Double time-based bonus method and apparatus for gaming machines

A method of game play on a gaming system and apparatus comprising a mechanical or video display, player input system and a processor configured to perform, in the following order, firstly an underlying game, secondly a time-based bonus opportunity event, and thirdly a resolvable bonus game event, the method comprising:

• a) the processor recognizing from the player input system wagering of an amount on an underlying wagering game;
• b) the underlying wagering game having a trigger event that enables a time-based bonus opportunity event;
• c) upon triggering the time-based bonus opportunity event, the processor allowing a set time within which a selection of a time-based bonus element scheme may occur, and in which any awards accrued to the wagering of the amount at the player input system in the underlying game are credited to the player input system at this time or at the conclusion of any bonus game event played at the player input system;
• d) within that said set time, a first bonus element scheme is provided to the player input system and the processor recognizes selection or declining at the player input system of the first bonus element scheme;
• e) upon selection of the first bonus element scheme, that bonus element scheme is then utilized to determine the parameters of a subsequent resolvable bonus game event, and upon declining the first bonus element scheme, a second bonus element scheme is provided by the processor to the player input system and the processor recognizes selection or declining at the player input system of the second bonus element scheme within any remaining amount of the set time;
• f) if the processor has not recognized selection of a bonus element scheme at the player input system upon expiry of the set time, the processor will either provide a default bonus element scheme or end the time-based bonus without providing any bonus element scheme to the player input system;
• g) after play the subsequent resolvable bonus game event, any bonus awards at the player input system are resolved by the processor;
• and
• h) wherein the processor provides a random number of bonus element schemes for selection within time intervals and when a total time period has expired for the random number of bonus element schemes, a default bonus element scheme is provided by the processor for the subsequent resolvable bonus game event, and then the subsequent resolvable bonus game event is provided, using the default bonus scheme.