U.S. Pat. No. 8,961,291

DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a gaming system arranged to implement a game wherein an aspect of special symbol, which may be a replicating special symbol or a replicating property associated with the special symbol, is replicated. The gaming system can take a number of different forms.

In a first form, a stand alone 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 some of the components required for implementing the game are present in a player operable gaming machine and some of the components required for implementing the game are located remotely relative to 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; or a “thin client” architecture may be used wherein most of the game is executed remotely 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 operate in stand alone gaming machine mode, “thick client” mode or “thin client” mode depending on the game being played, operating conditions, and so on. Other variations will be apparent to persons skilled in the art.

Irrespective of the form, the gaming system comprises several core components. At the broadest level, the core components are a player interface50and a game controller60as illustrated inFIG. 1. The player interface is arranged to enable manual interaction between a player and the gaming system and for this purpose includes the input/output components required for the player to enter instructions and play the game.

Components of the player interface may vary from embodiment to embodiment but will typically include a credit mechanism52to enable a player to input credits and receive payouts, one or more displays54and a game play mechanism56that enables a player to input game play instructions.

The game controller60is in data communication with the player interface and typically includes a processor62that processes the game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and outputs game play outcomes to the display. Typically, the game play instructions are stored as program code in a memory64but can also be hardwired. Herein the term “processor” is used to refer generically to any device that can process game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and may include: a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic device or other computational device, a general purpose computer (e.g. a PC) or a server.

A gaming system in the form of a stand alone gaming machine10is illustrated inFIG. 2. The gaming machine10includes a console12having a display14on which is displayed representations of a game16that can be played by a player. A mid-trim20of the gaming machine10houses a bank of buttons22for enabling a player to interact with the gaming machine, in particular during gameplay. The mid-trim20also houses a credit input mechanism24which in this example includes a coin input chute24A and a bill collector24B. Other credit input mechanisms may also be employed, for example, a card reader for reading a smart card, debit card or credit card. 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.

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 the console12. A coin tray30is mounted beneath the front panel29for dispensing cash payouts from the gaming machine10.

The display14shown inFIG. 2is in the form of a video display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, the display14may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, any other suitable video display unit, or the visible portion of an electromechanical device. The top box26may also include a display, for example a video display unit, which may be of the same type as the display14, or of a different type.

FIG. 3shows a block diagram of operative components of a typical gaming machine which may be the same as or different to the gaming machine ofFIG. 2.

The gaming machine100includes a game controller101having a processor102. Instructions and data to control operation of the processor102are stored in a memory103, which is in data communication with the processor102. Typically, the 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 the memory103.

The gaming machine has hardware meters104for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring player credit, an input/output (I/O) interface105for communicating with peripheral devices of the gaming machine100. The input/output 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 the processor102. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the reference to random numbers includes pseudo-random numbers.

In the example shown inFIG. 3, a player interface120includes peripheral devices that communicate with the game controller101comprise one or more displays106, a touch screen107, a card and/or ticket reader108, a printer109, a bill acceptor and/or coin input mechanism110and a coin output mechanism111. Additional hardware may be included as part of the gaming machine100, or hardware may be omitted as required for the specific implementation.

In addition, the gaming machine100may include a communications interface, for example a network card112. The network card may, for example, send status information, accounting information or other information to a central controller, server or database and receive data or commands from the central controller, server or database.

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

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

FIG. 5shows a gaming system200in accordance with an alternative embodiment. The gaming system200includes a network201, which for example may be an Ethernet network. Gaming machines202, shown arranged in three banks203of two gaming machines202inFIG. 5, are connected to the network201. The gaming machines202provide a player operable interface and may be the same as the gaming machines10,100shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, or may have simplified functionality depending on the requirements for implementing game play. While banks203of two gaming machines are illustrated inFIG. 5, banks of one, three or more gaming machines are also envisaged.

