Gaming apparatus and method having a separate but simultaneously operating bonus indicator

A method for playing a gaming machine via a controller, the method comprising:

• playing via the controller a primary game having a set of symbols;
• receiving via the controller a wager in the form of credits;
• in response to receiving wagered credit, 1) generating via the controller an outcome from the set of symbols, and 2) automatically enabling and initiating via the controller a separate bonus indicator having a different set of symbols, said bonus indicator to operate simultaneously with and be non-identical to said primary game, to be of approximately the same duration as said primary game;
• and
• indicating via the controller and independent of said outcome of the primary game, a predetermined outcome whether a player is entitled to a bonus feature to said primary game.