Bonus game for a gaming machine Number:7,520,809 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) owispatent A bonus game for a slot machine operable in a basic mode and a bonus mode. The bonus game is entered upon the occurrence of a special start-bonus game outcome in the basic mode. In the bonus game, a player selects, one at a time, from an array of windows each associated with a bonus game outcome. Credits are awarded based upon which ones of the windows are selected. The bonus game ends upon selection of a window associated with an end-bonus outcome but otherwise continues, allowing the player to make further selections and accumulate further credits until encountering an end-bonus outcome. In one embodiment, a bonus game resource obtained in the basic game may be exercised in the bonus game to affect the bonus game outcome. In one embodiment, for example, where the occurrence of an end-bonus outcome would otherwise end the bonus game, a player having a bonus game resource may exercise the bonus game resource upon encountering an end-bonus outcome to continue playing the bonus game.<H machine, gaming, Bonus, game, for, , 7520809.html, Patent, pto, 7520809

Title: Bonus game for a gaming machine

Abstract: A bonus game for a slot machine operable in a basic mode and a bonus mode. The bonus game is entered upon the occurrence of a special start-bonus game outcome in the basic mode. In the bonus game, a player selects, one at a time, from an array of windows each associated with a bonus game outcome. Credits are awarded based upon which ones of the windows are selected. The bonus game ends upon selection of a window associated with an end-bonus outcome but otherwise continues, allowing the player to make further selections and accumulate further credits until encountering an end-bonus outcome. In one embodiment, a bonus game resource obtained in the basic game may be exercised in the bonus game to affect the bonus game outcome. In one embodiment, for example, where the occurrence of an end-bonus outcome would otherwise end the bonus game, a player having a bonus game resource may exercise the bonus game resource upon encountering an end-bonus outcome to continue playing the bonus game.

Patent Number: 7,520,809 Issued on 04/21/2009 to Thomas, et al.

Inventors: Thomas; Alfred (Chicago, IL), Gomez; Benjamin T. (Chicago, IL), Wilson, Jr.; Robert J. (Buffalo Grove, IL), Delott; Roger A. (Chicago, IL)
Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc. (Waukegan, IL)

Appl. No.: 11/101,959

Filed: April 8, 2005

Related U.S. Patent Documents


Application Number	Filing Date	Patent Number	Issue Date
10813099	Mar., 2004	6905412
10673718	Sep., 2003
09981203	Nov., 2003	6645074
09710564	Nov., 2001	6322309
09127377	Feb., 2001	6190255
60079143	Mar., 1998

Current U.S. Class: 463/20 ; 273/138.1; 273/138.2; 463/16; 463/25; 463/29

Current International Class: A63F 13/00 (20060101)

Field of Search: 463/1,16,20,25-26,29 273/138.1,138.2

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Primary Examiner: Vo; Peter DungBa
Assistant Examiner: McCulloch; William H
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Nixon Peabody LLP

Parent Case Text

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/813,099, filed Mar. 30, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,905,412, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/673,718, filed Sep. 29, 2003, now abandoned; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/981,203, filed Oct. 16, 2001, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,645,074 on Nov. 11, 2003; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/710,564, filed Nov. 9, 2000, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,322,309 on Nov. 27, 2001; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/127,377, filed Jul. 31, 1998, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,190,255 on Feb. 20, 2001; which claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/079,143, filed Mar. 24, 1998.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method of conducting a wagering game, comprising: conducting a basic game until a start-bonus outcome is achieved, said conducting including displaying a set of basic-game symbols that are indicative of outcomes in said basic game; in response to said start-bonus outcome, terminating said displaying of said set of said basic-game symbols; in response to said start-bonus outcome, displaying selectable elements fixedly associated with respective award indicia for a bonus game, said selectable elements being distinct from said set of basic-game symbols in said basic game, said award indicia for at least one of said selectable elements having a monetary value, said award indicia for at least one of said selectable elements being a stop-bonus-game symbol; receiving, from a player, a plurality of selections from said selectable elements; revealing said award indicia associated with each of said plurality of selected elements; after said revealing said award indicia associated with each of said plurality of selected elements, revealing said award indicia associated with unselected ones of said selectable elements, thereby permitting said player to view said award indicia that were not achieved in said bonus game; and awarding a bonus-game award associated with each one of said plurality of selected elements such that said plurality of selections results in a plurality of bonus game awards, said bonus game award for each of said plurality of selections being independent of a previous selection of said plurality of selections.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said basic game includes a plurality of video reels bearing said basic-game symbols.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said revealing said award indicia associated with unselected ones of said selectable elements occurs in response to selecting a selectable element with an award indicia having said stop-bonus-game symbol.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said bonus-game award is independent of any basic-game award.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said monetary value is in wagering-game credits.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein said receiving said plurality of selections is performed by use of a touch screen.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein said bonus game does not result in a loss of any basic-game award that has been achieved prior to the bonus game.

