiving a second wager (i.e., a second amount of credits) indicating player selection of the option, the total bet indicator 708 reflects the second wager by increasing from 20 to 25 credits, the possibility of movement of the first reel 724 to reposition either the first extra reel symbol 720 or the second extra reel symbol 722 is activated and therefore enhanced slot game play is enabled. The second credit amount is preferably directly proportional to a number of credits bet per selected pay line(s). Activating may also include changing a color of the first and second extra reel symbol 720, 722 (see, FIG. 14) and/or displaying the words “SUPER NUDGE ACTIVATED” to notify the player of the activated state. Next, the reels are rotated (see, FIG. 15) and stopped to display a second reel symbol array 729 (see, FIG. 16). The first extra reel symbol 720 (i.e., a bank safe) and the second extra reels symbol 722 (i.e., a piggy bank) are also rotated and stopped (see, FIG. 16). If the addition movement of the first reel 724 to reposition the first extra symbol 720 into a third reel symbol array results in a higher value payout than the second symbol array (see, FIG. 17), then the first extra reel will nudge downward by one reel position to form the third symbol array 731. Similarly, if the addition movement of the first reel 724 to reposition the second extra symbol 722 into a third reel symbol array results in a higher value payout than the second symbol array, then the first extra reel will nudge upward by one reel position to form the third array 731. In the illustrated example of FIG. 18, repositioning the first extra symbol 720, a bank safe, into the third reel symbol array creates a five bank safe combination yielding in a higher value payout than the second symbol array.
  • Because of the possibility of repositioning either the first or second extra reel symbol, a probability of an occurrence of a winning outcome is higher in the third reel symbol array than in the second symbol array. Further, either the first or second extra reel symbol is repositioned via the additional movement of the first reel 724 by the controller 200 to maximize the value payout to the player.
  • FIGS. 19-22 are a series of exemplary display screens 800 that may be displayed during performance of yet a further embodiment of an enhanced game play scheme routine 850 during game play of the gaming machine of FIG. 1. The exemplary display screens 800 illustrate one example of the enhanced game play scheme routine 850 where an extra reel symbol is used to generate a new pay line having a winning symbol combination and yielding a value payout to the player.
  • Referring to FIG. 19, the exemplary display screen 800 includes a video dashboard having a credit meter 802 displaying 924 credits, a pay line indicator 804 displaying 20 pay lines, a bet indicator 806 displaying a first wager of 1 credit per pay line, a total bet indicator 808 displaying total credits wagered of 20 credits. Also included are a number of player selectable buttons such as a select line button 812, a bet per line button 814, a spin/stop reels button 816, a max bet spin button 818, etc. Although illustrated as virtual touch screen buttons, some of the player selectable buttons may also be configured within the mechanical button panel described in connection with FIG. 4.
  • In the illustrated example of FIG. 19, an extra reel symbol 820 (i.e., gold bar) is displayed above a first symbol array 827 of fifteen reel symbols. The extra reel symbol 820 is preferably displayed above the third reel 824 although it may be displayed above or below any of the reels. When the controller 200 receives a first wager of a first amount of credits from a player to play the slot game, the controller 200 provides an option to activate a possibility of generating an extra pay line that includes the extra reel symbol 820.
  • The option is preferably provided only when the first wager includes player selection of a maximum number of pay lines available for the slot game. It is contemplated that the option may be offered however, when less pay lines are selected, when the first wager includes a maximum number of credits per pay line bet, etc.
  • Referring to FIG. 20, upon receiving a second wager (i.e., a second amount of credits) indicating player selection of the option, the total bet indicator 808 reflects the second wager by increasing from 20 to 25 credits, the possibility of generating an extra pay line including the extra reel symbol 820 is activated and enhanced slot game play is enabled. The second credit amount is preferably directly proportional to a number of credits bet per selected pay line(s). Activating may also include changing a color of the third reel 824 and/or displaying the words “SUPER SYMBOL ACTIVATED” to notify the player of the activated state (see, FIG. 20). Next, the reels are rotated (see, FIG. 21) and stopped to display a second reel symbol array 829 (see, FIG. 22). The extra reel symbol 820 is also rotated and stopped (see, FIG. 21). If the extra reel symbol 820 (i.e., money bag) completes a winning symbol combination, the extra pay line 830 is generated including the first extra reel symbol 820 (see, FIG. 22). The extra pay line 830, including the extra reel symbol 820, may be generated to include five reel symbols in one in any number of patterns. In the illustrated example of FIG. 22, the extra symbol 820 in the extra pay line 830 creates a five moneybag combination yielding a value payout of 300 credits.
  • Because of the possibility of generating an extra pay line that includes the extra symbol 820, a probability of an occurrence of a winning outcome is higher in the third reel symbol array than in the second symbol array. Further, the extra pay line is generated by the controller 200 to maximize the value payout to the player.
  • As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a number of other alternatives exist for enhanced game play schemes that increase the coin-in revenue per game played. For example, the player may be required to place an extra wager (i.e., the second wager) to buy virtually any feature or to make any feature available to the player.
  • As may be apparent from the discussion above, the gaming machine having a number of enhanced game play schemes increases coin-in revenue per game played and increases player enjoyment. Thus, unlike prior art schemes that allow a player to become eligible for possible game play via an additional wager (e.g., bonus game play, progressive jackpot game play), the gaming machine having one or more enhanced game play scheme allows a player “supersize” existing game play by enhancing base game play, enhancing bonus game play, enhancing the frequency of bonus game play, enhancing pay table value payouts, etc., via an additional wager amount.
  • From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be affected without departing from the scope of the novel concept of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitations with respect to the specific methods and apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims (49)

1. A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming machine, the gaming machine including a display device and a controller having a processor and a memory, the method comprising:
providing an option for enhanced game play of the wagering game;
detecting a first wager from a player to play the wagering game;
detecting a second wager, the second wager indicating selection of the option by the player;
in response to detecting the second wager, enabling enhanced game play of the wagering game;
displaying an outcome associated with enhanced game play of the wagering game; and
awarding a first value payout if the outcome is one of a plurality of winning game outcomes of the wagering game.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein detecting the first wager includes detecting a first credit amount, and wherein detecting the second wager includes detecting a second credit amount.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein enabling enhanced game play includes increasing a likelihood of an occurrence of a bonus game.
4. The method of claim 1, which includes awarding a bonus game to the player.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein enabling enhanced game play includes increasing a value payout average of a second plurality of value payouts associated with bonus game play of the bonus game.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein enabling enhanced game play includes:
increasing a likelihood of an occurrence of a bonus game; and
increasing a value payout average of a second plurality of value payouts associated with bonus game play of the bonus game.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein enabling enhanced game play includes increasing a value of the plurality of winning game outcomes.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein enabling enhanced game play includes awarding a predetermined number of credits to the player if the outcome of the wagering game is a non-winning outcome.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein enabling enhanced game play includes activating a game feature.
10. A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming machine, the gaming machine including a display device and a controller having a processor and a memory, the method comprising:
detecting a first wager from a player to play the wagering game;
displaying a partial outcome of the wagering game;
providing an option to the player for increasing a value of a plurality of value payouts associated with a plurality of winning game outcomes of the wagering game;
detecting a second wager, the second wager indicating selection of the option by the player;
in response to detecting the second wager, displaying a full outcome of the wagering game; and
awarding an increased value payout if the full outcome is one of the plurality of winning game outcomes.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein detecting the first wager includes detecting a first credit amount, and wherein detecting the second wager includes detecting a second credit amount.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the wagering game comprises a slot game, and wherein displaying the partial outcome includes displaying a partial reel symbol array provided by at least two of a plurality of reels.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein displaying the full outcome includes displaying a full symbol array provided by the plurality of reels, the full symbol array including the partial symbol array.
14. A method of conducting a slot game on a gaming machine, the gaming machine including a display device and a controller having a processor and a memory, the method comprising:
designating one of a plurality of reel symbols on one of a plurality of reels of the gaming machine as a super wild symbol;
detecting a first wager from a player to play the slot game;
providing an option to activate the super wild symbol;
detecting a second wager indicating player selection of the option;
in response to detecting the second wager, activating the super wild symbol to enable enhanced slot game play;
rotating and stopping the plurality of reels to display a first reel symbol array; and
if the super wild symbol appears in the first reel symbol array, repositioning the super wild symbol to display a second reel symbol array, the second reel symbol array having a higher value payout than the first reel symbol array.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein detecting the first wager includes detecting a first credit amount, and wherein detecting the second wager includes detecting a second credit amount.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the second credit amount is directly proportional to a number of credits bet per pay line.
17. The method of claim 14, which includes providing a higher probability of an occurrence of a winning symbol combination in the second reel symbol array than in the first symbol array.
18. The method of claim 14, wherein repositioning the super wild symbol includes repositioned the super wild symbol to maximize the value payout to the player.
19. The method of claim 14, wherein providing the option includes providing the option when the first wager includes a player selection of a maximum number of pay lines available for the slot game.
20. The method of claim 14, wherein the reel symbol array includes fifteen reel symbols, and wherein the maximum number of pay lines includes twenty pay lines.
21. The method of claim 14, wherein activating the super wild symbol includes changing a color of the super wild reel symbol.
22. The method of claim 14, wherein the gaming machine comprises a video slot machine, and wherein displaying the first symbol array includes displaying a first symbol array of video reel symbols of the plurality of reels, and wherein displaying the second symbol array includes displaying a second symbol array of video reel symbols of the plurality of reels.
23. The method of claim 14, wherein the gaming machine comprises an adaptable mechanical spinning reel slot machine including a plurality of electromechanical reels having a plurality of reels symbols displayed thereon, and wherein the super wild symbol comprises a video reel symbol provided by a flat panel transmissive display positioned in front of the electromechanical reels.
24. A method of conducting a slot game on a gaming machine, the gaming machine including a plurality of reels and a controller, the plurality of reels having a plurality of reels symbols displayed thereon, the controller having a processor and a memory, the method comprising:
displaying a first extra reel symbol above a first reel symbol array of the plurality of reel symbols, the first extra reel symbol associated with a first reel of the plurality of reels;
detecting a first wager from a player to play the slot game;
providing an option to activate a possibility of an additional movement of the first reel;
detecting a second wager indicating player selection of the option;
in response to detecting the second wager, enabling enhanced slot game play including the possibility of the additional movement to reposition the first extra symbol;
rotating and stopping the plurality of reels to display a second reel symbol array; and
causing the additional movement of the first reel to display a third reel symbol array if the third symbol array yields a higher value payout than the second symbol array.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein detecting the first wager includes detecting a first credit amount, and wherein detecting the second wager includes detecting a second credit amount.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein the second credit amount is directly proportional to a number of credits bet per pay line.
27. The method of claim 24, wherein providing the option includes providing the option when the first wager includes a player selection of a maximum number of pay lines available for the slot game.
28. The method of claim 24, further including:
displaying a second extra reel symbol below the first reel symbol array, the second extra reel symbol associated with the first reel of the plurality of reels; and
causing the addition movement of the first reel to reposition the second extra symbol to display a third reel symbol array if the third symbol array yields a higher value payout than the second symbol array.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein rotating and stopping the plurality of reels includes rotating and stopping the first extra reel symbol and rotating and stopping the second extra reel symbol.
30. The method of claim 28, wherein the gaming machine comprises a video slot machine, and wherein displaying the first extra reel symbol includes displaying a first extra video reel symbol and wherein displaying the second extra reel symbol includes displaying a second extra video reel symbol.
31. The method of claim 28, wherein the gaming machine comprises an adaptable mechanical spinning reel slot machine including a plurality of electromechanical reels having a plurality of reels symbols displayed thereon, and wherein displaying the first extra reel symbol includes displaying a first extra video reel symbol and wherein displaying the second extra reel symbol includes displaying a second extra video reel symbol, the first extra video reel symbol and the second extra video reel symbol provided by a flat panel transmissive display positioned in front of the electro-mechanical reels.
32. The method of claim 24, wherein enabling enhanced slot game play including the possibility of the additional movement includes changing a color of the first extra reel symbol and the second extra reel symbol.
33. A method of conducting a slot game on a gaming machine, the gaming machine including a plurality of reels and a controller, the plurality of reels having a plurality of reels symbols displayed thereon, the controller having a processor and a memory, the method comprising:
displaying an extra reel symbol above a first reel symbol array of the plurality of reel symbols;
detecting a first wager from a player to play the slot game;
providing an option to activate a possibility of generating an extra pay line that includes the extra reel symbol;
detecting a second wager indicating player selection of the option;
in response to detecting the second wager, enabling enhanced slot game play including the possibility of generating the extra pay line;
rotating and stopping the plurality of reels to display a second reel symbol array; and
if the extra reel symbol completes a winning symbol combination, generating the extra pay line, the extra pay line including the extra reel symbol.
34. The method of claim 33, wherein detecting the first wager includes detecting a first credit amount, and wherein detecting the second wager includes detecting a second credit amount.
35. The method of claim 34, wherein the second credit amount is directly proportional to a number of credits bet per pay line.
36. The method of claim 33, wherein providing the option includes providing the option when the first wager includes a player selection of a maximum number of pay lines available for the slot game.
37. The method of claim 33, wherein rotating and stopping the plurality of reels includes rotating and stopping the extra reel symbol.
38. The method of claim 33, wherein enabling enhanced slot game play includes changing a color of the extra reel symbol.
39. The method of claim 33, wherein the gaming machine comprises a video slot machine, and wherein displaying the extra reel symbol includes displaying an extra video reel symbol.
40. The method of claim 33, wherein the gaming machine comprises an adaptable mechanical spinning reel slot machine including a plurality of electromechanical reels having a plurality of reels symbols displayed thereon, and wherein displaying the extra reel symbol includes displaying an extra video reel symbol provided by a flat panel transmissive display positioned in front of the electromechanical reels.
41. In a server-based gaming network having a plurality of gaming machines and a plurality of servers, a method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming machine, the gaming machine including a display device and a controller having a processor and a memory, the method comprising:
providing an option for enhanced game play of the wagering game;
detecting a first wager from a player to play the wagering game;
detecting a second wager, the second wager indicating selection of the option by the player;
in response to detecting the second wager, enabling enhanced game play of the wagering game;
displaying an outcome associated with enhanced game play of the wagering game; and
awarding a first value payout if the outcome is one of a plurality of winning game outcomes of the wagering game.
42. The method of claim 41, wherein detecting the first wager includes detecting a first credit amount, and wherein detecting the second wager includes detecting a second credit amount.
43. The method of claim 41, wherein enabling enhanced game play includes increasing a likelihood of an occurrence of a bonus game.
44. The method of claim 41, which includes awarding a bonus game to the player.
45. The method of claim 44, wherein enabling enhanced game play includes increasing a value payout average of a second plurality of value payouts associated with bonus game play of the bonus game.
46. The method of claim 41, wherein enabling enhanced game play includes:
increasing a likelihood of an occurrence of a bonus game; and
increasing a value payout average of a second plurality of value payouts associated with bonus game play of the bonus game.
47. The method of claim 41, wherein enabling enhanced game play includes increasing a value of the plurality of winning game outcomes.
48. The method of claim 41, wherein enabling enhanced game play includes awarding a predetermined number of credits to the player if the outcome of the wagering game is a non-winning outcome.
49. The method of claim 41, wherein enabling enhanced game play includes enabling game features.
US10/731,941 2003-12-10 2003-12-10 Gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme Abandoned US20050130731A1 (en)

