US20040048650A1 - Gaming device having multi-payline nudge reels - Google Patents

Gaming device having multi-payline nudge reels Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20040048650A1
US20040048650A1 US10/238,236 US23823602A US2004048650A1 US 20040048650 A1 US20040048650 A1 US 20040048650A1 US 23823602 A US23823602 A US 23823602A US 2004048650 A1 US2004048650 A1 US 2004048650A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
nudge
symbols
sequence
player
reels
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/238,236
Inventor
Marc Mierau
Anthony Baerlocher
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
International Game Technology
Original Assignee
International Game Technology
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by International Game Technology filed Critical International Game Technology
Priority to US10/238,236 priority Critical patent/US20040048650A1/en
Assigned to IGT reassignment IGT ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BAERLOCHER, ANTHONY J., MIERAU, MARC
Priority to GB0320743A priority patent/GB2393555B/en
Priority to AU2003244623A priority patent/AU2003244623B2/en
Publication of US20040048650A1 publication Critical patent/US20040048650A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/326Game play aspects of gaming systems
    • G07F17/3262Player actions which determine the course of the game, e.g. selecting a prize to be won, outcome to be achieved, game to be played
    • G07F17/3265Influencing the position of stopped moving members to achieve a winning arrangement, e.g. nudging, shuffling, holding

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the following co-pending commonly owned U.S. patent applications: “Gaming Device Having Multiple Award Enhancing Levels,” filed on Jul. 27, 2000, Ser. No. 09/626,720, 112300/014; “Gaming Device Having Multiple Award Enhancing Levels,” filed on Sep. 28, 2001, Ser. No. 09/967,016, 112300/882; “Gaming Device Having Multiple Award Enhancing Levels,” filed on Sep. 28, 2001, Ser. No. 09/966,956, 112300/883; “Gaming Device Having Dual Evaluation Scheme,” filed on Oct. 13, 2000, Ser. No. 09/687,689, 112300/474; and “Gaming Device Having A Symbol Covering Feature,” filed on Oct. 6, 2000, Ser. No. 09/684,275, 112300/154.
  • the present invention relates in general to a gaming device, and more particularly to a gaming device having multi-payline nudge reels.
  • Gaming device manufactures have long provided gaming machines employing a plurality of reels, wherein the reels each have a plurality of symbols.
  • the player “spins” a number of reels that act independently to produce a random generation of a combination of symbols. If the generated combination, or a portion of the combination, such as the symbols along one or more paylines associated with the reels, matches one of a number of predetermined award producing or winning combinations, the player receives an award.
  • nudge One popular game feature that increases the player's award opportunities is commonly referred to as a “nudge” feature or option. A nudge occurs after the reels initially spin and stop. There are a variety of different nudge games.
  • the player has an option to “nudge” one of the reels by indexing the reel up or down one or more positions in an attempt to achieve a winning combination, usually along a payline associated with the reels.
  • the player has a number of nudges or a nudge bank from which the player uses the nudges as desired.
  • stepper or mechanical slot machines the player can usually see through the glass panel display device and normally sees three positions on each reel strip. On a single payline machine this includes the payline position on each reel and the positions immediately above and immediately below the payline position. The player can therefore see when one of the reels should be nudged. It is also known to display, usually next to the reels, a map of the reel strips that enables the player to determine the reel strip symbols.
  • This type of nudge game involves a level of skill because the player may not nudge a reel to create a new winning combination or may also nudge a winning combination off the payline.
  • the skill nudge game is not allowed in many gaming jurisdictions in the United States, but is very popular in Europe and especially in England.
  • the gaming machine automatically nudges one or more reels when a certain event occurs.
  • the auto-response can be implemented in a variety of ways. In most instances, the auto-nudge employs a blank or ghost symbol.
  • the blank or ghost symbol is a non-symbol, which is normally not part of any winning combination of the game's paytable. Therefore, nudging a blank off of a payline generally cannot hurt a player, i.e., remove a winning combination from the payline (except in games such as where these blanks provide an award).
  • the game contains one or more “nudge symbols” that have a reel strip location next to a ghost symbol blank or between two blanks. Depending on the precise nudge symbol/blank juxtaposition, the nudge symbol may nudge (move) up or down. If the nudge symbol is between two blanks, the symbol may nudge up or down. Normally, games having this auto-nudge method provide a nudge display or nudge help screen to inform the player.
  • the game does not specify any particular symbol as a nudge symbol; but rather, the game ties the nudge to the ghost symbol or blank.
  • the game randomly decides whether or not to nudge and if a nudge is generated, the game also randomly generates whether to nudge up or down.
  • the game makes the random decisions independent of the symbols that are eventually nudged.
  • the game designer can place any suitable number of blanks on the reel strips as desired and control the overall payout percentage by randomly generating the nudge a predetermined percentage of the time.
  • At least one known nudge game provides nudges until the player obtains a winning combination. That is, if the first nudge does not generate a win for the player, the game moves another symbol in place of the originally nudged symbol and a new symbol combination is evaluated for a player win. This process is repeated until the player obtains a winning combination.
  • Multi-payline games do not cooperate well with nudge games because the multi-payline games use up the rows of symbols on the display device above and below an interior payline. Therefore, nudging a symbol, which may cause a winning symbol combination to occur on one payline, can also undue an existing winning combination on one or more other paylines. If a nudge results in lowering the player's award, the player is not happy and the purpose of the nudge is undermined.
  • the present invention provides a processor controlled slot machine gaming device having a plurality of reels, each of which have or display a plurality of symbols on a display device having a plurality of paystops or symbol stops.
  • the gaming device preferably provides a plurality of paylines although the gaming device may be adapted to be a single payline machine. Either the single or multiple payline machines of the present invention can, but are not required to have, blanks or ghost symbols.
  • the player spins the reels, a plurality of symbols stop in the paystops of the display device.
  • the game pays the player for any wins due to the initial spin. If a nudge activator occurs, the game performs at least one nudge sequence, which at least moves one reel one paystop position. When the nudge sequence stops, the gaming device pays the player again for any winning combinations that exist.
  • the reels of the slot machine in one embodiment provide the nudge activator.
  • other random events besides spinning the reels can provide the nudge activator.
  • the nudge activator initiates the nudge sequence.
  • the occurrence of the nudge activator may be visible to the player (such as a reel symbol) or invisible to the player (such as based on a separate random generation).
  • the occurrence of the nudge activator automatically executes the nudge.
  • a separate “nudge incrementor” event such as a symbol or combination of same appearing on the reels, provides the player with a nudge, wherein the player activates the nudge to initiate the nudge sequence.
  • a nudge display is also provided in an embodiment to count down any accrued nudges to zero.
  • a single nudge or a plurality of nudges may be provided to the player either via a nudge incrementor or some other game event.
  • the nudge activator initiates only one nudge sequence in one embodiment, multiple nudge sequences in another embodiment and all accrued nudge sequences in a further embodiment. If the nudge incrementor or other game event that provides the nudges is a symbol or symbol combination on the slot reels, a nudge sequence may regenerate one or more additional nudges.
  • the gaming device includes a variety of different nudge sequences and may be adapted to display only one of the sequences or vary the types of sequences on a predetermined or random basis.
  • the nudge sequences differ in terms of which reels move, how many reels move, the direction that one or more reels moves and how many paystops that one or more of the reels moves.
  • the gaming device of the present invention pays the player for winning symbols or combinations on active paylines before and after the nudge sequence. It is possible that the same winning symbol or combination moves from one active payline to the next due to the nudge sequence. In this case, the game: (i) only pays the player one time for the same combination; (ii) pays the player a second time if the symbols actually move, i.e., does not pay if the winning combination does not move and remains on an active payline; or (iii) pays the player a second time regardless.
  • Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a multi-payline gaming device that has a nudge sequence.
  • a further advantage of the present invention is to provide a multi-payline gaming device that has a nudge sequence and does not have blanks or ghost symbols.
  • Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a variety of different nudge arrangements.
  • FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of alternative embodiments of the gaming device of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the electronic configuration of one embodiment of the gaming device of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a process flow diagram illustrating different embodiments of the nudge payout method of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 4A and 4B are elevation views of one of the display devices illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, which illustrate a single payline embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 5A and 5B are elevation views of one of the display devices illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, which illustrate a multi-payline embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 6A and 6B are elevation views of one of the display devices illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, which illustrate another multi-payline embodiment of the present invention having one or more blank or ghost symbols.
  • gaming device 10 a and gaming device 10 b illustrate two possible cabinet styles and display arrangements and are collectively referred to herein as gaming device 10 .
  • Gaming device 10 has the controls, displays and features of a conventional slot machine, wherein the player operates the gaming device while standing or sitting.
  • Gaming device 10 in different embodiments is a pub-style or table-top game (not shown), which a player usually operates while sitting.
  • Gaming device 10 includes monetary input devices.
  • FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a coin slot 12 for coins or tokens and/or a payment acceptor 14 for cash money.
  • the payment acceptor 14 also includes other devices for accepting payment, such as readers or validators for credit cards, debit cards or smart cards, tickets, notes, etc.
  • a player inserts money in gaming device 10 , a number of credits corresponding to the amount deposited is shown in a credit display 16 .
  • Play button 20 can be any play activator used by the player which starts any game or sequence of events in the gaming device.
  • gaming device 10 also includes a bet display 22 and a bet one button 24 .
  • the player places a bet by pushing the bet one button 24 .
  • the player can increase the bet by one credit each time the player pushes the bet one button 24 .
  • the number of credits shown in the credit display 16 decreases by one, and the number of credits shown in the bet display 22 increases by one.
  • a player may cash out by pushing a cash out button 26 to receive coins or tokens in the coin payout tray 28 or other forms of payment, such as an amount printed on a ticket or credited to a credit card, debit card or smart card.
  • Well known ticket printing and card reading machines are commercially available.
  • Gaming device 10 may also include one or more display devices.
  • the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A includes a central display device 30
  • the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 1B includes a central display device 30 as well as an upper display device 32 .
  • the display devices display any visual representation or exhibition, including but not limited to movement of physical objects such as mechanical reels and wheels, dynamic lighting and video images.
  • the display devices 30 or 32 include any viewing surface such as glass, a video monitor or screen, a liquid crystal display or any other static or dynamic display mechanism.
  • the gaming device 10 of the present invention displays a plurality of reels 34 , preferably three to five reels 34 in mechanical or video form, on one or more of the display devices.
  • Each reel 34 displays a plurality of indicia such as bells, hearts, fruits, numbers, letters, bars or other images that preferably correspond to a theme associated with the gaming device 10 . If the reels 34 are in video form, the display device displaying the video reels 34 is preferably a video monitor.
  • Gaming device 10 also includes speakers 36 for making sounds or playing music.
  • a general electronic configuration of the gaming device 10 for the stand alone and bonus embodiments described above preferably includes: a processor 38 ; a memory device 40 for storing program code or other data; a central display device 30 ; an upper display device 32 ; a sound card 42 ; a plurality of speakers 36 ; and one or more input devices 44 .
  • the processor 38 is preferably a microprocessor or microcontroller-based platform which is capable of displaying images, symbols and other indicia such as images of people, characters, places, things and faces of cards.
  • the memory device 40 includes random access memory (RAM) 46 for storing event data or other data generated or used during a particular game.
  • the memory device 40 also includes read only memory (ROM) 48 for storing program code, which controls the gaming device 10 so that it plays a particular game in accordance with applicable game rules and pay tables.
  • the player preferably uses the input devices 44 to input signals into gaming device 10 .
  • the input devices 44 include the pull arm 18 , play button 20 , the bet one button 24 and the cash out button 26 .
  • a touch screen 50 and touch screen controller 52 are connected to a video controller 54 and processor 38 .
  • the terms “computer” or “controller” are used herein to refer collectively to the processor 38 , the memory device 40 , the sound card 42 , the touch screen controller and the video controller 54 .
  • a touch screen 50 and an associated touch screen controller 52 instead of a conventional video monitor display device.
  • the touch screen enables a player to input decisions into the gaming device 10 by sending a discrete signal based on the area of the touch screen 50 that the player touches or presses.
  • the processor 38 connects to the coin slot 12 or payment acceptor 14 , whereby the processor 38 requires a player to deposit a certain amount of money in to start the game.
  • processor 38 and memory device 40 are preferable implementations of the present invention, the present invention also includes being implemented via one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC's), one or more hard-wired devices, or one or more mechanical devices (collectively and individually referred to herein as a “processor”).
  • ASIC application-specific integrated circuits
  • processor 38 and memory device 40 preferably reside in each gaming device 10 unit, the present invention includes providing some or all of their functions at a central location such as a network server for communication to a playing station such as over a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), Internet connection, microwave link, and the like.
  • LAN local area network
  • WAN wide area network
  • Internet connection such as over a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), Internet connection, microwave link, and the like.
  • the player inserts the appropriate amount of tokens or money in the coin slot 12 or the payment acceptor 14 and then pulls the arm 18 or pushes the play button 20 .
  • the reels 34 then begin to spin. Eventually, the reels 34 come to a stop. As long as the player has credits remaining, the player can spin the reels 34 again. Depending upon where the reels 34 stop, the player may or may not win additional credits.
  • gaming device 10 in one embodiment may also include one or more bonus games that give players the opportunity to win credits.
  • the gaming device 10 may employ a video-based display device 30 or 32 for the bonus games.
  • the bonus games include a program that automatically begins when the player achieves a qualifying condition in the base game.
  • the qualifying condition includes a particular symbol or symbol combination generated on a display device. As illustrated in the five reel slot game shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, one qualifying condition includes the number seven appearing on, e.g., three adjacent reels 34 along a payline 56 . It should be appreciated that the present invention includes one or more paylines, such as payline 56 , wherein the paylines can be horizontal, diagonal or any combination thereof.
  • An alternative scatter pay qualifying condition may include the number seven appearing on, e.g., three adjacent reels 34 but not necessarily along a payline 56 , appearing on any different set of reels 34 three times or appearing anywhere on the display device the necessary number of times.
  • FIG. 3 one method 100 for operating the nudge game of the present invention is illustrated.
  • gaming device 10 receives the appropriate monetary input from the player, as indicated above and by block 102
  • the game enables the player to spin the reels 30 (FIGS. 1A and 1B), as indicated by block 104 .
  • the reels 34 spin and stop on one of the display devices 30 or 32 and display a first set of symbols to the player, as indicated by block 106 .
  • the processor provides a first payout to the player for any winning symbol or symbol combination that appears along any payline 56 that the player has wagered, as indicated by block 108 .
  • the method 100 applies to single or multiple payline games. The method 100 also applies whether or not the reels 34 include blanks or ghost symbols.
  • the processor determines whether a nudge activator exists or has occurred, as indicated by diamond 110 .
  • the occurrence of a nudge activator in one embodiment is transparent to the player.
  • the processor performs a random generation separate from the reel spins to determine when a nudge activator occurs. This random generation in one implementation is weighted according to the player's bet, e.g., when the player bets more, the nudge activator is more likely to occur.
  • the random generation in another implementation is weighted so that the longer play continues without the occurrence of a nudge activator, the more likely its occurrence becomes. It should be appreciated that any suitable method for determining whether a nudge activator is present may be employed.
  • a nudge activator in other embodiments is visible to the player.
  • a particular symbol or symbol combination on the reels 34 is the nudge activator.
  • the symbol or symbol combination must occur on a payline 56 that the player has wagered.
  • the symbol or symbol combination appearing anywhere on the reels 34 is sufficient.
  • Gaming device 10 in another embodiment does not use the reel symbols and employs the upper display device 32 (if the central display device 30 displays the reels 34 ) or a separate display device, such as a wheel (not shown), to display the random occurrence of a nudge activator for each spin of the reels.
  • a display for the nudge activator may be adapted to display any one or combination of the following: (i) a preferably enjoyable and exciting sequence informing the player that the nudge activator has occurred; (ii) a display of one or more nudges that the game provides to the player; and (iii) a counter that counts down from the number of nudges acquired to zero nudges as the nudge sequences take place.
  • a nudge activator is displayed, as indicated by block 112 .
  • the nudge activator at the very least, initiates one nudge sequence.
  • the nudge activator in one embodiment also provides or enables the nudge and thereby immediately initiates the corresponding nudge sequence. In another embodiment, the nudge activator provides a plurality of nudges and thereby initiates multiple nudge sequences for the multiple provided nudges.
  • a nudge incrementor such as a different reel symbol or combination, provides or increments one or more nudges, wherein the activator activates the nudge, that is, initiates the nudge sequence or move.
  • the nudge incrementor can provide one or multiple of nudges.
  • Gaming device 10 can also generate multiple incrementors, thereby accumulating multiple nudges, before generating a nudge activator.
  • a generated nudge activator can activate multiple nudges, as long as the player has accumulated multiple nudges.
  • a generated nudge activator may not activate a nudge if the player has not accumulated at least one nudge. The accumulation of nudges can occur during a single game or a series of games.
  • gaming device 10 when gaming device 10 generates a nudge activator, gaming device 10 saves the activator or maintains its activation, when the player has not accumulated a nudge, until the player accumulates the nudge with a nudge incrementor.
  • This embodiment makes gaming device 10 more exciting because the accumulation of nudges indicates that there will be a nudge in a subsequent game and possibly an award therefrom.
  • the nudge sequences can be implemented in many different ways. Several different nudge sequence implementations are illustrated below. In each nudge sequence, whether gaming device 10 includes a single or a plurality of paylines 56 (FIGS. 1A and 1B), at least one reel 34 shifts at least one position up or one position down. Unless the same symbol removed from the payline 56 is shifted onto the payline 56 , the reel shift creates a new combination of symbols along at least one payline 56 . If the reels 34 of the gaming device 10 include blanks or ghost symbols, the nudge can result in one or more additional combinations and also result in removing one or more combinations.
  • the game provides a second payout to the player for any winning symbol or symbol combination that appears along any payline 56 that the player has wagered, as indicated by block 114 .
  • obtaining the nudge activator as indicated by block 110 may provide the player with one or more nudges.
  • gaming device 10 performs only a single nudge sequence when the player achieves a nudge activator even if the nudge activator provides, or the player has already obtained, multiple nudge sequences. That is, after providing the second payout as indicated by block 114 , the game does not perform another nudge sequence, as determined in connection with diamond 116 . In this case, gaming device 10 enables another reel spin as indicated by block 104 as long as the player has maintained the appropriate monetary input as indicated by block 102 .
  • nudge activator or another gaming device 10 event, has provided more than one nudge as indicated by block 110 , the leftover nudges remain and the player must obtain other nudge activators to use them, i.e., one at a time.
  • gaming device 10 performs multiple nudge sequences until all nudges are exhausted. That is, after providing the second payout as indicated by block 114 , there is another nudge sequence as long as the player has a remaining nudge, as determined in connection with diamond 116 .
  • the game displays the next nudge sequence, which may again be one of many types of sequences, as indicated by the block 118 , and which results in one or more new symbol combinations on at least one payline.
  • the game thereafter provides another payout to the player for any winning symbol or symbol combination that appears along any payline 56 that the player has wagered, as indicated by block 114 . This process repeats until all acquired nudges are exhausted.
  • the game may limit consecutive nudge sequences to a predefined or randomly determined number.
  • the player can accumulate nudges. This can be done in various ways.
  • the nudge activator may also act as a nudge incrementor and provide one or more nudges to the player.
  • a separate “nudge incrementor” symbol or symbol combination of the reels 34 may also be generated that provides a nudge or nudges to the player.
  • the player also needs to generate a nudge activator to activate one or more of the accrued nudges.
  • a bonus game or the player's wager such as the paylines played, wager per payline or total bet can generate or effect the probability of obtaining and accumulating a nudge.
  • Either the nudge incrementor or nudge activator can be a symbol on one of the reels 34 or part of one of the symbols on a reel.
  • the nudge symbol also could be a wild symbol that acts as both an incrementor (providing a nudge) and an activator (executing the nudge).
  • the wild nudge symbol appears, such as a “Double Diamond” symbol
  • the reel displaying the “Double Diamond” nudges up or down one or more predetermined or randomly determined positions.
  • the “Double Diamond” symbols can but do not have to be placed adjacent to one or more ghost symbols.
  • nudge indicia is provided in combination with an existing symbol to create a nudge sub-symbol.
  • gaming device 10 can have one or more reels with cherry symbols and cherry symbols additionally provided with the word “nudge”. This combination symbol operates with gaming device 10 so that any pays created by the cherry symbol alone are made, whereafter, the reel displaying the cherry-nudge symbol nudges or shifts one or more spots up or down randomly or in a predetermined manner.
  • the nudge sequence is capable of generating an additional nudge incrementor or a self-starting nudge activator.
  • the additional nudge or nudges may be generated and provided regardless of whether gaming device 10 performs one nudge sequence per nudge activator or exhausts all the player's nudge sequences upon the generation of a nudge activator.
  • Gaming device 10 may iterate through many nudge sequences, as some of the sequences generate and add back to the nudge count, before the player's nudges become exhausted. In each sequence, gaming device 10 pays out for any winning symbol or symbol combination that results.
  • gaming device 10 provides an electromechanical or simulated input device 44 that enables the player to selectively choose when to use a nudge.
  • gaming device 10 can provide a “nudge row” button or input that operates with the touch screen 50 and touch screen controller 52 associated with one of the display devices 30 or 32 to enable the player to choose selectively when to use a nudge.
  • This embodiment may require player skill to use nudges wisely, nevertheless, certain gaming jurisdictions allow and indeed require some level of player skill.
  • FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a single payline 56 embodiment. That is, even though the display device 30 or 32 displays three rows of symbols for the reels 34 a through 34 e , the player can only wager the single payline 56 , which is the middle row. Accordingly, the player can only win along the single row or payline 56 .
  • gaming device 10 provides both wins for the player because the game pays out before and after the nudge. That is, gaming device 10 pays out all wins appearing on the payline 56 when the reels 34 come to rest in the position shown in FIG. 4A. The game performs the nudge sequence and then pays out all wins appearing on the payline 56 when the reels come to rest in the position shown in FIG. 4B. The game therefore pays the “diamond, 7, 7” win in FIG. 4A before the nudge sequence and the “7, 7, 7” win in FIG. 4B after the nudge sequence.
  • FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a multiple payline 56 a through 56 c embodiment.
  • the player can wager and win on one payline 56 a , two paylines 56 a and 56 b or three paylines 56 a through 56 c .
  • the display device 30 or 32 includes fifteen different paystops, which are an array of segments of the glass defined by the reels 34 a through 34 e and the paylines 56 a through 56 c .
  • the paystop 56 a , 34 a of the display device 30 or 32 contains the “diamond” symbol in FIG. 5A before the nudge sequence takes place.
  • FIGS. 5A and 5B also show in phantom a row of symbols above and below the display device 30 or 32 .
  • FIGS. 5A and 5B therefore illustrate the phantom symbols on the reel strips adjacent to the displayed symbols of the paystops of the display device 30 or 32 .
  • gaming device 10 of the present invention provides to the player the “diamond, 7, 7” win on line 56 a in FIG. 5A and the “7, 7, 7” win on line 56 a in FIG. 5B. That is, gaming device 10 pays out before and after the nudge sequence.
  • gaming device 10 may provide an associated award: (i) before the nudge sequence only; (ii) before and after the nudge sequence but after only if the symbol or symbols move due to the nudge; and (iii) before and after the nudge sequence regardless of whether the winning combination changes paystops due to the nudge sequence.
  • the payout may also depend upon whether the player has played the payline on which the winning symbol or combination appears.
  • a winning symbol or symbol combination may be adapted to provide awards two or more times if it is not nudged off of the display device 30 or 32 .
  • gaming device 10 may payout again according to one of the above-described scenarios. Or if the “grape, grape” symbols do not move but are displayed in both FIGS. 5A and 5B, the gaming device 10 may pay out before and after the nudge sequence, wherein gaming device 10 may be adapted to only pay if the player wagers on the payline bearing the winning symbol or combination.
  • the game may be adapted to provide the nudge(s) (and possibly provide another nudge sequence if the nudge activator automatically executes the nudge): (i) before the nudge sequence only; (ii) before and after the nudge sequence but after the sequence only if the nudge incrementor or activator moves due to the nudge sequence; and (iii) before and after the nudge sequence regardless of whether the nudge incrementor or activator changes position due to the nudge sequence.
  • the same nudge incrementor or activator may be adapted to provide nudge(s) two or more times if the symbol or symbols are not nudged off of the display device 30 or 32 .
  • gaming device 10 in an embodiment requires that the nudge incrementor or activator resides on an active payline to provide a nudge (and possible the nudge sequence) to the player.
  • gaming device 10 may provide additional one or more nudges (and possibly additional one or more nudge sequences) again according to one of the above-described scenarios.
  • FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate only one possible multi-payline embodiment.
  • the pay before/pay after sequence of the present invention is applicable to any combination of paylines 56 , for example, horizontal, diagonal or paylines including any combination adjacent symbols from each reel.
  • the present invention is applicable to a gaming device having any number of reels and any number of paylines such as one, three, five, nine, ten, fifteen and twenty-five paylines.
  • the present invention also applies to gaming devices having independent reel columns, which are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 09/688,428, assigned to the assignee of this invention, which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate the same multi-payline embodiment as in FIGS. 5A and 5B except that in FIG. 5A, paystop 56 e , 34 c , paystop 56 d , 34 a and one of the hidden symbols of the row below the display device 30 or 32 contain a blank or ghost symbol 58 .
  • Blank symbols can be employed to the single payline embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B, however, gaming device 10 may easily be adapted never to nudge a blank onto the single payline 56 .
  • FIG. 5A illustrates the same multi-payline embodiment as in FIGS. 5A and 5B except that in FIG. 5A, paystop 56 e , 34 c , paystop 56 d , 34 a and one of the hidden symbols of the row below the display device 30 or 32 contain a blank or ghost symbol 58 .
  • Blank symbols can be employed to the single payline embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B, however, gaming device 10 may easily be adapted never to nudge a
  • nudging reel 34 a up one paystop causes the blank 58 currently residing at the paystop 56 d , 34 a to shift to the payline 56 e , as illustrated in 6 B, which disrupts the “grape, grape” winning combination along payline 56 e in FIG. 6A.
  • Gaming device 10 of the present invention therefore pays the “grape, grape” in FIG. 6A first and then nudges the reel 34 a to create the “7, 7, 7” combination along payline 56 d in FIG. 6B. In this manner, the blank 58 does not take a win away from the player.
  • the nudge sequence may be adapted to include any of the following: (i) nudging any one reel up or down one paystop; (ii) nudging any combination of reels including all the reels up or down one paystop; (iii) nudging any one reel up or down a plurality of paystops; (iv) nudging any combination of reels including all the reels up or down a plurality of paystops; (v) nudging any one reel up one or more paystops and, in the same sequence, nudging any one reel down one or more paystops; and (vi) nudging any combination of reels up one or more paystops and, in the same sequence, nudging any combination of reels down one or more paystops.
  • stepper motors that independently control each reel, wherein the stepper motors are adapted to receive motor currents based on the outcome of random generation devices stored in software in memory device 40 or in some other computer storage device within or associated with gaming device 10 .
  • stepper motors are adapted to receive motor currents based on the outcome of random generation devices stored in software in memory device 40 or in some other computer storage device within or associated with gaming device 10 .
  • Gaming device 10 may be adapted to provide the same nudge sequence time after time or vary the sequences on a predetermined or random basis. If randomly varied, the set of sequences from which a random generation device selects may be weighted according to any desired distribution. In one embodiment, gaming device 10 accompanies the nudge sequences with a suitable audio message from the speakers 36 , such as “NUDGE NOW.”