8. A method of conducting a wagering game, comprising: conducting a basic game until a start-bonus outcome is achieved, said conducting including displaying basic-game symbols that are indicative of outcomes in said basic game; in response to said start-bonus outcome, displaying a plurality of selectable elements fixedly associated with respective award indicia for a bonus game, said plurality of selectable elements being arranged in a multi-row and multi-column array, said plurality of selectable elements being distinct from said basic-game symbols displayed in said basic game, said award indicia for at least one of said plurality of selectable elements having a monetary value, said award indicia for at least one of said plurality of selectable elements being a stop-bonus-game symbol; receiving player-inputs for a plurality of selections of said plurality of selectable elements; after said receiving said player-inputs for said plurality of selections of said plurality of selectable elements, providing a bonus award for each of said plurality of selections, each bonus game award being independent of previous selections of said plurality of selections; and after said receiving said player-inputs for said plurality of selections of said plurality of selectable elements, revealing said award indicia associated with unselected ones of said plurality of selectable elements, thereby permitting a player to view said award indicia that were not achieved in said bonus game.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein said receiving said player inputs is performed by use of a touch screen.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein said bonus game does not result in a loss of any basic-game award that has been achieved prior to the bonus game.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein said revealing said award indicia associated with unselected ones of said plurality of selectable elements occurs in response to receiving a player input of a selectable element with an award indicia having said stop-bonus-game symbol.

12. A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game feature, comprising: at least one display; and a processor coupled to said at least one display and operative to instruct said at least one display to display a symbol combination selected from a plurality of basic-game symbols for indicating an outcome of a basic game; in response to a start-bonus outcome being achieved in said basic game, instruct said at least one display to display a plurality of player-selectable elements fixedly associated with and masking respective award indicia, said plurality of player-selectable elements being distinct from said plurality of basic-game symbols that were displayed in said basic game, said award indicia for at least one of said plurality of player selectable elements having a monetary value; receive player inputs of a plurality of selected elements from said plurality of player-selectable elements; instruct said display to reveal said award indicia associated with said plurality of selected elements; after receiving said player inputs, instruct said at least one display to reveal said award indicia associated with unselected ones of said plurality of selectable elements; and award a bonus-game award for each of said plurality of selected elements, each of said bonus-game awards being independent of a previous selection from said plurality of selected elements.

13. The machine of claim 12, wherein said basic game includes a plurality of reels bearing said basic-game symbols, said reels being rotated and stopped to place said symbol combination in visual association with a display area on said at least one display.

14. The machine of claim 12, wherein said bonus-game award is independent of any basic-game award.

15. The machine of claim 12, wherein said award indicia includes a stop-bonus-game symbol.

16. The machine of claim 12, wherein said bonus game does not result in a loss of any basic-game award that has been achieved prior to the bonus game.