Priority Applications (10)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/731,941 US20050130731A1 (en) 2003-12-10 2003-12-10 Gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme
US10/867,269 US20050130737A1 (en) 2003-12-10 2004-06-14 Gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme
CA 2487575 CA2487575C (en) 2003-12-10 2004-11-15 Gaming machine having a manual reel set-up feature
AU2004235604A AU2004235604B2 (en) 2003-12-10 2004-11-30 Gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme
EP04029054A EP1544811A3 (en) 2003-12-10 2004-12-08 Gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme
ZA200409969A ZA200409969B (en) 2003-12-10 2004-12-09 Gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme
US12/351,433 US7819737B2 (en) 2003-12-10 2009-01-09 Gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme
US12/882,656 US8444467B2 (en) 2003-12-10 2010-09-15 Gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme
AU2011200268A AU2011200268B2 (en) 2003-12-10 2011-01-21 Gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme
US13/898,988 US9230411B2 (en) 2003-12-10 2013-05-21 Gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/731,941 US20050130731A1 (en) 2003-12-10 2003-12-10 Gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/867,269 Continuation-In-Part US20050130737A1 (en) 2003-12-10 2004-06-14 Gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20050130731A1 true US20050130731A1 (en) 2005-06-16

Family

ID=34652774

Family Applications (5)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/731,941 Abandoned US20050130731A1 (en) 2003-12-10 2003-12-10 Gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme
US10/867,269 Abandoned US20050130737A1 (en) 2003-12-10 2004-06-14 Gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme
US12/351,433 Expired - Fee Related US7819737B2 (en) 2003-12-10 2009-01-09 Gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme
US12/882,656 Active 2025-01-30 US8444467B2 (en) 2003-12-10 2010-09-15 Gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme
US13/898,988 Expired - Fee Related US9230411B2 (en) 2003-12-10 2013-05-21 Gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme

Family Applications After (4)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/867,269 Abandoned US20050130737A1 (en) 2003-12-10 2004-06-14 Gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme
US12/351,433 Expired - Fee Related US7819737B2 (en) 2003-12-10 2009-01-09 Gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme
US12/882,656 Active 2025-01-30 US8444467B2 (en) 2003-12-10 2010-09-15 Gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme
US13/898,988 Expired - Fee Related US9230411B2 (en) 2003-12-10 2013-05-21 Gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (5) US20050130731A1 (en)
AU (1) AU2011200268B2 (en)
ZA (1) ZA200409969B (en)

