U.S. Pat. No. 11,393,288

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a gaming system including a game controller. The gaming controller includes components that enable the implementation of a game, wherein when at least two game rounds (i.e., an initial game round and at least one subsequent game round) are awarded, a plurality of candidate game rounds are generated, one of which is selected as the initial game round. The gaming system assesses a game outcome of each of the candidate game rounds. In one embodiment, the candidate game round associated with the candidate game outcome that is assessed by the gaming system as being able to provide the greatest benefit in a subsequent game round is provided to the player as the initial game round. The player is then provided with an opportunity by the gaming system to select part of the game to be kept or held for a subsequent spin. For example, in one aspect, the player may select one or more reels to be “held” for a subsequent re-spin.

General Construction of an Exemplary Gaming System

The gaming system can take a number of different forms. In a first aspect, a standalone gaming machine is provided wherein all or most components required for implementing the game are present in a player operable gaming machine.

In a second form, a distributed architecture is provided wherein at least some of the components required for implementing the game are present in a player operable gaming machine and at least some of the components required for implementing the game are located remotely from the gaming machine. For example, a “thick client” architecture may be used wherein part of the game is executed on a player operable gaming machine and part of the game is executed remotely, such as by a gaming server. Alternatively, a “thin client” architecture may be used wherein most of the game is executed remotely from the gaming machine, such as by a gaming server and a player operable gaming machine is used only to display audible and/or visible gaming information to the player and receive gaming inputs from the player.

However, it will be understood that other arrangements are envisaged. For example, an architecture may be provided wherein a gaming machine is networked to a gaming server and the respective functions of the gaming machine and the gaming server are selectively modifiable. For example, the gaming system may selectively operate in standalone gaming machine mode, “thick client” mode or “thin client” mode depending on several factors, including, for example, the game being played, operating conditions, and/or other factors. Other variations will be apparent to persons skilled in the art.

FIG. 1is a block diagram of exemplary core components80of a gaming system75. Irrespective of the form, gaming system75includes several core components80. At the broadest level, exemplary core components80are a player interface50and a game controller60. Player interface50is arranged to enable manual interaction between a player and gaming system75and, as such, includes input/output components52,54,56,58required for the player to enter instructions to play the game and observe the game outcomes.

Components of player interface50may vary from embodiment to embodiment but will typically include at least a credit mechanism52to enable a player to input credits and to receive payouts, at least one display54, a game play mechanism56including one or more input devices that enable a player to input game play instructions (e.g. to place a wager), and one or more speakers58.

Game controller60is in data communication with player interface50and typically includes a processor62that processes the game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and outputs game play outcomes to display54. Typically, the game play rules are stored as program code in a memory64but can also be hardwired. As used herein, the term “processor” refers generically to any device that can process game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and may include, for example, a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic device or other computational device, a general purpose computer (e.g. a PC) or a server. That is, a processor62may be provided by any suitable logic circuitry for receiving inputs, processing them in accordance with instructions stored in memory64and generating outputs (for example on display54). Such processors are sometimes also referred to as central processing units (CPUs). Most processors are general purpose units, however, it is also know to provide a specific purpose processor using an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

FIG. 2illustrates a gaming system75in the form of an exemplary standalone gaming machine10. In the exemplary embodiment, gaming machine10includes a console12having a display14on which are displayed representations of a game16that can be played by a player. A mid-trim20of gaming machine10houses a bank of buttons22for enabling a player to interact with gaming machine10, in particular during game play. Mid-trim20also houses a credit input mechanism24. In the exemplary embodiment, credit input mechanism24includes a coin input chute24A and a bill collector24B. Other credit input mechanisms may also be employed, such as, for example, a card reader for reading a smart card, debit card, and/or credit card. Other gaming machines may be configured for ticket use, in that these gaming machines include a ticket reader for reading tickets having a value and for crediting the player based on the face value of the ticket. A player marketing module (not shown) having a reading device may also be provided for the purpose of reading a player tracking device, for example, as part of a loyalty program. The player tracking device may be in the form of a card, flash drive, or any other portable storage medium capable of being read by the reading device. In some embodiments, the player marketing module may provide an additional credit mechanism, either by transferring credits to the gaming machine from credits stored on the player tracking device or by transferring credits from a player account in data communication with the player marketing module.