Abstract

A processor controlled slot machine having a plurality of reels, each of which display a plurality of symbols on a display device. The slot machine provides a plurality of paylines although the slot machine may be adapted to be a single payline machine. The machines may have blanks or ghost symbols. When the player spins the reels, a plurality of symbols stop on the paystops of the display device. The game pays the player for any wins due to the initial spin. If a nudge activator occurs, and the player has accumulated a nudge or the nudge activator itself causes the nudge sequence, the game performs at least one nudge sequence, which at least moves one reel one paystop position. When the nudge sequence stops, slot machine pays the player again for any winning combinations that exist.

Description

    CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • The present invention relates to the following co-pending commonly owned U.S. patent applications: “Gaming Device Having Multiple Award Enhancing Levels,” filed on Jul. 27, 2000, Ser. No. 09/626,720, 112300/014; “Gaming Device Having Multiple Award Enhancing Levels,” filed on Sep. 28, 2001, Ser. No. 09/967,016, 112300/882; “Gaming Device Having Multiple Award Enhancing Levels,” filed on Sep. 28, 2001, Ser. No. 09/966,956, 112300/883; “Gaming Device Having Dual Evaluation Scheme,” filed on Oct. 13, 2000, Ser. No. 09/687,689, 112300/474; and “Gaming Device Having A Symbol Covering Feature,” filed on Oct. 6, 2000, Ser. No. 09/684,275, 112300/154.[0001]
  • COPYRIGHT NOTICE
  • A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains or may contain material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the photocopy reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure in exactly the form it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. [0002]
  • DESCRIPTION
  • The present invention relates in general to a gaming device, and more particularly to a gaming device having multi-payline nudge reels. [0003]
  • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • Gaming device manufactures have long provided gaming machines employing a plurality of reels, wherein the reels each have a plurality of symbols. In these games, the player “spins” a number of reels that act independently to produce a random generation of a combination of symbols. If the generated combination, or a portion of the combination, such as the symbols along one or more paylines associated with the reels, matches one of a number of predetermined award producing or winning combinations, the player receives an award. [0004]
  • To increase player enjoyment and excitement, and to increase the popularity of the gaming machines, gaming device manufacturers constantly strive to provide players with new types of gaming machines that attract the player and keep the player entertained. One way manufacturers use to make their machines more popular is to increase the number and variety of award opportunities. [0005]
  • One popular game feature that increases the player's award opportunities is commonly referred to as a “nudge” feature or option. A nudge occurs after the reels initially spin and stop. There are a variety of different nudge games. [0006]
  • In a player skill type of nudge game, when the reels stop, the player has an option to “nudge” one of the reels by indexing the reel up or down one or more positions in an attempt to achieve a winning combination, usually along a payline associated with the reels. In some cases, the player has a number of nudges or a nudge bank from which the player uses the nudges as desired. In stepper or mechanical slot machines, the player can usually see through the glass panel display device and normally sees three positions on each reel strip. On a single payline machine this includes the payline position on each reel and the positions immediately above and immediately below the payline position. The player can therefore see when one of the reels should be nudged. It is also known to display, usually next to the reels, a map of the reel strips that enables the player to determine the reel strip symbols. [0007]
  • This type of nudge game involves a level of skill because the player may not nudge a reel to create a new winning combination or may also nudge a winning combination off the payline. The skill nudge game is not allowed in many gaming jurisdictions in the United States, but is very popular in Europe and especially in England. [0008]
  • In an auto-response type of nudge game, the gaming machine automatically nudges one or more reels when a certain event occurs. The auto-response can be implemented in a variety of ways. In most instances, the auto-nudge employs a blank or ghost symbol. The blank or ghost symbol is a non-symbol, which is normally not part of any winning combination of the game's paytable. Therefore, nudging a blank off of a payline generally cannot hurt a player, i.e., remove a winning combination from the payline (except in games such as where these blanks provide an award). [0009]
  • In one known auto-nudge method, the game contains one or more “nudge symbols” that have a reel strip location next to a ghost symbol blank or between two blanks. Depending on the precise nudge symbol/blank juxtaposition, the nudge symbol may nudge (move) up or down. If the nudge symbol is between two blanks, the symbol may nudge up or down. Normally, games having this auto-nudge method provide a nudge display or nudge help screen to inform the player. [0010]
  • In another known auto-nudge method, the game does not specify any particular symbol as a nudge symbol; but rather, the game ties the nudge to the ghost symbol or blank. When the game generates a blank on a payline, the game randomly decides whether or not to nudge and if a nudge is generated, the game also randomly generates whether to nudge up or down. The game makes the random decisions independent of the symbols that are eventually nudged. The game designer can place any suitable number of blanks on the reel strips as desired and control the overall payout percentage by randomly generating the nudge a predetermined percentage of the time. [0011]
  • At least one known nudge game provides nudges until the player obtains a winning combination. That is, if the first nudge does not generate a win for the player, the game moves another symbol in place of the originally nudged symbol and a new symbol combination is evaluated for a player win. This process is repeated until the player obtains a winning combination. [0012]
  • Nudging has become a popular feature on single payline games that have blanks or ghost symbols. If the game does not have blank or ghost symbols, however, the nudge can undo a winning combination by removing a symbol, necessary to the winning combination, from the payline. The game designer could place a symbol that does not form a part of any winning combination next to the nudge symbol, however, symbols on the reels that do not form part of any winning combination tend to confuse the players. It is therefore desirable not to display a symbol that effectively operates as a blank or ghost symbol. [0013]
  • Another proven way game manufacturers have employed to make their machines more popular has also been to increase the number paylines from one to many, such as, three, five, nine, ten, fifteen or twenty-five. Multi-payline games, however, do not cooperate well with nudge games because the multi-payline games use up the rows of symbols on the display device above and below an interior payline. Therefore, nudging a symbol, which may cause a winning symbol combination to occur on one payline, can also undue an existing winning combination on one or more other paylines. If a nudge results in lowering the player's award, the player is not happy and the purpose of the nudge is undermined. [0014]
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention provides a processor controlled slot machine gaming device having a plurality of reels, each of which have or display a plurality of symbols on a display device having a plurality of paystops or symbol stops. The gaming device preferably provides a plurality of paylines although the gaming device may be adapted to be a single payline machine. Either the single or multiple payline machines of the present invention can, but are not required to have, blanks or ghost symbols. When the player spins the reels, a plurality of symbols stop in the paystops of the display device. The game pays the player for any wins due to the initial spin. If a nudge activator occurs, the game performs at least one nudge sequence, which at least moves one reel one paystop position. When the nudge sequence stops, the gaming device pays the player again for any winning combinations that exist. [0015]
  • The reels of the slot machine in one embodiment provide the nudge activator. In alternative embodiments, other random events besides spinning the reels can provide the nudge activator. The nudge activator initiates the nudge sequence. The occurrence of the nudge activator may be visible to the player (such as a reel symbol) or invisible to the player (such as based on a separate random generation). In one embodiment, the occurrence of the nudge activator automatically executes the nudge. In another embodiment, a separate “nudge incrementor” event, such as a symbol or combination of same appearing on the reels, provides the player with a nudge, wherein the player activates the nudge to initiate the nudge sequence. A nudge display is also provided in an embodiment to count down any accrued nudges to zero. [0016]
  • A single nudge or a plurality of nudges may be provided to the player either via a nudge incrementor or some other game event. When the player accrues multiple nudges, the nudge activator initiates only one nudge sequence in one embodiment, multiple nudge sequences in another embodiment and all accrued nudge sequences in a further embodiment. If the nudge incrementor or other game event that provides the nudges is a symbol or symbol combination on the slot reels, a nudge sequence may regenerate one or more additional nudges. [0017]
  • The gaming device includes a variety of different nudge sequences and may be adapted to display only one of the sequences or vary the types of sequences on a predetermined or random basis. In general, the nudge sequences differ in terms of which reels move, how many reels move, the direction that one or more reels moves and how many paystops that one or more of the reels moves. [0018]
  • Each time a nudge sequence or reel move occurs, a new combination of symbols occurs on at least one payline. The gaming device of the present invention pays the player for winning symbols or combinations on active paylines before and after the nudge sequence. It is possible that the same winning symbol or combination moves from one active payline to the next due to the nudge sequence. In this case, the game: (i) only pays the player one time for the same combination; (ii) pays the player a second time if the symbols actually move, i.e., does not pay if the winning combination does not move and remains on an active payline; or (iii) pays the player a second time regardless. [0019]
  • It is therefore an advantage of the present invention to provide a gaming device that has a nudge sequence which does not have blanks or ghost symbols. [0020]
  • Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a multi-payline gaming device that has a nudge sequence. [0021]
  • A further advantage of the present invention is to provide a multi-payline gaming device that has a nudge sequence and does not have blanks or ghost symbols. [0022]
  • Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a variety of different nudge arrangements. [0023]
  • Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, elements, components, steps and processes.[0024]
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of alternative embodiments of the gaming device of the present invention. [0025]
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the electronic configuration of one embodiment of the gaming device of the present invention. [0026]
  • FIG. 3 is a process flow diagram illustrating different embodiments of the nudge payout method of the present invention. [0027]
  • FIGS. 4A and 4B are elevation views of one of the display devices illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, which illustrate a single payline embodiment of the present invention. [0028]
  • FIGS. 5A and 5B are elevation views of one of the display devices illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, which illustrate a multi-payline embodiment of the present invention. [0029]
  • FIGS. 6A and 6B are elevation views of one of the display devices illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, which illustrate another multi-payline embodiment of the present invention having one or more blank or ghost symbols.[0030]
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Gaming Device and Electronics
  • Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1A and 1B, gaming device [0031] 10 a and gaming device 10 b illustrate two possible cabinet styles and display arrangements and are collectively referred to herein as gaming device 10. Gaming device 10 has the controls, displays and features of a conventional slot machine, wherein the player operates the gaming device while standing or sitting. Gaming device 10 in different embodiments is a pub-style or table-top game (not shown), which a player usually operates while sitting.
  • The symbols and indicia used for the slot base game or any of its bonus games include mechanical, electrical, electronic or video symbols and indicia. [0032] Gaming device 10 includes monetary input devices. FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a coin slot 12 for coins or tokens and/or a payment acceptor 14 for cash money. The payment acceptor 14 also includes other devices for accepting payment, such as readers or validators for credit cards, debit cards or smart cards, tickets, notes, etc. When a player inserts money in gaming device 10, a number of credits corresponding to the amount deposited is shown in a credit display 16. After depositing the appropriate amount of money, a player can begin the game by pulling arm 18 or pushing play button 20. Play button 20 can be any play activator used by the player which starts any game or sequence of events in the gaming device.
  • As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, [0033] gaming device 10 also includes a bet display 22 and a bet one button 24. The player places a bet by pushing the bet one button 24. The player can increase the bet by one credit each time the player pushes the bet one button 24. When the player pushes the bet one button 24, the number of credits shown in the credit display 16 decreases by one, and the number of credits shown in the bet display 22 increases by one. A player may cash out by pushing a cash out button 26 to receive coins or tokens in the coin payout tray 28 or other forms of payment, such as an amount printed on a ticket or credited to a credit card, debit card or smart card. Well known ticket printing and card reading machines (not illustrated) are commercially available.
  • [0034] Gaming device 10 may also include one or more display devices. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1A includes a central display device 30, and the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 1B includes a central display device 30 as well as an upper display device 32. The display devices display any visual representation or exhibition, including but not limited to movement of physical objects such as mechanical reels and wheels, dynamic lighting and video images. The display devices 30 or 32 include any viewing surface such as glass, a video monitor or screen, a liquid crystal display or any other static or dynamic display mechanism.
  • The [0035] gaming device 10 of the present invention displays a plurality of reels 34, preferably three to five reels 34 in mechanical or video form, on one or more of the display devices. Each reel 34 displays a plurality of indicia such as bells, hearts, fruits, numbers, letters, bars or other images that preferably correspond to a theme associated with the gaming device 10. If the reels 34 are in video form, the display device displaying the video reels 34 is preferably a video monitor. Gaming device 10 also includes speakers 36 for making sounds or playing music.
  • Referring now to FIG. 2, a general electronic configuration of the [0036] gaming device 10 for the stand alone and bonus embodiments described above preferably includes: a processor 38; a memory device 40 for storing program code or other data; a central display device 30; an upper display device 32; a sound card 42; a plurality of speakers 36; and one or more input devices 44. The processor 38 is preferably a microprocessor or microcontroller-based platform which is capable of displaying images, symbols and other indicia such as images of people, characters, places, things and faces of cards. The memory device 40 includes random access memory (RAM) 46 for storing event data or other data generated or used during a particular game. The memory device 40 also includes read only memory (ROM) 48 for storing program code, which controls the gaming device 10 so that it plays a particular game in accordance with applicable game rules and pay tables.
  • As illustrated in FIG. 2, the player preferably uses the [0037] input devices 44 to input signals into gaming device 10. In the slot machine base game, the input devices 44 include the pull arm 18, play button 20, the bet one button 24 and the cash out button 26. A touch screen 50 and touch screen controller 52 are connected to a video controller 54 and processor 38. The terms “computer” or “controller” are used herein to refer collectively to the processor 38, the memory device 40, the sound card 42, the touch screen controller and the video controller 54.
  • In certain instances, it is preferable to use a [0038] touch screen 50 and an associated touch screen controller 52 instead of a conventional video monitor display device. The touch screen enables a player to input decisions into the gaming device 10 by sending a discrete signal based on the area of the touch screen 50 that the player touches or presses. As further illustrated in FIG. 2, the processor 38 connects to the coin slot 12 or payment acceptor 14, whereby the processor 38 requires a player to deposit a certain amount of money in to start the game.
  • It should be appreciated that although a [0039] processor 38 and memory device 40 are preferable implementations of the present invention, the present invention also includes being implemented via one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC's), one or more hard-wired devices, or one or more mechanical devices (collectively and individually referred to herein as a “processor”). Furthermore, although the processor 38 and memory device 40 preferably reside in each gaming device 10 unit, the present invention includes providing some or all of their functions at a central location such as a network server for communication to a playing station such as over a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), Internet connection, microwave link, and the like.
  • To operate the [0040] gaming device 10 as illustrated by FIGS. 1A and 1B, the player inserts the appropriate amount of tokens or money in the coin slot 12 or the payment acceptor 14 and then pulls the arm 18 or pushes the play button 20. The reels 34 then begin to spin. Eventually, the reels 34 come to a stop. As long as the player has credits remaining, the player can spin the reels 34 again. Depending upon where the reels 34 stop, the player may or may not win additional credits.
  • In addition to winning credits from the slot game, [0041] gaming device 10 in one embodiment may also include one or more bonus games that give players the opportunity to win credits. The gaming device 10 may employ a video-based display device 30 or 32 for the bonus games. The bonus games include a program that automatically begins when the player achieves a qualifying condition in the base game.
  • The qualifying condition includes a particular symbol or symbol combination generated on a display device. As illustrated in the five reel slot game shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, one qualifying condition includes the number seven appearing on, e.g., three [0042] adjacent reels 34 along a payline 56. It should be appreciated that the present invention includes one or more paylines, such as payline 56, wherein the paylines can be horizontal, diagonal or any combination thereof. An alternative scatter pay qualifying condition may include the number seven appearing on, e.g., three adjacent reels 34 but not necessarily along a payline 56, appearing on any different set of reels 34 three times or appearing anywhere on the display device the necessary number of times.
  • Multi-Payline Nudge Reels
  • Referring now to FIG. 3, one [0043] method 100 for operating the nudge game of the present invention is illustrated. When gaming device 10 receives the appropriate monetary input from the player, as indicated above and by block 102, the game enables the player to spin the reels 30 (FIGS. 1A and 1B), as indicated by block 104. After the player presses the play button 20 or pulls the pull arm 18, the reels 34 spin and stop on one of the display devices 30 or 32 and display a first set of symbols to the player, as indicated by block 106.
  • The processor provides a first payout to the player for any winning symbol or symbol combination that appears along any [0044] payline 56 that the player has wagered, as indicated by block 108. The method 100 applies to single or multiple payline games. The method 100 also applies whether or not the reels 34 include blanks or ghost symbols.
  • The processor determines whether a nudge activator exists or has occurred, as indicated by [0045] diamond 110. The occurrence of a nudge activator in one embodiment is transparent to the player. For example, in one embodiment, the processor performs a random generation separate from the reel spins to determine when a nudge activator occurs. This random generation in one implementation is weighted according to the player's bet, e.g., when the player bets more, the nudge activator is more likely to occur. The random generation in another implementation is weighted so that the longer play continues without the occurrence of a nudge activator, the more likely its occurrence becomes. It should be appreciated that any suitable method for determining whether a nudge activator is present may be employed.
  • The occurrence of a nudge activator in other embodiments is visible to the player. For example, in one embodiment, a particular symbol or symbol combination on the [0046] reels 34 is the nudge activator. In one implementation of this embodiment, the symbol or symbol combination must occur on a payline 56 that the player has wagered. In another implementation, the symbol or symbol combination appearing anywhere on the reels 34 is sufficient.
  • [0047] Gaming device 10 in another embodiment does not use the reel symbols and employs the upper display device 32 (if the central display device 30 displays the reels 34) or a separate display device, such as a wheel (not shown), to display the random occurrence of a nudge activator for each spin of the reels. In either embodiment, a display for the nudge activator may be adapted to display any one or combination of the following: (i) a preferably enjoyable and exciting sequence informing the player that the nudge activator has occurred; (ii) a display of one or more nudges that the game provides to the player; and (iii) a counter that counts down from the number of nudges acquired to zero nudges as the nudge sequences take place.
  • If after spinning the reels as indicated in [0048] block 106 and providing an associated award as indicated by block 108, the gaming device 10 determines that a nudge activator has occurred as indicated by block 110, a first nudge sequence is displayed, as indicated by block 112. In one embodiment, the nudge activator, at the very least, initiates one nudge sequence.
  • The nudge activator in one embodiment also provides or enables the nudge and thereby immediately initiates the corresponding nudge sequence. In another embodiment, the nudge activator provides a plurality of nudges and thereby initiates multiple nudge sequences for the multiple provided nudges. [0049]
  • In a further embodiment, a nudge incrementor, such as a different reel symbol or combination, provides or increments one or more nudges, wherein the activator activates the nudge, that is, initiates the nudge sequence or move. Here, it is possible that the player can accumulate multiple nudges. The nudge incrementor can provide one or multiple of nudges. [0050] Gaming device 10 can also generate multiple incrementors, thereby accumulating multiple nudges, before generating a nudge activator. A generated nudge activator can activate multiple nudges, as long as the player has accumulated multiple nudges. At the same time, a generated nudge activator may not activate a nudge if the player has not accumulated at least one nudge. The accumulation of nudges can occur during a single game or a series of games.
  • In yet another embodiment, when [0051] gaming device 10 generates a nudge activator, gaming device 10 saves the activator or maintains its activation, when the player has not accumulated a nudge, until the player accumulates the nudge with a nudge incrementor. This embodiment makes gaming device 10 more exciting because the accumulation of nudges indicates that there will be a nudge in a subsequent game and possibly an award therefrom.
  • The nudge sequences can be implemented in many different ways. Several different nudge sequence implementations are illustrated below. In each nudge sequence, whether [0052] gaming device 10 includes a single or a plurality of paylines 56 (FIGS. 1A and 1B), at least one reel 34 shifts at least one position up or one position down. Unless the same symbol removed from the payline 56 is shifted onto the payline 56, the reel shift creates a new combination of symbols along at least one payline 56. If the reels 34 of the gaming device 10 include blanks or ghost symbols, the nudge can result in one or more additional combinations and also result in removing one or more combinations.
  • The game provides a second payout to the player for any winning symbol or symbol combination that appears along any [0053] payline 56 that the player has wagered, as indicated by block 114. As described above, in one embodiment, obtaining the nudge activator as indicated by block 110 may provide the player with one or more nudges.
  • In one embodiment, [0054] gaming device 10 performs only a single nudge sequence when the player achieves a nudge activator even if the nudge activator provides, or the player has already obtained, multiple nudge sequences. That is, after providing the second payout as indicated by block 114, the game does not perform another nudge sequence, as determined in connection with diamond 116. In this case, gaming device 10 enables another reel spin as indicated by block 104 as long as the player has maintained the appropriate monetary input as indicated by block 102. If the nudge activator, or another gaming device 10 event, has provided more than one nudge as indicated by block 110, the leftover nudges remain and the player must obtain other nudge activators to use them, i.e., one at a time.
  • In another embodiment, if the nudge activator provides, or the player has already obtained, multiple nudge sequences, [0055] gaming device 10 performs multiple nudge sequences until all nudges are exhausted. That is, after providing the second payout as indicated by block 114, there is another nudge sequence as long as the player has a remaining nudge, as determined in connection with diamond 116. The game displays the next nudge sequence, which may again be one of many types of sequences, as indicated by the block 118, and which results in one or more new symbol combinations on at least one payline. The game thereafter provides another payout to the player for any winning symbol or symbol combination that appears along any payline 56 that the player has wagered, as indicated by block 114. This process repeats until all acquired nudges are exhausted. In a further embodiment (not illustrated), the game may limit consecutive nudge sequences to a predefined or randomly determined number.
  • As indicated by [0056] blocks 112 and 118, the player can accumulate nudges. This can be done in various ways. First, the nudge activator may also act as a nudge incrementor and provide one or more nudges to the player. Second, a separate “nudge incrementor” symbol or symbol combination of the reels 34 may also be generated that provides a nudge or nudges to the player. Here the player also needs to generate a nudge activator to activate one or more of the accrued nudges. Third, a bonus game or the player's wager, such as the paylines played, wager per payline or total bet can generate or effect the probability of obtaining and accumulating a nudge.
  • Either the nudge incrementor or nudge activator can be a symbol on one of the [0057] reels 34 or part of one of the symbols on a reel. The nudge symbol also could be a wild symbol that acts as both an incrementor (providing a nudge) and an activator (executing the nudge). Whenever the wild nudge symbol appears, such as a “Double Diamond” symbol, the reel displaying the “Double Diamond” nudges up or down one or more predetermined or randomly determined positions. The “Double Diamond” symbols can but do not have to be placed adjacent to one or more ghost symbols.
  • In another embodiment, nudge indicia is provided in combination with an existing symbol to create a nudge sub-symbol. For example, [0058] gaming device 10 can have one or more reels with cherry symbols and cherry symbols additionally provided with the word “nudge”. This combination symbol operates with gaming device 10 so that any pays created by the cherry symbol alone are made, whereafter, the reel displaying the cherry-nudge symbol nudges or shifts one or more spots up or down randomly or in a predetermined manner.
  • In another embodiment, the nudge sequence is capable of generating an additional nudge incrementor or a self-starting nudge activator. The additional nudge or nudges may be generated and provided regardless of whether [0059] gaming device 10 performs one nudge sequence per nudge activator or exhausts all the player's nudge sequences upon the generation of a nudge activator. Gaming device 10 may iterate through many nudge sequences, as some of the sequences generate and add back to the nudge count, before the player's nudges become exhausted. In each sequence, gaming device 10 pays out for any winning symbol or symbol combination that results.
  • In still a further embodiment, [0060] gaming device 10 provides an electromechanical or simulated input device 44 that enables the player to selectively choose when to use a nudge. For example, gaming device 10 can provide a “nudge row” button or input that operates with the touch screen 50 and touch screen controller 52 associated with one of the display devices 30 or 32 to enable the player to choose selectively when to use a nudge. This embodiment may require player skill to use nudges wisely, nevertheless, certain gaming jurisdictions allow and indeed require some level of player skill.
  • Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, [0061] 5A and 5B and 6A and 6B, several embodiments of the nudge sequence are illustrated. FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a single payline 56 embodiment. That is, even though the display device 30 or 32 displays three rows of symbols for the reels 34 a through 34 e, the player can only wager the single payline 56, which is the middle row. Accordingly, the player can only win along the single row or payline 56.
  • If “diamond, 7, 7” and “7, 7, 7” are winning combinations, the player currently has a “diamond, 7, 7” win along the [0062] payline 56 in FIG. 4A. If the nudge sequence moves the left most reel 34 a up one position so that the top row of paystops of the display device 30 or 32 displays the “diamond” symbol and the middle row of paystops displays the 7 symbol, as indicated in FIG. 4B, the known nudge presents a dilemma for the player. That is, the player gains the “7, 7, 7” win of FIG. 4B but loses the “diamond, 7, 7” win of FIG. 4A (where such combination provides a will according to the pay table of the game). This may or may not result in a net gain for the player. Moreover, if the nudge does not result in the “7, 7, 7” win shown in FIG. 4B, the player loses the “diamond, 7, 7” win without any compensation. Nudging wins off a payline will not likely make the game very popular.
  • In the present invention, however, [0063] gaming device 10 provides both wins for the player because the game pays out before and after the nudge. That is, gaming device 10 pays out all wins appearing on the payline 56 when the reels 34 come to rest in the position shown in FIG. 4A. The game performs the nudge sequence and then pays out all wins appearing on the payline 56 when the reels come to rest in the position shown in FIG. 4B. The game therefore pays the “diamond, 7, 7” win in FIG. 4A before the nudge sequence and the “7, 7, 7” win in FIG. 4B after the nudge sequence.
  • FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a [0064] multiple payline 56 a through 56 c embodiment. Here, for example, the player can wager and win on one payline 56 a, two paylines 56 a and 56 b or three paylines 56 a through 56 c. The display device 30 or 32 includes fifteen different paystops, which are an array of segments of the glass defined by the reels 34 a through 34 e and the paylines 56 a through 56 c. Thus, the paystop 56 a, 34 a of the display device 30 or 32 contains the “diamond” symbol in FIG. 5A before the nudge sequence takes place. FIGS. 5A and 5B also show in phantom a row of symbols above and below the display device 30 or 32. There is currently no paystop of the display device 30 or 32 which displays these symbols, however, one or more of these symbols may be nudged onto a paystop, i.e., onto one of the paylines 56 a through 56 c. FIGS. 5A and 5B therefore illustrate the phantom symbols on the reel strips adjacent to the displayed symbols of the paystops of the display device 30 or 32.
  • Again, if “diamond, 7, 7” and “7, 7, 7” are winning combinations, and if the nudge sequence involves moving the [0065] reel 34 a up one position so that the paystop 56 b, 34 a of the display device 30 or 32 displays the “diamond” symbol and the paystop 56 a, 34 a displays the “7” symbol as illustrated in FIG. 5B, gaming device 10 of the present invention provides to the player the “diamond, 7, 7” win on line 56 a in FIG. 5A and the “7, 7, 7” win on line 56 a in FIG. 5B. That is, gaming device 10 pays out before and after the nudge sequence.
  • It should be appreciated that if “grape, grape” on the [0066] paystops 56 b, 34 a and 56 b, 34 b along payline 56 b also pays as a winning combination, the player also wins for this combination appearing in FIG. 5A. Further, if “cherry, cherry, cherry” on the paystops 56 c, 34 a; 56 c, 34 b; and 56 c, 34 c along payline 56 c pays, the player also wins for this combination appearing in FIG. 5B after the nudge sequence.
  • If the nudge sequence moves a winning symbol or symbol combination up or down to another active payline or if the winning symbol or combination otherwise exists before and after the nudge sequence, [0067] gaming device 10 may provide an associated award: (i) before the nudge sequence only; (ii) before and after the nudge sequence but after only if the symbol or symbols move due to the nudge; and (iii) before and after the nudge sequence regardless of whether the winning combination changes paystops due to the nudge sequence. The payout may also depend upon whether the player has played the payline on which the winning symbol or combination appears. Thus, a winning symbol or symbol combination may be adapted to provide awards two or more times if it is not nudged off of the display device 30 or 32.
  • For example, assume the “grape, grape” symbols on [0068] payline 56 b in FIG. 5A provide a payout to the player. If the “grape, grape” symbols move collectively to one of the other paylines 56 a or 56 c due to a nudge sequence, gaming device 10 may payout again according to one of the above-described scenarios. Or if the “grape, grape” symbols do not move but are displayed in both FIGS. 5A and 5B, the gaming device 10 may pay out before and after the nudge sequence, wherein gaming device 10 may be adapted to only pay if the player wagers on the payline bearing the winning symbol or combination.
  • Similarly, if one of the symbols is a nudge incrementor or nudge activator that provides one or more nudges to the player, i.e., increments a nudge meter or indicator (not illustrated), the game may be adapted to provide the nudge(s) (and possibly provide another nudge sequence if the nudge activator automatically executes the nudge): (i) before the nudge sequence only; (ii) before and after the nudge sequence but after the sequence only if the nudge incrementor or activator moves due to the nudge sequence; and (iii) before and after the nudge sequence regardless of whether the nudge incrementor or activator changes position due to the nudge sequence. Thus, the same nudge incrementor or activator may be adapted to provide nudge(s) two or more times if the symbol or symbols are not nudged off of the [0069] display device 30 or 32. Again, gaming device 10 in an embodiment requires that the nudge incrementor or activator resides on an active payline to provide a nudge (and possible the nudge sequence) to the player.
  • For example, assume the “club” symbol on [0070] payline 56 a in FIG. 5A is a nudge incrementor or activator that provides at least one nudge to the player. If the “club” symbol moves to one of the other paylines 56 b or 56 c due to the nudge sequence, gaming device 10 may provide additional one or more nudges (and possibly additional one or more nudge sequences) again according to one of the above-described scenarios.
  • FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate only one possible multi-payline embodiment. The pay before/pay after sequence of the present invention is applicable to any combination of [0071] paylines 56, for example, horizontal, diagonal or paylines including any combination adjacent symbols from each reel. The present invention is applicable to a gaming device having any number of reels and any number of paylines such as one, three, five, nine, ten, fifteen and twenty-five paylines. The present invention also applies to gaming devices having independent reel columns, which are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 09/688,428, assigned to the assignee of this invention, which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate the same multi-payline embodiment as in FIGS. 5A and 5B except that in FIG. 5A, paystop [0072] 56 e, 34 c, paystop 56 d, 34 a and one of the hidden symbols of the row below the display device 30 or 32 contain a blank or ghost symbol 58. Blank symbols can be employed to the single payline embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B, however, gaming device 10 may easily be adapted never to nudge a blank onto the single payline 56. In FIG. 6A, however, nudging reel 34 a up one paystop causes the blank 58 currently residing at the paystop 56 d, 34 a to shift to the payline 56 e, as illustrated in 6B, which disrupts the “grape, grape” winning combination along payline 56 e in FIG. 6A. Gaming device 10 of the present invention therefore pays the “grape, grape” in FIG. 6A first and then nudges the reel 34 a to create the “7, 7, 7” combination along payline 56 d in FIG. 6B. In this manner, the blank 58 does not take a win away from the player.
  • In any of the embodiments disclosed in connection with FIGS. 4, 5 and [0073] 6, the nudge sequence may be adapted to include any of the following: (i) nudging any one reel up or down one paystop; (ii) nudging any combination of reels including all the reels up or down one paystop; (iii) nudging any one reel up or down a plurality of paystops; (iv) nudging any combination of reels including all the reels up or down a plurality of paystops; (v) nudging any one reel up one or more paystops and, in the same sequence, nudging any one reel down one or more paystops; and (vi) nudging any combination of reels up one or more paystops and, in the same sequence, nudging any combination of reels down one or more paystops.
  • Many known slot machines have independent reel control through stepper motors that independently control each reel, wherein the stepper motors are adapted to receive motor currents based on the outcome of random generation devices stored in software in [0074] memory device 40 or in some other computer storage device within or associated with gaming device 10. Those skilled in the art are therefore adept at achieving the various sequences disclosed herein.
  • [0075] Gaming device 10 may be adapted to provide the same nudge sequence time after time or vary the sequences on a predetermined or random basis. If randomly varied, the set of sequences from which a random generation device selects may be weighted according to any desired distribution. In one embodiment, gaming device 10 accompanies the nudge sequences with a suitable audio message from the speakers 36, such as “NUDGE NOW.”
  • While the present invention is described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, and is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims. Modifications and variations in the present invention may be made without departing from the novel aspects of the invention as defined in the claims, and this application is limited only by the scope of the claims. [0076]