Cited By (108)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050130737A1 (en) * 2003-12-10 2005-06-16 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme
US20050159208A1 (en) * 2004-01-16 2005-07-21 Pacey Larry J. Gaming machine with expandable array
US20060135254A1 (en) * 2004-12-20 2006-06-22 Alfred Thomas Gaming terminal with special-event wager having different denomination increment than basic wagering game
US20060211484A1 (en) * 2005-03-18 2006-09-21 Hornik Jeremy M Wagering game with side-wagering feature on certain outcomes
US20070060261A1 (en) * 2005-08-19 2007-03-15 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game having expanding symbol for triggering bonus game
WO2007030786A2 (en) * 2005-09-08 2007-03-15 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machine having positional expanding symbols
US20070213114A1 (en) * 2004-03-30 2007-09-13 Caspers Christopher J Wagering Game Providing Free Game Play as a Progressive Award
US20080051173A1 (en) * 2006-08-24 2008-02-28 Aruze Gaming America, Inc. Slot machine and playing method thereof
US20080064465A1 (en) * 2006-07-26 2008-03-13 Bennett Nicholas L Gaming apparatus with special symbols
US20080113766A1 (en) * 2006-11-10 2008-05-15 Igt Flexibly configurable button panels for gaming machines
WO2008057325A2 (en) * 2006-11-02 2008-05-15 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game with active paytable highlighting winning combinations
US20080113737A1 (en) * 2006-11-10 2008-05-15 Igt Dynamic display systems for gaming machines
US20080153563A1 (en) * 2005-01-18 2008-06-26 Englman Allon G Wagering Game with Enhancement Feature for Bonus-Triggering Event
US20080176636A1 (en) * 2005-09-22 2008-07-24 Bally Gaming, Inc. Embedded reel games with progressives
AU2007201229B2 (en) * 2006-03-24 2008-10-02 Konami Gaming Incorporated Video slot machine allowing extra bets
US20080261703A1 (en) * 2005-05-27 2008-10-23 Bally Gaming, Inc. Networked Gaming System With Ergonomic Gaming Machine Having Electromechanical Reels
US20080293476A1 (en) * 2005-05-27 2008-11-27 Bally Gaming, Inc. Ergonomic gaming machine having electromechanical reels
US20080318667A1 (en) * 2007-06-25 2008-12-25 Aruze Corp. Gaming Machine
US20090111564A1 (en) * 2007-10-25 2009-04-30 Sean Smith Bonus actuator attachment for gaming machines
US20090124332A1 (en) * 2007-11-09 2009-05-14 Igt Gaming system and method having configurable bonus game triggering outcomes
US20090131168A1 (en) * 2006-11-10 2009-05-21 Igt Systems and methods for improving a button assembly
US20090176552A1 (en) * 2006-03-31 2009-07-09 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering Game With Bonus-Selection Feature
US20090181754A1 (en) * 2007-08-24 2009-07-16 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Gaming system and a method of gaming
US20090270165A1 (en) * 2008-04-28 2009-10-29 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Gaming system, gaming controller, and a prize triggering method
US20100016060A1 (en) * 2006-11-02 2010-01-21 Wms Gaming Inc Wagering Game With Progressive Award Indicator Having An Incrementing Feature
US7674180B2 (en) 2006-09-27 2010-03-09 Igt Server based gaming system having system triggered loyalty award sequences
US20100075745A1 (en) * 2005-04-27 2010-03-25 Gomez Benjamin T Gaming machine with repeated award feature
US20100093423A1 (en) * 2008-10-09 2010-04-15 Aruze Gaming America, Inc. Slot machine that increases the number of displayed symbols and control method thereof
US7744458B2 (en) 2000-08-28 2010-06-29 Igt Slot machine game having a plurality of ways for a user to obtain payouts based on selection of one or more symbols (power pays)
US20100167815A1 (en) * 2007-07-26 2010-07-01 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming system having dynamic payback percentage as a function of enabled features
US20100178976A1 (en) * 2009-01-15 2010-07-15 Bradley Berman Gaming Method and Apparatus for Facilitating a Game Involving Specialty Wild Functionality
US20100298041A1 (en) * 2009-05-20 2010-11-25 Bradley Berman Gaming Method and Apparatus for Facilitating a Game Involving Specialty Functionality
US20110098101A1 (en) * 2009-10-28 2011-04-28 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering Game For Awarding Positional Game Modifiers In A Plurality Of Plays
US7963847B2 (en) 2004-08-19 2011-06-21 Igt Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards
US7976379B2 (en) 2007-11-09 2011-07-12 Igt Gaming system and method having configurable bonus game triggering outcomes
US7985133B2 (en) 2007-07-30 2011-07-26 Igt Gaming system and method for providing an additional gaming currency
US20110183746A1 (en) * 2008-11-12 2011-07-28 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game providing suggestion for game feature to be achieved in subsequent play
US7993199B2 (en) 2006-09-27 2011-08-09 Igt Server based gaming system having system triggered loyalty award sequences
US8021230B2 (en) 2004-08-19 2011-09-20 Igt Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards
US8043155B2 (en) 2004-10-18 2011-10-25 Igt Gaming device having a plurality of wildcard symbol patterns
US8100751B2 (en) 2003-08-25 2012-01-24 Igt Horseshoe payline system and games using that system
US20120172106A1 (en) * 2010-12-29 2012-07-05 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method providing symbol upgrades
US8251791B2 (en) 2004-08-19 2012-08-28 Igt Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards
US20120295687A1 (en) * 2011-05-18 2012-11-22 Billy Ho Ching Tam Method of gaming and a game controller
US8317587B2 (en) 2007-11-01 2012-11-27 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming system having free spin enhancement features
AU2011265544B2 (en) * 2008-04-28 2012-12-06 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited A Gaming System and Method of Gaming
US8480481B2 (en) * 2011-09-29 2013-07-09 Wms Gaming Inc. Systems, methods, and devices for playing wagering games with randomly selected mathematical operation applied to game factors
US8491381B2 (en) 2011-09-28 2013-07-23 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing a multiple player, multiple game bonusing environment
US8506380B2 (en) 2008-11-14 2013-08-13 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for enabling a player to select volatility using game symbols
US8517818B2 (en) 2011-09-28 2013-08-27 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing a multiple player, multiple game bonusing environment
US8545313B2 (en) 2011-09-28 2013-10-01 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing a multiple player, multiple game bonusing environment
US8562418B2 (en) 2009-10-28 2013-10-22 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming system with non-cash-based progressive awards
US20140031100A1 (en) * 2012-07-26 2014-01-30 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game with multiple unlockable arrays
US8790177B2 (en) 2011-09-28 2014-07-29 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing a multiple player, multiple game bonusing environment
US8814656B2 (en) 2011-12-12 2014-08-26 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method providing one or more wild reel wager options
US8864570B2 (en) 2011-04-20 2014-10-21 Kathleen Nylund Jackson Gaming machine and game with dynamic accumulative bonus round
US8864571B2 (en) 2012-04-03 2014-10-21 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game having free spin feature with variable quantities of reel arrays
US20150031437A1 (en) * 2013-07-23 2015-01-29 Gemini Digital Development, Inc. Casino game with pheripheral ring of scatter symbols around center reels
US8986107B2 (en) 2011-09-28 2015-03-24 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing a multiple player, multiple game bonusing environment
US20150099570A1 (en) * 2007-08-09 2015-04-09 Igt Gaming system and method providing simultaneous gaming with linked paytable events
US9064375B2 (en) 2003-10-20 2015-06-23 Igt Method and apparatus for providing secondary gaming machine functionality
US9177447B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2015-11-03 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a symbol matrix with a moveable symbol display window
US9214071B2 (en) 2003-05-01 2015-12-15 Bally Gaming, Inc. Gaming machine having enhanced bonus game play schemes
US9449465B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2016-09-20 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with upgrade events
US9449470B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2016-09-20 Bally Gaming, Inc. Wagering game with upgradable symbol stacks
US9514605B2 (en) 2011-09-28 2016-12-06 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing a multiple player, multiple game bonusing environment with a multiple player coin drop game
US9533214B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2017-01-03 Igt Gaming system and method for providing plays of multiple games
US20170221313A1 (en) * 2013-03-08 2017-08-03 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a game including roaming wild symbols
US20180061184A1 (en) * 2015-03-30 2018-03-01 The Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education on behalf of the University of Video gaming wager systems and methods
US9916735B2 (en) 2015-07-22 2018-03-13 Igt Remote gaming cash voucher printing system
US10068426B1 (en) 2013-06-28 2018-09-04 PlayStudios, Inc. Online game with adjusted results
US10147281B2 (en) 2014-07-24 2018-12-04 Igt Gaming system and method having matching symbol stacks and additional award opportunities
US10163303B1 (en) * 2013-03-13 2018-12-25 PlayStudios, Inc. Cash slot machine augmented with secondary currency
US20190005780A1 (en) * 2014-09-26 2019-01-03 Video Gaming Technologies. Inc System and method for providing a game with unfolding symbols
US20190005773A1 (en) * 2010-11-14 2019-01-03 Nguyen Gaming Llc Remote participation in wager-based games
US20190088078A1 (en) * 2014-09-29 2019-03-21 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Gaming machines and methods of gaming providing enhanced presentation of an expandable symbol
US10395480B2 (en) 2016-04-28 2019-08-27 Pridefield Limited Gaming machine with symbol accumulation
US10475293B2 (en) 2017-12-11 2019-11-12 Igt Gaming system and method for redistributing funds amongst players of skill games
US10475294B2 (en) 2013-07-23 2019-11-12 Gemini Digital Development, Inc. Casino game with peripheral array of scatter symbols around a set back display screen depicting motor driven reels
US10522005B2 (en) 2017-02-06 2019-12-31 Fusion Holdings Limited Software-based simulation of trigger symbol movement
US10537808B2 (en) 2011-10-03 2020-01-21 Nguyem Gaming LLC Control of mobile game play on a mobile vehicle
US10540855B2 (en) 2016-09-21 2020-01-21 Igt Gaming system and method for redistributing funds amongst players of skill games
US10586425B2 (en) 2011-10-03 2020-03-10 Nguyen Gaming Llc Electronic fund transfer for mobile gaming
US10614660B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2020-04-07 Nguyen Gaming Llc Peripheral management device for virtual game interaction
US10636242B2 (en) 2016-10-31 2020-04-28 Pridefield Limited Software-based simulation of symbol replacement
US10657762B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2020-05-19 Nguyen Gaming Llc Social gaming
US10685530B2 (en) 2016-10-31 2020-06-16 Pridefield Limited Software-based simulation of symbol locking
US10706678B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2020-07-07 Nguyen Gaming Llc Portable intermediary trusted device
US10878662B2 (en) 2009-10-17 2020-12-29 Nguyen Gaming Llc Asynchronous persistent group bonus games with preserved game state data
US11004304B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2021-05-11 Nguyen Gaming Llc Adaptive mobile device gaming system
US11024117B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2021-06-01 Nguyen Gaming Llc Gaming system with social award management
US11020669B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2021-06-01 Nguyen Gaming Llc Authentication of mobile servers
US11094170B2 (en) * 2017-03-17 2021-08-17 Sg Gaming, Inc. Gaming machine using multiple triggers to determine an award from a subset of displayed awards
US11145164B2 (en) 2013-07-23 2021-10-12 Gemini Digital Development Gaming machine having peripheral reels, a selectively transparent front display, and motor driven reels behind the front display
US11161043B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2021-11-02 Nguyen Gaming Llc Gaming environment having advertisements based on player physiology
US11386747B2 (en) 2017-10-23 2022-07-12 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Gaming monetary instrument tracking system
US11393287B2 (en) 2009-11-16 2022-07-19 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Asynchronous persistent group bonus game
US11398131B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2022-07-26 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Method and system for localized mobile gaming
US11488440B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2022-11-01 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Method and system for transferring value for wagering using a portable electronic device
US11631297B1 (en) 2010-04-09 2023-04-18 Aristorcrat Technologies, Inc. (Ati) Spontaneous player preferences
US11682266B2 (en) 2009-11-12 2023-06-20 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Gaming systems including viral benefit distribution
US11699327B2 (en) 2021-11-17 2023-07-11 Lnw Gaming, Inc. Gaming machine and method with persistent award modifier triggered and modified by appearance of a catalyst symbol
US11704971B2 (en) 2009-11-12 2023-07-18 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Gaming system supporting data distribution to gaming devices
US11710370B1 (en) 2022-01-26 2023-07-25 Lnw Gaming, Inc. Gaming machine and method with a symbol collection feature
US11721165B2 (en) 2021-11-18 2023-08-08 Lnw Gaming, Inc. Gaming machine and method with symbol redistribution feature
US11741788B2 (en) 2021-11-24 2023-08-29 Lnw Gaming, Inc. Gaming machine and method with symbol conversion feature
US11804104B2 (en) 2021-12-03 2023-10-31 Lnw Gaming, Inc. Gaming machine and method with value-bearing symbol feature
US11875645B2 (en) 2022-02-02 2024-01-16 Lnw Gaming, Inc. Gaming systems and methods for dynamic award symbols

