Gaming machine and method for displaying a free spin count-up

An electronic gaming machine comprising:

• a display;
• a credit input mechanism including at least one of a card reader, a ticket reader, a bill acceptor, and a coin input mechanism, the credit input mechanism configured to receive a credit wager;
• and
• a processor configured to perform operations comprising:
• initiating a free play bonus game;
• awarding, during the free play bonus game, a plurality of free spins of a plurality of reels;
• displaying, on the display, a plurality of numerical indicia, the plurality of numerical indicia displayed one at a time and increasing from an initial numerical indicium associated with an initial free spin to a final numerical indicium associated with a final free spin;
• and
• providing a game award in conjunction with the final free spin.

A method of electronic gaming implemented on an electronic gaming machine, the method comprising:

• initiating a free play bonus game;
• awarding, during the free play bonus game, a plurality of free spins of a plurality of reels;
• displaying, on a display, a plurality of numerical indicia, the plurality of numerical indicia displayed one at a time and increasing from an initial numerical indicium associated with an initial free spin to a final numerical indicium associated with a final free spin;
• and
• providing a game award in conjunction with the final free spin.