Claims (48)

The invention is claimed as follows:
1. A gaming device comprising:
a plurality of reels each having a plurality of symbols;
a display device that enables a player to see a number of symbols on each reel, creating a plurality of visible symbols;
a payline that designates certain of the visible symbols for a payout determination;
a first payout provided to the player if the reels spin and produce a first set of symbols on the payline that generates a winning combination;
a randomly determined nudge activator;
a nudge sequence initiated by the nudge activator and displayed by the display device, wherein one of the visible symbols on one of the reels in the first set is shifted so that a second set of symbols appears on the payline; and
a second payout provided to the player if the second set of symbols generates a winning combination.
2. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the nudge activator is generated upon a spin of the reels.
3. The gaming device of claim 2, wherein the nudge activator includes at least one of the visible symbols.
4. The gaming device of claim 1, which includes a plurality of nudge sequences and wherein the nudge activator initiates a plurality of sequential nudge sequences.
5. The gaming device of claim 1, which includes a second nudge sequence displayed by the display device in which a symbol of the second set is shifted off of the payline.
6. The gaming device of claim 5, wherein the display device defines a plurality of paystops that are each stopping positions for the symbols, and wherein shifting visible symbols of the first and second nudge sequences occurs in the same paystop.
7. The gaming device of claim 5, wherein the display device defines a plurality of paystops that are each stopping positions for the symbols, and wherein shifting visible symbols of the first and second nudge sequences occurs in different paystops.
8. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the nudge sequence shifts a plurality of symbols of the first set.
9. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the display device defines a plurality of paystops that are each stopping positions for the symbols, and wherein the nudge sequence includes one of: nudging one of the reels up one paystop; nudging one of the reels down one paystop; nudging a plurality of the reels up one paystop; nudging a plurality of the reels down one paystop; nudging a plurality of the reels up a plurality of paystops; nudging a plurality of the reels down a plurality of paystops; nudging one of the reels up at least one paystop and nudging another one of the reels down at least one paystop; and nudging a plurality of the reels up at least one paystop while nudging a plurality of the reels down at least one paystop.
10. A gaming device comprising:
a plurality of reels each having a plurality of symbols;
a display device that enables a player to see a number of symbols on each reel, creating a plurality of visible symbols;
a plurality of paylines that each designate certain of the visible symbols, from the plurality of visible symbols, for a payout determination;
a first payout provided to the player if the reels spin and produce first sets of symbols along the paylines that generate a winning combination;
a nudge sequence displayed by the display device in which one of the reels is moved to form second sets of symbols that appear on the paylines; and
a second payout provided to the player if the second sets generate a winning combination.
11. The gaming device of claim 10, wherein the first and second payouts include an accumulation of at least one winning symbol or symbol combination along at least one of the paylines.
12. The gaming device of claim 10, which includes a nudge activator generated upon a spin of the reels, wherein the nudge activator initiates the nudge sequence.
13. The gaming device of claim 12, wherein the nudge activator includes at least one of the visible symbols.
14. The gaming device of claim 12, wherein the nudge activator includes a portion of one of the visible symbols.
15. The gaming device of claim 10, which includes a nudge activator generated upon a spin of the reels, wherein the nudge activator initiates a plurality of sequential nudge sequences.
16. The gaming device of claim 10, which includes a second nudge sequence displayed by the display device wherein one of the symbols of each of the second sets of symbols is moved off of the respective payline.
17. The gaming device of claim 16, wherein the display device defines a plurality of paystops that are each stopping positions for the symbols, wherein moving symbols during the first and second nudge sequences takes place in the same paystops.
18. The gaming device of claim 16, wherein the display device defines a plurality of paystops that are each stopping positions for the symbols, wherein moving symbols during the first and second nudge sequences takes place in different paystops.
19. The gaming device of claim 10, wherein the nudge sequence moves a plurality of symbols of at least one of the first sets.
20. A gaming device comprising:
a plurality of reels each having a plurality of symbols;
a display device that enables a player to see a number of the symbols on each reel, creating a plurality of visible symbols;
a plurality of paylines that each designate certain of the visible symbols, from the plurality of symbols, for a payout determination;
a nudge activator generated upon a spin of the reels that initiates at least one nudge sequence, each sequence shifting a visible symbol off of each payline; and
a payout determination after each nudge sequence.
21. The gaming device of claim 20, wherein the nudge sequence includes moving one of the reels to shift the visible symbol off the payline.
22. The gaming device of claim 20, wherein the nudge activator includes at least one of the visible symbols and wherein at least one of the nudge sequences produces another nudge activator.
23. The gaming device of claim 20, wherein the nudge activation includes a portion of one of the visible symbols.
24. The gaming device of claim 20, wherein the sequence includes shifting one of the visible symbols to become not visible and, on the same reel, shifting a previously unseen symbol to become one of the visible symbols.
25. A method of operating a gaming device having a plurality of paylines, said method comprising the steps of:
(a) generating a first set of symbols on the paylines;
(b) providing a first award to a player if the first award is generated by the first set of symbols;
(c) providing a nudge sequence display in which one of the reels moves, generating a second set of symbols on the paylines; and
(d) providing a second award to the player if the second award is generated by the second set of symbols.
26. The method of claim 25, which includes the step of accumulating a nudge prior to providing the nudge sequence.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein accumulating the nudge occurs upon the occurrence of an event other than the generation of said symbols.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein the event is selected from the group consisting of: a bonus game and an amount of the player's wager.
29. The method of claim 25, which includes generating a nudge activator that initiates the nudge sequence.
30. The method of claim 25, wherein the first set of symbols provides a nudge activator that initiates the nudge sequence.
31. The method of claim 25, which includes generating a nudge incrementor that provides a nudge prior to generating the first set of symbols and generating a nudge activator in the first set of symbols that activates the nudge.
32. The method of claim 25, which includes providing the first award to the player again if one or more of the symbols that generate the first award appear again in the second set of symbols.
33. The method of claim 25, which includes providing the first award to the player again if one or more of the symbols that generate the first award change position due to the nudge sequence and appear on another active payline.
34. The method of claim 25, which includes providing a second nudge sequence after generating the first set of symbols.
35. The method claim 25, which includes generating a nudge incrementor that provides a plurality of nudges prior to generating the first set of symbols.
36. The method claim 25, which includes generating a plurality of nudge incrementors that provide a plurality of nudges prior to generating the first set of symbols.
37. The method of claim 25, which includes providing a second nudge sequence after generating the second set of symbols.
38. The method of claim 37, which includes providing the nudge sequence when a nudge activator appears in the first set and providing the second nudge sequence when the same nudge activator appears in the second set of symbols.
39. The method of claim 38, wherein the same nudge activator generates the second sequence when the nudge activator changes position due to the first nudge sequence.
40. The method of claim 38, wherein the same nudge activator generates the second sequence if the nudge activator appears on an active payline in the second set of symbols.
41. The method of claim 37, which includes providing the nudge sequence when a first nudge activator appears in the first set and providing the second nudge sequence when a second nudge activator appears in the second set of symbols.
42. The method of claim 25, which includes providing a first nudge to the player when a nudge incrementor appears in the first set of symbols and providing a second nudge to the player when the same nudge incrementor appears in the second set of symbols.
43. The method of claim 42, wherein the same nudge incrementor provides the second nudge to the player when the nudge incrementor changes position due to the nudge sequence.
44. The method of claim 42, wherein the same nudge incrementor provides the second nudge to the player if the nudge incrementor appears on an active payline in the second set of symbols.
45. The method of claim 25, which includes providing a first nudge to the player when a first nudge incrementor appears in the first set and providing a second nudge to the player when a second nudge incrementor appears in the second set of symbols.
46. The method of claim 25, which includes generating a nudge activator prior to generating the first set of symbols and providing the nudge sequence upon generating a nudge incrementor in the first set.
47. The method of claim 25, which includes providing steps (a) to (e) through a data network.
48. The method of claim 47, wherein the data network is an internet.
US10/238,236 2002-09-10 2002-09-10 Gaming device having multi-payline nudge reels Abandoned US20040048650A1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/238,236 US20040048650A1 (en) 2002-09-10 2002-09-10 Gaming device having multi-payline nudge reels
GB0320743A GB2393555B (en) 2002-09-10 2003-09-05 Gaming device having multi-payline nudge reels
AU2003244623A AU2003244623B2 (en) 2002-09-10 2003-09-09 Gaming device having multi-payline nudge reels

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/238,236 US20040048650A1 (en) 2002-09-10 2002-09-10 Gaming device having multi-payline nudge reels

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20040048650A1 true US20040048650A1 (en) 2004-03-11

Family

ID=29250245

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/238,236 Abandoned US20040048650A1 (en) 2002-09-10 2002-09-10 Gaming device having multi-payline nudge reels

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20040048650A1 (en)
AU (1) AU2003244623B2 (en)
GB (1) GB2393555B (en)

