| Entries |
| Document | Title | Date |
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| 20080200232 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING A FREE SPIN GAME - A gaming device including a re-initiation mode wherein the probability of extending the bonus game is increased by fixing the reel or reels displaying a locking symbol on the reel. In the re-initiation mode embodiment, the gaming device re-activates some or all of the reels except the reel displaying the locking symbol for a predetermined number of additional free spins or until the reactivated reels display or indicate a terminating symbol on the reels. The gaming device provides any outcomes associated with indicated symbols or combination of symbols. In one embodiment, if a terminating symbol is displayed on designated reels during one of the additional free spins, the gaming device re-initiates the bonus game. | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080200233 | GAMING SYSTEM MONITORING CLIENT TERMINALS WITH HYBRID REEL ASSEMBLIES - In a thin-client gaming system according to the present invention, a server performs computations for the control over a game on a gaming machine, and hardware thereof including hybrid reel assemblies. Each hybrid reel assembly includes a mechanical reel and electric display devices mounted on the circumferential surface of the reel. The server commands the display devices and motors of the hybrid reel assemblies, and provides image data to the display devices. By using a terminal observer unit, the server estimates the current status of the gaming terminal, and in particular the hybrid reel assemblies. Preferably, when having estimated excessive deviation between the positions of the reels and symbols displayed on the display devices, the terminal observer unit will quickly cause a game process to be stopped and the reels to continuously rotate, and then inform a game system administrator of the error. | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080200234 | SLOT MACHINE EXECUTING FREE GAME ACCORDING TO GAME OUTCOME OF SUB GAME - A slot machine executes a sub game during a base game, and executes a free game in response to a game outcome of the executed sub game. Specifically, the slot machine is configured to execute the sub game different from the base game during the base game when symbols arranged on a main liquid crystal panel during the base game forms a combination in which three “CHANCE” symbols are arranged on a payline. Moreover, the slot machine is configured to execute the free game by switching from the base game to the free game when the player satisfies a winning condition a predetermined number of times or more in the sub game. | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080200235 | SLOT MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A slot machine is provided with a CPU and a liquid crystal display having a plurality of display areas. In operation, the CPU performs a slot game on the liquid crystal display to select one symbol from among multiple kinds of symbols and display the selected symbol in each of the display areas. When symbols displayed in two or more display areas form a predetermined winning combination, the CPU changes a predetermined number of the symbols to special symbols advantageous to a player and further change symbols adjacent to the special symbols to special symbols advantageous to the player. | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080200236 | SLOT MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A slot machine includes a first liquid crystal display, a second liquid crystal display, and a CPU. The CPU performs a slot game in which one selected from among a plurality of symbols is displayed in each of a plurality of display regions of the first liquid crystal display and performs an effect display regarding a result of the slot game on the first liquid crystal display. The CPU performs an effect display regarding the result of the slot game on the second liquid crystal display. The CPU coordinates displays of the first liquid crystal display and the second liquid crystal display to perform the effect displays on the first liquid crystal display and the second liquid crystal display. | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080200237 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING A MULTI-FUNCTION FREE GAME BONUS - An apparatus and method for a free spins game including a plurality of reels, an outcome and a plurality of sections associated with the outcome. The gaming device or player activates the reels to indicate a designated symbol combination including at least two section indicator symbols. When a designated symbol combination including the section indicator symbols is indicated on the reels, the gaming device obtains the corresponding section. The gaming device or player continues to activate the reels until there are no free spins remaining in the game or until all of the sections are obtained. The gaming device then provides the outcome to the player. | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080200238 | GAMING SYSTEM INCLUDING MULTIPLE DISPLAYS HAVING GAME SYMBOLS WITH COMMON CHARACTERISTICS - A gaming system and method involving a game having a plurality of symbols. The gaming system displays a play of the game on a first display while displaying a sequence of the symbols on a second display. The gaming system includes one award associated with the play and another award associated with a characteristic in common between a symbol displayed on the first display and a symbol indicated on the second display. | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080207303 | Presenting Display Objects In A Gaming Machine - An apparatus for lighting display objects in a gaming machine is described herein. In one embodiment, a gaming machine includes a display object to be viewed and a light source to emit light. The gaming machine also includes a light-guiding panel. The light-guiding panel includes an edge to receive the light from the light source and a surface through which the light is reflected. In one embodiment, the surface includes a window through which the display object can be viewed. In one embodiment, the light is substantially uniformly reflected through all but the window of the surface. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080207304 | IMPROVED PRESENTATION OF MULTI-LEVEL MYSTERY BONUS AWARDS - In one aspect, a system displays a winning one of multiple mystery bonus awards before identifying a winner of the winning award from among a plurality of players of base games. In another aspect, the system displays a winning one of multiple mystery bonus awards after identifying a winner of the winning award from among a plurality of players of base games. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080207305 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING A MULTIPLE SYMBOL SWAPPING GAME - A gaming device and a method for operating a gaming device which increases the possibility of obtaining a winning combination of symbols on reels. In one embodiment, the gaming device rearranges one or more sets of indicated symbols on the reels to potentially generate additional combinations of symbols on a payline. The rearranged symbols may move to different reels and different paylines in the rearrangement. The gaming device, in one embodiment performs an evaluation of the rearranged symbols after each rearrangement to give each rearrangement a chance to generate a winning combination of symbols on the reels. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080214274 | Apparatus for Playing a Game - The present invention, with reference to FIG. ( | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080214275 | SLOT MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD OF GAME - A slot machine of the present invention comprises: a symbol display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of symbols; an output device for an image or a sound; and a controller, the controller programmed to execute the processing of: (A) executing a game in which the plurality of symbols are variably displayed and then stop-displayed to the symbol display device after game media are BET in number equal to or less than a previously set maximum number of BETs, and game media are paid out in number according to the plurality of symbols stop-displayed or a combination thereof; (B) shifting a mode from a non-insurance mode to an insurance mode on condition that a predetermined number of game media is inserted; (C) counting the number of games played after shifting to the insurance mode, in the insurance mode; (D) paying out a predetermined number of game media when the number of games counted in the processing (C) reaches a specific number; (E) shifting the mode from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode, when a predetermined insurance canceling condition is established; and (F) outputting information showing that the mode is shifted to the non-insurance mode by using the output device, when the mode has been shifted from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080214276 | SLOT MACHINE AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF - A slot machine comprises a display which is provided with plural slot game areas. A player can place a bet automatically on a next slot game on each of predefined slot game areas among the plural slot game areas to play slot games continuously. The player can enjoy plural slot games continuously without a cumbersome betting operation on each game play. Thus, an entertaining feature of the slot machine can be improved. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080214277 | GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine according to one embodiment of the invention has a rotating reel display device that variably displays a plurality of kinds of identification information required for a game, and a transmissive image display device | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080214278 | GAMING MACHINE - A slot machine is provided with a ROM for storing: a first symbol arrangement table in which plural types of symbols are arranged; a second symbol arrangement table in which an expectation value of giving a payout to a player is high; and a third symbol arrangement table in which an expectation value winning a bonus game to a player is high. This slot machine has, as game modes, a base game, a bonus game, and a special game to be performed after the end of the bonus game. In the base game, gaming is performed using symbols arranged in the first symbol arrangement table. In the bonus game, gaming is performed using symbols arranged in the second symbol arrangement table. In the special game, gaming is performed using symbols arranged in the third symbol arrangement table. In addition, the slot machine | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080214279 | Gaming Machine Capable Of Operating To Indicate The Number Of Bets, And Game Playing Method - Paigow Poker is executed by placing a bet using a bet screen | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080214280 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING ODDS OF WINNING WHICH INCREASE AS A PLAYER'S WAGER INCREASES - A gaming device having a game which requires the same average investment from a player to win an award, including a jackpot award, regardless of the amount that the player bets at any one time. The award can be unchanging, e.g., $10,000, each time a player plays the gaming device. The award can also vary such as with a progressive jackpot, i.e., the jackpot builds until a player “hits” the jackpot. The game enables the average investment necessary to win the jackpot to be uniform by varying the odds of winning the jackpot as the players bet varies. That is, a player betting less money needs to play the game more times, on average, to win the jackpot. Likewise, a player betting more money needs to play the game less times, on average, to win the jackpot. The average overall bet or investment thus remains constant despite the player's betting habits or betting ability. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080214281 | WAGERING GAME HAVING MULTIPLE AWARD COMPONENTS - A multiple bonus modifier game | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080214282 | SYMBOL DISPLAY DEVICE FOR GAME MACHINE - A slot machine includes a reel assembly which has a transparent outer reel and a translucent inner reel disposed coaxially within the outer reel. The outer and inner reels are provided with first exterior surfaces on their periphery, and with second exterior surfaces on their side surfaces. The outer and inner reels are driven independently by a respective motor. In performing a first game, the side surfaces are horizontal so that first outer symbols and first inner symbols carried on each of the first exterior surfaces may be observable. In performing a second game, the side surfaces are perpendicular so that second outer symbols and second inner symbols carried on each of the second exterior surfaces may be observable. Symbol combinations are produced by synthesizing the symbols on the outer reel and the symbols on the inner reel. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080214283 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING A MULTIPLE SYMBOL SWAPPING GAME - A gaming device and a method for operating a gaming device which increases the possibility of obtaining a winning combination of symbols on reels. In one embodiment, the gaming device rearranges at least two sets of indicated symbols on the reels to potentially generate additional combinations of symbols on a payline. The rearranged symbols may move to different reels and different paylines in the rearrangement. The gaming device, in one embodiment performs an evaluation of the rearranged symbols after each rearrangement to give each rearrangement a chance to generate a winning combination of symbols on the reels. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080220846 | GAMING MACHINE HAVING A FUNCTION OF CHANGING THE NUMBER OF FREE GAMES ACCORDING TO THE RESULT OF A ROLE PLAYING GAME - A controller is provided which includes: a function whereby a video image is randomly determined with respect to a mini game to be displayed on a display each time the mini game is executed; a function whereby the determined video image is extracted from memory and displayed on the display; a function whereby determination is randomly made as to whether the points associated with the displayed video image are to be added to the accumulated points; a function whereby, in a case that determination has been made that the points are to be added to the accumulated points, the points are added to the accumulated points, thereby updating the accumulated points; and a function whereby, after the mini game has been executed a predetermined number of times, the number of free games is determined according to the updated accumulated points. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080220847 | GAME SYSTEM INCLUDING SLOT MACHINES AND GAME CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A gaming machine is provided with a controller which carries out operations to display on a display a predetermined number of card images every time a mini game is executed; decide whether to update an accumulative point number, depending on a combination of displayed card images; when a decision is made to update, update the accumulative point number by adding a point number based on the combination to the accumulative point number; decide a game number of a free game depending on an accumulative point number updated after the mini game is executed a predetermined number of times; and if a predetermined condition is met, make a transition from the basic game to the free game, and execute the free game the decided game number of times. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080220848 | Wagering Game Content Publishing - Systems, methods, and machine-readable media including instructions for publishing gaming content are described herein. In one embodiment, a machine-readable medium includes instructions for detecting new gaming content and creating a gaming content publication indicating that the new gaming content is available. The machine-readable medium also includes instructions for transmitting the gaming system publication to a gaming network component. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080220849 | Presenting Streaming Video Content in a Gaming Machine - Systems and methods for presenting streaming video content in a gaming machine are described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes detecting satisfaction of a condition in a wagering game and determining which one of a plurality of streaming video effects are associated with the condition. The method can also include applying to a streaming video segment the one of the plurality of streaming video effects associated with the condition and displaying the streaming video segment on a display device. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080220850 | System and Method for 3D Gaming Effects - Embodiments of the invention described herein include, in a reel-based gaming machine, a system and method of displaying a gaming outcome. The system and method include displaying a reel image on a display, wherein displaying includes displaying one or more symbols as three-dimensional symbols. The method also includes animating a three-dimensional object on the display, wherein animating includes rendering at least a portion of the animation at around the time the image is displayed. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080220851 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING DIFFERENT SETS OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY REEL SYMBOLS - An apparatus and method for a gaming device having a bonus game that provides a player with a primary set of reel symbols having a primary probability of winning and a secondary set of reel symbols having a secondary probability of winning, where the secondary probability of winning is greater than the primary probability of winning. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080227520 | GAMING MACHINE CHECKING COLOR OF SYMBOL ON REEL - In a gaming machine according to the present invention, a reel assembly includes a lighting unit, a lighting driver unit, and a color check unit, as well as a reel and a motor. The lighting unit emits colored rays to a symbol displayed on a visible region on a reel. The lighting driver unit adjusts driving currents for the lighting unit in accordance with a control signal. The color check unit generates an error signal when detecting that the level of any driving current falls outside a predetermined range. A game control unit conducts a game by randomly changing arrangements and colors of the visible symbols. A lighting control unit provides the control signal to the lighting driver unit. If receiving the error signal from the color check unit, the lighting control unit informs the game control unit of an error state of the lighting unit. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080227521 | Wagering Game Having Cascading Electromechanical Reels - A method of playing a wagering game. The method comprises conducting the wagering game at an electromechanical gaming terminal. The electromechanical gaming terminal has a plurality of electromechanical reels with a plurality of symbols. At least some of the plurality of symbols is displayed on a payline. In response to one of the plurality of symbols causing a winning outcome, the player is awarded an amount corresponding to the winning outcome and a corresponding reel with the one of the plurality of symbols is moved. When the corresponding reel is moved, the player is given another chance at obtaining a second winning outcome. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080227522 | Gaming machine - The present invention provides a gaming machine having a system for giving a player an incentive to continue playing the game. A slot machine | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080227523 | Wagering Game and Method Including a Multi-Step Ladder Feature - Wagering games, gaming machines, gaming systems and associated methods are disclosed that include a multi-step ladder feature. One disclosed aspect provides that an indicator be positioned on a ladder or scale when like indicia are displayed by the game. Another disclosed aspect provides that an award be paid based on the position of the indicator at the end of the game. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080227524 | Tournament qualification & characteristics in a gaming system - The invention provides a prize redemption system for use with one or more game apparatuses. A game is provided on a game apparatus for a player to play in exchange for monetary input, and prize credits are credited to the player based on the game outcome. A prize selection menu is then displayed by the game apparatus, the menu including one or more prizes, where the player may select a prize that has a prize cost within the player's prize credit amount. The player is dispensed a specific prize ticket that is redeemable for the selected prize. The game apparatus can also provide specific prizes and tournament games played for a tournament prize contributed to by multiple players. An operator can adjust prizes and payout percentages of the system to achieve a desired profitability for game apparatuses. Prize input is entered into a prize table describing multiple available prizes and also describing payout information that indicates a desired amount of payout that the operator wishes to provide back to players of the game apparatus in terms of the value of the prizes. Prize information, such as prize costs and specific prize win ratios, is automatically determined by the system for each of the prizes in view of the desired profitability of the game apparatus. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080227525 | Gaming system having game difficulty controller - The invention provides a prize redemption system for use with one or more game apparatuses. A game is provided on a game apparatus for a player to play in exchange for monetary input, and prize credits are credited to the player based on the game outcome. A prize selection menu is then displayed by the game apparatus, the menu including one or more prizes, where the player may select a prize that has a prize cost within the player's prize credit amount. The player is dispensed a specific prize ticket that is redeemable for the selected prize. The game apparatus can also provide specific prizes and tournament games played for a tournament prize contributed to by multiple players. An operator can adjust prizes and payout percentages of the system to achieve a desired profitability for game apparatuses. Prize input is entered into a prize table describing multiple available prizes and also describing payout information that indicates a desired amount of payout that the operator wishes to provide back to players of the game apparatus in terms of the value of the prizes. Prize information, such as prize costs and specific prize win ratios, is automatically determined by the system for each of the prizes in view of the desired profitability of the game apparatus. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080227526 | Display Device for Gaming Machines - A gaming machine reel is provided with a display device comprising a flexible strip of electronically programmable display material secured around the periphery of the reel. Symbols may be selectively displayed on the material by appropriate programming thereof, for example by providing a plurality of addressable pixels on the material each of which may be driven to have a suitable translucence and to display a required color. A rechargeable power source is provided on the reel. The programming of the strip may be effected by a wireless link using either RF or infra-red. As a result, it is easy to allow the playing of a different game on the machine by re-programming the strip for the display of different symbols. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080227527 | Wagering Game system Backlight Intensity Control - A computerized wagering game system includes a gaming module comprising gaming code which is operable when executed on to present a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered, and a display assembly having a preformed image and a backlight having adjustable brightness. In one embodiment, display assembly comprises preprinted artwork or graphics, or is an illuminated object such as a button or bezel light. Further embodiments include light sensors to sense ambient light or to measure the illumination of a backlit display, and means to adjust the backlight brightness accordingly. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080227528 | Slot machine that sets free game when predetermined condition is satisfied - A slot machine includes: a display device that is defined with a plurality of symbol display areas in which one of a plurality of types of symbols including a special symbol is displayed; an operation unit; and a game controller that operates to: accept a bet of a game value on any one or more of a plurality of bet areas; determine the symbols to be displayed stopped in each of the symbol display areas; control the display device to display the determined symbols stopped in each of the symbol display areas after being variably displayed; set a free game for the bet areas on which the bet is accepted and the special symbol is displayed stopped; and accept a next bet on any one or more of the bet areas for which the free game is not set. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080234030 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions, a symbol position modifier operable by a player to modify the display position of at least one symbol, and an outcome generator arranged to determine a game outcome based on the displayed symbols after modification by a player of the display position of at least one symbol. A corresponding method is also disclosed. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080234031 | Gaming Machine Capable Of Setting Bet-Number And Effective Area-Number - When activating one or more paylines and setting a bet-number therefor, a total bet-number obtained by multiplying the number of the paylines activated by the bet-number per one payline is limited. In this regard, when a player operates one of LINE buttons | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080234032 | 3D WAGERING FOR 3D VIDEO REEL SLOT MACHINES - Methods and systems allowing video slot machine players to wager on symbols occurring on all sides of a reel, including the reel's front, back, top, bottom, and inside portions. Players may move reels in space to seek out winning paylines or win mystery bonuses on symbols combinations that occur on portions of the reel that may be initially hidden from their view. Features of embodiments of the present invention allow players to increase the number of paylines on which they can bet by a factor of four or more. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080234033 | Reel-type gaming activity involving automatic randomization of a subset of reels - A gaming apparatus has a plurality of gaming reels. Each gaming reel has a plurality of symbols that are randomly arranged in response to gaming events. A controller is coupled to the gaming reels and configured to randomize, in response to a user input, the plurality of gaming reels so that the gaming reels are in a first configuration. Based on the first configuration of the gaming reels, an arrangement of the symbols that satisfy a predetermined condition is determined. In response to the predetermined condition being satisfied, a subset of the gaming reels is randomized so that the gaming reels are in a second configuration. The subset of gaming reels is randomized independently of any user inputs occurring after the determination of the predetermined condition, and the gaming reels not in the subset of reels are held while the subset of gaming reels is randomized. The apparatus also includes a payout device that determines a payout based at least on the second configuration of the plurality of gaming reels in response to the randomization of the subset of gaming reels. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080242394 | GAMING MACHINE DETERMINING A SYMBOL TO BE REARRANGED IN EVERY GAME - A gaming machine includes a display device, a memory, an input device and a controller. The display device displays symbols and columns where the symbols are independently scrolled. The memory stores symbol data. The controller is configured with logic to: (a) start a game, and cause the game to be switched to a predetermined game state when a game result satisfies a predetermined condition; (b) determine in the switched game state whether a predetermined specific symbol has been arranged in a window of a first column that is first controlled to be stationary; (c) arrange a symbol in a window of another column when the specific symbol has been arranged in the window of the first column, and when a winning combination does not occur in combination with the specific symbol in the first column, cause another column to be scrolled again such that the winning combination is effective. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080242395 | GAMING MACHINE CAPABLE OF PERFORMING MINI GAME - A slot machine according to the present invention comprising: a display capable of arranging symbols thereto; and a controller, the controller programmed to conduct the processing of: (a) executing a normal game in which a game medium may be offered and the symbols are rearranged to the display; (b) executing a bonus game comprised of a single or a plurality of unit games in which the symbols are rearranged to the display, the bonus game is a game more advantageous to a player compared to the normal game; (c) executing a mini game corresponding to the symbols rearranged, out of a plurality of types of mini games in which a point value may be offered; and (d) increasing, in a case where the point value is consumed, an execution time period of the bonus game or the number of executions of the unit game in the bonus game. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080242396 | GAMING MACHINE CAPABLE OF PERFORMING MINI GAME AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF - A gaming machine according to the present invention comprising: a display capable of rearranging a plurality of symbols thereto; an input device with which a player is capable of performing an operation relating to a game; and a controller, the controller programmed to conduct the processing of; (a) executing a game in which the plurality of symbols are rearranged to the display and a gaming medium is paid out in number corresponding to the symbols rearranged or a combination thereof; (b) displaying, in a time period during which at least a single game is executed, a predetermined number of cards for use in a mini game which is different from the game, to the display; (c) determining cards for use in the mini game or a combination thereof, based on an input from the input device, in the game after the processing (b); (d) determining, in the game after the processing (c), a result of the mini game based on the cards displayed in the processing (b) and the result of the determination in the processing (c), and offering a point value to the player based on this result; and (e) executing a bonus game by consuming the point value, out of a normal game to be executed as the game and the bonus game which is more advantageous to the player than the normal game. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080248854 | Gaming Machine Having Electrophoretic Displays and Method Thereof - A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a value input device for receiving a wager and at least one rotatable reel. The reel comprises a reel strip arranged about the periphery of a cage. The reel strip comprises an alterable film for displaying a plurality of symbols. The gaming machine further comprises a controller operative to alter the appearance of at least one of the plurality of symbols displayed on the film. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080248855 | Gaming machine and method for gaming machine - The present invention provides a gaming machine that includes a slot machine, a bonus device and a device controller. The device controller remotely operates the bonus device and the bonus device provides a bonus award independently from the slot machine. The bonus device describes a bonus display information upon receiving from the device controller with a condition independent from a game result of the slot machine. Also, the device controller can collect a wager from one or more slot machines, determine a bonus content based on the collected wager, remotely operate one or more bonus devices, and transmit same or different bonus display information for each bonus device. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080248856 | GAMING APPARATUS AND PLAYING METHOD OF CARD GAME - The gaming apparatus of the present invention provides a gaming apparatus comprising: a display capable of displaying a plurality of cards; an input switch with which a player can input a hold and/or a change; and a controller programmed so as to execute the processing of: (a) displaying a plurality of cards to the display; (b) detecting the input of a hold and/or a change from the input switch; (c) exchanging a card according to the detection; (d) determining a prize according to a combination of the plurality of cards after the exchange; and (e) generating a bonus, when the determined prize is a higher prize among a plurality of prizes and the amount of a bet from the player is a predetermined amount or more. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080248857 | Slot machine - The invention provides a slot machine and a gaming method of the slot machine which diversify the display form of a display by changing a symbol matrix and performing moving display and stopping display of characters in the symbol matrix. In a slot machine | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080248858 | Gaming Machine, Method, And Tangible Computer Readable Medium - A gaming environment is described. Some symbols, which are among symbols to be displayed on a display, are shielded. A gaming session is interrupted while the symbols are shielded. If a player makes a shielding cancel operation, the shielded symbols are displayed and the gaming session is restarted. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080248859 | MULTIPLE GAME PLAY IN A STACKED CONFIGURATION - Particular embodiments provide multiple games of chance that can be played in a stacked manner substantially simultaneously. For example, a first game may be played along with a second game where game symbols for the second game are displayed on top of game symbols for the first game. The game symbols for the second game may be translucent or may include portions that are translucent that allow a user to see game symbols for the first game and the second game even though they are being displayed on top of each other. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080248860 | GAMING DEVICE DISPLAY AND METHODS OF USE - In at least one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a gaming apparatus. The gaming apparatus may include a housing defining a display area on which at least one indicium representing at least one prize is displayed. The gaming device also may include a plurality of display characters. At least one of the display characters is configured to move and indicate at least one indicium. The gaming apparatus further includes a controller in communication with at least one of the plurality of display characters and configured to direct the movement of the display character. The controller is also configured to generate a random number and generate a game outcome based on the random number. The controller is configured to move at least one display character to indicate at least one indicium that corresponds to the game outcome. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080248861 | Gaming Machine With Multi Scatter Game - A gaming machine | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080248862 | Wagering game for tracking various types of wager inputs - A gaming system includes a plurality of linked gaming machines and a controller coupled to the gaming machines. The gaming machines are used for playing one or more wagering games having a plurality of symbols that indicate a randomly selected outcome. Each gaming machine includes at least one wager-input device for receiving a first type of wager, which allows the player to play the wagering game, and the second type of wager, which allows the player to be eligible for a progressive jackpot. The controller determines a first cumulative value of the first type of wagers, a second cumulative value of the second type of wagers, and a distributable wager pool that is derived from a portion of the first cumulative value and a portion of the second cumulative value. The distributable wager pool can fund the progressive jackpot. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080254855 | Gaming Machine and Gaming Method Thereof - A gaming environment is described. Plural video reels are spin and stopped on plural window displays. If the number of scatter symbols repositioned on the plural window displays is a predetermined number, new video reel will be spin and stopped on new display window. After that, an award corresponding to a symbol repositioned on a payline on the new display window. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080254856 | Slot machine with circular sections and method - A slot machine includes a display device and a controller. The display device dynamically and statically displays circular sections aligned in coaxial circles with different radii. Each section displays game symbols. The controller is configured with the logic to: (a) determine a circular sector coaxial with the coaxial circles as a valid area; (b) control the display device to display the valid area and other areas in different colors; (c) control the display device to display the circular sections in a rotational motion around an axis aligned with the center of the coaxial circles, in response to an instruction for starting a game given by a player; (d) control the display device to statically display the rotationally displayed circular sections; and (e) provide an award to the player when the display device has statically displayed predetermined symbols on a predetermined number of the circular sections within the valid area. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080254857 | GAMING MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD OF GAME - A gaming machine of the present invention comprising: a controller programmed to conduct processing of; (A) determining, when game media in number corresponding to a natural-number multiple of a predetermined minimum BET unit are BET on a plurality of BET objects of which game results are determined independently of each other, a value of BETTING on each of the BET objects based on the amount of game media BET and the number of the BET objects, and the game results of the respective BET objects, determining an amount of a payout for each of the BET objects on the basis of the value of BETTING and the game result thereof, and determining an amount of an expected payout for a single unit game by summing up the amounts of the payouts; (B) determining a fractional value obtained by division of the amount of the expected payout for the single unit game determined in the processing (A) by the minimum BET unit; (C) paying out, to a player, an amount determined by subtraction of the fractional value determined in the processing (B) from the amount of the expected payout for the single unit game determined in the processing (A), as an amount of a payout for the single unit game; (D) accumulatively adding the fractional value determined in the processing (B); (E) shifting a mode to an insurance mode from a non-insurance mode, on condition that the fractional value accumulatively added in the processing (D) or the number of unit games in which the fractional value is accumulatively added in the processing (D) has reached a predetermined value; and (F) executing a bonus game which is relatively advantageous for the player, when a predetermined trigger condition is established in the insurance mode. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080254858 | GAMING MACHINE FOR PROVIDING AN AWARD FOR INSURANCE AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF - In a gaming machine, when a slot game displayed on a screen of a lower liquid crystal display is executed with a maximum wager betted thereon by a player, the controller has the slot game counted by a counter for counting rescue-setting games. When the count value, by the counter, for rescue-setting games reaches a thousand games and no payout of sixty times or higher ever occurs by that time, the controller causes, for executing a free game, the lower liquid crystal display to display the free game on a screen thereof. In addition, the controller provides, as a rescue pay, a payout corresponding to a winning combination that occurs in the free game. The controller provides the payout of the rescue pay by paying out medals to the medal tray. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080254859 | GAMING MACHINE ENABLING BET FOR GETTING INSURANCE-PAY AND METHOD OF PLAYING GAMES USING THE SAME - A gaming machine includes a display configured to display an image concerning a unit game for determining whether or not a play result deserves a payout, a counter configured to be reset under a predetermined condition and to increment a count value every time the unit game is executed, and a controller. The controller performs control to execute a second game when a play result of the unit game satisfies a specific play result. The controller performs control to receive a bet, as a prerequisite for getting an insurance-pay, made on an arbitrary number of the unit games set as a group, and to execute a second game when the count value reaches a predetermined value in the group of the unit games on each of which a bet as a prerequisite for getting an insurance-pay is made. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080254860 | GAMING MACHINE ENABLING BET FOR GETTING INSURANCE-PAY AND METHOD OF PLAYING GAMES USING THE SAME - A gaming machine is configured to scroll symbols in three display regions and to execute free game rounds when “7” symbols are stopped in each display region. In addition, the gaming machine executes the free game rounds after passage of 1000 games without any one game having the “7” symbols aligned in the three display regions. Execution of the free game rounds triggered by the passage of 1000 games is termed a rescue pay. To gain the rescue pay, a player makes a bet for the rescue pay. In this betting action, multiple games such as 10 games are defined as one group, and the player can make a bet on a group basis. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080254861 | Method for consolidating game performance meters of multiple players into regulatorymeters - A method for a multi-reel game to be played on a single regulated gaming machine by two players may include steps of assigning a predetermined number of reels of the multi-reel gaming machine to a first player and a predetermined number of reels of the multi-reel gaming machine to a second player; maintaining game performance meters for each player; consolidating the game performance meters into regulatory meters; providing a random outcome upon player interaction and displaying the symbols associated with the random outcome; and awarding credits to the first player if a winning symbol combination of symbols is displayed on the reels assigned to the first player and awarding credits to the second player if a winning symbol combination is displayed on the reels assigned to the second player. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080261675 | Gaming Machine - A gaming machine includes reels, motors, an input device, and a controller. The controller is configured with logic to: (a) start a game in response to an input to an input device; (b) determine symbols to be statically displayed on the reels by performing a lottery; (c) transmit a signal to the motors so as to cause the reels to rotate; (d) transmit a signal to the motors so as to cause the reels to come to rest in accordance with a result of the lottery; (e) when the symbols statically displayed matches a predetermined combination of symbols, determine a corresponding amount of award to be paid from credit; and (f) when the symbols statically displayed match a first combination of symbols, determine an amount of award to be paid from the credit for a second combination of symbols differing from the first combination of symbols. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080261676 | Gaming Machine - A gaming machine includes reels, motors, an input device, a memory, and a controller. The controller is configured to: (a) execute a lottery and start a game in response to an input to the input device; (b) transmit a signal to the motors so as to cause the reels to rotate; (c) transmit a signal to the motors so as to cause symbols to come to rest in accordance with the lottery result; (d) when the symbols statically displayed on the reels match a combination of symbols, determine a corresponding amount of award to be paid from credit; (e) when a condition is satisfied, increase an amount of award to be paid from the credit for a special combination of symbols; and (f) when the special combination of symbols is statically displayed on the reels, pay the increased award preferentially from the credit stored in the memory. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080261677 | Gaming Machine - A gaming machine includes reels, motors, an input device, and a controller. The controller is configured to: (a) execute a lottery and start a game; (b) transmit a signal to the motors to cause the reels to rotate; (c) transmit a signal to the motors to cause the symbols to come to rest in accordance with a lottery result; (d) when the symbols statically displayed on the reels match a combination of symbols, determine a corresponding amount of award to be paid from credit; (e) when a first combination of symbols occurs, matching none of combinations of symbols, accumulate a point; (f) when a second combination of symbols differing from the first combination of symbols is statically displayed on the display device, determine an amount of award to be paid from the credit in accordance with points; and (g) pay the amount of award determined in (f). | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080261678 | GAMING DISPLAY WITH MOVEABLE INDICATOR AND METHODS OF USE - A gaming apparatus for playing a game. The gaming apparatus includes a display device that has a moveable display surface with a plurality of indicia. A roller may support the display surface such that the display moves over the roller. The roller and the display surface may simulate a reel. A guide track may hold and guide the shape of the display surface. The guide track and display surface may simulate a reel. A display device actuator is coupled to and can move the display surface. A controller is in communication with the display device actuator and can position the display surface such that at least one of the indicia appearing on the display surface conveys a game outcome. A braking mechanism is coupled with the display surface and is adapted to brake the display surface. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080268939 | Multiple player slot machine game system - Systems and methods for playing live casino games. The systems have changeable displays which portray virtual symbols to live participants. Assignment of symbols are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while allowing multiple participants to play a multiple participant capable slot machine. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20080268941 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING TRANSFORMABLE WILD SYMBOLS OR CARDS WITH WILD SIGNAL INDICATORS - A gaming device having a transformable wild symbol or card on a set of reels or a transformable wild card in a set of cards, wherein the transformable wild symbol or card provides a signal to a player through a wild indicator or a non-wild indicator. The wild indicator indicates that the transformable wild symbol or card is in a wild state. The non-wild indicator indicates that the transformable wild symbol or card is in a non-wild state. In a wild state, the transformable wild symbol or card acts as a wild symbol or card on a set of reels, or a wild card. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20080274785 | Gaming System - This invention relates to a gaming system ( | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080274786 | Gaming machine utilizing distinctive paylines - A slot style gaming machine displays on a video screen distinctive pay lines such as pay lines having alphabetical or numerical configurations, or closed loop configurations such as geometric shapes. The shape of the pay line is preferably thematically associated with the symbols making up the pay line. A given pay line typically includes two or more symbols in a single one of a plurality of reels on the video screen. A pay line may also include symbols only on some of the reels. Two or more pay lines may be displayed simultaneously and may share a common symbol, intersect one another or cross one another. Bonuses may be awarded when two or more pay lines are displayed, sometimes with a requirement that the pay lines overlap or are on the same reels. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080274787 | Gaming Machine and Gaming Method Thereof - A gaming environment is described. An award to be provided is determined by lottery. If the determined award is an execution of a bonus game, an animated cartoon display pattern, which indicates the bonus game is executed, is selected. On the other hand, if the determined award is not the execution of the bonus game, an animated cartoon display pattern, which indicates the bonus game, is not executed is selected. Animation symbols are displayed based on the selected animated cartoon display pattern. Also, animation displays are performed based on the selected animated cartoon display pattern. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080274788 | Gaming machine utilizing hidden and shadow symbols - A gaming machine includes a game playable on a video display screen on which are displayable a set of reels with display blocks on each reel. Symbols are displayable on the display blocks to make up standard and distinctive pay lines. In one aspect of the game, primary symbols are displayable in the display blocks for forming pay lines and secondary symbols are displayable in the display blocks and have an inactivated state and an activated state in which they may form pay lines with the primary symbols or by themselves or may add value to a pay line. Another aspect of the game includes a secondary reel which is typically hidden until activated so that symbols on the secondary reel may also form pay lines with the primary symbols or by themselves or may add value to a pay line. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080274789 | SLOT MACHINE GAME HAVING A PLURALITY OF WAYS FOR A USER TO OBTAIN PAYOUTS FOR ONE OR MORE ADDITIONAL PAY LINES FORMED BY THE APPEARANCE OF SPECIAL SYMBOLS IN A SYMBOL MATRIX - A gaming device including a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols. The symbols include at least one bonus payline symbol. In a game, the gaming device or player spins the reels to indicate symbols on the reels. After the reel stops spinning, the gaming device evaluates the symbols indicated on the paylines associated with the reels to determine if any winning symbol combinations are indicated on the paylines. The gaming device provides an award associated with any winning symbol combinations indicated on the paylines. The gaming device then forms at least one bonus payline with any bonus payline symbols indicated on the reels and evaluates the symbols indicated on the bonus payline to determine if the bonus payline indicates any winning symbol combinations. A bonus award associated with any winning symbol combinations is provided to the player. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080280666 | SLOT MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD OF GAME - A slot machine of the present invention comprises: a symbol display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of symbols; an image display device; and a controller, said controller programmed to execute the processing of: (A) executing a game in which said plurality of symbols are variably displayed and then stop-displayed to said symbol display device after game media are BET in number equal to or less than a previously set maximum number of BETs, and game media are paid out in number according to said plurality of symbols stop-displayed or a combination thereof; (B) shifting a mode from a non-insurance mode to an insurance mode on condition that a predetermined number of game media is inserted; (C) counting the number of games played after shifting to said insurance mode, in said insurance mode; (D) paying out a predetermined number of game media when the number of games counted in said processing (C) reaches a specific number; (E) displaying a normal effect image to said image display device; and (F) displaying a specific effect image to said image display device in place of said normal effect image in subsequent games, when the number of games counted in said processing (C) reaches a notice set value which is smaller than said specific number by a predetermined value. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080280668 | Paradise box gaming center - A centralized gaming system and the method of using the same is disclosed. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080280669 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONDUCTING A GAME OF CHANCE - The field of the invention relates generally to video gaming, and more particularly, to systems for conducting casino-based gaming. A player may be provided the option to personalize the design of the video game. The player may choose design options from pre-set themes or develop a personalized theme. A player may be provided the option to personalize the game itself. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080280670 | GAMING MACHINE APPARATUS HAVING A PLURALITY OF GAMING MACHINES PERFORMING A MULTI-PLAYER-TYPE GAME - A gaming machine includes client terminals and a controller. Each client terminal includes a memory, a display device, and an input device. The controller is configured with logic to: (a) receive a signal indicating a request for a game played by a team from an input device of a particular client terminal, and consequently send a signal indicating an invitation to the game to other client terminals; (b) accumulate bets placed by the particular client terminal and client terminals that have transmitted a signal indicating participation; (c) determine an award in accordance with the accumulated bets and a result of a round of game performed by a second game program; (d) calculate a distribution of credit to be paid out to a player at a predetermined rate; and (e) control data related to the calculated distribution to be conveyed to the client terminals participated in the game. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080280671 | Wagering Game System with Vacuum Fluorescent Display - A computerized wagering game system includes a gaming module comprising gaming code which is operable when executed on to conduct a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered, and a vacuum fluorescent display assembly comprising at least one vacuum fluorescent display element. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080280672 | Gaming Machine - A gaming machine includes a display device, a memory, and a controller. The controller is configured with logic to: (a) determine a combination of symbols to be displayed on the display device by performing a lottery in response to acceptance of manipulation to start the game by a player; (b) cause the display device to perform a variable display of symbols; (c) cause the display device to perform a statical display of the symbols in accordance with a result of the lottery; (d) when the statical display of the symbols matches a specific combination of symbols, control the memory to cumulatively store points. A number of the points is smaller than a threshold that is required for performing a special program that is adapted to provide profits to the player. When a summation of the points stored in the memory has reached the threshold, the controller executes the special program. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080280673 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING MULTIPLE SYMBOLS AT A SINGLE SYMBOL POSITION - A gaming device including a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols including at least one replicator symbol. The replicator symbol includes at least two of the same symbols in a single symbol position on the reels. The replicator symbol may include any suitable number of the same symbols. The replicator symbol thereby increases the likelihood that a player will obtain a winning symbol combination on the reels and also an award in a game. In one embodiment, a winning symbol combination includes at least one replicator symbol and at least one other symbol at a plurality of symbol positions on a payline associated with the reels. In another embodiment, the winning symbol combination at least one replicator symbol and at least one other symbol at a plurality of symbol position in at least one symbol position on a plurality of paylines associated with the reels. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080287178 | Floating reel gaming activity - A floating reel strip gaming activity involves randomly arranging first symbols on a plurality of gaming reels in response to a gaming event. Second symbols are randomly arranged on a floating reel in response to the gaming event. The floating reel is positioned over the plurality of gaming reels in response to the gaming event so that at least one of the second symbols are superimposed on at least one of the first symbols. A payout is determined in response to the gaming event based on the arrangement of the first symbols in combination with the second symbols. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080287179 | Gaming activity with secondary symbols forming random paylines - A gaming activity involves a plurality of gaming reels each having a plurality of first symbols that are randomly arranged in response to a gaming event. The gaming apparatus also includes a plurality of second symbols that are each randomly arranged so that each of the second symbols adjacent to an associated one of the first symbols. A payout device of the apparatus determines a payout based on the arrangement of the first symbols in combination with a payline formed by the associated second symbols in response to the gaming event. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080287180 | GAMING MACHINE COMMUNICATIONS - A gaming machine that provides a game in which a plurality of symbols are selected and presented and if a winning combination occurs in the selected symbols, the gaming machine awards an award, the gaming machine comprising a communication interface for receiving and sending data to a remote device and an alphanumeric keypad and in response to operation of the alphanumeric keypad the gaming machine causes a message to be generated using predictive text input technology, wherein the gaming machine is further arranged to send the generated message to the remote device over the communication interface, and wherein the gaming machine further includes a display that is controlled to display messages generated by and sent by the gaming machine and messages received by the gaming machine. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080293476 | Ergonomic gaming machine having electromechanical reels - A new ergonomic game cabinet with a unique layout is disclosed. The gaming machine cabinet includes a display mounted nearly vertically, combined with a player deck extending towards a player having more space at a more useful angle than previously available. The player deck will have open space usable by a player for small items (wallets, purses, chips, etc.), a player device area (typically buttons), and then a further area where a player can rest their arms, wrists, or elbows and comfortably reach the player device area. This further area may also be used for small player items, such as chips, tickets, etc. In addition, the new cabinet provides side panels on each side of the gaming machine cabinet that creates a feeling of being “surrounded” by the game experience due to reduced noise and visual distractions from nearby gaming machines, other patrons, waitrons, and the like. A version of the cabinet including electromechanical reels is also disclosed. | 11-27-2008 |
| 20080293477 | Gaming machine - A gaming machine having a display that displays a determined screen including a character, during execution of a game, a touch panel sensor, disposed above the display, that is capable of detecting the contact position, the position of the character contacted by a player, and a CPU that determines the contact position of the character as well as the contact mode, and that displays an image on the display, that is changed based on the result of this determination. | 11-27-2008 |
| 20080300043 | SLOT MACHINE FOR ACCEPTING A BET OF A GAMING VALUE ON ONE-BY-ONE REEL DISPLAY PART BASIS AND VARIABLY DISPLAYING SYMBOLS AT BETTED REEL DISPLAY PARTS - A slot machine is provided with first to third reel display areas | 12-04-2008 |
| 20080305846 | Slot Machine With Symbol Sensor And Control Method Thereof - A slot machine repeatedly detects symbols displayed in the middle columns of display windows even after the respective rotatable reels are stopped, and judges whether or not the symbols displayed in the display windows are changed after all the rotatable reels are stopped. | 12-11-2008 |
| 20080305847 | SLOT MACHINE WITH SYMBOL DETECTION FEATURE - With a slot machine, a reel band having symbols is wound around a reel and a magnetic tape including magnetic data is provided on the reel band. Then, while the reel is spinning, the symbols displayed on the display windows are detected by reading the magnetic data recorded on the magnetic tape with a magnetic head. And, after the reel has stopped, it is determined whether or not a winning combination is achieved. Therefore, a symbol position can be detected while the reel is spinning. Furthermore, when the reel band should be replaced, replacement work of the reel band can be done easily because a high-precision position adjustment is not necessary between the reel and the reel band. | 12-11-2008 |
| 20080305848 | SLOT MACHINE WITH SYMBOL SENSOR AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - In a slot machine, reel bands are fitted to circumferential surfaces of rotatable reels. Multiple symbols drawn on the reel bands and multiple identifiers corresponding to the symbols are disposed on the reel bands at certain intervals in the rotating direction of the rotatable reels. Each of the identifiers includes identification information having a content corresponding to the symbol on the reel band displayed on a display. The identification information is developed in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotatable reels. When reading the identification information out of the identifier located in the position corresponding to the symbol displayed on the display, the sensor is moved in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotatable reel and is caused to read the identification information over the entire length in that direction of the identifier. The symbol displayed in the display is identified according to the identification information thus read out of the identifier. | 12-11-2008 |
| 20080305849 | GAMING MACHINE SHORTENING THE PLAYING TIME AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF - In a bonus game, a predetermined time at which the symbols | 12-11-2008 |
| 20080305850 | GAMING MACHINE SPECIFYING RELATION BETWEEN SYMBOLS USING TWO-DIMENSIONAL CODE AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF - The reels having many symbols and two-dimensional codes corresponding to each of the symbols are rotated and stopped, so that the symbols are arranged in a display. When the symbols are rearranged, a photographing apparatus takes a photograph of the two-dimensional codes and a relation between the symbols rearranged in the display is specified by a content of the two-dimensional codes photographed. | 12-11-2008 |
| 20080311971 | Hand Held Tablet Communicating with Gaming Machine - The present invention is a small tablet that wirelessly communicates with a stationary gaming machine. The player makes bets using the tablet. The gaming machine, and not the tablet, determines the outcome of the game and transmits the award information to the tablet. The gaming machine may be an ordinary slot machine displaying random symbols in an array or displaying another game. The player using the tablet views the display on the gaming machine to see the outcome of a game, so the tablet does not need a large display to play a game. The player who operates the gaming machine bets independently from the player using the tablet. In another embodiment, the gaming machine is operated automatically, and multiple players with tablets independently bet on a common game. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080311972 | Cushioned gaming device - A gaming device provides enhanced player comfort by way of one or more cushions, bumpers or other padded members ergonomically located to prevent harmful, injurious or offensive player contact. The gaming device is configured with one or more cushions situated for contact with a player's knees, legs, shins or combinations thereof. For gaming devices configured with a coin tray, the invention provides a coin tray that is centrally located and is flanked on each side by a cushion or padded member. The cushions and/or coin tray may be mounted to the housing or front door of the gaming device. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080311973 | Gaming Machine Having Incremental Bonus Awards - A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a display for displaying a plurality of symbols, the symbols indicating a randomly-selected outcome selected from a plurality of outcomes. The plurality of outcomes include at least one winning outcome wherein the winning outcome is associated with a bonus award. The gaming machine includes a controller operative to vary and display at least a portion of the plurality of symbols. If the symbols indicate the winning outcome, the controller is operative to award a payoff associated with the winning outcome and change the value of the bonus award for a future play of the gaming machine. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080311974 | SLOT MACHINE AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF - A slot machine comprises a display, an input device and a controller. The display has slot game areas and displays slot games on the slot game areas. An individual bet amount is input into the input device. The controller is operable to (a) place a bet of the individual bet amount, which has been input by the input device, on the slot game on each of the one or more slot game areas, and (b) execute the slot game at least on the one or more slot game areas on which the bet has been placed in (a). | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080311975 | Slot machine and method for playing slot machine - In the case where a combination of symbols serving as a bonus trigger is rearranged in execution of a slot game in which the arranged symbols are rearranged, a gaming condition determination game is executed. Under the conditions determined by the gaming condition determination game, a free game is executed. In the gaming condition determination game, determined are the number of free games to be executed, and a multiplication factor of a payout to be provided when the symbols to form a winning combination are rearranged. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080311976 | Gaming Machine - A gaming machine is provided, which includes a cabinet having a front opening, a front door, a display device, an input device and a controller. The front door is pivotably coupled to the cabinet via a hinge that is attached to a lateral end portion at a front face of the cabinet, and opens and closes the front opening. The display device is placed in the front face of the cabinet. The input device allows a player to perform operation related to the game. The front door has an operation table that projects forward from the cabinet. The input device is placed on the operation table. A cutout is arranged such that a side portion of the operation table closer to the hinge has a recess. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080311977 | GAMING MACHINE - In a gaming machine provided with a function called “super time (ST),” which may change the amount of payout coins, a player moves his sight from a displayed stopping order to a displayed reel during such Super Time (ST) game. In order to prevent fatigue by the sight movement, an image display device is provided with a transparent liquid crystal for image attractions and a liquid crystal film for an electronic shutter. They are laminated and disposed in front of the main reel. The electronic shutter can shield an area partially with a software in reference to a gaming status. For example, the electronic shutter does not shield the area and an image attraction is executed since the player may not make an observation push. For the image attraction after the complete reel stop, the electronic shutter shields the area so as to show a clear attraction image. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080318656 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING AUTOMATED PLAY OF A GAME MACHINE - According to some embodiments of the present invention, a gaming device such as a slot machine may be operated in an automated play mode in which the need for player input is reduced or eliminated. Termination of and/or changes in the automated play mode may be related to player input, other types of information about a player (or the player's body), and/or whether a player is directing attention to play of the gaming device. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20080318658 | Remote Management of a Gaming Machine - Systems, apparatus and methods for remote management of a gaming machine are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a host platform having a host processor controlled by a host operating system. The host platform has a host storage and a host power state, wherein the host processor is to execute instructions that includes a wagering game. The apparatus also includes a subsystem that is operable independent of the host operating system and the host power state. The subsystem includes a processor that is separate from the host processor. The subsystem also includes a nonvolatile data store that is separate from the storage of the host platform. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20080318659 | Gaming system and game server - A gaming system includes: a plurality of gaming machines that provide games to respective players; and a game server that includes: a communication unit that is communicably connected to the gaming machines; and a main controller that operates to: determine symbols to be respectively displayed on each of the gaming machines from among a plurality of symbols when determined that at least one of the gaming machines is in a predetermined gaming state; and control at least one of the gaming machines through the communication unit to provide a first prescribed amount of game medium when a combination of the determined symbols satisfies a predetermined combination. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20080318660 | Slot Machine Game With Respin Feature Which Identifies Potential Wins - A slot machine game that allows the player to respin a selected reel. Before the selected reel is respun, the game displays to the player which paylines can potentially win awards, as well as what particular combinations are available to the player to win. In this manner, a player may be encouraged to make a respin. The player will also find this information helpful in determining whether to purchase a respin. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20080318661 | Slot Machine - A processor selects either a first game mode or a second game mode based on the operation by the operator carried out at a server | 12-25-2008 |
| 20080318662 | Slot Machine - A processor executes either of two kinds of game modes, including a base game which is carried out by consuming gaming values in accordance with a bet amount on which the player has placed a bet, and a free game which is carried out without the consumption of any gaming values. If a second scatter symbol | 12-25-2008 |
| 20080318663 | Gaming Machine - A gaming environment is described. If a first specific symbol (for example LION symbol | 12-25-2008 |
| 20080318664 | Gaming Machine and Gaming Method Thereof - A gaming environment is described. If the predetermined condition is met and the free game is shifted, reels are changed to other reels to be used in the free game. Also, in the free game, reel display portion on which the WILD symbols are displayed on all of the symbol display portions, the reel display portion is held in following games. The WILD symbols are consecutively displayed with the predetermined number (which is greater or equal to the number of symbol display portions of one reel display portion) on the reels used in the free game. Therefore, the probability where WILD symbols fill on the all of the can be enhanced, one or more aspects of the invention can provide higher interest to the player. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20080318665 | GAMING MACHINE WITH SCROLLING INDICIA FEATURE - A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a wagering apparatus, a display, and an award apparatus. The wagering apparatus receives a wager from a player. The display depicts a scrolled sequence of elements. The award apparatus provides an award based on an indicated portion of the sequence of elements. If the elements are digits, for example, the award may be based on a multi-digit number formed by the digits in the indicated portion of the sequence of elements. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20080318666 | Method of playing a slot machine game with awards based upon an order of symbol placement into a symbol matrix - The present invention includes a variety of methods to issue awards based upon the order of appearance of symbols in the symbol matrix. An “In-A-Row” embodiment of the present invention displays symbols in random positions of the symbol matrix and issues awards for three or more same symbols appearing in sequential order. For example, the first symbol displayed is an “A,” the second symbol is a “B,” and the third, fourth, fifth and sixth symbols are “C”s. The sequential appearance of four “C” symbols results in an In-A-Row award. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20090005150 | Slot machine tournament apparatus and method - An amusement gaming apparatus for conducting tournaments having a plurality of player stations for playing a slot-machine-type game. Each player station has a display and user interface controls for providing inputs to the player station. A controller allows each player station to participate in the tournament and provides a display showing progress of each game at each respective players' display. A common display provides a visual display representing progress of all participants. The common display is positioned to provide all players at the player stations substantially similar and easy viewing of the common display. The computer messages all aspects of the tournament. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090005151 | GAMING SYSTEM WITH MULTIPLE GAME APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE - A gaming system having a container configured to hold a plurality of display objects, an agitator for moving the plurality of display objects, at least one prize object holder configured to hold a plurality of prize objects in an individually controlled manner, a plurality of prize object displays located inside of the container and configured to receive at least one prize object from the prize object holder, a plurality of game apparatus associated with the prize object displays, and a controller configured to select a prize object and cause the selected prize object to be displayed in at least one prize object display, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the prize object displays include a tubular exhibition container. In another embodiment, the display object container of the gaming device is configured to provide a jumbled ball display. In addition, a method for operating a multi-apparatus gaming system by providing the prize object displays inside of the display object container of the aforementioned gaming system is disclosed. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090005152 | Tournament qualification & characteristics in a gaming system - The invention provides a prize redemption system for use with one or more game apparatuses. A game is provided on a game apparatus for a player to play in exchange for monetary input, and prize credits are credited to the player based on the game outcome. A prize selection menu is then displayed by the game apparatus, the menu including one or more prizes, where the player may select a prize that has a prize cost within the player's prize credit amount. The player is dispensed a specific prize ticket that is redeemable for the selected prize. The game apparatus can also provide specific prizes and tournament games played for a tournament prize contributed to by multiple players. An operator can adjust prizes and payout percentages of the system to achieve a desired profitability for game apparatuses. Prize input is entered into a prize table describing multiple available prizes and also describing payout information that indicates a desired amount of payout that the operator wishes to provide back to players of the game apparatus in terms of the value of the prizes. Prize information, such as prize costs and specific prize win ratios, is automatically determined by the system for each of the prizes in view of the desired profitability of the game apparatus. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090005153 | Gaming Machine - A gaming machine is provided, which includes an interface portion, a controller, a memory, a first power supply, and a second power supply. The interface portion is connected with at least one unit used for executing a game. The controller controls the unit connected to the interface portion and detects an occurrence of abnormal operation at the unit. The memory stores identification information for identifying the unit, and further stores historical information that includes information related to the occurrence of abnormal operation detected by the controller in connection with the identification information. The first power supply supplies a voltage required for operation of the controller. The second power supply supplies the voltage required for operation of the controller if a voltage supplied for the controller by the first power supply is less than the voltage required for operation of the controller. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090005154 | Gaming Machine and Method Having a Plurality of Indicia Sets - Disclosed are a gaming machine and method for operating a gaming machine including multiple supplemental games. Each supplemental game has a set of indicia unique from the indicia sets of the other supplemental games. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090005155 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING MULTIPLE INTERACTING INDEPENDENTLY OPERABLE WHEELS - A gaming device having multiple interacting independently operated symbol generators, such as wheels. In one embodiment, each wheel includes a plurality of sections that are associated with a plurality of different outcomes which are displayed to a player. One or more of the wheels are activated, either sequentially or simultaneously and the results of the wheel activations influence one or more subsequent wheel activations. Upon a terminating event, an outcome based on the results from one or more spins of one or more of the wheels is provided to the player. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090011815 | GAMING MACHINE WITH BONUS GAME - A basic fruit machine simulator apparatus ( | 01-08-2009 |
| 20090011816 | Game Machine and Self-Running Body For Use Therein - The invention provides a game machine enabling to reduce the load of the maintenance of a running surface by using the guide line detecting function of a self-running body. | 01-08-2009 |
| 20090011817 | Gaming machine, gaming machine control method, and playing method - A gaming machine includes a display and a controller. The controller is configured with logic to: (a) distribute cards to a player; (b) exchange one or more of the distributed cards selected by the player with different cards; (c) execute a win game in which the player wins a predetermined award when the final cards possessed by the player includes a first predetermined card combination; (d) execute a high-probability win game in a subsequent game when the final cards include a second predetermined card combination; (e) execute a special game so as to determine a playing condition of the high-probability win game prior to executing the high-probability win game; and (f) initially distribute a plurality of sets of cards in the high-probability win game in accordance with the determined playing condition. The controller causes the display to display an image related to proceedings of the high-probability win game. | 01-08-2009 |
| 20090011818 | REEL-BASED GAMING MACHINE WITH MULTIPLE OVERLAID DISPLAYS - A gaming machine and method are disclosed that provide enhanced visual effects for a player through the use of one or more electroluminescent displays overlaying a display area associated with a set of electro-mechanical slot reels (or reel tape). Various embodiments are shown, such as overlaid displays that include cutouts about one or more reels and provide video or static images that are interactive with the reels during either the base game or feature game. | 01-08-2009 |
| 20090017896 | GAMING MACHINE WITH AUTO-DETECT FEATURE ACTIVATION - Systems and methods for operating a gaming machine that automatically detects peripherals and enables or disables features in accordance with the detected peripherals are disclosed. One aspect of the systems and methods is that the peripheral has an identifier associated with it. The identifier may be used to identify the type of peripheral attached to the gaming machine. After determining the type of peripheral, features associated with the peripheral type may be enabled and other features may be disabled. A further aspect includes reading configuration data for the gaming machine. The configuration data may be compared to the peripheral types that are automatically detected by the gaming machine. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090017897 | Gaming Machine - A method for playing a game with a gaming machine includes the steps of: (a) receiving a signal indicating an instruction of starting a game; (b) starting the game; (c) executing the game; (d) displaying symbols on a display device; (e) each time a predetermined symbol or a predetermined combination of symbols is displayed on the display device, adding a predetermined point; (f) if the point cumulatively added in step (e) has reached a threshold, performing a lottery to determine a specific combination of symbols; (g) setting an award for the specific combination of symbols that is larger than a normal award; (h) if the specific combination of symbols is displayed on the display device, paying the larger award; and (i) if a combination of symbols different from the specific combination of symbols is displayed on the display device, switching the larger award back to the normal award. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090017898 | Gaming Machine - A method for playing a game with a gaming machine is provided. The method includes the steps of: (a) receiving a signal indicating an instruction of starting a game; (b) starting the game; (c) executing the game; (d) displaying a plurality of symbols on a display device; (e) each time a predetermined symbol or a predetermined combination of symbols is displayed on the display device as a result of the game, adding a predetermined point; (f) setting a specific combination of symbols for a free game and an award for the specific combination of symbols that is larger than a normal award according to the cumulatively added points; (g) if a predetermined condition is satisfied, switching the game to a free game; and (h) if the specific combination of symbols is not displayed in the free game but displayed in a subsequent game, paying the larger award. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090017899 | Gaming Machine - A method for playing a game with a gaming machine is provided, which includes the steps of: (a) receiving a signal indicating an instruction of starting a game; (b) starting the game; (c) executing the game; (d) displaying a plurality of symbols on a display device; (e) each time a predetermined symbol or a predetermined combination of symbols is displayed on the display device as a result of the game, adding a predetermined point; (f) increasing a winning probability for a specific combination of symbols according to the point cumulatively added in step (e); and (g) if the specific combination of symbols is displayed on the display device, paying an award corresponding to the specific combination of symbols. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090017900 | Gaming Machine - A method for playing a game with a gaming machine includes the steps of: (a) receiving a signal indicating an instruction of starting a game; (b) starting the game; (c) executing the game; (d) displaying a plurality of symbols on a display device; (e) each time a predetermined symbol or a predetermined combination of symbols is displayed on the display device as a result of the game, adding a predetermined point; (f) if the point cumulatively added in step (e) has reached a threshold, performing a lottery to determine a specific combination of symbols; (g) setting an award for the specific combination of symbols that is larger than a normal award; and (h) if the specific combination of symbols is displayed on the display device, paying the larger award. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090017901 | Gaming Machine - A method for playing a game with a gaming machine is provided, which includes the steps of: (a) receiving a signal indicating an instruction of starting a game; (b) starting the game; (c) executing the game; (d) displaying a plurality of symbols on a display device; (e) each time a predetermined symbol or a predetermined combination of symbols is displayed on the display device as a result of the game, adding a predetermined point; (f) setting a specific combination of symbols for a free game and an award for the specific combination of symbols that is larger than a normal award according to the cumulatively added points; (g) if a predetermined condition is satisfied, switching the game to a free game; and (h) if the specific combination of symbols is displayed on the display device in the free game, paying the larger award. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090017902 | Gaming Machine - A method for playing a game with a gaming machine is provided, which includes the steps of: (a) receiving a signal indicating an instruction of starting a game; (b) starting the game; (c) executing the game; (d) displaying a plurality of symbols on a display device; (e) each time a predetermined symbol or a predetermined combination of symbols is displayed on the display device as a result of the game, adding a predetermined point; (f) if the point cumulatively added in step (e) has reached a threshold, performing a lottery to determine a payout rate for a specific combination of symbols prior to the step (d); and (g) if the specific combination of symbols is displayed on the display device, multiplying an award entitled to the specific combination of symbols by the payout rate determined in the step (f) and paying the resulting amount. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090017903 | DEVICE CHECKING ILLUMINATION COLOR AND GAMING MACHINE - In a gaming machine, a reel assembly includes a lighting unit, a lighting driver unit, and a color check unit, as well as a reel and a motor. The lighting unit emits colored rays to a symbol displayed on a visible region on a reel. The lighting driver unit adjusts driving currents for the lighting unit in accordance with a control signal. The color check unit generates an error signal when detecting that the level of any driving current falls outside a predetermined range. A game control unit conducts a game by randomly changing arrangements and colors of the visible symbols. A lighting control unit provides the control signal to the lighting driver unit. If receiving the error signal from the color check unit, the lighting control unit informs the game control unit of an error state of the lighting unit. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090023491 | Multi-station game machine - A multi-station game machine, including at least two stations that are configured to accept player inputs, a wheel having a plurality of sections including symbols, the wheel being configured to rotate, the wheel being disposed so that a front surface of the wheel can be seen from at least two players, and a controller for controlling a first game performed by the wheel and a second game performed on the stations, wherein the wheel is configured to enable at least two players to simultaneously play the first game respectively using the stations, wherein the stations are configured such that the players bet a game value on the symbols via a bet area displayed on a display provided on each of the stations, and wherein the controller triggers the second game based on a win of the first game. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090029760 | SLOT MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD OF GAME - A slot machine of the present invention comprises: a symbol display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of symbols; an image display device; and a controller, the controller programmed to conduct the processing of: (A) executing a game in which the plurality of symbols are variably displayed and then stop-displayed to the symbol display device after game media are BET in number equal to or less than a previously set maximum number of BETs, and game media are paid out in number according to the plurality of symbols stop-displayed or a combination thereof; (B) shifting a mode from a non-insurance mode to an insurance mode on condition that a predetermined number of game media is inserted; (C) counting the number of games played after shifting to the insurance mode, in the insurance mode; (D) paying out a predetermined number of game media when the number of games counted in the processing (C) reaches a specific number; (E) shifting the mode from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode, when the predetermined number of the game media is paid out in the processing (D); (F) shifting the mode from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode, when a predetermined insurance canceling condition is established before the number of games counted in the processing (c) reaches the specific number; (G) displaying an image showing that the mode is shifted to the non-insurance mode to the image display device, when the mode has been shifted from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090029761 | Topper Device Of Gaming Machine - When any of slot machines comprising a link system (e.g., the slot machine) has won, the winning slot machine transmits a win signal to an installed topper device. A processor of the topper device that received the win signal transmits to other linked topper devices (e.g., the topper devices) an effect signal informing that the slot machine has won, and performs effect showing that the installed slot machine has won. In contrast, the processors of the topper devices that received the effect signal specifies the sending topper device, and executes the effect showing a position of the winning slot machine, by using a topper liquid crystal panel or the LED. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090029762 | Gaming Machine - When a base game or a free game is started, a processor makes reels | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090036195 | SLOT MACHINE SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUS - Systems, methods and/or apparatus for slot machine eye-strain reduction are disclosed. Systems, methods and/or apparatus for slot machine back lighting are further provided. Systems, methods and/or apparatus for a slot machine back lighting effect are also disclosed. Systems, methods and/or apparatus for reel line lights are disclosed. Systems, methods and/or apparatus for reel tilt and motion detection are disclosed. Systems, methods and/or apparatus for reel wins display for an electromechanical slot machine and/or gaming machine viewing window configurable lines are disclosed. Systems, methods and/or apparatus for a configurable shelf system for an electromechanical slot machine are disclosed. Systems, methods, and apparatus are also disclosed for reel tilt minimization. Systems, methods and/or apparatus for slot machine controlled lighting. Further embodiments of the present disclosure can provide slot machine reel stop systems, methods, and apparatus useful for electromechanical slot machines. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090036196 | TEMPLATED THREE-DIMENSIONAL WAGERING GAME FEATURES - Systems and methods render three-dimensional objects for a wagering game component in accordance with graphical assets that may be downloaded. The graphical assets may include meshes, skins, physics characteristics, shader programs or other graphical assets. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090036197 | GAMING MACHINE HAVING ELECTROPHORETIC DISPLAYS AND METHOD THEREOF - A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a value input device for receiving a wager and at least one rotatable reel. The reel comprises a reel strip arranged about the periphery of a cage. The reel strip, buttons on the machine, a player tracking card, and/or a gaming machine credit ticket may each comprise alterable film for displaying a plurality of indicia, including images, text, and other information. The gaming machine further comprises a controller operative to alter the appearance of items displayed on the film. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090036198 | Gaming Machine With Common Top Box Substructure - A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a game display and a top box display. The game display is for displaying the wagering game. The top box display includes a standard substructure for attaching subassemblies. The substructure contains fixed connection points allowing subassemblies to be developed in a fashion consistent with the substructure, thus simplifying the ability to swap components and reducing the dependence on unique internal part designs. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090042636 | POWER PATH BONUS METHOD - A gaming machine is described wherein one or more moving indicators travel near or amongst slot machine symbols or playing cards granting awards, bonuses, attributes or selection criteria that may affect the game outcome for the current play, subsequent plays or other game segments. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090042637 | Method of playing a slot machine with connected payline positions - The present invention defines connected pay lines in a symbol matrix by using combinations of connected symbol positions in a symbol matrix. The term “connected symbol positions” refers to symbol positions that are adjacent to each other in the symbol matrix; the term “connected pay lines” refers to a pay line comprised of connected symbol positions. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090042638 | WAGERING GAME WITH MULTIPLIER FOR PROGRESSIVE FUND POOL - A method for playing wagering games at which players are eligible for a progressive game includes, responsive to receiving wager inputs from players, conducting wagering games in which players are eligible to win a progressive game. The method includes funding the progressive game by a portion of the wager inputs. The progressive game has a certain number of fund pools, each fund pool receiving a substantially equivalent share of the funding portion. The method also includes displaying a progressive-game award value that is substantially equivalent to an amount of one of the fund pools. In response to a player triggering a progressive-award winning outcome, a plurality of selectable elements are displayed to the player, each selectable element being associated with a progressive-game award multiplier that increases the progressive-game award value to an enhanced-progressive-award value. The progressive game multiplier dictates the number of the fund pools to be used to award the enhanced-progressive-award value to the player. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090048011 | Gaming Machine - A gaming environment is described. A gaming machine has plural JACKPOTs. If JP symbols are displayed with a predetermined number or above, one of JACKPOT corresponding to the number of the displayed JP symbols will be provided to the player. Since the number of the displayed JP symbols explicitly corresponds to the JACKPOT to be provided, the player can easily under stand the JACKPOT to be provided based on the number of displayed JP symbols. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090048012 | Networked Gaming System and Method Providing Multiple Group Play Awards Based on Different Criteria - Disclosed are systems and methods for group play gaming including multiple variations of awards. Upon a triggering event, gaming machines operate in a group play mode which includes multiple award opportunities for each player which may include a grand prize award, one or more mystery prize awards, and one or more progressive awards. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090048013 | GAMING APPARATUS WITH BONUS AWARD - Gaming apparatus ( | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090054128 | SLOT MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD OF GAME - A slot machine of the present invention comprises: a symbol display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of symbols; and a controller, the controller programmed to execute the processing of: (A) executing a game in which the plurality of symbols are variably displayed and then stop-displayed to the symbol display device after game media are BET in number equal to or less than a previously set maximum number of BETs, and game media are paid out in number according to the stop-displayed symbols or a combination thereof; (B) shifting a mode from a non-insurance mode to an insurance mode on condition that a predetermined number of game media is inserted; (C) counting the number of games played after shifting to the insurance mode, in the insurance mode; (D) paying out a predetermined number of game media when the number of games counted in the processing (C) reaches a specific number; and (E) clearing the number of games counted in the processing (C), when a game is played in which game media are paid out in number equal to or more than a predetermined number before the number of games counted in the processing (C) reaches the specific number. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090054129 | GAMING MACHINE AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING SYMBOLS - A gaming machine comprises a display unit that displays video reels using computer graphics. Symbols are moved and stopped on each video reel. A game controller unit selects a type of symbols and an arrangement of symbols at random, and provides a player with an award if a winning combination appears on a payline in the arrangement of symbols and the player has placed a bet on the payline. A display controller unit causes the display unit to move symbols on each video reel, and then stop symbols in the arrangement. The display controller unit further causes the display unit to change a symbol of the selected type to a special symbol while moving symbols. Special symbols appear in a prominent form, e.g., in a background color complementary to a background color of other symbols, or in a metallic color, or in a blinking, flashing, or sparkling pattern. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090061982 | Slot Machine Game Where Player Can Optionally Purchase a Win Multiplier - A slot machine method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a slot machine game which offers the player a variable multiplier. The value of the multiplier is not known until after the player pays to activate the variable multiplier, upon which the value of the variable multiplier is determined based on predefined criteria for the variable multiplier that is being activated. The cost to activate the variable multiplier is based on the predefined criteria as well as an award amount that a new award (the new award being equal to the award amount multiplied by the determined value of the variable multiplier) is based upon. The award amount can, for example, be the previous overall win. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090061983 | THREE-DIMENSIONAL GAMES OF CHANCE HAVING MULTIPLE REEL STOPS - A gaming machine may have at least one display device capable of displaying 3-D images of a game of chance, and at least one processor to execute instructions to display the 3-D images on the display device, the at least one processor having display video data to display the 3-D images for: at least one first object having a first reel stop associated with a first payout value, the at least one first object moving about a central axis, each of the at least one first object having an individual center point, and at least one second object having a second reel stop, the at least one second object moving about the individual center point, the second reel stop associated with a second payout value, wherein the first payout value and the second payout value determine a total payout associated with an outcome of the game of chance. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090061984 | REEL SYMBOL RESIZING FOR REEL BASED GAMING MACHINES - Gaming machines, systems and methods for sizing or resizing visible reel symbols are disclosed. Gaming machines include an exterior housing, master gaming controller, display device and mechanical or virtual reels. Reels include a plurality of reel stops, each containing a visible reel symbols or a blank or ghost region. Visible reel symbols are expanded into adjacent reel stops, which can be ghosts or blank reel stops, such that blank areas are reduced. A reel configurator sizes or resizes the visible reel symbols, which reel configurator can be located at a remote host or within the gaming machine itself. A remote host can provide downloadable virtual reel strips and visible reel symbols to gaming machines within a system including processor-based machines. Resizing of visible reel symbols can involve stretching the symbols in a direction that extends into one or both reel stops adjacent to the reel stop containing the stretched reel symbol. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090061985 | Gaming Machine - If a plurality of BONUS symbols are stopped on the display and a predetermined condition is satisfied, a main CPU awards a free game to a player. Prior to awarding the free game, the main CPU determines the number of free games to be awarded in accordance with the positioning patterns of the BONUS symbols which are stopped on a variable display portion. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090061986 | Slot Machine Displaying Game Images - A slot machine stores gaming images of a liquid crystal panel | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090061987 | THERMAL MANAGEMENT IN A WAGERING GAME MACHINE - A computerized wagering game system includes a gaming module operable to conduct a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered, and a thermal management module operable to monitor the temperature of one or more integrated circuits comprising a part of the wagering game machine. In one embodiment, the thermal management module monitors one or more temperature indicator signals provided by the integrated circuit, and the wagering game system is operable to change function in response to the temperature signals. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090061988 | WAGERING GAME MACHINE WITH A TOOLLESS HARD DRIVE MOUNT - In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a printed circuit board that is part of a wagering game machine. The printed circuit board includes a processor operable to execute instructions associated with a wagering game. The printed circuit board also includes a hard drive mount that includes an alignment guide and a blind mate connector for electrically coupling a hard drive to a surface mount connection on the printed circuit board. The hard drive is to store wagering game data for the wagering game. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090069064 | Method and apparatus for a slot machine - A gaming device method and apparatus are disclosed, and are accomplished by a slot machine that provides the result of a spin, or a game, to the player in two steps. In the first step, the machine provides partial, or incomplete information related to the occurring symbols during a game. The player is permitted to place, or change, his or her wager after said partial or incomplete information is made visible to the player. Upon depositing, or increasing a wager, the machine provides the complete result of a spin to the player, and a win determination is made. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090069065 | WAGERING GAME AND METHOD HAVING A POINT-BASED AWARD - Disclosed are games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods including a point-based award. In accordance with one aspect, a game provides a feature game played for points. Upon conclusion of the feature game, a player is paid a prize according to the number of points accumulated during feature game play. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090069066 | Slot Machine Having A Transparent Liquid Crystal Display - One of the symbols on each video reel V | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090069067 | Slot Machine Which Awards A Payment Based On Scatter Symbols - If there is a special symbol ([ORANGE] symbol) among symbols each rearranged in a symbol display frame | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090069068 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING MAIN GAME ACTIVATING A BONUS EVENT - A game and gaming apparatus include a main game and a bonus game. A player is entitled to participate in the bonus game without an additional wager beyond that required to play the main game. Winning outcomes of the main game determine the indicia used to play the bonus game. In one embodiment upon a winning outcome of the main game, an indicia, such as an image of a winning amount, is transferred to the bonus game. In another embodiment, the bonus event includes categories associated with winning outcomes of the main game, the categories activated based upon wins of the main game. In one embodiment, the main game is a game of video poker. Winning hands are associated with or activate positions of the bonus game. Play of the bonus game comprises selection of at least one of the indicia or positions/categories which have been activated. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090069069 | GAMING MACHINE HAVING A CURVED DISPLAY - Gaming machines having video depictions of one or more mechanical reels projected onto a curved display are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a curved transparent material having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a radius of curvature similar to a mechanical reel. The curved transparent material further includes a glossy finish on the outer surface of the curved transparent material to provide a reflective surface. The gaming machine also includes a light emitting diode projector for projecting video images of one or more reels onto the inner surface of the curved transparent material. The gaming machine also has a liquid crystal display having an opening in which the curved transparent material extends through the opening of the opening of the liquid crystal display. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090069070 | GAMING MACHINE HAVING A CURVED DISPLAY AND RELATED METHODS - Gaming systems having touch panels as user control devices are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the gaming system includes a curved display system for displaying a game. The curved display system has a curved material having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a radius of curvature similar to a mechanical reel. The curved display system also includes a digital light projection device for projecting images of one or more reels onto the curved material. The gaming system also includes a touch screen system positioned in front of the curved material. The touch screen system has a touch sensor assembly having a substantially transparent touch panel that produces touch data when activated, a touch panel controller for controlling and interpreting the touch data, and touch panel software for controlling and interpreting touch data. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090069071 | GAMING SYSTEM WITH CASCADING SYMBOL FEATURE - A gaming system comprising an input device for receiving a wager to play a wagering game. The gaming system also includes a display for displaying an array of symbols that indicate a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. In response to the randomly selected outcome including a winning symbol combination, at least one symbol that is not a part of the winning symbol combination is removed from the array and causes other symbols to move into a position of the array vacated by the at least one removed symbol. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090075716 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD - A gaming device includes several changeable prize displays with each changeable prize display sequentially displaying several different prizes. A moveable indicator can move relative to the changeable prize displays and selectively indicate at least one of the prize displays by moving proximate the position of the indicated prize display. The gaming device has a player input device and a controller that are in communication with each other and the changeable prize displays. The controller can cause each of the changeable prize displays to sequentially display the different prizes and to move the moveable indicator relative to the changeable prize displays. The controller can randomly select a prize and detect activation of the player input device. The moveable indicator can stop, after the player input device is activated. A changeable prize display closest to the moveable indicator can display the randomly selected prize. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090075717 | Wagering game with modified award expected value - A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a wager input device for receiving a wager to play a wagering game. The gaming machine further includes a display arrangement that is in communication with a controller. The display arrangement displays a plurality of positions and a range of awards associated with each of the symbol position. The controller is programmable to successively populate the plurality of positions with respective symbols, and, in response to the symbol at any of the plurality of positions being a special award symbol, provide an award randomly selected from the range associated with that position, and modify an expected value of the award randomly selected from the range as a result of each subsequent occurrence of the special award symbol. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090075718 | Slot Machine Having A Bonus Game - Symbols which are handled as specified targets of a pay line L, from amongst symbols which are rearranged through window displays W | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090075719 | APPARATUS AND A METHOD FOR PLAYING A GAME - A game includes a plurality of cells and a plurality of symbols arranged in a grid which defines a payline. The game has a result equal to a random one of the symbols being associated with each of the cells. The game allows a player to associate a first token and/or a second token with the payline. The tokens have associated symbols and are used to establish respective first and second wagers. The game is played and an actual result is determined. A first award is provided to the player as a function of the first wager and a first paytable if the symbol corresponding to the first token appears in each cell of the payline and providing a second award to the player as a function of the second wager and a second paytable if the symbol corresponding to the second token appears in each cell of the payline. The second paytable reflects a greater risk and higher potential payout than the first paytable. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090075721 | Wagering Game With Simulated Mechanical Reels - A method and system of operating a wagering game having simulated mechanical reels includes receiving a wager to play the wagering game. A first set of video images are displayed on a curved surface approximately a radius of curvature of a mechanical reel. The first set of video images simulates movement of a first set of reel symbols. In response to a triggering event, a second set of video images are displayed on the curved surface. The second set of video images simulate a transitioning from the first set of reel symbols to a second set of reel symbols. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090075722 | Gaming system having collectible and redeemable special symbols - A gaming system comprises a wager input device and a display for displaying a first matrix of symbols representing a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game, the symbols selected from a plurality of symbols including at least one special symbol. The system further includes a controller operative to (i) collect occurrences of the at least one special symbol in the first matrix, (ii) vary the symbols to create a final matrix of symbols, (iii) redeem the collected special symbols by placing the collected special symbols into the final matrix, and (iv) provide an award if the final matrix of symbols indicates a winning combination. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090082082 | GAMING APPARATUS WITH CUSTOMISED FEATURES - A gaming machine, a gaming system and associated methods are described in which a player provides a player identifier (PID) and that identifier is used to configure the gaming machine. The identifier may include biometric data. The configuration information may include information on one or more limits on game play and an award may be provided if the limits are not exceeded. In other embodiments, limits on game play may be enforced, for example by terminating game play. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090082083 | REEL BLUR FOR GAMING MACHINES HAVING SIMULATED ROTATING REELS - Gaming machines, systems and methods for emulating rotating physical reels on a display screen are disclosed. Graphics for “static” reel symbols are intentionally blurred for those reel symbols “in motion.” Gaming machines include an exterior housing, master gaming controller, display device and virtual reels. Virtual reels include reel stops, static reel symbols and corresponding dynamic blurred reel symbols. A blurred reel symbol generator provides corresponding blurred reel symbols for existing static reel symbols, and can be located at a remote host and/or within the gaming machine. A remote host can provide downloadable virtual reel strips, reel symbols and blurred reel symbols to gaming machines. The blurred reel symbol generator can accept manually entered blurred reel symbol images, and/or can also generate blurred reel symbol images itself in automated fashion. Blurred reel symbols can be generated on the fly at runtime, or can be taken from a stored location. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090082084 | GAMING MACHINE DISPLAYING A PREDETERMINED IMAGES FOR DISPLAYING A BONUS SYMBOL AT A PREDETERMINED POSITION - A gaming machine | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090082085 | Slot machine performing payout of a predetermined amount of credits when the number of games reaches a predetermined number - The slot machine | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090082086 | GAMING SYSTEM WITH MULTIPLE GAME APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE - A gaming system having a centralized controller coupled to an array of game apparatus; a display device, including a plurality of prize object displays, for displaying a bonus event prize for at least one game apparatus in the array; and provision for holding prize objects in an individually controlled manner, is disclosed. In another embodiment, a gaming system including a plurality of game apparatus, each game apparatus having a plurality of prize objects where at least one prize object is a dynamic prize object, the latter being distinguishable from other prize objects; and a central controller in communication with the plurality of game apparatus, the central controller being configured to assign a prize value to a selected prize object if the selected prize object is a dynamic prize object and cause the prize value to be displayed to a player on the associated game apparatus, is disclosed. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090082087 | Wagering Game With Symbol-Strings Dictation Winning Outcomes - A gaming machine and method for conducting a wagering game includes at least one string of symbols for indicating an outcome of the wagering game wherein additional symbols are introduced into the string of symbols to produce winning combinations of symbols. Upon achieving a winning combination, the winning combination is removed from the string of symbols and the remaining symbols move together to form another string of symbols. The process is repeated and subsequent strings of symbols are evaluated for additional winning combinations. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090082088 | GAMING MACHINE WITH COLLECTIBLE GAME CARDS - A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a plurality of game cards that may be read by one or more card readers of the gaming machine. The game cards may provide a variety of enhancements for the gaming machine, including enhanced game features, enhanced rules of game play, enhanced game characters, and the like. Players may collect the game cards for use in the gaming machine in hopes of increasing their likelihood of achieving a desirable outcome or altering the characteristics of the game to offer more entertaining variations on game play. The players may also trade the game cards with one another and with the casino, thereby creating excitement and interest in the gaming machine. Special interest groups and even entire industries may be formed to facilitate the collecting and trading of the game cards. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090082089 | Slot Machine Displaying Rendered Effects Based On Proportion Of Payout Amount To Bet Amount - A slot machine includes a display device, reels, a bet unit, motors, a memory, and a controller. The controller is configured to: (a) execute a lottery in response to an accepted bet; (b) send a signal indicating an instruction for rotating each reel to each motor; (c) determine an amount of credits to be awarded to a player in accordance with the lottery result; (d) determine an image to be displayed on the display device in accordance with a proportion of the amount of credits to the accepted bet; (e) cause the display device to display the image determined in (d); (f) send a signal indicating an instruction for causing each reel to come to a stop to each motor in accordance with the lottery result; and (g) when each reel comes to a stop, award the amount of credits determined in (c) to the player. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090082090 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR REPRESENTING PLAY IN A REVERSE MODE - In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method for facilitating play of a gaming device is presented, in which the method comprises enabling a reverse payout mode of play of the gaming device and displaying an indication that play of the gaming device is to be provided in accordance with the reverse payout mode of play. In some embodiments, the indication may include a representation of a virtual player playing in a normal mode of play. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090088239 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING VARIABLE PAYBACK PERCENTAGES - A gaming system and method is disclosed which provides variable payback or hold amounts for a primary or base game, a secondary or bonus game, or both. The gaming system includes a central controller that changes at least one aspect of the game to provide a variable payback or hold for a gaming device in the gaming system. The gaming system includes a plurality of different paytables or award sequences each having a different average expected payback. The gaming system selects one of the paytables or award sequences for the game based on a player ranking assigned to each player. The player ranking is associated with a player tracking status obtained through a suitable player tracking system. The selection of one of the paytables or award sequences and its associated average expected payback is based on the player ranking (i.e., the player tracking status) of the player. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090093294 | Gaming System And A Method Of Gaming - A gaming system comprises a primary game monitor arranged to monitor outcomes of a sequence of primary games. An outcome generator provided by the gaming system determines an outcome of a secondary game in dependence on the outcomes of the sequence of primary games. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090093295 | METHOD OF PROVIDING A PLAYER INTERFACE IN A GAMING SYSTEM - A method of providing a player interface for a gaming system comprising: displaying an object to a player comprising at least two faces, each face of the object associated with a game playable with the gaming system and having an image thereon corresponding to the game, the object being displayed such that at least one face is visible; providing to the player at least one view manipulation function to allow the player to manipulate viewing of the object to view each face of the object. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090093296 | Slot Machine Game That Allows Player to Purchase Reel Re-spins - A slot machine game with a bonus round wherein a player tries to guess an element set. When the player does not guess the element set correctly, the player is then provided with a hint as to the correct element set, and the slot game can continue. When the player does correctly guess the element set, then awarding an award to the player and then selecting new random elements. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090093297 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD INCLUDING SECONDARY WAGER - A method of playing a gaming device comprises receiving a primary wager and a secondary wager. A single gaming event is used to determine the outcome of the primary wager. The outcome of the secondary wager is determined from a plurality of single gaming events. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090093298 | COMMUNITY WAGERING GAME WITH ALTERNATING PLAYER SELECTIONS - A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a plurality of linked gaming machines for receiving multiple player selections in a community bonus game. The community bonus game may be displayed to all players at the linked gaming machines on a community display. Upon receiving multiple player selections in the community bonus game, players are awarded bonus awards based on the respective player selections. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090093299 | RECENT RESULT DISPLAY INDICIA FOR GAMING DEVICE - A gaming device comprising a base game, a base game pay table, and at least one bonus award mechanism configured to award a bonus award in addition to any award resulting from the base game pay table. The gaming device further includes a first win proximity indicator configured to provide an indication of the change in likelihood of awarding the bonus award, and a display configured to provide a first indicia of a previous win of the bonus award together with the first win proximity indicator. Multiple indicators from multiple previous wins may be displayed in spatial relationship to one another along a meter to provide a player with further statistical information about possible winning trigger thresholds. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090098924 | Gaming machine and playing method thereof - The rearrangement symbol data is received from a host computer | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090098925 | Handheld Gaming Machines and System Therefor - A gaming system for executing a wagering game includes a central server for storing game information. The system further includes a plurality of boundary controllers defining a permissible gaming area. The system includes at least one handheld gaming machine in communication with the central server, the handheld machine comprising a display for displaying the execution of a wagering game. The handheld gaming machine wirelessly communicates with one or more of the plurality of boundary controllers to permit the central server to activate the wagering game only when the handheld gaming machine is within the permissible gaming area. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090098926 | SLOT MACHINE WITH SYMBOL DETECTION FEATURE - With a slot machine, a reel band is wound around a reel and the reel band has plural tabs along a side edge thereof. Each of the tabs has a barcode. A symbol position on a display window is detected by reading the barcode with a barcode reader when spinning of the reel has stopped. And then, it is determined whether or not a winning combination is achieved. Therefore, a symbol position can be detected reliably when the reel has stopped. Furthermore, since the barcode is provided on a side surface of the reel, an installing position of the barcode reader can be arranged flexibly. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090098927 | Gaming Machine - In a bonus game, a slot machine associates a bonus reel band made up of condor symbols and feather symbols to reel display portions. Thereafter, the slot machine accepts a selection operation made by the player to select one pay line. The slot machine displays the symbols in a variable fashion and stopped fashion based on the bonus reel band. The slot machine determines the bonus contents such as award of a MAJOR JACKPOT in accordance with the number of condor symbols displayed on the selected pay line in a stopped fashion. Then, the slot machine awards to the player a bonus having the contents thus determined. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090098928 | GAMING MACHINE WITH INTERACTIVE BONUSING - A gaming machine has a display and a game controller arranged to control images on the display. The game controller is arranged to play a game wherein one or more random events are caused to be displayed on the display and, if a predefined winning event of combination of events results, the machine awards a prize. A predetermined symbol from a set of symbols of the game is selected as a bonus symbol. The display is an interactive display means such that, when at least one of the bonus symbols appears then, by a player touching a part of the display overlying the, or each, occurrence of the bonus symbol, a bonus prize is revealed in respect of the, or each, bonus symbol. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090098929 | Gaming Machine - A gaming environment is described. If a predetermined number or more marks are displayed in a base game, a progressive chance games will be executed. Also, the progressive chance game is a selection type game. The selectable number of selection items in the progressive chance game is determined based on bet amount in the base game. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090098930 | Gaming Machine - A gaming environment is described. If a predetermined number or more marks are displayed, one of progressive chance games will be executed. Also, the progressive chance game to be executed is determined based on the displayed mark. If a progressive bonus is realized in the progressive chance game, jackpot amount corresponding to the progressive bonus will be provided. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090098931 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SLOT-MACHINE GAMING - A gaming apparatus, such as a slot machine, that randomly determines a combination of symbols and pays prizes according to a determined payout table, is used to perform a gaming method similar to conventional slot machine play, but that permits greater interaction with the player. The gaming method provides the player with the option of increasing an amount wagered after at least one of the symbols has been determined. The method additionally provides the player with the option to randomly determine a symbol or symbols a second time, or to force a symbol to be the same as a symbol already determined, optionally at additional cost. The method includes making appropriate adjustments to a payout table, depending on the player's actions during game play. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090104964 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND GAMING METHOD PROVIDING PLAYER PHYSICAL ACTIVATION OF THE SYMBOL GENERATOR - A gaming device and method which includes a symbol generator which includes a plurality of symbols. The gaming device enables the player to actuate or to physically move the symbol generator. After the symbol generator is moving, the gaming device randomly determines a symbol to indicate on the symbol generator. The gaming device then continues the movement of the symbol generator to indicate the determined symbol and provides any awards associated with the indicated symbol to the player. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090104966 | SLOT MACHINE TYPE DEVICE AND METHOD OF PLAYING THEREFOR - A method of playing an entertainment slot machine comprising: loading the machine with a predetermined number of credits; activating a plurality of reels on the machine to begin to rotate, wherein each wheel will have a plurality of indicia located thereon, activating the plurality of reels reduces the number of credits; individually stopping each reel by a player, wherein each reel will have an associated stop button, each reel will only stop upon pressing of the associated stop button, the player stopping each reel to try and form winning combinations of indicia on the reels to score points associated with each winning combination; continuing to activate and stop the reels until the total number of credits have been played, wherein a total number of points scored is updated after each winning combination; and comparing the total number of points scored to determined if the player won a prize. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090104967 | Gaming Machine With Rotating Wild Feature - A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a value input device for receiving a wager, an array of positions for displaying respective randomly selected symbols, and a controller. The displayed symbols include a special symbol and a chain of adjacent symbols at least partially encompassing the special symbol. The controller is operative to progressively move and stop the chain of adjacent symbols at each of a plurality of locations and evaluate the array for any winning combinations of the displayed symbols when the chain of adjacent symbols is stopped at each location. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090104968 | Wagering game system with pausing feature - A gaming system for playing a wagering game includes a gaming machine and a controller operatively associated with the gaming machine. The controller is configured to temporarily pause a game-in progress on the gaming machine following the occurrence of a pause event. The controller is also configured to reinstate a game-in progress on the gaming machine following the occurrence of an end-pause event. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090104969 | Gaming Machine Reel Having a Rotatable Dynamic Display - A gaming machine reel having a motor capable of rotating the reel operatively coupled to a controller to control a reel rotation speed, a support mechanism coupled to the motor having an outer circumferential region, a rotatable display mounted on the outer circumferential region operable to rotate about an axis of the reel. The rotatable display may be used to display game play indicia utilized in a wager-based game of chance. A game controller coupled to the rotatable display may be configured to determine a portion of the rotatable display that is visible through a viewing window on the gaming machine at a particular, determine pixel locations associated with the visible portions and map visual content to the visible portions as a function of time while the rotatable display is rotating. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090104970 | Gaming Machine - Before the start of a free game, a slot machine displays a selection screen on a variable display portion and accepts a selection made by the player with respect to the first choice image and the second choice image. The first special reel band or the second special reel band including a larger number of condor symbols than the normal reel band is associated by lottery to the first choice image and the second choice image. The main CPU changes the normal reel band associated to each reel display portion to a special reel band based on the selection made by the player. Then, the main CPU executes a free game using the special reel band that was changed. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090104971 | Slot Machine - During a base game, a processor displays symbols in a scrolled manner in accordance with a symbol arrangement order defined as first array in which symbols of various kinds are positioned randomly without regularity. During a free game, the processor changes symbol arrangement order of symbols on each reel from first array to second array so that symbols of a kind are positioned next to each other. The processor displays symbols in accordance with a symbol arrangement order defined as second array in a scrolled manner for each reel in a state that all the reels are rotated synchronously. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090104972 | Gaming Machine - A slot machine executes a special effect process when a predetermined condition is satisfied. In the special effect process, a main CPU changes a display style of a stopped multi symbol from a first display style to a second display style, while displaying an effect character image on a variable display portion. Further, the effect character image is displayed while being overlapped with a part of symbol display areas, while maintaining a state in which most of figures of stopped symbols can be seen. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090104973 | Gaming Machine - When three or more feature symbols are stopped on the variable display portion, the slot machine provides a free game. In the bonus game process, the main CPU determines the number of game condition choice images to be displayed on the selection screen according to the number of feature symbols that have been stopped on the variable display portion. When one of the game condition choice images is selected from the game condition choice images displayed on the selection screen by the player, the main CPU executes the free game according to the free game execution condition associated with the selected game condition choice image. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090104974 | GAMING SYSTEM IN WHICH A PLURALITY OF SLOT MACHINES SCRAMBLE FOR AWARDS - Players of slot machines connected to a game server, by touching a fight button displayed on a liquid crystal panel via a touch panel, can participate in a scrambling game operated by the game server on condition that point amount owned by each player be bet. The game server, on the other hand, sets winning rates of each match in the scrambling game by equally dividing among slot machines participating in the match and determine a winner/loser of each match in the scrambling game. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090104975 | ELIMINATION GAMES FOR GAMING MACHINES - A disclosed gaming machine presents an elimination game to a player playing the gaming machine. The elimination game may be played on a stand-alone gaming machine or may be played on a group of gaming machines linked together. The elimination game is played by plurality of entities where each entity may comprise one or more virtual players or real players. The real players may pay a participation fee to play the elimination game. During the elimination game, the entities play one or more games that are provided as part of the elimination game. For example, video slot games and video poker games may be used for the game play in the elimination game. One or more elimination tests may be applied to the entities using results from the game play. When conditions used in the elimination tests are met for one of the entities, the entity is removed from the elimination game before reaching the finish of the elimination game. The last remaining entity that avoids elimination and reaches the finish of the elimination receives an award. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090111557 | Game of Chance - A video slot game is described that increases a multiplier associated with each active pay line of the game independently of the multipliers associated with other pay lines of the game. Each line multiplier acts to multiply the winnings based on that particular line only. A multiplier for a particular line may be incremented for a current spin based on a wager outcome on that line in an immediately previous spin. A line multiplier may continue to increase as long as the player continues to win on that line. The increased line multiplier may have the side effect of acting as an incentive for a player to keep playing the game of chance, so as not to leave an unused line multiplier for another player. According to one variation, if the player does not win on a particular line, then the multiplier associated with that particular line may revert to a default level. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090111558 | GAMING MACHINE ARRANGING TWO SYMBOL COLUMNS IN THE SAME ORDER - A display unit displays symbols in a plurality of columns, and in particular arranges the symbols in the same order in two or more of the columns. A game controller unit determines an arrangement of symbols at random on a condition that symbols are arranged in the same order and at the same positions in the two or more columns. A display controller unit causes the display unit to spin the two or more columns of symbols from the same position in synchronization with each other, and stop the two or more columns at the same position to display the arrangement of symbols determined by the game controller unit. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090111559 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING DESIGNATED SYMBOL DISPLAY AREAS THAT MODIFY AWARDS - Gaming devices and methods of operating gaming devices are provided that include indicator or designator symbols. When an indicator or designator symbol is generated and displayed, the indicator or designator symbol indicates at least one symbol display area as a modification symbol display area. Upon at least one subsequent generation of symbols displayed in the symbol display areas, awards associated with symbols displayed in the modification symbol display areas are modified. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090111560 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A MULTIPLAYER BONUS GAME HAVING A PLURALITY OF AWARD OPPORTUNITIES - A gaming system where, as players play the primary games of the gaming devices, the gaming devices or the players playing at those gaming devices are occasionally provided with game elements associated with a multiplayer bonus game. In one embodiment, when a designated number of the game elements associated with the multiplayer bonus game have been awarded during game play, the multiplayer bonus game is triggered. During the multiplayer bonus game, the gaming system randomly selects a plurality of the game elements and compares the randomly selected game elements with the game elements awarded to the players. The players receive bonus awards based at least in part on the relationship between the awarded game elements and the game elements which are randomly selected during the bonus game. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090111561 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING MULTI-LEVEL PERSONAL PROGRESSIVE AWARDS - A gaming system and method including at least one gaming system progressive award adapted to be provided to any player at one of a plurality of the gaming machines. The gaming system progressive award is associated with a designated quantity of points wherein the first player at one of the gaming devices to accumulate the designated quantity of points is provided the gaming system progressive award. The gaming system and method also includes, for each of a plurality of players, a plurality of personal progressive awards arranged in a personal multi-level progressive configuration. Such personal progressive awards are individual to each specific player and funded by that player's wagers placed at the gaming devices in the gaming system. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090111562 | CIRCULATING DATA CARD APPARATUS AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A gaming device having a card management system which is operable to manage a plurality of circulating data cards is described. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090111563 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions, an outcome generator arranged to determine a game outcome based on the displayed symbols and to provide a player reward when the displayed symbols corresponds to a win outcome, and a symbol position modifier arranged to automatically modify the display position of at least one symbol so that the display positions of the displayed symbols after modification of the display position of the at least one symbol corresponds to a win outcome. The display position of the at least one symbol is only modified if a win outcome is available by modifying the display position of the at least one symbol. A corresponding method is also disclosed. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090111564 | Bonus actuator attachment for gaming machines - The present invention relates to a bonus actuator attachment for a slot or gaming machine. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method of selectively triggering a first bonus triggering event, by way of a bonus actuator attachment, so as to make the player eligible to participate in a bonus game upon the happening of a second bonus triggering event. Actuation of the bonus actuator attachment is a first triggering event wherein the gaming machine recognizes that the player wishes to be eligible for a bonus round within the gaming machine. The first triggering event may also require that the player make an additional wager separate from any initial wager on the game wherein the additional wager is solely to make the player eligible for a second bonus triggering event and, ultimately, a bonus round of the gaming machine. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090111565 | Gaming machine with various game styles - The present invention relates to a gaming machine which has a display screen or physical reel mechanism and one or a plurality of types of features provided on said display screen, wherein said one or more features are activated when an extra bet wager is made separately of the initial wager amount, and can be adjusted independently. Also, the gaming machine of the present invention has one or more bonus games, and a player can change a bet amount at any time during the course of said bonus game. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090111566 | Display of bonus game progression in reel-type games - Reel-type games are described in which a player's progress towards an award of a bonus game is displayed to the player. The required triggering event for an award of a bonus game may be accumulated over multiple turns of the game. A bonus indicator (e.g., icon) is provided on the display in association with each reel of the reels. After a spin of the reels, the bonus indicator for a given reel is activated if a symbol associated with an award of a bonus game is presented on the given reel. As the player continues to play, whenever the symbol associated with the bonus game appears for the first time on a given reel, the associated bonus indicator is activated and remains activated. When all the indicators have become activated, a bonus game is awarded to the player. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090111567 | REEL GAME APPARATUS FOR PLAYING SUB GAME AND THE METHOD THEREOF - Provided is a reel game apparatus and method for playing a sub-game, which operate various sub-games depending on the appearance of specific symbols on a game screen regardless of the winning conditions in a reel game, and includes a main game part for spinning a plurality of reels, each having respective symbols displayed thereon, in a reel game, stopping the reels, and enabling winnings to be awarded when symbols satisfying winning conditions appear, and a sub-game part for playing a first sub-game when the reels stop and a certain number of coin symbols appears, wherein the first sub-game is played to give winnings when coin items are generated in the sub-game part and fall on winning targets. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090111568 | SLOT MACHINE WITH INSURANCE FUNCTION AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A slot machine of the present invention comprises: a symbol display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of symbols; and a controller, the controller programmed to execute the processing of: (A) executing a normal game in which the plurality of symbols are variably displayed and then stop-displayed by the symbol display device after game media have been BET in number equal to or less than a previously set maximum number of BETs, and a payout value is determined according to the stop-displayed symbols or a combination thereof; (B) shifting a mode from a non-insurance mode to an insurance mode on condition that a predetermined number of game media have been inserted; (C) counting the number of normal games played after the mode has been shifted to the insurance mode, in the insurance mode; and (D) paying out a predetermined number of game media and also conducting a free game that is executed even without a game medium BET thereon, when the number of normal games counted in the processing (C) has reached a specific number. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090111569 | Gaming Machine - A slot machine variably displays symbols and stops symbols in a variable display portion using composite reel bands. Each of the composite reel bands is generated by combining a symbol reel band with a background reel band. The background reel band is configured to include partial background images that are a part of a special background image. If one special background image is displayed by a background image of composite symbols stopped in the variable display portion as a result of variable display and stop of symbols based on the composite reel bands, the slot machine awards a bonus game to a player. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090111570 | Gaming Machine - When a slot machine accepts a bet of a gaming value, the slot machine renews each bonus payout data based on the bet gaming values. The slot machine drawn a bonus payout indicated in the renewed bonus payout data on each bonus symbol corresponding to bonus payout. The slot machine scroll-displays and repositions symbols on a variable display portion by using a reel band including the bonus symbol on which the bonus payout is drawn. When a bonus condition based on the bonus symbol is satisfied on the variable display portion, the slot machine pays out a bonus payout amount corresponding to the bonus condition. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090111571 | Gaming machine arranging two symbol columns in the same order - The present invention may be gaming machine, including a mechanical reel which is configured with a plurality of rotatable reels, each reel indicating indicia on a circumferential surface of the reel, a display which shows a part of the circumferential surface and a controller which stops two reels to indicate the same kinds of indicia with the same arrangement on the circumferential surface of each of the two reels shown on the display, the two reels being installed contrastively to a vertical axis dividing a plurality of the rotatable reels. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090117969 | Wagering game system with networked gaming devices - A method of operating a plurality of wagering game tournaments on a plurality of gaming machines includes receiving a wager from a player to play a wagering game on a gaming machine of the plurality of gaming machines. The method further includes providing an option, at the gaming machine, to enter the plurality of wagering game tournaments. The method also includes entering at least one of the plurality of wagering game tournaments and playing in any entered tournament when the tournament begins. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090117970 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A COLLECTION GAME - A gaming system and method providing a collection game independent from the primary games of a gaming system. In one embodiment, the collection game includes a plurality of elements and a winning element combination. During play of the collection game, randomly or upon an occurrence of a triggering event, the gaming system releases one of the plurality of elements to players. The gaming system repeats the process of releasing elements until one of the players collects all of the elements of the winning element combination. The first player to collect all of the elements of the winning element combination wins an award or prize. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090117971 | GAMING MACHINE DISPLAYING AREAS CORRESPONDING TO SYMBOLS REARRANGED AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF - In a bonus game (when a predetermined condition is fulfilled), a first area | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090117972 | Systems and/or methods for distributing bonus rewards based on accumulated gaming device wins - Certain exemplary embodiments described herein relate to gaming machines and/or table games being configured to provide random rewards in dependence on accumulated gaming device wins. According to certain exemplary embodiments, in connection with a gaming network comprising a plurality of gaming devices, a method of providing a random reward to a patron using a gaming device connected to said gaming network is provided. A random number for win determination is generated. A coin-out counter accessible by the gaming device being used by the patron is initialized. A random win amount for the patron is generated. It detected whether a coin-out event has occurred on the gaming device. When a coin-out event is detected, the coin-out counter is incremented. When the coin-out counter is greater than or equal to the random number for win determination, a random reward event is triggered, which results in a qualified patron on the link being awarded the random reward amount displayed. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090117973 | Gaming machine with various game styles - The present invention relates to a plurality of gaming machines connected to each other, each gaming machine has a display screen and one type or a plurality of types of features provided on the display screen, wherein a play result of at least one or more gaming machines out of the plurality of gaming machines affect the operation of other gaming machines other than the gaming machine. Further, the plurality of gaming machines according to the present invention may be configured such that a plurality of players belong to the plurality of gaming machines compete against each other, or the plurality of players cooperate with each other. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090117974 | Wagering game with progressive game triggered by multiple players - A method of conducting a group wagering game that includes a special award that is attainable by players at a plurality of gaming machines. The method includes receiving wagers from players at the plurality of machines for playing machine-level wagering games. In response to achieving a triggering condition within one of the machine-level wagering games, the group wagering game is presented including an opportunity to fulfill at least one of a plurality of victory conditions. In response to all of the plurality of victory conditions being fulfilled, the special award is awarded to a player that achieves a next triggering condition. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090117975 | GAMING MACHINE WITH SYMBOL CHANGED ACCORDING TO PREDETERMINED CONDITIONS AFTER REARRANGEMENT AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF - A slot machine of the present invention has a display on which symbols are rearranged in partitioned regions formed in a matrix shape by a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows. Then, in each unit game, when a symbol sandwiched by two “Special” symbols exists among symbols rearranged in the partitioned regions, a display content of the display is changed such that that symbol is changed to the “Special” symbol before a start of a next unit game. In this way, the number of “Special” symbols rearranged on the display is increased more than the number at a stage immediately after the rearrangement. By this increase of the “Special” symbols, it becomes possible for a player to receive a payout of credit in a large payout amount in the unit game. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090117976 | GAMING MACHINE WITH LOCKING FUNCTION AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A slot machine of the present invention comprises: a removable key provided so as to correspond to the gaming machine; and a controller, the controller programmed to execute the processing of (A) determining whether or not the key has been removed, and (B) controlling the gaming machine so as to make a game executable when determining in the processing (A) that the key has not been removed, while controlling the gaming machine so as to make the game unexecutable when determining in the processing (A) that the key has been removed. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090117977 | Multigame Gaming Machine With Transmissive Display - Gaming machine is disclosed having a primary display and a secondary display mounted over the primary display. In one implementation, the primary display is a mechanical display and the secondary display is a transmissive display. This arrangement allows a wagering game to be displayed on the mechanical display alone, the mechanical display and the transmissive display together, or the transmissive display alone. As a result, players and casino operators have access to multiple wagering games on the same display area of the gaming machine. All three options need not be present on the gaming machine, however, and any two of the three will suffice. It is important, however, that the wagering game displayed on the transmissive display be separate and distinct from the wagering game displayed on the mechanical display. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090117978 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM AND A GAME CONTROLLER - In a gaming system, an initial set of symbols comprise symbols of a plurality of groups and are displayed in respective ones of display positions. A revised set of symbols is formed by modifying the display position of symbols of at least one of the groups that are formed. In one example, each group of symbols is selected from a set representing a reel of symbols. The reel of symbols is provided in a given order drawn on a physical looped reel. One or more symbols from each reel may be selected for display in accordance with a symbol selection algorithm. A game outcome may be determined based on the relative position of symbols within the revised set. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090117979 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A BONUS BASED ON NUMBER OF GAMING MACHINES BEING ACTIVELY PLAYED - A gaming system includes a controller linked to a plurality of gaming devices. The central server tracks: (i) a quantity of gaming devices being actively played by players, or (ii) a quantity of players actively playing at the gaming devices. The controller determines the players' eligibility for different awards based on the tracked quantity. When the controller tracks a first quantity, the controller provides the active players with an opportunity to win a first award. When the central server tracks a second quantity, the central server provides the active players with an opportunity to win a second award. As the tracked quantity changes, the controller determines or modifies the number of awards available to the players actively playing at the gaming devices. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090117980 | Game System Including Slot Machines And Game Control Method Thereof - A gaming system is provided with a plurality of slot machines | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090117981 | Game System Including Slot Machines And Game Control Method Thereof - In a case where a combination for starting a second game is formed in a basic game, a second game is started. In the second game, a so-called race in which a plurality of moving symbols moves toward a stationary symbol is performed. A player predicts which moving symbol reaches the stationary symbol first before the race is started, and inputs the data by an input device. Upon starting the race, in a case where a moving symbol to reach the stationary symbol first is the symbol selected by the player, a relatively large amount of coins is paid out. In a case where a winning symbol is different from the symbol selected by the player, a relatively small amount of coins is paid out. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090117982 | Gaming Machine and Method - A gaming machine for providing a game in which a plurality of symbols are selected and displayed in an array of symbol positions on a display, each symbol position associated with one or more of a plurality of regions and each region of the plurality of regions associated with a region specific award. The gaming machine comprises a user interface in communication with a game controller. If a winning combination of symbols occurs such that at least one of the symbols of the winning combination of symbols is displayed in a symbol position associated with a first region of said plurality of regions, the region specific award associated with the first region is awarded. If the same winning combination of symbols occurs such that at least one of the symbols of the winning combination of symbols is displayed in a symbol position associated with a second region of said plurality of regions, the region specific award associated with the second region is awarded. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090117983 | Gaming Apparatus and Method Including Oversized Symbols - A method of game play, where a gaming machine is arranged to select symbols, and present the symbols on a display. In the method, successive arrays of symbols are displayed in a display area of the display, the symbols being drawn from a set of symbols that includes at least one special symbol. If a displayed array satisfies an eligibility criterion, a resultant array is displayed by revealing at least one symbol obscured by one or more of the special symbols in the displayed array. An award is awarded if the symbols in the resultant array satisfy a winning criterion. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090117984 | GAMING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE - A gaming apparatus includes at least one gaming device that is configured to allow a player to place a wager and to play a game. A display device is mounted in association with the gaming device. The display device includes a housing and a housing positioning mechanism that is coupled to the housing. An indicator is coupled to the housing and an indicator positioning mechanism is coupled to the indicator. A controller is in communication with the gaming device, the housing positioning mechanism and the indicator positioning mechanism. The controller is configured to detect an indicator moving event and to move the housing and the indicator in accordance with the indicator moving event. The present invention also includes a gaming method using the gaming apparatus. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090117985 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system comprising: a display; a memory storing reel data defining a plurality of reels, each reel comprising a set of symbols in a symbol sequence; and a game controller arranged to: select symbols from the reel data for display at a plurality of display positions, the selection of at least two symbols of at least one reel being performed independently of the symbol sequence; display the selected symbols at respective separate display positions on the display; and control display of spinning of the reels on the display such that for each reel for which symbols are selected independently of the symbol sequence: after the reel is stopped, the at least two selected symbols of each reel are displayed in their respective display positions; and during at least part of the display of spinning, the reel is displayed as spinning in the symbol sequence relative to the display positions. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090117986 | MULTI-LINE AND MULTI-REEL HOLD AND PLAY WITH RESTRUCTURED PAYS SYSTEM - A reel spinning gaming device comprises a plurality of selectable reels, where a subset of the multiple reels and pay lines are held to create skill play. The prize controller determines whether a prize is to be awarded based upon an outcome symbol combination. Weighted reel strips are employed to adjust payout percentages pursuant to established regulations. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090117987 | MULTI-LINE AND MULTI-REEL HOLD AND PLAY WITH RESTRUCTURED PAYS METHOD - A reel spinning gaming device comprises a plurality of selectable reels, where a subset of the multiple reels and pay lines are held to create skill play. The prize controller determines whether a prize is to be awarded based upon an outcome symbol combination. Weighted reel strips are employed to adjust payout percentages pursuant to established regulations. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090117989 | Wagering Game System With Player Rewards - According to one aspect of the present invention, a gaming system includes a method of conducting a wagering game. The method includes identifying a player as a member of certain group, and offering the player options related to the wagering game. The options are unavailable to players who are not members of the certain group. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090117990 | Gaming Machine Having An Enhanced Game Play Scheme - 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 or multiplied 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. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090124325 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND GAMING METHOD FOR TRANSFERRING SYMBOLS BETWEEN LINKED REELS IN MULTIPLE REEL SETS - The gaming device disclosed herein includes a plurality of matrices of symbol positions. At least a first reel in a first reel set or matrix is associated with or linked to at least a first reel in a second reel set or matrix and at least a second reel in the first reel set not associated with or linked to any reel in any second reel set. In a play of the game, symbols are independently generated for each reel set and the symbols displayed for each reel set are independently evaluated to provide any awards for any winning symbol combinations. After the evaluation, the gaming device removes zero, one, or more symbols from reels in the reel sets. If any empty symbol positions are formed on the first reel in the second reel set, the gaming device shifts or transfers one or more symbols from the first reel of the first reel set to the linked first reel of the second reel set to occupy the one or more empty symbol positions. The gaming device generates symbols to fill the empty symbol positions in the reel sets and the symbols displayed for each reel set are independently evaluated to provide any awards for any winning symbol combinations. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090124326 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A FREE SPIN GAME WITH PAYLINE MULTIPLIERS - A gaming device provides a free spins game wherein a plurality of modifiers are each associated with one of a plurality of paylines. During the free spins game, each modifier modifies awards won on the particular payline with which it is associated. In one embodiment, the payline multipliers increase in each of the free spins depending on whether a given payline scores a win or not in the free spin. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090124327 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A MULTIPLE-PLAYER BONUS REDEMPTION GAME - A gaming system and method including a plurality of gaming devices that may participate in a shared secondary or bonus game and a controller operable to communicate with said plurality of gaming devices. At least one of the plurality of gaming devices is programmed to generate and accumulate collectors upon an occurrence of a first triggering event. Upon an occurrence of a second triggering event at one of the gaming devices, the controller enables a player of said gaming device to redeem a quantity of accumulated collectors in a bonus event. The controller also enables the player to invite other gaming devices from the plurality of gaming devices to redeem accumulated collectors and participate in said bonus event. The odds of each player earning a higher-valued total award in the bonus event increases with the total number of accumulated collectors redeemed in the bonus event. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090124328 | Slot Machine Game with Award Based on Another Machine - A slot machine method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a side wager for a slot machine which allows a player on a first machine to win bonus awards when a player on other (participating) machines wins a jackpot. The side wager activates the ability to win a bonus for a predetermined period of time or a predetermined number of spins on the other machines, or some other limiting factor. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090124329 | System and/or methods for interpreting and/or re-presenting content in a gaming environment - Certain exemplary embodiments described herein relate to gaming machines and/or table games having programmed logic circuitry for interpreting existing content in the gaming environment and re-presenting it to a player via a new, though familiar, user interface, while also allowing further content to be displayed to the player. This advantageously enables the patron experience to be changed through a richer interface to the gaming environment, while also reducing the need to perform major replacement services by re-presenting existing, and integrating new, components and features. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090124330 | Video wagering machine including a bonus round termination enhancement - A method and system are provided for providing a bonus round responsive to a bonus trigger in a wagering game. The method includes providing at least one bonus spin. The method includes awarding a prize associated with a bonus spin result. The method includes, responsive to a termination trigger occurring, awarding a termination bonus and terminating the bonus round. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090124331 | Gaming machine with plural gaming styles - The present invention relates to a gaming machine having of a display screen, a plurality of grids displayed on the display screen, one or more pay-lines equipped on the plurality of grids, a symbol equipped in each of the grids, and a payout for paying back awards according to results of play, wherein a plurality of symbols change in case that the symbols are in a winning condition, and the changed symbols are compared with one or more symbols existing around the changed symbols on the one or more pay-lines to change again. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090124332 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD HAVING CONFIGURABLE BONUS GAME TRIGGERING OUTCOMES - A gaming system and method which provides for one or more gaming device triggered bonus games to be skipped or otherwise not provided to the players at the gaming devices which triggered such bonus games. The average expected payouts of skipped gaming device triggered bonus games are contributed to a bonus accumulation pool or fund. The accumulation pool is subsequently utilized to provide one or more gaming system triggered bonuses to one or more players at one or more of the gaming devices in the gaming system. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090124333 | GAMING MACHINE AND METHOD WITH A RANDOMLY-SELECTED FEATURE GAME - Wagering games, gaming machines, networked gaming systems and associated methods are disclosed that include a randomly selected feature game. One disclosed aspect provides for a wagering game including a primary game and a plurality of feature games. One or more of the plurality of feature games is selected for play upon a triggering event associated with the primary game. In another disclosed aspect, the wagering game may also include at least two types of progressives including wide-area progressives, casino-wide progressives, bank progressives and stand-alone progressives. Another disclosed aspect provides a pay table, wherein the pay table changes dynamically according to the size of a wager. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090124334 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A WAGERING SOLITAIRE GAME - The present disclosure provides a method of determining suitable paytables for wagering Solitaire games or type games and a gaming system, gaming device and method for providing such wagering games with such paytables. In one embodiment, the paytable includes the outcomes in the form of ranges of the total numbers of cards which are banked at the time play terminates and the awards associated with each range. In various embodiments, the paytable is constructed such that certain of the awards increase non-linearly as the ranges of numbers of banked cards increase. In other words, in various embodiments, certain awards in the paytable have a different upper ratio to the number of cards banked than other awards in the paytable. In various embodiments, the Solitaire game includes one stage or multiple stages. The present disclosure also provides a paytable for multiple related plays of the Solitaire game. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090124335 | METHOD, APPARATUS, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR CONDUCTING A GAME HAVING A CONCURRENT BONUS INDICATOR - A game, preferably a video-based reel-type game, is provided having a persistent bonus mode. Methods, gaming machines, and program products are provided in various embodiments. One preferred game includes displaying gaming graphics in a first region of a graphic display device. In response to entering a player-chosen participation mode, such as, for example, “max lines” betting, the game displays a potential bonus award level, which can be maintained in response to certain gaming events such that it applies to the next game play cycle. In response to a game event having a bonus-award type, the game awards an amount based on the potential bonus award level. In response to a game event having a bonus-adjust type, the game randomly selects a new potential bonus award level from among a set of potential levels. Various adjustments to the bonus level may also be made in response to player bet-level changes. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090124336 | Jackpot Display System - A jackpot display system ( | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090124337 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING A GAMING SYSTEM, A PLAYER INTERFACE FOR A GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system includes a player interface having a touch screen display. The display includes a bet manipulation area, a bet commitment area and a chip stack area. A player may manipulate tokens by touching a displayed token on the screen and dragging their finger across the screen to carry the token to a new position. Different display areas correspond to different functions. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090124338 | METHOD, APPARATUS, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR CONDUCTING A GAME USING BOTH UNISYMBOL AND MULTISYMBOL REEL EFFECTS - A novel game is provided that transforms at least a part of the graphic symbol matrix shown on a video-based reel-type gaming machine to change the game operation from multi-symbol reels to single-symbol reels. Methods, apparatus and program products for implementing the game are provided. A preferred game operates in a first display matrix state displaying a symbol matrix. The symbol matrix provides a game play result by displaying two or more reel representations that combine to form the symbol matrix. In response a trigger event in game play, the game switches to a second display matrix state where it is modified to show single-symbol reel representations with separating elements between at least one pair of adjacent symbols of a respective reel representation. Multiple sets of data structures are provided for operation in each display state. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090124339 | METHOD, APPARATUS, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR DISPLAYING GAMING RESULTS THROUGH A VARIABLE PRIZE WHEEL - Gaming machines, methods, and programs are provided for displaying gaming results through a player interaction process that provides multiple prize enhancements for a player and varies the prize enhancements during the course of play. One preferred game includes conducting multiple instances of a first game to obtain a number of first game outcomes. These first game outcomes will include a number of prize enhancer activating outcomes, which may cause a change in the game prize distribution. Each respective prize enhancer activating outcome prompts persistent display of a respective prize enhancer symbol. In some versions, one or more of the prize enhancer symbols are multiplier values. The symbols move in graphic sequence to a bonus round where they occupy spaces in a multiplier wheel, which is spun along with a prize wheel to determine a total prize. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090124340 | METHOD OF GAMING AND A GAMING SYSTEM - A method of gaming comprising: providing a plurality of games playable by a player; conducting play of one game of the plurality of games; awarding eligibility to a super feature game in response to a trigger condition being met in relation to the one game; conducting element collection play of at least one of the plurality of games during which the player attempts to collect elements for the super feature game; conducting play of the super feature game; and determining an outcome of play of the super feature game conducted after element collection play at least in part based on any elements collected during element collection play. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090124341 | GAMING MACHINE WITH GAMBLE OPTION - A gaming machine provides a plurality of game levels, each level providing a plurality of symbols selectable by the player. A value associated with a selected symbol is used to calculate a winning value. The player may choose either the winning value or else play the next level. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090124342 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming method and system, the method comprising providing one or more reels in a spinning reel game, the reels being displayed as three dimensional and displayed as provided with game symbols along and around the reels, displaying spinning of the reels and thereby sequentially displaying at least some of the game symbols displayed as provided along the reels, displaying rotating of the reels and thereby sequentially displaying at least some of the game symbols displayed as provided around the reels, stopping the spinning and the rotating of each of the reels at a respective stop position, and determining a game outcome based on at least some of the game symbols displayed when each of the reels is in its respective stop position. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090124343 | Gaming Machine and Method Having A Multi-Progressive Feature - Disclosed are games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods including a multi-progressive feature. During play of a feature game, tallies are kept of the appearance of various symbols. One or more progressive awards may be paid based on the tallies. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090124344 | Reconfigurable Gaming Machine - Disclosed are reconfigurable gaming machines, networked gaming systems and methods for gaming machine reconfiguration. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090124345 | METHOD, APPARATUS, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR PRODUCING AND APPLYING A GRAPHIC SIMULATION ACROSS MULTIPLE GAMING MACHINES - An apparatus for producing shared image games includes a number of gaming machines, with each gaming machine having a respective video display device. The apparatus also includes a shared image display control arrangement and a shared image prize controller. The shared image display control arrangement controls the respective video display device associated with each gaming machine in the number of gaming machines to produce a shared image graphic effect such as a multi-segmented prize reel that appears to extend across the different video display devices. The shared image prize controller operates to award a shared image prize for at least one of the gaming machines. This shared image prize corresponds to a prize represented at least in part by a respective one of the reel segments displayed at the video display device of the respective gaming machine when the reel segments appear to come to a stop. For example, a given reel segment may show a prize value that is awarded to the player at the particular gaming machine, or may show a multiplier value that is applied to some value accumulated for the player at the particular gaming machine. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090124346 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD HAVING CONFIGURABLE BONUS GAME TRIGGERING OUTCOMES - A gaming system and method which provides for one or more gaming device triggered bonus games to be skipped or otherwise not provided to the players at the gaming devices which triggered such bonus games. The average expected payouts of skipped gaming device triggered bonus games are contributed to a bonus accumulation pool or fund. The accumulation pool is subsequently utilized to provide one or more gaming system triggered bonuses to one or more players at one or more of the gaming devices in the gaming system. A player's accumulated triggering symbols determine, at least in part, the player's probability of winning part of the bonus accumulation pool and/or the player's portion of the bonus accumulation pool. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090131144 | META-OPTION - A slot management system including a download and configuration server-based sub-system and method is disclosed for use with game devices, systems, and methods is provided to enable users to monitor, control, and modify different game devices and other related activities. The different game devices may be modified via a meta-option. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090131145 | Wagering Game with Overlying Transmissive Display for Providing Enhanced Game Features - A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a game display. A transmissive display is positioned in front of the game display directly in the player's line of sight including game-play regions at which symbols appear and regions above, below, between, and to the sides the game-play regions. The transmissive display is operable to selectively display transparent, translucent and opaque video images over the game display. The transparent, translucent and opaque video images may be used to change, for example, a play mechanic associated with the wagering game and any reel symbols associated with wagering game. The transmissive display may also be used to provide interactive player control and player selection elements for the wagering game and to facilitate player inputs to the gaming machine. The transmissive display may be further used to provide bonus features associated with a bonus game played at the gaming machine. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090131146 | Wagering Game Funding Mechanisms and Methods Therefor - A system for adding funds to a handheld gaming machine. The system includes a portable digital wallet that wirelessly communicates with a handheld gaming machine (“handheld”). The digital wallet stores an amount of funds or funds associated with a remotely stored player account, and is used by the player to add credits to a handheld. The credit meter may be stored remotely, though the player perceives that the funds are actually being transferred via the digital wallet. Other funding techniques include a kiosk that accepts cash or credit/debit cards and dispenses tickets or other media that encodes information representing an amount of funds. The player uses this media to add credits to the handheld. The media may be player-dependent such that the player's identity is somehow linked to the media or it may be player-agnostic such that the player's identity is not linked to the funds associated with the media. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090131147 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING A FREE SPIN GAME - A gaming device including a re-initiation mode wherein the probability of extending the bonus game is increased by fixing the reel or reels displaying a locking symbol on the reel. In the re-initiation mode embodiment, the gaming device re-activates some or all of the reels except the reel displaying the locking symbol for a predetermined number of additional free spins or until the reactivated reels display or indicate a terminating symbol on the reels. The gaming device provides any outcomes associated with indicated symbols or combination of symbols. In one embodiment, if a terminating symbol is displayed on designated reels during one of the additional free spins, the gaming device re-initiates the bonus game. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090131148 | GAMING MACHINE WITH SUPERIMPOSED DISPLAY IMAGE - A gaming machine comprises a primary gaming display for presenting the outcome of a wagering or bonus game and a video display. In response to a wager, an outcome is generated and displayed in a display area. The video display provides a video image superimposed upon primary game display. The video image may be interactive with the primary game display and include such graphics as payout values, a pay table, pay lines, bonus game features, special effects, thematic scenery, and instructional information. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090131149 | SLOT MACHINE HAVING MULTIPLE PROGRESSIVE JACKPOTS - A progressive jackpot slot machine, or group of slot machines, is described herein. A plurality of progressive jackpots are accumulated as the slot machine is played. In the preferred embodiment, a first progressive jackpot is accumulated at a first rate, and a second progressive jackpot is accumulated at a rate higher than the first rate. Additional jackpots accumulate at higher rates. The betting of additional monetary amounts enables the player to win additional jackpots. This provides added incentive for the player to bet additional monetary amounts. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090131150 | GAMING METHOD HAVING DYNAMICALLY CHANGING IMAGE REEL SYMBOLS - A method for dynamically changing the graphical content on mechanical slot machine reels is disclosed herein. The system includes mechanical slot reels, flexible display panels, and data transmission techniques which provide for dynamically updating or changing the graphics on the spinning mechanical reels in a slot machine. In one method for dynamically changing graphical reel content, new image content is placed on the reels at any time, even while the reels are spinning. The method may even be used to give the appearance of rotation to a stationary reel. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090137306 | Gaming Machine - In a gaming machine, when the routine proceeds to a bonus game, display doors D | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090137307 | GAMING SYSTEM CONSISTING OF A PLURALITY OF GAMING MACHINES AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING GAMING MACHINE - A gaming system comprising plural gaming apparatuses capable of communicating with one another via a communication line, each of the gaming apparatuses comprising an input device which enables an input of a BET and a controller programmed to execute processing of: (a) receiving a BET on the basis of an input from the input device; (b) executing a game; (c) determining a result of the game; and (d) providing an award, when a total result based on the results of the games in the respective gaming apparatuses is a predetermined result. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090137308 | METHOD OF GAMING AND A GAMING SYSTEM - A gaming system has a display ( | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090137309 | Wagering Game With Symbol Array Defined By Multi-Symbol Objects - A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a display for displaying a plurality of multi-symbol objects having a plurality of sides so that the objects appear as three-dimensional objects. Similar to the reels in a traditional gaming machine, the multi-symbol objects randomly move into locations on the display forming an array wherein one side of each multi-symbol object is displayed, the displayed side having a symbol. The location of the multi-symbol objects in the array and the side of each multi-symbol object that is displayed is based on a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090137310 | ENHANCED MECHANICAL REEL GAMING SYSTEM WITH TOUCH CONTROLS - An enhanced mechanical gaming system ( | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090137311 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING DYNAMICALLY CHANGING IMAGE REEL SYMBOLS - A system for dynamically changing the graphical content on mechanical slot machine reels is disclosed herein. The system includes mechanical slot reels, flexible display panels, and data transmission techniques which provide for dynamically updating or changing the graphics on the spinning mechanical reels in a slot machine. In one system for dynamically changing graphical reel content, new image content is placed on the reels at any time, even while the reels are spinning. The system may even be used to give the appearance of rotation to a stationary reel. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090143131 | GAMING MACHINE ARRANGING SCATTER SYMBOL AND SPECIFIC AREA IN ARRANGEMENT AREA AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF - In a bonus game, one or more scatter symbols | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090143132 | GAMING MACHINE AWARDING PRIZE BASED ON NUMBER OF SPECIAL SYMBOL AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF - Disclosed is a gaming machine | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090143133 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING ODDS OF WINNING WHICH INCREASE AS A PLAYER'S WAGER INCREASES - A gaming device having a game which requires the same average investment from a player to win an award, including a jackpot award, regardless of the amount that the player bets at any one time. The award can be unchanging, e.g., $10,000, each time a player plays the gaming device. The award can also vary such as with a progressive jackpot, i.e., the jackpot builds until a player “hits” the jackpot. The game enables the average investment necessary to win the jackpot to be uniform by varying the odds of winning the jackpot as the player's bet varies. That is, a player betting less money needs to play the game more times, on average, to win the jackpot. Likewise, a player betting more money needs to play the game less times, on average, to win the jackpot. The average overall bet or investment thus remains constant despite the player's betting habits or betting ability. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090143134 | Display Device For A Gaming Machine - A display, as for an electronic gaming machine, includes one or more rotatable mechanical reels including at least one variable displaying position at which the display may be varied. Content is displayed at the variable displaying position when the variable displaying position registers with the display. One or more reels can include a reel strip which includes at one location a pre-printed symbol and at another location a window. A video display can be arranged, configured and controlled by a processor to cast a display at the inside of the reel to impart light and video effects to pre-printed symbol locations or to cast video content through the reel strip window. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090143135 | Slot machine having symbols classified in colors and control method thereof - A slot machine of the present invention comprises: a display capable of rearranging a plurality of colored symbols or a plurality of symbols each having a colored background; and a controller programmed to execute processing of: (A) rearranging the plurality of symbols to the display; (B) determining an amount of a normal payout, based on the numbers of symbols of respective types rearranged in the processing (A); (C) determining an additional payout condition relating to colors; (D) determining an amount of an additional payout, based on at least the colors of the symbols rearranged in the processing (A) or at least the colors of the backgrounds of the symbols, and the additional payout condition determined in the processing (C); and (E) paying out game media corresponding to the amount of the normal payout determined in the processing (B) and game media corresponding to the amount of the additional payout determined in the processing (D). | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090143136 | Wagering Game System Having Bonus Game Configurations - A method for selecting a bonus game from a plurality of bonus games. Each of the plurality of bonus games have associated bonus game instructions. The method includes determining a bonus game outcome having an expected value. A set of criteria necessary to present the bonus game outcome is determined. One of the plurality of bonus games is selected and the selected bonus game meets the set of criteria. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090149240 | GAMING MACHINE AND CONTROLLING METHOD THEREOF - In a gaming machine and a method of controlling the gaming machine, one dealer card having a number on its face and a plurality of player cards each having any one of a positive number and a negative number on its face are displayed face down on a liquid crystal display. After the dealer card is turned over to show the face, the plurality of player cards are turned over to show the faces sequentially one by one. If a sum of the numbers shown on the displayed player cards agrees with the number shown on the dealer card, an award is provided. In this event, each of the player cards may have either a positive number or a negative number on its face. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090149241 | Wagering Game Having Progressive Amounts Represented In Various Ways - A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming machine includes receiving a credit value from a player via an input device. At least a portion of the credit value is a wager input for playing a wagering game. The method further includes programming a controller to select a randomly-selected outcome from a plurality of outcomes in response to receiving the wager input. The credit value is represented on a display as a dynamic element having an original size, the dynamic element being able to change between the original size and another size. The original size of the dynamic element is modified in accordance with changes in the credit value received via the input device to visually represent the changes in the credit value as the changes are occurring. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090156287 | Activating Blocks of Symbol Positions in a Gaming Machine To Determine Winning Combinations of Symbols - Instead of individual paylines being applied across an A×B matrix of symbols to determine winning combinations of symbols, a unique group (or block) of adjacent symbol positions is activated for each possible bet amount. The possible bet amounts are limited. After the player bets, only the associated group of adjacent symbol positions is highlighted on the display screen so the player can focus on only the relevant symbol positions. After the reels are spun and randomly stopped, symbols at the highlighted symbol positions, limited to one symbol per reel per combination, are combined to create symbol combinations to determine the award to be paid. The technique of highlighting blocks of adjacent symbol positions, and not using individual paylines, enables the player to comprehend, in real time, developing winning combinations of symbols as the reels stop from left to right. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090156288 | Gaming Machine - A gaming machine includes plural stations and a processor. Each station can determine a game result and execute a game independently. The processor obtains an operation status of each station when a predetermined condition is satisfied. There is selected an event game among a plurality of event games, based on the operation status of each station. Then, there is executed the selected event game in common at plural stations. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090156289 | Gaming Machine - A gaming machine includes plural stations and a processor. Each station can determine a game result and execute a game independently. The processor accepts each station's entry to an event game when a predetermined condition is satisfied. There is collected an entry fee from a station whose entry to the event game has been accepted. Then, there is executed the event game in common at each station whose entry to the event game has been accepted. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090156290 | Gaming Machine - A gaming machine includes plural stations and a processor. Each station can determine a game result and execute a game independently. The processor accepts each station's entry to an event game when a predetermined condition is satisfied. An event game consists of a plural number of unit event games. When executing unit event games, the processor collects a game charge from a station whose entry to the event game has been accepted. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090156291 | Gaming Machine - A gaming machine includes plural stations and a processor. Each station can determine a game result and execute a game independently. The processor accepts each station's entry to an event game when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The gaming machine awards an event game payout and an opportunity to execute a chance game, to a station which has achieved the best game result, among stations that have participated in the event game. Then, if the chance game is won, the gaming machine awards a chance game payout to the station. If the chance game is lost, the gaming machine carries over the chance game payout to the next chance game payout or later. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090156292 | Gaming Machine - A gaming machine includes plural stations and a processor. Each station can determine a game result and execute a game independently. When executing a base game, the processor accepts a gaming value betting and updates used credit information. The processor executes an event game involving plural stations when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The processor awards an event game payout to a station which has achieved the best game result, based on the event game result. In awarding the event game payout, the processor changes a content of the event game payout based on the used credit information of the station. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090156293 | Gaming Machine - A gaming machine includes plural stations and a processor. Each station can determine a game result and execute a game independently. The processor executes an event game at each station when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The gaming machine awards an event game payout and an opportunity to execute a chance game to a station which has achieved the best game result. In a lottery concerning a chance game payout, the gaming machine changes the setting of the winning probability based on the used credit information of the station. If the chance game is won, the gaming machine awards a chance game payout to the station. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090156294 | Slot Machine Gaming Device and Method of Play - A method of playing a slot machine game in which a two level or stage play is conducted, the first level providing winnings in the normal stage of slots, but where the losers are automatically entered into a second stage of play as a bonus play in which there is a possibility of a large payout as well as the guarantee that there will be at least a small payout. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090156295 | GAMING APPARATUS WITH GEOMETRICALLY ORIENTED GAME ELEMENTS - A gaming apparatus with geometrically oriented elements is disclosed. Specifically, an array of game elements are displayed, each of which has a discrete geometric orientation, and whose relative geometric orientations, in addition to relative placement of each gaming element, determines winning patterns which result in payout to a player. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090156296 | Push-button providing multiple gaming machine inputs - A push-button type input device is configured to generate at least two inputs, such as two electric signals, in response an input by a user. Relative to a button, the single button input resulting in depression of the button from a raised to a depressed position and then biased return of the button from the depressed back to the raised position results in the generation of at least two inputs. When associated with a gaming machine, a player's input effects generation of multiple inputs which are provided to a gaming controller for playing a game. The input device has utility to games, such as a Class II bingo type game, where a player is required to provide multiple inputs over the course of the game in order to participate in the game. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090163265 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SLOT MACHINE GAME ASSOCIATED WITH FINANCIAL MARKET INDICATORS - System and methods related to wagering, such as slot machines and/or other electronic games. Some wagering may relate to market indicators, market lines, and/or stop commands. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090163266 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SLOT MACHINE GAME ASSOCIATED WITH MARKET LINE WAGERS - System and methods related to wagering, such as slot machines and/or other electronic games. Some wagering may relate to market indicators, market lines, and/or stop commands. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090163267 | SLOT MACHINE INCORPORATING AN IMAGE CAPTURING DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE - A system and method of one or more electronic gaming devices having image capturing devices integrated therein is disclosed. The image capturing devices capture a player image and place the image into a primary or bonus game facilitated by the one or more electronic gaming devices. In one version, the captured image is placed on video reels of each slot machine forming a bank of slot machines. In this manner, players play a game of chance with their own image and images of other players integrated therein. The images may also be depicted on a display device associated with a bank of electronic gaming devices. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090163268 | Gaming System And A Method Of Gaming - The present invention relates to a gaming system and to a method of gaming. A gaming system comprises a game controller arranged to randomly display several symbols from a predetermined set of symbols and to determine a game outcome such as a game win based on the displayed symbols. Such gaming systems may be implemented as a stepper machine provided with reels or a video machine displaying “virtual” reels. One or more reels generated in play of a base game may be stored for later use in subsequent games. In a subsequent game or games, the game controller may select the stored reel to substitute for a reel generated by the game, in order to improve the game outcome. For example, the game outcome may become a “win” from a “lose” outcome. Or it may result in an improved win outcome. The one or more reels may be stored depending upon a trigger condition generated in the base game. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090170588 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD HAVING PURCHASABLE ENHANCED PAYTABLES - An apparatus and method for a game having a paytable selection feature which may be implemented with a primary or base game, a secondary or bonus game, or both. In one embodiment, the gaming device employs an initial paytable and enables a player pay a fee to purchase a different paytable for a plurality of plays of the game. If the player chooses to purchase a different paytable, the gaming device determines a game outcome for a plurality of plays of the game and provides any awards based on the different paytable. If the player does not choose to select a different paytable, the gaming device determines a game outcome for each of those plays and provides any awards based on the initial paytable. In one embodiment, the player has the opportunity to see the different paytable prior to paying the fee to purchase it. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090170589 | Easy poky - I, Gilberto Aguilera, have invented “Easy Poky” a slot machine game system, unique in that the machine contains 5 reels, each of a different color: blue, lilac, green, red and yellow. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090170590 | Wagering Game With Enhanced Cascading Reel Symbol Feature - A gaming machine. The gaming machine includes an input device for receiving inputs from a player during the wagering game. The inputs include a wager amount. The gaming machine also includes a display for displaying a plurality of symbols that indicate a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. The plurality of symbols is located on a plurality of reels and the randomly selected outcome is selected from a plurality of outcomes. The plurality of outcomes includes a cascade-triggering outcome and a plurality of winning outcomes. Each of the plurality of winning outcomes has an associated initial game payout. In response to the randomly selected outcome being the cascade-triggering outcome, a corresponding symbol is moved and the display displays a cascade outcome. In response to the cascade outcome being one of the plurality of winning outcomes, a cascade payout is awarded that is greater than the initial game payout for that one of the plurality of winning outcomes. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090170591 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system ( | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090170592 | GAMING DEVICE WITH CHANGING WILD SYMBOLS - A bonus game that operates in combination with a slot machine base game is provided. The bonus game includes a series of free spins or free evaluations in which symbols of a set of symbols are set to be wild symbols. Free spins occur for each symbol acting as a wild symbol until the symbol appears on the reels in a winning format, either alone or in combination with other symbols. Then, the next symbol of the set is used in the wild symbols and so on until all symbols for the set are used. If free spins remain after all symbols of the set are used, the free spin sequence is repeated until the free spins are exhausted. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090176550 | REEL MECHANISM AND CONTROL ASSEMBLY - A reel control assembly for a plurality of like reel mechanisms for a gaming machine, comprises a support structure having a plurality of electronic connection ports. Each of the connection ports is provided to receive a connection means provided on a reel mechanism for an electronic connection therebetween. The connection ports are electronically linked to a master controller circuit board, which provides an electronic linkage to a gaming machine. The connection ports may be provided in side-by-side relationship in a housing. Guidance means in the form of location structures on the support structure for cooperation with location structures on a reel mechanism may be provided to facilitate accurate mounting of a reel mechanism and electrical connection with the appropriate connection port. The circuit board may provide control signals to some or all components of a reel mechanism including stepper motors, LCD/OLED screens, lamp/LED arrays and optic feedback devices. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090176551 | GAMING MACHINE WITH TWO-STAGE FEATURE DETERMINATION - A gaming machine offering a game where an outcome of the game is a set of symbols chosen from a plurality of symbols. The plurality of symbols includes trigger symbols that each has a first and a second identifying characteristic. A bonus is awarded when the outcome includes two or more trigger symbols that have a common first identifying characteristic, wherein at least an aspect of the bonus varies according to the combination of the second identifying characteristics often trigger symbols in the outcome. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090176552 | Wagering Game With Bonus-Selection Feature - A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a display for displaying a plurality of symbols indicating a randomly selected outcome and a selection-input device for selecting at least one bonus item from a plurality of bonus items. Each time a winning outcome is achieved, the selected bonus item reveals at least one of a plurality of bonus awards. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090176553 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a display, a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions on the display, and a display modifier arranged to modify the displayed symbols such that after modification of the symbols the locations of the symbols in the display positions are a mirror image of the locations of the symbols before modification of the symbols. The gaming system also comprises an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether symbol combinations defined by the displayed symbols after modification correspond to one or more winning outcomes. A corresponding method is also disclosed. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090176554 | Wagering Game, Gaming Machine and Networked Gaming System and method with a Multiple-Progressive Wheel Game and Associated Methods - A method and gaming machine are disclosed for operating a game with a primary and embedded game. An embedded game is disclosed as a bonus game with one embodiment animating miniature reels inside the primary game symbol. Each embedded slot game may have its own progressive, or may be tied into the progress associated with the primary game. Each embedded slot game will have its own paytable, and may be a miniature version of a well-recognized full-sized slot game. Also disclosed are a wagering game, a gaming machine and a networked gaming system and associated methods including a multiple-progressive wheel game. A player may win all of a set of wheel-based progressive award during play of a single game. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090181753 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A method of gaming comprising: receiving a bet from a player; awarding to the player an entitlement to a plurality of game outcomes in exchange for the bet; determining that the player has exhausted the entitlement; and determining, subsequent to exhaustion of the entitlement, whether the player is entitled to an award based, at least in part, on at least one of the game outcomes. | 07-16-2009 |