17. A method of conducting a wagering game, comprising: conducting a basic game until a start-bonus outcome is achieved, said conducting including displaying a set of basic-game symbols that are indicative of outcomes in said basic game; in response to said start-bonus outcome, displaying selectable elements fixedly associated with respective award indicia for a bonus game, said selectable elements being distinct from said set of basic-game symbols in said basic game; receiving, from said player, a plurality of selections from said selectable elements; revealing said award indicia associated with each of said plurality of selected elements; after said revealing said award indicia associated with each of said plurality of selected elements, revealing said award indicia associated with unselected ones of said selectable elements, thereby permitting a player to view said award indicia that were not achieved in said bonus game; and awarding a bonus-game award associated with each one of said plurality of selected elements such that said plurality of selections results in a plurality of bonus game awards, said bonus game award for each of said plurality of selections being independent of a previous selection of said plurality of selections.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein said basic game includes a plurality of video reels bearing said basic-game symbols.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein said bonus-game award is independent of any basic-game award.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein said revealing said award indicia associated with unselected ones of said plurality of selectable elements occurs in response to receiving a player input of a selectable element with an award indicia having a stop-bonus-game symbol.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to gaming machines and, more particularly, to a bonus mode play feature for a gaming machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Gaming machines, such as slot machines, video poker machines and the like, have been a cornerstone of the gaming industry for several years. Generally, the popularity of such machines with players is dependent on the likelihood (or perceived likelihood) of winning money at the machine and the intrinsic entertainment value of the machine relative to other available gaming options. Where the available gaming options include a number of competing machines and the expectation of winning each machine is roughly the same (or believed to be the same), players are most likely to be attracted to the most entertaining and exciting of the machines. Shrewd operators consequently strive to employ the most entertaining and exciting machines available, because such machines attract frequent play and hence increase profitability to the operator. Accordingly, in the competitive gaming machine industry, there is a continuing need for gaming machine manufacturers to produce new types of games, or enhancements to existing games, which will attract frequent play by enhancing the entertainment value and excitement associated with the game.

One concept which has been successfully employed to enhance the entertainment value of a game is the concept of a "secondary" or "bonus" game which may be played in conjunction with a "basic" game. The bonus game may comprise any type of game, either similar to or completely different from the basic game, which is entered upon the occurrence of a selected event or outcome of the basic game. The bonus game concept is the subject of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/835,840 [hereinafter "the '840 application"], filed Apr. 23, 1997, assigned to the assignee of the present invention and incorporated herein by reference. The '840 application discloses an embodiment wherein the basic game is a reel-type slot machine and the bonus game is a simulated reel-type slot machine implemented on a dot-matrix display. The bonus game is entered upon the appearance of a special symbol combination on the reels of the slot machine in the basic game. In the bonus game, the probability of winning combinations appearing on the reels, or the "hit rate," is much greater than that of the basic game. The player is permitted to keep playing and accumulating winnings from the bonus game until a losing trial occurs. Such a bonus game produces a significantly higher level of player excitement than the basic game because it provides a greater expectation of winning than the basic game and is accompanied with more attractive or unusual video displays and/or audio.

Because the bonus game concept offers tremendous advantages in player appeal and excitement relative to other known games, and because such games are attractive to both players and operators, there is a continuing need to develop new types of bonus games to satisfy the demands of players and operators. Preferably, such new bonus games will maintain, or even further enhance, the level of player excitement offered by bonus games heretofore known in the art. The present invention is directed to satisfying these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine including a processor operable in a basic mode and a bonus mode for controlling game play. In the basic mode, the processor operates to select a basic game outcome from among a plurality of possible basic game outcomes. The possible basic game outcomes include a start-bonus outcome the occurrence of which causes the processor to shift operation from the basic mode to the bonus mode. The processor is operable to define a plurality of player-selectable bonus game outcomes. In the bonus mode, a player selects one or more of the bonus game outcomes and credits are awarded based upon which ones of the bonus game outcomes are selected.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine including a processor operable to selecting a game outcome from among a number of possible game outcomes. A number of the possible game outcomes are identifiable according to a pay table as winning combinations, whereas a remaining number of the possible game outcomes are identified as apparent losing combinations. The gaming machine includes means for awarding credits upon occurrences of the winning combinations and upon occurrence of at least one of the apparent losing combinations.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine including a processor operable in a basic mode and a bonus mode for controlling game play. In the basic mode, the processor operates to select a basic game outcome from among a plurality of possible basic game outcomes. The possible basic game outcomes include one or more bonus-resource outcomes the occurrence of which causes the processor to generate a bonus game resource exercisable in a bonus game. The gaming machine includes means for shifting operation of the processor from the basic mode to the bonus mode. The processor is operable to define a plurality of possible bonus game outcomes. In the bonus mode, upon selection of a bonus game outcome, the bonus game resource(s) generated in the basic game may be exercised to affect the bonus game outcome. In one embodiment, where the bonus game outcome would otherwise cause the processor to end the bonus game, an exercise of a bonus game resource in conjunction with the bonus game outcome causes the processor to continue operation in the bonus mode, thereby allowing the player to continue playing the bonus game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a simplified illustration of a spinning reel slot machine with dot matrix display on which the present invention may be implemented;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of three reel strips which may be placed on the reels of the slot machine of FIG. 1 to implement a basic slot machine game according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a pay table for various symbol combinations which may occur in a basic game using the reel strips of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a math table corresponding to the symbol combinations identified in FIG. 3 with one coin played;