Cited By (192)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030207713A1 (en) * 2000-07-14 2003-11-06 Taylor William A. Method for playing a video gaming machine
US20050197182A1 (en) * 2004-03-03 2005-09-08 Gerald Duhamel Method of playing a game wtih an indicia shuffling feature
US20050215307A1 (en) * 2001-12-17 2005-09-29 Igt Multiple wheel roulette game
US20060019738A1 (en) * 2003-09-12 2006-01-26 Baerlocher Anthony J Gaming device having concentric reels including an outer reel with display areas having different sizes and positions
EP1635306A1 (en) * 2004-09-13 2006-03-15 Aruze Corporation Gaming machine
US20060058097A1 (en) * 2004-09-10 2006-03-16 Bradley Berman Replacement reel gaming device and method
US20060183532A1 (en) * 2005-02-11 2006-08-17 Jackson Kathleen N Gaming machine having independent spinning forms and multiple pay lines
US20060237905A1 (en) * 2004-02-23 2006-10-26 Mark Nicely Bonus structures for multi-outcome/multi-bet gambling games
US20060252486A1 (en) * 2003-03-04 2006-11-09 Walker Jay S Method and apparatus for determining and presenting outcomes at a gaming device
US20070026923A1 (en) * 2005-07-29 2007-02-01 Igt Gaming device having dynamic paylines
US20070049372A1 (en) * 2005-08-30 2007-03-01 Consuelo Olivas Gaming machine including redo feature
US20070054726A1 (en) * 2005-09-08 2007-03-08 Igt Gaming devices and methods with alternative betting configurations
US20070060245A1 (en) * 2005-08-19 2007-03-15 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game with preview feature for a winning payline
US20070060255A1 (en) * 2005-08-26 2007-03-15 Igt Gaming device and method having independent reels and multiple ways of winning
US20070117605A1 (en) * 2005-11-21 2007-05-24 Ghaly Nabil N Interactive slot machine
US20070120320A1 (en) * 2004-02-23 2007-05-31 Igt Gaming device having a wheel-based game
US20070135203A1 (en) * 2005-12-09 2007-06-14 Igt Rotor-based gaming device having a system for changing the quantity of potential game outcomes for subsequent plays
US20070155474A1 (en) * 2005-12-19 2007-07-05 Michael Gauselmann Gaming device holding reels with trigger symbols and providing free reel spins
EP1846122A2 (en) * 2005-01-14 2007-10-24 ID Interactive LLC Slot machine game that allows player to purchase reel re-spins
WO2007130443A2 (en) * 2006-05-04 2007-11-15 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming system with cascading symbol feature
US20070265059A1 (en) * 2004-04-26 2007-11-15 Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. Symobl Matching Gaming Machine and Program
US20080064465A1 (en) * 2006-07-26 2008-03-13 Bennett Nicholas L Gaming apparatus with special symbols
US20080076532A1 (en) * 2006-09-27 2008-03-27 Igt Server based gaming system having system triggered loyalty award sequences
US20080076503A1 (en) * 2006-09-01 2008-03-27 Igt Gaming device and method having purchasable randomly selected paytables
US20080108409A1 (en) * 2006-11-06 2008-05-08 Igt Gaming device and method including moving paylines
US20080113737A1 (en) * 2006-11-10 2008-05-15 Igt Dynamic display systems for gaming machines
US20080113766A1 (en) * 2006-11-10 2008-05-15 Igt Flexibly configurable button panels for gaming machines
US20080119261A1 (en) * 2006-10-23 2008-05-22 Jorge Heymann Slot machine bonus game providing awards for manual dexterity
US20080125209A1 (en) * 2004-12-10 2008-05-29 Pacey Larry J Symbol Pushing Gaming Machine
US20080132320A1 (en) * 2006-11-10 2008-06-05 Igt Gaming system and method having wager dependent different symbol evaluations
US20080161096A1 (en) * 2003-08-25 2008-07-03 Igt Horseshoe payline system and games using that system
US20080167114A1 (en) * 2007-01-09 2008-07-10 Philippa Alice Graham Gaming system and a method of gaming
US20080188292A1 (en) * 2007-02-05 2008-08-07 Walker Jay S Method and apparatus for providing a bonus to a player
US20080227521A1 (en) * 2005-01-13 2008-09-18 Aoki Dion K Wagering Game Having Cascading Electromechanical Reels
US20080268935A1 (en) * 2007-04-30 2008-10-30 Acres-Fiore, Inc. Gaming device and method utilizing at least two rng outcomes
US20090042652A1 (en) * 2007-08-09 2009-02-12 Baerlocher Anthony J Gaming system and method providing simultaneous gaming with linked paytable events
US20090075720A1 (en) * 2007-09-17 2009-03-19 Mathis Richard M Skill game playable on a casino type display with game ending features including spinning reel up/down capability and a bonus game
US20090118004A1 (en) * 2007-11-07 2009-05-07 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and gaming method providing stacking symbols
US20090124326A1 (en) * 2007-11-09 2009-05-14 Igt Gaming device and method for providing a free spin game with payline multipliers
US20090124347A1 (en) * 2007-11-09 2009-05-14 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and gaming method providing stacking symbols and convertible reels
US20090124373A1 (en) * 2007-11-12 2009-05-14 Acres-Fiore, Inc. Player value determination system
US20090131041A1 (en) * 2007-11-20 2009-05-21 Hideharu Tanaka Communication apparatus, wave quality measuring system, wave quality measuring method and program
US20090131168A1 (en) * 2006-11-10 2009-05-21 Igt Systems and methods for improving a button assembly
US20090137309A1 (en) * 2006-05-08 2009-05-28 Alfred Thomas Wagering Game With Symbol Array Defined By Multi-Symbol Objects
US20090170588A1 (en) * 2006-11-08 2009-07-02 Igt Gaming device and method having purchasable enhanced paytables
US20090239648A1 (en) * 2008-03-21 2009-09-24 Acres-Fiore Patents Method and apparatus for altering gaming device configuration responsive to information related to a player of the gaming device
US20090239601A1 (en) * 2008-03-19 2009-09-24 Cadillac Jack, Inc. Skill-Based Redemption Game
US20090239631A1 (en) * 2006-05-04 2009-09-24 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering Game With Symbols Forming An Altered Array or Secondary Array
US20090264171A1 (en) * 2008-04-16 2009-10-22 Acres-Fiore, Inc. Generating a score related to play on gaming devices
US7611406B2 (en) 2004-08-23 2009-11-03 Igt Gaming device having selectively activated extra reel
US20090275375A1 (en) * 2008-04-30 2009-11-05 Acres-Fiore, Inc. Multiple outcome display for gaming devices
US20090286586A1 (en) * 2008-05-16 2009-11-19 Jorge Heymann Icon Selection Bonus Game with Replaceable Icons
US20090326356A1 (en) * 2008-06-30 2009-12-31 Medtronic, Inc. Cardiac signal sensor control
US20100004048A1 (en) * 2008-07-07 2010-01-07 Melisa Brito Slot Machine Game With Symbol Lock-In
US20100004049A1 (en) * 2007-11-09 2010-01-07 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and gaming method for shifting symbols from a staging area to a symbol matrix
US20100056248A1 (en) * 2008-09-04 2010-03-04 Acres-Fiore, Inc. Gaming device having variable speed of play
US20100099480A1 (en) * 2008-10-21 2010-04-22 Igt Gaming system having multiple hand card game with post deal wager assignment options
US20100113133A1 (en) * 2008-10-21 2010-05-06 Leupp Jon Mcnair Gaming system and method of gaming
US20100120501A1 (en) * 2008-11-13 2010-05-13 Igt Gaming system and method including points of symbol expansion
US20100124973A1 (en) * 2008-11-14 2010-05-20 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for enabling a current bet to be placed on a future play of a wagering game
US20100124980A1 (en) * 2008-11-17 2010-05-20 Acres-Fiore Patents method for configuring casino operations
US20100190544A1 (en) * 2007-06-29 2010-07-29 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game having a collapsible wild feature
US20100234089A1 (en) * 2009-03-16 2010-09-16 Igt Gaming device and method providing slot game having virtual map driven reel stop position determinations
US20100234092A1 (en) * 2007-06-29 2010-09-16 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game having hybrid winning outcomes
US20100234091A1 (en) * 2009-03-16 2010-09-16 Igt Gaming device and method providing slot game having virtual map driven reel stop position determinations
US20100273550A1 (en) * 2004-01-02 2010-10-28 Igt Gaming device including player selectable wild symbols
US7892093B2 (en) 2004-08-19 2011-02-22 Igt Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards
US20110081964A1 (en) * 2009-10-01 2011-04-07 Acres-Fiore Patents Method and system for implementing mystery bonus in place of base game results on gaming machine
US20110086690A1 (en) * 2009-10-14 2011-04-14 Acres-Fiore Patents Outcome determination method for gaming device
US20110111860A1 (en) * 2009-11-12 2011-05-12 Intellectual Garden, Llc Gaming Systems Including Viral Gaming Events
US7942417B2 (en) 2007-11-27 2011-05-17 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Gaming machine with reels
US20110117982A1 (en) * 2009-11-16 2011-05-19 Intellectual Garden, Llc Asynchronous Persistent Group Bonus Game
US20110115156A1 (en) * 2009-11-13 2011-05-19 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Mechanical slot machine reel having four viewable front symbol positions
US7963847B2 (en) 2004-08-19 2011-06-21 Igt Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards
US7967677B2 (en) 2006-11-08 2011-06-28 Igt Gaming system and method for providing virtual drawings
US7985133B2 (en) 2007-07-30 2011-07-26 Igt Gaming system and method for providing an additional gaming currency
US7993199B2 (en) 2006-09-27 2011-08-09 Igt Server based gaming system having system triggered loyalty award sequences
US8021230B2 (en) 2004-08-19 2011-09-20 Igt Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards
US20120064961A1 (en) * 2010-09-07 2012-03-15 Olaf Vancura Slot-type game with nudge and bonus game features
US8137179B2 (en) 2006-11-08 2012-03-20 Igt Gaming device having expanding and rolling wild symbols
US20120077581A1 (en) * 2010-09-29 2012-03-29 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a poker game with a bonus gaming session having re-draw option
US8221214B2 (en) 2005-12-09 2012-07-17 Igt Rotor-based gaming device having a secondary award system
US8235801B2 (en) 2006-10-30 2012-08-07 Igt Gaming system and method for providing enhanced player opportunities for depositing monetary amounts above a designated level
US8241104B2 (en) 2006-11-06 2012-08-14 Igt Gaming device and method having designated rules for determining ways to win
US8251791B2 (en) 2004-08-19 2012-08-28 Igt Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards
US8257159B1 (en) * 2005-07-13 2012-09-04 Stacy Friedman Slot machine with synchronized spinning reels
US8323091B2 (en) 2010-08-09 2012-12-04 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a cascading symbol game including shifting different determined symbols
US8337292B2 (en) 2006-11-10 2012-12-25 Etasse Limited Slot machine game with side wager on reel order
US8366532B1 (en) 2011-09-21 2013-02-05 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method providing an obstacle board slot game
US8366533B1 (en) 2011-09-21 2013-02-05 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method providing an obstacle board slot game
US8376829B2 (en) 2005-01-14 2013-02-19 Etasse Limited Slot machine game with respin feature which identifies potential wins
US8408990B2 (en) 2008-11-14 2013-04-02 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing benefit in a future play of a wagering game
US20130084953A1 (en) * 2011-09-30 2013-04-04 Igt State-based power-ups
US20130084990A1 (en) * 2011-09-30 2013-04-04 Igt State-based power-ups
EP2615592A1 (en) * 2012-01-16 2013-07-17 Waterleaf Limited Nudge feature in reel-type games
US8562419B2 (en) 2011-06-30 2013-10-22 Igt Gaming system, device, and method providing a multiple streak game
US8574059B2 (en) 2008-11-14 2013-11-05 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game including a plurality of independent reels which provide a stacked symbol functionality
US8602875B2 (en) 2009-10-17 2013-12-10 Nguyen Gaming Llc Preserving game state data for asynchronous persistent group bonus games
US8608545B2 (en) 2011-12-06 2013-12-17 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method providing a game including a cascading symbols feature causing one or more repositioned symbols to be wild symbols
US8641505B2 (en) 2011-08-22 2014-02-04 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a directional symbol evaluation game
US8662986B2 (en) 2008-11-13 2014-03-04 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a cascading symbols game having magnetic symbols and target symbols
US20140094254A1 (en) * 2012-09-28 2014-04-03 Aruze Gaming America, Inc. Gaming machine arranging symbols
US8690664B2 (en) 2006-09-25 2014-04-08 Etasse Limited Slot machine game with additional award indicator
US8696470B2 (en) 2010-04-09 2014-04-15 Nguyen Gaming Llc Spontaneous player preferences
US20140106839A1 (en) * 2007-10-30 2014-04-17 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing an outcome enhancing feature
US8702490B2 (en) 2009-07-24 2014-04-22 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Gaming device having multiple game play option
US8702493B2 (en) 2007-11-09 2014-04-22 Etasse Limited Slot machine game with award based on another machine
US8721426B2 (en) 2011-09-30 2014-05-13 Igt State-based power-ups
US8740689B2 (en) 2012-07-06 2014-06-03 Igt Gaming system and method configured to operate a game associated with a reflector symbol
US8753187B2 (en) 2011-09-30 2014-06-17 Igt State-based power-ups
US8764548B2 (en) 2011-08-22 2014-07-01 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a directional symbol evaluation game
US8771055B2 (en) 2010-08-10 2014-07-08 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Method of gaming, a gaming system, and a game controller
US8777726B2 (en) 2011-09-30 2014-07-15 Igt State-based power-ups
US8795053B2 (en) 2012-09-24 2014-08-05 Igt 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
US8814661B2 (en) 2011-12-20 2014-08-26 Igt Gaming machines having normal and hot modes
US8821252B2 (en) 2011-09-30 2014-09-02 Igt State-based power-ups
US8827796B2 (en) 2012-01-16 2014-09-09 Cork Group Trading Ltd. Display of symbol accumulation in reel-type games
US8840457B1 (en) 2013-03-04 2014-09-23 Igt Gaming system and method providing a slot game employing a randomly selected set of reels
US8870642B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2014-10-28 Igt 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
US8894481B2 (en) 2012-08-28 2014-11-25 Igt Gaming system and method providing multiway evaluation for a game associated with multi-component symbols configured to affect a base count
US20140349756A1 (en) * 2008-11-18 2014-11-27 Patent Investment & Licensing Company System for processing gaming activity
US8905836B2 (en) 2012-08-28 2014-12-09 Igt 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
US20140378206A1 (en) * 2013-06-25 2014-12-25 Epic Systems, Llc Multi-reel nudge skill-based redemption game
AU2011250713B2 (en) * 2010-11-10 2015-01-22 Ainsworth Game Technology Limited A gaming machine and method
US8974288B2 (en) 2011-08-10 2015-03-10 Igt Gaming device having a designated activator symbol therein and methods thereof
US8979639B2 (en) 2012-08-28 2015-03-17 Igt 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
US8979633B2 (en) 2011-08-10 2015-03-17 Igt Gaming device having positional symbol awards
US8986106B2 (en) 2011-09-02 2015-03-24 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method providing selectable different roulette wheels for play of roulette game
US8986101B2 (en) 2011-08-10 2015-03-24 Igt Gaming device having positional symbol awards
US9005006B2 (en) 2011-08-10 2015-04-14 Igt Gaming device having wild symbol generation within a play matrix
US9005004B2 (en) 2011-09-02 2015-04-14 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method providing selectable different roulette wheels for play of roulette game
AU2012233004B2 (en) * 2011-10-12 2015-04-30 Bally Gaming, Inc. Systems, methods, and devices for playing wagering games with movable symbol arrays
US20150161850A1 (en) * 2011-12-04 2015-06-11 Epic Tech, Llc Gaming system and method
US9098847B2 (en) 2013-03-08 2015-08-04 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a game including roaming wild symbols
US9098973B2 (en) 2013-03-08 2015-08-04 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a game including roaming wild symbols
US9165433B2 (en) 2009-11-10 2015-10-20 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a cascading symbol game including shifting symbols according to directional indicators
US9165435B2 (en) 2009-12-03 2015-10-20 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Gaming device having advance game information analyzer
US9177448B2 (en) 2013-03-11 2015-11-03 Igt Gaming system and method providing a slot game including a symbol generator modification event
US9177447B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2015-11-03 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a symbol matrix with a moveable symbol display window
US9214067B2 (en) 2012-09-06 2015-12-15 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a streaming symbols game
US9235952B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2016-01-12 Nguyen Gaming Llc Peripheral management device for virtual game interaction
US9245407B2 (en) 2012-07-06 2016-01-26 Igt Gaming system and method that determines awards based on quantities of symbols included in one or more strings of related symbols displayed along one or more paylines
US9251653B2 (en) 2012-02-22 2016-02-02 Igt 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
US9275524B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2016-03-01 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with multiple symbol display position elements
US9293014B2 (en) 2012-03-12 2016-03-22 Igt Gaming device having persistently extending wild symbols
US9299224B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2016-03-29 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with symbol class eliminations
US9311781B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2016-04-12 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with upgrade events
US9325203B2 (en) 2012-07-24 2016-04-26 Binh Nguyen Optimized power consumption in a gaming device
US9349251B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2016-05-24 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with upgrade events
US9355528B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2016-05-31 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with shifting symbols between multiple symbol display position matrices
US9390587B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2016-07-12 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with multiple symbol display position symbols
US9418518B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2016-08-16 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with interacting symbols
US9449465B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2016-09-20 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with upgrade events
US9460587B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2016-10-04 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with shifting symbols in different directions between multiple symbol display position matrices
US9472065B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2016-10-18 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with interacting symbols
US9472063B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2016-10-18 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a multiple sided card game
US9483901B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2016-11-01 Nguyen Gaming Llc Gaming device docking station
US9486704B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2016-11-08 Nguyen Gaming Llc Social gaming
US9501898B1 (en) 2013-09-12 2016-11-22 Igt Gaming system and method providing a game having a sub-symbol award evaluation
US9520016B2 (en) 2013-10-11 2016-12-13 Konami Gaming, Inc. System and method of allowing a player to play gaming machines having reel overlays
US9542814B2 (en) 2012-05-17 2017-01-10 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a nudge poker game
US9558611B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2017-01-31 Everi Games Inc. Wagering game, gaming machine, networked gaming system and method with nudging re-spinning stacked wilds
US9564018B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2017-02-07 Nguyen Gaming Llc Temporary grant of real-time bonus feature
US9589423B2 (en) 2012-06-12 2017-03-07 Epic Tech, Llc Method and system for pre-revealed electronic sweepstakes
US9595161B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2017-03-14 Nguyen Gaming Llc Social gaming
US9600976B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-03-21 Nguyen Gaming Llc Adaptive mobile device gaming system
US9607474B2 (en) 2010-06-10 2017-03-28 Nguyen Gaming Llc Reconfigurable gaming zone
US9630096B2 (en) 2011-10-03 2017-04-25 Nguyen Gaming Llc Control of mobile game play on a mobile vessel
US9659442B2 (en) 2009-11-10 2017-05-23 Patent Investment & Licensing Company System and method for measuring gaming player behavior
US9672686B2 (en) 2011-10-03 2017-06-06 Nguyen Gaming Llc Electronic fund transfer for mobile gaming
US9685033B2 (en) 2005-11-22 2017-06-20 Igt Regulated games: multi-act games
US9728043B2 (en) 2010-12-29 2017-08-08 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Means for enhancing game play of gaming device
US9728049B2 (en) 2013-10-11 2017-08-08 Konami Gaming, Inc. System and method of allowing a player to play gaming machines having multiple reel sets
CN107032036A (en) * 2017-05-18 2017-08-11 北京华沁智联科技有限公司 Control the method and automatic vending warehouse in automatic vending warehouse
US9814970B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-11-14 Nguyen Gaming Llc Authentication of mobile servers
US9928682B2 (en) 2009-11-16 2018-03-27 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Method for displaying gaming result
US9953490B2 (en) 2009-12-03 2018-04-24 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Rapid play poker gaming device
US10019866B2 (en) 2014-01-13 2018-07-10 Pridefield Limited Gaming machine with wild multiplier feature
US10052551B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2018-08-21 Nguyen Gaming Llc Multi-functional peripheral device
US10115266B2 (en) 2015-05-04 2018-10-30 Bally Gaming, Inc. Gaming machine using randomly triggered symbol array element removal and repopulation
US20180330575A1 (en) * 2013-06-25 2018-11-15 Epic Tech, Llc Replacement symbol skill-based redemption game
US10147281B2 (en) 2014-07-24 2018-12-04 Igt Gaming system and method having matching symbol stacks and additional award opportunities
US10176666B2 (en) 2012-10-01 2019-01-08 Nguyen Gaming Llc Viral benefit distribution using mobile devices
US10354492B2 (en) 2017-10-26 2019-07-16 Igt Gaming system and method for providing awards based on skill-based game outcome modifications
US10421010B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2019-09-24 Nguyen Gaming Llc Determination of advertisement based on player physiology
US10783742B2 (en) 2010-12-29 2020-09-22 Acres Technology Event-based gaming operations for gaming device
US10916090B2 (en) 2016-08-23 2021-02-09 Igt System and method for transferring funds from a financial institution device to a cashless wagering account accessible via a mobile device
US11017626B2 (en) 2010-12-29 2021-05-25 Acres Technology Means for controlling payback percentage of gaming device
US11386747B2 (en) 2017-10-23 2022-07-12 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Gaming monetary instrument tracking system
US11398131B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2022-07-26 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Method and system for localized mobile gaming
US11488440B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2022-11-01 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Method and system for transferring value for wagering using a portable electronic device
US11704971B2 (en) 2009-11-12 2023-07-18 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Gaming system supporting data distribution to gaming devices

Families Citing this family (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8105151B2 (en) 2008-07-02 2012-01-31 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing cascading symbols with wild features
US8790169B2 (en) 2008-07-23 2014-07-29 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a cascading symbols game with wild symbols usable for a designated quantity of symbol generations
US8968083B2 (en) 2009-11-12 2015-03-03 Igt Gaming system and method for dynamically grouping gaming devices to provide progressive awards
US8371930B1 (en) 2011-07-21 2013-02-12 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing a multiple dimension cascading symbols game with a time element
US8414380B2 (en) 2011-07-21 2013-04-09 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing a multiple dimension cascading symbols game with three dimensional symbols
US8366538B1 (en) 2011-07-21 2013-02-05 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing a multiple dimension cascading symbols game
US9005022B2 (en) 2012-01-19 2015-04-14 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a cascading symbols game which builds layers of multiple dimension symbols
US8882578B2 (en) 2012-01-19 2014-11-11 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a cascading symbols game which reuses discarded symbols
US8512138B2 (en) 2012-01-19 2013-08-20 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a cascading symbols game which reuses discarded symbols
US10607448B2 (en) 2012-09-27 2020-03-31 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading multiple sided symbol game
US9978221B2 (en) 2013-03-22 2018-05-22 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a multiple dimension symbol game with expanding wild symbols
US9978222B2 (en) 2013-04-03 2018-05-22 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Gaming system and a method of gaming

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4826169A (en) * 1987-06-26 1989-05-02 Kabushiki Kaisha Universal Slot machine with a marker symbol
US5720662A (en) * 1996-05-01 1998-02-24 Holmes, Jr.; Verne F. Slot machine method
US5984782A (en) * 1995-06-22 1999-11-16 Eagle Co., Ltd. Slot machine
US6316663B1 (en) * 1998-09-02 2001-11-13 Symyx Technologies, Inc. Catalyst ligands, catalytic metal complexes and processes using and methods of making the same
US20020025843A1 (en) * 2000-06-22 2002-02-28 Natalie Bryant Gaming machine with puzzle feature
US6676512B2 (en) * 2001-02-09 2004-01-13 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd Gaming machine with mystery nudge symbol
US7070502B1 (en) * 2000-10-13 2006-07-04 Igt Gaming device having dual evaluation scheme

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2353128B (en) * 2000-09-01 2001-08-01 Mazooma Games Ltd Gaming and amusement machines

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4826169A (en) * 1987-06-26 1989-05-02 Kabushiki Kaisha Universal Slot machine with a marker symbol
US5984782A (en) * 1995-06-22 1999-11-16 Eagle Co., Ltd. Slot machine
US5720662A (en) * 1996-05-01 1998-02-24 Holmes, Jr.; Verne F. Slot machine method
US6316663B1 (en) * 1998-09-02 2001-11-13 Symyx Technologies, Inc. Catalyst ligands, catalytic metal complexes and processes using and methods of making the same
US20020025843A1 (en) * 2000-06-22 2002-02-28 Natalie Bryant Gaming machine with puzzle feature
US7070502B1 (en) * 2000-10-13 2006-07-04 Igt Gaming device having dual evaluation scheme
US6676512B2 (en) * 2001-02-09 2004-01-13 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd Gaming machine with mystery nudge symbol

