System for computerized reel-based gaming and a method of operating thereof

A computerized reel-based gaming system comprising:

• a) one or more gaming machines, each gaming machine including at least one input device, at least one processor, and at least one slot machine reel;
• b) a configuration unit configured to implement at least one of the following:
• i) one or more cash-back combinations of symbols configured differently from the winning combinations configured in the basic operation of a reel game;
• ii) one or more groups each comprising a cash-back combination of symbols differing from a combination configured in the basic operation of the reel game and cash-back winning combination corresponding thereto;
• c) a reel interface configured to obtain data related to output of the reel spins of a gaming machine, and indicative of non-winning events;
• and
• d) a metering unit operatively coupled to the reel interface and configured
• i) to assess a number of consecutive non-winning events of a gaming machine with respect to a winning cash-back combination, and
• ii) to initiate a cash-back award to a gaming machine once the number of consecutive non-winning events reaches a cash-back triggering number corresponding to said winning cash-back combination.

A computerized cash-back unit for use in conjunction with a computerized reel-based gaming system, the gaming system including one or more gaming machines, each gaming machine having at least one input device, at least one processor, and at least one slot machine reel, the cash-back unit comprising:

• a) a configuration unit configured to implement at least one of the following:
• i) one or more cash-back combinations of symbols configured differently from a combination of symbols defined in a basic operation of a reel game;
• ii) one or more cash-back winning combinations configured differently from the winning combinations configured in the basic operation of the reel game;
• and
• iii) one or more groups each comprising a cash-back combination of symbols differing from a combination configured in the basic operation of the reel game and cash-back winning combination corresponding thereto;
• b) a reel interface configured to obtain, responsive to a spin of the reels of a gaming machine, a result of matching between the spin output corresponding to at least one cash-back combination and said at least one winning cash-back combination, thus, in case of a mismatch, giving rise to a non-winning event;
• and
• c) a metering unit operatively coupled to the reel interface and configured
• i) to assess a number of consecutive non-winning events of a gaming machine with respect to said at least one winning cash-back combination, and
• ii) to initiate a cash-back award to be provided to a gaming machine once the number of consecutive non-winning events reaches a cash-back triggering number corresponding to said winning cash-back combination.