A top box26may carry artwork28, including, for example, pay tables and details of bonus awards and other information or images relating to the game. Further artwork and/or information may be provided on a front panel29of console12. In the exemplary embodiment, a payout mechanism such as a coin tray30is mounted beneath front panel29for dispensing cash payouts from gaming machine10.

In the exemplary embodiment, display14is a video display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, display14may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, any other suitable video display unit, or the visible portion of an electromechanical device. Top box26may also include a display, such as, for example, a video display unit, which may be of the same type as display14, or of a different type.

FIG. 3illustrates a block diagram of exemplary functional components of a typical gaming machine100, which may be the same as or different to gaming machine10(shown inFIG. 2).

Gaming machine100includes a game controller101including a processor102mounted on a circuit board. Instructions and data to control operation of processor102are stored in a memory103that is in data communication with processor102. Typically, gaming machine100will include both volatile and non-volatile memory and more than one of each type of memory, with such memories being collectively represented by memory103.

Gaming machine100includes hardware meters104for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring player credit, an input/output (I/O) interface105for communicating with peripheral devices of gaming machine100. I/O interface105and/or the peripheral devices may be intelligent devices with their own memory for storing associated instructions and data for use with the input/output interface or the peripheral devices. A random number generator module113generates random numbers for use by processor102. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the reference to random numbers includes pseudo-random numbers.

In the exemplary embodiment, a player interface120includes peripheral devices that communicate with game controller101including one or more displays106, a touch screen and/or input buttons107(which provide a game play mechanism), and a credit input mechanism such as a card and/or ticket reader108, a bill acceptor110, and/or coin input mechanism110. The credit input mechanism is configured to receive a credit wager to initiate play of a base game, and establish a credit balance (e.g., using the received credit wager) that is increasable and decreasable based on wagering activity within a game. Player interface120also includes a payout mechanism such as a printer109and/or a coin output mechanism111. The payout mechanism is configured to output a payout to a player of gaming machine100based on an outcome of the game (e.g., a base game and/or a feature game). Additional hardware may be included as part of gaming machine100, or hardware may be omitted as required for the specific implementation. For example, although buttons or touch screens are typically used in gaming machines to allow a player to place a wager and to initiate a play of a game, any input device that enables the player to input game play instructions may be used. For example, in some gaming machines, a mechanical handle may be used to initiate a play of the game. Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that a touch screen can be used to emulate other input devices, such as, for example, a touch screen can display virtual buttons that a player can “press” by touching the screen where they are displayed.

In addition, gaming machine100may include a communications interface, for example, a network card112. Network card112may, for example, send status information, accounting information, or other information to a bonus controller, central controller, server, or database and receive data or commands from the bonus controller, central controller, server, or database. In embodiments employing a player marketing module, communications over a network may be via player marketing module—i.e., the player marketing module may be in data communication with one or more of the above devices and communicate with it on behalf of gaming machine100.

FIG. 4is a block diagram of the main components103A,103B,103C of a memory103. In the exemplary embodiment, memory103includes RAM103A, EPROM103B, and a mass storage device103C. RAM103A typically temporarily holds program files for execution by processor102and related data. EPROM103B may be a boot ROM device and/or may contain some system- or game-related code. Mass storage device103C is typically used to store game programs, the integrity of which may be verified and/or authenticated by processor102using protected code from EPROM103B or elsewhere.

It is also possible for the operative components of gaming machine100to be distributed. For example, in one embodiment, input/output devices106,107,108,109,110,111are provided remotely from game controller101.

FIG. 5illustrates an exemplary gaming system200in accordance with an alternative embodiment. Gaming system200includes a network201, which, for example, may be an Ethernet network. In the exemplary embodiment, gaming machines202, shown arranged in three banks203of two gaming machines202, are coupled to network201. Gaming machines202provide a player-operable interface and may be the same as gaming machines10and/or100(shown respectively inFIGS. 2 and 3), or may have simplified functionality depending on the requirements for implementing game play. Although banks203of two gaming machines202are shown in the exemplary embodiment, banks of one, three, or more gaming machines202are also envisioned.

One or more displays204may also be coupled to network201. For example, displays204may be associated with one or more banks203of gaming machines202. Displays204may be used to display representations associated with game play on gaming machines202, and/or used to display other representations, for example, promotional or informational material.

In a thick client embodiment, a game server205implements part of the game played by a player using a gaming machine202, and gaming machine202implements part of the game. With this embodiment, as both game server205and gaming machine202implement part of the game, they collectively provide a game controller. A database management server206may manage storage of game programs and associated data for downloading or access by gaming machines202in a database206A. Typically, if gaming system200enables players to participate in a Jackpot game, a Jackpot server207will be provided to perform accounting functions for the Jackpot game. A loyalty program server212may also be provided.