Families Citing this family (114)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060105836A1 (en) * 2004-11-12 2006-05-18 Walker Jay S Method and apparatus for pausing a flat rate play gaming session
US6569013B1 (en) 2000-07-14 2003-05-27 William Arthur Taylor Method for playing a video gaming machine
US6890255B2 (en) 2001-12-17 2005-05-10 Igt Multiple wheel roulette game
US7402102B2 (en) * 2002-09-20 2008-07-22 Igt Gaming device having multiple symbols at a single symbol position
JP2004321245A (en) * 2003-04-21 2004-11-18 Konami Co Ltd Game machine
US20050153768A1 (en) * 2004-01-08 2005-07-14 Igt Gaming machine bonusing method utilizing a player tracking card
US7533885B2 (en) 2004-02-23 2009-05-19 Igt Gaming device having a rotor-based game with a bonus opportunity
US7674172B2 (en) 2004-02-23 2010-03-09 Igt Gaming device having a wheel-based game
US7950994B2 (en) * 2004-09-10 2011-05-31 Igt Replacement reel gaming device and method
US7553230B2 (en) * 2004-09-28 2009-06-30 Igt Gaming device having matching game with improved display
US8376829B2 (en) * 2005-01-14 2013-02-19 Etasse Limited Slot machine game with respin feature which identifies potential wins
US8287367B2 (en) * 2005-01-21 2012-10-16 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd Gaming machine with modified prize feature
US20090131145A1 (en) 2005-06-30 2009-05-21 Aoki Dion K Wagering Game with Overlying Transmissive Display for Providing Enhanced Game Features
WO2007005846A2 (en) * 2005-06-30 2007-01-11 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game with overlying transmissive display for providing enhanced game features
US7572183B2 (en) * 2005-08-30 2009-08-11 Igt Gaming machine including redo feature
US7727068B2 (en) 2005-09-12 2010-06-01 Igt Gaming system having a common display, a first bonus game or a first bonus game paytable and an option to purchase a second bonus game or a second bonus game paytable with relatively expected higher values
US20090042636A1 (en) * 2005-10-19 2009-02-12 William Arthur Taylor Power path bonus method
US7959505B2 (en) * 2005-11-22 2011-06-14 Labtronix Concept Inc. Evaluation-structure base game feature persisting over a number of outcomes
US8057301B2 (en) * 2005-11-22 2011-11-15 Labtronix Concept Inc. Game feature associated with an enhancement of a progressive prize
WO2007073535A2 (en) 2005-12-09 2007-06-28 Igt Rotor-based gaming device having a secondary award system
US7708630B2 (en) 2005-12-09 2010-05-04 Igt Rotor-based gaming device having a system for changing the quantity of potential game outcomes for subsequent plays
US20070155475A1 (en) * 2006-01-04 2007-07-05 Alexander Gak An Apparatus And A Method For Playing A Game Having A Active And Passive Modes And Wager Conversion
US8282460B2 (en) * 2006-04-19 2012-10-09 American Gaming Systems Method of presenting and playing games with enhanced outcomes
US20110059791A1 (en) * 2006-04-19 2011-03-10 Elia Rocco Tarantino Method of presenting and playing a repeat outcome game
US20090258690A1 (en) * 2006-04-19 2009-10-15 Elia Rocco Tarantino Method of presenting and playing a game where a winning outcome triggers an enhanced award opportunity in a subsequent game
US9501892B2 (en) * 2006-06-23 2016-11-22 Bally Gaming, Inc. Gaming machine having award modifier dependent on game outcome and method therefor
US20080039174A1 (en) * 2006-08-01 2008-02-14 Litman Mark A Multiline video game play and apparatus with loss-line payout enhancing
US8002621B2 (en) 2006-09-01 2011-08-23 Igt Gaming device and method having purchasable randomly selected paytables
US8690664B2 (en) 2006-09-25 2014-04-08 Etasse Limited Slot machine game with additional award indicator
US9165419B2 (en) 2006-10-23 2015-10-20 Etasse Limited Slot machine bonus game providing awards for manual dexterity
JP2008104548A (en) * 2006-10-24 2008-05-08 Aruze Corp Slot machine and its playing method
US8235801B2 (en) 2006-10-30 2012-08-07 Igt Gaming system and method for providing enhanced player opportunities for depositing monetary amounts above a designated level
US7846018B2 (en) 2006-11-08 2010-12-07 Igt Gaming device and method having purchasable enhanced paytables
WO2008063349A2 (en) * 2006-11-09 2008-05-29 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game with triggering feature for special event
US8337292B2 (en) * 2006-11-10 2012-12-25 Etasse Limited Slot machine game with side wager on reel order
AU2011226970B2 (en) * 2006-11-13 2012-06-28 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Gaming Apparatus and Method having a Game with a Variable Reel Feature Game
AU2007234470B2 (en) * 2006-11-13 2009-12-17 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Gaming Apparatus and Method having a Game with a Variable Reel Feature Game
US8613660B2 (en) * 2006-11-13 2013-12-24 Bally Gaming, Inc. Game rating system for gaming devices
US8708812B2 (en) 2006-11-13 2014-04-29 Bally Gaming, Inc. Game rating system for gaming devices and related methods
US9147321B2 (en) 2006-12-18 2015-09-29 Igt Casino game with next round multipliers
US20100081498A1 (en) * 2006-12-18 2010-04-01 Moody Ernest W Casino game with next round multipliers
US8690659B2 (en) 2006-12-18 2014-04-08 Ernest W Moody Casino game with next round multipliers
US9138634B2 (en) * 2006-12-18 2015-09-22 Igt Casino game with next round multipliers
US8231455B2 (en) 2007-02-05 2012-07-31 Igt Method and apparatus for providing a bonus to a player
US8888589B2 (en) * 2007-03-20 2014-11-18 Igt 3D wagering for 3D video reel slot machines
JP2008307334A (en) * 2007-06-18 2008-12-25 Aruze Corp Game machine
AU2008207355B2 (en) 2007-08-24 2010-04-08 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd Gaming apparatus and method including hidden objects
US20090061982A1 (en) * 2007-08-28 2009-03-05 Melisa Daniela Brito Slot Machine Game Where Player Can Optionally Purchase a Win Multiplier
US8376837B2 (en) 2007-09-30 2013-02-19 Wms Gaming, Inc. Distributing information in a wagering game system
US9005011B2 (en) 2007-10-17 2015-04-14 Wms Gaming, Inc. Presenting wagering game content
US8257158B2 (en) * 2007-10-29 2012-09-04 Konami Gaming, Inc. Gaming machine with various game styles
AU2012200121B2 (en) * 2007-10-29 2013-11-07 Konami Gaming, Inc. Gaming Machine with Various Game Styles
US8702493B2 (en) 2007-11-09 2014-04-22 Etasse Limited Slot machine game with award based on another machine
US20090124352A1 (en) * 2007-11-13 2009-05-14 Ignacio Gerson Slot machine game with side pot
AU2008255199A1 (en) 2007-12-21 2009-07-09 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited A method of gaming, a gaming system and a game controller
AU2008261126A1 (en) 2008-01-08 2009-07-23 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited A method of gaming, a gaming system and a game controller
US20090247266A1 (en) * 2008-02-25 2009-10-01 Aristocrat Techonologies Australia Pty Limited Gaming system and a method of gaming
AU2009223600B2 (en) 2008-03-10 2012-07-26 Bally Gaming, Inc. Gaming system having re-awarding of stored awards
AU2009200898B2 (en) * 2008-03-10 2012-04-05 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited A gaming system and a method of gaming
US20090239616A1 (en) * 2008-03-21 2009-09-24 Aruze Corp. Slot Machine Capable Of Changing Odds And Control Method Thereof
AU2009201234A1 (en) * 2008-03-31 2009-10-15 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited A gaming system and method of gaming
AU2012201666B2 (en) * 2008-03-31 2015-05-28 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited A gaming system and method of gaming
US20090253484A1 (en) * 2008-04-04 2009-10-08 Aruze Corp. Slot machine with replicating symbol feature and control method thereof
US8187079B2 (en) * 2008-04-08 2012-05-29 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming system with patterned enhancement features
US8342934B2 (en) * 2008-05-22 2013-01-01 Universal Entertainment Corporation Gaming machine allowing selection of stopping order of reels for sustaining player's anticipation, and control method thereof
AU2009201789B2 (en) * 2008-05-22 2014-02-27 Universal Entertainment Corporation Gaming machine allowing selection of stopping order of reels for sustaining player's anticipation, and control method thereof
US20090325678A1 (en) * 2008-06-25 2009-12-31 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering system with expanding wild feature dictated by direction indicator
US9520031B2 (en) 2008-07-07 2016-12-13 Etasse Limited Slot machine game with symbol lock-in
US9406190B2 (en) 2008-07-14 2016-08-02 Cfph, Llc Information aggregation games
US8308549B2 (en) 2008-11-14 2012-11-13 Igt Gaming system and method for adjusting the average expected payback associated with a play of a wagering game
AU2014233581B2 (en) * 2008-11-14 2015-11-05 Igt Gaming system and method for adjusting the average expected payback associated with a play of a wagering game
AU2010235938A1 (en) * 2009-10-22 2011-05-12 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Slot machine with mechanical reels and video display
US20110111823A1 (en) * 2009-11-06 2011-05-12 Spielo Manufacturing Ulc Gaming Machine with Special Symbols that Change Other Symbols
US8651940B2 (en) * 2009-12-03 2014-02-18 Spielo International Canada Ulc Gaming machine with matrix of reels and special symbol features
AU2011201119A1 (en) * 2010-03-18 2011-10-06 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited A gaming system and a method of gaming
US8550897B2 (en) 2010-07-16 2013-10-08 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering games with bonus game accrual through multiple plays of a basic game
US8911294B2 (en) 2010-08-06 2014-12-16 Wms Gaming, Inc. Browser based heterogenous technology ecosystem
US9345973B1 (en) 2010-08-06 2016-05-24 Bally Gaming, Inc. Controlling wagering game system browser areas
US9747751B2 (en) 2010-08-07 2017-08-29 Bally Technologies Anz Pty Ltd Method and system for gaming
US9483915B2 (en) 2010-08-07 2016-11-01 Bally Technologies Anz Pty Ltd Methods and systems for electronic gaming
US8328616B1 (en) 2011-06-16 2012-12-11 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming system and method with award enhancing symbol
US8562419B2 (en) 2011-06-30 2013-10-22 Igt Gaming system, device, and method providing a multiple streak game
US20130017881A1 (en) * 2011-07-13 2013-01-17 Brian Alexander Watkins Slot machine game with enhanced wild symbol features
US9218718B2 (en) 2011-08-31 2015-12-22 Bally Gaming, Inc. Selective filtering of feed publication of wagering game activity
US8986106B2 (en) 2011-09-02 2015-03-24 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method providing selectable different roulette wheels for play of roulette game
US9005004B2 (en) 2011-09-02 2015-04-14 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method providing selectable different roulette wheels for play of roulette game
GB2499370A (en) 2012-01-16 2013-08-21 Waterleaf Ltd Nudge-type feature in reel-type games
GB2499369A (en) 2012-01-16 2013-08-21 Waterleaf Ltd Gaming machine with bonus progress indication
US9251659B2 (en) 2012-07-11 2016-02-02 Wms Gaming, Inc. Integrating other players wins into a wagering game
US9384634B2 (en) 2012-12-21 2016-07-05 Bally Gaming, Inc. Wagering game employing a threshold-based game enhancement
US20140370975A1 (en) * 2013-03-15 2014-12-18 Jack Bertram Coronel Method, system, and device for managing game features
US9286765B2 (en) * 2013-05-24 2016-03-15 Igt Gaming system and method providing a game providing an award if a shape of a symbol displayed at a symbol display area corresponds to a shape of that symbol display area
US9607482B2 (en) * 2013-09-10 2017-03-28 Igt Canada Solutions Ulc Gaming machine with upper and lower symbol matrices and shared center reel
GB2525161A (en) * 2014-03-03 2015-10-21 Pridefield Ltd Gaming machine with persistent WILD feature
US9449455B2 (en) 2014-03-19 2016-09-20 Bally Gaming, Inc. Wagering game with override award when threshold is exceeded
US10181239B2 (en) 2014-05-22 2019-01-15 Igt Method for assigning a wild symbol on a gaming device
AU2014202894B1 (en) * 2014-05-28 2014-10-16 Konami Gaming, Inc. System and method of allowing a player to play gaming machines having rotating symbol and column replication
AU2015230783A1 (en) * 2014-09-29 2016-04-14 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited A method of gaming, a gaming system and a game controller
USD786902S1 (en) * 2014-11-25 2017-05-16 Net Entertainment Malta Services, Ltd. Display screen or portion thereof with graphical user interface
US10108322B2 (en) * 2015-01-02 2018-10-23 Kaltura, Inc. Dynamic video effects for interactive videos
US9767639B2 (en) 2015-07-30 2017-09-19 Bally Gaming, Inc. System and method for accumulating and applying symbol attributes from a secondary symbol array
US10332335B2 (en) * 2017-09-29 2019-06-25 Adp Gauselmann Gmbh Gaming system and method having row modifying reels with modifying symbols
US10089819B1 (en) 2017-09-30 2018-10-02 Adp Gauselmann Gmbh Gaming system and method having non-interacting reels while evaluating displayed symbol combinations for winning symbol combinations
US10621827B2 (en) 2018-06-12 2020-04-14 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Skill-based wagering machine providing a predetermined return-to-player
US10636250B2 (en) 2018-06-12 2020-04-28 Aristocrat Technologies Austrailia PTY Limited Providing a predetermined return-to-player for a skill-based wagering machine
US10796529B2 (en) 2018-06-12 2020-10-06 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Controlled return to player in a skill-based wagering game
USD956789S1 (en) * 2018-08-07 2022-07-05 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Display screen or portion thereof with transitional graphical user interface
USD874503S1 (en) 2018-10-03 2020-02-04 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Display screen with an animated graphical interface
AU2018241188A1 (en) 2018-10-05 2020-04-23 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited A gaming device with a user interface incorporating a feature indicator
US10733834B1 (en) 2019-01-31 2020-08-04 Adp Gauselmann Gmbh Gaming system and method of providing improved game outcomes
US10818140B2 (en) 2019-03-27 2020-10-27 Adp Gauselmann Gmbh Gaming system and method providing persistent indicator awards
US10854040B1 (en) 2019-07-18 2020-12-01 Adp Gauselmann Gmbh Gaming system and method providing expanding symbols
US11055966B2 (en) * 2019-11-09 2021-07-06 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. Reel growth and award enhancement triggers
US20220335776A1 (en) * 2021-04-16 2022-10-20 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. Electronic gaming device having expanding reel