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

In a thick client embodiment, game server205implements part of the game played by a player using a gaming machine202and the gaming machine202implements part of the game. With this embodiment, as both the game server and the gaming device implement 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 the gaming devices202in a database206A. Typically, if the gaming system enables players to participate in a Jackpot game, a Jackpot server207will be provided to monitor and carry out the Jackpot game.

In a variation of the above thick client embodiment, the gaming machine202may implement the game, with the game server205functioning merely to serve data indicative of a game to the gaming machine202for implementation.

With this implementation, a data signal containing a computer program usable by the client terminal to implement the gaming system may be transferred from the game server to the client terminal, for example in response to a request by the client terminal.

In a thin client embodiment, game server205implements most or all of the game played by a player using a gaming machine202and the gaming machine202essentially provides only the player interface. With this embodiment, the game server205provides the game controller. The gaming machine will receive player instructions, pass these to the game server which will process them and return game play outcomes to the gaming machine for display. In a thin client embodiment, the gaming machines could be computer terminals, e.g. PCs running software that provides a player interface operable using standard computer input and output components.

Servers are also typically provided to assist in the administration of the gaming network200, including for example a gaming floor management server208, and a licensing server209to monitor the use of licenses relating to particular games. An administrator terminal210is provided to allow an administrator to run the network201and the devices connected to the network.

The gaming network200may 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 the network may 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, the 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 games 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.

Gaming systems for implementing games that involve a display of spinning reels as part of the display of the outcome of a game have either a video display or a mechanical display, these later machines most usually being “stepper” machines which have a separate motor for each reel.

The game controllers of such gaming machines have a stop determining function that determines the stop position for each reel. For example, if there are five reels, each having twenty symbols, the stop determining function might determine that the stop positions are positions: 3, 13, 7, 9 and 17. The spinning of the reels is then controlled so that each symbol comes to a stop in the same row, typically a predetermined row in a “window” visible to the player on the display that which corresponds to a player playing a single win line. When a reel stops, the symbols will be in one of a plurality of possible symbol positions for that reel relative to the stop position.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to gaming systems that allow a player to select how many win lines of a plurality of win lines they will play in each game—i.e. a minimum of one win line up to the maximum number of win lines allowed by the game. Each win line is formed by a set of symbol positions consisting of one symbol position from each reel. That is, a predetermined symbol position of each reel is assigned to a win line. The symbol positions that constitute each of the win lines are usually advertised to the player by markings on the display or diagrams showing the symbol positions that correspond to each win line. Some of the win lines will be horizontal or diagonal lines but others may be non-linear combinations of symbols. Typically, the win lines will be constituted by symbol positions in the visible window.

The gaming system implements a game wherein an aspect of a special symbol which may be a representation of a special symbol or a function associated with the special symbol is replicated. The gaming system will normally implement the game as a “feature”. In one variation during the feature, a series of games are played during which a special symbol can occur. When a special symbol occurs it is held in the position at which it occurred until conclusion of the feature. Once the first special symbol occurs, the special symbol or a function associated with the special symbol is replicated by selecting at random another display position, preferably adjacent to the originating position. The special symbol or function will in some embodiments replicate a number of times until an end condition is met. The end condition may be, for example, that a predetermined number of replicated special symbols have appeared on the display or that a movement of the special symbol from the previous position would result in the special symbol moving outside of the display area.

In an embodiment, the special symbol is a wild symbol which substitutes for some or all of the other normal symbols. As indicated above, the gaming system is normally employed in relation to a spinning reel game and the special symbol is a symbol on one of the reels used during the feature game. The special symbol controller starts replicating if it appears from a result of a spin of the reel. In an alternative embodiment, one or more combinations of normal symbols will provide a start condition that results in the display of the special symbol, in place of one of the normal symbols (for example by random selection of a position for the special symbol).

In one embodiment, the aspect of the special symbol to be replicated is a function such as a multiplier function, a scatter function or a wild function.