In a thin client embodiment, game server205implements most or all of the game played by a player using a gaming machine202, and gaming machine202essentially provides only the player interface. In such an embodiment, game server205provides the game controller, and gaming machine202receives player instructions and transmits these instructions to game server205. Game server205processes the player instructions and returns game play outcomes to gaming machine202for display. In a thin client embodiment, such gaming machines202could be computer terminals, e.g., PCs running software that provides a player interface operable using standard computer input and output components. Other client/server configurations are possible, and further details of a client/server architecture can be found in WO 2006/052213 and PCT/SE2006/000559, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Servers are also typically provided to assist in the administration of gaming system200, including, for example, a gaming floor management server208and a licensing server209to monitor the use of licenses relating to particular games. An administrator terminal210is provided to allow an administrator to run network201and the devices connected to network201.

Gaming system200may communicate with other gaming systems, other local networks (for example, a corporate network), and/or a wide area network such as the Internet, for example, through a firewall211.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in accordance with known techniques, functionality at the server side of network201may be distributed over a plurality of different computers. For example, elements may be run as a single “engine” on one server or a separate server may be provided. For example, game server205could run a random generator engine. Alternatively, a separate random number generator server could be provided. Further, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a plurality of game servers could be provided to run different games or a single game server may run a plurality of different games as required by the terminals.

Further Details of the Exemplary Gaming System

In one embodiment, a gaming system is configured to provide a spinning reel game of chance in which a feature game can be triggered. When the feature game is triggered, a plurality of free games are awarded. Each free game includes an initial game round and at least one subsequent game round. Candidate game outcomes are generated for at least the initial game round, as described in more detail below.

In order to initiate a play of the gaming system, the player operates game play mechanism56to specify a wager that affects the win entitlement that will be evaluated for this play of the game, and the player initiates a play of the game. Hence, a player's win entitlement can vary from game to game, depending on player selections. In most spinning reel games, it is typical for the player's entitlement to be affected by the amount they wager and by selections they make (i.e., the nature of the wager). For example, a player's win entitlement may be based on how many lines they play in each game—e.g., a minimum of one line up to a maximum number of lines permitted by the game (noting that not all permutations of win lines may be available for selection)—and how much they wager per line. Such win lines are typically defined by a combination of symbol display positions, one from each reel. The symbol display positions are located relative to one another such that they form a line that extends across the reels.

In many games, the player's win entitlement is not strictly limited to the lines they have selected. For example, “scatter” pays may be awarded independently of a player's selection of pay lines, and may be an inherent part of the win entitlement.

In other embodiments, the player may obtain a win entitlement by selecting a number of reels to play and an amount to wager per reel. Such games may be marketed under the trade name “Reel Power” by Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd. The selection of a reel means that each displayed symbol of the reel can be substituted for another symbol at one or more designated display positions. In other words, all symbols displayed at symbol display positions corresponding to a selected reel can be used to form symbol combinations with other symbols displayed at designated symbol display positions on the other reels. For example, if there are five reels and three symbol display positions for each reel, such that the symbol display positions comprise three rows of five symbol display positions, the symbols displayed in the center row may be used for non-selected reels. As a result, the total number of ways to win is determined by multiplying the number of active display positions of each reel (the active display positions being all display positions of each selected reel) and the designated display position of the non-selected reels. As a result, for five reels and fifteen display positions, there are 243 possible ways to win.

FIG. 6illustrates another block diagram of an exemplary gaming system. In the exemplary embodiment, processor62of game controller60is shown implementing a number of modules based on program code and data stored in memory64. In other embodiments, the modules could be implemented in some other way, for example, by a dedicated circuit.

These modules implement functionality that enables the game controller to implement the game. An outcome generator622operates in response to the player's operation of game play mechanism56to place a wager and to initiate a play of the game. Outcome generator622generates a game outcome that is evaluated by an outcome evaluator624. In an embodiment, a symbol selector622A of outcome generator622selects symbols from base reels641A of symbol data641, using a random number generator621. The selected symbols are transmitted to a display controller625, which causes the selected symbols to be displayed on display54at a corresponding set of display positions.