Citations (47)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US64800A (en) * 1867-05-14 ryo-catteau
US142846A (en) * 1873-09-16 Improvement in governors for steam-engines
US142825A (en) * 1873-09-16 Improvement
US625481A (en) * 1899-05-23 Spool-holding attachment for sewing-machines
US5632485A (en) * 1995-05-30 1997-05-27 Woodland; Bill M. Card game with side bet options
US5720662A (en) * 1996-05-01 1998-02-24 Holmes, Jr.; Verne F. Slot machine method
US5851148A (en) * 1996-09-30 1998-12-22 International Game Technology Game with bonus display
US6056642A (en) * 1996-11-27 2000-05-02 Aristocrat Leisure Ind. Pty Ltd. Slot machine with color changing symbols
US6068552A (en) * 1998-03-31 2000-05-30 Walker Digital, Llc Gaming device and method of operation thereof
US6089977A (en) * 1996-02-28 2000-07-18 Bennett; Nicholas Luke Slot machine game with roaming wild card
US6110041A (en) * 1996-12-30 2000-08-29 Walker Digital, Llc Method and system for adapting gaming devices to playing preferences
US6120378A (en) * 1996-06-17 2000-09-19 Ernest W. Moody Multi-line slot machine method
US6155925A (en) * 1999-08-12 2000-12-05 Wms Gaming Inc. Bonus game for gaming machine with payout percentage varying as function of wager
US6159095A (en) * 1999-09-09 2000-12-12 Wms Gaming Inc. Video gaming device having multiple stacking features
US6179711B1 (en) * 1997-03-12 2001-01-30 Shuffle Master, Inc. Method of scoring a video wagering game
US6203429B1 (en) * 1997-04-23 2001-03-20 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machine with bonus mode
US6210277B1 (en) * 1998-09-28 2001-04-03 Alexander Stefan Game of chance
US6227969B1 (en) * 1998-09-21 2001-05-08 Shuffle Master, Inc. Match symbol side bet game
US6237916B1 (en) * 1994-07-22 2001-05-29 Shuffle Master Gaming Method and apparatus for playing card games
US6251013B1 (en) * 1998-02-27 2001-06-26 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd. Slot machine game with randomly designated special symbols
US6261178B1 (en) * 1996-02-28 2001-07-17 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd. Slot machine game with dynamic payline
US6270411B1 (en) * 1999-09-10 2001-08-07 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machine with animated reel symbols for payoff
US20020020965A1 (en) * 2000-04-18 2002-02-21 Potter Bruce H. Parlay side bet method
US6350199B1 (en) * 1999-03-16 2002-02-26 International Game Technology Interactive gaming machine and method with customized game screen presentation
US20020055382A1 (en) * 2000-10-04 2002-05-09 Jason Meyer Gaming machine
US20020086725A1 (en) * 2001-01-04 2002-07-04 Dustin Fasbender Gaming method and apparatus with triggering of bonus events by the presence of a trigger symbol in particular locations
US6419579B1 (en) * 1997-10-29 2002-07-16 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty. Ltd. Slot machine - with random line multiplier
US20020155881A1 (en) * 2001-04-06 2002-10-24 Konami Corporation Gaming machine
US20020196342A1 (en) * 2001-06-21 2002-12-26 Walker Jay S. Methods and systems for documenting a player's experience in a casino environment
US20030027626A1 (en) * 2001-05-09 2003-02-06 Howard Marks Slot machine game having a plurality of ways for a user to obtain enhanced payouts based on consecutive winning combinations
US20030064797A1 (en) * 2001-09-28 2003-04-03 Jackson James P. Gaming machine having bonus game
US6561904B2 (en) * 2001-09-10 2003-05-13 Wms Gaming Inc. Decreasing or increasing number of multipliers for a multi-spin slot game
US20030119579A1 (en) * 1998-03-31 2003-06-26 Walker Jay S. Gaming device and method of operation thereof
US20030162585A1 (en) * 2002-02-28 2003-08-28 Bigelow Robert F. Gaming device having free game bonus with a changing multiplier
US20030216169A1 (en) * 2002-04-18 2003-11-20 Walker Jay S. Method and apparatus for providing a bonus to a player based on a credit balance
US20040053683A1 (en) * 2002-09-12 2004-03-18 Shuffle Master, Inc. Alternative bonus game associated with slot machine
US20040092300A1 (en) * 2002-11-08 2004-05-13 Michael Gauselmann Gaming machine displaying special games with accumulated special symbols
US20040100025A1 (en) * 2000-06-23 2004-05-27 Conklin James C. Latin draw poker
US6746328B2 (en) * 2002-05-17 2004-06-08 Igt Multiplier per selected indicia
US6793578B2 (en) * 2001-08-31 2004-09-21 Igt Gaming device having a primary game outcome employed in a bonus game
US20040219969A1 (en) * 2003-05-01 2004-11-04 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machine with interactive pop-up windows providing enhanced game play schemes
US20040242316A1 (en) * 2003-06-02 2004-12-02 Oles David M. Gaming device having a graduated multiplier payout in a secondary game
US20040266507A1 (en) * 2003-06-24 2004-12-30 Dual Cooper Multi-hand poker game method and device with wager allocation
US20050054412A1 (en) * 2003-09-04 2005-03-10 Michael Gauselmann Awarding of game features in a gaming machine
US20050130737A1 (en) * 2003-12-10 2005-06-16 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme
US6960133B1 (en) * 2000-08-28 2005-11-01 Igt Slot machine game having a plurality of ways for a user to obtain payouts based on selection of one or more symbols (power pays)
US20060211484A1 (en) * 2005-03-18 2006-09-21 Hornik Jeremy M Wagering game with side-wagering feature on certain outcomes

Family Cites Families (31)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5155925A (en) * 1991-11-21 1992-10-20 Wonchoel Choi Portable LPG-powered hair dryer
US6270178B1 (en) * 1995-05-30 2001-08-07 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Method and apparatus for measuring the amount of discharged ink, printing apparatus, and method of measuring the amount of ink discharged in the printing apparatus
WO1997019736A1 (en) 1995-12-01 1997-06-05 Midway Games, Inc. Video game having more than one mode of play
US7905774B2 (en) * 1997-10-08 2011-03-15 Igt Apparatus providing payouts proportional to wagers and methods for operating same
US6165069A (en) * 1998-03-11 2000-12-26 Digideal Corporation Automated system for playing live casino table games having tabletop changeable playing card displays and monitoring security features
US6190255B1 (en) * 1998-03-24 2001-02-20 Wms Gaming Inc. Bonus game for a gaming machine
AUPP734198A0 (en) 1998-11-26 1998-12-24 Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd Player information delivery
AUPQ242899A0 (en) 1999-08-25 1999-09-16 Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd Gaming machine with buy feature games
US6254481B1 (en) * 1999-09-10 2001-07-03 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machine with unified image on multiple video displays
AUPQ385999A0 (en) 1999-11-04 1999-11-25 Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd Gaming machine with eligibility for participation in features
AUPQ610700A0 (en) * 2000-03-08 2000-03-30 Crown Limited Automatic table game
US20020190469A1 (en) 2001-06-04 2002-12-19 Latin Draw Poker Latin draw poker
US6873222B2 (en) * 2000-12-11 2005-03-29 Com Dev Ltd. Modified conductor loaded cavity resonator with improved spurious performance
US7722453B2 (en) * 2001-03-27 2010-05-25 Igt Interactive game playing preferences
US7918738B2 (en) * 2001-03-27 2011-04-05 Igt Interactive game playing preferences
US6517433B2 (en) 2001-05-22 2003-02-11 Wms Gaming Inc. Reel spinning slot machine with superimposed video image
US8002624B2 (en) 2001-09-27 2011-08-23 Igt Gaming machine reel having a flexible dynamic display
US8342938B2 (en) * 2001-09-27 2013-01-01 Igt Gaming machine reel having a rotatable dynamic display
US20030064800A1 (en) * 2001-09-28 2003-04-03 Jackson James P. Video gaming machine with pop-up windows
US6800026B2 (en) * 2001-12-05 2004-10-05 Igt Method and apparatus for competitive bonus games with a player as the house
WO2003089084A1 (en) 2002-04-19 2003-10-30 Walker Digital, Llc Managing features on a gaming device
US8535143B2 (en) * 2003-05-01 2013-09-17 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machine having enhanced bonus game play schemes
US7445548B1 (en) * 2004-02-04 2008-11-04 Olympian Gaming Llc Slot machine games
JP2005230125A (en) * 2004-02-17 2005-09-02 Aruze Corp Game device and game program
US7185897B2 (en) * 2004-06-01 2007-03-06 Robert Musselman Thin, quick-mount runner for a snowmobile ski and method
US7862421B2 (en) * 2004-12-06 2011-01-04 Igt Gaming device and method having increasing payline wager amounts
AU2009303380B2 (en) * 2008-10-14 2012-08-30 Bally Gaming, Inc. Gaming system having virtual assets and achievements
US8092299B2 (en) * 2009-11-05 2012-01-10 Igt Gaming system and method for normalizing average expected payouts to players
US8506392B2 (en) * 2010-02-18 2013-08-13 Wms Gaming Inc. Progressive wagering game with personalized reset-value feature for players meeting predetermined criteria
US20120115580A1 (en) * 2010-11-05 2012-05-10 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game with player-directed pursuit of award outcomes
US8608544B2 (en) * 2010-11-12 2013-12-17 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game including multiple arrays of reel symbols

