Slot machine with a regenerating bonus array
AssigneeWMS Gaming Inc.
InventorLarry J. Pacey
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A slot machine type wagering game having a bonus feature that is activated by a start-bonus outcome in the basic game. For example, one start-bonus game outcome may be the occurrence of a winning pay line in the base game array. Certain symbols on the winning pay line are replaced to create a bonus array; all other symbols in the bonus array remain the same, and in the same position, as in the original base array. The replacement symbols are randomly determined. Once the symbols are replaced, the bonus array is checked for winning symbol combinations on active pay lines. If the bonus array forms winning symbol combinations (i.e., a winning pay line), a second start-bonus game outcome may be triggered and the process continues until an array is created that does not form any winning pay lines.
Claims20
A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming machine, comprising:
- receiving a wager from a player to initiate play of the wagering game;
- receiving a selection of at least one of a plurality of pre-defined player-selectable pay lines;
- randomly selecting a plurality of symbols to form a first array;
- displaying the first array;
- identifying winning symbols in the first array that form any first winning combination along one or more pay lines of the plurality of pre-defined player-selectable pay lines;
- awarding the player for the first winning combination in the first array if the first away contains the first winning combination along one or more pay lines of the plurality of pre-defined player-selectable pay lines;
- replacing one or more of the winning symbols in the first away that form the first winning combination with a randomly determined replacement symbol to form a second array;
- displaying the second array;
- identifying winning symbols in the second array that form any second winning combination along one or more pay lines of the plurality of pre-defined player-selectable pay lines;
- and
- awarding the player for the second winning combination in the second array.
A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game, comprising:
- a value input device for receiving a wager from a player to initiate play of the wagering game;
- a display for displaying a first away of symbols in visual association with a plurality of pre-defined player-selectable pay lines, the first array being formed by randomly selecting a plurality of symbols;
- and
- a controller coupled to the display and operative to
- receive player selections from the player of at least one of the plurality of pre-defined player-selectable pay lines to identify at least one player-selected pay line,
- identify a first winning symbol in the first array that creates any first winning outcome along the at least one player-selected pay line;
- award the player for the first winning outcome;
- replace the first winning symbol with a randomly determined first replacement symbol to form a second array;
- display the second array;
- identify a second winning symbol in the second away that creates any second winning outcome along the at least one player-selected pay line;
- and
- award the player for the second winning outcome.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.