Cited By (494)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8317597B2 (en) 2000-07-14 2012-11-27 Igt Method for playing a video gaming machine
US7727061B2 (en) 2000-07-14 2010-06-01 Igt Method for playing a video gaming machine
US20030207713A1 (en) * 2000-07-14 2003-11-06 Taylor William A. Method for playing a video gaming machine
US20100210338A1 (en) * 2000-07-14 2010-08-19 Igt Method for playing a video gaming machine
US8668576B2 (en) 2000-07-14 2014-03-11 Igt Method for playing a video gaming machine
US8668577B2 (en) 2000-07-14 2014-03-11 Igt Method for playing a video gaming machine
US8727862B2 (en) 2001-12-17 2014-05-20 Igt Multiple reel roulette game
US9230394B2 (en) 2001-12-17 2016-01-05 Igt Multiple reel roulette game
US20050215307A1 (en) * 2001-12-17 2005-09-29 Igt Multiple wheel roulette game
US7901280B2 (en) 2001-12-17 2011-03-08 Igt Multiple reel roulette game
US7914376B2 (en) 2003-03-04 2011-03-29 Igt Method and apparatus for determining and presenting outcomes at a gaming device
US20060252486A1 (en) * 2003-03-04 2006-11-09 Walker Jay S Method and apparatus for determining and presenting outcomes at a gaming device
US8100751B2 (en) 2003-08-25 2012-01-24 Igt Horseshoe payline system and games using that system
US20080161096A1 (en) * 2003-08-25 2008-07-03 Igt Horseshoe payline system and games using that system
US7922573B2 (en) 2003-09-12 2011-04-12 Igt Gaming device having concentric reels including an outer reel with display areas having different sizes and positions
US20060019738A1 (en) * 2003-09-12 2006-01-26 Baerlocher Anthony J Gaming device having concentric reels including an outer reel with display areas having different sizes and positions
US9129492B2 (en) 2004-01-02 2015-09-08 Igt Gaming system including wild symbols
US9412226B2 (en) 2004-01-02 2016-08-09 Igt Gaming system including wild symbols
US8814658B2 (en) 2004-01-02 2014-08-26 Igt Gaming device including player selectable wild symbols
US8382574B2 (en) 2004-01-02 2013-02-26 Igt Gaming device including player selectable wild symbols
US8574061B2 (en) 2004-01-02 2013-11-05 Igt Gaming device including player selectable wild symbols
US9679434B2 (en) 2004-01-02 2017-06-13 Igt Gaming system including wild symbols
US20100273550A1 (en) * 2004-01-02 2010-10-28 Igt Gaming device including player selectable wild symbols
US8152171B2 (en) 2004-02-23 2012-04-10 Igt Gaming device having a wheel-based game
US20070120320A1 (en) * 2004-02-23 2007-05-31 Igt Gaming device having a wheel-based game
US7674172B2 (en) 2004-02-23 2010-03-09 Igt Gaming device having a wheel-based game
US20060237905A1 (en) * 2004-02-23 2006-10-26 Mark Nicely Bonus structures for multi-outcome/multi-bet gambling games
US7828294B2 (en) 2004-02-23 2010-11-09 Igt Gaming system having a dice-based game with a plurality of wager areas
US20050197182A1 (en) * 2004-03-03 2005-09-08 Gerald Duhamel Method of playing a game wtih an indicia shuffling feature
US20070265059A1 (en) * 2004-04-26 2007-11-15 Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. Symobl Matching Gaming Machine and Program
US7963847B2 (en) 2004-08-19 2011-06-21 Igt Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards
US8251791B2 (en) 2004-08-19 2012-08-28 Igt Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards
US8556710B2 (en) 2004-08-19 2013-10-15 Igt Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards
US9600968B2 (en) 2004-08-19 2017-03-21 Igt Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards
US8021230B2 (en) 2004-08-19 2011-09-20 Igt Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards
US7892093B2 (en) 2004-08-19 2011-02-22 Igt Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards
US8753197B2 (en) 2004-08-19 2014-06-17 Igt Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards
US8430747B2 (en) 2004-08-19 2013-04-30 Igt Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards
US8814648B2 (en) 2004-08-19 2014-08-26 Igt Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards
US7611406B2 (en) 2004-08-23 2009-11-03 Igt Gaming device having selectively activated extra reel
US20060058097A1 (en) * 2004-09-10 2006-03-16 Bradley Berman Replacement reel gaming device and method
US20110190044A1 (en) * 2004-09-10 2011-08-04 Igt Replacement reel gaming device and method
US10026256B2 (en) 2004-09-10 2018-07-17 Igt Replacement reel gaming device and method
US9262893B2 (en) 2004-09-10 2016-02-16 Igt Replacement reel gaming device and method
US7950994B2 (en) 2004-09-10 2011-05-31 Igt Replacement reel gaming device and method
US8529333B2 (en) 2004-09-10 2013-09-10 Igt Replacement reel gaming device and method
AU2005209676B2 (en) * 2004-09-13 2008-02-07 Universal Entertainment Corporation Gaming machine
EP1635306A1 (en) * 2004-09-13 2006-03-15 Aruze Corporation Gaming machine
US20060068886A1 (en) * 2004-09-13 2006-03-30 Aruze Corporation Gaming machine
US9153090B2 (en) * 2004-12-10 2015-10-06 Bally Gaming, Inc. Symbol pushing gaming machine
US20080125209A1 (en) * 2004-12-10 2008-05-29 Pacey Larry J Symbol Pushing Gaming Machine
US20080227521A1 (en) * 2005-01-13 2008-09-18 Aoki Dion K Wagering Game Having Cascading Electromechanical Reels
EP1846122A4 (en) * 2005-01-14 2010-06-16 Id Interactive Llc Slot machine game with reel re-spins
US8376829B2 (en) 2005-01-14 2013-02-19 Etasse Limited Slot machine game with respin feature which identifies potential wins
EP1846122A2 (en) * 2005-01-14 2007-10-24 ID Interactive LLC Slot machine game that allows player to purchase reel re-spins
US20090093296A1 (en) * 2005-01-14 2009-04-09 Ignacio Gerson Slot Machine Game That Allows Player to Purchase Reel Re-spins
US20060183532A1 (en) * 2005-02-11 2006-08-17 Jackson Kathleen N Gaming machine having independent spinning forms and multiple pay lines
US8257159B1 (en) * 2005-07-13 2012-09-04 Stacy Friedman Slot machine with synchronized spinning reels
US9754459B1 (en) 2005-07-13 2017-09-05 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Slot machine with synchronized spinning reels
US20070026923A1 (en) * 2005-07-29 2007-02-01 Igt Gaming device having dynamic paylines
US8128480B2 (en) 2005-07-29 2012-03-06 Igt Gaming device having dynamic paylines
US8485886B2 (en) 2005-07-29 2013-07-16 Igt Gaming device having dynamic paylines
US8500541B2 (en) 2005-08-19 2013-08-06 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game with preview feature for a winning payline
US20070060245A1 (en) * 2005-08-19 2007-03-15 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game with preview feature for a winning payline
US10431038B2 (en) 2005-08-26 2019-10-01 Igt Gaming device and method having independent reels and multiple ways of winning
US20070060255A1 (en) * 2005-08-26 2007-03-15 Igt Gaming device and method having independent reels and multiple ways of winning
US8562416B2 (en) 2005-08-26 2013-10-22 Igt Gaming device and method having independent reels and multiple ways of winning
US8012011B2 (en) 2005-08-26 2011-09-06 Igt Gaming device and method having independent reels and multiple ways of winning
US9311788B2 (en) 2005-08-26 2016-04-12 Igt Gaming device and method having independent reels and multiple ways of winning
US7572183B2 (en) * 2005-08-30 2009-08-11 Igt Gaming machine including redo feature
US20090203433A1 (en) * 2005-08-30 2009-08-13 Igt Gaming machine including redo feature
US20070049372A1 (en) * 2005-08-30 2007-03-01 Consuelo Olivas Gaming machine including redo feature
US7819743B2 (en) 2005-08-30 2010-10-26 Igt Gaming machine including redo feature
US20070054726A1 (en) * 2005-09-08 2007-03-08 Igt Gaming devices and methods with alternative betting configurations
US20070117605A1 (en) * 2005-11-21 2007-05-24 Ghaly Nabil N Interactive slot machine
US8808082B2 (en) * 2005-11-21 2014-08-19 Nabil N. Ghaly, Jr. Interactive slot machine
US9685033B2 (en) 2005-11-22 2017-06-20 Igt Regulated games: multi-act games
US8221214B2 (en) 2005-12-09 2012-07-17 Igt Rotor-based gaming device having a secondary award system
US20100227665A1 (en) * 2005-12-09 2010-09-09 Igt Rotor-based gaming device having a system for changing the quantity of potential game outcomes for subsequent plays
US8177234B2 (en) 2005-12-09 2012-05-15 Igt Rotor-based gaming device having a system for changing the quantity of potential game outcomes for subsequent plays
US7708630B2 (en) 2005-12-09 2010-05-04 Igt Rotor-based gaming device having a system for changing the quantity of potential game outcomes for subsequent plays
US8342941B2 (en) 2005-12-09 2013-01-01 Igt Rotor-based gaming device having a secondary award system
US20070135203A1 (en) * 2005-12-09 2007-06-14 Igt Rotor-based gaming device having a system for changing the quantity of potential game outcomes for subsequent plays
US9911281B2 (en) 2005-12-09 2018-03-06 Igt Rotor-based gaming device having a secondary award system
US9437079B2 (en) 2005-12-09 2016-09-06 Igt Rotor-based gaming device having a secondary award system
US20070155474A1 (en) * 2005-12-19 2007-07-05 Michael Gauselmann Gaming device holding reels with trigger symbols and providing free reel spins
AU2006252052B2 (en) * 2005-12-19 2012-05-31 Gtech Germany Gmbh Gaming Device Holding Reels with Trigger Symbols and providing free reel spins
US8246447B2 (en) * 2005-12-19 2012-08-21 Spielo International Austria GmbH Gaming device holding reels with trigger symbols and providing free reel spins
WO2007130443A2 (en) * 2006-05-04 2007-11-15 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming system with cascading symbol feature
WO2007130443A3 (en) * 2006-05-04 2008-09-04 Wms Gaming Inc Gaming system with cascading symbol feature
US20090069071A1 (en) * 2006-05-04 2009-03-12 Wms Gaming, Inc. Gaming system with cascading symbol feature
US8192275B2 (en) 2006-05-04 2012-06-05 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming system with cascading symbol feature
US8419519B2 (en) 2006-05-04 2013-04-16 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game with symbols forming an altered array or secondary array
US20090239631A1 (en) * 2006-05-04 2009-09-24 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering Game With Symbols Forming An Altered Array or Secondary Array
US8133111B2 (en) * 2006-05-08 2012-03-13 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game with symbol array defined by multi-symbol objects
US20090137309A1 (en) * 2006-05-08 2009-05-28 Alfred Thomas Wagering Game With Symbol Array Defined By Multi-Symbol Objects
US9390593B2 (en) 2006-07-26 2016-07-12 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty, Limited Gaming apparatus with special symbols
US8382570B2 (en) * 2006-07-26 2013-02-26 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd Gaming apparatus with special symbols
US20080064465A1 (en) * 2006-07-26 2008-03-13 Bennett Nicholas L Gaming apparatus with special symbols
US9865122B2 (en) 2006-07-26 2018-01-09 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Gaming apparatus with special symbols
US8382578B2 (en) 2006-09-01 2013-02-26 Igt Gaming device and method having purchasable randomly selected paytables
US8262460B2 (en) 2006-09-01 2012-09-11 Igt Gaming device and method having purchasable randomly selected paytables
US8002621B2 (en) 2006-09-01 2011-08-23 Igt Gaming device and method having purchasable randomly selected paytables
US8262459B2 (en) 2006-09-01 2012-09-11 Igt Gaming device and method having purchasable randomly selected paytables
US20080076503A1 (en) * 2006-09-01 2008-03-27 Igt Gaming device and method having purchasable randomly selected paytables
US8690664B2 (en) 2006-09-25 2014-04-08 Etasse Limited Slot machine game with additional award indicator
US8210930B2 (en) 2006-09-27 2012-07-03 Igt Server based gaming system having system triggered loyalty award sequences
US20080076576A1 (en) * 2006-09-27 2008-03-27 Igt Server based gaming system having system triggered loyalty award sequences
US7674180B2 (en) 2006-09-27 2010-03-09 Igt Server based gaming system having system triggered loyalty award sequences
US8616959B2 (en) 2006-09-27 2013-12-31 Igt Server based gaming system having system triggered loyalty award sequences
US8012009B2 (en) 2006-09-27 2011-09-06 Igt Server based gaming system having system triggered loyalty award sequences
US7993199B2 (en) 2006-09-27 2011-08-09 Igt Server based gaming system having system triggered loyalty award sequences
US20080076532A1 (en) * 2006-09-27 2008-03-27 Igt Server based gaming system having system triggered loyalty award sequences
US8206212B2 (en) 2006-09-27 2012-06-26 Igt Server based gaming system having system triggered loyalty award sequences
US8262469B2 (en) 2006-09-27 2012-09-11 Igt Server based gaming system having system triggered loyalty award sequences
US20080119261A1 (en) * 2006-10-23 2008-05-22 Jorge Heymann Slot machine bonus game providing awards for manual dexterity
US9165419B2 (en) 2006-10-23 2015-10-20 Etasse Limited Slot machine bonus game providing awards for manual dexterity
US8235801B2 (en) 2006-10-30 2012-08-07 Igt Gaming system and method for providing enhanced player opportunities for depositing monetary amounts above a designated level
US8460095B2 (en) 2006-10-30 2013-06-11 Igt Gaming system and method for providing enhanced player opportunities for depositing monetary amounts above a designated level
US8758121B2 (en) 2006-10-30 2014-06-24 Igt Gaming system and method for providing enhanced player opportunities for depositing monetary amounts above a designated level
US8241104B2 (en) 2006-11-06 2012-08-14 Igt Gaming device and method having designated rules for determining ways to win
US20080108409A1 (en) * 2006-11-06 2008-05-08 Igt Gaming device and method including moving paylines
US8137179B2 (en) 2006-11-08 2012-03-20 Igt Gaming device having expanding and rolling wild symbols
US9792766B2 (en) 2006-11-08 2017-10-17 Igt Gaming device and method having purchasable enhanced paytables
US10332346B2 (en) 2006-11-08 2019-06-25 Igt Gaming device and method having purchasable enhanced paytables
US8282472B2 (en) 2006-11-08 2012-10-09 Igt Gaming system and method for providing virtual drawings
US8177627B2 (en) 2006-11-08 2012-05-15 Igt Gaming device and method having purchasable enhanced paytables
US7967677B2 (en) 2006-11-08 2011-06-28 Igt Gaming system and method for providing virtual drawings
US8277307B2 (en) 2006-11-08 2012-10-02 Igt Gaming device having expanding and rolling wild symbols
US8562427B2 (en) 2006-11-08 2013-10-22 Igt Gaming device and method having purchasable enhanced paytables
US9437074B2 (en) 2006-11-08 2016-09-06 Igt Gaming device and method having purchasable enhanced paytables
US10043345B2 (en) 2006-11-08 2018-08-07 Igt Gaming device and method having purchasable enhanced paytables
US8992310B2 (en) 2006-11-08 2015-03-31 Igt Gaming device and method having purchasable enhanced paytables
US7846018B2 (en) 2006-11-08 2010-12-07 Igt Gaming device and method having purchasable enhanced paytables
US20090170588A1 (en) * 2006-11-08 2009-07-02 Igt Gaming device and method having purchasable enhanced paytables
US8684846B2 (en) 2006-11-10 2014-04-01 Igt Dynamic display systems for gaming machines
US8430739B2 (en) 2006-11-10 2013-04-30 Igt Gaming system and method having wager dependent different symbol evaluations
US8070609B2 (en) 2006-11-10 2011-12-06 Igt Flexibly configurable button panels for gaming machines
US20080132320A1 (en) * 2006-11-10 2008-06-05 Igt Gaming system and method having wager dependent different symbol evaluations
US10380848B2 (en) 2006-11-10 2019-08-13 Igt Gaming system and method having wager dependent different symbol evaluations
US8858342B2 (en) 2006-11-10 2014-10-14 Igt Flexibly configurable button panels for gaming machines
US20080113766A1 (en) * 2006-11-10 2008-05-15 Igt Flexibly configurable button panels for gaming machines
US20080113737A1 (en) * 2006-11-10 2008-05-15 Igt Dynamic display systems for gaming machines
US8337292B2 (en) 2006-11-10 2012-12-25 Etasse Limited Slot machine game with side wager on reel order
US8337314B2 (en) 2006-11-10 2012-12-25 Igt Systems and methods for improving a button assembly
US20090131168A1 (en) * 2006-11-10 2009-05-21 Igt Systems and methods for improving a button assembly
US8360892B2 (en) 2006-11-10 2013-01-29 Igt Flexibly configurable button panels for gaming machines
US20080167114A1 (en) * 2007-01-09 2008-07-10 Philippa Alice Graham Gaming system and a method of gaming
US9773366B2 (en) * 2007-01-09 2017-09-26 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd Gaming system and a method of gaming
US8231455B2 (en) 2007-02-05 2012-07-31 Igt Method and apparatus for providing a bonus to a player
US20080188292A1 (en) * 2007-02-05 2008-08-07 Walker Jay S Method and apparatus for providing a bonus to a player
US20080268935A1 (en) * 2007-04-30 2008-10-30 Acres-Fiore, Inc. Gaming device and method utilizing at least two rng outcomes
US20100190544A1 (en) * 2007-06-29 2010-07-29 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game having a collapsible wild feature
US20100234092A1 (en) * 2007-06-29 2010-09-16 Wms Gaming Inc. Wagering game having hybrid winning outcomes
US9396606B2 (en) 2007-07-30 2016-07-19 Igt Gaming system and method for providing an additional gaming currency
US8216062B2 (en) 2007-07-30 2012-07-10 Igt Gaming system and method for providing an additional gaming currency
US11062561B2 (en) 2007-07-30 2021-07-13 Igt Gaming system and method for providing an additional gaming currency
US7985133B2 (en) 2007-07-30 2011-07-26 Igt Gaming system and method for providing an additional gaming currency
US9569930B2 (en) 2007-07-30 2017-02-14 Igt Gaming system and method for providing an additional gaming currency
US9734672B2 (en) 2007-08-09 2017-08-15 Igt Gaming system and method providing simultaneous gaming with linked paytable events
US8915786B2 (en) 2007-08-09 2014-12-23 Igt Gaming system and method providing simultaneous gaming with linked paytable events
US9659462B2 (en) 2007-08-09 2017-05-23 Igt Gaming system and method providing simultaneous gaming with linked paytable events
US20090042652A1 (en) * 2007-08-09 2009-02-12 Baerlocher Anthony J Gaming system and method providing simultaneous gaming with linked paytable events
US20090075720A1 (en) * 2007-09-17 2009-03-19 Mathis Richard M Skill game playable on a casino type display with game ending features including spinning reel up/down capability and a bonus game
US9495842B2 (en) * 2007-10-30 2016-11-15 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing an outcome enhancing feature
US20140106839A1 (en) * 2007-10-30 2014-04-17 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing an outcome enhancing feature
US8096877B2 (en) 2007-11-07 2012-01-17 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and gaming method providing stacking symbols
US20090118004A1 (en) * 2007-11-07 2009-05-07 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and gaming method providing stacking symbols
US9747744B2 (en) 2007-11-09 2017-08-29 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and gaming method for shifting symbols from a staging area to a symbol matrix
US20090124326A1 (en) * 2007-11-09 2009-05-14 Igt Gaming device and method for providing a free spin game with payline multipliers
US8740691B2 (en) 2007-11-09 2014-06-03 Igt Gaming device and method for providing a free spin game with payline multipliers
US8444473B2 (en) 2007-11-09 2013-05-21 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and gaming method for shifting symbols from a staging area to a symbol matrix
US8277305B2 (en) 2007-11-09 2012-10-02 Igt Gaming device and method for providing a free spin game with payline multipliers
US9202339B2 (en) 2007-11-09 2015-12-01 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and gaming method for shifting symbols from a staging area to a symbol matrix
US9483916B2 (en) 2007-11-09 2016-11-01 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and gaming method providing stacking symbols and convertible reels
US8585487B2 (en) 2007-11-09 2013-11-19 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and gaming method providing stacking symbols and convertible reels
US8419525B2 (en) 2007-11-09 2013-04-16 Igt Gaming device and method for providing a free spin game with payline multipliers
US20100004049A1 (en) * 2007-11-09 2010-01-07 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and gaming method for shifting symbols from a staging area to a symbol matrix
US8702493B2 (en) 2007-11-09 2014-04-22 Etasse Limited Slot machine game with award based on another machine
US20090124347A1 (en) * 2007-11-09 2009-05-14 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and gaming method providing stacking symbols and convertible reels
