Gaming system with remote controller having location-based variable functionality

A community gaming system, comprising:

• a first gaming terminal including one or more first display devices for displaying plays of a wagering game;
• a second gaming terminal adjacent to the first gaming terminal, the second gaming terminal including one or more second display devices displaying plays of a wagering game;
• a fixed structure positioned between the first and the second gaming terminals;
• a first handheld device coupled to the fixed structure via a first cable, the first handheld device including a first sensor configured to detect inputs, the first handheld device being positionable in a first predefined zone and a base predefined zone, the first predefined zone being defined as a first volumetric space generally in front of the one or more first display devices, the base predefined zone being defined as a base volumetric space generally in front of the fixed structure distinct from the first predefined zone, the first handheld device being configured to be calibrated for use in playing a wagering game on the first gaming terminal or on the second gaming terminal;
• and
• a second handheld device coupled to the fixed structure via a second cable, the second handheld device including a second sensor configured to detect inputs, the second handheld device being positionable in a second predefined zone and the base predefined zone, the second predefined zone being defined as a second volumetric space generally in front of the one or more second display devices distinct from the first and the base predefined zones, the second handheld device being configured to be calibrated for use in playing a wagering game on the other of the first gaming terminal and the second gaming terminal.

A method of calibrating a handheld device coupled to a wagering game system for use in conducting a wagering game displayed on one or more display devices of the wagering game system, the method comprising:

• coupling the handheld device to a docking station of a fixed structure of the wagering game system such that the handheld device is positioned in a base predefined zone of a base volumetric space about the fixed structure when coupled to the docking station, the handheld device including a sensor;
• detecting, via the sensor, a first input;
• decoupling the handheld device from the docking station;
• positioning the handheld device in a first predefined zone of a first volumetric space that is distinct from the base predefined zone, the first predefined zone being adjacent to a display device of a first gaming terminal of the wagering game system;
• detecting, via the sensor, a second input;
• and
• in response to detecting the second input, associating the handheld device with the first gaming terminal.

A method of calibrating a handheld device coupled to a gaming terminal of a wagering game system for use in conducting a wagering game displayed on one or more display devices of the gaming terminal, the method comprising:

• coupling the handheld device to a docking station of a fixed structure of the wagering game system such that the handheld device is positioned in a base predefined zone of a base volumetric space about the fixed structure when coupled to the docking station, the handheld device including a sensor;
• detecting, via the sensor, a first input;
• decoupling the handheld device from the docking station;
• positioning the handheld device in a first zone of a first volumetric space that is distinct from the base predefined zone, the first zone being adjacent to at least one of the one or more display devices of the gaming terminal;
• detecting, via the sensor, a second input;
• and
• defining the first zone in the first volumetric space based on the position of the handheld device in response to the sensor detecting the second input.

A gaming system, comprising:

• a fixed structure;
• one or more display devices;
• one or more processors;
• a handheld device coupled to the fixed structure via a cable, the handheld device being moveable in a predefined zone of a volumetric space adjacent to at least one of the one or more display devices;
• and
• a memory device storing instructions that, when executed by at least one of the one or more processors cause the gaming system to,
• display, on at least one of the one or more display devices, at least a portion of a wagering game including a plurality of selectable bonus elements,
• perform a first function in response to the handheld device being located adjacent to a first one of the plurality of selectable bonus elements, and
• perform a second function, which is distinct from the first function, in response to the handheld device being located adjacent to a second one of the plurality of selectable bonus elements.