In an alternative embodiment, the special symbol is “transparent” and has an associated function which serves to multiply the value of the prize. The special symbol is transparent in the sense that it is also possible to perceive the normal symbol in its display position with the special symbol superposed next to the normal symbol. In the case of a video display, this is achieved by displaying both symbols in the same display position. In a mechanical machine, this can be achieved by using one or more superimposed “transparent reels” that only show the special symbol.

In another embodiment, the special symbol is a wild symbol and also has a multiplier function associated with the special symbol which serves to multiply the value of the prize, or is initially wild and multiplies the value of the prize if a second special symbol appears in the same display location.

In another alternative, there is more than one special symbol. In a further alternative, the special symbol is a jackpot symbol.

In another alternative, a special symbol has more than one associated function and the system randomly, or in accordance with a defined scheme, selects one or more of the functions to be replicated to a selected display position.

In another alternative, a special symbol has an associated function which only affects game outcomes when replicated.

A player's eligibility for the feature can be determined in accordance with any known eligibility rule including but not limited to:the feature being available to all players for all bets;the feature being available for certain bets only, different levels of the game being available for different bets. For example, standard bets are entitled to one special symbol, additional bets are entitled to an additional special symbol.

The commencement of the feature can be in accordance with any of the known rules including but not limited to:commencing when a symbol or a combination of symbols appear in the window;commencing when a time has elapsed;commencing when a turnover has elapsed;commencing when a system event occurs or commencing when a game event occurs such as an underlying random event.

The initial special symbol can occur in various ways including but not limited to randomly through spinning of the reels in which case it might not appear; or placing the symbols in a random process in response to a start condition being met, thus ensuring at least one special symbol occurs.

In addition to the above described end conditions, the feature may be ended when a replicating symbol locates to a special position on the reels, or when a replicating symbol locates on a position of the reels which is occupied by different special symbol. For example if a replicating mouse symbol moves to a position occupied by a cat symbol.

In one embodiment, the selection of a random location is made by the game controller using a random number generator as described in further detail below. The random number generator can be used to follow a pathways algorithm or the location can be determined at each new location using a probability table.

In an alternative embodiment, symbols which are susceptible to replacement by a replicated symbol or which are susceptible to receiving a replicated function are tagged with a visible identifier such as a “+” identifier. With this embodiment, the tagged symbols may be selected at random for replacement with a replicated symbol or reception of a replicated function.

In an alternative embodiment, symbols which are susceptible to replacement by a replicated symbol or which are susceptible to receiving a replicated function are not tagged and, instead, displayed symbols which are not susceptible to replacement by a replicated symbol or which are not susceptible to receiving a replicated function are tagged with a visible identifier such as a “+” identifier.

In some embodiments, the reels are spun again after each special symbol occurs. That is, once the special symbol appears, the first game outcome is determined, the reels are re-spun and a symbol or function associated with a symbol is replicated then a second game outcome is evaluated with the process continuing until the second condition is met.

In other embodiments, the reels are not re-spun while the special symbol or function associated with the special symbol is replicated. In one variation of this embodiment, the game outcomes are determined after each replication. In another variation, the game outcome is only determined once all replications have occurred.

A gaming system for implementing the invention is illustrated inFIG. 16. (Where possible the same numbering asFIG. 1is used.) The gaming system comprises a symbol selector1010that may be in the form of a reel controller for selecting stop positions of a reel. The symbol selector1010obtains values from random number generator1050to select symbols from a set of available symbols for each of a plurality of reels. That is, symbol data1041may specify the configuration of each of the reels or otherwise specify the symbols that may be selected.

The symbol selector1010includes a special symbol controller1020that determines, based on condition data1042, whether a start condition has been met. As described above, the start condition may be that a particular combination of symbols has been selected by the symbol selector1010, or a special symbol has been selected by the symbol selector1010.

Depending on the embodiment, the outcome generator determines, based on the game instructions1044and the prize data1045, whether a game outcome (e.g. an award of credits) should be generated based on the combination of special symbol(s) and normal symbols now displayed on display54.