| 20090181754 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system is disclosed which includes a display including a plurality of standard display positions and at least one additional display position. Each standard display position includes at least one visible standard symbol and each additional display position includes at least one visible additional symbol. An additional position selector is arranged to facilitate selection by a player of at least one additional display position. Selection of an additional display position causes an additional symbol displayed at the additional display position to be emphasized relative to when the additional display position is not selected. A symbol selector is arranged to select symbols for display at the standard display positions and at the at least one additional display position. An outcome generator is arranged to determine a game outcome based on symbols displayed at the standard display positions and the or each additional symbol displayed at any selected additional symbol position. | 07-16-2009 |
| 20090181755 | Wagering Game With Simulated Mechanical Reels - A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a housing having a display region, a curved transparent layer located in the display region, and a video display. The video display is located behind the transparent layer for projecting moving images onto the transparent layer. The images including a plurality of symbols that indicate a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. The curved transparent layer can be moving as well. Environmental mapping may be used to sense the location of the player and/or the ambient lighting surrounding the gaming machine and alter the images based on the sensing. The altering may include spectral highlights, shading, and the parallax effect. The video images may further include imperfections normally found in mechanical reel strips. The gaming machine provides video images that more closely simulate the look of traditional mechanical reels. | 07-16-2009 |
| 20090181756 | GAMING MACHINE AND GAMING PROCESS INCLUDING FURTHER GAME SYMBOLS - A method for use with a gaming machine including presenting an outcome by displaying a symbol as travelling along a path and stopping in a stopping position that overlies another game symbol. An award is paid or changed when there is a particular relationship between the symbol | 07-16-2009 |
| 20090181757 | MULTIPLE REEL ROULETTE GAME - A gaming system which is operable to receive an input associated with at least one betting option specified by a roulette betting layout. A plurality of roulette reels are rotatable about a common axis, and each one of the roulette reels has a side display surface or side wall. Each one of the side display surfaces or side walls displays a plurality of numerals which are spaced apart along the side display surface or side wall. The numerals are associated with the roulette betting layout. An outcome occurs based upon one or more indicated numerals. | 07-16-2009 |
| 20090181758 | Gaming Machine With Superimposed Display Image - A spinning reel slot machine comprises a plurality of mechanical rotatable reels and a video display. In response to a wager, the reels are rotated and stopped to randomly place symbols on the reels in visual association with a display area. The video display provides a video image superimposed upon the reels. The video image may be interactive with the reels and include such graphics as payout values, a pay table, pay lines, bonus game features, special effects, thematic scenery, and instructional information. | 07-16-2009 |
| 20090186681 | Slot machine having characteristic award condition and control method thereof - A slot machine of the present invention is a slot machine comprising: a display including a first display region for arranging first symbols thereto and a second display region for arranging a comparative symbol to be compared with the first symbols thereto; and a controller. The controller is programmed to conduct the processing of: (A) rearranging the first symbols to the first display region; (B) rearranging the comparative symbol to the second display region; (C) determining whether or not a first symbol is rearranged to the first display region in the processing (A), the first symbol satisfying a predetermined relationship with the comparative symbol rearranged to the second display region in the processing (B); and (D) providing an award in the case of determining in the processing (C) that the first symbol satisfying the predetermined relationship is rearranged to the first display region. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090186682 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A method of gaming including: displaying at least one symbol which comprises a visible symbol and a hidden symbol; locating an overlay on the at least one symbol; and determining whether the overlay makes the hidden symbol visible. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090186683 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system comprises a first rotatable symbol selector and a second rotatable symbol selector. The first rotatable symbol selector has a surface divided into segments, with each segment having at least one of a plurality of a first set of symbols allocated thereto, each segment being associated with a peripheral portion of the first symbol selector. The second rotatable symbol selector has a surface divided into segments with each segment having at least one of a plurality of a second set of symbols allocated thereto, each segment being associated with a peripheral portion of the second symbol selector. The symbol selectors are positioned relative to each other so that after the symbol selectors are rotated and when a condition is met, the symbols associated with respective peripheral portions of the symbol selectors in a first designated relationship with one another are selected for use in a game outcome. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090186684 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF GAMING - The present invention relates to a gaming system and to a method of gaming. A game is played by displaying a representation of selection of a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols. The game enables selection of at least one additional symbol in addition to those originally selected, to increase the number of symbol combinations available for assessing a game outcome. In an example, the additional symbol is displayed as being mounted on a substrate which is “flipped” to reveal the additional symbol. Another face of this substrate mounts the originally selected symbol. A plurality of additional symbols may be available for selection. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090186685 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming apparatus comprises a movable symbol selector and a reference object. The symbol selector has a plurality of presentation portions. Each portion is associated with one or more symbols of a first set of symbols. The reference object comprises a plurality of parts over which the selector can be moved. Each part is associated with one or more symbols of a second set of symbols. When the symbol selector moves relative to the reference object at least one relationship is formed between at least one of the selector portions and at least one of the reference object parts. The at least one relationship is for use in determining a game outcome. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090186686 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF GAMING - Gaming system(s) and/or method(s) of gaming are provided in which a plurality of symbols are selected from a set of symbols for play of the game. A display displays selected symbols at symbol positions in rows and columns. The symbols are rearranged so that at least one of selected symbols moves to a different symbol position. In an embodiment, a row of symbols may be rotated so that the row becomes a column. In another embodiment, a column of symbols may be rotated so that the symbols move to symbol positions in a row. A game outcome is based on patterns of the symbols in the row and column positions. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090186687 | Gaming System and Method of Gaming - A gaming system, comprising a game controller arranged to control play of a game, and a display arranged to display representations of play of the game, the game controller being arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for play of the game, and control the display to display at least a plurality of the selected symbols in symbol positions in one or both of rows and columns, the game controller being arranged to select at least one additional symbol and to control the display to display the at least one additional symbol associated with a strip associated with one of the symbol positions. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090191940 | SLOT MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - In a slot game executed by a slot machine, three reels are scrolled and then stopped, and an image for an effect is displayed on an image display area. Then an award is provided according to a symbol combination displayed when the reels have been stopped and the image displayed on the image display area. Therefore, more number of winning combinations can be assignable than the number of symbol combinations assignable by symbols drawn on the three reels. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090191941 | ADDING SECONDARY GAME TO CONVENTIONAL GAMING MACHINES - Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for providing a gaming apparatus. The gaming apparatus includes a primary display area, a wager data device, a secondary display area, and a controller. The wager data device receives wager data indicative of a wager submitted by a player. Results of the base game are displayed on the primary display area. Credits earned in the base game are converted to points in the secondary game. Results of the secondary game are displayed on the secondary display area while the base game is being played, in relation to predetermined point levels for each round of the secondary game. Based on the achieved point levels and the predetermined point levels for each round of the secondary game, it is determined whether to advance the player or to end the secondary game. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090191942 | GAMING SYSTEM, A GROUP GAME CONTROLLER, A METHOD OF DISPLAYING AN OUTCOME OF A GROUP GAME AND A GROUP GAME DISPLAY - A gaming system comprising: a plurality of gaming devices; a common physical group game display comprising a an object arranged to travel on a path relative to the plurality of gaming devices; and a group game controller in data communication with the plurality of gaming devices and the group game display, the group game controller configured to: determine a game outcome of a group game; and control movement of the object relative to the plurality of gaming devices based on the game outcome. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090191943 | GAMING DEVICE WITH SPECIAL SYMBOL - A gaming machine that provides a game in which an array of symbol positions are populated with game symbols from a set of game symbols, the set of game symbols including ordinary game symbols and at least one special symbol, the gaming machine being adapted to award an award if a winning combination of game symbols is displayed, the gaming machine including a user interface in communication with a game controller, wherein the game controller is adapted to enhance the characteristics of at least one of the ordinary game symbols to create at least one enhanced symbol based upon the relative location of the ordinary game symbol to a special symbol. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090191944 | Gaming machine providing return to a player and control method thereof - A gaming machine of the present invention provides a normal award, based on symbols rearranged to a first display portion or a combination thereof; meanwhile, every time a specific symbol is rearranged to any of display blocks in the first display portion, the gaming machine additionally displays the specific symbol to the corresponding display block in the second display portion, and the gaming machine provides a special award when a plurality of specific symbols are displayed to the second display portion in a specific arrangement. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090191945 | Gaming machine poviding return to a player and control method thereof - A gaming machine of the present invention provides a normal award, based on symbols rearranged to a first display portion or a combination thereof; meanwhile, only when a first specific symbol or a second specific symbol different from the first specific symbol is rearranged to any of display blocks in the first display portion and neither the first specific symbol nor the second specific symbol is displayed to the corresponding display block in the second display portion, the gaming machine additionally displays the first or second specific symbol to the corresponding display block in the second display portion, and the gaming machine provides a special award when a plurality of the first specific symbols are displayed to the second display portion in a specific arrangement. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090191946 | Wagering Game with Multi-Point Gesture Sensing Device - A gaming machine having a multipoint sensing device capable of sensing a multipoint gesture, which includes at least two simultaneously touched points. One or both of the points can serve as an initial starting point for a gesture, which represents a continuous movement across the multipoint sensing device. The multipoint sensing device produces data representing a multipoint gesture, which data is analyzed to determine a wagering-game function to be executed. For example, the wagering-game function may be selecting a payline by touching two distinct points in a slot-type wagering game. Another function may be increasing a bonus award by dragging two fingers in opposite directions. Yet another function may be selecting a bonus award amount by holding one finger while dragging another ringer to aim at a target representing multiple bonus award amounts, one of those amounts being revealed to the player upon release of the other finger. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090191947 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system comprising: a display; and a game controller arranged to: carry out a first game during which play of the first game is displayed as a first game display on the display; add at least a second game display to the display in response to a trigger event; and carry out a second game during which play of the second game is displayed on the second game display. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090191948 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF PLAYING A GAME - A method of gaming including: (a) generating and displaying a plurality of first symbols as a plurality of first symbol rows; (b) generating a plurality of second symbols; (c) adding the second symbols as one or more rows of second symbols to the plurality of first symbol rows to form a group of symbol rows comprising the first symbol rows and the second symbol rows; and (d) determining a game outcome from the group of symbol rows. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090191949 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system comprising a selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display in a display area at a plurality of display positions and to select a plurality of win line elements. The gaming system is arranged to define a special win line when a plurality of win line elements are contiguously displayed across the display area, and an outcome generator arranged to determine a game outcome based on symbols displayed along the special win line if a special win line is defined. A corresponding method is also disclosed. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090191950 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions, each display position including at least two symbols, and an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether symbol combinations defined by the displayed symbols correspond to one or more winning outcomes. Each symbol combination includes one symbol from each display position used to form the symbol combination. A corresponding method is also described. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090197665 | TOURNAMENT GAMING MACHINE - Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to methods, gaming machines, and gaming systems capable of simultaneously presenting two independent games for play. According to one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a cabinet for housing a display that simultaneously presents a first game that is independent from a second game. The first and second games are primary games, and a trigger event in either the first game or the second game initiates play of a tournament game. The gaming machine also includes a first set of player input devices for the first game and a second set of player input devices for the second game. The gaming machine also includes a player input device that allows a player to play both the first and second game simultaneously. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090197666 | Gaming Apparatus And Method Including Hidden Objects - A method of game play, where a plurality of graphic objects are displayed on the display ( | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090197667 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A method of gaming including: providing at least one set of player selectable symbols; receiving at least one player selection of a symbol from the at least one set of symbols; forming at least one reel strip including the at least one selected symbol; generating a game outcome from a set of reels including the at least one reel strip; and evaluating the game outcome to determine whether to make an award. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090197668 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAME CONTROLLER AND A GAMING SYSTEM - A method of gaming comprising: displaying a plurality of objects as moving relative to one or more stopping places on a display; conducting an evaluation in respect of at least some of the objects to determine whether the at least some objects contribute to an award event; and stopping each object that contributes to an event at a stopping place of one or more stopping places. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090197669 | GAMING APPARATUS AND METHOD - One embodiment relates to a gaming apparatus. The gaming apparatus includes an electronic display and a circuit configured to control the electronic display and to cause the electronic display to display a graphical scene. The graphical scene includes a first portion having a first video corresponding to a first body portion of one of a number of characters, a second portion having a second video corresponding to a second body portion of one of the number of characters, and a third portion having a third video corresponding to a third body portion of one of the number of characters. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090203417 | Gaming Device Giving Player Choice Of Game And Playing Method Thereof - A gaming device includes a plurality of different games, a microphone, and a speaker. The gaming device requests a player to select a game other than one running, and runs a player-selected game. During a game, a voice related to the game to be run is output from the speaker, based on an input to the microphone. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090203418 | Gaming machine providing return to a player and control method thereof - A gaming machine of the present invention provides a normal award, based on symbols rearranged to a first display portion or a combination thereof; meanwhile, the gaming machine additionally displays a first specific symbol or a second specific symbol in the second display portion, and the gaming machine provides a special award when the first specific symbols in a specified number are displayed in the second display portion. When the first specific symbols and the second specific symbols are displayed in a first specific arrangement, the gaming machine changes the second specific symbols in the first specific arrangement into first specific symbols; meanwhile, when the first specific symbols and the second specific symbols are displayed in a second specific arrangement, the gaming machine changes the first specific symbols in the second specific arrangement into second specific symbols. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090203419 | Gaming system providing return to players and method for controlling gaming machine - A gaming system of the present invention provides in each gaming machine a normal award, based on symbols rearranged to a first display portion or a combination thereof; meanwhile, when a first specific symbol is rearranged to any of display blocks in the first display portion, the gaming machine additionally displays the first specific symbol to the corresponding display block in the second display portion, and the gaming machine provides a special award when a plurality of the first specific symbols are displayed to the second display portion in a specific arrangement. Further, when the first specific symbol is rearranged to any of display blocks in a first display portion of another gaming machine capable of communicating through a communication line, the gaming machine additionally displays this symbol to the corresponding display block in the second display, as a second specific symbol. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090203420 | Gaming machine with reel and display in front of the reel for displaying unit game and playing method thereof - In a gaming machine, one rotation reel is arranged to be straddling over first and second displays behind them. Then, mutually different symbols on a circumferential face of the rotation reel are respectively arranged behind a window portion of the first display and a window portion of the second display. Also, rearranged symbols are respectively displayed at portions other than the window portion of the first display and portions other than the window portion of the second display. As a result, the slot games using a symbol on the rotation reel that is arranged behind the window portion and symbols displayed at portions other than the window portion are respectively executed on the first display and the second display. The slot game of the first display and the slot game of the second display contain symbols on a common rotation reel, so that outcomes of the slot games have a coordination with each other. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090203421 | Gaming System Having a Plurality of Slot Machines and Control Method of the Gaming System - A gaming system of the present invention includes a plurality of slot machines. Each of the slot machines includes a display that displays a symbol and a controller that rearranges a symbol arranged on the display. The respective displays provided to the plurality of slot machines display symbols that are located on the displays respectively when a plurality of symbols are scrolled on one continuous display band obtained by virtually connecting the displays. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090203422 | Gaming Apparatus And Systems - Gaming apparatus, e.g. an Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) ( | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090203423 | Slot Machine Offering a Special Payout and Control Method Thereof - A slot machine comprising: a display capable of rearranging normal symbols and a multiplying-factor symbol corresponding to a number; and a controller programmed to execute processing of: (A) rearranging the normal symbols or a combination of the normal symbols and the multiplying-factor symbol to the display; (B-1) determining a normal payout amount, based on the numbers of the normal symbols of respective types rearranged in the processing (A); and (C-1) paying out game media in amount obtained by multiplying the normal payout amount determined in the processing (B-1) by the number corresponding to the multiplying-factor symbol, when the multiplying-factor symbol is rearranged in the processing (A). | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090203424 | Slot Machine Offering a Special Payout and Control Method Thereof - A slot machine comprising: a display capable of rearranging normal symbols and a multiplying-factor symbol corresponding to a number; and a controller programmed to execute processing of: (A) rearranging the normal symbols the multiplying-factor symbol to the display in such a manner that the multiplying-factor symbol is rearranged at a timing of a first or last rearrangement in rearrangements, when the multiplying-factor symbol is rearranged to the display; (B-1) determining a normal payout amount, based on the numbers of the normal symbols of respective types rearranged in the processing (A); and (C-1) paying out game media in amount obtained by multiplying the normal payout amount determined in the processing (B-1) by the number corresponding to the multiplying-factor symbol rearranged in the processing (A). | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090203425 | Slot Machine Offering a Special Payout and Control Method Thereof - A slot machine comprising: a display capable of rearranging normal symbols and a multiplying-factor symbol corresponding to a number; and a controller programmed to execute processing of: (A) rearranging the normal symbols or a combination of the normal symbols and the multiplying-factor symbol to the display; (B-1) determining a normal payout amount, based on the numbers of the normal symbols of respective types rearranged in the processing (A); and (C-1) paying out game media in amount obtained by multiplication of the normal payout amount determined in the processing (B-1) by the number corresponding to the multiplying-factor symbol, when the multiplying-factor symbol is rearranged in the processing (A) | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090203426 | Gaming Machine to Have Dialog According to Victory or Defeat of Game and Control Method Thereof - A slot machine | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090203427 | Gaming Machine to Have Dialog by Outputting Method According to Victory or Defeat of Game and Control Method Thereof - A slot machine | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090203428 | Gaming Machine Limiting Output Conversation Voice And Control Method Thereof - A gaming machine generates and outputs a reply sentence in accordance with a player voice recognized, executes a first game based on an operation of a player, and executes a second game that is executed so that each player can take part in the second game simultaneously, when a result of the first game meets a predetermined condition. When the first game is executed, the gaming machine prohibits an output of the reply sentence. When the second game is executed, the gaming machine outputs the reply sentence. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090209313 | Culturally enriched slot machine - The invention provides a gaming device comprising a plurality of reels comprising at least one pictographic or ideographic symbol and a plurality of awards associated with a combination of winning symbols that have an independent association or identity associated with a selected cultural tradition. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090209314 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR LICENSE SHARING AMONG GAMING TERMINALS - Systems and methods for sharing wagering game licenses among multi-state terminals are provided. Each example terminal may include a token-enabled state and a non-token-enabled state. Each token may be associated with a license for the operation of a wagering game. A token pool may be administered by a host. A terminal at which a customer has indicated a desire to play a wagering game may request a token from the token pool administrating host. The request may be queued if a token is not available, or the requesting terminal may be issued a token. Thus, an unlimited number of multi-state terminals may be operated, while no more than a predetermined quantity of the terminals may be providing a wagering game at any one time. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090209315 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM AND A GAME CONTROLLER - There is disclosed a gaming system and method of gaming for playing a game, wherein in response to receipt of an additional bet from a player, the player is able to obtain at least one additional outcome in relation to which an additional prize is awarded. It is determined independently of whether the player has placed the additional bet, whether to award the additional prize to the player based on an amount bet by the player. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090209316 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - The present invention relates to a gaming system and method of gaming wherein a base game is played which generates as one of its outcomes a feature game. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090209317 | WAGERING GAME WITH COLLECTION FEATURE FOR TRIGGERING SPECIAL EVENT - A gaming machine for conduction a wagering game is disclosed according to one embodiment. The gaming machine comprises a wager input device for receiving a primary wager to play the wagering game. The wagering game further includes at least one display for displaying a randomly selected outcome of a basic game of the wagering game. The randomly selected outcome is indicated by a plurality of symbols. At least one of the symbols is a bonus symbol that triggers a bonus game in response to a certain condition being met. In response to the randomly selected outcome including at least one bonus symbol without the certain condition being met, the at least one bonus symbol may be utilized in a subsequent basic game to trigger a bonus game in the subsequent basic game if the certain condition is met. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090209318 | Gaming System and Method of Gaming - A gaming system, comprising a game controller arranged to control play of a game, and a display arranged to display a representation of play of the game, the game controller being arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for play of the game, to control the display to display a plurality of the selected symbols in rows and columns, to determine a game outcome based on patterns of symbols in the rows and columns, and also being arranged to generate a feature game in response to a trigger condition, and determine an outcome of the feature game depending on the occurrence of a non-linear pattern of symbols. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090209319 | Multiplayer Gaming Machine Capable Of Changing Voice Pattern - Herein disclosed is a gaming machine executing a game and paying out a predetermined amount of credits according to a game result; generating voice data based on a player's voice; identifying a voice pattern corresponding to the voice data by retrieving the dialogue voice database and identifying a type of voice corresponding to the voice data, so as to store the voice data along with the voice pattern into the memory; calculating a value indicative of a game result, and updating the play history data stored in the memory using the result of the calculation; comparing the play history data thus updated with a predetermined threshold value data; generating voice data according to the voice pattern based on the play history data if the play history data thus updated exceeds the predetermined threshold value data; and outputting voices from the speaker. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090209320 | ELECTRONIC AMUSEMENT DEVICE OFFERING SECONDARY GAME OF CHANCE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING SAME - An electronic amusement device and a method for operating the device are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, a slot machine server controls a secondary game of chance played at a client slot machine. The server receives a player identifier corresponding to a player and a client identifier corresponding to a client slot machine. The server retrieves registration data relating to a secondary game of chance corresponding to the player identifier and the client identifier. The server further receives an outcome from the client slot machine and analyzes the outcome based on game requirements associated with the secondary game of chance, thereby determining whether the outcome satisfies at least one of the game requirements. Once all of the game requirements have been satisfied, the server updates a session status indicating the completion of the game requirements. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090215515 | GAMING MACHINE - Methods for operating a gaming machine relate to gaming machines providing the option to initiate a deal which allows a dependency to be created between the results displayed during plays of a base game in the deal. The present invention, at least in some of its preferred forms, increases the player's anticipation and excitement during operation of the gaming machine. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090215516 | No chance preview - A player inserts his or her consideration or money into a gambling device, and makes his wager. The player can see the outcome of the play before he commits via button or window. Therefore removing the chance (chance the unknown or unpredictable element, according to Webster's dictionary). | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090215517 | Slot Machine And Playing Method Thereof - A slot machine of the present invention is provided with: a display device on which plural types of symbols are arranged and a plurality of paylines can be set; and a controller. The controller is operable to: randomly determine one payline from among the plurality of paylines; activate the determined payline on the display device; automatically rearrange plural types of symbols arranged on the display device; count the number of symbols of a same type, the symbols being rearranged on the set payline; and award prizes corresponding to the number of symbols counted on the payline. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090215518 | Gaming Machine - A game environment will be described. If a predetermined symbol is stopped, a polyhedron is displayed on a symbol display portion on which the symbol is stopped, and the polyhedron is rotated. After that, the same symbols are displayed on symbol display portions on which the polyhedrons are displayed. And, an award is additionally provided based on a combination of the stopped symbols. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090215519 | Gaming Machine - When specific symbols (for example, BELL symbols) are displayed, the specific symbols (BELL symbols) are stacked up from a lowest row of the symbol display portions. After that, the specific symbols are fixedly displayed on the symbol display portions. In the next game, symbols are variably displayed on the symbol display portions on which the specific symbols are not fixedly displayed. After that, symbols are stopped and displayed on the symbol display portions on which the specific symbols are not fixedly displayed. Also, an award corresponding to a winning combination is provided if a combination of the symbols displayed on the symbol display portions is the winning combination. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090215520 | Gaming Machine - When a predetermined number (for example, three) or more of specific symbols (for example, BELL symbol) are displayed, the reel is variably displayed on each of the symbol display portions on which the specific symbols are not displayed, meanwhile the specific symbols are fixedly displayed on each of the symbol display portions. After that, reels (symbols) are stopped and displayed on each of the symbol display portions on which the specific symbols were not displayed. Then, if a combination of symbols displayed on the symbol display portions correspond to the winning combination, an award corresponding to the winning combination will be provided to the player additionally. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090215521 | Gaming machine with multiple games having individual and combined paylines - A gaming machine is configured to present multiple individual games to a player. The individual games each have a plurality of symbol locations which display symbols to a user. The symbols displayed in the symbol locations corresponding to one or more primary paylines are compared to predetermined winning symbol combinations to declare a winning outcome. One or more secondary paylines corresponding to symbol locations in more than one of the individual games may be compared to the winning symbol combinations to declare a winning outcome as well. The winning symbol combinations may be defined and presented to players by a paytable. The primary and secondary paylines may be fixed or selected by the player and may constitute a bonus win having a higher payout. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090215522 | Gaming System Comprising a Plurality of Slot Machines and Method for Controlling Gaming Machine - A gaming system of the present invention is programmed to execute processes of: changing symbols arranged on a sub display in such a way as to scroll symbols in a lateral direction in a display zone comprising sub displays in the respective slot machines, the sub displays being connected laterally to one another; then stopping the changing of symbols at predetermined timing; and at this stoppage, providing an award on a basis of the symbol arranged on the sub display. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090215523 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SELECTIVELY INDICATING WIN PROBABILITY - Each play of a base game increases the likelihood of winning a bonus award. A display provides a graphical indication of the change in likelihood of winning the bonus award. In one aspect, the bonus award comprises the opportunity to play a secondary game. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090221344 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a plurality of reels, each reel comprising a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols, a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from each reel for display, a reel selector arranged to select at least one reel, a function allocator arranged to allocate a function to at least one selected reel such that each displayed symbol on said at least one selected reel acquires the function, and a game outcome generator arranged to determine a game outcome based on the displayed symbols and on the function allocated to said at least one selected reel. A corresponding method of gaming is also disclosed. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090221345 | Slot Machine And Playing Method Thereof - A slot machine of the present invention is provided with: a display device on which plural types of symbols are arranged and a plurality of paylines can be set; at least one input device; and a controller. The controller is operable to: determine one payline from among the plurality of paylines, based upon input information input from the input device; set on the display device such one payline which were determined; automatically rearrange the plural types of symbols arranged on the display device; count the number of symbols of a same type, the symbols being rearranged on such one payline which were set; and award prizes corresponding to the number of symbols counted in such one payline. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090221346 | Slot Machine And Playing Method Thereof - A slot machine of the present invention is provided with: a display device on which plural types of symbols are arranged and a plurality of paylines can be set; and a controller. The controller is operable to: randomly determine “n” paylines (n≧1) from among the plurality of paylines; set on the display device the determined “n” paylines; automatically rearrange the plural types of symbols arranged on the display device; count the number of symbols of a same type, the symbols being rearranged on the set “n” paylines; and award prizes corresponding to the counted number of symbols. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090221347 | Slot Machine And Playing Method Thereof - A slot machine of the present invention is provided with: a display device on which plural types of symbols are arranged and a plurality of paylines can be set; at least one input device; and a controller. The controller is operable to: determine “n” paylines (n=1) from among the plurality of paylines, based upon input information input from the input device; set on the display device such determined “n” paylines; automatically rearrange the plural types of symbols arranged on the display device; count the number of symbols of a same type, the symbols being rearranged on such set “n” paylines; and award prizes corresponding to the number of symbols counted in such “n” paylines. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090221348 | Slot Machine Providing Return Which Increases Player's Expectation And Playing Method Thereof - A countdown is performed, on condition that all kinds of animal symbols are rearranged without a payout. Then, a return is provided in the form of awarding a bonus payout, when the count-value reaches “0”. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090221349 | Gaming Machine Providing Chance Of Payout For Loss Game And Playing Method Thereof - A slot machine | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090221350 | Gaming Machine Using Special Symbol To Be Variably Displayed And Playing Method Thereof - A slot machine | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090221351 | Gaming Machine - A game environment will be described. A change symbol is determined by lottery, if a winning combination including the chance symbol is realized, a free game is shifted. Also, in the free game, a symbol display portion on which the chance symbol is displayed is held and reels are variably displayed on other symbol display portions. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090221352 | Gaming Machine - A game environment will be described. In a base game, if specific symbols are adjacently displayed longitudinally or laterally, the adjacently display symbols are combined. And, a free game is shifted. In the free game, reels are variably displayed in a condition the symbol display portions on which the combined symbol is displayed are held. Also, the specific can be WILD symbol. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090221353 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM AND A GAME CONTROLLER - A method of gaming comprising: selecting a plurality of symbols for display in a set of display positions on a display in each game round; initiating a series of one or more bonus game rounds conferring a special benefit on the player in response to a trigger condition being met; determining a game round outcome of whether to make an award to a player based on each game round; and ending the series of one or more bonus game rounds when less than a designated number of the displayed symbols in a subsequent game round is a bonus game symbol. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090221354 | GAMING MACHINE THAT CHANGES A DISPLAYED VIEW OF SYMBOLS - A method is described for use with a gaming machine that is arranged to provide a spinning reel game in which symbols are spun up on a plurality of reels, each reel having an associated sequence of symbols, and an award is awarded if a winning combination occurs. The method includes spinning the reels to provide a resultant reel configuration and displaying a symbol array from the resultant reel position in a reel display portion of a display. The award is awarded if the winning combination occurs in the reel display portion. The method includes replacing the displayed symbol array in the reel display portion with a further symbol array from the resultant reel configuration. The method may include a simulation of the symbol array shattering. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090221355 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF CONDUCTING A GAME OF CHANCE - Systems and methods of conducting a video game of chance are disclosed. The method includes the following steps:
| 09-03-2009 |
| 20090221356 | GAME APPARATUS, GAMING METHOD, AND GAME PROGRAM - A game apparatus is provided that determines an operation result based on a player's input operation with respect to an operation instruction and comprises: an operating unit that is divided into a plurality of subregions and that has at least one input region formed from some or all of the subregions; a region display pattern table | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090221357 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WAGERING BASED ON MULTIPLE FINANCIAL MARKET INDICATORS - A method for wagering, comprises receiving a bet regarding a spin of the reels of a slot machine. The method continues by determining a first symbol for a first reel of the slot machine based at least in part upon a first value and a second value. The first value is associated with a value of a digit of a first financial market indicator at a first point in time, and the second value is associated with the value of a digit of a second financial market indicator at the first point in time. The method continues by determining a second symbol for a second reel of the slot machine, and by determining a third symbol for a third reel of the slot machine. The method concludes by determining an outcome of the bet based at least in part upon the first symbol, the second symbol, and the third symbol. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090233676 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM AND A GAME CONTROLLER - A method of gaming includes: receiving an initiate play instruction from a player selected from a plurality of initiate play instructions; generating a game outcome in response to receipt of the initiate play instruction, generation of the game outcome including selecting a plurality of symbols for display in a set of display positions corresponding to a plurality of spinning reels set side by side; and evaluating the game outcome by evaluating the symbols at least two different combinations of display positions in accordance with at least one game rule, each combination consisting of one display position from each reel and the same evaluation being performed irrespective of the received initiate play instruction. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090233677 | Game System And Controlling Method Thereof - A game system of the present invention has a plurality of gaming machines capable of communicating with each other via a communication line. The plurality of gaming machines each have an input device operable to input an insurance BET. The plurality of gaming machines carry out the following processing. The plurality of gaming machines set a predetermined value to be shared among the plurality of gaming machines. The gaming machines count the insurance BET thus input and sum up the insurance BET number accumulated in the plurality of gaming machines. Then, the plural types of symbols displayed on the display are automatically re-arranged. The gaming machines count the number of times for a game on a one-game basis and at the same time, sums up the number of times for the game accumulated in the plurality of gaming machines. As a result of repeating a game, if it is judged that the total number of times for the game in the plurality of gaming machines has reached the predetermined value set in advance, a prize including the resulting total insurance BET is awarded to at least one gaming machine from among the plurality of gaming machines. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090233678 | Gaming System Having A Plurality Of Slot Machines Linked By Network And Control Method Thereof - A gaming system of the present invention comprises: plural slot machines each including a symbol display, and a controller; a control device having a processor; and a network, the controller programmed to execute the processing of executing repeatedly processing of stop-displaying the plurality of symbols after variably displaying to the symbol display, the processor programmed to execute the processing of counting cumulatively a number of a specific game in which the plurality of symbols stop-displayed to the symbol display of each slot machine or a combination of the plurality of symbols is in a specific state, and transmitting a payout signal to the slot machines when the number of the specific game has reached a predetermined number, and the controller further programmed to execute the processing of conducting a payout of game media when receiving the payout signal. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090233679 | Slot Machine Providing Return And Control Method Thereof - A slot machine according to the present invention comprises: a symbol display; and a controller programmed to execute the processing of shifting a mode to an insurance mode on condition that a game medium is inserted, stop-displaying plural symbols sequentially after variable display thereof, determining, in a state that only the last one symbol is variably displayed, whether or not a stopping state of the stop-displayed symbols satisfies a specific condition that may generate a payout of the game medium when the last one symbol is stop-displayed, counting numbers of specific games, in each of which the last one symbol is stop-displayed after the specific condition has been determined to be satisfied, for a plurality of the specific conditions respectively, after shifting the mode to the insurance mode, and paying out game media, when determining that any of the numbers of the specific games has reached the predetermined number. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090233680 | Slot Machine Providing Return And Control Method Thereof - A slot machine of the present invention comprises a controller programmed to execute processing of storing a specific stopping state inputted from an input device, shifting a mode to an insurance mode on condition that a game medium has been inserted, counting a number of a specific game, in which the stopping state of the symbols has been determined to be the stopping state not generating the payout of the game medium, when the last one symbol is stop-displayed after the stopping state of the stop-displayed symbols in a state that only the last one symbol is variably displayed has been determined to satisfy a specific condition that the stopping state when the last one symbol is stop-displayed could be the specific stopping state, and paying out the game media, when determining that the number of the specific game has reached the predetermined number. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090233681 | SLANT TOP GAMING CABINET WITH ADJUSTABLE ANGLE DISPLAY - A slant type gaming cabinet includes a housing having an operating member, a display tiltably supported in the housing and a linking device which links tilting movement of the display with an operation of the operating member. On the display, games such as roulette, keno, poker, bingo and lotto can be displayed. When the operating member is operated by a player, the display is tilted by the linking device in conjunction with the operation of the operating member. The operating member may be a rotating handle. Moreover, a button may be used as the operating member and the display may be tilted by an operation of a motor according to an operation of the button. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090233682 | GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine determines a plurality of symbols that will be stopped on the display by a first lottery. If the plurality of symbols that determined satisfy a predetermined condition, the gaming machine determines by a second lottery whether to change a first symbol to be stopped on the display into a second symbol with which a high payout is associated. After a plurality of symbols have been stopped on the display based on a result of the first lottery, the gaming machine changes the first symbol to the second symbol based on a result of the second lottery. Thereafter, the gaming machine awards a prize based on a plurality of symbols that have been stopped on the display. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090233683 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF GAMING - A method of gaming comprises a first step of selecting symbols appearing in a game event. The selected symbols are stored in a symbol store arranged to store a plurality of symbols. The symbol store is arranged such that, once a maximum number of symbols is reached, storage of a further symbol in the symbol store results in the removal of a stored symbol from the symbol store in accordance with a removal rule. A final step involves determining whether the stored symbols meet an award criterion. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090233684 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAME CONTROLLER AND A GAMING SYSTEM - A method of gaming comprising: selecting a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions; displaying a modifying symbol as moving relative to a plurality of the display positions; determining a stop display position at which the modifying symbol is to stop; modifying the displayed symbol at the stop display position with the modifying symbol; and determining whether the displayed symbols at the display positions after modification by the modifying symbol correspond to a win outcome. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090233685 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM AND A GAME CONTROLLER - A method of gaming comprising: selecting in each game round a plurality of symbols for display to a player in a set of display positions; superimposing a distorting element over one or more of the display positions so that one or more of the symbols can be modified, in response to determining that the distorting element should appear; and determining an outcome for each game round based on the selected symbols as modified by the distorting element. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090233686 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAME CONTROLLER AND A GAMING SYSTEM - A method of gaming comprising: selecting a plurality of symbols and displaying the symbols at a plurality of display positions on a display; determining whether there is a match between a first subset of symbols at a first subset of the display positions and a second subset of symbols at a second subset of the display positions based on at least one matching rule, the first and second subsets of display positions having the same number of display positions; and taking at least one designated action if a match is determined. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090233687 | Slot Machine - A slot machine according to the present invention includes a display device for displaying a symbol display region having a first display region and a second display region; an input device for accepting input of a side-BET; a memory for storing image data concerning plural types of symbols; and a controller for controlling the display device and the input device. The controller reads from the image data concerning the symbols stored in the memory, image data concerning symbols to be combined under condition of the input of the side-BET; scales down the symbols of the image data so as to display the symbols in a region for displaying a single symbol; generate image data concerning a complex symbol based on the image data concerning the scaled-down symbols; rearrange the complex symbol in the first display region and the symbol in accordance with the image data concerning the plural types of symbols in the second display region; and selectively execute a plurality of bonus games in accordance with a type of a combination of the complex symbol and the single symbol in the case where the combination is a predetermined one. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090233688 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system is disclosed which includes a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions, a win criterion selector arranged to facilitate selection by a player of at least one win criterion from a plurality of win criteria, and an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether the selected symbols correspond to a winning outcome. The system also includes a prize allocator arranged to allocate a prize to a player when a winning outcome exists and to allocate a different prize to the player when the selected symbols satisfy the selected win criterion. A corresponding method is also disclosed. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090233689 | Slot Machine - When a game mode is shifted from a base game to a free game, if a symbol of “APPLE” is rearranged in a symbol display frame | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090233690 | Gaming Machine - A gaming machine executes a second game based on game result of a first game. The second game is composed of a plurality of unit free games. In the second game, the gaming machine presents a plurality of options to the player, when the unit free game is executed predetermined times. At this time, the gaming machine identifies a language to be used by the player based on speech input by the player. Then, the gaming machine provides the player with information based on a game history related to the selection of option. The information based on a game history is expressed in the language to be used by the player. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090233691 | Slot Machine - When a free game is finished, a chance game that determines whether or not the free game is executed again is executed. In the chance game, if the number of re-trigger symbols in a symbol display frame | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090233692 | Slot Machine - Each payout amount display frame Q | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090233693 | Gaming Machine With Composite Symbols - A gaming machine for providing a game based on a wager, the gaming machine comprising a user interface in communication with a game controller. The game controller is adapted to select and display a plurality of game symbols on a display, the plurality of game symbols selected from a set of game symbols, and the gaming machine is further adapted to award an award if a winning combination of game symbols occurs. The set of game symbols includes a plurality of special symbols, each special symbol associated with a special symbol attribute. The set of game symbols further includes at least one composite symbol, the or each composite symbol associated with a composite attribute, the composite attribute composed of two or more special symbol attributes. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090233694 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM AND A GAME CONTROLLER - A method of gaming including: displaying to a player a potential award and an indicator having an indicator state when active during play of a game; changing the indicator state in response to play of the game; changing the potential award in response to play of the game; and awarding the potential award which is displayed when the indicator state is an award state. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090239606 | SLOT MACHINE WITH WILD SYMBOL FEATURE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - In a slot machine, symbols are scrolled in plural display areas provided on a display at an execution of a slot game and then stopped in the display areas respectively. Furthermore, if a “JOKER” symbol has come to a stop in a central display area, a “WILD” symbol(s) displayed in the remaining display areas is activated. If a “JOKER” symbol has not come to a stop in the central display area, a “WILD” symbol(s) displayed in the remaining display areas is deactivated. Therefore, since dividends may vary largely according to a symbol displayed in the central display area, a slot machine producing a superior entertainment feature with a “WILD” symbol can be provided. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239607 | Gaming Machine Executing A Bonus Game And Control Method Thereof - According to the above gaming machine of the present invention, a plurality of kinds of rearrangement pattern data showing symbols rearranged during a bonus game or combination patterns of those symbols, and a plurality of kinds of effect pattern data for use in executing an effect are previously stored in a memory, each of the rearrangement pattern data and the effect pattern data being corresponded to a total payout amount in the bonus game. Also, the total payout amount in the bonus game is determined, and the rearrangement pattern data and the effect pattern data corresponding to the determined total payout amount are selected. In the bonus game, symbols are rearranged based on the selected rearrangement pattern data, while an effect based on the selected effect pattern data is executed. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239608 | Gaming Machine Executing A Bonus Game And Control Method Thereof - According to the gaming machine of the present invention, a total payout amount in a bonus game is determined by determining a rearrangement pattern showing symbols to be rearranged in each of unit games constituting the bonus game or a combination of the symbols, and then calculating the payout amount in each of the unit games based on the rearrangement pattern and summing the payout amount in all of the unit games. Subsequently, an effect pattern data corresponding to the total payout amount is selected from a plurality of kinds of effect pattern data stored in a memory. In the bonus game, the symbols are rearranged based on the determined rearrangement pattern data and then an effect based on the selected effect pattern data is executed. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239609 | Gaming Machine Executing A Bonus Game And Control Method Thereof - According to the gaming machine of the present invention, a total payout amount is determined in a bonus game in which a unit game is played over a plurality of times, the unit game determining a payout based on symbols or a combination of the symbols that have been rearranged and displayed to a display. In each of the unit games constituting the bonus game, the symbols are rearranged in a manner that the payout amount to be offered is equal to or less than a remaining payout amount obtained by subtracting a total amount of payout having been offered up to the time in the bonus game from the above-determined total payout amount. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239610 | Interactive Feature Game - A gaming machine comprises a display, a game player input means and a game controller arranged to control images displayed on the display. The game controller controls play of a game in which a winning game result causes a prize to be awarded to a game player. The game comprises an interactive sequence related to a tournament in which a representation of a first video-player of one team is displayed. An action of the first video-player to be executed is selected by the game player via the game player input means and the game controller selects an action to be performed by another video-player. Depending on an outcome resulting from the selected actions, an award is made to the game player. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239611 | Gaming Machine And Control Method Thereof - A gaming machine is provided with a plurality of balls B, B . . . , on which plural kinds of symbols are arranged, respectively. Each of the balls B is rotatably supported by a ball receptacle | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239612 | Gaming Machine And Control Method Thereof - In a gaming machine, platy members | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239613 | GAMING MACHINE HAVING EFFECT CORRESPONDING TO AWARD TO BE PROVIDED FOR SPECIAL GAME AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF - In a gaming machine, a unit game causing arranged symbols to be rearranged is displayed on a display. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, a special game including a predetermined number of the unit games is displayed on the display. Additionally, a total amount of payout to be provided to a player when the special game is executed, a symbol rearrangement pattern in the predetermined number of unit games for providing the total amount of payout, and contents of an effect corresponding to the total amount of payout to be provided to the player are determined before start of the special game. Moreover, the contents of the effect previously determined and the predetermined number of unit games according to the symbol rearrangement pattern previously determined are displayed on the display during the special game. Furthermore, after the special game including the predetermined number of unit games is executed, the total amount of payout previously determined are provided to the player. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239614 | Slot Machine Having Special Symbol And Control Method Thereof - A slot machine of the present invention comprises: a display for arranging thereto a normal symbol and a special symbol having a plurality of payout patterns each with a payout number indicative of a payout value or with an odds number indicative of payout odds; and a controller programmed to execute processing of (B) stop-displaying the payout patterns having been variably displayed, in the case that the special symbol has been rearranged to the display, and (D) determining an amount of special payout based on the payout number and the odds number on the payout pattern stop-displayed in the processing (B). | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239615 | Slot Machine Having Special Symbol And Control Method Thereof - A slot machine of the present invention comprises: a display for arranging thereto a normal symbol and a special symbol having a plurality of payout patterns each associated with a payout value; and a controller programmed to execute processing of (B) stop-displaying the payout patterns having been variably displayed, in the case that the special symbol has been rearranged to the display, and (D) determining an amount of special payout based on a type of the payout pattern stop-displayed in the processing (B). | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239616 | Slot Machine Capable Of Changing Odds And Control Method Thereof - A slot machine of the present invention comprises a symbol display capable of stop-displaying an odds-change symbol. An amount of payout is determined, when the odds-change symbol has been stop-displayed, based on special odds different from normal odds, in a game subsequent to the game in which the odds-change symbol has been stop-displayed. Namely the odds are changed. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239617 | Slot Machine - A slot machine of the present invention has a controller for controlling a display device, an input device, and a display unit. The controller is operable to: (a) store in the memory a predetermined combination of the input numbers via the input device; (b) execute a process of displaying the combination of the numbers stored in the memory on the display unit; (c) execute a basic game; (d) rearrange in the display region the plurality of symbols with a plurality of numbers assigned thereto during the basic game; (e) pay out a payment in a case where a combination of the rearranged symbols is a predetermined combination; and (f) pay out a payment, in a case where a combination of numbers assigned to the symbols rearranged on a winning line of the display region coincides with the combination of numbers stored in the memory. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239618 | Slot Machine - A slot machine includes a display device having a symbol display region for displaying plural types of symbols; a memory for storing data relating to a plurality of display images for displaying a remaining number of frames to arrange symbols displayed on the display region, in a predetermined combination on a winning line; and a controller for controlling the display device and the memory The controller is programmed to: rearrange the plural types of symbols in the symbol display region; detect the remaining number of frames to rearrange the symbols making up a winning combination on the winning line at the time of the rearrangement; read out of the memory, the data relating to the display image corresponding to the detected remaining number of frames, in the case where the arranged symbols do not form the predetermined combination on the winning line; and display on a predetermined display region the remaining number of frames to arrange the symbols displayed on the display region, in the predetermined combination on the winning line. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239619 | GAMING MACHINE PERFORMING NEW GAME BY USING CONTENTS AND PRIZE OF GAME OF PLURAL GAME TERMINALS AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF - A gaming machine | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239620 | Gaming Machine And Playing Method Thereof, Which Qualifies Player To Join Special Game Through Chance Game Run At The Same Time Base Game Is Run - A gaming terminal comprises: a base game offering a chance of winning a payout according to a predetermined combination; a chance game offering a chance of obtaining a chance flag which qualifies a player to join a special game offering a chance of winning a higher payout than the base game; a terminal storage unit storing the number of chance flags; a terminal display which displays images of the base game, the chance game, and the special game; a count unit that increases/decreases a count value under a first predetermined condition; and a terminal controller. The terminal controller runs the base game and the chance game at the same time; determines and awards a payout according to a result of the base game; determines and awards the number of chance flags according to a result of the chance game; causes the count unit to increase/decrease a count value when the first predetermined condition is fulfilled; awards the chance flag when the count value reaches a predetermined value; accumulatively stores in the terminal storage unit the number of chance flags awarded; and awards a payout determined according to a result of the special game which is run when the number of the chance flags stored in the terminal storage unit equals or surpasses a predetermined value. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239621 | GAMING MACHINE PERFORMING NEW GAME BY USING CONTENTS AND PRIZE OF GAME OF PLURAL GAME TERMINALS AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF - A gaming machine includes a common display; terminal devices; a mother board and a central control board. The common display arranges symbols in a matrix. Each of the terminal devices has a lower image display panel which arranges symbols in a matrix, and a side-bet button which selects to participate in a game played on the common display. The terminal device rearranges the symbols in the matrix and runs a game to award a payout in accordance with a relation among the rearranged symbols. The mother board and the central control board are configured to: rearrange the symbols in the matrix; award a base payout; accumulatively store a base payout; rearrange predetermined symbols; rearrange the predetermined symbols thus rearranged; and award a portion of the base payouts accumulatively stored in the terminal devices, to the terminal devices selected, in accordance with a relation among the rearranged symbols. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239622 | Gaming System With Common Display And Control Method Of Gaming System - A gaming system of the present invention includes: a plurality of gaming machines; and a common display device connected to the gaming machines; wherein each of the gaming machines has: a display device, which displays a plurality of symbols; a controller, which executes a process of rearranging symbols arranged on the display device, after a gaming medium is betted, and executing a first game of making a payment according to the rearranged symbols and a process of transferring to a second game which is different from the first game while it is triggered that a predetermined condition is met; a communication interface, which notifies an execution state of the second game to the common display device, and the common display device has: a communication interface, which receives notification from each of the gaming machine; a memory, which stores an effect image relating to the second game and an explanatory image explaining contents of the second game; and a control, which executes a process of judging whether or not the second game is started at each of the gaming machines, based upon the notification from each of the gaming machines, a process of displaying the explanatory image stored in the memory while the second game is started at each of the gaming machines, and process of displaying an effect image stored in the memory in place of the explanatory image. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239623 | GAMING MACHINE PERFORMING NEW GAME BY USING CONTENTS OF GAME OF PLURAL GAME TERMINALS AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF - A gaming machine | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239624 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A method of gaming comprising: (a) selecting a plurality of symbols from a source symbol set to form a selected symbol set for display at a plurality of display positions, the source symbol set comprising at least one removable symbol and at least one designated symbol different to each removable symbol; and if a removal condition is met, the removal condition including at least that the selected symbol set includes at least one designated symbol within the display positions; (b) removing at least one removable symbol from the source symbol set from which it was selected to form a modified source symbol set; (c) selecting at least one symbol from the modified source symbol set to form a modified selected symbol set; and (d) determining whether to make an award based on the modified selected symbol set. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239625 | GAMING MACHINE WHICH DISPLAYS A START TIMING OF A SPECIAL GAME AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF - The gaming machine | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239626 | Slot Machine Capable of Keeping Constant Order or Constant Tempo of Stopping Rotation Reels - A slot machine of the present invention comprises a plurality of rotation reels rotatably installed in a casing; an input device operable by a player; a memory for storing stop positions of the plurality of the rotation reels in a previous game; and a controller, the controller programmed to execute processing of (A) determining the stop positions of the plurality of the rotation reels conditionally on an input from the input device, (B) stopping each of the rotation reels in rotation at the stop position determined in the processing (A), according to the stop position of each of the plurality of the rotation reels in the previous game preliminary stored in the memory and the stop position of each of the rotation reels in a present game determined in the processing (A). | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239627 | Gaming Machine Performing New Game by Using Contents of Game of Plural Game Terminals and Playing Method Thereof - A gaming machine includes a common display, terminal devices and a controller. The common display arranges symbols in a matrix of arrangement areas. The terminal devices arrange symbols in a matrix of arrangement areas and rearrange symbols in arrangement areas on the terminal displays and run games to award base payouts based on relationships among the rearranged symbols. The controller rearranges symbols on the terminal devices, awards base payouts based on the relationship among the symbols, allows selection, on a line basis, of symbols rearranged in the arrangement areas for a predetermined time, and awards a bonus payout in accordance with the relationship among the symbols on the common display. If the symbols are selected within the predetermined time, the controller rearranges the lines of symbols in the common display. If not, the controller randomly rearranges the lines of symbols on the common display. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239628 | Gaming System with Common Display and Control Method of Gaming System - A gaming system of the present invention includes: a plurality of gaming machines; and a common display device connected to the gaming machines, each of the gaming machines, comprising: a display device for displaying a plurality of symbols; a controller, which performs processes of: (a) executing a base game in which symbols arranged on the display device are rearranged after a gaming medium has been betted, and thereafter a payment is made in accordance with the rearranged symbols; (b) counting number of times of executing the base game; (c) causing the display device to display a countdown effect image stored in a memory, while the counted number of times of executing the base game reaches a second predetermined value after reaching a first predetermined value; and (d) transferring the base game to a free game executed without betting a gaming medium, in a case where the number of times of executing the base game reaches the second predetermined value; and a communication interface for notifying to the common display the controller-counted number of times of executing the base game, the common display device, comprising: a communication interface for receiving notification from each of the gaming machines; a memory for storing a countdown effect image for each of the gaming machines; and a controller, which performs processes of: (a′) judging whether or not there exist a plurality of gaming machines at which number of times of executing the base game reaches the first predetermined value, based upon the number of times of executing the base game, which is notified from each of the gaming machine; and (b′) preferentially displaying a countdown effect image for a gaming machine with a smaller number of times of executing the base game, which is to be executed until a transfer to the free game. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239629 | Gaming Machine Which Awards Payout of Rank According to Execution Result of Special Game and Playing Method Thereof - In the gaming machine | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239630 | Gaming Machine Which Displays Effect That Responded to the Number of Rights of a Lottery of a Special Game and Playing Method Thereof - In the gaming machine | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239631 | Wagering Game With Symbols Forming An Altered Array or Secondary Array - A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes an input device for receiving a wager to play a wagering game. The gaming system further includes a primary display ( | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239632 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAME CONTROLLER AND A GAMING SYSTEM - A method of gaming comprising: generating game outcomes for game rounds by selecting symbols for display at a plurality of display positions on a display, the display positions being divided into a plurality of subsets of display positions and the selection of symbols for each subset of display positions being made from different ones of a plurality of symbol sets; and making a modification to generation of the game outcome for at least one subsequent game round in response to determining that a condition is met, the modification comprising causing a designated set of symbols to be displayed for one of the subsets of display positions while continuing to select symbols for the other subsets. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239633 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - The present invention relates to a gaming system and a method of gaming that includes a wheel game. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239634 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM AND A GAME CONTROLLER - A method of gaming comprising: selecting in at least one game round a plurality of symbols for display to a player in a set of display positions; modifying the displayed symbols copying each symbol in an original subset of the display positions to at least one clone subset of the display positions which is identical to or laterally displaced from the original subset, in response to determining that a subset of the symbols should be cloned; and determining an outcome based on the modified symbols. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239635 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - Gaming system(s) and/or method(s) are provided to implement a game including a first game and a second game. A gaming system includes a game controller arranged to control operation of a first game and a second game, and a display arranged to display representations of play of the second game. The representations include a selector having a plurality of outcome indicating parts and an indicator. The game controller is arranged to determine a second game outcome for the second game and control the indicator to indicate the outcome indicating part associated with the second game outcome. The second game outcome is dependent on operation of the first game. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239636 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A SECONDARY GAME IN CONJUNCTION WITH A PRIMARY GAME - The present invention discloses a computerized gaming system configured to support operating at least one secondary game in conjunction with a primary game and a method of operating thereof. The method of operating comprises activating a primary game based on simulating rotation of reels; activating a secondary game based on simulating rotation of reels; in response to a predefined player's input, providing a simulation of rotation of reels in the primary game thus giving rise to a primary spin; upon completion of the primary spin, automatically initiating and providing a simulation of rotation of reels in the secondary game thus giving rise to a secondary spin; generating one or more results for the primary game in accordance with the primary spin; generating one or more results for the secondary game in accordance with the secondary spin; and displaying the respective results. The results generated in accordance with the secondary spin are independent from the results generated in accordance with the primary spin. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239637 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM AND A GAME CONTROLLER - A method of gaming comprising: selecting a set of symbols for display to a player in a set of display positions corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of reels; determining a game round outcome based on the selected symbols; determining that a feature game round should occur; and determining a feature game round outcome by determining an optimal winning combination of symbols from a feature subset of the set of symbols comprising more symbols than the number of reels. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239638 | Gaming Machine Executing Feature Game Corresponding to Arrangement of Trigger Symbol Thereof - A gaming machine includes a basic game and a plurality of feature games that are executed in a case where a predetermined condition is satisfied in the basic game. A CPU determines whether at least a predetermined number of trigger symbols are included among symbols rearranged in a symbol display regions. In a case where at least the predetermined number of trigger symbols is displayed, the CPU executes a feature game corresponding to the number and the positions of the displayed trigger symbols. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239639 | Gaming Machine Capable Of Multiplying Award By Rearranging Specific Symbols Consecutively In A Free Game - A gaming machine | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239640 | Slot Machine Capable Of Displaying Special Picture Consisting Of A Plurality Of Picture Pieces And Control Method Thereof - According to a slot machine of the present invention, special symbols may be stop-displayed to a symbol display. Each of the special symbols shows a picture piece for forming a predetermined picture. In a case where the picture pieces shown in the special symbols stop-displayed in a predetermined display area in the symbol display form the predetermined picture, a feature game is generated. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239641 | Gaming Machine Capable of Selecting a Feature Game to be Executed When Accepting an Additional Bet, and Control Method Thereof - A CPU of a gaming machine can accept a side bet, in addition to a bet for a basic game. In a case where the side bet is accepted, a selection screen is displayed on a liquid crystal display, which allows a selection of a feature game that is executed in a case where a predetermined condition is met in the basic game. After receiving the player's selection of a feature game from a plurality of feature games, the CPU executes the selected feature game. On the contrary, in a case where no side bet has been made, the CPU randomly selects and executes a feature game. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239642 | Slot Machine Offering Special Award And Control Method Thereof - According to a slot machine of the present invention, the first special award is offered in the case that the specific symbol is not stop-displayed in a game, is stop-displayed in the next game, and is not stop-displayed again in the following game, that is, in the case that the specific symbol is not stop-displayed in the successive games. On the other hand, the second special award is offered in the case that the specific symbol is stop-displayed in successive games. The second special award is larger than the first special award. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239643 | SLOT MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A slot machine executes a slot game in a following manner. First, the slot machine receives an external input, then rearranges symbols arranged in a display region, and awards a winning if a predetermined number of symbols of a predetermined type are displayed. In the rearrangement of the symbols, a display is controlled so as to change targeted-symbol display regions according to the amount of bet received by a bet switch. The targeted-symbol display regions are targeted for counting a number of symbols of the predetermined type. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239644 | Slot Machine Executing Free Game and Control Method Thereof - According to the slot machine of the present invention, a free game is executed as triggered by establishment of a predetermined condition in a normal game. A bonus is executed when a specific condition is established before competing execution of the free game. At this time, state data indicating a state of the free game is stored in a memory. The free game is executed based on the state data after completing execution of the bonus game. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239645 | Gaming System For Playing Common Game In Groups And Control Method Thereof - A gaming system includes a plurality of gaming machines and a control device connected to the gaming machines. Each of the gaming machines has: a display device, which displays a plurality of symbols; a controller, which performs a process of rearranging symbols arranged on the display devices after gaming mediums are betted, and thereafter, executing a base game in which a payment is made in accordance with the rearranged symbols; and a communication interface, which transmits information pertinent to the betted gaming mediums to the control device, together with information for identifying a transmission source. The control device has: a memory, which stores identification information for identifying a gaming machine participated in a common game executed simultaneously in groups and identification information for identifying a group to which the gaming machine belongs in association with each other; a communication interface, which receives information transmitted from each of the gaming machines; and a controller, which executes a process of specifying a group to which a transmission source of information received by the communication interface, based upon the information stored in the memory and a process of accumulatively summing up a reserved amount by the specified group, and then, storing the sum in the memory in order to reserve part of the gaming mediums betted at the gaming machine as the transmission source in groups to which the gaming machines belong. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239646 | Gaming Machine And Control Method Of Gaming Machine - A gaming machine includes: a plurality of first video reels | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239647 | Slot Machine - A slot machine according to the present invention includes a display device having a first display region for displaying a symbol, a second display region for displaying a payout symbol, and a third display region for displaying a magnification symbol; a memory for memorizing two tables, one for storing identification data of the payout symbol and payout data corresponding to the payout symbol, and the other for storing identification data of the magnification symbol and magnification data corresponding to the magnification symbol; and a controller for controlling the display device and the memory. The controller randomly rearranges the symbol, the payout symbol, and the magnification symbol in the first, the second, and the third display regions, respectively. The controller awards payout determined by multiplying the payout data corresponding to the payout symbol rearranged in the second display region by the magnification data corresponding to the magnification symbol rearranged in the third display region. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239648 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ALTERING GAMING DEVICE CONFIGURATION RESPONSIVE TO INFORMATION RELATED TO A PLAYER OF THE GAMING DEVICE - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and apparatus for operating a gaming device having at least one winning event and at least one related award that is generated according to a set of rules associated with the game. The game is driven to present a predefined winning outcome and an award is generated as if the winning event and award were generated according to the rules. Also provided are rules and/or conditions for determining when to generate the predefined wining event, including rules that take into account player value to the casino and game volatility preference. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090239649 | Gaming Machine Which is Likely to Increase Player's Expectation for Bonus Game and Playing Method Thereof - When a game-number addition symbol is rearranged in arrangement areas, a value determined based on the number of game-number addition symbols rearranged is added to a bonus game-number. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, executed is a bonus game of which scale depends on the bonus game-number. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090247261 | Slot Machine - A slot machine according to the present invention includes: a display device having a symbol display region for displaying a plural types of symbols; a casing; a side wall making up part of the casing, formed with an opening in a predetermined shape; a light emitting device provided inside the casing, at a position corresponding to the opening formed in the side wall; a memory for storing a plurality of light emission patterns of the light emitting device; and a controller for controlling the display device, the light emitting device, and the memory. The controller rearranges the plural types of symbols in the symbol display region during the basic game; award a payout in accordance with a predetermined combination, in the case where symbols displayed on the symbol display region are arranged in the predetermined combination; and reads the light emission patterns stored in the memory, and control the light emitting device to emit light in accordance with the read light emission pattern. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090247262 | SLOT MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A slot machine executes a slot game in a following manner. First, the slot machine receives an external input, then rearranges symbols arranged in a display region, and awards a winning if a predetermined number of symbols of a predetermined type are displayed. In the rearrangement of the symbols, if the amount of bet received by the bet switch is minimum, a display is controlled so that a minimum number of columns within symbol display regions are displayed as targeted-symbol display regions being targeted for counting the number of symbols of a predetermined type. Accordingly, the slot machine can produce such an effect that a larger amount of bet will lead to a more advantageous award, and thus can attract players' interests concerning betting actions, thereby improving entertainment properties. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090247263 | GAMING MACHINE WITH PROGRESSIVE FEATURE FOR PAYLINES AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF - A slot machine executes a slot game by rearranging symbols that are arranged in multiple partitioned regions in a matrix including first to fifth columns and first to third rows. There are multiple paylines in these partitioned regions in the matrix. A player selects and specifies some of these paylines to be bet with game media. By betting the game media on each of the specified paylines, those paylines are activated in the slot game. When the rearranged symbols form a winning combination on any of the activated paylines, the player receives an award. Moreover, the slot machine performs a process to decide an award content for a progressive bonus along execution of the slot game in which the player bets the game media on all the paylines or a predetermined number or more of the paylines. The process to decide the award content for the progressive bonus may also be performed when the slot games in which the player bets the game media on all the paylines or the predetermined number or more of the paylines are executed continuously a predetermined number of times. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090247264 | GAMING MACHINE AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF - A gaming machine executes a slot game using all of a plurality of kinds of planet symbols and card symbols as scatter symbols, and displays rearranged symbols in partitioned regions on a display. When the rearranged symbols include a predetermined number or more of the planet symbols of the same kind, a payout is generated in the slot game. Moreover, when the rearranged symbols form a special combination in which the planet symbols of different kinds from each other are arranged in a cross or linear pattern, a jackpot bonus payout is generated. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090247265 | SLOT MACHINE ENABLING PLAYER TO EASILY RECOGNIZE GAP FROM ANOTHER PLAYER IN TERMS REQUIRED BET AMOUNT IN GAME, AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF - A slot machine, which runs a base game offering a chance of winning a payout according to a predetermined combination and a special game offering a chance of winning a higher payout than the base game, awards a payout according to the number of scatter symbols rearranged in an arrangement area of a matrix of one or more columns and one or more rows, runs the special game when a predetermined number or more of specific scatter symbols, among the rearranged scatter symbols, are rearranged, and sets a required bet amount of the special game run, according to the number of the specific scatter symbols rearranged. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090247266 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system is disclosed which includes a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols which correspond to at least one winning symbol combination when the symbol combination coincides with a win line, and to display the symbols at a plurality of display positions. The system also includes a win line selector arranged to automatically select at least one win line from a plurality of available win lines, and an outcome evaluator arranged to determine that a winning outcome exists when a selected symbol combination coincides with a selected win line. A corresponding method is also disclosed. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090247267 | BONUS WITH PROXIMITY OF OCCURRENCE RELATED TO BASE GAME OUTCOMES OR PAYBACK PERCENTAGE - Each play of a base game increases the likelihood of winning a bonus award. A display provides a graphical indication of the change in likelihood of winning the bonus award. In one aspect, the bonus award comprises the opportunity to play a secondary game. In another aspect, winning the bonus award may be based on payback percentage or outcomes of the base game. In yet another aspect, the timing of the next bonus award can be configured, or otherwise based on one or more conditions. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090247268 | Gaming Machine - In a slot machine, once a player indicates the bet amount with respect to a “continuous game”, one or a plurality of “continuous games” including unit games that are executed by the number of times which can be indicated by the player is specified through the bet amount with respect to the “continuous game” indicated by the player and the minimum bet amount with respect to a unit game which can be set by the player. Thereafter, the operation with respect to all buttons corresponding to the “continuous game” thus specified is validated. The player operates any of the buttons thus validated, whereby the “continuous game”, which is constituted of unit games executed by the number of times indicated by the player through the above-mentioned operation, is executed. Then, the bet amount with respect to the “continuous game” indicated by the player is evenly allocated to each unit game constituting the “continuous game” indicated by the player. Incidentally, the bet amount which was left after the bet amount has been evenly allocated with respect to each unit game constituting the “continuous game” is returned to the player. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090247269 | SLOT MACHINE HAVING FEATURE IN SETTING SEQUENCE IN WHICH SYMBOLS ARE REARRANGED ON DEFINED AREAS TO SPECIFIC SEQUENCE PATTERN AND CONTROL METHOD OF THE SLOT MACHINE - A slot machine scrolls symbols on a plurality of defined areas provided on a display at a time of executing a slot game, and thereafter, rearranges symbols on the respective defined areas. In the case where a rearrangement pattern in which the symbols are rearranged on the defined areas is a pattern corresponding to provision of an award, the slot machine sets a sequence in which the symbols are rearranged thereon to a specific sequence pattern. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090247270 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF GAMING - A method of populating symbol spaces on a gaming device includes providing a plurality of designated spaces arranged to display a plurality of symbols, wherein one of the designated spaces is populated with a symbol from the plurality of symbols by moving the symbol from an initial location, to a final location within the designated space, wherein the game outcome is at least partly dependent on the final location of the symbol. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090247271 | GAMING MACHINE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A BONUS AWARD - A game device and a method allow a player to play a game on the gaming machine. The gaming machine has a main display and a user interface. The game has a main game and a bonus game. The method includes the steps of (i) allowing the player to place a wager on the main game, (ii) playing the main game and randomly establishing a result of the main game, and (iii) awarding the player an award as a function of a paytable if the result of the main game is a win. The method further includes the steps of (iv) detecting an appearance of a predetermined bonus trigger symbol during the play of the main game and responsively, randomly selecting a bonus symbol from a set of bonus symbols, repeating steps (i)-(iv), and awarding the player a bonus award if a predetermined number of unique bonus symbols are selected. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090247272 | Gaming Machine With Feature Concept And Playing Method Thereof - A gaming machine | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090247273 | Method of Gaming, A Gaming System and a Game Controller - A method of gaming comprising conducting one or more paid game rounds initiated in response to the payment of a wager by a player and a series of one or more free game rounds initiated in response to a free game series trigger event, the method comprising: in each paid game round, selecting a set of paid game round symbols for display to the player, determining a paid game round outcome based on the selected symbols, and incrementing a jackpot by a paid game jackpot increment; in each free game round, selecting a set of free game round symbols for display to the player, determining a free game round outcome based on the selected symbols, and incrementing the jackpot by a free game jackpot increment; and awarding the jackpot on the occurrence of a jackpot award event. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090247274 | Gaming Machine Having Input Device Starting Special Game And Playing Method Thereof - A slot machine | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090247275 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF VARYING A JACKPOT GAME OUTCOME - A jackpot triggering method for symbol-driven jackpot awarding techniques comprises determining the amount of credit bet by a player on the commencement of game play. Whether a substitute symbol substitutes for a particular jackpot symbol varies depending on the amount of credit bet by the player and in turn affects the probability of a jackpot being awarded. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090247276 | Slot Machine - A slot machine according to the present invention includes: a plurality of reels having thereon plural types of symbols set in array; a display device having a symbol matrix display region having therein the plurality of symbols set in array on the reel, and a symbol image display region for displaying a symbol image of a symbol not arranged in the symbol matrix display image; a memory storing symbol image data relating to symbols identical or similar to the plural types of symbols set in array on the reel, and reel image data relating to a reel having a reel shape; and a controller for controlling the reels, the display device, and the memory. The controller is programmed to: rearrange the plural types of symbols in the symbol matrix display region; read out of the memory the reel image data and symbol image data corresponding to the symbol not arranged in the symbol matrix display region; and display in the symbol image display region, the reel image in which the symbol image is filled in the reel image having the reel shape, in a manner to correspond to display on the symbol matrix display region. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090247277 | Wagering Game Providing A Progressive Award Having An Actual Value Determined By Follow-Up Game Play - A gaming system includes a progressive award having game play and an actual value. The game play has at least one variable element and an expected value that is representative of a value amount that should be won by the player, on average in the long term, via the game play. At least one controller is operative to change a state of the variable element based on received wager inputs at a plurality of gaming terminals such that the expected value of the game play increases as the state of the variable element changes. The state of the variable element is displayed on a display device and, in response to a progressive triggering event, game play is awarded, but not the actual value. The game play is conducted based on the variable element in its current state to determine the actual value, which is awarded to the player. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090253483 | Wagering Game System with Community Gaming System - A gaming system for playing a wagering game and a community-event includes a plurality of gaming machines configured to participate in a community-event game. A controller is configured to determine eligibility of each of the plurality of gaming machines to play a community-event. At least one of the plurality of gaming machines is configured to determine a randomly selected community-event outcome for a community-event and to transmit a signal related to the community-event outcome to an eligible gaming machine. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090253484 | SLOT MACHINE WITH REPLICATING SYMBOL FEATURE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - In a slot machine, symbols are scrolled in plural display areas provided on a display at an execution of a slot game and then stopped in the display areas respectively. Furthermore, if a directing symbol containing a base symbol and an arrow has come to a stop in the display areas, the same base symbols as the base symbol contained in the directing symbol are displayed in the display areas positioned in the direction pointed by the arrow of the directing symbol. Therefore, since expectations for more awards are raised by a directing symbol (s) appearing, the slot machine with a superior entertainment feature can be provided. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090253485 | Gaming System Having Large Display and Plural Gaming Machines - The gaming system of the present invention comprises: a plurality of gaming machines; a single pedestal having an installation surface for installing the gaming machines; a supporting member provided such that a first end thereof is supported by the pedestal and the second end thereof is oriented upwardly; a common image display having an internal space inside thereof, having openings communicated with external air respectively at an upper portion and a bottom portion thereof, and being supported by the second end side of the supporting member. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090253486 | Gaming system having large display and plural gaming machines - The gaming system of the present invention comprises: a common image display having a common-image-display cabinet provided with an opening over substantially the entire front surface thereof, and a common flat display panel portion that is provided in the opening, and allowing the common flat display panel portion to rotate upwardly and downwardly with respect to the floor surface with a hinge as a shaft by having an upper end of the common flat display panel portion mounted on an upper end of a front surface of the common-image-display cabinet via the hinge. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090253487 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING ALTERNATE WAGERING GAME CONFIGURATIONS - A method of playing a wagering game comprises permitting a first configuration of the wagering game to be played via a gaming terminal, detecting a loss of communication between the gaming terminal and a server, and in response to detecting the loss of communication, permitting a second configuration of the wagering game to be played via the gaming terminal. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090253488 | SLOT MACHINE HAVING FEATURE IN LINKING DISPLAY CONTENTS OF SYMBOLS WITH ONE ANOTHER AND VARIABLE DISPLAY OPERATIONS OF SYMBOLS WITH ONE ANOTHER AND CONTROL METHOD OF THE SLOT MACHINE - A slot machine scrolls symbols on a plurality of defined areas provided on a display at a time of executing a slot game, and thereafter rearranges the symbols on the respective defied areas. In a case where a trigger symbol is rearranged on a defined area, the slot machine links display contents of symbols with one another and variable display operations of symbols with one another on a prescribed range of the defined areas. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090253489 | SLOT MACHINE HAVING FEATURE IN WHICH SEQUENCE OF REARRANGING SYMBOLS ON RESPECTIVE DEFINED AREAS BECOMES RANDOM, AND CONTROL METHOD OF THE SLOT MACHINE - A slot machine scrolls symbols on a plurality of defined areas provided on a display at a time of executing a slot game, and thereafter stops the symbols on the respective defined areas. A lottery of the symbols is performed not for each of the respective defined areas but for each of the defined areas divided into a plurality of groups. Moreover, a sequence of rearranging the symbols on the defined areas is changeable, and can be made random for each unit game. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090253490 | Gaming Machine Having Questionnaire Function And Control Method Thereof - A gaming machine of the present invention includes: a controller which executes a process of starting a game, as triggered by establishment of a predetermined condition, a process of counting the number of times of executing the game, and a process of judging whether or not the counted number of times of executing the game has reached a predetermined value; a display device which is capable of displaying a question to be answered, in a case where the controller judges that the number of times of executing the game has reached a predetermined value; an input device for inputting an answer to the question displayed on the display device; a memory which stores the answer and game history input through the input device and plural types of video data and audio data; and a reproduction device which reproduces video data and audio data selected according to the stored answer and game history. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090253491 | GAMING SYSTEM WITH PATTERENED ENHANCEMENT FEATURES - A gaming system and method for conducting a wagering game wherein a play enhancement image is displayed on a randomly selected outcome. The randomly selected outcome is enhanced by the changing of symbols in the outcome to predefined enhance symbols in a pattern in response to the play enhancement image. The play enhancement image may be an action icon traversing the display or a play enhancement image pictorially indicating a pattern in which the enhance symbols are going to form on the display. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090253492 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING PLAYER SELECTION OF MODIFIERS TO GAME COMPONENTS - In one embodiment, the gaming system and method disclosed herein provides a plurality of gaming devices that each participate in a group game including a plurality of masked group game components and determines and provides separate awards to each player of the gaming devices based on the amount of modifiers applied to each of the group game components having a modifier applied by the player of that gaming device. In one embodiment, the gaming system enables each player to selectively apply or associate a plurality of modifiers to a single game component or apply the plurality of modifiers across the plurality of game components. For each gaming device, the gaming system displays and provides any awards to the player of that gaming device. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090258693 | METHOD FOR USING RANDOM NUMBERS ACROSS MULTIPLE GAMING CONSOLES - The instant invention provides a method for determining by a first game (which may or may not be displayed to the player) a game outcome which is displayed to the player at least via a different second game representation, across a number of gaming machines where preferably all games being mapped are equivalent to permit a one to one correspondence in terms of prizes awardable. The method requires at least 2 lists of symbols with the first list (for example having a list of 6 sided die combinations) varying in order for each gaming machines, and the second list being a common list of game outcomes used on each gaming machine. For each combination in the first list, an index is used to point to a corresponding combination in the second list. By doing so, the first list upon receiving a dice combination acts as a filter to redirect which game outcome of the second list should be shown, thereby allowing games to use the same random numbers to show different game outcomes. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090258694 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - Certain example embodiments relate to a gaming system which includes a symbol selector which is arranged to select a plurality of symbols from an available set of symbols. The set of symbols may include one or more predetermined symbols. The predetermined symbols form a predetermined symbol arrangement, such as a pattern or word. When a predetermined symbol is selected it is placed in a symbol store. When the predetermined symbol arrangement is completed, by selection of all of the predetermined symbols, then a prize may be won. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090258695 | Method of Gaming, A Gaming System and A Game Controller - A method of gaming comprising: providing at least one modifier, each modifier adapted to modify a prize to be awarded to a player for a game outcome in a manner known in advance by the player; offering the player an option to select a modifier; and applying any selected modifier to modify the prize for the game outcome. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090258696 | Gaming System and Method of Gaming - A gaming system comprises a game controller arranged to control play of a game having a player skill aspect, and a display arranged to display a representation of the game, the game controller being arranged to control the display to display a set of symbols for selection, the game controller being responsive to the player skill aspect to facilitate selection of at least one of the symbols, a skill level factor of the player skill aspect being variable depending on operation of a game, whereby to vary a skill level required by the player. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090258697 | GAMING MACHINE HAVING A CURVED DISPLAY WITH A VIDEO SWITCHER AND TOUCH ROUTER SYSTEM - Gaming machines projecting video images onto a curved display are disclosed herein. A Display Manager receives one or more video signals from a Master Gaming Controller and one or more video signals from the system device and displays one or multiple video signals on the curved display. The Display Manager sends the multiple video signals to a digital light emitting projector which projects the multiple video signals simultaneously on the curved display. The curved display may be split between multiple signals, or one or more signals may overlay one or more background signals. The overlaid signals may completely obscure the background signals, or they may provide a level of transparency by allowing the background signal to be partially or completely visible. The Display Manager receives commands from a device, directing it how to split, overlay, superimpose, and otherwise share the display among the video input signals. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090264178 | SLOT MACHINE PROVIDING PAYOUT WHICH INCREASES PLAYER'S EXPECTATION AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF - When three or more symbol-scrolling cells | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090264179 | Gaming System And A Method Of Gaming - A method of gaming comprising: generating a game outcome by selecting a plurality of symbols, and displaying the selected symbols on a display at respective ones of a plurality of display positions arranged in a three-dimensional array; and determining whether the game outcome includes one or more winning outcomes. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090264180 | GAMING CONTROLLER, A GAMING SYSTEM, AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A method of gaming comprising: a) displaying a plurality of display positions to a player, at least one of the display positions corresponding to a hidden object to be sought by the player; b) determining a selection of a display position; c) revealing whether or not the selected display position corresponds to the hidden object; e) determining whether to allow a selection by conducting at least one trial, each trial comprising seeking to complete a symbol combination; and f) repeating steps b) to e) until either the symbol combination is completed or a designated number of hidden objects is located. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090264181 | GAMING SYSTEM, A SOUND CONTROLLER, AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A method of gaming comprising: outputting a plurality of different game accompanying sounds individually during at least part of play of one or more games; and outputting two or more sounds together in response to at least one game event occurring. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090264182 | Gaming System Having A Plurality Of Gaming Machines Linked By Network And Control Method Thereof - A gaming system of the present invention comprises a plurality of gaming machines and a control device including a processor, wherein the processor is programmed to execute processing of (A) counting a part of a number of betted game media as a cumulative value based on number-of-game-media information received from the gaming machine, and (E) paying out the game media to the gaming machine as a transmission source of the number-of-game-media information being a basis of counting the number of game media counted in the processing (A) when a number of the gaming machines joining a game is less than a specific number. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090264183 | SLOT MACHINE DISPLAYING COUNT OF SYMBOLS DETERMINING PRIZE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A slot machine of the present invention comprising
| 10-22-2009 |
| 20090264184 | SLOT MACHINE DISPLAYING COUNT OF SYMBOLS DETERMINING PRIZE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A slot machine of the present invention comprising a display, and a controller programmed to execute processing of:
| 10-22-2009 |
| 20090264185 | Gaming System Having A Plurality Of Gaming Machines Linked By Network And Control Method Thereof - A gaming system of the present invention comprising a plurality of gaming machines each including a controller and a control device including a processor, wherein the processor is programmed to execute the processing of (A) cumulatively counting a part of a number of betted game media as a cumulative value based on number-of-game-media information received from the gaming machine, and (B) transmitting a common-game execution signal to the gaming machine, when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined value. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090270158 | Gaming System Having A Plurality Of Gaming Machines Linked By Network And Control Method Thereof - A gaming system of the present invention comprises a plurality of gaming machines and a control device including a processor, wherein the processor is programmed to execute processing of (A) cumulatively counting a part of a number of betted game media as a cumulative value based on number-of-game-media information received from the gaming machine, and (E) paying out a fixed number of game media to the gaming machine determined based on a extracted random number, when a number of the gaming machines joining the game is less than a specific number. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090270159 | Gaming System Having A Plurality Of Gaming Machines Linked By Network And Control Method Thereof - According to a gaming system of the present invention, illuminants included in a coupling illuminated line provided for each slot machine are lighted. Such lighting is conducted to the illuminants in an order starting from the illuminant provided at a position closest to the gaming machine. Further, more illuminants are to be lighted in the coupling illuminated line provided for the gaming machine in which the larger number of game media have been betted. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090270160 | Gaming System Having A Plurality Of Gaming Machines Linked By Network And Control Method Thereof - A gaming system of the present invention comprises: a plurality of gaming machines; and a control device including a memory device and a processor; wherein the memory device is capable of storing a plurality of types of winning-machine determination programs for determining the gaming machine to which payout of a game medium is conducted, out of the plurality of gaming machines, the winning-machine determination programs respectively determining the gaming machine by methods different from each other, and the processor is programmed to execute processing of determining the gaming machine to which the payout of the game medium is conducted, by executing the winning-machine determination program of the type specified based on the counted number of the gaming machines joining the game and paying out a predetermined number of game media to the determined gaming machine. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090270161 | Gaming System Having A Plurality Of Gaming Machines Linked By Network And Control Method Thereof - A gaming system of the present invention comprises a plurality of gaming machines and a control device including a processor, and the processor is programmed to execute processing of (A) cumulatively counting a part of the number of betted game media as a cumulative value based on the number-of-game-media information received from the gaming machine, and (B) paying out the game media in number based on the cumulative value to any of the gaming machines, as well as displaying a numeral image corresponding to the cumulative value to the common display, when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined value. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090270162 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - Certain embodiments relate to a gaming system which is arranged to generate a feature game utilizing a display of a number of inputs, a number of outputs and a number of displayed paths between them. The displayed paths in the game may not be displayed until the player has selected an input. The paths may be displayed in the form of a ladder representation, with uprights and rungs, connecting an input to an output. The ladder may be revealed progressively or when the player selects the input. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090270163 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF GAMING - The present disclosure provides a gaming system including a game controller arranged to generate a skill outcome in response to an input from a player and that is at least partially dependent on a skill of the player. The game controller is arranged to generate an artificial outcome that is controlled by the game controller. The gaming system also includes a game outcome controller arranged to generate a game outcome based on a criterion such that, if the criterion is met, the game outcome is at least partially determined by one of the skill outcome and the artificial outcome and, if the criterion is not met, the game outcome is at least partially determined by the other one of the skill outcome and the artificial outcome. A reward allocator is arranged to allocate a reward that is at least partially dependent on the game outcome. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090270164 | Gaming Device and Method of Use - A gaming apparatus allows a player to play a memory game. The gaming apparatus includes a gaming device that is adapted to accept a wager and allow a player to play a game. A display device is mounted in association with the gaming device. A player input device is mounted in association with the gaming device. A controller is in communication with the gaming device, the display device and the player input device. The controller causes the display device to display a first set of indicia and then display a plurality of sets of indicia. The plurality of sets of indicia includes the first set of indicia. A player is allowed to choose one of the plurality of sets of indicia using the player input device. A prize is awarded, if the set of indicia chosen is the first set of indicia. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090270165 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING CONTROLLER, AND A PRIZE TRIGGERING METHOD - A triggering method for a win outcome on a gaming device includes determining an amount of credit on commencement of game play. A number of symbols displayed in the game is adjusted as a function of the amount bet, to thereby affect the probability of a win outcome being generated. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090275381 | GAMING MACHINE WITH A DYNAMIC BONUS MODIFIER - There is disclosed a game feature forming part of a gaming machine apparatus ( | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090275382 | METHOD FOR INTERACTING A DISPLAY WITH MECHANICAL REELS - Various methods for interacting with mechanical reels via a video screen are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a gaming machine having one or more mechanical reels positioned behind a video screen, wherein the video screen includes a touch screen and user interface for receiving user input. The mechanical reels spin and generate a game outcome, visible to the player through a video screen. A request is received, via the user interface, to rearrange the placement order of the mechanical reels, and the rearranged order of the mechanical reels is displayed on the video screen. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090275383 | MECHANICAL REELS WITH INTERACTIVE DISPLAY - Systems for enhancing a mechanical reel game are disclosed. In one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a video screen having a touch screen, and a set of mechanical reels positioned behind the video screen. A user interface is displayed on the video screen and is configured to receive user input to rearrange the placement order of the mechanical reels. The video screen then displays the mechanical reels in the rearranged order. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090275384 | GAMING SYSTEM INCLUDING A FEATURE FOR SELECTING LUCKY WINNING SYMBOLS - The present invention is generally directed to a system for allowing a player to change symbols on an electronic gaming machine (“EGM”) during play of a casino game. The EGM enables play of a casino game displaying a plurality of original symbols. The system also includes a memory associated with the EGM, and the memory stores a plurality of new symbols. A symbol selection module is associated with the EGM and the memory, and the symbol selection module allows a player to replace one or more of the original symbols with one or more of the new symbols on the casino game. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090275385 | METHOD FOR SELECTING LUCKY WINNING SYMBOLS IN GAMES - The present invention is generally related to a method for operating an electronic gaming machine (“EGM”) having a symbol selection feature. This feature allows a player to select the winning symbols that will be displayed during play of a game on the EGM. In one embodiment, the method includes displaying a plurality of original or default winning symbols on a display of the EGM. In this method, the EGM receives player input for selecting one of the original symbols to be changed. The EGM also receives player input for selecting a new symbol that will be used to replace the selected original symbol. Further, the EGM replaces the selected original symbol with the selected new symbol on the display. In one embodiment, replacing the selected original symbol with the selected new symbol includes replacing all original symbols identical to the selected original symbol with the selected new symbol. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090275386 | MECHANICAL REELS WITH INTERACTIVE DISPLAY AND RELATED METHODS - Methods for enhancing a mechanical reel game are disclosed. According to one method, a game is initiated by spinning a plurality of mechanical reels in response to a player wager, wherein each mechanical reel has a plurality of game symbols. The gaming machine ascertains whether a triggering event is established during the game. In response to a triggering event, one or more video images are presented and overlay one or more the mechanical reels to obscure the game symbols on the mechanical reels in response to the triggering event. In one embodiment, the video images include one or more video depictions of game symbols. The mechanical reels obscured by the video images are fixed, and the mechanical reels not obscured by the video images are spun. One or more paylines are evaluated for winning outcomes based on the combination of the video depictions of game symbols and the game symbols presented on the mechanical reels on the one or more paylines. A bonus prize is awarded for a winning outcome appearing on a payline. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090275387 | Solt Machine - Upon the start of a free game, a processor classifies symbols positioned on reels into an alphabetical character symbol group and an illustrated symbol group. Also, the processor changes the background color of the symbols into red or blue, with respect to each group. Meanwhile, the processor accepts betting for a side bet. After that, the processor repositions fifteen symbols positioned at the free game so as to make the symbols of the same group adjacent to each other. A second prize is awarded if the group selected at the side bet matches the group to which the largest number of symbols is classified among the groups to which the positioned symbols belong. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090275388 | Slot Machine - When the free game is started, the main processor displays the doors on the respective symbol display areas, as characters for covering the symbols. Additionally, the processor allows the player to select one symbol for each of the rows from among the 15 symbols positioned after the rotation of the reels has been stopped. Next, the processor changes the remaining symbols not selected to the same kinds of symbols as the selected symbols positioned on the respective rows. Then, the processor awards a prize based on the symbol combination after the symbols have been changed. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090275389 | Wagering Game With Trail-Based Bonus Game Having Player-Selectable Features - A gaming system having an input device for receiving a wager to play a wagering game including a trail-based game. A display for displaying the trail-based game is also included. The trail-based game includes a plurality of elements along a trail. Each of the plurality of elements has an associated award. In response to a player meeting a predetermined criterion, the player is awarded the associated award for all of the plurality of elements. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090275390 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a plurality of display positions disposed in a display area, a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols for display at respective display positions, and an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether the selected symbols correspond to a winning outcome with reference to at least one of a plurality of defined win lines. Each of the defined win lines comprises at least one display position, and at least some of the win lines comprise differing numbers of display positions. A corresponding method of gaming is also disclosed. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090275391 | Method of Gaming and a Gaming System - A method of gaming comprising: conducting at least one first game round, each first game round comprising selecting symbols of a plurality of normal first reels for display and evaluating the selected symbols; and conducting at least one second game round in response to a trigger event occurring, each second game round comprising fewer reels than in each first game round and being conducted by selecting symbols of at least one second reel for display and evaluating the selected symbols. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090280887 | Gaming Machine - A slot machine begins to variably display symbols on each reel display portion. Then, the slot machine stops a symbol on each of symbol display areas. If winning combination is achieved, a main CPU displays a layout change screen, where the same kinds of the stopped symbols are collected and disposed in descending order of the number of the same kinds of the symbols, on a variable display portion. Further, the main CPU adds target symbol kind emphasis images and target symbol number notification images to the plurality of symbol display areas on which the target symbol kinds corresponding to the winning combination are displayed; and displays the layout change screen. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090280888 | Wagering Game With Simulated Mechanical Reels - A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a housing having a display region, a curved transparent layer located in the display region, and a video display. The video display is located behind the transparent layer for projecting moving images onto the transparent layer. The images including a plurality of symbols that indicate a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. The curved transparent layer can be moving as well. Environmental mapping may be used to sense the location of the player and/or the ambient lighting surrounding the gaming machine and alter the images based on the sensing. The altering may include spectral highlights, shading, and the parallax effect. The video images may further include imperfections normally found in mechanical reel strips. The gaming machine provides video images that more closely simulate the look of traditional mechanical reels. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090280889 | GAMING MACHINE WITH FRACTIONALLY ENHANCED PAYOUTS - A gaming machine generates a first payout when a first pattern of symbols is displayed and a second payout when a second pattern of symbols is displayed that differs from the first pattern of symbols by one symbol. The one symbol indicates a fractional amount and the second payout is higher than the first payout by a fraction equivalent to the indicated fractional amount. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090280890 | Wagering Game With Active Paytable Highlighting Winning Combinations - A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a game display, a display arrangement, and a controller. The game display is operable to display a randomly selected outcome of a wagering game in response to receiving a wager from a player. The display arrangement displays a video image and overlays the game display. The video image includes a paytable having paytable regions indicating respective winning combinations. The controller is in communication with the display arrangement, wherein in response to the randomly selected outcome including symbols of a winning symbol combination, the controller causes one or more aspects of the paytable region associated with the winning combinations to be distinguished from the other paytable regions. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090286586 | Icon Selection Bonus Game with Replaceable Icons - A slot machine game that allows the player to continuously select icons which reveal respective content which comprise awards. If revealed content is a refill symbol, then some or all previously selected icons are replaced with replacement icons. The replacement icons can be placed in same or different locations as previously selected icons. The replacement icons can also be associated with the same awards as the previously selected icons. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090286587 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A method of gaming comprising: conducting a plurality of game rounds by generating a game outcome for each game round; determining whether the game round satisfies at least one criterion for at least each game round prior to a final of the game rounds; requiring the player to make a choice prior to the next game round in relation to the game outcome if the game outcome of a respective game round satisfies the at least one criterion; and carrying out any subsequent game rounds based on a received player choice, whereby any choices determine an overall outcome of the plurality of game rounds. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090286588 | Magnified symbol feature for gaming devices - A method and apparatus for a gaming machine is disclosed. A slot machine processor and a video monitor screen are provided on which symbols may be provided for use in a video slot game. The player makes a wager to play the underlying game. A first array of symbols is displayed in rows and columns and thereafter a feature opportunity may also be randomly, non-randomly or pseudo-randomly displayed. The feature comprises a special indicium that is displayed over one of the symbols in the initial array. Preferably the special indicium is a graphic representation of a magnifying glass. The magnifying glass enlarges the selected symbol uniformly along an x and y axis by at least 2×, in effect resulting in at least 4 same symbols being arranged in a 2-row by 2-column format. The same symbols replace the underlying symbols in the initial array and the resultant final symbol display is then analyzed by the machine processor, with any prizes for winning symbol combinations being awarded according to a predetermined paytable. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090286589 | WAGERING GAME MACHINE WITH OLED TRANSMISSIVE LCD - A computerized wagering game system includes a gaming module comprising a processor and gaming code which is operable when executed on the processor to present a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered via at least one mechanical reel and a liquid crystal display (LCD). The liquid crystal display has at leas tone transparent portion through which the mechanical reel or reels can be observed. An organic light emitting diode (OLED) element is disposed near the transparent portion of the liquid crystal display, and is operable to selectively emit light or pass light, such that emitted light is passed through the transparent portion of the liquid crystal display when the OLED emits light or the at least one mechanical game object can be observed through the transparent portion of the liquid crystal display and the OLED when the OLED passes light. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090286590 | Method of Gaming, a Gaming System and a Game Controller - A method of gaming with multiple players comprising: determining a set of eligible multi-player game players; assigning each eligible multi-player game player a number of multi-player game turns depending on a wager amount; and conducting the multi-player game turns with the eligible multi-player game players and determining multi-player game turn outcomes until a multi-player game end condition occurs. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090286591 | Method of simultaneous indication of multiple winning combinations in a symbol matrix - The present invention teaches novel methods for simultaneous indication of winning combinations in the symbol matrix. More specifically, the present invention simultaneously indicates all winning combinations formed by symbols appearing in symbol positions common to multiple pay lines. In a preferred embodiment, symbol positions common to multiple pay lines that display winning symbol combinations are simultaneously indicated to the player in a first manner. In addition, the remaining symbol positions for each of said multiple pay lines are simultaneously indicated in a second manner. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090286592 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING SYMBOL PROMOTION FEATURES - A method for conducting a wagering game on a gaming system comprises receiving a wager to play the wagering game, displaying a first outcome of the wagering game on at least one display, evaluating the first outcome for winning combinations of symbols and awarding awards associated with any such winning combinations. The method further comprises, upon the occurrence of a triggering event and if the first outcome is a winning outcome, promoting each occurrence of at least one symbol in the first outcome to a next higher symbol in accordance with a pay table of the wagering game to display a revised first outcome, and evaluating the revised first outcome for winning combinations of symbols and awarding awards associated with any such winning combinations. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090286593 | METHOD OF GAMING AND GAMING SYSTEM - A method of gaming comprising: determining a number of arrangements of symbol display positions to be played in a base game; and controlling the probability of awarding a feature game from the base game so that the probability is proportional to the number of arrangements played. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090286594 | GAMBLE GAME FOR GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine adapted to provide a main wagering game in response to a wager placed by a user is provided. The main wagering game involves the selection and presentation of a plurality of symbols on a display and if a winning combination occurs, the gaming machine determines an award associated with the winning combination. The gaming machine is further adapted to provide the user with the choice of gambling the determined award on a gamble game, wherein the expected return of the gamble game to the user is greater than 100%. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090291736 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONDITIONAL PAYOUTS IN A GAMING DEVICE - A gaming device incentivizes additional game play by combining payouts with conditional payouts. During game play, players are informed of the conditions, which must be satisfied so as to vest the conditional payouts. Subsequent game play is monitored to see if the player has satisfied the conditions. If the player has satisfied the conditions, then the conditional payout vests. If the condition is not met, then the conditional payout terminates. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090291737 | GAMING MACHINE INCLUDING TERMINALS AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF - A gaming machine includes: a base game; gaming terminals; a bonus game configured to award a bonus payout more rewarding than the payout in the base game; a bonus payout indicator that displays the bonus payout; and paths, respectively corresponding to the gaming terminals, including light emitting portions arranged to form a channel extending from a position corresponding to each gaming terminal to the bonus payout indicator. In each gaming terminal, the base game is run independently from the other gaming terminals. The bonus game is run. A random number of the light emitting portions are activated toward the bonus payout indicator in a path corresponding to a gaming terminal in which a predetermined winning is met, every time the predetermined winning is met in the gaming terminals. The bonus payout is awarded in a gaming terminal corresponding to a path in which the light emitting portions turned active up to the bonus payout indicator. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090291738 | Method of Gaming, a Game Controller and a Gaming System - A method of gaming comprising: awarding a plurality of game rounds in response to occurrence of a trigger event; and conducting at least two of the plurality of game rounds concurrently in separate display areas. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090291739 | GAMING MACHINE ALLOWING SELECTION OF STOPPING ORDER OF REELS FOR SUSTAINING PLAYER'S ANTICIPATION, AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A gaming machine, at the beginning of a game, determines static symbols for each of the video reels and executes variable display. Then, in a case where the static symbols do not form a winning combination and where the static symbols include symbols constituting a winning combination, video reels displaying symbols not constituting the winning combination are statically displayed after other video reels. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090291740 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM AND A GAME CONTROLLER - A method of gaming comprising conducting a series of game rounds in response to determining that the series should commence, at least one first game round of the series of game rounds being conducted by controlling a display to display a first number of special symbols at a corresponding first number of display positions of a set of display positions, selecting symbols for the remaining display positions from a selection set of symbols, and determining a game round outcome from the displayed symbols, and at least one second game round of the series of game rounds being conducted by controlling a display to display a second number of special symbols greater than the first number at a corresponding second number of display positions of a set of display positions, selecting symbols for the remaining display positions from a selection set of symbols, and determining a game round outcome from the displayed symbols. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090291741 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system is disclosed which includes a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions, an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether the selected symbols correspond to a winning outcome, and a replicator arranged to replicate a symbol aspect when a winning outcome occurs such that all symbols forming part of the winning outcome acquire the symbol aspect. The system is arranged so as to retain the replicated symbol aspect until after at least one subsequent selection of symbols. A corresponding method is also disclosed. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090291742 | VIRTUAL CARD GAME WITH SIMULTANEOUS SLOT MACHINE GAME - Virtual card game with simultaneous slot machine game. In one implementation, an electronic game table platform executes gambling card games, for example, poker or blackjack, played with virtual playing cards that may also have slot symbols included on the virtual playing cards. A player can win slot machine payouts from a hand of virtual playing cards currently in play in a game of poker or blackjack. The electronic game table systems have changeable displays which portray virtual playing cards and the various symbols to live participants. Shuffling, cutting, dealing and return of virtual playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while maintaining the attractive ambiance of a live table game. The systems can also be multi-user slot machines using the processor to associate or assign one or more symbols either with the virtual playing cards or as slot symbols in participant subsets. The participant subsets are compared to a predetermined list so that payoffs can be awarded on the basis of winning symbols or combinations of symbols. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090291743 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system arranged to implement a probabilistic game is disclosed. The system includes an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether an outcome of an implemented game corresponds to a winning outcome, and a game recorder arranged to record video information indicative of a winning outcome occurring in a game implemented by the gaming system. The system is arranged to provide a player with access to video information relating to a winning outcome obtained by the player. A corresponding method is also disclosed. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090291744 | JACKPOT AWARDS ON A GAMING MACHINE - A method for use with a gaming system that provides a game in which a plurality of symbols are selected and presented on a display to form one or more combinations includes: providing a base game, providing a feature game on the occurrence of a first event during play of the base game, awarding a jackpot on the occurrence of a second event during play of the feature game, and varying the probability of both the first and the second events dependent on at least an aspect of a wager placed by a player to play the base game, wherein said variation maintains at least an approximately constant probability of the jackpot being won despite variations in said aspect of the wager. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090291745 | GAMING MACHINE AND METHOD WITH A PLURALITY OF FORMATS - A gaming system comprises a game controller and a memory storage device comprising game data, the game controller and the memory storage device being arranged such that the game controller can process the game data to effect play of a game. In this gaming system, the play of a game comprises selecting a plurality of symbols and presenting the selected symbols in a plurality of symbol positions that are generally arranged in a plurality of columns, to provide a plurality of game combinations, and wherein the game play comprises a first game component in the form of a line game and a second game component in the form of a game in which for at least one column a plurality of the display positions are designated and the combinations of the game include every possible combination of the designated symbol positions when taking one designated symbol position from each column and wherein less than all of the symbol positions are designated. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090291746 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BOUNDING PLAY OF A GAMING DEVICE - In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method for terminating play of a game session at a gaming device is provided. The method includes determining a game parameter, determining a terminating value associated with the parameter, determining whether the terminating value is reached, and terminating play of the game session. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090298568 | System and method for interactive 3d gaming - Embodiments include a method of displaying a gaming out-come in a gaming machine. The method includes displaying an image having two or more picks to a player, wherein at least one pick is hidden; receiving an indication of the pick selected by the player; modifying the image tore flect the pick selected by the player; and revealing one or more hidden picks. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090298569 | Method of Gaming, A Gaming System and a Game Controller - A method of gaming comprising: selecting a set of symbols for display to a player in a set of display positions; determining whether to provide an additional bonus symbol in association with one or more of the display positions; activating a bonus feature if a number of bonus symbols is at least a bonus threshold; and determining a game round outcome based at least on the selected symbols. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090298570 | Gaming Machine Performing Rendered Effect That Allows Suspense Of Winning To Be Sustained According To Symbol Combination Rearranged Upon Losing Result - A gaming machine | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090298571 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GAMING - A method of gaming comprises providing an additional game that operates independently of a main game. The outcome of the additional game operates to vary a subset of symbols in the main game responsive to a variance criterion being met, to thereby affect the game outcome in the main game. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090298572 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system comprising a display area and a player symbol selector for selecting the player symbols from a plurality of player symbols. The player symbol selector comprises a plurality of reels and each reel has a plurality of player symbols. The player symbol selector is arranged so that selected player symbols are displayed at an array of display positions when the reels are stationary. A display position selector enables a player to select, prior to stopping of the reels, groups of display positions. An award allocator allocates an award associated with a winning combination of the player symbols when a winning combination of the player symbols is displayed along a win line. The player symbol selector is arranged so that each one of different player symbols of each reel has the same probability to be displayed at any one of the display positions associated with that reel. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090298573 | GAMING MACHINE WITH ADJUSTABLE RETURN TO PLAYER - A method for use with a gaming machine that is arranged to provide a game including displaying symbols on a display and awarding an award if a winning outcome occurs. The gaming machine operates to have an overall statistical return, which is influenced by a pay characteristic. The method includes, prior to determining the outcome of a game play of the game, allocating to that game play one of a plurality of different said pay characteristics, wherein if a first said pay characteristic was permanently the allocated characteristic, the game would have a first statistical return less than the overall statistical return, and if a second said pay characteristic was permanently the allocated characteristic, the game would have a second statistical return greater than the overall statistical return. The method includes allocating the plurality of different pay characteristics to game plays according to a weighted random selection process so as to result in the gaming machine having the overall statistical return. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090298574 | Multiple Progressive Jackpots For A Gaming Device - A gaming machine is described wherein a player first plays a primary game, such as the spinning and stopping of mechanical or video reels displaying symbols. A plurality of progressive jackpots is displayed to the player, where the progressive jackpots are incremented at different random rates. Upon a jackpot-winning outcome of the primary game, the number of different progressive jackpots paid to the player depends on the number of credits bet by the player. The jackpots are incremented upon jackpot-incrementing symbols being displayed by the reels. In one embodiment, the jackpot above each column of symbols gets incremented upon a special symbol, such as a credit value, being displayed in that column. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090305763 | GAMING MACHINE HAVING A PLURALITY OF TERMINALS AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF - A gaming machine includes: a plurality of gaming terminals, a shared display, and a plurality of routs. Each of the gaming terminals has first light emitting portions which provide an effect to a game. Further, each of the gaming terminal runs a base game and a special game configured to award a special payout. Each of the routs is formed by arranging second light emitting portions from associated one of the gaming terminal to the shared display. The gaming machine thus structured executes a playing method including the steps of: every time a gaming terminal achieves a predetermined winning in the special game, (i) blinking a predetermined number of second light emitting portions forming a rout associated with that gaming terminal sequentially from the one closest to that gaming terminal, the predetermined number being determined based on the winning having been achieved, and (ii) blinking the first light emitting portions of that gaming terminal in sync with the second light emitting portions; and awarding a special payout to a gaming terminal whose associated rout has all its second light emitting portions being activated up to the shared display. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090305764 | GAMING MACHINE HAVING A PLURALITY OF TERMINALS AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF - A gaming machine of the present invention includes: a plurality of gaming terminals each of which has a first light emitting portion, and which runs a base game and a special game configured to award a special payout; and a shared display. When the special game is run, an emission color of the first light emitting portion and that of the second emitting portions are determined for each gaming terminal, based on a game value. Further, every time a gaming terminal achieves a predetermined winning in the special game having been run, the first light emitting portion is activated in the emission color thus determined, and the second light emitting portions forming a route associated with the gaming terminal turn active so that a predetermined number of the second light emitting portions light in the emission color thus determined, sequentially from the one closest to the gaming terminal, according to the number of the predetermined winnings the gaming terminal have achieved. When second light emitting portions forming any one of the routes is activated all the way to the shared display, a special payout is awarded to a player of the gaming terminal associated with the route. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090305765 | PROVIDING AND REDEEMING PARTIAL WAGERING GAME OUTCOMES - Described are methods, computer readable media and systems related to wagering games, and in particular those that concern providing and redeeming partial game outcomes. A method according to an embodiment includes receiving a completion request from a player who is operating a gaming device to complete at least one partial game outcome. The partial game outcome was previously provided to the player, who used a first device that is different than the gaming device. The method includes determining that the player is entitled to a complete game outcome, displaying the partial game outcome on the gaming device, determining the complete game outcome, and then displaying the complete game outcome. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090305766 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GAMING - A method of gaming comprises providing a jackpot game in addition to a main game, the jackpot game being displayed independently of the main game. Play of the jackpot game affects at least one of the awarding of a jackpot prize and value of a jackpot prize pool from which the jackpot prize is awarded. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090305767 | MECHANICAL-BASED CONTROL OF VIDEO REELS IN A GAME MACHINE - In some example embodiments, a method includes executing a wagering game that generates instructions for control of a number of mechanical reels. The method also includes converting the instructions for controlling the number of mechanical reels into identifiers of video sequences stored in machine-readable media. The video sequences comprising a display representative of a stop result of the mechanical reels. The method includes retrieving the video sequences from the machine-readable media. The method includes displaying the video sequences on displays for video reels of a wagering game machine. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090305768 | GAMING MACHINE WITH A HOLD SYMBOL FUNCTION - A gaming machine and associated method. Symbols are selected and presented on a display in a first random selection process. Each symbol is selected independently of each other symbol and the plurality of symbols are separated into at least three distinct groups of symbols, each group containing at least two symbol. A player of the gaming machine selects one or more of the groups of symbols to be held. In a second random selection process any symbols that are not held are reselected. A prize is paid according to a pay table and the symbols presented following the second random selection process. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090305769 | GAMING MACHINE AND METHOD WITH AWARD-ENHANCING SYMBOLS - A gaming machine comprising a game controller that enhances a prize won from a game outcome when a first special symbol occurs in the game outcome. The appearance of the first special symbol in the game outcome causes the game controller to further enhance the game prize if a second special symbol also appears in the game outcome. The first or second special symbols may further be used to substitute for another symbol in the game outcome, so as to create a winning game outcome. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090305770 | PLAYER INFORMATION DELIVERY - A console is described, having display means, and game control means arranged to control images displayed on the display means, the game control means being arranged to play a game in which one or more symbols are randomly selected as a combination of symbols and displayed on the display means. If a winning combination results, the machine awards a prize. In some circumstances, the console will display an animated character to communicate information to the player. The character is independent of and appears asynchronously with respect to the game being played and is arranged to appear super imposed over any game screen currently displayed at the time the character is displayed. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090305771 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING A PRIMARY GAME SCHEME INVOLVING A SYMBOL GENERATOR AND SECONDARY AWARD WHEELS - A gaming device with a primary game scheme including one or more symbol generators and a plurality of wheels where each wheel is associated with a different one of the symbol generators. When one or more of the symbol generators generates at least one predetermined symbol, the gaming device activates or spins the wheel associated with that symbol generator. The gaming device provides any awards associated with the activated wheels to a player. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090312083 | Push-button with integrated or adjacent moveable outcome indicator - A push-button assembly for a gaming terminal implementing a wagering game is provided. The push-button assembly has a push-button actuated by a touch from a player of the wagering game. An outcome indicator indicates a randomly selected outcome in response to the push-button being actuated. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090312084 | GAMING MACHINE, PLAYING METHOD AND GAMING SYSTEM WHICH CHANGE PLURAL GAMES WHICH ARE DIFFERENT IN THE AMOUNT OF MAXIMUM BET - The gaming machine includes: a plurality of gaming terminals each having an input device through which an input from outside is inputted; a payout memory which stores a payout rate of each of the base games, for a predetermined winning; and a bonus payout memory which accumulatively stores a part of a bet on a predetermined base game as a resource for a bonus payout. In the gaming machine, a base game determined based on an input through the input device is run in each of the gaming terminals. When the base game is the predetermined base game, a bet within a wider bettable range compared to another base game is permitted, and a part of the bet is accumulatively stored in the bonus payout memory. A payout according to a predetermined winning resulted in a base game is awarded, based on a payout rate associated with the base game and a bet on the base game. A bonus payout is awarded based on a predetermined condition. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090312085 | SLOT MACHINE SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUS - Systems, methods and/or apparatus for slot machine eye-strain reduction are disclosed. Systems, methods and/or apparatus for slot machine back lighting are further provided. Systems, methods and/or apparatus for a slot machine back lighting effect are also disclosed. Systems, methods and/or apparatus for reel line lights are disclosed. Systems, methods and/or apparatus for reel tilt and motion detection are disclosed. Systems, methods and/or apparatus for reel wins display for an electromechanical slot machine and/or gaming machine viewing window configurable lines are disclosed. Systems, methods and/or apparatus for a configurable shelf system for an electromechanical slot machine are disclosed. Systems, methods, and apparatus are also disclosed for reel tilt minimization. Systems, methods and/or apparatus for slot machine controlled lighting. Further embodiments of the present disclosure can provide slot machine reel stop systems, methods, and apparatus useful for electromechanical slot machines. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090312086 | Gaming System Having Dynamic Symbol Generation - A method of playing a wagering game comprises displaying on at least one display a first plurality of symbols located in an evaluation location, and repeatedly generating a plurality of replacement symbols at a symbol generation point on the at least one display. The method further comprises causing the plurality of replacement symbols to travel from the symbol generation point to the evaluation location along a symbol path, replacing at least one of the first plurality of symbols with at least one of the replacement symbols arriving at the evaluation location, and paying an award for a winning combination of symbols in the evaluation location. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090312087 | Gaming System and Method of Gaming - A game controller of a gaming device comprises a sequence module arranged to implement a plurality of draws in a game. A matching module is provided for matching a set of drawn symbols against a set of selected symbols for each of the plurality of draws such that each drawn symbol is ineligible to be drawn in subsequent draws. An outcome determiner module determines an award dependent on the number of matched symbols. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090312088 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF GAMING - A method of gaming comprises matching drawn symbols in a drawn symbol set against individual symbol elements of a symbol string, according to a match rule. An award is determined dependent on the number of confirmed matches. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090312089 | SLOT MACHINE AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF - A slot machine according to the present invention stores in a memory, BET information including the number of BETs placed in a previous game. In a next game, the slot machine accepts input operation made to an input device and in accordance with the input operation from the input device, accepts a first instruction signal and a second instruction signal output from a predetermined electric circuit. The slot machine automatically sets the number of BETs equal to that of BETs placed in the previous game while automatically rearranging the plural types of symbols on a display device, based upon the accepted first and second instruction signals and the BET information concerning the previous game stored in the memory. The input device is configured so as to reciprocate in accordance with the input operation. The predetermined electric circuit is under opening and closing control in accordance with reciprocation of the input device. The slot machine is configured so as to output the first and second instruction signals in this manner. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090318214 | SINGULAR WAGERING APPARATUS FOR GAMING DEVICE - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to single button wagering on a gaming device. A one-touch button on the gaming device is used both to place a wager and to initiate a gaming session. The wager can be a pre-set amount or an amount that is determined based the individual player, the amount of credits on the gaming device, and other conditions. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090318215 | GAMING DEVICE WITH UNLOCKABLE FEATURES - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a gaming device with unlockable features. The unlockable features can change default settings in the game environment of the gaming device and provide game mode changes, vanity features, and external features to the player. The unlockable game environment features can be different sound schemes, different static images, flashing images, and animations. The unlockable features can be triggered based on various player statistics and can be managed in a player account. The player can manage the unlockable features interactively on the gaming device. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090318216 | Game System, Server, Gaming Machine - A new gaming environment is provided. When a start button is pressed or a payout process is executed, difference value information is sent to a server. When the server receives the difference value information, it is determined whether or not the winning probability of bonus is changed in the gaming machine which sends the difference value information. If it is determined that the winning probability of bonus is changed, a new winning probability is determined and the determined winning probability is sent to the gaming machine which sends the difference value information. When the gaming machine receives the new winning probability of the bonus, the winning probability is renewed to the received winning probability. It is determined whether or not bonus is won based on the renewed winning probability. If it is determined that the bonus is won, a predetermined number of gaming media is provided. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090318217 | GAMING DEVICE WITH DURATIONAL GAME ELEMENTS - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a gaming device with durational game elements. The durational game elements can change default settings in the game environment of the gaming device for a specified duration. The duration can be based on a period of time, a number of wins or losses, or a number of games played. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090318218 | Wagering Game With Bonus Game Having Enhanced Player-Selection Features - A system and method for conducting a wagering game includes a feature having a plurality of selectable elements associated with respective outcomes. The feature further includes a path having a plurality of spaces. The plurality of spaces is associated with respective special rules. Each respective special rule is capable of being active or inactive. One embodiment of a method includes (a) successively selecting different ones of the plurality of selectable elements; (b) for each selected element, identifying a space of the plurality of spaces to be associated with the selected element; and (c) modifying the outcome associated with each selected outcome with the special rule associated with the identified space if the special rule for the identified space is active. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090325667 | Reel Add-On Symbols for Simultaneously Playing Two Games - A reel-type secondary game is played simultaneously with a conventional reel-type main game on a gaming machine. The secondary game is initiated only after the player meets certain criteria, such as betting additional credits. Once the secondary game is initiated, one or more special symbols are added to the leftmost reel and the rightmost reel used in the main game, but not the reels in-between. The added special symbols do not affect the symbols used in the main game. All the reels containing the symbols used in the main game and the one or more special symbols are rotated and randomly stopped. Awards are granted for winning symbol combinations obtained in the main game. If the special symbols align with a certain stop position, a special bonus game is played or the player wins a progressive jackpot. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090325668 | Community Reels Game Apparatus - The claimed embodiments contemplate methods, systems and apparatuses directed to gaming machines that include a community spin mechanism that, when activated, causes reel displays, at two or more player stations, to spin. Certain embodiments provide for one or more community reels that are utilized to determine an outcome of a community gaming session. The community reels are “community” in that they are formed by combining reels of individual play stations in order to increase the odds, and payouts, of potential wins via various line combinations of the combined set of reels, once they stop spinning. Re-stated, by way of non-limiting example, each play station has its own set of reels and when community play is started, one or more community reels are spun along with each player's set of reels. Any potential winning combinations are then based on resulting combinations of the individual play station reels in combination with the community reels. In one embodiment, one or more dedicated reels are specifically reserved as community reels that may be used in various combinations with a player's reels and other player reels to determine potential awards. The addition of community play, via community reels, advantageously adds to the excitement and enjoyment. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090325669 | Game Method Using Community Reels - The claimed embodiments contemplate methods, systems and apparatuses directed to gaming machines that include a community spin mechanism that, when activated, causes reel displays, at two or more player stations, to spin. Certain embodiments provide for one or more community reels that are utilized to determine an outcome of a community gaming session. The community reels are “community” in that they are formed by combining reels of individual play stations in order to increase the odds, and payouts, of potential wins via various line combinations of the combined set of reels, once they stop spinning. Re-stated, by way of non-limiting example, each play station has its own set of reels and when community play is started, one or more community reels are spun along with each player's set of reels. Any potential winning combinations are then based on resulting combinations of the individual play station reels in combination with the community reels. In one embodiment, one or more dedicated reels are specifically reserved as community reels that may be used in various combinations with a player's reels and other player reels to determine potential awards. The addition of community play, via community reels, advantageously adds to the excitement and enjoyment. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090325670 | Game System Including Community Reels - The claimed embodiments contemplate methods, systems and apparatuses directed to gaming machines that include a community spin mechanism that, when activated, causes reel displays, at two or more player stations, to spin. Certain embodiments provide for one or more community reels that are utilized to determine an outcome of a community gaming session. The community reels are “community” in that they are formed by combining reels of individual play stations in order to increase the odds, and payouts, of potential wins via various line combinations of the combined set of reels, once they stop spinning. Re-stated, by way of non-limiting example, each play station has its own set of reels and when community play is started, one or more community reels are spun along with each player's set of reels. Any potential winning combinations are then based on resulting combinations of the individual play station reels in combination with the community reels. In one embodiment, one or more dedicated reels are specifically reserved as community reels that may be used in various combinations with a player's reels and other player reels to determine potential awards. The addition of community play, via community reels, advantageously adds to the excitement and enjoyment. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090325671 | Community Lines Game Apparatus - The claimed embodiments contemplate methods, systems and apparatuses directed to gaming machines that provide a common reel display for multiple players. Various combinations of reel lines, utilized to determine possible wins from symbols across multiple reels, of the reel display, may be available to the players. For example, a first player may be permitted to bet on one set of reel lines and a second player may bet on another set of reel lines. Also, for example, both players may bet on some reel lines and other reel lines may only be available to certain players. A community reel line may also be made available to both players or perhaps just one player upon satisfaction of certain conditions. The ability to have multiple players bet on a common reel display advantageously adds to the excitement and enjoyment of a gaming session. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090325672 | Game Method Using Community Lines - The claimed embodiments contemplate methods, systems and apparatuses directed to gaming machines that provide a common reel display for multiple players. Various combinations of reel lines, utilized to determine possible wins from symbols across multiple reels, of the reel display, may be available to the players. For example, a first player may be permitted to bet on one set of reel lines and a second player may bet on another set of reel lines. Also, for example, both players may bet on some reel lines and other reel lines may only be available to certain players. A community reel line may also be made available to both players or perhaps just one player upon satisfaction of certain conditions. The ability to have multiple players bet on a common reel display advantageously adds to the excitement and enjoyment of a gaming session. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090325673 | Game System Including Community Lines - The claimed embodiments contemplate methods, systems and apparatuses directed to gaming machines that provide a common reel display for multiple players. Various combinations of reel lines, utilized to determine possible wins from symbols across multiple reels, of the reel display, may be available to the players. For example, a first player may be permitted to bet on one set of reel lines and a second player may bet on another set of reel lines. Also, for example, both players may bet on some reel lines and other reel lines may only be available to certain players. A community reel line may also be made available to both players or perhaps just one player upon satisfaction of certain conditions. The ability to have multiple players bet on a common reel display advantageously adds to the excitement and enjoyment of a gaming session. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090325674 | GAME SYSTEM, SERVER, GAMING MACHINE - A new gaming environment is provided. If a server determines that an execution of a bonus game will be instructed, bonus game execution instruction information is sent to each of slot machines connected to the server. If the slot machine receives the bonus game execution instruction information, the bonus game will be executed using a special reel, a first special table, and a second special table. Here, the special reel, the first special reel, and the second special reel are the same in each of the slot machines. Game result information including accumulated point will be sent to the server. The server is determines the slot machine on which the bonus is provided based on the received the game result information. The determined slot machine which receives the winning information provides the jackpot amount included in the winning information of the gaming media. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090325675 | Gaming System and a Method of Gaming - A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols for display at a corresponding plurality of display positions, an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether the selected symbols correspond to a winning symbol combination by evaluating symbols disposed in defined win lines, and a prize allocator arranged to allocate a prize to a player when a winning symbol combination exists in a defined win line. At least one display position is of different size to at least one other display position and the defined win lines are dependent on the respective sizes of and locations of the display positions. A corresponding method is also disclosed. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090325676 | Gaming Machine Providing An Insurance Payout And A Playing Method Thereof - A slot machine | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090325677 | Game System - A game system includes a plurality of gaming machines and a server. Each of the gaming machines executes a game independently. When the server receives bet information, the server carries out a lottery for winning a progressive prize as to the gaming machine which transmitted the bet information. If any of the gaming machines wins any progressive prize, the server makes the gaming machine that has won the progressive prize to execute an effect for announcing winning of the prize. Meanwhile, the server makes the gaming machines other than the gaming machine that has won the progressive prize to conduct an effect for indicating losing of the prize. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090325678 | WAGERING SYSTEM WITH EXPANDING WILD FEATURE DICTATED BY DIRECTION INDICATOR - A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a display and a controller. The display displays a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game including a plurality of reels with symbols forming an array. The symbols include a directional wild symbol having a direction indicator. The controller is coupled to the display and operative to (i) display the directional wild symbol on the display, (ii) provide a wild function to a symbol that is adjacent to the directional wild symbol and at a certain orientation relative to the directional wild symbol as indicated by the direction indicator, and (iii) provide an award based on the array with the adjacent symbol having the wild function. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090325679 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF GAMING - Certain examples relate to a gaming system and a method of gaming for playing a reel-type game. A game controller of the gaming system is arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols and to control a display to display a plurality of the selected symbols in rows and columns. A player interface enables a player to select game features, including selecting one or more or all of the reels against which to bet credit. Each time a feature is selected, a sound generator generates a distinctive sound associated with selection of that feature. A “special” game feature may also be selected. In an embodiment, the special game feature is selection of all the reels against which to bet credit. When the special feature is deselected, by a player selecting another game feature, an alert sound is generated to alert the player to the fact that they have deselected the special game feature. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090325680 | Game System - A new gaming environment is provided. A server determines a first predetermined time and a second predetermined time, determines display content based on the second predetermined time which is determined, displays the determined display content on the display, determines a gaming machine to which a bonus is provided from the plural gaming machines when current time becomes the second predetermined time, and sends winning information to the determined gaming machine, and the gaming machine sends the determined information to the server each time there is start operation of a game, and payouts a predetermined number of gaming medium when the winning information is received. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090325681 | Wagering Game With Enhanced Wager-Per-Line Feature - A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game by a player includes a display, a credit indicator and a controller. The display is for displaying a wagering-game outcome having a plurality of symbols arranged in an array. The array includes a plurality of paylines for indicating symbol combinations in the array. The player is required to play all of the plurality of paylines in exchange for a minimum wager amount. The credit indicator indicates the number of available credits for making a wager amount. The controller is in communication with the display and the credit indicator. In response to the number of available credits being less than the minimum wager amount, the controller causes the display to display a group of player options for allowing the player to select a disposition for the available credits. The group of player options includes a reduced-payline option to play less than all paylines for a subsequent wagering-game outcome. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090325682 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING COMPOSITE AWARDS - A gaming system comprises a wager input device and a display for displaying a first randomly selected outcome of a first wagering game. The first randomly selected outcome is selected from a first plurality of possible outcomes. The first plurality of possible outcomes includes a first winning outcome. The gaming system further comprises a controller operative to provide a first award to the player when the first randomly selected outcome is the first winning outcome. The first award comprises a fixed portion and a variable portion, the fixed portion having a predetermined value, the variable portion having an expected value for which the actual value is determined at least in part by a second randomly selected outcome of a second wagering game, wherein the second wagering game is triggered independently of the first wagering game. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20100004047 | PLAYER SELECTABLE GAMING VOLATILITY - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to gaming devices having player selectable gaming volatility and methods of implementing selectable volatility for player use on a gaming device. In one embodiment, a gaming device includes a player interface panel including at least one gaming button for placing a wager on a gaming event, a gaming display to show an output of the gaining event, and a volatility device configured to set a volatility level of the gaming event in response to a player input. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100004048 | Slot Machine Game With Symbol Lock-In - A slot machine game that allows a player to lock in particular symbol(s) after playing a game. If the player prefers one or more particular symbols to remain in position after a spin, the player can indicate to the slot machine the desire to lock in the particular symbols, wherein the player will have to pay a price for the ability to have those symbols locked in for a next spin. Then, the player places another wager and spins the reels while the particular symbols remain unchanged. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100004049 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND GAMING METHOD FOR SHIFTING SYMBOLS FROM A STAGING AREA TO A SYMBOL MATRIX - A gaming device displays a symbol matrix including a plurality of symbol positions and at least two symbol staging areas, each symbol staging area including at least one supplemental symbol potentially shiftable into the symbol matrix. The gaming device displays a symbol staging area indicator. For a play of a game, the gaming device generates a symbol in each symbol position of the symbol matrix. Upon an occurrence of a triggering condition, the gaming device indicates one of the symbol staging areas using the symbol staging area indicator and removes at least one symbol from at least one symbol position of the symbol matrix. The gaming device re-populates the empty symbol positions by shifting any appropriate symbols of the symbol matrix any appropriate empty symbol positions, and thereafter shifting at least one supplemental symbol from the indicated symbol staging area into at least one remaining empty symbol position. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100009740 | SLOT MACHINE GAME AND SYSTEM WITH IMPROVED JACKPOT FEATURE - Certain embodiments provide a method and system for awarding a progressive prize. The system includes a bank of gaming machines accepting different bets per play as selected by a player. A random number is selected from a predetermined fixed range of numbers that does not change during play of a gaming machine. The player is allotted one or more numbers for each credit bet. The allotted numbers represent a subset of the predetermined fixed range of numbers. A feature game is triggered for the progressive prize based on a numerical comparison between the selected random number and the number(s) allotted to the player. Certain embodiments provide a trigger condition for a feature outcome based on an event having a probability related to credits bet per game at a gaming machine. A probability of success in the feature game may be higher than a probability of success in the base game. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100016055 | Gaming Machine Having Player Selectable Volatility - A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a value input device for receiving a wager and a display for displaying a plurality of symbols arranged on a plurality of reels. The symbols indicate a randomly-selected outcome selected from a plurality of possible outcomes, the plurality of outcomes including at least one winning outcome. The gaming machine further includes a controller operative to receive a volatility input from a player of the gaming machine. The controller is further operative to associate an award with the at least one winning outcome wherein the associated award is either a first award amount or a second award amount based upon the volatility input. Upon the occurrence of the at least one winning outcome, the controller awards the associated award to the player. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100016056 | Wagering Game With Special-Event Eligibility Feature Based on Passive Game Play - According to one aspect of the invention, a gaming system and method for providing passive participation in at least one wagering game are disclosed. Funds are received to obtain a period of eligibility for an award associated with the wagering game. An entertainment layer having a plurality of features is conducted in response to receiving the wager. A separate gaming layer includes the wagering game. A gaming machine having a display and a player input device is in communication with the entertainment layer and the gaming layer. At least one feature of the entertainment layer is conducted during the period of eligibility. The entertainment layer is operable in response to at least one input from the player input device. Information regarding the wagering game is presented on the gaming machine. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100016057 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM AND A GAME CONTROLLER - A method of gaming comprising: distributing a plurality of image parts of an image across a set of display positions for display to a player; activating a bonus award if the image parts are arranged across the display positions so as to form the image; selecting a set of symbols for display to the player in the display positions; and determining a game round outcome based on the selected symbols and the bonus award. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100016058 | WAGERING GAME WITH MULTIPLE REELS FORMING MULTIPLE SYMBOL ARRAYS - A gaming system for playing a wagering game comprises at least one display adapted to display a plurality of reels having symbols. The symbols indicate a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. The plurality of reels includes at least one single-symbol reel and at least one multi-symbol reel. The at least one display is adapted to display at least one payline overlapping at least one symbol from the at least one single-symbol reel and at least one symbol from the at least one multi-symbol reel. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100016059 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display in a display area at a plurality of display positions, an outcome evaluator arranged to evaluate a game outcome based on the selected symbols and to identify a scatter outcome when a plurality of special symbols are disposed in the display area at any display position, and a prize allocator. The prize allocator is arranged to allocate a prize to a player when a scatter outcome exists and to determine the prize awarded to a player using the plurality of special symbols. A corresponding method is also disclosed. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100016060 | Wagering Game With Progressive Award Indicator Having An Incrementing Feature - A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a wager input device, a first display, and a second display. The wager input device receives a wager. The first display displays an array of symbols that indicates a randomly selected outcome. The second display displays an amount of at least one progressive award in at least one display window. The progressive award has an integer value. At least a first incrementing marker moves about the display window in response to changes in value of the progressive award. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100016061 | Wagering System With Expanding Wild Feature - A method and system for conducting a wagering game is disclosed. A randomly selected outcome of the wagering game is displayed in a display area. The display area includes a plurality of reels with symbols forming an array. The display area includes a plurality of active paylines extending through symbol locations within the array. Each symbol on one of the plurality of reels is changed to an altered symbol providing a wild function and an additional game-enhancement function. A payout is awarded based on a reevaluation of symbol combinations along the plurality of active paylines including the wild functions and the additional game enhancement functions. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100016062 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING PROGRESSIVE AWARDS AND SUPPLEMENTAL AWARDS - A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The central server monitors wagers on the gaming machines. Based at least in part on the wagers the central server determines when bonus events will occur and which gaming machine(s) will provide the bonus awards. In one embodiment, the central server determines which gaming machine(s) will provide progressive awards and/or supplemental bonus awards, wherein the number of provided supplemental awards is determined based on the number of active gaming machines. Each supplemental bonus award provided by each gaming device is based on any accumulated wagers placed at that gaming device. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100022292 | Gaming System and a Method of Gaming - A gaming method, game controller, gaming system, and computer program code are disclosed where play can be conducted in a game having a plurality of symbols for use during play. Game win outcomes are determined by one or more symbols occurring according to game play rules. When a particular game play event occurs involving one or more of the symbols, an adjusted pay scale is provided. In an example the particular event is when one or more symbols occur at a particular location in an image depicting game play. In an example, the one or more symbols for the events are different to the one or more symbols for game win outcomes. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100022293 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING JACKPOT - Disclosed is a system and method for producing a jackpot. The system includes at least one reel game controlling device generating winning specifications corresponding to re2el arrangement formed during progress of a reel game and a jackpot managing unit for providing a subject reel game controlling device with a jackpot event, the subject reel game controlling device being designated by drawing among the reel game controlling devices through reflecting the winning specification on probability calculation or randomly calculating probability, wherein the subject reel game controlling device executes the jackpot game based on the jackpot event and notifies a gamer of a jackpot prize according to whether an execution result of the game satisfies a predetermined winning condition of a jackpot. Therefore, the gamer comes to expect the jackpot during playing the reel game so as to feel novel enjoyment of the reel game. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100022294 | SLOT MACHINE - A slot machine according to the present invention is constituted to: scroll-display plural types of symbols in a first direction; determine wining establishment of a special prize in a case where a plurality of pieces drawn as a background of the symbols rearranged on a display device are displayed in combination making up a first picture; scroll-display the plural types of symbols in a second direction; determine type of the special prize depending on a second picture in a case where it is determined that the plurality of pieces drawn as the background of the symbols rearranged on the display device make up the second picture; and execute a process of awarding the special prize based upon the determined type of special prize. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100022295 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING A PLURALITY OF GAMING MACHINES LINKED BY NETWORK AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - According to a gaming system of the present invention, game media are paid out based on a cumulative value, when a first payout condition has been established in which the cumulative value reaches a predetermined value or when a second payout condition has been established which is different from the first payout condition. Moreover, based on information about bets, the gaming machine is determined in which game media are to be paid out based on the cumulative value when the second payout condition has been established. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100022296 | SLOT GAMING SYSTEM - A slot gaming system in which a number of slot machines are interconnected by a network and each slot machine is able to be used in a conventional manner for such a machine, and which has the possibility of a second, collateral bet, which is live for a particular time, the result of the bet being determined on any one of the players on the network having a predetermined success on the first bet. In one embodiment, the slot gaming system can only be triggered by a player who is entitled to share in the result of the second bet. The payout on the second bet to the players entitled thereto is dependent on the degree of success of the player who has won the first bet. The particular time during which the second bet is live can be selected to be of the order of the play cycle of the machine, for example, three to four seconds. Thus, the live second bets, which cause the players to share in the prize associated therewith can have been placed over a time period which overlaps the selected time. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100029363 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A BONUS EVENT TRIGGERED BY A CONTINUOUS COMMUNAL GAME - A communal game is displayed by a gaming system. A plurality of gaming devices each enable a player to wager on plays of a primary game and determine an eligibility status. The communal game repeatedly generates at least one communal game symbol from a plurality of communal game symbols regardless of whether any player is wagering on plays of a primary game. The communal game triggers a bonus event based on the generated symbols. Any eligible gaming devices may participate in the bonus event. For each eligible gaming device, the gaming system applies at least one symbol or gaming element from the communal game to the primary game of the eligible gaming device. Each eligible gaming device provides an award based on any winning symbol combinations generated by application of the communal game symbol or gaming element. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100029364 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD HAVING SECONDARY SYMBOLS ASSOCIATED WITH PRIMARY SYMBOLS - A gaming system including a plurality of generated primary symbols and at least one generated secondary symbol. If any generated primary symbol is associated with any generated secondary symbol, the gaming system provides an award based on the generated primary symbol being associated with the generated secondary symbol. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100029365 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A method of gaming comprising: (a) conducting a game round in which a a plurality of symbols are selected; (b) determining a current number of available game rounds based at least on whether or not the selected symbols include at least one designated symbol subsequent to the symbol selection of the game round; and (c) repeating steps (a) and (b) until an end condition is met, wherein there are one or more end conditions and at least one end condition is that the current number of available game rounds is determined to be an end value. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100029366 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming method, game controller, a gaming system, computer program code, and a computer readable medium are provided wherein a plurality of symbols are provided for game play. Locations where particular symbols occur determine a game outcome. One of the symbols is allocated as a trigger symbol for a subsequent game. If the trigger symbol occurs at a particular location during game play an award is made in the subsequent game if there is a game outcome that includes the particular location where there has been the occurrence of the trigger symbol. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100029367 | Wagering Game With Community Game Feature - A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a community display for displaying a community game having a plurality of features for determining a community award that is awarded to all players at eligible linked gaming machines. The community game includes selection of a player at an eligible linked gaming machine to interact with the community game to determine the community award. One of the plurality of features includes a community free spin feature that awards free spins of a base wagering game to each player. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100029368 | WAGERING GAME WITH PAY LINES EXTENDING THROUGH BONUS REGIONS - A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a game display, a transmissive display, and a controller. The game display includes a plurality of mechanical reels bearing symbols configured to display randomly selected arrays of symbols. A transmissive display overlays the game display and is configured to display a video reel and to display a randomly selected symbol thereon. A selectable pay line extends through at least some of the mechanical reels and the video reel. The controller is configured to award an award related to the selectable pay line when a winning combination of symbols are displayed along the selectable pay line. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100029369 | WAGERING GAME WITH DYNAMICALLY ADDED SUB-SYMBOLS - Methods, apparatus and systems for providing a sub-symbol arrangement to a wagering game machine for triggering a bonus game are described. A dynamic calculation module is used for dynamically adding sub-symbols to an arrangement of symbols to match a bonus game frequency. In some embodiments, the sub-symbols are dynamically added to symbols according to a weighted table. Wagering game machines according to the various embodiments of the invention are also disclosed. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100041460 | SLOT MACHINE SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUS - Systems, methods and/or apparatus for slot machine eye-strain reduction are disclosed. Systems, methods and/or apparatus for slot machine back lighting are further provided. Systems, methods and/or apparatus for a slot machine back lighting effect are also disclosed. Systems, methods and/or apparatus for reel line lights are disclosed. Systems, methods and/or apparatus for reel tilt and motion detection are disclosed. Systems, methods and/or apparatus for reel wins display for an electromechanical slot machine and/or gaming machine viewing window configurable lines are disclosed. Systems, methods and/or apparatus for a configurable shelf system for an electromechanical slot machine are disclosed. Systems, methods, and apparatus are also disclosed for reel tilt minimization. Systems, methods and/or apparatus for slot machine controlled lighting. Further embodiments of the present disclosure can provide slot machine reel stop systems, methods, and apparatus useful for electromechanical slot machines. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100041461 | GAMBLING GAMES WITH VOLATILITY INDICATION AND SELECTION - A method for indicating the volatility of a gambling game is disclosed. Specifically, a symbol or symbols are chosen to consistently represent a particular level or subrange of volatilities, and the symbol or symbols are used to specify the volatility or range of volatilities of any given gambling game and to allow the rough comparison of differing levels of volatility between similar gambling devices or different types of gambling games. Gambling games which allow the player themselves to select the volatility of the gambling game as they play are also disclosed. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100041462 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING FREE POTENTIAL WINNING COMBINATIONS - Methods to provide an enhanced likelihood of winning an award and to provide enhanced awards based upon the appearance of symbols on free paylines or free hands of cards. In one embodiment base paylines and the free payline are defined using the same symbol matrix and same reel strips. The free payline is an additional payline with same frequencies of wins and losses as the base paylines. The player wagers upon any number of base paylines. The player receives a free payline if a designated number of base paylines are wagered upon. A multiplier enhances the award for winning symbol combinations appearing on the free payline, with the multiplier value equal to the total wager. In another embodiment, a player wagers upon any number of displayed poker hands. The player also receives at least one free hand if a designated number of hands are wagered upon. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100041463 | AMUSEMENT DEVICES AND CHANCE DEVICES BASED ON FINANCIAL MARKET INDICATORS - A method for wagering comprises receiving a bet regarding a spin of the reels of a slot machine. An outcome may be determined based on one or more financial market indicators. Other embodiments are disclosed. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100048279 | GAME SYSTEM AND METHOD CAPABLE OF CHANGING SYMBOLS WITH SHOWN SUPER SYMBOL - The present invention is a game system and method including a game machine, a game judge unit and a symbol judge and change unit, wherein the game machine has plural wheels arranged in an array for constituting a symbol set, and each wheel in the symbol set shows a symbol randomly. Moreover, the game judge unit judges and if the symbols of the symbol set conform to a particular rule, a particular amount of bonus game is provided. Then, the game machine runs the bonus game, and each wheel in the symbol set is capable of showing the super symbol randomly. Furthermore, the symbol judge and change unit judges the appearance of super symbol and defines a particular position for the wheel showing the super symbol. Finally, the symbol judge and change unit forces the symbols on the wheels of the particular position to change into an universal symbol respectively. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100048280 | SYSTEM FOR ANIMATING MECHANICAL REELS ON A GAMING MACHINE - A system for providing animation on mechanical reels games is disclosed. A gaming machine includes a plurality of mechanical reels each having symbols provided on an outer surface of each of the reels. A lighting system is configured to illuminate a selected symbol on at least one spinning mechanical reels. A game controller generates a game outcome and determines a spin duration for each of the plurality of reels. One or more stepper motors is operatively coupled to the mechanical reels and independently spins each reel. A reel control unit determines the timing of illuminating of the selected symbol on the position of the symbol on the reel when it is illuminated. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100048281 | METHOD FOR ANIMATING MECHANICAL REELS ON A GAMING MACHINE - A method for providing animation on a gaming machine having mechanical reels is disclosed. The method comprises spinning at least one mechanical reel, and illuminating a first symbol on the spinning mechanical reel, wherein the lighting system directs light onto the first symbol for a designated amount of time while the mechanical reel is spinning. A second symbol on the spinning reel is then illuminated, and combined effect of illuminating the first and second symbols while the mechanical reel is spinning is to produce the appearance of animation. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100048282 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD OF PROVIDING SELECTION GAME WITH INTERDEPENDENT AWARD DISTRIBUTION - The disclosed gaming system, gaming device and method provide a selection game having a plurality of selectable positions and a plurality of awards interdependently distributed or associated with the selectable positions. For one, a plurality, or all the selectable positions, the award associated with such selectable position is interdependent in that such award has a relationship to one or more of the awards associated with the selectable positions bordering such position. In various embodiments, the value of the award associated with such selectable position has a relationship to one or more of the values of the awards associated with the selectable positions bordering such position. Based on these interdependencies, when each of the selectable positions is selected, the award, or value of the award, associated with the position provides certain information which can be subsequently used to make better informed position selections. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100048283 | PARAMETER ADJUSTMENT IN A WAGERING GAME - Apparatus, systems, architectures, and methods provide instrumentality to control adjustment of a parameter in a wagering game, where the adjustment is responsive to a playing feature selected for the wagering game and the wagering game is adapted to be initiated from another wagering game. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100048284 | Wagering Game With Color-Coordinated Progressive Award Indicators - A gaming machine for conducting wagering games comprises a plurality of reels, each reel having one or more reel symbols with a colored background and one or more reel symbols with a white background. The gaming machine may include a progressive game having multiple progressive jackpots that are awarded based on patterns formed by the reel symbols with the colored background in the outcomes of the wagering game. In some embodiments, a video display device is provided for overlaying a video image on the reels. The video image operates as a colored placeholder to hold any partial patterns that were formed by the reel symbols having the colored background for multiple plays of the wagering game. Reel symbols having the colored background appearing in subsequent outcomes of the wagering game may then be used to complete one or more patterns. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100048285 | ELECTRONIC GAMING AND/OR GAMBLING MACHINE - The present invention relates to an electronic gaming and/or gambling machine, in particular to a slot machine which is coin operable or is operable by monetary equivalents, comprising a display apparatus for the display of at least one game and optionally additional information, with the display apparatus having at least a first and a second screen on which at least one screen display, preferably a main game, and one second screen display, preferably a bonus game and/or additional information, can be displayed as well as a control panel for the actuation of the gaming and/or gambling machine. In accordance with the invention, the electronic gaming and/or gambling machine is characterized in that a switching device is provided which is actuable by a machine user by an input device for the switching of the first screen representation from the first screen to the second screen and of the second screen representation from the second screen to the first screen or to a further screen and/or vice versa. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100048286 | GAMING SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF WHICH DETERMINES TRANSITION TO SPECIAL GAME - A gaming system of the present invention includes: an input device which starts a base game awarding a payout according to a given winning; a data storage device storing special game condition data which defines, within a given value range, a plurality of sub ranges respectively allotted to special game conditions or “No Special Game” meaning no special game is run, each of the special game conditions being associated with an average payout different from those associated with the other conditions. In the system, a random number is sampled based on an input from the input device. A base game is run using the random number, and a payout according to a resulted winning is awarded. One of the sub ranges each allotted to one of the special game conditions or “No Special Game” is selected, based on a given condition with reference to the random number and the special game condition data. When the selected sub range is allotted to a special game condition, the special game is run under that special game condition and a payout is awarded. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100048287 | Slot Machine - A processer randomly designates the predetermined number of special symbol display areas from among symbol display areas when a free game starts. Subsequently, reels stop rotating to position a symbol in each of the symbol display areas. In case wild symbol(s) is/are repositioned in the specific symbol display area(s), the wild symbol(s) repositioned in the specific display area(s) will be placed and maintained in a hold state in subsequent free game(s). In the subsequent free game(s), symbols will be repositioned in symbol display areas other than one(s) in which the wild symbol(s) has/have been placed in a hold state. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100048288 | MULTIPLE WAGERING GAME DISPLAYS FROM SINGLE INPUT - A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can determine different objects and/or portions within a wagering game video image and split the wagering game video image into multiple video streams containing different parts of the wagering game video image. The operations can then present the multiple video streams on multiple displays. The multiple displays can show the different parts of the wagering game video image appearing as separate and distinct video images. In some embodiments, some of the multiple displays can be placed in front of other displays. The operations can generate transparent masks that allow images to be seen through a display. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100048289 | MULTIPLE GAME GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine comprises a display and a game controller arranged to control images of symbols displayed on the display. The game controller is arranged to play a game wherein at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the display and, if a predefined winning event occurs, a prize is awarded. A plurality of sub-games constitute the game displayed on the display. As an initial display, fewer than a full set of images of each of the sub-games are displayed to show a partial outcome of the game, the fewer than the full set of images being representative of a determination of an expected value for each of the sub-games. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100056246 | GAME SYSTEM CAPABLE OF INCREASING SUPER SYMBOL - The present invention is related to a game system and method including a game machine, a game judge unit and a symbol record and control unit, wherein the game machine has plural reels arranged in an array for constituting a symbol set, and each reel in the symbol set shows a symbol randomly. Moreover, the game judge unit judges if the symbols of the symbol set conform to a particular rule of a symbol set, and if the symbol set conforms to the particular rule of a symbol set, a particular amount of bonus game is provided for the game machine. Then, the game machine runs the bonus game, and during the bonus game, each reel in the symbol set is capable of showing the super symbol randomly. Furthermore, the symbol record and control unit records a position of the reel showing the super symbol and controls the reel with the super symbol to stay static at least one time as the game machine runs the next bonus game, so as to increase the amount of super symbol and increase the score, thereby improving the enjoyment of player. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100056247 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A STRATEGY GAME HAVING A PLURALITY OF AWARDS - The disclosed gaming system, gaming device and method provide a game including a plurality of awards, each of the awards associated with a plurality of award characteristics, including an award value and a level of difficulty. Based at least in part on the award characteristics associated with the awards, a player strategically chooses which award or awards to play for (i.e., which award or awards to attempt to collect) in the game. In certain multiplayer embodiments, two or more players can work together to obtain awards. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100056248 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING VARIABLE SPEED OF PLAY - This concept is directed to gaming devices configured to vary the speed of game play, as well as method of operating gaming devices to vary the speed of play. In some examples of the this concept, a gaming device may be configured to include a game initiating button that when pressed by a player triggers a game processor to ascertain and display a first game outcome, determine if the first game outcome is a winning outcome, and automatically ascertain and display a second game outcome if the first game outcome is not a winning outcome. If the first game outcome is a winning outcome the gaming device may pause to allow the player to appreciate the win before retriggering the processor to ascertain and display subsequent gaming event outcomes, or the gaming device may wait to receive further player input. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100056249 | GAMING MACHINE FOR VARYING NUMBER OF TRIGGER SYMBOLS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - In a slot machine, a unit game in which symbols having been arranged are rearranged is displayed on a display. Then, a special game is displayed on the display in case where a predetermined condition has been met. In addition, in the slot machine, rearranged specific symbols are counted before a special free game and it is determined to increase the number of trigger symbols in the special free game according to the number of counted specific symbols. Since an award provided to a player is varied according to the number of trigger symbols rearranged in the special free game, a player's sense of expectancy can be focused on the special free game. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100056250 | GAMING MACHINE WITH VARIETY ACCORDING TO PLAYER'S SKILL AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - In a gaming machine, a unit game in which symbols having been arranged are rearranged is displayed on a display. Then, a special game is displayed on the display in case where a predetermined condition has been met. In addition, in the slot machine, since a payout and effects at an execution of a special game can be varied according to a player's input operation, different results can be brought according to a variety of abilities with respect to the player's input operation. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100056251 | Wagering System With Improved Expected Value During A Special Event - A method and system for conducting a wagering game with a changed expected value for a special event based on the achievement of a wagering-game enhancement parameter award. The wagering game includes a base game and a special event. The wagering game has a first expected value attributable to the base game and a second expected value attributable to the special event. The special event occurs in response to a triggering event. The first expected value attributable to the base game is decreased. The second expected value attributable to the special event is subsequently increased to compensate for decreasing the first expected value attributable to the base game. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100056252 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING INCREMENTALLY ACTIVATED BONUS AWARDS - A gaming system comprises a wager input device and a display for displaying a plurality of primary symbols, a first bonus reel, and a second bonus reel. The first and second bonus reels have a plurality of bonus symbols thereon. The system further comprises a controller operative to detect a primary wager, a first bonus wager, and a second bonus wager. The controller varies the primary symbols and spins and stops the first bonus reel and the second bonus reel to display a randomly selected outcome. The controller provides a primary award if the primary symbols display a winning outcome. The controller provides a first bonus award if the first bonus wager is detected and the first bonus reel displays a first bonus winning outcome, and provides a second bonus award if the second bonus wager is detected and the second bonus reel displays a second bonus winning outcome. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100056253 | GAMING MACHINE - Gaming machine. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are gaming machines including a processor, a display device, and a memory device. The memory device configured to store a program code that when executed by the processor causes the processor to, before a player activates the game, generate an outcome for a play of a game on the gaming machine. The program code further causes the processor to, before a player activates the play of the game, notify the player by way of the display device as to whether the upcoming game will be a winner or loser. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100056254 | Symbol alignment scheme for multiline gaming machines - A method and apparatus for a gaming machine is disclosed. A slot machine processor and a video monitor screen are provided on which symbols may be provided in a grid for use in a video slot game. The player makes a wager to play the underlying game, with a predetermined initial set of symbols being available for the play of the game. Preferably the symbols are displayed in rows and columns and a first array of symbols from the initial symbol set are displayed in an initial position in the grid. Additional symbols from the remaining initial symbol set are then displayed in the grid, the symbols being displayed according to a specific method and predetermined criterium. Symbols combinations are then analyzed by the processor, and any winning combinations are paid according to a predetermined paytable. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100056255 | Gaming Machine - A gaming machine of the present invention allows an insurance function to be set in a game, based upon an operation of a player. Among games in which plural types of symbols are rearranged on a display device every game execution in which the insurance function is effective, an accumulative value stored in a memory is updated so as to increase. As a result of repeating the game in which the insurance function is effective, where the accumulative value has reached a predetermined value for activating the insurance function, it is judged whether a payout of a preset value for insurance and an execution of a special game has been selected, according to an operation of a selection input section by a player. Either of the payout of the preset value for the insurance and the execution of the special game is performed, based upon a result of the judgment. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100056256 | APPARATUS AND METHOD HAVING A SLIDER DISPLAY - An apparatus includes a slider controller that displays, prior to initiation of a base game, a slider display having a plurality of payline quantity indicia and a plurality of wager category indicia. In addition, the apparatus has a payline quantity adjuster that adjusts a potential payline quantity selection of at least a subset of the plurality of payline quantity indicia prior to initiation of the base game based on a potential payline quantity input from a player of the base game. The apparatus also has a wager category adjuster that adjusts a potential wager category selection of at least a subset of the plurality of wager category indicia prior to initiation of the base game based on a potential wager category input from the player of the base game. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100062827 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING INDICATION OF NOTABLE SYMBOLS - The gaming device and method disclosed herein produces an indication of an appearance of a notable or designated symbol in a symbol display region while at least one reel is spinning. The indication continues while the notable symbol appears in the symbol display region and while the at least one reel is spinning. Different indications are produced for the different notable symbols when appearing in the symbol display region while the at least one reel is spinning. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100062828 | Gaming machine with bonus game - The present invention is a gaming machine including a wager device for receiving a wager, an initiator for performing a primary game in response to the wager, a processor for implementing a secondary game independently of the primary game, a reel display for indicating outcome of the primary game and winning outcome of the secondary game on a reel and a payout device for awarding a reward according to the winning outcome of secondary game, wherein the initiator works independently of the processor. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100062829 | GAMING MACHINE WITH SYMBOL-SPECIFIC MULTIPLIERS - A method for use with a gaming machine that is arranged to select symbols, present the symbols on a display and award an award if a winning outcome occurs. The method includes initialising a plurality of award adjustors, each award adjustor being associated with a corresponding symbol in a specified set of symbols, changing a value of each said award adjustor in response to a game event that involves the presentation of the corresponding symbol on the display; and if the winning outcome comprises a symbol from the specified set, adjusting the award dependent on the award adjustor associated with the symbol in the winning outcome. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100062830 | WAGERING GAME HAVING BONUS-AWARD FEATURE WITH CHANGING STATE - A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a display arrangement for displaying a video image overlaying a game display. The video image includes special symbols for indicating a bonus-award feature having a changing state. The changing state is continually updated or modified based on outcomes of the wagering game as displayed on the game display. The gaming system further includes a controller operative to cause the bonus-award feature to provide an award to the player in response to the state of the bonus-award feature meeting certain criteria. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100069138 | PLAYER SELECTED IDENTITIES AND LUCKY SYMBOLS - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to player representations used to configure indicia on a gaming device. The player representations are used to represent the identity of the player and to personalize the player's gaming experience. The player representations can be provided by the casino or by the player. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100069139 | SLOT MACHINE CAPABLE OF DISPLAYING SPECIAL PICTURE CONSISTING OF A PLURALITY OF PICTURE PIECES AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - According to a slot machine of the present invention, display objects may be stop-displayed to a symbol display. Each of the display objects shows a picture piece for forming a predetermined picture. In a case where the picture pieces shown in the display objects stop-displayed to the symbol display form the predetermined picture, a predetermined profit different from a normal payout is offered. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100069140 | Slot Machine Having Special Symbol And Control Method Thereof - According to a slot machine of the present invention, synthetic symbol images each including a first symbol image and a second symbol image are rearranged to a display. The first symbol image is associated with a predetermined prize. In a case where the first symbol images included in the rearranged synthetic symbols or a combination thereof constitute the predetermined prize, special first symbol images are displayed in place of the synthetic symbols including the first symbol images constituting the predetermined prize. The special first symbol images correspond to the first images constituting the predetermined prize. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100069141 | GAMING MACHINE EXECUTING EFFECTS USING SYMBOLS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A gaming machine of the present invention performs an effect of rotating an image displayed in each display block having a second specific symbol rearranged therein in a direction so as to turn a display screen of a display over to the other side after scroll-displaying a specific character image to the display in a direction from one side of a symbol display region toward the opposite side, and also changing the second specific symbol rearranged in the each display block into a first specific symbol, when the first specific symbol and the second specific symbol have been rearranged in the symbol display region and also when it has been determined to display the specific character image; and offers an award in accordance with the number of first specific symbols arranged in the symbol display region as a result thereof. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100075736 | Gaming System and a Method of Gaming - A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols for display in a plurality of first symbol groups, a display arranged to display the first symbol groups, and a symbol group modifier arranged to remove at least one first symbol group from the display and to add a corresponding at least one second symbol group different to the first symbol groups to the display. The system also comprises an outcome generator arranged to determine a game outcome based on the displayed symbols after addition of the at least one second symbol group. The gaming system is arranged to provide a visible indication that the at least one first symbol group is being removed from the display and the at least one second symbol group is being added to the display. A corresponding method is also disclosed. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100075737 | Special Symbol Remains in Position Until Used in a Winning Combination - A game involves emulating spinning and randomly stopping virtual reels. If a special symbol is displayed in the matrix, and the special symbol is not used in a winning combination of symbols, then, for the next game, the special symbol is held in its position in the array, and all the reels are spun to randomly display symbols in all positions in the matrix other than in the special symbol position. If the special symbol is used in a winning combination of symbols, the special symbol is not held. The machine may hold the special symbol for an unlimited number of games as long as the player makes a maximum bet or an extra bet. Under certain conditions, an award for a winning combination using the held special symbol is enhanced the longer the special symbol is held without being used, so the player desires to not utilize the special symbol right away. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100075738 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A method of gaming comprising: conducting a base game; modifying a current value of a feature counter by a random value in response to a designated counter event occurring in the base game; determining whether the current value of the feature counter corresponds to one of a plurality of feature games in response to a feature trigger event occurring; and conducting any feature game to which the current value of the feature counter corresponds. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100075739 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A method of gaming comprising: providing a plurality of display positions; selecting a plurality of symbols for display at the display positions; evaluating the symbols to determine whether to make a first award based on a designated number of a designated symbol in a winning combination such that the first award is independent of the positions of the designated symbols in the winning combination; and upon a prize being awarded in respect of a winning combination, evaluating the symbols of the winning combination to determine whether to make a second, additional award based on the arrangement of the designated symbols within the winning combination. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100075740 | Gaming machine displaying selected symbols in cells - The present invention is a gaming machine, including a display which displays a plurality of cells for presenting a plurality of symbols in a game, a processor which executes the game, chooses at least two cells from the plurality of cells and a symbol from the plurality of symbols and presents the chosen symbol in the chosen cells, and a payout device which awards a reward according to an symbol arrangement on the cells, wherein each of the plurality of cells displays a symbol independently from each other. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100075741 | WAGERING GAME WITH SYMBOL ARRAY PROVIDING AWARDS BASED ON ARRAY PATHS - A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a wager input device for receiving a wager, The gaming system further includes at least one display for displaying an array of symbols indicating a randomly selected outcome. The array of symbols include a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. The symbols include directional indicators. The randomly selected outcome is indicated by at least one sequence of symbols formed based on directions associated with the directional indicators. In response to the sequence of symbols including a predetermined symbol, an award associated with the predetermined symbol is awarded. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100075742 | GAME-SPECIFIC COMPONENT ENABLEMENT IN A WAGERING GAME SYSTEM - A computerized wagering game system includes a gaming module comprising a processor and gaming code which is operable when executed on the processor to present a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered, and a physical configuration monitor module operable to enable execution of one or more wagering games associated with a game-specific physical configuration of the wagering game machine and to detect the game-specific physical configuration of the wagering game machine. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100075743 | Gaming Machine And Gaming System - In a gaming system of the present disclosure, a game server manages with respect to each player through a password an insurance amount which increments when an insurance bet is set at a gaming machine. Accordingly, when a player leaves a gaming machine, the player can retain his/her insurance amount by setting a password. After that, when the player resumes a game in the same gaming machine or another gaming machine, the insurance amount retained by the player can be reproduced through an entering of the same password as the password set by the player. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100081493 | Gaming machine with extensive symbols - The present invention is a gaming machine for providing a game play and a payout according to a game result, including a storage device which stores a game using a symbol with a function, an executor which executes the game and an extended device which adds other function to the symbol, wherein the extended device works independently of the executor. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100081494 | GAMING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF PLAYING A GAME WITH A SECONDARY WILD SYMBOL MATRIX - A gaming apparatus and method of playing a game with a secondary wild symbol matrix in which the symbols in the secondary matrix determine whether symbols in a primary matrix will be treated as wild symbols. In one embodiment, the secondary and primary matrix symbols must be identical and vertically aligned in order for the primary matrix symbol(s) to be treated as wild. In another embodiment, a particular combination of vertically aligned secondary and primary matrix symbols (not necessarily identical) will result in the primary matrix symbol(s) being treated as wild. In yet another embodiment, a certain number of symbols appearing in the secondary matrix will result in one or more primary matrix symbols being treated as wild. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100081495 | GAMING MACHINE - When a player starts playing a game by operating a MAXBET button (e.g. when the bet count is 30 bets) and determined that the currently owned credit count is insufficient to the credit count required for the MAX bet, the current game rate set in a slot machine (the credit count per bet required for betting) is changed to a lower game rate. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100087242 | GAMING MACHINE WITH SOUND OUTPUT FOR SPECIFIC SYMBOL AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A slot machine has a display on which symbols are rearranged in partitioned regions arranged in a matrix pattern consisting of multiple columns and rows. The display has multiple display windows corresponding to the respective columns for each unit game. In each of the display windows, symbols arranged in the partitioned regions are rearranged by executing video display in which a symbol column having multiple symbols arranged therein is scrolled in an arrangement direction of the symbols. When a symbol rearranged in at least one partitioned region in at least one of the symbol columns already stopped from scrolling forms a pattern just before winning combination establishment in which the rearranged symbol requires a specific symbol in at least one other symbol column in scrolling to be newly rearranged to establish a winning combination, a passing sound of the specific symbol is outputted from a speaker in synchronization with a timing at which the specific symbol in the symbol column in scrolling passes through the display window. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100087243 | SLOT MACHINE EXECUTING FREE GAME AND SLOT MACHINE THAT INCREASES THE NUMBER OF DISPLAYED SPECIAL SYMBOLS - According to a slot machine of the present invention, a first specific number of free games are executed when a first predetermined condition is established in a normal game. Further, a second specific number of free games are executed, when a second predetermined condition is established. Furthermore, when the first predetermined condition is established in the free game executed triggered by the establishment of the second predetermined condition, a third specific number of free games are further executed after the second specific number of free games are executed. Here, the third specific number is larger than the first specific number. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100087244 | Gaming Machine - While one video reel is being scrolled and the remaining video reels stop scrolling, a map of Japan or a map of America is displayed on a liquid crystal panel. A territory corresponding to a player is distinguished by color on the map. There is a correlation in terms of probability between the territory corresponding to the player distinguished by color and a payout amount corresponding to a symbol combination to be realized upon stop of scroll of all the video reels. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100087245 | Randomly awarded progressive jackpots - The invention is a method and a device for adding a bonus prize component to wagering games such as those played in gambling casinos. A player obtaining a predetermined combination in the underlying game wins the bonus prize. This might be a predetermined combination of playing cards in a card game or a predetermined combination on the reels of a slot machine. The bonus prize may require a separate side wager to qualify. The bonus prize is randomly chosen from a group of bonus prizes that includes an incrementing jackpot. The device for practicing the method includes a prize wheel that is spun to randomly choose the bonus prize, and an incrementing device with attached jackpot display for generating and showing the current amount of the incrementing jackpot. Upon winning the incrementing jackpot, the incrementing stops and the player wins the current amount shown on the display. The incrementing jackpot is subsequently reset and the incrementing resumed. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100093422 | WAGERING GAME TRIGGERING MECHANISM FOR USE WITH MULTI-LEVEL PROGRESSIVE GAME - According to one aspect of the present invention, a method of conducting a wagering game is provided. The method allows an opportunity to achieve a first progressive award and a second progressive award. The method comprises the acts of receiving a primary wager from a player for playing the wagering game and initiating the wagering game. The method further includes the act of displaying a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game via a plurality of symbols. The plurality of symbols are selected from a set of symbols including a predetermined symbol. In response to the randomly selected outcome including a first number of the predetermined symbols, the method includes the act of triggering an event in which the first progressive award can be achieved. In response to the randomly selected outcome including a second number of the predetermined symbols, the method includes the act of triggering an event in which the second progressive award can be achieved. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100093423 | SLOT MACHINE THAT INCREASES THE NUMBER OF DISPLAYED SYMBOLS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A slot machine according to the present invention comprises: a symbol display capable of scroll-displaying a symbol array that includes a plurality of symbols; and a controller programmed to execute the processing of: (A) executing a normal game in which the symbol array is scroll-displayed in a single direction and then stop-displayed to the symbol display, and in which game media are paid out in an amount corresponding to the stop-displayed symbol or a combination of the stop-displayed symbols; and (B) displaying an extra symbol being added to the symbol array, while scrolling the symbol array in a direction opposite to the single direction, when a predetermined condition has been satisfied in the normal game executed in the processing (A). | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100093424 | GAMING MACHINE WITH A PREDETERMINED NUMBER OF SYMBOLS SCROLLED FOR DISPLAY PRIOR TO WILD SYMBOL AND HAVING A PREDETERMINED BACKGROUND COLOR AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A slot machine includes a display on which symbols are rearranged in partitioned regions arranged in a matrix pattern including a plurality of columns and rows. The display includes a plurality of display windows corresponding to the respective columns for each unit game. In each of the display windows, for each slot game, executed is video display in which a symbol array having a plurality of symbols arranged therein is scrolled in an arrangement direction of the symbols. By this video display, the symbols arranged in the partitioned regions are rearranged in the slot game. When a feature game trigger is established during the slot game, an additional “WILD” symbol is inserted into the symbol array. The symbols in each symbol array have background images, respectively. The background images of a predetermined number of consecutive symbols immediately upstream of the “WILD” symbol are displayed in a predetermined color, and the background images of the other symbols are displayed in a normal color. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100093425 | GAMING MACHINE FOR CHANGING GAME SOUND IN FREE GAME AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A slot machine displays on a display a unit game in which arranged symbols are rearranged. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the slot machine displays on the display a free game that is a special game. The slot machine also changes a game sound that has been emitted into a different game sound when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the free game. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100093426 | PATTERN DISPLAY DEVICE AND GAME MACHINE INCLUDING THE SAME - A game machines has a back side display unit composed of reels for displaying back patterns, and a front side display unit composed of transparent EL panels for displaying overlapping patterns overlapping with the back patterns. The back side display unit and the front side display unit are disposed not to produce blind spot regions of the back patterns. The game machine can provide various overlapping patterns with good visibility and a high game selection capability to a player. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100099482 | Gaming System Having Dynamically Translucent Symbol Backgrounds - A gaming system comprises a wager input device and a display for displaying a wallpaper, a plurality of symbols, and a plurality of symbol backgrounds. The symbols overly the symbol backgrounds, and the symbol backgrounds overly the wallpaper. The plurality of symbols represent a randomly selected outcome of a wagering game. The system further comprises a controller operative to increase a translucence of at least one of the symbol backgrounds to increase visibility of the wallpaper in response to a triggering event. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100099483 | Gaming Machine Having Position Sensor For Mechanical Reel Modularity - A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a display, a reel mounted for rotation relative to the display, the reel having a plurality of display symbols thereon, a plurality of light cups stationary relative to the display for illuminating symbols on the reel in the direction of the display, a sensor to detect the position of the light cups relative to the display and generate position information, and a controller in communication with the sensor operative to receive the position information from the sensor and determine the position of the light cups relative to the reel from the position information. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100105464 | WAGER MARKET CREATION AND MANAGEMENT - Methods and systems are provided herewith for managing a wagering system. In one exemplary embodiment, a stream of state information of a live sporting event is received in real time. A computer processor determines an initial state and a plurality of possible future states of a first performance parameter of the live sporting event based on the stream of state information. After a beginning of the game and before the start of the event, a probability of occurrence is calculated for at least one of the plurality of possible future states of the first performance parameter based on historical data related to the first performance parameter. The plurality of possible future states are mutually exclusive from one another. During an initial state of the first performance parameter, a signal operative to open a first market for betting on the at least one of the plurality of possible future states is transmitted. The first market comprises betting odds based on the calculated probability of occurrence. After transmitting the signal operative to open the first market, an end of the initial state is determined. Before the end of the initial state, a signal operative to close the first market is transmitted. After transmitting the signal operative to close the first market, an outcome of the first performance parameter is determined based on the received stream of state information. A signal operative to resolve one or more payouts of the first market is transmitted, in which the signal indicates the outcome of the first performance parameter. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100105465 | DETERMINATION OF RESTORATION EVENT - Example methods and devices are set forth for playing a game. In some embodiments, an inventory of game indicia is arranged in a random but established, serial order. In some embodiments, for each hand of play the player makes a wager and game indicia are displayed in order from the inventory to define a winning or losing outcome. In some embodiments, a display, as hands are played, displays the remaining constituency of the inventory and the player, before any game, can order re-shuffling and re-constitute of the inventory. Other embodiments are described. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100105466 | SLOT MACHINE EXECUTING FREE GAME AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - According to a slot machine of the present invention, a free game is executed when a predetermined condition is satisfied. In the free game, an amount of payout is determined based upon an amount of game media, which is obtained by dividing a total amount of the game media betted in the normal game by the number of BETs. Further, game media of the determined amount of payout are paid out. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100113125 | CONFIGURABLE DISPLAYS USED, FOR EXAMPLE IN GAMING MACHINES - Configurable rotatable displays may allow display of visual effects and/or information, and may simulate a non-configurable mechanical reel, for example those found in conventional slot machines. Rotatable displays may be used in a variety of locations on a gaming machine, providing a primary game display and/or box top displays such as a pole. A single rotatable display may be logically segmented to create an appearance of multiple sections or reels. One or more rotatable displays, or one or more mechanical reels, may be positioned within an outer rotatable display. A configurable fixed translucent or transparent display may be positioned between a configurable rotatable display and a user or player. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100113126 | HIDING CARD INFORMATION - Example methods and devices are set forth for playing a game. In some embodiments, an inventory of game indicia is arranged in a random but established, serial order. In some embodiments, for each hand of play the player makes a wager and game indicia are displayed in order from the inventory to define a winning or losing outcome. In some embodiments, a display, as hands are played, displays the remaining constituency of the inventory and the player, before any game, can order re-shuffling and re-constitute of the inventory. Other embodiments are described. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100113127 | SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING MULTI-GAME REEL STRIPS - A system for varying the symbols used on a mechanical reel strip are disclosed. A reel strip comprises a plurality of symbols, each of the symbols associated with a symbol group. Each of the symbol groups is associated with a symbol group designation position on the reel strip. By varying the designation position on the reel strip, the symbols used with each reel strip can be modified. When multiple mechanical reels are used in a gaming machine, the symbol designating position for each reel strip can be the same as any other reel strip or can vary from any of the other reel strips. As such, an endless number of games and game variations may be created and deployed. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100113128 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING A REEL STRIP POSITION - A gaming device is provided, including a reel that includes a reel strip having a plurality of patterns, a sensor configured to detect a pattern of the plurality of patterns, and a controller coupled to the sensor, wherein the controller is programmed to determine an orientation of the reel strip and an identity of the reel strip based on the detected pattern. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100113129 | Gaming apparatus and method of operating the same - A gaming apparatus and a method of operating the same are disclosed The gaming apparatus comprises a display configured to display a plurality of reel images and a processor operatively coupled to the display. The processor is operable to determine an arrangement of symbols for each of the reel images before starting each of games, by selecting symbols to be set on symbol stop positions of the reel image from discrete symbol candidates based on selection probabilities associated with the discrete symbol candidates respectively. The processor is also operable to control the display to display the reel images based on the determined arrangement of symbols in response to operation of a player. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100113130 | Gaming machine with extensive symbols - The present invention is a gaming machine for providing a display and paying out award, including a storage device which stores a game data to implement at least two games of the same type, an extended device which adds a game element to the two games and a game device which implements the two games of the same type, wherein the extended device works independently of the game device. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100113131 | Wagering Game with Progressive Feature - A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a wager input device for receiving a wager. The gaming system further comprises a display for displaying a plurality of symbols that indicates a randomly selected outcome of a wagering game. The plurality of symbols includes more than one type of symbol. In response to collecting a predetermined amount of a first type of symbol during the wagering game, a progressive jackpot associated with the first type of symbol is triggered. The progressive jackpot is funded by at least a portion of the wager. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100113132 | GAME MACHINE AND COMPUTER PROGRAM THEREOF - A game machine having a control unit as a first game chance control device generating a game chance achieving at least one winning combination in winning combinations whose achievement probability varies in a game within a predetermined range provided to the player in exchange for medals, a dividend value control device setting a correspondence relationship between the winning combinations and the dividend values for the player, a dividend display control device displaying an odds display section where the winning combinations are related with the dividend values on a monitor according to the correspondence relationship set by the dividend value control device, a dividend creating device generating the dividend for the player corresponding to the achieved winning combination according to the correspondence relationship set by the dividend value control device when any winning combination is achieved, and a condition determining device determining whether a predetermined dividend change condition is established within the predetermined range. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100113133 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF GAMING - The present invention relates to a gaming system and to a method of gaming. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100113134 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAME CONTROLLER AND A GAMING SYSTEM - In one example, there is provided a method of gaming comprising initiating play, conducting a feature game in response to a feature trigger condition being met, providing at least two alternative continuations which may be accessed if a further trigger condition is met during the feature game, determining which of the alternative continuations to apply upon the further trigger condition being met, and continuing play with the determined continuation. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100113135 | EXCHANGE OF ENTRIES CORRESPONDING TO PARTICIPANTS IN A SPORTS COMPETITION - Entries in one or more sports competitions are determined and distributed to a plurality of users. The one or more sports competitions have one or more stages. In some implementations relating to a first sports competition, the entries include entries in which each of the entries corresponds to a respective team of a set of teams participating in the first sports competition. In some implementations relating to a second sports competition, the entries include entries in which each of the entries corresponds to a respective individual of a set of individuals participating in the second sports competition. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100113136 | Gaming Machine With Visual And Audio Indicia Changed Over Time - A gaming machine having features for increasing player appeal is set forth. The machine generally includes a processor, a display, and a memory device. The processor randomly selects one of a plurality of outcomes of the gaming machine in response to a wager. The display displays visual elements to be viewed by the player. The memory device is coupled to the processor and stores at least two data sets for producing at least two different types of visual and/or audio elements in the basic game or bonus game, or at least two different types of bonus game formats. The processor selects one of the two data sets in response to the occurrence of a predetermined time, a number of wager inputs by players of the gaming machine, or after determining a favorite play content based on the number of wager inputs by players. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100120490 | SYSTEM OF SPIN TO WIN - Various embodiments are directed to gaming machines, gaming systems, methods, and computer-readable media for presenting a multi-tiered promotional game having a promotional base game component, promotional bonus game component, and a cash giveaway component. According to one embodiment, the gaming system includes a player tracking system having a database of player gaming data that includes a record of multi-tiered promotional game entry points and multi-tiered promotional bonus game entry points. The gaming system also includes a plurality of gaming devices in communication with the player tracking system, wherein each gaming device presents a primary game. The gaming devices also include a secondary display associated with each gaming device, wherein the secondary display is capable of presenting a promotional base game or a promotional bonus game. The gaming system further includes a multi-tiered promotional game server in communication with the secondary display, wherein the multi-tiered promotional game server manages the promotional base game and the promotional bonus game. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100120491 | METHOD OF SPIN TO WIN - Various embodiments are directed to gaming machines, gaming systems, methods and computer-readable media for presenting a multi-tiered promotional game having at least a promotional base game component and a promotional bonus game component. According to one method, player eligibility is determined for a multi-tiered promotional game and is based on player tracking information. The promotional base game component is presented after play of a primary game if the player is deemed eligible for the multi-tiered promotional game. Promotional credits are awarded to the player for a winning outcome in the promotional base game component. The player is also awarded a bonus game entry point for a promotional bonus game component if the player is deemed eligible for the multi-tiered promotional game, wherein a predetermined number of bonus game entry points are required to play the promotional bonus game component. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100120492 | ENHANCING WIN OUTCOME DISPLAY WITH FICTITIOUS LOSSES - A method of facilitating the operation of a wagering game and a system for operating the same. A winning game outcome may be randomly determined. The display of the winning game outcome to a player may be accomplished by first displaying a fictitious loss, and then visually transforming the display of the fictitious loss into a display representing the winning game outcome. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100120493 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD HAVING A BONUS SEQUENCE WITH AVAILABLE SYMBOLS DETERMINED IN A BASE GAME - In one embodiment, the gaming system includes a plurality of symbols for a play of the primary game, wherein at least one symbol from this set of symbols is a designated symbol. In this embodiment, for a play of the primary game, the gaming system randomly displays a plurality of symbols from the set of symbols. If the plurality of displayed symbols include a designated symbol, the gaming system triggers a bonus sequence, determines a number of bonus symbol generations for the bonus sequence, and determines which symbols are displayed in symbol position locations relative to or having a predetermined relationship to the symbol position location of the displayed designated symbol. The gaming system then determines a sub-set of symbols which includes the symbols that were determined to be displayed in symbol position locations relative to or having a predetermined relationship to the symbol position location of the designated symbol. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100120494 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING GROUP EVENT WITH INDIVIDUAL GROUP EVENT ELIGIBILITY TIMERS - A gaming system and method which provides a community group event to a plurality of players at a plurality of the gaming devices in the gaming system. Each gaming device participating in the group event is associated with an individual group event eligibility timer. Such individual group event eligibility timers regularly decrement based on time and may increment based on one or more aspects of the player's gaming experience, such as wagers placed. If the individual group event eligibility timer associated with a gaming device participating in the group event lapses before the conclusion of a group event timer or mode, that gaming device is eliminated from the group event. Upon the conclusion of the group event, a group event award is shared amongst the players at the remaining or non-eliminated gaming devices (i.e., the gaming devices associated with individual group event eligibility timers with any amount of remaining time). | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100120495 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD PROVIDING ACCUMULATION GAME - A gaming system and method enables a player to assign at least one amplifier to at least one accumulator. In one embodiment, the amplifier causes an increase in the rate of advancement for the accumulator. In one embodiment, the gaming system provides the player any awards associated with the level of one or more of the accumulators. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100120496 | GAMING SYSTEM ENABLING A SYMBOL DRIVEN WIN EVALUATION METHOD - Various embodiments of the disclosed gaming system and method include determining whether to initiate a win evaluation sequence for determining awards for a play of a wagering game based on the symbols generated in that play of the wagering game. In various such embodiments, the gaming system determines whether to initiate a win evaluation sequence for determining awards for a play of a wagering game based on whether a designated number of evaluation triggering symbols are randomly generated in the play of the wagering game. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100120497 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD ENABLING PLAYER PARTICIPATION IN SELECTION OF SEED FOR RANDOM NUMBER GENERATOR - A gaming system which utilizes a random number generator where the process of selecting one or more seeds for the random number generator includes participation of a player. In one embodiment, the player picks one of a plurality of displayed selections at a gaming device. Each selection is associated with a different external seeding source of data not controlled by the gaming system. A gaming system gathers the data from the external seeding sources associated with the different seeds. The gaming system uses the data gathered from the seeding source associated with the player's picked selection to determine one or more seeds. The determined seeds are used to initialize a random number generator, which generates one or more numbers and at least in part determine the outcome of the game. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100120498 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD PROVIDING TIERED PROGRESSIVE BONUSING SYSTEM - The gaming system and method disclosed herein provides a plurality of players with an opportunity to win a plurality of progressive awards maintained by the gaming system. The gaming system accumulates a quantity of progressive event points for each player playing at one of the gaming machines in the gaming system. In one embodiment, the gaming system uses an accumulated quantity of progressive event points for a designated player to determine which one or more of the progressive awards the designated player wins. In another embodiment, the gaming system uses an accumulated quantity of progressive event points to determine the designated player's probability of winning one or more of the progressive awards. Accordingly, the gaming system provides a point-based system in which either a progressive award to win or a probability of winning a progressive award is determined based on the quantities of progressive event points accumulated by the players. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100120499 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD HAVING BONUS EVENT AND BONUS EVENT AWARD IN ACCORDANCE WITH A CURRENT WAGER AND ONE OR MORE ACCUMULATED BONUS EVENT POINTS - In one embodiment, the gaming system and method disclosed herein maintains a plurality of different bonus event average expected payouts which are ranked. In one embodiment, if a bonus event triggering condition occurs, the gaming system determines one of the plurality of different bonus event average expected payouts to utilize for the triggered bonus event. In one such embodiment, the determined bonus event average expected payout is based on a player's current wager and a quantity of accumulated bonus event points or units. In this embodiment, the gaming system enables players to accumulate bonus event points based on one or more aspects of a player's previous gaming experiences during a designated period of time. The gaming system then displays a bonus event to the player and determines a bonus event award, wherein the determined bonus event award is in accordance with the determined bonus event average expected payout. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100120500 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND GAMING METHOD PROVIDING ADDITIONAL AWARD OPPORTUNITIES FOR AN ACTIVATION OF A SYMBOL GENERATOR BASED ON AN OCCURRENCE OF A TRIGGERING EVENT - A gaming system, gaming device, and gaming method including a symbol generator, where a number of awards available to the player in a single activation of the symbol generator and/or which awards are available to a player in a single activation of the symbol generator are based on an occurrence of one or more triggering events. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100120501 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD INCLUDING POINTS OF SYMBOL EXPANSION - Various embodiments of the disclosed gaming system and method include the gaming system randomly generating a plurality of symbols, displaying the generated symbols and prior to determining any awards for a play of a game, determining whether an expanding symbol is displayed at one or more points of symbol expansion. If the expanding symbol is displayed at the point of symbol expansion, the gaming system causes the expanding symbol to “expand,” replacing at least another one of the displayed symbols. After the gaming system causes the symbol expansions, the gaming system evaluates the symbols for winning symbol combinations, determines any awards associated with the winning symbol combinations, and provides the player with any determined awards. In various embodiments, the point of symbol expansion is a symbol position. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100120502 | ADJUSTING PAYBACK DATA BASED ON SKILL - A gaming device including an interface unit configured to accept game play data from a player and a controller coupled to the interface unit. The controller includes a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores payback data. The processor is configured to receive, via the interface unit, the game play data for the player playing a game, evaluate the received game play data based on predefined criteria, determine a level of skill of the player based at least on the evaluated game play data, and adjust the payback data based on the determined level of skill of the player. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100120503 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A COMMUNITY BONUS EVENT - A gaming system and method including providing a community or group bonus event to a plurality of players at a plurality of gaming devices. For each of the players determined as eligible to participate in a triggered group bonus event, the gaming system determines that player's relative probability of winning a group bonus event award in the triggered bonus event. In one such embodiment, each player's relative probability of winning the group bonus event award is based on that player's wagering history, such as any amounts wagered by that player, the frequency of placing such wagers and/or frequency of not placing any wagers. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100120504 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING AN AWARD ENHANCEMENT FEATURE - The gaming system, gaming device and method disclosed herein provide an award enhancement feature that enables a player to obtain a round up factor for an award. The award enhancement feature of the present disclosure enables increasing the value of an award by rounding the award value up to a higher value based on the award value and the round up factor. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100120505 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A GAME IN WHICH A PLAYER COLLECTS EMBLEMS BY POSITIONING ACCUMULATORS IN A FIELD - A gaming system displays a plurality of emblems in a predefined field. For a play of an accumulator positioning game, the gaming system enables a player to position at least one accumulator in the field based on a set of accumulator positioning criteria. The accumulator positioning criteria define allowable accumulator positions and also define whether a positioned accumulator causes the gaming system to indicate any of the emblems as winning emblems. The gaming system may indicate such winning emblems based on a spatial relationship between that emblem and any accumulator, such as a relationship wherein an accumulator encircles an emblem. The gaming system indicates any such winning emblems and provides an award for the play of the game based on any indicated winning emblems. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100120506 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD OF PROVIDING AN ADJUSTED PAYTABLE FOR A NUMBER OF FUTURE PLAYS OF A GAME - One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a game operable upon a wager by a player which initially employs an initial or default paytable. The gaming device enables a player to place wagers on plays of the game. The gaming device displays the game outcomes and provides the player with any awards based on the game outcomes in accordance with the default paytable. Upon an occurrence of a triggering event, a bonus mode is triggered. In one embodiment, when the bonus mode is triggered, the gaming device offers to replace the default paytable with a different one of the paytables for a limited number of future plays of the game, if the player agrees to make an additional wager on each of those future plays of the game. If the player chooses to accept the offer, the gaming device determines outcomes and provides any awards for the limited number of future plays in accordance with the new paytable, as long as the player continues placing the additional wager for each of those plays. If the player chooses not to accept the offer to replace the default paytable with a new paytable, the gaming device displays the number of future plays of the game without requiring the additional wager and provides any awards for those plays in accordance with the default paytable. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100120507 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A CASCADING SYMBOLS GAME HAVING MAGNETIC SYMBOLS AND TARGET SYMBOLS - A gaming system displays one of a plurality of symbols in each of a plurality of symbol positions, at least one of the plurality of symbols being a target symbol for establishing a direction of shifting and at least one of the plurality of symbols being a magnetic symbol for shifting toward a target symbol. If any generated magnetic symbol is associated with a generated target symbol, the gaming system shifts that magnetic symbol toward the associated target symbol, resulting in an empty symbol position. The gaming system fills the empty symbol position by shifting a displayed symbol or by generating one of the plurality symbols and repeats until no magnetic symbol is associated with a target symbol. The gaming system provides an award for any displayed winning symbol combination. The gaming system removes symbols from each winning combination, fills the empty symbol positions, and repeats as above. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100120508 | Wagering game having award group selection feature - A method of conducting a wagering game comprises receiving a wager from a player, and displaying a plurality of selectable elements arranged in an array, each of the selectable elements associated with a respective outcome. The method further comprises receiving a plurality of selections of the selectable elements, and after receiving the plurality of selections, revealing the outcomes associated with the selected elements. For each outcome which comprises an award, the award is provided to the player. For each outcome which comprises an expander element, outcomes associated with all selectable elements in a direction of expansion associated with the expander element are revealed, and if any such revealed outcomes comprise an award, the award is provided to the player. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100120509 | GAMING MACHINE AND GAMING SYSTEM ACCUMULATING BETTED GAME MEDIA AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE GAMING MACHINE - According to a gaming system of the present invention, the control device cumulatively counts a part of the number of game media betted in each of the slot machines, as a cumulative value, and transmits cumulative-value information based on the cumulative value obtained by the counting to the slot machines. The slot machine determines the number of special symbols that can be displayed to the symbol display, based on the received cumulative-value information. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100120510 | GAMING MACHINE EXECUTING FREE GAME AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - According to a gaming machine | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100120511 | Gaming Machine With Special Symbol - A gaming machine having a display means and a game control means arranged to control images displayed on the display means, the game control means being arranged to play a game wherein at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the display means and, if a predefined winning event occurs, the machine awards a prize, wherein, when a special symbol is carried by a symbol-carrying element into a display position on the display means, the special symbol substitutes as more than one occurrence of a standard symbol of the game. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100124968 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD PROVIDING TRACE SYMBOLS - The gaming device includes a plurality of mechanical reels which have a plurality of symbols including a plurality of trace symbols. The gaming device includes at least one light source configured to illuminate portions of the mechanical reels when the mechanical reels generate the trace symbols so that for at least one subsequent spin of the mechanical reels, the gaming device can indicate that the mechanical reels generated the trace symbols during a previous spin of the mechanical reels. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100124969 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR ENABLING A PLAYER TO SELECT VOLATILITY USING GAME SYMBOLS - Various embodiments of the gaming system, gaming device, and gaming method disclosed herein provide a primary game and a free activation bonus sequence, wherein the gaming system enables the player to select one or more of a plurality of different volatility options for use in the free activation bonus sequence. Each option is associated with a different number of free activations and a different pool of symbols or different symbol functionality. The gaming system provides this variation in the pool of symbols or symbol functionality in various embodiments by enabling the player to replace one or more symbols of a pool or set of symbols of the primary game (i.e., the primary set of symbols) with the symbol associated with a player selected option. The symbols of this modified set of symbols (i.e., the secondary set of symbols) are used in the free activation bonus sequence. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100124970 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A GUARANTEED WIN FEATURE - The gaming system, gaming device and method disclosed herein provides a player with a guaranteed win feature for a bonus event. The guaranteed win feature guarantees that the player will win an award of at least a minimum award amount for each of a number of free activations of the bonus event. In one embodiment, the minimum award amount is determined based on the player's wager on a wagering game. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100124971 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING THE AVERAGE EXPECTED PAYBACK ASSOCIATED WITH A PLAY OF A WAGERING GAME - A gaming system and method which provides a player with a higher average expected payback for making a gaming system wager on a gaming system wagering event in addition to making a primary game wager on a primary game. If the player places the gaming system wager on the gaming system wagering event, the player obtains the chance to win a gaming system award in addition to the player's chance of winning an award based on the outcome of the primary game, wherein the gaming system award is based, at least in part, on the primary game outcome. By placing a gaming system wager on the gaming system wagering event, the overall average expected payback associated with the play of the game increases, without changing the average expected payback of the primary game. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100124972 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A CASCADING SYMBOL GAME INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF INDEPENDENT REELS WHICH PROVIDE A STACKED SYMBOL FUNCTIONALITY - A gaming system displays a plurality of independent reels, wherein each independent reel generates a symbol from a plurality of symbol positions of that independent reel in accordance with a plurality of probabilities. At least two adjacent independent reels generate symbols according to relatively high probabilities of generating a designated symbol. For a play of the game, the gaming system generates and displays a symbol for each independent reel and provides an award for any displayed winning symbol combinations. In one embodiment, for at least one symbol position of at least one winning symbol combination, the gaming system re-generates a symbol for one or more independent, such as by displaying a symbol from an adjacent symbol position of that independent reel. The gaming system provides an award for any winning symbol combinations and repeats until no winning symbol combinations are displayed. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100124973 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR ENABLING A CURRENT BET TO BE PLACED ON A FUTURE PLAY OF A WAGERING GAME - The gaming system, gaming device, and gaming method disclosed herein provide an opportunity for a player to place a replay wager for a group or set of a plurality of plays of a wagering game. In one embodiment, the replay wager activates a replay feature which the player can use a designated number of times (such as one time) over the plurality of plays of the wagering game. The player's use of the replay feature causes the gaming system to redisplay the previous play of the wagering game, and provide any awards associated with the previous play of the wagering game. After the player uses the replay feature over each of the designated number (such as one) of the plurality of plays of the wagering game, the player cannot use the replay feature for any of the remaining plays of the plurality of plays of the wagering game. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100124974 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING GAMING MACHINES WITH PROJECTED OR POLARIZED IMAGE REEL SYMBOLS - A system for providing a multi-game gaming machine having mechanical reel strips is displayed. The use of the projection devices onto blank mechanical reel strips transforms the multi-game gaming machine to a mechanical reel video game. These projection devices project the multi-game symbol images over the exposed portions of the mechanical reel strips. The projection devices are to be positioned such that its image projection covers one, two, or three reels of the available viewable area. The multi-game symbol projected images are theme based and can be easily changed or updated. A mechanical-reel gaming machine may include light responsive polymer material layers on its reel strips having multiple symbol images visible in polarized light and methods for displaying such symbol images is disclosed. The multi-game gaming machine has access to visually changing reel strips, and as such a number of sets of symbols can be displayed based on a game selection and corresponding image polarizer orientation. Back lights for each mechanical reel are to provide a uniform light source, and enough light coverage for all viewable reel payline positions. The uniform light sources per reel work with the image polarizer associated per reel, with polarizer location between preferably the reel and the game patron or the light sources and the reel. The polarizer orientation changes based on a game selection, with different game symbols displayed according to that selected game. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100124975 | Wagering Game With Orientable Indicia and Method - Disclosed are games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods including an adjustable multi-part indicia. During play of a game, indicia may be repeatedly reoriented in order to form winning combinations with adjacent indicia. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100124976 | Gaming Machine With Orientable Indicia and Method - Disclosed are games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods including an adjustable multi-part indicia. During play of a game, indicia may be repeatedly reoriented in order to form winning combinations with adjacent indicia. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100124977 | Networked Gaming System With Orientable Indicia and Method - Disclosed are games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods including an adjustable multi-part indicia. During play of a game, indicia may be repeatedly reoriented in order to form winning combinations with adjacent indicia. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100124978 | Gaming Machine With Award Based on Sub-Game Outcomes and Method - Disclosed are games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods including a primary game award at least partially based on the outcomes of one or more sub-games. The outcomes are related according to a pay table associated with the primary game. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100124979 | BONUS FOR CONNECTED GAMING DEVICES - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a bonusing system and method for gaming devices that are connected to one another. In some embodiments, separate counters are maintained for each choice of wager that each player has. For instance, if a player can bet 1, bet 2, and bet 3, then there are three sets of counters. Each counter has an individual trigger that may be randomly assigned. Each time a player bets, the corresponding counter increments, and each of the players at the connected gaming devices can see the counters accumulating. One bet will satisfy the individual trigger and, in some embodiments, the player who made the bet will win a bonus. In other embodiments, any player of a connected device can win. In either event, the players of the connected devices will not immediately know which player will get the bonus. Eventually the winning player is identified and the bonus awarded. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100124981 | GAMING MACHINE THAT EXECUTES FREE GAME AND THE PLAY METHOD - A gaming machine is arranged as follows: on condition that a game medium is betted, plural symbols including a specific symbol are rearranged based on a symbol randomly selected from the plural symbols; a base game in which a game medium with an amount determined in accordance with the rearranged symbols is run; if in the base game the specific symbol is rearranged with a first predetermined condition, a special game in which a free game is repeated plural times, in the free game a special status in which the specific symbol is added to the plural symbols being established and a game medium with an amount determined in accordance with the rearranged symbols; and another free game is added and made runnable if in the special game the specific symbol is rearranged with a second predetermined condition. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100124982 | GAMING MACHINE AND DISPLAY DEVICE - A gaming machine ( | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100130280 | MULTI-PLAYER, MULTI-TOUCH TABLE FOR USE IN WAGERING GAME SYSTEMS - A multi-player gaming system sensing multiple simultaneous contacts on a surface of a gaming table, differentiating contacts by different players. Privacy controls selectively display private information visible to only one of the players on or near the display surface of the gaming table. The gaming system also detects physical objects placed on the surface of the gaming table, causing wagering game functions or peripheral functions to be performed as a result of the placement of the object on the display surface. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100137055 | Wagering Game With Single-Symbol Reel For Enhancing Winning Combinations - A system and method for conducting a wagering game providing an opportunity to earn an increased award is disclosed. A randomly selected outcome from a plurality of possible outcomes is displayed. The plurality of possible outcomes each including a plurality of symbols arranged in an array. An additional symbol is displayed separate from the array. If the displayed randomly selected/outcome includes a winning symbol combination resulting in a first award, a determination is made whether the displayed additional symbol can be combined with the winning symbol combination to yield a second award being larger than the first award. The first award is provided if the additional symbol cannot be combined with the winning symbol combination to yield the second award. The larger second award is provided if the additional symbol can be combined with the winning symbol combination to yield the second award. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100144420 | MOVING INDICATOR - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a moving indicator that is positionable over individual gaming devices in a bank of gaming devices. The moving indicator includes a moveable platform and a moving unit for positioning the moveable platform above the individual gaming devices. The moving indicator includes a display and a plurality of selectable features. The display and selectable features can be selectively activated in response to events on the individual gaming devices. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100144421 | SLOT MACHINE HAVING A PLURALITY OF INPUT DEVICES AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A slot machine of the present invention is provided with a plurality of BET input devices with each of which a player can bet game media in a different amount. The number of times that a game is played is counted in association with the BET input device with which a BET has been inputted in that game. A predetermined profit is offered based on the number of times counted in association with the BET input device. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100144422 | Multiple game interfaces for gaming devices - A slot machine processor and a video monitor screen are provided on which symbols may be provided in a grid for use in a multi-stage video slot game. The game stages are played sequentially, with separate predetermined sets of symbols being provided for at least two game stages. A first symbol set is provided for at least a first game stage, the first symbol set comprising at least one specifically-themed symbol. A second symbol set is provided for at least a second game stage, the second symbol set comprising at least one specifically-themed symbol that is predeterminedly-related to the at least one specifically-themed symbol in the first symbol set. Symbols in at least a third game stage may be a combination of symbols from the first and second symbol sets. Final symbol arrays in each game stage are analyzed by the processor, and any winning combinations are paid according to predetermined rules and/or paytables. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100144423 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system is disclosed which includes a plurality of spinners, each spinner being associated with a plurality of display positions and having a plurality of symbols disposable at the display positions. A spinner controller is arranged to select the symbols to appear at the display positions for each spinner, and an outcome evaluator is arranged to determine whether the symbols shown at the display positions correspond to at least one winning outcome by reference to at least one defined win condition. Each win condition comprises a win line having at least three display positions from two adjacent spinners. A corresponding method of gaming is also disclosed. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100151931 | COOPERATING REELS - Certain embodiments provide systems, methods, and apparatus for game play, including cooperative reel and/or symbol game play. A method includes initiating a game for play by a player at a gaming system. The method also includes determining a player combination of one or more symbols. The method further includes determining a dealer combination of one or more symbols. Additionally, the method includes comparing the player combination and the dealer combination to determine a result. The method includes outputting the result to the gaming system for player view. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100151932 | GAMING APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS - Gaming apparatus, e.g. an Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) ( | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100160028 | Bonus Game Where Player Collects Playing Cards to Make a Hand - A base game on a gaming machine may be a conventional 5×3 video reel-type game, where awards are granted for winning symbol combinations in the base game. If a bonus trigger has occurred, a special card deck symbol is added to at least one reel, and the player is granted free bonus spins of the virtual reels in a bonus round. The player accumulates bonus win awards during the free bonus spins based on at least winning combinations of symbols. If the deck symbol is displayed after a spin, the player is randomly dealt a playing card. Dealt playing cards are accumulated until the player has accumulated seven cards. A multiplier is associated with the value of the best five-card hand, and the accumulated bonus win awards are multiplied by the multiplier to identify a final amount to be awarded to the player. The bonus game is then terminated. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100160029 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EXECUTING GAMES EMPLOYING BONUS AMOUNTS BASED ON BONUS CHARACTERISTICS - Systems and methods are provided for providing a player of a gaming device entitlement to a bonus amount, wherein the bonus amount may not be immediately apparent or attainable by the player. A gaming device player may acquire symbols in the context of a reel-based slot machine game. Certain symbols may entitle the player to a bonus payout, the bonus being apparent or attainable by the player at a later point in time and based on certain characteristics associated with the impending benefit. For example, gaming device players may obtain virtual representations of shares of company stock, which may only be sold (yielding a bonus to the player) under certain conditions, as dictated by the gaming device. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100160030 | Method of Gaming, A Gaming System and a Game Controller - Aspects of the present invention provide a gaming method, system and game controller for a game of skill. The result of the game of skill is evaluated to determine whether any potential award value for the game of skill is lost based on the player's skill based result. Potential award value for the game of skill may be lost as a result of application of the player's skill based result. Any lost potential award value is applied to a prize pool. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100160031 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING MULTIPLE SELECTABLE DISPLAY INTERFACES BASED ON PLAYER'S WAGERS - An apparatus and method for displaying multiple gaming device interfaces for the same wagering game is provided. The game can be a slot game although other wagering games are also within the scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, the exact same game is played using one of a plurality of different display interfaces, wherein the gaming device enables the player to select which interface to play. The player can play the game using one interface and then switch interfaces to provide a fresh display or to change the player's luck. The player can then switch back to the original interface or select a brand new interface depending upon how many interfaces overall are provided. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100167808 | Game playing devices and video slots without paylines - Game playing devices are described which are configured with software instructions for rendering a video slots type game comprising an array of symbols, typically but not necessarily displayed in rows and columns of symbols. The games of this disclosure do not use the concept of pay lines. Rather, winning results are determined by a minimum number of the one or more of the symbols of the game appearing in the array of symbols. Such symbols may appear either in a scattered, random arrangement and the player wins. If they are in an adjacent arrangement, e.g., all on the same row, the player wins a higher prize. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100173694 | GAMING MACHINE WITH MULTIPLE REEL ARRAYS - A gaming machine provided with an outcome arrangement of games wherein any play of said machine initiates play of at least two separately displayed games of chance; said at least two games of chance played simultaneously within a single game sequence on said gaming machine; said at least two games of chance separately displayed on a single display screen of said gaming machine, and wherein an outcome of one of said at least two games of chance may be combined with at least an outcome of a second said game of chance to award a bonus feature to a player of said gaming machine. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100178974 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAME CONTROLLER AND A GAMING SYSTEM - A method of gaming comprising: selecting a plurality of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions, the selecting being performed by selecting from a set of symbols including one or more modifiable symbols, each modifiable symbol adapted to receive a modifier; determining whether a corresponding modifier is a available for each selected modifiable symbol; modifying each selected modifiable symbol in respect of which a positive determination is made by adding the modifier to the modifiable symbol; and determining whether to make an award based on the plurality of symbols as modified. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100178975 | GRAPHICAL PROGRESS REPORT FOR GAMING DEVICE BONUS - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a graphical report or progress bar that informs the player how close they are to receiving a bonus for a gaming device. In one embodiment a character “eats,” consumes, or otherwise eliminates obstacles between an avatar or indicator character and a reward. The character advances based on results of playing the base game on the gaming device or based on other factors. Reaching the reward allows the player to play another bonus game that directly awards cash, credit, or some other benefit. Progress toward the bonus award may be associated (and stored) with a player account, so that it carries over from one gaming session to another, or progress may be only active for the current session. Linked devices could remove the obstacles in either or both of the games. In other embodiments the graphical report takes form of a bar having an increasing fill level, a miner uncovering jewels from rocks, a miner extracting jewels from a mine or hole, and a pie that adds pieces as the player progresses toward the bonus. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100178976 | Gaming Method and Apparatus for Facilitating a Game Involving Specialty Wild Functionality - Various embodiments are directed to a plurality of rounds of a game, the game comprising providing a play area comprising a plurality of regions and game elements distributed within the regions, moving a roving wild indicator within the play area to one of the game elements, the roving wild indicator moving between the game elements within the play area during each of the plurality of rounds of the game, the element to which the roving wild indicator moves exhibiting wild functionality for at least a current round of the game, selecting one of the plurality of regions as a wild region, each element within the wild region exhibiting wild functionality for at least the current round of the game, marking a plurality of the game elements, each marking for each element of the plurality selected from a plurality of different marking types, evaluating elements of the play area to identify if the game element to which the roving wild indicator is moved in the current round of the game is within the wild region, evaluating elements of the play area to identify if one or more series of corresponding marked elements were formed, wherein the elements marked with common types of the different marking types correspond to one another and elements exhibiting wild functionality correspond to all game elements, and initiating at least one game play function other than wild functionality if the game element to which the roving wild indicator is moved is within the wild region based on the evaluation of the elements. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100190542 | Gaming machine having multiplying symbol ability - The present invention is a gaming machine including a reel display, which is configured with a plurality of reel lines displaying a plurality of symbols arranged to rotate along the reel lines, a controller, which shows a substantially-stationary symbol on a reel line while the symbols are rotating along the reel line, an evaluator, which recognizes a pass of a symbol related to the substantially-stationary symbol by the substantially-stationary symbol on the reel line, and a processor, which changes a function of the substantially-stationary symbol when the evaluator detects the symbol related to the substantially-stationary symbol passing by the substantially-stationary symbol on the reel line. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100190543 | Wagering Game With Rule Set Altered Prior To Completion Of Reel Spin - A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a display and a controller. The display displays a plurality of spinning reels that stop to indicate a randomly selected outcome of a plurality of outcomes in response to accepting a wager input from a player. The controller is in communication with the display and is operative to conduct the wagering game in accordance with a basic set of gaming rules. The controller is further operative to cause a modification to a gaming rule of the basic set of gaming rules and to indicate the modification to the player. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100190544 | WAGERING GAME HAVING A COLLAPSIBLE WILD FEATURE - According to one aspect of the present invention, a gaming system includes an input device for receiving a wager to play a wagering game. The gaming system further includes a display for displaying a randomly selected outcome including a plurality of symbols forming a first array. The first array includes a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. At least one of the rows and columns includes a first wild symbol, a second wild symbol, and at least one non-wild symbol positioned between the first and second wild symbols. The gaming system further includes a controller adapted to form a modified array on the display. The modified array includes at least one additional wild symbol positioned between the first and second wild symbols on the at least one row or column. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100190545 | GAMING DEVICE WITH INTERACTIVE SPIN ACTION VISUAL EFFECTS - The present invention relates to a reel-type slot machine having interactive spin action visual effects. The reel-type slot machine includes at least M reels, each reel having symbols associated with it; a video display for displaying a video image of a M N matrix of squares, each square associated with a symbol of a corresponding reel; and a spin actuator for initiating play and interactively producing spin action visual effects associated with the M×N matrix of squares by inputting a direction vector and speed, wherein the direction vector and speed respectively determine the direction and speed of the spin action visual effects. Preferably, the spin actuator is a trackball. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100190546 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENABLING A PLAYER TO SELECT PROGRESSIVE AWARDS TO TRY FOR AND CHANCES OF WINNING PROGRESSIVE AWARDS - The present disclosure provides a gaming device, a gaming system and a method for operating a gaming device or gaming system with a plurality of progressive awards. The gaming device enables a player to select one of the progressive awards. The player's selection of which progressive award to play for is based, at least in part, on a relative probability of the player winning the selected progressive award compared to the relative probabilities of the player winning the non-selected progressive awards. After selecting which award to play for, the gaming device either provides the selected progressive award to the player or modifies the relative probability that the player will win the selected progressive award with one or more of any award selections remaining. Such a configuration enables the player to strategically select which award to play for and the order that the player will play for the awards. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100197377 | Wagering Game With Persistent Wild Symbol Reel Positions - A gaming system for conducting a wagering game comprises a display including a plurality of symbol-bearing reels having a plurality of symbol locations and symbols that indicate a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. In response to a certain event, at least one symbol on the reels in a particular one of the plurality of symbol locations is altered to produce an altered function of the symbol. The altered function of the altered symbol location is maintained for subsequent plays of the wagering game. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100197378 | Wagering Game Having Display Arrangement Formed By An Image Conduit - A gaming system for conducting a wagering game comprises a display device and an image conduit. The display device develops or includes images of symbols associated with the wagering game. The image conduit is located in front of the display device and has a first end and a second end. The image conduit transmits the images from the second end to the first end of the image conduit. The images of the symbols appear at the first end such that a player perceives the symbols to be located at the first end of the image conduit. The display device can be a physical object with symbol indicia or a video display for displaying video images. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100203946 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display in a display area at a plurality of display positions, and an instruction selector arranged to select an instruction from a plurality of instructions, at least some of the instructions being different and each instruction being indicative of a modification action applicable to the displayed symbols. The system also comprises a display modifier arranged to modify the displayed symbols according to the selected instruction, and an outcome evaluator arranged to determine a game outcome based on the displayed symbols after modification by the selected instruction. A corresponding method is also disclosed. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100203947 | ELECTRONIC AMUSEMENT DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A GAME OFFERING CONTINUOUS REELS - A gaming device and method for controlling operating the gaming device is disclosed. The gaming device initiates a paid play, and determines an outcome of the play. The outcome is visually displayed using at least two graphical displays. The graphical displays comprise a first and second visual continuum, without discrete reel stops. The outcome is represented by the relative positions of the first and second visual continuums. The outcome may also be based on the relative position of the first and second continuums to a payline. A payout corresponding to the outcome is determined by the device, and is awarded to the player. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100203948 | GAMING MACHINE AND GAME HAVING MULTIPLE LEVELS - A game has the potential for multiple levels. The game initiates with a base or first level of one or more symbols. If an advancing outcome is received, the game advances to a second level. In one embodiment, the game builds as successive levels are played, such as by adding one or more symbols at each level of the game. The game may comprise a video-slot type game in which a base set of one or more rows of symbols are displayed and evaluated and where an additional row of symbols is added at each successive level. Advancing outcomes of symbols may comprise designated combinations of symbols along a pay line and including certain symbol positions, such as at least one symbol in a top row of the symbol set. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100203949 | GAMING DISPLAY WITH MOVEABLE INDICATOR AND METHODS OF USE - A gaming apparatus includes a display device comprising a display surface. The display surface comprises a plurality of indicia. A display device actuator moves the display surface on a first predetermined path. A moveable indicator may be moved by an actuator along a second predetermined path to one of a plurality of discrete indicia indicating positions to indicate an indicia on the display surface, thereby indicating a game outcome. The indicia may be replicated on the display device such that the moveable indicator can indicate any of the indicia in each of the discrete indicia indicating positions. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100210341 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAME CONTROLLER AND A GAMING SYSTEM - A method of gaming comprising: (a) defining a target outcome to be achieved in respect of a game, the target outcome having an associated award; (b) allocating a number of game rounds to achieve the target outcome; (c) conducting the allocated game rounds, each of which can result in a contribution to the target outcome; (d) accumulating any contributions during the one or game rounds; and (e) making the associated award if the target outcome is achieved based on the accumulated contributions before the allocated game rounds are exhausted. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100210342 | Binomial and multinomial-based slot machine - A gaming apparatus performs a gaming method with a symbol display system for a wagering game, a processor controlling the symbol display system and software executed by the processor, has software perform electronic functions of:
| 08-19-2010 |
| 20100210343 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING REVEALED MYSTERY SYMBOLS - A method for conducting a wagering game comprises receiving a wager and displaying a randomly selected outcome, the randomly selected outcome comprising a plurality of symbols arranged in an array. The array comprises a plurality of symbol positions, the plurality of symbols occupying the symbol positions. Each of the plurality of symbols is selected from a set of available symbols, the set of available symbols including a plurality of standard symbols and at least one mystery symbol. The method further comprises detecting the presence of the at least one mystery symbol in at least one of the symbol positions in the array and randomly selecting one replacement symbol from the plurality of standard symbols. The method further comprises replacing all occurrences of the at least one mystery symbol in the array with the replacement symbol to create a modified array and evaluating the modified array for winning combinations of standard symbols in accordance with a pay table of the wagering game. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100210344 | WAGERING A POTENTIAL FUTURE AWARD FOR A GREATER AWARD OPPORTUNITY - A wagering game has an overall payback percentage and a portion of the wagering game has a default expected value. A gamble feature is offered to the player prior to play of the portion of the wagering game but after a wager has been received. The gamble feature has a possibility of a successful outcome or an unsuccessful outcome. The outcome of the gamble feature affects the default expected value for the portion of the wagering game. The default expected value of the portion of the wagering game is altered based on the outcome of the gamble feature. The portion of the wagering game is conducted using the altered expected value. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100210345 | System, Apparatus, and Method for Facilitating Secondary Winning Events in Conjunction with a Primary Gaming Activity - A plurality of events associated with the primary gaming activity of a gaming machine is detected. In response to the events, a dynamic symbol is generated having a value that is independent of the respective primary gaming event. A monetary award is provided to the player based on a value of at least one of the dynamic symbols meeting a predetermined criterion. The provision of the monetary award is determined independently of outcomes of the events of the primary gaming activity. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100210346 | System and Method for Rewarding Consecutive Wins in Gaming Activities - A system and method for rewarding a participant of a gaming activity for achieving a succession of winning results for a corresponding succession of game segments. If winning results are achieved for multiple, consecutive game segments, then the participant is rewarded by augmenting the current payout with a portion of one or more of the previous payouts obtained in the consecutive chain of winning results. An advanced award status is optionally recognized, when the participant has achieved a predetermined number of consecutive winning results. In such an instance, while a particular game segment may have concluded in a losing result, the advanced award status may still be active to enable persistent augmentation of payouts. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100210347 | NETWORKED GAMING DEVICES WITH REMOTE DISPLAY DEVICE - A gaming system is provided with a display device for generating display events, such as a jumbled ball selection, that represent gaming outcomes at one or more gaming devices. In order that the display device may be located remotely from the gaming devices, a video camera may be provided to capture video of display events at the display device. The gaming devices receive the display event videos and play the display event videos on video displays of the gaming devices. Videos may be provided as live video feeds from the video camera or the video camera may store video files of display events that may be indexed and retrieved when required to indicate a particular game outcome at a gaming device. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100210348 | 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 - A gaming system including a plurality of gaming devices and a shared or a common secondary display associated with the gaming devices. In one embodiment, the shared display is adjacent to one or more of the gaming devices of the gaming system. The gaming system includes at least one primary game and at least one secondary or bonus game. The bonus game is associated with a plurality of average expected payouts or values. In one embodiment, the bonus game that is played on the secondary display is associated with a higher average expected payout or higher values than the average expected payouts or values of the bonus game played on the individual gaming devices. When the player places a designated wager, they qualify to play the game on the secondary display and thus qualify for a chance to win the higher awards. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100216539 | Reel and Rings Display Device - A gaming system includes a display for indicating a game outcome generated for a gaming device. The gaming display includes a central reel at the center of one or more ring displays. A game controller controls the reel and the ring displays to display arrangements of symbols that indicate the game outcome. A winning display of symbols may require at least one symbol on the rings that matches a symbol displayed on the reel. Each ring may be individually wagered so that a winning display requires symbols matching the reel symbol to be displayed in the wagered rings. Higher awards may be paid for particular patterns of matching symbols in the rings, for higher numbers of matching symbols in the rings, or for a higher number of rings having at least one matching symbol. The display may more easily indicate winning arrangements without the need for paylines. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100216540 | Gaming Method and Apparatus for Portioning a Play Area - A method and apparatus for use in gaming activities, such as in a slot machine. A first grid comprising a plurality of elements overlayed a second grid comprising a plurality of elements is presented. At least some of the elements of the first grid and the second grid are marked. Marked elements of first grid are then used to form a subportion, the subportion boundary enclosing an area and having a correspondingly marked element of the first grid at each corner. Payouts are issued for marked elements and element combinations of the second grid within the subportion. The payouts may be administered according to a pay table. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100216541 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR IMPLEMENTING BONUSES IN GAMING MACHINE NETWORKS USING WEIGHTED PAY TABLES - Disclosed is a gaming system for awarding a bonus to a player of a wager-based game of chance. The gaming system includes one or more gaming devices configured to play games of chance and one or more host devices in communication with the gaming devices over a network. The host device(s) are configured to: i) receive an indication of a bonus award to be provided to a player of the gaming device, ii) receive or retrieve a selection parameter, and iii) select one of a plurality of weighted pay tables stored in a storage medium using the selection parameter. Each weighted pay table includes a plurality of awards and a plurality of probabilities, where each award has an associated one of the probabilities. The host device(s) are further configured to: iv) randomly determine one of the plurality of awards in the selected weighted pay table in accordance with the plurality of probabilities, and v) provide the randomly determined award as the bonus award for the player. Generally, each weighted pay table has an expected value (EV), which can be determined and adjusted by an operator of the gaming establishment. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100222127 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - The present disclosure provides a gaming system which comprises a symbol selector for selecting a plurality of symbols for display at display positions of a display area. The gaming system further comprises a display position selector for selecting at least one display position of the display area. The gaming system also comprises an award controller for controlling an award for a winning combination of displayed symbols. The award controller is arranged such that an award that is allocated is different if the at least one display position that is selected is included in the positions at which the winning combination of symbols is displayed. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100222128 | Gaming Using Display Elements Activated by Direction Indicators - Gaming systems/processes employing display elements activated by direction-indicating symbols from adjacent display elements. A slot game event provides a display grid having deactivated grid positions and at least one activated grid position. A direction-indicating symbol is randomly presented in the activated grid position, indicating the direction of a deactivated grid position, and the deactivated grid position is activated in response. Distinguishing non-selected grid positions from selected grid positions may involve visually de-emphasizing the non-selected grid positions, such as by dimming or obscuring, or highlighting the selected grid positions. An activated grid position may be deactivated if a stop symbol is randomly presented in the grid position. Game play may be repeated until all activated grid positions are deactivated grid positions and/or de-emphasized grid positions. A currently deactivated and/or de-emphasized grid position may be re-activated in response to the direction-indicating symbol being presented in an adjacent grid position. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100222129 | GAMING DEVICE DISPLAY AND METHODS OF USE - A gaming apparatus having a housing defining a display area on which immoveable display characters and moveable symbol displays are used to present a game outcome, is disclosed. Typically, the immoveable display characters provide background for the moveable symbol displays. A controller is used to cause movement of the moveable symbol displays so that at least one symbol corresponding to the game outcome is displayed. A method of playing a game using the aforementioned gaming apparatus is also disclosed | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100222130 | GAMING MACHINE WITH HISTORY DISPLAY - A gaming system comprises a history display and a controller. The history display tracks a plurality of past outcomes of a wagering game. The controller awards a bonus if a current outcome of the wagering game has a predetermined association with at least one of the displayed plurality of past outcomes. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100227666 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING BONUS BOOSTER FEATURES - A gaming system comprises a wager input device for receiving a primary wager, a display for displaying a primary wagering game, and a controller operative to (i) detect receipt of the primary wager, (ii) cause the display to present a randomly selected outcome of the primary wagering game, the randomly selected outcome selected from a plurality of possible outcomes, the plurality of possible outcomes including at least one winning outcome, (iii) determine if the randomly selected outcome is the at least one winning outcome, (iv) determine if the at least one winning outcome satisfies a booster eligibility requirement, (v) in response to the randomly selected outcome being the at least one winning outcome, provide a first award, and (vi) in response to the at least one winning outcome satisfying the booster eligibility requirement, provide a second award. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100227667 | Wagering Game Providing Player Options For Time-Based Special Event - A gaming system for playing a wagering game includes a display for displaying a base game of the wagering game in response to receiving a play wager from a player. The gaming system further includes a controller coupled to the display and programmed to determine a bonus multiplier and a bonus eligibility time for the player based on a base wager. At least one of the bonus multiplier and the bonus eligibility time is a function of both the base wager and the play wager. A bonus game is triggered and, if sufficient bonus eligibility time is available to the player when the bonus game is triggered, the player is allowed to participate in the bonus game. In response to receiving a player selection, the bonus multiplier is modified based on changes to the bonus eligibility time. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100234088 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING REEL GAME - Disclosed are an apparatus and method for controlling reel games according to the present invention, including a display part for displaying an alignment status of reels caused by playing a first reel game; a control part for determining whether a combination of symbols or the number of event symbols of at least one or more reels sequentially re-aligned out of the reels satisfies a predetermined event-playing condition, and for playing the event; and a user interface part for inputting user's random halt settings to spins of at least one or more remaining reels yet to be re-aligned out of the reels based on the playing of the event, and for stopping corresponding reel spins, wherein the control part provides a second reel game corresponding to the event depending on whether the combination of symbols or the number of event symbols of the reels appearing as a result of the playing of the event satisfies a predetermined event-winning condition. Accordingly, the present invention can direct gamers to actively participate in games without losing interest in the games as well as easily realize diverse types of events to provide the gamers with. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100234089 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD PROVIDING SLOT GAME HAVING VIRTUAL MAP DRIVEN REEL STOP POSITION DETERMINATIONS - Various embodiments of the disclosed gaming device include a housing which supports a plurality of mechanical reels and a plurality of stop input devices which are configured to provide a Pachisuro-style slot game. Each of the plurality of reels is associated with a different one of the plurality of stop input devices. Each stop input device enables a player to stop the respective reel when the reel is spinning by activating the stop input device. Each reel includes a plurality of stop positions and each stop position includes a symbol. The gaming device also includes a processor and a memory device. For each reel, the processor randomly determines the stop position at which the reel ultimately stops based on a virtual map stored in the memory device for an initiating stop position of that reel which is selected by the player's activation of the stop input device for that reel. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100234090 | Wagering Game With Outcome Based On Community And Individual Random Events - A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming machine comprises selecting a plurality of playable elements from a set of playable elements. The method further comprises displaying an individual outcome having first elements randomly selected from a set of individual elements. The set of individual elements correspond to the set of playable elements. The method further includes displaying a community outcome having second elements randomly selected from a set of community elements. The set of community elements correspond to the set of playable elements. An award is achieved in response to the plurality of playable elements matching the randomly selected first and second elements. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100234091 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD PROVIDING SLOT GAME HAVING VIRTUAL MAP DRIVEN REEL STOP POSITION DETERMINATIONS - Various embodiments of the disclosed gaming device include a housing which supports a plurality of mechanical reels and a plurality of stop input devices which are configured to provide a Pachisuro-style slot game. Each of the plurality of reels is associated with a different one of the plurality of stop input devices. Each stop input device enables a player to stop the respective reel when the reel is spinning by activating the stop input device. Each reel includes a plurality of stop positions and each stop position includes a symbol. The gaming device also includes a processor and a memory device. For each reel, the processor randomly determines the stop position at which the reel ultimately stops based on a virtual map stored in the memory device for an initiating stop position of that reel which is selected by the player's activation of the stop input device for that reel. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100234092 | WAGERING GAME HAVING HYBRID WINNING OUTCOMES - A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes at least one display having a display region displaying an array including a plurality of moveable reels having symbols for indicating a randomly selected outcome selected from a plurality of outcomes. The plurality of reels includes a plurality of multi-symbol reels that display multiple symbols in the display region and a plurality of single-symbol reels each of which displays a single symbol in the display region. The plurality of outcomes includes at least one winning outcome. The at least one winning outcome is indicated by symbols positioned along at least one payline extending through the multi-symbol reels and at least one symbol from any one of the plurality of single-symbol reels. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100234093 | Wagering Game With Enhanced Player-Selection Bonus Feature - A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a wager input device for receiving a wager from a player to play a wagering game. The system includes a display for displaying an array of selectable elements. Each of the selectable elements is associated with an award. The system also includes a player input device for receiving selections from the array of selectable elements. Also included in the gaming system is a feature for returning to the array of selectable elements. The feature includes at least one game-return outcome and at least one game-terminating outcome awarding a first award for the selections. A multiplier changes each time a game-return outcome is achieved. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100234094 | INTERACTION WITH 3D SPACE IN A GAMING SYSTEM - A gaming system for interacting with a wagering game in 3D space includes sensors positioned to define a 3D volume within which things may be introduced to make gestures that are detected in the 3D volume and associated with wagering-game functions Different 3D gestures cause different wagering-game functions to be earned out One gesture browses among selections involved in the game outcome while another gesture selects a wagering-game element 3D gestures change virtual camera angles to view hidden surfaces 3D wagering-game objects Gestures include throwing physical dice that transition to virtual dice whereupon the game software takes over to depict a randomly selected game outcome RFID-tagged chips are placed on tables to determine their value and location A fishing game detects a hook attached to a fishing rod held by the player and displays a virtual representation of the hook on four video displays | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100234095 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING MAIN GAME ACTIVATING A BONUS EVENT - A game and gaming apparatus include a main game and a bonus game. A player is entitled to participate in the bonus game without an additional wager beyond that required to play the main game. Winning outcomes of the main game determine the indicia used to play the bonus game. In one embodiment upon a winning outcome of the main game, an indicia, such as an image of a winning amount, is transferred to the bonus game. In another embodiment, the bonus event includes categories associated with winning outcomes of the main game, the categories activated based upon wins of the main game. In one embodiment, the main game is a game of video poker. Winning hands are associated with or activate positions of the bonus game. Play of the bonus game comprises selection of at least one of the indicia or positions/categories which have been activated. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100240435 | Remote Input Device For A Wagering Game - An input device dedicated for use with a wagering game is displayed on a display device. The display device is remote from the input device and includes outcome images of a randomly selected outcome and input images associated with player inputs for the wagering game. The input device includes a player input-receiving area and an interface. The player input-receiving area has a plurality of input elements associated with respective functions of the wagering game. The input elements replicate the input images of the player inputs. The interface is coupled to the input elements and transmits signals in response to the player activating the input elements. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100240436 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING OUTCOMES INTERACTIVE WITH PLAYING FIELDS - A gaming system comprises a wager input device and at least one display for displaying a primary wagering game and a secondary wagering game. The secondary wagering game comprises a playing field, the playing field having a set of field attributes associated therewith. The system further comprises a controller operative to (i) determine and display a first outcome of the primary wagering game, (ii) determine if a first set of game attributes associated with first outcome is eligible for play in the secondary wagering game, (iii) if the first outcome is eligible, determine a second outcome of the secondary wagering game by resolving the first set of game attributes with the set of field attributes in accordance with a first rule set, and (iv) if the second outcome is a winning outcome, award a first award. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100240437 | GAMING MACHINE WITH UNIVERSE OF PRESELECTED OUTCOMES WITH METHOD FOR DETERMINING PRESELECTED OUTCOMES - A method for constructing paytables for gambling games is disclosed. Specifically, a method of defining a universe of possible outcomes, populating a sub-universe of winning outcomes, and efficiently populating the remainder of the universe with non-winning outcomes based on the desired behavior of the game is described. A means of further enhancing the creation of the sub-universe of winning outcomes to control volatility is also disclosed. Further, a means of controlling the sub-universe of non-winning outcomes to avoid non-desirable patterns of loss, including but not limited to “anti-lure” controls, is disclosed. A gambling machine utilizing the paytables constructed by the method is also disclosed. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100240438 | WAGERING GAME WITH COLLAPSIBLE REEL AREA - Disclosed are games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods including a collapsible active reel display. During play of a game, the reels may be reduced in height from spin to spin in order to form different winning combinations. A multiplier may be modified upon each reduction in height. Similar reductions in the active reel display may result from columns or individual symbol cells being removed from subsequent play. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100240439 | GAMING SYSTEM WITH PLAY ENHANCEMENT ICONS - A gaming system comprises a wager input device for receiving a wager and a display for displaying a wagering game having a plurality of reels comprised of a plurality of symbols. A controller operates to (i) detect receipt of the wager; (ii) activate a play of the wagering game by spinning the reels on the display; (iii) display at least one play enhancement icon on the display; (iv) cause the spinning reels to stop and the display to display a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game; and (v) enhance the randomly selected outcome of the wagering game in response to the at least one play enhancement icon on the display at any time including at least one of before spinning the reels on the display, during spinning the reels on the display, and after spinning the reels on the display. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100248806 | Wagering Game With Pyramidal Bonus Selection Feature - A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes at least one display and a controller coupled to the display. The display is adapted to display a randomly selected outcome of a basic game of the wagering game. The display displays at least one free spin of a plurality of reels to indicate a free-spin outcome in response to satisfaction of a free-spin event condition in the basic game. At least one possible free-spin outcome is a special-event outcome for permitting play of the special-event. The special-event includes a plurality of levels. Each level has player-selectable elements masking awards including a level-advance outcome. The level-advance outcome allows the player to advance to a next level in the special-event. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100248807 | Gaming machine - The present invention is a gaming machine that realizes an exciting game in a video slot format. The gaming machine includes a display and a controller. The display shows reels and gauges. The reel comprises symbols. The gauges are provided so that each of them corresponds to at least one of the reels. The controller controls the movement of the symbols. One of the symbols is a specific type of symbol. The controller counts the number of how many times the specific type of symbol appears in the display reel by reel and reflects the counted numbers in the gauges. When the counted number reaches a threshold, the controller is arranged to initiate a feature on the reel whose gauge's value reaches the threshold. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100248808 | Wagering Game System Having Electro-Optical Assembly with Variable Opacity - A gaming system includes a cabinet having an electro-optical assembly including a substrate and a layer having a variable opacity. Also included in the gaming system is a first input device for receiving a wager from a first player and a second input device for receiving a wager from a second player, as well as at least one video display for displaying video images relating to a wagering game. A controller is electrically coupled to the layer having a variable opacity and is programmed to alter the opacity of the layer to allow the first player to view the video images reflected from the at least one display. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100248809 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING CONFIGURABLE MECHANICAL REELS - A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a wager input device, a display for displaying a randomly selected outcome of a wagering game, and a controller operatively coupled to the display and the wager input device to operate in a plurality of selectable game modes of which a selected one is a current game mode. The display has an array of reel strips. Each of the selectable game modes is respectively associated with a subset of the reel strips of the array. A first game mode of the plurality of selectable game modes has at least one reel strip that differs from at least one reel strip of a second game mode of the plurality of selectable game modes. The second game mode has at least one reel strip that differs from at least one reel strip of the first game mode. The controller is operative to cause the display to selectively conceal all of the reel strips other than that subset of the reel strips associated with the current game mode, for example, by causing movement of a reel window or reel strips with respect to the other, or by adjusting the opacity of one or more controllable-opacity segments. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100248810 | SYMBOL CROSS-OVER - A slot machine with game play crossing over between at least two sets of symbols each from a particular game theme. Game play on the slot machine displays on a set of reels a plurality of symbols of a first game theme. Play is initiated on the reels and the reels are stopped. A determination is made as to whether at least one symbol designated as a trigger symbol is located in a stop position designated as a trigger position. The game crosses over or switches to a second game theme with a plurality of second symbols on the set of reels if the trigger symbol is located in the trigger position. Game play may include, but not necessarily be limited to one or more of the following: simple cross over play between two games, free spins in a different theme, bonus games in a different theme, player selected trigger symbols, randomly selected trigger symbols, player selected game themes and player selection of the number of game themes to include in a play session. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100248811 | WAGERING GAME WITH ENHANCED BONUS FEATURE - A gaming system includes at least one display configured to display a plurality of symbols positions. The plurality of symbol positions are configured to display symbols indicative of a randomly selected outcome of a wagering game in relation to a plurality of paylines. The gaming system further includes a controller configured to award an award for any winning outcome occurring along a payline and to add a number of winning paylines to a counter configured to track a number of winning paylines. The controller is further configured, in response to a number of winning paylines in the counter exceeding a predetermined threshold number, to activate a game feature in which a second award is awarded. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100248812 | Gaming System Having Graphical Indicators Of Community Bonus Awards - A gaming system comprises a plurality of gaming machines adapted to display at least one primary wagering game thereon. At least one community display displays a community event, such as a big event bonus game. A controller communications with the community display and the plurality of gaming machines. The controller selects one or more gaming machines from the plurality of gaming machines to participate in the community event. The controller provides a graphical indicator of a bonus game enhancement, such as a bonus-game multiplier, on the plurality of gaming machines for enhancing an outcome of the community event. The graphical indicator is representative of, and distinct from an actual award value. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100248813 | WAGERING GAME WITH COLLAPSIBLE REEL AREA - Disclosed are games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods including a collapsible active reel display. During play of a game, the reels may be reduced in height from spin to spin in order to form different winning combinations. A multiplier may be modified upon each reduction in height. Similar reductions in the active reel display may result from columns or individual symbol cells being removed from subsequent play. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100261517 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING FREE SPIN ENHANCEMENT FEATURES - A gaming system comprises a wager input device for receiving a primary wager, a display for displaying a primary wagering game, and a controller operative to (i) detect receipt of the primary wager, (ii) cause the display to present the randomly selected outcome selected from a plurality of possible outcomes, the plurality of possible outcomes including at least one free spin bonus outcome, (iii) determine if the randomly selected outcome is one of the at least one free spin bonus outcome, (iv) in response to the randomly selected outcome being the at least one free spin bonus outcome, provide a plurality of free spins and display a plurality of free spin enhancements which remain constant for the plurality of free spins, and (v) enhance an outcome of each of the free spins based on a player selection of at least one of the free spin enhancements for a subsequent free spin. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100261518 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING A PLURALITY OF SIMULTANEOUSLY PLAYED WAGERING GAMES THAT MAY TRIGGER A PLURALITY OF FREE GAMES WHICH MAY BE PLAYED SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH THE WAGERING GAMES - The present disclosure provides a gaming machine or gaming system having a plurality of games which each can be provided as a wagering game or as a free game. The gaming machine or gaming system enables the player to wager on and simultaneously play the plurality of the games. If any free games are won by the player during the played games, the gaming machine or gaming system enables the player to wager on one or more of the games and to play one or more of the games as a wagering game, while simultaneously playing one or more of the games as a free game. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100267439 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING COMMUNITY GAMES WITH ENHANCED INDIVIDUAL OUTCOMES - A gaming system comprises at least one wager input device, a plurality of gaming devices each displaying at least one primary wagering game, and a community display for displaying a community game. At least one controller is operative, in response to a triggering event, to (i) determine which of the plurality of gaming devices are eligible for participation in the community game, (ii) determine an individual award for each of the eligible gaming devices, (iii) determine a community award in the community game, (iv) select an individual award enhancement from a plurality of available individual award enhancements, (v) select one of the plurality of gaming devices to receive the selected individual award enhancement, and (vi) if the selected gaming device is eligible for participation in the community game, enhance the determined individual award for the selected gaming device with the selected individual award enhancement. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100267440 | GAMES OF CHANCE WITH PLAYER-SPECIFIED ELEMENTS - A game to be modified in accordance with the invention involves a first random outcome and a second random outcome that are combined according to game rules to produce a game outcome. The game is administered by receiving a player request for a specific entry, the specific entry replacing one of the random outcomes and being selected from a finite set of possibilities not determined by chance. The requested specific entry affects the probable outcome of the game. The specific entry is combined with the remaining one of the random outcomes according to the game rules to determine the game outcome. According to one embodiment, the specific entry may be a score such as 18 which replaces the player's hand in the game of blackjack. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100267441 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD HAVING PURCHASABLE ENHANCED PAYTABLES - An apparatus and method for a game having a paytable selection feature which may be implemented with a primary or base game, a secondary or bonus game, or both. In one embodiment, the gaming device employs an initial paytable and enables a player pay a fee to purchase a different paytable for a plurality of plays of the game. If the player chooses to purchase a different paytable, the gaming device determines a game outcome for a plurality of plays of the game and provides any awards based on the different paytable. If the player does not choose to select a different paytable, the gaming device determines a game outcome for each of those plays and provides any awards based on the initial paytable. In one embodiment, the player has the opportunity to see the different paytable prior to paying the fee to purchase it. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100267442 | Gaming Machine Having A Community Game With Side Wagering - A gaming system includes at least one community display, a first gaming machine, and a second gaming machine. The at least one community display displays a communal game that includes a plurality of elements. At least some of the plurality of elements have a communal value associated therewith. The first and second gaming machines have a respective first and second video display for displaying the plurality of elements. At least some of the plurality of elements have a first and second player value associated therewith. The first and second gaming machines determine the first and second player values by applying a respective first and second value-enhancement parameter to the communal values associated with at least some of the plurality of elements. The first value-enhancement parameter is different than the second value-enhancement parameter. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100273550 | GAMING DEVICE INCLUDING PLAYER SELECTABLE WILD SYMBOLS - A gaming system including at least one memory device storing a plurality of instructions. The plurality of instructions, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to operate with at least one input device and at least one display device, for a play of a game, to display a plurality of reels, each reel associated with a plurality of symbol display areas. For each reel, the gaming system randomly generates and causes the reel to display one of a plurality of different symbols on the reel at each of the plurality of symbol display areas associated with the reel. If a triggering event occurs, for one of the symbol display areas, the gaming system displays at the symbol display area two of the same symbol which is displayed at said symbol display area, evaluates the symbols displayed at each of the symbol display areas, including the symbol display area at which two of the same symbol are displayed, to determine if any winning symbol combinations are displayed and provide the player any awards associated with any displayed winning symbol combinations. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100279760 | Gaming machine and method of providing a game - The present invention is a gaming machine that realizes an exciting game typically in a slot machine format. The gaming machine includes a controller and a display. The controller runs games, accepts a bet of credit and returns a certain amount of credit as a payout. This payout amount is determined by multiplying a winning amount and a certain value of multiplier. The controller runs a primary game and a secondary game. When the secondary game is triggered, the controller displays a choice for acceptance or decline of an extra bet to the player on the display. When the player chooses to accept the extra bet, the value of multiplier is set larger than a default value of multiplier. After the value of multiplier is changed, the changed value of multiplier is shown on the display in a different area where the symbols are shown during the secondary game. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100285860 | PLAYER INTERACTIVE WAGERING USING HOLE SYMBOLS AND SHIFTING GAMING SYMBOLS - A game is provided including a symbol shifting graphic display at one or more gaming machines. Games, methods, systems, and program products are taught using gaming symbols and hole symbols, into which gaming symbols may be shifted during the course of the game. Shifted symbols may reveal another hole symbol, or a bonus symbol or multiplier symbol. The player is allowed to select a symbol to shift in order to try and solve the matrix by producing a winning combination of gaming symbols. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100285861 | GAMING MACHINE REEL ALIGNMENT - An electromechanical wager-based gaming machine includes a plurality of reels that are aligned as they are spun so that the reels can be rapidly stopped in response to a player's input. One reel is selected as a reference reel and other reels are brought into alignment using feedback from reel position sensors. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100285862 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAME CONTROLLER AND A GAMING SYSTEM - A method of gaming including initiating a sequence of at least two outcomes, determining any current end condition to apply to the current outcome in the sequence from at least the previous outcome in the sequence, wherein each outcome is derived from a selection of one of a plurality of objects presented to a player at respective ones of a plurality of display positions on a display of a gaming system, and ending the sequence upon the current end condition being met by the current outcome. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100285863 | GAMING MACHINE WITH WIN CHANGE SYMBOL - A gaming machine ( | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100285864 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING A SELECTIVELY ACCESSIBLE BONUS SCHEME - A gaming device having a bonus scheme, wherein the player may choose when to play a bonus scheme, so long as the player is qualified to do so. The method of qualifying the player to enter the bonus round connects or links the base game operation of the gaming device with the bonus scheme. The reels of the base game contain symbols which alone or in combination with other symbols yield one or more bonus awards to a player. The bonus awards are escrowed and displayed a bonus award escrow display. Once the player obtains a single bonus award, the player becomes eligible or qualified to play the bonus round and the player may choose to do so at any time. The player can accumulate bonus awards and use multiple bonus awards at one time. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100291990 | GAMING MACHINE INCLUDING A FEATURE GAMBLE - A gaming machine has a display and a game controller arranged to control images of symbols displayed on the display. The game controller is arranged to play a game wherein at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the display and, if a predefined winning event occurs, the machine awards a prize. A game has a feature having non-monetary characteristics which can be won, the non-monetary characteristics being able to be gambled. The gaming machine includes a selector by which a player is able to gamble at least one of the non-monetary characteristics of the feature. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100291991 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING MULTIPLE GAMING MACHINES WHICH PROVIDE BONUS AWARDS - A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines and a plurality of bonus awards. The central server monitors wagers on the gaming machines. Based at least in part on the wagers the central server determines when bonus events will occur and which gaming machine(s) will provide the bonus awards. In one embodiment, the central server determines which gaming machine will provide a primary bonus award and any secondary bonus awards. In one embodiment, the number of secondary bonus awards is determined based on the number of active gaming machines. The selected gaming machine then determines a component of or the amount of the bonus award to be provided to the gaming machine selected by the central server. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100298041 | Gaming Method and Apparatus for Facilitating a Game Involving Specialty Functionality - Various embodiments concern a method for facilitating a gaming activity having specialty functionality comprising providing a grid formed by a plurality of elements and marking elements of the plurality with markings selected from a plurality of marking-types, the plurality of marking-types including a feature marking-type. A plurality of feature indicators can be positioned in the grid. Then, for each element of the plurality that is marked with the feature marking-type and positionally associated with a feature indicator of the plurality, the feature marking-type can be re-marked to a respective element of the plurality that is adjacent to the element marked with the feature marking-type and positionally associated with the feature indicator. An outcome can then be determined based on one or more combinations of the markings. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100298042 | Gaming Method and Apparatus for Facilitating a Game Involving Bonus Functionality - Systems, apparatuses and methods for impacting one or more gaming display segments based on their positions relative to presentation of a triggering symbol(s) in another display segment(s). A method involves marking elements of a grid with symbols, where at least one element is marked with a feature symbol. One or more winning combinations of the symbols are identified, where each winning combination may be associated with an award amount according to a paytable. For each of the elements marked with the feature symbol, replacement symbols are marked to the element(s) that is marked with the feature symbol, as well as to those elements adjacent to the element(s) are marked with the feature symbol. One or more additional winning combinations of symbols are then identified, where the additional winning symbol combination(s) includes at least one symbol from the original symbols marked to the plurality of elements and at least one replacement symbol. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100304831 | Gaming machine - The present invention is a gaming machine including a display, which shows a plurality of cells indicating a plurality of symbols, and a controller, which selects a cell in a cell-selecting stage provided between a primary game and a secondary game on the display, controls the plurality of symbols in the secondary game and gives a predetermined function to the selected cell in the secondary game. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100304832 | GAMING SYSTEM, A METHOD OF GAMING AND AN AWARD CONTROLLER - A method of gaming comprising: keeping a score of at least one award for each participating gaming device of a plurality of gaming devices; updating the respective scores based on play of the respective gaming devices; keeping an aggregate score of each at least one award; updating the aggregate score in response to score aggregation events associated with the respective gaming devices, each update based at least on a current score of the individual gaming device with which the respective aggregation event is associated; determining, in response to each aggregation event, whether to make a prize award based on a current aggregate score and a prize award score to the player of the gaming device with which the aggregation event is associated. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100304833 | Systems, Apparatuses and Methods for Awarding Gaming Payouts - Systems, apparatuses and methods for enhancing payout awards in gaming activities, such as providing additional chances for obtaining a winning payout and/or augmenting payout awards in gaming activities. One exemplary method involves presenting symbols in a plurality of symbol locations; determining whether any predetermined symbol location groups, which are distinct from established paylines in which a symbol paytable identifies winning payouts, respectively include matching symbols therein; and providing a payout amount if one or more of the predetermined symbol location groups respectively includes the matching symbols therein. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100304834 | GAMING MACHINE WHICH IS EXECUTABLE RESCUE PROCESS IN RESPONSE TO INSURANCE BET AND GAMING METHOD THEREOF - A gaming machine runs a base game in which symbols | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100304835 | GAMING MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A gaming machine according to the present invention comprises a display on which plural types of symbols are to be arranged; a memory for storing an accumulative value, which is accumulated by unit game to activate a plurality of insurance pays and has a first threshold value and a second threshold value, and a plurality of payout value of the insurance pays, which is stored in associated with the first threshold value and the second threshold value of the accumulative value; and a controller. Where the accumulative value accumulated by unit game in which the plural types of symbols are rearranged on the display has reached the first threshold value, a first insurance pay is activated in accordance with a payout value associated with the first threshold value. The accumulative value is further counted in such each unit game. Where the counted accumulative value has reached the second threshold value, processing is performed as to activating a second insurance pay in accordance with a payout value associated with the second threshold value. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100304836 | GAMING MACHINE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME - N symbol arrays are scrolled in M rows and N columns of display regions. In each of the symbol arrays, a normal symbol same as a certain normal symbol does not exist within (M−1) rows above and below the certain normal symbol. Therefore, two or more of the same normal symbols are not displayed in each column of display regions, and a maximum of N of the same normal symbols are displayed in all the display regions. Further, the same normal symbols as those present within (M−1) rows above and below the special symbol included in one symbol array do not exist within (M−1) rows above and below the special symbols included in the other symbol arrays. Therefore, when N of the same normal symbols are displayed, a maximum of one special symbol is displayed. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100304837 | GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine according to the present invention variably displays a plurality of symbols wherein a speed of the variable display of the plurality of symbols while executing a free game is different from a speed of variable display of the plurality of symbols while executing a basic game. In this manner, it is possible to impart a sense of expectation for free game to a player without separately preparing any effect video image such as a video image showing a process of adding WILD symbols. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100317424 | WAGERING GAME WITH COMMUNITY GAME HAVING A PERSISTENT-STATE FEATURE - A gaming system for playing a wagering game includes a plurality of gaming machines configured to receive a wagering input and to access a group game including a persistent-state gaming environment. A controller is configured to maintain the persistent-state gaming environment and to control game play within the persistent-state gaming environment. The persistent-state gaming environment is configured to permit ingress and egress of players into and out of the persistent-state gaming environment. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100317425 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING MULTIZONE SELECTION FEATURE - A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a wager input device and a display for displaying a randomly selected outcome. The randomly selected outcome is selected from a plurality of possible outcomes. The gaming system further includes a controller operative to display a multi-zone selection feature. The multi-zone selection feature comprises a plurality of zones, each zone having a plurality of selectable elements arranged in an array. Each selectable element is associated with a selection result. The controller is further operative, in response to selection of a first selectable element in a first one of the zones, to provide the selection result associated with a second selectable element in a second one of the zones. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100317426 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAME CONTROLLER AND A GAMING SYSTEM - A method of gaming in a gaming system includes conducting a plurality of game rounds, determining as part of each game round whether a designated game event has occurred, each designated game event conferring a benefit on the player in at least one game round, increasing a count in response to the designated game event occurring in a game round, and ending the series of game rounds in response to the count reaching a designated number, whereby the number of game rounds is determined by occurrence of the designated game event in plural game rounds to thereby set a minimum number of game rounds. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100317427 | GAME MACHINE INCLUDING VARIABLE PATTERN DISPLAY UNITS - A game machines has a back side display unit composed of reels for displaying back patterns, and a front side display unit composed of transparent EL panels for displaying overlapping patterns overlapping with the back patterns. The back side display unit and the front side display unit are disposed not to produce blind spot regions of the back patterns. The game machine can provide various overlapping patterns with good visibility and a high game selection capability to a player. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100323777 | METHOD OF PLAYING A SLOT MACHINE - A slot machine that continually displays live action on a main screen area while displaying the end of gaming actions not resulting in a payout on at least one additional screen area. The machine also causes additional screen areas to merge with the main screen area to form a large screen area to display gaming actions resulting in a payout. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100323778 | Gaming Machine - A gaming machine according to the present invention executes a main game and a sub game in parallel. In sub game processing, the gaming machine judges whether or not the number of times the main game is executed is a predetermined number (S | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100323779 | Gaming System Having Graphical Feature Interface - A gaming system comprises a wager input device for receiving a primary wager and a display for displaying a primary wagering game. The gaming system further comprises a controller which is operative to (i) detect receipt of the primary wager, (ii) display a randomly selected outcome of the primary wagering game, (iii) display a feature icon on the display, (iv) detect selection of the feature icon, (v) in response to the selection of the feature icon, display a feature menu on the display, the feature menu displaying a plurality of available features capable of activation in addition to the wagering game, and (vi) in response to a first feature of the feature menu being selected, activate and display the first feature if a first eligibility requirement is satisfied. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100323780 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING INCREASED AWARD FREQUENCY - Embodiments of this invention are directed to gaming devices having increased award frequency and methods of operating gaming systems and gaming devices to provide more frequent awards. These more frequent awards, or secondary awards, may be provided on gaming devices or systems with multiple gaming devices to keep player interest and involvement high. The secondary awards are arranged to have a fairly common or easily achievable triggering criterion or condition and can include awards ranging from non-cashable credits to casino service comps to prize money. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100323781 | DELAYED BONUS WIN DETERMINATION - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to gaming devices having a delayed bonus win determination and methods of operating gaming systems and gaming devices to provide delayed bonus win determinations. Here, contributions to a linked jackpot may be separated from the chance to win the linked jackpot, where the chance to win the linked jackpot can be stored and used at a later time. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100323782 | PLAYER CHOICE GAME FEATURE - A gaming machine has display means and a game control means arranged to control images displayed on the display means An underlying game is played in which one or more random events are caused to be displayed on the display means and, if a predefined winning event occurs, the machine awards a prize. On the occurrence of a predefined event, the player is offered a choice of two or more different prize sets. Each set containing a plurality of prize outcomes, from which prize sets a prize is to be drawn and awarded to the player, typically by a random process. The prize is drawn from the prize set or sets selected by the player from the two or more different prize sets. The sets of prizes may be presented on segments of wheels that can spin or simulate spinning before stopping randomly on a segment which defines the prize outcome won by the player. Alternatively the sets of prizes are presented on the faces of dice which are arranged to spin or turn or simulate spinning or turning before stopping with the front face of the die defining the prize won by the player. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100331072 | GAMING MACHINE WITH MAIN AND SUBSIDIARY GAME COMBINED - A gaming machine with a bonus feature; said bonus feature comprising a subsidiary game played in combination with a main game played on said machine; said subsidiary game displayed as at least one additional simulated bonus game reel appearing in a primary display of said machine; characterized in that said at least one additional simulated bonus game reel appears during said play of said main game, and wherein scatter symbols appearing in a result of a said main game may be combined with at least one scatter symbol appearing on a said additional simulated bonus game reel; a combination of said scatter symbols determining a prize winning outcome. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100331073 | GAMING MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A slot machine | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100331074 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING A PLURALITY OF GAMING MACHINES LINKED BY NETWORK AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - According to a gaming system | 12-30-2010 |