Patent Citations (50)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US142846A (en) * 1873-09-16 Improvement in governors for steam-engines
US142825A (en) * 1873-09-16 Improvement
US625481A (en) * 1899-05-23 Spool-holding attachment for sewing-machines
US64800A (en) * 1867-05-14 ryo-catteau
US6237916B1 (en) * 1994-07-22 2001-05-29 Shuffle Master Gaming Method and apparatus for playing card games
US5632485A (en) * 1995-05-30 1997-05-27 Woodland; Bill M. Card game with side bet options
US6089977A (en) * 1996-02-28 2000-07-18 Bennett; Nicholas Luke Slot machine game with roaming wild card
US6261178B1 (en) * 1996-02-28 2001-07-17 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd. Slot machine game with dynamic payline
US5720662A (en) * 1996-05-01 1998-02-24 Holmes, Jr.; Verne F. Slot machine method
US6120378A (en) * 1996-06-17 2000-09-19 Ernest W. Moody Multi-line slot machine method
US5851148A (en) * 1996-09-30 1998-12-22 International Game Technology Game with bonus display
US6056642A (en) * 1996-11-27 2000-05-02 Aristocrat Leisure Ind. Pty Ltd. Slot machine with color changing symbols
US6110041A (en) * 1996-12-30 2000-08-29 Walker Digital, Llc Method and system for adapting gaming devices to playing preferences
US6179711B1 (en) * 1997-03-12 2001-01-30 Shuffle Master, Inc. Method of scoring a video wagering game
US6203429B1 (en) * 1997-04-23 2001-03-20 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machine with bonus mode
US6419579B1 (en) * 1997-10-29 2002-07-16 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty. Ltd. Slot machine - with random line multiplier
US6251013B1 (en) * 1998-02-27 2001-06-26 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd. Slot machine game with randomly designated special symbols
US6520856B1 (en) * 1998-03-31 2003-02-18 Walker Digital, Llc Gaming device and method of operation thereof
US20030119579A1 (en) * 1998-03-31 2003-06-26 Walker Jay S. Gaming device and method of operation thereof
US6068552A (en) * 1998-03-31 2000-05-30 Walker Digital, Llc Gaming device and method of operation thereof
US6227969B1 (en) * 1998-09-21 2001-05-08 Shuffle Master, Inc. Match symbol side bet game
US6210277B1 (en) * 1998-09-28 2001-04-03 Alexander Stefan Game of chance
US6350199B1 (en) * 1999-03-16 2002-02-26 International Game Technology Interactive gaming machine and method with customized game screen presentation
US6155925A (en) * 1999-08-12 2000-12-05 Wms Gaming Inc. Bonus game for gaming machine with payout percentage varying as function of wager
US6159095A (en) * 1999-09-09 2000-12-12 Wms Gaming Inc. Video gaming device having multiple stacking features
US6270411B1 (en) * 1999-09-10 2001-08-07 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machine with animated reel symbols for payoff
US20020020965A1 (en) * 2000-04-18 2002-02-21 Potter Bruce H. Parlay side bet method
US20040100025A1 (en) * 2000-06-23 2004-05-27 Conklin James C. Latin draw poker
US6960133B1 (en) * 2000-08-28 2005-11-01 Igt Slot machine game having a plurality of ways for a user to obtain payouts based on selection of one or more symbols (power pays)
US20020055382A1 (en) * 2000-10-04 2002-05-09 Jason Meyer Gaming machine
US20020086725A1 (en) * 2001-01-04 2002-07-04 Dustin Fasbender Gaming method and apparatus with triggering of bonus events by the presence of a trigger symbol in particular locations
US20020155881A1 (en) * 2001-04-06 2002-10-24 Konami Corporation Gaming machine
US20030027626A1 (en) * 2001-05-09 2003-02-06 Howard Marks Slot machine game having a plurality of ways for a user to obtain enhanced payouts based on consecutive winning combinations
US20020196342A1 (en) * 2001-06-21 2002-12-26 Walker Jay S. Methods and systems for documenting a player's experience in a casino environment
US6793578B2 (en) * 2001-08-31 2004-09-21 Igt Gaming device having a primary game outcome employed in a bonus game
US6561904B2 (en) * 2001-09-10 2003-05-13 Wms Gaming Inc. Decreasing or increasing number of multipliers for a multi-spin slot game
US20030064797A1 (en) * 2001-09-28 2003-04-03 Jackson James P. Gaming machine having bonus game
US20030162585A1 (en) * 2002-02-28 2003-08-28 Bigelow Robert F. Gaming device having free game bonus with a changing multiplier
US20030216169A1 (en) * 2002-04-18 2003-11-20 Walker Jay S. Method and apparatus for providing a bonus to a player based on a credit balance
US6746328B2 (en) * 2002-05-17 2004-06-08 Igt Multiplier per selected indicia
US20040053683A1 (en) * 2002-09-12 2004-03-18 Shuffle Master, Inc. Alternative bonus game associated with slot machine
US20040092299A1 (en) * 2002-11-08 2004-05-13 Atronic International Gmbh Gaming machine with selectable ways to win
US20040092300A1 (en) * 2002-11-08 2004-05-13 Michael Gauselmann Gaming machine displaying special games with accumulated special symbols
US20040219969A1 (en) * 2003-05-01 2004-11-04 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machine with interactive pop-up windows providing enhanced game play schemes
US20040219968A1 (en) * 2003-05-01 2004-11-04 Fiden Daniel P. Gaming machine with interactive pop-up windows
US20040242316A1 (en) * 2003-06-02 2004-12-02 Oles David M. Gaming device having a graduated multiplier payout in a secondary game
US20040266507A1 (en) * 2003-06-24 2004-12-30 Dual Cooper Multi-hand poker game method and device with wager allocation
US20050054412A1 (en) * 2003-09-04 2005-03-10 Michael Gauselmann Awarding of game features in a gaming machine
US20050130737A1 (en) * 2003-12-10 2005-06-16 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme
US20060211484A1 (en) * 2005-03-18 2006-09-21 Hornik Jeremy M Wagering game with side-wagering feature on certain outcomes

