Gaming Machine With Floating Mid-Screen Input Deck

A method of configuring a gaming machine for play of a wagering game, the method comprising:

• providing an active display region with an upper boundary and a lower boundary, the active display region indicating a range of player viewing positions facing the active display region;
• providing a display housing supporting the active display region;
• providing a pedestal extending upwards and outwards from the display housing below the active display region, wherein the pedestal is spaced apart from the active display region;
• providing an input deck supported by the pedestal and imposed between the player viewing position and the active display region, the input deck spaced apart from the active display region and configured to receive inputs from a player at the player viewing position, the input deck having an edge proximal to the active display region that intersects an imaginary horizontal plane disposed between the upper and lower boundaries of the active display region, wherein at least fifteen percent of the active display region extends below the horizontal plane;
• presenting visual content on the active display region;
• and
• receiving inputs at the input deck from a player within the range of player viewing positions, the inputs being associated with the visual content presented on the active display region.