US10304279B2 (en) 2007-11-09 2019-05-28 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and gaming method providing stacking symbols and convertible reels
US20090131156A1 (en) * 2007-11-12 2009-05-21 Acres-Fiore Inc. Method for configuring gaming devices via a network
US9600961B2 (en) 2007-11-12 2017-03-21 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Player-based compensation
US20090124373A1 (en) * 2007-11-12 2009-05-14 Acres-Fiore, Inc. Player value determination system
US20090131041A1 (en) * 2007-11-20 2009-05-21 Hideharu Tanaka Communication apparatus, wave quality measuring system, wave quality measuring method and program
US9027927B2 (en) 2007-11-27 2015-05-12 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Gaming machine with reels
US8628083B2 (en) 2007-11-27 2014-01-14 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Gaming machine with reels
US8382110B2 (en) 2007-11-27 2013-02-26 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Gaming machine with reels
US20110177860A1 (en) * 2007-11-27 2011-07-21 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Gaming machine with reels
US7942417B2 (en) 2007-11-27 2011-05-17 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Gaming machine with reels
US20090239601A1 (en) * 2008-03-19 2009-09-24 Cadillac Jack, Inc. Skill-Based Redemption Game
US8070589B2 (en) 2008-03-19 2011-12-06 Cadillac Jack, Inc. Skill-based redemption game
US8602866B2 (en) 2008-03-21 2013-12-10 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Method and apparatus for generating a virtual win
US20090239648A1 (en) * 2008-03-21 2009-09-24 Acres-Fiore Patents Method and apparatus for altering gaming device configuration responsive to information related to a player of the gaming device
US9501907B2 (en) 2008-03-21 2016-11-22 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Method and apparatus for generating a virtual win
US10032341B2 (en) 2008-03-21 2018-07-24 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Method and apparatus for generating a virtual win
US11176783B2 (en) 2008-03-21 2021-11-16 Acres Technology Apparatus for generating a virtual win regardless of the random process
US9947175B2 (en) 2008-04-16 2018-04-17 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Generating a score related to play on gaming devices
US10657763B2 (en) 2008-04-16 2020-05-19 Acres Technology Generating a score related to play on gaming devices
US10121313B2 (en) 2008-04-16 2018-11-06 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Generating a score related to play on gaming devices
US9666015B2 (en) 2008-04-16 2017-05-30 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Generating a score related to play on gaming devices
US20090264171A1 (en) * 2008-04-16 2009-10-22 Acres-Fiore, Inc. Generating a score related to play on gaming devices
US11037399B2 (en) 2008-04-16 2021-06-15 Acres Technology Generating a score related to play on gaming devices
US20090275375A1 (en) * 2008-04-30 2009-11-05 Acres-Fiore, Inc. Multiple outcome display for gaming devices
US20090286586A1 (en) * 2008-05-16 2009-11-19 Jorge Heymann Icon Selection Bonus Game with Replaceable Icons
US20090326356A1 (en) * 2008-06-30 2009-12-31 Medtronic, Inc. Cardiac signal sensor control
US20100004048A1 (en) * 2008-07-07 2010-01-07 Melisa Brito Slot Machine Game With Symbol Lock-In
US9520031B2 (en) 2008-07-07 2016-12-13 Etasse Limited Slot machine game with symbol lock-in
US8657662B2 (en) 2008-09-04 2014-02-25 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Gaming device having variable speed of play
US9472064B2 (en) 2008-09-04 2016-10-18 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Gaming device having variable speed of play
US20100056248A1 (en) * 2008-09-04 2010-03-04 Acres-Fiore, Inc. Gaming device having variable speed of play
US20100056241A1 (en) * 2008-09-04 2010-03-04 Acres-Fiore Patents Poker gaming device having variable speed of play
US10846977B2 (en) 2008-09-04 2020-11-24 Acres Technology Game device having variable speed of play
US20100113133A1 (en) * 2008-10-21 2010-05-06 Leupp Jon Mcnair Gaming system and method of gaming
US20100099480A1 (en) * 2008-10-21 2010-04-22 Igt Gaming system having multiple hand card game with post deal wager assignment options
US20100120501A1 (en) * 2008-11-13 2010-05-13 Igt Gaming system and method including points of symbol expansion
US8226468B2 (en) 2008-11-13 2012-07-24 Igt Gaming system and method including points of symbol expansion
US8662986B2 (en) 2008-11-13 2014-03-04 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a cascading symbols game having magnetic symbols and target symbols
US9805542B2 (en) 2008-11-13 2017-10-31 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a cascading symbols game having magnetic symbols and target symbols
US9262895B2 (en) 2008-11-13 2016-02-16 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a cascading symbols game having magnetic symbols and target symbols
US10217315B2 (en) 2008-11-13 2019-02-26 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a cascading symbols game having magnetic symbols and target symbols
US9028319B2 (en) 2008-11-14 2015-05-12 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method for enabling a current bet to be placed on a future play of a wagering game
US20100124973A1 (en) * 2008-11-14 2010-05-20 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for enabling a current bet to be placed on a future play of a wagering game
US9514270B2 (en) 2008-11-14 2016-12-06 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing benefit in a future play of a wagering game
US8616963B2 (en) 2008-11-14 2013-12-31 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for enabling a current bet to be placed on a future play of a wagering game
US9437084B2 (en) 2008-11-14 2016-09-06 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game including a plurality of independent reels which provide a stacked symbol functionality
US8408990B2 (en) 2008-11-14 2013-04-02 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing benefit in a future play of a wagering game
US10121316B2 (en) 2008-11-14 2018-11-06 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for enabling a current bet to be placed on a future play of a wagering game
US8574059B2 (en) 2008-11-14 2013-11-05 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game including a plurality of independent reels which provide a stacked symbol functionality
US9401069B2 (en) 2008-11-14 2016-07-26 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for enabling a current bet to be placed on a future play of a wagering game
US8197335B2 (en) 2008-11-14 2012-06-12 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for enabling a current bet to be placed on a future play of a wagering game
US10192392B2 (en) 2008-11-17 2019-01-29 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Method for configuring casino operations
US20100124980A1 (en) * 2008-11-17 2010-05-20 Acres-Fiore Patents method for configuring casino operations
US10846982B2 (en) 2008-11-17 2020-11-24 Acres Technology Method for configuring casino operations
US9633528B2 (en) 2008-11-17 2017-04-25 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Method for configuring casino operations
US11423737B2 (en) 2008-11-17 2022-08-23 Acres Technology Method for configuring casino operations
US10449439B2 (en) 2008-11-18 2019-10-22 Patent Investment & Licensing Company System for processing gaming activity
US9884247B2 (en) * 2008-11-18 2018-02-06 Patent Investment & Licensing Company System for processing gaming activity
US20140349756A1 (en) * 2008-11-18 2014-11-27 Patent Investment & Licensing Company System for processing gaming activity
US11571616B2 (en) 2008-11-18 2023-02-07 Acres Technology System for processing gaming activity
US10933306B2 (en) 2008-11-18 2021-03-02 Acres Technology System for processing gaming activity
US20100234089A1 (en) * 2009-03-16 2010-09-16 Igt Gaming device and method providing slot game having virtual map driven reel stop position determinations
US20100234091A1 (en) * 2009-03-16 2010-09-16 Igt Gaming device and method providing slot game having virtual map driven reel stop position determinations
US8702496B2 (en) 2009-03-16 2014-04-22 Igt Gaming device and method providing slot game having virtual map driven reel stop position determinations
US9805555B2 (en) 2009-03-16 2017-10-31 Igt Gaming device and method providing slot game having virtual map driven reel stop position determinations
US8911288B2 (en) 2009-03-16 2014-12-16 Igt Gaming device and method providing slot game having virtual map driven reel stop position determinations
US9524620B2 (en) 2009-03-16 2016-12-20 Igt Gaming device and method providing slot game having virtual map driven reel stop position determinations
US10445988B2 (en) 2009-07-24 2019-10-15 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Gaming device having multiple game play option
US9911288B2 (en) 2009-07-24 2018-03-06 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Gaming device having multiple game play option
US11735012B2 (en) 2009-07-24 2023-08-22 Acres Technology Gaming device having multiple game play option
US8702490B2 (en) 2009-07-24 2014-04-22 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Gaming device having multiple game play option
US11024132B2 (en) 2009-07-24 2021-06-01 Acres Technology Gaming device having multiple game play option
US20110081964A1 (en) * 2009-10-01 2011-04-07 Acres-Fiore Patents Method and system for implementing mystery bonus in place of base game results on gaming machine
US9997007B2 (en) 2009-10-01 2018-06-12 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Method and system for implementing mystery bonus in place of base game results on gaming machine
US8313369B2 (en) 2009-10-14 2012-11-20 Patent Investments & Licensing Company Outcome determination method for gaming device
US10916100B2 (en) 2009-10-14 2021-02-09 Acres Technology Outcome determination method for gaming device
US20110086690A1 (en) * 2009-10-14 2011-04-14 Acres-Fiore Patents Outcome determination method for gaming device
US9619973B2 (en) 2009-10-14 2017-04-11 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Outcome determination method for gaming device
US10529189B2 (en) 2009-10-14 2020-01-07 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Outcome determination method for gaming device
US9865133B2 (en) 2009-10-14 2018-01-09 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Outcome determination method for gaming device
US8956214B2 (en) 2009-10-14 2015-02-17 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Outcome determination method for gaming device
US11749064B2 (en) 2009-10-14 2023-09-05 Acres Technology Outcome determination method for gaming device
US8602875B2 (en) 2009-10-17 2013-12-10 Nguyen Gaming Llc Preserving game state data for asynchronous persistent group bonus games
US10878662B2 (en) 2009-10-17 2020-12-29 Nguyen Gaming Llc Asynchronous persistent group bonus games with preserved game state data
US10140816B2 (en) 2009-10-17 2018-11-27 Nguyen Gaming Llc Asynchronous persistent group bonus games with preserved game state data
US9486697B2 (en) 2009-10-17 2016-11-08 Nguyen Gaming Llc Asynchronous persistent group bonus games with preserved game state data
US10102709B2 (en) 2009-11-10 2018-10-16 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a cascading symbol game including shifting symbols according to directional indicators
US11847886B2 (en) 2009-11-10 2023-12-19 Acres Technology System and method for measuring gaming player behavior
US9165433B2 (en) 2009-11-10 2015-10-20 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a cascading symbol game including shifting symbols according to directional indicators
US10553072B2 (en) 2009-11-10 2020-02-04 Patent Investment & Licensing Company System and method for measuring gaming player behavior
US9659442B2 (en) 2009-11-10 2017-05-23 Patent Investment & Licensing Company System and method for measuring gaming player behavior
US8864586B2 (en) 2009-11-12 2014-10-21 Nguyen Gaming Llc Gaming systems including viral gaming events
US11682266B2 (en) 2009-11-12 2023-06-20 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Gaming systems including viral benefit distribution
US11704971B2 (en) 2009-11-12 2023-07-18 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Gaming system supporting data distribution to gaming devices
US10438446B2 (en) 2009-11-12 2019-10-08 Nguyen Gaming Llc Viral benefit distribution using electronic devices
US20110111860A1 (en) * 2009-11-12 2011-05-12 Intellectual Garden, Llc Gaming Systems Including Viral Gaming Events
US20110115156A1 (en) * 2009-11-13 2011-05-19 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Mechanical slot machine reel having four viewable front symbol positions
US11393287B2 (en) 2009-11-16 2022-07-19 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Asynchronous persistent group bonus game
US9928682B2 (en) 2009-11-16 2018-03-27 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Method for displaying gaming result
US20110117982A1 (en) * 2009-11-16 2011-05-19 Intellectual Garden, Llc Asynchronous Persistent Group Bonus Game
US10706670B2 (en) 2009-11-16 2020-07-07 Acres Technology Gaming device
US11727748B2 (en) 2009-11-16 2023-08-15 Acres Technology Gaming device
US10186112B2 (en) 2009-11-16 2019-01-22 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Method for displaying gaming results
US8597108B2 (en) 2009-11-16 2013-12-03 Nguyen Gaming Llc Asynchronous persistent group bonus game
US9741205B2 (en) 2009-11-16 2017-08-22 Nguyen Gaming Llc Asynchronous persistent group bonus game
US10347079B2 (en) 2009-12-03 2019-07-09 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Gaming device having advance game information analyzer
US11087589B2 (en) 2009-12-03 2021-08-10 Acres Technology Gaming device having advance game information analyzer
US10497219B2 (en) 2009-12-03 2019-12-03 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Rapid play poker gaming device
US9916722B2 (en) 2009-12-03 2018-03-13 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Gaming device having advance game information analyzer
US9659429B2 (en) 2009-12-03 2017-05-23 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Gaming device having advance game information analyzer
US9953490B2 (en) 2009-12-03 2018-04-24 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Rapid play poker gaming device
US10922929B2 (en) 2009-12-03 2021-02-16 Acres Technology Rapid play poker gaming device
US9165435B2 (en) 2009-12-03 2015-10-20 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Gaming device having advance game information analyzer
US11631297B1 (en) 2010-04-09 2023-04-18 Aristorcrat Technologies, Inc. (Ati) Spontaneous player preferences
US8696470B2 (en) 2010-04-09 2014-04-15 Nguyen Gaming Llc Spontaneous player preferences
US9875606B2 (en) 2010-04-09 2018-01-23 Nguyen Gaming Llc Spontaneous player preferences
US9666021B2 (en) 2010-06-10 2017-05-30 Nguyen Gaming Llc Location based real-time casino data
US10818133B2 (en) 2010-06-10 2020-10-27 Nguyen Gaming Llc Location based real-time casino data
US9626826B2 (en) 2010-06-10 2017-04-18 Nguyen Gaming Llc Location-based real-time casino data
US9607474B2 (en) 2010-06-10 2017-03-28 Nguyen Gaming Llc Reconfigurable gaming zone
US8323091B2 (en) 2010-08-09 2012-12-04 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a cascading symbol game including shifting different determined symbols
US8998702B2 (en) 2010-08-09 2015-04-07 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a game with additional win opportunities
US8771055B2 (en) 2010-08-10 2014-07-08 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Method of gaming, a gaming system, and a game controller
US8795055B2 (en) * 2010-09-07 2014-08-05 Olaf Vancura Slot-type game with nudge and bonus game features
US20120064961A1 (en) * 2010-09-07 2012-03-15 Olaf Vancura Slot-type game with nudge and bonus game features
US9105161B2 (en) 2010-09-29 2015-08-11 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a poker game with a bonus gaming session having re-draw option
AU2011205141B2 (en) * 2010-09-29 2014-02-20 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a poker game with a bonus gaming session having re-draw option
US8226469B2 (en) * 2010-09-29 2012-07-24 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a poker game with a bonus gaming session having re-draw option
US20120077581A1 (en) * 2010-09-29 2012-03-29 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a poker game with a bonus gaming session having re-draw option
US8535135B2 (en) 2010-09-29 2013-09-17 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a poker game with a bonus gaming session having re-draw option
AU2011250713B2 (en) * 2010-11-10 2015-01-22 Ainsworth Game Technology Limited A gaming machine and method
US9564018B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2017-02-07 Nguyen Gaming Llc Temporary grant of real-time bonus feature
US10186110B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2019-01-22 Nguyen Gaming Llc Gaming system with social award management
US11127252B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2021-09-21 Nguyen Gaming Llc Remote participation in wager-based games
US11232673B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2022-01-25 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Interactive gaming with local and remote participants
US11232676B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2022-01-25 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Gaming apparatus supporting virtual peripherals and funds transfer
US10096209B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2018-10-09 Nguyen Gaming Llc Temporary grant of real-time bonus feature
US11055960B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2021-07-06 Nguyen Gaming Llc Gaming apparatus supporting virtual peripherals and funds transfer
US11544999B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2023-01-03 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Gaming apparatus supporting virtual peripherals and funds transfer
US10497212B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2019-12-03 Nguyen Gaming Llc Gaming apparatus supporting virtual peripherals and funds transfer
US11922767B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2024-03-05 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Remote participation in wager-based games
US11024117B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2021-06-01 Nguyen Gaming Llc Gaming system with social award management
US10467857B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2019-11-05 Nguyen Gaming Llc Peripheral management device for virtual game interaction
US9558611B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2017-01-31 Everi Games Inc. Wagering game, gaming machine, networked gaming system and method with nudging re-spinning stacked wilds
US9486704B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2016-11-08 Nguyen Gaming Llc Social gaming
US9235952B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2016-01-12 Nguyen Gaming Llc Peripheral management device for virtual game interaction
US9595161B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2017-03-14 Nguyen Gaming Llc Social gaming
US9842462B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2017-12-12 Nguyen Gaming Llc Social gaming
US10052551B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2018-08-21 Nguyen Gaming Llc Multi-functional peripheral device
US10614660B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2020-04-07 Nguyen Gaming Llc Peripheral management device for virtual game interaction
US10657762B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2020-05-19 Nguyen Gaming Llc Social gaming
US11532204B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2022-12-20 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Social game play with games of chance
US10235831B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2019-03-19 Nguyen Gaming Llc Social gaming
US11847884B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2023-12-19 Everi Games, Inc. Wagering game, gaming machine, networked gaming system and method with nudging re-spinning stacked wilds
US11488440B2 (en) 2010-11-14 2022-11-01 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Method and system for transferring value for wagering using a portable electronic device
US11450177B2 (en) 2010-12-29 2022-09-20 Acres Technology Means for enhancing game play of gaming device
US11017626B2 (en) 2010-12-29 2021-05-25 Acres Technology Means for controlling payback percentage of gaming device