Cited By (232)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7785191B2 (en) 2000-08-28 2010-08-31 Igt Slot machine game having a plurality of ways for a user to obtain payouts based on selection of one or more symbols (power pays)
US7744458B2 (en) 2000-08-28 2010-06-29 Igt Slot machine game having a plurality of ways for a user to obtain payouts based on selection of one or more symbols (power pays)
US9214071B2 (en) 2003-05-01 2015-12-15 Bally Gaming, Inc. Gaming machine having enhanced bonus game play schemes
US8100751B2 (en) 2003-08-25 2012-01-24 Igt Horseshoe payline system and games using that system
US9064375B2 (en) 2003-10-20 2015-06-23 Igt Method and apparatus for providing secondary gaming machine functionality
US9652934B2 (en) 2003-10-20 2017-05-16 Igt Method and apparatus for providing secondary gaming machine functionality
US9600965B2 (en) 2003-10-20 2017-03-21 Igt Method and apparatus for providing secondary gaming machine functionality
US7819737B2 (en) 2003-12-10 2010-10-26 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme
US8444467B2 (en) 2003-12-10 2013-05-21 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme
US20090117990A1 (en) * 2003-12-10 2009-05-07 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming Machine Having An Enhanced Game Play Scheme
US20050130737A1 (en) * 2003-12-10 2005-06-16 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme
US9230411B2 (en) 2003-12-10 2016-01-05 Bally Gaming, Inc. Gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme
US7654895B2 (en) * 2004-01-16 2010-02-02 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machine with expandable array
US20050159208A1 (en) * 2004-01-16 2005-07-21 Pacey Larry J. Gaming machine with expandable array
US20070213114A1 (en) * 2004-03-30 2007-09-13 Caspers Christopher J Wagering Game Providing Free Game Play as a Progressive Award
US7874915B2 (en) * 2004-03-30 2011-01-25 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game providing free game play as a progressive award
US7963847B2 (en) 2004-08-19 2011-06-21 Igt Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards
US9600968B2 (en) 2004-08-19 2017-03-21 Igt Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards
US8251791B2 (en) 2004-08-19 2012-08-28 Igt Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards
US8814648B2 (en) 2004-08-19 2014-08-26 Igt Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards
US8021230B2 (en) 2004-08-19 2011-09-20 Igt Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards
US8043155B2 (en) 2004-10-18 2011-10-25 Igt Gaming device having a plurality of wildcard symbol patterns
US8419524B2 (en) 2004-10-18 2013-04-16 Igt Gaming device having a plurality of wildcard symbol patterns
US8727866B2 (en) 2004-10-18 2014-05-20 Igt Gaming device having a plurality of wildcard symbol patterns
US20060135254A1 (en) * 2004-12-20 2006-06-22 Alfred Thomas Gaming terminal with special-event wager having different denomination increment than basic wagering game
US8002626B2 (en) 2005-01-18 2011-08-23 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game with enhancement feature for bonus-triggering event
US20080153563A1 (en) * 2005-01-18 2008-06-26 Englman Allon G Wagering Game with Enhancement Feature for Bonus-Triggering Event
US7503849B2 (en) 2005-03-18 2009-03-17 Wms Gaming Wagering game with side-wagering feature on certain outcomes
US20060211484A1 (en) * 2005-03-18 2006-09-21 Hornik Jeremy M Wagering game with side-wagering feature on certain outcomes
US20100075745A1 (en) * 2005-04-27 2010-03-25 Gomez Benjamin T Gaming machine with repeated award feature
US8128488B2 (en) * 2005-04-27 2012-03-06 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machine with repeated award feature
US20080293476A1 (en) * 2005-05-27 2008-11-27 Bally Gaming, Inc. Ergonomic gaming machine having electromechanical reels
US20080261703A1 (en) * 2005-05-27 2008-10-23 Bally Gaming, Inc. Networked Gaming System With Ergonomic Gaming Machine Having Electromechanical Reels
US20070060261A1 (en) * 2005-08-19 2007-03-15 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game having expanding symbol for triggering bonus game
WO2007030786A3 (en) * 2005-09-08 2007-06-07 Wms Gaming Inc Gaming machine having positional expanding symbols
US8105145B2 (en) * 2005-09-08 2012-01-31 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machine having positional expanding symbols
AU2006287281B2 (en) * 2005-09-08 2012-01-12 Bally Gaming, Inc. Gaming system having positional expanding symbols
WO2007030786A2 (en) * 2005-09-08 2007-03-15 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machine having positional expanding symbols
US20080188286A1 (en) * 2005-09-08 2008-08-07 Jaffe Joel R Gaming Machine Having Positional Expanding Symbols
US20080176636A1 (en) * 2005-09-22 2008-07-24 Bally Gaming, Inc. Embedded reel games with progressives
AU2007201229C1 (en) * 2006-03-24 2010-05-20 Konami Gaming Incorporated Video slot machine allowing extra bets
AU2007201229B2 (en) * 2006-03-24 2008-10-02 Konami Gaming Incorporated Video slot machine allowing extra bets
US8231451B2 (en) * 2006-03-31 2012-07-31 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game with player pre-selecting bonus feature
US20090176552A1 (en) * 2006-03-31 2009-07-09 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering Game With Bonus-Selection Feature
US8382570B2 (en) * 2006-07-26 2013-02-26 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd Gaming apparatus with special symbols
US20080064465A1 (en) * 2006-07-26 2008-03-13 Bennett Nicholas L Gaming apparatus with special symbols
US9865122B2 (en) 2006-07-26 2018-01-09 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Gaming apparatus with special symbols
US9390593B2 (en) 2006-07-26 2016-07-12 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty, Limited Gaming apparatus with special symbols
US20080051173A1 (en) * 2006-08-24 2008-02-28 Aruze Gaming America, Inc. Slot machine and playing method thereof
US8210930B2 (en) 2006-09-27 2012-07-03 Igt Server based gaming system having system triggered loyalty award sequences
US8262469B2 (en) 2006-09-27 2012-09-11 Igt Server based gaming system having system triggered loyalty award sequences
US8012009B2 (en) 2006-09-27 2011-09-06 Igt Server based gaming system having system triggered loyalty award sequences
US8616959B2 (en) 2006-09-27 2013-12-31 Igt Server based gaming system having system triggered loyalty award sequences
US7993199B2 (en) 2006-09-27 2011-08-09 Igt Server based gaming system having system triggered loyalty award sequences
US8206212B2 (en) 2006-09-27 2012-06-26 Igt Server based gaming system having system triggered loyalty award sequences
US7674180B2 (en) 2006-09-27 2010-03-09 Igt Server based gaming system having system triggered loyalty award sequences
WO2008057325A3 (en) * 2006-11-02 2008-07-03 Wms Gaming Inc Wagering game with active paytable highlighting winning combinations
WO2008057325A2 (en) * 2006-11-02 2008-05-15 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game with active paytable highlighting winning combinations
US20090280890A1 (en) * 2006-11-02 2009-11-12 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering Game With Active Paytable Highlighting Winning Combinations
US8021228B2 (en) 2006-11-02 2011-09-20 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game with active paytable highlighting winning combinations
US8454426B2 (en) 2006-11-02 2013-06-04 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game with active paytable highlighting winning combinations
US8267777B2 (en) 2006-11-02 2012-09-18 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game with progressive award indicator having an incrementing feature
US20100016060A1 (en) * 2006-11-02 2010-01-21 Wms Gaming Inc Wagering Game With Progressive Award Indicator Having An Incrementing Feature
US8858342B2 (en) 2006-11-10 2014-10-14 Igt Flexibly configurable button panels for gaming machines
US8337314B2 (en) 2006-11-10 2012-12-25 Igt Systems and methods for improving a button assembly
US20080113737A1 (en) * 2006-11-10 2008-05-15 Igt Dynamic display systems for gaming machines
US8360892B2 (en) 2006-11-10 2013-01-29 Igt Flexibly configurable button panels for gaming machines
US8684846B2 (en) 2006-11-10 2014-04-01 Igt Dynamic display systems for gaming machines
US20080113766A1 (en) * 2006-11-10 2008-05-15 Igt Flexibly configurable button panels for gaming machines
US8070609B2 (en) 2006-11-10 2011-12-06 Igt Flexibly configurable button panels for gaming machines
US20090131168A1 (en) * 2006-11-10 2009-05-21 Igt Systems and methods for improving a button assembly
US8721423B2 (en) 2007-06-25 2014-05-13 Universal Entertainment Corporation Slot machine having bonus mode using alternate reels with increased win probability
US20080318667A1 (en) * 2007-06-25 2008-12-25 Aruze Corp. Gaming Machine
US9536373B2 (en) 2007-07-26 2017-01-03 Bally Gaming, Inc. Gaming system having dynamic payback percentage as a function of enabled features
US20100167815A1 (en) * 2007-07-26 2010-07-01 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming system having dynamic payback percentage as a function of enabled features
US9205324B2 (en) 2007-07-26 2015-12-08 Bally Gaming, Inc. Gaming system having dynamic payback percentage as a function of enabled features
US8393956B2 (en) * 2007-07-26 2013-03-12 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming system having dynamic payback percentage as a function of enabled features
US7985133B2 (en) 2007-07-30 2011-07-26 Igt Gaming system and method for providing an additional gaming currency
US9569930B2 (en) 2007-07-30 2017-02-14 Igt Gaming system and method for providing an additional gaming currency
US9396606B2 (en) 2007-07-30 2016-07-19 Igt Gaming system and method for providing an additional gaming currency
US8216062B2 (en) 2007-07-30 2012-07-10 Igt Gaming system and method for providing an additional gaming currency
US11062561B2 (en) 2007-07-30 2021-07-13 Igt Gaming system and method for providing an additional gaming currency
US20150099570A1 (en) * 2007-08-09 2015-04-09 Igt Gaming system and method providing simultaneous gaming with linked paytable events
US20150099571A1 (en) * 2007-08-09 2015-04-09 Igt Gaming system and method providing simultaneous gaming with linked paytable events
US9734672B2 (en) * 2007-08-09 2017-08-15 Igt Gaming system and method providing simultaneous gaming with linked paytable events
US9659462B2 (en) * 2007-08-09 2017-05-23 Igt Gaming system and method providing simultaneous gaming with linked paytable events
US20090181754A1 (en) * 2007-08-24 2009-07-16 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Gaming system and a method of gaming
US20090111564A1 (en) * 2007-10-25 2009-04-30 Sean Smith Bonus actuator attachment for gaming machines
US8317587B2 (en) 2007-11-01 2012-11-27 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming system having free spin enhancement features
US8021227B2 (en) 2007-11-09 2011-09-20 Igt Gaming system and method having configurable bonus game triggering outcomes
US9767648B2 (en) 2007-11-09 2017-09-19 Igt Gaming system and method having configurable bonus game triggering outcomes
US8998703B2 (en) 2007-11-09 2015-04-07 Igt Gaming system and method having configurable bonus game triggering outcomes
US20090124332A1 (en) * 2007-11-09 2009-05-14 Igt Gaming system and method having configurable bonus game triggering outcomes
US8360850B2 (en) 2007-11-09 2013-01-29 Igt Gaming system and method having configurable bonus game triggering outcomes
US8864569B2 (en) 2007-11-09 2014-10-21 Igt Gaming system and method having configurable bonus game triggering outcomes
US9378617B2 (en) 2007-11-09 2016-06-28 Igt Gaming system and method having configurable bonus game triggering outcomes
US7976379B2 (en) 2007-11-09 2011-07-12 Igt Gaming system and method having configurable bonus game triggering outcomes
AU2011265544B2 (en) * 2008-04-28 2012-12-06 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited A Gaming System and Method of Gaming
US9916726B2 (en) 2008-04-28 2018-03-13 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Gaming system, gaming controller, and a prize triggering method including additional symbol positions
US8460089B2 (en) 2008-04-28 2013-06-11 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Gaming system, gaming controller, and a prize triggering method
US9349253B2 (en) 2008-04-28 2016-05-24 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Gaming system, gaming controller, and a prize triggering method
US20090270165A1 (en) * 2008-04-28 2009-10-29 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Gaming system, gaming controller, and a prize triggering method
US20100093423A1 (en) * 2008-10-09 2010-04-15 Aruze Gaming America, Inc. Slot machine that increases the number of displayed symbols and control method thereof
US9767638B2 (en) 2008-10-09 2017-09-19 Aruze Gaming America, Inc. Slot machine that increases the number of displayed symbols and control method thereof
US8858320B2 (en) * 2008-10-09 2014-10-14 Aruze Gaming America, Inc. Slot machine that increases the number of displayed symbols and control method thereof
US20110183746A1 (en) * 2008-11-12 2011-07-28 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game providing suggestion for game feature to be achieved in subsequent play
US8388438B2 (en) 2008-11-12 2013-03-05 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game providing suggestion for game feature to be achieved in subsequent play
US10127762B2 (en) 2008-11-14 2018-11-13 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for enabling a player to select volatility using game symbols
US10192390B2 (en) 2008-11-14 2019-01-29 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for enabling a player to select volatility using game symbols
US8876590B2 (en) 2008-11-14 2014-11-04 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for enabling a player to select volatility using game symbols
US9299220B2 (en) 2008-11-14 2016-03-29 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for enabling a player to select volatility using game symbols
US8506380B2 (en) 2008-11-14 2013-08-13 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for enabling a player to select volatility using game symbols
US20100178976A1 (en) * 2009-01-15 2010-07-15 Bradley Berman Gaming Method and Apparatus for Facilitating a Game Involving Specialty Wild Functionality
US8152627B2 (en) 2009-01-15 2012-04-10 King Show Games, Inc. Gaming method and apparatus for facilitating a game involving specialty wild functionality
US9171428B2 (en) 2009-05-20 2015-10-27 King Show Games, Inc. Gaming method and apparatus for facilitating a game involving specialty functionality
US8641503B2 (en) 2009-05-20 2014-02-04 Bradley Berman Gaming method and apparatus for facilitating a game involving specialty functionality
US10535220B2 (en) 2009-05-20 2020-01-14 King Show Games, Inc. Gaming method and apparatus for facilitating a game involving specialty functionality
US9569917B2 (en) 2009-05-20 2017-02-14 King Show Games, Inc. Gaming method and apparatus for facilitating a game involving specialty functionality
US20100298041A1 (en) * 2009-05-20 2010-11-25 Bradley Berman Gaming Method and Apparatus for Facilitating a Game Involving Specialty Functionality
US10878662B2 (en) 2009-10-17 2020-12-29 Nguyen Gaming Llc Asynchronous persistent group bonus games with preserved game state data
US8974290B2 (en) 2009-10-28 2015-03-10 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game for awarding attributes in a plurality of plays
US8622805B2 (en) 2009-10-28 2014-01-07 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game for awarding positional game modifiers in a plurality of plays
US20110098101A1 (en) * 2009-10-28 2011-04-28 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering Game For Awarding Positional Game Modifiers In A Plurality Of Plays
US20110098102A1 (en) * 2009-10-28 2011-04-28 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering Game For Awarding Attributes In A Plurality Of Plays
US8562418B2 (en) 2009-10-28 2013-10-22 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming system with non-cash-based progressive awards
US8591313B2 (en) 2009-10-28 2013-11-26 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game for awarding attributes in a plurality of plays
US11704971B2 (en) 2009-11-12 2023-07-18 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Gaming system supporting data distribution to gaming devices
US11682266B2 (en) 2009-11-12 2023-06-20 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Gaming systems including viral benefit distribution
US11393287B2 (en) 2009-11-16 2022-07-19 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Asynchronous persistent group bonus game
US11631297B1 (en) 2010-04-09 2023-04-18 Aristorcrat Technologies, Inc. (Ati) Spontaneous player preferences
US11544999B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2023-01-03 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Gaming apparatus supporting virtual peripherals and funds transfer
US20190005773A1 (en) * 2010-11-14 2019-01-03 Nguyen Gaming Llc Remote participation in wager-based games
US11232676B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2022-01-25 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Gaming apparatus supporting virtual peripherals and funds transfer
US11055960B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2021-07-06 Nguyen Gaming Llc Gaming apparatus supporting virtual peripherals and funds transfer
US10657762B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2020-05-19 Nguyen Gaming Llc Social gaming
US11232673B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2022-01-25 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Interactive gaming with local and remote participants
US11127252B2 (en) * 2010-11-14 2021-09-21 Nguyen Gaming Llc Remote participation in wager-based games
US11488440B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2022-11-01 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Method and system for transferring value for wagering using a portable electronic device
US10614660B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2020-04-07 Nguyen Gaming Llc Peripheral management device for virtual game interaction
US11532204B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2022-12-20 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Social game play with games of chance
US11024117B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2021-06-01 Nguyen Gaming Llc Gaming system with social award management
US11922767B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2024-03-05 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Remote participation in wager-based games
US20120172106A1 (en) * 2010-12-29 2012-07-05 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method providing symbol upgrades
US8864570B2 (en) 2011-04-20 2014-10-21 Kathleen Nylund Jackson Gaming machine and game with dynamic accumulative bonus round
US20120295687A1 (en) * 2011-05-18 2012-11-22 Billy Ho Ching Tam Method of gaming and a game controller
US8568217B2 (en) * 2011-05-18 2013-10-29 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Method of gaming and a game controller
US8951111B2 (en) 2011-05-18 2015-02-10 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Method of gaming and a game controller
US8790177B2 (en) 2011-09-28 2014-07-29 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing a multiple player, multiple game bonusing environment
US8491381B2 (en) 2011-09-28 2013-07-23 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing a multiple player, multiple game bonusing environment
US10600289B2 (en) 2011-09-28 2020-03-24 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing game bonusing environment
US8986107B2 (en) 2011-09-28 2015-03-24 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing a multiple player, multiple game bonusing environment
US8517818B2 (en) 2011-09-28 2013-08-27 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing a multiple player, multiple game bonusing environment
US8545313B2 (en) 2011-09-28 2013-10-01 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing a multiple player, multiple game bonusing environment
US9514605B2 (en) 2011-09-28 2016-12-06 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing a multiple player, multiple game bonusing environment with a multiple player coin drop game
US8480481B2 (en) * 2011-09-29 2013-07-09 Wms Gaming Inc. Systems, methods, and devices for playing wagering games with randomly selected mathematical operation applied to game factors
US10586425B2 (en) 2011-10-03 2020-03-10 Nguyen Gaming Llc Electronic fund transfer for mobile gaming
US10777038B2 (en) 2011-10-03 2020-09-15 Nguyen Gaming Llc Electronic fund transfer for mobile gaming
US11458403B2 (en) 2011-10-03 2022-10-04 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Control of mobile game play on a mobile vehicle
US11495090B2 (en) 2011-10-03 2022-11-08 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Electronic fund transfer for mobile gaming
US10537808B2 (en) 2011-10-03 2020-01-21 Nguyem Gaming LLC Control of mobile game play on a mobile vehicle
US9123199B2 (en) * 2011-12-12 2015-09-01 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method providing one or more wild reel wager options
US20140349738A1 (en) * 2011-12-12 2014-11-27 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method providing one or more wild reel wager options
US8814656B2 (en) 2011-12-12 2014-08-26 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method providing one or more wild reel wager options
US8864571B2 (en) 2012-04-03 2014-10-21 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game having free spin feature with variable quantities of reel arrays
US9196132B2 (en) 2012-04-03 2015-11-24 Bally Gaming, Inc. Wagering game having free spin feature with variable quantities of reel arrays
US20140031100A1 (en) * 2012-07-26 2014-01-30 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game with multiple unlockable arrays
US9846995B2 (en) * 2012-07-26 2017-12-19 Bally Gaming, Inc. Wagering game with multiple unlockable arrays
US9202345B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2015-12-01 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a symbol matrix with a moveable symbol display window
US9852574B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2017-12-26 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a symbol matrix with a moveable symbol display window
US9177447B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2015-11-03 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a symbol matrix with a moveable symbol display window
US9430900B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2016-08-30 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a symbol matrix with a moveable symbol display window
US9533214B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2017-01-03 Igt Gaming system and method for providing plays of multiple games
US10102711B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2018-10-16 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a symbol matrix with a moveable symbol display window
US20170221313A1 (en) * 2013-03-08 2017-08-03 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a game including roaming wild symbols
US10607449B2 (en) * 2013-03-08 2020-03-31 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a game including roaming wild symbols
US10163303B1 (en) * 2013-03-13 2018-12-25 PlayStudios, Inc. Cash slot machine augmented with secondary currency
US11636732B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2023-04-25 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Location-based mobile gaming system and method
US11004304B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2021-05-11 Nguyen Gaming Llc Adaptive mobile device gaming system
US11443589B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2022-09-13 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Gaming device docking station for authorized game play
US11532206B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2022-12-20 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Gaming machines having portable device docking station
US11861979B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2024-01-02 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Gaming device docking station for authorized game play
US11161043B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2021-11-02 Nguyen Gaming Llc Gaming environment having advertisements based on player physiology
US10706678B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2020-07-07 Nguyen Gaming Llc Portable intermediary trusted device
US10755523B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2020-08-25 Nguyen Gaming Llc Gaming device docking station for authorized game play
US11571627B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2023-02-07 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Method and system for authenticating mobile servers for play of games of chance
US9449470B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2016-09-20 Bally Gaming, Inc. Wagering game with upgradable symbol stacks
US11398131B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2022-07-26 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Method and system for localized mobile gaming
US11670134B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2023-06-06 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Adaptive mobile device gaming system
US11020669B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2021-06-01 Nguyen Gaming Llc Authentication of mobile servers
US11783666B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2023-10-10 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Method and system for localized mobile gaming
US11132863B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2021-09-28 Nguyen Gaming Llc Location-based mobile gaming system and method
US10068426B1 (en) 2013-06-28 2018-09-04 PlayStudios, Inc. Online game with adjusted results
US20150031437A1 (en) * 2013-07-23 2015-01-29 Gemini Digital Development, Inc. Casino game with pheripheral ring of scatter symbols around center reels
US20180315277A1 (en) * 2013-07-23 2018-11-01 Gemini Digital Development, Inc. Casino game with peripheral array of scatter symbols around motor driven reels
US11145164B2 (en) 2013-07-23 2021-10-12 Gemini Digital Development Gaming machine having peripheral reels, a selectively transparent front display, and motor driven reels behind the front display
US10417877B2 (en) * 2013-07-23 2019-09-17 Gemini Digital Development, Inc. Casino game with peripheral array of scatter symbols around motor driven reels
US10475294B2 (en) 2013-07-23 2019-11-12 Gemini Digital Development, Inc. Casino game with peripheral array of scatter symbols around a set back display screen depicting motor driven reels
US10043350B2 (en) * 2013-07-23 2018-08-07 Gemini Digital Development, Inc. Casino game with peripheral ring of scatter symbols around center reels
US9449465B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2016-09-20 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with upgrade events
US10546449B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2020-01-28 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a symbol game with upgrade events
US10147281B2 (en) 2014-07-24 2018-12-04 Igt Gaming system and method having matching symbol stacks and additional award opportunities
US10636256B2 (en) * 2014-09-26 2020-04-28 Video Gaming Technologies, Inc. System and method for providing a game with unfolding symbols
US20190005780A1 (en) * 2014-09-26 2019-01-03 Video Gaming Technologies. Inc System and method for providing a game with unfolding symbols
US11302153B2 (en) * 2014-09-26 2022-04-12 Video Gaming Technologies, Inc. System and method for providing a game with unfolding symbols
US10529172B2 (en) * 2014-09-29 2020-01-07 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Gaming machines and methods of gaming providing enhanced presentation of an expandable symbol
US20190088078A1 (en) * 2014-09-29 2019-03-21 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Gaming machines and methods of gaming providing enhanced presentation of an expandable symbol
US11217060B2 (en) 2014-09-29 2022-01-04 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Gaming machines and methods of gaming providing enhanced presentation of an expandable symbol
US20200105095A1 (en) * 2015-03-30 2020-04-02 The Board of Regents of Nevada System of Higher Education on Behalf of the University of Nevada, Las Video gaming wager systems and methods
US10424163B2 (en) * 2015-03-30 2019-09-24 The Board Of Regents Of The Nevada System Of Higher Education On Behalf Of The University Of Nevada Video gaming wager systems and methods
US20180061184A1 (en) * 2015-03-30 2018-03-01 The Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education on behalf of the University of Video gaming wager systems and methods
US9916735B2 (en) 2015-07-22 2018-03-13 Igt Remote gaming cash voucher printing system
US10395480B2 (en) 2016-04-28 2019-08-27 Pridefield Limited Gaming machine with symbol accumulation
US10540855B2 (en) 2016-09-21 2020-01-21 Igt Gaming system and method for redistributing funds amongst players of skill games
US11062553B2 (en) 2016-10-31 2021-07-13 Fusion Holdings Limited Software-based simulation of symbol replacement
US10685530B2 (en) 2016-10-31 2020-06-16 Pridefield Limited Software-based simulation of symbol locking
US10636242B2 (en) 2016-10-31 2020-04-28 Pridefield Limited Software-based simulation of symbol replacement
US11132867B2 (en) 2017-02-06 2021-09-28 Fusion Holdings Limited Software-based simulation of trigger symbol movement
US10522005B2 (en) 2017-02-06 2019-12-31 Fusion Holdings Limited Software-based simulation of trigger symbol movement
US11094170B2 (en) * 2017-03-17 2021-08-17 Sg Gaming, Inc. Gaming machine using multiple triggers to determine an award from a subset of displayed awards
US11587403B2 (en) * 2017-03-17 2023-02-21 Sg Gaming, Inc. Gaming machine using multiple triggers to determine an award from a subset of displayed awards
US20210327219A1 (en) * 2017-03-17 2021-10-21 Sg Gaming, Inc. Gaming machine using multiple triggers to determine an award from a subset of displayed awards
US11710378B2 (en) 2017-03-17 2023-07-25 Lnw Gaming, Inc. Gaming machine using multiple triggers to determine an award from a subset of displayed awards
US11798371B2 (en) 2017-03-17 2023-10-24 Lnw Gaming, Inc. Gaming machine using multiple triggers to determine an award from a subset of displayed awards
US11386747B2 (en) 2017-10-23 2022-07-12 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Gaming monetary instrument tracking system
US11790725B2 (en) 2017-10-23 2023-10-17 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Gaming monetary instrument tracking system
US10475293B2 (en) 2017-12-11 2019-11-12 Igt Gaming system and method for redistributing funds amongst players of skill games
US11699327B2 (en) 2021-11-17 2023-07-11 Lnw Gaming, Inc. Gaming machine and method with persistent award modifier triggered and modified by appearance of a catalyst symbol
US11721165B2 (en) 2021-11-18 2023-08-08 Lnw Gaming, Inc. Gaming machine and method with symbol redistribution feature
US11741788B2 (en) 2021-11-24 2023-08-29 Lnw Gaming, Inc. Gaming machine and method with symbol conversion feature
US11804104B2 (en) 2021-12-03 2023-10-31 Lnw Gaming, Inc. Gaming machine and method with value-bearing symbol feature
US11710370B1 (en) 2022-01-26 2023-07-25 Lnw Gaming, Inc. Gaming machine and method with a symbol collection feature
US11875645B2 (en) 2022-02-02 2024-01-16 Lnw Gaming, Inc. Gaming systems and methods for dynamic award symbols