| 20110003627 | CENTRAL DETERMINATION GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A PERSISTENCE GAME WITH PREDETERMINED GAME OUTCOMES - A gaming system which provides a persistence game which utilizes predetermined game outcomes. One or more predetermined game outcomes include a persistence game award value. If a predetermined game outcome including such a persistence game award value is selected to be provided to the player in association with a current play of a primary game, the gaming system determines whether to provide this persistence game award value to a player in association with the current play of the primary game, or to store this persistence game award value to be subsequently provided to a player in association with a subsequent play of the primary game. The determination of whether to provide or store the persistence game award value is based on the then current progress of the persistence game (i.e., the current state of an accumulation meter). | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110003628 | SLOT MACHINE SYSTEM AND METHOD OF UTILIZING THE SAME - A system and method for facilitating a unique form of slot machine play whereby lottery and slot machine features are combined. Initially, random numbers in the form of lottery-style numbers (e.g., 3, 4, 5 or 6 numbers) are randomly selected from one or more pools of numbers. A plurality of slot machines include multiple reels depicting numbers corresponding to the pool of lottery numbers. Winning slot machine outcomes are based on a number of matches between numbers on the slot machine reels being aligned along a pay line and the previously drawn or generated lottery-style numbers. A bonus game icon in the form of a scratch-off ticket is also depicted on one or more slot machine reels. Responsive to said bonus icon aligning along a pay line, the player is able to play a simulated scratch-off ticket on a slot machine display incorporating touch screen technology. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110003629 | Gaming Machine Having Enhanced Game Play Scheme - 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 or multiplied 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. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110003630 | GAMING MACHINE ELECTROPHORETIC APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - Apparatus, system, and methods may include a value input device for receiving a wager, a housing attached to the value input device, at least one rotatable reel attached to the housing, the reel comprising a reel strip arranged about a periphery of a cage, and a controller attached to the housing and operatively coupled to an input device to alter appearance of a first part of an electrophoretic image display attached to at least one of a player tracking card or a credit ticket that can be read by the input device. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110009181 | METHOD OF SEARCHING FOR GAMING DEVICE DISPLAY - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods for searching for or otherwise identifying particular patterns or outcome trends associated with a gaming device, and gaming systems for implementing these methods. In one example, a gaming system may include a plurality of gaming devices having pattern displays, a server connected to the gaming devices through a network and configured to identify display information from the pattern displays of the gaming devices, and a search device operable by a player to search for desired display information and configured to identify a gaming device having pattern information displayed that substantially matches the desired display information. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110009182 | GAMING METHOD FOR PLAYING A SLOT GAME WITH TWO TYPES OF WINNING CRITERIA, AND GAMING APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING THE GAMING METHOD - A gaming method for playing a slot game with two types of winning criteria is provided. The gaming method is adapted to be implemented by a gaming apparatus. The gaming apparatus is configured to randomly generate a game symbol combination that includes a plurality of game symbols. Each of the game symbols independently belongs to one of a predetermined number of game symbol types. A first winning criterion is that a total number of the game symbols in the game symbol combination that belong to the same game symbol type is greater than a predetermined number. A second winning criterion is that all of the game symbols on a specified payout line of the game symbol combination belong to the same game symbol type. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110009183 | GAMING METHOD FOR PLAYING AN INTERACTIVE SLOT GAME, AND GAMING APPARATUS FOR IMPLEMENTING THE GAMING METHOD - A gaming method for playing an interactive slot game is implemented by a gaming apparatus. The gaming method includes the steps of: randomly generating a game symbol combination; determining whether the game symbol combination includes a changeable game symbol; when the game symbol combination includes a changeable game symbol, determining a corresponding position of the changeable game symbol; allowing player manipulation to generate a response signal indicating a player-selected position; receiving the response signal and determining whether the player-selected position is the corresponding position; randomly changing the changeable game symbol when the determination made in the last step is affirmative; determining whether a revised game symbol combination including the changed game symbol conforms with a predetermined winning condition; and granting an award when the determination made in the last step is affirmative. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110009184 | GAMING SYSTEM - A method of operating a gaming system including a plurality of gaming machines and at least one server system. The method includes providing at least a first gaming service to each gaming machine by way of one or more first software processes and providing at least one second service common to a subset of the plurality of gaming machines, the second service implemented by one or more second software processes. The method also includes enabling inter-process interaction between at least one software process of the first service and at least one software process of the second service to enable interaction between the services. A server system, gaming machine and gaming system is also disclosed. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110009185 | GAMING MACHINE - In the gaming machine according to the present invention, when symbols are displayed within display regions of a display means, a determination means determines, from a combination of symbols displayed, establishment/non-establishment of the shift condition. More specifically, the determination means determines that the shift condition is established when a predetermined number or more first symbols are displayed within the at least one display regions. Further, a condition control means for controlling, when the first symbols displayed within the at least one display regions are less than the predetermined number and when a second symbols are displayed within the display regions, to establish the shift condition by the first symbols and the second symbols. Accordingly, even when the first symbols displayed within the display regions are less than predetermined number, the player can look forward to the shift to the bonus game and therefore feel interest more than in a conventional gaming machine. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110014965 | GAMING MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - The present invention provides a gaming machine allowing a player to make more BET operations spontaneously is provided. This gaming machine includes processing of: in a case where the input number of BETs is a first number of BETs, display the specific symbol combination on the display more frequently than when a second number of BETs is placed; and disabling awarding of a payment of a prize even if a specific symbol combination is rearranged on a display; in a case where the input number of BETs is a second number of BETs, displaying the specific symbol combination on the display less frequently than when the first number of BETs is placed; and awarding the payment of the prize in a case where the specific symbol combination is rearranged on the display. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110014966 | GAMING MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - Provided is a gaming machine and method of playing the gaming machine that allows a player to enjoy a plurality of games with their completely different characteristics in a feature game, with a basically same theme being kept unchanged. The control method includes processing of: determining plural kinds of symbols to be rearranged on a display, and thereafter, rearranging the plural kinds of symbols on the display; in a case where the plural kinds of symbols rearranged on the display form a combination configuring a feature game, selecting at least any of first to third symbols stored in a memory; selectively adding at least selected any of the first to third symbols in arrangement of the plural kinds of symbols; displaying, on the display, a course of adding such at least any of the first to third symbols in arrangement of the plural kinds of symbols or a result obtained by adding such any thereof; and executing a feature game, based on the arrangement of the plural kinds of symbols to which such at least any of the first to third symbols is added. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110014967 | GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine of the present invention determines random determination odds based on a character setting selected by a player and a stage setting randomly determined; and randomly determines an amount of increase in the number of bonus symbols | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110014968 | Device to Automatically Change Award Parameters for a Gaming Machine - A control unit in communication with a plurality of gaming machines selects one or more of the active machines to be set to an enhanced play mode. The selection may be random or based on other factors. During the enhanced play mode, the awards attributed to each symbol combination are increased, and the game parameters, other than the award amounts may be changed. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110021259 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING MULTIPLE GAME PLAY OPTION - Embodiments of this concept are directed to gaming devices that are configured to initiate multiple gaming events in response to a player input. The gaming device may include game initiating inputs that initiate a predetermined number of gaming events in response to the player input, or the gaming device may include configurable game initiating inputs that initiate a number of gaming events specified by the player, specified the gaming device, or specified by a gaming server. The gaming device or gaming server may set the number of initiated game events in response to the occurrence of a triggering event. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110021260 | Wagering Game With Multiple Episode-Based Bonus Games - A gaming machine for playing an episodic wagering game includes a game display and a controller. The game display is operable to display a randomly selected outcome of an episodic wagering game in response to receiving a wager from a player. The display further displays creative material content in one or more episodes of the episodic wagering game. The controller is in communication with the game display and is programmable to provide an award based on the randomly selected outcome and, in response to collecting a predetermined number of game items in one or more of the game episodes, cause the display of new creative material content of the wagering game without affecting the expected value of the episodic wagering game. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110021261 | GAMING MACHINE PRODUCING EFFECT WHEN AWARDING BENEFIT AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - When a wild symbol | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110021262 | FANTASY SPORTS GAME AND METHOD OF CONDUCTING SAME - Disclosed and claimed herein is a sports fantasy game, having a roster of fantasy players for each user, and a slot machine-like apparatus that provides a limited number of spins for populating the roster of fantasy players. Also disclosed herein is a method of conducting the above described game. Further described and claimed are various modifications and enhancements. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110028202 | Methods and Devices for Reel-Type Wagering with Bonus Games - One or more client machines may engage in the play of reel-type games with a gaming server, where each gaming session may include one or more spins of a reel in the reel-type game. Certain outcomes of these spins may include a bonus token, or some other type of indication that bonus credits have been awarded. Once a given client machine has accumulated a sufficient number of bonus tokens, the client machine may have the option to engage in a bonus game. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110028203 | PRESENTING WAGERING GAME CONTENT IN MULTIPLE WINDOWS - Described herein are processes and devices that present wagering game content in multiple windows. One of the devices described is a wagering game system. The wagering game system can receive wagering game content and control information from more than one content provider. The wagering game system can present the content from the various content providers in one or more windows, such as by presenting content from one provider in a main window while presenting content from a second provider in one or more auxiliary windows. The wagering game system can also determine priority information for content displayed in the windows and control the appearance and actions of the windows, or content displayed within the windows, based on the priority information. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110034231 | NETWORK OF SKILL-BASED ELECTRONIC GAME MACHINES THAT DISPENSE TICKETS FROM A PLURALITY OF PLAYER-SELECTABLE DEALS - Tickets are vended from a network of electronic game machines that play a game and that are in communication with a central server. Each ticket is associated with a deal of tickets for the game that includes at least some predetermined winning tickets. Each electronic game machine is adapted to simultaneously play a plurality of different deals and includes a deal selection indicator. Deal information and the current status information for each of the different deals is displayed immediately prior to or concurrently with a patron paying for a ticket. The information includes the total number of tickets and total number of tickets that have been played or remain to be played, the number of tickets having winning symbol or number combinations and number of tickets having winning symbol or number combinations that have been played or remain to be played, and the total winnings and amount of the total winnings that have been won or amount of the total winnings that remain to be won. The patron selects at the electronic game machine which of the plurality of deals to play using the deal selection indicator. The results of the next ticket in the selected deal is provided to the electronic game machine upon payment for a ticket, and the patron is informed of the results. The current status information is updated in real time immediately after each game play. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110034232 | GAMING METHOD FOR PLAYING A SLOT GAME WITH ENHANCEMENT OF PLAYER WINNING CHANCES, AND GAMING APPARATUS FOR IMPLEMENTING THE GAMING METHOD - A gaming method for playing a slot game includes the steps of: configuring a gaming apparatus to randomly generate a game symbol combination at the end of one round of the slot game, and to determine whether the game symbol combination conforms with a predetermined winning condition; and when the game symbol combination fails to conform with the predetermined winning condition, configuring the gaming apparatus to perform a symbol-changing procedure. The symbol-changing procedure includes: allowing a player to input a confirm command for changing a to-be-changed game symbol in the game symbol combination; randomly changing the to-be-changed game symbol in response to the confirm command to result in a revised game symbol combination; determining whether the revised game symbol combination conforms with the predetermined winning condition; and granting an award to the player according to result of the determination. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110034233 | Systems, Apparatuses and Methods for Enhancing Gaming Experiences - Systems, apparatuses and methods for enhancing winning result opportunities in gaming activities. Embodiments involve identifying award-enhancing opportunities using dice, and enabling repetition of such award-enhancing opportunities based on the dice results until a terminating event occurs using the die/dice. Award-enhancing opportunities can be accumulated during the repetition, whereby payout opportunities of the gaming event from which the dice activity was initiated may be enhanced. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110034234 | SYSTEMS, APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR AWARDING GAMING PAYOUTS - Methods, apparatuses, and systems for awarding gaming payouts in slot games are provided. Embodiments are directed to initiating a reelspin and moving at least one modifying symbol to a new symbol location. If a predetermined symbol appears in the new symbol location as a result of the reelspin, the predetermined symbol is replaced with the modifying symbol. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110034235 | GAMING MACHINE CAPABLE WITH FREE GAME PLAY - A gaming machine comprises: a display device for displaying symbols variably and statically on a display screen; a contact input device to be operated; a storage device for storing winning combinations of symbols; and a processor being operable to: conduct another internal lottery to determine a combination of symbols to be displayed statically; determine whether the determined combination matches one of the predetermined winning combinations; provide a payout corresponding thereto when the statically displayed combination is determined to match the one; shift a game to a feature game when the statically displayed combination is determined to include a trigger symbol; urge a game player to operate the contact input device to trigger the internal lottery in the feature game; and provide a point to one of a plurality of feature levels in the feature game such that an accumulated points may reach a predetermined number of points. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110034236 | SINGLE OUTCOME GAME OF CHANCE WITH DIFFERING WAGERS VARYING AMONG MULTIPLE PAYTABLES - A method of playing a wagering game that comprises the player making multiple wagers to play a single-outcome game, the multiple wagers being made on multiple predetermined paytables for said game. One single-outcome game and at least two differing paytables for said game are offered to the player. The paytables may be for different game versions or for a single game version with differing risk levels. The payback percentage of each of the said differing paytables may vary according to the amount of the wager. The player makes one wager for each predetermined paytable to be utilized in the resolve of the wagers. Multiple same paytables, multiple differing paytables or combinations thereof may be wagered for the play of a single game having a single outcome. The said single outcome is then compared to each wagered predetermined paytable, and each wager is resolved according to that same wagered predetermined paytable. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110039614 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A CASUAL WAGERING GAME - Various embodiments of the disclosed gaming system, gaming device and method provide a casual wagering game which includes a matrix having a plurality of positions. A plurality of path endpoints are positioned along a perimeter of the matrix. In various embodiments, each of the path endpoints are associated with one of an award, a symbol indicating advancement to a subsequent level or a terminator symbol. Each position of the matrix, except a starting position, is configured to accommodate one of a plurality of tiles. Each tile includes one or a plurality of path segments. When the tiles are placed in certain configurations, path segments of bordering tiles form a complete path between the starting position and one or more of the path endpoints. The general objective of the game is for a player to place tiles at positions in the matrix such that connecting path segments form a complete path between the start position and one or more path endpoints in order to win the path endpoint awards. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110039615 | DETERMINATION OF GAME RESULT USING RANDOM OVERALL OUTCOME - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to determining a game result on a gaming device by randomly selecting the overall outcome of each game event on the gaming device. Unlike conventional gaming devices that analyze a plurality of random selections, embodiments of the present concept select the overall outcome of a game event a plurality of possible game outcomes. By utilizing the selection of an overall outcome, it may be easier to direct certain outcomes on a gaming device in response to triggering events and may provide a more flexible design platform in which to design the play of the gaming device. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110045891 | REAL THREE DIMENSIONAL DISPLAY FOR WAGERING GAME MACHINE EVENTS - Systems and methods include a wagering game machine having a three-dimensional monitor. Certain events are 3D transition events that cause certain graphical elements presented by the wagering game to be rendered as real 3D objects using the N three-dimensional monitor. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110045892 | Wagering Game With Game-Play Enhancements Having Known Expected Values - A gaming system and method for conducting a wagering game includes a powerup feature. A wager input receives a wager from a player to play a single play of a wagering game. At least one display displays a plurality of reels with symbols. A controller is coupled to the wager input and the at least one display. The controller is operative randomly generate an outcome of the wagering game from a plurality of wagering game outcomes. The controller displays the randomly generated wagering game outcome on the plurality of reels. The plurality of outcomes includes the award of a powerup to a player. The powerup allows the player to activate a game enhancement feature on a future play of the wagering game. The plurality of wagering game outcomes can also include a credit award. A player may select the credit award or an offered powerup. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110053675 | Wagering System with Three Dimensional Display Feature - A gaming system and method allowing use of three dimensional objects in a wagering game. The three dimensional object includes multiple sides which are viewable by a player. Each of the multiple sides includes a symbol. An active payline contains one of the symbols. The symbols contained by the active payline are used to represent a randomly-determined result from the wagering game. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110053676 | Gaming System, Gaming Device and Method for Providing a Player an Opportunity to Win a Designated Award Based on One or More Aspects of the Player's Skill - In various embodiments, the gaming system, gaming device, and method disclosed herein maintains a designated award which is associated with a variable score for a skill-based game. In one such embodiment, the gaming system enables a player to play a game, wherein the gaming system forms a score for the player. The player's formed score is based on zero, one or more inputs made by the player during the play of the skill-based game (i.e., which tends to measure one or more aspects of that player's skills). If the player's score does not reach the variable score associated with the designated award, the gaming system modifies the variable score associated with the designated award of that skill-based game. If the player's score reaches or exceeds the variable score associated with the designated award, the gaming system provides the player a designated quantity of opportunities to win the maintained designated award. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110053677 | GAMING MACHINE AND GAME CONTROL METHOD THEREOF, CAPABLE OF SKIPPING COMMON GAME RESULTING IN A DRAW - A gaming machine of the present invention collectively performs determination of a game result, sequentially in relation to a series of crap games until a game result other than a draw is to occur. Then, of game results of the series of crap games thus determined sequentially through collectively performed determination of game results, the gaming machine skips at least partially one or more game results each indicating a draw, and sequentially outputting remaining one or more game results to the slot machines | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110053678 | Gaming machine, method and computer program for controlling the same, and computer-readable storage medium having the program stored therein - A gaming machine including a display, a plurality of reels displayed on the display, each reel being arranged side by side so as to independently rotate in a vertical direction, a plurality of display areas forming the reel, each display area having a hexagonal shape for displaying an indicium, each display area being connected with each other in the vertical direction via a horizontal side of the hexagonal shape, and a controller, which determines a win occurrence in a case where an identical kind of indicium is stationarily displayed on at least two of the display areas which are adjacently arranged via an upwardly-sloping direction slope or a downwardly-sloping side of the hexagonal shape of the display area. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110059787 | CONTROL SYSTEM FOR REEL MECHANISM - A reel control system is disclosed for eliminating known problems with reel mechanisms used in gaming machines. First of all, phase setting of the reel position is greatly simplified. The control system also provides a relatively accurate method for determining if a reel position has moved from a standstill position, due to low power, no power or outright tampering. Any movement of the reel can be corrected. The reel control system is also configured with multiple serial bus interfaces connected to a single serial bus that, in turn, can be connected to multiple stepper motor drivers which provides for fast response time to commands. In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the reel control system can drive multiple stepper motor drivers configured with the same physical address to reduce manufacturing costs and is further configured to simultaneously drive multiple reels, different distances, different directions, with different numbers of symbols per reel as well as drive different types of reels. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110059788 | GAMING MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - The present invention provides a gaming machine with new entertainability, which executes processing of: (A) executing a normal game; (B) accepting an input of selecting any of the plurality of the specific symbols stop-displayed, in response to a fact that a plurality of the specific symbols are stop-displayed, in the normal game executed in the processing (A); (C) awarding a benefit according to the specific symbols selected in the processing (B); (D) determining whether or not to generate a specific game state, in response to the specific symbols selected in the processing (B); (E) accepting an input of selecting a specific symbol other than the specific symbol selected in the processing (B), from among the plurality of specific symbols stop-displayed, in response to a fact that it is determined that the specific game state is generated in the processing (D); and (F) awarding a benefit according to the specific symbol selected in the processing (E). | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110059789 | SHARED SECONDARY WHEEL GAME AND METHODS - A multiple game-of-chance that occupies the same floor space as a traditional slot machine but has a spinning reel game mounted below a spinning wheel game. The game is also an outcome bank for storing outcomes from the spinning wheel game. The spinning wheel game may provide an outcome that activates the upper spinning wheel game, and the outcomes in the spinning wheel game can alter the outcome of the lower spinning reel game and also provide a bank of outcomes in the outcome bank, which can also be utilized to alter the outcome, or likely future outcomes, in the spinning wheel game. The game also utilizes a flexible, resilient, Z-shaped radial drive gear to drive each of the three wheels in the upper wheel game independently. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110065492 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING NEAR-MISS CONFIGURATION - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to implementing a near-miss outcome on a gaming device. The display characteristics of the near-miss outcome including the representative indicia that makes up the near-miss outcome and the display positioning of this representative indicia is determined. The near-miss outcome may be directly selected as a game outcome from a plurality of possible game outcomes, or may be identified as the result of a triggering game event and displayed instead of or in conjunction with a determined game outcome. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110065493 | SECOND PLAYER BONUS GAME - In one embodiment, a method includes determining an event at a gaming device during game play for a first player. One or more bonus event symbols are determined in response to the event. The method sends the one or more bonus event symbols for a bonus game to a second player. When one or more of the bonus event symbols match a predetermined outcome, the second player is awarded a bonus award. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a bonus event symbol from a second gaming device during game play on a first gaming device for a first player. It is determined if the bonus event symbol provides a match to a predetermined outcome. The second player is awarded a bonus award if the match is determined. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110070939 | GAMING MACHINES AND METHODS OF DISPLAYING ANIMATED SYMBOLS ON MECHANICAL REELS - A gaming machine includes a reel assembly and a processor operatively coupled to the reel assembly. The reel assembly includes at least one slot reel including a reel strip having a plurality of symbols positioned thereon. At least a portion of the plurality of symbols includes a plurality of frames. The at least one slot reel is configured to rotate about an axis. The reel assembly also includes at least one light device positioned with respect to the slot reel to selectively illuminate the plurality of symbols. The processor is configured to control the light device to progressively illuminate at least a portion of the plurality of frames to facilitate an appearance of animation within the plurality of frames during rotation of said at least one slot reel about the axis. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110070940 | COMPETITIVE-COLLABORATIVE COMMUNITY EVENT - A gaming system includes a plurality of linked gaming terminals. Each terminal includes a wager input device for receiving a wager to play a wagering game. Each gaming terminal further includes at least one display displaying a portion of a continuous image. Each gaming terminal further includes a controller coupled to the one or more displays and the wager input device. The controller is operative to cause at least one of the displays to display a community gaming event. At least one display of each of the linked gaming terminals displays a portion of a continuous image. Two or more of the plurality of linked gaming terminals are associated with a first team and two or more of the plurality of linked gaming terminals are associated with a second team. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110070941 | GAMING DEVICE FOR DETERMINING A RE-DRAWING GROUP FOR FOLLOWING GAMES - To display a plurality of symbols in a plurality of display regions, upon starting a game, and in a case where trigger symbols are stop displayed in any of the plurality of display regions, to draw for specific display regions where trigger symbols are displayed, from a plurality of types of symbols so that the symbols are displayed having a predetermined relationship among the symbols in at least game units, and at the same time, to draw for general display regions that have symbols other than the trigger symbol displayed, from a plurality of types of symbols so that arbitrary symbols are independently displayed. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110077069 | APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING AMUSEMENT - Certain non-limiting exemplary embodiments are taught which include a game comprising, a digital processor, digital storage coupled to the digital processor for storing instructions, a display coupled to the digital processor displaying a first plurality of indicia arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns such that there are a plurality of paylines through a contiguous plurality of indicia, a user interface coupled to the digital processor to select a subset of the first plurality of indicia taken along at least one column and to initiate a display of a second plurality of indicia which includes the selected subset of the first plurality of indicia on the display, and an award dispenser providing an award which is at least as large as the largest award associated with the plurality of paylines. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110086695 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A CASCADING STYLE MATCHING GAME - A gaming system selects and displays one of a plurality of symbol blocks in each of a plurality of block positions, wherein each of the selected blocks includes at least one partial symbol. Each partial symbol has at least one complementary partial symbol which, when arranged in a designated spatial relationship with one another, form a complete matching symbol. If any of the partial symbols on the selected blocks create a complete matching symbol, the gaming system provides at least one award to the player. Each matching block which includes any portion of a complete matching symbol is then removed, creating an empty block position. The gaming system then fills the empty block position by either shifting a displayed block into the empty block position or by selecting a new block. The gaming system repeats this process until no complete matching symbols are formed. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110092268 | Gaming Machine With Synchronized Bezel Lights - A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a wager input device, and a display for displaying a wagering game. The wagering game includes at least one moveable game element, at least one bezel light positioned proximate the display, and a controller operative to activate the bezel light in coordination with movement of the at least one moveable game element. The gaming system may have a plurality of bezel lights respectively positioned proximate the display, and the controller may be operative to activate the bezel lights singly or in combination in coordination with movement of the at least one moveable game element. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110092269 | GAMING MACHINE AND GAME CONTROL METHOD THEREOF, IN WHICH COMMON GAME USES SYMBOL COLUMNS DIFFERENT FROM THOSE USED IN UNIT GAME - A gaming machine of the present invention includes slot machines each of which repeatably runs, independently of the other slot machines, a unit game which scroll displays a base game symbol column image and stops the scroll-display to rearrange base game symbols. In response to a common game start command from a center controller, each slot machine runs, in sync with other slot machines, a common game which executes a common scrolling process in which a common game symbol column image which is different from the base game symbol column image is scroll displayed, and then stopped to rearrange common game symbols. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110092270 | MULTIPLE REEL ROULETTE GAME - A gaming system which is operable to receive an input associated with at least one betting option specified by a roulette betting layout. A plurality of roulette reels are rotatable about a common axis, and each one of the roulette reels has a side display surface or side wall. Each one of the side display surfaces or side walls displays a plurality of numerals which are spaced apart along the side display surface or side wall. The numerals are associated with the roulette betting layout. An outcome occurs based upon one or more indicated numerals. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110098098 | MULTIPLE SIMULTANEOUS SYMBOLS - An example method of gaming includes determining a presence of a multiple element symbol in a player combination of symbols to be generated and displayed to a player at a gaming display. The method also includes randomly generating a first element of the multiple element symbol. The method further includes randomly generating a second element of the multiple element symbol, wherein the second element is different from the first element. Additionally, the method includes determining one or more game outcomes in the player combination of symbols, wherein each element of the multiple element symbol is evaluated for contribution to a winning pattern in the player combination of symbols enabling a plurality of different winning patterns including the multiple element symbol. The method includes outputting the player combination of symbols and an indication of the one or more game outcomes to the gaming display for player view. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110098099 | VIDEO SLOT MACHINE OVERLAY - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a video overlay screen. Windows within the screen are generally transparent or translucent, while other non-window portions of the screen are generally translucent or opaque. Combining the overlay screen with a typical video display gives a modified appearance to the screen that some players find attractive. In some instances the video display screen may be programmed to show a video depiction of a mechanical reel that, when combined with the overlay screen appears as if the game contains actual mechanical reels. In other embodiments the overlay screen may include a touchscreen. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110098100 | SLOT MACHINE WITH MECHANICAL REELS AND VIDEO DISPLAY - A gaming system is disclosed. The gaming system has a mechanical reel and an electronic display. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110098101 | Wagering Game For Awarding Positional Game Modifiers In A Plurality Of Plays - A method for conducting a wagering game includes awarding a plurality of positional game modifiers and a plurality of plays of the wagering game. Each play includes a set of assignable positions such that a plurality of sets of assignable positions occur over the plurality of plays, at least some of the assignable positions bearing symbols. The plurality of positional game modifiers are randomly assigned to positions in the plurality of sets of assignable positions. The plurality of plays are displayed on a display device. A processor is used to determine an outcome of each of the plays taking into account any of the positional game modifiers assigned to the positions in the set of assignable positions of each play. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110098102 | Wagering Game For Awarding Attributes In A Plurality Of Plays - A method for conducting a computer-implemented wagering game includes using a processor to execute a plurality of plays of the wagering game, each play having an expected value. A plurality of randomly selected symbols, which are associated with each play, are displayed on a display. The processor is used to randomly assign a plurality of attributes across the plurality of plays. Each attribute increases an expected value of the play to which the attribute is assigned, from a first value to a second value. The first value is in the absence of the attribute and the second value is in the presence of the attribute. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110105215 | Gaming machine - The gaming machine includes a display and a controller. The display shows symbols that are placed in cells. The symbols contain a specific type of symbol that is placed in a specific cell. The controller controls movements of the symbols and the cells. The specific cell has a gauge. A value indicated by the gauge represents a count of how many times the specific cell appears in the display. The controller compares the value of the gauge with a threshold value. And, a favorable condition to a player is arranged to be initiated when the value of the gauge has reached the threshold value. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110105216 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NORMALIZING AVERAGE EXPECTED PAYOUTS TO PLAYERS - The gaming system disclosed herein accounts for game play over a gaming session in determining a bonus game attribute for a triggered bonus game. The gaming system maintains a plurality of different bonus game attributes. Each different bonus game attribute is associated with a different bonus game attribute modification event and an initial probability of that bonus game attribute being selected for a play of a bonus game. For each bonus game attribute modification event that occurs, the gaming system modifies the probability that the associated bonus game attribute will be selected for a play of a bonus game. Upon an occurrence of a bonus game triggering event, the gaming system randomly selects one of the maintained bonus game attributes. The gaming system then displays a bonus game and determines a bonus game award utilizing the selected bonus game attribute. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110105217 | INTERACTIVE GAMING DEVICE - A gaming device activated by a wager has a vocabulary database and a processor operating a display to simulate spinning of virtual reels each having letters of given point values arranged about the periphery of each virtual reel and independently stopping the reels in a random fashion to display a given number of contiguous letters on each reel in a scrambled fashion. The letters of each reel are displayed side-by-side with the letters of the other virtual reels, forming a matrix of M lines (i.e., rows) and N columns. The player selects the number of lines for the game and the bet per line and presses a PLAY button, to initiate spinning and then random stopping of the reels. The processor then determines if the scrambled letters from only the selected line(s) create a word found in the database. The letters of the created word are highlighted and may also be connected by bands oriented at a variety of angular orientations to highlight the word and distinguish the word from the remaining letters presented on the display. In one embodiment, a win is determined when a word having given number of letters is created. An enhanced payout is calculated based on the total point value of the letters in the created word. Apparatus is shown and described for performing the above method. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110105218 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING MULTIPLE WAGERING GAMES WITH SHARED FEATURES - A method of playing a wagering game comprises receiving a wager, and generating a randomly selected first outcome of a first wagering game, the first outcome comprising a first plurality of symbols arranged in a first matrix. The method further comprises generating a randomly selected second outcome of a second wagering game, the second outcome comprising a second plurality of symbols arranged in a second matrix, and simultaneously displaying the first outcome and the second outcome on at least one display. The method further comprises detecting an occurrence of a triggering event, in response to the triggering event, copying a first special symbol occurring in the first outcome into the second outcome to yield a modified second outcome, and evaluating the first outcome and the modified second outcome for winning combinations of symbols. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110111823 | Gaming Machine with Special Symbols that Change Other Symbols - In one embodiment, a base game played on a gaming machine may be a conventional 5×4 video reel-type game, where awards are granted for winning symbol combinations in the base game. If a bonus trigger has occurred, a number of free games are awarded. The symbols on the reel strips are then changed to at least include directional wild symbols, where wild symbols are associated with one of a variety of directions such as up, down, left-down-diagonally, right, etc. Obtaining such a directional wild symbol during a free game causes all symbols along that direction to be converted to a wild symbol. Overlapping wild symbols also act as award multipliers. Awards are then granted based on the symbol combinations and multipliers. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110111824 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING AN INCREMENTAL WAGERING GAME - Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gaming device which enables a player to purchase the game in stages or increments. The gaming device enables the player to place a first wager for a play of the game. After receiving the first wager, the gaming device randomly generates and displays a first outcome. The gaming device evaluates the displayed first outcome to determine whether the displayed outcome includes any winning symbol combinations. The gaming device provides the player with any awards associated with any determined winning symbol combinations. After providing the player with any awards based on the displayed first outcome, the gaming device offers the player the opportunity to make a second wager for the play of the game. If the second wager is placed, the gaming device generates and displays the second outcome, while the first outcome remains displayed. The gaming device evaluates the displayed second outcome in combination with the displayed first outcome to determine whether any winning symbol combinations are displayed. The gaming device provides the player with any awards associated with any displayed winning symbol combinations. If the player chooses not to make the second wager for the play of the game, the play of the game terminates. In this manner, the present disclosure enables a player to decide when to continue building on an outcome that is good and when to stop the play of the game. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110111825 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A CASCADING SYMBOL GAME INCLUDING SHIFTING SYMBOLS ACCORDING TO DIRECTIONAL INDICATORS - The disclosed gaming system displays an arrangement of symbols including a plurality of symbol positions. For a play of the game, the gaming system displays a randomly generated symbol in each symbol position. One or more of the symbols are displayed as associated with a directional indicator indicating a shift direction for that symbol. If any winning symbol combination is displayed, the gaming system shifts at least one symbol within the symbol matrix according to the directional indicator associated with that symbol, such as by shifting the symbol as designated distance in the shift direction indicated by the symbol's directional indicator. In one embodiment, the gaming system removes one or more symbols in the shift path of a shifting symbol. In one embodiment, the gaming system generates and displays new symbols in the then-empty symbol positions of the symbol matrix and repeats the determination, shifting, and generation. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110111826 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING SYMBOL COMBINATIONS WITH DYNAMIC AWARDS - The gaming system and method disclosed herein provides a plurality of symbol combinations that are each associated with a dynamic award. Such dynamic awards increase based, at least in part, on one or more random events which occur in association with one or more plays of a game. In one embodiment, the gaming system increases the dynamic award of a designated symbol combination based on the random generation of another, different symbol combination. In this embodiment, if the gaming system randomly generates the other symbol combination, the gaming system: (i) provides any award associated with this other symbol combination, and (ii) increases the dynamic award of the designated symbol combination. Additionally, if the gaming system randomly generates the designated symbol combination, the gaming system provides to a player the dynamic award of the designated symbol combination. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110111827 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A GAME IN WHICH PLAYERS POSITION SELECTORS WITHIN A FIELD OF SELECTIONS BASED ON VALUES MASKED BY THE SELECTIONS - A gaming system displays a plurality of spaced-apart selections each associated with a masked award. One or more selectors are each associated with one or more players, and are visible to each player. The selectors are moveable amongst the spaced-apart selections based on a plurality of player inputs. For a play of the game, the players provide inputs to move the selectors amongst the spaced-apart selections. During such movement, the gaming system temporarily reveals the award associated with any spaced-apart selection in the vicinity of any selector to at least one player, such as the player whose selector is near the selection. After the play of the game has ended (e.g., based on an amount of elapsed time), the gaming system provides awards to the players based on the ending positions of the one or more selectors with respect to the plurality of spaced-apart selections. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110111828 | GAMING SYSTEMS, GAMING DEVICES AND METHODS WITH VOLATILITY CONTROL GAMES - Gaming systems, gaming devices and methods that provide games that control volatility. In one embodiment, the gaming system disclosed herein enables a player to select values, or cells associated with values, that are displayed in a particular arrangement. The player selected values are distributed to other values or cells according to one or more predefined rules. In one embodiment, one or more of the player selectable values are progressive award values. At some point during the game, the gaming system randomly picks one of the remaining values that have not been selected and provides an award to the player based at least in part on the selected value. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110111829 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAME CONTROLLER AND A GAMING SYSTEM - A method of gaming at a gaming machine. The method includes designating a symbol display position of a plurality of symbol display positions as having a bonus symbol set applying to it for a game round, and selecting and displaying a symbol from the bonus symbol set at the designated symbol display position. The method also includes selecting symbols for display at the other symbol display positions from a base symbol set independently of the selection of the symbol from the bonus symbol set, and evaluating the symbols displayed at the plurality of symbol display positions to determine whether to make an award for the game round. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110111830 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PLAYING A GAME - In a gaming apparatus, a player places a wager and plays a game. A game controller determines an outcome for the game and controls a display to represent the game outcome. If the game outcome is a winning game outcome, the game controller controls the display to display a plurality of symbols in a plurality of spaces on a game board. Primary winning combinations are indicated and corresponding prizes are awarded before clearing those symbols from the game board. The remaining symbols are then redistributed and prizes for any secondary winning combinations may be indicated and awarded. The process of clearing the symbols, redistributing and determining winning combinations may continue for a predetermined number of redistributions, until all the symbols have been cleared, or until no more winning combinations are formed. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110111831 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PLAYING AN INTERSECTING SYMBOL GAME - In a gaming apparatus, a player places a wager and plays a game. A gaming controller determines an outcome for the game and controls a display to represent the game outcome. If the game outcome is a winning game outcome, the display displays symbols from a first set of symbols, such as musical notes and symbols from a set of award symbols, such as credit symbols, multiplier symbols, etc. The display depicts movement of the musical notes and/or award symbols to create intersections between the musical notes and award symbols, with the intersections representing awards earned by the player for the game outcome. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110111832 | GAMING MACHINE - When a predetermined amount of credits have been inserted into a slot machine, the game mode is switched from the non-insurance mode to the insurance mode according to the player's input operation via a touch panel. In the insurance mode, determination is made whether or not the amount of bet credits matches the maximum bet amount. When determination has been made that the amount of bet credits matches the maximum bet amount, the number of games is counted after switching of the game mode to the insurance mode. When the counted number of games reaches a predetermined number, a predetermined amount of credits is paid out. Furthermore, in this case, only in a case where determination has been made that the amount of credits bet on the game matches the maximum bet amount, the difference between the counted number of games and the predetermined number is displayed. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110117987 | Wagering Game With Overlying Transmissive Display for Providing Enhanced Game Features - A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a primary display and a secondary display. A transmissive display is positioned in front of the primary display directly in the player's line of sight. The transmissive display is operable to selectively display transparent, translucent and opaque video images over the primary display. The transparent, translucent and opaque video images may be used to change, for example, a play mechanic associated with the wagering game and any reel symbols associated with wagering game. The transmissive display may also be used to provide interactive player control and player selection elements for the wagering game and to facilitate player inputs to the gaming machine. Where the gaming machine includes a bonus game, the transmissive display may be further used to provide bonus features associated with the gaming machine. In some embodiments, the transmissive display may also be positioned over the secondary display. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110117988 | WAGERING GAME WITH RANDOMLY AWARDED FEATURE GAME ATTRIBUTES - Disclosed are games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods including a feature game having attributes at least partially determined by one or more random outcomes of an attribute determination game played prior to the play of the feature game itself. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110117989 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A PERSISTENCE GAME WITH MULTIPLE SYMBOL EVALUATIONS - In one embodiment, the gaming system and method disclosed herein employs a symbol accumulation sequence and a symbol evaluation sequence. The symbol accumulation sequence includes an accumulation of a designated quantity of symbols in association with a persistence game. The symbol accumulation sequence also includes the maintenance of a persistence game arrangement that displays a designated quantity of currently accumulated symbols (which in certain instances, includes some, but not all of the total number of symbols accumulated). In one embodiment, the symbol evaluation sequence includes the gaming system determining and providing an award based on the accumulated symbols of the persistence game. In another embodiment, the symbol evaluation sequence includes the gaming system determining and providing an award based on at least one of the accumulated symbols of the persistence game and at least one symbol generated for a current play of a wagering game. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110117990 | RAPID BONUS FEATURES USING OVERLAID SYMBOLS - A gaming machine includes an electronic display device and a controller coupled to the display device. The controller is configured to present a base game via the display device, wherein the base game includes a plurality of base game symbols, and to transmit display coordinates of at least a portion of the plurality of base game symbols to a bonus controller via a network. The display device is configured to display, under control of the bonus controller, an overlay image including at least one bonus symbol having substantially similar display coordinates as at least one of the at least a portion of the plurality of base game symbols. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110117991 | TIME-BASED AWARD SYSTEM WITH DYNAMIC VALUE ASSIGNMENT - A coupled to at least one server via a network includes a display device configured to display a base game to a player playing at the gaming machine, and a controller coupled to the display device. The controller is configured to determine an outcome during play of the base game, and award at least one token based on the outcome of the base game, wherein a value of the token based on as additional play of the base game by the player. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110117992 | GAMES, GAMING MACHINES, SYSTEMS AND METHOD HAVING AN ACCUMULATION BONUS - Disclosed are games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods having an accumulation bonus feature game including randomly generated icons which may pay an award each time an accumulation threshold is reached, at which time as associated accumulator is reset to allow further accumulation and awards. In some embodiments, termination icons gradually end the feature. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110117993 | METHOD OF GAMING AND A GAMING MACHINE WITH DOUBLE HIGH SYMBOLS - An example game controller includes a symbol generator to provide a plurality of symbols based on one or more random numbers generated by a random number generator. The plurality of symbols have varying sizes and include a first symbol occupying one symbol position and a second symbol occupying multiple symbol positions. The second symbol includes a plurality of portions, each portion corresponding to one of the multiple symbol positions occupied by the second symbol. A comparator is to determine one or more game outcomes in the plurality of symbols. each of the plurality of portions of the second symbol is evaluated individually to determine whether a winning combination has been formed with the first symbol and a portion of the second symbol. Each of the plurality of portions of the second symbol corresponds to a different award. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110117994 | MULTI-MONITOR SUPPORT FOR GAMING DEVICES AND RELATED METHODS - Various embodiments are directed to gaming machines having multi-monitor support for controlling up to four monitors on a gaming device. According to one embodiment, the gaming device includes a first display for presenting a primary game. The gaming device also includes a second display and a third display where the second display is positioned above the third display. The second and third displays are used in combination to present a secondary game. The gaming device further includes a multi-core processor in communication with a first video chipset and a second video chipset, wherein the first and second video chipsets support the first, second and third monitors. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110117995 | Games, Gaming Machines, Systems and Method Having an Accumulation/Matching Bonus - A method of operating a game controlled by a gaming machine includes accepting a wager from a player, presenting a primary game, awarding any primary game awards to the player, and upon a triggering event, presenting a feature game. The feature game includes performing a first portion of the feature game during which a set of bonus slots is accumulated and performing a second portion of the feature game. The second portion of the feature game includes selecting at least one set of a predetermined number of target symbols, associated with a bonus award, from among a pool of bonus symbols during which selected bonus symbols are not removed from the pool, and selecting a set of match symbols, equal in number to the accumulated number of bonus slots, from among the pool of bonus symbol during which selected bonus symbols are removed from the pool. The match symbols are compared to the at least one set of target symbols. If all the symbols in the at least one set of target symbols correspond to match symbols, the bonus award associated with the at least one set of target symbols is awarded to the player. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110117996 | GAMES, GAMING MACHINES, SYSTEMS AND METHOD HAVING A HORSERACE BONUS FEATURE - Disclosed are games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods having a horserace bonus feature game including randomly generated icons which serve to advance one or more horses toward a finish line. In some embodiments, a progressive award associated with the winning horse is paid to a player. In other embodiments, multiple progressive awards may be paid in the event of a tie. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110117997 | APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING AMUSEMENT - Certain non-limiting exemplary embodiments are taught which include a game comprising, a digital processor, digital storage coupled to the digital processor for storing instructions, a display coupled to the digital processor displaying a first plurality of indicia arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns such that there are a plurality of paylines through a contiguous plurality of indicia, a user interface coupled to the digital processor to select a subset of the first plurality of indicia taken along at least one column and to initiate a display of a second plurality of indicia which includes the selected subset of the first plurality of indicia on the display, and an award dispenser providing an award which is at least as large as the largest award associated with the plurality of paylines. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110117998 | GAMING MACHINE CAPABLE OF MOVING AT LEAST ONE VISUAL RECOGNITION TARGET IN A TOP BOX - A gaming machine includes a symbol display device, a top box, and a controller. The symbol display device is capable of variably displaying and then rearranging a plurality of symbols. The top box is disposed at an upper part of the symbol display device and has an illumination target disposed on a front face and a plurality of visual recognition targets disposed therein. The controller is programmed to: variably display and then rearrange symbols on the symbol display device to thereby execute a normal game; execute an animation character acquisition game for acquiring a specific animation character from among a plurality of animation characters in accordance with specific symbols being rearranged in the normal game; and move at least one visual recognition target from among the plurality of visual recognition targets, based on a result of the animation character acquisition game. This configuration enables a player to be given notice in a mode of moving a visual recognition target in the top box. Thus, it is possible to impart a sense of expectation or a sense of tension to a player and to pay the player's attention exclusively to a game. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110117999 | WAGERING INTERFACE FOR A GAMING SYSTEM - A gaming system includes a wagering interface that may include a plurality of player-selectable quick-bet elements with each quick-bet element indicating a different total wager for a spin of the plurality of reels. Each total wager is divided among a plurality of paylines associated with positions on the reels. A window is configured to display a subset of the plurality of quick-bet elements. A quick-bet element selection slider is configured to allow each of the plurality of player-selectable quick-bet elements to be displayed within the window. The selection slider is movable to a plurality of positions along a slider path such that the position of the selection slider on the slider path determines the subset of quick-bet elements to be displayed in the window. A wagering interface may include a toggling element for switching from a wagering interface having a plurality of player-selectable quick-bet elements to a classic-bet wagering interface. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110118000 | WAGERING GAME WITH ACCUMULATION-BONUS FEATURE THAT IS PLAYED UPON PLAYER'S SELECTION - A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes an accumulation-bonus feature which allows a player to cache awards to a bonus object. A player selects when to use the bonus object in a secondary playfield to enhance the cached awards. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110118001 | Wagering Game Having a Free-Play Bonus With a Variable Free-Play Retriggering Condition - A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a gaming system having a wager input device for receiving a wager from a player, a display configured to display a wagering game, a memory device, and a processor communicatively coupled to the display, the wager input device, and the memory device. The processor is configured to determine a retrigger condition for a wagering game feature, conduct the wagering game feature, determine if the retrigger condition for the wagering game feature was satisfied during play of the wagering game feature, and conduct another wagering game feature if the first retrigger condition was satisfied during play of the wagering game feature, the another wagering game feature having the same game format as the wagering game feature. The processor is also configured to determine another retrigger condition for the another wagering game feature, the another retrigger condition being different than the first retrigger condition. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110118002 | WAGERING GAME WITH GAME APPEARANCE CHANGING BASED ON PLAYER'S SELECTION - A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming terminal for a player includes receiving, via an input device, a player selection of one of a plurality of player selectable elements. Each of the player selectable elements are associated with a corresponding thematic indicia set. The method further includes conducting the wagering game with the thematic indicia set associated with the selected player selectable element being displayed on a display of the gaming terminal and while conducting the wagering game, triggering a bonus event. The method further includes awarding one of a plurality of game enhancement parameters to the player during the bonus event. The awarded one of the plurality of game enhancement parameters is dictated by the selected player selectable element. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110118003 | GAMING MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - To provide a gaming machine and a control method therefor, having a new entertainment characteristics, a slot machine | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110118004 | Player Gaming Console, Gaming Machine, Networked Gaming System and Method - Games, networked gaming systems, gaming machines and methods are disclosed that provide various player-centric games and rewards to the casino patrons. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110118005 | GAMING MACHINE WITH BUY FEATURE GAMES - A gaming machine including a display. The display includes a plurality of display positions for displaying combinations of symbols. A controller controls operation of the machine. The controller includes a processor for processing data and displaying selected data on the display. A selector is operable by the player of the machine for enabling the player to select at least one feature which can be added to a base game played on the machine. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110124392 | APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING AMUSEMENT - Certain non-limiting exemplary embodiments are taught which include a game comprising, a digital processor, digital storage coupled to the digital processor for storing instructions, a display coupled to the digital processor displaying a first plurality of indicia arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns such that there are a plurality of paylines through a contiguous plurality of indicia, a user interface coupled to the digital processor to select a subset of the first plurality of indicia taken along at least one column and to initiate a display of a second plurality of indicia which includes the selected subset of the first plurality of indicia on the display, and an award dispenser providing an award which is at least as large as the largest award associated with the plurality of paylines. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110124393 | Wagering Game With Unilateral Player Selection For Developing a Group - A wagering game system includes a service for conducting a group-wagering game for a group of players under the control of a gaming control system and a plurality of gaming terminals, each gaming terminal connected to the service and being configured to conduct a group-wagering game in combination with the service. The gaming control system is configured to permit a player in the group of players to unilaterally alter a membership of the group of players. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110124394 | Bonus Game For A Gaming Machine - A bonus game for a slot machine operable in a basic mode and a bonus mode. The bonus game is entered upon the occurrence of a special start-bonus game outcome in the basic mode. In the bonus game, a player selects, one at a time, from an array of windows each associated with a bonus game outcome. Credits are awarded based upon which ones of the windows are selected. The bonus game ends upon selection of a window associated with an end-bonus outcome but otherwise continues, allowing the player to make further selections and accumulate further credits until encountering an end-bonus outcome. In one embodiment, a bonus game resource obtained in the basic game may be exercised in the bonus game to affect the bonus game outcome. In one embodiment, for example, where the occurrence of an end-bonus outcome would otherwise end the bonus game, a player having a bonus game resource may exercise the bonus game resource upon encountering an end-bonus outcome to continue playing the bonus game. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110124395 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING A RE-TRIGGERING SYMBOL BONUS SCHEME - A gaming device having a bonus scheme wherein a combination of bonus symbols trigger a bonus game and any one of the bonus symbols in the bonus game provides a player with an award. The award may be an extension of the bonus game by providing the player with additional spins or games. Also, the award may modify the combination and type of bonus symbols needed to enter the bonus game. Furthermore, the award may modify the award values in the bonus game. Therefore, a combination of bonus symbols triggers the bonus game and also triggers the gaming device to provide bonus awards in the bonus game. The re-triggering symbol award bonus scheme changes the probability of winning for the player and therefore creates a higher level of excitement and enjoyment of the game. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110124396 | APPARATUS PROVIDING PAYOUTS PROPORTIONAL TO WAGERS AND METHODS FOR OPERATING SAME - A gaming device such as a slot machine is provided having a payout proportional to a wager value. In accordance with one or more embodiments, the gaming machine provides a player with the ability to flexibly and automatically increase and decrease wagers, thereby allowing the player to press his bets when he feels lucky, and to decrease his bets when he feels unlucky. Different proportional payout tables are provided for different levels of wagers. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110130191 | Gaming System Having Improved Progressive Jackpots - A method of operating a wagering game comprises receiving a primary wager, displaying a randomly selected outcome of a primary wagering game, and displaying at least one progressive jackpot. A first portion of the primary wager is allocated to fund the at least one progressive jackpot. An increment amount to be added to the at least one progressive jackpot is randomly determined, the at least one progressive jackpot is incremented by the increment amount, and in response to a triggering event, the at least one progressive jackpot is awarded. Alternatively, a random determination is made whether to increase the at least one progressive jackpot by a predetermined increment amount and, in response to a determination to increase the at least one progressive jackpot, the at least one progressive jackpot is incremented by the predetermined increment amount. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110130193 | Gaming Device Having Free Spin Mode with Symbol Elimination - A bonus game that operates in combination with a slot machine base game is provided. The bonus game includes a series of free spins or free evaluations in which symbols of a set of symbols are generated. The free spins also generate executor symbols that alone or in accumulation cause one of the symbols of the set to be eliminated or replaced. In either case the symbols remaining in the set have a higher probability of being generated and a higher probability exists that a larger award paying combination of the remaining symbols will be generated. The elimination sequence can be repeated a number of times further increasing the probability of generating a higher paying award for the player. The present invention is operable with different types of base games such as slot and poker. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110136561 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING ADVANCE GAME INFORMATION ANALYZER - This concept is directed to methods of operating a gaming device to analyze game information that is part of a gaming event having a player interaction in advance of the player interaction to make a determination about the game play. These methods may be used for a variety of gaming devices such as slot machines, video keno devices, video poker machines, electronic table games, internet gaming terminals, etc. In each type of gaming device, these operation methods evaluate future game information during game play to determine one of multiple manners by which the game play will continue. These continuation manners may include changing the speed of game play, determining display characteristics of the game and outcome, providing tips or information to the player about the future game information, automatically initiating a subsequent game, or otherwise altering an aspect of the game play parameters in response to the evaluated game information. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110136562 | Gaming Machine with Matrix of Reels and Special Symbol Features - A video slot machine has an array of individual symbol reels, such as a grid of 4×5 reels. The symbols include conventional symbols and special symbols. In the examples, the special symbols are wild symbols. Each wild symbol is associated with a particular direction, such as a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, or both. After an initial spin, an award for symbol combinations is paid out. If a wild symbol appears in the array, all reels along the designated direction are respun to give the player another chance at winning Awards are paid again for new winning symbol combinations. If new wild symbols appear, another respin is performed along the direction(s) designated by the new wild symbols. The designated direction associated with a wild symbol may change for each game. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110136563 | Gaming System and Method of gaming - A gaming machine is provided that provides games in which a plurality of symbols are selected from a group of symbols and displayed on a display and, if a winning combination occurs, the gaming machine awards an award. The gaming machine comprises a user interface in communication with a game controller. The game controller is configured to provide a first game in which an event counter is maintained by the game controller and modified by the game controller each time a counter event occurs, and to provide a second game in which the game controller modifies the group of symbols to include a number of specific symbols. The number of specific symbols is dependent on the value of the event counter. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110136564 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD PROVIDING CALCULATED REEL SYMBOL EVALUATION - A gaming device having at least one target reel having target values, a plurality of value reels each having accumulative values, and a processor programmed to cause a spin of the target reel and value reels, accumulate the accumulative values generated on the value reels to form a cumulative value, compare the cumulative value to a designated one of the generated target values on the target reel, and provide an award to a player if the cumulative value meets a predefined mathematical threshold with respect to the designated one of the target values. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110136565 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD PROVIDING CALCULATED REEL SYMBOL EVALUATION - A gaming device having at least one target reel having target values, a plurality of value reels each having accumulative values, and a processor programmed to cause a spin of the target reel and value reels, accumulate the accumulative values generated on the value reels to form a cumulative value, compare the cumulative value to a designated one of the generated target values on the target reel, and provide an award to a player if the cumulative value meets a predefined mathematical threshold with respect to the designated one of the target values. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110143830 | GAMING DEVICE SYSTEM ALLOWING PHOTOS TO BE DOWNLOADED AS GAME INDICIA ON GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE - A system and method for allowing users to select photos from social networking websites (e.g., Facebook®) or other dedicated websites for use with select gaming devices wherein the selected photos are used as game indicia (e.g., game reel indicia). Thus, instead of cherries and bars, the gaming device may depict photos of a player's girlfriend and pet. “Friends” of the player may also be able to observe the real-time gaming activities of the player via the social networking website or other dedicated website. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110143831 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - Certain examples provide gaming systems and methods. An example gaming system includes a display and a game controller arranged to: cause the display to display a plurality of game displays in which a plurality of games will be carried out; receive a player selection of a game of the plurality of games; carry out the plurality of games in their respective game displays; and make an award upon a comparison of an outcome of the player selected game with an outcome of a non-selected game or games satisfying an award criteria. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110143832 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR USING CONDITIONAL PARAMETERS TO ALTERNATE BETWEEN WAGERING GAMES - A wagering method is provided that allows players or gaming establishments to specify conditions which when satisfied, reconfigure the gaming device to change game play from a first game to a second game. The condition may depend upon the value of a parameter—generally related to game play—to determine if the condition is valid and triggers the reconfiguration. The second game may be selected from a game on the same gaming device, from a game on a different gaming device, or a game played by a specific player. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110151958 | Gaming apparatus having wide screen display - A gaming apparatus for presenting a wager-type game comprises a housing, a wager accepting device, a controller and a display. The controller is configured to cause wagering game information to be displayed by the display in response to a wager. The display comprises a flat-panel display having a wide screen format. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110151960 | GAMING MACHINE WITH MULTI SCATTER GAME - A gaming machine | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110151961 | GAMING APPARATUS AND METHOD WITH A DEPENDENT GAME FEATURE - Disclosed is a gaming machine and associated method in which a first and a second game event are provided. At least one characteristic of one or more symbols used in the second game event is variable dependent on the occurrence of one or more special symbols used in the first game event. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110159943 | GAMING MACHINES AND METHODS PARTICULARLY FOR USE IN ENVIRONMENTS IMPOSING PRIZE RESTRICTIONS - Method, apparatus, and program products relating to a multi-mode game play. A player places a bet through a player station to commence play in a first play mode of a multi-mode game. The first play mode may award a prize specified as a number of plays at a different (“second”) play mode. The second play mode has a different associated prize structure and a higher expected net value per play as compared to the first play mode. Once the player has played the specified number of plays at the second play mode the game switches back to the first play mode for additional plays. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110159944 | WAGERING GAMING DEVICE HAVING SIMULATED CONTROL OF MOVEMENT OF GAME FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS - A wagering gaming device that enables a player to affect the movement of a functional element of a game by use of a user input device. More specifically, the present invention provides a processor controlled wagering gaming device that receives input from a user input device. The user manipulates the input device in the manner in which he wishes the functional element or to move. The processor receives the information from the input device and calculates parameters. The processor moves the functional element. This sequence or feature may be employed in a primary game, bonus game or in any stand alone game. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110159945 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH MULTI-SIDED PLAYING ELEMENTS - A method for a gaming machine is described that includes displaying a representation of at least one multi-sided playing element having a plurality of faces, and selecting, according to random criteria, a symbol for display on a first presented face of each multi-sided playing element. The selection may be made from a set of symbols that has more members than there are faces on the multi-sided playing element. Symbols on at least two and less than all of the presented faces of each multi-sided playing element may indicate a winning combination. The outcomes of the game may be defined from various sides of the one or more playing elements. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110159946 | GAMING MACHINE WITH IMPROVED DISPLAY - A method for use with a gaming machine. The gaming machine presents symbols on a display in an array of symbol positions and evaluates the selected symbols for winning combinations in pay lines in the array. The symbols are selected for the display positions independently and at least one line in the array is selected by a player using a player interface by selecting individual symbol display positions. One pay line may only trigger feature games and/or the feature game that is awarded may be determined dependent on the symbols presented in another pay line. The game played by the gaming machine may also present first and second game symbols in the same display position and the presented first and second symbols are evaluated for the occurrence of a winning combination. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110159947 | GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine is provided so as to comprise: a display device for displaying symbols variably and statically; a starting device for an operation to start a variable display of the symbols; a storage device for storing a plurality of predictive effect images corresponding to respective payout levels; and a processor being operable to: conduct an internal lottery to determine a combination of symbols to be displayed statically; select one of the predictive effect images corresponding to a predetermined winning combination when it is determined that the determined combination to be displayed statically matches the predetermined winning combination; and cause the selected one predictive effect image to be displayed as well as the variable display of symbols, wherein the plurality of predictive effect images indicate a degree of the payout levels such that a payout level to be awarded can be expected before an operation to stop the variable display. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110165934 | Game machine having a plurality of ways for a user to obtain payouts based on the appearance of any and all symbols within an active symbol matrix (WYSIWYG) - A gaming device and method for playing a gaming device which provide awards for any and all symbols appearing within selected portions of a symbol matrix (“What You See Is What You Get” or “WYSIWYG”). | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110177858 | GAME DEVICE AND GAME DEVICE CONTROL METHOD - A matrix with n-rows and m-columns squares is displayed on a display unit. Patterns of the respective ones of the matrix with n-rows and m-columns squares displayed in the display unit are changed based on operations of the operation unit by a player, and then the changes of the patterns of the respective squares are stopped. It is judged whether or not the n-rows and m-columns squares in the matrix in stop are linked with the adjacent squares, based on patterns of the respective squares, and a win is judged based on a number of linked squares. A play value is paid out based on the number of the linked squares when the n-row and m-columns squares of the matrix in stop are judged as the win. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110177859 | PERSISTENT ROTATION - A gaming system is disclosed. An award is made in respect to a winning outcome, and an additional award is made if the winning outcome corresponds to one of a set of active conditions displayed on a display area. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110177860 | GAMING MACHINE WITH REELS - Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to gaming machines having mechanical reels. The machine is adapted so that the reels to some extent protrude from the front face of the machine to enhance the user's awareness that the reels are genuine and, optionally, the reels may have side walls having matching indicia to the symbols on the periphery of the reels. The reels may also be observed from front and rear sides of the machine or alternatively, rotated about an upright axis to enable a player to observe front and rear outcomes from one point. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110177861 | GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine according to the present invention variably displays a plurality of symbols wherein a speed of the variable display of the plurality of symbols while executing a free game is different from a speed of variable display of the plurality of symbols while executing a basic game. In this manner, it is possible to impart a sense of expectation for free game to a player without separately preparing any effect video image such as a video image showing a process of adding WILD symbols. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110183742 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A method of gaming comprising providing a plurality of display positions and selecting a plurality of symbols for display at respective display positions. A base pay table is defined and is usable to determine a prize for a winning outcome when a winning outcome associated with a particular prize comprising a defined win combination of x symbols occurs. It is determined whether a winning outcome exists and, during normal game mode, the base pay table is used to determine a particular prize applicable for a winning outcome when the winning outcome occurs. It is also determined whether a trigger condition exists and if the trigger condition is determined, special game mode is implemented during which the special pay table is used to determine a particular prize applicable for a winning outcome when the winning outcome occurs. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110183743 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - Certain examples provide gaming systems and methods. An example gaming system includes a display and a game controller arranged to: cause the display to display a plurality of game displays in which a plurality of games will be carried out; receive a player selection of a game of the plurality of games; carry out the plurality of games in their respective game displays; and make an award upon a comparison of an outcome of the player selected game with an outcome of a non-selected game or games satisfying an award criteria. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110190043 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM AND A GAME CONTROLLER - There is disclosed a method of gaming comprising receiving a selection of at least one combination of symbol display positions of a set of symbol display positions at which selected symbols will be displayed in a game round, selecting symbols for the game round, and evaluating whether symbols displayed in each selected combination of symbol display positions for the game round correspond to one or more jackpot events associated with respective ones of a plurality of jackpots having different values to thereby determine whether to award one or more of said jackpots in respect of each selected combination. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110190044 | REPLACEMENT REEL GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD - Apparatuses and methods for facilitating participation in a gaming activity. A reel configuration of a plurality of reels is presented, where each of the reels includes one or more associated gaming symbols. The presentation of the gaming symbols is modified on the plurality of reels, such as by spinning the reels or otherwise changing which symbols are presented on the reels. A replacement reel is presented, to supersede or otherwise supplant at least one of the gaming symbols of the reel configuration. Results of the gaming activity are established using the gaming symbols of the plurality of reels and the replacement reel. The result is thereby based on a resulting presentation of symbols that includes both the symbols of the primary reel configuration and the symbol(s) of the replacement reel(s). | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110201402 | GAMING SYSTEM WITH IMPROVED WAGER MECHANISM - A gaming system comprising presentation means for presenting selected symbols from a first and a second symbol reel with respective first and second sets of symbols in a display area, outcome determination means for determining an outcome from a first win line symbol from the first set and a second win line symbol from the second set, being the symbols from the first and second sets that are positioned along a win line in the display area, outcome replacement means for, upon occurrence of a predetermined event, selecting for the first win line symbol a first replacement symbol, selecting for the second win line symbol a second replacement symbol and causing the output determination means to determine the outcome from the first and second replacement symbols, wherein the first and second replacement symbols are positioned at an equal distance from the first and second win line symbols respectively. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110201403 | Multi-Level Progressive Game With Reset Feature For Maintaining Expected Value Of The Wagering Game - A gaming system comprises a wager input device receiving a wager from a player to play a wagering game, at least one display, and at least one controller. The wagering game provides access to a progressive game having multiple progressive jackpots. The multiple progressive jackpots are reset after being awarded. In response to a progressive jackpot being awarded, a current expected value of the wagering game is calculated with a normal reset value applied to the awarded progressive jackpot. And, in response to the calculated current expected value of the wagering game being less than a minimum jurisdictional limit, the awarded one of the multiple progressive jackpots is reset with a padded reset value so that the expected value of the wagering game is equal to or greater than the minimum jurisdictional limit. The padded reset value is greater than the normal reset value. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110201404 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING A THREE DIMENSIONAL DISPLAY DEVICE - A wagering gaming device having a three-dimensional display device which includes a plurality display screens. The display screens display three dimensional images having an height, actual width and depth. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110201405 | ENTERTAINMENT MACHINE HAVING A SIGNAL-GENERATING DEVICE COUPLED TO A MOVABLE SYMBOL-BEARING SUPPORT - An entertainment machine having a display device including a rotatable reel with symbols around its periphery. The symbols are defined digitally on a support, such as a curved LCD strip, by feed of signals from a signal generating device. The support may rotate with the reel. Alternatively the support may be fixed so that the reel rotates but the support is static. In this case, the support extends round part only of the periphery of the reel and the feed of signals is such as to define symbols which move with the rotation of the reel. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110207520 | Systems, Apparatuses and Methods for Changing Symbols in Gaming Systems - Symbols are randomly arranged on a gaming machine. The random arrangement represents initial states of the symbols for purposes of applying a cellular automata rule. The cellular automata rule is applied to the symbols such that each of the symbols to a subsequent state independently of a value of the symbols. The subsequent state of each symbol may be based at least on the initial state of each symbol and the initial state of another of the symbols. A payout condition may be evaluated based on the subsequent states of the symbols. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110207521 | Gaming Machine With Visual And Audio Indicia Changed Over Time - A gaming machine having features for increasing player appeal is set forth. The machine generally includes a processor, a display, and a memory device. The processor randomly selects one of a plurality of outcomes of the gaming machine in response to a wager. The display displays visual elements to be viewed by the player. The memory device is coupled to the processor and stores at least two data sets for producing at least two different types of visual and/or audio elements in the basic game or bonus game, or at least two different types of bonus game formats. The processor selects one of the two data sets in response to the occurrence of a predetermined time, a number of wager inputs by players of the gaming machine, or after determining a favorite play content based on the number of wager inputs by players. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110212760 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING MULTIPLE INTERACTING INDEPENDENTLY OPERABLE WHEELS - A gaming device having multiple interacting independently operated symbol generators, such as wheels. In one embodiment, each wheel includes a plurality of sections that are associated with a plurality of different outcomes which are displayed to a player. One or more of the wheels are activated, either sequentially or simultaneously and the results of the wheel activations influence one or more subsequent wheel activations. Upon a terminating event, an outcome based on the results from one or more spins of one or more of the wheels is provided to the player. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110218028 | ENTERTAINMENT GAME-BASED GAMING DEVICE - Embodiments of this concept are direct to a game that includes a combination of an entertainment game and a gambling game. This game combination provides an entertainment game that retains the playability and fun of a skill game or other non-traditional gambling game while allowing for wagers to still be placed and awards won. In some embodiments, the wager-based gambling game is tied directly into the entertainment game, which provides additional entertainment and excitement. Other embodiments separate some of the aspects of the gambling game from the entertainment game to retain the feel of well known gaming devices while still providing an entertainment game to the player. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110218029 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING MULTIPLE INTERACTING INDEPENDENTLY OPERABLE WHEELS - A gaming device having multiple interacting independently operated symbol generators, such as wheels. In one embodiment, each wheel includes a plurality of sections that are associated with a plurality of different outcomes which are displayed to a player. One or more of the wheels are activated, either sequentially or simultaneously and the results of the wheel activations influence one or more subsequent wheel activations. Upon a terminating event, an outcome based on the results from one or more spins of one or more of the wheels is provided to the player. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110223984 | GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine includes a lottery region defined such that cell columns are arranged to be parallel with each other. Symbols in each symbol column are moved along the cell column at a predetermined game opportunity and are stopped in one cell unit. A determination is performed as to whether a combination of symbols stopped in a determination target cell group forms a prize winning pattern. Reduced cells are defined by equally dividing a cell in a cell column when a predetermined reduction condition is satisfied, reduces symbols corresponding to the reduced cells, recognizes that at least one normal cell and the reduced cells are included in the target cell group, selects the reduced cells included in the target cell group, and determines that a combination of a symbol stopped in the selected reduced cell and the normal cell included in the target cell group forms the prize winning pattern. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110223985 | GAMING MACHINE - In a gaming machine including a symbol region where reels having symbols are arranged in predetermined arrangement, so that the symbols are displayed in an arranged manner in longitudinal and transverse directions, there are provided a reel control unit that independently controls movement and stop of each of the reels, such that the symbols appearing in the symbol region change and a winning determination unit that determines whether the symbols appearing on a valid line set to span the reels form a predetermined winning pattern, when each of the reels is stopped, layers are set in the symbol region, and in the gaming machine, at least one reel is disposed in each layer, a symbol group is provided in at least one specific reel arranged in a specific layer of the layers in such a manner that symbols capable of forming at least portion of the winning pattern are arranged in the symbol group, at least one of the symbols capable of forming at least portion of the winning pattern overlaps the other reel in the other layer different from the specific layer, and that the symbol group move integrally with the specific reel, the symbols that are disposed in the symbol group in the specific reel can be viewed from a player, and when the symbol group is stopped on the valid line, the winning determination unit make the symbols disposed in the symbol group be included in a determination target and determines whether the winning pattern is formed. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110223986 | Electronic System for Playing of Reel-Type Games - There is disclosed an electronic gaming system ( | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110223987 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING MULTIPLE INTERACTING INDEPENDENTLY OPERABLE WHEELS - A gaming device having multiple interacting independently operated symbol generators, such as wheels. In one embodiment, each wheel includes a plurality of sections that are associated with a plurality of different outcomes which are displayed to a player. One or more of the wheels are activated, either sequentially or simultaneously and the results of the wheel activations influence one or more subsequent wheel activations. Upon a terminating event, an outcome based on the results from one or more spins of one or more of the wheels is provided to the player. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110230250 | System and Method of Adapting Electronic Amusement Games To Electronic Gaming - An interactive game system and method for providing payouts based on independent chance driven outcomes. The interactive game system may include a first interactive segment from which a player interacts to achieve at least one specified outcome, and a second segment instantiated at least partially based on the at least one specified outcome. The second segment includes at least one of a plurality of discrete, chance driven independent payouts independent of the at least one specified outcome. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110230251 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A MULTI-PLAYER BONUS GAME - One embodiment provides a gaming system having a plurality of gaming devices. Each of the gaming devices enables a player to make wagers on plays of a primary game. For each gaming device, for each occurrence of a designated accumulation outcome, the player of that gaming device accumulates one or more positions on a bonus game display matrix. When a bonus game trigger occurs, the triggering gaming device is identified. In the bonus game, a plurality of symbols are displayed in the plurality of positions of the bonus game display matrix. The player of the triggering gaming device is provided with any awards associated with any winning symbol combinations formed by the displayed symbols. Additionally, for each assigned position of the bonus game display matrix that displays a symbol which is part of a winning symbol combination, a participation award is provided to the player assigned to that position. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110237322 | KENO-BASED WAGERING GAME HAVING A GAME-TERMINATION FEATURE - A gaming system for playing a keno-type wagering game. The system includes conducting the keno-type wagering game at a gaming terminal. The keno-type wagering game has at least one game card to be played by a player and a plurality of symbols to be selected during the keno-type wagering game. The plurality of symbols includes at least one game-termination symbol and a plurality of other symbols. At least some of the plurality of symbols are displayed on a display on the gaming terminal. A first set of symbols is selected from the plurality of other symbols that are associated with the at least one game card. A second set of symbols is randomly selected from the plurality of symbols. The random selection of second set of symbols is terminated upon a random selection of a predetermined quantity of the game-termination symbols. After the termination, the player is awarded a winning award in response to at least one of the symbols of the second set matching a symbol from the first set. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110244942 | WAGERING GAMES WITH VARIABLE REEL SIZES AND GAMING DEVICES FOR PLAYING THE SAME - Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting a wagering game, and computer programs for initiating a wagering game are presented herein. A gaming device is presented that includes a wager input device, a display, and a wagering game. The wagering game includes a plurality of reels each having distinct symbol positions and bearing an array of symbols. Some of the symbols are grouped into corresponding symbol clumps. A window is associated with each of the reels. The display displays outcomes of the wagering game. Some of the outcomes are represented by a segment of each reel being displayed through a respective one of the windows. The probability that a particular one of the windows will be filled with one of the symbol clumps as part of an outcome decreases between at least two of the windows. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110244943 | GAMING MACHINE AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A method of gaming includes rotating a plurality of mechanical reels mounted to a cabinet to a stopping position, each mechanical reel carrying a plurality of symbols at a plurality of symbol display positions arranged around the outer periphery of the mechanical reel, such that a selected subset of the symbol display positions of each mechanical reel are viewable by a player when the reels are stopped; controlling at least one video display adjacent to the mechanical reels to display at least one additional symbol of the symbols of at least one reel as a video symbol at a video symbol display position adjacent one of the viewable symbol display positions of the respective mechanical reel; and evaluating the symbols of the subsets and the at least one video symbol to determine whether to make an award. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110244944 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD HAVING CONFIGURABLE BONUS GAME TRIGGERING OUTCOMES - A gaming system and method which provides for one or more gaming device triggered bonus games to be skipped or otherwise not provided to the players at the gaming devices which triggered such bonus games. The average expected payouts of skipped gaming device triggered bonus games are contributed to a bonus accumulation pool or fund. The accumulation pool is subsequently utilized to provide one or more gaming system triggered bonuses to one or more players at one or more of the gaming devices in the gaming system. A player's accumulated triggering symbols determine, at least in part, the player's probability of winning part of the bonus accumulation pool and/or the player's portion of the bonus accumulation pool. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110244945 | GAMING MACHINE ARRANGING TWO SYMBOL COLUMNS IN THE SAME ORDER - A display unit displays symbols in a plurality of columns, and in particular arranges the symbols in the same order in two or more of the columns. A game controller unit determines an arrangement of symbols at random on a condition that symbols are arranged in the same order and at the same positions in the two or more columns. A display controller unit causes the display unit to spin the two or more columns of symbols from the same position in synchronization with each other, and stop the two or more columns at the same position to display the arrangement of symbols determined by the game controller unit. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110250946 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system is disclosed that includes a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions, at least some of the symbols including indicia indicative of respective prizes available to a player, and a prize selector arranged to facilitate selection of at least one of the displayed symbols by a player and thereby selection of a prize sought by the player. The system is arranged to hold the or each player selected symbol at the or each respective display position for at least one subsequent selection of symbols by the symbol selector. The system also includes an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether a winning combination including the at least one player selected symbol exists after at least one subsequent selection of symbols by the symbol selector, and a prize allocator arranged to allocate the selected prize to the player when a winning combination including the at least one player selected symbol exists. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110250947 | GAMING MACHINE - One of values 0 to 9 is associated with each of ten turnips | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110250948 | VIDEO COMPRESSION IN GAMING MACHINES - Based on the characteristics of a reel-spinning video, a video encoder/decoder can rely on image date from a preceding video frame to reconstruct a current area of a current frame of the reel-spinning video. The video encoder can record some indication of the current area (e.g., number of dropped blocks or boundary values of the area). The video encoder can rely on motion information (e.g., a motion vector) of a preceding area within the current frame, or encode motion information with the indication of the current area. The video encoder then transmits the indication of the current area, perhaps with a subsequent area, without image data of the current area. The video decoder can then reconstruct the current area with image data from a matching area in the preceding frame based on the motion information. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110256918 | GAMING METHOD FOR PLAYING A SLOT GAME, AND GAMING APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING THE GAMING METHOD - A gaming method for playing a slot game includes the steps of: a) randomly generating a first game symbol combination, a second game symbol combination, and a middle game symbol combination; b) determining whether at least one of the first and second game symbol combinations conforms with a predetermined winning condition; and c) when it is determined that at least one of the first and second game symbol combinations conforms with the predetermined winning condition, c1) determining whether one of the first and second game symbol combinations that conforms with the predetermined winning condition is associated with a bonus game symbol in the middle game symbol combination, and c2) when the determination made in sub-step c1) is affirmative, granting a bonus award according to the bonus game symbol and the predetermined winning condition. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110256919 | GAMING DEVICE FOR DETERMINING A RE-DRAWING GROUP FOR FOLLOWING GAMES - To display a plurality of symbols in a plurality of display regions, upon starting a game, and in a case where trigger symbols are stop displayed in any of the plurality of display regions, to draw for specific display regions where trigger symbols are displayed, from a plurality of types of symbols so that the symbols are displayed having a predetermined relationship among the symbols in at least game units, and at the same time, to draw for general display regions that have symbols other than the trigger symbol displayed, from a plurality of types of symbols so that arbitrary symbols are independently displayed. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110256920 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING SEQUENTIAL ACTIVATIONS OF A GAME AND REPLAY OF PREVIOUS ACTIVATIONS OF THE GAME - A gaming device including a plurality of reels with a plurality of symbols on each of the reels. At least one and preferably a plurality of the symbols on the primary reels are designated as tracking or back symbols. A tracking symbol is a symbol that, when generated on a reel, causes the gaming device to flag the outcome of the current and all tracking spins in a memory storage device. A back symbol is a symbol that, when generated on a reel, causes the gaming device to retrieve the flagged outcomes of each flagged spin and to re-display the outcomes in a sequential manner and to provide the awards associated with the outcomes to the player. An additional embodiment of the invention automatically flags all spins of the gaming device for retrieval and display upon the generation of a back or bonus symbol. The gaming device determines if an award is associated with one or more of the symbols generated on the reels and provides any determined award to the player. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110256921 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTERACTIVE 3D GAMING - Embodiments include a method of displaying a gaming outcome in a gaming machine. The method includes displaying an image having two or more picks to a player, wherein at least one pick is hidden; receiving an indication of the pick selected by the player; modifying the image to reflect the pick selected by the player; and revealing one or more hidden picks. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110263311 | GAMING SYSTEM - In a gaming system that starts, when a predetermined condition is established in a game, a free game mode in which the game is repeatedly executed a predetermined number of times without consuming a playing value, and gives a dividend to a player based on a result of the game in the free game mode, there are provided a collective dividend lottery unit which determines a collective dividend to be collectively given to the player by lottery in exchange for the game executed a specific number of times that is less than the remaining number of times of the game in the free game mode from a dividend range that can be obtained by increasing and decreasing the total amount of the dividend that is anticipated when the game is executed the specific number of times, a selection unit which selects any one of reception of the collective dividend and continuation of the game in the free game mode in response to an instruction from the player, a collective dividend giving unit which gives, when the reception of the collective dividend is selected, the collective dividend determined by the collective dividend lottery unit to the player, and a remaining number of times control unit which decreases the remaining number of times of the game in the free game mode according to the specific number of times in exchange for giving of the collective dividend. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110263312 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD PROVIDING A FIRST GAME AND A PLURALITY SECOND WAGERING GAMES EACH ASSOCIATED WITH A SEPARATE ACTIVATABLE COMPONENT OF THE FIRST GAME - A gaming system having a first skill, partial skill, or pseudo skill based game having a plurality of individually activatable designated components and a plurality of second chance based games each respectively associated with a different one of the individually activatable components of the skill based game. When each designated component of the first game is activated through one or player inputs, a corresponding chance based game associated with that designated component is activated. Each chance based game randomly determines whether the player wins an award. In one embodiment, the likelihood of activating each designated component is different and the chance based game associated with each different designated component is different. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110263313 | Method and apparatus for providing discounted slot machine promotional credits - A method and system for distributing discounted slot play credits comprising receiving an offer for discounted slot play credit from a sponsoring casino, displaying the offer for sale to potential purchasers, receiving payment from a purchaser for the discounted slot play credit, and providing a redemption code to the purchaser for use in redeeming the discounted slot play credit. The offer for sale to potential purchasers may be displayed on a web site and the redemption code sent to the purchaser by electronic mail, text message, or computer network. Information about the purchase of discounted slot play credit may be provided to the sponsoring casino for use in redemption of the discounted slot play credit, wherein the sponsoring casino can use the information about the purchase to determine whether or not to allow redemption of the discounted slot play credit. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110263314 | METHOD OF GAMING AND A GAMING SYSTEM - A gaming method including conducting a first game at a first gaming device for a first player; conducting a second game at a second gaming device for a second player; modifying play of the first game based on play of the second game; and modifying play of the second game based on play of the first game. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110263315 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING SEQUENTIAL ACTIVATIONS OF A GAME AND REPLAY OF PREVIOUS ACTIVATIONS OF THE GAME - A gaming device including a plurality of reels with a plurality of symbols on each of the reels. At least one and preferably a plurality of the symbols on the primary reels are designated as tracking or back symbols. A tracking symbol is a symbol that, when generated on a reel, causes the gaming device to flag the outcome of the current and all tracking spins in a memory storage device. A back symbol is a symbol that, when generated on a reel, causes the gaming device to retrieve the flagged outcomes of each flagged spin and to re-display the outcomes in a sequential manner and to provide the awards associated with the outcomes to the player. An additional embodiment of the invention automatically flags all spins of the gaming device for retrieval and display upon the generation of a back or bonus symbol. The gaming device determines if an award is associated with one or more of the symbols generated on the reels and provides any determined award to the player. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110263316 | GAMING METHOD HAVING DYNAMICALLY CHANGING IMAGE REEL SYMBOLS - A method for dynamically changing the graphical content on mechanical slot machine reels is disclosed herein. The system includes mechanical slot reels, flexible display panels, and data transmission techniques which provide for dynamically updating or changing the graphics on the spinning mechanical reels in a slot machine. In one method for dynamically changing graphical reel content, new image content is placed on the reels at any time, even while the reels are spinning. The method may even be used to give the appearance of rotation to a stationary reel. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110263317 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A PROGRESSIVE AWARD INCLUDING A QUANTITY OF FREE SPINS - A slot machine issues a percentage of one or more progressive awards based upon any wager level (“Percentage Progressive”). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the Percentage Progressive concept operates as follows: The game displays the total progressive award amount; The player sets the wager; The game displays a Percentage Progressive value based upon the wager level; The player presses the spin button; The reels to spin and stop; The player collects credits for any winning combinations appearing on the reels, including pay table and progressive awards. In the event of a progressive award, the player receives the Percentage Progressive value*total progressive award amount. The preferred embodiment of the present invention, therefore, allows players to participate in progressive awards at any wager level. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110269525 | Wagering Game System For Providing Gaming Establishment With Guaranteed Theoretical Winning Percentage - A gaming system maintains a theoretical payback for a gaming establishment and comprises a plurality of gaming machines, a network, and a controller. The plurality of gaming machines are for playing wagering games having a plurality of symbols that indicate a randomly selected outcome of the wagering games. Each of the gaming machines has a theoretical payback that is associated with a math algorithm for generating the randomly selected outcomes. Each of the gaming machines has an actual payback of awards that are provided to players. The network is connected to the plurality of gaming machines. The controller is within the network and is operative to send instructions for transferring funds from a first account to a second account. The funds are based on a summation of differentials between the actual payback and the theoretical payback that occurred over a certain period of time at the gaming machines. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110269526 | MOVING REEL SYMBOLS ON REEL-BASED GAMING MACHINES - Gaming machines, systems and methods that present reel-based games are disclosed. Reel symbols can move or appear to move from one gaming reel to another gaming reel. Such reel symbols may include lenticular images, such as those that are implemented onto a medium via a lenticular process, whereby the medium is then applied to various gaming machine reels so that a viewer can perceive effects such as motion and depth. The medium can be a multi-image sheet containing regions of overlapping images where different images are visually predominant at different viewing angles, and the movable base can comprise a gaming reel. Multiple gaming reels can be used, and can be adapted to rotate in any direction. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110269527 | SLOT MACHINE AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF - A part of credits paid by the player is accumulated when a plurality of symbols are displayed by a scrolling display and then rearranged in a prescribed combination, and a stop switch is set active only in a case where a predetermined combination is determined. When a plurality of symbols are rearranged in a combination of jackpot symbols in relation to a timing of an input by a player, a payout of the accumulated credits is made. Consequently, the reels can be stopped by an operation of the player himself, and in a case where a combination of the stopped symbols is a combination associated with a payout, a payout can be received as a reward, so that the player's interest to the game can be increased. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110275430 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD INCLUDING AN EVALUATION OF A PARTIAL SYMBOL COMBINATION - A game to be modified in accordance with the invention involves a first random outcome and a second random outcome that are combined according to game rules to produce a game outcome. The game is administered by receiving a player request for a specific entry, the specific entry replacing one of the random outcomes and being selected from a finite set of possibilities not determined by chance. The requested specific entry affects the probable outcome of the game. The specific entry is combined with the remaining one of the random outcomes according to the game rules to determine the game outcome. According to one embodiment, the specific entry may be a score such as 18 which replaces the player's hand in the game of blackjack. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110281633 | MOBILE DEVICE, METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING GAME ON IDLE SCREEN - A mobile device and related system and method for providing a differentiated game service on an idle screen are provided. The method includes displaying the idle screen containing a plurality of icons, executing a slot machine game using the icons when a first touch and move gesture in a first direction is detected on the idle screen, and outputting execution results of the slot machine game. When a second touch and move gesture in a second direction is detected during the execution of the slot machine game, the mobile device may terminate the slot machine game and then return to the idle screen. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110281634 | VIDEO AND MECHANICAL SPINNING BONUS WHEEL - A gaming machine includes a combination inner video display and rotatable object. The inner video display and the rotatable object may be correlated together to form a reconfigurable object. Both the inner video display and the rotatable object can have segments wherein each segment may have an indicia associated with the segment, wherein the indicia can be a prize, a bonus multiplier, a progressive jackpot, a negative value, a bonus spin character, a loss of spin character, a blank space or a null character. The player will be rewarded with the corresponding prize(s) based upon the outcome of the combination inner video display and rotatable object. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110281635 | Simulation of Mechanical Reels on a Gaming Machine - A spinning reel slot machine has increased versatility, while having reels that are aesthetically similar to traditional mechanical reels. In one embodiment, the slot machine includes a plurality of optical fibers having first ends optically coupled to a surface of an image display device and seconds ends defining a curved display surface for displaying simulated mechanical reels to a player. In another embodiment, one or more of the mechanical reels has a transparent window at a location where a symbol would normally be present. A video display displays a video symbol in the transparent window. In yet a further embodiment, one of the plurality of mechanical reels has a miniature image display located at selected ones of the symbol regions for providing video symbols for the game. In yet further embodiments, a symbol region can produce more than one symbol in response to exposure at certain wavelengths or polarizations of light. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110281636 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING DESIGNATED SYMBOL DISPLAY AREAS THAT MODIFY AWARDS - Gaming devices and methods of operating gaming devices are provided that include indicator or designator symbols. When an indicator or designator symbol is generated and displayed, the indicator or designator symbol indicates at least one symbol display area as a modification symbol display area. Upon at least one subsequent generation of symbols displayed in the symbol display areas, awards associated with symbols displayed in the modification symbol display areas are modified. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110287824 | SLOT MACHINE GAME FOR TWO PLAYERS - Disclosed are two-player games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods including one or more shared feature games. Each player has a respective base game, game board and a token movable on his game board in response to his base game outcomes. Certain combinations of token positions on the two game boards may trigger play of one or more feature games shared by the players. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110287825 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM AND A GAME CONTROLLER - A method of gaming, game controller and gaming system are provided, wherein a symbol set is populated based on game outcomes generated for one or more of a group of gaming machines being played by players, and a bonus game outcome generated by selecting a set of symbols from the populated symbol set. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110287826 | GAMING MACHINE AND GAME CONTROL METHOD THEREOF, WHICH ALLOW SYMBOL SCROLL TO BE MANUALLY STOPPED METHOD THEREOF - A gaming machine, includes: a symbol display device capable of scrolling a plurality of symbols on the reels; an input device which enables a player operation to input an instruction; a controller programmed to execute the processes of rearranging symbols by scrolling them in the symbol display device, and stopping the scroll thereafter, running a unit game which awards a payout to the player when symbols rearranged form a winning combination, and when a predetermined condition is met, enabling in a subsequent unit game the scroll of symbols to be stopped in response to a stop operation input through the input device. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110287827 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OFFERING A GUARANTEED WIN - A method in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is provided, the method comprising the steps of generating a first outcome of a game of chance, determining a target outcome, receiving a first wager, generating a second outcome based on the first outcome, and repeating the step of generating the second outcome until the second outcome matches the target outcome, before receiving any second wager. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110294559 | GAMING MACHINE AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming machine arranged to implement a base game and associated method are described. The gaming machine includes a game implementer arranged to implement a game and to generate game state information indicative of the current state of the game as the game is played by a player; and a data storage device arranged to store the game state information as the game is played by the player; the game implementer being arranged to retrieve game state information and to recommence play of the game by the player when the game state information is retrieved. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110294560 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM AND A GAME CONTROLLER - This is disclosed an electronic method of gaming. The method comprises selecting a symbol for display at each display position of a plurality of sets of display positions ( | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110294561 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, APPARATUS AND COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIUMS FOR ON-LINE GAMING - A gaming method, machine and system provide a game of chance which includes a skill feature ( | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110294562 | REEL BLUR FOR GAMING MACHINES HAVING SIMULATED ROTATING REELS - Methods for emulating rotating physical reels on a display screen are disclosed. Graphics for “static” reel symbols are intentionally blurred for those reel symbols “in motion.” Gaming machines include an exterior housing, master gaming controller, display device and virtual reels. Virtual reels include reel stops, static reel symbols and corresponding dynamic blurred reel symbols. A blurred reel symbol generator provides corresponding blurred reel symbols for existing static reel symbols, and can be located at a remote host and/or within the gaming machine. A remote host can provide downloadable virtual reel strips, reel symbols and blurred reel symbols to gaming machines. The blurred reel symbol generator can accept manually entered blurred reel symbol images, and/or can also generate blurred reel symbol images itself in automated fashion. Blurred reel symbols can be generated on the fly at runtime, or can be taken from a stored location. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110294563 | Wagering Game With Active Paytable Highlighting Winning Combinations - A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a game display, a display arrangement, and a controller. The game display is operable to display a randomly selected outcome of a wagering game in response to receiving a wager from a player. The display arrangement displays a video image and overlays the game display. The video image includes a paytable having paytable regions indicating respective winning combinations. The controller is in communication with the display arrangement, wherein in response to the randomly selected outcome including symbols of a winning symbol combination, the controller causes one or more aspects of the paytable region associated with the winning combinations to be distinguished from the other paytable regions. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110300919 | GAMING MACHINE CAPABLE OF REPEATEDLY EXECUTE A UNITARY GAME - The present invention provides a gaming machine which is capable of realizing an appropriate balance between players' profits and slot machine providers' profits. When a first number of bets have been selected, a control device executes a first basic unitary game which completes when a first time interval has elapsed after starting the game. When a second number of bets have been selected, the control device executes a second basic unitary game which completes when a second time interval shorter than the first time interval has elapsed after starting the game. On the basis of the fact that the first basic unitary game has been executed, the control device executes a first progressive game in which a first payout rate can be realized. On the basis of the fact that the second basic unitary game has been executed, the control device executes a second progressive game in which a second payout rate higher than the first payout rate can be realized. When a second number of bets have been selected, information relating to the second payout rate is displayed. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110300920 | Multi-Stage Multi-Bet Game, Gaming Device, and Method - A game is comprised of a plurality of stages. Each operation of the game begins with the operation of a first stage. Depending on the outcome of the first stage the game may be over, or there may be an operation of a second stage. Depending on the outcome of the second stage, the game may be over or there may be an operation of another stage. This sequence continues until the game ends or until the final (n | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110306401 | System And Method For Supporting Second Chance Gaming - A gaming device may have at least one display configured to present a first game of chance, a game manager configured to initiate the first game of chance, a session manager configured to manage a user game play session involving the first game of chance, and a near-hit manager, wherein the near-hit manager can be configured to determine whether a near-hit triggering event occurs during the first game of chance, and then determine a near-hit award credit associated with the near-hit triggering event and record each of the near-hit award credits obtained during the user game play session. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110306402 | GAMING SYSTEM - A gaming system comprising a spheroid object, a surface of which is provided with a plurality of symbols, gaming means for causing the spheroid object to rotate along at least three separate axes of rotation, display means for displaying symbols provided on a part of the surface of the spheroid object as rotated by the gaming means in a display area of the gaming system, and win determination means for evaluating a winning condition from those symbols of that are visible in the display area along at least one win line. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110306403 | GAMING MACHINE THAT CHANGES THE NUMBER OF FREE GAMES DEPENDING ON GOLF GAME RESULT THEREOF - When a coin is bet, symbols are rearranged in several areas. A winning is determined on the basis of the rearranged symbols. A golf game is randomly started. A point is awarded to a player depending on a golf game result. A free game is continued depending on the awarded point. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110306404 | Gaming Machine - A method for playing a game with a gaming machine includes the steps of: (a) receiving a signal indicating an instruction of starting a game; (b) starting the game; (c) executing the game; (d) displaying symbols on a display device; (e) each time a predetermined symbol or a predetermined combination of symbols is displayed on the display device, adding a predetermined point; (f) if the point cumulatively added in step (e) has reached a threshold, performing a lottery to determine a specific combination of symbols; (g) setting an award for the specific combination of symbols that is larger than a normal award; (h) if the specific combination of symbols is displayed on the display device, paying the larger award; and (i) if a combination of symbols different from the specific combination of symbols is displayed on the display device, switching the larger award back to the normal award. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110312400 | SLOT MACHINE GAME HAVING WILD REELS - Disclosed are a game, gaming machine, gaming system and methods including a wild reel game. The occurrence of triggering symbols on the reels of a primary game results in the corresponding reels becoming wild during play of a subsequent feature game. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110312401 | MECHANICALLY ROTATING WHEEL WITH CHANGEABLE IMAGE - A gaming machine includes a gaming machine controller configured to control game play on the gaming machine, and a wheel assembly rotatably coupled to the gaming machine controller. The wheel assembly includes a front portion having an inner surface and at least one projector, wherein the at least one projector is configured to rotate with the wheel assembly and to project an image across at least a portion of the inner surface during game play. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110312402 | Gaming Machine - A method for playing a game with a gaming machine includes the steps of: (a) receiving a signal indicating an instruction of starting a game; (b) starting the game; (c) executing the game; (d) displaying a plurality of symbols on a display device; (e) each time a predetermined symbol or a predetermined combination of symbols is displayed on the display device as a result of the game, adding a predetermined point; (f) if the point cumulatively added in step (e) has reached a threshold, performing a lottery to determine a specific combination of symbols; (g) setting an award for the specific combination of symbols that is larger than a normal award; and (h) if the specific combination of symbols is displayed on the display device, paying the larger award. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110312403 | Gaming Machine - A method for playing a game with a gaming machine is provided, which includes the steps of: (a) receiving a signal indicating an instruction of starting a game; (b) starting the game; (c) executing the game; (d) displaying a plurality of symbols on a display device; (e) each time a predetermined symbol or a predetermined combination of symbols is displayed on the display device as a result of the game, adding a predetermined point; (f) if the point cumulatively added in step (e) has reached a threshold, performing a lottery to determine a payout rate for a specific combination of symbols prior to the step (d); and (g) if the specific combination of symbols is displayed on the display device, multiplying an award entitled to the specific combination of symbols by the payout rate determined in the step (f) and paying the resulting amount. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110312404 | Gaming Machine - A method for playing a game with a gaming machine is provided, which includes the steps of: (a) receiving a signal indicating an instruction of starting a game; (b) starting the game; (c) executing the game; (d) displaying a plurality of symbols on a display device; (e) each time a predetermined symbol or a predetermined combination of symbols is displayed on the display device as a result of the game, adding a predetermined point; (f) increasing a winning probability for a specific combination of symbols according to the point cumulatively added in step (e); and (g) if the specific combination of symbols is displayed on the display device, paying an award corresponding to the specific combination of symbols. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110312405 | GAMING MACHINE AND GAMING METHOD THEREOF - A gaming environment is described. If the predetermined condition is met and the free game is shifted, reels are changed to other reels to be used in the free game. Also, in the free game, reel display portion on which the WILD symbols are displayed on all of the symbol display portions, the reel display portion is held in following games. The WILD symbols are consecutively displayed with the predetermined number (which is greater or equal to the number of symbol display portions of one reel display portion) on the reels used in the free game. Therefore, the probability where WILD symbols fill on the all of the can be enhanced, one or more aspects of the invention can provide higher interest to the player. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110312406 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING FREE GAME BONUS WITH A CHANGING MULTIPLIER - The present invention includes an apparatus and method for a bonus game, and particularly a free spin bonus with an incrementing multiplier. The bonus game includes a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols and multipliers. The gaming device provides a number of free spins to the player at the beginning of the bonus game. The multiplier preferably starts at “1×” and increases by one after each free spin. Initially, the player spins the reels attempting to obtain a winning symbol combination on the reels. If the player obtains a winning combination, the gaming device provides an award. The award is multiplied by the multiplier and the player receives the multiplied award for that free spin. The player continues to spin the reels until there are no free spins remaining in the bonus game. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110319152 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR DYNAMICALLY SIMULATING A COMPONENT OF A WAGERING GAME - Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting a wagering game, and computer programs for initiating a wagering game are presented herein. A gaming device is presented that includes a wager input device for receiving wagers from players to play a wagering game, and a display for displaying outcomes of the wagering game. The gaming device also includes a multi-layer composite lighting assembly with a first light-emitting layer, a second light-emitting layer, and a spacer. The first light-emitting layer emits light of a first color in a first direction, whereas the second light-emitting layer emits light of a second color in a second direction. The spacer, which is interposed between the first and second light-emitting layers, diffuses and focuses light emitted by the second light-emitting layer through the light emitted by the first light-emitting layer to thereby create a three-dimensional simulation of a component of the wagering game. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110319153 | System and Method for Blind Selection of Plural Selectable Elements Prior to a Reveal in a Wagering Game - A method for conducting a wagering game on a wagering game device includes using one or more processors to define, in a game feature, a plurality of selectable elements, at least some of the plurality of selectable elements being associated with selectable element awards. The method also includes receiving player selections of the selectable elements, subject to a predefined geometric rule-based selection constraint, until the player has either selected a selectable element associated with a game-ending outcome or completed selections from among the plurality of selectable elements. The method further includes revealing the selectable element awards only after all player selections of the selectable elements have been received and awarding to the player any selectable element awards relating to any selected selectable elements. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20120004020 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method of controlling output of a game outcome to a player in a gaming system: obtaining a stop position for each of a plurality of reels, each reel having a plurality of symbols, each stop position specifying which symbols of the reel will be displayed to thereby specify a game outcome; determining whether an output selection condition is met in respect of the specified game outcome; randomly selecting from at least two different outputs of the specified game outcome based on probabilities associated with respective ones of the at least two different outputs upon the output selection condition being met; outputting the specified game outcome in accordance with the selected output. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120004021 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a display, a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions on the display, and a display modifier arranged to modify the displayed symbols such that after modification of the symbols the locations of the symbols in the display positions are a mirror image of the locations of the symbols before modification of the symbols. The gaming system also comprises an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether symbol combinations defined by the displayed symbols after modification correspond to one or more winning outcomes. A corresponding method is also disclosed. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120009988 | MULTIPLE-GAME GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine includes a gaming console. A display is mounted in the gaming console for displaying a wagering game and its result. A controller controls operation of the game, the controller displaying the result of a first game on the display, making payment of a prize if the first game has a prize winning result and, thereafter, irrespective of the result of the first game, varying a result displayed on the display without requiring any additional wager by a player whether before or after completion of the first game. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120009989 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF GAMING - A method of gaming comprises a first step of selecting symbols appearing in a game event. The selected symbols are stored in a symbol store arranged to store a plurality of symbols. The symbol store is arranged such that, once a maximum number of symbols is reached, storage of a further symbol in the symbol store results in the removal of a stored symbol from the symbol store in accordance with a removal rule. A final step involves determining whether the stored symbols meet an award criterion. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120015707 | WAGERING GAMES WITH BONUS GAME ACCRUAL THROUGH MULTIPLE PLAYS OF A BASIC GAME - Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting a wagering game, and computer programs for initiating a wagering game are presented herein. One concept of the present disclosure is directed to earning bonus features through play of multiple games in series or in parallel. A wagering game includes a base game and a bonus game. A number of base games are conducted in series or in parallel. For each of the conducted base games, one or more bonus-game-modifiers are added to a feature pool (e.g., a queue) in response to a predetermined event (e.g., a winning outcome) occurring in that base game. In response to a triggering event (e.g., filling the feature pool, a symbol-based trigger in the current base game, etc.), the bonus game is conducted as modified by the bonus-game-modifiers in the feature pool. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120015708 | METHODS FOR PROVIDING AMUSEMENT - Certain non-limiting exemplary embodiments are disclosed which teach a method for playing a game comprising initiating a game play, displaying a first plurality of indicia arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns such that there are a plurality of paylines through a contiguous plurality of indicia, selecting a subset of the first plurality of indicia taken along one or more columns, displaying a second plurality of indicia which includes the selected subset of the first plurality of indicia, achieving an award at least as large as the largest award associated with the plurality of paylines. A payline can be selectively displayed to the user. Legal tender, a token, and a non-legal tender prize are non-limiting examples of the kinds of awards that may be awarded. The columns of indicia for the game are, for example, arranged as visually spinable reels. In certain embodiments a video display may be utilized to display the indicia. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120015709 | GAMING MACHINE WITH INTERACTIVE SCORECARD - A gaming machine includes a controller for controlling operation of the machine, a primary display is provided on which a game to be played is displayed. A secondary display is also provided on which a scorecard, indicating prizes to be paid upon a winning game being achieved, is displayed. The game and the scorecard are controlled by the controller and the scorecard is a dynamic scorecard with the relationship between combinations of symbols constituting a winning game and the prizes awarded by the scorecard for that particular game changing from game to game. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120015710 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A method of gaming comprising: conducting a plurality of game rounds by generating a game outcome for each game round; determining whether the game round satisfies at least one criterion for at least each game round prior to a final of the game rounds; requiring the player to make a choice prior to the next game round in relation to the game outcome if the game outcome of a respective game round satisfies the at least one criterion; and carrying out any subsequent game rounds based on a received player choice, whereby any choices determine an overall outcome of the plurality of game rounds. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120021816 | PROGRESSIVE WAGERING GAME HAVING SYMBOL-TRIGGERING AWARD FEATURE - Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting a wagering game, and computer programs for initiating a wagering game are presented herein. A gaming device is presented that includes a wager input device, a display, and at least one controller. The controller executes the wagering game, which includes first and second progressive awards each associated with a respective symbol-based outcome. Each symbol-based outcome has a respective frequency of occurrence. The controller randomly determines an outcome of the wagering game. The controller initiates a progressive-award-determination sequence in response to displaying the first and/or second symbol-based outcomes. There is a first probability of awarding the first progressive award, and a second probability of awarding the second progressive award. The first initial-award amount is greater than the second initial-award amount, the first frequency of occurrence is lower than the second frequency of occurrence, and the first probability is greater than the second probability. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120021817 | GAMING MACHINE WITH INTERACTIVE BONUSING - A gaming machine has a display and a game controller arranged to control images on the display. The game controller is arranged to playa game wherein one or more random events are caused to be displayed on the display and, if a predefined winning event of combination of events results, the machine awards a prize. A predetermined symbol from a set of symbols of the game is selected as a bonus symbol. The display is an interactive display means such that, when at least one of the bonus symbols appears then, by a player touching a part of the display overlying the, or each, occurrence of the bonus symbol, a bonus prize is revealed in respect of the, or each, bonus symbol. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120028697 | COMMUNITY AWARD DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM - Disclosed are community award distribution systems and related methods, which are arranged to control an award made to a user playing the systems. Also disclosed, the community award systems are arranged to communicate over the Internet and/or make use of the World Wide Web. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120028698 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EMPLOYING FLAT RATE PLAY - Systems and methods are provided allowing a player to play a gaming device and receive a predetermined number of outcomes in exchange for a payment. The gaming device generates at least the predetermined number of outcomes, and adjusts a balance of the player device based on the outcomes. The player can continue playing regardless of whether the balance is less than zero. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120028699 | GAMING MACHINES HAVING RHYTHMIC REELS - A gaming machine and methods for independently controlling the movement of each mechanical reel are disclosed. The gaming machine includes a plurality of mechanical reels each having indicia provided on an outer surface of each of the reels. A game controller generates a game outcome and determines a spin duration for each of the plurality of reels. One or more stepper motors are operatively coupled to the mechanical reels to independently spin each reel. A reel control unit is in communication with one or more stepper motors and the game controller. The reel control unit determines an appropriate spin profile for each reel based upon the game outcome and the spin duration to cause the reels to spin and stop in a rhythmic manner. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120034965 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GAMING - A gaming machine for playing a game. The gaming machine comprises a display and a game control configured to control images of symbols to be displayed on the display. Symbols are stored for positioning in an array. The symbols are divided into game specific standard symbols and bonus symbols and are organised in a predetermined mix and number of standard symbols and bonus symbols to define a prescribed bonusing scheme for filling fixed positions of the array at a prescribed time. The game control randomly selects portions of the array for displaying images of the symbols in a matrix format on the display during a play of the game, and associates symbols within paylines of the matrix to provide play outcomes in accordance with the bonusing scheme and a paytable prescribed for the particular game. The control means is configured to provide play options individually selectable by a player before a play. Each play option has a prescribed set of symbols associated with it. Each set is designed with a predetermined bonusing scheme, where the bonusing schemes are different between at least some of the play options and their associated set of symbols. The game control reconfigures the array with the set of symbols corresponding to a selected play option, and in this way provide for the requisite bonusing scheme associated with the selected play option to be adopted for play. The same paytable is used for all of the play options and a maximum number of paylines is used for each play. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120034966 | Wagering Game with Hot Pick Bonus - Disclosed are games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods including a hot pick bonus. A player selects one of a number of indicia/symbols and initiates a primary slot machine game spin. If a predetermined number of the selected symbols appear as the result of the spin, a bonus feature is initiated. Because the symbols selectable by the player occur with different frequency on the reels, the symbol chosen by the player affects the likelihood of triggering a bonus game. In general, the amount won in a bonus game is correlated to the frequency with which the selected triggering symbol combination may occur. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120034967 | WAGERING GAME, REEL-BASED GAMING MACHINE AND METHOD WITH ANTICIPATION LIGHTING - A wagering game is operable on a reel-based gaming machine which has the capability to selectively illuminate one or more reels with one or more colors of graduating intensity. In conjunction with the stopping sequence of the reels for a given play of the wagering game, the gaming machine provides a distinctive lighting effect at one or more of the reels when a reel in the set is stopped showing a predefined symbol. The predefined symbol presents the possibility of some desirable outcome for the given play of the wagering game depending upon the positions in which the remaining reels in the set stop. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120034968 | WAGERING GAME, GAMING MACHINE, GAMING SYSTEM, AND METHOD WITH A PLAYER-DETERMINABLE FEATURE GAME ASPECT - A wagering game, gaming machine, networked gaming system, and associated methods are disclosed including a bank of gaming machines connected to an overhead display enabling players at the respective gaming machines to qualify to play a player-interactive community feature game displayed on the overhead display wherein each qualified player may sequentially launch one or more virtual objects or projectiles and accumulate awards as the objects traverse a virtual surface shown on the overhead display. A stand-alone wagering game with a player-interactive feature game is also disclosed. Additionally disclosed is a web-based community game system wherein players may login, accumulate points, and redeem awards either online or at networked casino site. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120034969 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING A PLURALITY OF WILDCARD SYMBOL PATTERNS - A gaming device which includes a variety of methods to allow the player to select patterns of wildcard symbols, from a plurality of wildcard symbol patterns, and use those patterns during subsequent games. One embodiment allows the player to select a pattern of wildcard symbols and use the selected pattern during a free spin bonus game. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120040734 | VIDEO SLOT GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine and method are provided which provide a video slot game to a player. The video slot game includes a plurality of cells arranged in a grid. The grid has a plurality of rows and columns. The machine and method display a first instance of the video slot game and in response to occurrence of a triggering event, video slot game is split and second and third instances of the video slot game are displayed and played. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120040735 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM, AND A GAME CONTROLLER - There is disclosed a gaming system comprising a display | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120040736 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM, AND A GAME CONTROLLER - Certain examples disclose a gaming system comprising a display, a symbol selector, a symbol evaluator and a symbol modifier. The example symbol selector is arranged to select a plurality of sets of symbols for display on the display. The example symbol evaluator is arranged to determine whether the displayed symbols include any winning symbol combination. The example symbol modifier is arranged to, upon a determination that the displayed symbols include any winning symbol combination, repeatedly apply a modification rule to at least one of the plurality of sets of symbols until the displayed symbols do not include any winning symbol combination. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120040737 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A method of gaming comprising: (a) conducting a game round in which a plurality of symbols are selected; (b) determining a current number of available game rounds based at least on whether or not the selected symbols include at least one designated symbol subsequent to the symbol selection of the game round; and (c) repeating steps (a) and (b) until an end condition is met, wherein there are one or more end conditions and at least one end condition is that the current number of available game rounds is determined to be an end value. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120040738 | GAMING MACHINE HAVING A DISPLAY AND SPEAKER SYSTEM WITH LIGHT PIPING MATERIAL - Gaming machines having video depictions of one or more mechanical reels projected onto a curved display are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a curved transparent material having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a radius of curvature similar to a mechanical reel. The gaming machine also includes a light emitting diode projector for projecting video images of one or more reels onto the inner surface of the curved transparent material. The gaming machine also includes a light piping material positioned in front of the curved transparent material for illumination of the display. The gaming machine further includes light piping material placed in front of speakers associated with the gaming machine for illumination of the speakers. The illumination of the display or speakers may be synchronized with sound. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120040739 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD HAVING WAGER ALLOCATION - A gaming system which displays a plurality of reels. Each reel is associated with a display area which displays a symbol. A wager is allocated to each one of the display areas. An award is determined based, at least in part, on such allocation. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120046089 | VIDEO SLOT GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine and method are provided which provide a slot game to a player. The slot game includes a plurality of cells arranged in a grid. The grid has a plurality of rows and columns. The game is played and an initial outcome is established and any payouts based on a winning outcome are paid. If a catalyst symbol appears in the initial outcome, any reactant symbols which appear in the outcome in a predetermined relationship with the catalyst symbol may be changed into a resultant symbol which is treated as wild. The resultant symbols and the other symbols form a secondary outcome. The player may be awarded an award or payout based on the secondary outcome. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120046090 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR WAGERING GAME HAVING A UNIQUE BONUS ROUND PLAY - A gaming system, a gaming machine and a method is provided in which the player plays a primary game or a base game on a gaming device. During the play of the primary game or the base game, the player accrues value points. At one or more times, a player participates in a bonus event. The player may apply accrued value points to the bonus round to increase a payout for a winning bonus event result. The bonus event may be triggered randomly or it may be triggered when the player accrues a threshold number of value points. If the bonus event is triggered before the player reaches the threshold value any value points which were not already allocated to the bonus event by the player are lost. The bonus event may comprise an online-related social-networking game. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120046091 | ELECTRONIC AMUSEMENT DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A GAME OFFERING CONTINUOUS REELS - A gaming device and method for controlling operating the gaming device is disclosed. The gaming device initiates a paid play, and determines an outcome of the play. The outcome is visually displayed using at least two graphical displays. The graphical displays comprise a first and second visual continuum, without discrete reel stops. The outcome is represented by the relative positions of the first and second visual continuums. The outcome may also be based on the relative position of the first and second continuums to a payline. A payout corresponding to the outcome is determined by the device, and is awarded to the player. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120046092 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING DYNAMICALLY CHANGING IMAGE REEL SYMBOLS - A system for dynamically changing the graphical content on slot machine reels is disclosed herein. The system includes reel displays and data transmission techniques which provide for dynamically updating or changing the graphics on the reel displays in a slot machine. In one system for dynamically changing graphical reel content, new image content is placed on the reel displays at any time, even while the reel displays are spinning. The system may even be used to give the appearance of rotation to a stationary reel display. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120064961 | SLOT-TYPE GAME WITH NUDGE AND BONUS GAME FEATURES - In a method of playing a game and a gaming device configured to present a game, a plurality of reels display a base set of symbols. The symbols are used to define a base game outcome. In the event a nudge feature is triggered, such as by receipt of trigger symbols in the base game, reels having associated trigger symbols are locked and individual ones of the reels are nudged to new positions, wherein after a particular reel has been nudged, a new game outcome is evaluated. The reels may be nudged sequentially. Other triggers, such as receipt of additional numbers of trigger symbols, may also trigger a primary bonus game, which bonus game may further trigger one or more secondary bonus games. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120064962 | GAMING MACHINE PRODUCING EFFECT WHEN AWARDING BENEFIT AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - When a wild symbol | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120064963 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SETTING GAME PARAMETERS - The present invention allows gaming devices to set or modify game parameters through the use of random events such as spinning slot machine reels or random number generators. In some embodiments, game parameters may be established with various initial values, and then, by spinning the gaming devices' reels, for example, random reel values lining up on the payline may be used as new game parameter values. Parameter values may be used to control or initialize almost any aspect of the gaming device play experience, ranging from the types of symbols seen on the reels, to the appearance or behavior of game characters, to the rate at which “complementary” points are awarded. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120071223 | System and Method for Generating and Placing Combination Bets - A method and system for generating and receiving a combination bet may include presenting a plurality of betting events in a display resembling a slot machine. In one embodiment, the user may place a total wager for a combination bet prior to knowing what the betting events are. Placing the bet may “spin” the reels to randomly generate a plurality of betting events, and success in the combination bet may require that each individual bet is a winner. In another embodiment, the user may be able to “spin” the reels prior to placing the bet. Betting events still may be randomly generated, but the user may have the ability to select the events on which to wager. Events may comprise in-live sporting events, and the user may have the ability to select various event features, such as the type of events displayed and the odds for each event, in order to customize the betting experience to the user's interests and risk tolerance. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120071224 | System and Method for Identifying Errors in Slot Machine and Video Lottery Terminal Games - The present invention provides a testing system, apparatus and program for efficiently testing VLT games and other games before they are installed. The present invention uses input elements, pay lines and pay table information to generate test cases for each permutation of element combinations. Once the test cases are generated, pay line wins and credit amounts for each test case can be determined. Each of the generated test cases can include a key that can be used with the actual game code to determine if the results generated by the key in the actual game match the results that were determined during testing. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120071225 | 3D REELS - A mechanical reel ( | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120071226 | Wagering Game System with Community Gaming System - A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming system, the method including receiving an indication of a wager and displaying outcomes of wagering games on at least one display device in response to a wager indication being received, the displayed outcomes being randomly generated by at least one processor. The method also including accumulating a bonus-event playing time upon satisfying at least one predetermined condition as the wagering games are played, initiating a bonus game in which a player is eligible to receive awards for a period of time, determining, via at least one processor, the accumulated playing time accrued prior to the initiation of the bonus game, allowing the player to participate in the bonus game for at least as long as the accumulated playing time and providing any awards earned by the player during their participation in the bonus game. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120071227 | METHOD FOR ENHANCING WINNING OUTCOMES IN A REEL SPINNING GAME - Various embodiments are directed to a method for enhancing the outcome of a reel spinning game having one or more shared award-modifier reels. An embodiment of the method includes providing a game including a first set of reels, a second set of reels, and a shared base award-multiplier reel positioned adjacent to a first and second set of reels, wherein the first set of reels, second set of reels, and the shared base award-multiplier reel form a contiguous set of reels having a common axis of rotation, and the shared base award-multiplier reel enhances any winning outcomes in the first and/or second set of reels. Additionally, an embodiment of the method includes determining whether the game outcome of one set of reels is a winning outcome and enhancing the winning outcome of at least one set of reels when an award-multiplier symbol is present on the shared base award-multiplier reel. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120077563 | METHOD OF DISPLAYING SELECTED SYMBOLS TO A PLAYER - There is disclosed a gaming system including: a display for displaying a plurality of rows of display positions; a representation display controller arranged to control the display to display a representation of changing symbols in each display position of the plurality of rows of display positions; a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display in a first row of the plurality of rows of display positions; and a symbol display controller arranged to control the display to simultaneously display the selected symbols in the display positions of the first row of display positions while representations of changing symbols are being displayed in display positions other than the display positions of the first row of display positions. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120077564 | WAGERING GAME WITH MULTIPLE OVERLYING REEL STRIPS FOR TRIGGERING EVENTS OR OUTCOMES - A method for enabling a portal game on a wagering game device includes the acts of using a processor operatively associated with the wagering game device to conducting a wagering game on the wagering game device in accord with a first math model and using a portal game controller, which may be the processor operatively associated with the wagering game device or a separate controller, operatively associated with both the portal game and the wagering game device, to overlay a portal game over the wagering game. The portal game includes a second math model that is mathematically independent from the first math model of the wagering game. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120077565 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system is disclosed that comprised spinnable reels and a reel speed controller for controlling a speed at which the reels spin. The reel speed controller is arranged to control a spin speed of at least first and second reels such that the spin speed of the first reel varies with respect to the spin speed of the second reel. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120077566 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING ONE OR MORE SHARED AWARD-MODIFIER REELS - A gaming machine is disclosed having indicia of a plurality of spinning reels in a first set of reels and indicia of a plurality of spinning reels in a second set of reels. A determination is made as to whether the outcomes of the indicia of the plurality of spinning reels in the first and second sets of reels are winning outcomes. Award-multiplier indicia of a first shared spinning base game award-multiplier reel is positioned between the first and second set of reels. The first set of reels, second set of reels, and the base game award-multiplier reel form a contiguous set of reels having a common axis of rotation. The base game award-multiplier indicia modifies the winning outcome on the first set of reels, modifies the winning outcome on the second set of reels, includes a secondary game trigger symbol, or combinations thereof. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120077567 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system is disclosed which includes a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols which correspond to at least one winning symbol combination when the symbol combination coincides with a win line, and to display the symbols at a plurality of display positions. The system also includes a win line selector arranged to automatically select at least one win line from a plurality of available win lines, and an outcome evaluator arranged to determine that a winning outcome exists when a selected symbol combination coincides with a selected win line. A corresponding method is also disclosed. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120083327 | Symbol and Reel Substitution Methods for Multi-Line Slot Machines - A method of operating a slot machine, and a slot machine in which the method may be used. One or more symbols on a reel are replaced with symbols prescribed by a selected schema. The schema may be selected randomly, or according to a weighted probability, or according to a count of recent plays. All symbols of one type may be replaced with one other type of symbol, or with a variety of different symbols as prescribed by the schema. A symbol stack may be replaced with another symbol stack. Symbols may be replaced on one, several, or all of the reels that make up the display. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120083328 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM AND A GAME CONTROLLER - A method of gaming in a gaming system. The method comprises a) generating a game outcome comprising a set plurality of symbols, b) displaying the game outcome, c) identifying the number of instances of one or more specified symbols occurring in the set of symbols, d) incrementing a cumulative count value in memory of the gaming system for each specified symbol based on instances of the specified symbols in the set of symbols, and repeating steps a to d until an evaluation condition is met and thereafter evaluating the cumulative count value for each of the one or more specified symbols to determine any award payable. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120083329 | GAMING MACHINE AND METHOD HAVING A PERCEIVED SKILL COMPONENT - Disclosed are a gaming machine and method including a perceived skill component comprising a skill-based award and a supplemental award that, when summed, are equal in value to a predetermined award. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120088566 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM AND A GAME CONTROLLER - Certain examples provide systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for gaming. An example method includes displaying columns of symbol display positions, at least some of the columns having differing numbers of symbol display positions; defining winning combinations of symbol display positions having at least one symbol display position from each of said columns; facilitating selection of at least one of said columns by a player for selection of winning combinations to be played in a game, the selected winning combinations to be played comprising all possible winning combinations derivable from all symbol display positions of said selected at least one column and a designated symbol display position from each of said columns which the player did not select; selecting symbols for display in said symbol display positions; and determining a game outcome based on symbols displayed in said selected winning combinations. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120088567 | Wagering Game With Overlaying Transmissive Display For Providing Enhanced Game Features - A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a game display. A transmissive display is positioned in front of the game display directly in the player's line of sight including game-play regions at which symbols appear and regions above, below, between, and to the sides the game-play regions. The transmissive display is operable to selectively display transparent, translucent and opaque video images over the game display. The transparent, translucent and opaque video images may be used to change, for example, a play mechanic associated with the wagering game and any reel symbols associated with wagering game. The transmissive display may also be used to provide interactive player control and player selection elements for the wagering game and to facilitate player inputs to the gaming machine. The transmissive display may be further used to provide bonus features associated with a bonus game played at the gaming machine. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120088568 | SYMBOL DISPLAY DEVICE FOR GAME MACHINE - A slot machine includes a reel assembly which has a transparent outer reel and a translucent inner reel disposed coaxially within the outer reel. The outer and inner reels are provided with first exterior surfaces on their periphery, and with second exterior surfaces on their side surfaces. The outer and inner reels are driven independently by a respective motor. In performing a first game, the side surfaces are horizontal so that first outer symbols and first inner symbols carried on each of the first exterior surfaces may be observable. In performing a second game, the side surfaces are perpendicular so that second outer symbols and second inner symbols carried on each of the second exterior surfaces may be observable. Symbol combinations are produced by synthesizing the symbols on the outer reel and the symbols on the inner reel. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120094736 | SLOT MACHINE GAME AND SYSTEM WITH IMPROVED JACKPOT FEATURE - Certain embodiments provide a method and system for awarding a progressive prize. The system includes a bank of gaming machines accepting different bets per play as selected by a player. A random number is selected from a predetermined fixed range of numbers that does not change during play of a gaming machine. The player is allotted one or more numbers for each credit bet. The allotted numbers represent a subset of the predetermined fixed range of numbers. A feature game is triggered for the progressive prize based on a numerical comparison between the selected random number and the number(s) allotted to the player. Certain embodiments provide a trigger condition for a feature outcome based on an event having a probability related to credits bet per game at a gaming machine. A probability of success in the feature game may be higher than a probability of success in the base game. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120094737 | INTEGRATING VIDEO FEEDS AND WAGERING-GAME WEB CONTENT - A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include receiving a live video feed of a game event such as an image of a slot wagering game, a roulette game, a poker game, a sporting event, etc. The operations can further include compositing the live video feed with an additional image and including the live video feed in a webpage for a wagering game website. The operations can further include determining an event that occurs during the live video feed and causing the additional image to appear react or interact with images depicted in the live video feed. The operations can further include triggering a secondary wagering game and further compositing images from the secondary wagering game with the video feed. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120094738 | Wagering Game With Progressive Game Award Values Associated With Reel Symbols - A gaming terminal plays a wagering game having a plurality of reels with symbols including progressive-game symbols. The wagering game provides access to a progressive game having progressive game awards indicated by the progressive-game symbols. The gaming terminal comprises a wager input device, a display, and at least one controller. The wager input device receives a wager input for playing the wagering game. The display is for displaying the plurality of reels with the progressive-game symbols. Each of the progressive-game symbols is displayed with an associated individual value. The controller is coupled to the display and operative to cause the display to display the incrementing of the individual values of the progressive-game symbols based on game play activity. The controller is also operative to provide a progressive game award based on the individual values of the progressive-game symbols on the plurality of reels that triggered the progressive game award. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120094739 | WAGERING GAME HAVING CONTINUOUS FREE BONUS GAME PLAYS - A method of conducting a wagering game having a basic game and a continuous bonus game includes continually displaying a plurality of free plays of the continuous bonus game. The act of continually displaying the plurality of free plays includes the act of displaying a randomly selected outcome for each of the plurality of free plays of the continuous bonus game. While continually displaying the plurality of free plays of the continuous bonus game, a session of the basic game is conducted on a wagering game machine. The session includes (i) receiving a wager to play the basic game on the wagering game machine and (ii) in response to the receiving of the wager, a randomly selected outcome of the basic game is displayed. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120094740 | GAMING MACHINE WITH RUNS OF SYMBOLS - A gaming machine for executing a game displaying a matrix of symbol containing elements having a plurality of rows and columns; at least one column of the matrix comprising a portion of a simulated rotatable reel of a plurality of the symbol containing elements; the simulated rotatable reel comprising sections of symbol containing elements displaying a plurality of symbols; the simulated rotatable reel including at least one section in which a consecutive run of two or more of the symbol containing elements is populated by a first identical symbol so that, the first identical symbol being used for a first play of the game, a second identical symbol being randomly selected, the first identical symbol being replaced by the second identical symbol in the consecutive run of two or more of the symbol containing elements, the second identical symbol being used for a second play of the game. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120094741 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING MULTI-PLAYER WHEEL BONUS GAME AND CHARACTERISTIC SELECTION - In an embodiment, a gaming system includes a multi-player wheel game. The game includes a wheel having a plurality of sections. Each of the sections is associated with an award symbol. Each of the sections is also associated with a characteristic independent of the award symbol, such as a color. The gaming system enables each of a plurality of active players to select at least one of the characteristics associated with the wheel. The gaming system activates the wheel and indicates at least one section of the wheel. The gaming system and at the gaming devices associated with the gaming system provide an award associated with the award symbol of the indicated section. For each active player that selected the characteristic associated with the indicated section, the gaming system and the gaming devices associated with the gaming system provide a modified award. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120094742 | Gaming Machine With Wagering Features - A gaming machine | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120094743 | Method of Conducting a Reel Slot Game with Continuous Depletion - A wagering game includes defining a finite set of game indicia. Multiple sequential game outcomes are generated using the finite set of game indicia, with the finite set continuously depleted of game indicia used to produce preceding game outcomes. Optionally, the player is notified of the exclusion of game indicia from the finite set available in any game. Game outcomes are produced using the continuously depleted finite set until a restoration event, which may be manually triggered or automatic, that restores the excluded game indicia. Optionally, multiple game outcomes may be produced simultaneously from a finite set continuously depleted of used game indicia. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120100907 | GAMING MACHINE AND GAMING PROCESS INCLUDING FURTHER GAME SYMBOLS - A method for use with a gaming machine including presenting an outcome by displaying a symbol as travelling along a path and stopping in a stopping position that overlies another game symbol. An award is paid or changed when there is a particular relationship between the symbol | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120108315 | GAMING MACHINE HAVING TWO IMAGE DISPLAY DEVICES - A gaming machine is provided which is capable of causing a player's eye to smoothly move from a main game to a rendering when the rendering is started. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120108316 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming method, game controller, gaming system, and computer program code are disclosed where play can be conducted in a game having a plurality of symbols for use during play. Game win outcomes are determined by one or more symbols occurring according to game play rules. When a particular game play event occurs involving one or more of the symbols, an adjusted pay scale is provided. In an example the particular event is when one or more symbols occur at a particular location in an image depicting game play. In an example, the one or more symbols for the events are different to the one or more symbols for game win outcomes. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120108317 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING CASCADING SYMBOLS WITH WILD FEATURES - A cascading symbol game includes designated symbols such as wild symbols. In the cascading symbol game, a gaming device generates and displays a symbol from a plurality of symbols for each of a plurality of symbol positions. The gaming device removes at least one symbol from at least one of the plurality of symbol positions. The gaming device repositions at least one displayed symbol to another one of the symbol positions to create at least one empty symbol position. If a designated event occurred, the gaming device generates and displays at least one designated symbol, such as a wild symbol, in the at least one empty symbol position, wherein the at least one designated wild symbol is generated independent of the plurality of symbols. The gaming device displays any award associated with any winning symbol combination formed from the displayed symbols. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120108318 | Chain Reaction Game - A game, gaming machine apparatus and game method wherein game elements are assigned to a matrix of game element locations. Play is initiated by evaluating the game elements for predetermined transformative conditions, such as a match of game elements. If a transformative condition is found, the game element(s) are transformed with at least one being removed from the matrix. The remaining game elements are moved, if permitted, according to a movement methodology. The steps of evaluating, transforming, removing, and moving the remaining game elements are repeated so long as a transformation is subsequently available for continued gameplay. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120115564 | WAGERING GAME MACHINE CABINET MEMORY - Systems described herein include wagering game machines having a cabinet memory mounted or affixed to a cabinet or cabinet component. The cabinet memory provides configuration data and manufacturing data for the cabinet and cabinet components. The configuration data may be used during operation of the wagering game machine to properly configure the components and operation of the wagering game machine. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120115565 | Gaming Machine and Method With Bonus Features - A gaming machine adapted for slot machine play and poker-type games includes a housing, an interface supported by the housing, a set of primary reels and a bonus reel. The primary reels share a common axis and the bonus reel has an axis generally perpendicular to the axis of the bonus reels. This spatial relationship between the bonus reel and the primary reels defines at least one payline between the primary reels and the bonus reel. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120115566 | GAMING MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - The controller of the gaming machine executing processing operations of: (a) determining a magnification of a respective one of plural kinds of colors which are produced in a color displayable manner by means of the multiple color light emitting backlight and then displaying on the display; (b) determining a light emitting color by means of the multiple color light emitting backlight and then controlling light emission in the determined color; and (c) executing a payout of a number which is obtained by multiplying the magnification that corresponds to the color determined in the processing (b), from among the magnifications of the respective colors, the magnifications being determined in the processing (a), for a payment that corresponds to the pattern of the specific symbols. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120115567 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system is disclosed that comprises a plurality of rotatable reels, each reel comprising a plurality of selectable symbols corresponding to respective reel stopping positions. The system includes a symbol selector arranged to select a stopping position for each reel and thereby select at least one symbol from each reel, and a reel controller arranged to control rotation of the reels such that the reels rotate during implementation of a game in order to move the reels to the selected stopping positions and thereby display the selected symbols in a display area. The reel controller is arranged to control rotation of the reels such that each reel rotates less than one full rotation to the selected reel stopping position. A corresponding method of gaming is also disclosed. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120115568 | GAMING MACHINE CAPABLE OF BROADCASTING A STATUS OF A GAME BY A REEL ACTION - The present invention provides a gaming machine that is capable of prompting a player to concentrate his or her consciousness to a unit game that attracts the player's interest by performing rendering when a li-zhi has been established, the gaming machine beings capable of visually recognizing by the player an outcome of symbols without keeping off his or her eye from moving symbols. The gaming machine is configured to display symbols associated with at least one scroll line in a second mode that is different from a first mode from among scroll lines corresponding to the moving symbols as triggered by the fact that a li-zhi has been established by means of symbols displayed in a stopped state. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120115569 | GAMING MACHINE CAPABLE OF BROADCASTING A STATUS OF A GAME BY A REEL ACTION - A gaming machine capable of prompting a player to pay his or her attention to a unit game that is attractive to the player, by performing a rendering caused by WILD symbol display or symbol movement mode. Symbols that are associated with a first scroll line are moved in a first direction, and symbols that are associated with a second scroll line are moved in a direction that is different from the first direction. After a predetermined period of time has elapsed, a WILD symbol that is included in the symbols that are associated with the second scroll line is displayed in a stopped state, and as triggered by the fact that the WILD symbol has been displayed in the stopped state, the symbols that are associated with the first scroll line are displayed so that a movement speed is gradually slowed down. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120115570 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PLAYING WAGERING GAMES WITH RANDOMIZED CLUMPING OF SYMBOLS - Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting a wagering game, and computer programs for initiating a wagering game are presented herein. A gaming system is presented that includes a wager input device, a display, and a controller. The wager input device receives wagers from players to play the wagering game. The display displays outcomes of the wagering game. Prior to displaying the outcome of the wagering game, the controller determines whether to add at least one symbol clump to at least one of a plurality of reels. A symbol clump comprises one or more identical symbols occupying two or more symbol positions located immediately adjacent one another on one reel. In response to a determination to add at least one symbol clump, the controller instructs the display to visually indicate the addition of the symbol clump to the reel, and to display the outcome of the wagering game. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120115571 | GAMING MACHINE CAPABLE OF REALISTICALLY INFORMING OF A PAYOUT RATE - The present invention provides a gaming machine that is capable of realizing an attractive payout rate for a player. The gaming machine is adapted to suggest that a state advantageous to a player be established, by shielding a symbol that is scrolled and then displaying a shade of a specific character. In this manner, the player can play a game with a sense of expectation. After the shading has been released, a specific symbol is displayed, thereby establishing the state advantageous to the player. Therefore, the player can realize that the routine migrates to the state advantageous to the player. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120115572 | GAMING MACHINE CAPABLE OF REALISTICALLY INFORMING OF A PAYOUT RATE - The present invention provides a gaming machine that is capable of causing a player to be realistically informed of a payout rate and that is capable of having a variety of entertaining options by making a variety of games playable. In the gaming machine, a prize according to a rendering time after the routine has migrated to a bonus game is awarded to a player, whereby the player can realize that the amount of the prize increases as the rendering time elapses. In this manner, the player can keep track of whether the amount of prize is large or small by means of an easily recognizable element that is referred to as the rendering time. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120115573 | GAMING MACHINE CAPABLE OF REALISTICALLY INFORMING OF A PAYOUT RATE - The present invention provides a gaming machine that is capable of realistically informing a player of a payout rate, and that is capable of having a variety of entertainment properties by means of a variety of games. The gaming machine is adapted to display a specific symbol that can be employed in place of another symbol, so as to be substituted for any of symbols to be scrolled, by means of random determination, in a bonus game, to thereby able to cause a possibility that a prize to be awarded to a player increases every time a specific symbol is entered and then visually display a state that is indicative of such possible increase. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120115574 | GAMING MACHINE CAPABLE OF REALISTICALLY INFORMING OF A PAYOUT RATE - The present invention provides a gaming machine that is capable of realistically informing a player of a payout rate, via an effective rendering of such a type in which the player is permitted to participate. In this gaming machine, when the routine migrates to a bonus game, a player makes an input operation via a first display panel to thereby advance a game in a second display panel that is provided upward of the first display panel. In this manner, as the bonus game, a game of such a kind in which the player is permitted to participate can be executed at a position that is easily seen from an upward periphery. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120115575 | GAMING MACHINE CAPABLE OF REALISTICALLY INFORMING OF A PAYOUT RATE - The present invention provides a gaming machine that is capable of realistically informing a player of a possibility that a payout rate becomes high, by means of an effective rendering. The gaming machine is capable of increasing a probability of migration to a bonus game and then increasing an opportunity of increasing a prize to a player by performing re-scroll while leaving a bonus symbol. In addition, the gaming machine is capable of increasing a probability of migration to a bonus game by means of an effective rendering called re-scroll to be thereby able to realistically inform a player of a possibility that a payout rate becomes high. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120115576 | GAMING MACHINE AND GAME CONTROL METHOD - To provide a gaming machine which can carry out a lizhi effect rich in impact without giving a feeling of boredom. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120115577 | GAME MACHINE AND PROGRAM - A game machine comprises a game image generating unit that displays video of a plurality of reels on a video display screen, a losing reel ascertaining unit that ascertains a losing reel on the basis of the game result ascertained by the game result determining unit, winning reel ascertaining unit that ascertains a winning reel on the basis of the game result, a losing reel stopping unit that displays the symbols of the losing reel in a stopped condition, and a winning reel stopping unit that displays the symbols of the winning reel in a stopped condition after the symbols of all of the losing reels have been displayed in a stopped condition by the losing reel stopping unit. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120122542 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM, AND A GAME CONTROLLER - There is disclosed a method of gaming. The method comprises selecting a plurality of symbols for display on a display at a plurality of display positions, modifying the displayed symbols by applying a symbol characteristic to at least one of the symbols displayed within a designated area on the display, the designated area encompassing a subset of the plurality of display positions, and determining whether or not to make an award based on the plurality of symbols as modified. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120122543 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR A PLAYER-SELECTABLE HIGH-DENOMINATION BONUS GAME - A primary game may display multiple bonus game selection symbols on a reel. The bonus game selection symbols allow the player to choose a bonus game. The bonus game simulates a play in an actual wagering game with a wager that would normally be higher than the wager in the primary game. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120122544 | ACCUMULATION GAME OFFERING RESPINS FOR ADDITIONAL WAGERS - A free spin game accumulates symbols to win a prize. An offer is made for the player to purchase additional “free spins” if the game is within a designated threshold number of accumulated symbols for winning a free prize. That is, the player can purchase more spins if they have almost achieved a prize. These re-spins are offered to the player at a price based on expected values of all possible prizes that could be achieved in the re-spin. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120122545 | WAGERING GAME, GAMING MACHINE, GAMING NETWORK, AND METHODS INCLUDING A DYNAMIC WHEEL - A wagering game, gaming machine, gaming network, and associated methods are disclosed including a dynamic wheel wherein a wheel game includes re-programming the wheel display and associated awards during successive plays. The dynamic wheel may be displayed in a wheel display area of a flat panel display device. The wheel display area along with other display areas may be defined by a bezel positioned over the display surface of the flat panel display device. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120122546 | Gaming, System, Method and Device Including a Symbol Changing or Augmenting Feature - Gaming systems, devices and methods are set forth which provide for the selection and application of modifiers to game outcomes. The modifiers confer different functionalities to base game symbols or an augmenting functionality to alter or provide an outcome. Different sets of modifiers may be accessed randomly or under different conditions and event | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120122547 | WAGERING GAME INCLUDING MULTIPLE ARRAYS OF REEL SYMBOLS - A gaming system displays a first array of symbols and a second array of symbols for a wagering game. The second array of symbols includes at least one second-array reel. The at least one second-array reel includes a predetermined sequence of symbols. The at least one second-array reel rotates the predetermined sequence of symbols to determine at least partially the second array of symbols. The second array is divided into at least two sub-arrays, the at least one second-array reel extending into the at least two sub-arrays. A controller selects at least one symbol from the first array and copies the at least one selected symbol into one or more positions in each of the at least two sub-arrays. The at least two sub-arrays is displayed with combinations of symbols including the at least one selected symbol. The controller evaluates the combinations to determine an outcome to the wagering game. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120122548 | METHOD, APPARATUS, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR PRESENTING GAMING RESULTS THROUGH INVERSE SYMBOL LOGIC - A gaming machine displays a number of symbol locations with a respective graphic symbol at each symbol location. Each symbol location is shown on a display system which may comprise a set of mechanical reels or reels simulated on a video display device. The display system is capable of displaying a target symbol or any other one of a number of graphic symbols included in a group of presentation symbols. In response to a first player input, each of the number of symbol locations is caused to conduct a respective symbol change process one or more times to change the graphic symbol included at each respective symbol location. At least some of the awards available in the game are based at least in part on the absence of the target symbol at one or more of the number of symbol locations. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120122549 | System, Apparatus, and Methods for Universal Transmissive Display - A switchable transmissive display having an underlying display mode and a full video mode. The switchable transmissive display includes an underlying display and a second display disposed to overlay a portion of the underlying display. The second display includes a transmissive liquid crystal panel, a backlight assembly and a switchable diffuser film layer. The backlight assembly includes a transmissive aperture behind which a portion of the first underlying display is positioned and a supplemental backlight directed at the aperture. The switchable diffuser film layer is transparent in the underlying display mode to allow viewing of the underlying display. The switchable diffuser film layer is translucent in the full video mode to obscure the transmissive aperture allowing an image to be displayed on the second display. The switchable diffuser film layer distributes light from the backlights to provide substantially homogeneous light intensity across the back of the transmissive liquid crystal panel. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120129588 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD PRODIVING RELATIVELY LARGE AWARDS WITH VARIABLE PLAYER PARTICIPATION LEVELS - A number matching game which includes a matching game with multiple number sets. A player can win standard Keno paytable awards in addition to relatively large awards. A player's initial set has a minimum size requirement for the player to be eligible for the relatively large award. The gaming machine provides supplemental numbers to the player if the player does not select the minimum quantity of numbers. Any supplemental numbers created for the player cannot be used towards the Keno paytable awards. In one embodiment, odds of winning the relatively large awards are kept proportionate with the player's wager level. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120129589 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING PLAYER SELECTION OF MODIFIERS TO GAME COMPONENTS - In one embodiment, the gaming system and method disclosed herein provides a plurality of gaming devices that each participate in a group game including a plurality of masked group game components and determines and provides separate awards to each player of the gaming devices based on the amount of modifiers applied to each of the group game components having a modifier applied by the player of that gaming device. In one embodiment, the gaming system enables each player to selectively apply or associate a plurality of modifiers to a single game component or apply the plurality of modifiers across the plurality of game components. For each gaming device, the gaming system displays and provides any awards to the player of that gaming device. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120135796 | Method of Gaming, a Gaming System and a Game Controller - A method of gaming comprising: conducting an initial play round comprising: selecting and displaying a first set of normal symbols at a plurality of display positions; displaying at least one special symbol at a display position; determining a game outcome based on each at least one special symbol and the first set of normal symbols, and conducting one or more further play rounds until an end condition is met, each further play round comprising: retaining the at least one special symbol from the previous play round; selecting a new display position at random for each retained special symbol; selecting and displaying a further set of normal symbols at a plurality of display positions; and determining a further game outcome based on the new display position of each special symbol and the further set of normal symbols. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120135797 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING DYNAMIC PAYLINES - A gaming device including a plurality of symbol generators with a plurality of symbols associated with each symbol generator. In operation, after providing the player any award based on the symbols generated on any wagered on paylines, the gaming device determines if at least one designated symbol is generated on at least one of the wagered on paylines. If at least one designated symbol is generated on at least one of the wagered on paylines, the gaming device forms a supplemental payline in association with the generated designated symbol. The gaming device determines if an award is associated with any of the symbols or symbol combinations generated on the supplemental payline and provides any determined award to the player. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120142406 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM AND A GAME CONTROLLER - A method of gaming comprising: selecting in at least one game round a plurality of symbols for display to a player in a set of display positions; modifying the displayed symbols copying each symbol in an original subset of the display positions to at least one clone subset of the display positions which is identical to or laterally displaced from the original subset, in response to determining that a subset of the symbols should be cloned; and determining an outcome based on the modified symbols. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120142407 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING DYNAMIC PAYLINES - A gaming device including a plurality of symbol generators with a plurality of symbols associated with each symbol generator. In operation, after providing the player any award based on the symbols generated on any wagered on paylines, the gaming device determines if at least one designated symbol is generated on at least one of the wagered on paylines. If at least one designated symbol is generated on at least one of the wagered on paylines, the gaming device forms a supplemental payline in association with the generated designated symbol. The gaming device determines if an award is associated with any of the symbols or symbol combinations generated on the supplemental payline and provides any determined award to the player. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120157179 | Enhanced Reel Gaming System with Touch Controls - An enhanced gaming system utilizes a touch panel as a user control device for game play features which provides users with the enhanced flexibility and interactivity of a video gaming device in a gaming device environment. The enhanced gaming system includes a set of reels, a panel, and a user control device. The panel overlays a set of reels. The set of reels are visible through at least one portion of the panel. The user control interface includes a substantially transparent touch panel overlaying the reels. In one embodiment, the user control interface enables a user control of reel spin direction in correspondence with direction in which the touch panel is touched by the user. In another aspect, the user control interface enables a user control of reel spin speed in correspondence with the speed in which the user touches the touch panel. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120157180 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING AN AWARD DISTRIBUTOR AND AN AWARD ACCUMULATOR BONUS GAME - A gaming device that enables players to accumulate awards by activating an award distributor having a plurality of award symbols and at least one selection group activator symbol. The gaming device provides the player with a plurality of activations where an award is associated with each award symbol indicated in each activation. When a selection group activator symbol is indicated, the gaming device displays at least one selection set having a plurality of selections associated with selection awards. The gaming device enables a player to select one selection and provides the associated selection award to the player. The number of available selections in the selection set decreases by one after the player picks a selection. If the selection group activator symbol is subsequently indicated, the player picks from the remaining available selections in the selection set. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120157181 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING EXPANDING AND ROLLING WILD SYMBOLS - The gaming device and method disclosed herein have a plurality of reels and at least one expanding and roaming wild symbol. The wild symbol moves relative to the reels to provide additional award opportunities. When both the wild symbol and a designated trigger symbol appear on one of the reels, the wild symbol expands to form an expanded wild symbol set that includes a plurality of individual wild symbols. The designated trigger symbol determines the number of moves. For each move, the expanded wild symbol set moves to one of the reels. That is, the expanded wild symbol set enables a plurality of individual wild symbols to randomly move from reel to reel for a number of moves, wherein the number is determined based on the designated trigger symbol. After each move, the gaming device performs an award evaluation to determine whether a winning combination is displayed on the reels. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120157182 | MULTI-LINE GAMING MACHINE WITH SINGLE WAGER OPTION - A gaming machine for playing a multi-line spinning reel game includes a display and a game controller arranged to control images of symbols displayed on the display. In the game at least one random event, in particular a spin of the reels, is caused to be displayed on the display. If a predefined winning event occurs, the machine awards a prize. The player is constrained to wager a single amount on each play of the game and may not vary the amount. This single wager amount provides eligibility to play all available lines of the game and eligibility to bonus features. No choice of other wagering options is provided. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120157183 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING DISPLAY DEVICE WITH CHANGEABLE WHEEL - A gaming device having a display device including one or more display screens and a blank physical mechanical rotatable wheel mounted behind the display screen(s). Each display screen is capable of showing one or more images in a coordinated manner with the blank mechanical wheel. The display device is particularly suited for a server based gaming environment as discussed below, where the symbols on the mechanical wheel may need to be different for different games caused to be displayed by a central server. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120157184 | Gaming System and Method With Wager Variability - A gaming machine that provides a wagering game, including a user interface in communication with a game controller, through the operation of which a player selects one of a plurality of wager options that determine a number of symbols to be active and inactive in the wagering game. For at least one said wager option at least one, but not all of the plurality of symbols that define a possible said winning combination are rendered inactive for forming the winning combination. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120157185 | SYSTEM FOR ANIMATING MECHANICAL REELS ON A GAMING MACHINE - A system for providing animation on mechanical reels games is disclosed. A gaming machine includes a plurality of mechanical reels each having symbols provided on an outer surface of each of the reels. A lighting system is configured to illuminate a selected symbol on at least one mechanical reel. A game controller generates a game outcome. One or more stepper motors is operatively coupled to the mechanical reels and independently spins each reel. A reel control unit determines the timing of illuminating of the selected symbol on the position of the symbol on the reel when it is illuminated. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120165089 | METHOD FOR INTERACTING A DISPLAY WITH MECHANICAL REELS - Various methods for interacting with mechanical reels via a video screen are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a gaming machine having one or more mechanical reels positioned behind a video screen, wherein the video screen includes a touch screen and user interface for receiving user input. The mechanical reels spin and generate a game outcome, visible to the player through a video screen. A request is received, via the user interface, to rearrange the placement order of the mechanical reels, and the rearranged order of the mechanical reels is displayed on the video screen. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120172106 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD PROVIDING SYMBOL UPGRADES - In various embodiments, the gaming system, gaming device, and gaming method disclosed herein provides a slot or reel game which includes one or more reel upgrade triggers. When the reel upgrade trigger occurs in or for a play of a game, one or more of the reels are changed for that play of the game. For each changed reel, the reel upgrade trigger cause that reel to be changed such that the player is more likely to obtain one of the winning symbol combinations in the play of the game, and/or such that a higher award is associated with one of the symbols on that reel in the play of the game. In one embodiment, the reel upgrade trigger causes each of the reels which have not displayed any symbol yet for the play of the game (i.e., reels that are still spinning) to change to a better reel strip for the play of the game. In another embodiment, the reel upgrade trigger causes one or more of the reels which have displayed a symbol for the play of the game to change to a better reel strip for the play of the game. | 07-05-2012 |