In one embodiment, symbol selector622A selects symbols for display from a plurality of symbol sets corresponding to respective reels of a plurality of spinning reels. Base reels641A specify a sequence of symbols for each reel, such that symbol selector622A may select symbols by randomly selecting a stopping position in the sequence. In one example, three symbols of each of five reels may be displayed such that the symbols are displayed at fifteen corresponding display positions on display54. In another embodiment, a probability table stored in memory64is used to vary the odds of a particular stop position in the sequence being selected. Other techniques may be used to control the odds of particular outcomes occurring to thereby control the return to player of the game.

Outcome evaluator624compares and evaluates the selected symbols against a pay table644based on the wager placed by the player in order to determine whether to make one or more awards. Any awards are made by a prize awarder624A by increasing or updating meters645and are also displayed on display54via display controller625. Outcome evaluator624also includes a trigger monitor624B that monitors the symbols selected by symbol selector622A to determine whether a trigger condition is satisfied. In one example, to satisfy the trigger condition, a defined number of scatter symbols must be selected by symbol selector622A. If the trigger condition is not satisfied, the play of the game ends (assuming the player does not exercise a gamble option, such as a “double-or-nothing” gamble option).

If the trigger condition is satisfied, a feature game is triggered. The feature game includes a number of free games that are awarded by outcome evaluator624and carried out by gaming system75. In one embodiment, the number of free games depends on the number of scatter symbols that are selected by symbol selector622A. In one embodiment, each free game includes at least two game rounds.

In an initial game round, an initial game outcome is selected by game outcome generator622, as described further herein. The initial game outcome is displayed on display54under the control of display controller625. The player is then presented with an option to “keep” or “hold” none, part, or all of the initial game outcome. Holding part of the initial game outcome includes, for example, holding one or more reels that will not be re-spun in a subsequent game round. The player's selections and instructions to hold any part(s) of the initial game outcome are processed by and stored in a reel holder622B, and may be further stored in memory64. Any part(s) of the initial game outcome that are not held by the player are reselected by game outcome generator622.

In one embodiment, for each initial game round of each free game, symbol selector622A generates a plurality of candidate game outcomes. Each candidate game outcome is selected by symbol selector622A from feature reels641B. These candidate game outcomes are stored in memory64as candidate data642. A candidate outcome assessor623assesses each candidate outcome based on assessment data643, which enables the candidate outcome assessor623to assess which candidate game outcome would provide the greatest benefit when generating a subsequent game round in the free game. In one embodiment, as described in further detail below, assessment data643includes criteria for assessing each candidate game outcome to determine the “greatest benefit.” The criteria specifies that the candidate game outcome that provides the “greatest benefit” is the candidate game outcome with the highest optimal expected win amount. In another embodiment, the criteria may identify a “greatest benefit” to the player in terms of interest to the player. For example, in such an embodiment, candidate outcome assessor623may assess the candidate game outcomes to determine which candidate game outcome would provide the most wins or the highest individual win amount.

In one embodiment, candidate outcome assessor623calculates the result of every combination of holding reels for each candidate game outcome, identifies the hold combination for each respective candidate game outcome that results in the highest average return to the player, and compares the highest average return across all candidate game outcomes to find the overall “best” candidate game outcome (e.g., the candidate game outcome associated with the overall highest average return).

For example, in one embodiment, three candidate game outcomes are assumed to be generated. For each candidate game outcome, if there are 5 reels, there are 32 different hold patterns, or ways to hold the reels (5 reels, either held or unheld; 2{circumflex over ( )}5=32). For each of the 32 different hold patterns, the candidate outcome assessor623determines the expected win amount from that particular hold pattern.

The “optimal hold pattern” will be the hold pattern with the highest expected win amount. Candidate outcome assessor623then compares the expected win amounts of the respective optimal hold pattern of each candidate game outcome. Candidate outcome assessor623selects the candidate game outcome that is expected to deliver the greatest benefit (e.g., the candidate game outcome with an optimal hold pattern with the overall highest expected win amount) and causes display controller625to display the selected candidate game outcome.

The selected symbols of the plurality of reels are displayed by display controller625on display54together with a message instructing to the player to touch reels to select which reels the player wishes to be held. In one embodiment, an indicator provided on the display enables the player to determine whether they have made an “optimal” selection. In one embodiment, the player can choose not to hold any reels or can choose to hold all reels. In one embodiment, gaming system75prevents the player from making invalid selections, such as a selection that would automatically result in a loss. To make a selection of reels to hold, the player uses game play mechanism56, for example, by touching one of the reels on a touchscreen of game play mechanism56. The selected reels are held by reel holder622B of game outcome generator622. Symbol selector622A then selects symbols for the remaining, un-held reels from feature reels641B in the same manner described above. These selected symbols are then displayed on display54in conjunction with the held symbols of the held reels. All of the displayed symbols are evaluated by outcome evaluator624.