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2011200268A1 (en) 2011-02-10
US7819737B2 (en) 2010-10-26
AU2011200268B2 (en) 2012-04-05
US20050130737A1 (en) 2005-06-16
US20110003629A1 (en) 2011-01-06
ZA200409969B (en) 2006-08-30
US9230411B2 (en) 2016-01-05
US8444467B2 (en) 2013-05-21
US20090117990A1 (en) 2009-05-07
US20130252708A1 (en) 2013-09-26

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US9230411B2 (en) Gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme
CA2487575C (en) Gaming machine having a manual reel set-up feature
US7381133B2 (en) Gaming machine having a pick and spin bonus scheme
US9799168B2 (en) Gaming device having a re-triggering symbol bonus scheme
US7300351B2 (en) Gaming machine having a player time-selectable bonus award scheme
US9558609B2 (en) Gaming system and method having a partial selectable symbol matrix
US7850524B2 (en) Progressive jackpot game with special bonus
AU2003246036B2 (en) Gaming device having a scatter pay symbol
US10366580B2 (en) Gaming device having different sets of primary and secondary reel symbols
US7591726B2 (en) Gaming device having discounted activations or wagers
US7594851B2 (en) Gaming device having multiple identical sets of simultaneously activated reels
US20050079908A1 (en) Gaming machine having an award-trading scheme
US7736222B2 (en) Gaming machine having a shuffle feature and a simultaneous multiple award feature
US20050096123A1 (en) Gaming device with secondary selection game in which the number of selections are based on multiple components of the wager in primary game
US20040048649A1 (en) Gaming device having a bonus game with multiple player selectable award opportunities
US20110130193A1 (en) Gaming Device Having Free Spin Mode with Symbol Elimination
WO2003026750A2 (en) Gaming device having an accumulating award symbol
WO2005026886A2 (en) Gaming device having an offer and acceptance game with multiple offers
US7410419B2 (en) Gaming machine having a crap slot game play scheme
AU2006202210B2 (en) Gaming device have a scatter pay symbol

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: WMS GAMING INC., ILLINOIS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:ENGLMAN, ALLON G.;JAFFE, JOEL R.;REEL/FRAME:014799/0015;SIGNING DATES FROM 20031208 TO 20031209

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION

AS Assignment

Owner name: BALLY GAMING, INC., NEVADA

Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:WMS GAMING INC.;REEL/FRAME:036225/0048

Effective date: 20150629

AS Assignment

Owner name: SG GAMING, INC., NEVADA

Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:BALLY GAMING, INC.;REEL/FRAME:051649/0316

Effective date: 20200103