Method and system for changing the appearance of gaming machines as part of optimizing the number of gaming machines presenting particular games

A method of optimizing a number of gaming machines comprising the steps of:

• providing a first number of gaming machines having a first configuration, said first number of gaming machines configured to present at least one first wagering game and said first configuration having a first appearance;
• presenting said first number of gaming machines for play to one or more players;
• monitoring game play at said first number of gaming machines;
• if game play at said first number of gaming machines reaches a threshold level, changing a configuration of a second number of said first number of gaming machines to a second configuration, said second number of gaming machines configured to present at least one second wagering game and said second configuration having a second appearance which is different than said first appearance;
• and
• presenting said second number of gaming machines having said second configuration and said first number of gaming machines having said first configuration as reduced in number by said second number, for play to one or more players.