FIG. 5 is a payout summary table for a basic game using the reel strips of FIG. 2 with one to five coins played;

FIG. 6 is a math table for various "start-bonus" symbol combinations which may occur in a basic game using the reel strips of FIG. 2 with one coin played;

FIG. 7 is a payout summary table for a combined basic and bonus game using the reel strips of FIG. 2 with one to five coins played;

FIG. 8 illustrates a display which appears upon initial play of a bonus game according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a display which may appear upon completion of a bonus game according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a table illustrating window values which may appear in a bonus game corresponding to various numbers of coins played;

FIG. 11 is a table summarizing various possible outcomes of a bonus game according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the slot machine of FIG. 1 illustrating a CPU and display controller;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the display controller of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a video game machine on which the present invention may be implemented; and

FIG. 15 is an illustration of five simulated reels associated with a basic game played on the video game machine of FIG. 14.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Turning now to the drawings and referring initially to FIG. 1, there is depicted a slot machine 10 which may be utilized to play both a "basic" game and a secondary or "bonus" game. The slot machine 10 includes a display window 12 through which a player may observe three spinning reels, 14, 16 and 18. Game play is initiated by inserting a number of coins or playing a number of credits, causing a CPU or game controller (not shown) to activate a number of pay lines corresponding to the number of coins or credits played. In the illustrated embodiment, up to five paylines, designated by reference numerals 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30 may be activated, depending on the number of coins or credits played. The play of one coin or credit activates pay line 22, two coins or credits activate pay lines 22 and 24, three coins or credits activate pay lines 22, 24 and 26, four coins or credits activate pay lines 22, 24, 26 and 28 and five coins or credits activate pay lines 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30. It will be appreciated, however, that the present invention may be implemented on machines having fewer or greater numbers of paylines and/or with payline(s) which are activated independently of the number of coins or credits played. The present invention may also be implemented with video "reels." Accordingly, the terms "reels," "spinning reels," etc., and the like shall be understood herein to encompass video, as well as mechanical, implementations.

After activation of the paylines, the reels 14, 16, 18 are set in motion by either pulling a lever 20 or depressing a push button (not shown) on the slot machine 10. The processor then operates according to its game program to select a game outcome (e.g., "basic" game outcome) corresponding to a particular set of reel stop positions and, using technology well known in the art, causes each of the reels 14, 16, 18 to stop at the preselected stop position. Symbols (see FIG. 2) are affixed to the reels 14, 16, 18 to graphically illustrate the reel stop position and indicate whether the stop position of the reels represent a winning game outcome. Winning "basic" game outcomes (e.g., symbol combinations resulting in payment of coins or credits) are identifiable by a pay table (see FIG. 3) affixed to the slot machine 10. A winning combination occurs when the symbols appearing on the reels 14, 16, 18 correspond to one of the winning combinations on the pay table. Traditionally, such winning combinations must be displayed relative to an active one of the payline(s) 22, 24, 26, 28 and/or 30.