| 20120172107 | MEANS FOR CONTROLLING PAYBACK PERCENTAGE OF GAMING DEVICE - Embodiments of the present concept provide means to control the payback percentage of games being played on gaming devices. In one example, a gaming device includes a processor configured to initiate a payback-controlling event and determine a game outcome to display on the game display in response to a gaming event being initiated. Here, the determined game outcome is a payback-controlling outcome when the payback-controlling event satisfies the payback-controlling criterion, and the determined game outcome is a game outcome determined from the base-game paytable when the payback-controlling event does not satisfy the payback-controlling criterion. | 07-05-2012 |
| 20120172108 | MEANS FOR ENHANCING GAME PLAY OF GAMING DEVICE - Embodiments of the present concept provide gaming devices and gaming systems that are configured to implement means for enhancing game play. Here, various embodiments of this concept use game insertion techniques to enhance the game play experience for players. These game insertion techniques include placing bonus spins, free games, or other incentives within traditional game play. In one model, a gaming device may use a bonus spin routine to replace a losing game outcome with a winning game outcome. Here, the player may be shown the initial losing game outcome and then be notified that a bonus spin has been awarded, which ultimately results in the winning game outcome. | 07-05-2012 |
| 20120172109 | Slot Machine Having Multiple Progressive Jackpots - A progressive jackpot slot machine, or group of slot machines, is described herein. A plurality of progressive jackpots are accumulated as the slot machine is played. In one preferred embodiment, a first progressive jackpot is accumulated at a first rate, and a second progressive jackpot is accumulated at a rate higher than the first rate. Additional jackpots accumulate at higher rates. The betting of additional monetary amounts enables the player to win additional jackpots. This provides added incentive for the player to bet additional monetary amounts. | 07-05-2012 |
| 20120178516 | METHOD OF REIMBURSING PLAYERS FOR SLOT MACHINES - A method of reimbursing players adopted for slot machines. The method includes steps of: executing a recording module, executing a reimbursement judgment module, executing a reimbursement game module, executing a win judgment module and executing a game selection module. The recording module records game rounds and game conditions of the slot machine. The reimbursement judgment module judges whether a reimbursement condition is satisfied, if yes, repeatedly execute the reimbursement game module to accumulate game scores; otherwise, execute the game selection module. The win judgment module stops execution of the reimbursement game module and executes the game selection module after having judged that the game conditions have reached a reimbursement threshold setting. The game selection module allows a player to select to restart the game or end the game. Thus the invention assures the player to get a certain amount of the game scores during playing the slot machine. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120178517 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - An example gaming system is disclosed that includes a selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display in a plurality of display position groups, with each display position group including a plurality of display positions. The example system includes an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether the displayed symbols define a special winning symbol combination, the special winning symbol combination including a symbol from each of the display position groups. The example system also includes a prize allocator arranged to allocate a prize when a special winning symbol combination is displayed. The example system is arranged to progressively replace all symbols in each display position group with a replacement symbol corresponding to a symbol of the special winning symbol combination until the displayed symbols define the special winning symbol combination. A corresponding example method is also disclosed. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120178518 | Gaming Apparatus - A gaming apparatus includes a player terminal operable by a player to simulate a slots game, and a random event generator for generating a random event upon which an outcome of the slots game is based. The slots game has a plurality of successful outcomes, each associated with a corresponding prize. A wagering facility enables the player to place a wager on the occurrence of any specific successful outcome of the slots game, or to make a plurality of different wagers, each corresponding to a different specific one of the successful outcomes of the slots game. The different specific successful outcomes include a favourable outcome and a number of intermediate outcomes. The prize corresponding to the favourable outcome is a jackpot prize. The prize corresponding to an intermediate outcome is repayment of the player's wager at fixed odds inversely proportional to the probability of that intermediate outcome occurring. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120178519 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING ENTRY INTO BONUS ROUNDS - The present invention allows gaming devices to set or modify game parameters through the use of random events such as spinning slot machine reels and/or random number generators. In one embodiment, a player may purchase an entry into a bonus round of a bonus game, without first having to qualify for the entry by obtaining a qualifying outcome of a base game. In one embodiment, a player may provide payment for an entry into one or more bonus rounds to establish an initial credit meter balance, wherein the initial credit meter balance is set to a number of credits based on the results of the one or more bonus rounds and not to an amount of credits corresponding to the payment provided by the player, wherein the player can pay for the entry without first having to qualify for the entry via a qualifying outcome of the base game. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120178520 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions, each display position including at least two symbols, and an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether symbol combinations defined by the displayed symbols correspond to one or more winning outcomes. Each symbol combination includes one symbol from each display position used to form the symbol combination. A corresponding method is also described. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120178521 | REEL APPARATUS OF GAME MACHINE - A reel apparatus includes: a plurality of display panels which are fixedly disposed at predetermined positions; a plurality of reels respectively having reel strips which are installed to independently rotate with respect to a single axis in a state of respectively covering a front surface of the display panels; a plurality of driving motors for respectively rotating the reels; and a controller for controlling image display operation of the display panel based on a signal representing rotation speed of the reel strips such that images of the display panels rotate respectively in response to a rotation speed of the reel strips. Instead of providing a plurality of display panels for each reel, one fixed display panel is provided for each reel and image displayed on the display panel rotates, so each reel requires only one display panel and thereby a manufacturing cost can be reduced. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120184347 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - Certain examples relate to a gaming system and a method of gaming for playing a reel-type game. A game controller of the gaming system is arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols and to control a display to display a plurality of the selected symbols in rows and columns. A player interface enables a player to select game features, including selecting one or more or all of the reels against which to bet credit. Each time a feature is selected, a sound generator generates a distinctive sound associated with selection of that feature. A “special” game feature may also be selected. In an embodiment, the special game feature is selection of all the reels against which to bet credit. When the special feature is deselected, by a player selecting another game feature, an alert sound is generated to alert the player to the fact that they have deselected the special game feature. | 07-19-2012 |
| 20120184348 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CHANGING ILLUMINATION OF GAMING MACHINE DISPLAY TO COMPLEMENT GAME OUTCOME - A gaming device repetitively generating an outcome display, for each play, is positioned relative to a companion complementary display. The symbols dominant to a winning outcome, which are displayed after a play, are used to control the characteristic of the complementary display. Several symbols may be displayed to indicate a game outcome in association with color characteristics. In an embodiment, a color of light is associated with a particular game symbol. | 07-19-2012 |
| 20120184349 | CONTROLLING WAGERING GAME PLAY CONTINUATION - A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include a recording of a first wagering game content from a first wagering game played during a wagering game session and generating an electronic (e.g., an “e-mail”) message, after the wagering game session ends. The operations can also include embedding in the electronic message an object that provides access to a second wagering game content. The second wagering game content includes a recording of the first wagering game. The operations can further include sending the electronic message to an electronic address for a wagering game player account associated with the wagering game session, and detecting access to the second wagering game content, via the electronic message. The second wagering game content can re-present the portion of the first wagering game content as part of the second wagering game content. | 07-19-2012 |
| 20120190423 | PLAYER COMPING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method is used in combination with a processor and symbol-reading or symbol-providing technology to provide incentives to casino players during playing time of the casino players at games in which quality of strategy of play or quality of wagering strategy is determined. This can be accomplished by:
| 07-26-2012 |
| 20120190424 | GAMING MACHINE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PLAYING A FEATURE GAME - A gaming machine, system and method includes a housing having a user interface, display means, preferably a lower display and an upper display, and a controller preferably mounted in the housing and in communication with the display means. The controller enables standard game play mode until the occurrence of a predetermined event, such as the appearance of preferably three scatter symbols. Upon occurrence of the predetermined event, the controller enables feature game play mode where display means presents a plurality of feature game symbols, and a symbol selection pointer, and optionally presents a landscape including at least some of the feature game symbols. At least one of the feature game symbols is a switchable symbol having a first state and a second state, and at least one is a switching symbol that changes the state of the switchable symbol. The controller causes the symbol selection pointer to randomly select one of the feature game symbols. There are two ways to change the state of the switchable symbol. Selecting the switchable symbol changes its state. Selecting the switching symbol causes the switchable symbol to also change its state. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120190425 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system is disclosed that comprises a plurality of spinnable reels, each reel comprising a plurality of selectable symbols corresponding to respective reel stopping positions, and a symbol selector arranged to select a stopping position for each reel and thereby select at least one symbol from each reel. A reel controller is arranged to control spinning and stopping of the reels according to the selected reel stopping positions, and a player input device is arranged to facilitate reception of a reel stopping instruction from a player. The reel controller is arranged to stop a rightmost spinning reel in response to reception of the reel stopping instruction. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120190426 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING VARIABLE SPEED OF PLAY - This concept is directed to gaming devices configured to vary the speed of game play, as well as method of operating gaming devices to vary the speed of play. In some examples of the this concept, a gaming device may be configured to include a game initiating button that when pressed by a player triggers a game processor to ascertain and display a first game outcome, determine if the first game outcome is a winning outcome, and automatically ascertain and display a second game outcome if the first game outcome is not a winning outcome. If the first game outcome is a winning outcome the gaming device may pause to allow the player to appreciate the win before retriggering the processor to ascertain and display subsequent gaming event outcomes, or the gaming device may wait to receive further player input. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120190427 | GAMING MACHINE EXECUTING EFFECTS USING SYMBOLS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A gaming machine of the present invention performs an effect of rotating an image displayed in each display block having a second specific symbol rearranged therein in a direction so as to turn a display screen of a display over to the other side after scroll-displaying a specific character image to the display in a direction from one side of a symbol display region toward the opposite side, and also changing the second specific symbol rearranged in the each display block into a first specific symbol, when the first specific symbol and the second specific symbol have been rearranged in the symbol display region and also when it has been determined to display the specific character image; and offers an award in accordance with the number of first specific symbols arranged in the symbol display region as a result thereof. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120190428 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND GAMING METHOD FOR TRANSFERRING SYMBOLS BETWEEN LINKED REELS IN MULTIPLE REEL SETS - A gaming device including at least a first reel in a first reel set linked to at least a first reel in a second reel set and at least a second reel in the first reel set not linked to any reel in any second reel set. In a play of the game, symbols are independently generated for each reel set. After an award evaluation, the gaming device removes zero, one, or more symbols from the reels in the reel sets. If any empty symbol positions are formed on the first reel in the second reel set, the gaming device transfers one or more symbols from the first reel of the first reel set to the linked first reel of the second reel set to occupy the empty symbol positions. The gaming device generates symbols to fill the empty symbol positions and provides any awards for any winning symbol combinations. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120196669 | CO-LOCATED LOTTERY GAME FOR A GAMING DEVICE - A lottery system/slot machine interface has been developed. The interface includes an electronic detector to detect selected slot machine event occurrences and generate event occurrence notification signals upon detection of the selected events. The invention also includes an interface that detects the event occurrence notification signals, analyzes the signals and outputs a lottery entry command. Finally, a printer receives the lottery ticket printing commands and prints a lottery entry ticket. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120202579 | RANDOM PAYOUT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GAMING DEVICES - A random payout system provides self-funding winning symbol combinations that allow various wagering games to be quickly and easily defined. The winning symbol combinations may individually be associated with a funding pool. Symbols from a winning symbol combination may be disabled or not presented when an associated funding pool is negative. The symbols may be activated or presented when the associated funding pool is non-negative. In this manner, the winning symbol combinations are self-funding. In this manner, a gaming establishment may provide profitable games that may be easily modified to include a wide variety of winning symbol combinations. The random payout system may be used with various base and bonus games. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120202580 | ELECTRONIC SLOT DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE SAME - An electronic slot device and a method for operating the same are disclosed, wherein the device includes one or more player stations, at least one screen to display icons arranged in arrays and at least one electronic control unit; the screen has one or more playing areas corresponding to the one or more player stations. The electronic control unit is programmed to display all the icons available in the game on the screen, at the same time, at all the player stations. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120202581 | Multiple Pay Combination Gaming Apparatus - A gaming machine is disclosed that provides a game in which a player of the gaming machine stakes a wager on one or more outcomes of the game that are represented as symbols arranged in an array of symbol display positions. The player controls the number of outcomes on which a wager is staked by operating a user interface. During play of the game the gaming machine causes a display to display indicia representative of the total number of outcomes selected but not display indicia representative of every available outcome and not display indicia of every selected outcome. Indicia representative of an individual outcome is displayed when that outcome defines a winning combination. A method of providing a graphical user interface for a gaming machine is also disclosed. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120202582 | RECONFIGURABLE GAMING DISPLAY AND SYSTEM - A gaming system having one or more reconfigurable gaming machines and reconfigurable gaming displays is disclosed herein. Each gaming machine includes three reconfigurable video screens, wherein the reconfigurable first video screen displays a first game located on the gaming machine, and wherein the second reconfigurable video screen and the third reconfigurable video screen display pay tables associated with the first game, artwork associated with the first game, or combinations thereof. The one or more gaming machines are reconfigurable to display a second game on the three reconfigurable video screens in response to receiving a reconfiguration command and downloading the second game from a server via a network so that the second game is displayed on the first reconfigurable video screen, and wherein the second reconfigurable video screen and the third reconfigurable video screen display pay tables associated with the second game, artwork associated with the second game, or combinations thereof. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120208617 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols for display at a corresponding plurality of display positions, an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether the selected symbols correspond to a winning symbol combination by evaluating symbols disposed in defined win lines, and a prize allocator arranged to allocate a prize to a player when a winning symbol combination exists in a defined win line. At least one display position is of different size to at least one other display position and the defined win lines are dependent on the respective sizes of and locations of the display positions. A corresponding method is also disclosed. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120214572 | GAMING DISPLAY WITH MOVABLE INDICATOR AND METHODS OF USE - A gaming apparatus includes a reel assembly having a frame. The frame has a first end and a second end. A driven reel is coupled to the first end and an idler is coupled to the second end. A reel band is coupled to the driven and idler reels. The reel band has a display surface. Several indicia are located on the display surface. An actuator is mounted to the frame and is coupled to the driven reel. The actuator is configured to move the reel band. A gaming method using the reel assembly is also disclosed. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120214573 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display in a display area at a plurality of display positions, an outcome evaluator arranged to evaluate a game outcome based on the selected symbols and to identify a scatter outcome when a plurality of special symbols are disposed in the display area at any display position, and a prize allocator. The prize allocator is arranged to allocate a prize to a player when a scatter outcome exists and to determine the prize awarded to a player using the plurality of special symbols. A corresponding method is also disclosed. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120214574 | GAMING MACHINE EXECUTING FREE GAME AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - According to a gaming machine of the present invention, a specific number of free games are generated when three or more trigger symbols have been stop-displayed in a normal game. Further, when one or two trigger symbols have been stop-displayed in a free game, numeric values in number equivalent to the number of stop-displayed trigger symbols are selected, and then the number of times obtained by summing up the selected numeric values is added to the number of free games. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120220358 | GAMING MACHINE - In a gaming machine having a symbol display region with cell rows, wherein cells are continuously disposed in each cell row, and wherein a symbol row provided with continuously disposed symbols is displayed on each cell row in such a manner that one or more symbols correspond to one of the cells, there is provided a symbol movement control unit that makes each symbol row move along each cell row at a predetermined game opportunity in such a manner that a symbol to be displayed on each cell is changed in turn according to alignment order of the symbols in each symbol row, and then makes each symbol row stop, a prize winning determination unit that determines whether a combination of the symbols stopped in a cell group of a determination target satisfies a prize winning condition, and a dividend generation unit that generates a dividend according to a prize winning combination, and the symbol movement control unit comprises a symbol check unit that determines whether a symbol reaching a filtering position on the cell row is a specific symbol, and a specific symbol control unit that generates a specific change different from a change to be generated according to the alignment order in respect to display of the specific symbol in the symbol display region, when the symbol reaching the filtering position is determined as the specific symbol. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120220359 | ELECTRONIC AMUSEMENT DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A GAME OFFERING CONTINUOUS REELS - A gaming device and method for controlling operating the gaming device is disclosed. The gaming device initiates a paid play, and determines an outcome of the play. The outcome is visually displayed using at least two graphical displays. The graphical displays comprise a first and second visual continuum, without discrete reel stops. The outcome is represented by the relative positions of the first and second visual continuums. The outcome may also be based on the relative position of the first and second continuums to a payline. A payout corresponding to the outcome is determined by the device, and is awarded to the player. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120220360 | GAMING MACHINE HAVING A CURVED DISPLAY WITH A VIDEO SWITCHER AND TOUCH ROUTER SYSTEM - Gaming machines projecting video images onto a curved display are disclosed herein. A display manager receives one or more video signals from a controller and one or more video signals from the system device and displays one or multiple video signals on the curved display. The display manager sends the multiple video signals to a projector which projects the multiple video signals on the curved display. The curved display may be split between multiple signals, or one or more signals may overlay one or more background signals. The overlaid signals may completely obscure the background signals, or they may provide a level of transparency by allowing the background signal to be partially or completely visible. The display manager the video signals regarding how to split, overlay, superimpose, and otherwise share the display among the video input signals. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120225709 | GAMING MACHINE WITH MULTIPLE GAMES HAVING INDIVIDUAL AND COMBINED PAYLINES - A gaming machine is configured to present multiple individual games to a player. The individual games each have a plurality of symbol locations which display symbols to a user. The symbols displayed in the symbol locations corresponding to one or more primary paylines are compared to predetermined winning symbol combinations to declare a winning outcome. One or more secondary paylines corresponding to symbol locations in more than one of the individual games may be compared to the winning symbol combinations to declare a winning outcome as well. The winning symbol combinations may be defined and presented to players by a paytable. The primary and secondary paylines may be fixed or selected by the player and may constitute a bonus win having a higher payout. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20120231868 | COMMUNITY GAME USING OPTIMAL OUTCOME FROM INDIVIDUAL PORTION IN SUBSEQUENT COMMUNITY PORTION - A method of conducting a community game includes displaying a first outcome of the community game for each player. The outcomes are indicated by a plurality of symbols on one or more display devices. At least one processor is used to determine which of the first outcomes has optimal symbols from the plurality of symbols for achieving the highest payout during continued play of the community game. The one or more display devices are used to display a second outcome for each player. The second outcomes are at least partially based on the optimal symbols from the first outcome determined to have the optimal symbols for the continued community game. The second outcome of the first player is different from the second outcome of the second player. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120231869 | WAGERING GAME WITH A SECONDARY GAME DETERMINED BY SYMBOL POSITIONS IN A BASE GAME - A system for playing a wagering game has basic and secondary games. The secondary game includes bonus games. Symbols are arranged in an array of symbol positions in a first display for the basic game. Each symbol position has a corresponding position in an array of bonus-game positions in a second display for the secondary game. Each bonus-game position is linked to a different bonus game. The symbols displayed in the array of symbol positions are varied during play of the basic game. The symbols include secondary game trigger symbols. If a secondary game trigger symbol is displayed in a symbol position, the corresponding position in the array of bonus-game positions for the secondary game is identified. If a predetermined number of bonus-game positions are identified, the secondary game is completed by implementing each of the different bonus games linked to the identified bonus-game positions. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120231870 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAME CONTROLLER AND A GAMING SYSTEM - A method of gaming comprising: (a) defining a target outcome to be achieved in respect of a game, the target outcome having an associated award; (b) allocating a number of game rounds to achieve the target outcome; (c) conducting the allocated game rounds, each of which can result in a contribution to the target outcome; (d) accumulating any contributions during the one or game rounds; and (e) making the associated award if the target outcome is achieved based on the accumulated contributions before the allocated game rounds are exhausted. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120231871 | ROULETTE WHEEL BETTING - The invention provides a system and method for creating and facilitating the exchange of wagering-based transferable financial instruments. The instruments may be used to embody multiple various positions based upon the ultimate outcomes of uncertain future contingent events, including but not limited to outcomes of games of skill and chance. The invention further provides systems and platforms for monitoring, displaying information, and facilitating trading as to such instruments among multiple investment market participants, and a hosting or house participant, for time-variable buying and selling of such instruments. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120231872 | WAGERING GAME HAVING MULTIPLE AWARD COMPONENTS - A multiple bonus modifier game includes a base game and two or more base award modifiers. The multiple bonus modifier game comprises a single spin game that includes a plurality of spinning reels in a base game, a first base award modifier that includes at least one spinning reel, and a second base award modifier that includes at least one additional spinning reel. The outcome of the spinning reels in the base game defines a base game award. The outcome of the spinning reel in the first base award modifier defines a first modifier award, which potentially adjusts the base game award. The outcome of the additional spinning reel in the second base award modifier defines a second modifier award, which potentially adjusts the base game award. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120231873 | GAMING APPARATUS WITH GEOMETRICALLY ORIENTED GAME ELEMENTS - A gaming apparatus with geometrically oriented elements is disclosed. Specifically, an array of game elements are displayed, each of which has a discrete geometric orientation, and whose relative geometric orientations, in addition to relative placement of each gaming element, determines winning patterns which result in payout to a player. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120238345 | Methods for a Game Having a Bonus Game - A method for playing a game of chance having one or more primary reels for a base game and one or more secondary reels for a bonus game, comprises the following steps of, initiating the base game; drawing one or more symbols of the primary reels; if the drawn symbols of the primary reels comprise one or more bonus symbols, adjusting the secondary reels to draw symbols as a function of the bonus symbols; and evaluating the drawn symbols of the secondary reels for a winning combinations. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120238346 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING MAHJONG ELEMENTS - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to gaming devices that incorporate various aspects of the traditional Asian game of Mahjong. Mahjong tiles or symbols may be used in various types of games that include a single hand of dealt tiles, hands that use tile drawing and discarding, poker-style game play with a dealt and/or drawn hand of Mahjong tiles, multi-player games with Mahjong tiles, and other types of games that utilize elements from Mahjong. These games may be more favorably received than traditional slot machine games by players with familiarity with Mahjong. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120238347 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING WAGER DEPENDENT BONUS GAME PLAY - In one embodiment of the present invention, the player must wager a number of paylines to qualify for one of a plurality of bonus games. The highest required number of paylines qualifies the player to play the main or most elaborate bonus game. The main or first bonus game preferably has the highest average payout per credit wagered. This provides an incentive to the player to play the highest required number of paylines. In an embodiment, any number of paylines less than the highest required number or max lines qualifies the player to play a second bonus game. The second bonus game has an average payout per credit wagered that is slightly less than the main bonus game. This allows the incentive or disparity between payouts to be set by the game designer so that the player not wagering max lines or the highest required number is not overly disadvantaged. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120252552 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING GAMING RESULTS INCLUDING DISPLAYED BONUS VALUE ENHANCEMENTS - Gaming machines, methods, and programs are provided for displaying gaming results through a player interaction process that provides multiple prize progressions for a player and varies the prize progressions during the course of play. One preferred game includes conducting multiple instances of a first game to obtain a number of first game outcomes. These first game outcomes will include a number of prize enhancer activating outcomes. Each respective prize enhancer activating outcome prompts persistent display of a respective prize enhancer symbol. In some versions, one or more of the prize enhancer symbols are multiplier values. The symbols move in graphic sequence to a bonus round where they occupy spaces in a multiplier wheel, which is spun along with a prize wheel to determine a total prize. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120252553 | Gaming System Having Improved Progressive Jackpots - A method of operating a wagering game comprises receiving a primary wager, displaying a randomly selected outcome of a primary wagering game, and displaying at least one progressive jackpot. A first portion of the primary wager is allocated to fund the at least one progressive jackpot. An increment amount to be added to the at least one progressive jackpot is randomly determined, the at least one progressive jackpot is incremented by the increment amount, and in response to a triggering event, the at least one progressive jackpot is awarded. Alternatively, a random determination is made whether to increase the at least one progressive jackpot by a predetermined increment amount and, in response to a determination to increase the at least one progressive jackpot, the at least one progressive jackpot is incremented by the predetermined increment amount. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120252554 | Gaming System and Method of Gaming - A gaming system comprising a display area and a player symbol selector for selecting the player symbols from a plurality of player symbols. The player symbol selector comprises a plurality of reels and each reel has a plurality of player symbols. The player symbol selector is arranged so that selected player symbols are displayed at an array of display positions when the reels are stationary. A display position selector enables a player to select, prior to stopping of the reels, groups of display positions. An award allocator allocates an award associated with a winning combination of the player symbols when a winning combination of the player symbols is displayed along a win line. The player symbol selector is arranged so that each one of different player symbols of each reel has the same probability to be displayed at any one of the display positions associated with that reel. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120252555 | METHOD OF GRAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM, AND A GAMING CONTROLLER - A method of gaming including: selecting in each game round a plurality of symbols for display to a player in a set of display positions arranged in a plurality of rows and columns, subsets of the display positions corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of reels, each reel comprising a plurality symbols; controlling the correspondence of display positions to reels so that at least one game round is a diagonal spin game round in which at least one of the reels is arranged to spin diagonally such that it corresponds to display positions in a plurality of neighbouring columns; determining an outcome for each game round based on the selected symbols. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120258783 | WAGERING GAME WITH GAME ENHANCEMENT FEATURE - A gaming system includes at least one memory device that stores instructions that cause a processor to operate with a display device an input device to display a wagering game having a basic game and a bonus game having a first end-game outcome, trigger a first instance of the bonus game during play of the basic game, provide a first number of award opportunities during play of the first instance of the bonus game, complete the first instance of the bonus game in response to the first end-game outcome, store any remaining award opportunities in the at least one memory device in response to the first end-game outcome being achieved with at least one award opportunity remaining, trigger a second instance of the bonus game during play of the basic game, and provide any stored remaining award opportunities during play of the second instance of the bonus game. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120258784 | SYSTEM FOR COMPUTERIZED REEL-BASED GAMING AND A METHOD OF OPERATING THEREOF - There is provided a computerized reel-based gaming system configured to return at least part of a player's credits back to the player when at least one pre-defined combination of symbols has not been winning after a certain number N of spins of the reels. The method of operating the gaming system comprises: a) responsive to a spin of the reels, automated obtaining a result of matching between the spin output corresponding to a cash-back combination and a winning cash-back combination, thus, in case of a mismatch, giving rise to a non-winning event; b) automated assessing a number of consecutive non-winning events with respect to the cash-back combination; and c) automated initiating a cash-back award once the number of consecutive non-winning events reaches a cash-back triggering number corresponding to the cash-back combination. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120258785 | GAMING MACHINE - The present invention is a gaming machine including a display, which shows a plurality of cells indicating a plurality of symbols, and a controller, which selects a cell in a cell-selecting stage provided between a primary game and a secondary game on the display, controls the plurality of symbols in the secondary game and gives a predetermined function to the selected cell in the secondary game and where the selected cells or columns can change position on display during game play but the quantity of selected cells remain fixed for all free spin games of a secondary game. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120258786 | APPLYING GRAPHICAL CHARACTERISTICS TO GRAPHICAL OBJECTS IN A WAGERING GAME MACHINE - Systems and methods for providing programs on wagering game machine peripherals are described. The programs may be shader programs for execution by one or more programmable shaders on a graphics processing unit. The programs may provide a graphical result, e.g. an output on a display, or may provide a non-graphical result of a computation to a general purpose processor on the wagering game machine. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120264500 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICES, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING AN ENHANCED MULTIPLE-PLAYER BONUS REDEMPTION GAME - A gaming system and methods provide a plurality of gaming devices configured to operate a multiple-player bonus or secondary game. Each gaming device of the gaming system generates targets upon occurrences of target-generation events. Each gaming device also generates collectors upon occurrences of collector-generating events. The collectors may be used in conjunction with the aforementioned targets to obtain awards in a bonus sequence as described. Upon the occurrence of a redemption event at one of the plurality of gaming devices, the gaming device provides all players playing at one of the gaming devices in the gaming system the opportunity to redeem all accumulated collectors and targets in a bonus sequence. In the bonus sequence, the gaming system determines any awards associated with the redemption of accumulated collectors and targets and provides them to the players. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20120264501 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming apparatus comprises a movable symbol selector and a reference object. The symbol selector has a plurality of presentation portions. Each portion is associated with one or more symbols of a first set of symbols. The reference object comprises a plurality of parts over which the selector can be moved. Each part is associated with one or more symbols of a second set of symbols. When the symbol selector moves relative to the reference object at least one relationship is formed between at least one of the selector portions and at least one of the reference object parts. The at least one relationship is for use in determining a game outcome. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20120270632 | METHOD AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR DISPLAYING AN EGM BONUS FEATURE - A method of incorporating a bonus symbol into a plurality of symbols to be displayed in an EGM display adapted to display at least a selected portion of a plurality of standard symbols, the method including the steps of: determining the number of bonus symbols to be displayed ( | 10-25-2012 |
| 20120270633 | Gaming machine and game with dynamic accumulative bonus round - A method and apparatus for a gaming machine is disclosed. A wager is made to play an underlying symbol game, and if a predetermined trigger is present in the symbol game outcome, a bonus game is provided wherein a predetermined amount of free spins is provided. A first Available Benefit is made available on the first spin. If the first spin results in the first Available Benefit being achieved, a second Available Benefit is made available upon the next spin. If the first spin does not result in the first Available Benefit being achieved, the same first Available Benefit is made available upon the next spin. Each free spin offers a feature opportunity as an Available Benefit, the feature opportunity being comprised from a predetermined set of features, with each Available Benefit being activated in conjunction with all previously activated Available Benefits. | 10-25-2012 |
| 20120270634 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD HAVING A PARTIAL SELECTABLE SYMBOL MATRIX - A gaming device including a plurality of symbol generators adapted to generate a plurality of symbols at a plurality of symbol positions. In one embodiment, a player selects a first symbol position, the selected symbol position is activated and the gaming device reveals whether a terminator is associated with the selected symbol position. In this embodiment, the player continues selecting symbol positions (and the gaming device continues activating the selected symbol positions) until a terminator is revealed to be associated with a selected symbol position. After a terminator is revealed, the gaming device randomly generating a symbol at each of the activated symbol positions. The gaming device determines an outcome based on the symbols or combinations of symbols generated at the activated symbol positions and provides the player the determined outcome. | 10-25-2012 |
| 20120276979 | SECURE TOWER FOR A GAMING SYSTEM - A secure slot tower that is configured to be fixedly coupled to a gaming machine is described. The secure tower comprises a top housing component, a hollow tube, a collar, a second window segment, a printed circuit board, and a base. The hollow tube is coupled to the top housing component. Additionally, the secure tower includes pressing the base, the second window segment, the collar, the first window segment, the hollow tube, and the top housing component together. The printed circuit board is disposed between the first window segment and the second window segment and the printed circuit board comprises at least one light. | 11-01-2012 |
| 20120282993 | GAMING MACHINE FOR ONE WAGERED-ON GAME SYMBOL HAVING EXTENDED PLAY AND METHOD - A base game in a gaming machine that plays only one game symbol in a display in response to a wager. The wagered-on game symbol is transformed to reveal a random game play result picked by a processor from a number of symbol types. One type is a player action type symbol that can statistically extend base game play through player input in further rounds of base game play. As further rounds of extended base game play occur, the expected player payoff grows in value. Base game play ends whenever an award symbol type (value or null) is displayed. | 11-08-2012 |
| 20120289304 | CONTROL SYSTEM FOR REEL MECHANISM - A reel control system eliminates known problems with reel mechanisms used in gaming machines. First of all, phase setting of the reel position is greatly simplified. The control system also provides a relatively accurate method for determining if a reel position has moved from a standstill position, due to low power, no power or outright tampering. Any movement of the reel can be corrected. The reel control system includes multiple serial bus interfaces connected to a single serial bus that can be connected to multiple stepper motor drivers which provide for fast response time to commands. The reel control system can drive multiple stepper motor drivers configured with the same physical address to reduce manufacturing costs and is further configured to simultaneously drive multiple reels, different distances, different directions, with different numbers of symbols per reel as well as drive different types of reels. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120289305 | CONTROL SYSTEM FOR REEL MECHANISM - A reel control system eliminates known problems with reel mechanisms used in gaming machines. First of all, phase setting of the reel position is greatly simplified. The control system also provides a relatively accurate method for determining if a reel position has moved from a standstill position, due to low power, no power or outright tampering. Any movement of the reel can be corrected. The reel control system includes multiple serial bus interfaces connected to a single serial bus that can be connected to multiple stepper motor drivers which provide for fast response time to commands. The reel control system can drive multiple stepper motor drivers configured with the same physical address to reduce manufacturing costs and is further configured to simultaneously drive multiple reels, different distances, different directions, with different numbers of symbols per reel as well as drive different types of reels. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120289306 | 3-D REELS AND 3-D WHEELS IN A GAMING MACHINE - Techniques for presenting a plurality of game outcome presentations derived from one or more virtual 3-D gaming environments stored on the gaming machine are disclosed. While a game of chance is being played on a gaming machine, two-dimensional images derived from a 3-D object in the 3-D gaming environment may be rendered to a display screen on the gaming machine in real-time as part of a game outcome presentation. A sequence of symbols from a virtual reel strip in the 3-D gaming environment may be generated and displayed. The sequence of symbols may be mapped to one or more of flat reels, rounded reels or sequences of moving objects in the 3-D gaming environment, which may be moved in the 3-D gaming environment through a motion that allow the sequence of symbols from the virtual reel strip to be displayed as part of game outcome presentation. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120289307 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM AND A GAME CONTROLLER - A method of gaming comprising: selecting a plurality of symbols for display in a set of display positions on a display in each game round; initiating a series of one or more bonus game rounds conferring a special benefit on the player in response to a trigger condition being met; determining a game round outcome of whether to make an award to a player based on each game round; and ending the series of one or more bonus game rounds when less than a designated number of the displayed symbols in a subsequent game round is a bonus game symbol. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120289308 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a plurality of display positions disposed in a display area, a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols for display at respective display positions, and an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether the selected symbols correspond to a winning outcome with reference to at least one of a plurality of defined win lines. Each of the defined win lines comprises at least one display position, and at least some of the win lines comprise differing numbers of display positions. A corresponding method of gaming is also disclosed. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120289309 | Gaming Machine - A method for playing a game with a gaming machine is provided, which includes the steps of: (a) receiving a signal indicating an instruction of starting a game; (b) starting the game; (c) executing the game; (d) displaying a plurality of symbols on a display device; (e) each time a predetermined symbol or a predetermined combination of symbols is displayed on the display device as a result of the game, adding a predetermined point; (f) setting a specific combination of symbols for a free game and an award for the specific combination of symbols that is larger than a normal award according to the cumulatively added points; (g) if a predetermined condition is satisfied, switching the game to a free game; and (h) if the specific combination of symbols is displayed on the display device in the free game, paying the larger award. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120295687 | METHOD OF GAMING AND A GAME CONTROLLER - A gaming system. A symbol selector selects a plurality of symbols for display at display positions. A symbol hierarchy evaluator evaluates the selected symbols to identify a column corresponding to a highest winning symbol combination to be applied to one of the columns. A column selector selects a column to apply the designated modification. A display modification element selector selects a designated number of display modification elements to be in a subset of the plurality of display elements changed to an active state. A modification applier applies the designated modification to the selected column subsequent to changing the subset of display modification elements to an active state. A symbol evaluator evaluates the symbols displayed at the display positions subsequent to the modification being applied to determine whether to make one or more awards. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120295688 | WAGERING GAME, GAMING MACHINE, NETWORKED GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH NUDGING RE-SPINNING STACKED WILDS - A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed with one or more stacked wild symbols which when appearing, trigger one or more re-spins wherein stacked wild symbols are locked in place for at least one re-spin. Awards are paid following each game outcome. In the event that a portion of a stacked wild symbol is displayed as part of a game outcome, the associated reel may nudge upward or downward to shift the entire stacked wild symbol into view, awards are then paid on the winning outcomes, and one or more re-spins may ensue with any displayed stacked wild symbols being locked for at least one subsequent re-spin. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120295689 | WAGERING GAME, GAMING MACHINE, NETWORKED GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH A MATCHING SYMBOLS BONUS TRIGGER - A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed with a first set of reels operable to randomly determine a primary game outcome and a pair of reels positioned about the first set of reels and operable to randomly determine an indicia pair outcome, the indicia pair outcome operable to modify the primary game outcome. In the event that the indicia pair outcome includes a matching pair of designated indicia, then a bonus (or feature) game may be triggered wherein the matching pair are locked in place while one or more free spins of the first set of reels occurs, and, awards are provided for each winning outcome. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120295690 | GAMES, GAMING MACHINES, SYSTEMS AND METHOD HAVING A HORSERACE BONUS FEATURE - Disclosed are games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods having a horserace bonus feature game including randomly generated icons which serve to advance one or more horses toward a finish line. In some embodiments, a progressive award associated with the winning horse is paid to a player. In other embodiments, multiple progressive awards may be paid in the event of a tie. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120302314 | GAMING MACHINE IN WHICH SYMBOL INVOLVING POSSIBILITY OF WINNING PRIZE IS ILLUMINATED - A slot machine | 11-29-2012 |
| 20120302315 | MULTI-STATION GAME MACHINE - A multi-station game machine, including at least two stations that are configured to accept player inputs, a wheel having a plurality of sections including symbols, the wheel being configured to rotate, the wheel being disposed so that a front surface of the wheel can be seen from at least two players, and a controller for controlling a first game performed by the wheel and a second game performed on the stations, wherein the wheel is configured to enable at least two players to simultaneously play the first game respectively using the stations, wherein the stations are configured such that the players bet a game value on the symbols via a bet area displayed on a display provided on each of the stations, and wherein the controller triggers the second game based on a win of the first game. | 11-29-2012 |
| 20120302316 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING A SECOND SEPARATE BONUSING EVENT - A gaming system wherein a second game is triggered once a specific event occurs in a first game. | 11-29-2012 |
| 20120302317 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING PLAYER SELECTION OF MODIFIERS TO GAME COMPONENTS - In one embodiment, the gaming device and method disclosed herein provides a player one or more modifiers to apply to different components or characteristics of a game. In one such embodiment, the gaming device enables a player to selectively apply or associate a plurality of modifiers to a single game component or apply the plurality of modifiers across the plurality of game components. For each game component with at least one applied modifier, the gaming device disclosed herein modifies said game component based on each applied modifier. The gaming device generates any awards based on any modified game components and any unmodified game components and provides any generated awards to the player. | 11-29-2012 |
| 20120309486 | GAMING MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A gaming machine | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120309487 | GAMING MACHINE DETERMINING THE CONTENT OF BONUS GAME BY ROULETTE - A slot machine | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120309488 | GAMING MACHINE WHICH, ACCORDING TO SYMBOLS REARRANGED IN DISPLAY AREA OF REELS, REARRANGES THE SYMBOLS ONCE AGAIN, AND A DISPLAY CONTROL METHOD FOR SCROLL-DISPLAYING REELS ON A DISPLAY WINDOW - A slot machine of the present invention includes a plurality of reels, a display window, and a motherboard. The plurality of reels include: a reel having a symbol column which includes ordinary symbols each of which is provided as a single image to the plurality of unit areas R on the outer circumference of the reel, on one-to-one basis; and a special symbol which is provided as a single image over four unit areas. The display window is disposed at the front of the plurality of reels. The motherboard is programmed to execute the process of rearranging and displaying the symbols on the display window, and a process of, when a part of the special symbol on the reel is displayed in the display window as a result of the rearrangement, rearranging the entire special symbol in the display window (re-scrolling process). | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120309489 | Value engine providing current cash value for wagering game indicia - A value engine for a gaming machine generally determines a cash value for player cards, symbols, or other gaming indicia even though the indicia does not form a winning outcome. The value engine may determine the cash value for the indicia at various times or stages during a game. The cash value may be presented to the player, and the player may be permitted to accept or decline the cash value. If accepted, the cash value may be paid out to the player. If declined the player may continue playing the game. The value engine is may be used with or implemented as part of a variety of wagering games and presents a challenging and engaging choice to players to to further continued play and entertainment at a gaming machine. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120309490 | GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine for changing a payout ratio through technical intervention of a player is provided. The gaming machine comprises: a display arranging a plurality of symbols; and a control section executing a first game rearranging the plurality of symbols with a preset payout ratio, and awarding a payout to a player on the basis of a result of the first game, and executing a payout ratio increasing game that increases the payout ratio and is only executable when predetermined conditions are satisfied, and awarding a payout to the player on the basis of a result of the payout ratio increasing game, wherein the control section executes the payout ratio increasing game, in which the preset payout ratio changes in a predetermined range. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120309491 | GAMING MACHINE - The present invention provides players with fun brought by a moveable component. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120309492 | GAMING MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A gaming machine and a controlling method thereof are provided. The gaming machine includes a mechanical symbol display unit which includes: a rotatable reel having a peripheral face with a plurality of symbols thereon; an illuminating device that is provided within a space on an inner periphery side of the rotatable reel and is controlled to emit light of at least two different colors; and an illumination controller. The symbols include a special symbol having at least two translucent portions each having a unique color that is the same as one of the at least two different colors. The at least two colors are selected in a way that, the special symbol is observable as a symbol in one single color or a symbol with a pattern of at least two colors according to the color of the emitted light. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120309493 | GAMING MACHINE HAVING PLURAL GAMING MODES - A gaming machine which can control the tempo of the game to refresh the player while maintaining continuity of the game, enhancing entertainingness and amusement of the game, and encouraging the player's sense of achievements. The input unit receives an instruction related to a game. The memory stores a first symbol determination table causing that a specific symbol appears among rearranged symbols on the symbol display unit with a first probability and a second symbol determination table causing that the specific symbol appears among the rearranged symbols with a second probability higher than the first probability. The controller starts the game in response to the instruction received through the input unit to execute the game in a normal mode and shifting the normal mode to a chance mode according to the game result in the normal mode. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120309494 | Game machine - A game machine includes a game board provided with a playfield on which a playing ball cascades downward, a ball receiving hole detection part configured to detect whether or not the playing ball enters a ball receiving hole provided in the playfield, a win determination part configured to determine, when the ball receiving hole detection part detects the playing ball, whether or not a special win is acquired, a game value to be provided corresponding to the special win, and a game value providing part configured to provide the game value corresponding to the special win, when the win determination part determines that the special win is acquired. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120309495 | GAME MACHINE - A game machine includes a game board provided with a playfield on which playing balls cascade downward; a ball receiving hole detection part which detects whether or not a playing ball enters the ball receiving hole provided in the playfield; a special movable bonus game gate device which is able to switch between an open state and a closed state; a special bonus game gate detection part which detects whether or not the playing ball enters the special bonus game gate; a lottery part which holds a lottery in which one result of the lottery is obtained from a plurality of results at least including a first win and a second win when the ball receiving hole detection part detects the playing ball entering; and a game value providing part which provides a game value based on the result of the lottery by the lottery part. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120309496 | Wagering Game System Having Bonus Game Configurations - A method and system for making a plurality of bonus games available on a gaming machine. The bonus games each have associated bonus game instructions. The bonus game instructions are stored in a bonus game memory. The bonus game is selectable by a player of the gaming machine. The bonus game instructions are removed at a predetermined period of time after the bonus game instructions are stored in order to provide storage for new bonus games. Alternatively the bonus game instructions may be removed if the bonus games are not played frequently. The bonus game may be part of a channel including a plurality of bonus games. The channels of different groups of bonus games may be displayed to the player to assist in bonus game selection. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120309497 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING ALTERNATE OUTCOME PRESENTATIONS - A gaming device and a method of playing a gaming device which includes a game having a plurality of presentations associated with outcomes or combinations in a game. Specifically, the each outcome or combination includes a default presentation and at least one of the outcomes includes one or more alternate presentations. The default and alternate presentations include probabilities of being selected by the processor. In a game, the processor predetermines the winning outcome or non-winning outcome to provide to the player and then selects one of the presentations associated with the determined outcome. The gaming device selects the presentation based on the probabilities of being selected associated with the presentations. The gaming device then provides any award associated with the determined combination to the player. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120309498 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR SLOT MACHINE GAMES - A slot machine includes an option in which the probability of an outcome is influenced by changing the probability of one or more symbols occurring on one or more reels (reel | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120315976 | SLOT MACHINE, AND METHOD OF PLAYING A SLOT MACHINE, WITH LOCATION DEPENDENT SYMBOL AWARD VALUES - A variety of methods are used to calculate symbol award values based upon the location of one or more predetermined symbols in a symbol matrix. In a preferred embodiment, the award value for a symbol varies according to the row in which the symbol appears. In another embodiment, the award value for symbols varies according to the relative locations of the symbols to each other in the symbol matrix. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20120322532 | WAGERING GAME HAVING MORPHING SYMBOL FEATURE - A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes at least one input device, at least one display device, and at least one processor. The gaming system further includes at least one memory device that stores a plurality of instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to operate with the at least one display device and the at least one input device to display a wagering game having an array of symbols indicating a randomly selected outcome, the array of symbols including a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, and, in response to the array of symbols including a special symbol, change the special symbol into a modified symbol, the modified symbol corresponding with a second symbol of the array of symbols to form a modified array, the second symbol being selected based on a predetermined condition. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120322533 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH AWARD ENHANCING SYMBOL - A gaming system comprises at least one input device, at least one display device, at least one processor, and at least one memory device. The memory device stores a plurality of instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to operate with the at least one display device and the at least one input device to receive a wager to play a wagering game, display an array of symbols randomly selected from a plurality of possible symbols, trigger a bonus feature if the displayed array includes a bonus triggering outcome, and, in response to the displayed array including at least one bonus triggering symbol, change one or more of the symbols adjacent to the bonus triggering symbol to respective other symbols selected from the plurality of possible symbols, and awarding an enhanced award that is greater than a basic award resulting from the bonus feature and any winning combinations of the symbols in the displayed array. The basic award is otherwise provided when the at least one bonus triggering symbol is absent from the displayed array. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120322534 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING FREE SPIN MODE WITH SYMBOL ELIMINATION - A bonus game that operates in combination with a slot machine base game is provided. The bonus game includes a series of free spins or free evaluations in which symbols of a set of symbols are generated. The free spins also generate executor symbols that alone or in accumulation cause one of the symbols of the set to be eliminated or replaced. In either case the symbols remaining in the set have a higher probability of being generated and a higher probability exists that a larger award paying combination of the remaining symbols will be generated. The elimination sequence can be repeated a number of times further increasing the probability of generating a higher paying award for the player. The present invention is operable with different types of base games such as slot and poker. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120322535 | Wagering Game With Rule Set Altered Prior To Completion Of Reel Spin - A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a display and a controller. The display displays a plurality of spinning reels that stop to indicate a randomly selected outcome of a plurality of outcomes in response to accepting a wager input from a player. The controller is in communication with the display and is operative to conduct the wagering game in accordance with a basic set of gaming rules. The controller is further operative to cause a modification to a gaming rule of the basic set of gaming rules and to indicate the modification to the player. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120329545 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM AND A GAME CONTROLLER - A method of gaming comprising: selecting in each game round a plurality of symbols for display to a player in a set of display positions; superimposing a distorting element over one or more of the display positions so that one or more of the symbols can be modified, in response to determining that the distorting element should appear; and determining an outcome for each game round based on the selected symbols as modified by the distorting element. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20120329546 | Gaming System and a Method of Gaming - A method of gaming comprising: (a) selecting a plurality of symbols from a source symbol set to form a selected symbol set for display at a plurality of display positions, the source symbol set comprising at least one removable symbol and at least one designated symbol different to each removable symbol; and if a removal condition is met, the removal condition including at least that the selected symbol set includes at least one designated symbol within the display positions; (b) removing at least one removable symbol from the source symbol set from which it was selected to form a modified source symbol set; (c) selecting at least one symbol from the modified source symbol set to form a modified selected symbol set; and (d) determining whether to make an award based on the modified selected symbol set. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20120329547 | Method and a System for a Multidimensional Game - A method, a system and a computer program for a feature game of a multidimensional grid to be used together with a base game. A player may play an initial base game and elect to play the feature game. The player may be provided with a ticket that becomes a winning ticket if some or all of the characters in the multidimensional grid adjoin so as to produce a winning line of horizontal, vertical or diagonal matching characters with a winning set of characters. More than one winning line is possible on each game ticket, producing multiple ways of winning on a single game ticket. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20130005426 | GAMING SYSTEM, DEVICE, AND METHOD PROVIDING A MULTIPLE STREAK GAME - One embodiment provides a gaming system providing a multiple streak game associated with a base or primary wagering game. The multiple streak game includes a multiple streak having a multiple streak continuation condition and a single streak having a single streak continuation condition. The multiple streak is initially the active streak. If an outcome a play of the base or primary wagering game satisfies the multiple streak continuation condition, the multiple streak remains the active streak and the player may win an award. If the outcome does not satisfy the multiple streak continuation condition but satisfies the single streak continuation condition, the multiple streak ends, the at least one single streak is set as the active streak, and the player may win an award. If the outcome does not satisfy either the multiple streak continuation condition or the at least one single streak continuation condition, the multiple streak game ends. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130005427 | Wagering Game With Multiple Reels Forming Multiple Symbol Arrays - A gaming system for playing a wagering game comprises at least one display adapted to display a plurality of reels having symbols. The symbols indicate a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. The plurality of reels includes at least one single-symbol reel and at least one multi-symbol reel. The at least one display is adapted to display at least one payline overlapping at least one symbol from the at least one single-symbol reel and at least one symbol from the at least one multi-symbol reel. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130005428 | Game System With Community Play - The claimed embodiments contemplate methods, systems and apparatuses directed to gaming machines that provide a common reel display for multiple players. Various combinations of reel lines, utilized to determine possible wins from symbols across multiple reels, of the reel display, may be available to the players. For example, a first player may be permitted to bet on one set of reel lines and a second player may bet on another set of reel lines. Also, for example, both players may bet on some reel lines and other reel lines may only be available to certain players. A community reel line may also be made available to both players or perhaps just one player upon satisfaction of certain conditions. The ability to have multiple players bet on a common reel display advantageously adds to the excitement and enjoyment of a gaming session. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130005429 | GAMING MACHINE ARRANGING TWO SYMBOL COLUMNS IN THE SAME ORDER - A display unit displays symbols in a plurality of columns, and in particular arranges the symbols in the same order in two or more of the columns. A game controller unit determines an arrangement of symbols at random on a condition that symbols are arranged in the same order and at the same positions in the two or more columns. A display controller unit causes the display unit to spin the two or more columns of symbols from the same position in synchronization with each other, and stop the two or more columns at the same position to display the arrangement of symbols determined by the game controller unit. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130005430 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING A MULTI-FUNCTION FREE GAME BONUS - An apparatus and method for a free spins game including a plurality of reels, an outcome and a plurality of sections associated with the outcome. The gaming device or player activates the reels to indicate a designated symbol combination including at least two section indicator symbols. When a designated symbol combination including the section indicator symbols is indicated on the reels, the gaming device obtains the corresponding section. The gaming device or player continues to activate the reels until there are no free spins remaining in the game or until all of the sections are obtained. The gaming device then provides the outcome to the player. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130005431 | LINKED PROGRESSIVE JACKPOT SYSTEM - A gaming machine | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130005432 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF GAMING - A method of populating symbol spaces on a gaming device includes providing a plurality of designated spaces arranged to display a plurality of symbols, wherein one of the designated spaces is populated with a symbol from the plurality of symbols by moving the symbol from an initial location, to a final location within the designated space, wherein the game outcome is at least partly dependent on the final location of the symbol. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130012290 | Game based on knowledge and taste concerning pictural works, the game being implemented by computer means - A game involves obtaining a database of items, each item representing pictural work image data, together with descriptor parameters for the pictural work, with each descriptor parameter being predefined, selecting at least one criterion constituted by one of the descriptor parameters, drawing at least one item randomly from the database, and displaying the pictural work image data represented by the randomly drawn item on a player's terminal. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130012291 | PLAYER ATTRACTION GAME AND METHOD OF PLAY FOR LEASED GAMING MACHINES - An attraction game commencing play for a number of successive wagers in a leased gaming machine. For leased gaming machines, the attraction game provides trial game play based on actual wagers with information on each outcome, but with all wagers returned to the player. For idle gaming machines, the attraction game is hidden from the player and the owner of the gaming machine may invest a fixed amount of money so that the player receives all money wagered plus the invested amount. Each attraction game outcome corresponds to a base game outcome having a low value base game award. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130012292 | GAMING MACHINE - The present invention is to provide an effect with its high entertainment property. Those which are printed in a superimposed manner on the effect panel | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130012293 | Group Play Invitation Method for Online Slots Game - Methods for initiating group play of an online slots game is provided. One method includes receiving, from a first gaming device associated with a first user, a request to initiate group play of the online slots game with a second user. The method also includes generating a message, the message identifying the first user and defining a response mechanism for joining the group play of the online slots game. The method then transmits the message to a second gaming device associated with the second user. The method provides for social interaction and social play between players, while playing the online game. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130012294 | GAMING MACHINE AND DISPLAY DEVICE THEREFOR - The present invention relates to a gaming machine having mechanical spinning reels and display units mounted inside the reels that are driven between a retracted position and a forward position. The display unit is displaced inwardly toward a central axis of the reel when located in the retracted position, and in this position the reel is free to rotate in response to a wager being placed. The display unit is located closer toward the outer periphery of the reel when in the forward position and in registration with a variable display when the reel is stopped. Movement of the display unit between the retracted and forward positions minimizes parallax effects and increases enjoyment for a player. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130012295 | Gaming Device with Conditional Bonusing - A gaming machine is described wherein one or more moving indicators travel around or among slot machine reels granting awards, bonuses or special characteristics to associated symbols on the reels. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130012296 | AMUSEMENT DEVICES AND CHANCE DEVICES BASED ON FINANCIAL MARKET INDICATORS - A method for wagering comprises receiving a bet regarding a spin of the reels of a slot machine. An outcome may be determined based on one or more financial market indicators. Other embodiments are disclosed. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130012297 | GAMING MACHINE REEL ALIGNMENT - An electromechanical wager-based gaming machine includes a plurality of reels that are aligned as they are spun so that the reels can be rapidly stopped in response to a player's input. One reel is selected as a reference reel and other reels are brought into alignment using feedback from reel position sensors. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130012298 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A method of gaming comprising: determining at least one game outcome; determining a total award from the at least one game outcome; modifying the total award based on a size of the total award to obtain a modified total award; and awarding the modified total award. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130012299 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A FREE SPIN GAME WITH PAYLINE MULTIPLIERS - A gaming device provides a free spins game wherein a plurality of modifiers are each associated with one of a plurality of paylines. During the free spins game, each modifier modifies awards won on the particular payline with which it is associated. In one embodiment, the payline multipliers increase in each of the free spins depending on whether a given payline scores a win or not in the free spin. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130017881 | SLOT MACHINE GAME WITH ENHANCED WILD SYMBOL FEATURESAANM Watkins; Brian AlexanderAACI AustinAAST TXAACO USAAGP Watkins; Brian Alexander Austin TX US - A game is provided including a special wild symbol that applies a transformation field to other symbols around it. The effect of this transformation field is to change the symbols into wild symbols. Multiple transformation fields may overlap, increasing the value of the transformed symbol in certain designated ways. Rules are provided for applying the transformation field in certain directions with respect to the special wild symbol with which it is associated. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130017882 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF CONDUCTING A GAME OF CHANCE - Systems and methods of conducting a video game of chance are disclosed. The method includes: (a) receiving a first wager from a first player and a second wager from a second player; (b) populating a first group of cells with symbols, where the first group of cells is associated with the first player; (c) populating a second group of cells with symbols, where the second group of cells is associated with the second player; (d) determining whether the first group of symbols includes a winning combination; (e) if so, determining a first award for the winning combination; (f) determining whether the second group of symbols includes a winning combination; (g) if so, determining a second award for the winning combination; and (h) selecting a round winner based on a comparison of the first and second award. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130017883 | GAMING APPARATUS AND METHOD WITH FULL-MOTION VIDEO CHARACTERS - One embodiment relates to a gaming apparatus. The gaming apparatus includes an electronic display and a circuit configured to control the electronic display and to cause the electronic display to display a graphical scene. The graphical scene includes a first portion having a first video corresponding to a first body portion of one of a number of characters, a second portion having a second video corresponding to a second body portion of one of the number of characters, and a third portion having a third video corresponding to a third body portion of one of the number of characters. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130023325 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A MULTIPLE DIMENSION CASCADING SYMBOLS GAME WITH THREE DIMENSIONAL SYMBOLS - A gaming system including a cascading symbol game which utilizes a plurality of adjacent symbol display position grids arranged at different depths. The multiple symbol display position grids at different depths provides that one or more of the symbols of at least a first symbol display position grid at a first depth are displayed to a player while one or more of the symbols of at least a second symbol display position grid at a second depth are not displayed to the player. When one or more symbols are removed from the first symbol display position grid at the first depth, before and/or after shifting the remaining displayed symbols from the first symbol display position grid into created empty symbol display positions of the first symbol display position grid, one or more symbols from the second symbol display position grid at the second depth become exposed. | 01-24-2013 |
| 20130023326 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A MULTIPLE DIMENSION CASCADING SYMBOLS GAME WITH A TIME ELEMENT - A gaming system including a cascading symbol game which utilizes a plurality of adjacent symbol display position grids arranged at different depths. The multiple symbol display position grids at different depths provides that one or more of the symbols of at least a first symbol display position grid at a first depth are displayed to a player while one or more of the symbols of at least a second symbol display position grid at a second depth are not displayed to the player. When one or more symbols are removed from the first symbol display position grid at the first depth, before and/or after shifting the remaining displayed symbols from the first symbol display position grid into created empty symbol display positions of the first symbol display position grid, one or more symbols from the second symbol display position grid at the second depth become exposed. | 01-24-2013 |
| 20130023327 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A MULTIPLE DIMENSION CASCADING SYMBOLS GAME - A gaming system including a cascading symbol game which utilizes a plurality of adjacent symbol display position grids arranged at different depths. The multiple symbol display position grids at different depths provides that one or more of the symbols of at least a first symbol display position grid at a first depth are displayed to a player while one or more of the symbols of at least a second symbol display position grid at a second depth are not displayed to the player. When one or more symbols are removed from the first symbol display position grid at the first depth, before and/or after shifting the remaining displayed symbols from the first symbol display position grid into created empty symbol display positions of the first symbol display position grid, one or more symbols from the second symbol display position grid at the second depth become exposed. | 01-24-2013 |
| 20130023328 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING MULTI-DIMENSIONAL SYMBOL WAGERING GAME - A gaming system and method providing a multi-dimensional symbol wagering game is provided. A player selects a payline, places a wager on the selected payline, and selects a plurality of a plurality of different symbols in a selection order. Symbols are generated and displayed at each of a plurality of symbol display positions. If at least a designated quantity of the symbol display positions associated with the selected payline displays any one of the selected symbols, the gaming system determines a display order of the generated and displayed symbols associated with the selected payline, and determines any awards associated with the selected payline based on a quantity of the symbol display positions associated with the selected payline that display the player selected symbols and a comparison of the selection order with the display order. Any awards are provided to the player. Cascading and rotating symbol features are provided. | 01-24-2013 |
| 20130023329 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A MULTI-DIMENSIONAL SYMBOL WAGERING GAME WITH ROTATING SYMBOLS - A gaming system and method providing a multi-dimensional symbol wagering game is provided. A player selects a payline, places a wager on the selected payline, and selects a plurality of a plurality of different symbols in a selection order. Symbols are generated and displayed at each of a plurality of symbol display positions. If at least a designated quantity of the symbol display positions associated with the selected payline displays any one of the selected symbols, the gaming system determines a display order of the generated and displayed symbols associated with the selected payline, and determines any awards associated with the selected payline based on a quantity of the symbol display positions associated with the selected payline that display the player selected symbols and a comparison of the selection order with the display order. Any awards are provided to the player. Cascading and rotating symbol features are provided. | 01-24-2013 |
| 20130023330 | GAMING MACHINES HAVING RHYTHMIC REELS - A gaming machine and methods for independently controlling the movement of each mechanical reel are disclosed. The gaming machine includes a plurality of mechanical reels each having indicia provided on an outer surface of each of the reels. A game controller generates a game outcome and determines a spin duration for each of the plurality of reels. One or more stepper motors are operatively coupled to the mechanical reels to independently spin each reel. A reel control unit is in communication with one or more stepper motors and the game controller. The reel control unit determines an appropriate spin profile for each reel based upon the game outcome and the spin duration to cause the reels to spin and stop in a rhythmic manner. | 01-24-2013 |
| 20130023331 | ELECTRONIC THREE-DICE GAMING METHOD AND SYSTEM - A method of playing a wagering game on an electronic gaming system has steps of: providing three virtual dice; providing in the memory an event result tables or paytables having a plurality of outcomes; the processor receiving a wager on an event result; effecting a virtual casting the three virtual dice to generate a random event using the electronic random number generator to determine an event outcome, the random event outcome comprising a display of the three virtual dice; comparing the random event of the virtual casting of the three virtual dice with the event result tables or paytables to determine wagering or game events; resolving wins or losses based upon the random event; and moving a virtual game piece on a virtual display; or both resolving wins or losses based upon the random event and moving a virtual game piece on the virtual display system. | 01-24-2013 |
| 20130029746 | WAGERING GAME WITH LEFT-TO-RIGHT VARIABLE PRIZE ARRANGEMENT - A wagering game, gaming machine, gaming network, and associated methods are disclosed including scatter symbols, and more specifically a left-to-right scatter feature having variable increasing payouts associated with each symbol. The symbols in the left-to-right scatter may interact visually in a sequential manner according to a theme. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130029747 | GAMING MACHINE HAVING VIDEO STEPPER DISPLAYS - Various embodiments are directed to converting a conventional video-based gaming machine into a mechanical reel gaming machine with physically-spinning stepper reels having video displays affixed thereto. The repurposed gaming machine does not need any further approval by a government regulator because the existing video game software is not changed. In other embodiments, a mechanical reel-based gaming machine is upgraded to provide physically-spinning stepper reels having video displays affixed thereto. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130029748 | GAMING MACHINE WITH MECHANICAL REELS HAVING FLEXIBLE DISPLAYS - Various embodiments are directed to converting a conventional video-based gaming machine into a mechanical reel gaming machine with physically-spinning stepper reels having video displays affixed thereto. The repurposed gaming machine does not need any further approval by a government regulator because the existing video game software is not changed. In other embodiments, a mechanical reel-based gaming machine is upgraded to provide physically-spinning stepper reels having video displays affixed thereto. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130029749 | GAMING MACHINE AND METHOD OF PROVIDING AN ELECTRONIC GAME - A gaming machine and method are provided which provide a plurality of games on a display device to a player. The outcome of the games are randomly selected and displayed on the display device. For each game: if the outcome is a winning outcome an award is awarded to the player as a function of the outcome, the wager made by the player, and a predetermined paytable and if a triggering condition in the outcome of each game, an other award is responsively awarded to the player if the triggering condition is detected in at least two of the plurality of games. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130029751 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A GAME IN WHICH A PLAYER COLLECTS EMBLEMS BY POSITIONING ACCUMULATORS IN A FIELD - A gaming system displays a plurality of emblems in a predefined field. For a play of an accumulator positioning game, the gaming system enables a player to position at least one accumulator in the field based on a set of accumulator positioning criteria. The accumulator positioning criteria define allowable accumulator positions and also define whether a positioned accumulator causes the gaming system to indicate any of the emblems as winning emblems. The gaming system may indicate such winning emblems based on a spatial relationship between that emblem and any accumulator, such as a relationship wherein an accumulator encircles an emblem. The gaming system indicates any such winning emblems and provides an award for the play of the game based on any indicated winning emblems. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130029752 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD PROVIDING COMPETITIVE WAGERING GAMES - The gaming system and method disclosed herein provides a player with an opportunity to compete against an opponent (either a virtual opponent or a human opponent). In one embodiment, the gaming system and method provide a competition game that operates concurrently with a wagering game. In one embodiment, the competition game includes a turn-based video game which enables a player to compete against an opponent. Different generated symbol combinations for the wagering game represent different game actions or sequences for the competition game. That is, the symbols or symbol combinations generated in the wager game determine which game actions or sequences the gaming system causes to occur for the competition game. Based on such displayed game actions and sequences, the disclosed gaming system and method determines whether the player or the opponent wins that competition for the competition game. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130029753 | GAMING SYSTEM WITH PLAYER SPONSORING - Sponsored gaming allows a person to provide benefits to a person playing a game such as a slot machine, video poker, online gambling, etc. A sponsor can make a payment in order to improve the odds of a player winning a jackpot, round, hand or game. A sponsor can make a payment to improve a player's odds or to increase the number of units in a player's bet, or to cause other effects. A method for sponsoring gaming can include accessing a sponsor interface; selecting one or more sponsor variables and transferring value; and altering a game to provide a sponsored benefit to a player in response to the selected one or more sponsor variables. The sponsor variables can include a game or game console, a player, a payout, betting units, and/or a statistical advantage, for example. A host of the game, such as a casino or online betting operator, can receive a portion of the payment or other compensation for allowing the sponsorship. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130035150 | SLOT MACHINE GAME WITH ALTERNATING WILD SYMBOL - A game is provided including an alternating wild symbol feature, known in a preferred embodiment as the “Flip'n Wild.” The feature preferably occurs during the reel spin of a base game play, the wild symbols are placed before the reels stop. The Flip'n Wild symbol moves right or left and up or down across the reels. As it moves, it alternates/flips from a “flip” side to a “wild” side. In every reel position that “wild” lands, a wild is left in place. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130035151 | SLOT MACHINE GAME WITH ALTERNATING WILD SYMBOL - A modified pick selection bonus game feature is provided including picking hidden selections to accumulate matching symbols and win a prize. The game includes improved features such as a prize bump bonus symbols to increase the value of all available bonus prizes. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130035152 | Community Lines Game Apparatus - The claimed embodiments contemplate methods, systems and apparatuses directed to gaming machines that provide a common reel display for multiple players. Various combinations of reel lines, utilized to determine possible wins from symbols across multiple reels, of the reel display, may be available to the players. For example, a first player may be permitted to bet on one set of reel lines and a second player may bet on another set of reel lines. Also, for example, both players may bet on some reel lines and other reel lines may only be available to certain players. A community reel line may also be made available to both players or perhaps just one player upon satisfaction of certain conditions. The ability to have multiple players bet on a common reel display advantageously adds to the excitement and enjoyment of a gaming session. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130040723 | GAMING TERMINAL AND METHOD OF PROVIDING NOTIFICATION - A gaming terminal includes: a terminal image display panel; a lever-type operation device configured to receive an operation of a player; a support mechanism which rotatably supports the operation device at one end portion of the operation device and includes a restriction member configured to restrict inclination of the operation device, the restriction member being positioned so that the operation device abuts the restriction member when the operation device is inclined at a first angle; an inclination detecting mechanism which detects an angle of inclination of the operation device; and a controller which causes the terminal image display panel to output a predetermined sound and/or to give a visual indication to give a warning to the player when the angle of inclination of the operation device detected by the inclination detecting mechanism is greater than a second angle which is equal to or greater than the first angle. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130040724 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM AND A GAME CONTROLLER - A method of gaming comprising: selecting a set of symbols for display to a player in a set of display positions corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of reels; determining a game round outcome based on the selected symbols; determining that a feature game round should occur; and determining a feature game round outcome by determining an optimal winning combination of symbols from a feature subset of the set of symbols comprising more symbols than the number of reels. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130040725 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE FOR CONFIGURATION OF WAGERING GAMES - An operator control interface for configuration of wagering games comprises a control screen for displaying a plurality of available primary wagering games and a plurality of available supplemental features and at least one input device for receiving configuration inputs. At least one controller is operative to (i) in response to a first configuration input received via the at least one input device, add a selected primary wagering game to a first wagering game configuration, (ii) in response to a second configuration input received via the at least one input device, add a selected supplemental feature to the first wagering game configuration, and (iii) cause the control screen to display the first wagering game configuration and an overall payback percentage of the first wagering game configuration. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130045787 | Gaming Machine Having an Accumulation/Matching Bonus - A feature game in a gaming machine includes a first portion during which a set of bonus slots is accumulated. A second portion includes selecting at least one set of a predetermined number of target symbols, associated with a bonus award, from among a pool of bonus symbols during which selected bonus symbols are not removed from the pool, and selecting a set of match symbols, equal in number to the accumulated number of bonus slots, from among the pool of bonus symbol during which selected bonus symbols are removed from the pool. The match symbols are compared to the at least one set of target symbols. If all the symbols in the at least one set of target symbols correspond to match symbols, the bonus award associated with the at least one set of target symbols is awarded to the player. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130045788 | EMBEDDED REEL GAMES WITH PROGRESSIVES - A method and game machine are disclosed for operating a game with a primary and embedded game. An embedded game is disclosed as a bonus game with one embodiment animating miniature reels inside the primary game symbol. Each embedded slot game may have its own progressive, or may be tied into the progress associated with the primary game. Each embedded slot game will have its own paytable, and may be a miniature version of a well-recognized full-sized slot machine game. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130045789 | Method of Gaming, a Gaming System and a Game Controller - A method of gaming in a gaming system. The method includes selecting symbols for display at a plurality of subsets of symbol display positions by independently determining stopping positions of reels of symbols associated with the subsets of display positions, wherein at least one subset of symbol display positions is associated with two or more reels and upon two or more symbols being selected for the same symbol display position at least one symbol combination rule is applied to the two or more symbols to determine a resultant symbol for display, and evaluating the displayed symbols to determine whether to make an award. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130045790 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING DYNAMICALLY CHANGING IMAGE REEL SYMBOLS - A system for dynamically changing the graphical content on video reel displays of video gaming machines is disclosed herein. The system includes video reel displays and data transmission techniques which provide for dynamically updating or changing the graphics on the video reel displays. In one system for dynamically changing graphical video reel content, new image content is placed on the video reel displays at any time, even while the video reel displays are spinning The system may even be used to give the appearance of rotation to a stationary video reel display. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130053122 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A SYMBOL EVALUATION GAME - In one embodiment, a gaming system which may randomly generate a plurality of directional symbols. Each directional symbol may have an input direction and an output direction. The gaming system may analyze the generated directional symbols to determine whether any formed sets, chains or sequences of compatible directional symbols are associated with any awards. More specifically, the gaming system may determine whether to form any sets of compatible directional symbols based on if one or more input directions of one or more of the generated directional symbols are compatible with one or more output directions of one or more of the generated directional symbols. The gaming system then may determine and may provide a player an award based on one or more of any formed sets of compatible directional symbols. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130059641 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROVIDING AN ELECTRONIC GAME - A gaming machine and a method provide primary and secondary games. The gaming machine includes first and second adjacent displays, a lighting device, and a controller. The lighting device is located between the first and second displays. The controller is coupled to the first and second displays and the lighting device. The primary game is played and if a triggering conditioning occurred in the primary game, the secondary game is initiated. The secondary game includes a rotating selector device. A first portion of the rotating selector device is displayed on the first display and a second portion of the rotating selector device is displayed on the second display. The lighting device defines a selector. An outcome of the secondary game is randomly selected and the rotating selector device is rotated and stopped such that the selector is associated with a symbol associated with the outcome of the secondary game. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130059642 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROVIDING AN ELECTRONIC GAME - A gaming system and a method provide primary and secondary games to players using a plurality of linked gaming machines. Each gaming machine includes a display. For each gaming machine, an associated player is allowed to make a wager on a primary game, an outcome of the primary game is randomly selected, and if the outcome of the primary game is a winning outcome, awarding the associated player a primary award as a function of the outcome, the wager made by the player, and a predetermined paytable. If a triggering conditioning occurred in one of the primary games and a secondary game is initiated. The secondary game is a video slot game including a plurality of video reels. Each video reel is displayed on a respective display of one of the gaming machines. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130059643 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A method of gaming including: displaying at least one symbol which comprises a visible symbol and a hidden symbol; locating an overlay on the at least one symbol; and determining whether the overlay makes the hidden symbol visible. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130065662 | SLOT MACHINE GAME WITH BONUS GAME HAVING SELECTABLE MODIFIER ELEMENTS - A game is provided, including a free spin bonus game with selectable modifier feature, known in a preferred embodiment as a bank heist bonus game. Before each free spin, the player picks a vault to receive a modifier element that applies to the free spin. The modifier element may be a credit prize, increment bonus multiplier, award additional spins, or turn a random reel wild (may be maintained wild for all remaining free spins or a designated number of free spins), for example. Additional spins can also be retriggered on the reels up to a maximum of 20 free spins (get all the vaults). To begin the free spin bonus game, the game may prompt the player for some type of biometric input and either read or appear to read biometric data as part of the game theme. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130065663 | SLOT MACHINE GAME WITH EXPANDING POSITIONS - Systems, methods, and program products are taught which provide a slot machine game that increases the size of the symbol array as a mystery feature. As the player spins the reels, the number of positions available on each reel grows randomly to allow more paylines. Other embodiments may include free spin bonuses, as well as bonus features that further increase the number of positions on each reel, and adjust the probability of reel expansions based on the current array size. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130065664 | GAMING APPARATUSES AND METHODS INVOLVING ROTATING OF REELS - An exemplary embodiment relates to a method in a gaming system for playing a game. The method includes causing an output device to communicate a frame of play, the frame of play including symbols. Each symbol has a position within the frame of play. The method further includes establishing a first result of the game based on the position of the symbols and causing the output device to communicate an altered frame of play. Additionally, the method includes altering the position of at least one of the symbols within the frame of play to generate the altered frame of play. The method also includes establishing a second result of the game based on the altered frame of play. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130065665 | WAGERING GAME WITH PROGRESSIVE AWARDS WON BY ACCUMULATING PROGRESSIVE PRIZE SEGMENTS - A gaming system, apparatus, and method are disclosed providing game players an exciting chance to win any of multiple progressive prizes within a free spin bonus round by accumulating different prize segment symbols which are displayed in a meter zone for each possible progressive prize. Various ways are described to add free spins to the bonus round, making it more exciting by giving the player increased chance to fill all the segments associated with a particular progressive prize, thereby winning the prize. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130072282 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD PROVIDING MODIFIERS FOR SYMBOL DISPLAY AREAS - A gaming system, gaming device, and method providing a game providing modifiers for symbol display areas. Symbols are generated at symbol display areas. If a symbol display area displaying a symbol included in a displayed designated winning symbol combination is associated with an existing modifier, the gaming system modifies any award associated with that displayed designated winning symbol combination using the existing modifier and associates another different modifier with that symbol display area for a subsequent play of the game. In one embodiment the different modifier is a more favorable modifier. If none of the symbol display areas displaying the symbols included in a displayed designated winning symbol combination are associated with an existing modifier, the gaming system associates a modifier with a symbol display area for a subsequent play of the game. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130072283 | Method of Adapting a Class II Game to Provide the Play Characteristics of a Class III Game - Methods, systems, and devices for adapting a Class II game to provide play characteristics of a Class III game are provided. Plays of the Class III game are simulated in a computer to obtain frequencies of occurrence of at least one Class III award. Plays of the Class II game are simulated in a computer to obtain frequencies of occurrence of at least one Class II outcome. A Class III award is selected. A Class II outcome having a similar frequency of occurrence to the selected Class III award is selected. An award is defined for the selected Class II outcome according to the selected Class III award. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130072284 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - Gaming systems, controllers, and associated methods are provided. An example gaming system includes a game controller arranged to control play of a game. The game includes a plurality of selectable game play characteristics. The game controller is arranged to control play of the game such that one or more of the selectable game play characteristics are played in the game. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130072285 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A GAME WITH ADDITIONAL WIN OPPORTUNITIES - During a play of a game, the disclosed gaming system determines that an ending condition has occurred. For example, the gaming system determines that an ending condition has occurred when no winning symbol combinations are displayed for the play of the game. Following determination that the ending condition has occurred, the gaming system determines whether to provide access to an additional win opportunity for the play of the game. If the additional win opportunity is to be provided, the gaming system removes one or more symbols from a plurality of symbol positions even though such symbols do not form a winning symbol combination. The gaming system fills any resulting empty symbol positions by shifting symbols and/or displaying generated symbols, and provides awards for any then-generated winning symbol combinations. The additional win opportunity may be accessed because of a player wager or because other additional win opportunity criteria are satisfied. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130072286 | VIDEO SLOT GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine and method are provided which provide a video slot game to a player. The video slot game includes a plurality of cells arranged in a grid. The grid has a plurality of rows and columns. The machine and method display a base instance of the video slot game and in response to occurrence of a triggering event, the base instance of the video slot game is split and a plurality of sub-instances of the video slot game are displayed. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130079096 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A WAGERING GAME HAVING A SECONDARY GAME ARRAY FORMED FROM A PLURALITY OF PRIMARY GAME ARRAYS - The player makes a wager to receive a plurality of primary game arrays. Winning primary game outcomes occur when specific primary game array positions, designated by paylines, are randomly assigned winning combinations of indicia. The winning game outcomes of a plurality of primary game arrays are converted to symbols corresponding to the winning primary game outcomes to form a secondary game array. Winning secondary game outcomes occur when winning combinations of symbols occur on the secondary game array paylines | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130079097 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING INDICATIONS OF AWARDS THAT COULD HAVE BEEN WON - A gaming system, gaming device, and method which provide a display of one or more missed awards based on one or more numbers generated by a random number generator (“RNG”) for possible use in determining a randomly generated outcome for a play of a game, but which are not used to determine any outcome for the play of the game. The unused or unemployed RNG numbers: (a) may be the numbers generated by the RNG before the numbers which are actually used or employed for that play of the game (i.e., the employed numbers); (b) may be the numbers generated by the RNG after the numbers which are used or employed for that play of the game; or (c) if no plays of the game are occurring, the numbers unused numbers generated by the RNG at one or more points in time. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130079098 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD PROVIDING A GAME WITH MULTI-COMPONENT SYMBOLS AND AWARDS BASED ON COMMON COMPONENTS - The gaming system receives a wager from a player for a play of a game including a plurality of multi-component symbols. Each of the multi-component symbols includes a plurality of symbol component locations. A plurality of the multi-component symbols include at least one of the symbol components in at least one of the symbol component locations. The gaming system randomly generates and displays a plurality of the multi-component symbols. The gaming system determines, for a first one of a designated number of the displayed multi-component symbols, a quantity of symbol component locations of the first one of the displayed multi-component symbols that display one of the symbol components and that correspond to a symbol component location of each of the other displayed multi-component symbols of the designated number of the displayed multi-component symbols that each display one of the symbol components. Any awards are determined based on the determined quantity. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130079099 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD PROVIDING A GAME WITH MULTI-COMPONENT SYMBOLS AND AWARDS BASED ON COMMON COMPONENTS - The gaming system receives a wager from a player for a play of a game including a plurality of multi-component symbols. Each of the multi-component symbols includes a plurality of symbol component locations. A plurality of the multi-component symbols include at least one of the symbol components in at least one of the symbol component locations. The gaming system randomly generates and displays a plurality of the multi-component symbols. The gaming system determines, for a first one of a designated number of the displayed multi-component symbols, a quantity of symbol component locations of the first one of the displayed multi-component symbols that display one of the symbol components and that correspond to a symbol component location of each of the other displayed multi-component symbols of the designated number of the displayed multi-component symbols that each display one of the symbol components. Any awards are determined based on the determined quantity. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130079100 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A USER DEVICE THAT RECEIVES AND STORES REEL SETS FOR SUBSEQUENT GAME PLAYS - System and method providing reel sets for subsequent plays. A user playing a user device wagers a wager amount on a play of a game. The user device displays a base reel set spinning. A server determines an outcome for the current play and a second reel set for the next play of that game on which the user wagers that same wager amount. The server communicates second reel set data and outcome data to the user device. The reels are stopped in accordance with the determined outcome. When the user wagers that same wager amount on another play of that game, the user device displays the second play of that game using the second reel set, the server determines a third reel set for the next play of that game on which the user wagers that same wager amount, and communicates third reel set data to the user device. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130079101 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A SERVER THAT DETERMINES A REEL SET FOR AN INITIAL GAME PLAY AND REEL SETS FOR SUBSEQUENT GAME PLAYS - A user playing a user device wagers a wager amount on a play of a game. A server determines a first reel set for the current play, an outcome for the current play, and a second reel set for the next play of that game on which the user wagers that same wager amount. The server communicates first reel set data, second reel set data, and outcome data to the user device. The user device spins and stops the first reel set in accordance with the determined outcome. When the user wagers that same wager amount on another play of that game, the user device displays that play of that game using the second reel set, and the server determines a third reel set for the next play of that game on which the user wagers that same wager amount and communicates third reel set data to the user device. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130079102 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A USER DEVICE THAT RECEIVES AND STORES A REEL SET FOR AN INITIAL GAME PLAY AND REEL SETS FOR SUBSEQUENT GAME PLAYS - A user playing a user device wagers a wager amount on a play of a game. A server determines a first reel set for the current play, an outcome for the current play, and a second reel set for the next play of that game on which the user wagers that same wager amount. The server communicates first reel set data, second reel set data, and outcome data to the user device. The user device spins and stops the first reel set in accordance with the determined outcome. When the user wagers that same wager amount on another play of that game, the user device displays that play of that game using the second reel set, and the server determines a third reel set for the next play of that game on which the user wagers that same wager amount and communicates third reel set data to the user device. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130079103 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A SERVER THAT DETERMINES REEL SETS FOR SUBSEQUENT GAME PLAYS - System and method providing reel sets for subsequent plays. A user playing a user device wagers a wager amount on a play of a game. The user device displays a base reel set spinning. A server determines an outcome for the current play and a second reel set for the next play of that game on which the user wagers that same wager amount. The server communicates second reel set data and outcome data to the user device. The reels are stopped in accordance with the determined outcome. When the user wagers that same wager amount on another play of that game, the user device displays the second play of that game using the second reel set, the server determines a third reel set for the next play of that game on which the user wagers that same wager amount, and communicates third reel set data to the user device. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130079104 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROVIDING AN ELECTRONIC GAME WITH VARYING VOLATILITY - A gaming machine and method provide electronic games to a player. A controller is configured to set a volatility factor to a first volatility value, set a number of plays to a first random number of games, and establish a counter of a number of games played. The controller is also configured to display a first instance of the game on a display device, randomly select an outcome of the first instance of the game, display the outcome on the display device, and award an award to the player as a function of the outcome of the first instance of the game and the volatility factor if the outcome of the first instance of the game is a winning outcome. The controller counts the number of games played and, if a predetermined number of games have been played, sets the volatility factor to another volatility value. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130079105 | GAMING MACHINE WITH RUNS OF SYMBOLS - A gaming machine comprising a processor configured to execute a game displaying a matrix of symbol containing elements having a plurality of rows and a plurality columns; at least one column of said matrix comprising a portion of a simulated rotatable reel of a plurality of said symbol containing elements; said simulated rotatable reel comprising sections of symbol containing elements displaying a plurality of symbols; said simulated rotatable reel including at least one section in which a consecutive run of two or more of said symbol containing elements is populated by a first identical symbol so that, said first identical symbol being used for a first play of said game, a second identical symbol being randomly selected, the first identical symbol being replaced by the second identical symbol in said consecutive run of two or more of said symbol containing elements, said second identical symbol being used for a second play of said game. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130084937 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR PLAYING WAGERING GAMES WITH RANDOMLY SELECTED MATHEMATICAL OPERATION APPLIED TO GAME FACTORS - A gaming system for playing a wagering game includes a controller configured to randomly generate an outcome of the wagering game and activate, for a winning outcome, a game feature responsive to an occurrence of a predetermined symbol along an activated payline. The controller randomly determines and displays a first operand and a second operand in an award modifier calculation and randomly determines and displays a mathematical operator to apply to the first and second operands. The controller applies the randomly determined mathematical operator to the first operand and the second operand to yield a modifier, modifies an award associated with the winning outcome using the modifier to yield a modified award, and awards the modified award. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130084938 | STATE-BASED POWER-UPS - Disclosed herein are techniques and equipment for providing state-based power-ups to a wagering game player. The state-based power-ups may be reused by the player until a game outcome condition is not met. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130084939 | STATE-BASED POWER-UPS - Disclosed herein are techniques and equipment for providing state-based power-ups to a wagering game player. The state-based power-ups may be reused by the player until a game outcome condition is not met. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130084940 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROVIDING AN ELECTRONIC GAME WITH A SCALING FACTOR - A gaming machine and method are provided which allow a player to play a gaming machine. The gaming machine and method allow a player to make a wager, display a first game on a display device, generate an outcome associated with the first game, and award the player an award for the first game based at least in part on the generated first game outcome. In addition, the gaming machine determines if a triggering condition occurred, displays a second game if the triggering condition has occurred, and calculates a current trigger cycle of the generated second game. The current trigger cycle is equal to a number of first games played after an occurrence of a previous second game triggering condition. The player is provided an award for the second game based at least in part on the second game current trigger cycle. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130084941 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A COMMUNITY SELECTION GAME PROVIDING BONUS GAME SELECTION - Gaming systems and methods providing a community selection game providing bonus game selection. In one embodiment, for each gaming device in the gaming system, when a triggering event occurs, the gaming system provides a player of that gaming device with a player identifier that uniquely identifies that player. The community selection game includes a plurality of bonus game identifiers each identifying a bonus game. The bonus game identifiers each include a limited quantity of bonus game player identifier display areas. The gaming system enables the players to place earned or received player identifiers at the bonus game player identifier display areas. When each bonus game player identifier display area of one of the displayed bonus game identifiers displays a player identifier, the players associated with those player identifiers are provided with one or more plays of the bonus game identified by that bonus game identifier. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130084942 | GAMING MACHINE HAVING SYMBOLS WITH A DYNAMICALLY ALTERED EXTRUDED APPEARANCE - Disclosed are gaming machines and methods that allow a player to recognize the relative importance of one or more symbols above, below or visible on the machine display. In one embodiment, the relative importance of each symbol changes during game play and the appearance of one or more symbols changes dynamically as its importance changes. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130084943 | GAMING MACHINE WITH RUNS OF SYMBOLS - A gaming machine comprising a processor configured to execute a game displaying a matrix of symbol containing elements having a plurality of rows and a plurality columns; at least one column of said matrix comprising a portion of a simulated rotatable reel of a plurality of said symbol containing elements; said simulated rotatable reel comprising sections of symbol containing elements displaying a plurality of symbols; said simulated rotatable reel including at least one section in which a consecutive run of two or more of said symbol containing elements is populated by a first identical symbol so that, said first identical symbol being used for a first play of said game, a second identical symbol being randomly selected, the first identical symbol being replaced by the second identical symbol in said consecutive run of two or more of said symbol containing elements, said second identical symbol being used for a second play of said game. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130084944 | GAMING MACHINE WITH RUNS OF SYMBOLS - A gaming machine comprising a processor configured to execute a game displaying a matrix of symbol containing elements having a plurality of rows and a plurality columns; at least one column of said matrix comprising a portion of a simulated rotatable reel of a plurality of said symbol containing elements; said simulated rotatable reel comprising sections of symbol containing elements displaying a plurality of symbols; said simulated rotatable reel including at least one section in which a consecutive run of two or more of said symbol containing elements is populated by a first identical symbol so that, said first identical symbol being used for a first play of said game, a second identical symbol being randomly selected, the first identical symbol being replaced by the second identical symbol in said consecutive run of two or more of said symbol containing elements, said second identical symbol being used for a second play of said game. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130084945 | GAMING MACHINE WITH RUNS OF SYMBOLS - A gaming machine comprising a processor configured to execute a game displaying a matrix of symbol containing elements having a plurality of rows and a plurality columns; at least one column of said matrix comprising a portion of a simulated rotatable reel of a plurality of said symbol containing elements; said simulated rotatable reel comprising sections of symbol containing elements displaying a plurality of symbols; said simulated rotatable reel including at least one section in which a consecutive run of two or more of said symbol containing elements is populated by a first identical symbol so that, said first identical symbol being used for a first play of said game, a second identical symbol being randomly selected, the first identical symbol being replaced by the second identical symbol in said consecutive run of two or more of said symbol containing elements, said second identical symbol being used for a second play of said game. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130090154 | GAMING MACHINE WITH BUY FEATURE GAMES - A gaming machine including a display. The display includes a plurality of display positions for displaying combinations of symbols. A controller controls operation of the machine. The controller includes a processor for processing data and displaying selected data on the display. A selector is operable by the player of the machine for enabling the player to select at least one feature which can be added to a base game played on the machine. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130095905 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR PLAYING WAGERING GAMES WITH MOVABLE SYMBOL ARRAYS - Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting wagering games, and computer programs for executing wagering games are presented herein. A gaming system for conducting a wagering game is disclosed which includes a display device, a processor, and a memory device. The memory device stores instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to operate with the display device to: determine an outcome of the wagering game, the wagering-game outcome being randomly determined from a plurality of wagering-game outcomes; display, in an array located at a first position on the display device, a plurality of symbols indicative of the wagering-game outcome; determine a value associated with the wagering-game outcome; move the array from the first position to a second position on the display device; and modify the value of the wagering-game outcome based upon one or more modifiers achieved due to movement of the array to the second position. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130095906 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING MULTIPLE SYMBOLS AT A SINGLE SYMBOL POSITION - A gaming device including a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols including at least one replicator symbol. The replicator symbol includes at least two of the same symbols in a single symbol position on the reels. The replicator symbol may include any suitable number of the same symbols. The replicator symbol thereby increases the likelihood that a player will obtain a winning symbol combination on the reels and also an award in a game. In one embodiment, a winning symbol combination includes at least one replicator symbol and at least one other symbol at a plurality of symbol positions on a payline associated with the reels. In another embodiment, the winning symbol combination at least one replicator symbol and at least one other symbol at a plurality of symbol position in at least one symbol position on a plurality of paylines associated with the reels. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130095907 | Gaming System with Play Enhancement Icons - A gaming system comprises a wager input device for receiving a wager and a display for displaying a wagering game having a plurality of reels comprised of a plurality of symbols. A controller operates to (i) detect receipt of the wager; (ii) activate a play of the wagering game by spinning the reels on the display; (iii) display at least one play enhancement icon on the display; (iv) cause the spinning reels to stop and the display to display a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game; and (v) enhance the randomly selected outcome of the wagering game in response to the at least one play enhancement icon on the display at any time including at least one of before spinning the reels on the display, during spinning the reels on the display, and after spinning the reels on the display. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130102375 | WAGERING GAME WITH EXPANDING REELS - A method for conducting a wagering game includes receiving a wager to play the wagering game. A base array of symbol positions arranged in a plurality of columns is displayed. A plurality of symbols is randomly distributed such that each of the symbol positions in the base array is associated with one or more of the symbols. An extent by which the base array of symbol positions is to be expanded is indicated by the symbols. The base array of symbol positions is expanded into an expanded array of symbol positions including at least one additional symbol position. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130102376 | GAMING MACHINE REEL HAVING A ROTATABLE DYNAMIC DISPLAY - A gaming machine reel having a motor capable of rotating the reel operatively coupled to a controller to control a reel rotation speed, a support mechanism coupled to the motor having an outer circumferential region, a rotatable display mounted on the outer circumferential region operable to rotate about an axis of the reel. The rotatable display may be used to display game play indicia utilized in a wager-based game of chance. A game controller coupled to the rotatable display may be configured to determine a portion of the rotatable display that is visible through a viewing window on the gaming machine at a particular, determine pixel locations associated with the visible portions and map visual content to the visible portions as a function of time while the rotatable display is rotating. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130109458 | GAMING MACHINE WITH HORIZONTAL SCROLLING AND MATCHING | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130109459 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING AN OUTCOME OF A SECONDARY GAME BASED ON ONE OR MORE EVENTS WHICH OCCUR IN ASSOCIATION WITH A PRIMARY GAME | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130109460 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130109461 | GAMING MACHINE | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130116034 | GAMING DEVICE WITH SPECIAL SYMBOL - A gaming machine that provides a game in which an array of symbol positions are populated with game symbols from a set of game symbols, the set of game symbols including ordinary game symbols and at least one special symbol, the gaming machine being adapted to award an award if a winning combination of game symbols is displayed, the gaming machine including a user interface in communication with a game controller, wherein the game controller is adapted to enhance the characteristics of at least one of the ordinary game symbols to create at least one enhanced symbol based upon the relative location of the ordinary game symbol to a special symbol. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130122986 | WAGER MARKET CREATION AND MANAGEMENT - Methods and systems are provided herewith for creating and managing wagers on possible states within a live event, such as possible outcomes of subparts of a sporting event or other possible occurrences within the event. An initial state and multiple possible future states of a performance parameter of the event is determined based on state information of the event. A betting market may be created by determining probabilities and odds for the possible future states. The betting market is closed after bets are received and before an end of an initial state of the performance parameter. A payout may be made to a winner who selected the correct outcome of the performance parameter. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130122987 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SLOT MACHINE GAME ASSOCIATED WITH FINANCIAL MARKET INDICATORS - System and methods related to wagering, such as slot machines and/or other electronic games. Some wagering may relate to market indicators, market lines, and/or stop commands. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130122988 | WAGERING GAME HAVING A CONTINUOUS REEL STRIP POPULATING MORE THAN ONE EVALUATION WINDOW - A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes at least one input device, at least one display device, and at least one processor. The gaming system further includes at least one memory device that stores a plurality of instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to operate with the at least one display device and the at least one input device to display a wagering game having an array of symbol positions, the array of symbol positions being populated by a plurality of symbols for indicating a randomly selected outcome, the array of symbol positions forming a plurality of groups of symbol positions, wherein a single reel populates more than one non-adjacent groups of symbol positions. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130122989 | MULTIPLE-GAME GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine includes a gaming console. A display is mounted in the gaming console for displaying a wagering game and its result. A controller controls operation of the game, the controller displaying the result of a first game on the display, making payment of a prize if the first game has a prize winning result and, thereafter, irrespective of the result of the first game, varying a result displayed on the display without requiring any additional wager by a player whether before or after completion of the first game. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130122990 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD HAVING WAGER ALLOCATION - A gaming system which displays a plurality of reels. Each reel is associated with a display area which displays a symbol. A wager is allocated to each one of the display areas. An award is determined based, at least in part, on such allocation. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130122991 | COMMUNITY AWARD DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM - Disclosed are community award distribution systems and related methods, which are arranged to control an award made to a use playing the systems. Also disclosed, the community award systems are arranged to communicate over the Internet and/or make use of the World Wide Web. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130122992 | METHOD FOR ENHANCING WINNING OUTCOMES IN A REEL SPINNING GAME - A method for enhancing the outcome of a reel spinning game having one or more shared award-modifier reels is disclosed. The method includes: providing a game including a first set of reels, a second set of reels, and a shared base award-multiplier reel positioned adjacent to a first and second set of reels, and the shared base award-multiplier reel enhances any winning outcomes in the first and/or second set of reels; determining whether the game outcome of one set of reels is a winning outcome; and enhancing the winning outcome of at least one set of reels when an award-multiplier symbol is present on the shared base award-multiplier reel, initiating a secondary game when a secondary game trigger symbol is presented on the shared base award- multiplier reel, or combinations thereof. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130130768 | GAME METHOD USING COMMUNITY REELS - The claimed embodiments contemplate methods, systems and apparatuses directed to gaming machines that include a community spin mechanism that, when activated, causes reel displays, at two or more player stations, to spin. Certain embodiments provide for one or more community reels that are utilized to determine an outcome of a community gaming session. The community reels are “community” in that they are formed by combining reels of individual play stations in order to increase the odds, and payouts, of potential wins via various line combinations of the combined set of reels, once they stop spinning. Re-stated, by way of non-limiting example, each play station has its own set of reels and when community play is started, one or more community reels are spun along with each players set of reels. Any potential winning combinations are then based on resulting combinations of the individual play station reels in combination with the community reels. In one embodiment, one or more dedicated reels are specifically reserved as community reels that may be used in various combinations with a player's reels and other player reels to determine potential awards. The addition of community play, via community reels, advantageously adds to the excitement and enjoyment. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130130769 | METHOD FOR PLAYING A VIDEO GAMING MACHINE - A method for playing video gambling games whereby pay tables vary from play to play, or; alternatively; whereby a plurality of pay tables are possible within a game. For example, in a video poker game a player wagers against a first pay table. If a winner occurs; the next game offers a new pay table with a greater expected value. This process continues until the player loses, whereupon the player is returned to play against the first pay table. Pay tables increment and decrement in expected value based on achieving predetermined events within the current game, within a previous game or games or randomly. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130130770 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING A GRADUATED MULTIPLIER PAYOUT IN A SECONDARY GAME - An apparatus and method for a secondary game of a wagering gaming system, and particularly the increase of an award in the secondary game by the value of different multipliers associated with different amounts wagered in a primary game. A secondary game provides a total award to a player based on the multiplier associated with the wagered amount in the primary game by applying the multiplier to the amount of the award earned by the player in the secondary game. A particular wagerable amount may be associated with a multiplier that is predetermined, or randomly selected from a group of predefined multipliers, or selected from a group based on a probability. The range of possible combinations of wagerable amounts and multipliers are displayed to the player in the base game to provide an incentive to maximize the wager. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130130771 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF GAMING - A method of gaming comprising: (a) displaying a plurality of first symbols; (b) displaying a plurality of second symbols; (c) matching at least one of the first symbols to at least one of the second symbols; (d) removing each first symbol which is matched with the second symbols; and (e) replacing each removed first symbol with an additional first symbol to thereby display a modified plurality of first symbols. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130130772 | GAMING MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - To provide a gaming machine and a control method therefor, having a new entertainment characteristics, a slot machine | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130130773 | GAMING MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - To provide a gaming machine and a control method therefor, having a new entertainment characteristics, a slot machine | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130130774 | REALISTIC VIDEO REELS - Described herein is a gaming machine configured to output video data that simulates mechanical reels in a traditional mechanical slot machine. Embodiments detailed herein contribute to the emulation and perception of a mechanical machine by providing video data adaptations that each simulate a realistic visual attribute of a mechanical reel gaming machine. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130137500 | GAME SYSTEM INCLUDING COMMUNITY REELS - A networked gaming system directed to gaming machines that include a community spin mechanism that, when activated, causes reel displays, at two or more gaming machines, to spin. One or more community reels are utilized to determine an outcome of a community gaming session. The community reels are “community” in that they are formed by combining reels of individual gaming machines in order to increase the odds, and payouts, of potential wins via various line combinations of the combined set of reels, once they stop spinning. Each gaming machine has its own set of reels and when community play is started, one or more community reels are spun along with each player's set of reels. Any potential winning combinations are then based on resulting combinations of the individual gaming machine reels in combination with the community reels. Community play, via community reels, advantageously adds to the excitement and enjoyment. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130137501 | TURBO CARD TABLE GAME WITH RFID CARD IDENTIFIER - An improved table game system includes a first shuffling machine for randomly selecting a first card from among a first defined set of cards. The system also includes a second shuffling machine for randomly selecting a second card from among a second defined set of cards. A first card reader is associated with the first shuffling machine for communicating with the selected card to obtain relevant information thereabout. A second card reader is associated with the second shuffling machine for communicating with the selected card to obtain information thereabout. The system includes a first display in communication with the first card reader to display the obtained information about the first card. The system also includes a second display in communication with the second card reader to display the obtained information about the second card. A computer is in communication with the first card reader to process the obtained information and communicate it to the first display. The computer is also in communication with the second card reader to process the obtained information and communicate it to the second display. The computer also resolves any wagers associated with the outcome of the first game and the second game. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130137502 | PROGRESSIVE JACKPOT INCREMENTING SYSTEM - A gaming system and a method of operating a bonus prize awarding system, the system comprising a plurality of electronic gaming console having a console cabinet | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130137503 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD HAVING CONFIGURABLE BONUS GAME TRIGGERING OUTCOMES - A gaming system and method which provides for one or more gaming device triggered bonus games to be skipped or otherwise not provided to the players at the gaming devices which triggered such bonus games. The average expected payouts of skipped gaming device triggered bonus games are contributed to a bonus accumulation pool or fund. The accumulation pool is subsequently utilized to provide one or more gaming system triggered bonuses to one or more players at one or more of the gaming devices in the gaming system. A player's accumulated triggering symbols determine, at least in part, the player's probability of winning part of the bonus accumulation pool and/or the player's portion of the bonus accumulation pool. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130137504 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING TRANSFORMABLE WILD SYMBOLS OR CARDS WITH WILD SIGNAL INDICATORS - A gaming device having a transformable wild symbol or card on a set of reels or a transformable wild card in a set of cards, wherein the transformable wild symbol or card provides a signal to a player through a wild indicator or a non-wad indicator. The wild indicator indicates that the transformable wild symbol or card is in a wild state. The non-wild indicator indicates that the transformable wild symbol or card is in a non-wild state. In a wild state, the transformable wild symbol or card acts as a wild symbol or card on a set of reels, or a wild card. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130137505 | FACILITATING A PAYOUT AT A GAMING DEVICE USING AUDIOVISUAL CONTENT - A gaming device is adapted to present audiovisual content to players of the game. While the audiovisual content is playing, the player may initiate a game start. A snap shot of the audiovisual content playing at the time of the game start is taken. Reels of the gaming device spin and provide indicia on a payline. The indicia on the payline are compared to characters and elements within the snap shot of the audiovisual content. If there is a match for outcome significant indicia, the player receives a benefit. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130143635 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD PROVIDING A GAME INCLUDING A CASCADING SYMBOLS FEATURE CAUSING ONE OR MORE REPOSITIONED SYMBOLS TO BE WILD SYMBOLS - The present disclosure provides a gaming system, device, and method providing a cascading symbols feature. For a play of a game, the system generates and displays one of a plurality of symbols at each of a plurality of symbol display areas, and determines any awards associated with the displayed symbols. If a triggering event occurs, the system determines a set of the displayed symbols. For each displayed symbol of the determined set, the system removes that displayed symbol, resulting in an empty symbol display area. For each empty symbol display area, the system repositions one of the other displayed symbols, which creates a second empty symbol display area, and causes at least one of any repositioned symbols to be a wild symbol. The system generates and displays one of the symbols at each of any second empty symbol display areas, and determines any additional awards associated with the displayed symbols. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130143636 | METHOD OF GAMING AND A GAMING SYSTEM - A method of gaming comprising: selecting a plurality of groups of at least two symbols for a play line played by a player; displaying the selected groups at respective ones of a plurality of display positions on the play line; linking groups of symbols based on at least one symbol linking rule; and awarding a prize to the player if sufficient of the groups of symbols on the play line have been linked. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130143637 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAME CONTROLLER AND A GAMING SYSTEM - A method of gaming comprising: generating a game outcome by selecting symbols for a plurality of symbol positions arranged in a plurality of columns, at least some of the selected symbols being displayed to a player; generating a win entitlement by selecting a symbol pattern to be evaluated in respect of the game outcome, the symbol pattern consisting of a subset of displayed symbol positions; and evaluating the win entitlement by determining the extent to which the subset of displayed symbol positions corresponds to one or more designated winning symbols. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130143638 | GAME MACHINE, METHOD OF CONTROLLING COMPUTER, AND STORAGE MEDIUM - A game machine uses a lottery region having cell columns and symbol columns for providing a game opportunity, causes a special symbol column to appear in it, determines by lottery symbols of the special symbol column, causes the special symbol column containing the symbols obtained by a lottery result to appear and moves and stops the special symbol column so that the symbols of the special symbol column are arranged on the cells to be changed, and determines whether the symbols arranged in a cell group of a determination target form a prize winning pattern based on the symbols arranged by the special symbol column. Further, the game machine moves the special symbol column along each cell so that at least a direction crossing a movement direction of each symbol column is included as a movement direction of the special symbol column. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130143639 | GAME MACHINE, METHOD OF CONTROLLING COMPUTER, AND STORAGE MEDIUM - A game machine uses a lottery region containing the cells, provides a game opportunity that changes symbols on the cells by causing the symbols of a symbol group to appear on the portion of the cells, determines by lottery, at least a portion of the symbols which should constitute the symbol group, causes at least the portion of the symbols constituting the symbol group to appear in the lottery region based on a lottery result so as to change at least the portion of the symbols arranged on the cells by moving the symbol group including the symbol determined by the lottery result on a movement path containing two directions and stopping the symbol group so that at least the portion of the symbols of the symbol group is arranged on the cells, and determines a prize winning based on the symbols arranged on the cells by the symbol group. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130143641 | Wagering Game With Multiple Reels Forming Multiple Symbol Arrays - A gaming system for playing a wagering game comprises at least one display adapted to display a plurality of reels having symbols. The symbols indicate a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. The plurality of reels includes at least one single-symbol reel and at least one multi-symbol reel. The at least one display is adapted to display at least one payline overlapping at least one symbol from the at least one single-symbol reel and at least one symbol from the at least one multi-symbol reel. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130150142 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD PROVIDING ONE OR MORE WILD REEL WAGER OPTIONS - The present disclosure provides a gaming system, device, and method providing wild reel wager options for a spinning reel type wagering game. The wagering game includes: a plurality of reels; a plurality of symbols; and one or more wild reel wager options, each of which is associated with one of a plurality of wild reel wager amounts. If a player wagers one of the wild reel wager amounts on a play of the wagering game, the gaming system determines, based on the wild reel wager option associated with that wild reel wager amount, a set of one or more of the reels to be wild reels, and causes each of the determined set of the reels to be wild reels for that play. The gaming system causes each of the reels to spin and display one or more of the symbols, and provides any awards based on the displayed symbols. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130150143 | EMBEDDED REEL GAMES WITH PROGRESSIVES - A method and game machine are disclosed for operating a game with a primary and embedded game. An embedded game is disclosed as a bonus game with one embodiment animating miniature reels inside the primary game symbol. Each embedded slot game may have its own progressive, or may be tied into the progressive associated with the primary game. Each embedded slot game will have its own paytable, and may be a miniature version of a well-recognized full-sized slot machine game. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130150144 | METHOD, APPARATUS, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR CONDUCTING A GAME USING BOTH UNISYMBOL AND MULTISYMBOL REEL EFFECTS - A novel game is provided that transforms at least a part of the graphic symbol matrix shown on a video-based reel-type gaming machine to change the game operation from multi-symbol reels to single-symbol reels. Methods, apparatus and program products for implementing the game are provided. A preferred game operates in a first display matrix state displaying a symbol matrix. The symbol matrix provides a game play result by displaying two or more reel representations that combine to form the symbol matrix. In response to a trigger event in game play, the game switches to a second display matrix state where it is modified to show single-symbol reel representations with separating elements between at least one pair of adjacent symbols of a respective reel representation. Multiple sets of data structures are provided for operation in each display state. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130150145 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BONUS ROUND PLAY - Methods and apparatus are provided for enabling a player to take a tour of a secondary game at a game machine. In one embodiment, a method is provided that includes offering to enable entry of a player into a bonus round of a game machine in exchange for a fee, receiving the fee from the player, and enabling entry of the player into the bonus round. The method further includes receiving an indication of at least one player selection during the bonus round, and determining an outcome based on the at least one player selection. In other embodiments, the method includes providing a prize to the player based on the outcome. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130150146 | GAMING METHOD HAVING DYNAMICALLY CHANGING IMAGE REEL SYMBOLS - A method for dynamically changing the graphical content on mechanical slot machine reels is disclosed herein. The system includes mechanical slot reels, display panels, and data transmission techniques which provide for dynamically updating or changing the graphics on the spinning mechanical reels in a slot machine. In one method for dynamically changing graphical reel content, new image content is placed on the reels at any time, even while the reels are spinning. The method may even be used to give the appearance of rotation to a stationary reel. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130157741 | SYMBOL COLLECTION DURING REEL SPIN - A method for conducting a wagering game via a gaming terminal includes receiving, via an input device, a wager to play the wagering game. An array of symbol positions arranged in a plurality of columns is displayed, on one or more display devices. At least a portion of a plurality of symbols is visually moved with respect to the array of symbol positions on the one or more display devices. One or more of the plurality of the symbols are special symbols. In response to one or more of the special symbols being visually moved on the one or more display devices, the visually moved special symbols are caused to be visually collected in a symbol collection area adjacent to the array of symbol positions on the one or more display devices. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130157742 | WAGERING GAMES WITH REEL ARRAY INTERACTING WITH SIMULATED OBJECTS MOVING RELATIVE TO THE REEL ARRAY - Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting a wagering game, and computer programs for executing a wagering game are presented herein. A gaming system for conducting a wagering game is disclosed which includes a memory device that stores instructions which, when executed by a processor, causes the gaming system to: display a symbol array at a first position of a three-dimensional (3D) space; display a 3D object at a second position of the 3D space, the 3D object having two or more surfaces each lying in a respective plane of the 3D space and each having a respective symbol modifier; display the 3D object and/or symbol array moving towards each other; display, in the symbol array, symbols indicative of a wagering-game outcome; and, in response to the 3D object engaging the array, modify each of the symbol-array symbols by the symbol modifier of the 3D object which engages that symbol. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130157743 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROVIDING AN ELECTRONIC GAME - A gaming system and a method provide primary and secondary games to players using a plurality of linked gaming machines. Each gaming machine includes a display. For each gaming machine, an associated player is allowed to make a wager on a primary game, an outcome of the primary game is randomly selected, and if the outcome of the primary game is a winning outcome, awarding the associated player a primary award as a function of the outcome, the wager made by the player, and a predetermined paytable. If a triggering conditioning occurred in one of the primary games and a secondary game is initiated. The secondary game is a video slot game including a plurality of video reels. Each video reel is displayed on a respective display of one of the gaming machines. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130165199 | SCREEN CAPTURE TO A MOBILE DEVICE - A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled mobile devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers, is described. The gaming system can be configured to convert a presentation of an outcome of a wager-based game played on an electronic gaming machine (EGM) into a social media presentation that can be uploaded to a social media site. In one embodiment, a copy of an image showing the outcome of the wager-based that is output on an EGM can be incorporated into the social media presentation. Then, the social media presentation can be uploaded from the EGM to a player's mobile device or directly to a social media site. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130165200 | GAMING DEVICE WITH PATTERN DISPLAY - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to gaming devices having a pattern display associated with game play on the gaming device, and methods of operating the gaming device to generate, modify, and interact with a pattern on the pattern display. In one instance, a method of operating a gaming device includes determining a pattern-modifying game outcome in response to a received player input, modifying a displayed pattern, and awarding a prize when the modified pattern satisfies a predetermined prize threshold. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130165201 | PARADISE BOX GAMING SYSTEM - A gaming system, comprising: a main cabinet comprising a mechanism for playing a game other than a slot machine game, and a mechanism for playing a slot machine game; at least a first portion of a screen for displaying the game other than the slot machine game; and at least a second portion of a screen for displaying the slot machine game; wherein the mechanism for playing the slot machine game is adapted to receive second bets from a first user while the first user awaits results of first bets placed on the mechanism for playing the game other than the slot machine game during the countdown time of said game other than the slot machine game; and wherein the results of the first bets are presented independently from the results of the second bets. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130165202 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PLAYING A GAME WITH MULTIDIMENSIONAL GAME CARDS - A game and gaming machine providing a plurality of two-dimensional arrays each having a plurality of positions. The plurality of two dimensional arrays being electronically presented on an at least one display. During play of the game, the positions are randomly populated with elements and the arrays are manipulated into an overlapping multi-dimensional configuration where the positions form linear groupings. The random selection of elements form predetermined winning and non-winning configurations relative their arrangement at specific game positions on a single array and across a plurality of arrays of the overlapping multi-dimensional configuration. The groupings evaluated for predetermined winning configurations. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130165203 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PLAYING A GAME WITH MULTIPLE FIELDS WITH SCATTER REPLACEMENT FEATURE - A game and gaming machine providing a plurality of arrays on an electronic display with each array having a plurality of game positions. During play of the game, the game positions can be randomly populated with game elements selected from a superset of elements. At least one element can be designated as a “scatter” element. Where a particular game position on one array is populated with a predetermined scatter element, a game element initially displayed in a congruent position on another array can be replaced with the scatter element. The random selection of elements and scatter replacement process can form a configuration of game elements on the individual arrays and across the arrays which can be evaluated for predetermined winning and non-winning outcomes. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130165204 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PLAYING A GAME WITH MULTIDIMENSIONAL CARDS AND SCATTER REPLACEMENT FEATURE - A game and gaming machine providing a plurality of arrays on an electronic display with each array having a plurality of game positions. During play of the game, the game positions can be randomly populated with game elements selected from a superset of elements. At least one element can be designated as a “scatter” element. Where a particular game position on one array is populated with a predetermined scatter element, a game element initially displayed in a congruent position on another array can be replaced with the scatter element. The arrays being manipulated into an overlapping configuration having more than two dimensions with the game positions forming linear groupings across the arrays. The game providing for evaluating the overlapping configuration of game elements for predetermined winning and non-winning outcomes. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130165205 | INTEGRATING THREE-DIMENSIONAL AND TWO-DIMENSIONAL GAMING ELEMENTS - A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations include detecting a request to present a wagering game object via a display device capable of stereoscopic, three-dimensional visual effects. In some embodiments, the wagering game object is one of a plurality of wagering game objects. In some embodiments, the operations further include determining a virtual three-dimensional depth value based on one a degree of significance assigned to the wagering game object. The operations can further include presenting the wagering game object via the display device with a degree of three-dimensional stereoscopic depth effect that corresponds to the virtual three-dimensional depth value. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130165206 | NEWS TICKER AS GAME DISPLAY MECHANISM - Systems and methods provide a game of chance based using information stream items such as items in a news ticker. Information stream items are received for display in a series of information stream items such as a news ticker. Game symbols are assigned to the information stream items based on the output of a random number generator. In response to determining that the game symbols assigned to the series of information stream items form a winning combination of game symbols, an account may be credited with cash or points. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130172069 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - Certain example embodiments relate to a gaming system which includes a symbol selector which is arranged to select a plurality of symbols from an available set of symbols. The set of symbols may include one or more predetermined symbols. The predetermined symbols form a predetermined symbol arrangement, such as a pattern or word. When a predetermined symbol is selected it is placed in a symbol store. When the predetermined symbol arrangement is completed, by selection of all of the predetermined symbols, then a prize may be won. | 07-04-2013 |