In some embodiments, the player may then be provided with a further option to hold the same reels that the player already selected to hold. In one example, where gaming system75determines that the player makes “sub-optimal” decisions with respect to selecting which reels to hold, the player is provided with an increased chance of being awarded one or more additional re-spin rounds. For example, a calculation is performed by a player selection monitor626using an optimal hold determiner626A that determines whether the player has made the optimal hold by selecting an optimal hold pattern.

In such an embodiment, after determining that the player has made a sub-optimal selection, player selection monitor626determines whether to award one or more re-spin game rounds in order to preserve an appropriate return to player. For example, the chances of player selection monitor626awarding a re-spin round may be derived from a calculation as to the return to player “lost” by the player's sub-optimal selection. After determining to award an additional re-spin round, player selection monitor626causes a message to be output to the player to make an additional selection of reels, and game outcome generator622generates an additional re-spin round, after the player made their selection of which reels to hold.

For each re-spin, a corresponding subsequent game outcome is evaluated by outcome evaluator624based on pay table644. Prize awarder624A determines whether to award any prize by adding a win to meters645. In such an embodiment, the game then proceeds to the next free game. Each free game involves an additional cycle of game rounds, including an initial game round, in which candidate game outcomes are generated by the game outcome generator622and are assessed by candidate outcome assessor623, and then a subsequent, “re-spin” game round in which one or more reels are re-spun based on the selection by the player.

FIG. 7is a flow chart of an exemplary method700of electronic gaming. In the exemplary embodiment, method700includes conducting705a base game, and determining710whether a trigger is satisfied. After a trigger is not satisfied, then an additional base game will be conducted assuming the player places an additional wager. Method700includes generating715candidate game outcomes, assessing720the game outcomes, selecting725and displaying a game outcome, and receiving730a hold selection from a player. Method700then involves determining745whether the hold is optimal and if it is not optimal, the player selection monitor626determines710whether to compensate750a player for the sub-optimal selection by an awarding the player an additional re-spin. The subsequent game outcome is generated755based on the hold selection and is evaluated760to determine whether to award any prizes based on pay table. The process then reverts to generating715candidate game outcomes until each of the free games are exhausted.

Further aspects of the method will be apparent from the above description of the system. It will be appreciated that at least part of the method will be implemented electronically, for example, digitally by a processor executing program code such as in the above description of a game controller. In this respect, in the above description certain steps are described as being carried out by a processor of a gaming system, it will be appreciated that such steps will often require a number of sub-steps to be carried out for the steps to be implemented electronically, for example due to hardware or programming limitations. For example, to carry out a step such as evaluating, determining or selecting, a processor may need to compute several values and compare those values.

As indicated above, the method may be embodied in program code. The program code could be supplied in a number of ways, for example on a tangible computer readable storage medium, such as a disc or a memory device, e.g. an EEPROM, (for example, that could replace part of memory103) or as a data signal (for example, by transmitting it from a server). Further different parts of the program code can be executed by different devices, for example in a client server relationship. Persons skilled in the art, will appreciate that program code provides a series of instructions executable by the processor.

In some embodiments, an eligibility criteria may be applied for the player to be eligible for the re-spin feature game, for example, that the player has made a wager of a certain size, made an ante bet, selected all win lines, or played sufficient games, or the player is a member of a loyalty program.

As indicated above, the trigger condition may be satisfied by an occurrence of a symbol combination in the game; however, other trigger conditions could be used, for example, occurrence of a specific symbol in the game, purchase of a trigger, or a trigger may be caused by another connected system, based on turnover, based on a random evaluation, etc.

Typically, a win will result in some form of award being made, such as an award of credits. Such an award may never actually be physically received by a player. For example, many gaming systems provide a player with a “double or nothing” gamble feature, where the player can double or forfeit their credits before commencing another play of the game or cashing out. Further, as credits are fungible, once credits have been added to the credit meter, it is not possible to distinguish between credits that the player has input as cash or the like and credits resulting from an award.