For example, in the illustrated embodiment, if one coin or credit is played, payline 22 is activated and a winning combination occurs if one of the combinations appearing on the pay table is displayed directly under payline 22 (e.g., with the first, second and third symbols of the combination being displayed, respectively, in the "left-center" position, "middle-center" position and "right-center" position relative to the display window 12). If two coins or credits are played, paylines 22 and 24 are activated and winning combination(s) occur if any of the combinations appearing on the pay table are displayed directly under payline 22 and/or payline 24. Payline 24 requires that the first, second and third symbols of the combination are displayed, respectively, in the "left-upper" position, "middle-upper" position and "right-upper" position relative to the display window 12. If three coins or credits are played, paylines 22, 24 and 26 are activated and winning combination(s) occur if any of the combinations appearing on the pay table are displayed directly under paylines 22, 24 and/or 26. Payline 26 requires that the first, second and third symbols of the combination are displayed, respectively, in the "left-lower" position, "middle-lower" position and "right-lower" position relative to the display window 12. If four coins or credits are played, paylines 22, 24, 26 and 28 are activated and winning combination(s) occur if any of the combinations appearing on the pay table are displayed directly under paylines 22, 24, 26 and/or 28. Payline 28 requires that the first, second and third symbols of the combination are displayed, respectively, in the "left-upper" position, "middle-center" position and "right-lower" position relative to the display window 12. Finally, if five coins or credits are played, paylines 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30 are activated and winning combination(s) occur if any of the combinations appearing on the pay table are displayed directly under paylines 22, 24, 26, 28 and/or 30. Payline 30 requires that the first, second and third symbols of the combination are displayed, respectively, in the "left-lower" position, "middle-center" position and "right-upper" position relative to the display window 12.

It will be appreciated, however, that alternative pay schemes may implemented. For example, a winning combination may be defined by the processor to occur when a special "start-bonus" symbol appears on one or more of the reels in any predetermined display position. In one embodiment of the present invention, a "start-bonus" outcome occurs when a special "start-bonus" symbol appears on each of three reels, in either of three visible display positions (e.g., "upper," "center" or "lower") on each reel, even if such positions do not correspond with an active pay line. The appearance of a "start-bonus" symbol on the designated number of reels, in the designated display position(s) represents a "start-bonus" outcome causing the processor to shift operation from the basic game to a bonus game. In another embodiment, the processor enters the bonus game upon the appearance of a special symbol combination on the reels 14, 16, 18 which is not identified on the pay table. Because such combination is not identified on the pay table, it is a "start-bonus" combination which players will consider to be a losing combination and, accordingly, represents a surprise winning combination to the player. Alternatively or additionally, the occurrence of "start-bonus" symbols and/or combination(s) may cause the processor to award coin(s) or credit(s) in the basic game.

A video display 32 is provided for displaying the bonus game. The video display 32 may comprise a dot matrix, CRT, LED, LCD, electro-luminescent display or generally any type of video display known in the art. In the illustrated embodiment, the video display 32 is vertically disposed within an upper portion of the slot machine 10. It will be appreciated that the "basic" game need not comprise a spinning reel slot machine game, as illustrated in FIG. 1, but may comprise virtually any type of game of chance or skill or combination of such games) having outcomes (e.g., "start-bonus" outcomes) which may trigger play of a bonus game on the video display 32. The basic game may itself be implemented on the video display 32 or a separate video display (not shown). The basic game may comprise a video poker or video blackjack game, for example. In embodiments where both the basic and bonus games are implemented in video, each game may be shown on the same video display.

In one embodiment, the possible basic game outcomes include a special symbol combination (e.g., "bonus-resource" outcome) causing the processor to generate a bonus game resource exercisable in the bonus game. The occurrence of "bonus-resource" outcome(s) may also cause the processor to award coin(s) or credit(s) in the basic game. In one embodiment, the processor continues to operate in the basic mode after the occurrence of a bonus-resource outcome. In this embodiment, any number of bonus-resource outcomes may occur through several repetitions of the basic game (causing the processor to generate a corresponding number of bonus game resources) before entering the bonus mode, if at all, upon the occurrence of a start-bonus outcome. The bonus game resource(s) may comprise any item which operates to enhance the excitement and/or winning expectation in the bonus game. In one embodiment, for example, a bonus game resource is usable to override an otherwise undesired outcome of the bonus game. For example, in a bonus game including one or more "end-bonus" outcome(s) which would otherwise end the bonus game, a bonus game resource, if available, may be used to override the end-bonus outcome and thereby continue play of the bonus game. Another type of bonus game resource might be used as a multiplier (e.g., 2.times., 5.times., 10.times., etc.) of coin(s) or credit(s) awarded in a bonus game. For example, a "5.times." resource played in conjunction with a bonus game outcome awarding 5 coins or credits would result in an award of 25 coins or credits.