| 20130178271 | DYNAMICALLY OVERLAYING WAGERING GAME CONTENT - A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include presenting primary wagering game content, during a wagering game session, in an area of a display assigned to a primary wagering game application. The operations can further include detecting player input that indicates activation of a secondary wagering game application during the wagering game session and superimposing a portion of the secondary wagering game content over the primary wagering game content in the first area of the display in response to the player input. The operations can further include generating an outcome value for a playing turn of the secondary wagering game application in response to the player input, and presenting the outcome value for the secondary wagering game application via the portion of the secondary wagering game content. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130178272 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system comprising: a display; a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display in a display area on the display; a plural special symbol determiner arranged to determine whether a plural special symbol representing a number (N) of special symbols is to be activated; a symbol modifier arranged to operate in response to a determination that a plural special symbol is to be activated so as to modify display of at least one symbol selected by the symbol selector so that the symbols displayed in the display area after modification include N singular special symbols; and an outcome generator arranged to determine a game outcome based on the displayed symbols as modified by the symbol modifier. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130178273 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD PROVIDING A FIRST GAME AND A PLURALITY SECOND WAGERING GAMES EACH ASSOCIATED WITH A SEPARATE ACTIVATABLE COMPONENT OF THE FIRST GAME - A gaming system having a first skill, partial skill, or pseudo skill based game having a plurality of individually activatable designated components and a plurality of second chance based games each respectively associated with a different one of the individually activatable components of the skill based game. When each designated component of the first game is activated through one or player inputs, a corresponding chance based game associated with that designated component is activated. Each chance based game randomly determines whether the player wins an award. In one embodiment, the likelihood of activating each designated component is different and the chance based game associated with each different designated component is different. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130178274 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING CHANGED OR GENERATE PLAYER STIMULI - A gaming system which maintains a count of the consecutive plays of a game. The system produces a same player stimuli for a designated quantity of the consecutive plays, and the system produces a different player stimuli for one or more of the plays which occur after the designated quantity is reached. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130184045 | Display of symbol accumulation in reel-type games - Machines, servers and reel-type games are disclosed which provide a player with a visible indication of progress being made towards award of a stacked or expanding symbol on a reel, thereby heightening anticipation and increasing excitement of the game. A trigger condition for appearance of the stacked or expanding symbol can be achieved (i.e. accumulated or collected) over multiple turns or spins of the game. Progress towards meeting the trigger condition is displayed to the player directly on the display of the game. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130184046 | Nudge Features in Reel-Type Games - Methods, machines, and systems for additional movement of one or more symbols of a reel-type game after the reels are spun for a turn of the reel-type game, but before a next turn of the game, are described. The symbol(s) moved after the reels are spun may comprise a scatter symbol or a symbol other than a scatter symbol. A tip of an off-reel-display symbol positioned outside of a reel-display area may be visible within the reel-display area to notify a player of the reel-type game that additional movement of the off-reel-display symbol is imminent. The off-reel-display symbol may be moved, onto a symbol that is being displayed within the reel-display area, after payment of any award(s) earned for certain combinations of symbols occurring on paylines with the reel-display area and/or after payment of any awards earned for a prescribed number of scatter symbols being displayed within the reel-display area. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130184047 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING WILD SYMBOL GENERATION WITHIN A PLAY MATRIX - Embodiments of the present invention relate to a slot machine having a variety of methods of play to enable wild symbols to be created in the play matrix. In one embodiment, a game comprises: a plurality of reels, each of the reels including a plurality of symbol positions; a first plurality of symbols at the plurality of symbol positions on the reel, the first plurality of symbols comprising at least one designated symbol, the designated symbol having both a normal and a wild form thereof within the first plurality of symbols; a second plurality of symbols replacing a subset of the first plurality of symbols, the second plurality of symbols comprising a plurality of wild forms of the designated symbol; at least one predetermined winning symbol combination of a plurality of winning symbol combinations; and an award associated with the predetermined winning symbol combination. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130184048 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING POSITIONAL SYMBOL AWARDS - Embodiments of the present invention relate to a slot machine having awards for the occurrence of certain symbols in certain designated positions of the play matrix. In one embodiment, a game device comprises: a display device; an input device; and a processor for accessing a plurality of instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to operate with the display device and the input device to: provide a game comprising: a plurality of reels, each of the reels including a plurality of symbol positions, wherein at least one of the symbol positions comprises a capture position; a plurality of symbols at the plurality of symbol positions on the reels; at least one predetermined winning symbol combination of a plurality of winning symbol combinations; and an award associated with the predetermined winning symbol combination; wherein the winning symbol combination comprises a predetermined symbol from the plurality of symbols being positioned in the capture position. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130184049 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING POSITIONAL SYMBOL AWARDS - Embodiments of the present invention relate to a slot machine having awards for the occurrence of certain symbols in certain designated positions of the play matrix. In one embodiment, a game device comprises: a display device; an input device; and a processor for accessing a plurality of instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to operate with the display device and the input device to: provide a game comprising: a plurality of reels, each of the reels including a plurality of symbol positions, wherein at least one of the symbol positions comprises a capture position; a plurality of symbols at the plurality of symbol positions on the reels; at least one predetermined winning symbol combination of a plurality of winning symbol combinations; and an award associated with the predetermined winning symbol combination; wherein the winning symbol combination comprises a predetermined symbol from the plurality of symbols being positioned in the capture position. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130184050 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING OVERSIZED SYMBOLS IN THE PLAY MATRIX - Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a gaming device having oversized symbols in the play matrix. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a gaming apparatus having an improved game play comprising oversized symbols in the play matrix, and methods of administering, operating and playing the same in wagering and non-wagering applications. In one embodiment of the present invention, a game comprises a plurality of reels, each of the reels including a plurality of symbol positions; a plurality of symbols at the plurality of symbol positions on the reels, the plurality of symbols including an oversized symbol occupying at least a plurality of symbol positions; and predetermined winning symbol combination of a plurality of winning symbol combinations including the oversized symbol, wherein the predetermined winning symbol combination is associated with an award. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130184051 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING MULTIPLIER SYMBOLS - Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a slot machine having multipliers that randomly appear on selected symbols during play. In one embodiment, a game device comprises: a display device; an input device; and a processor for accessing a plurality of instructions which cause the processor to provide a game comprising: a plurality of reels, each of the reels including a plurality of symbol positions; a plurality of symbols at the plurality of symbol positions on the reels; a predetermined multiplier symbol, the multiplier symbol being randomly generated before every spin of the game; at least one predetermined winning symbol combination of a plurality of winning symbol combinations including the predetermined multiplier symbol; and an award associated with the predetermined winning symbol combination, the award being multiplied by the predetermined multiplier symbol. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130184052 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a plurality of reels, each reel comprising a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols, a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from each reel for display, a reel selector arranged to select at least one reel, a function allocator arranged to allocate a function to at least one selected reel such that each displayed symbol on said at least one selected reel acquires the function, and a game outcome generator arranged to determine a game outcome based on the displayed symbols and on the function allocated to said at least one selected reel. A corresponding method of gaming is also disclosed. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130184053 | Gaming System and a Method of Gaming - A method of gaming comprising: generating a game outcome by selecting a plurality of symbols, and displaying the selected symbols on a display at respective ones of a plurality of display positions arranged in a three-dimensional array; and determining whether the game outcome includes one or more winning outcomes. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130184054 | Gaming System and a Method of Gaming - A gaming method and system, the method comprising providing one or more reels in a spinning reel game, the reels being displayed as three dimensional and displayed as provided with game symbols along and around the reels, displaying spinning of the reels and thereby sequentially displaying at least some of the game symbols displayed as provided along the reels, displaying rotating of the reels and thereby sequentially displaying at least some of the game symbols displayed as provided around the reels, stopping the spinning and the rotating of each of the reels at a respective stop position, and determining a game outcome based on at least some of the game symbols displayed when each of the reels is in its respective stop position. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130184055 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING ONE OR MORE SHARED AWARD-MODIFIER REELS - A gaming machine is disclosed having indicia of a plurality of spinning reels in a first set of reels and indicia of a plurality of spinning reels in a second set of reels. A determination is made as to whether the outcomes of the indicia of the plurality of spinning reels in the first and second sets of reels are winning outcomes. Award-multiplier indicia of a first shared spinning base game award-multiplier reel is positioned between the first and second set of reels. The base game award-multiplier indicia modifies the winning outcome on the first set of reels, modifies the winning outcome on the second set of reels, includes a secondary game trigger symbol, forms a contiguous set of reels having a common axis of rotation with the first and second set of reels, or combinations thereof. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130184056 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING RE-AWARDING OF STORED AWARDS - A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a wager input device for receiving a wager to play a wagering game, at least one display for displaying the wagering game, and at least one controller. The controller is operative to display a first outcome of the wagering game and award a first award associated with the first outcome, store the first award in a stored awards group, cause the at least one display to display the stored awards group, and re-award one or more awards in the stored awards group upon the occurrence of a triggering event. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130190065 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A CASCADING SYMBOLS GAME WHICH REUSES DISCARDED SYMBOLS - In various embodiments, the gaming system disclosed herein includes a cascading symbol or tumbling reel game which retains, saves or stores zero, one or more of any symbols removed during the play of a primary cascading symbols game. In various embodiments, the gaming system disclosed herein includes a cascading symbol or tumbling reel game which sequentially layers a plurality of adjacent symbol display position grids at different depths. | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130190066 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A CASCADING SYMBOLS GAME WHICH REUSES DISCARDED SYMBOLS - In various embodiments, the gaming system disclosed herein includes a cascading symbol or tumbling reel game which retains, saves or stores zero, one or more of any symbols removed during the play of a primary cascading symbols game. In various embodiments, the gaming system disclosed herein includes a cascading symbol or tumbling reel game which sequentially layers a plurality of adjacent symbol display position grids at different depths. | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130190067 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A CASCADING SYMBOLS GAME WHICH BUILDS LAYERS OF MULTIPLE DIMENSION SYMBOLS - In various embodiments, the gaming system disclosed herein includes a cascading symbol or tumbling reel game which retains, saves or stores zero, one or more of any symbols removed during the play of a primary cascading symbols game. In various embodiments, the gaming system disclosed herein includes a cascading symbol or tumbling reel game which sequentially layers a plurality of adjacent symbol display position grids at different depths. | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130190068 | Gaming Machine Including Moving Wild Symbols - A gaming machine having standard and bonus game play features. During standard game play mode, the interface displays a matrix of symbols representing an arrangement of reels, and the computer calculates payouts based on the symbols, within the matrix. When a predetermined number of scatter symbols appear in the matrix of symbols in standard game play mode, bonus game play commences and at least some of the scatter symbols are transformed into wild symbols during bonus game play. Bonus game play mode includes multiple reel spins. The wild symbols presented during bonus game play mode occupy more than one location in the matrix of symbols and move during each reel spin to a random location in the matrix of symbols. The random location in the matrix of symbols excludes matrix locations previously occupied by a wild symbol during an immediately previous reel spin during bonus game play. | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130190069 | Gaming Machine With Multi Scatter Game - A gaming machine | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130190070 | GAMING MACHINE WITH WIN CHANGE SYMBOL - A gaming machine ( | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130196736 | PLAY FIELD REEL GLASS ENHANCEMENT - Techniques for providing a play field reel glass enhancement on a gaming machine with mechanical spinning reels. A plurality of mechanical spinning reels are configured to indicate a gaming outcome for a wager game played on the gaming machine by a player. A light board located in front of the plurality of mechanical spinning reels lights up individual or groups of the light emitting elements. A graphic element on a reel glass is placed in front of the light board, creating the play field reel glass enhancement that is backlit by the light board to indicate gaming information to a player. A touch screen may be communicatively coupled with the reel glass to receive game input from the player, thereby making the play field reel glass enhancement interactive. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130196737 | GAMING MACHINE CONDUCTING INDICATION EFFECT - A gaming machine executes a process of randomly determining symbols to be rearranged on a reel unit. The gaming machine executes a process of determining a combination formed by the symbols. The gaming machine executes a process of selecting from a plurality of choices an indication effect which is executed before the rearrangement of the symbols on the reel unit, based on the determined combination. The gaming machine executes a process of executing the selected indication effect by a notification device. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130196738 | GAMING MACHINE CONDUCTING INDICATION EFFECT - A gaming machine stores a plurality of notification patterns of the backlight unit displayable at least in the symbol rearrangement regions of the reel unit including the regions where the symbols are rearranged, a notification pattern being assigned to each of the notification patterns. The gaming machine randomly determines the symbols to be rearranged on the reel unit. The gaming machine determines a combination formed by the determined symbols. The gaming machine selects a notification pattern based on the determined combination. The gaming machine executes a selected notification pattern by the backlight unit, at a notification timing which is before the rearrangement of the symbols on the reel unit. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130196739 | GAMING MACHINE CONDUCTING INDICATION EFFECT - Based on the timings to start movement and rearrangement, a gaming machine stores notification sound patterns each associated with the type of notification sound output by a speaker which is capable of outputting notification sound with plural notification patterns and a notification timing. The gaming machine randomly determines the symbols to be rearranged on the reel unit. The gaming machine determines a combination formed by the determined symbols. Based on the determined combination, the gaming machine selects one of the notification sound patterns. The gaming machine outputs notification sound with the selected notification sound pattern. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130196740 | GAMING METHOD AND DEVICE INVOLVING PROGRESSIVE WAGERS - A method of gaming is disclosed wherein progressive award values may be increased in response to certain pre-established game outcomes, wager amounts or random events. The increased progressive award values may be based on a primary game or secondary game outcome. Another innovation is the resetting of progressive awards upon completion of a bonus event whether or not award actually won in said bonus event. Player tracking systems permit progressive award values to be linked to a particular player such that the progressive award values remain personal to the player. Re-setting increased progressive award values is also disclosed. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130203478 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A PERSISTENCE GAME WITH MULTIPLE SYMBOL EVALUATIONS - In one embodiment, the gaming system and method disclosed herein employs a symbol accumulation sequence and a symbol evaluation sequence. The symbol accumulation sequence includes an accumulation of a designated quantity of symbols in association with a persistence game. The symbol accumulation sequence also includes the maintenance of a persistence game arrangement that displays a designated quantity of currently accumulated symbols (which in certain instances, includes some, but not all of the total number of symbols accumulated). In one embodiment, the symbol evaluation sequence includes the gaming system determining and providing an award based on the accumulated symbols of the persistence game. In another embodiment, the symbol evaluation sequence includes the gaming system determining and providing an award based on at least one of the accumulated symbols of the persistence game and at least one symbol generated for a current play of a wagering game. | 08-08-2013 |
| 20130203479 | WAGERING GAME WITH MULTIPLE OVERLYING REEL STRIPS FOR TRIGGERING EVENTS OR OUTCOMES - A method is provided for enabling a portal game on a wagering game device, the method including the acts of using a processor operatively associated with the wagering game device to conduct a wagering game on the wagering game device in accord with a first math model and using a portal game controller, which may be the processor operatively associated with the wagering game device or a separate controller operatively associated with both the portal game and the wagering game device, to overlay a portal game over the wagering game, the portal game having a second math model that is mathematically independent from the first math model of the wagering game. | 08-08-2013 |
| 20130217463 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD DISPLAYING ONE OR MORE ADDITIONAL SYMBOLS OF A GROUP OF DESIGNATED SYMBOLS WHEN LESS THAN ALL OF THE DESIGNATED SYMBOLS OF THE GROUP ARE DISPLAYED - In various embodiments, the gaming system is configured to operate a slot game including a plurality of reels, one of which includes a plurality of designated symbols adjacent to one another on the reel forming a group of designated symbols. For a play of the game, if at least a first quantity of the designated symbols of the group of designated symbols but less than a second greater quantity of the designated symbols of the group of designated symbols is displayed, the gaming system displays one or more other designated symbols of the group of designated symbols in addition to the displayed designated symbols of the group of designated symbols such that the second greater quantity of the designated symbols is displayed. The gaming system determines and provides any awards based on the displayed symbols including any displayed designated symbols of the second greater quantity of the designated symbols. | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130217464 | ELECTRONIC GAME MACHINE WITH MULTIPLIER BASED REWARDS - An electronic gaming machine and method providing for multiplier-based rewards where the outcome of a random configuration of game elements produces a predetermined winning outcome. The gaming machine features a game display presenting an array having a plurality of game elements. During play of the game, the game elements are randomly variable to form a configuration on the array. The configuration can be either a predetermined winning or non-winning outcome of the game, with a winning outcome characterized by adjacent game elements having at least one identical property. Where a winning outcome has been produced, the game can present a winning indicator symbol where features of the winning game elements interact with one another. Where a player has wagered on the outcome of the game, the game can further provide for a multiplier that scales the wager by a predetermined factor where a winning outcome is produced. | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130217465 | WAGERING GAME WITH MOVING SYMBOL ARRAYS - A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes an input device, a display device, a processor, and a memory device for storing instructions that cause the processor to operate the gaming system. The gaming system receives an input to play the wagering game and randomly determines a plurality of symbols to populate symbol positions in one or more symbol arrays. The gaming system displays dynamic content in the symbol positions concluding with the randomly determined symbols while the one or more symbol arrays are moved with respect to an indicator region. The gaming system displays an indication of an outcome of the wagering game determined based on any of the one or more symbol arrays appearing in the indicator region after the one or more symbol arrays are moved. | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130217466 | GAMING MACHINE - On a lower image display panel | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130217467 | GAMING MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - The following steps are executed: a step of randomly determining a payout by display area random determination; a step of displaying, on a lower image display panel | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130217468 | GAMING MACHINE - When the game result of a base game in which symbols | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130217469 | GAMING MACHINE - On a lower image display panel | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130217470 | Gaming Machine With Challenge Feature - A gaming system ( | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130225257 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING A PLURALITY OF WILDCARD SYMBOL PATTERNS - A gaming device which includes a variety of methods to allow the player to select patterns of wildcard symbols, from a plurality of wildcard symbol patterns, and use those patterns during subsequent games. One embodiment allows the player to select a pattern of wildcard symbols and use the selected pattern during a free spin bonus game. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130225258 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A FREE SPIN GAME WITH PAYLINE MULTIPLIERS - A gaming device provides a free spins game wherein a plurality of modifiers are each associated with one of a plurality of paylines. During the free spins game, each modifier modifies awards won on the particular payline with which it is associated. In one embodiment, the payline multipliers increase in each of the free spins depending on whether a given payline scores a win or not in the free spin. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130231173 | GAMING APPARATUS WITH SPECIAL SYMBOLS - Systems and methods for determining a plurality of outcomes of a game of chance are provided. In a spinning reel game, for example, a first game event may be provided in which a plurality of symbols are spun up on a plurality of spinning reels to form an array of symbols, each spinning reel spinning up at least three symbols and at least one of the spinning reels being defined so that at least two feature symbols can be simultaneously spun up on that reel. A result of the spin is evaluated to assess whether two or more feature symbols have been spun up on the same reel. If so, a second game event is provided in which the two or more feature symbols and all other symbols spun up on the same reel are converted to special symbols. The special symbols have an enhanced play characteristic in comparison to the other symbols, and the outcome of the game is re-evaluated to establish whether any outcomes exist which define a winning combination. A prize or an award is awarded if one or more winning combinations exist. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130231174 | GAMING MACHINE, AND CONTROL METHOD OF SAME - A gaming machine | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130231175 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD HAVING WAGER DEPENDENT DIFFERENT SYMBOL EVALUATIONS - A gaming device provides one or more different types of symbol evaluations based on the amount wagered by a player in a game. In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a plurality of different types of symbol evaluation, each type of symbol evaluation associated with a different wager amount. If the player wagers a first wager amount to cause a play of the game, the gaming device provides a first type of symbol evaluation. If the player wagers a second wager amount to cause a play of the game, the gaming device provides a second, different type of symbol evaluation in addition to the first type of symbol evaluation. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130237306 | Electronic Gaming Machine and Gaming Method - An electronic gaming machine includes a display for displaying a first array of game symbols for playing a game and two or more second arrays of game enhancing elements, said second arrays being associated with columns of said first array. In response to a trigger event occurring in the columns, the second arrays each randomly award one or more game enhancing elements. A gaming method is also provided. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130237307 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING PERSISTENTLY EXTENDING WILD SYMBOLS - The present disclosure relates broadly to a gaming device operable under control of a processor together with a method of operating a gaming device. The disclosure relates particularly, although not exclusively, to a gaming device and method where a wild symbol is in the course of a plurality of games extends along at least one of a plurality of symbol reels. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130237308 | Gaming System and a Method of Gaming - A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a symbol selector arranged to select at least one player symbol at each level of a multilevel game from a set of symbols, an outcome generator arranged to determine at each level of the multilevel game a successful or unsuccessful game level outcome based on a comparison of the at least one selected player symbol with at least one reference symbol such that the player proceeds to a succeeding game level if the game outcome is successful and the player does not proceed to a succeeding game level if the game outcome is not successful. The gaming system also comprises a prize allocator arranged to allocate a prize to a player based on the game level the player has successfully completed. A corresponding method is also disclosed. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130237309 | GAMING MACHINE - A method for playing a game with a gaming machine is provided. The method includes the steps of: (a) receiving a signal indicating an instruction of starting a game; (b) starting the game; (c) executing the game; (d) displaying a plurality of symbols on a display device; (e) each time a predetermined symbol or a predetermined combination of symbols is displayed on the display device as a result of the game, adding a predetermined point; (f) setting a specific combination of symbols for a free game and an award for the specific combination of symbols that is larger than a normal award according to the cumulatively added points; (g) if a predetermined condition is satisfied, switching the game to a free game; and (h) if the specific combination of symbols is not displayed in the free game but displayed in a subsequent game, paying the larger award. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130244748 | GAMING MACHINE AND GAMING METHOD - A gaming machine according to an embodiment includes a symbol display and a controller. The symbol display configured to display an arrangement and a rendering movement of a plurality of symbols for a game, and the plurality of symbols including first and second symbols different from each other. The controller is configured to receive an input from a player, to determine whether a time of the input from the player is within a predetermined time duration during the rendering movement when the rendering movement satisfies a first condition, the predetermined time duration starting at a predetermined frame before the first symbol reaches at a predetermined position, and to stop a group of the symbols including the first symbol in response to the input from the player when the time of the input is within the predetermined time duration. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130244749 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING AN ADDITIONAL AWARD OPPORTUNITY WHEN A DESIGNATED QUANTITY OF DISPLAYED SYMBOLS IS ASSOCIATED WITH A DISPLAYED BACKGROUND - Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gaming system and method providing an additional award opportunity when a designated quantity of displayed symbols is associated with a displayed background. For a play of a game, the gaming system displays one of a plurality of different backgrounds and a plurality of a plurality of different symbols on, over, or otherwise in addition to the displayed background. The gaming system determines and provides any awards associated with the displayed symbols. If a designated quantity of at least one of the displayed symbols is associated with the displayed background, the gaming system provides an additional award opportunity. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130244750 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM AND A GAME CONTROLLER - Certain examples provide systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for gaming. An example method includes displaying columns of symbol display positions, at least some of the columns having differing numbers of symbol display positions; defining winning combinations of symbol display positions having at least one symbol display position from each of said columns; facilitating selection of at least one of said columns by a player for selection of winning combinations to be played in a game, the selected winning combinations to be played comprising all possible winning combinations derivable from all symbol display positions of said selected at least one column and a designated symbol display position from each of said columns which the player did not select; selecting symbols for display in said symbol display positions; and determining a game outcome based on symbols displayed in said selected winning combinations. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130244751 | Player Information Delivery - A console is described, having display means, and game control means arranged to control images displayed on the display means, the game control means being arranged to play a game in which one or more symbols are randomly selected as a combination of symbols and displayed on the display means. If a winning combination results, the machine awards a prize. In some circumstances, the console will display an animated character to communicate information to the player. The character is independent of and appears asynchronously with respect to the game being played and is arranged to appear super imposed over any game screen currently displayed at the time the character is displayed. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130244752 | Gaming System and Method of Gaming - A gaming machine is provided that provides games in which a plurality of symbols are selected from a group of symbols and displayed on a display and, if a winning combination occurs, the gaming machine awards an award. The gaming machine comprises a user interface in communication with a game controller. The game controller is configured to provide a first game in which an event counter is maintained by the game controller and modified by the game controller each time a counter event occurs, and to provide a second game in which the game controller modifies the group of symbols to include a number of specific symbols. The number of specific symbols is dependent on the value of the event counter. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130244753 | Portable Gaming Device - Disclosed is a new bonus game for reel-based slot machines. The bonus game is an embedded slot game, with one embodiment animating miniature reels inside the primary game symbol. Each embedded slot game may have its own progressive, or may be tied into the progress associated with the primary game. Each embedded slot game will have its own paytable, and may be a miniature version of a well-recognized full-sized slot game. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130244754 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAME CONTROLLER AND A GAMING SYSTEM - A method of gaming including initiating a sequence of at least two outcomes, determining any current end condition to apply to the current outcome in the sequence from at least the previous outcome in the sequence, wherein each outcome is derived from a selection of one of a plurality of objects presented to a player at respective ones of a plurality of display positions on a display of a gaming system, and ending the sequence upon the current end condition being met by the current outcome. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130244755 | GAME BASED ON SPEED OF PLAY - In accordance with the present invention, a gaming device such as a slot machine calculates a speed of game play, and in turn determines a pay schedule based on the speed of game play. In some embodiments, a count is adjusted throughout a multiple play session based on point values associated with symbols on the reels of a slot machine, and payouts are awarded in accordance with (i) a finishing count, and/or (ii) a “virtual average speed”. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130244756 | DEVICE HEALTH MONITORING FOR GAMING MACHINES - A gaming peripheral for a gaming machine is described. The gaming peripheral can be configured to emulate the functions of a lighting device, such as a candle. The gaming peripheral can be configured to provide enhanced gaming features such as 1) enhanced networking capabilities, 2) enhanced peripheral device monitoring and upgrade capabilities, 3) enhanced player monitoring and security capabilities 4) enhanced gaming function capabilities and 5) enhanced player reward capabilities. The enhanced gaming features can be provided in a non-intrusive manner such that regulated software executed on a gaming machine does not have to be altered. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130244757 | VIDEO SLOT GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine and method are provided which provide a video slot game to a player. The video slot game includes a plurality of cells arranged in a grid. The grid has a plurality of rows and columns. The machine and method display a base instance of the video slot game and in response to occurrence of a triggering event, the base instance of the video slot game is split and a plurality of sub-instances of the video slot game are displayed. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130252698 | MULTI-SPIN AND WAGER SLOT VIDEO MACHINE - A video slot machine allows a player to make a plurality of wagers at the beginning of the game. The machine has a plurality (R) of reels which may be either mechanical or video. Each reel may have S symbols. The first wager made by the player is on the outcome of the spin of the first set of reels, a second wager is on the combined outcome of the first and second sets of the reels, etc. until the last wager is on the combined outcome of all of the reels. If a predetermined condition is met on the outcome of each spin, the subsequent spin is enabled. If at any spin the predetermined condition for that spin is not met, then the subsequent wagers are canceled and credited back to the player. The payout ratio increases for each subsequent spin in the series. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130252699 | WAGERING GAME HAVING MOVING EVALUATION WINDOW WITHIN SYMBOL ARRAY - A method for conducting a wagering game includes receiving a wager and displaying a plurality of symbol-bearing reels. A first set of reels to be evaluated is highlight, spun, and stopped such that a first randomly selected outcome is indicated. The first outcome is evaluated to determine if it is a winning outcome. In response to a winning outcome, a second set of reels to be evaluated is highlighted. The second set of reels includes at least one of the reels of the first set of reels and one of the reels that is adjacent to the first set of reels. The one of the reels that is adjacent to the first set of reels is stopped such that a second randomly selected outcome is indicated by the second set of reels. The second outcome is evaluated to determine if the second outcome is a winning outcome. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130252700 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system, comprising a game controller arranged to control play of a game, and a display arranged to display a representation of play of the game, the game controller being arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for play of the game, to control the display to display a plurality of the selected symbols in rows and columns, to determine a game outcome based on patterns of symbols in the rows and columns, and also being arranged to generate a feature game in response to a trigger condition, and determine an outcome of the feature game depending on the occurrence of a non-linear pattern of symbols. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130252701 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A MULTIPLE DIMENSION CASCADING SYMBOLS GAME - A gaming system including a cascading symbol game which utilizes a plurality of adjacent symbol display position grids arranged at different depths. The multiple symbol display position grids at different depths provides that one or more of the symbols of at least a first symbol display position grid at a first depth are displayed to a player while one or more of the symbols of at least a second symbol display position grid at a second depth are not displayed to the player. When one or more symbols are removed from the first symbol display position grid at the first depth, before and/or after shifting the remaining displayed symbols from the first symbol display position grid into created empty symbol display positions of the first symbol display position grid, one or more symbols from the second symbol display position grid at the second depth become exposed. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130252702 | SLOT MACHINE GAME FOR TWO PLAYERS - Disclosed are two-player games, gaming machines, gaming systems and methods including one or more shared feature games. Each player has a respective base game, game board and a token movable on his game board in response to his base game outcomes. Certain combinations of token positions on the two game boards may trigger play of one or more feature games shared by the players. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130252703 | ELECTRONIC AMUSEMENT DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A GAME OFFERING CONTINUOUS REELS - A gaming device and method for controlling operating the gaming device is disclosed. The gaming device initiates a paid play, and determines an outcome of the play. The outcome is visually displayed using at least two graphical displays. The graphical displays comprise a first and second visual continuum, without discrete reel stops. The outcome is represented by the relative positions of the first and second visual continuums. The outcome may also be based on the relative position of the first and second continuums to a payline. A payout corresponding to the outcome is determined by the device, and is awarded to the player. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130252704 | Methods and Systems for Electronic Gaming - An electronic gaming machine and a computer implemented method of administering game play, include displaying an electronic reel simulation including a multiple reel array for a wagering game on a display. A user input is accepted indicating a selected play option from a plurality of play options, wherein all play options of the plurality of play options enable all displayed positions of the multiple reel array to be considered in winning outcomes. A game outcome is determined and presented on the game display, the game outcome including game symbols for the displayed positions of the multiple reel array. Winning combinations of the game symbols is determined, where each winning combination includes three or more matching game symbols appearing in the displayed positions on each of three or more adjacent reels and at least one of the three or more matching game symbols is not used in another winning combination. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130252705 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A MULTIPLE DIMENSION CASCADING SYMBOLS GAME - A gaming system including a cascading symbol game which utilizes a plurality of adjacent symbol display position grids arranged at different depths. The multiple symbol display position grids at different depths provides that one or more of the symbols of at least a first symbol display position grid at a first depth are displayed to a player while one or more of the symbols of at least a second symbol display position grid at a second depth are not displayed to the player. When one or more symbols are removed from the first symbol display position grid at the first depth, before and/or after shifting the remaining displayed symbols from the first symbol display position grid into created empty symbol display positions of the first symbol display position grid, one or more symbols from the second symbol display position grid at the second depth become exposed. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130252706 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A MULTIPLE DIMENSION CASCADING SYMBOLS GAME - A gaming system including a cascading symbol game which utilizes a plurality of adjacent symbol display position grids arranged at different depths. The multiple symbol display position grids at different depths provides that one or more of the symbols of at least a first symbol display position grid at a first depth are displayed to a player while one or more of the symbols of at least a second symbol display position grid at a second depth are not displayed to the player. When one or more symbols are removed from the first symbol display position grid at the first depth, before and/or after shifting the remaining displayed symbols from the first symbol display position grid into created empty symbol display positions of the first symbol display position grid, one or more symbols from the second symbol display position grid at the second depth become exposed. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130252707 | Method & Apparatus for a Secondary Game Played in Conjunction with a Primary Game - The present invention is a method, device and system for playing a primary game played in conjunction with a secondary game in an attractive format. The primary game can be played with or without playing the secondary game in any of a multiple of embodiments. Various pre-determined step or steps may be specified that must be accomplished in order for play of the secondary game. Additionally, the games can be played wherein a player may wager on the outcome of either the primary game, the secondary game, or both Any winnings accomplished by a player may be paid in the form of an award, a prize, or other payout. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130252708 | Gaming Machine Having An Enhanced Game Play Scheme - 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 or multiplied 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. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130252709 | DISPLAY DEVICE FOR A SLOT MACHINE - Provided is a display device for a slot machine. The display device for a slot machine includes: a front display part outputting a first image and a rear display part disposed at a rear side of the front display part to output a second image. The second image of the rear display part can be viewed through a predetermined area of the front display part, the front display part includes: a liquid crystal panel, a light guide plate, disposed at a rear side of the liquid crystal panel, the light guide plate having a viewing window at a position corresponding to the predetermined area so that the second image of the rear display part is transmitted, and a light source is disposed around the light guide plate to provide backlight to the liquid crystal panel. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130260858 | REEL FOR GAMING MACHINE AND GAMING MACHINE INCLUDING THE SAME - A cylindrical reel for a slot machine, which includes a plurality of symbols having different patterns is provided. A reel according to an embodiment includes: a reel frame configured to receive rotational force from a rotational axis of a motor; a reel stripe disposed on an entire circumference of the reel frame and having a front surface including a group of the symbols thereon; a symbol piece including: a first surface having a flange shape; and a second surface protruding from the first surface and including one of the plurality of symbols thereon, wherein the reel stripe has at a least one opening exposing the second surface of the symbol piece, and the first surface of the symbol piece is attached to a rear surface of the reel stripe. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130260859 | Gaming System and a Method of Gaming - A gaming system is disclosed that comprises a selector arranged to select symbols for display in respective first display position areas, and a shutter device disposed in front of the selected symbols and arranged to controllably conceal or reveal at least one of the symbols. The system also comprises a display device disposed in front of the shutter device and arranged to display icons at respective second display position areas. Each second display position area is disposed in alignment with a first display position area, and the display device is controllable so as to modify the degree of transparency of an icon. When the shutter device is controlled so as to reveal a selected symbol and an icon associated with the revealed symbol is modified so as to increase the degree of transparency of the icon, the revealed symbol is viewable through the associated icon. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130260860 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system is disclosed that comprises at least one mechanical reel, and a video display device disposed over the at least one mechanical reel. The video display device is controllable to display for each mechanical reel a virtual reel representative of the mechanical reel, and so as to be disposed in an operative first state wherein the at least one virtual reel is viewable on the video display device, or a substantially transparent second state. The gaming system also comprises a shutter device positioned between the video display device and the at least one mechanical reel and disposable in a first state wherein the at least one mechanical reel is revealed or a second state wherein the at least one mechanical reel is concealed. During use, either the mechanical reel(s) or the virtual reel(s) representative of the mechanical reel(s) are viewable by a player. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130260861 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PLAYING WAGERING GAMES WITH DISTRIBUTED AND SHARED PARTIAL OUTCOME FEATURES - Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting wagering games, and computer programs for executing wagering games are disclosed. A gaming system for playing a wagering game is disclosed which includes at least one memory device which stores instructions that cause at least one processor to operate with at least one display device and at least one input device to: display a randomly determined partial outcome of the wagering game to a first player; transmit the randomly determined partial outcome to at least one second player; randomly determine a first final outcome of the wagering game for the first player; randomly determine a second final outcome of the wagering game for the second player(s), both of the first and second final outcomes including the partial outcome; and, if at least one of the final outcomes is a winning outcome, award an award associated with the winning outcome. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130260862 | GAMING MACHINE AND METHOD OF ALLOWING PLAYERS TO PLAY GAMING MACHINES - A gaming machine and method are provided which allow a player to play a gaming machine. The gaming machine and method allow a player to make a wager on a first primary game and randomly generate an outcome of the first primary game. The gaming machine determines if an anticipation event triggering condition has occurred based at least in part on an anticipation event probability associated with the first primary game, displays an anticipation event on the display device if the anticipation event triggering condition has occurred, and displays the first primary game outcome on the display device. A number of anticipation events that have occurred during the first gaming session is calculated, and the anticipation event probability is modifying based at least in part on the number of anticipation events that have occurred. The player is awarded an award if the first primary game outcome is a winning outcome. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130260863 | GAMING MACHINE AND METHOD OF ALLOWING PLAYERS TO PLAY GAMING MACHINES - A slot game is provided. A display device displays a plurality of reels. During the slot game the reels are spun and an outcome of the game is randomly determined. The outcome of the game is displayed on the display device in a grid comprised of a plurality of symbol positions in a predetermined arrangement. One of the symbols from a corresponding reel are displayed at each symbol position. The spinning reels are visible in the grid during play of the game. The controller awards the player an award as a function of the wager, the outcome of the game and a predetermined paytable. A first one of the reels contains a stack of adjacent, similar symbols. The stack of adjacent similar symbols are displayed with a first single graphic overlay. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130260864 | Wagering Game Having Free Spin Feature With Variable Quantities Of Reel Arrays - A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes at least one input device, at least one display device, at least one processor, and at least one memory device storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the gaming system to receive a wager for playing the wagering game, and trigger a free-spin event in which a plurality of free spins is awarded. For a first spin, a first number of arrays is randomly determined, displayed, and evaluated to determine whether an award condition is present. For a second spin, a second number of arrays is randomly determined, displayed, and evaluated to determine whether an award condition is present. The second number of arrays is non-equal to the first number of arrays. Any awards associated with each determined award condition are provided. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130260865 | GAMING DEVICE INCLUDING MOVABLE SYMBOL INDICATOR PLATES - A gaming device including a first and second indicator plate which are adjacent to each other and on the same axis where the second plate overlaps at least a portion of the first plate and the first and second plates are in different planes. In one embodiment, the first plate includes at least one symbol where one or more awards are associated with the symbol. The second plate is composed at least in part of a substantially transparent material, which enables a player to see through at least a portion of the second plate to view one or more symbols on the first plate. The second plate also includes a plurality of sections, which indicate one or more symbols on the first plate. In one embodiment, the second plate includes at least one transparent section and at least one non-transparent section. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130267299 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND GAMING METHOD FOR SHIFTING SYMBOLS FROM A STAGING AREA TO A SYMBOL MATRIX - A gaming device displays a symbol matrix including a plurality of symbol positions and at least two symbol staging areas, each symbol staging area including at least one supplemental symbol potentially shiftable into the symbol matrix. The gaming device displays a symbol staging area indicator. For a play of a game, the gaming device generates a symbol in each symbol position of the symbol matrix. Upon an occurrence of a triggering condition, the gaming device indicates one of the symbol staging areas using the symbol staging area indicator and removes at least one symbol from at least one symbol position of the symbol matrix. The gaming device re-populates the empty symbol positions by shifting any appropriate symbols of the symbol matrix any appropriate empty symbol positions, and thereafter shifting at least one supplemental symbol from the indicated symbol staging area into at least one remaining empty symbol position. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130267300 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING FREE GAME BONUS WITH A CHANGING MULTIPLIER - The present invention includes an apparatus and method for a bonus game, and particularly a free spin bonus with an incrementing multiplier. The bonus game includes a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols and multipliers. The gaming device provides a number of free spins to the player at the beginning of the bonus game. The multiplier preferably starts at “1×” and increases by one after each free spin. Initially, the player spins the reels attempting to obtain a winning symbol combination on the reels. If the player obtains a winning combination, the gaming device provides an award. The award is multiplied by the multiplier and the player receives the multiplied award for that free spin. The player continues to spin the reels until there are no free spins remaining in the bonus game. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130267301 | VIDEO SLOT GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine and method are provided which provide a video slot game to a player. The video slot game includes a plurality of cells arranged in a grid. The grid has a plurality of rows and columns. The machine and method display a first instance of the video slot game and in response to occurrence of a triggering event, video slot game is split and second and third instances of the video slot game are displayed and played. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130267302 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A MULTIPLE DIMENSION CASCADING SYMBOLS GAME - A gaming system including a cascading symbol game which utilizes a plurality of adjacent symbol display position grids arranged at different depths. The multiple symbol display position grids at different depths provides that one or more of the symbols of at least a first symbol display position grid at a first depth are displayed to a player while one or more of the symbols of at least a second symbol display position grid at a second depth are not displayed to the player. When one or more symbols are removed from the first symbol display position grid at the first depth, before and/or after shifting the remaining displayed symbols from the first symbol display position grid into created empty symbol display positions of the first symbol display position grid, one or more symbols from the second symbol display position grid at the second depth become exposed. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130273996 | REMOTE GAMING METHOD WHERE VENUE'S SYSTEM SUGGESTS DIFFERENT GAMES TO REMOTE PLAYER USING A MOBILE GAMING DEVICE - A mobile gaming device may be a player's own personal tablet, smartphone, PDA, etc., with an application program installed via the internet for carrying out a remote gaming session. All gaming functions are carried out by a stationary gaming terminal communicating with the mobile device, such as by using WiFi. The mobile device operates as a user interface. While the player is playing one game on the mobile device, the venue's system recommends other games to the player via the player's tablet either based on the player's past gaming history, if the player used a player tracking card, or based on real time game play, if the player is anonymous. Upon the player selecting a different game, the system automatically transfers communications to a different gaming terminal and transfers the player's credits. The gaming terminals may be gaming machines, where each gaming machine carries out a different game. | 10-17-2013 |
| 20130281179 | GAMING APPARATUS AND METHOD HAVING A SEPARATE BUT SIMULTANEOUSLY OPERATING BONUS INDICATOR - A gaming machine and method comprising a primary game with a plurality of gaming symbols and a separate bonus indicator. Operation of the bonus indicator is automatically initiated upon commencement of the primary game and play of the bonus indicator is of approximately the same duration as play of the primary game. The outcome of the bonus indicator may be entirely independent of the outcome of the primary game. A positive outcome on the bonus indicator may yield either a prize for the player or an opportunity to play a bonus round game. In its preferred embodiment, the invention includes a five-reel slot game as the primary game and a single-reel slot game as the bonus indicator. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130281180 | MULTIPLAYER SLOT MACHINE GAMING - Slot Machine Arena provides computerized method and system for managing slot machine gaming sessions, including: adding a plurality of mutually competing players to a multiplayer session wherein a plurality of players play against one another, each added by a module of a hosting client terminal; receiving from each player a bet; calculating an outcome of the gaming session; instructing an outcome rendering on a respective display of each hosting client terminal; and crediting at least one player and debiting at least another player according to the outcome. Other aspects of these embodiments relate to a computer readable medium of computer executable instructions adapted to perform the method; and to a client terminal, interfaced with the gaming system wherein the terminal includes secure wireless communications with the server. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130281181 | Method of Gaming and a Gaming System - A method of gaming comprising: conducting at least one first game round, each first game round comprising selecting symbols of a plurality of normal first reels for display and evaluating the selected symbols; and conducting at least one second game round in response to a trigger event occurring, each second game round comprising fewer reels than in each first game round and being conducted by selecting symbols of at least one second reel for display and evaluating the selected symbols. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130281182 | Electronic System for Playing of Reel-Type Games - There is disclosed an electronic gaming system ( | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130288770 | GAMING MACHINE WITH SYMBOL-SPECIFIC MULTIPLIERS - A method for use with a gaming machine that is arranged to select symbols, present the symbols on a display and award an award if a winning outcome occurs. The method includes initialising a plurality of award adjustors, each award adjustor being associated with a corresponding symbol in a specified set of symbols, changing a value of each said award adjustor in response to a game event that involves the presentation of the corresponding symbol on the display; and if the winning outcome comprises a symbol from the specified set, adjusting the award dependent on the award adjustor associated with the symbol in the winning outcome. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130288771 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - The present invention relates to a gaming system and to a method of gaming. A gaming system comprises a game controller arranged to randomly display several symbols from a predetermined set of symbols and to determine a game outcome such as a game win based on the displayed symbols. Such gaming systems may be implemented as a stepper machine provided with reels or a video machine displaying “virtual” reels. One or more reels generated in play of a base game may be stored for later use in subsequent games. In a subsequent game or games, the game controller may select the stored reel to substitute for a reel generated by the game, in order to improve the game outcome. For example, the game outcome may become a “win” from a “lose” outcome. Or it may result in an improved win outcome. The one or more reels may be stored depending upon a trigger condition generated in the base game. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130288772 | GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine with more gaming excitement is provided. The gaming machine includes: a symbol display device configured to display a result of a game by rearranging symbols in cells forming a matrix; and a controller used to start a base game requiring betting, a free game not requiring betting, and a plurality of types of bonus games. The controller is programmed to execute the steps of: executing a base game of randomly determining symbols to be rearranged in the symbol display device; determining whether a specific symbol is to be rearranged in a predetermined region of the symbol display device, the predetermined region including at least one cell; executing a free game of randomly determining symbols to be rearranged in the symbol display device; determining whether the specific symbol is to be rearranged in the predetermined region; and executing any one of the types of the bonus games. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130288773 | GAMING MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - An object of the gaming machine is to simultaneously display symbols and visual information with a simple structure, while displaying the symbols clearly. The gaming machine includes: one or more reels each provided with a reel band having one or more symbols; and a light application device configured to apply visible light representing visual information which enables recognition of information related to games on an outer circumference of the one or more reels. The reel band has a mirror layer which reflects the visible light from the light application device. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130288774 | GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine of the present invention includes: a light application device configured to apply visible light representing visual information which enables recognition of information related to games on a reel band, The or each of one or more reels has a mirror layer which reflects the visible light from the light application device. The light application device is disposed in an area outside the window frame of the display window so that the visible light is applied to the reel, on the side of the reel band, and is used as a front light device that emits visible light which is not representing the visual information. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130288775 | GAMING MACHINE - In a gaming machine including a symbol region where reels having symbols are arranged in predetermined arrangement. The symbols are displayed in an arranged manner in longitudinal and transverse directions. A reel control unit that independently controls movement of the reels. A winning determination unit determines whether the symbols appearing on a valid line set to span the reels form a predetermined winning pattern. The symbol region includes layer. At least one reel is disposed in each layer. A symbol group is provided in at least one reel or in a specific layer in such a manner that symbols capable of forming at least portion of the winning pattern are arranged in the symbol group. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130288776 | Bonus Game with Playing Card Accumulation - In a gaming machine having virtual reels, conventional instant wins are awarded as well as virtual playing cards. In one embodiment, the cards are dealt only if a special symbol is displayed on the stopped reels. In another embodiment, cards are dealt only during a bonus round. Dealt playing cards are accumulated until the player has a full hand of cards. A different bonus pot is accumulated for various types of poker hands achievable. The pots may be progressively increased based on a percentage of wagers made in a network of gaming machines. After the player is dealt the full set of cards, the best poker hand is determined, and the associated pot is awarded to the player. The pot is then set at a starting value. The bonus game is then terminated. The player is motivated to continue playing to complete a hand and win a large pot. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130296013 | Skill-Based Amusement Machine With Loss-Biased Jackpot - A gaming machine operating method which promotes customer loyalty by altering the payout on the basis of how many games a particular user has played and lost with a particular gaming provider. In a preferred embodiment, the “jackpot” payout is increased for each game a player loses. The altered jackpot is only made available on machines operated by a particular gaming provider, and is only made available to the player that previously incurred the losses. Thus, when a player experiences a “losing streak” he is given the incentive to continue playing at a particular facility via the fact that the jackpot available to the particular player has been increased. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130296014 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM AND A GAME CONTROLLER - A method of gaming comprising: selecting in at least one game round a plurality of symbols for display to a player in a set of display positions; modifying the displayed symbols copying each symbol in an original subset of the display positions to at least one clone subset of the display positions which is identical to or laterally displaced from the original subset, in response to determining that a subset of the symbols should be cloned; and determining an outcome based on the modified symbols. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130296015 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING WAGER DEPENDENT BONUS GAME PLAY - In one embodiment of the present invention, the player must wager a number of paylines to qualify for one of a plurality of bonus games. The highest required number of paylines qualifies the player to pay the main or most elaborate bonus game. The main or first bonus game preferably has the highest average payout per credit wagered. This provides an incentive to the player to play the highest required number of paylines. In an embodiment, any number of paylines less than the highest required number or max lines qualifies the player to play a second bonus game. The second bonus game has an average payout per credit wagered that is slightly less than the main bonus game. This allows the incentive or disparity between payouts to be set by the game designer so that the player not wagering max lines or the highest required number is not overly disadvantaged. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130296016 | LINKED GAME PLAY ON GAMING DEVICES - Embodiments of the present concept provide gaming devices configured for linked game play. First and second gaming devices that are separately playable by first and second players are electronically linked so that a gaming event being played at the first gaming device may also be being played at the second gaming device. Also provided is a method of sharing game play across multiple gaming devices, where the method includes receiving a wager from a first player at a first gaming device, receiving a wager from a second player at a second gaming device, initiating a gaming event that is displayed at the first and second gaming devices, and awarding prizes associated with gaming outcomes displayed at the first and second gaming devices. These and other arrangements of the present concept may allow cooperative or competitive game play between the first and second player. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130296017 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING ODDS OF WINNING WHICH INCREASE AS A PLAYER'S WAGER INCREASES - A gaming device includes a game requiring the same average investment from a player to win an award, including a jackpot award, regardless of the amount the player bets at any one time. The award can be unchanging each time a player plays the gaming device. The award can also vary such as with a progressive jackpot, i.e., the jackpot builds until a player “hits” the jackpot. The game enables the average investment necessary to win the jackpot to be uniform by varying the odds of winning the jackpot as the player's bet varies. That is, a player betting less money needs to play the game more times, on average, to win the jackpot. Likewise, a player betting more money needs to play the game less times, on average, to win the jackpot. The average overall bet or investment thus remains constant despite the player's betting habits or betting ability. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130296018 | GAMING MACHINE AND METHODS OF ALLOWING A PLAYER TO PLAY GAMING MACHINES HAVING SYNCHRONIZED SYMBOLS - A gaming machine for allowing a player to play a game is described herein. The gaming machine includes a display device and a game controller for displaying a game on the display device. The game includes a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbol positions and a plurality of game symbols displayed in each of the symbol positions in a predetermined order. The game controller allows a player to make a wager on the game and responsively displays the game on the display device. The game controller randomly determines an outcome of the game, responsively spins and stops the reels to display the outcome including at least two reels having the same symbols being displayed in the same symbol positions, and awards an award to the player as a function of the outcome. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130296019 | GAMING MACHINE AND METHODS OF ALLOWING A PLAYER TO PLAY GAMING MACHINES HAVING SYNCHRONIZED SYMBOLS - A gaming machine for providing a game to a player is described herein. The gaming machine includes a display device for displaying the game and a game controller. The game includes a plurality of reels having a predetermined number of elements, wherein each element has an associated symbol from a set of symbols and at least one reel has a run of consecutive elements. The game controller initiates an instance of the game, responsively displays the game on the display device, randomly determines an outcome of the game, and responsively spins and stops the reels to display the outcome. The outcome includes at least two reels having the same symbols being displayed in the same symbol positions. The game controller displays each one of the at least two reels having a run of consecutive elements, and populates the run of consecutive elements with an identical symbol. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130303256 | OUTCOME DETERMINATION METHOD FOR GAMING DEVICE - Embodiments of this concept are directed to a method of operating a gaming device to determine game outcomes by using a range of game numbers for winning game outcomes. That is, the gaming device includes a range of numbers associated with a generic winning outcome or each winning outcome to ensure that a winning outcome or specific winning outcome will hit within the specified range. This method may be used a variety of game types including slot machines, video poker, keno, video pachinko, etc. These gaming machines may additionally include one or more proximity indicators or meters associated with the various outcomes. | 11-14-2013 |
| 20130303257 | GAMING MACHINE HAVING NORMAL GAME MODE AND CHANCE GAME MODE - The present invention provides a gaming machine which can provide games that are prevented from progressing monotonously and thus can provide a player with a feeling of tension, thereby facilitating the consumption of more gaming media. A currently played chance game is discontinued and the chance game is started afresh from the first game under the condition that a second symbol appears on a symbol display unit upon the number of games being less than a predetermined number in the chance game mode. | 11-14-2013 |
| 20130303258 | IMAGE PROCESSOR AND METHOD THEREFOR - By rendering lower half of 30 FPS in the processing of even numbered frame of 60 fps and rendering upper half of 30 fps in the processing of odd numbered frame, the processing load of the processor | 11-14-2013 |
| 20130303259 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A MULTI-DIMENTSIONAL SYMBOL WAGERING GAME - A gaming system and method providing a multi-dimensional symbol wagering game is provided. A player selects a payline, places a wager on the selected payline, and selects a plurality of a plurality of different symbols in a selection order. Symbols are generated and displayed at each of a plurality of symbol display positions. If at least a designated quantity of the symbol display positions associated with the selected payline displays any one of the selected symbols, the gaming system determines a display order of the generated and displayed symbols associated with the selected payline, and determines any awards associated with the selected payline based on a quantity of the symbol display positions associated with the selected payline that display the player selected symbols and a comparison of the selection order with the display order. Any awards are provided to the player. Cascading and rotating symbol features are provided. | 11-14-2013 |
| 20130310134 | Gaming Systems and Method Providing Game With Multidirectional Spinning Symbol Displays - A gaming system and method which displays a plurality of symbol displays having symbol sets distributed about circumferential paths thereof. The gaming system enables the player to select one or more directions of spin or circumferential paths for the symbol displays, and then spins the symbol displays in the selected direction(s) or along the selected circumferential paths. After the gaming system stops the spinning, each symbol display displays at least one randomly generated symbol of the symbol set extending along the circumferential path of that symbol display which corresponds to the direction of spin of that symbol display. The gaming system evaluates the displayed symbols for any winning combinations. The gaming system provides the player any awards associated with the displayed winning combinations. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130310135 | Three-Dimensional Reels For An Electronic Gaming Device - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods for delivering game play, which may include providing wagering game options that may include a two-dimensional option, a three-dimensional option, and/or a combination of both. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130310136 | GAMING MACHINE AND GAMING METHOD - A gaming machine executes a normal mode game to rearrange symbols on the first display, based on at least one first table for determining symbols to be rearranged in the normal mode game, and triggers a chance mode game including a plurality of chance rounds when the rearranged symbols satisfies a first condition. The gaming machine closes the door when the chance mode game is triggered, and determining a chance type of the chance mode game. The gaming machine executes each chance round of the chance mode game to rearrange the symbols based on a second table for the determined chance type among a plurality of second tables, by controlling opening or closing of the door and displaying an object image on the display panel according to the determined chance type. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130310137 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH SELECTABLE PAYLINES - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive primary wagers on a first payline and a second payline. The systems and methods may receive one or more secondary wagers on one or more selected paylines. The selected paylines may be based on data received from a player. The systems and methods may determine a selected paylines payout based on the one or more selected paylines. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130310138 | GAMING MACHINE AND GAMING METHOD - A gaming machine including a plurality of reels, a first driver, a rendering device, a second driver, and a controller is provided. Each of the reels spins and rearranges a plurality of symbols in a game, and the first driver drive the reels. The rendering device renders a visual effect in synchronization with an operation of the reels, and the second driver drives the rendering device. The controller controls the reels and the rendering device and synchronizes the operation of the reels and an operation of the rendering device. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130310139 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH SELECTABLE PAYLINES - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive primary wagers on a first payline and a second payline. The systems and methods may receive one or more secondary wagers on one or more selected paylines. The selected paylines may be based on data received from a player. The systems and methods may determine a selected paylines payout based on the one or more selected paylines. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130310140 | THREE-DIMENSIONAL REELS FOR AN ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods for delivering game play, which may include providing wagering game options that may include a two-dimensional option, a three-dimensional option, and/or a combination of both. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130310141 | GAMING MACHINE HAVING FREE GAME, WHEREIN THE NUMBER OF ADDING FREE GAME IS ADDED - The present invention provides a gaming machine employing a free game system which provides an enhanced game element. The gaming machine determines the number of adding free game based on a game number lottery table under the condition that a first symbol is rearranged in the symbol display unit in the free game, and adds a preset number of free game under the condition that a second symbol is rearranged in the symbol display unit in the free game. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130310142 | MECHANICAL SLOT MACHINE REEL HAVING FOUR VIEWABLE FRONT SYMBOL POSITIONS - An example gaming machine includes a reel including plurality of symbol positions located around a circumference of the reel. Each symbol occupies a defined viewing angle. The gaming machine includes a motor to drive the reel to spin in a gaming machine housing. The gaming machine includes a controller controlling the motor to stop and start to drive the reel. The gaming machine includes a viewing window providing visual access to the reel through the viewing window, the viewing window configured to allow a user to view at least four symbol positions on the reel through the viewing window so that at least four symbol positions on the reel are active and available for game play. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130310143 | GAMING MACHINE REPRESENTING VARIOUS SYMBOLS IN RESPONSE TO COLOR OF LIGHT EMITTED FROM BACKLIGHT - The present invention provides a gaming machine provided with a mechanical reel, which expands the variation of the pattern of rearrangement of symbols. The gaming machine includes a reel assembly M | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130310144 | GAMING MACHINE WHICH REARRANGES SYMBOLS AFTER VARYING AND DISPLAYING THE SYMBOLS - Provided is a gaming machine in which elaborate presentation effects for rearranging symbols are rearranged are devised and which has a high game feeling. In the gaming machine | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130310145 | GAMING MACHINE WHICH REARRANGES SYMBOLS AFTER VARYING AND DISPLAYING THE SYMBOLS - Provided is a gaming machine in which elaborate presentation effects for rearranging wild symbols are devised and which has a high game feeling. In the gaming machine, when the wild symbols are rearranged in a plurality of columns, on the condition that winning has occurred in a drawing, premium presentation effects are performed. When it is determined that the wild symbols are rearranged in the plurality of columns, the wild symbols are rearranged in each one column when the character appears at one time. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130310146 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A BONUS EVENT TRIGGERED BY A CONTINUOUS COMMUNAL GAME - A communal game is displayed by a gaming system. A plurality of gaming devices each enable a player to wager on plays of a primary game and determine an eligibility status. The communal game repeatedly generates at least one communal game symbol from a plurality of communal game symbols regardless of whether any player is wagering on plays of a primary game. The communal game triggers a bonus event based on the generated symbols. Any eligible gaming devices may participate in the bonus event. For each eligible gaming device, the gaming system applies at least one symbol or gaming element from the communal game to the primary game of the eligible gaming device. Each eligible gaming device provides an award based on any winning symbol combinations generated by application of the communal game symbol or gaming element. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130310147 | WAGERING GAME HAVING GAME ASSETS WITH MULTIPLE LEVELS OF ENHANCEMENT - A gaming system includes an input device, at least one display, and at least one controller. The input device receives a wager input for playing a wagering game. The at least one display displays a basic wagering game and a community bonus game. The at least one controller is operative to provide a player with a bonus-game asset that is usable in at least a first play of the community bonus game. The bonus-game asset is capable of having at least a first level and a second level that provides a higher bonus-game enhancement than the first level. The at least one controller is further operative to determine if that the bonus-game asset is available to the player for use in a second play of the community bonus game and to alter the level of the bonus-game asset from the first level to the second level for use in the second play. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130316786 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD HAVING WAGER ALLOCATION - A gaming system which displays a plurality of reels. Each reel is associated with a display area which displays a symbol. A wager is allocated to each one of the display areas. An award is determined based, at least in part, on such allocation. | 11-28-2013 |
| 20130316787 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR ENABLING A PLAYER TO SELECT VOLATILITY USING GAME SYMBOLS - Various embodiments of the gaming system, gaming device, and gaming method disclosed herein provide a primary game and a free activation bonus sequence, wherein the gaming system enables the player to select one or more of a plurality of different volatility options for use in the free activation bonus sequence. Each option is associated with a different number of free activations and a different pool of symbols or different symbol functionality. The gaming system provides this variation in the pool of symbols or symbol functionality in various embodiments by enabling the player to replace one or more symbols of a pool or set of symbols of the primary game (i.e., the primary set of symbols) with the symbol associated with a player selected option. The symbols of this modified set of symbols (i.e., the secondary set of symbols) are used in the free activation bonus sequence). | 11-28-2013 |
| 20130316788 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAME CONTROLLER AND A GAMING SYSTEM - A method of gaming comprising: selecting a plurality of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions, the selecting being performed by selecting from a set of symbols including one or more modifiable symbols, each modifiable symbol adapted to receive a modifier; determining whether a corresponding modifier is a available for each selected modifiable symbol; modifying each selected modifiable symbol in respect of which a positive determination is made by adding the modifier to the modifiable symbol; and determining whether to make an award based on the plurality of symbols as modified. | 11-28-2013 |
| 20130316789 | BINGO GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING MULTIPLE OUTCOMES FROM SINGLE BINGO PATTERN - The gaming system and method disclosed herein provides a bingo game wherein a single bingo pattern is associated with a plurality of outcomes. In one such embodiment, a first bingo pattern is associated with a static outcome, such as an award of a designated value, and a second bingo pattern is associated with an open-ended outcome, such as a progressive award. If a bingo pattern associated with a progressive award is covered, the disclosed gaming system and method causes the bingo game to display, a symbol combination associated with the progressive award. In one embodiment, the disclosed gaming system and method selects the symbol combination from a plurality of symbol combinations associated with the progressive award. | 11-28-2013 |
| 20130316790 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING ALTERNATE OUTCOME PRESENTATIONS - A gaming device and a method of playing a gaming device which includes a game having a plurality of presentations associated with outcomes or combinations in a game. Specifically, the each outcome or combination includes a default presentation and at least one of the outcomes includes one or more alternate presentations. The default and alternate presentations include probabilities of being selected by the processor. In a game, the processor predetermines the winning outcome or non-winning outcome to provide to the player and then selects one of the presentations associated with the determined outcome. The gaming device selects the presentation based on the probabilities of being selected associated with the presentations. The gaming device then provides any award associated with the determined combination to the player. | 11-28-2013 |
| 20130324212 | CARD BASED INSTANT LOTTERY GAME AND SYMBOL MATCHING DRAW BASED LOTTERY GAME CONFIGURATION - An instant lottery game and a draw based lottery game may be established. The instant lottery game is based on a set of rules of a playing card game. The draw based lottery game is based on a symbol matching set of rules. A random selection of a subset of a deck of playing card indicia may be generated concurrently with a purchase of a lottery ticket having the instant lottery game and the draw based lottery game. A ticket printer prints the subset of the deck of playing card indicia on a lottery ticket according to an order of the random selection and a plurality of order indicia such that each indicium in the plurality of order indicia has an association with a playing card indicium in the deck of playing card indicia to indicate an order in the subset of the deck of playing card indicia. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130324213 | Wagering Game With Reel Array Having Extended Symbol Visually Overlaying Adjacent Reel - A gaming system includes an input device, a display device, a processor, and a memory device. The memory device stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the gaming system to receive a wager and to display an array having a plurality of symbol positions, each of the symbol positions being populated by symbols located on a plurality of symbol-bearing reels. The reels spin and stop to place symbols on the symbol-bearing reels in visual association with symbol positions of the array. At least one extended symbol indexed on a first reel visually overlaps one or more symbols on an adjacent second reel (a) as the first reel spins the extended symbol through the array and (b) without affecting a stopping position of the adjacent second reel. An award is awarded for any winning combinations defined by the symbols in the display area. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130324214 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, APPARATUS AND COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIUMS FOR ON-LINE GAMING - A gaming method, machine and system provide a game of chance which includes a skill feature ( | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130324215 | GAMING MACHINE AND METHOD - A gaming machine for providing a game in which a plurality of symbols are selected and displayed in an array of symbol positions on a display, each symbol position associated with one or more of a plurality of regions and each region of the plurality of regions associated with a region specific award. The gaming machine comprises a user interface in communication with a game controller. If a winning combination of symbols occurs such that at least one of the symbols of the winning combination of symbols is displayed in a symbol position associated with a first region of said plurality of regions, the region specific award associated with the first region is awarded. If the same winning combination of symbols occurs such that at least one of the symbols of the winning combination of symbols is displayed in a symbol position associated with a second region of said plurality of regions, the region specific award associated with the second region is awarded. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130324216 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A MATCHING GAME - A gaming system selects and displays one of a plurality of symbol blocks in each of a plurality of block positions, wherein each of the selected blocks includes at least one partial symbol. Each partial symbol has at least one complementary partial symbol which, when arranged in a designated spatial relationship with one another, form a complete matching symbol. If any of the partial symbols on the selected blocks create a complete matching symbol, the gaming system provides at least one award to the player. Each matching block which includes any portion of a complete matching symbol is then removed, creating an empty block position. The gaming system then fills the empty block position by either shifting a displayed block into the empty block position or by selecting a new block. The gaming system repeats this process until no complete matching symbols are formed. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130324217 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ELECTRONIC GAMING - Methods and apparatuses for administering game play include displaying an electronic reel simulation including a multiple reel array for a wagering game on a display. A user input indicates a selected play option from a plurality of play options. All play options enable all displayed positions of the multiple reel array to be considered in winning outcomes. A game outcome is determined and presented as game symbols on the display. Winning combinations of the game symbols are determined, wherein each winning combination includes three or more matching game symbols appearing in the displayed positions on each of three or more adjacent reels and at least one of the three or more matching game symbols is not used in another winning combination. A payout is determined and multiplied by a multiple correlated to the selected play option when a substitute multiplier symbol appears as one of the game symbols. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130331166 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH REARRANGEABLE REELS - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which allow a player, the gaming device, and/or the gaming system to rearrange the symbols on the reels to represent winning payline patterns. | 12-12-2013 |
| 20130331167 | Apparatus and Method for a Game with Connectable Game Elements - An apparatus and method for a game of play for use in a casino establishment, or on a general purpose computing device for offering games with multiple outcomes and including connectable game elements. A base game, or an outcome on a base game that triggers a sub-game or a bonus game involves establishing connections between connectable game elements where the orientation of ends of the elements are in alignment. Alignment and connection of the connectable game elements results in awards to players. The apparatus and method are offered on electronic gaming machines such as slot machines and video poker machines, but may also be deployed on other devices such as on a general purpose computing device or mobile telephone in stand-alone form or connected to a network, such as the internet. | 12-12-2013 |
| 20130331168 | Gaming System and a Method of Gaming - A gaming system having a game play mechanism in which an outcome evaluator evaluates a game outcome based on the wager made by the player. A plurality of symbols are selected for display, and determined whether the selected symbols correspond to a winning outcome. When a winning outcome is determined to exist, the outcome is communicated to the player by a symbol associated with the winning outcome being repeatedly and successively displayed and at least one modified representation of the symbol. | 12-12-2013 |
| 20130331169 | Gaming System and a Method of Gaming - A gaming system for play of a base game, and arranged to detect a trigger condition during the base game. A feature game is implemented when a feature game frequency criterion is met. The feature game frequency criterion may be based on the number of base games having been implemented since the last implementation of a feature game. | 12-12-2013 |
| 20130331170 | GAME MACHINE, COMPUTER PROGRAMS, AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING WHETHER A WINNING CONDITION IS ESTABLISHED BASED ON TYPES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF SYMBOLS - An aspect of the invention provides a game machine including: a second game chance control device that generates at least one game chance that is allowed to establish a predetermined winning condition in a game within a predetermined range provided to a player in exchange for a game value; a symbol arrangement control device that determines types of symbols to be arranged on a predetermined area on a game screen with a predetermined positional relationship according to the generation of the game chance; and a first winning determining device that determines whether the winning condition is established based on the types and the arrangement of the symbols arranged on the predetermined area. | 12-12-2013 |
| 20130331171 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING BALANCED PAYBACKS WITH VARYING WAGER AMOUNTS - Various embodiments of the gaming system of the present disclosure enable a player to play a secondary or bonus game, in which the player has the chance to play for a designated award in the triggered secondary or bonus game. The probability of triggering the secondary or bonus game varies based on the player's primary game wager. Additionally, the probability of winning a designated award in the triggered secondary or bonus game varies based on the player's primary game wager. In one embodiment, as the primary game wager increases, the odds of triggering the secondary or bonus game increase, but not in direct :proportion to the wager. Similarly, the odds of winning the designated award in the triggered secondary or bonus game increases, but not in direct proportion to the wager. | 12-12-2013 |
| 20130331172 | RANDOM PAYOUT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GAMING DEVICES - A random payout system provides self-funding winning symbol combinations that allow various wagering games to be quickly and easily defined. The winning symbol combinations may individually be associated with a funding pool. Symbols from a winning symbol combination may be disabled or not presented when an associated funding pool is negative. The symbols may be activated or presented when the associated funding pool is non-negative. In this manner, the winning symbol combinations are self-funding. Funds for a funding pool may come from various sources including advertising revenue and placed wagers. | 12-12-2013 |
| 20130337884 | Gaming System and a Method of Gaming - A gaming system is disclosed that comprises a selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols for display in a plurality of display position groups. The gaming system is arranged to facilitate selection of at least one display position group, and so as to make symbols in the selected display position group(s) less visible than symbols in other non-selected display position groups. The gaming system is also arranged so as to determine a first game outcome based on the visible symbols. After the first game outcome is determined, the symbols in the selected display position group(s) are made as visible as symbols in the non-selected display position groups, and the system then determines a second game outcome based on all symbols now visibly displayed. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20130337885 | GAME MACHINE AND GAME PROGRAM - The game machine and game program of the present invention display, at the start of a game, multiple static symbols by constantly changing to various types of symbols including the wild symbol. The game machine then executes a static display by displaying such changing symbols statically again in each display area and recognizes the arrangements of each static symbol. Then, the game machine visually displays the arrangement of the symbols by which multiple wins are established or the win line related to such arrangements of the symbols, when the pre-determined combinations of symbols, in which at least one wild symbol is included, are arranged so that multiple wins are established. The game machine and game program according to the present invention increases the player's interest and arouses the player's anticipation. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20130337886 | WAGERING GAME WITH ALTERED PROBABLILITIES BASED ON REEL STRIP CONFIGURATIONS - A gaming system for playing a wagering game includes a display configured to displaying a wagering game outcome on a plurality of video reels and a controller in communication with the display. The controller is operative to randomly determine an outcome of the wagering game and to display the wagering game outcome on the plurality of reels. The wagering game outcome includes a plurality of symbols disposed on a first subset of the plurality of reels and further includes at least one meta-symbol disposed on a second subset of the plurality of reels. The controller is further operative to award an award if the displayed wagering game defines a winning wagering game outcome. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20130344933 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH EXPLOSIVE SCATTERS - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which allow a player, the gaming device, and/or the gaming system to utilize exploding scatters. The electronic gaming device and/or method may utilize a plurality of reels. The plurality of reels may include one or more areas. The electronic gaming device and/or method may utilize a memory and a processor. The processor may generate one or more symbols to be located in the one or more areas. The one or more symbols may include a first expanding scatter symbol and a first dormant scatter symbol. The processor may modify the first dormant scatter symbol into an award value based on a first interaction determination. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20130344934 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH DOMINO SYMBOLS - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which allow a player, the gaming device, and/or the gaming system to utilize domino symbols and/or domino gaming structures. The electronic gaming device may include a plurality of reels, a memory, and a processor. The plurality of reels may include one or more areas. The processor may generate one or more symbols to be located in the one or more areas. The one or more symbols may include one or more domino symbols. The processor may determine a payout based on a domino game structure. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20130344935 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH EXPLOSIVE SCATTERS - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which allow a player, the gaming device, and/or the gaming system to utilize exploding scatters. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20130344936 | Gaming Apparatus and Method Including Hidden Objects - A method of game play, where a plurality of graphic objects are displayed on the display ( | 12-26-2013 |
| 20130344937 | ELECTRONIC GAMING SYSTEM WITH REAL PLAYING CARDS AND MULTIPLE PLAYER DISPLAYS FOR VIRTUAL CARD AND BETTING IMAGES - Electronic gaming system with real playing cards and multiple player displays for virtual card and betting images. In one implementation, the exemplary system allows real playing cards to be used in electronic gaming systems that provide multiple video displays for multiple live participants at a gaming table. The system can post virtual images of the cards in play on the participant displays and can also display virtual bets, e.g., wagering chips, on the same displays. The real playing cards provide the look, feel, and action of playing a card game while the electronic gaming system provides elements of automation, security, and virtual display of the cards and bets. By converting the identities of the cards in play into processor-usable information, the exemplary system can add entertaining graphics, automate tedious and costly aspects of double-checking card and chip movement and whereabouts, and provide confidence and security to those at the gaming table that the cards and chips are being digitally tracked for each participant to see and verify. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20130344938 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING MULTIPLE SPINS FOR WINNING OUTCOMES - Embodiments of the present invention set forth systems, apparatuses and methods for providing multiple spins during gaming events to provide increased opportunities to receive winning outcomes. Accordingly, a gaming device can be configured to have a plurality of reels with multiple symbols on each reel. A portion of the symbols on each reel are displayed on a game grid having a number of symbol positions. During a gaming event, the symbols are randomly arranged via a first spin on game grid to generate a first configuration and a determination is made as to whether the first condition satisfies a predetermined condition. When the predetermined condition is satisfied, the reels or symbols in the symbol positions associated with the predetermined condition are held while the remaining reels or symbol positions are subjected to a second spin to randomly generate a second configuration. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20140004924 | WAGERING GAME WITH IMAGES HAVING DYNAMICALLY CHANGING SHAPES | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140011563 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A GROUP AWARD PRESENTATION OF A PLURALITY OF SIMILAR OR IDENTICAL AWARDS - Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a group award presentation of a plurality of similar or identical awards. Generally, the gaming system employs the group award presentation to display a plurality of similar or identical awards for a play of a game as a group rather than separately displaying each individual award. In one embodiment, the group award presentation includes a simultaneous display of the awards associated with a plurality of displayed instances of a winning symbol combination, wherein such awards are simultaneously displayed as a group of awards. In another embodiment, the group award presentation includes a simultaneous display of the awards associated with a plurality of displayed instances of a plurality of winning symbol combinations, wherein such awards are simultaneously displayed as a group of awards, and wherein those winning symbol combinations are associated with a same award. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140011566 | GAME CONTROLLER, A GAMING SYSTEM, AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A method of gaming comprising: a) displaying a plurality of display positions to a player, at least one of the display positions corresponding to a hidden object to be sought by the player; b) determining a selection of a display position; c) revealing whether or not the selected display position corresponds to the hidden object; e) determining whether to allow a selection by conducting at least one trial, each trial comprising seeking to complete a symbol combination; and f) repeating steps b) to e) until either the symbol combination is completed or a designated number of hidden objects is located. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140011567 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system is provided, the gaming system including a plurality of reels, each reel having a plurality of display positions at which symbols can be positioned for display. The gaming system further includes a reel display controller arranged so as to reveal symbols that are positioned at display positions of at least one reel to a player, or to hide symbols that are positioned at the display positions of the at least one reel from the player. The gaming system is arranged to spin the reels in an initial spin, during which symbols positioned at the display positions of the at least one reel are revealed. The gaming system is then arranged to reposition the at least one reel after the initial spin and while symbols positioned at the display positions of the at least one reel are hidden and to reveal symbols displayed at the display positions of the at least one reel after the at least one reel has been repositioned. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140018145 | GAMING SYSTEM WITH PRIZE AWARD BASED ON CURRENT AND PREVIOUS GAME PLAY OUTCOMES - A game of chance associated with a first player is executed at least in part by selecting a combination of game symbols from a set of available game symbols. A history of previous game symbol combinations selected by one or more previous executions of a game of chance is determined. The previous executions are associated with a second player and/or a previous gaming session associated with the first player. When the selected game symbol combination is included in the history of previous game symbol combinations, a prize is awarded. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140018146 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING ADDITIONAL AWARD OPPORTUNITY BASED ON A PLURALITY OF ACCUMULATED DESIGNATED SYMBOLS - Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing an additional award opportunity based on a plurality of accumulated designated symbols. In one embodiment, for each play of a game associated with a plurality of symbols including a designated symbol, the gaming system displays a plurality of the symbols at a plurality of symbol display areas, determines any awards associated with the displayed symbols, and provides any determined awards. Upon an occurrence of a designated symbol accumulation event, the gaming system displays the designated symbol at a designated symbol accumulation area. The gaming system removes the accumulated designated symbol from the designated symbol accumulation area following an expiration event. Upon an occurrence of an additional award opportunity triggering event associated with any accumulated designated symbols displayed at the designated symbol accumulation area, the gaming system provides an additional award opportunity. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140018147 | WAGERING GAME WITH GAME ENHANCEMENT WINDOW - A gaming system includes instructions that cause the gaming system to receive an input indicative of a wager, display a plurality of reels defining a symbol array, and display a symbol-alteration region including at least two symbol positions and extending through a subset of the symbol array at a predefined position. The plurality of reels includes a plurality of symbols moving through the symbol array. The plurality of symbols includes a special symbol that has a first function for evaluating a game outcome. The symbol-alteration region is positioned such that at least some of the symbols move between a first position outside the symbol-alteration region and a second position within the symbol-alteration region. The instructions further cause the gaming system to, in response to the special symbol stopping within the symbol-alteration region, alter a functionality of the special symbol to include a second function for evaluating the game outcome. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140018148 | Gaming System and a Method of Gaming - A gaming system is disclosed that comprises a selector arranged to select a plurality of first symbols from a first set of symbols for display in a display position area, and a shutter device selectively disposable in a closed configuration wherein the display position area is concealed or an open configuration wherein the display position area is revealed. The gaming system is arranged to select a plurality of second symbols from a second set of symbols. The shutter device comprises a display device arranged to display the selected second symbols at a location corresponding to the display position area when the shutter device is disposed in the closed configuration. A corresponding method is also disclosed. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140018149 | INTEGRATED CARD AND SLOT MACHINE MECHANIC - Embodiments described herein allow the users to influence various aspects of a game by selecting digital objects associated with a user's digital object collection to be integrated into customized digital object holders to provide a slot machine like functionality. Each of the digital object holders can have a number of positions, and each position can have a digital object associated with it. The user can choose which digital objects are associated with each digital object holder, in accordance with a rule set which can control which digital object can be associated with the digital object holder. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140018150 | GAMING MACHINE WITH LAYERED DISPLAYS - A gaming machine includes a cabinet defining an interior region of the gaming machine. The cabinet is adapted to house a plurality of gaming machine components within or about the interior region. A curved display is disposed within or about the interior region and configured to display game data. The gaming machine also includes a touchscreen. The touchscreen is transparent or translucent. The gaming machine also includes a panel having an opening that is significantly transparent or translucent, and a peripheral portion, wherein the peripheral portion is configured to display game information. The panel is positioned between the touchscreen and the curved display such that a common line of sight passes through the touchscreen, the panel and the curved display. Game data is visible through the panel and the touchscreen, and game information is visible through the touchscreen. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140018151 | GAMING MACHINE WITH SPECIAL SYMBOL - A gaming machine having a display means and a game control means arranged to control images displayed on the display means, the game control means being arranged to play a game wherein at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the display means and, if a predefined winning event occurs, the machine awards a prize, wherein, when a special symbol is carried by a symbol-carrying element into a display position on the display means, the special symbol substitutes as more than one occurrence of a standard symbol of the game. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140024429 | Wagering Game With Elements Influenced By Symbol Array - A gaming system includes a memory device storing instructions for receiving a wager and displaying a first array of randomly selected reel symbols at respective first positions. A second array of selectable elements is displayed at respective second positions, each second position being associated with at least one respective first position. In response to the first array of randomly selected reel symbols including a triggering symbol at one of the first positions, the element at the second position associated with the one of the first positions is selected independent of player choice. An award is awarded based on the selected element. | 01-23-2014 |
| 20140024430 | Gaming Machines Players' Communications - Communication networks are established involving gaming machines, preferably slot machines. Each gaming machine has a card reader for obtaining player identity-related information using player identification cards and also has a number of communication related devices including a video screen. In forming a network, identity-related information from two or more player identification cards are accessed using the card reader of one of the machines. A menu and a number of screens are displayable using the machine's video screen to facilitate the establishment of communication networks, as well as control elements being displayed for use in controlling communications using the communication-related devices. | 01-23-2014 |
| 20140024431 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAME CONTROLLER AND A GAMING SYSTEM - A method of gaming at a gaming machine. The method includes designating a symbol display position of a plurality of symbol display positions as having a bonus symbol set applying to it for a game round, and selecting and displaying a symbol from the bonus symbol set at the designated symbol display position. The method also includes selecting symbols for display at the other symbol display positions from a base symbol set independently of the selection of the symbol from the bonus symbol set, and evaluating the symbols displayed at the plurality of symbol display positions to determine whether to make an award for the game round. | 01-23-2014 |
| 20140024432 | REEL FOR GAMING MACHINE AND GAMING MACHINE INCLUDING THE SAME, AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING REEL - A method of manufacturing a reel for a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: forming an opening in a reel strip on which a plurality of first symbols are printed; forming a second symbol on an optical sheet by vacuum forming the optical sheet to form a symbol piece, the second symbol including a protrusion and a depression; attaching the symbol piece to the reel strip such that the second symbol is exposed through the opening of the reel strip; and attaching the reel strip to a reel frame for the slot machine. | 01-23-2014 |
| 20140024433 | Wagering Game For Awarding Attributes In A Plurality Of Plays - A method for conducting a computer-implemented wagering game includes using a processor to execute a plurality of plays of the wagering game, each play having an expected value. A plurality of randomly selected symbols, which are associated with each play, are displayed on a display. The processor is used to randomly assign a plurality of attributes across the plurality of plays. Each attribute increases an expected value of the play to which the attribute is assigned, from a first value to a second value. The first value is in the absence of the attribute and the second value is in the presence of the attribute. | 01-23-2014 |
| 20140031099 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH MULTIPLIER BANKING - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive primary wagers and secondary wagers. The systems and methods may bank a portion of a multiplier for future utilization. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140031100 | WAGERING GAME WITH MULTIPLE UNLOCKABLE ARRAYS - A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes an input device, a display device, a processor, and a memory device. The memory device stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the gaming system to receive a wager in response to an input, display a main array of symbol-bearing reels, and to display a plurality of enhanced arrays. The main array includes a plurality of enhanced-array triggers. Each enhanced array includes an enhancement feature and each enhanced array is associated with at least one of the plurality of enhanced-array triggers. The enhanced arrays are spun and evaluated upon display of the associated enhanced-array triggers. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140031101 | WAGERING GAME WITH DYNAMIC BONUS TRIGGERS - A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes input device(s), display device(s), processor(s), and memory device(s). The memory devices store instructions that, when executed, cause the gaming system to receive a wager to initiate each instance of the wagering game, randomly select a game outcome for each instance of the wagering game, display the randomly selected game outcome for each instance, and initiate a special event in response to an occurrence of a triggering event during an instance of the wagering game. At least two of the randomly selected outcomes include a first special symbol that has a dynamic secondary element. The dynamic secondary element represents a first enhancement in a first instance and a second enhancement in a second instance of the wagering game. The triggering event and special event are associated with at least one special symbol. The special event is modified by the dynamic secondary element. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140031102 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a plurality of display positions disposed in a display area, a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols for display at respective display positions, and an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether the selected symbols correspond to a winning outcome with reference to at least one of a plurality of defined win lines. Each of the defined win lines comprises at least one display position, and at least some of the win lines comprise differing numbers of display positions. A corresponding method of gaming is also disclosed. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140038689 | GAMING SYSTEM, METHOD, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT PROVIDING PAYLINE ENHANCERS - A method includes designating at least one of the paylines defined through a matrix of symbol locations as an enhanced value payline which is associated with a respective value enhancer. Upon receipt of a game play input to initiate a play of the wagering game at least some of the symbol locations are populated with a respective game symbol for that respective play of the game. Once the game symbols are displayed for a play of the game, the respective value enhancer associated with each respective enhanced value payline is applied to enhance the value of a paytable prize for that respective payline to produce an enhanced prize. The method ultimately includes awarding this enhanced prize for each enhanced value payline and also awarding a respective paytable prize for each winning payline that is not an enhanced value payline. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140038690 | Electronic Gaming Machine and Gaming Method - An electronic gaming machine has an electronic game controller and a display where game symbols are arranged in an array of predetermined groups, at least one of the groups displaying at least one special symbol in a first play of the game and a subsequent play. In the first play, the electronic game controller selects a first group to display the at least one special symbol and in the subsequent play, the electronic game controller selects a different group to the first group to display the at least one special symbol. A gaming method is also provided. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140038691 | SLOT MACHINE HYBRID PIN AND BALL GAME - An electronic gaming console is illustrated having a console cabinet | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140038692 | GAMING MACHINE WITH WAGERING FEATURES - A gaming machine | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140038693 | GAMING MACHINE HAVING A DISPLAY AND SPEAKER SYSTEM WITH LIGHT PIPING MATERIAL - Gaming machines having video depictions of one or more mechanical reels displayed onto a curved display are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a curved transparent material having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a radius of curvature similar to a mechanical reel. The gaming machine also includes a display system for displaying video images of one or more reels onto the inner surface of the curved transparent material. The gaming machine also includes a light piping material positioned in front of the curved transparent material for illumination of the display. The gaming machine may further include light piping material placed in front of speakers associated with the gaming machine for illumination of the speakers. The illumination of the display or speakers may be synchronized with sound. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140038694 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING A FREE SPIN GAME - A gaming device including a re-initiation mode wherein the probability of extending the bonus game is increased by fixing the real or reels displaying a locking symbol on the reel. In the re-initiation mode embodiment, the gaming device reactivates some or all of the reels except the reel displaying the locking symbol for a predetermined number of additional free spins or until the reactivated reels display or Indicate a terminating symbol on the reels. The gaming device provides any outcomes associated with indicated symbols or combination of symbols. In one embodiment, if a terminating symbol is displayed on designated reels during one of the additional free spins, the gaming device re-initiates the bonus game. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140038695 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD HAVING INDEPENDENT REELS AND MULTIPLE WAYS OF WINNING - A gaming device including a plurality of unisymbol reels which are each selectively activated to generate a symbol at an active symbol position. After a plurality of symbols are generated by the unisymbol reels (wherein the number of generated symbols is based on a wagered on number of ways to win), the gaming device analyzes any associated symbols which are generated in active symbol positions over a requisite number of adjacent reel columns to determine whether the generated symbols form part or all of a winning symbol combination (i.e., a combination of associated or related symbols). The gaming device determines any outcomes associated with any formed winning symbol combinations and provides any determined outcomes to the player, wherein unlike a gaming device with paylines, any outcomes provided to the player are not determined based on the number of paylines which may pass through any displayed winning symbol combinations. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140045570 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more repeat paylines. The systems and methods may receive one or more secondary wagers on one or more repeat paylines. The repeat paylines may be based on data received from a player. The systems and methods may determine a repeat paylines payout based on the one or more repeat paylines. | 02-13-2014 |
| 20140045571 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH SCRAPE AWAY FEATURE - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers. The systems and methods may include scrape away functionality. | 02-13-2014 |
| 20140045572 | Method of Gaming, a Game Controller and a Gaming System - A method of gaming in a gaming system comprise selecting a plurality of symbols for display on a display of the gaming system at a plurality of display positions, each display position comprising a plurality of borders, each display position having a least one common border with at least two other display positions. The method involves determining with the gaming system, whether there are one or more groups of at least three symbols corresponding to a designated winning symbol combination displayed at respective ones of a plurality of display positions linked in a contiguous group, the determination being based on the display positions sharing a common border. An award corresponding to a determined group is made. | 02-13-2014 |
| 20140045573 | GAMING MACHINE DETERMINING THE CONTENT OF BONUS GAME BY ROULETTE - A slot machine | 02-13-2014 |
| 20140045574 | SYSTEM FOR ANIMATING MECHANICAL REELS ON A GAMING MACHINE - A system for providing animation on reel games is disclosed. A gaming machine includes a plurality of reels each having symbols provided on an outer surface of each of the reels. A lighting system is configured to illuminate a selected symbol on at least one reel. A game controller generates a game outcome. A reel control unit determines the timing of illuminating of the selected symbol on the position of the symbol on the reel when it is illuminated. | 02-13-2014 |
| 20140045575 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING SEQUENTIAL ACTIVATIONS OF A GAME AND REPLAY OF PREVIOUS ACTIVATIONS OF THE GAME - A gaming device including a plurality of reels with a plurality of symbols on each of the reels. At least one and preferably a plurality of the symbols on the primary reels are designated as tracking or back symbols. A tracking symbol is a symbol that, when generated on a reel, causes the gaming device to flag the outcome of the current and all tracking spins in a memory storage device. A back symbol is a symbol that, when generated on a reel, causes the gaming device to retrieve the flagged outcomes of each flagged spin and to re-display the outcomes in a sequential manner and to provide the awards associated with the outcomes to the player. An additional embodiment of the invention automatically flags all spins of the gaming device for retrieval and display upon the generation of a back or bonus symbol. The gaming device determines if an award is associated with one or more of the symbols generated on the reels and provides any determined award to the player. | 02-13-2014 |
| 20140045576 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM AND A GAME CONTROLLER - A method of gaming including: selecting in each game round a plurality of symbols for display to a player in a set of display positions arranged in a plurality of rows and columns, subsets of the display positions corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of reels, each reel comprising a plurality symbols; controlling the correspondence of display positions to reels so that at least one game round is a diagonal spin game round in which at least one of the reels is arranged to spin diagonally such that it corresponds to display positions in a plurality of neighbouring columns; determining an outcome for each game round based on the selected symbol | 02-13-2014 |
| 20140045577 | Gaming Device with a Secure Interface - A system for an electronic gambling device output has been developed. The system includes, a first computing device with gambling device game logic circuitry that generates an output signal that includes output content tested and approved by a gaming regulatory authority for use by an output device of the electronic gambling device. The system also includes a second computing device that controls the output of the tested output content by the output device commands the output of output content that has not been tested by the gaining regulatory authority. The untested output content replaces or supplements the tested output content as determined by the second computing device. | 02-13-2014 |
| 20140051493 | GAMING MACHINE WITH RUNS OF SYMBOLS - A gaming machine comprising a processor to execute a game displaying a matrix of symbol containing elements having a plurality of rows and a plurality columns; at least one column comprising a portion of a simulated rotatable reel of a plurality of said symbol containing elements; said simulated rotatable reel comprising sections of symbol containing elements displaying a plurality of symbols; said simulated rotatable reel including at least one section in which a consecutive run of two or more of said elements is populated by a first identical symbol so that, said first identical symbol being used for a first play of said game, a second identical symbol being randomly selected, the first identical symbol being replaced by the second identical symbol in said consecutive run of two or more of said elements, said second identical symbol being used for a second play of said game. | 02-20-2014 |
| 20140051494 | GAMING DEVICE INCLUDING PLAYER SELECTABLE WILD SYMBOLS - A gaming system configured to operate a game associated with a plurality of symbols. For a play of the game, the gaming system displays a plurality of reels, each of the reels including a plurality of the symbols and being associated with a plurality of symbol display areas. For an activation of the reels, the gaming system randomly generates and causes each of the reels to display one of the symbols on that reel at each of the symbol display areas associated with that reel. Upon an occurrence of a triggering event, the gaming system: adds one or more wild symbols to one or more of the reels and provides a plurality of additional activations of the reels. If a removal condition is satisfied prior to a final one of the additional activations of the reels, the gaming system removes a remaining wild symbol from one of the reels. | 02-20-2014 |
| 20140051495 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM AND A GAME CONTROLLER - A method of gaming comprising: selecting, in each whole reel symbol game round, symbols for display to a player in a set of display positions, subsets of the display positions corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of reels set side by side, by: selecting a whole reel symbol from a whole reel symbol set for at least one of the reels, such that the whole reel symbol is at all display positions of the at least one reel, and, selecting symbols for each of the other reels from respective ones of a plurality of reel symbol sets, each reel symbol set comprised of a plurality of different symbols; and determining an outcome for each game round based on the selected symbols. | 02-20-2014 |
| 20140057693 | WAGERING GAME WITH PLAYER ACTIVATED SPECIAL FUNCTION WHICH SIMULATES PREDICTING THE GAME OUTCOME - A gaming system, apparatus, and method are disclosed with one or more special function zones which allow player interaction in a manner that simulates a good luck charm predicting the future game outcome. A preferred version provides a slot machine game with a special function zone beside the reels presented as a selectable “good luck charm,” which is seen in certain circumstances to predict the outcome of a reel spin. If the player touches the charm at any time, it animates with a first animation. There is a second, different animation that the charm can do while the reels are spinning This second animation foreshadows a reel stop which will hit a designated high-value outcome. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140057694 | WAGERING GAME WITH SPECIAL FUNCTION COMMUNICATING MULTIPLE MEANINGS - A gaming system, apparatus, and method are disclosed with one or more special function zones which foreshadow or hint at game results in a manner designed to create a lucky or positive impression with the player. A preferred version provides a slot machine game with a special function zone behind and around the reels, which animates in certain circumstances to predict the outcome of a reel spin. The animation may have different meanings depending on the context within the game. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140057695 | UNITY REEL GAMING MACHINE AND METHOD OF PLAY - A gaming machine and method featuring a plurality of matrices and a common game position or reel separate from, and positioned between, the plurality of matrices. Each of the plurality of matrices have a plurality of game positions and the plurality of matrices and common position are configured to display a game element selected from a population of game elements. During play of the game the game, the game positions and common position are randomly populated with game elements to form a configuration of game elements. The configuration of game elements forming predetermined winning and non-winning outcomes. The game element populated at the common position being evaluated in combination with game elements of adjacent game positions on the plurality of matrices in determining whether a winning outcome has resulted. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140057696 | 3D REELS - A mechanical reel ( | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140057697 | GAMING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPERATING GAMING SYSTEMS - At a first point in time, a first game outcome is determined in association with a play of a first game, the determined first game outcome is displayed, any first game award associated with the determined first game outcome is displayed, and if a second game triggering event occurs in association with the play of the first game, a second game outcome is determined in association with a play of the second game, the determined second game outcome is displayed, and any second game award associated with the determined second game outcome is displayed. At a second, different point in time, independent of any occurrence of any second game triggering event, a second game outcome in association with a play of the second game is determined, the determined second game outcome is displayed, and c any second game award associated with the determined second game outcome is displayed. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140057698 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A CASCADING SYMBOL GAME INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF INDEPENDENT REELS WHICH PROVIDE A STACKED SYMBOL FUNCTIONALITY - A gaming system displays a plurality of independent reels, wherein each independent reel generates a symbol from a plurality of symbol positions of that independent reel in accordance with a plurality of probabilities. At least two adjacent independent reels generate symbols according to relatively high probabilities of generating a designated symbol. For a play of the game, the gaming system generates and displays a symbol for each independent reel and provides an award for any displayed winning symbol combinations. In one embodiment, for at least one symbol position of at least one winning symbol combination, the gaming system re-generates a symbol for one or more independent, such as by displaying a symbol from an adjacent symbol position of that independent reel. The gaming system provides an award for any winning symbol combinations and repeats until no winning symbol combinations are displayed. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140066164 | DATA GENERATING METHOD, GAMING METHOD, AND GAMING MACHINE - A method of generating data for controlling an operation of a gaming machine is provided. The gaming machine includes a reel, a first driver for driving the reel, a rendering device, and a second driver for driving the rendering device. A data sheet including a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns is provided. Columns include a trigger field, a reel field being predefined to be associated with the first driver, and an effect field being predefined to be associated with the second driver. When a first command for controlling the first driver is input to in the reel field of the first set of rows, and at least one second command for controlling the second driver is input to the effect field of the first set of rows, the second command is executed in synchronization with the first command. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140066165 | WAGERING GAME WITH PLAYER SELECTION FEATURES - A gaming system, apparatus, and method are disclosed with one or more mode selection zones presented as a selectable “good luck charm,” which, when selected by the player, can change various aspects of the game including the game theme, special animations, bonus functionality, and paytables. In some embodiments, more options of selectable theme symbols are awarded or made available persistently as the player continues to play. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140066166 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING MULTIWAY EVALUATION FOR A GAME ASSOCIATED WITH MULTI-COMPONENT SYMBOLS CONFIGURED TO AFFECT A BASE COUNT AND/OR A VALUE OF ONE OR MORE MODIFIERS - Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing multiway evaluation for a game including multi-component symbols that are utilized to determine one or more modifiers. In one embodiment, the gaming system is configured to operate a game associated with a plurality of reels including a plurality of individual symbols and a plurality of multi-component symbols including a plurality of the individual symbols. The gaming system displays a plurality of the symbols on the reels and determines a quantity of adjacent reels that each displays at least one instance of a first individual symbol. The gaming system determines a modifier for each of the adjacent reels based on a quantity of instances of the first individual symbol displayed by that reel, and determines any awards for the first individual symbol based on the determined quantity of adjacent reels and any determined modifiers. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140066167 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING MULTIWAY EVALUATION FOR A GAME ASSOCIATED WITH MULTI-COMPONENT SYMBOLS CONFIGURED TO AFFECT A BASE COUNT - Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing multiway evaluation for a game including multi-component symbols that are utilized to determine one or more modifiers. In one embodiment, the gaming system is configured to operate a game associated with a plurality of reels including a plurality of individual symbols and a plurality of multi-component symbols including a plurality of the individual symbols. The gaming system displays a plurality of the symbols on the reels and determines a quantity of adjacent reels that each displays at least one instance of a first individual symbol. The gaming system determines a modifier for each of the adjacent reels based on a quantity of instances of the first individual symbol displayed by that reel, and determines any awards for the first individual symbol based on the determined quantity of adjacent reels and any determined modifiers. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140066168 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING MULTIWAY EVALUATION FOR A GAME ASSOCIATED WITH MULTI-COMPONENT SYMBOLS CONFIGURED TO AFFECT A VALUE OF ONE OR MORE MODIFIERS - Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing multiway evaluation for a game including multi-component symbols that are utilized to determine one or more modifiers. In one embodiment, the gaming system is configured to operate a game associated with a plurality of reels including a plurality of individual symbols and a plurality of multi-component symbols including a plurality of the individual symbols. The gaming system displays a plurality of the symbols on the reels and determines a quantity of adjacent reels that each displays at least one instance of a first individual symbol. The gaming system determines a modifier for each of the adjacent reels based on a quantity of instances of the first individual symbol displayed by that reel, and determines any awards for the first individual symbol based on the determined quantity of adjacent reels and any determined modifiers. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140066169 | WAGERING GAME WITH AWARDED PAYLINES - A gaming system, apparatus, and method are disclosed with one or more additional payline awards made through special symbols appearing in the game. The number of additional paylines is determined based at least on the special symbol present. A preferred version provides a slot machine game with a payline meter zone on a dedicated display or beside the reels which emphasizes to the player the amount of additional paylines provided and their application in the prize award. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140066170 | Wagering Game Having Enhanced Display Of Winning Symbols - An outcome of a wagering game is evaluated to determine if it is a winning outcome. In response to the outcome being a winning outcome, it is determined if the winning outcome includes two or more groups of winning symbols. In response to determining that the winning outcome includes two or more groups of winning symbols, each of the two or more groups of winning symbols is visually highlight in a sequential fashion. Further, it is determined if each of the two or more groups includes winning symbols on two or more lines. In response to determining that one of the two or more groups includes winning symbols on two or more lines, the winning symbols on each of the two or more lines is visually highlighted in a sequential fashion. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140066171 | WAGERING APPARATUS, METHODS AND SYSTEMS - A system, method and apparatus provides a unique pool betting product where players make selections in a number of different events which occur in sequential legs or time periods. After some and preferably most of the legs have been completed, players who have correct “win” predictions for each of the events or legs that are completed and thus remain in contention for the Jackpot Pool, and potentially those still eligible for consolations prizes, will be offered an opportunity to sell their tickets, in whole or in part, to the game operator or through the game operator. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140066172 | GAME MACHINE, AND CONTROL METHOD OF CONTROLLING COMPUTER AND COMPUTER PROGRAM USED THEREFOR - A game machine includes a display device that displays a game screen in which virtual reels formed by symbols are arranged so as to correspond one-to-one to cells as symbol stop positions. And, a game machine determines the symbol to stop in each cell through drawing, and controls a movement to change the symbol and a stop of the movement for each virtual reel based on a drawing result. Furthermore, a game machine determines a number of specific symbols that stop in the cells, and controls a movement of each virtual reel, which causes the specific symbols to appear in the cells, as one virtual reel group and a stop of the movement in units of virtual reel group. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140066173 | GAMING MACHINE WITH RUNS OF SYMBOLS - A gaming machine comprising a processor to execute a game displaying a matrix of symbol containing elements having a plurality of rows and a plurality columns; at least one column comprising a portion of a simulated rotatable reel of a plurality of said symbol containing elements; said simulated rotatable reel comprising sections of symbol containing elements displaying a plurality of symbols; said simulated rotatable reel including at least one section in which a consecutive run of two or more of said elements is populated by a first identical symbol so that, said first identical symbol being used for a first play of said game, a second identical symbol being randomly selected, the first identical symbol being replaced by the second identical symbol in said consecutive run of two or more of said elements, said second identical symbol being used for a second play of said game. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140066174 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND GAMING METHOD PROVIDING STACKING SYMBOLS AND CONVERTIBLE REELS - The gaming system, gaming device and method provides a reel game that includes stacks of symbols configured on the reels to provide a large number of winning symbol combinations. The gaming device includes a plurality of reels wherein each reel includes a reel-strip and a plurality of symbols. Each of the plurality of reels is configured to include one or more stacks of symbols wherein a stack of symbols is formed by placing a plurality of identical symbols adjacent to each other on a single reel. If two non-adjacent reels each generated a stack of identical symbols and at least one reel positioned between the two non-adjacent reels generated symbols different from the symbols used to form the stack of identical symbols, at least one symbol on the at least one reel positioned between the two non-adjacent reels is modified into the symbol that forms the stacks of identical symbols. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140066175 | GAMING MACHINE DISPLAY WITH A PLURALITY OF ZONES INDEPENDENTLY ADDRESSABLE TO SELECTIVELY OPERATE IN ONE OF TWO MODES - A gaming machine display ( | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140073403 | Projected Reels With Spinning Mechanism - A gaming machine is configured for playing a wagering game and includes at least one non-rotating curved surface and a projection apparatus. The projection apparatus includes at least one rotatable element and is configured to project images of symbols onto the curved surface while the at least one rotatable element is rotated and then stopped such that the symbols appear to respectively move and then stop along the curved surface. The stopped symbols indicate a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140073404 | MULTI-MONITOR SUPPORT FOR GAMING DEVICES AND RELATED METHODS - Various embodiments are directed to gaming machines having multi-monitor support for controlling up to four monitors on a gaming device. According to one embodiment, the gaming device includes a first display for presenting a primary game. The gaming device also includes a second display. The second display is used to present a secondary game. The gaming device further includes a multi-core processor in communication with a first video chipset and a second video chipset, wherein the first and second video chipsets support the first and second monitors. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140073406 | GAMING DEVICE WITH WILD ACTIVATION SYMBOLS AND WILD TERMINATION SYMBOLS - A gaming device having a wild activation symbol is displayed on a set of reels or set of cards within a display device. The processor causes other symbols or cards to become wild within the display device when the wild termination symbol is displayed. When the wild activation symbol is displayed, the present invention may also provide a wild termination symbol on the set of reels or the set of cards within a display device. The processor may then stop symbols or cards from becoming wild based on the position of the wild termination symbol. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140080568 | EXCLUSIVELY MATCH SYMBOL VIDEO GAMING - A game play on an electronically based system utilizes symbol collection outcomes along paylines to determine winning events in a virtual game. Even when the symbols used in the virtual game comprise or consist of playing cards displaying conventional ranks, suits and symbols, winning outcomes are determined only by accumulation of sets of symbols, without regard to linear order (straights and straight flushes) and random symbols within a suit (flushes). Accumulated symbols in an at least five symbols display game event as pairs, trips (three-of-a-kind), two pairs, full houses (three of one symbol plus two of a different symbol), four-of-a-kind and five-of-a-kind are determined to be winning events, while a flush, straight and even straight flushes may be or are required to be ignored. Optional and even preferred additional events are used in a draw poker variant (with playing card symbols or non-playing card symbols are used in an accumulated symbol gaming event). | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140080569 | Secondary Game Triggering Technique For Bonus Game - A secondary game is played continuously over a series of reel-type main games on a video gaming device, where the successful outcome of the secondary game is the initiation of a bonus game. Therefore, the player is enticed to keep playing due to the player's investment in the secondary game and the expectation of playing the bonus game. At the beginning of a playing session, a visual indicator, such as a colored tile, is located at each of the symbol positions. The virtual reels are then spun and randomly stopped to display random symbols. If there is a winning combination of symbols, such as three of a kind, the indicators at those symbol positions are changed, such as being extinguished. The player keeps playing the main games until there are no more indicators. When all indicators are extinguished, a bonus game is initiated. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140080570 | GAMING SYSTEM, METHOD, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR CONTROLLING NEAR MISS OUTCOMES IN A WAGERING GAME - A game symbol matrix, such as a symbol matrix produced in a reel-type game, may be modified to provide the player with an additional chance for certain types of winning symbol combinations. In particular, a first game symbol matrix which may be produced in a wagering game may be evaluated to detect if the game symbol matrix is close to, for example, a high value win. If so, one or more symbol locations may be repopulated with a respective game symbol to provide the player with another chance at achieving the high value win. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140080571 | GAMING SYSTEM, METHOD, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR GENERATING ADDITIONAL PAYOUT CHANCES IN A WAGERING GAME - Methods, apparatus, and program products provide for dynamically modifying a symbol matrix, such as a symbol matrix produced in a reel-type game, to provide the player with additional chances to win on a given activation of the game. In particular, one or more initial symbol locations in a matrix of symbol locations may be split so as to replace the respective initial symbol location with two or more symbol locations. The additional symbol locations produced in this way define additional sets of symbol combinations and these additional symbol combinations provide the player with additional chances to win on a given play of the game. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140080572 | GAMING SYSTEM, METHOD, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT PROVIDING FULL WINDOW PAYS IN A REEL-TYPE WAGERING GAME - A method includes producing a game symbol matrix for a play in a wagering game. The game symbol matrix is produced through a gaming machine display system by controlling the display system to populate each of at least some of the symbol locations of the game symbol matrix with a respective game symbol selected from one or more game symbol sets. The game symbol matrix is then evaluated for the presence of any winning full window combination, and prizes are awarded at the gaming machine for each winning full window combination defined through the game symbol matrix. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140080573 | ROTATABLE GAMING DISPLAY INTERFACES AND GAMING TERMINALS WITH A ROTATABLE DISPLAY INTERFACE - Gaming devices, gaming systems, and gaming display assemblies are presented herein. A gaming machine for playing a wagering game is disclosed. The gaming machine includes a support structure and an input device configured to receive an input indicative of a wager to play the wagering game. A primary display device is mounted to the support structure and configured to display randomly determined outcomes of the wagering game. A display interface device, which overlies at least a portion of the primary display device, includes a player-rotatable display interface rotatably mounted to the support structure and configured to be manually rotated by a player. The display interface device is operatively connected to the primary display device such that motion manually imparted to the player-rotatable display interface by a player affects one or more aspects of the wagering game displayed on the primary display device. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140080574 | SLOT MACHINE SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUS - Systems, methods and/or apparatus for slot machine eye-strain reduction are disclosed. Systems, methods and/or apparatus for slot machine back lighting are further provided. Systems, methods and/or apparatus for a slot machine back lighting effect are also disclosed. Systems, methods and/or apparatus for reel line lights are disclosed. Systems, methods and/or apparatus for reel tilt and motion detection are disclosed. Systems, methods and/or apparatus for reel wins display for an electromechanical slot machine and/or gaming machine viewing window configurable lines are disclosed. Systems, methods and/or apparatus for a configurable shelf system for an electromechanical slot machine are disclosed. Systems, methods, and apparatus are also disclosed for reel tilt minimization. Systems, methods and/or apparatus for slot machine controlled lighting. Further embodiments of the present disclosure can provide slot machine reel stop systems, methods, and apparatus useful for electromechanical slot machines. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140080575 | GAMING MACHINE INCLUDING A FEATURE GAMBLE - A gaming machine has a display and a game controller arranged to control images of symbols displayed on the display. The game controller is arranged to play a game wherein at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the display and, if a predefined winning event occurs, the machine awards a prize. A game has a feature having non-monetary characteristics which can be won, the non-monetary characteristics being able to be gambled. The gaming machine includes a selector by which a player is able to gamble at least one of the non-monetary characteristics of the feature. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140080576 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING INDICATION OF NOTABLE SYMBOLS - The gaming device and method disclosed herein produces an indication of an appearance of a notable or designated symbol in a symbol display region while at least one reel is spinning. The indication continues while the notable symbol appears in the symbol display region and while the at least one reel is spinning. Different indications are produced for the different notable symbols when appearing in the symbol display region while the at least one reel is spinning. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140080577 | FIXED POOL BONUS APPARATUS - A gaming system comprising tablet-style gaming terminals that uses centrally determined game outcomes to generate both a simulated primary game and a multiplicity of bonus games are revealed. The predetermined outcome bonus games are designed to mimic actual Nevada-style bonus games using novel methods to both create the look-and-feel of the actual bonus games as well as being able to use existing central determination game system protocols, which have severe limitations in their message fields. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140087816 | GAMING MACHINE AND GAMING METHOD - A controller of a gaming machine executes a normal round of a game to spin reels of a first display, and triggers a chance round of the game when a result of the normal round satisfies a predetermined condition. The controller displays a wheel and a plurality of touch areas on a second display, and the wheel includes a plurality of areas, each of the plurality of areas corresponding to a number of free rounds. When any one of the touch areas is touched and slid by a player, the controller spinning the wheel in a direction corresponding to the slid touch area, and randomly determines a number of free rounds. The controller stops the wheel at a position of an area that corresponds to the determined number of free rounds among the plurality of areas, and provides free rounds having the determined number. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140087817 | GAMING MACHINE AND GAMING METHOD - In a gaming machine, a speaker outputs music at a predetermined time when it is determined that a result of a game satisfies a predetermined condition. A memory stores a program corresponding to a data sheet including a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns The plurality of columns include a reel field being predefined to be associated with the reels and including a command for controlling the reels and a trigger field including a triggering condition for executing a command of a corresponding row in synchronization with the music. A controller determines the result of the game. Each time any one of a plurality of triggering conditions for a plurality of rows is satisfied, the controller controls the reels according to a command of a row having the satisfied triggering condition. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140087818 | WAGERING GAME WITH SYMBOL SELECTION GAMEPIECE - A gaming system, apparatus, and method are disclosed including a game feature with one or more symbol selection gamepieces, preferably presented as a graphical “Eye of the Pharaoh,” which, when activated, causes a moving graphical effect to sequentially select various symbols in the gaming array. An interactive player input or a timeout may end the sequential selections, after which the symbol selection gamepiece selects a final selected symbol, on which is based a special award. Perceived-skill and actual-skill versions are disclosed. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140087819 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH PHYSICS-BASED GAMING FUNCTIONALITY - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The systems and methods may utilize one or more objects in a physics-based game. The systems and methods may determine one or more payouts based on the one or more objects. The systems and methods may display one or more presentations based on the one or more objects. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140087820 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING ONE OR MORE INDICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH A PLAYER-SELECTED SYMBOL COMBINATION FOR A PLAY OF A PACHISURO-STYLE SLOT GAME - The present disclosure is directed to a gaming system and method providing one or more indications associated with a player-selected winning symbol combination for a play of a Pachisuro-style slot game. The gaming system includes a plurality of reels, each of which includes a plurality of symbols, and a separate stop input device associated with each reel. While each reel is spinning, the gaming system enables the player to activate the associated stop input device to cause the gaming system to stop that reel from spinning. For a play of the game, the gaming system enables a player to select a desired winning symbol combination. The gaming system spins the reels and, while the reels are spinning, indicates when the player should activate the stop input devices to cause the gaming system to stop the reels such that a probability of the desired winning symbol combination being displayed is maximized. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140087821 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A SYMBOL MATRIX WITH A MOVEABLE SYMBOL DISPLAY WINDOW - In various embodiments, the present disclosure generally relates to gaming systems and methods which utilize a symbol matrix or symbol field in conjunction with a movable symbol display window to randomly select different subsets of symbols from the symbol matrix and provide different awards to players based on such selected symbol subsets. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140087822 | GAMING SYSTEM, METHOD, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR SELECTING GAME SYMBOLS IN A WAGERING GAME - Multiple different game symbol weighting sets are defined for selection in a given play of a reel-type game. Each game symbol weighting set defines a probability of each reel strip in the reel-type game landing at each particular stop position for that reel strip. By providing multiple different game symbol weighting sets, certain game symbols such as special themed game symbols may be favored for one or more plays of the game to increase the chance of hitting winning symbol combinations using that game symbol. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140087823 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH SCRIPTED FUNCTIONALITY - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The systems and methods may determine one or more key values. The systems and methods may determine one or more scripted scenarios based on the determined one or more key values. The systems and methods may display one or more presentations based on the one or more determined scripted scenarios. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140087824 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A GAME WHICH POPULATES SYMBOLS ALONG A PATH - In various embodiments, the present disclosure relates generally to a game including a path of different symbol display positions. The gaming system generates one or more symbols (and/or one or more awards) at one or more of the symbol display positions of a matrix or grid. The gaming system then randomly forms a path including a plurality of the symbol display positions and determines an award for the player based on which symbol display positions are included in the formed path. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140087825 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A CASCADING MULTIPLE SIDED SYMBOL GAME - A gaming system including a cascading symbol or tumbling reel game which utilizes a plurality of multiple sided symbols or multiple sided game elements. Each multiple sided symbol or multiple sided game element includes a separate or distinct symbol displayed on each of one or more of the sides or faces of that multiple sided symbol. As the gaming system displays such multiple sided symbols at different symbol display positions, the gaming system differs or modifies which sides of which multiple sided symbols are displayed to the player (and thus differs or modifies which separate or distinct symbols of which sides or faces of the multiple sided symbols are displayed to the player). | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140087826 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A GAME WHICH POPULATES SYMBOLS ALONG A PATH - In various embodiments, the present disclosure relates generally to a game including a path of different symbol display positions. The gaming system generates one or more symbols (and/or one or more awards) at one or more of the symbol display positions of a matrix or grid. The gaming system then randomly forms a path including a plurality of the symbol display positions and determines an award for the player based on which symbol display positions are included in the formed path. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140087827 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A CASCADING MULTIPLE SIDED SYMBOL GAME - A gaming system including a cascading symbol or tumbling reel game which utilizes a plurality of multiple sided symbols or multiple sided game elements. Each multiple sided symbol or multiple sided game element includes a separate or distinct symbol displayed on each of one or more of the sides or faces of that multiple sided symbol. As the gaming system displays such multiple sided symbols at different symbol display positions, the gaming system differs or modifies which sides of which multiple sided symbols are displayed to the player (and thus differs or modifies which separate or distinct symbols of which sides or faces of the multiple sided symbols are displayed to the player). | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140087828 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A GAME WHICH POPULATES SYMBOLS ALONG A PATH - In various embodiments, the present disclosure relates generally to a game including a path of different symbol display positions. The gaming system generates one or more symbols (and/or one or more awards) at one or more of the symbol display positions of a matrix or grid. The gaming system then randomly forms a path including a plurality of the symbol display positions and determines an award for the player based on which symbol display positions are included in the formed path. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140087829 | WAGERING GAME HAVING WIN STREAK AWARD FEATURE - A gaming system, apparatus, and method are disclosed providing a free-spin bonus game, wherein the player's streaks of consecutive winning free spins are tracked throughout the bonus, with bonus enhancements or awards for achieving streaks of specified lengths. Some embodiments award additional free spins for win streaks. Other versions provide different numbers of additional spins awarded for each number of consecutive winning spins. Other embodiments provide different bonus features as an award for winning streaks, including credit prizes which may be fixed or variable, triggering a secondary bonus (such as a wheel spin or a pick bonus), or applying multiplier values to the reel-spin wins in the streak. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140087830 | WAGERING GAME WITH A SECONDARY REEL HAVING OVERSIZED SINGLE-EVALUATION SYMBOLS - A gaming system includes one or more input devices, one or more display devices, and one or more processors, and one or more memory devices storing instructions that cause the gaming system to receive an input indicative of a wager. The instructions further cause the gaming system to display a wagering game having an array of symbol positions positioned on a plurality of primary reels and at least one secondary reel overlaying two or more adjacent primary reels, the secondary reel including at least one oversized standard symbol, the oversized symbol overlaying symbol positions on at least two of the two or more adjacent primary reels. The instructions further cause the gaming system to spin the two or more adjacent primary reels and the secondary reel such that the two or more adjacent primary reels and the secondary reel appear to spin as a single reel. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140087831 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH SCRIPTED FUNCTIONALITY - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The systems and methods may determine one or more key values. The systems and methods may determine one or more scripted scenarios based on the determined one or more key values. The systems and methods may display one or more presentations based on the one or more determined scripted scenarios. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140087832 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A SYMBOL MATRIX WITH A MOVEABLE SYMBOL DISPLAY WINDOW - In various embodiments, the present disclosure generally relates to gaming systems and methods which utilize a symbol matrix or symbol field in conjunction with a movable symbol display window to randomly select different subsets of symbols from the symbol matrix and provide different awards to players based on such selected symbol subsets. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140087833 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING MULTI-POSITIONAL GAME ELEMENTS - Embodiments of the present concept include providing gaming devices, gaming systems, and methods of operating these devices or systems to provide game play that utilizes multi-positional game elements. In one instance, a method of operating a gaming device includes mapping a portion of possible symbols to the multi-positional game elements according to one or more predefined rules for use in one or more gaming events. In an alternative instance, multiple symbols are selected from a plurality of available symbols and assigned to each position of one or more multi-positional game elements for use in one or more gaming events. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140087834 | EVENT GAME MACHINE FOR BUSINESS USE - The present invention relates to event game machine for businesses wherein it is composed of event starting unit that turns the machine on when activating object is inserted; event controlling unit which activates the game algorithm as event starting unit is activated in order to determine whether same menu or products are shown; output unit wherein it displays winning result on the screen when more than set number of same menu or products are shown or sending the information to the registered information processing device such as the business owner's computer. When the coupon or the winning ticket is provided as the result of game algorithm set into motion by activating objects such as medal, coin, coupon, and ticket or saved up points, it can entertain the customers and also provide them with free drinks or food which helps promote the business. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140087835 | Gaming System and Method With Wager Variability - A gaming machine that provides a wagering game, including a user interface in communication with a game controller, through the operation of which a player selects one of a plurality of wager options that determine a number of symbols to be active and inactive in the wagering game. For at least one said wager option at least one, but not all of the plurality of symbols that define a possible said winning combination are rendered inactive for forming the winning combination. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140094247 | GAMING METHOD AND GAMING MACHINE - A map symbol to be substituted with another symbol is included in a symbol set for a game. When two or more map symbols are included in a symbol arrangement, symbols in a subset of the symbol set are scrolled on display blocks occupied by the map blocks in a simultaneous manner. Each of the map symbols is substituted with another symbol in the subset, thereby forming a finalized symbol arrangement. A payout process is performed based on the finalized symbol arrangement. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140094248 | REEL-TYPE GAMES AND GAMING MACHINES - Games such as reel-type slot games may have various features, including: an attribute accumulate feature which a player attempts to form combinations of collectable special symbols; a geometric pattern feature in which symbols within a geometric pattern or area may take on special attributes or features; a moving trigger feature; a symbol-triggered game transformation feature using logical rules; a player symbol selection in which reel symbols are player selected; and a reel-locking feature. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140094249 | SLOT MACHINE HAVING INTERSECTING SETS OF REELS - A gaming machine operable under control of a processor includes a processor for controlling the gaming machine, an interface in electronic communication with the processor and at least one set of primary reels displayed at the interface, the set of primary reels having a plurality of symbols. The gaming machine also includes at least one set of secondary reels displayed on the interface. The secondary reel has a plurality of symbols and an intersecting region. The intersecting region intersects a portion of the at least one set of primary reels. Preferably the gaming machine has four sets of primary reels having corners and a single set of secondary reels that overlaps at least one corner of each of the sets of primary reels. The sets of reels can include physical, electronic or otherwise simulated sets of reels. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140094250 | SLOT MACHINE INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF VIDEO REEL STRIPS - On the slot machine, a slot game including a base game and free games is caused to proceed on a display. On the base game reel strips, on all of a plurality of reels, symbols whose each kind is the same, other than feature symbols and wild symbols, are arranged in succession. On the free game reel strips, on all of a plurality of reels, symbols whose each kind is the same, other than the feature symbols and the wild symbols, are arranged in succession and in addition thereto, only in a case of top symbols whose payout multiplying factor is the highest, the top symbols whose number is larger than a number of top symbols displayed on the base game reel strips are arranged in succession. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140094251 | SLOT MACHINE INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF VIDEO REELS - Provided is a slot machine which prevents two continuous symbols from coming to be continuous even by conducting a rewriting process. In a case where the one part of the symbol columns is stopped and displayed in the display frame of a symbol display area | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140094252 | SLOT MACHINE INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF VIDEO REEL STRIPS - Provided is a slot machine capable of reducing unfairness which may result between a player who has made an investment and a player who has not made an investment and allowing a player to proceed with a game by making an investment in expectation of a jackpot at ease. Each money amount which is constant is accumulated independently of a number of bets each time betting is conducted, and upon winning a jackpot, a money amount calculated by multiplying a money amount accumulated until then by a multiplying factor based on the number of bets is provided. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140094253 | Gaming Machine - To provide a gaming machine which holds a player's attention until symbols are rearranged by reel actions. The operation of the scroll of symbols of a first scroll line is changed under a condition that predetermined symbols are arranged on a pay line in a state where symbols of at least one first scroll line among a plurality of scroll lines are scrolled and symbols of remaining second scroll lines are stopped. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140094254 | GAMING MACHINE ARRANGING SYMBOLS - Provided is a gaming machine which does not bore the player through reel actions until completion of rearrangement of symbols. Under the condition where predetermined symbols are aligned on a payline when the symbols of a first scroll line of at least one of a plurality of scroll lines are being scrolled and symbols on the remaining second scroll lines are stopped, the gaming machine changes scrolling motion of symbols of the first scroll line. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140094255 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING AN EXPLODING ICON - Systems, gaming machines, and methods for displaying an exploding icon are disclosed. One method includes receiving player input to activate a primary game; activating the primary game; presenting the activated game on a single screen of a video display, the activated game comprising a primary game displaying one or more game icons in various locations on a main screen of the video display and upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the primary game appears to animate at least one of the displayed game icons and move one or more wild icons about the main screen of the video display over one or more of the game icons, and randomly replacing one or more of the game icons with the one or more wild icons; determining whether the resulting combination of game icons and wild icons form any winning combinations; and awarding a single game payout for the primary game. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140094256 | Apparatus, System and Method for Presenting Different Wagering Games for Concurrent Play - Apparatus, methods and systems are set forth to enable a player to play several, different concurrent games at a gaming device. The player selects the games to play from a game library and a processor assigns the game instances to real estate at the gaming device display. The player may record wagers to play the games. A processor determines game cycle times and choreographs play of the games' start and stop cycles to provide an appealing and serial display of game outcomes to the player. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140094257 | Gaming Machine - Disclosed herein are wager game machines and methods. In one example, a method involves: selecting a first symbol set from a global symbol group; displaying the first symbol set, wherein the first symbol set includes at least two symbols; determining that a trigger event has occurred; responsive to determining that the trigger event has occurred, identifying at least one symbol in the first symbol set that is in a replaceable symbol group which is a subset of the global symbol group; for the or each symbol in the first symbol set which is in the replaceable symbol group, selecting a replacement symbol that is in the global symbol group; and displaying a second symbol set consisting of (i) the symbols in the first symbol set which are not in the replaceable symbol group, and (ii) the or each replacement symbol. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140094258 | SLOT MACHINE INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF VIDEO REEL STRIPS - On the slot machine, a slot game including a base game and free games is caused to proceed on a display. On the base game reel strips, on all of a plurality of reels, symbols whose each kind is the same, other than feature symbols and wild symbols, are arranged in succession. On the free game reel strips, on all of a plurality of reels, symbols whose each kind is the same, other than the feature symbols and the wild symbols, are arranged in succession and in addition thereto, only in a case of top symbols whose payout multiplying factor is the highest, the top symbols whose number is larger than a number of top symbols displayed on the base game reel strips are arranged in succession. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140094259 | GAMING MACHINE WITH REELS - Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to gaming machines having mechanical reels. The machine is adapted so that the reels to some extent protrude from the front face of the machine to enhance the user's awareness that the reels are genuine and, optionally, the reels may have side walls having matching indicia to the symbols on the periphery of the reels. The reels may also be observed from front and rear sides of the machine or alternatively, rotated about an upright axis to enable a player to observe front and rear outcomes from one point. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140094260 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING AN INCREMENTAL WAGERING GAME - Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gaming device which enables a player to purchase the game in stages. The gaming device enables the player to place a first wager for a play of the game. After receiving the first wager, the gaming device randomly generates and displays a first outcome, determines whether the displayed first outcome includes any winning symbol combinations, and provides any awards associated with any displayed winning symbol combinations. Thereafter, the gaming device offers the player the opportunity to make a second wager for the play of the game. If the second wager is placed, the gaming device generates and displays the second outcome while the first outcome remains displayed. The gaming device evaluates the displayed second outcome in combination with the displayed first outcome to determine whether any winning symbol combinations are displayed and provides any awards associated with any displayed winning symbol combinations. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140094261 | Method of Gaming, a Game Controller and a Gaming System - A method of gaming comprising: awarding a plurality of game rounds in response to occurrence of a trigger event; and conducting at least two of the plurality of game rounds concurrently in separate display areas. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140094262 | MULTIPLE-GAME GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine includes a gaming console. A display is mounted in the gaming console for displaying a wagering game and its result. A controller controls operation of the game, the controller displaying the result of a first game on the display, making payment of a prize if the first game has a prize winning result and, thereafter, irrespective of the result of the first game, varying a result displayed on the display without requiring any additional wager by a player whether before or after completion of the first game. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140094263 | SLOT MACHINE GAME WITH EXPANDING POSITIONS - Systems, methods, and program products are taught which provide a slot machine game that increases the size of the symbol array as a mystery feature. As the player spins the reels, the number of positions available on each reel grows randomly to allow more paylines. Other embodiments may include free spin bonuses, as well as bonus features that further increase the number of positions on each reel, and adjust the probability of reel expansions based on the current array size. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140094264 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING A VIRTUAL WIN - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and apparatus for operating a gaming device having at least one winning event and at least one related award that is generated according to a set of rules associated with the game. The game is driven to present a predefined winning outcome and an award is generated as if the winning event and award were generated according to the rules. Also provided are rules and/or conditions for determining when to generate the predefined wining event, including rules that take into account player value to the casino and game volatility preference. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140094265 | WAGERING GAME INCLUDING MULTIPLE ARRAYS OF REEL SYMBOLS - A gaming system displays a first array of symbols and a second array of symbols for a wagering game. The second array of symbols includes at least one second-array reel. The at least one second-array reel includes a predetermined sequence of symbols. The at least one second-array reel rotates the predetermined sequence of symbols to determine at least partially the second array of symbols. The second array is divided into at least two sub-arrays, the at least one second-array reel extending into the at least two sub-arrays. A controller selects at least one symbol from the first array and copies the at least one selected symbol into one or more positions in each of the at least two sub-arrays. The at least two sub-arrays is displayed with combinations of symbols including the at least one selected symbol. The controller evaluates the combinations to determine an outcome to the wagering game. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140094266 | PROGRESSIVE WAGERING GAME HAVING SYMBOL-TRIGGERING AWARD FEATURE - Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting a wagering game, and computer programs for initiating a wagering game are presented herein. A gaming device is presented that includes a wager input device, a display, and at least one controller. The controller executes the wagering game, which includes first and second progressive awards each associated with a respective symbol-based outcome. Each symbol-based outcome has a respective frequency of occurrence. The controller randomly determines an outcome of the wagering game. The controller initiates a progressive-award-determination sequence in response to displaying the first and/or second symbol-based outcomes. There is a first probability of awarding the first progressive award, and a second probability of awarding the second progressive award. The first initial-award amount is greater than the second initial-award amount, the first frequency of occurrence is lower than the second frequency of occurrence, and the first probability is greater than the second probability. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140094267 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD PROVIDING COMPETITIVE WAGERING GAMES - The gaming system and method disclosed herein provides a player with an opportunity to compete against an opponent (either a virtual opponent or a human opponent). In one embodiment, the gaming system and method provide a competition game that operates concurrently with a wagering game. In one embodiment, the competition game includes a turn-based video game which enables a player to compete against an opponent. Different generated symbol combinations for the wagering game represent different game actions or sequences for the competition game. That is, the symbols or symbol combinations generated in the wager game determine which game actions or sequences the gaming system causes to occur for the competition game. Based on such displayed game actions and sequences, the disclosed gaming system and method determines whether the player or the opponent wins that competition for the competition game. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140100015 | Gaming System and a Method of Gaming - A method of gaming comprising: (a) selecting a plurality of symbols from a source symbol set to form a selected symbol set for display at a plurality of display positions, the source symbol set comprising at least one removable symbol and at least one designated symbol different to each removable symbol; and if a removal condition is met, the removal condition including at least that the selected symbol set includes at least one designated symbol within the display positions; (b) removing at least one removable symbol from the source symbol set from which it was selected to form a modified source symbol set; (c) selecting at least one symbol from the modified source symbol set to form a modified selected symbol set; and (d) determining whether to make an award based on the modified selected symbol set. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140100016 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD PROVIDING A GAME WITH MULTI-COMPONENT SYMBOLS AND AWARDS BASED ON COMMON COMPONENTS - The gaming system receives a wager from a player for a play of a game including a plurality of multi-component symbols. Each of the multi-component symbols includes a plurality of symbol component locations. A plurality of the multi-component symbols include at least one of the symbol components in at least one of the symbol component locations. The gaming system randomly generates and displays a plurality of the multi-component symbols. The gaming system determines, for a first one of a designated number of the displayed multi-component symbols, a quantity of symbol component locations of the first one of the displayed multi-component symbols that display one of the symbol components and that correspond to a symbol component location of each of the other displayed multi-component symbols of the designated number of the displayed multi-component symbols that each display one of the symbol components. Any awards are determined based on the determined quantity. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140100017 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM AND A GAME CONTROLLER - A gaming system, game controller and method of gaming implementing a game wherein one or more symbols are selected to be retained from a previous game outcome based on symbols which contribute to a winning symbol combination in the game outcome. One or more subsequent game outcomes can be generated including the retained symbols. The retained symbols from a previous game outcome can be selected from symbols which contribute to a winning symbols combination in the previous game outcome. In the subsequent game outcome, the retained symbols can contribute to further winning symbol combinations. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140106845 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH BONUS ELEMENT SELECTIONS - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The systems and methods may utilize one or more selectable objects. The systems and methods may determine one or more payouts based on the one or more selectable objects. The systems and methods may display one or more presentations based on the one or more selectable objects. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140106846 | Slot Machine Style Game with Randomly Generated Wild Multiplier Symbol - A method for a slot machine style game is disclosed. The method includes the steps of determining an outcome of the slot machine style game and displaying a plurality of game symbols corresponding to the outcome. At least one of the game symbols is a multiwild symbol, which comprises a wild symbol and has an award multiplier associated therewith. The method also includes the steps of determining whether at least a portion of the plurality of game symbols is a winning combination and when there is a winning combination determining a first award associated with the winning combination. In determining the first award, the multiwild symbol is treated as the wild symbol without the award multiplier. The method also randomly generates the award multiplier; determines a second award based on the first award and the award multiplier; and provides the second award to a player. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140106847 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH BONUS ELEMENT SELECTIONS - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The systems and methods may utilize one or more selectable objects. The systems and methods may determine one or more payouts based on the one or more selectable objects. The systems and methods may display one or more presentations based on the one or more selectable objects. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140106848 | METHOD OF GAMING AND A GAME CONTROLLER - A gaming system. A symbol selector selects a plurality of symbols for display at display positions. A symbol hierarchy evaluator evaluates the selected symbols to identify a column corresponding to a highest winning symbol combination to be applied to one of the columns. A column selector selects a column to apply the designated modification. A display modification element selector selects a designated number of display modification elements to be in a subset of the plurality of display elements changed to an active state. A modification applier applies the designated modification to the selected column subsequent to changing the subset of display modification elements to an active state. A symbol evaluator evaluates the symbols displayed at the display positions subsequent to the modification being applied to determine whether to make one or more awards. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140106849 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system comprising a selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display in a display area at a plurality of display positions and to select a plurality of win line elements. The gaming system is arranged to define a special win line when a plurality of win line elements are contiguously displayed across the display area, and an outcome generator arranged to determine a game outcome based on symbols displayed along the special win line if a special win line is defined. A corresponding method is also disclosed. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140106850 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING MULTIPLE CONCURRENT GAMES USING DYNAMIC FOCAL POINTS - The gaming system disclosed herein changes the focal point of a display device at different points in time to assist the player in focusing on different simultaneously or concurrently played games at different points in time. Specifically, the gaming system displays a plurality of simultaneously or concurrently played games on a display device. In response to a designated event occurring in association with a specific one of the plurality of simultaneously or concurrently played games, the gaming system changes the focal point of the display device to draw the player's focus or attention to that specific one of the simultaneously or concurrently played games. Put differently, the gaming system dynamically allocates and/or indicates different portions of a display device to different simultaneously or concurrently played games at different points in time to account for different events occurring in such simultaneously or concurrently played games. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140106851 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING MULTIPLE SYMBOLS AT A SINGLE SYMBOL POSITION - A gaming device including a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols including at least one replicator symbol. The replicator symbol includes at least two of the same symbols in a single symbol position on the reels. The replicator symbol may include any suitable number of the same symbols. The replicator symbol thereby increases the likelihood that a player will obtain a winning symbol combination on the reels and also an award in a game. In one embodiment, a winning symbol combination includes at least one replicator symbol and at least one other symbol at a plurality of symbol positions on a payline associated with the reels. In another embodiment, the winning symbol combination at least one replicator symbol and at least one other symbol at a plurality of symbol position in at least one symbol position on a plurality of paylines associated with the reels. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140106852 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A MULTIPLAY GAME WITH RESULTANT SYMBOLS - Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a multiplay game with resultant symbols. The game is associated with a plurality of reel sets each including a plurality of reels. Each reel is associated with one or more symbol display areas. For each reel set, each symbol display area associated with a reel of that reel set is associated with a symbol display area associated with one of the reels of each other reel set. The gaming system independently generates and displays certain of the symbols on the reels of the respective reel sets at the corresponding symbol display areas. If associated symbol display areas display symbols having a designated relationship with one another, the gaming system forms a resultant symbol from those symbols. The gaming system determines any awards based on the resultant symbols and not based on any non-resultant symbols. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140113698 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH WHEEL FUNCTIONALITY - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The systems and methods may utilize one or more objects in a wheel-based game. The systems and methods may determine one or more payouts based on the one or more wheel positions. The systems and methods may display one or more presentations based on the one or more wheel positions. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140113699 | GAMING SYSTEM WITH INCREASING ODDS OF WINNING - A system and method for operating gaming systems, such as casino gaming systems and methods, is provided with increasing or improving odds of winning. A display device displays a play area or game board having a plurality of interactive regions some of which are winning regions with others being losing regions. A player may select a region for wagering a fixed wager amount. When the player selects a winning region, the player may elect to take the payout or play at least one additional round of play with the payout. The probability of winning in each additional round of play is increased while increasing the payout by the fixed wager amount. When a losing region is selected, the payout accumulated from the rounds of play is lost. The game mechanic provides for long sequences of wins, or winning streaks, to attract players while reducing variance caused by large jackpot payouts. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140113700 | COOPERATING REELS - Certain embodiments provide systems, methods, and apparatus for game play, including cooperative reel and/or symbol game play. A method includes initiating a game for play by a player at a gaming system. The method also includes determining a player combination of one or more symbols. The method further includes determining a dealer combination of one or more symbols. Additionally, the method includes comparing the player combination and the dealer combination to determine a result. The method includes outputting the result to the gaming system for player view. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140113701 | GAMING SYSTEM, DEVICE AND METHOD INVOLVING WAGERING ON A CONSECUTIVE COMPETITION OUTCOME - A gaming system, device and method are operable upon a bet. The system, in one embodiment, receives a bet related to a plurality of different outcome generators. The system provides an award based, at least in part, on consecutive occurrences of a competition outcome. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140113702 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - Certain example embodiments relate to a gaming system which includes a symbol selector which is arranged to select a plurality of symbols from an available set of symbols. The set of symbols may include one or more predetermined symbols. The predetermined symbols form a predetermined symbol arrangement, such as a pattern or word. When a predetermined symbol is selected it is placed in a symbol store. When the predetermined symbol arrangement is completed, by selection of all of the predetermined symbols, then a prize may be won. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140113703 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING FREE GAME BONUS WITH A CHANGING MULTIPLIER - The present invention includes an apparatus and method for a bonus game, and particularly a free spin bonus with an incrementing multiplier. The bonus game includes a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols and multipliers. The gaming device provides a number of free spins to the player at the beginning of the bonus game. The multiplier preferably starts at “1×” and increases by one after each free spin. Initially, the player spins the reels attempting to obtain a winning symbol combination on the reels. If the player obtains a winning combination, the gaming device provides an award. The award is multiplied by the multiplier and the player receives the multiplied award for that free spin. The player continues to spin the reels until there are no free spins remaining in the bonus game. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140121000 | COMPUTERIZED REEL-BASED GAME SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR OPERATION USEFUL IN CONJUNCTION THEREWITH - A computerized reel-based game system including an array of indicators ordered by random or pseudorandom spin of reels; a processor applying rules to the location of the indicators to determine an outcome category corresponding to the particular array; a user interface enabling user-initiated positioning of overlay indicator/s at a selectable position in the array; a lock unit for, responsive to an actuation command, replacing an indicator to be positioned in the selected position resulting from a next spin by said overlay indicator/s, the processor applying the rules to the resultant array with said overlay indicator in the selected position; an actuation module computing, responsive to said user-initiated positioning of the overlay indicator, a stake paid according to the selected position and a cost associated therewith, to enable presenting the associated cost and, responsive to user's approval of the stake, generating said actuation command and sending it to the lock unit. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140121001 | Portable Gaming Device Having Embedded Reel Games With Progressives - A method and gaming machine are disclosed for operating a game with a primary and embedded game. An embedded game is disclosed as a bonus game with one embodiment animating miniature reels inside the primary game symbol. Each embedded slot game may have its own progressive, or may be tied into the progress associated with the primary game. Each embedded slot game will have its own paytable, and may be a miniature version of a well-recognized full-sized slot game. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140128142 | Generating Alternative Gaming Device Outputs - A method for outputting an alternative output through an electronic gaming device output device has been developed. The invention includes an electronic gaming device with game logic circuitry that commands a gaming device output device to generate an output. The electronic gaming device output is interrupted before it is output and the output device generates an alternative output. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140128143 | SYSTEM FOR COMPUTERIZED REEL-BASED GAMING AND A METHOD OF OPERATING THEREOF - There is provided a computerized reel-based gaming system configured to return at least part of a player's credits back to the player when at least one pre-defined combination of symbols has not been winning after a certain number N of spins of the reels. The method of operating the gaming system comprises: a) responsive to a spin of the reels, automated obtaining a result of matching between the spin output corresponding to a cash-back combination and a winning cash-back combination, thus, in case of a mismatch, giving rise to a non-winning event; b) automated assessing a number of consecutive non-winning events with respect to the cash-back combination; and c) automated initiating a cash-back award once the number of consecutive non-winning events reaches a cash-back triggering number corresponding to the cash-back combination. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140135096 | Gaming Machine Having Modifiable Reel Features - A method of providing a slot game to a player is described herein. The slot game includes a plurality of reels. Each reel includes a plurality of symbol positions and a plurality of game symbols that are displayed in each of the symbol positions in a predetermined order. The method includes allowing the player to make a wager on the game, initiating a primary game and responsively spinning the reels, randomly determining an outcome of the primary game and responsively stopping the reels to display the outcome of the primary game in a grid, and awarding a first award to the player based on the primary game outcome. The method also includes detecting if a triggering condition occurs in the primary game outcome, and responsively modifying a reel function of at least one of the reels to generate an outcome of a secondary game including the modified reel function. | 05-15-2014 |