EXAMPLE

FIGS. 8 and 9show exemplary screen shots from an exemplary game, “Red Queen”, implemented by a gaming system in accordance with one embodiment. Red Queen is a 4×5 Reel Power game with a hold and re-spin free games feature. Each free game feature consists of an initial spin and one or more subsequent re-spins in which the player may selectively hold reels.

During the game, a “WILD” symbol substitutes for all symbols except scatters.

All wins are evaluated from left to right only, except scatters, which pay in any position provided the positions are in “bought” positions. All wins are multiplied by the bet multiplier, including scatter wins.

Moreover, in the game, 7, 10, or 25 free games are won with any 3, 4, or 5 SCATTER symbol win, respectively. That is, 3 or more SCATTER symbols trigger the feature and award different numbers of free games.

Each free game consists of an initial spin game round and at least one subsequent re-spin game round. For the initial spin round, all 5 reels are spun. For each re-spin round, the player may optionally hold one or more reels.

In one embodiment, non-optimal hold selections in re-spin rounds are compensated by an increased chance of additional re-spin game rounds being awarded to the player. All hold selections are guaranteed a minimum expected return to player. Game outcomes are evaluated, and wins are paid after each re-spin round. Wins are not paid for the initial spin round.

Feature reels are used during the free games. All scattered SCATTER symbols are removed from all reels during the free games. All reels (Reels 1-5) are played during the feature irrespective of the wager. The bet multiplier for the feature is the same as the bet multiplier for the base game that triggered the feature.

Each initial spin round is selected from a set of candidate spin rounds. A number of candidate spin game rounds are generated in the background. For each candidate spin round, the expected win from an “optimally held re-spin” is calculated. The candidate spin round with the highest expected re-spin win is selected as the initial spin round. The number of candidate spin rounds is determined from a weighting table.

For each re-spin round, the player may hold or unhold a reel by touching the reel on screen.

The player may hold none or all of the reels. On a second or subsequent re-spin round, the player may toggle previously held or unheld reels. After making hold selections, the player presses PLAY to re-spin any unheld reels. The number of re-spin rounds for each free game is determined in such a way that the expected win from the entire free game (i.e., the total from all re-spin rounds) is bounded within a range.

The gaming system is configured so that the player cannot hold a combination of reels if the expected win from the subsequent re-spin is zero. If the player presses PLAY with an invalid hold selection, the gaming system is configured to play an “invalid hold selection” sound. If the player presses PLAY a second (or subsequent) time, the gaming system is configured to play the “invalid hold selection” sound and display an “invalid hold selection” banner or message on a display.

For each re-spin round, there is a hold selection with optimal expected return to player.

As reels are held or unheld, a meter displays the expected return to player relative to the expected return for the optimally held reels.

The feature cannot be triggered again during the feature.

FIGS. 8 and 9show an exemplary initial game outcome and a subsequent game outcome after the hold and re-spin.

As shown inFIG. 8, five reels831A-835A have been spun up with a selection of four symbols on each of the reels, such that a symbol display830contains twenty selected symbols. Current values are shown on the credit, bet, and win meters851,852, and853, respectively. A screen800also includes a free game indicator840, which, in the exemplary embodiment, indicates that one free game remains. A message810at the top of the screen800instructs the player to hold or unhold reels by touching them until they make their selection, before pressing the play button (not shown) to spin the unheld reels. An indicator820indicates whether the hold selection is optimal. In this respect a slider825A is shown towards the left of the indicator820inFIG. 8because the player has yet to make a selection, and keeping all of the reels (an option available to the player) would represent a sub-optimal selection by the player. In the illustrated embodiment, positions further towards the right of the indicator820represent better selections.

FIG. 9shows an exemplary screen shot900after the player has made their selections and the reels have been re-spun. In this respect, it will be noted that the slider825B is located at the far right of the indicator820, indicating that the hold selection made by the player was optimal. A held indicator838is displayed above each of the held reels, as selected by the player. It will be noted that each of the reels831A,832A, and835A is identical to that which was shown inFIG. 8. New symbols have been selected and displayed for each of the reels833B and834B. The displayed combination of symbols inFIG. 9have been evaluated by an outcome evaluator, and a prize has been awarded by incrementing the win meter853by 40 credits from 355 credits inFIG. 8to 395 credits inFIG. 9.

It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the present disclosure that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, in particular it will be apparent that certain features of embodiments of the disclosure can be employed to form further embodiments.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art in any country.

In the claims that follow and in the preceding description of the disclosure, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the present disclosure.