US11488437B2 (en) 2010-12-29 2022-11-01 Acres Technology Means for controlling payback percentage of gaming device
US10964164B2 (en) 2010-12-29 2021-03-30 Acres Technology Means for enhancing game play of gaming device
US11430290B2 (en) 2010-12-29 2022-08-30 Acres Technology Event-based gaming operations for gaming device
US9728043B2 (en) 2010-12-29 2017-08-08 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Means for enhancing game play of gaming device
US10783742B2 (en) 2010-12-29 2020-09-22 Acres Technology Event-based gaming operations for gaming device
US8986104B2 (en) 2011-06-30 2015-03-24 Igt Gaming system, device, and method providing a multiple streak game
US8562419B2 (en) 2011-06-30 2013-10-22 Igt Gaming system, device, and method providing a multiple streak game
US9349241B2 (en) 2011-08-10 2016-05-24 Igt Gaming device having positional symbol awards
US8979633B2 (en) 2011-08-10 2015-03-17 Igt Gaming device having positional symbol awards
US9165436B2 (en) 2011-08-10 2015-10-20 Igt Gaming device having a designated activator symbol therein and method thereof
US9005006B2 (en) 2011-08-10 2015-04-14 Igt Gaming device having wild symbol generation within a play matrix
US8986101B2 (en) 2011-08-10 2015-03-24 Igt Gaming device having positional symbol awards
US8974288B2 (en) 2011-08-10 2015-03-10 Igt Gaming device having a designated activator symbol therein and methods thereof
US8641505B2 (en) 2011-08-22 2014-02-04 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a directional symbol evaluation game
US8764548B2 (en) 2011-08-22 2014-07-01 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a directional symbol evaluation game
US8986106B2 (en) 2011-09-02 2015-03-24 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method providing selectable different roulette wheels for play of roulette game
US9005004B2 (en) 2011-09-02 2015-04-14 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method providing selectable different roulette wheels for play of roulette game
US8366533B1 (en) 2011-09-21 2013-02-05 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method providing an obstacle board slot game
US8366532B1 (en) 2011-09-21 2013-02-05 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method providing an obstacle board slot game
US8721426B2 (en) 2011-09-30 2014-05-13 Igt State-based power-ups
US8821252B2 (en) 2011-09-30 2014-09-02 Igt State-based power-ups
US8777726B2 (en) 2011-09-30 2014-07-15 Igt State-based power-ups
US20130084990A1 (en) * 2011-09-30 2013-04-04 Igt State-based power-ups
US20130084953A1 (en) * 2011-09-30 2013-04-04 Igt State-based power-ups
US8672741B2 (en) * 2011-09-30 2014-03-18 Igt State-based power-ups
US8672740B2 (en) * 2011-09-30 2014-03-18 Igt State-based power-ups
US8753187B2 (en) 2011-09-30 2014-06-17 Igt State-based power-ups
US11458403B2 (en) 2011-10-03 2022-10-04 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Control of mobile game play on a mobile vehicle
US10777038B2 (en) 2011-10-03 2020-09-15 Nguyen Gaming Llc Electronic fund transfer for mobile gaming
US11495090B2 (en) 2011-10-03 2022-11-08 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Electronic fund transfer for mobile gaming
US10586425B2 (en) 2011-10-03 2020-03-10 Nguyen Gaming Llc Electronic fund transfer for mobile gaming
US9672686B2 (en) 2011-10-03 2017-06-06 Nguyen Gaming Llc Electronic fund transfer for mobile gaming
US9630096B2 (en) 2011-10-03 2017-04-25 Nguyen Gaming Llc Control of mobile game play on a mobile vessel
US10537808B2 (en) 2011-10-03 2020-01-21 Nguyem Gaming LLC Control of mobile game play on a mobile vehicle
AU2012233004B2 (en) * 2011-10-12 2015-04-30 Bally Gaming, Inc. Systems, methods, and devices for playing wagering games with movable symbol arrays
US20150161850A1 (en) * 2011-12-04 2015-06-11 Epic Tech, Llc Gaming system and method
US8608545B2 (en) 2011-12-06 2013-12-17 Igt Gaming system, gaming device, and method providing a game including a cascading symbols feature causing one or more repositioned symbols to be wild symbols
US8814661B2 (en) 2011-12-20 2014-08-26 Igt Gaming machines having normal and hot modes
US9196124B2 (en) * 2012-01-16 2015-11-24 Cork Group Trading Ltd. Nudge features in reel-type games
US8827796B2 (en) 2012-01-16 2014-09-09 Cork Group Trading Ltd. Display of symbol accumulation in reel-type games
GB2499370A (en) * 2012-01-16 2013-08-21 Waterleaf Ltd Nudge-type feature in reel-type games
EP2615592A1 (en) * 2012-01-16 2013-07-17 Waterleaf Limited Nudge feature in reel-type games
US9251653B2 (en) 2012-02-22 2016-02-02 Igt 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
US10347074B2 (en) 2012-02-22 2019-07-09 Igt 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
US11587391B2 (en) 2012-03-12 2023-02-21 Igt Gaming device having extending wild symbols
US11749055B2 (en) 2012-03-12 2023-09-05 Igt Gaming device having extending wild symbols
US11113924B2 (en) 2012-03-12 2021-09-07 Igt Gaming device having extending wild symbols
US9293014B2 (en) 2012-03-12 2016-03-22 Igt Gaming device having persistently extending wild symbols
US9542814B2 (en) 2012-05-17 2017-01-10 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a nudge poker game
US9589423B2 (en) 2012-06-12 2017-03-07 Epic Tech, Llc Method and system for pre-revealed electronic sweepstakes
US9245407B2 (en) 2012-07-06 2016-01-26 Igt Gaming system and method that determines awards based on quantities of symbols included in one or more strings of related symbols displayed along one or more paylines
US8740689B2 (en) 2012-07-06 2014-06-03 Igt Gaming system and method configured to operate a game associated with a reflector symbol
US9325203B2 (en) 2012-07-24 2016-04-26 Binh Nguyen Optimized power consumption in a gaming device
US10249134B2 (en) 2012-07-24 2019-04-02 Nguyen Gaming Llc Optimized power consumption in a network of gaming devices
US11380158B2 (en) 2012-07-24 2022-07-05 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Optimized power consumption in a gaming establishment having gaming devices
US11816954B2 (en) 2012-07-24 2023-11-14 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Optimized power consumption in a gaming establishment having gaming devices
US8905836B2 (en) 2012-08-28 2014-12-09 Igt 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
US8894481B2 (en) 2012-08-28 2014-11-25 Igt Gaming system and method providing multiway evaluation for a game associated with multi-component symbols configured to affect a base count
US8979639B2 (en) 2012-08-28 2015-03-17 Igt 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
US9208640B2 (en) 2012-08-28 2015-12-08 Igt 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
US9514601B2 (en) 2012-09-06 2016-12-06 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a streaming symbols game
US9214067B2 (en) 2012-09-06 2015-12-15 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a streaming symbols game
US8795053B2 (en) 2012-09-24 2014-08-05 Igt 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
US10102711B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2018-10-16 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a symbol matrix with a moveable symbol display window
US9177447B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2015-11-03 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a symbol matrix with a moveable symbol display window
US9202345B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2015-12-01 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a symbol matrix with a moveable symbol display window
US9530284B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2016-12-27 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a multiple sided card game
US9852574B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2017-12-26 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a symbol matrix with a moveable symbol display window
US9472063B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2016-10-18 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a multiple sided card game
US9430900B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2016-08-30 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a symbol matrix with a moveable symbol display window
US9881463B2 (en) * 2012-09-28 2018-01-30 Universal Entertainment Corporation Gaming machine arranging symbols
US20140094254A1 (en) * 2012-09-28 2014-04-03 Aruze Gaming America, Inc. Gaming machine arranging symbols
US10176666B2 (en) 2012-10-01 2019-01-08 Nguyen Gaming Llc Viral benefit distribution using mobile devices
US9218710B2 (en) 2013-03-04 2015-12-22 Igt Gaming system and method providing a slot game employing a randomly selected set of reels
US8840457B1 (en) 2013-03-04 2014-09-23 Igt Gaming system and method providing a slot game employing a randomly selected set of reels
US10096201B2 (en) 2013-03-04 2018-10-09 Igt Gaming system and method providing a slot game employing a randomly selected set of reels
US9530273B2 (en) 2013-03-04 2016-12-27 Igt Gaming system and method providing a slot game employing a randomly selected set of reels
US9633506B2 (en) 2013-03-08 2017-04-25 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a game including roaming wild symbols
US9098847B2 (en) 2013-03-08 2015-08-04 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a game including roaming wild symbols
US9098973B2 (en) 2013-03-08 2015-08-04 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a game including roaming wild symbols
US9466169B2 (en) 2013-03-08 2016-10-11 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a game including roaming wild symbols
US10607449B2 (en) 2013-03-08 2020-03-31 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a game including roaming wild symbols
US9536376B2 (en) 2013-03-11 2017-01-03 Igt Gaming system and method providing a slot game including a symbol generator modification event
US10825285B2 (en) 2013-03-11 2020-11-03 Igt Gaming system and method providing a slot game including a symbol generator modification event
US9177448B2 (en) 2013-03-11 2015-11-03 Igt Gaming system and method providing a slot game including a symbol generator modification event
US8870642B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2014-10-28 Igt 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
US11532206B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2022-12-20 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Gaming machines having portable device docking station
US10706678B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2020-07-07 Nguyen Gaming Llc Portable intermediary trusted device
US11861979B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2024-01-02 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Gaming device docking station for authorized game play
US10115263B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2018-10-30 Nguyen Gaming Llc Adaptive mobile device gaming system
US10755523B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2020-08-25 Nguyen Gaming Llc Gaming device docking station for authorized game play
US11783666B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2023-10-10 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Method and system for localized mobile gaming
US9483901B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2016-11-01 Nguyen Gaming Llc Gaming device docking station
US11670134B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2023-06-06 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Adaptive mobile device gaming system
US11636732B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2023-04-25 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Location-based mobile gaming system and method
US11571627B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2023-02-07 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Method and system for authenticating mobile servers for play of games of chance
US10186113B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2019-01-22 Nguyen Gaming Llc Portable intermediary trusted device
US9600976B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-03-21 Nguyen Gaming Llc Adaptive mobile device gaming system
US9875609B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2018-01-23 Nguyen Gaming Llc Portable intermediary trusted device
US9814970B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-11-14 Nguyen Gaming Llc Authentication of mobile servers
US9811973B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-11-07 Nguyen Gaming Llc Gaming device docking station for authorized game play
US11443589B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2022-09-13 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Gaming device docking station for authorized game play
US11004304B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2021-05-11 Nguyen Gaming Llc Adaptive mobile device gaming system
US11398131B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2022-07-26 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Method and system for localized mobile gaming
US10445978B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2019-10-15 Nguyen Gaming Llc Adaptive mobile device gaming system
US10380840B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2019-08-13 Nguyen Gaming Llc Adaptive mobile device gaming system
US11020669B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2021-06-01 Nguyen Gaming Llc Authentication of mobile servers
US9576425B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-02-21 Nguyen Gaming Llc Portable intermediary trusted device
US10421010B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2019-09-24 Nguyen Gaming Llc Determination of advertisement based on player physiology
US11161043B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2021-11-02 Nguyen Gaming Llc Gaming environment having advertisements based on player physiology
US11132863B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2021-09-28 Nguyen Gaming Llc Location-based mobile gaming system and method
US20190333342A1 (en) * 2013-06-25 2019-10-31 Epic Tech, Llc Replacement Symbol Skill-Based Redemption Game
US11823524B2 (en) * 2013-06-25 2023-11-21 Epic Tech, Llc Multi-reel nudge skill-based redemption game
US11158155B2 (en) * 2013-06-25 2021-10-26 Epic Tech, Llc Multi-reel nudge skill-based redemption game
US20180068518A1 (en) * 2013-06-25 2018-03-08 Epic Tech, Llc Multi-reel nudge skill-based redemption game
US20220012979A1 (en) * 2013-06-25 2022-01-13 Epic Tech, Llc Multi-Reel Nudge Skill-Based Redemption Game
US20180330575A1 (en) * 2013-06-25 2018-11-15 Epic Tech, Llc Replacement symbol skill-based redemption game
US20140378206A1 (en) * 2013-06-25 2014-12-25 Epic Systems, Llc Multi-reel nudge skill-based redemption game
US20190371118A1 (en) * 2013-06-25 2019-12-05 Epic Tech, Llc Multi-Reel Nudge Skill-Based Redemption Game
US9846985B2 (en) * 2013-06-25 2017-12-19 Epic Tech, Llc Multi-reel nudge skill-based redemption game
US9858760B2 (en) 2013-09-12 2018-01-02 Igt Gaming system and method providing a game having a sub-symbol award evaluation
US9501898B1 (en) 2013-09-12 2016-11-22 Igt Gaming system and method providing a game having a sub-symbol award evaluation
US10269213B2 (en) 2013-09-12 2019-04-23 Igt Gaming system and method providing a game having a sub-symbol award evaluation
US9905073B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2018-02-27 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with shifting symbols between multiple symbol display position matrices
US9460587B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2016-10-04 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with shifting symbols in different directions between multiple symbol display position matrices
US9472065B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2016-10-18 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with interacting symbols
US9418518B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2016-08-16 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with interacting symbols
US9640039B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2017-05-02 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with shifting symbols in different directions between multiple symbol display position matrices
US9449465B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2016-09-20 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with upgrade events
US10217313B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2019-02-26 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with multiple symbol display position symbols
US10930109B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2021-02-23 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with shifting symbols between multiple symbol display position matrices
US10546449B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2020-01-28 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a symbol game with upgrade events
US9311781B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2016-04-12 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with upgrade events
US9349251B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2016-05-24 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with upgrade events
US11915560B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2024-02-27 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with multiple symbol display position elements
US11562630B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2023-01-24 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with multiple symbol display position elements
US9355528B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2016-05-31 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with shifting symbols between multiple symbol display position matrices
US9275524B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2016-03-01 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with multiple symbol display position elements
US10055944B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2018-08-21 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with multiple symbol display position elements
US9965925B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2018-05-08 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with symbol class eliminations
US10445989B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2019-10-15 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with symbol class eliminations
US9299224B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2016-03-29 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with symbol class eliminations
US9390587B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2016-07-12 Igt Gaming system and method for providing a cascading symbol game with multiple symbol display position symbols
US10839654B2 (en) 2013-10-11 2020-11-17 Konami Gaming, Inc. System and method of allowing a player to play gaming machines having multiple reel sets
US10290188B2 (en) 2013-10-11 2019-05-14 Konami Gaming, Inc. System and method of allowing a player to play gaming machines having multiple reel sets
US9728049B2 (en) 2013-10-11 2017-08-08 Konami Gaming, Inc. System and method of allowing a player to play gaming machines having multiple reel sets
US9911268B2 (en) 2013-10-11 2018-03-06 Konami Gaming, Inc. System and method of allowing a player to play gaming machines having reel overlays
US9520016B2 (en) 2013-10-11 2016-12-13 Konami Gaming, Inc. System and method of allowing a player to play gaming machines having reel overlays
US10019866B2 (en) 2014-01-13 2018-07-10 Pridefield Limited Gaming machine with wild multiplier feature
US10147281B2 (en) 2014-07-24 2018-12-04 Igt Gaming system and method having matching symbol stacks and additional award opportunities
US10115266B2 (en) 2015-05-04 2018-10-30 Bally Gaming, Inc. Gaming machine using randomly triggered symbol array element removal and repopulation
US10916090B2 (en) 2016-08-23 2021-02-09 Igt System and method for transferring funds from a financial institution device to a cashless wagering account accessible via a mobile device
CN107032036A (en) * 2017-05-18 2017-08-11 北京华沁智联科技有限公司 Control the method and automatic vending warehouse in automatic vending warehouse
US11790725B2 (en) 2017-10-23 2023-10-17 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Gaming monetary instrument tracking system
US11386747B2 (en) 2017-10-23 2022-07-12 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Gaming monetary instrument tracking system
US10354492B2 (en) 2017-10-26 2019-07-16 Igt Gaming system and method for providing awards based on skill-based game outcome modifications
US10825299B2 (en) 2017-10-26 2020-11-03 Igt Gaming system and method for providing awards based on skill-based game outcome modifications