| 20140135097 | GAMING MACHINE WITH INTERACTIVE SCORECARD - A gaming machine includes a controller for controlling operation of the machine, a primary display is provided on which a game to be played is displayed. A secondary display is also provided on which a scorecard, indicating prizes to be paid upon a winning game being achieved, is displayed. The game and the scorecard are controlled by the controller and the scorecard is a dynamic scorecard with the relationship between combinations of symbols constituting a winning game and the prizes awarded by the scorecard for that particular game changing from game to game. | 05-15-2014 |
| 20140135098 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A method of gaming comprising: determining at least one game outcome; determining a total award from the at least one game outcome; modifying the total award based on a size of the total award to obtain a modified total award; and awarding the modified total award. | 05-15-2014 |
| 20140135099 | SLOT MACHINE GAME AND SYSTEM WITH IMPROVED JACKPOT FEATURE - Certain embodiments provide a method and system for awarding a progressive prize. The system includes a bank of gaming machines accepting different bets per play as selected by a player. A random number is selected from a predetermined fixed range of numbers that does not change during play of a gaming machine. The player is allotted one or more numbers for each credit bet. The allotted numbers represent a subset of the predetermined fixed range of numbers. A feature game is triggered for the progressive prize based on a numerical comparison between the selected random number and the number(s) allotted to the player. Certain embodiments provide a trigger condition for a feature outcome based on an event having a probability related to credits bet per game at a gaming machine. A probability of success in the feature game may be higher than a probability of success in the base game. | 05-15-2014 |
| 20140141857 | Electronic Gaming Machine and Gaming Method - In an aspect, an electronic gaming machine includes an electronic game controller and a display for playing a plurality of games that are selectable for simultaneous play. Where one or more special symbols appear in a first game of the selected games, the electronic game controller applies one or more game enhancing elements that are associated with the special symbols to each of the selected games. In another aspect, the special symbols are associated with numerical values that are applied to each of the selected games. Gaming methods are also provided. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140141858 | GAMING MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - The controller of the gaming machine executing processing operations of: (a) determining a magnification of a respective one of plural kinds of colors which are produced in a color displayable manner by means of the multiple color light emitting backlight and then displaying on the display; (b) determining a light emitting color by means of the multiple color light emitting backlight and then controlling light emission in the determined color; and (c) executing a payout of a number which is obtained by multiplying the magnification that corresponds to the color determined in the processing (b), from among the magnifications of the respective colors, the magnifications being determined in the processing (a), for a payment that corresponds to the pattern of the specific symbols. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140141859 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SLOT-MACHINE GAMING - A gaming apparatus, such as a slot machine, that randomly determines a combination of symbols and pays prizes according to a determined payout table, is used to perform a gaming method similar to conventional slot machine play, but that permits greater interaction with the player. The gaming method provides the player with the option of increasing an amount wagered after at least one of the symbols has been determined. The method additionally provides the player with the option to randomly determine a symbol or symbols a second time, or to force a symbol to be the same as a symbol already determined, optionally at additional cost. The method includes making appropriate adjustments to a payout table, depending on the player's actions during game play. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140148240 | GAMING SYSTEM WITH SUSPENSE FEATURE - A method of operating a gaming apparatus having a display means and a user interface in communication with a game control means. The method includes determining a selection of an outcome from at least two possible outcomes and subsequently revealing an award. An event having an event outcome is generated. Whether the award is awarded is represented as dependent on the basis of a comparison or interplay between the selected outcome and the event outcome. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140148241 | GAME RATING SYSTEM FOR GAMING DEVICES - Gaming machines and gaming systems having a game rating system are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, the gaming device includes a plurality of games where each game has a distinct game style that is based in part on game volatility. The gaming device also includes a game controller for managing and operating the plurality of games, and a game rating system in communication with the game controller. The game rating system includes a player interface for selecting a game, and an icon presented on the display of the gaming device where the icon represents the distinct game style. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140148242 | GAMING METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING A GAME INVOLVING SPECIALTY FUNCTIONALITY - Various embodiments concern a method for facilitating a gaming activity having specialty functionality comprising providing a grid formed by a plurality of elements and marking elements of the plurality with markings selected from a plurality of marking-types, the plurality of marking-types including a feature marking-type. A plurality of feature indicators can be positioned in the grid. Then, for each element of the plurality that is marked with the feature marking-type and positionally associated with a feature indicator of the plurality, the feature marking-type can be re-marked to a respective element of the plurality that is adjacent to the element marked with the feature marking-type and positionally associated with the feature indicator. An outcome can then be determined based on one or more combinations of the markings. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140148243 | Electronic Gaming Machine and Gaming Method - An electronic gaming machine has an electronic game controller and a display where game symbols are arranged in an array of predetermined groups, at least one of the groups displaying at least one special symbol in a first play of the game and a subsequent play. In the first play, the electronic game controller selects a first group to display the at least one special symbol and in the subsequent play, the electronic game controller selects a different group to the first group to display the at least one special symbol. A gaming method is also provided. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140148244 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING DESIGNATED SYMBOL DISPLAY AREAS THAT MODIFY AWARDS - Gaming devices and methods of operating gaming devices are provided that include indicator or designator symbols. When an indicator or designator symbol is generated and displayed, the indicator or designator symbol indicates at least one symbol display area as a modification symbol display area. Upon at least one subsequent generation of symbols displayed in the symbol display areas, awards associated with symbols displayed in the modification symbol display areas are modified. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140155135 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH AUTO-PLAY FUNCTIONALITY - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The systems and methods may utilize one or more auto-play game functionality. The systems and methods may determine one or more payouts based on the one or more auto-play game functionality. The systems and methods may display one or more presentations based on the one or more auto-play game functionality. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140155136 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH AUTO-PLAY FUNCTIONALITY - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The systems and methods may utilize one or more auto-play game functionality. The systems and methods may determine one or more payouts based on the one or more auto-play game functionality. The systems and methods may display one or more presentations based on the one or more auto-play game functionality. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140155137 | SLOT MACHINE GAMING SYSTEM FOR POINT OF SALE TERMINALS - A point of sale system uses change from cash transactions to, upon the approval of a customer, purchase a lottery stake. The system generates a receipt for both the point of sale transaction and the lottery stake purchase. The receipt indicates when the customer has won. In particular the receipt has imprinted a list of items purchased and a lottery indicator imprinted on the receipt for indicating whether the receipt is a winner. Ideally, the receipt is printed on paper and includes a subtotal, a tax line item, a total, and a change line item. At least a portion of the change line amount represents the lottery stake. In one embodiment of the invention, the receipt includes the statement: “You Won!”. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140162748 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH PLATFORM GAMING FUNCTIONALITY - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The systems and methods may utilize one or more objects in a platform based game. The systems and methods may determine one or more payouts based on the one or more objects in a platform based game. The systems and methods may display one or more presentations based on the one or more platform results. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140162749 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH ADDITIONAL GAMING FUNCTIONALITY - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The systems and methods may utilize one or more symbol positions which may provide additional gaming functionality. The systems and methods may determine one or more payouts based on the additional gaming functionality. The systems and methods may display one or more presentations based on the additional gaming functionality. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140162750 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH PLATFORM GAMING FUNCTIONALITY - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The systems and methods may utilize one or more objects in a platform based game. The systems and methods may determine one or more payouts based on the one or more objects in a platform based game. The systems and methods may display one or more presentations based on the one or more platform results. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140162751 | ELECTRONIC GAMING SYSTEM WITH ADDITIONAL GAMING FUNCTIONALITY - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The systems and methods may utilize one or more symbol positions which may provide additional gaming functionality. The systems and methods may determine one or more payouts based on the additional gaming functionality. The systems and methods may display one or more presentations based on the additional gaming functionality. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140162752 | ONLINE MARKETPLACE WITH INTERNALLY MAINTAINED VIRTUAL ECONOMY AND VIRTUAL CURRENCY - A computer-implemented method of purchasing real-world items includes the steps of defining a virtual currency with no stable derivative to a government-recognized currency, electronically assigning a quantity of the currency to at least one user account, offering at least one tangible item in a multi-user competitive purchasing process, accepting an offer from a user associated with the user account, the offer being a promise to exchange a quantity of virtual currency for the tangible item, carrying out the multi-user competitive purchasing process, determining a winner of the competitive purchasing process, and assigning ownership of the tangible item to the winner of the competitive purchasing process. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140162753 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING A WINNINGS VALUE OF A GAMING DEVICE - A system and method for optimizing the winnings value of a slot machine or other gaming device, comprising: obtaining | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140162754 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming system in which at least one symbol is selected for display in at least one but not all of a plurality of display position groups. The player indicates whether to keep the symbols displayed in the first set of display position groups before symbols are selected for a second set of display position groups. If not kept, symbols are re-selected for the first set of display position groups. Symbols are then selected for display in the second set of display position groups. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140162755 | GAME MACHINE, METHOD OF CONTROLLING COMPUTER, AND STORAGE MEDIUM - A game machine uses a lottery region having cell columns and symbol columns for providing a game opportunity, causes a special symbol column to appear in it, determines by lottery symbols of the special symbol column, causes the special symbol column containing the symbols obtained by a lottery result to appear and moves and stops the special symbol column so that the symbols of the special symbol column are arranged on the cells to be changed, and determines whether the symbols arranged in a cell group of a determination target form a prize winning pattern based on the symbols arranged by the special symbol column. Further, the game machine moves the special symbol column along each cell so that at least a direction crossing a movement direction of each symbol column is included as a movement direction of the special symbol column. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140162756 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A CASCADING SYMBOLS GAME HAVING MAGNETIC SYMBOLS AND TARGET SYMBOLS - A gaming system displays one of a plurality of symbols in each of a plurality of symbol positions, at least one of the plurality of symbols being a target symbol for establishing a direction of shifting and at least one of the plurality of symbols being a magnetic symbol for shifting toward a target symbol. If any generated magnetic symbol is associated with a generated target symbol, the gaming system shifts that magnetic symbol toward the associated target symbol, resulting in an empty symbol position. The gaming system fills the empty symbol position by shifting a displayed symbol or by generating one of the plurality symbols and repeats until no magnetic symbol is associated with a target symbol. The gaming system provides an award for any displayed winning symbol combination. The gaming system removes symbols from each winning combination, fills the empty symbol positions, and repeats as above. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140171173 | MULTI-WAGER SLOT GAMING SYSTEM - A wagering game and wagering apparatus has a processor and display system. The processor recognizes two wager segments to play a single round of the wagering game. The processor credits one wager segment to a first game and the processor credits a second wager segment to a second game. The processor resolves the first wager segment with respect to the random symbols used in the first game. The processor terminating the single round of play of the wagering game by resolving no additional wagering activity if the symbols provided in the first game do not trigger a bonus event for application to the second game in the two games further resolving the bonus event applied to the second game if the symbols provided in the first game do trigger a bonus event for application to the second game. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140171174 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH ADDITIONAL REEL FUNCTIONALITY - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The systems and methods may utilize one or more additional reel game functionality. The systems and methods may determine one or more payouts based on the one or more additional reel game functionality. The systems and methods may display one or more presentations based on the one or more additional reel game functionality. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140171175 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH ADDITIONAL REEL FUNCTIONALITY - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The systems and methods may utilize one or more additional reel game functionality. The systems and methods may determine one or more payouts based on the one or more additional reel game functionality. The systems and methods may display one or more presentations based on the one or more additional reel game functionality. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140171176 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING A WINNINGS VALUE OF A GAMING DEVICE - A system and method for optimizing the final winnings value of a slot machine or other gaming device, comprising: obtaining a slot machine result, wherein the result comprises result values arranged in an N rows by M columns matrix of cells and an identified position within said matrix; determining an original winnings value; determining a subset of adjacent matrix cells as being adjacent to said identified position; determining all possible cell pairs within said determined subset; for each of said possible cell pairs: determine a modified matrix based on the result; determine a winnings value for said cell pair; comparing all determined winnings values, wherein all determined winnings values include the original winnings value and the winnings values determined for each modified matrix; determining a maximum winnings value from said comparison of all winnings values; and if the maximum winnings value is greater than zero, set the final winnings value of the slot machine result to the maximum winnings value; if the maximum winnings value is not greater than zero, repeat the previous method steps. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140171178 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING ADVANCE GAME INFORMATION ANALYZER - This concept is directed to methods of operating a gaming device to analyze game information that is part of a gaming event having a player interaction in advance of the player interaction to make a determination about the game play. These methods may be used for a variety of gaming devices such as slot machines, video keno devices, video poker machines, electronic table games, internet gaming terminals, etc. In each type of gaming device, these operation methods evaluate future game information during game play to determine one of multiple manners by which the game play will continue. These continuation manners may include changing the speed of game play, determining display characteristics of the game and outcome, providing tips or information to the player about the future game information, automatically initiating a subsequent game, or otherwise altering an aspect of the game play parameters in response to the evaluated game information. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140179394 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH CARD TOURNAMENT FUNCTIONALITY - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The systems and methods may utilize one or more tournament game structures. The systems and methods may utilize one or more power-up cards in the one or more tournament game structures. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140179395 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH CARD TOURNAMENT FUNCTIONALITY - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The systems and methods may utilize one or more tournament game structures. The systems and methods may utilize one or more power-up cards in the one or more tournament game structures. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140179396 | Wagering Game Employing A Threshold-Based Game Enhancement - A gaming method of conducting a wagering game includes conducting one or more successive plays of the wagering game via one or more display devices in response to a triggering event. For each of the one or more successive plays, the method includes determining one or more award amounts based on the displayed outcomes of the one or more successive plays. The method further includes aggregating, via one or more processors, each of the one or more award amounts determined over the successive plays to calculate an aggregate award amount and determining, via at least one of the one or more processors, whether the aggregate award amount is greater than a threshold amount. The method includes providing an enhancement to the wagering game in response to the aggregate award amount being greater than the threshold amount. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140179397 | ELECTRONIC GAMING SYSTEM WITH 3D DEPTH IMAGE SENSING - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The disclosure relates to an electronic gaming system which allows a player to make one or more inputs via human gesturing, and associated methods. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140179398 | WAGERING GAME WITH ASCENDING FEATURES - A gaming system includes a wagering game initiated by a wager. The wagering game further includes an ascending-feature game outcome that triggers an ascending feature in which symbols displayed in a symbol array are changed into different symbols, including higher-value symbols, that may be subsequently evaluated for winning symbol combinations. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140179399 | GAMING MACHINE AND METHODS OF ALLOWING A PLAYER TO PLAY GAMING MACHINES HAVING EXPANDING SYMBOL POSITIONS - A method of allowing a player to play a gaming machine is described herein. The method includes displaying, on a display device, a game including at least one reel. The at least one reel includes a plurality of symbol positions that have a plurality of normal symbols positions and a plurality of special symbol positions. The outcome of a game is randomly generated and displayed on the display device. The method also includes randomly determining a number of special symbol positions being displayed with the at least one reel and spinning and stopping the at least one reel to display the generated game outcome, wherein the at least one reel includes the plurality of symbol positions having the determined number of special symbol positions. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140179400 | GAMING MACHINE AND METHODS OF ALLOWING A PLAYER TO PLAY GAMING MACHINES HAVING EXPANDING SYMBOL POSITIONS - A method of allowing a player to play a gaming machine is described herein. The method includes displaying, on a display device, a game including at least one reel being displayed with a plurality of normal symbol positions and a plurality of special symbol positions. The method includes determining a first amount of special symbol positions being displayed in a first instance of the game, spinning and stopping the at least one reel to display the first instance on the display device including the at least one reel being displayed with the first amount of special symbol positions, determining a second amount of special symbol positions being displayed in a second instance of the game, and spinning and stopping the at least one reel to display the second instance including the at least one reel being displayed with the second amount of special symbol positions. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140179401 | GAMING DEVICE WITH SELECTIVE BONUSING - A gaming machine is described wherein one or more moving indicators travel around or among slot machine reels granting awards, bonuses or special characteristics to associated symbols on the reels. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140179402 | GAMING MACHINE AND METHODS OF ALLOWING A PLAYER TO PLAY GAMING MACHINES HAVING SELECTABLE REEL STRIPS - A method of allowing a player to play a gaming machine is described herein. The method includes displaying a game including at least one reel and a plurality of reel strips for display with the at least one reel. Each reel strip includes a plurality of normal symbol positions and a plurality of special symbol positions. The plurality of reel strips includes a first reel strip having a first number of special symbol positions and a second reel strip having a second number of special symbol positions that is different than the first number of special symbol positions. The method also includes randomly generating an outcome of the game and displaying the game outcome on the display device. One of the first reel strip and the second reel strip is randomly selected for display with the at least one reel. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140179403 | Slot Machine Capable of Keeping Constant Order or Constant Tempo of Stopping Rotation Reels - A slot machine of the present invention comprises a plurality of rotation reels rotatably installed in a casing; an input device operable by a player; a memory for storing stop positions of the plurality of the rotation reels in a previous game; and a controller, the controller programmed to execute processing of (A) determining the stop positions of the plurality of the rotation reels conditionally on an input from the input device, (B) stopping each of the rotation reels in rotation at the stop position determined in the processing (A), according to the stop position of each of the plurality of the rotation reels in the previous game preliminary stored in the memory and the stop position of each of the rotation reels in a present game determined in the processing (A). | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140179404 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING MULTIPLE GAME PLAY OPTION - Embodiments of this concept are directed to gaming devices that are configured to initiate multiple gaming events in response to a player input. The gaming device may include game initiating inputs that initiate a predetermined number of gaming events in response to the player input, or the gaming device may include configurable game initiating inputs that initiate a number of gaming events specified by the player, specified the gaming device, or specified by a gaming server. The gaming device or gaming server may set the number of initiated game events in response to the occurrence of a triggering event. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140187307 | GAME MACHINE - A game machine includes an operation device and a lighting control part, the operation device including: a translucent operation part that can be operated by a player; and a plurality of light sources configured to emit light through the operation part, and the lighting control part including: a first lighting control part configured to light the plurality of light sources at a time; and a second lighting control part configured to light the plurality of light sources at different times. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140187308 | GAME MACHINE - A game machine includes a performance device configured to be able to provide various performances corresponding to a progress of a game. The performance device includes a first object configured to be able to move; a mover configured to move the first object; and a second object configured to be able to hide the first object from a player. The first object can move between a first position where the first object is covered by the second object that is located in a predetermined position and a second position where the first object is not covered by the second object. When a predetermined requirement is met, the mover moves the first object from the first position to the second position. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140187309 | ENHANCEMENTS TO GAME COMPONENTS IN GAMING SYSTEMS - A computer-implemented method for enhancing game components in a gaming system using various three-dimensional enhancements. The three-dimensional enhancements may involve stacks of gaming components to provide and integrate additional symbols, multi-faceted gaming components, multi-faceted gaming surfaces running multiple games in parallel, items animating to simulate real-world physics, merging components, shapes to push up or down gaming components to create stacks, and so on. Further example three-dimensional enhancements are described. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140187310 | GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine has a symbol display region composed of cell columns, where cells are continuously disposed in each cell column. Symbols are displayed on each cell column in such a manner that one or more symbols correspond to one of the cells. The gaming machine comprises: a symbol movement control unit that makes each symbol column move along each cell column where a symbol is changed in turn according to an alignment order of the symbols, and makes each symbol column stop; a prize winning determination unit; and a dividend generation unit. The symbol movement control unit comprises: a symbol check unit that determines whether a symbol reaching a filtering position is a specific symbol; and a specific symbol control unit that generates a specific change different from a change to be generated according to the alignment order when the specific symbol reaches the filtering position. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140187311 | GAMING MACHINE - The present invention is a gaming machine including a display, which shows a plurality of cells indicating a plurality of symbols, and a controller, which selects a cell in a cell-selecting stage provided between a primary game and a secondary game on the display, controls the plurality of symbols in the secondary game and gives a predetermined function to the selected cell in the secondary game and where the selected cells or columns can change position on display during game play but the quantity of selected cells remain fixed for all free spin games of a secondary game. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140194182 | Electronic Gaming System and Method with Dynamic Wheel - A gaming system and method for use in one or more casino establishments for offering a secondary game initiated after a loss. The gaming machine and method are offered on electronic gaming machines such as slot machines and video poker machines, but may also be deployed in other forms such as on a general purpose computing device in stand-alone form or connected to a network such as the internet. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140194183 | ENHANCEMENTS TO GAME COMPONENTS IN GAMING SYSTEMS - A computer-implemented method for enhancing game components in a gaming system, the method comprising: displaying at least one of a row and a column of the game components along a plane on a display device in accordance with a set of game rules for a given game, each one of the game components having an original symbol associated thereto; selecting at least one of the game components for enhancement; expanding selected ones of the game components outside of the plane and associating at least one additional symbol to expanded selected ones of the game components; and integrating the at least one additional symbol into the given game. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140194184 | Gaming, System, Method and Device Including a Symbol Changing or Augmenting Feature - Gaming systems, devices and methods are set forth which provide for the selection and application of modifiers to game outcomes. The modifiers confer different functionalities to base game symbols or an augmenting functionality to alter or provide an outcome. Different sets of modifiers may be accessed randomly or under different conditions and event | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140194185 | CONTEST AT A TARGET GAME LOCATION - To conduct a contest, game parameters are downloaded from a server to a device in response to a player app being launched on the device. The player device displays available games that can be played by a player, the games including target game locations from which the games can be played. A player is allowed to select a game to play only when the player is within a predetermined distance of a target game location and when check-ins are still available for the game. A jackpot prize is awarded to the player if the player is a winner of a game selected by the player. The player is entered in a raffle if the player is not the winner of the game selected by the player. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140200064 | GAMING MACHINE AND GAMING METHOD - A gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a first display unit that includes a plurality of reels including a plurality of symbols thereon; and a controller configured to: determine whether a rendering effect activation is selected; execute a game by spinning and stopping the plurality of reels of the display device; and perform a rendering effect on the spinning and stopping of the plurality of reels when it is determined that the rendering effect activation is selected. | 07-17-2014 |
| 20140200065 | ASSOCIATING MOBILE DEVICE WITH ELECTRONIC GAMING MACHINE - A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include receiving, at a wagering game server, a request from a mobile device to play a wagering game via a selected wagering game machine among a plurality of wagering game machines on the wagering game network. The operations can also include associating the mobile device with the selected wagering game machine, wherein the associating allows receipt of input for the wagering game from the mobile device. The operations can also include receiving, via the wagering game network, commands resulting from inputs accepted by the mobile device. The operations can also include determining a result of the wagering game. | 07-17-2014 |
| 20140200066 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING MULTIPLE REEL SETS AND ONE OR MORE ADDITIONAL REELS - A gaming system for playing a wagering game has a plurality of reel sets and one or more additional reels. The system spins the reel sets and the one or more additional reels to generate an outcome. | 07-17-2014 |
| 20140200067 | DEVICE HEALTH MONITORING FOR GAMING MACHINES - A gaming peripheral for a gaming machine is described. The gaming peripheral can be configured to emulate the functions of a lighting device, such as a candle. The gaming peripheral can be configured to provide enhanced gaming features such as 1) enhanced networking capabilities, 2) enhanced peripheral device monitoring and upgrade capabilities, 3) enhanced player monitoring and security capabilities 4) enhanced gaming function capabilities and 5) enhanced player reward capabilities. The enhanced gaming features can be provided in a non-intrusive manner such that regulated software executed on a gaming machine does not have to be altered. | 07-17-2014 |
| 20140200068 | METHOD FOR DISPLAYING GAME RESULT - Embodiments of the invention include a gaming device that has a video display. When the player initiates the game, an animation is shown. If the game had a losing outcome, the animation is very short and allows the player to quickly try for a win. If instead the game has a winning outcome the gaming device spins reels or otherwise shows the player how much he or she has one. The animation may also indicate progress toward a mystery jackpot or a group mystery jackpot. | 07-17-2014 |
| 20140200069 | BACKLIGHT UNIT AND LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY DEVICE AND GAMING MACHINE INCLUDING SAME - A gaming machine includes: a liquid crystal panel; a backlight unit which is disposed behind the liquid crystal panel; and one or more reels which are disposed behind the backlight unit and on which a plurality of symbols are displayed. The backlight unit includes: a light switch plate which is formed such that a predetermined area corresponding to a symbol selection area where selected symbols among the plurality of symbols displayed on the reel can be selectively turned to be transparent or nontransparent using a polymer dispersed liquid crystal; a half mirror which is disposed behind the light switch plate; a first light source which is disposed in front of the half mirror and emits light passing through the light switch plate and progressing forward; and a second light source which is disposed behind the half mirror and emits lights. | 07-17-2014 |
| 20140206428 | ELECTRONIC GAMING SYSTEM WITH HUMAN GESTURING INPUTS - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The disclosure relates to an electronic gaming system which allows a player to make one or more inputs via human gesturing, and associated methods. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140206429 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD PROVIDING SLOT GAME HAVING VIRTUAL MAP DRIVEN REEL STOP POSITION DETERMINATIONS - Various embodiments of the disclosed gaming device include a housing which supports a plurality of mechanical reels and a plurality of stop input devices which are configured to provide a Pachisuro-style slot game. Each of the plurality of reels is associated with a different one of the plurality of stop input devices. Each stop input device enables a player to stop the respective reel when the reel is spinning by activating the stop input device. Each reel includes a plurality of stop positions and each stop position includes a symbol. The gaming device also includes a processor and a memory device. For each reel, the processor randomly determines the stop position at which the reel ultimately stops based on a virtual map stored in the memory device for an initiating stop position of that reel which is selected by the player's activation of the stop input device for that reel. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140206430 | Wagering Game With Multiple Reels Forming Multiple Symbol Arrays - A gaming system for playing a wagering game comprises at least one display adapted to display a plurality of reels having symbols. The symbols indicate a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. The plurality of reels includes at least one single-symbol reel and at least one multi-symbol reel. The at least one display is adapted to display at least one payline overlapping at least one symbol from the at least one single-symbol reel and at least one symbol from the at least one multi-symbol reel. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140206431 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING MULTIPLE GAMING MACHINES WHICH PROVIDE BONUS AWARDS - A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines and a plurality of bonus awards. The central server monitors wagers on the gaming machines. Based at least in part on the wagers the central server determines when bonus events will occur and which gaming machine(s) will provide the bonus awards. In one embodiment, the central server determines which gaming machine will provide a primary bonus award and any secondary bonus awards. In one embodiment, the number of secondary bonus awards is determined based on the number of active gaming machines. The selected gaming machine then determines a component of or the amount of the bonus award to be provided to the gaming machine selected by the central server. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140213340 | CUSTOMIZATION APPARATUS AND METHOD - Systems for and methods of customizing at least one gaming apparatus is provided. The at least one gaming apparatus is operated as a slot machine game. The system includes a storage unit for storing a plurality of themes. Each of the plurality of themes includes a first set of full-motion videos associated with a first body portion of a plurality of actors, a second set of full-motion videos associated with a second body portion of the plurality of actors, and a third set of full-motion videos associated with a third body portion of the plurality of actors. The system includes a circuit configured to receive a selection of a theme from the plurality of themes. The circuit is further configured to cause the at least one gaming apparatus to display the first set, the second set, and the third set of videos for the selected theme. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140213341 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD INCLUDING AN EVALUATION OF A PARTIAL SYMBOL COMBINATION - A game to be modified in accordance with the invention involves a first random outcome and a second random outcome that are combined according to game rules to produce a game outcome. The game is administered by receiving a player request for a specific entry, the specific entry replacing one of the random outcomes and being selected from a finite set of possibilities not determined by chance. The requested specific entry affects the probable outcome of the game. The specific entry is combined with the remaining one of the random outcomes according to the game rules to determine the game outcome. According to one embodiment, the specific entry may be a score such as 18 which replaces the player's hand in the game of blackjack. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140221074 | GAMING MACHINE INCLUDING WIN CHAINS - A gaming machine has a standard game play mode, and a bonus feature game play mode. The bonus feature mode includes a win chain counter having an integer value. During standard game play mode, the user interface randomly displays a matrix of symbols and the computer calculates the wins based on the matrix of symbols. On appearance of a predetermined number of scatter symbols, bonus feature play commences and a the win chain counter is initialized. During bonus feature play, a winning spin initializes a first win chain, and a first non-winning spin decrements the win chain counter value, after a first win chain is initialized, and prior to a non-winning spin, winning spins are added to the first win chain. Subsequent win chains are generated and terminated by a non-winning spin until the win chain counter is decremented to zero. Then bonus feature game play terminates. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140221075 | GAMING MACHINE AND METHODS OF ALLOWING A PLAYER TO PLAY GAMING MACHINES HAVING RANDOMLY SELECTED SYMBOLS - A method of allowing a player to play a gaming machine is described herein. The method includes displaying a game including a plurality of reels displayed in a display area. Each reel of includes a reel strip including a plurality of normal symbols positions and a plurality of special symbol positions. The method includes randomly generating an outcome of the game and displays the game outcome on the display device, wherein the game outcome including at least one special symbol position being displayed on at least one reel of the plurality of reels in the display area. The method also includes determining a symbol selection factor as a function of the generated game outcome, randomly selecting at least one special symbol as a function of the symbol selection factor, and displaying the game outcome including the selected special symbol displayed in the special symbol position. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140221076 | GAMING SYSTEM INCLUDING MULTIPLE DISPLAYS HAVING GAME SYMBOLS WITH COMMON CHARACTERISTICS - A gaming system and method involving a game having a plurality of symbols. The gaming system displays a play of the game on a first display while displaying a sequence of the symbols on a second display. The gaming system includes one award associated with the play and another award associated with a characteristic in common between a symbol displayed on the first display and a symbol indicated on the second display. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140221077 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROVIDING AN ELECTRONIC GAME WITH A SCALING FACTOR - A gaming machine and method are provided which allow a player to play a gaming machine. The gaming machine and method allow a player to make a wager, display a first game on a display device, generate an outcome associated with the first game, and award the player an award for the first game based at least in part on the generated first game outcome. In addition, the gaming machine determines if a triggering condition occurred, displays a second game if the triggering condition has occurred, and calculates a current trigger cycle of the generated second game. The current trigger cycle is equal to a number of first games played after an occurrence of a previous second game triggering condition. The player is provided an award for the second game based at least in part on the second game current trigger cycle. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140221078 | VIDEO SLOT GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine and method are provided which provide a video slot game to a player. The video slot game includes a plurality of cells arranged in a grid. The grid has a plurality of rows and columns. The machine and method display a base instance of the video slot game and in response to occurrence of a triggering event, the base instance of the video slot game is split and a plurality of sub-instances of the video slot game are displayed. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140235319 | Electronic Gaming Machine and Gaming Method - An electronic gaming machine includes an electronic game controller and a display where game symbols are arranged in an array of predetermined game positions. The appearance of a first special symbol causes a group of predetermined game positions to be selected where each game symbol occupying a predetermined game position in the group is changed into a second special symbol either during a play of a game or at the completion of the play, the change into the second special symbol being visible to the player. A gaming method is also provided. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140235320 | DYNAMIC PALPABLE CONTROLS FOR A GAMING DEVICE - Disclosed is a gaming machine touch screen system incorporating a flat transparent or nearly transparent layer that contains a series of active elements/actuators/chambers that enable a vertical displacement of the touch screen top surface. These active elements displace the top surface of the touch screen upon command of the gaming machine to provide features perceptible to the player's touch. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140235321 | GAMING MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - In a gaming machine, a symbol display device variably displays a plurality of symbols, and an input device inputs an instruction related to a game. A controller executes a normal game in which the symbol display device variably displays and then stop-displays symbols, triggers a bonus game when a plurality of specific symbols are stop-displayed in the normal game, selects any one of a plurality of options by an operation of the input device by a user in the bonus game, and awards a benefit according to the selected option. Further, when the selected option selected in the processing is a specific option, the controller selects another one of the plurality of options by the operation of the input device by the user, and awards a benefit according to the selected another option. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140235322 | THIN CLIENT SUPPORT FOR A GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine, such as a video slot or video poker machine, may be configured to request a thin client game from a game server for presentation within a thin client. The outcome of the thin client game is determined by the game server. The gaming machine is also configured to execute a thick client game determined by the gaming machine. Indications of the outcomes of the thin and thick client games may be provided to a data collection device. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140235323 | DISPLAY DEVICE, AND GAME CONSOLE INCLUDING SAME - A display device includes: a first liquid crystal display device; a second liquid crystal display device which is disposed behind the first liquid crystal display device to be overlapped in a forward/rearward direction; and a light diffusion plate which is disposed between the first and second liquid crystal display devices. The first liquid crystal display device includes: a liquid crystal panel; a color filter plate which is disposed in front of the liquid crystal panel, a predetermined region of the color filter plate being removed; a polarizer plate which is disposed at a front and/or a rear of the liquid crystal panel; and a light source which is disposed behind the liquid crystal panel. The light diffusion plate is disposed between the first liquid crystal display device and the second liquid crystal display device to be overlapped with an area including the predetermined region in a forward/rearward direction. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140243067 | VIDEO DISPLAY WITH WINDOW OPENING - A video display having a window opening includes a graphic display portion configured to display graphical indicia, one or more light sources, and a light guide. The light guide is configured to receive light from the one or more light sources and provide the light as backlighting to the graphic display portion. The light guide also includes a light guide shutter configured to selectably transition between a closed state and a transparent state. The light guide shutter is configured to allow a user to see through the electronic display when the light guide shutter is in its transparent state. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140243068 | MULTIPLAYER SLOTS GAME AND METHOD OF OPERATION - A multiplayer slots game system comprising a multiplayer slots game controller operating on a processor. A plurality of multiplayer slots interfaces, each operating on an associated processor and coupled to the multiplayer slots game controller through a communications medium. A plurality of user interfaces operating on each of the multiplayer slots interfaces, each of the plurality of user interfaces generating a user display that includes two or more user identifiers. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140243069 | SINGLE REEL GAME METHOD, DEVICE AND SYSTEM - A single reel game includes a single reel having a plurality of symbols that are adjacent to one another. The single reel then moves and follows a track that displays the symbols in a spatial order. The single reel is then stopped at a starting reel stop that provides a reference point for stopping the single reel. A win window displays the plurality of the single reel symbols. A payline is then overlaid on the symbols within the win window. The single reel game also includes a paytable that lists a plurality of payout prizes for each combination of symbols along the payline. A prize is awarded when the single reel game symbols along the payline match the paytable combination of symbols. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140243070 | Gaming Machine Having a Molded Curved Display - Gaming machines having video depictions of one or more mechanical reels on a curved display are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a liquid crystal display having an opening in which the curved transparent material extends through the opening of the opening of the liquid crystal display. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140243071 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR NORMALIZING DIFFERENT FEATURES OF AN ON-DEMAND BONUS GAME - In various embodiments, the gaming system, gaming device, and gaming method disclosed herein provides a bonus game which enables players to combine different, independent features without introducing any significant advantage or significant disadvantage to players for combining certain features over other features. The gaming system utilizes one or more bonus game supplemental awards to insure that the average expected payout per selected feature remains the same or substantially the same regardless of which bonus game features or combinations of features are employed for a play of a bonus game. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140243072 | PROVIDING OFFERS FOR SALES OF COMBINATIONS OF VIRTUAL ITEMS AT DISCOUNTED PRICES - A method of providing offers for sales of combinations of virtual items at discounted prices is disclosed. An offer is generated for a sale of a combination of virtual items at a discounted price. The offer for the sale of the combination of virtual items at the discounted price is presented to a user. The presenting suggests to the user that the combination of virtual items is randomly selected from a set of virtual items and the discounted price is randomly selected from a set of discounted prices, the presenting of the offer being performed by a processor. However, in actuality, the combination of virtual items or the discounted price may not be selected randomly. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140248936 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A SLOT GAME EMPLOYING A RANDOMLY SELECTED SET OF REELS - Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a slot game employing a set of randomly selected reels. In one embodiment, the gaming system is configured to operate a slot game associated with a plurality of adjacently arranged reels including a plurality of symbols. Each of a plurality of the reels is associated with one of a plurality of different features and an indicator representing that feature. The gaming system begins sequentially displaying the reels and any corresponding indicators. The gaming system selects a set of two or more of the reels and stops sequentially displaying the reels such that the selected reels are displayed. The gaming system generates and displays a plurality of the symbols on the selected reels, determines whether any winning symbol combinations are displayed, determines any awards associated with any displayed winning symbol combinations, and displays any determined awards. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140248937 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF PROVIDING A GAMING SYSTEM ACCESSIBLE VIA A GLOBAL COMPUTER NETWORK - Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method for providing multiple users access to a multi-game gaming network in a social network environment, having unique means for accessing, playing, and ranking in individual games within the gaming network. A system of providing a gaming system accessible via a global computer network, the system being able to implement: hosting a gaming platform, whereby the gaming platform comprises access to plurality of locked games and at least one unlocked game; enabling a first user to play an unlocking game of chance provided through a graphical user interface of the gaming platform; enabling the user to unlock one of the plurality of locked games upon a predetermined outcome of the unlocking game of chance; and enabling the user to play an unlocked game via the gaming platform. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140248938 | Method of Gaming, a Game Controller and a Gaming System - A gaming system comprises a display, a symbol determiner for determining, for each of a plurality of game instances corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of display areas on a display, a set of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions arranged in an array in the respective display area, wherein determining the set of symbols comprises a symbol selector selecting one or more of the symbols and wherein selecting one or more of the symbols by the symbol selector can result in the selection of a replicating symbol, a symbol replicator for, upon a replicating symbol being selected at a display position of at least one game instance that satisfies one or more adjacency criteria with respect to a corresponding display position of another game instance, replicating the replicating symbol at the corresponding display position of the other game instance, and a symbol evaluator for evaluating symbols, including the replicated replicating symbol, displayed at the display positions of the other game instance to determine whether to make an award. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140248939 | Method of Gaming, a Gaming System and a Game Controller - A gaming system comprises at least one display for displaying a main window and a plurality of activatable additional windows and a game controller. The game controller is arranged to activate one or more of the activatable additional windows in response to one or more activation conditions being met and conduct at least one game round. In each game round game outcomes are independently generated by the game controller for each of the main window and each active additional window, wherein for each window generation of a game outcome comprises selection of a plurality of symbols from a symbol set associated with the respective window for display at respective ones of a plurality of symbol display positions within the respective window, and upon a contributing symbol occurring in at least one active additional window, the game controller applies the contributing symbol to the game outcome displayed in the main window to form a modified game outcome and evaluates the modified game outcome to determine whether to make an award. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140248940 | GAMING MACHINE, AND CONTROL METHOD OF SAME - A gaming machine 1: variably displays a plurality of symbols on a lower image display panel | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140256401 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A MATCHING SYMBOLS GAME - In various embodiments, the gaming system enables a player to select one or more playing cards from a plurality of playing cards, wherein different playing cards include or are otherwise associated with one or more different symbols. The gaming system then determines if any matches occur amongst the plurality of symbols of a plurality of playing cards (including at least the player's selected playing card(s)). Following such a determination, the gaming system determines and provides zero, one or more awards based on one or more of: (i) which, if any, matching symbols occurred amongst the plurality of symbols of the plurality of playing cards, and (ii) a quantity of symbol matches which occurred amongst the plurality of symbols of the plurality of playing cards. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140256402 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A SLOT GAME INCLUDING A SYMBOL GENERATOR MODIFICATION EVENT - Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a slot game including a symbol generator modification event. In various embodiments, the gaming system is configured to provide a slot game, each play of which employs a subset of a plurality of symbol generators. If a symbol generator modification event occurs in association with a first play that employs a first subset of the symbol generators, the gaming system removes one of the symbol generators from the first subset and adds another one of the plurality of symbol generators to the first subset to form a second subset, and employs the second subset for a second play. The gaming system removes and adds the symbol generators to form the second subset such that the average expected payback percentage of the second play is greater than the average expected payback percentage of the first play. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140256403 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A GAME WITH UNLOCKABLE FEATURES - In various embodiments, the present disclosure relates generally to gaming systems and methods for providing unlockable features and/or unlockable content. In such embodiments, the gaming system includes a plurality of initially unlocked features or content and a plurality of initially locked features or content, wherein as the player advances or progresses during the play of one or more games, zero, one or more previously locked features or content become unlocked. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140256404 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING A RE-TRIGGERING SYMBOL BONUS SCHEME - A gaming device having a bonus scheme wherein a combination of bonus symbols trigger a bonus game and any one of the bonus symbols in the bonus game provides a player with an award. The award may be an extension of the bonus game by providing the player with additional spins or games. Also, the award may modify the combination and type of bonus symbols needed to enter the bonus game. Furthermore, the award may modify the award values in the bonus game. Therefore, a combination of bonus symbols triggers the bonus game and also triggers the gaming device to provide bonus awards in the bonus game. The re-triggering symbol award bonus scheme changes the probability of winning for the player and therefore creates a higher level of excitement and enjoyment of the game. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140256405 | Player Selection Game With Accumulated Symbol Display - A player selection game feature includes picking hidden selections to accumulate matching symbols and win a prize. Symbol accumulation areas are displayed along with the symbol location field from which player selections are made. These symbol accumulation areas help the player track the game symbols which have been selected. As a prize bump bonus symbols may be included in the player selection game to increase the value of all available prizes in the game. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140274281 | WAGER SELECTIONS FOR WAGERING GAMES TRUNCATED BY PRIOR WAGE LEVEL - A gaming system includes one or more input devices, one or more display devices, one or more processors, and one or more memory devices storing instructions. When executed by the one or more processors, the instructions cause the gaming system to receive, via at least one of the input devices, an input indicative of a wager selected from at least one wager amount being a function of a previous wager associated with an immediately preceding wagering game. The instructions cause the gaming system to display a wagering game on the one or more displays, the wagering game being in an advantageous state relative to the immediately preceding wagering game. The instructions further cause the gaming system to display an outcome of the wagering game on the one or more displays, at least a portion of the outcome being enhanced by an outcome of the immediately preceding wagering game. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140274282 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR PLAYING WAGERING GAMES WITH SYMBOL CLUMPS AND NON-UNIFORM WEIGHTING OF REEL POSITIONS - Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting wagering games, and computer programs for executing wagering games are disclosed. A gaming system is disclosed which includes one or more processors and one or more memory devices storing instructions that, when executed by at least one of the processors, cause the gaming system to: receive a wager to play a wagering game with symbol-bearing reels, each of which has distinct reel positions populated by various symbols, at least one reel bearing a symbol clump; and, display via a display device a randomly determined outcome of the wagering game. Each wagering-game outcome includes predetermined symbols occupying distinct array positions in a displayed array. Each reel position has a weighted probability of occupying an array position in the array. The weighted probabilities are configured such that the symbol clump, when part of a wagering-game outcome, can only land in its entirety in the array. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140274283 | PERSISTENT ASSOCIATION OF GAME FEATURES WITH A USER - The systems and/or processes described herein may unlock, enhance, and/or upgrade one or more features of a game with respect to a user that is playing the game. While the user is playing the game, the systems described herein may monitor a performance or a progression of the user with respect to the game. Upon determining that a predetermined threshold or criteria has been satisfied, such as the user earning a cumulative amount of points or currency, one or more features of the game may be dynamically enhanced or upgraded. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more features of the game may be unlocked to the user, where those features were previously not available to the user. The unlocked, enhanced, and/or upgraded features may be persistently associated with the user such that those features may be available and accessible to the user when the user subsequently plays the game. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140274284 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A MULTIPLAY SLOT GAME INCLUDING A CASCADING SYMBOLS FEATURE IN WHICH SYMBOLS ARE REMOVED FROM CORRESPONDING SYMBOL DISPLAY AREAS OF DIFFERENT SETS OF SYMBOL DISPLAY AREAS - Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a game including a cascading symbols feature in which symbols are removed from corresponding symbol display areas of different sets of symbol display areas. In one embodiment, the gaming system displays a first set and a second set of symbol display areas. For each symbol display area, the gaming system displays one of a plurality of different symbols at that symbol display area. If a designated symbol combination is formed by the symbols displayed at the symbol display areas of the first set, the gaming system removes the symbols displayed at the symbol display areas of the second set that correspond to the symbol display area of the first set displaying the symbols forming the designated symbol combination. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140274285 | Electronic Gaming Machine and Gaming Method - An electronic gaming machine has an electronic game controller and a display where game symbols are arranged in an array, where R is the number of available predetermined game positions in the array. The electronic game controller determines the appearance of a group of special symbols in the predetermined game positions, the group affecting the outcome of the game, and the probability of the group appearing on the array is less than 1 in X, X being the average number of games played with R predetermined game positions. A gaming method is also provided. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140274286 | WAGERING GAMES HAVING REDUCED MAXIMUM WAGERING LEVELS - A gaming system and method includes receiving a wager and in response thereto a basic game is conducted. The basic game includes a plurality of symbols that indicate a randomly selected outcome. In response to an offer trigger, an offer is displayed to conduct one or more subsequent plays of the basic game at a reduced maximum bet wager having a wager amount that is less than a normal maximum bet wager amount. A second input is received indicative of an acceptance of the offer for a reduced maximum bet wager. A randomly selected outcome is displayed. The plurality of possible outcomes each include a plurality of symbols arranged in an array. If the randomly selected outcome includes a winning symbol combination, an award is provided for any winning outcome. The provided award is determined as though a normal maximum bet wager amount was received. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140274287 | Gaming Machine and Methods of Allowing a Player to Play Gaming Machines Having Modifiable Reel Features - A method of allowing a player to play a gaming machine is described herein. The game includes a plurality of reels, each reel having a reel strip. The method includes initiating a primary game, responsively spinning the reels, randomly determining an outcome of the primary game and responsively stopping the reels to display the primary game. The method includes detecting if a triggering condition occurs in the primary game outcome, the triggering condition being defined as the at least one trigger symbol being displayed in at least one reel of the plurality of reels in the primary game outcome, and responsively modifying a reel feature of a reel strip associated with the at least one reel to generate an outcome of a secondary game including the modified reel strip. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140274288 | WAGERING GAMES EMPLOYING A MEGA SYMBOL - A method in a gaming system comprises receiving a wager and displaying an array having a plurality of array positions. Each of the plurality of array positions is populated by at least one of a plurality of symbols, which include a mega symbol configured to occupy at least two array positions on each of at least two adjacent columns of the array. In response to at least a portion of the mega symbol displayed in the array, the method includes determining a functionality for the mega symbol based on a number of array positions on which the mega symbol is displayed, the portion of the mega symbol displayed, the size of the mega symbol displayed, a random determination, the received wager, or a turnover amount over a plurality of plays. A payout is awarded based on the symbols displayed in the array and the determined functionality of the mega symbol. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140274289 | PAYLINES IN THREE DIMENSIONS - A gaming apparatus comprising a processor, game logic, a video display and player input system configured to execute a method comprising:
| 09-18-2014 |
| 20140274290 | WAGERING GAME WITH POSITIONAL FEEDBACK FOR MECHANICAL REELS - A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming terminal includes receiving, via an input device, a wager to play the wagering game. Each of a plurality of symbol bearing reels is spun using one or more motors of the gaming terminal. During the spinning, the symbols on a first one of the reels are monitored using one or more video cameras to generate image data associated with the symbols on the first reel. The generated image data associated with the symbols on the first reel is compared with master image data associated with the wagering game. Based on the comparing, it is determined if the symbols on the first reel are associated with the wagering game being conducted on the gaming terminal. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140274291 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ASSOCIATING GAME SYMBOLS - Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture provide for associating game symbols. For example, scatter symbols and/or other reel symbols in a slot-style game may be related such that they become connected in relation to one or more results and/or outcomes of a game session. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140274292 | GAMING MACHINE AND METHODS OF ALLOWING A PLAYER TO PLAY GAMING MACHINES HAVING MODIFIABLE REEL FEATURES - A gaming machine is described herein. The gaming machine includes a display device for displaying a game and a controller connected to the display device. The game includes a plurality of reels, each reel having a reel strip including a plurality of symbol positions and a plurality of game symbols displayed in each of the symbol positions in a predetermined order. The controller is configured to determine an outcome of the primary game, responsively spin and stop the reels to display the outcome of the primary game, and provide a first award to the player based on the primary game outcome. The controller detects if a triggering graphic is being displayed with the primary game outcome and is associated with at least one reel, modifies a reel feature of a reel strip associated with the reel, and generates an outcome of a secondary game including the modified reel strip. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140274293 | GAMING MACHINE HAVING A FIRST DISPLAY AND A SECOND DISPLAY - Provided is a gaming machine that can offer various play patterns and payout patterns without giving the player distrust or uncomfortableness. Upon establishment of a bonus trigger, a main CPU conducts a jackpot challenge lottery; if a jackpot is drawn, conducts another lottery to select either one of the prizes, Credit or Jackpot+Credit; if the prize Credit is drawn, pays out a determined amount to be credited; if the prize Jackpot+Credit is drawn, conducts another lottery for a jackpot prize, and pays out the amount corresponding to the drawn prize and the amount to be credited. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140274294 | Wagering Game With Upgradable Symbol Stacks - A gaming system includes one or more input devices, display devices, processors, and memory devices. At least one of the memory devices store instructions that cause the system to receive a wager and to display at least one array having a plurality of columns. An outcome is randomly selected, in response to the wager, in which a first column is stacked with a stack of symbols of a first rank and a second column is stacked with a stack of symbols of a second rank. The first rank is compared with the second rank to determine a high rank and a low rank according to a predetermined pay table. The stack of symbols of the low rank is upgraded to a stack of symbols of the high rank. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140274295 | Wagering Game Having Multi-Array Symbol Placement Feature - A gaming system includes one or more display devices, one or more processors, and one or more memory devices. The one or more memory devices store instructions that, when executed by at least one of the one or more processors, cause the gaming system to (i) display, on at least one of one or more display devices, a first symbol array and a second symbol array, (ii) in response to a triggering symbol appearing in the first symbol array, place a first symbol into a number of symbol positions within the second symbol array, the number being defined by a quantifier associated with the triggering symbol, (iii) provide an award based on one or more winning symbol combinations in the second array with the first symbols placed in the symbol positions. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140274296 | SLOTS GAME - A slot machine game having a first reel having a first set of symbols/indicia thereon, a second reel having a second set of symbols/indicia thereon and a third reel having a third set of symbols/indicia thereon. The first, second, and third reels being operatively configured to spin based upon an initiation button/lever and stop spinning based upon a random generator. The slot machine game being configured to determine a win based upon any three consecutive matching symbols/indicia on the first, second and third reels relative to the adjacent reels. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140274297 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING A COMPILATION REEL IN GAME VIDEO - In some embodiments, a system comprises an interface, a set of compilation rules, a trigger indication selection module, and a compilation reel generation module. The interface may be configured to receive metadata corresponding to gameplay on a digital device. The metadata may include a set of trigger indicators associated with a set of gameplay events occurring during the gameplay. The set of trigger indicators may be based on a set of trigger conditions occurring during the gameplay. The trigger indicator selection module may be configured to select a subset of the set of trigger indicators based on the set of compilation reel rules. The compilation reel generation module may be configured to generate a compilation reel based on the subset of trigger indicators selected by the trigger indicator selection module, the compilation reel including video of the gameplay events corresponding to the subset of trigger indicators. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140274298 | WAGERING GAME WITH SIMULATED MECHANICAL REELS - A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a housing having a display region. A first image display device for simulating mechanical reels of a slot machine in the display region includes a curved surface that approximates the radius of curvature of a mechanical reel. The curved surface displays first video images that include a plurality of symbols indicating a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. A second image display device displays second video images spatially separated from and overlaying the first video images within the display region. The second video images include indicia related to the wagering game. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140274299 | GAMING MACHINE CAPABLE OF IMPROVING AMUSINGNESS - The present invention provides a gaming machine capable of improving amusingness of a game by varying the continuity of the main game. According to the present invention, a normal mode game in the normal mode is started based on an input of the bet information from the bet input device; the mode is entered from the normal mode to the chance mode when an enter condition is satisfied as a result of referring to the predetermined symbol determination table in the normal mode; a free game is started as a chance mode game in the chance mode; and the mode is returned from the chance mode to the normal mode when an end condition is satisfied as a result of referring to the specific symbol determination table in the chance mode. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140274300 | GAMING MACHINE - On a lower image display panel | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140287811 | GAMING SYSTEM AND DEVICE HAVING MULTIPLE WAGERING OUTCOME SYSTEMS AND AN INTERSECTION-BASED WIN EVALUATION - A gaming system and device, operable upon a wager, has a plurality of outcome systems. In one embodiment, the initial outcome system has one or more initial outcome generators, and the secondary outcome system has an intersection evaluation and grid outcomes. | 09-25-2014 |
| 20140287812 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A MULTIPLE DIMENSION SYMBOL GAME WITH EXPANDING WILD SYMBOLS - Gaming systems and methods for providing a multi-dimensional symbol game with expanding wild symbols. | 09-25-2014 |
| 20140287813 | GAMING MACHINE AND REEL DEVICE THEREOF - A gaming machine includes: a reel having an outer circumferential surface on which symbols are lined up; a reel driving mechanism which rotates the reel to rearrange the symbols; a magnet which is provided in the reel driving mechanism to change an external magnetic field in accordance with the rotation of the reel; a magnetic force detecting mechanism which detects a magnetic force of the external magnetic field so as to output a magnetic force detection signal; a reel setting unit by which the magnetic force detection signal and arrangement positions of the symbols are associated with one another; and a reel drive control unit which controls the reel driving mechanism so that the symbols are rearranged in a predetermined arrangement based on the magnetic force detection signal and the arrangement positions of the symbols. | 09-25-2014 |
| 20140287814 | SYSTEMS, APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR AWARDING GAMING PAYOUTS - Methods, apparatuses, and systems for awarding gaming payouts in slot games are provided. Embodiments are directed to initiating a reelspin and moving at least one modifying symbol to a new symbol location. If a predetermined symbol appears in the new symbol location as a result of the reelspin, the predetermined symbol is replaced with the modifying symbol. | 09-25-2014 |
| 20140287815 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING DIFFERENT SETS OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY REEL SYMBOLS - An apparatus and method for a gaming device having a bonus game that provides a player with a primary set of reel symbols having a primary probability of winning and a secondary set of reel symbols having a secondary probability of winning, where the secondary probability of winning is greater than the primary probability of winning. | 09-25-2014 |
| 20140295935 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH CONDITIONAL SYNCHRONIZED REEL GAMES - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The systems and methods may initiate one or more conditional synchronized reel structures. The systems and methods may determine one or more replacement symbols for the one or more symbols of the plurality of primary game symbols. The systems and methods may determine one or more payouts based on the additional gaming functionality. The systems and methods may display one or more presentations based on the additional gaming functionality. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140295936 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH CONDITIONAL SYNCHRONIZED REEL GAMES - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The systems and methods may initiate one or more conditional synchronized reel structures. The systems and methods may determine one or more replacement symbols for the one or more symbols of the plurality of primary game symbols. The systems and methods may determine one or more payouts based on the additional gaming functionality. The systems and methods may display one or more presentations based on the additional gaming functionality. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140295937 | GAME DEVICE, GAME CONTROL METHOD, AND STORAGE MEDIUM STORING A PROGRAM - A game device includes a first setting unit, a lottery unit, a decision unit, and a determination unit. The first setting unit sets a first character for a first player and a second character different from the first character, both belonging to a first group. The lottery unit decides stop positions of spinning slot reels of a reel group displayed on a display. The decision unit decides a battle action of the first group. The determination unit decreases hit points of an enemy character in response to the battle action and decreases hit points of at least one of the first and second characters in response to another battle action by the enemy character, so as to determine a winner based on respective remaining amounts of the hit points. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140295938 | GAME DEVICE, GAME CONTROL METHOD, AND STORAGE MEDIUM STORING A PROGRAM - A game device includes a lottery unit to decide stop positions of spinning slot reels of a first reel group displayed on a display and select a type of battle action among plural types of battle action, with reference to the stop positions. The device includes a decision unit configured to decide the selected type of battle action as a battle action by a player character. Each type of battle action has an attribution associated with a set of symbols of the slot reels at the stop positions. The plural types of battle action include a first type of battle action having a first attribution to attack an enemy character and a second type of battle action having a second attribution different from the first attribution. The device includes a determination unit configured to decrease hit points of the enemy character and the player character. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140295939 | Bonus Game For A Gaming Machine - A machine is operable in a basic mode and a bonus mode. The bonus game is entered upon the occurrence of a start-bonus game outcome in the basic mode. In the bonus game, a player may select from an array of windows, each associated with a bonus game outcome. Credits are awarded based upon which ones of the windows are selected. The bonus game may end upon selection of a window associated with an end-bonus outcome but otherwise continues, allowing the player to make further selections until encountering an end-bonus outcome. A bonus game resource obtained in the basic game may be exercised in the bonus game to affect the bonus game outcome. For example, where the occurrence of an end-bonus outcome would otherwise end the bonus game, a player having a bonus game resource may exercise the bonus game resource to continue playing the bonus game. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140302908 | Gaming System and a Method of Gaming - A gaming system is disclosed that comprises a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols for display in a respective plurality of display positions in a plurality of display position groups, a condition determiner arranged to determine whether a defined condition exists based on the displayed symbols, and a special symbol determiner arranged to determine whether a special symbol is displayed. The gaming system is arranged to add at least one display position to at least one display position group in response to existence of the defined condition. The gaming system is also arranged to cause a particular symbol to be displayed in all display positions of a display position group when the special symbol is displayed in the display position group. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140302909 | ELECTRONIC GAMING MACHINE AND GAMING METHOD - An electronic gaming machine includes a display for displaying a game and a wheel-type game. The wheel-type game comprises a plurality of wheels, said wheels having different wheel elements. An electronic game controller controls the display of game symbols and wheel elements in said game and said wheel-type game. The electronic game controller configures the electronic gaming machine to provide a plurality of selectable bet options to play said game. The electronic game controller also associates each of said bet options with one of said wheels such that selection of a first bet option to play said game causes said electronic game controller to select the wheel associated with said first bet option. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140302910 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SLOT MACHINE GAME ASSOCIATED WITH MARKET LINE WAGERS - System and methods related to wagering, such as slot machines and/or other electronic games. Some wagering may relate to market indicators, market lines, and/or stop commands. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140302911 | GAMING DEVICE METHOD AND APPARATUS EMPLOYING MODIFIED PAYOUTS - The invention includes a system and method for a gaming device to determine when to offer a player an opportunity to play using a “jackpot only” pay table. The player may choose to accept the gaming device's offer to switch from using a conventional pay table to using a pay table that only pays top payout amounts. Play with a jackpot only pay table may only require a small wager amount as compared to play with a conventional pay table. Play with a jackpot only pay table may be automated to generate outcomes quickly to allow a player to relatively inexpensively avoid spending time playing a gaming device perceived to be in a “cold period.” | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140309010 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH QUASI-PERSISTENT SYNCHRONIZED REEL GAMES - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The systems and methods may initiate one or more quasi-persistent synchronized reel structures. The systems and methods may determine one or more replacement symbols for the one or more symbols of the plurality of primary game symbols. The systems and methods may determine one or more payouts based on the additional gaming functionality. The systems and methods may display one or more presentations based on the additional gaming functionality. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140309011 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH QUASI-PERSISTENT SYNCHRONIZED REEL GAMES - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The systems and methods may initiate one or more quasi-persistent synchronized reel structures. The systems and methods may determine one or more replacement symbols for the one or more symbols of the plurality of primary game symbols. The systems and methods may determine one or more payouts based on the additional gaming functionality. The systems and methods may display one or more presentations based on the additional gaming functionality. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140309012 | System, Device and Method for Providing One or More Bonus Games in a Keno, Bingo or Lottery Game - A system, device and method are set forth for providing a number based game such as Keno, Bingo or a Lottery. The player selects their numbers (or Bingo card) and prompts play. An outcome set of numbers is randomly chosen from a field of numbers and if the player has a predetermined outcome of matching numbers from their selected number they earn a prize. The game also randomly selects one or bonus numbers. If there is a match between one or more bonus numbers and the outcome set, one or more secondary spinning reel bonus games are enabled and are played resulting in winning or losing outcome. For winning outcomes the player earns a prize. Prizes may be progressive prizes. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140309013 | ELECTRONIC GAMING MACHINE AND GAMING METHOD - The invention provides an electronic gaming machine comprising an electronic game controller and a display. A game is shown on the display, comprising game symbols displayed in predetermined game positions on said display and where predetermined winning combinations of randomly selected game symbols in the game award prizes to a player. The appearance of at least one special symbol in a play of the game causes the display of an additional special symbol for one or more subsequent plays of the game. A corresponding method is also provided. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140309014 | METHOD, APPARATUS, AND COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIA FOR ENABLING REAL-TIME COMPETITION HAVING AN ENTERTAINING EXPERIENCE BASED ON COMMODITIES OR CURRENCIES - Methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media for enabling real-time competition based on commodities. An exemplary computer-implemented method executed by one or more computing devices for enabling real-time competition based on commodities includes receiving information from a first user including a selection of a commodity and a competitive position corresponding to a criteria associated with the commodity, determining, based at least in part on real-time information regarding the selected commodity, whether the competitive position regarding the criteria is consistent with the real-time information, transmitting information to the first user indicating an outcome that is favorable based at least in part of a determination that the competitive position regarding the criteria is consistent with the real-time information, and transmitting information to the first user indicating an outcome that is not favorable based at least in part of a determination that the competitive position regarding the criteria is not consistent with the real-time information. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140309015 | WAGERING GAME WITH EXPANDING REELS - A method for conducting a wagering game includes receiving a wager to play the wagering game. A base array of symbol positions arranged in a plurality of columns is displayed. A plurality of symbols is randomly distributed such that each of the symbol positions in the base array is associated with one or more of the symbols. An extent by which the base array of symbol positions is to be expanded is indicated by the symbols. The base array of symbol positions is expanded into an expanded array of symbol positions including at least one additional symbol position. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140315616 | Slot Machine Style Game with Player Selected Game Symbols - A method for a slot machine style game is disclosed. The method includes the steps of determining an outcome of the slot machine style game and displaying a plurality of game symbols corresponding to the outcome. At least one of the game symbols is a symbol selected by a player. The method also includes the steps of determining whether at least a portion of the plurality of game symbols is a winning combination and, when there is a winning combination, determining a first award associated with the winning combination. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140315617 | GAMING MACHINE CAPABLE OF REPEATEDLY EXECUTING A UNIT GAME - A gaming machine that is capable of imparting diversified variations to the play of a bonus game is provided. A main CPU displays a selection screen in a case where a feature game trigger is established, and causes a player to select one of a free game and a roulette game. In a case where the free game is selected, a total of values of BONUS symbols that correspond to the feature game trigger is determined as the number of free games. On the other hand, in a case where the roulette game is selected, a game is completed by carrying out roulette game processing once, and the amount of payouts is determined based on the number of free games. The free game and the roulette game are respectively set so that expectation values of the number of payouts are equal to each other. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140315618 | GAMING MACHINE CAPABLE OF REPEATEDLY EXECUTING A UNIT GAME - A gaming machine that is capable of achieving respectively different game patterns at a time of a bonus game is provided. A main CPU displays a selection screen in a case where a feature game trigger is established, and causes a player to select either one of a free game and a roulette game. In a case where the free game is selected, a total of values that correspond to BONUS symbols that correspond to the feature game trigger is determined as the number of free games. The main CPU conducts lottery processing for determination of symbols and lottery processing for determination of BONUS symbol values. The values that correspond to the BONUS symbols are added on one by one basis, and a progress of obtaining the number of free games is displayed as effect on a video display unit. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140315619 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR OPERATING WAGERING GAME MACHINES WITH ENHANCED USER INTERFACES - Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of conducting wagering games, and computer programs for operating wagering game machines are disclosed. A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game is disclosed. The gaming machine includes a first display device that is configured to display aspects of the wagering game. The first display device includes a touchscreen configured to receive user inputs. The gaming machine also includes a second display device that is configured to display a plurality of user-selectable elements. The second display device is further configured to display a selection mechanism in response to a first user input received from a user via the touchscreen of the first display device. The second display device is also configured, in response to a second user input received from the user via the touchscreen of the first display device, to display the selection mechanism selecting at least one of the displayed user-selectable elements. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140315620 | DEVICE HEALTH MONITORING FOR GAMING MACHINES - A gaming peripheral for a gaming machine is described. The gaming peripheral can be configured to emulate the functions of a lighting device, such as a candle. The gaming peripheral can be configured to provide enhanced gaming features such as 1) enhanced networking capabilities, 2) enhanced peripheral device monitoring and upgrade capabilities, 3) enhanced player monitoring and security capabilities 4) enhanced gaming function capabilities and 5) enhanced player reward capabilities. The enhanced gaming features can be provided in a non-intrusive manner such that regulated software executed on a gaming machine does not have to be altered. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140315621 | GAMING DEVICE FOR WAGERING ON MULTIPLE GAME OUTCOMES - Systems and methods for wagering on game outcomes allow a player to wager on game outcomes resulting from linked gaming devices linked to a primary gaming device being played by the player. A primary game display shows game plays and outcomes and allows wagering on a primary game and a linked game display shows game plays and outcomes and allows wagering on linked games. Both the primary and linked gaming devices may be the same type of gaming device, or they may be two different types of gaming devices, such as gaming devices for playing slot games, card games, keno, and the like. Further, either or both of the primary and linked games may allow bonus game outcomes resulting in a bonus game having bonus game awards. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140323198 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH PERSISTENT WILD REEL GAMES - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The systems and methods may initiate one or more persistent expanding wild reel structures. The systems and methods may generate one or more persistent wilds. The systems and methods may hold for one or more subsequent spins the one or more persistent wilds in one or more locations based on one or more persistent wild counter numbers. The systems and methods may determine one or more payouts based on the additional gaming functionality. The systems and methods may display one or more presentations based on the additional gaming functionality. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140323199 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH ASYNCHRONOUS TOURNAMENT FUNCTIONALITY - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The systems and methods may utilize one or more tournament game structures. The one or more tournament game structures may include a plurality of entry points. The one or more processors may initiate a first tournament at a first location based on one or more tournament game structures. The first tournament may include a first entry point relating to a first time and a second entry point relating to a second time. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140323200 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DYNAMICALLY SELECTING A MULTIPLIER AND DYNAMICALLY APPLYING THE MULTIPLIER TO A LIMITED NUMBER OF PAYLINES AMONG A PLURALITY OF PRE-DEFINED PAYLINES - A gaming method for adding a bonus feature to a main game comprising: providing a display screen comprised of cells arranged in rows and columns; providing a plurality of paylines, each payline comprising one cell from a plurality of columns; automatically and randomly selecting a multiplier value from among a plurality of multiplier values; automatically and randomly applying the selected multiplier value to a limited number of paylines to create one or more selected multiplier paylines; and displaying the multiplier value and the selected multiplier payline(s) to the user on the display screen. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140323201 | GAMING MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - As a normal game, symbols to be rearranged on a lower image display panel | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140323202 | 3D ENHANCEMENTS TO GAME COMPONENTS IN SYSTEM INCLUDING 3d GAME COMPONENTS WITH ADDITIONAL SYMBOLS - A computer-implemented method for enhancing game components in a gaming system using various three-dimensional enhancements. The three-dimensional enhancements may involve stacks of gaming components to provide and integrate additional symbols, multi-faceted gaming components, multi-faceted gaming surfaces running multiple games in parallel, items animating to simulate real-world physics, merging components, shapes to push up or down gaming components to create stacks, and so on. Further example three-dimensional enhancements are described. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140323203 | 3D ENHANCEMENTS TO GAMING COMPONENTS IN GAMING SYSTEMS WITH REAL-WORLD PHYSICS - A computer-implemented method for enhancing game components in a gaming system using various three-dimensional enhancements. The three-dimensional enhancements may involve stacks of gaming components to provide and integrate additional symbols, multi-faceted gaming components, multi-faceted gaming surfaces running multiple games in parallel, items animating to simulate real-world physics, merging components, shapes to push up or down gaming components to create stacks, and so on. Further example three-dimensional enhancements are described. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140329578 | Wagering Game Providing A Progressive Award Having An Actual Value Determined By Follow-Up Game Play - A gaming system includes an input device for receiving wagers to lay a wagering game in which the player is eligible to win first and second progressive award levels. At least one display device is configured to display a monetary value for the first progressive award level and a number of free spins for the second progressive award level. The gaming system includes two sets of reels, each set being associated with a respective mathematical model. A controller increments the monetary value and the number of free spins based on plays of the wagering game, and awards current values of the monetary value and the number of free spins in response to respective triggering events. | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140329579 | BACKLIGHT UNIT, AND LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY DEVICE AND GAME CONSOLE INCLUDING SAME - A game console includes: a liquid crystal display device comprising a backlight unit and a liquid crystal panel which is disposed in front of the backlight unit; and at least one reel which is disposed behind the backlight unit and where a plurality of symbols are displayed. The backlight unit includes: a light guiding panel; | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140335928 | GAMING MACHINE, GAMING SYSTEM, AND GAMING METHOD - In a gaming machine, a display displays images of a free game. The controller executes a game, provides a plurality of free games when a result of the game satisfies a predetermined condition, determines at least one free game to a special mode from among the plurality of free game, and determine remaining free games to a base mode, rearranges a plurality of symbols to always appear at least one special symbol on the display in the free game of the special mode, rearranges the plurality of symbols to randomly determine whether to appear the special symbol on the display in the free game of the base mode, and provides a payout determined by a winning combination of symbols appeared on the display in each free game. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140335929 | GAMING MACHINE, GAMING SYSTEM, AND GAMING METHOD - In a gaming machine, a display displays at least part of a map including a plurality of cell forming courses on which a character moves in a game. The controller executes each round of the game, moves the character to a destination cell in each round, determines whether an event set to the destination cell belongs to predetermined events, selects any one determination table from among a plurality of determination tables based on a position of the destination cell when the event belongs to the predetermined events, performs the event set to the destination cell, determines a result of the performed event based on the selected determination table, and awards a profit corresponding to the result of the performed event to the player. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140335930 | GAMING MACHINE, GAMING SYSTEM, AND GAMING METHOD - In a gaming machine, a display displays at least part of a map including a plurality of cell forming courses on which a character for a player moves in a predetermined game. A controller executes each round of the predetermined game, and determines whether to trigger a mysterious bonus game with a triggering probability in each round. The controller moves the character to a destination cell in each round, and performs an event set to the destination cell. The controller awards a payout to the player according a result of the performed event, and executes the mysterious bonus game on the display in a round in which the mysterious bonus game is determined to be triggered. The triggering probability is determined by information including a position of a cell at which the character is located in each round. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140335931 | GAMING MACHINE AND METHODS OF ALLOWING A PLAYER TO PLAY GAMING MACHINES HAVING RETAINED SPECIAL SYMBOLS - A method of allowing a player to play a gaming machine is described herein. The method includes displaying the game including a plurality of symbols at a plurality of symbol positions including at least one special symbol. A game outcome is randomly generated and displayed. An award is provided to the player if a winning combination is displayed in the generated first game outcome. The method further includes determining if a first special symbol is displayed in the generated first game outcome and responsively retaining the first special symbol during a subsequent second game, generating the second game outcome including the retained first special symbol, determining if a second special symbol is displayed in the second game outcome and responsively releasing the retained first special symbol in a subsequent third game if the second special symbol does not appear in the second game outcome. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140335932 | GAMING MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - Symbols to be rearranged on the lower image display panel | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140335933 | INCORPORATING TRANSIENT SYMBOLS INTO WAGERING GAMES - A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include providing a wagering game for presentation, wherein the wagering game includes a first symbol set used to indicate one or more wagering game outcomes before initiation of a secondary contest. The operations can further include initiating the secondary contest, wherein the secondary contest is separate from the wagering game, and providing a second symbol set for use during the secondary contest, wherein the second symbol set is configured to indicate a promotional award for the secondary contest. The operations can further include incorporating the second symbol set into the wagering game. The operations can further include ending the secondary contest, and removing the second symbol set from the wagering game after the secondary contest ends. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140335934 | ELECTRONIC GAMING MACHINE AND GAMING METHOD - The invention provides an electronic gaming machine ( | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140335935 | GAMING MACHINE - Highly entertaining games are provided. When a trigger condition is established in a normal game, the following processes are executed: a process of shifting to a bonus game in which a re-trigger condition which is less stringent than the trigger condition may be established; a process of executing a free game at least once in the bonus game; and a process of increasing the number of times of execution of the free game in the bonus game, when the re-trigger condition is established in the bonus game. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140335936 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A SYMBOL GAME WITH WILD SYMBOLS USABLE FOR A QUANTITY OF SYMBOL GENERATIONS - A plurality of columns each having a plurality of symbol positions are displayed. A gaming system generates and displays one of a plurality of symbols in each symbol position. At least one of the plurality of symbols is a designated symbol with an indicated quantity. The indicated quantity indicates whether the designated symbol is active or inactive. For each winning symbol combination containing at least one designated symbol, the indicated quantity associated with any designated symbol in the winning symbol combination is decremented and any non-designated symbols are removed from the display. Any designated symbols with an associated numeral of zero are inactive and are removed from each winning symbol combination. Any remaining symbols are shifted in a predetermined direction. For each empty symbol position, the gaming system generates and displays a new symbol and repeats the above steps until no winning symbol combinations remain. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140335937 | COORDINATING MEDIA CONTENT IN WAGERING GAME SYSTEMS - In some embodiments, a method includes receiving, at a first media controller in the wagering game system, a playlist identifier that identifies a playlist, wherein the playlist is associated with scripts that, when executed, present media effects of the coordinated media show. The method can also include presenting, by the first media controller, a first of the media effects by executing a first of the scripts associated with the playlist, and detecting an indication to wait for a synchronization marker from a second media controller. The method can also include receiving, over a multi-drop network, the synchronization marker from the second media controller, and selecting a second of the scripts associated with the playlist, after receiving the synchronization marker. The method can also include presenting, by the first media controller, a second of the media effects by executing the second of the scripts. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140335938 | 3D ENHANCEMENTS TO GAME COMPONENTS IN GAMING SYSTEMS AS MULTI-FACETED GAME COMPONENTS - An electronic gaming machine, a system and a method for providing game components with 3D enhancement are disclosed. The machine includes one processor, one persistent data store, one receiver to receive game data, and a display device configured with a user interface to display: a portion of the game data as at least one of a row and a column of game components along a plane in accordance with a set of game rules for a given game; and at least one of the game components as a multi-faceted game component, wherein the multi-faceted game components are displayed in a 3D configuration in relation to the plane of the display device, wherein the at least one processor is configured to associate at least one additional symbol with at least one facet of the multi-faceted game component; and integrate the at least one additional symbol into the given game. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140335939 | 3D ENHANCEMENTS TO GAME COMPONENTS IN GAMING SYSTEMS INCLUDING A MULTI-FACETED GAMING SURFACE - An electronic gaming machine, system and method for providing game components with 3D enhancement are provided. The machine includes: one persistent data store; one receiver to receive game data for storage in the persistent data store; at least one processor configured to, using a portion of the game data, generate a multi-faceted gaming surface having a plurality of facet gaming surfaces, wherein each facet gaming surface comprises at least one of a row and a column of game components along a plane in accordance with a set of game rules for a given game; and a display device configured with a user interface to display the multi-faceted gaming surface in three-dimensions in relation to the plane of the display device; wherein the at least one processor is configured to run multiple instances of the given game in parallel on different facet gaming surfaces of the multi-faceted gaming surface. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140335940 | 3D ENHANCEMENTS TO GAME COMPONENTS IN GAMING SYSTEMS INCLUDING MERGED GAME COMPONENTS - An electronic gaming machine, a system and a method for providing game components with 3D enhancement are disclosed. The machine includes at least one processor, one persistent data store, one receiver to receive game data, and a display device configured with a user interface to display a portion of the game data as at least one of a row and a column of game components along a plane in accordance with a set of game rules for a given game, each one of the game components having an original symbol associated thereto, and at least two additional game components to provide a 3D enhancement in relation to the plane of the display device, wherein the at least one processor is configured to merge the at least two additional game components to provide at least one additional symbol, and integrate the at least one additional symbol into the given game. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140342796 | GAMING MACHINE AND GAMING METHOD - A gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a reel assembly including a plurality of reels that includes basic reels and an extra reel including a plurality of symbols; and a controller configured to: execute a first lottery with the basic reels in a game round; execute a second lottery to determine whether the extra reel spins in the game round; execute a third lottery to select one of the symbols on the extra reel when it is determined that the extra reel spins in the game round; control the basic reels to spin and stop in the game round; and control the extra reel to start spinning before the basic reels stop spinning in the game round. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140342797 | GAMING MACHINE AND GAMING METHOD - A gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a reel assembly including basic reels including a plurality of basic symbols and an extra reel including a plurality of extra symbols; and a controller configured to: control the basic reels and the extra reel; execute a first lottery with the basic reels to determine a win or a loss of a game; execute a second lottery to select one of the extra symbols; and control the extra reel to spin and stop to show the selected one of the extra symbols, wherein the plurality of extra symbols include a multiplier symbol multiplying a win prize of the game, an effect symbol used in an effect of the game, a determinant symbol determining a number of free rounds in a free mode of the game, and an adder symbol adding extra free rounds in the free mode of the game. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140342798 | GAMING MACHINE AND GAMING METHOD - A gaming machine includes: a reel assembly including a basic reel and an extra reel for a game, the extra reel including an effect symbol; an image display configured to display an character image related to the game; and a controller configured to: execute a first lottery for the game with the basic reels; execute a second lottery for the game with the extra reel; determine whether the extra reel shows the effect symbol; control the basic reels and the image display; and control the extra reel to move in connection with a movement of the character image on the image display when it is determined that the extra reel shows the effect symbol. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140342799 | GAME WITH BORDER TRIGGER FEATURE - A method of gaming on a gaming machine; said gaming machine including a game display area in which the number of displayed game elements in a vertical direction is greater than the number of game elements in a horizontal direction; said method including triggering of at least one border differentiating regions of said game elements; said border or borders indicating to a player of a game on said gaming machine the winning of a prize. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140342800 | PRESENTATION EFFECT DEVICE FOR USE IN GAMING MACHINE AND GAMING MACHINE - Provided is a presentation effect device capable of providing a new presentation effect in which it is possible to change the state where a player can visibly recognize an object to be visibly recognized to the state where a player can visibly recognize the object without any movable member. A presentation effect device is provided with a plate-like panel, an accommodation space partitioned by the plate-like panel, the accommodation space for accommodating an object to be visibly recognized, and an illumination device for illuminating the object to be visibly recognized by a signal from the outside, wherein the plate-like panel is composed of a beam splitter for dividing incoming light into reflection light and transmitted light. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140342801 | GAMING MACHINE CAPABLE OF REPEATEDLY EXECUTING A UNIT GAME - A gaming machine that is capable of providing information relevant to a winning combination to a player before spinning of a respective one of reels stops in a unit game is provided. When the player's operation is made, in the case where the predetermined symbol is displayed in the effect reel display region | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140342802 | GAMING MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - When a trigger condition is established in a normal game, a gaming machine | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140342803 | GAMING MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A gaming machine | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140342804 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OPTIMIZING THE RATE OF PLAY OF A GAMING DEVICE - The invention includes a system and method for determining and achieving an optimized rate of play of a gaming device for a given player. The system monitors play at a gaming device, determines whether adjustments to parameters that effect the potential maximum rate of play should be made, and makes the appropriate adjustments. Monitoring play includes measuring such things as force applied to input buttons and tracking unnecessary button presses at inappropriate times (i.e., while the reels are still spinning). Parameters that effect the potential maximum rate of play include reel resolution time, length of bonus displays, payout rate, and the like. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140342805 | GAMING METHOD AND DEVICE INVOLVING PROGRESSIVE WAGERS - A method of gaming is disclosed wherein progressive award values may be increased in response to certain pre-established game outcomes, wager amounts or random events. The increased progressive award values may be based on a primary game or secondary game outcome. Another innovation is the resetting of progressive awards upon completion of a bonus event whether or not award actually won in said bonus event. Player tracking systems permit progressive award values to be linked to a particular player such that the progressive award values remain personal to the player. Re-setting increased progressive award values is also disclosed. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140342806 | GAMING SYSTEM INCLUDING WILD SYMBOLS - A gaming system configured to operate a game associated with a plurality of symbols. For a play of the game, the gaming system displays a plurality of reels, each of the reels including a plurality of the symbols and being associated with a plurality of symbol display areas. For an activation of the reels, the gaming system randomly generates and causes each of the reels to display one of the symbols on that reel at each of the symbol display areas associated with that reel. Upon an occurrence of a triggering event, the gaming system: adds one or more wild symbols to one or more of the reels and provides a plurality of additional activations of the reels. If a removal condition is satisfied prior to a final one of the additional activations of the reels, the gaming system removes a remaining wild symbol from one of the reels. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140342807 | SLOT-TYPE GAME WITH NUDGE AND BONUS GAME FEATURES - In a method of conducting a game and a gaming device configured to present a game, a plurality of reels display a base set of symbols. The symbols are used to define a base game outcome. In the event a nudge feature is triggered, such as by receipt of trigger symbols in the base game, reels having associated trigger symbols are locked and individual ones of the reels are nudged to new positions, wherein after a particular reel has been nudged, a new game outcome is evaluated. The reels may be nudged sequentially. Other triggers, such as receipt of additional numbers of trigger symbols, may also trigger a primary bonus game, which bonus game may further trigger one or more secondary bonus games. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140349732 | GAME INDEPENDENT OUTCOMES ON A GAMING DEVICE - Examples disclosed herein relate to an electronic gaming device including a memory, a processor, and a plurality of reels. The plurality of reels may include one or more areas. The memory may include one or more independent features structures. The processor may generate one or more symbols to be located in the one or more areas. The processor may initiate at least a first independent feature structure based on an independent feature triggering event. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140349733 | 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 - Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a 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. Other embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a game having a player-adjustable volatility. In certain embodiments, the game is the above-described game, while in other embodiments, the game is a different game. Generally, in certain such embodiments, the gaming system enables a player to tailor the overall volatility of a play of the game to the player's preference by selecting a desired combination of symbol display areas to employ for a play of the game. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140349734 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A GAME HAVING A PLAYER-ADJUSTABLE VOLATILITY - Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a 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. Other embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a game having a player-adjustable volatility. In certain embodiments, the game is the above-described game, while in other embodiments, the game is a different game. Generally, in certain such embodiments, the gaming system enables a player to tailor the overall volatility of a play of the game to the player's preference by selecting a desired combination of symbol display areas to employ for a play of the game. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140349735 | Gaming Machine - Probability of prize occurrence is easily controlled without provision of a blank between symbols on a reel. A gaming machine | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140349736 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS OF GENERATING A PLAYER TO PLAYER SLOT MACHINE - A system for generating a peer-to-peer (p2p) slot machine is provided. The system including a p2p engine, wherein the p2p engine is configured to create a slot machine for play between a first user acting as a banking player and a second user acting as a betting player. The system also includes an interface coupled to the p2p engine and configured to receive data from the banking player and the betting player. The system also includes a management engine coupled to the p2p engine, wherein the management engine is configured to audit the slot machine. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140349737 | Electronic Gaming Machine and Gaming Method - An electronic gaming machine has an electronic game controller and a display where game symbols are arranged in an array of predetermined game positions. The appearance of a first special symbol causes a group of predetermined game positions to be selected where each game symbol occupying a predetermined game position in said group is changed into a second special symbol either during a play of a game or at the completion of said play, said change into said second special symbol being visible to said player. A gaming method is also provided. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140349738 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD PROVIDING ONE OR MORE WILD REEL WAGER OPTIONS - The present disclosure provides a gaming system, device, and method providing wild reel wager options for a spinning reel type wagering game. The wagering game includes: a plurality of reels; a plurality of symbols; and one or more wild reel wager options, each of which is associated with one of a plurality of wild reel wager amounts. If a player wagers one of the wild reel wager amounts on a play of the wagering game, the gaming system determines, based on the wild reel wager option associated with that wild reel wager amount, a set of one or more of the reels to be wild reels, and causes each of the determined set of the reels to be wild reels for that play. The gaming system causes each of the reels to spin and display one or more of the symbols, and provides any awards based on the displayed symbols. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140357342 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REPLACING LOWER VALUE SYMBOLS WITH HIGHER VALUE SYMBOLS IN A GAME - In accordance with some embodiments, systems, methods and articles of manufacture provide for facilitating a game by: (i) determining a plurality of symbols selected for use in at least one game event; (ii) identifying a symbol of the plurality of symbols which corresponds to a highest relative value, thereby determining a replacement symbol; (iii) designating as a default symbol at least one symbol of the plurality of symbols which is not the replacement symbol; (iv) determining an initial outcome for the at least one game event; (v) determining that the initial outcome include at least one default symbol; and (vi) replacing with the replacement symbol each of the at least one default symbols, thereby creating a revised outcome. In one embodiment, the default symbol is the symbol corresponding to the lowest relative value. In one embodiment, the game may be a gambling game (e.g., an online reeled slot machine game). | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140364190 | ADVERTISING SPACE FOR TOURNAMENTS - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods for tournament game player. An electronic gaming device may include a memory, one or more processors, and a plurality of reels. One or more paylines may be formed on at least a portion of the plurality of reels. The memory may include one or more tournament game structures. The memory may also include one or more advertisement structures. The one or more processors may initiate one or more tournaments based on one or more tournament game structures. The one or more processors may initiate one or more advertisements based on at least one of the one or more advertisement structures and one or more triggering events. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140364191 | SLOTS JOURNEY GAME - A method for a slots game is disclosed. Such a slots game includes simulated gambling elements and adventure elements. Further, such a slots game has a viral effect of attracting members of gamer's social network. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140364192 | Gaming System and Method of Gaming - A gaming system is disclosed that comprises a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of base symbols from a set of base symbols for display in a display area; and at least one set of additional symbols, each set of additional symbols including a plurality of additional symbols. The gaming system is arranged to incorporate the additional symbols of an additional symbol set into the base symbol set so as to define a combined symbol set, and the gaming system is arranged to select and display a plurality of base and/or additional symbols from the combined symbol set. The gaming system further comprises an outcome evaluator arranged to determine a game outcome based on the selected base and/or additional symbols. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140370960 | GAME ACTIVATING TOKEN - System and methods for utilizing a game activating token are provided. The game activating token is received in a slot of a token reader and through a passageway to a reading region. An identifier transmitted by the game activating token is read while the token is in the reading region, and the identifier can be communicated to a gaming machine for activating a game. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140370961 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A BONUS GAME - Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture provide for bonus symbols and/or other reel symbols in a slot-style game that may be associated with (e.g., functionally connected to) a plurality of bonus areas or elements. In some embodiments, each reel of a slot-style game may be specifically associated with and/or tied-to one of the bonus areas or elements. According to some embodiments, values and/or parameters associated with and/or assigned to the plurality of bonus areas and/or elements may be adjusted by a player in connection with initiation and/or play of a bonus game. According to some embodiments, the bonus areas/elements may be presented and/or configured as “trap doors” having values that can fall through the doors when opened, and thus disappear (e.g., be deleted or cleared). | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140370962 | GAMING MACHINE HAVING PLURAL GAMING MODES - A gaming machine which can control the tempo of the game to refresh the player while maintaining continuity of the game, enhancing entertainingness and amusement of the game, and encouraging the player's sense of achievements. The input unit receives an instruction related to a game. The memory stores a first symbol determination table causing that a specific symbol appears among rearranged symbols on the symbol display unit with a first probability and a second symbol determination table causing that the specific symbol appears among the rearranged symbols with a second probability higher than the first probability. The controller starts the game in response to the instruction received through the input unit to execute the game in a normal mode and shifting the normal mode to a chance mode according to the game result in the normal mode. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140370963 | GAMING MACHINE CAPABLE OF MOVING AT LEAST ONE VISUAL RECOGNITION TARGET IN A TOP BOX - A gaming machine includes a symbol display device, a top box, and a controller. The symbol display device is capable of variably displaying and then rearranging a plurality of symbols. The top box is disposed at an upper part of the symbol display device and has an illumination target disposed on a front face and a plurality of visual recognition targets disposed therein. The controller is programmed to: variably display and then rearrange symbols on the symbol display device to thereby execute a normal game; execute an animation character acquisition game for acquiring a specific animation character from among a plurality of animation characters in accordance with specific symbols being rearranged in the normal game; and move at least one visual recognition target from among the plurality of visual recognition targets, based on a result of the animation character acquisition game. This configuration enables a player to be given notice in a mode of moving a visual recognition target in the top box. Thus, it is possible to impart a sense of expectation or a sense of tension to a player and to pay the player's attention exclusively to a game. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140370964 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A SLOT GAME EMPLOYING A RANDOMLY SELECTED SET OF REELS - Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a slot game employing a set of randomly selected reels. In one embodiment, the gaming system is configured to operate a slot game associated with a plurality of adjacently arranged reels including a plurality of symbols. Each of a plurality of the reels is associated with one of a plurality of different features and an indicator representing that feature. The gaming system begins sequentially displaying the reels and any corresponding indicators. The gaming system selects a set of two or more of the reels and stops sequentially displaying the reels such that the selected reels are displayed. The gaming system generates and displays a plurality of the symbols on the selected reels, determines whether any winning symbol combinations are displayed, determines any awards associated with any displayed winning symbol combinations, and displays any determined awards. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140370965 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING ONE OR MORE SHARED AWARD-MODIFIER REELS - A video gaming device having a plurality of indicia-bearing spinning reels in a first set of reels and a second set of reels is disclosed. A determination is made as to whether the display of the indicia of the plurality of spinning reels in the first and second sets of reels are winning outcomes. Award-multiplier indicia of a first shared spinning base game award-multiplier reel is positioned between the first and second set of reels. The base game award-multiplier indicia modifies the winning outcome on the first set of reels, modifies the winning outcome on the second set of reels, includes a secondary game trigger symbol, forms a contiguous set of reels having a common axis of rotation with the first and second set of reels, or combinations thereof. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140378205 | GAME MACHINE & METHOD FOR PRESENTING PAYOUTS - A gaming machine has a display to display images; a user interface to receive input from a player; a memory; a game controller configured to access the memory, control display of the images and process input received via the user interface. The game controller may control generation and display of a game of chance comprising a first inner wheel and at least a second concentric wheel. Each of the first inner wheel and the at least second concentric wheel comprising a plurality of segments having associated indicia, wherein the first inner wheel has fewer segments than the at least second concentric wheel or a subsequent concentric wheel. The game controller has random selection means including means for initiating simultaneous and independent rotation of each wheel; and (iii) control cessation of rotation of each of the wheels. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20140378206 | MULTI-REEL NUDGE SKILL-BASED REDEMPTION GAME - Aspects of the disclosure relate to a multi-reel skill-based redemption game. An indication of a user desire to participate in the skill-based redemption game is received. The user's account balance is decreased, and simulated reels are spun. Adjustment arrows are displayed for a subset of the plurality of simulated reels. The player selects a simulated reel and a direction of adjustment for the simulated reel. If the player's adjustment creates a winning pattern, the user is rewarded with an increased account balance. The user may also be provided a bonus amount for achieving a number of consecutive wins. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20140378207 | SLOT MACHINE THAT INCREASES THE NUMBER OF DISPLAYED SYMBOLS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A slot machine according to the present invention comprises: a symbol display capable of scroll-displaying a symbol array that includes a plurality of symbols; and a controller programmed to execute the processing of: (A) executing a normal game in which the symbol array is scroll-displayed in a single direction and then stop-displayed to the symbol display, and in which game media are paid out in an amount corresponding to the stop-displayed symbol or a combination of the stop-displayed symbols; and (B) displaying an extra symbol being added to the symbol array, while scrolling the symbol array in a direction opposite to the single direction, when a predetermined condition has been satisfied in the normal game executed in the processing (A). | 12-25-2014 |
| 20140378208 | GAME BASED ON SPEED OF PLAY - In accordance with the present invention, a gaming device such as a slot machine calculates a speed of game play, and in turn determines a pay schedule based on the speed of game play. In some embodiments, a count is adjusted throughout a multiple play session based on point values associated with symbols on the reels of a slot machine, and payouts are awarded in accordance with (i) a finishing count, and/or (ii) a “virtual average speed”. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20150011290 | Secondary Game to Symbol-Matrix Base Game - The present invention is a gaming device having a secondary game played in conjunction with a symbol-matrix base game. The symbol-matrix game includes a special designation symbol within the symbol set associated with the base game. Occurrences of the special designation symbol in the symbol-matrix base game are spatially re-represented in a secondary matrix that is a mirrored representation of the symbol-matrix from the base game. Through a series of plays of the base game, the occurrences of the special designation symbol accumulate until a pre-determined pattern is established in the secondary matrix indicating a winning outcome of the secondary game. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150011291 | WAGERING GAME WITH GRAPHICAL RECONFIGURATION OF OVERSIZED SYMBOL DETERMINED BY REST LOCATION - A method in a gaming system includes receiving a wager and displaying an array having a plurality of array positions. The array positions are populated by symbols located on symbol-bearing reels, including an oversized symbol occupying a plurality of reel-symbol positions on one of the reels and having an image extending over those reel-symbol positions. The method also includes determining whether the oversized symbol will be only partially displayed in the array based on a rest location determined for the oversized symbol. If the oversized symbol will be only partially displayed in the array, the image of the oversized symbol is graphically reconfigured. The method includes spinning and stopping the reels to place the symbols in the determined rest locations. The first portion of the oversized symbol is displayed in the array with the graphically reconfigured image. The method also includes awarding a payout. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150011292 | Gaming Machine and Method Having Feature Game Highlighting - A gaming machine and method for displaying and highlighting a scatter symbol among a matrix of symbols. The display includes a first layer for displaying a background and a second layer overlying the first layer. The layers are virtual layers or discrete physical layers. The second layer displays the matrix of symbols including any scatter symbol included in the matrix of symbols. The second layer enables a gaming machine player to simultaneously view the background, or at least portions of the background. According to one aspect of the invention, the second layer is at least partially transmissive to permit simultaneous viewing of the background and the matrix of symbols. The background is changeable to highlight at least one of the symbols of the matrix of symbols. Preferably, the background highlights the scatter symbol by adding depth, color, light and imagery, such as a still, changing, or moving image. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150011293 | WAGERING GAME WITH GAME ENHANCEMENT WINDOW - A gaming system includes instructions that cause the gaming system to receive an input indicative of a wager, display a plurality of reels defining a symbol array, and display a symbol-alteration region including at least two symbol positions and extending through a subset of the symbol array at a predefined position. The plurality of reels includes a plurality of symbols moving through the symbol array. The plurality of symbols includes a special symbol that has a first function for evaluating a game outcome. The symbol-alteration region is positioned such that at least some of the symbols move between a first position outside the symbol-alteration region and a second position within the symbol-alteration region. The instructions further cause the gaming system to, in response to the special symbol stopping within the symbol-alteration region, alter a functionality of the special symbol to include a second function for evaluating the game outcome. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150011294 | Wagering Game With Episodic Feature Determined By Player - A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a game display and a controller. The game display is operable to display a randomly selected outcome of a wagering game in response to receiving a wager from a player. The wagering game has a game-play progression that includes a plurality of game episodes, at least one of the plurality of game episodes having a plurality of episode features. The controller is in communication with the game display and is programmable to cause, in response to a manual selection received from the player, the start of the wagering game from any previously played feature of the plurality of episode features. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150011295 | Wagering Game Having Free Spin Feature With Variable Quantities Of Reel Arrays - A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes at least one input device, at least one display device, at least one processor, and at least one memory device storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the gaming system to receive a wager for playing the wagering game, and trigger a free-spin event in which a plurality of free spins is awarded. For a first spin, a first number of arrays is randomly determined, displayed, and evaluated to determine whether an award condition is present. For a second spin, a second number of arrays is randomly determined, displayed, and evaluated to determine whether an award condition is present. The second number of arrays is non-equal to the first number of arrays. Any awards associated with each determined award condition are provided. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150011296 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING MULTIPLE INTERACTING INDEPENDENTLY OPERABLE WHEELS - A gaming device having multiple interacting independently operated symbol generators, such as wheels. In one embodiment, each wheel includes a plurality of sections that are associated with a plurality of different outcomes which are displayed to a player. One or more of the wheels are activated, either sequentially or simultaneously and the results of the wheel activations influence one or more subsequent wheel activations. Upon a terminating event, an outcome based on the results from one or more spins of one or more of the wheels is provided to the player. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150011297 | WAGERING GAME WITH GAME ENHANCEMENT FEATURE - A gaming system includes at least one memory device that stores instructions that cause a processor to operate with a display device an input device to display a wagering game having a basic game and a bonus game having a first end-game outcome, trigger a first instance of the bonus game during play of the basic game, provide a first number of award opportunities during play of the first instance of the bonus game, complete the first instance of the bonus game in response to the first end-game outcome, store any remaining award opportunities in the at least one memory device in response to the first end-game outcome being achieved with at least one award opportunity remaining, trigger a second instance of the bonus game during play of the basic game, and provide any stored remaining award opportunities during play of the second instance of the bonus game. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150018068 | GAMING MACHINES, GAMING SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF AWARDING WILD SYMBOLS DURING PLAY OF A GAMING MACHINE GAME - Disclosed are gaming machines and gaming machine systems and methods including a feature game in which a player is awarded one or more wild symbols. In one embodiment, the number of wild symbols awarded is derived from a number of special symbol occurrences during preliminary play of the game. In another embodiment, each play of a plurality of plays enables an additional symbol in a symbol set as a wild symbol for the remaining duration of the game. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150018069 | GAMING MACHINE & METHOD FOR TRIGGERING A BONUS EVENT - Embodiments relate generally to gaming machines, gaming systems and methods of operating such gaming machines and systems. An example gaming machine comprises: a display to display images; a user interface to receive input in relation to a player wager; a memory for storing data concerning a predetermined number of bonus symbols, a predetermined number of gaming symbols, and an association between each bonus symbol and at least one particular type of a plurality of gaming symbols; and a game controller configured, in response to the player wager, to play a primary game of chance to reveal a plurality of said gaming symbols on the display means. The game controller is further configured to: visually depict the bonus symbol with its associated gaming symbol in the revealed plurality of said gaming symbols; and determine if a configuration formed by the bonus symbols on the display screen is indicative of a trigger event, said trigger event inclusive of an opportunity to win a progressive jackpot; wherein the predetermined number of bonus symbols and the predetermined number of gaming symbols remains constant irrespective of a change in the player wager. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150018070 | Electronic Gaming Machine and Gaming Method - An electronic gaming machine includes a display for displaying a game including game symbols arranged into an array of predetermined game positions. An electronic game controller designates at least one of the predetermined game positions as a special game position in the array such that a special symbol appearing in the special game position in a play of the game causes the electronic game controller to award a game enhancing element to the player. The special game position is visually indicated on the array to the player during the play by a graphical element associated with the special game position. A gaming method is also provided. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150018071 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PLACEMENT OF WILD SYMBOLS IN A GAME - Certain embodiments provide for replacing all regular symbols located in respective symbol positions comprising a predetermined set of symbol positions of a symbol matrix (e.g., all the regular symbols on a reel of a reeled slot machine-type game) with at least one special symbol (e.g., a wild symbol which may be output as taking up the entirety of the reel) if the predetermined set of symbol positions (e.g., the symbol positions comprising the reel) satisfy a qualifying condition. In one embodiment the qualifying condition is that each regular symbol in a symbol position of the predetermined set of symbol positions is part of a respective winning combination of symbols (e.g., each symbol on the reel is part of a winning combination along an active payline) after an initial resolution of an outcome for a game event (e.g., after an initial resolution of a spin). | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150024826 | Interactive slot machine method and apparatus - A gaming device that does not employ pay lines is provided, and has a playfield that is subdivided into a plurality of groups. The configuration of the groups could be done manually by the player, or at random, and changes for each game. At least one key group is used to define key symbols that must be repeated at other groups for a winning combination of symbols to occur. | 01-22-2015 |
| 20150024827 | Apparatus and Method for a Game with Blockading Game Symbols - An apparatus and method for a game of play for use in a casino establishment, or on a general purpose computing device for offering games with multiple outcomes and including blockading game elements or symbols. A base game, or an outcome on a base game that triggers a sub-game or a bonus game involves forming winning combinations from combinations of symbols in a matrix using only accessible symbol positions. Achieving winning combinations of symbols among accessible symbols results in awards to players. The apparatus and method are offered on electronic gaming machines such as slot machines and video poker machines, but may also be deployed on other devices such as on a general purpose computing device or mobile phone in stand-alone form or connected to a network, such as the internet. | 01-22-2015 |
| 20150031436 | GAMING MACHINE AND METHODS OF ALLOWING A PLAYER TO PLAY A GAMING MACHINE HAVING MULTIPLE GAMES WITH THE SAME REEL - A gaming machine for providing multiple games to a player with the same reel is described herein. The gaming machine displays a first game that includes a first portion of a reel in a first display area and concurrently displays a second game that includes a second portion of the reel being displayed in a second display area. The gaming machine randomly generates an outcome of the first game and spins and stops the at least one reel to display the first game outcome in the first display area and awards the player an award as a function of the first game outcome. | 01-29-2015 |
| 20150031438 | METHOD OF SIMULTANEOUS INDICATION OF MULTIPLE WINNING COMBINATIONS IN A SYMBOL MATRIX - The present invention teaches novel methods for simultaneous indication of winning combinations in the symbol matrix. More specifically, the present invention simultaneously indicates all winning combinations formed by symbols appearing in symbol positions common to multiple pay lines. In a preferred embodiment, symbol positions common to multiple pay lines that display winning symbol combinations are simultaneously indicated to the player in a first manner. In addition, the remaining symbol positions for each of said multiple pay lines are simultaneously indicated in a second manner. | 01-29-2015 |
| 20150031439 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR ENABLING A PLAYER TO SELECT VOLATILITY USING GAME SYMBOLS - Various embodiments of the gaming system, gaming device, and gaming method disclosed herein provide a primary game and a free activation bonus sequence, wherein the gaming system enables the player to select one or more of a plurality of different volatility options for use in the free activation bonus sequence. Each option is associated with a different number of free activations and a different pool of symbols or different symbol functionality. The gaming system provides this variation in the pool of symbols or symbol functionality in various embodiments by enabling the player to replace one or more symbols of a pool or set of symbols of the primary game (i.e., the primary set of symbols) with the symbol associated with a player selected option. The symbols of this modified set of symbols (i.e., the secondary set of symbols) are used in the free activation bonus sequence). | 01-29-2015 |
| 20150038212 | SLOT MACHINE GAME WITH MYSTERY BONUS FEATURE USING MIXED MATH - Provided is a mixed-math slot machine game having a reels-first base game and a mystery bonus feature with prize-first game logic. After any winning play of the base game, the reels have the possibility of re-spinning a number of times, with the preferred version varying the re-spins from one to four times, for example. If this happens, the game screen informs the player that he or she has been awarded the bonus. While this bonus is triggered by the first base game spin of the reels, the possible prizes it awards are statistically weighted based on the amount of the initial base game prize from the winning reel stop. Various ways of implementing the change of gaming logic are provided. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150038213 | ELECTRONIC GAMING MACHINE AND METHOD - An electronic gaming machine includes a display for displaying a game and an electronic game controller for controlling the display of game symbols for the game on the display. The game includes game symbols arranged into an array of predetermined symbol positions to define a plurality of reels. The electronic game controller causes the game symbols in a first of the reels to visually move in a linear path on the display and the game symbols in a second of the reels to visually move in a non-linear path on the display. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150045104 | CHALLENGING PLAYERS IN ONLINE GAME TO COMPETE IN MODULAR GAME - Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for allowing players to challenge other players in an online game to compete by playing a modular game within the online game. One method includes an operation for providing an interface to a first player for challenging a second player to compete in the modular game after detecting completion of the modular game by the first player. The modular game is played within an online game. Further, the method includes operations for sending a challenge to the second player, and for detecting that the second player completed the modular game in response to the challenge. The first player is rewarded a challenge award if the first player obtained a higher score than the second player in the modular game. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150045105 | SLOTS GAME WITH IMPROVING BONUS-WINNING ODDS - Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for adjusting bonus winning odds while playing an online slots game. One method includes an operation for receiving user input during a session of an online slots game, where the user input is defined to spin wheels of the online slots game. In addition, the method includes an operation for defining an initial tier and one or more additional tiers for play of the online slots game during the session, each tier being assigned an odds value that changes with each assigned tier, and each tier being defined to have a set of spins. Further, the method includes operations for assigning tiers with changed odds when an option to play a bonus game is not presented during the predefined set of spins for each tier, and for assigning the initial tier upon determining that the bonus game was played during the session. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150045106 | SELECTABLE BONUS GAME GAMING MACHINE AND METHOD - A gaming machine and method of operation are disclosed, in which a primary game is played, and then a feature game may be triggered. The feature game allows the player to select a simulated reel gaming array from a within a selection of arrays, wherein at least some of the arrays have a different number of symbol positions to others in the selection. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150045107 | GAMING MACHINE - The present invention provides players with fun brought by a moveable component. A gaming machine includes a game result determination unit, that determines a game result; a game execution unit, that executes a game in such a manner as to reach the game result; a moveable component, disposed at a position visible from outside and configured to be capable of mechanical movement; and a movement control unit, which enables the moveable component to move in a movement pattern corresponding to the game result. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150045108 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD INCLUDING A COMMUNITY TRAIL GAME - In various embodiments, the gaming system, gaming device, and gaming method disclosed herein provides a community game having a trail or path. The community game enables a plurality of players to each simultaneously pick one or more directions of movement along the trail or path (i.e., pick or designate a destination position which that player wants to move to). If the picked directions of movement for more than one player result in more than one player each designating the same destination position, the gaming system determines which player is moved to the designated destination position (and is provided a displayed award or outcome associated with that position) and which player is moved to an alternative position (and is provided a displayed award or outcome associated with that alternative position). | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150050978 | MECHANICAL WHEELS FOR GAME MACHINES - Electronic gaming machines having mechanical or electro-mechanical wheel devices are described herein. The gaming machines include a cabinet, a display coupled to the cabinet, and a wheel coupled to the cabinet. The wheel includes a plurality of wheel segments positioned axially about a center point of the wheel. The plurality of wheel segments may be configured to rotate about the center point and to transform an appearance of the wheel. The wheel further includes an indicator configured to indicate an indicated wheel segment. The indicator may be configured to rotate about the center point. | 02-19-2015 |
| 20150050979 | MECHANICAL WHEELS FOR GAME MACHINES - Electronic gaming machines having mechanical or electro-mechanical wheel devices are described herein. The gaming machines include a cabinet, a display coupled to the cabinet, and a wheel coupled to the cabinet. The wheel includes a plurality of wheel segments positioned axially about a center point of the wheel. The plurality of wheel segments may be configured to rotate about the center point and to transform an appearance of the wheel. The wheel further includes an indicator configured to indicate an indicated wheel segment. The indicator may be configured to rotate about the center point. | 02-19-2015 |
| 20150050980 | MECHANICAL WHEELS FOR GAME MACHINES - Electronic gaming machines having mechanical or electro-mechanical wheel devices are described herein. The gaming machines include a cabinet, a display coupled to the cabinet, and a wheel coupled to the cabinet. The wheel includes a plurality of wheel segments positioned axially about a center point of the wheel. The plurality of wheel segments may be configured to rotate about the center point and to transform an appearance of the wheel. The wheel further includes an indicator configured to indicate an indicated wheel segment. The indicator may be configured to rotate about the center point. | 02-19-2015 |
| 20150050981 | MECHANICAL WHEELS FOR GAME MACHINES - Electronic gaming machines having mechanical or electro-mechanical wheel devices are described herein. The gaming machines include a cabinet, a display coupled to the cabinet, and a wheel coupled to the cabinet. The wheel includes a plurality of wheel segments positioned axially about a center point of the wheel. The plurality of wheel segments may be configured to rotate about the center point and to transform an appearance of the wheel. The wheel further includes an indicator configured to indicate an indicated wheel segment. The indicator may be configured to rotate about the center point. | 02-19-2015 |
| 20150050982 | MECHANICAL WHEELS FOR GAME MACHINES - Electronic gaming machines having mechanical or electro-mechanical wheel devices are described herein. The gaming machines include a cabinet, a display coupled to the cabinet, and a wheel coupled to the cabinet. The wheel includes a plurality of wheel segments positioned axially about a center point of the wheel. The plurality of wheel segments may be configured to rotate about the center point and to transform an appearance of the wheel. The wheel further includes an indicator configured to indicate an indicated wheel segment. The indicator may be configured to rotate about the center point. | 02-19-2015 |
| 20150050983 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHODS OF ALLOWING A PLAYER TO PLAY A GAMING DEVICE HAVING REELS WITH SYMBOL SELECTION AREAS - A method for allowing a player to play a slot game with a gaming device is described herein. The method includes randomly generating an outcome of the game, wherein the outcome includes a first outcome and a second outcome. The method includes spinning and stopping the plurality of reels to display the first outcome, detecting an appearance of a symbol selection area in the first outcome, and responsively selecting at least one symbol for display in the symbol selection area. The method also includes displaying the second outcome including the first outcome and the selected at least one symbol being displayed in the symbol selection area and providing an award to the player as a function of the second outcome. | 02-19-2015 |
| 20150050984 | Method for Operating a Gaming Machine - A gaming device includes a game initiation device. A set of base game results each includes a predetermined number of symbols including base game symbols and zero or more bonus game symbols. Each base game result is associated with a base game award. A base game randomly selects a base game result from the set of base game results in response to activation of the game initiation device, and awards the base game award associated with the base game result to the player. If the base game result includes more than a predetermined number of bonus game symbols, a bonus game is initiated. A bonus game randomly selects a number of base game symbols equal to the number of bonus game symbols in the base game result and substitutes the selected base game symbols for the bonus game symbols in the base game results to produce a bonus game result and awards the base game award associated with the bonus game result. | 02-19-2015 |
| 20150050985 | GAME SYSTEM, SERVER DEVICE, CONTROL METHOD FOR SERVER DEVICE, PROGRAM, AND INFORMATION RECORDING MEDIUM - A game system for allowing a user to feel as if the user supports a match game is provided. The game system executes the match based on a plurality of items of game data. Support operation receiving means receives, at least either one of prior to and during the match, a support operation for the plurality of items of game data from a plurality of users. Game parameter changing means for changing a game parameter relating to a match result of the match based on the support operation for the plurality of items of game data so as to make at least one of the plurality of items of game data more advantageous or disadvantageous than before receiving the support operation. Reward providing means provides a reward to a user who has performed the support operation based on the match result of the match. | 02-19-2015 |
| 20150057068 | Gaming Machine Including Moving Wild Symbols - A gaming machine having standard and bonus game play features includes a housing, an interface attached to a housing, and a computer in operative communication with the interface. The computer has a memory and a processor. The memory stores game play instructions and a set of symbols including game symbols, scatter symbols and wild symbols. The game play instructions include instructions for a standard game play mode and bonus game play mode. During standard game play mode, the interface displays a matrix of symbols representing an arrangement of reels, and the computer calculates payouts based on the symbols, within the matrix. When a predetermined number of scatter symbols appear in the matrix of symbols in standard game play mode, bonus game play commences and at least some of the scatter symbols are transformed into wild symbols during bonus game play. Bonus game play mode includes multiple reel spins. The wild symbols presented during bonus game play mode occupy more than one location in the matrix of symbols and move during each reel spin to a random location in the matrix of symbols. The random location in the matrix of symbols excludes matrix locations previously occupied by a wild symbol during an immediately previous reel spin during bonus game play. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150057069 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A MULTIPLE PLAYER PERSISTENT GAME - A gaming system including a multiple player persistent game, such as an ongoing community game. This ongoing community game includes a community game matrix which is continuously displayed to at least each of the players. The community game matrix includes a plurality of displayed positions which may be associated with an award or an award opportunity. In operation, at least each of the players playing the gaming devices of the gaming system are associated with a displayed participant that moves (either randomly or based on the player's control) to different of the displayed positions of the community game matrix. If a player moves their associated participant to a displayed position that is associated with an award or an award opportunity, the gaming system provides the player any associated award or enables the player to participate in any associated award opportunity to potentially win an award. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150057070 | GAMING CONTROLLER, A GAMING SYSTEM, AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A method of gaming comprising: a) displaying a plurality of display positions to a player, at least one of the display positions corresponding to a hidden object to be sought by the player; b) determining a selection of a display position; c) revealing whether or not the selected display position corresponds to the hidden object; e) determining whether to allow a selection by conducting at least one trial, each trial comprising seeking to complete a symbol combination; and f) repeating steps b) to e) until either the symbol combination is completed or a designated number of hidden objects is located. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150065224 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PLAYING WAGERING GAMES WITH SYMBOL COLLECTION AND ACTIVATION FEATURES - Gaming machines, gaming systems, methods for conducting wagering games, and computer programs for operating gaming devices are disclosed. A gaming machine is presented which includes an input device for receiving wagers to play a wagering game, and a display device for displaying the wagering game. A processor executes instructions which cause the gaming machine to: display in a symbol array symbols indicative of a randomly determined wagering-game outcome, the symbols being selected from standard game symbols, collectable symbols, and activator symbols; for each collectable symbol in the wagering game outcome, display a transparent symbol superimposed in front of a corresponding array position of the collectable symbol; display new symbols indicative of a new randomly determined wagering-game outcome; responsive to an activator symbol in the new wagering-game outcome, display each transparent symbol turning the corresponding array position into a special symbol; and, evaluate the new game outcome for winning symbol combinations. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150065225 | SLOT MACHINE INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF VIDEO REEL STRIPS - Provided is a slot machine capable of reducing unfairness which may result between a player who has made an investment and a player who has not made an investment and allowing a player to proceed with a game by making an investment in expectation of a jackpot at ease. Each money amount which is constant is accumulated independently of a number of bets each time betting is conducted, and upon winning a jackpot, a money amount calculated by multiplying a money amount accumulated until then by a multiplying factor based on the number of bets is provided. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150072751 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A SLOT GAME IN WHICH DIFFERENT SETS OF SYMBOLS ARE RANDOMLY ASSOCIATED WITH DIFFERENT SYMBOL DISPLAY AREAS AND USED TO DETERMINE AN OUTCOME - Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gaming system and method providing a slot game in which, for each play of the slot game, different sets of symbols are randomly associated with different symbol display areas and used to determine an outcome for that play of the slot game. Generally, for each play of the slot game, the gaming system does so by: (a) randomly associating each of a plurality of different sets of symbols with a different one of a plurality of different symbol display areas; (b) for each of the sets of symbols, randomly selecting one of the symbols of that set to determine an outcome for that play of the slot game; and (c) displaying the randomly selected symbols at the associated symbol display areas (i.e., displaying the determined outcome). | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150072752 | ELECTRONIC GAMING SYSTEM WITH UNIVERSAL PLAYER TRACKING - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods for utilizing one or more universal player tracking systems. The electronic gaming device may include a memory, a processor, and a plurality of reels. The plurality of reels may include one or more areas. The memory may include a universal player tracking module. The processor may generate one or more symbols to be located in the one or more areas and to validate one or more universal player tracking numbers based on data received from an external device. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150072753 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A SLOT GAME HAVING A SURROUNDED SYMBOL AWARD EVALUATION - Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gaming system and method providing a slot game having a surrounded symbol award evaluation. Generally, in various embodiments, for a play of the slot game having the surrounded symbol award evaluation the gaming system: (a) displays a plurality of symbols at a plurality of symbol display areas; (b) determines whether any displayed non-enclosing symbols are surrounded by a plurality of displayed enclosing symbols; and (c) if so, determines any awards based on the surrounded non-enclosing symbol(s). Thus, instead of (or in addition to) using a payline evaluation, a ways-to-win evaluation, a scatter pay evaluation, or any other evaluation of the displayed symbols to determine whether to provide any awards, the gaming system of the present disclosure does so by determining whether a particular type of symbol (such as an enclosing symbol) surrounds another type of symbol (such as a non-enclosing symbol). | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150072754 | GAMING MACHINE WITH UPPER AND LOWER SYMBOL MATRICES AND SHARED CENTER REEL - On a display screen in a gaming device is displayed an upper set of reels, a lower set of reels, and a larger shared reel that extends between the upper set of reels and the lower set of reels, the shared reel containing special symbols, wherein symbols on an upper section of the shared reel are combinable with symbols on the upper set of reels; and wherein symbols on a lower section of the shared reel are combinable with symbols on the lower set of reels. The special symbols may include wild symbols, free spin symbols, instant awards, mystery wild symbols, and secondary game play symbols. Since the player can focus on only one reel, the shared reel, which frequently determines whether the player wins, the player becomes more involved in the game and enjoys it more. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150072755 | GAME MACHINE & METHOD USING PLAY LINE INDICATORS - Embodiments relate generally to gaming machines, gaming systems and gaming methods. An example gaming machine comprises: a display to display images; a user interface to receive input in relation to displayed screen images; a memory; and a game controller configured to access the memory, control display of the images and process input received via the user interface. The game controller is further configured to: control generation and display of a game play sequence comprising a presentation of one or more games of chance in a field of play comprising multiple game symbols, store in the memory data describing at least one selected play line, wherein the at least one selected play line comprises a distinct pattern of game symbols appearing at a conclusion of the one or more games of chance, determine in one or more games of chance whether each at least one selected play line is a winning play line, and for each selected play line that is determined to be a winning play line, control display of images to graphically emphasise the pattern of the winning play line by graphically depicting a line extending across the field of play and sequentially intersecting with symbols in the pattern, wherein the depicting of the line comprises depicting in relation to each symbol a background line component and a foreground image component, wherein the foreground image component is displayed to visibly temporarily traverse across a foreground of each symbol. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150072756 | GAMING MACHINE AND METHOD USING HELP LINE INDICATORS - Embodiments generally relate to gaming machines and methods related to allowing a user to easily view the available play lines for a particular game. One embodiment includes a display operable to display images, a user interface configured to receive input from a player, a memory and a game controller configured to access the memory, control generation and display of the images and to process input received via the user interface. The game controller is further configured to control generation and display of a game play sequence that includes a presentation of one or more games of chance; store in the memory data describing a plurality of available play lines for the game play sequence, wherein each of the available play lines comprises a graphical representation of a unique pattern of selected symbols; receive from the player via the user interface a selection of the plurality of available play lines. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150072757 | GAME MACHINE AND METHOD USING PLAY LINE INDICATORS - Embodiments relate generally to gaming machines, gaming systems and gaming methods. An example gaming machine includes a display to display images; a user interface to receive input in relation to displayed screen images; a memory; and a game controller configured to access the memory, control display of the images and process input received via the user interface. The game controller controls generation and display of a game play sequence comprising a presentation of one or more games of chance, stores in the memory data describing at least one selected play line, wherein the at least one selected play line comprises a distinct pattern of game symbols appearing at a conclusion of the one or more games of chance, displays in the presentation a selected play line indication of each at least one selected play line. The selected play line indication is positioned at or near a periphery of the display. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150072758 | GAMING MACHINE HAVING HYBRID ART GLASS - A gaming terminal for conducting a wagering game includes a gaming cabinet, a video display, and an art panel. The video display is positioned within the gaming cabinet and is configured to display content associated with the wagering game. The art panel is positioned within the gaming cabinet and overlays the video display such that a first region of the art panel is illuminated by the video display. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150072759 | Wagering Game With Evaluable Symbols Randomly Determined By Sub-Arrays - A gaming system includes one or more input devices, display devices, processors, and memory devices. At least one of the memory devices store instructions that cause the system to receive a wager and to display a main array with main positions including a special position, which is randomly transformed into a sub-array with secondary positions. An outcome for the sub-array is determined in which the secondary positions are populated with respective secondary symbols. The outcome of the sub-array determines a special symbol that is associated with the special position of the main array. The special symbol is displayed for the special position. The main positions are populated with main symbols and the special symbol, the main array including may symbols populating the main positions and any determined special symbols populating the transformed special positions. An evaluation of the main array is performed to determine if a winning combination is achieved. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150072760 | GAMING CENTER ALLOWING SWITCHING BETWEEN GAMES BASED UPON HISTORICAL RESULTS - A gaming system comprising a main cabinet and a computer server, comprising: a mechanism in a main cabinet for selecting and playing, by a player, one or more live casino game(s) from a plurality of live casino games being played at a plurality of tables spaced away from said main cabinet; a mechanism for selecting and playing one or more casino slot machine game(s) by the player, at least one first portion of a first screen in the main cabinet for displaying the live-casino game(s), wherein a results history for each table is displayed to provide a results history display, a second additional portion of a screen in main cabinet for displaying at least one casino slot game(s), the mechanism playing the casino slot machine game(s) is adapted to allow the player to switch between the live casino games and at least one casino slot machine games according to at least the results history display for each table. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150080084 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A MATCHING GAME HAVING A PLAYER-ADJUSTABLE VOLATILITY - Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gaming system and method providing a matching game having a player-adjustable volatility. Generally, in various embodiments, the gaming system enables a player to select one of a plurality of different sets of symbols for the gaming system to employ for a play of the matching game. The sets of symbols include different characteristics or features such that the volatility of the matching game differs depending on which particular set of symbols the player selects for the play of the matching game. The gaming system of the present disclosure thus enables the player to tailor the volatility of the matching game to the player's liking by selecting a particular set of symbols. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150080085 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH REEL-OF-ONE FUNCTIONALITY - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods for utilizing one or more reel-of-one symbol functionalities. The electronic gaming device may include a memory, a processor, and a plurality of reels. The plurality of reels may include one or more areas. The memory may include one or more reel-of-one functionality modules. The processor may generate one or more symbols to be located in the one or more areas and to generate one or more reel-of-one symbol groupings to be placed on one or more reels. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150080086 | LOSS-REDUCTION INSURANCE IN ELECTRONIC GAMING - An apparatus enables play of a wagering game in which winning outcomes are determined by random appearance of specific predetermined symbols in which:
| 03-19-2015 |
| 20150080087 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING GAME WITH MULTIPLE AWARD DISPLAYS - A gaming system and method which provides multiple individually and independently activated un-weighted award displays, wherein a plurality of designated awards have the same probability of being won regardless of how many of the award displays are activated. In various embodiments, the designated awards are different, and in various embodiments, the designated awards are progressive awards. In various embodiments, the un-weighted award displays include a plurality of award wheels. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150080088 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A BATTLING SYMBOL GENERATORS GAME - Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gaming system and method providing a battling symbol generators game. In various embodiments, each symbol generator of a set of symbol generators employed for the battling symbol generators game is associated with one of a plurality of different characteristics. During play of the battling symbol generators game, the gaming system modifies the set of symbol generators upon the occurrence of various symbol generator set modification events such that more symbol generators of the set are associated with a particular characteristic and/or such that fewer symbol generators of the set are associated with another characteristic. The gaming system provides a bonus when a designated quantity of the symbol generators of the set are each associated with a particular characteristic. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150080089 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A CASCADING SYMBOL GAME WITH SHIFTING SYMBOLS IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS BETWEEN MULTIPLE SYMBOL DISPLAY POSITION MATRICES - A gaming system including a cascading symbol game which utilizes a plurality of symbol display position matrices and a plurality of different directions of symbol movement. Each symbol display position matrix includes a plurality of symbol display positions. At least one of the symbol display position matrices includes one or more symbol display positions linked to or otherwise associated with one or more symbol display positions of at least another of the symbol display position matrices. If the gaming system determines that one or more symbols will be repositioned from one or more symbol display positions of one symbol display position matrix to one or more linked symbol display positions of another symbol display position matrix, the gaming system determines a direction of movement of such symbols. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150080090 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A CASCADING SYMBOL GAME WITH INTERACTING SYMBOLS - A gaming system including a cascading symbol game which utilizes a plurality of interacting symbols. In certain embodiments, the cascading symbol game utilizes a plurality of symbol display position matrices or grids. Each symbol display position matrix includes a plurality of symbol display positions. In operation, the gaming system generates and displays a symbol at each symbol display position of each employed symbol display position matrix, wherein the gaming system utilizes a separate set or pool of available symbols for each employed symbol display position matrix. Upon an occurrence of an interacting symbol triggering event, such as the shifting of one or more symbols between symbol display position matrices, the gaming system causes one or more symbols to interact to provide one or more benefits to a player. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150080091 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A CASCADING SYMBOL GAME WITH MULTIPLE SYMBOL DISPLAY POSITION SYMBOLS - A gaming system including a cascading symbol or tumbling reel game which utilizes zero, one or more multiple symbol display position symbols. Each multiple symbol display position symbol is configured to occupy or span a plurality of symbol display positions of a symbol display position matrix. For a generated multiple symbol display position symbol to be removed from the symbol display matrix, each of the individual symbols of the multiple symbol display position symbol must individually qualify to be removed from the symbol display matrix. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150080092 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A CASCADING SYMBOL GAME WITH UPGRADE EVENTS - A gaming system including a cascading symbol or tumbling reel game which utilizes zero, one or more upgrades in association with zero, one or more shifting symbols. Upon an occurrence of an upgrade event, the gaming system upgrades one or more aspects or attributes of one or more games played. In certain embodiments, such upgrades pertain to upgrading one or more symbols displayed at one or more symbol display positions of one or more symbol display position grids. In certain other embodiments, such upgrades pertain to upgrading the award evaluation of one or more symbols displayed at one or more symbol display positions of one or more symbol display position grids. In certain other embodiments, such upgrades pertain to upgrading one or more attributes or features of one or more bonus or secondary games which are subsequently triggered. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150080093 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A CASCADING SYMBOL GAME WITH UPGRADE EVENTS - A gaming system including a cascading symbol or tumbling reel game which utilizes zero, one or more upgrades in association with zero, one or more shifting symbols. Upon an occurrence of an upgrade event, the gaming system upgrades one or more aspects or attributes of one or more games played. In certain embodiments, such upgrades pertain to upgrading one or more symbols displayed at one or more symbol display positions of one or more symbol display position grids. In certain other embodiments, such upgrades pertain to upgrading the award evaluation of one or more symbols displayed at one or more symbol display positions of one or more symbol display position grids. In certain other embodiments, such upgrades pertain to upgrading one or more attributes or features of one or more bonus or secondary games which are subsequently triggered. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150080094 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A CASCADING SYMBOL GAME WITH UPGRADE EVENTS - A gaming system including a cascading symbol or tumbling reel game which utilizes zero, one or more upgrades in association with zero, one or more shifting symbols. Upon an occurrence of an upgrade event, the gaming system upgrades one or more aspects or attributes of one or more games played. In certain embodiments, such upgrades pertain to upgrading one or more symbols displayed at one or more symbol display positions of one or more symbol display position grids. In certain other embodiments, such upgrades pertain to upgrading the award evaluation of one or more symbols displayed at one or more symbol display positions of one or more symbol display position grids. In certain other embodiments, such upgrades pertain to upgrading one or more attributes or features of one or more bonus or secondary games which are subsequently triggered. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150080095 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A CASCADING SYMBOL GAME WITH MULTIPLE SYMBOL DISPLAY POSITION ELEMENTS - A gaming system including a cascading symbol or tumbling reel game which utilizes zero, one or more multiple symbol display position elements. Each multiple symbol display position element is configured to occupy or span a plurality of symbol display positions of a symbol display position matrix. For a generated multiple symbol display position element to be removed from the symbol display matrix, each of the individual symbols of the multiple symbol display position element must individually qualify to be removed from the symbol display matrix. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150080096 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A SLOT GAME AND ENABLING ACCUMULATION OF GRAPHICAL IMAGE SYMBOLS - Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gaming system and method providing a slot game and enabling accumulation of graphical image symbols. Generally, in various embodiments, the gaming system enables a player to accumulate graphical image symbols during play of the slot game and, when a complete set of the graphical image symbols is accumulated such that a graphical image associated with that complete set is displayed, provides a feature to the player. The gaming system of the present disclosure thus encourages players to continue play of the slot game to attempt to accumulate a complete set of the graphical image symbols such that the gaming system provides the feature. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150080097 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A CASCADING SYMBOL GAME WITH SYMBOL CLASS ELIMINATIONS - A gaming system includes a cascading symbol or tumbling reel game which utilizes one or more different classes or sets of symbols. Each class or set of symbols includes one or more related symbols. If a symbol class triggering event occurs in association with a class or set of symbols, the gaming system removes each of the related symbols in that class of symbols which are displayed at symbol display positions of one or more symbol display position matrices. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150080098 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A CASCADING SYMBOL GAME WITH SHIFTING SYMBOLS BETWEEN MULTIPLE SYMBOL DISPLAY POSITION MATRICES - A gaming system including a cascading symbol or tumbling reel game which utilizes a plurality of symbol display position matrices or grids. Each symbol display position matrix includes a plurality of symbol display positions, wherein at least one of the symbol display position matrices includes one or more symbol display positions associated with a plurality of different symbol display positions of a plurality of the symbol display position matrices. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150080099 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A CASCADING SYMBOL GAME WITH INTERACTING SYMBOLS - A gaming system including a cascading symbol game which utilizes a plurality of interacting symbols. In certain embodiments, the cascading symbol game utilizes a plurality of symbol display position matrices or grids. Each symbol display position matrix includes a plurality of symbol display positions. In operation, the gaming system generates and displays a symbol at each symbol display position of each employed symbol display position matrix, wherein the gaming system utilizes a separate set or pool of available symbols for each employed symbol display position matrix. Upon an occurrence of an interacting symbol triggering event, such as the shifting of one or more symbols between symbol display position matrices, the gaming system causes one or more symbols to interact to provide one or more benefits to a player. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150080100 | GAMING MACHINE AND METHODS OF ALLOWING A PLAYER TO PLAY GAMING MACHINES HAVING SELECTABLE REEL CONFIGURATIONS - A gaming device is described herein. The gaming device includes a display unit and a controller that is coupled to the display unit. The display unit is configured to display a game including a plurality of reels being displayed in a display grid. Each reel is adapted to display one of a plurality of symbols. The controller is configured to randomly determine an outcome of the game, select a reel configuration including a plurality of reel groups, determine, for each reel group, a single random symbol being displayed in each reel of the corresponding reel group in the determined outcome, spin and stop each reel of the corresponding reel groups to display the outcome including displaying the same symbols in each reel of the corresponding reel group during rotation, and provide an award to the player as a function of the determined outcome. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150080101 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PLAYING A GAME INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF LINKED SYMBOL GENERATORS - A gaming system including a game which utilizes a plurality of symbol generators. Each of the symbol generators is linked to at least another one of the symbol generators, such that the plurality of symbol generators are linked with each other to form a group of coupled symbol generators. In operation, for a play of a game, the gaming system activates (i.e., spins) one of the symbol generators. Due to the symbol generators being directly or indirectly coupled with one another, this activation of one of the symbol generators causes an activation of each of the linked symbol generators. Following the activation of the symbol generators, one of the symbol generators is deactivated (i.e., stopped) at a randomly selected orientation which causes each of the symbol generators to also be deactivated. The gaming system then evaluates any indicated symbols associated with the stopped symbol generators and provides one or more awards based on the evaluated symbol generators. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150080102 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH SUBSCRIPTION BASED PROGRESSIVE FUNCTIONALITY - Examples disclosed herein relate to an electronic gaming device including a memory, a processor, and a plurality of reels. The plurality of reels may include one or more areas. The memory may include one or more one or more subscription based progressive structures. The processor may generate one or more symbols to be located in the one or more areas. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150080103 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ALLOWING A PLAYER TO PLAY GAMING MACHINES HAVING STEP-BASED CHANGES AND MULTIPLE PATTERN FEATURES - The invention is directed to a gaming system and method of providing a game. The system is configured to display a plurality of symbol positions displayed on a grid. The grid defines a plurality of columns having an associated reel, reel strip, a plurality of symbol positions and game symbols displayed in each of the symbol positions in a predetermined order defining a reel layout. The method includes: initiating a game; establishing a first and second interval comprising at least two spins of the reels, the reel strip associated one of the reels has a first reel layout used during the spins of the first interval; and changing the pattern of the reel strip of one reel strip at the end of the first interval, before initiating the second interval, to a second reel layout, wherein the second reel layout is used for the spins of the second interval. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150080104 | GAMING MACHINE, METHOD OF CONTROLLING GAMING MACHINE, AND COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM - A gaming machine, a method of controlling a gaming machine, and a computer-readable recording medium storing a program wherein a first game and a second game are related to each other are provided. In a gaming machine, a first area and a second area sharing virtual reel strips are displayed, only the first area is set as a determination area in a first game, and both the first area and the second area are set as determination areas in a second game. Therefore, the first game and the second game can be provided in a form such that they are related. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150080105 | GAMING MACHINE - Provided is a gaming machine having new entertainment features, which is achieved by adding new elements in providing a bonus. The gaming machine determines symbols to be rearranged in a display region at random, selects one kind of symbols from a plurality kinds of symbols, places the one kind of symbols in the symbol array associated with at least one of multiple scroll lines, stores symbol arrays in a memory, and scrolls the symbol arrays associated with the scroll lines based on the symbol arrays stored in the memory. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150080106 | Wagering Game Having Mystery-Symbol Reveal Scheme - A gaming system includes a plurality of simulated reels. Each reel has a plurality of symbol positions, including first symbol positions with reel symbols thereon and second symbol positions with initially transparent regions. The gaming system selects one of the reel symbols to serve as a background symbol, displays a game outcome region through which the simulated reels move, and while the simulated reels are moving, reveals the background symbol through the initially transparent regions of the second symbol positions that move through the game outcome region. For each simulated reel that has stopped moving, each of the second symbol positions located within the game outcome region are filled with the reel symbol corresponding to the background symbol. An award is provided based on the symbols in the game outcome region. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150080107 | REEL STRIP AND GAMING MACHINE - There is provided a gaming machine capable of providing an effect for symbol display during a stop and/or rotation of a reel, by use of a totally non-conventional effect element, which is an angle of a line of sight to an outer circumferential surface of the reel. Reel strips M | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150087382 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR ELECTRONIC GAMING INCLUDING STACKS AND BLOCKS OF SYMBOLS - Methods and apparatuses for a wagering game include displaying an electronic reel simulation as a multiple reel array on a display. A game outcome is determined and presented as game symbols on the display. Before a game play and without player input, block arrangements are defined as stacks of a same size within the array, each stack has adjacent positions along a first direction within the array, each stack occupies a different position within the array in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and all of the stacks are aligned in the second direction. Winning combinations of the symbols are determined as two or more matching symbols appearing in the displayed positions in combinations of payout ways predefined before the game play. Winning blocks are determined wherein each of the one or more winning blocks include matching symbols appearing in displayed positions corresponding with the block arrangements. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150087383 | MATCHED SYMBOL UPGRADE SLOT GAME - Methods and systems providing game play of a slot game allowing for identifying matching symbols in the same relative positions in two or more grids. A first grid and a second grid may be displayed. Symbols for each grid spot in the first and second grids are determined, and the display of the game is updated with the determined symbols. A first symbol in a first location in the first grid is determined to match a second symbol in a second location in a second grid, where the first location and the second location are the same relative positions in the first grid and the second grid. An award to a player is determined based on the determined match. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150087384 | VARIABLE STRIP FOR MECHANICAL REEL GAMING DEVICE - A gaming device includes a cabinet, a display coupled to the cabinet, and a reel assembly positioned within the cabinet. The reel assembly includes a reel configured to rotate, and a reel strip coupled to the reel and including a symbol having a first image and a second image. The gaming device also includes a light source located within the cabinet and configured to selectively project a light for backlighting the reel strip, wherein the light source has a first mode for projecting the light in a first configuration and a second mode for projecting the light in a second configuration, and a game controller coupled to the cabinet and configured to control the light source. The first image is viewable when the light source projects the light in the first configuration to backlight the reel strip, and the second image is viewable when the light source projects the light in the second configuration to backlight the reel strip. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150087385 | GAMING MACHINE AND METHODS OF UPGRADING GAME SYMBOLS IN AN OUTCOME OF A GAME - A gaming machine and method allow a player to play a game. The game has an associated set of game symbols. The game symbols in the set of game symbols are arranged in a predetermined order from lowest to highest. A display device is configured to display a plurality of symbol regions arranged in a grid. The controller is configured to randomly select an initial outcome of the game. The initial outcome of the game includes an initial game symbol associated with each of the symbol regions. The controller detects a triggering condition associated with the initial outcome of the game and responsively replaces the initial game symbol in at least one predetermined symbol region with a replacement symbol to establish a secondary outcome of the game. The replacement symbol is determined as a function of the initial symbol and the predetermined order of the game symbols. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150087386 | GAMING MACHINE AND METHODS OF ALLOWING A PLAYER TO PLAY GAMING MACHINES HAVING SELECTABLE REEL CONFIGURATIONS - A gaming device is described herein. The gaming device includes a display unit and a controller that is coupled to the display unit. The display unit is configured to display a game including a plurality of reels being displayed in a display grid. Each reel is adapted to display one of a plurality of symbols. The controller is configured to randomly determine an outcome of the game, select a reel configuration including a plurality of reel groups, determine, for each reel group, a single random symbol being displayed in each reel of the corresponding reel group in the determined outcome, spin and stop each reel of the corresponding reel groups to display the outcome including displaying the same symbols in each reel of the corresponding reel group during rotation, and provide an award to the player as a function of the determined outcome. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150087387 | Gaming Machine - A gaming machine capable of realizing game patterns differing from one another in a bonus game is provided. A main CPU | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150087388 | GAMING MACHINE EXECUTING FREE GAME SHIFTED FROM NORMAL GAME AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING SAME - When a normal game is executed and a benefit awarded as a result of the game is the right to execute a free game, video reel groups of types A to E are randomly associated with first to fifth video reels | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150087390 | GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine capable of realizing game patterns differing from one another in a bonus game is provided. A main CPU | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150087391 | GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine capable of realizing game patterns differing from one another in a bonus game is provided. A main CPU | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150087392 | WAGERING GAME AND METHOD HAVING ADDITIONAL REEL MATRICES SHARING A COMMON REEL - Disclosed are a game, gaming device, system and method for play of a reel-based feature game including a base matrix of reel indicia, one or more additional matrices of reel indicia and an expanding reel which replaces a portion of the base matrix and each of the additional reel matrices to simultaneously produce outcomes in each of the matrices. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150087393 | Variable-Speed Wagering Game Instrance Initiation - A method of conducting a wagering game includes player-controlled, dynamically determined wagering rates, with each wager initiating a separate instance of the wagering game and further displays concurrently executing instances together on one or more display devices. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150087394 | GAMING METHOD AND GAMING APPARATUS WITH IN-GAME PLAYER STIMULATION - A method for operating a gaming apparatus includes displaying a set of stopped reels in place of one or more spinning reels, each stopped reel having at least one symbol thereon and the total number of stopped reels being less than the total number of reels originally spinning The method also includes determining an in-game outcome associated with a configuration of the symbols on the set of stopped reels, and providing an in-game stimulation selected from the group consisting of a 3-dimensional aural stimulation, a visual stimulation, a value stimulation and a physical stimulation according to the in-game outcome. The method further includes displaying stopped reels in place of all of the spinning reels, determining a game outcome associated with the configuration of the symbols on all of the stopped reels, and determining a value payout based on the game outcome. The apparatus is also included. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150087395 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD PROVIDING SLOT GAME HAVING VIRTUAL MAP DRIVEN REEL STOP POSITION DETERMINATIONS - Various embodiments of the disclosed gaming device include a housing which supports a plurality of mechanical reels and a plurality of stop input devices which are configured to provide a Pachisuro-style slot game. Each of the plurality of reels is associated with a different one of the plurality of stop input devices. Each stop input device enables a player to stop the respective reel when the reel is spinning by activating the stop input device. Each reel includes a plurality of stop positions and each stop position includes a symbol. The gaming device also includes a processor and a memory device. For each reel, the processor randomly determines the stop position at which the reel ultimately stops based on a virtual map stored in the memory device for an initiating stop position of that reel which is selected by the player's activation of the stop input device for that reel. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150094130 | GAME MACHINE - A slot machine includes a touch panel, an operation section provided on the touch panel, an operation unit including first to third sensors each for outputting a signal corresponding to a rotational operation and a pressing operation on the operation section, and a control section for causing the touch panel to change a screen image displayed by the touch panel, in accordance with at least one of (i) a rotational operation detected based on the signal outputted from each of the first to third sensors, (ii) a pressing operation detected based on the signal outputted from each of the first to third sensors, and (iii) a touching operation on the touch panel. | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150094131 | GAME MACHINE - A game machine has an operation unit that accepts an operation from a player, having a display section, an operation section disposed on a screen of the display section, a support section that rotatably supports the operation section such that the operation section can be pressed toward the display section, at least one rotational operation sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to a rotational operation on the operation section, and at least one pressing operation sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to a pressing operation on the operation section, and a control section that causes the display section to change a screen image to be displayed by the display section. | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150094132 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SLOT-STYLE GAMES - Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture provide for new features and functionality of slot-style games. | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150094133 | Methods and Apparatus for a Distributed Bonus Scheme using Simulated Scatter Reactions - Methods and apparatus for a distributed bonus scheme using simulated scatter reactions are disclosed. An example method of operating a gaming device in a gaming system includes receiving a trigger that initiates a first bonus decision in a first gaming device. Further, the example method includes calculating, using a programmed processor, an accumulated value that defines a range. Further, the example method includes generating a random number. Further, the example method includes, when the random number falls within the range, granting a bonus to the first gaming device. Further, the example method includes determining whether the first bonus decision is to initiate a second bonus decision in a second gaming device of the gaming system. | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150099568 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VISUALLY REPRESENTING PROBABILITY OF WINNING A PRIZE - In at least one embodiment, systems provide for determining symbols for a wagering game (e.g., for a bonus round of the wagering game) by determining a wager amount associated with a player of a wagering game and selecting, based on the wager amount, a first plurality of symbols for use in representing a probability of obtaining a winning outcome in the game. The systems may further provide for determining a second plurality of symbols, the second plurality of symbols comprising the outcome, and placing into symbol positions of a game interface of the wagering game (i) the first plurality of symbols and (ii) the second plurality of symbols. After an animation of the symbol positions which displays the first plurality of symbols and the second plurality of symbols, the second plurality of symbols may be displayed along a payline to display the outcome. | 04-09-2015 |
| 20150099569 | GAMING MACHINE AND METHODS OF ALLOWING A PLAYER TO PLAY GAMING MACHINES HAVING MODIFIABLE REEL FEATURES - A method of allowing a player to play a gaming machine is described herein. The game includes a plurality of reels, each reel having a reel strip. The method includes initiating a primary game, responsively spinning the reels, randomly determining an outcome of the primary game and responsively stopping the reels to display the primary game. The method includes detecting if a triggering condition occurs in the primary game outcome, the triggering condition being defined as the at least one trigger symbol being displayed in at least one reel of the plurality of reels in the primary game outcome, and responsively modifying a reel feature of a reel strip associated with the at least one reel to generate an outcome of a secondary game including the modified reel strip. | 04-09-2015 |
| 20150099570 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING SIMULTANEOUS GAMING WITH LINKED PAYTABLE EVENTS - The gaming device disclosed herein includes a plurality of simultaneously, substantially simultaneously or sequentially played primary games, wherein a designated triggering event in at least one of the games causes the gaming device to change, modify, supplement, add to, activate or otherwise influence the paytable of at least another game. | 04-09-2015 |
| 20150099571 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING SIMULTANEOUS GAMING WITH LINKED PAYTABLE EVENTS - The gaming device disclosed herein includes a plurality of simultaneously, substantially simultaneously or sequentially played primary games, wherein a designated triggering event in at least one of the games causes the gaming device to change, modify, supplement, add to, activate or otherwise influence the paytable of at least another game. | 04-09-2015 |
| 20150099572 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - Gaming systems and methods are disclosed. An example gaming system includes a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions, one or more of the display positions including at least two symbols, and an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether symbol combinations defined by the displayed symbols correspond to one or more winning outcomes. Each symbol combination includes one symbol from each display position used to form the symbol combination. | 04-09-2015 |
| 20150105136 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ALLOWING A PLAYER TO PLAY GAMING MACHINES HAVING MULTIPLE REEL SETS - A game machine is provided. The machine comprises a display and a controller. The display is configured to display a plurality of symbol cells displayed in a grid. The grid defines a plurality of columns, each column having an associated reel, each reel having an associated reel strip, each reel strip including a plurality of symbol positions and a plurality of game symbols displayed in each of the symbol cells in a predetermined order defining a reel layout, at least one of the reel strips having a second reel layout, the second reel layout having an identical symbol in a plurality of consecutive symbol positions. The controller is configured to replace the reel layout with the second reel layout in the at least one of the reel strips. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150105137 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ALLOWING A PLAYER TO PLAY GAMING MACHINES HAVING REEL OVERLAYS - A game machine is provided. The machine comprises a display and a controller. The display is configured to display a plurality of symbol cells displayed in a grid. The controller is configured to: establish a first reel layout and a second reel layout, the second reel layout having a blank symbol in a plurality of consecutive symbol positions and at least one identical symbol in a plurality of consecutive symbol positions; randomly shift the second reel layout by a number of symbol positions in relation to the first reel layout; combine the second reel layout with the first reel layout to create a combined reel layout; and assign the combined reel layout to one of the reel strips. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150105138 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ALLOWING A PLAYER TO PLAY GAMING MACHINES HAVING DYNAMIC REEL MODIFICATIONS - A game machine is provided. The machine comprises a display and a controller. The display is configured to display a plurality of symbol cells displayed in a grid. The grid defines a plurality of columns, each column having an associated reel, each reel having an associated reel strip, each reel strip including a plurality of symbol positions and a plurality of game symbols displayed in each of the symbol cells in a predetermined order, and an insertion symbol strip, the insertion symbol strip having at least one identical insertion symbol. The controller is configured to randomly select an insertion point along the first reel strip and place the insertion symbol strip at said insertion point. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150105139 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING MULTIPLE CONCURRENT GAMES USING DYNAMIC FOCAL POINTS - The gaming system disclosed herein changes the focal point of a display device at different points in time to assist the player in focusing on different simultaneously or concurrently played games at different points in time. Specifically, the gaming system displays a plurality of simultaneously or concurrently played games on a display device. In response to a designated event occurring in association with a specific one of the plurality of simultaneously or concurrently played games, the gaming system changes the focal point of the display device to draw the player's focus or attention to that specific one of the simultaneously or concurrently played games. Put differently, the gaming system dynamically allocates and/or indicates different portions of a display device to different simultaneously or concurrently played games at different points in time to account for different events occurring in such simultaneously or concurrently played games. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150105140 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH REARRANGEABLE REELS - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which allow a player, the gaming device, and/or the gaming system to rearrange the symbols on the reels to represent winning payline patterns. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150111632 | Electronic Gaming Machine and Gaming Method - An electronic gaming machine includes a housing having a display for displaying a game, an electronic game controller and an input means in electronic communication with said electronic game controller for receiving commands from a player to operate said electronic gaming machine. The game comprises predetermined winning combinations of randomly selected game symbols that award prizes to a player and a plurality of bet levels for the game, the bet levels comprising at least a default bet level. The electronic game controller enables selection of one of the bet levels via said input means and in response to a selected bet level different to the default bet level, the electronic game controller changes a bonus prize associated with the game. A gaming method is also provided. | 04-23-2015 |
| 20150119129 | GAMING MACHINE WITH MULTI-INSTANCE TRIGGER FEATURE - In one example, a machine includes: a display configured to display symbols in a game; a processor; and a non-transitory computer readable medium storing program instructions, that when executed by the processor, cause a set of functions to be performed, the set of functions including: selecting a first symbol set from a global symbol group, wherein the first symbol set includes at least two symbols; displaying on the display the selected first symbol set; making a determination that a second symbol set, which is a proper sub-set of the selected first symbol set, satisfies a trigger condition; responsive to making the determination, for each symbol in the second symbol set, selecting a corresponding replacement symbol from the global symbol group, such that a third symbol set consisting of the replacement symbols satisfies the trigger condition; and displaying on the display the third symbol set. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150126264 | GAMING MACHINE WITH PRECURSOR AND SUPPLEMENTARY SYMBOL SET FEATURE - In one example, a method involves: a machine making a determination that a trigger event occurred; responsive to making the determination, (i) selecting a precursor symbol set from a precursor symbol group, and (ii) for the or each symbol in the selected precursor symbol set, randomly determining a corresponding arrangement position; displaying on a display the selected precursor symbol set by displaying the or each symbol in the selected precursor symbol set in the corresponding arrangement position for that symbol; selecting a supplementary symbol set from a supplementary symbol group; for the or each symbol in the selected supplementary symbol set, determining a corresponding arrangement position; and after displaying the selected precursor symbol set, displaying on the display (i) the selected precursor symbol set, and (ii) the supplementary symbol set by displaying the or each symbol in the selected supplementary symbol set in the corresponding arrangement position for that symbol. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150126265 | GAMING DEVICE WITH WILD ACTIVATION SYMBOLS AND WILD TERMINATION SYMBOLS - A gaming device having a wild activation symbol is displayed on a set of reels or set of cards within a display device. The processor causes other symbols or cards to become wild within the display device when the wild termination symbol is displayed. When the wild activation symbol is displayed, the present invention may also provide a wild termination symbol on the set of reels or the set of cards within a display device. The processor may then stop symbols or cards from becoming wild based on the position of the wild termination symbol. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150126266 | GAMING DEVICE FOR DETERMINING A RE-DRAWING GROUP FOR FOLLOWING GAMES - To display a plurality of symbols in a plurality of display regions, upon starting a game, and in a case where trigger symbols are stop displayed in any of the plurality of display regions, to draw for specific display regions where trigger symbols are displayed, from a plurality of types of symbols so that the symbols are displayed having a predetermined relationship among the symbols in at least game units, and at the same time, to draw for general display regions that have symbols other than the trigger symbol displayed, from a plurality of types of symbols so that arbitrary symbols are independently displayed. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150126267 | Methods Of Receiving Electronic Wagers In A Wagering Game Via A Handheld Electronic Wager Input Device - A gaming system for conducting a multi-player wagering game includes a multi-touch table surface that is touched by a handheld electronic wager input device (EWID) carried by a player for placing wagers on a wagering game displayed on the multi-touch table surface. Each EWID carried by a player has an associated unique identification code, which is linked to the respective player's account. Players indicate an amount to be wagered by touching the EWID to designated wager amount areas, then place the wager by touching the EWID to a designated wagering area. Because each EWID is uniquely associable with distinct player accounts, the gaming system can support any number of players placing wagers. The funds remain safe in the player account and no funds are stored on the EWID. Only the identification code is detected, which is compared with the associated player account before allowing that player to place wagers. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150133208 | OUTCOME DETERMINATION METHOD FOR GAMING DEVICE - Embodiments of this concept are directed to a method of operating a gaming device to determine game outcomes by using a range of game numbers for winning game outcomes. That is, the gaming device includes a range of numbers associated with a generic winning outcome or each winning outcome to ensure that a winning outcome or specific winning outcome will hit within the specified range. This method may be used a variety of game types including slot machines, video poker, keno, video pachinko, etc. These gaming machines may additionally include one or more proximity indicators or meters associated with the various outcomes. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150141112 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH PSEUDO GAMING FUNCTIONALITY - Examples disclosed herein relate to an electronic gaming device including a memory, a processor, and a plurality of reels. The memory may include one or more pseudo feature structures. A processor may generate one or more symbols to be located in the one or more areas. The processor may generate one or more pseudo wagering options and the processor may accept one or more pseudo wagers relating to the one or more pseudo wagering options. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150141113 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH AMBIENT LIGHTING FUNCTIONALITY - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods for utilizing one or more presentations and one or more ambient light shows. The electronic gaming device may include a plurality of reels. The plurality of reels may include one or more areas. The electronic gaming device may include a memory and one or more processors. The memory may include one or more ambient lighting modules, one or more presentation modules, and/or one or more synchronization modules. The electronic gaming device may include one or more ambient light sensors and/or one or more light emitters. Further, the one or more processors may display one or more presentations and initiate one or more ambient light shows. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150141114 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH TREASURE SPIN FUNCTIONALITY - Examples disclosed herein relate to an electronic gaming device including a memory, a processor, and a plurality of reels. The memory may include one or more treasure spin feature structures. The processor may generate one or more symbols to be located in the one or more areas. The processor may generate a first treasure symbol and move the first treasure symbol to a collection area, where the first treasure symbol has an equity value. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150141115 | Gaming Machine with Dice Attributes - A machine includes a display; a processor; and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program instructions, that when executed by the processor, cause a set of functions to be performed that include: making a determination that a trigger event occurred; displaying a selected symbol table; responsive to making the determination, for each symbol cell in the selected symbol table: randomly selecting a multiplier symbol; adding the selected multiplier symbol to a symbol cell, wherein the selected multiplier symbol corresponds to a displayable image component, wherein the displayable image component is from an image component set, and wherein the image component set corresponds to an image; adding the displayable image component to a selected image component set when the image component is not in the selected image component set; displaying the added displayable image component; and determining whether the selected image component set includes each image component of the image component set. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150141116 | SINGLE REEL GAME SYSTEM AND METHOD - Systems and methods configured to display a single reel game including a plurality of cells and one or more scenarios, symbols or game event descriptions positioned within the cells that impact game credit, in which the selection of a cell is based on the prior cell selected and the random selection of a number from a group of a numbers. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150148117 | SLOT TYPE GAME AND GAMING MACHINE - In a slot-type game, a plurality of base reels display a set of base symbols or indicia. One or more additional or extra reels display replacement symbols. Under certain circumstances, a replacement symbol displayed by the extra reel may be used in substitution to one of the base symbols in order to form a winning set of symbols. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150294529 | System and Method for Controlling Reel Motion in a Spinning Reel Gaming Machine - A method for conducting a wagering game includes the act of providing a set of motion parameters to a mechanical reel controller of a wagering game machine, the set of motion parameters including one or more start profiles, a plurality of motion profiles, and one or more stop profiles. The method also includes the act of determining, using one or more processors, a set of motion parameters for each of the mechanical reels that will collectively place the mechanical reels in sync prior to execution of the stop profile(s) so that each of the plurality of mechanical reels is positioned relative to one another, during rotation, to display a determined outcome of the wagering game. The method includes the acts of driving each reel in accord with a respective start profile(s), driving each reel in accord with respective motion profile(s) and stopping each reel in accord with respective stop profile(s) at a point in time after the plurality of mechanical reels are in sync. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150294538 | DYNAMICALLY MAPPING WAGERING GAME CONTENT - A wagering game system (“system”) and its operations are described herein. In some examples, the operations include electronically determining, via an electronic communication interface of the system, display coordinates associated with first content of a first wagering game application (“first application”) for presentation on an electronic display device associated with the system. The first application is independent from a second wagering game application (“second application”). The operations can further include automatically mapping, via an electronic processing unit of the system, second content for the second application to the display coordinates. The operations can further include, based on the mapping, electronically presenting, via the electronic display device, the second content affixed relative to the first content during concurrent game play of the first application and the second application. The first content indicates a first game outcome independent from a second game outcome indicated by the second content. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150302682 | Methods to Determine Luck Profile of a User - Methods and computer programs for determining outcome of an online slot game includes receiving a spin action from a player, during game play of the online slot game. A profile graph is identified for the player. The profile graph is defined by a template with a plurality of peaks and valleys defined therein. The peaks represent a higher probability of generating a winning result and the valleys represent a higher probability of generating a losing result. Each spin action of the player corresponds to a distinct point in the profile graph. A number of virtual spins defined for the point corresponding to the spin action is determined based on location of the point in the profile graph. The defined number of virtual spins is performed and a highest or a lowest result is selected from the virtual spins for presenting to the player, in response to the spin action. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150302685 | Wagering Game With Reel-Swap Feature - A gaming system includes a gaming machine, a random element generator, and game-logic circuitry. An initial outcome is displayed in the form of a plurality of symbols arranged in a primary array and a secondary array, the primary array including a plurality of primary reels and the secondary array including a secondary reel. In response to the plurality of symbols including a trigger symbol, one of the primary reels is substituted with the secondary reel to form a modified primary array. A modified outcome is determined based on the modified primary array. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150302686 | WAGERING GAME WITH THREE-DIMENSIONAL TILTED ARRAY PROVIDING ENHANCED FUNCTIONALITY - Gaming systems and methods include game-logic circuitry having central processing units and memory devices storing instructions that, when executed, cause the game-logic circuitry to receive an input, display an array and a graphical representation of a plurality of symbol-bearing reels within a field of view of a player, and award an award based on a generated game outcome. The symbol-bearing reels include a plurality of first symbols and a plurality of second symbols. In some embodiments, the first symbols are volumetric symbols and the second symbols are planar. In some embodiments, the first symbols and second symbols are volumetric symbols. Each symbol-bearing reel includes a surface defining a geometric plane with the volumetric symbols extending away from the surface while planar symbols lie on the geometric plane. Volumetric symbols near the array can be visible to the player while the planar symbols are not. Volumetric symbols can obscure adjacent symbols. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150302687 | RECORDING MEDIUM STORING GAME PROGRAM, GAME PROCESSING METHOD, AND INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS - A recording medium storing a game program processing progress of a game using a game content, the game program executes instructions including receiving, displaying, and determining. During determining, an action of the game content for the progress of the game is determined according to a combination of predetermined symbols displayed during displaying. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150302688 | GAMING METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING A GAME INVOLVING 2D AND 3D PLAY AREAS - Various embodiments are disclosed concerning games that use both 2D and 3D play areas. Various embodiments concern representing a 3D structure composed of a plurality of 3D shapes having a plurality of faces, presenting a plurality of elements, marking the plurality of faces and the elements, identifying a first set of one or more combinations of corresponding markings, moving the shapes of the three dimensional structure relative to the elements, and identifying a second set of one or more combinations of corresponding markings, each of the combinations of corresponding markings from the first set and the second set composed of markings from at least one of the elements and multiple faces of the shapes. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150302700 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A GAME MODIFIER - A gaming system and method in which before, during and/or after one or more plays of a game, the gaming system randomly activates a game modifier generator. The activated game modifier generator randomly selects one of a plurality of different game modifiers. Following the random selection of a game modifier, the gaming system determines a duration for which the selected game modifier will be activated. For the determined duration, based on the selected game modifier, the gaming system modifies zero, one or more aspects, parameters or features of zero, one, or more plays of the game. Such modified aspects, parameters or features may result in the player winning additional awards in the plays of the game and/or winning awards in plays of previously unavailable bonus games. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150302701 | Apparatus for Generating Alternative Gaming Device Outputs - An apparatus for outputting an alternative output through an electronic gaming device output device has been developed. The invention includes an electronic gaming device with game logic circuitry that commands a gaming device output device to generate an output. The electronic gaming device output is interrupted before it is output and the output device generates an alternative output. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150302703 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A SLOT GAME INCLUDING A PARTIAL REEL RE-SPIN FEATURE - The present disclosure provides a gaming system and method providing a slot game including a partial reel re-spin feature. Generally, for a play of the slot game in various embodiments, the gaming system displays a randomly determined plurality of symbols of a first set of symbols at a plurality of symbol display areas and makes an award determination based on the displayed symbols. Upon an occurrence of a triggering event, such as the display of a triggering symbol, the gaming system selects a designated set of a plurality of the symbol display areas and replaces the symbols of the first set of symbols displayed at the symbol display areas of the designated set with symbols from a second set of symbols, which may be the same as or different than the first set of symbols. The gaming system makes another award determination based on the displayed symbols. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150302704 | GAME MACHINE & METHOD USING SECOND SCREEN BONUS FEATURE - A gaming machine includes display means and a user interface to receive input in relation to displayed images, and a game controller configured to control images of symbols displayed on the display means and to play a primary game of chance. The game of chance includes emulating spinning and randomly stopping virtual reels to display an image of symbols in a matrix of symbol positions. The game controller determines a trigger event during the play of the primary game of chance, the trigger event including trigger event symbols composed of a predetermined number and a type of symbol, and in response to the trigger event, to reconfigure at least a subset of the matrix of symbol positions from the randomly stopped virtual reels, said subset excluding said trigger event symbols, the reconfigured subset of symbols defining a second screen feature which is distinct from the primary game of chance. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150302705 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ALLOWING A PLAYER TO PLAY GAMING MACHINES HAVING EXPANDING SYMBOL AND COLUMN REPLICATION - The invention is directed to a gaming machine and method of providing a game. The game machine comprises a display and a controller. The display is configured to display a plurality of symbol positions displayed in a grid, the grid defining a plurality of columns. The controller is configured to: initiate a game; determine at least one symbol associated with each of the plurality of symbol positions along at least one of the columns and display the symbols in the at least one column; evaluate the symbols displayed within the at least one column to determine a highest ranked symbol; replace all remaining symbols displayed within the at least one column with the highest ranked symbol; and insert the highest ranked symbol into the symbol positions of at least one other column within the grid. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150310698 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH NEAR FIELD FUNCTIONALITY - Examples disclosed herein relate to an electronic gaming device including a memory, a processor, and a plurality of reels. The memory may include one or more near field modules. A processor may generate one or more symbols to be located in the one or more areas. The processor may initiate one or more game play functions based on location data. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150310699 | ELECTRONIC GAMING MACHINE AND GAMING METHOD - An electronic gaming machine includes a display for displaying a game and an electronic game controller for controlling the display of said game symbols on said display. The game includes game symbols arranged into a first array of symbol positions. The electronic game controller causes the display of a second array for displaying at least one special symbol in a symbol position that visually appears greater in size than said symbol positions of said first array, the at least one special symbol resulting in the award of one of more game enhancing elements. The at least one special symbol is randomly selected by said electronic game controller and is different to said game symbols displayed in said first array. A gaming method is also provided. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150310707 | Blackjack Themed Slot Game - A method of entertaining a user includes receiving a user action via a user interface of a computational system; displaying on a display device a first array of card images including at least three positions in a first dimension and at least two positions in a second dimension; displaying on the display device a second array of card images; determining a set of values based on one or more runs including cards from the first array of cards; determining a second array value associated with the second array; comparing each value of the set of values with the second array value; and assigning credits to an account based on the comparing. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150317866 | SYMBOL MATCHING GAMES WITH FREE GAME AWARDS - In one embodiment, a method comprising executing a symbol matching game; electronically providing during the execution a first monetary award responsive to a defined quantity of matches between user-inputted symbol selections and a first plurality of symbols; and electronically providing during the execution an award of one or more free plays. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150317867 | GAMING MACHINE AND REEL DEVICE THEREOF - A gaming machine includes: a reel having an outer circumferential surface on which symbols are lined up; a reel driving mechanism which rotates the reel to rearrange the symbols; a magnet which is provided in the reel driving mechanism to change an external magnetic field in accordance with the rotation of the reel; a magnetic force detecting mechanism which detects a magnetic force of the external magnetic field so as to output a magnetic force detection signal; a reel setting unit by which the magnetic force detection signal and arrangement positions of the symbols are associated with one another; and a reel drive control unit which controls the reel driving mechanism so that the symbols are rearranged in a predetermined arrangement based on the magnetic force detection signal and the arrangement positions of the symbols. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150317868 | GAMING MACHINE AND REEL DEVICE THEREOF - A gaming machine includes: a reel having an outer circumferential surface on which symbols are lined up; a reel driving mechanism which rotates the reel to rearrange the symbols; a magnet which is provided in the reel driving mechanism to change an external magnetic field in accordance with the rotation of the reel; a magnetic force detecting mechanism which detects a magnetic force of the external magnetic field so as to output a magnetic force detection signal; a reel setting unit by which the magnetic force detection signal and arrangement positions of the symbols are associated with one another; and a reel drive control unit which controls the reel driving mechanism so that the symbols are rearranged in a predetermined arrangement based on the magnetic force detection signal and the arrangement positions of the symbols. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150317869 | GAMING MACHINE AND REEL DEVICE THEREOF - A gaming machine includes: a reel having an outer circumferential surface on which symbols are lined up; a reel driving mechanism which rotates the reel to rearrange the symbols; a magnet which is provided in the reel driving mechanism to change an external magnetic field in accordance with the rotation of the reel; a magnetic force detecting mechanism which detects a magnetic force of the external magnetic field so as to output a magnetic force detection signal; a reel setting unit by which the magnetic force detection signal and arrangement positions of the symbols are associated with one another; and a reel drive control unit which controls the reel driving mechanism so that the symbols are rearranged in a predetermined arrangement based on the magnetic force detection signal and the arrangement positions of the symbols. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150317870 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A MULTIPLAY GAME WITH RESULTANT SYMBOLS - Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a multiplay game with resultant symbols. The game is associated with a plurality of reel sets each including a plurality of reels. Each reel is associated with one or more symbol display areas. For each reel set, each symbol display area associated with a reel of that reel set is associated with a symbol display area associated with one of the reels of each other reel set. The gaming system independently generates and displays certain of the symbols on the reels of the respective reel sets at the corresponding symbol display areas. If associated symbol display areas display symbols having a designated relationship with one another, the gaming system forms a resultant symbol from those symbols. The gaming system determines any awards based on the resultant symbols and not based on any non-resultant symbols. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150317883 | ALPHANUMERIC SLOT GAME SYSTEM AND METHOD - A slot game and systems and methods for administering the slot game wherein the slot administrator defines game parameters that in turn define the contours of the slot game. Game play consists of wagers made on plays of alphanumeric combinations that a player tries to successfully match with the characters on spinning slot wheels. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150317884 | ALPHANUMERIC SLOT GAME SYSTEM AND METHOD - A slot game and systems and methods for administering the slot game wherein the slot administrator defines game parameters that in turn define the contours of the slot game. Game play consists of wagers made on plays of alphanumeric combinations that a player tries to successfully match with the characters in outcome sets prepared for each character position in the target phrase, wherein the player selects one or more outcome characters from each outcome set. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150325079 | PLATFORMS AND SYSTEMS FOR PLAYING GAMES OF CHANCE - A gaming platform and system for operating a game of chance, more particularly a gaming machine having a player interface with interactive display, a processor with memory, instructions in memory, and a graphics modelling engine operative cooperatively with a kinematics engine and random number engine, such that the gaming machine is adapted to display randomized motions of a plurality of virtual gamepieces, wherein the final resting place, orientation and content of each gamepiece is indeterminate and unknowable until motion stops. The instructions, when executed by a processor, are configured to operate a game of chance. In preferred “conceal and reveal games”, a player selects gamepieces, termed here “selectable objects”, each selectable object having a concealed “embedded element” that is revealed during gameplay, and the game outcome is based on the number of random and non-random indicia matched by the player. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150325083 | GAMING MACHINE - It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that offers wider applicability and more enjoyment. To this end, a slot machine | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150325086 | MULTIPLE GAME TOURNAMENT - Players may compete in a tournament that involves multiple different games. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150325088 | GAME MACHINE, METHOD OF CONTROLLING COMPUTER, AND STORAGE MEDIUM - A game machine uses a lottery region containing the cells, provides a game opportunity that changes symbols on the cells by causing the symbols of a symbol group to appear on the portion of the cells, determines by lottery, at least a portion of the symbols which should constitute the symbol group, causes at least the portion of the symbols constituting the symbol group to appear in the lottery region based on a lottery result so as to change at least the portion of the symbols arranged on the cells by moving the symbol group including the symbol determined by the lottery result on a movement path containing two directions and stopping the symbol group so that at least the portion of the symbols of the symbol group is arranged on the cells, and determines a prize winning based on the symbols arranged on the cells by the symbol group. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150332542 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING OVERSIZED SYMBOLS IN THE PLAY MATRIX - Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a gaming device having oversized symbols in the play matrix. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a gaming apparatus having an improved game play comprising oversized symbols in the play matrix, and methods of administering, operating and playing the same in wagering and non-wagering applications. In one embodiment of the present invention, a game comprises a plurality of reels, each of the reels including a plurality of symbol positions; a plurality of symbols at the plurality of symbol positions on the reels, the plurality of symbols including an oversized symbol occupying at least a plurality of symbol positions; and predetermined winning symbol combination of a plurality of winning symbol combinations including the oversized symbol, wherein the predetermined winning symbol combination is associated with an award. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150332543 | GAMING MACHINE HAVING SETS OF REELS - A gaming machine operable under control of a processor includes a processor for controlling the gaming machine, an interface in electronic communication with the processor and at least one set of primary reels displayed at the interface, the set of primary reels having a plurality of symbols. The gaming machine also includes at least one set of secondary reels displayed on the interface. The secondary reel has a plurality of symbols and an intersecting region. The intersecting region intersects a portion of the at least one set of primary reels. Preferably the gaming machine has four sets of primary reels having corners and a single set of secondary reels that overlaps at least one corner of each of the sets of primary reels. The sets of reels can include physical, electronic or otherwise simulated sets of reels. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150332544 | REEL STRIP FOR GAMING MACHINE - Provided is a gaming machine having a reel strip that enables the player to speedily and easily see whether a wining pattern is completed. The reel strip for the gaming machine includes a symbol area including a winning element symbol based on which winning or not is determined and a blank area including a blank symbol irrelevant to determination of winning; the symbol area and the blank area are disposed adjacent to each other and the blank area is formed seamlessly with the symbol area as a part of the symbol area. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150332545 | GAMING MACHINE - Provided is a gaming machine that can prevent the player from getting bored with symbol effects until the symbols have been rearranged. The gaming machine randomly determines symbols to be rearranged in a display region, identifies an arrangement pattern of special symbols in the display region determined with the symbols determined in the symbol determination processing, and determines symbol effects by motion of symbols from start of movement until completion of rearrangement of the symbols based on the arrangement pattern. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150332546 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A GAME INCLUDING ROAMING WILD SYMBOLS - In various embodiments, the present disclosure relates generally to gaming systems and methods for providing one or more games employing roaming wild symbols. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150332559 | Wager Selections For Wagering Games Truncated By Prior Wage Level - A gaming system includes one or more input devices, one or more display devices, one or more processors, and one or more memory devices storing instructions. When executed by the one or more processors, the instructions cause the gaming system to receive, via at least one of the input devices, an input indicative of a wager selected from at least one wager amount being a function of a previous wager associated with an immediately preceding wagering game. The instructions cause the gaming system to display a wagering game on the one or more displays, the wagering game being in an advantageous state relative to the immediately preceding wagering game. The instructions further cause the gaming system to display an outcome of the wagering game on the one or more displays, at least a portion of the outcome being enhanced by an outcome of the immediately preceding wagering game. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150339880 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A SLOT GAME INCLUDING A SYMBOL REPLACEMENT FEATURE - Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gaming system and method providing a slot game including a symbol replacement feature. Generally, in various embodiments, the slot game employs a plurality of different symbols, each of which is included in one of a plurality of different groups. Each group includes at least two different symbols. In operation, the gaming system displays a plurality of the symbols and, if a triggering event associated with one of the groups occurs, the gaming system provides the symbol replacement feature by replacing at least one displayed symbol of that group with a different one of the symbols of that group. Thus, when providing the symbol replacement feature in these embodiments, the gaming system of the present disclosure replaces certain displayed symbols included in a particular group with different symbols included in that particular group and not with any symbols included in any other groups. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150339881 | GAMING MACHINE AND GAME HAVING SYMBOLS WITH INCREASING VALUES - In a method of playing a game at a gaming machine, a first set of symbols is displayed and winnings are paid for combinations of winning symbols. A second set of symbols is displayed by removing the winning combinations of symbols and replacing them with new symbols. The value of awards for symbols of the type which did not form a winning combination relative to the first set of symbols is higher for the second set of symbols than if those symbols had formed a winning combination in the first set of symbols. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150339882 | GAMING MACHINE AND METHODS OF UPGRADING GAME SYMBOLS IN AN OUTCOME OF A GAME - A gaming machine and method allow a player to play a game. The game has an associated set of game symbols. The game symbols in the set of game symbols are arranged in a predetermined order from lowest to highest. A display device is configured to display a plurality of symbol regions arranged in a grid. The controller is configured to randomly select an initial outcome of the game. The initial outcome of the game includes an initial game symbol associated with each of the symbol regions. The controller detects a triggering condition associated with the initial outcome of the game and responsively replaces the initial game symbol in at least one predetermined symbol region with a replacement symbol to establish a secondary outcome of the game. The replacement symbol is determined as a function of the initial symbol and the predetermined order of the game symbols. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150339889 | METHOD FOR ASSIGNING A WILD SYMBOL ON A GAMING DEVICE - A method of operating a gaming machine having a game controller includes receiving, via an input device of the gaming machine, a request from a player to play a game, generating, via a game controller and based on the request to play the game, a symbol combination comprising one or more symbols, wherein the symbol combination is associated with a first payout amount, displaying the symbol combination to the player via a display device, receiving, via the input device, a request from the player to assign a wild symbol, generating the wild symbol based on the request from the player and displaying the wild symbol to the player via the display device, determining whether any of the one or more symbols in the symbol combination matches the wild symbol and providing an indication to the player of any matching symbols via the display device, calculating a second payout amount for the symbol combination based on the matching symbols, wherein the second payout amount is at least equal to the first payout amount, and providing an indication of the second payout amount to the player. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150348357 | Gaming Machine, System and Method for Playing a Feature Game - A gaming machine, system and method includes a housing having a user interface, display, preferably a lower display and an upper display, and a controller preferably mounted in the housing and in communication with the display. The controller enables standard game play mode until the occurrence of a predetermined event, such as the appearance of preferably three scatter symbols. Upon occurrence of the predetermined event, the controller enables feature game play mode where display presents a plurality of feature game symbols, and a symbol selection pointer, and optionally presents a landscape including at least some of the feature game symbols. At least one of the feature game symbols is a switchable symbol symbol having a first state and a second state, and at least one is a switching symbol that changes the state of the switchable symbol. The controller causes the symbol selection pointer to randomly select one of the feature game symbols. There are two ways to change the state of the switchable symbol. Selecting the switchable symbol changes its state. Selecting the switching symbol causes the switchable symbol to also change its state. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150348358 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND DEVICES FOR MOVING GAME COMPONENTS IN GAMING SYSTEMS - A computer device and method for moving game components are provided. The computer device comprises: at least one data storage device to store game data for a game; a display device to display at least one three-dimensional game component of the game; at least one data capture device to collect player movement data, wherein the player movement data defines movement of a player of the game, wherein the data capture device includes a camera, a sensor or other data capture electronic hardware; and at least one processor configured to: 1) transform the player movement data into data defining game movement for the at least one game component; and 2) generating movement on the display device of the at least one game component using the data defining game movement; wherein the at least one data capture device is configured to collect player movement data associated with movement of the player's eyes. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150348359 | THREE DIMENSIONAL ENHANCEMENTS TO GAME COMPONENTS IN GAMING SYSTEMS - An electronic gaming machine, an electronic gaming system, and a computer-implemented method are disclosed. The electronic gaming machine comprises: at least one processor; at least one persistent data store; at least one receiver to receive game data for storage in the at least one persistent data store; and a display device configured with a user interface to display a portion of the game data as a first matrix of at least one of a row and a column of game components in accordance with a set of game rules for a given game, each one of the game components having an original symbol associated thereto, and at least a second matrix of at least one of a row and a column of game components in accordance with the set of game rules for the given game, each game components having an original symbol associated thereto. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150348360 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THREE DIMENSIONAL GAMES IN GAMING SYSTEMS - An electronic gaming machine, an electronic gaming system, and a computer-implemented method for providing three dimensional selection games in a gaming system are disclosed. The electronic gaming machines includes: at least one processor; at least one persistent data store; at least one receiver to receive game data for storage in the at least one persistent data store; and a display device configured with a user interface to display: 1) a multi-faceted gaming surface comprising at least two gaming surface representations; and 2) a portion of the game data as a first set of 3D game components on one or more of the at least two gaming surface representations in accordance with a set of game rules for a given game, each one of the 3D game components having a symbol associated thereto. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150348361 | CONTROLLING MECHANICAL OUTCOME INDICATORS OF GAMING MACHINES - The present invention describes a system having a gaming machine using game circuitry logic and a primary controller to perform a primary wagering game. The system may further include a secondary controller using mechanical components of the gaming machine to perform secondary wagering games. The secondary controller is configured to actuate and control mechanical components of the gaming machine system controlled by the primary controller. The secondary controller further combines output of the primary and secondary wagering games to generate a unified graphical user interface displayed on a display device of the gaming machine. The secondary controller also actively translates input and output coordinate data between each of the primary and secondary controller graphical user interfaces and the unified graphical user interface. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150348363 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ALLOWING A PLAYER TO PLAY GAMING MACHINES HAVING ROTATING SYMBOL AND COLUMN REPLICATION - The invention is directed to a gaming machine and method of providing a game. The game machine comprises a display and a controller. The display is configured to display a plurality of symbol positions displayed in a grid. The controller is configured to: initiate a game and define an initial result, the initial result including a symbol in each of the symbol positions within the grid; detect a trigger condition, the trigger condition being a collection of the same symbol within every position of the grid along a first axis; determine at least one adjacent axis from the first axis as a function of predetermined criteria; and copy the same symbol into at least one predetermined position along the adjacent axis. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150348364 | GAMING SYSTEM INCLUDING MULTIPLE DISPLAYS HAVING GAME SYMBOLS WITH COMMON CHARACTERISTICS - A gaming system and method involving a game having a plurality of symbols. The gaming system displays a play of the game on a first display while displaying a sequence of the symbols on a second display. The gaming system includes one award associated with the play and another award associated with a characteristic in common between a symbol displayed on the first display and a symbol indicated on the second display. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150348374 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MANIPULATING A DISPLAY OF REELS IN A REEL-SPINNING WAGERING GAME - Techniques for manipulating a display of reels in a reel-spinning wagering game include accessing data representing a plurality of reels of symbols in a starting set of reels, and one or more replacement reels of symbols. A depiction of at least a portion of each of the reels in the starting set may be displayed on a display screen. User input indicating a wager may be received via a machine-user interface, and a first reel spin may be executed. The depiction on the display screen of at least one reel in the starting set may be replaced with a depiction of at least a portion of at least one of the replacement reels to form a modified set of reels depicted on the display screen. A second reel spin may be executed, and a payout may be determined based on the stopping positions of the reels in the modified set. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150348375 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING INDICATION OF NOTABLE SYMBOLS - The gaming device and method disclosed herein produces an indication of an appearance of a notable or designated symbol in a symbol display region while at least one reel is spinning. The indication continues while the notable symbol appears in the symbol display region and while the at least one reel is spinning Different indications are produced for the different notable symbols when appearing in the symbol display region while the at least one reel is spinning. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150356813 | METHOD AND SYSTEM INCLUDING ENHANCED SYMBOL UPGRADE FEATURE - Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided that include an enhanced symbol upgrade feature. In an embodiment, if a triggering event occurs in association with the play of the game, such as a slot game, where the triggering event includes a first special symbol of the plurality of special symbols stopping on a payline at a first symbol position on a first reel of the first reel set, the first special symbol is superimposed at a symbol position on a second reel of the second reel set corresponding to the first symbol position on the first reel, and the second reel continues to rotate during the superimposition of the first special symbol thereover. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150356815 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A gaming apparatus comprises a movable symbol selector and a reference object. The symbol selector has a plurality of presentation portions. Each portion is associated with one or more symbols of a first set of symbols. The reference object comprises a plurality of parts over which the selector can be moved. Each part is associated with one or more symbols of a second set of symbols. When the symbol selector moves relative to the reference object at least one relationship is formed between at least one of the selector portions and at least one of the reference object parts. The at least one relationship is for use in determining a game outcome. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150356816 | GAMING MACHINE HAVING FREE GAME, WHEREIN THE NUMBER OF ADDING FREE GAME IS ADDED - The present invention provides a gaming machine employing a free game system which provides an enhanced game element. The gaming machine determines the number of adding free game based on a game number lottery table under the condition that a first symbol is rearranged in the symbol display unit in the free game, and adds a preset number of free game under the condition that a second symbol is rearranged in the symbol display unit in the free game. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150356822 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHODS OF PROVIDING AN AWARD TO A PLAYER - A system for providing an award to a player is described herein. The system includes a plurality of gaming devices and a controller coupled to each of the gaming devices. Each gaming device is configured to receive a wager from a player and responsively display a game. The controller is configured to receive a signal indicative of a wager being received by at least one of the gaming devices, determine a range of award numbers as a function of at least one previous wager, randomly select an award number from the range of award numbers, and responsively provide an award to the player being associated with the at least one gaming device as a function of the randomly selected award number. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150356833 | Wagering Game With Symbols Accrual Determining Bonus Award Upon Triggering Event - A gaming system includes a gaming cabinet, an electronic display device, one or more electronic input devices, and game-logic circuitry that initiates a casino wagering game in response to a wager input and that randomly selects a plurality of symbols arranged in an array. The array includes at least one trigger symbol and a plurality of non-trigger symbols, including first and second non-trigger symbols. In response to the trigger symbol being randomly selected, a bonus enhancement is determined based on an accrued number of the first non-trigger symbols within the array. An initial award is awarded based on an aggregated value of the second non-trigger symbols. A final award is awarded by enhancing the initial award with the bonus enhancement. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150363995 | GAMING DEVICE WITH SPECIAL SYMBOL - A gaming machine that provides a game in which an array of symbol positions are populated with game symbols from a set of game symbols, the set of game symbols including ordinary game symbols and at least one special symbol, the gaming machine being adapted to award an award if a winning combination of game symbols is displayed, the gaming machine including a user interface in communication with a game controller, wherein the game controller is adapted to enhance the characteristics of at least one of the ordinary game symbols to create at least one enhanced symbol based upon the relative location of the ordinary game symbol to a special symbol. | 12-17-2015 |
| 20150363998 | GAMING DEVICE WITH SHIFTING REPLACEMENT SYMBOLS - A video slot machine has M reels, each displaying N symbols when stopped. Above the display of the reels is a set of generally valuable replacement symbols that have been independently selected at random independent from the reel display. Each reel is associated with a particular replacement symbol in the set. If a special symbol is displayed on a reel, the replacement symbol associated with that reel substitutes for the special symbol when determining the award. Examples of the replacement symbols include wild symbols, bonus symbols, and multiplier symbols. After each game, the replacement symbols are shifted, and used replacement symbols are randomly replaced to vary the possibilities for each game. The player is incentivized to play longer due to the possibility of using valuable replacement symbols in the symbol array and the possibility of very high awards being granted by multiple special symbols being displayed. | 12-17-2015 |
| 20150363999 | Electronic Device for Playing a Reel-Based Game with Mini-Reels - The present invention is a device embodying a reel-based game. The reel-based game includes a plurality of reels and a plurality of mini-reels. The mini-reels replace one or more of the plurality of reels or may replace one or more symbol-bearing positions of the reels. The added feature of the plurality of mini-reels enables the possible attainment of a greater number of symbol combinations and winning outcomes by replacing standard paylines associated with the reel or reel position with sets of paylines that cover all mini-reel-based outcomes. | 12-17-2015 |
| 20150364000 | A WAGERING INTERFACE - A wagering interface is disclosed for a gaming apparatus, for applying a wager when playing a game. The wagering interface comprises a display screen for displaying at least a portion of the game being played and a slider which is repositionable along a slider path orientated to extend from a lower portion of the display to an upper portion of the display. The wager applied when playing the game is dependent on the position of the slider along the path which thus provides a gamer with a visual indication of the wager applied, and thus enables the gamer to better coordinate the application of the wager. | 12-17-2015 |
| 20150364001 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING WAGERING FOR ADDITIONAL SYMBOL FUNCTIONALITY AND PACKAGE BETTING - A gaming device which includes a plurality of different predefined wager packages. Each predefined wager package is associated with a wager amount or value and includes one or more of a plurality of different game play features. In operation, the gaming device enables players to wager an amount equal to one of the plurality of predefined wager packages available to the player. The game play features associated with the wagered on predefined wager package are activated for one or more plays of a game. | 12-17-2015 |
| 20150371487 | Method, Apparatus, and Program Product for Extending a Play in a Wagering Game - A method for extending a play in a reel-type wagering game includes first producing a game symbol array for a play in the wagering game. Any prizes indicated by the initial game symbol array are awarded. An evaluation is then be performed to determine if a triggering condition is associated with the initial game symbol array. Where the evaluation detects the triggering condition, at least one line of game symbols is shifted in a shifting direction by a selected number of symbol locations. This shift creates a new game symbol array for which additional prizes may be awarded. Then the evaluation for the triggering condition is conducted again for the new game symbol array and the process repeats. The process continues until no triggering condition is detected for a given symbol array or until some other condition terminates the play. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150371488 | GAMES WITH PERSISTENT EFFECTS IN PLAYER PICK ROUNDS - A slot machine game feature provides for several types of persistent indicias in a player selection round. One type of persistent indicia can result not only awards an initial credit value when picked, like a regular pick result, but also have a persistent effect in the bonus round which continues to award another randomly-generated credit value in conjunction with each remaining or subsequent pick that the player makes in the bonus. Some versions include cumulative persistent effects, where multiple picks may uncover persistent prize features. Other persistent indicia cause other effects that persist through the player selection round. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150371489 | Gaming System with Cascading Symbol Feature - A gaming system comprising an input device for receiving a wager to play a wagering game. The gaming system also includes a display for displaying an array of symbols that indicate a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. In response to the randomly selected outcome including a winning symbol combination, at least one symbol that is not a part of the winning symbol combination is removed from the array and causes other symbols to move into a position of the array vacated by the at least one removed symbol. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150371491 | GAMING MACHINE - When a trigger condition is established in a normal game, the following processes are executed: a process of shifting to a bonus game in which a re-trigger condition which is less stringent than the trigger condition may be established; and when the re-trigger condition is established in the bonus game, a process of adding another bonus game having a smaller benefit than the bonus game and executing the another bonus game. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150371492 | Electronic Gaming Machine and Gaming Method - An electronic gaming machine includes an electronic game controller and a display where game symbols are arranged in an array of predetermined game positions. The appearance of at least one special symbol in a first play of a game causes the electronic game controller to increase the value of a prize awarded for a predetermined winning combination, the increase being associated with a numerical value associated with the special symbol. Also, the numerical value associated with the special symbol sequentially increases for one or more subsequent plays of the game. A gaming method is also provided. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150371497 | Slot Machine with Variable Suspense Factor - A slot machine which can be adjusted to alter the suspense level without changing the mathematics of the gameplay. By evaluating the final outcome before the reels stop spinning, the order in which the reels stop may be adjusted to either increase or decrease the level of suspense for the player, when compared with the standard left-to-right order. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150379804 | SLOT GAMES WITH CONNECTED PAYGROUPS ACTING ON SYMBOLS IN A SYMBOL ARRAY - A slot machine game includes connected paygroups in a symbol array that causes prizes to be awarded, as an alternative or supplement to traditional paylines. The connected paygroups are defined in a reel spin result by counting symbols of a designated type that are contiguous horizontally or vertically. Preferably the designated type is matching symbols. The connected paygroups may be enhanced by wild symbols increasing their size or linking two or more groups to form a larger single group of contiguous symbols. To receive an award, groups must meet a minimum designated size. Players can wager on different sets of connected paygroup sizes like traditional games allow wagering for numbers of paylines. Bonus rounds are provided with special features that enhance connected paygroup sizes. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150379805 | METHOD, APPARATUS, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR PROVIDING ALTERNATIVE WIN OPPORTUNITIES WITH WILD SYMBOLS IN A WAGERING GAME - A reel-type wagering game includes at least one wild symbol in the game symbol set. The wild symbol or symbols may appear at multiple game symbol locations across an array of game symbol locations through which results are shown for a play in the game, and may assist in forming winning combinations of game symbols along pay lines. Wild symbols that appear in the array of game symbols for a play of the game, but do not contribute to any winning combination along a pay line, represent noncontributing wild symbols which may provide an alternate winning result for the given play of the wagering game. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150379806 | SLOT MACHINE GAMES WITH GROUPS OF SYMBOLS ROTATED TOGETHER - A slot machine game provides a bonus feature wherein, after the base-game reels have stopped to populate the symbol array, a rectangular region or group of symbols within in the symbol array is selected, and this region is rotated to produce a modified symbol array which is then evaluated for wins. This is preferably done after spins that do not win a prize, in order to improve the payout and excitement of the game. The group rotation can be made available in base or bonus games, and can be used with game logic that searches for a suitable group to rotate by evaluating the prize that will result and choosing a group above a designated threshold. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150379807 | GAMES WITH SPECIAL REGIONS ACTING ON SYMBOLS IN A SYMBOL ARRAY - A slot machine game provides a special region that appears before reels stop spinning, and is defined independently of the symbols within it. The region is activated and placed into randomized game results, using foreknowledge of the spin result while the reels are shown to the player to still be spinning. The region acts upon the symbols that stop inside it in various ways. Awards may be provided that are independent of any other awards in the game result. Eligible symbols may be enhanced in various ways such as being made wild. Other awards may be based on how many of a certain type of symbol land in the special regions. The regions may appear in base or bonus games and may persist between spins. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150379808 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD OF PROVIDING GAMES HAVING PLAYER PROVIDED GAME ELEMENTS - Systems and methods for providing games, such as wagering games, that include game features, such as symbols, that may be temporarily replaced or modified by player provided elements, if desired, wherein the player provided elements may function in the same manner as the symbols in one or more rounds of the game. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150379809 | ELECTRONIC GAMING MACHINE AND GAMING METHOD - An electronic gaming machine comprises a display for displaying game symbols for playing a first game of chance, and an electronic game controller for controlling the display of the game symbols on the display. In response to a trigger event in the first game, a second game of chance is displayed, where the appearance of one or more special symbols causes the award of one or more tokens associated with one or more token values. At the end of the second game, an accumulated token value is determined and if it is equal to a predetermined number, a plurality of third games of chance is displayed and is selectable by the player. The third games displayed depend on the accumulated token value. A gaming method is also provided. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150379810 | WAGERING GAMING DEVICE HAVING SIMULATED CONTROL OF MOVEMENT OF GAME FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS - A wagering gaming device that enables a player to affect the movement of a functional element of a game by use of a user input device. More specifically, the present invention provides a processor controlled wagering gaming device that receives input from a user input device. The user manipulates the input device in the manner in which he wishes the functional element or to move. The processor receives the information from the input device and calculates parameters. The processor moves the functional element. This sequence or feature may be employed in a primary game, bonus game or in any stand alone game. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150379828 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH DYNAMIC STACKING FUNCTIONALITY - Examples disclosed herein relate to a gaming device, a gaming system, and/or a method that may: determine a first stacking symbol area for a first spin where the first stacking symbol area is located in a first reel position range; determining a second stacking symbol area for a second spin where the second stacking symbol area is located in a second reel position range; initiate at least one of: 1) determining that there are no overlapping reel positions between the first stacking symbol area and 2) determining that there is at least one overlapping reel position between the first stacking symbol area and the second stacking symbol area the second stacking symbol area and modifying the second stacking symbol area based on the at least one overlapping reel position between the first stacking symbol area and the second stacking symbol area to eliminate the at least one overlapping reel position between the first stacking symbol area and the second stacking symbol area; and/or generating one or more first spin payouts for the first spin and to generate one or more second spin payouts for the second spin. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150379829 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH DYNAMIC STACKING FUNCTIONALITY - Examples disclosed herein relate to a gaming device, a gaming system, and/or a method that may: determine one or more wagers relating to one or more game plays; determine a first reel from a plurality of first reels, a second reel from a plurality of second reels, and an Nth reel from a plurality of Nth reels for utilization during a first spin where a selected first reel includes a first stacking symbol area for the first spin where the first stacking symbol area is located in a first reel position range, the first stacking symbol area being a first length with a first starting position and a first ending position, the first stacking symbol area utilizes a first stacking symbol for each symbol position starting with the first starting position and ending in the first ending position on the first reel for the first spin. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150379830 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH DYNAMIC STACKING FUNCTIONALITY - Examples disclosed herein relate to a gaming device, a gaming system, and/or a method that may: determine one or more wagers relating to one or more game plays; determine a base reel and an extended reel for utilization during a first spin; determine a base reel and an extend reel for utilization during a second spin; determine any non-compliant overlap reel positions between a first spin and a second spin; and correct any non-compliant overlap reel positions. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150379831 | ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE WITH DYNAMIC STACKING FUNCTIONALITY - Examples disclosed herein relate to a gaming device, a gaming system, and/or a method that may: determine one or more wagers relating to one or more game plays; determine one or more stacking areas to turn on to utilize during a first spin; determine one or more stacking areas to turn on to utilize during a second spin; determine any non-compliant overlap reel positions between a first spin and a second spin; and correct any non-compliant overlap reel positions. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150379832 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING PLAY OF LOCAL FIRST GAME AND REMOTE SECOND GAME - A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming devices. Upon the central server determining that a game transfer event has occurred, the central server selects a game played by a first player at a first gaming device to be displayed to a second player at a second, gaming device in the gaming system. The first player at the first gaming device and the second player at the second gaming device are provided any awards for the outcomes generated in association with the game currently played by the first player at the first gaming device. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20160004370 | GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine includes a motherboard unit having a substrate on which a semiconductor device is mounted, the semiconductor device being a single package sealing therein a main processor having a CPU function for executing a game processing and sub processor capable of executing video processing, wherein the motherboard unit is connected to a power supply unit, the main processor and the sub processor are connected to each other via a bus of a certain communication protocol, and the main processor, at a time of powering on by the power supply unit, preferentially activates the sub processor as a GPU for executing graphics processing which is a part of the game processing, before a connection destination of a bus of a communication protocol other than the certain communication protocol. | 01-07-2016 |
| 20160005264 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING SLOT MACHINE GAME - Provided is a method and apparatus for providing a slot machine game. A game providing method executed by a game providing apparatus, the method including: setting, by an appearance probability setter, appearance probabilities of symbols for each reel in a virtual reel strip, the virtual reel strip including a plurality of reels, each of the plurality of reels including a plurality of slots, respectively; generating, by a reel strip generator, the virtual reel strip by allocating symbols determined based on the set appearance probabilities, the symbols for each reel being arranged randomly to correspond to slots included in the respective reel; and providing the generated virtual reel strip to be displayed at a display, the generated virtual reel strip being configured to spin and stop each reel in response to a spin request signal. The virtual reel strip is regenerated for each user. | 01-07-2016 |
| 20160005266 | GAMING MACHINE WITH LOCKING FUNCTION - A gaming machine includes: a casing top having an upper door device capable of being opened/closed; a casing bottom having a lower door device capable of being opened/closed; an upper door lock mechanism capable of locking the upper door device; and an lower door lock mechanism capable of locking the lower door device, wherein the upper door lock mechanism is provided inside the casing bottom. | 01-07-2016 |
| 20160012666 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING PLAYER SELECTION OF MODIFIERS TO GAME COMPONENTS | 01-14-2016 |
| 20160012667 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING PLAYER SELECTION OF MODIFIERS TO GAME COMPONENTS | 01-14-2016 |
| 20160019748 | 3-D REELS AND 3-D WHEELS IN A GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine is configured to receive a request for a location of at least one player of at least one gaming device, determine the location of the at least one player; and present on a display of the gaming machine, location information including the determined location of the at least one player. Where the gaming machine is located within a casino, the gaming machine may further be configured to present, on the display, a 3D virtual gaming environment which is a model of the casino. | 01-21-2016 |
| 20160027238 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD HAVING MATCHING SYMBOL STACKS AND ADDITIONAL AWARD OPPORTUNITIES - A gaming system which employs a plurality of randomly generated stacks of symbols, wherein a stack of symbols includes a plurality of related symbols positioned adjacent to each other. If a symbol stack modification event occurs, the gaming system modifies a plurality of such symbols not included in any stack of symbols into a stack of symbols. The gaming system then evaluates the displayed symbols (including this newly formed stack of symbols) for any additional awards to provide to the player. | 01-28-2016 |
| 20160027241 | WAGERING GAME WITH ALTERED PROBABILITIES BASED ON REEL STRIP CONFIGURATIONS - A casino wagering game machine includes an electronic display device, electronic input device(s), and controller(s). The controller(s) detect, via at least one of the electronic input device(s), a physical item associated with a monetary value that establishes a credit balance. The controller(s) initiate the casino wagering game responsive to an input indicative of a wager covered by the credit balance and randomly select two or more adjacent reels of a plurality of reels to include one or more sets of adjacent identical symbols. The controller(s) spin and stop the reels with the adjacent identical symbols in each set represented as a single meta-symbol while the reels are spinning, award an award based on any winning outcomes displayed on the stopped reels, adding the award to the credit balance, and receive, via at least one of the electronic input device(s), a cashout input that initiates a payment from the credit balance. | 01-28-2016 |
| 20160027258 | Wagering Game With Dynamic Bonus Triggers - A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes input device(s), display device(s), processor(s), and memory device(s). The memory devices store instructions that, when executed, cause the gaming system to receive a wager to initiate each instance of the wagering game, randomly select a game outcome for each instance of the wagering game, display the randomly selected game outcome for each instance, and initiate a special event in response to an occurrence of a triggering event during an instance of the wagering game. At least two of the randomly selected outcomes include a first special symbol that has a dynamic secondary element. The dynamic secondary element represents a first enhancement in a first instance and a second enhancement in a second instance of the wagering game. The triggering event and special event are associated with at least one special symbol. The special event is modified by the dynamic secondary element. | 01-28-2016 |
| 20160042591 | GAMING MACHINE TOP DISPLAY - A bonus display and gaming machine with a bonus display are disclosed. The bonus display includes a square video display arranged in a diamond pattern to display content such as a bonus wheel. Back illuminated inner and outer rings are mounted to cover at least portions of the video display and are back illuminated by, for example, light emitting diodes. To accommodate one or more pointers displayed on the video display the inner ring includes a cut-out to reveal each video pointer. | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160042592 | GAMING MACHINE EXECUTING GAME CAPABLE OF AWARDING SPECIAL BONUS AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING GAMING MACHINE - A slot machine | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160042594 | Method and System for Providing a Feature Game - A gaming machine comprises a reel strip comprising a plurality of trigger symbols, stack symbols, wild symbols and standard symbols, a symbol selector for selecting a plurality of symbols from the reel strip to be displayed on a display during play of a base game, wherein in the base game, said wild symbols substitute for only stack symbols and standard symbols, an outcome evaluator for monitoring play of the game, wherein when a predefined number of trigger symbols is selected for display, a plurality of feature games are triggered, and an interface for receiving a selection of one of the plurality of triggered feature games to play. In response to said selection and before initiating play of the selected feature game, the symbol selector selects a first of the plurality of standard symbols in the reel strip to be stacked such that a plurality of the selected first standard symbols are arranged adjacent each other on the reel strip, and b) a first of the plurality of stack symbols in the reel strip, the plurality of selected first standard symbols being transformed into the selected first stack symbol. | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160042608 | Gaming Machine - A gaming machine achieves a new entertainment characteristic by adding a new characteristic to selection of a bonus type. A gaming machine comprises: a lower image display panel configured to display selectable images in a bonus game which is triggered in a normal game, wherein the selectable images are changed to any one of bonus rank images corresponding to bonus types every time selection is made; a control panel enabling selection of one of the selectable images; and a controller configured to control the display panel so that only the number of the bonus rank images corresponding to the bonus determined in advance in the bonus game reaches a predetermined number, wherein the controller displays a bonus rank image corresponding to a high rank bonus type out of bonus types, before the number of the bonus rank images corresponding to the bonus determined in advance reaches the predetermined number. | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160042609 | GAMING MACHINE EXECUTING NORMAL GAME AND FEATURE GAME SHIFTED FROM NORMAL GAME, AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine in which an overall payout rate can be adjusted to be consistent even if a fixed jackpot value which is awarded when a predetermined condition is established is changed is provided. In a slot machine | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160042614 | GAMING MACHINE - Probability of prize occurrence is easily controlled without provision of a blank between symbols on a reel. A gaming machine comprises: a lower image display panel configured to variably display a plurality of symbol arrays with a plurality of symbols including normal symbols and specific symbols more advantageous than the normal symbols, and then display a game result by rearranging the symbols in a symbol display region containing a matrix of cells; bet buttons capable of receiving a bet; and a controller configured to run a normal game which rearranges symbols on the symbol display device on condition that a bet is placed, the controller is configured to modify the symbols arrayed in the plurality of symbol arrays, so that the ratios of the specific symbols to the total number of the symbols in all the symbol arrays increases with an increase in the bet amount. | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160049037 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A FEATURE GAME - A gaming machine configured to provide a play of a game, the gaming machine comprising a symbol selector for selecting a) a plurality of backgrounds from a set of backgrounds for display at respective ones of a plurality of display positions, the set of backgrounds including winning backgrounds and non-winning backgrounds, and b) a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display at respective ones of said plurality of display positions, the selected symbols being displayed at each display position overlaid upon a selected background. The gaming machine also comprises an outcome evaluator for determining when a trigger event occurs, said trigger event being defined when at least two winning backgrounds of said plurality of backgrounds are selected for display adjacent to each other. The plurality of symbols and said plurality of backgrounds are selected independently of each other and wherein the set of backgrounds is such that at least one outcome of the game includes a display position at which a symbol is overlaid upon a non-winning background. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160049039 | Electronic Skill Game - An electronic skill game system and method are provided. The electronic skill game system may include an electronic skill game; a display; one or more user inputs; and one or more computer processors associated with the electronic skill game, display, and the one or more user inputs. The one or more computer processors are preferably programmed to perform operations including generating an electronic skill game board screen on the display including at least one pattern of icons and a set of alternate icons displayed on the electronic skill game board screen; receiving and processing one or more user inputs, wherein the one or more user inputs comprise a user selecting one of the alternate icons to replace a designated icon of the pattern of icons; and outputting an outcome based on the user's selection. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160049042 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING A BLENDED SYMBOL BASED ON DATA DISPLAYED IN A USER INTERFACE OF A GAME - In accordance with some embodiments, a game or gaming system provides a game which includes a plurality of regular symbols being placed in symbol positions (e.g., on reels of a reel-type slot machine game) and identifying that a first regular symbol of the plurality of regular symbols is to be designated as a first blended symbol in determining a result of a game event, wherein a blended symbol comprises a symbol which functions as (e.g., is substitutable for) at least two regular symbols of the game in determining results for game events of the game, the at least two regular symbols which the blended symbol functions as being determined based on the plurality of regular symbols determined for the game event in which the blended symbol is to be applied. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160049050 | ALLOCATION OF VARIABLE AWARD IN GAMING DEVICES - Embodiments of the present invention set forth systems, apparatuses and methods for allocating variable awards in gaming devices. Accordingly, a gaming device can be configured to provide a variable award that is allocated over a variety of selectable play options. Each of the selectable play options has distinguishing play characteristics that provide different game play while maintaining a substantially similar expected outcome value to the other selectable play options. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160055703 | ELECTRONIC GAMING AND/OR ENTERTAINMENT DEVICE - A gaming and/or entertainment device, in the form of a coin or token-operated slot machine and/or gambling device, having a plurality of separate display units for displaying game information. At least one of the display units is provided with a touch panel for inputting control commands by touch. The touch panel is of continuous design over, in each case, at least part of at least two different display units, at least one display unit of which has a concave display surface. As a result of the touch panel extending over the boundary region or the intermediate space between two display units, it is possible, despite the use of a plurality of display units, to obtain a continuously closed-off device front. The design of the corresponding device wall is simplified and the protection against penetration into the housing at gap areas is increased. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160055704 | GAMING MACHINE - The gaming machine includes a display device for displaying a game result by rearranging a plurality of symbols and a memory holding a color determination table for determining colors for symbol areas and a winning pattern identification table for identifying a winning pattern based on the colors of the symbol areas, and performs the processing of (1-1) determining colors for symbol areas of a specific kind of symbols in the plurality of symbols by lottery processing with reference to the color determination table held in the memory; (1-2) setting the colors determined in the processing of (1-1) for the symbol areas of the specific kind of symbols; and (1-3) identifying a winning pattern with reference to the winning pattern identification table based on the specific kind of symbols in the colors set in the processing of (1-2). | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160055705 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING A GAME INCORPORATING BLOCKS OF SYMBOLS - In accordance with some embodiments, a game mechanic for an electronic game (e.g., a reel-based slot machine type game) which includes a cascade feature provides for a block of symbol(s) to be moved into and out of a game interface. The block of symbol(s) is moved or manipulated as a single unit and may be stepped into and/or out of the game interface over a course of a plurality of game events (e.g., cascades or spins of the game). The block of symbol(s) may, in some embodiments, comprise at least one symbol which spans a plurality of symbol positions of a symbol matrix when the entirety of it is placed into the symbol matrix. In some embodiments, the block of symbol(s) may function as at least one wild symbol. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160055707 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND GAMING METHOD FOR SHIFTING SYMBOLS FROM A STAGING AREA TO A SYMBOL MATRIX - A gaming device displays a symbol matrix including a plurality of symbol positions and at least two symbol staging areas, each symbol staging area including at least one supplemental symbol potentially shiftable into the symbol matrix. The gaming device displays a symbol staging area indicator. For a play of a game, the gaming device generates a symbol in each symbol position of the symbol matrix. Upon an occurrence of a triggering condition, the gaming device indicates one of the symbol staging areas using the symbol staging area indicator and removes at least one symbol from at least one symbol position of the symbol matrix. The gaming device re-populates the empty symbol positions by shifting any appropriate symbols of the symbol matrix any appropriate empty symbol positions, and thereafter shifting at least one supplemental symbol from the indicated symbol staging area into at least one remaining empty symbol position. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160055714 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING MULTIPLE GAMING MACHINES WHICH PROVIDE BONUS AWARDS - A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines and a plurality of bonus awards. The central server monitors wagers on the gaming machines. Based at least in part on the wagers the central server determines when bonus events will occur and which gaming machine(s) will provide the bonus awards. In one embodiment, the central server determines which gaming machine will provide a primary bonus award and any secondary bonus awards. In one embodiment, the number of secondary bonus awards is determined based on the number of active gaming machines. The selected gaming machine then determines a component of or the amount of the bonus award to be provided to the gaming machine selected by the central server. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160063801 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ALLOWING A PLAYER TO PLAY GAMING MACHINES HAVING DUAL SYMBOL GAME FUNCTIONALITY - The game machine comprising a display and a controller is provided. The display is configured to display a plurality of symbol cells displayed in a grid. The grid defines a plurality of columns, each with an associated reel, an associated reel strip, a plurality of symbol positions, and each symbol position populated by a game symbol. The controller is configured to initiate a game and detect a trigger condition. In response the trigger condition the control then establishes a number of symbols in a set of symbols, selects a set of symbols based on the established number of symbols, with the set of symbols including a plurality of game symbols, and replaces each of the symbols in a plurality of symbol positions on at least one of the reel strips with the selected set of symbols. The controller then establishes a predetermined combination of symbols within the grid. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160063802 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ALLOWING A PLAYER TO PLAY GAMING MACHINES HAVING DYNAMIC POSITION FUNCTIONALITY - The game machine comprising a display device and a controller is provided. The display device is configured to display a game. The controller is configured to display a plurality of reels, the reels reach displaying a plurality of symbols. Each reel includes at least one activation zone with each activation zone have at least one symbol. The controller is configured to determine the number of symbols within the activation zone, randomly determine an outcome of the game, and display the outcome of the game including the activation zone. The activation zone includes a determined number of symbols. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160063803 | GAMING MACHINE EXECUTING FREE GAME SHIFTED FROM NORMAL GAME AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING GAMING MACHINE - A slot machine | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160063804 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A GAME WITH DYNAMIC SYMBOL STACKING - A gaming machine that includes a game of chance operable upon a wager by a player, a display, and a plurality of reels associated with the game of chance, wherein each of the plurality of reels include a defined plurality of positions to generate a symbol on the display. The gaming machine further including a processor programmed to provide the game of chance on the gaming machine, determine that at least two symbols generated on one of the plurality of reels are a designated symbol, and based on the determining, lock a position of the one of the plurality of reels for at least one additional generation of symbols on the other of the plurality of reels. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160063805 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD HAVING A PARTIAL SELECTABLE SYMBOL MATRIX - A gaming device including a plurality of symbol generators adapted to generate a plurality of symbols at a plurality of symbol positions. In one embodiment, a player selects a first symbol position, the selected symbol position is activated and the gaming device reveals whether a terminator is associated with the selected symbol position. In this embodiment, the player continues selecting symbol positions (and the gaming device continues activating the selected symbol positions) until a terminator is revealed to be associated with a selected symbol position. After a terminator is revealed, the gaming device randomly generating a symbol at each of the activated symbol positions. The gaming device determines an outcome based on the symbols or combinations of symbols generated at the activated symbol positions and provides the player the determined outcome. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160071357 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A BONUS EVENT TRIGGERED BY A CONTINUOUS COMMUNAL GAME - A communal game is displayed by a gaming system. A plurality of gaming devices each enable a player to wager on plays of a primary game and determine an eligibility status. The communal game repeatedly generates at least one communal game symbol from a plurality of communal game symbols regardless of whether any player is wagering on plays of a primary game. The communal game triggers a bonus event based on the generated symbols. Any eligible gaming devices may participate in the bonus event. For each eligible gaming device, the gaming system applies at least one symbol or gaming element from the communal game to the primary game of the eligible gaming device. Each eligible gaming device provides an award based on any winning symbol combinations generated by application of the communal game symbol or gaming element. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160071358 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING WAGER DEPENDENT BONUS GAME PLAY - In one embodiment of the present invention, the player must wager a number of paylines to qualify for one of a plurality of bonus games. The highest required number of paylines qualifies the player to play the main or most elaborate bonus game. The main or first bonus game preferably has the highest average payout per credit wagered. This provides an incentive to the player to play the highest required number of paylines. In an embodiment, any number of paylines less than the highest required number or max lines qualifies the player to play a second bonus game. The second bonus game has an average payout per credit wagered that is slightly less than the main bonus game. This allows the incentive or disparity between payouts to be set by the game designer so that the player not wagering max lines or the highest required number is not overly disadvantaged. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160071359 | GAMING SYSTEM WITH PRIVACY FEATURES - A wagering game system includes a peripheral device with a peripheral device display and at least one processor configured to execute at least one application to display information on the peripheral device display. The system also includes a wagering game terminal with a terminal display configured to display a wagering game and a player-accessible interface configured to allow a player to communicatively couple the peripheral device to the wagering game terminal. The at least one application includes a wagering game application relating to the wagering game displayed on the terminal display of the wagering game terminal, and the at least one processor of the peripheral device executes the wagering application to display, on the peripheral device display, wagering game information relating to the wagering game. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160071365 | VARIABLE OPACITY REEL IN AN INTERACTIVE GAME - A gambling hybrid game that provides a reel game having a display with changeable opacity is disclosed. The gambling hybrid game includes an entertainment system engine that provides an entertainment game to a user, a real world engine that provides reel games to the user, and a game world engine that monitors the entertainment game and provides the reel game when appropriate. The real world engine provides the reel game including generating a display of the reel game. During provision of the gambling game, the real world engine determines the state of the game and changes the opacity of the display based upon the state of the game. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160071374 | GAMING MACHINE AWARDING PLURAL TYPES OF PROGRESSIVE PAYOUTS WHICH ARE DIFFERENT IN PAYOUT AMOUNTS AND IN EACH OF WHICH PART OF BET AMOUNT IS ACCUMULATED EACH TIME UNIT GAME IS EXECUTED - A gaming machine, which is configured to award, as a prize, one of plural types of progressive payouts which are different from one another in payout amount and are formed by accumulating a part of a bet amount each time a unit game is executed, includes a display device and a controller. The controller executes the processes of: (A) executing a normal game in which the symbols are rearranged on the display device and a prize is awarded in accordance with a combination of the rearranged symbols; (B) randomly selecting one of the plural types of progressive payouts; and (C) after the number of the specific symbol stored in association with the progressive payout selected in the process (B) is displayed stepwise on the display device, executing the selected progressive payout. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160078712 | GAMING MACHINE HAVING A BASE GAME MODE AND A FEATURE GAME MODE - Provided is a gaming machine which is capable of continuously providing a player with a feeling of expectation in a feature game mode. The gaming machine includes: a display for displaying a game in a base game mode and for displaying a unit game in a feature game mode being different from the base game mode; and a controller for determining a payout in the unit game in the feature game mode, (A-1-1) displaying order in which a plurality of unit games in the feature game mode are displayed is determined, and (A-1-2) the displaying order is rearranged. | 03-17-2016 |
| 20160078713 | GAMING MACHINE AND METHODS OF PROVIDING GAMES TO PLAYERS HAVING PLAYER CHARACTERS AND ENEMY CHARACTERS - A gaming machine for providing a game to a player is described herein. The gaming machine displays a primary game including a plurality of reels, detects a triggering condition occurring with the primary game and responsively displays a secondary game. The secondary game includes a player character and an enemy character being displayed on an animated game field. The gaming machine randomly selects an enemy strength value associated with the enemy character, randomly selects a player strength value associated with the player character, and determines an outcome of the secondary game including whether the player character defeats the enemy character as a function of the player strength value and the enemy strength value. | 03-17-2016 |
| 20160078714 | GAMING MACHINE AND METHODS OF PROVIDING GAMES TO PLAYERS HAVING DICE WITH EXPANDABLE IMAGES - A gaming machine for providing a game to a player is described herein. The gaming machine displays a primary game including a plurality of reels, detects a triggering condition occurring with the primary game and responsively displays a secondary game. The secondary game includes a player character and an enemy character being displayed on an animated game field. The gaming machine displays a plurality of dice on the animated game field including a player die displayed with a player strength value and an enemy die displayed with an enemy strength value. The gaming machine displays an expandable image of the player strength value at a first size and increases the size of the expandable image to a larger second size over a predefined period of time. | 03-17-2016 |
| 20160086424 | PROBABILISTIC VENDING MACHINE, AND DRIVING APPARATUS AND METHOD THEREOF - A probabilistic vending machine includes: a rotary shaft state sensing unit sensing an operation state of a rotary shaft and outputting a signal of a corresponding state; a control unit connected with the rotary shaft state sensing unit; a gear control motor connected to the control unit; and a rotary shaft deceleration motor connected to the control unit. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160086425 | GAMING MACHINE, CONTROL METHOD FOR MACHINE, AND PROGRAM FOR GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine that provides an operation unit, a display unit that displays a plurality of symbols in a determination area, changes and stops a plurality of symbols displayed on the display unit according to an operation of a player received from an operation unit, and a control unit that pays a payout according to the symbol stopped inside of the determination area, a control unit displays an object that shows a symbol inside of a virtual three-dimensional space that extends a column of the determination area in a depth direction on the display unit, aligns a plurality of objects in a depth direction in a non-determination area and the determination area, and changes a plurality of symbols by moving the plurality of objects along in a depth direction. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160086426 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHODS OF ALLOWING A PLAYER TO PLAY A GAME HAVING PERSISTENT PLAYER POSITIONS - A gaming device for providing an award to a player is described herein. The gaming device displays a primary game including a plurality of reels and a plurality of symbols displayed with reels, generates an outcome of the primary game, and provides a primary award as a function of the outcome. The gaming device detects a triggering condition occurring with the primary game and responsively displays a secondary game including a game board having a plurality of paths and a plurality of position locations defined along each of the plurality of paths. The gaming device determines a current player position within the game board and responsively displays a player symbol at the current player position. The current player position is associated with one of the plurality of position locations and is indicative of a previous position location of the player symbol at a completion of a previous secondary game. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160086429 | GAMING MACHINE AND GAME CONTROL METHOD - There are provided highly entertaining games. A gaming machine includes: a lower image display panel configured to variably display a plurality of symbol arrays with a plurality of symbols including normal symbols and special symbols each of which regarded as any one of the normal symbols, and then display a game result by rearranging the symbols in a symbol display region containing a matrix of display blocks, and a game controller configured to run the game, and award, to a player, a payout according to the game result. Before the variable displaying is started, the game controller determines a plurality of symbols to be rearranged on the lower image display panel, and when the special symbol included in the symbols determined satisfy a predetermined condition, executes a process of determining whether to perform the predetermined indication effect. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160086433 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A SLOT GAME HAVING A SURROUNDED SYMBOL AWARD EVALUATION - Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gaming system and method providing a slot game having a surrounded symbol award evaluation. Generally, in various embodiments, for a play of the slot game having the surrounded symbol award evaluation the gaming system: (a) displays a plurality of symbols at a plurality of symbol display areas; (b) determines whether any displayed non-enclosing symbols are surrounded by a plurality of displayed enclosing symbols; and (c) if so, determines any awards based on the surrounded non-enclosing symbol(s). Thus, instead of (or in addition to) using a payline evaluation, a ways-to-win evaluation, a scatter pay evaluation, or any other evaluation of the displayed symbols to determine whether to provide any awards, the gaming system of the present disclosure does so by determining whether a particular type of symbol (such as an enclosing symbol) surrounds another type of symbol (such as a non-enclosing symbol). | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160086434 | Gaming Device with a Secure Interface - A system for an electronic gambling device output has been developed. The system includes, a first computing device with slot machine game logic circuitry that generates an output signal that is content tested and approved by a gaming regulatory authority for output by the slot machine. It also includes a second computing device that is external to the slot machine. This device controls the tested output content and output content that has not been tested by the gaming regulatory authority. The untested output content replaces or supplements the tested output content. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160092156 | GAMING MACHINE, GAMING MACHINE CONTROL METHOD, AND GAMING MACHINE PROGRAM - A gaming machine for providing a game to a player is described herein. The gaming machine includes a housing, a sound reproduction system coupled to the housing, a display device, and a gaming controller. The sound reproduction system is configured to generate sound features associated with the game and to emit 3D sound effects within a listening space associated with the gaming machine. The gaming controller randomly determines an outcome of the game and display the outcome on the display device, detects a triggering condition occurring in the outcome of the game, and determines a game feature in response to detecting the triggering condition and causes the sound reproduction system to generate a sound feature including a 3D sound effect traveling along a sound path orientated with respect to a listening reference point defined within the listening space to facilitate simulating a game element moving within the listening space. | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160093134 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A GAME WITH WARPING SYMBOLS - A gaming machine identifies a first pattern within a first play area including a plurality of first positions arranged in a plurality of first columns, determines whether the first pattern satisfies a predetermined first threshold based on a first position and a first symbol, identifies a second position associated with the first symbol in a second play area including a plurality of second positions arranged in a plurality of second columns, and associates the second position with a second symbol. Each first position is associated with a respective symbol of a plurality of symbols including the first symbol and the second symbol. The first pattern is associated with the first position. The first position is associated with the first symbol. Each second position is associated with a respective symbol of the plurality of symbols. | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160093139 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD EMPLOYING MULTIPLE SYMBOL GENERATORS UTILIZED FOR MULTIPLE CONCURRENTLY PLAYED GAMES - A gaming system including a plurality of concurrent or overlapping game plays. Each concurrent or overlapping game play is associated with or otherwise configured to activate one or more symbol generators, such as one or more wheels. Following a determination of which of the games to concurrently or overlappingly play, the gaming system activates each symbol generator associated with each concurrent or overlapping game play. | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160093140 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A GAME WITH UNFOLDING SYMBOLS - A gaming machine includes a plurality of reels associated with the game of chance. Each of the plurality of reels includes a plurality of reel positions to generate a symbol thereon. The gaming machine also includes a display including a defined plurality of positions to present a symbol thereon. The gaming machine also includes a processor programmed to generate a spin of the plurality of reels. The spin results in a play area including one or more symbols generated from each of the plurality of reels. The processor is also programmed to identify a first unfolding symbol in a first position on the play area, determine a second position on the play area adjacent to the first position, and display a second unfolding symbol in the second position on based at least in part on the determining, thereby unfolding the first unfolding symbol. | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160093141 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A GAME WITH SPLITTING SYMBOLS - A gaming machine for providing a game of chance operable upon a wager by a player includes a plurality of reels associated with the game of chance. Each of the plurality of reels includes a plurality of reel positions to generate a symbol thereon. The gaming machine also includes a display comprising a defined plurality of positions to present a symbol thereon for each of the plurality of reels. The gaming machine further includes a processor programmed to generate a spin of the plurality of reels, resulting in a play area. The processor is also programmed to identify a splitting symbol in a first position on the play area, thereby activating the splitting symbol. The processor is further programmed to determine a second position on the play area that includes a splitting symbol as a result of the spin, and to display an additional splitting symbol in the second position. | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160093142 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR A GAMING PEDESTAL ASSEMBLY - A gaming machine includes a base including a width having a first length dimension and a depth having a second length dimension and a columnar pedestal extending vertically from the base, the pedestal including a width having a third length dimension and a depth having a fourth length dimension, the first length dimension being greater than the third length dimension, the second length dimension being greater than the fourth length dimension. The gaming machine also includes a game cabinet including a gaming display including at least one of a single video display panel, a plurality of video display panels, and a combination of mechanical reels and one or more video display panels and a mating flange configured to releasably mount to a complementary pedestal flange positioned at an upper edge of the pedestal. The gaming machine further includes one or more mating plugs. | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160093143 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR A GAMING SYSTEM USER INTERFACE - A gaming machine includes a base, a columnar pedestal extending vertically from the base, and a button deck adjustably coupled to the pedestal. The button deck includes an upper surface including a transparent touchscreen element, a lower surface opposite the upper surface, and a button deck body extending therebetween. At least one of the lower surface and the body include one or more transparent display elements, the one or more transparent display elements are configured to generate images of gaming machine control actuators viewable on the upper surface. The transparent touchscreen element is configured to receive touches and gestures indicating control inputs. The gaming machine also includes a player tracking card reader positioned within the button deck and accessible through a slot in a front edge of the button deck, the player tracking card reader communicatively coupled to a player tracking display area of the gaming machine. | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160093144 | GAMING MACHINE THAT CHANGES COLOR OF SYMBOL IN REARRANGING SYMBOLS - Provided is a gaming machine that is capable of increasing the kind of winning patterns and the kind of payouts by substantially increasing the kind of symbols even though the gaming machine is equipped with real reels. The gaming machine increases the kind of symbols by (A-1-1) of determining a color selection tendency by lottery with reference to a color selection tendency determination table; (A-1-2) of determining one color determination table from a plurality of color determination tables in accordance with the color selection tendency determined in the (A-1-1); and (A-1-3) of determining a color for decorating a symbol or a background of the symbol by lottery with reference to the one color determination table determined in the (A-1-2). | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160093147 | Method of Gaming, a Gaming System and a Game Controller - An electronic method of gaming in a gaming system. The method comprises displaying, on a display, an evaluation area comprising a plurality of columns of symbol display positions divided between first and second gaming instances by a border such that symbol display positions on one side of the border are allocated to the first game instance and symbol display positions on the other side of the border are allocated to the second game instance; upon a border change condition being met, adjusting, using a game controller, the allocation of symbol positions between the first game instance and the second game instance so that the border between the first and second game instances changes; and determining, using the game controller, whether to make an award in respect of at least one of the first and second game instances based on symbols displayed at the symbol positions after the border changes. | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160093148 | Method of Gaming, a Gaming System and a Game Controller - An electronic method of gaming comprising, displaying a symbol evaluation area on a display of a gaming system, the symbol evaluation area comprising a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns of symbol display positions; generating a game outcome by selecting a plurality of symbols to populate the symbol display area, the symbols being selected from first symbols having a size corresponding to the size of the symbol display positions and one or more second symbols, wherein each second symbol is at least the size of two display positions, the selecting of the symbols including selecting a display position of the evaluation area at which each selected first symbol will be displayed, and selecting one or more symbol display positions of the evaluation area at which part of each selected second symbol will be displayed. | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160093149 | Gaming System and Method of Gaming - A gaming machine having at least a first and a second display located adjacent each other, and at least one speaker, a symbol selector selects symbols for positioning in respective ones of a plurality of first and second symbol positions, said first symbol positions being displayed in a gaming area of said first display; an outcome evaluator monitors said selection and determines when a trigger condition is satisfied; in response to said trigger condition being satisfied, triggers an event in which said controller selects: 1) one of a plurality of music tracks to be played through said speaker, each music track having at least one characteristic; and 2) a number of second symbol positions to be displayed on said second display; wherein the number of second symbol positions selected for display on said second display is determined at least in part by said at least one characteristic. | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160093153 | Method of Gaming, a Gaming System and a Game Controller - The present invention relates to gaming machines, systems and methods of gaming. | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160093157 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR INTERACTING WITH A PLAYER USING A GAMING MACHINE - A gaming system includes a frame, a gaming machine coupled to the frame, and an interactive device extending about at least a portion of a periphery of the frame. The gaming machine includes a presentation device configured to present a message associated with an interaction of a player with the gaming system. The interactive device is configured to detect the interaction of the player with the interactive device, and present feedback to the player based on the detection of the interaction of the player with the interactive device. | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160093170 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A MULTI-PLAYER BONUS GAME - One embodiment provides a gaming system having a plurality of gaming devices. Each of the gaming devices enables a player to make wagers on plays of a primary game. For each gaming device, for each occurrence of a designated accumulation outcome, the player of that gaming device accumulates one or more positions on a bonus game display matrix. When a bonus game trigger occurs, the triggering gaming device is identified. In the bonus game, a plurality of symbols are displayed in the plurality of positions of the bonus game display matrix. The player of the triggering gaming device is provided with any awards associated with any winning symbol combinations formed by the displayed symbols. Additionally, for each assigned position of the bonus game display matrix that displays a symbol which is part of a winning symbol combination, a participation award is provided to the player assigned to that position. | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160098889 | Gaming System, Method and Device for Generating Images Having a Parallax Effect Using Face Tracking - Gaming devices and methods are set forth which provide for face or body tracking to provide a three-dimensional effect to at least apportion of the content displayed. A first video display overlays at least a portion of a second video display. The first display is adapted to be controlled to be transparent or display vertical lenticular lines. The second display displays video content. In response to a command the first display assumes a lenticular configuration to cooperate with the display of video content on the second display to provide a three dimensional effect. | 04-07-2016 |
| 20160098890 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A SLOT GAME EMPLOYING A RANDOMLY SELECTED SET OF REELS - Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a slot game employing a set of randomly selected reels. In one embodiment, the gaming system is configured to operate a slot game associated with a plurality of adjacently arranged reels including a plurality of symbols. Each of a plurality of the reels is associated with one of a plurality of different features and an indicator representing that feature. The gaming system begins sequentially displaying the reels and any corresponding indicators. The gaming system selects a set of two or more of the reels and stops sequentially displaying the reels such that the selected reels are displayed. The gaming system generates and displays a plurality of the symbols on the selected reels, determines whether any winning symbol combinations are displayed, determines any awards associated with any displayed winning symbol combinations, and displays any determined awards. | 04-07-2016 |
| 20160104344 | Electronic Gaming Machine and Method - The present invention provides an electronic gaming machine comprising a display for displaying game symbols for playing a game of chance on a plurality of reels. An electronic game controller assigns a number of special symbols to one or more reel strips associated with the reels, the number of special symbols being variable and dependent on a first bet value selected by a player. The appearance of at least two special symbols causes the electronic game controller to activate a bonus game of chance comprising the award of at least one the bonus prize in response to a predetermined outcome of the bonus game of chance. A gaming method is also provided. | 04-14-2016 |
| 20160104345 | ELECTRONIC GAMING SYSTEM WITH PERSISTENT WILD REEL GAMES - Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The systems and methods may initiate one or more persistent expanding wild reel structures. The systems and methods may generate one or more persistent wilds. The systems and methods may hold for one or more subsequent spins the one or more persistent wilds in one or more locations based on one or more persistent wild counter numbers. The systems and methods may determine one or more payouts based on the additional gaming functionality. The systems and methods may display one or more presentations based on the additional gaming functionality. | 04-14-2016 |
| 20160104354 | SLOT MACHINE INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF VIDEO REEL STRIPS - Provided is a slot machine capable of reducing unfairness which may result between a player who has made an investment and a player who has not made an investment and allowing a player to proceed with a game by making an investment in expectation of a jackpot at ease. Each money amount which is constant is accumulated independently of a number of bets each time betting is conducted, and upon winning a jackpot, a money amount calculated by multiplying a money amount accumulated until then by a multiplying factor based on the number of bets is provided. | 04-14-2016 |
| 20160109995 | GAMING MACHINE - The application describes a gaming system including a gaming machine comprising a player registration module for receiving a registration request from a plurality of players, a wagering module to receive a wager from each of the plurality of players, a gaming module to randomly or pseudo randomly to select at least one of the players as a winner, and a display generating module for generating a display to be displayed to each of the players, the display including a spinning wheel with a number of slots, and a memory for storing player identifications, wagered amounts and selected winning player(s). In some examples, each slot on the spinning wheel includes a player identification, and the display generating module generates a display in which the spinning wheel spins and a first selection token moves into a slot displaying the player identification of the selected winning player(s). | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160110943 | SYSTEM, DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING AN INTERACTIVE GAMBLING GAME - Methods and systems in which a plurality of plays is offered on a plurality of games, wherein the math model of a first game differs from the math model of a second game and wherein the player may specify at least one of the first and second games to receive additional plays and/or additional wagering. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160110948 | CONTROLLING GAMING EVENT AUTOSTEREOSCOPIC DEPTH EFFECTS - A wagering game system and its operations include, for example, detecting, by at least one of one or more electronic processing units of the wagering game system, a first game condition in a wagering game presented via an autostereoscopic display device of the wagering game system. The wagering game includes game symbols used for presentation of wagering game outcomes for the wagering game. The operations can further include determining, based on the first game condition, a first significance level from a plurality of significance levels associated with a first of the game symbols. The operations can further include presenting, via the autostereoscopic display device, the first of the game symbols with a first autostereoscopic depth level that corresponds to the first significance level | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160110950 | INTEGRATING AUTOSTEREOSCOPIC WAGERING GAME ELEMENTS AND CONTROLS - A wagering game system and its operations include, for example, presenting, via an autostereoscopic three-dimensional display of the wagering game system, wagering game content with an autostereoscopic three-dimensional depth effect. The wagering game content is associated with an electronic wagering game. The operations can further include detecting, via a sensor of the wagering game system, a change in a position of a slider control associated with the wagering game system. The operations can further include changing, via at least one of one or more electronic processing units of the wagering game system, a degree of the autostereoscopic three-dimensional depth effect for at least a portion of the wagering game content according to a degree of the change in the position of the slider control. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160110958 | Electronic Gaming Machine And Gaming Method - The present invention provides an electronic gaming machine comprising a display for displaying a game, an electronic game controller and a value transfer mechanism. The electronic gaming machine offers a plurality of bonus prize sets, each bonus prize set comprising at least one progressive jackpot prize. Some of the bonus prize sets are available for selection by a player, depending on a designated player selection. Upon making the designated player selection, the available bonus prize sets become selectable by the player. The player selected bonus prize set becomes active for one or more subsequent plays of the game. One or more of the bonus prizes of the selected bonus prize set are awarded to the player upon the occurrence of a bonus prize trigger event in the subsequent plays. The player is able to change the selected bonus prize set in the subsequent plays. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160117882 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING AND REDEEMING PARTIAL WAGERING GAME OUTCOMES - Methods, computer readable media and systems related to wagering games, and in particular those that concern providing and redeeming partial game outcomes. One example method includes receiving a completion request from a player who is operating a gaming device to complete at least one partial game outcome. The partial game outcome was previously provided to the player, who used a first device that is different than the gaming device. This example method includes determining that the player is entitled to a complete game outcome, displaying the partial game outcome on the gaming device, determining the complete game outcome, and then displaying the complete game outcome. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160117891 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WAGERING BASED ON MULTIPLE FINANCIAL MARKET INDICATORS - A method for wagering, comprises receiving a bet regarding a spin of the reels of a slot machine. The method continues by determining a first symbol for a first reel of the slot machine based at least in part upon a first value and a second value. The first value is associated with a value of a digit of a first financial market indicator at a first point in time, and the second value is associated with the value of a digit of a second financial market indicator at the first point in time. The method continues by determining a second symbol for a second reel of the slot machine, and by determining a third symbol for a third reel of the slot machine. The method concludes by determining an outcome of the bet based at least in part upon the first symbol, the second symbol, and the third symbol. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160125688 | EXPANDING HALO REELS GAME - A method of operating a gaming device to play an expanding halo reels game may include the steps of: Displaying a plurality of reels, each of the reels comprising a plurality of symbols; receiving a wager; spinning the reels; stopping the reels; evaluating the stopped reels for a winning combination of symbols; activating a first halo when there is a winning combination of symbols, the first halo comprising a plurality of symbols that surround at least a portion of the reels; moving the first halo with respect to the reels; stopping the first halo; evaluating the stopped first halo and reels for a winning combination of symbols; and terminating game play when there is no winning combination of symbols. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160125689 | CONCENTRIC CIRCULAR REELS GAME - A method of operating a gaming device to play a concentric circular reels game may include the steps of: Displaying a plurality of concentric circular reels, each of the plurality of concentric circular reels comprising a plurality of reel symbols arranged so that each of the plurality of concentric circular reels appears to form at least a portion of a circle; receiving a wager; spinning the plurality of concentric circular reels; stopping at least two of the plurality of the concentric circular reels; evaluating the stopped concentric circular reels for a winning combination of reel symbols; determining whether a modifier is activated; terminating game play when there is no winning combination of reel symbols and no modifier is activated; evaluating the stopped concentric circular reels for a winning combination of reel symbols and at least one modifier when a modifier is activated; and terminating game play when there is no winning combination of reel symbols and at least one modifier. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160125690 | SINGLE OUTCOME GAME OF CHANCE WITH DIFFERING WAGERS VARYING AMOUNG MULTIPLE PAYTABLES - A method of playing a wagering game that comprises the player making multiple wagers to play a single-outcome game, the multiple wagers being made on multiple predetermined paytables for said game. One single-outcome game and at least two differing paytables for said game are offered to the player. The paytables may be for different game versions or for a single game version with differing risk levels. The payback percentage of each of the said differing paytables may vary according to the amount of the wager. The player makes one wager for each predetermined paytable to be utilized in the resolve of the wagers. Multiple same paytables, multiple differing paytables or combinations thereof may be wagered for the play of a single game having a single outcome. The said single outcome is then compared to each wagered predetermined paytable, and each wager is resolved according to that same wagered predetermined paytable. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160133087 | GAMING MACHINE WITH BONUS FEATURE - An electronic gaming machine, including systems and methods, for providing one or more bonus features which in some embodiments include the display of a bonus array over a symbol displayed in a cell of the underlying game array. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160133094 | Split Reel Gaming Machine And Method of Gaming Using Split Reels - Gaming machines and methods of presenting a game on a gaming machine include receiving a monetary value from the player at the gaming machine as credits usable at the gaming machine and presenting a plurality of slot reels on an electronic display, the plurality of slot reels each comprising a plurality of symbols. It is determined whether a split feature is triggered in the wagering game via a random number generator. When the split feature is triggered, one or more of the plurality of slot reels is split into two or more slot reels. An outcome of the symbols is randomized on the plurality of slot reels via the random number generator and the symbols on the slot reels are displayed to spin. The symbols are evaluated on the plurality of slot reels for winning outcomes; and monetary awards are provided to the player for the winning outcomes. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160133097 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ELECTRONIC GAMING - Methods and apparatuses for administering game play include displaying an electronic reel simulation including a multiple reel array for a wagering game on a display. A user input indicates a selected play option from a plurality of play options. All play options enable all displayed positions of the multiple reel array to be considered in winning outcomes. A game outcome is determined and presented as game symbols on the display. Winning combinations of the game symbols are determined, wherein each winning combination includes three or more matching game symbols appearing in the displayed positions on each of three or more adjacent reels and at least one of the three or more matching game symbols is not used in another winning combination. A payout is determined and multiplied by a multiple correlated to the selected play option when a substitute multiplier symbol appears as one of the game symbols. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160133098 | Gaming, System, Method and Device Including a Symbol Changing or Augmenting Feature - Gaming systems, devices and methods are set forth which provide for the selection and application of modifiers to game outcomes. The modifiers confer different functionalities to base game symbols or an augmenting functionality to alter or provide an outcome. Different sets of modifiers may be accessed randomly or under different conditions and event | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160133100 | SLOT MACHINE WITH SECONDARY GAME CONTENT - A gaming apparatus has:
| 05-12-2016 |
| 20160140794 | GAMING DEVICE WITH SYMBOLS SWAPPING POSITIONS - A video gaming machine has M reels, each displaying N symbols when stopped. After a spin of the virtual reels, an initial array of randomly selected symbols is displayed. A processor randomly highlights a symbol in the array that has the feature of swapping positions with any other displayed adjacent symbol. The player has the option to swap the selected symbol with any adjacent symbol by swiping it or touching a displayed arrow. An award is then based on any resulting winning combinations after the swap. The swapping feature may occur only if there are no winning symbol combinations after the spin or may occur for every game. Awards may be granted after the spin and after the swap, or awards may only be granted only after the swap. Therefore, there is an amount of player strategy in the direction of the swap or deciding not to swap at all. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160140796 | GAMING METHOD AND DEVICE INVOLVING PROGRESSIVE WAGERS - A method of gaming is disclosed wherein progressive award values may be increased in response to certain pre-established game outcomes, wager amounts or random events. The increased progressive award values may be based on a primary game or secondary game outcome. Another innovation is the resetting of progressive awards upon completion of a bonus event whether or not award actually won in said bonus event. Player tracking systems permit progressive award values to be linked to a particular player such that the progressive award values remain personal to the player. Re-setting increased progressive award values is also disclosed. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160140797 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD DISPLAYING ONE OR MORE ADDITIONAL SYMBOLS OF A GROUP OF DESIGNATED SYMBOLS WHEN LESS THAN ALL OF THE DESIGNATED SYMBOLS OF THE GROUP ARE DISPLAYED - In various embodiments, the gaming system is configured to operate a slot game including a plurality of reels, one of which includes a plurality of designated symbols adjacent to one another on the reel forming a group of designated symbols. For a play of the game, if at least a first quantity of the designated symbols of the group of designated symbols but less than a second greater quantity of the designated symbols of the group of designated symbols is displayed, the gaming system displays one or more other designated symbols of the group of designated symbols in addition to the displayed designated symbols of the group of designated symbols such that the second greater quantity of the designated symbols is displayed. The gaming system determines and provides any awards based on the displayed symbols including any displayed designated symbols of the second greater quantity of the designated symbols. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160140798 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING MULTIPLE SYMBOLS AT A SINGLE SYMBOL POSITION - A gaming device including a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols including at least one replicator symbol. The replicator symbol includes at least two of the same symbols in a single symbol position on the reels. The replicator symbol may include any suitable number of the same symbols. The replicator symbol thereby increases the likelihood that a player will obtain a winning symbol combination on the reels and also an award in a game. In one embodiment, a winning symbol combination includes at least one replicator symbol and at least one other symbol at a plurality of symbol positions on a payline associated with the reels. In another embodiment, the winning symbol combination at least one replicator symbol and at least one other symbol at a plurality of symbol position in at least one symbol position on a plurality of paylines associated with the reels. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160140800 | MULTIPLE GAME GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine comprises a display and a game controller arranged to control images of symbols displayed on the display. The game controller is arranged to play a game wherein at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the display and, if a predefined winning event occurs, a prize is awarded. A plurality of sub-games constitute the game displayed on the display. As an initial display, fewer than a full set of images of each of the sub-games are displayed to show a partial outcome of the game, the fewer than the full set of images being representative of a determination of an expected value for each of the sub-games. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160140809 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING SUBSEQUENT GAME SYMBOL BONUS - Embodiments of the present invention set forth systems, apparatuses and methods for bonusing symbols in subsequent games of gaming devices based on a current game outcome. Accordingly, a gaming device can be configured to initiate and display a first gaming event on a game display of the gaming device. If one or more symbols appear as part of a predefined criterion, such as being part of a winning symbol combination, the one or more symbols may be associated with a modifier, such as a multiplier, in one or more subsequent gaming events. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160148470 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING AWARDS - A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines is provided. The gaming system includes a plurality of progressive awards arranged in a hierarchy. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event or qualifying condition, a bonus game is started. A player can win a next higher progressive award by accumulating award values. If the player's total award value is greater than or equal to a trigger value for a progressive award, the player wins the progressive award. Unless a termination condition occurs, the bonus game continues. The total award value is set to the progressive award value. Alternatively, the progressive award value is added to the player's total award value. The trigger value for a progressive award can be the startup value for that progressive award. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20160155304 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING AN AWARD DISTRIBUTOR AND AN AWARD ACCUMULATOR BONUS GAME | 06-02-2016 |
| 20160163149 | ENHANCED GAMING MACHINE WITH THREE DIMENSIONAL GAME SPACE - An electronic gaming machine that includes a three-dimensional (3D) graphics processor to generate a 3D supplemental game space for a game. A game matrix is displayed at an original position, where the game matrix includes game symbols. A display controller uses the 3D graphics processor to generate a 3D movement animation on a display device for moving the game matrix on an axis to a new position to render visible a 3D supplemental game space on the display device. The display controller generates another 3D movement animation of supplemental game symbols moving through the 3D supplemental game space onto the game matrix. A physical interaction between the supplemental game symbols and the game symbols of the game matrix results in a winning game outcome. | 06-09-2016 |
| 20160163152 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRIZE IDENTIFICATION, SELECTION AND COMMUNICATION - Systems and methods are provided for receiving player selections of icons and using the player selections to populate a group of potential game outcomes. A display presents a player with groups of icons. The system receives player selections of icons and each player selected icon is assigned an award or prize value and assigned to one or more potential game outcomes. An outcome for the game may be determined from the potential game outcomes and the outcome for the game is visually presented to the player along with the assigned award or prize value and both may be provided to the player. | 06-09-2016 |
| 20160163155 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AWARDING PROGRESSIVE OR JACKPOT PRIZES - Gaming methods and apparatus are described for providing a plurality of progressive prizes for a gaming system. Separate progressive prizes are maintained for each of a plurality of different wager options for a game playable on the gaming system. The progressive prizes can be maintained so as to reduce the difference in contribution to the expected return to player between the wager options. | 06-09-2016 |
| 20160163156 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A BONUS BASED ON NUMBER OF GAMING MACHINES BEING ACTIVELY PLAYED - A gaming system includes a controller linked to a plurality of gaming devices. The central server tracks: (i) a quantity of gaming devices being actively played by players, or (ii) a quantity of players actively playing at the gaming devices. The controller determines the players' eligibility for different awards based on the tracked quantity. When the controller tracks a first quantity, the controller provides the active players with an opportunity to win a first award. When the central server tracks a second quantity, the central server provides the active players with an opportunity to win a second award. As the tracked quantity changes, the controller determines or modifies the number of awards available to the players actively playing at the gaming devices. | 06-09-2016 |
| 20160171814 | WAGERING GAMING APPARATUS WITH MULTI-PLAYER DISPLAY AND RELATED TECHNIQUES | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160171815 | 3D ENHANCED GAMING MACHINE WITH ROTATABLE 3D GAME SURFACE | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160171816 | ENHANCED GAMING MACHINE WITH INTERACTIVE THREE DIMENSIONAL GAME ENVIRONMENT | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160171818 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING ELECTRONIC GAMING | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160171819 | GAMING APPARATUS AND ASSOCIATED METHOD | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160171820 | Universal Game Monitoring Unit and System | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160171821 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING A PLURALITY OF INDIVIDUAL SYMBOLS AT A SINGLE SYMBOL DISPLAY POSITION | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160171840 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A CASCADING SYMBOL GAME WITH SYMBOL CLASS ELIMINATIONS | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160171841 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A CASCADING SYMBOL GAME WITH MULTIPLE SYMBOL DISPLAY POSITION ELEMENTS | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160180637 | Methods and Systems for Awarding a Jackpot | 06-23-2016 |
| 20160180638 | Slot Game with Additional Skill Element | 06-23-2016 |
| 20160180639 | GAMING MACHINE AND METHOD OF PLAY WITH SPLIT-FLAP REELS | 06-23-2016 |
| 20160180640 | GAMING MACHINE | 06-23-2016 |
| 20160180641 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR ENABLING A PLAYER TO SELECT VOLATILITY USING GAME SYMBOLS | 06-23-2016 |
| 20160180644 | GAMING SYSTEM WITH MOVABLE ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER | 06-23-2016 |
| 20160180656 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELECTIVE POWER AND SECURE COMMUNICATIONS VIA AN ELECTRONIC GAMING MACHINE INTERFACE | 06-23-2016 |
| 20160180657 | Method of Gaming, a Game Controller and a Gaming System | 06-23-2016 |
| 20160189470 | WHEEL-SPINNING WAGERING METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SEQUENTIAL OUTCOMES ON MULTIPLE WHEELS - An apparatus and method uses three sequential wheel random event generators and is configured to receive wagers that are resolved on a basis of selection of correct orders of wheels with same symbols on the sequence of wheel random event generators. | 06-30-2016 |
| 20160189471 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM AND A GAME CONTROLLER - The present invention relates to a gaming machine, methods of gaming and gaming systems. The gaming system comprises: a first video display; a second video display; and a game controller. The game controller is arranged to: select a plurality of symbols from a symbol set for display on the first video display and the second video display; and evaluate a symbol subset comprising one or more of the plurality of symbols to determine whether to make an award. The number of symbols of the symbol subset is higher than a number of symbols in the symbol subset evaluated by the game controller in a previous game instance. | 06-30-2016 |
| 20160189472 | GAMING MACHINE WITH RUNS OF SYMBOLS - A gaming machine comprising a processor to execute a game displaying a matrix of symbol containing elements having a plurality of rows and a plurality columns; at least one column comprising a portion of a simulated rotatable reel of a plurality of said symbol containing elements; said simulated rotatable reel comprising sections of symbol containing elements displaying a plurality of symbols; said simulated rotatable reel including at least one section in which a consecutive run of two or more of said elements is populated by a first identical symbol so that, said first identical symbol being used for a first play of said game, a second identical symbol being randomly selected, the first identical symbol being replaced by the second identical symbol in said consecutive run of two or more of said elements, said second identical symbol being used for a second play of said game. | 06-30-2016 |
| 20160189473 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING MULTIPLE CONCURRENT GAMES USING DYNAMIC FOCAL POINTS - The gaming system disclosed herein changes the focal point of a display device at different points in time to assist the player in focusing on different simultaneously or concurrently played games at different points in time. Specifically, the gaming system displays a plurality of simultaneously or concurrently played games on a display device. In response to a designated event occurring in association with a specific one of the plurality of simultaneously or concurrently played games, the gaming system changes the focal point of the display device to draw the player's focus or attention to that specific one of the simultaneously or concurrently played games. Put differently, the gaming system dynamically allocates and/or indicates different portions of a display device to different simultaneously or concurrently played games at different points in time to account for different events occurring in such simultaneously or concurrently played games. | 06-30-2016 |
| 20160196712 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR A DISTRIBUTED BONUS SCHEME USING SIMULATED SCATTER REACTIONS | 07-07-2016 |
| 20160196714 | REEL-TYPE GAMES AND GAMING MACHINES | 07-07-2016 |
| 20160196715 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING EXTENDING WILD SYMBOLS | 07-07-2016 |
| 20160196716 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR ENABLING A PLAYER TO SELECT VOLATILITY USING GAME SYMBOLS | 07-07-2016 |
| 20160196717 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MODERATING REMOTE HOST INITIATED FEATURES FOR MULTIPLE CONCURRENTLY PLAYED GAMES | 07-07-2016 |
| 20160196725 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A PROGRESSIVE AWARD MULTIPLE TIMES BEFORE RESETTING THE DISPLAYED VALUE OF THE PROVIDED PROGRESSIVE AWARD | 07-07-2016 |
| 20160203670 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A FANTASY LEGEND SPORTS SLOT MACHINE | 07-14-2016 |
| 20160203671 | GAMING DEVICE WITH SUPPLEMENTARY-SYMBOL FEATURE | 07-14-2016 |
| 20160253864 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TRACKING AN EVENT OF AN EXTERNALLY CONTROLLED INTERFACE | 09-01-2016 |
| 20160253872 | GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING PLAYER SELECTION OF MODIFIERS TO GAME COMPONENTS | 09-01-2016 |
| 20160253873 | System and Method for Providing a Feature Game | 09-01-2016 |
| 20160253874 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING | 09-01-2016 |
| 20160253875 | GAMING MACHINE THAT CHANGES GAMES FROM FIRST TYPE OF GAMES TO SECOND TYPE OF GAMES | 09-01-2016 |
| 20160253876 | GAMING MACHINE THAT CHANGES GAMES FROM FIRST TYPE OF GAMES TO SECOND TYPE OF GAMES | 09-01-2016 |
| 20160253879 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING | 09-01-2016 |
| 20160377791 | PRESENTATION DEVICE AND GAME MACHINE - A presentation device has a cylindrical display panel provided with a first pattern on an outer circumferential surface thereof and supported to be rotatable in a circumferential direction, a cylindrical light guide plate arranged along an outer circumference of the display panel and supported coaxially with the display panel such that the first pattern is visible from an outer circumferential side, and a light source opposing a portion of one edge surface of the light guide plate and configured to emit visible light. The light guide plate has prisms that are formed in a diffusing surface on an inner circumferential side opposing the outer circumference surface of the display panel, reflect visible light from the light source that enters the light guide plate from the portion of the edge surface toward an exit surface on the outer circumferential side opposing the diffusing surface and arranged along a second pattern. | 12-29-2016 |
| 20160379437 | METHOD OF GAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM AND A GAME CONTROLLER - An electronic method of gaming includes displaying an evaluation area having columns of symbol display positions divided between first and second game instances by a border such that positions on a first side of the border are allocated to the first game instance and positions on a second side of the border are allocated to the second game instance. The method includes selecting symbols for the first and second game instances and displaying the selected symbols in response to initiation of a round of gaming. The method includes determining a winning game instance associated with the round. The winning instance is determined based on a round number and a position of the border divider. The method includes moving the border divider based on the determination of the winning game instance. The method includes determining an award based on symbols displayed at the symbol positions after the border divider is moved. | 12-29-2016 |
| 20170236364 | GAME SYSTEM AND METHOD BASED ON EXTERNAL EVENT OUTCOMES | 08-17-2017 |
| 20170236367 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ALLOWING A PLAYER TO PLAY GAMING MACHINES HAVING STEP-BASED CHANGES AND MULTIPLE PATTERN FEATURES | 08-17-2017 |
| 20170236378 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AWARDING PROGRESSIVE OR JACKPOT PRIZES | 08-17-2017 |
| 20170236381 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD HAVING SECONDARY SYMBOLS ASSOCIATED WITH PRIMARY SYMBOLS | 08-17-2017 |
| 20170236383 | GAMING MACHINE, GAME PROVIDING METHOD, AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM | 08-17-2017 |
| 20170236385 | GAMING SYSTEM, DEVICE AND METHOD INVOLVING A SPORTS EVENT HAVING INCREMENTAL OUTCOMES | 08-17-2017 |
| 20180025576 | GAMING MACHINE WITH RUNS OF SYMBOLS | 01-25-2018 |
| 20180025577 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHODS OF PROVIDING AN AWARD TO A PLAYER | 01-25-2018 |
| 20180025584 | GAMING DEVICE HAVING SNAKING SYMBOLS | 01-25-2018 |
| 20180025585 | Apparatus and Method for a Game with Symbol Array of Varying Size | 01-25-2018 |
| 20180025588 | Gaming Machine and Method | 01-25-2018 |
| 20180025589 | Gaming Machine and Method | 01-25-2018 |
| 20190147691 | GAMING SYSTEM HAVING SHIFTING ACCUMULATION OF BONUS WILDS | 05-16-2019 |
| 20190147692 | GAMING MACHINE WITH RUNS OF SYMBOLS | 05-16-2019 |
| 20190147693 | GAMING SYSTEM | 05-16-2019 |
| 20190147698 | MULTI-PLAYER GAMING SYSTEM, METHOD, AND CONTROLLER | 05-16-2019 |
| 20190147699 | System and Method of Conducting Games or Betting as a Proxy, with Ease of Access | 05-16-2019 |
| 20190147700 | System and Method of Conducting Games or Betting as a Proxy, with Ease of Access | 05-16-2019 |
| 20190147701 | System and Method of Conducting Games or Betting as a Proxy, with Ease of Access | 05-16-2019 |
| 20190147703 | System and Method of Conducting Games or Betting as a Proxy, with Ease of Access | 05-16-2019 |
| 20220139157 | ELECTRONIC GAMING MACHINE INCLUDING HYBRID VIRTUAL AND PHYSICAL BUTTON AREA - An electronic gaming machine is provided. The electronic gaming machine includes a game controller configured to execute at least one wagering game, a credit input device configured to receive a wager, a first display configured to prompt a user to select a wagering game from the at least one wagering game executable by the game controller, and a second display. The second display includes a hybrid display area including a touchscreen input component and a dynamic button deck assembly configured to receive player input during play of a user-selected wagering game. The dynamic button deck assembly includes a button deck display area and a dynamic button deck having at least one mechanical push button including a lens cap. | 05-05-2022 |
| 20220139172 | TRANSFERRING TARGET SYMBOLS BETWEEN WINDOWS OF ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE - Innovations in user interface (“UI”) features of an electronic gaming device, and in features of backend processing to implement the UI features, are presented. For example, an electronic gaming machine (“EGM”) can selectively transfer target symbols between multiple windows. Each of the windows uses a set of reels, which spin in the respective windows. When at least a threshold count of target symbols lands for a reel in a window, a stack of target symbols is transferred to a corresponding reel in each of one or more other windows. After target symbols are transferred, a bonus feature, special mode, or other supplemental feature can be triggered depending on the counts of target symbols in the respective windows. As another example, an EGM can selectively start a supplemental feature (such as a bonus feature or special mode) in multiple windows depending on a count of target symbols in the windows, collectively. | 05-05-2022 |