FIG. 2 shows a set of reel strips for use with a slot machine of the type shown in FIG. 1 to implement a JACKPOT PART.TM. slot machine game, assigned to the assignee of the present invention. The reel strips correspond to the reels 14, 16, 18 in FIG. 1 and will be identified by corresponding reference numerals 14, 16, 18. Each of the reel strips 14, 16, 18 include eighteen symbols, corresponding to eighteen available reel stopping positions. The symbols which appear on reel strip 14 include, in sequence, Jackpot 7, Plum, Orange, Plum, Orange. Plum, Orange, Plum, Blue 7, Cherry, Orange, Bell, Orange, Strawberry, Blue 7, Orange, Party Favor and Plum. The symbols which appear on reel strip 16 include, in sequence, Jackpot 7, Bell, Party Favor, Bell, Cherry, Orange, Plum, Cherry, Bell, Party Favor, Bell, Strawberry, Plum, Blue 7, Bell, Party Favor, Bell and Strawberry. Finally, the symbols which appear on reel strip 18 include, in sequence, Jackpot 7, Cherry, Orange, Party Favor, Orange, Special Lemon, Orange, Plum, Orange, Plum, Orange, Plum, Bell, Strawberry, Blue 7, Bell, Cherry and Lemon.

A pay table for the JACKPOT PARTY.TM. slot machine game (corresponding to the symbols shown in FIG. 2) is shown at FIG. 3. The pay table identifies the amount of coin(s) or credit(s) awarded for various combinations of symbols that may appear in the basic game. The amount of coin(s) or credit(s) identified in the pay table traditionally corresponds to the probabilities of "hitting" the various combinations of symbols, less an appropriate "hold percentage" retained by the slot machine 10.

FIG. 4 is a pay table identifying mathematical probabilities and expected values in a basic game with 1 coin or credit played (with only payline 22 activated). In FIG. 4, the "PAY COMBO" column identifies the various winning combinations (corresponding to the pay table of FIG. 3) that may occur in the basic portion of the JACKPOT PARTY.TM. slot machine game. The "# PER REEL" columns indicate, respectively, the number(s) of reel positions on reels 14, 16, 18 that will support the various winning combinations for a 1-coin game. In the CH CH CH symbol combination, for example, because Cherry symbols occupy 1 position on the first reel, 2 positions on the second reel and 2 positions on the third reel, and because there is only one active payline in a 1-coin game, there are 1, 2 and 2 positions, respectively, that will support the CH CH CH combination. The "Hits" column identifies, for each combination of symbols, the product of the three "# PER REEL" columns and represents the number(s) of times the winning combinations can occur, given the number(s) of reel positions of the various symbols and the number of active paylines. Thus, for the CH CH CH symbol combination in a 1-coin game, the "Hits" value is 4 (i.e., 1.times.2.times.2). The "Total Hits" value (i.e. 732) is the sum of the various "Hits" values in a 1-coin game.

Where the reels each have eighteen symbols corresponding to eighteen reel stop positions, as in the JACKPOT PARTY.TM. game, the odds of "hitting" each unique combination relative to a single active payline is one in 5,832 (18.times.18.times.18). The "Pulls/Hit" column of FIG. 4 identifies, on average, the number of pulls that would be required to "hit" each respective symbol combination in a 1-coin game. For example, there is only one unique symbol combination out of 5,832 possible symbol combinations that would result in a J7 J7 J7 outcome. Thus, it would take 5,832 pulls, on average, to "hit" the J7 J7 J7 combination in a 1-coin game. Similarly, there are 30 unique symbol combinations out of 5,832 possible symbol combinations that would result in either an "OR OR OR" or "PL PL PL" combination. Thus, it would take 194.4 pulls, on average, (i.e., 5,832/30) to "hit" the "OR OR OR" or "PL PL PL" combination in a 1-coin game. The "Pulls/Hit" value at the bottom of the column represents the number of pulls, on average, that would be required to hit any of the winning combinations in a 1-coin game, computed by dividing number of possible symbol combinations (5,832) by the "Total Hits" value (732).