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2003244623B2 (en) 2006-02-02
GB2393555B (en) 2006-07-12
GB2393555A (en) 2004-03-31
AU2003244623A1 (en) 2004-03-25
GB0320743D0 (en) 2003-10-08

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
AU2003244623B2 (en) Gaming device having multi-payline nudge reels
US9406192B2 (en) Gaming device having wager dependent bonus game play
US6605002B2 (en) Gaming device having tease reveal feature
US6634945B2 (en) Gaming device having independent bonus reels
US7399225B2 (en) Gaming device having transformable wild symbols or cards with wild signal indicators
US6634943B1 (en) Gaming device having related multi-game bonus scheme
US8753190B2 (en) Gaming device having a re-triggering symbol bonus scheme
US7666085B2 (en) Gaming device which displays multiple gaming results wherein subsequent results are formed from previous results
US6817943B2 (en) Gaming device having a changing multiple selection set bonus scheme
US7198570B2 (en) Gaming device having a bonus award wheel with a terminator
US6805349B2 (en) Gaming device with wild activation symbols and wild termination symbols
US20030060267A1 (en) Gaming device having wild indicators
AU2002324987A1 (en) Gaming device having wager dependent bonus game play

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: IGT, NEVADA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:MIERAU, MARC;BAERLOCHER, ANTHONY J.;REEL/FRAME:013289/0672

Effective date: 20020909

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

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