The special symbol controller1020then determines whether an end condition specified in condition data1042has been met. Assuming the end condition has not been met, the special symbol controller1020replicates the special symbol, in one embodiment by randomly determining the new position for the replicated symbol by selecting a movement from a set of possible movements specified in movement data1046using a value obtained from random number generator1050. Movement data may define, for example, whether the special symbol should be replicated in an adjacent display position or moved by a “dance step”—e.g. two steps in one direction and one step in another direction. In a variation, the replicated position may be selected at random. The game continues with the special symbol controller1020replicating symbols until game instructions1044specifies that an end condition has been met.

EXAMPLE 1

A five by three spinning reel game is being played at one credit per line and five lines. The game pays prizes in a left to right pattern only. Three scattered coin symbols appear on the reels and trigger a series of five feature games. The feature is available for all bets.

During the feature games, the rules of the game define that the “Star” symbol is wild and therefore has the function of substituting for all other symbols. During the feature, once a Star symbol stops on a reel, the symbol will remain in the original position for all remaining games in this feature sequence. When the reels spin, they spin “behind” the wild Star. In addition, once a Star symbol appears, on the next spin of the reels, another Star symbol will appear on the reels and will locate adjacent to the existing Star. Adjacent is defined as being above or below or left or right of the existing symbol.

Please note that in this case, the meaning of the word “above” includes moving from the top line to the bottom line on the same reel. Similarly, the word “below” includes moving from the bottom line to the top line on the same reel. Similarly the word “left” includes moving from reel one to reel five and “right” includes moving from reel five to reel one. That is, the left and right sides and the top and bottom lines are treated as contiguous.

The game randomly selects at which position to locate the additional star. If the replicating star locates at a position already occupied by a star, then two stars are shown at that location and the prize is doubled. Similarly if further stars replicate to the same position.

In the first free game, a Star symbol does not stop on the reels. The symbols appearing on the reels are evaluated and prizes paid. That is, the Star symbol must appear on the reels before it is replicated.

In the second free game, a Star symbol631stops on reel two610bin the centre row620b. The symbols appearing in the window are evaluated for prizes according to the bet options placed by the player and using the Star as a substitute. The outcome is shown inFIG. 6A

This outcome pays3*Aces on the centre line (Star substitutes for the Ace)

In the third free game, the Star631remains in the location and an additional star632appears and is located adjacent to the original Star. The movement is random but can only be above or below on reel two or sideways on reel one or reel three. The reels also spin and all other nominal symbols are replaced. The outcome is shown inFIG. 6Bwith the latest symbol632.

The outcome pays3*Queens on the centre line (Star substitutes for Queen)2*9 on the fifth payline (bottom left corner up to middle top then down to bottom right hand corner)

In the fourth free game, the Stars631,632remain available in the original positions and an additional star633appears and is located adjacent to the last Star created. The new location633is random but can only move up or down on reel one or sideways onto reel five or reel two. The reels also spin and all other symbols are replaced. The outcome is shown inFIG. 6C.

The outcome pays3*Queens on the centre line (Star substitutes for Queen)2*9 on the top line (Star substitutes for nine)4*Jacks on the fourth payline (top left hand corner to middle bottom, then up to top right hand corner. (Star substitutes for Jack)

In the fifth free game, the Star symbols631,632,633remain in their positions and an additional star symbol634appears. The additional star634is located by random but can only be above (to the bottom position) or below on reel one or sideways onto reel five or reel two. The reels also spin and all other symbols are replaced. The outcome is shown inFIG. 6D.

The outcome pays3*9 on top line. (Star substitutes for nine)3*Dog on the centre line5*King on the fourth payline

Five feature games are now complete and the game returns to normal play.

This game is summarised in the flow chart ofFIG. 7. At step700, the reels are spun in a standard game. At step705, it is determined whether there is a trigger (a start condition) for the special feature. The game then involves starting the special feature710before a record is made of the number of special games available715. The reels are then spun720. It is determined at step725whether there is a replicated Star symbol on the reels. If the answer is no, it is determined at step740whether there is a new Star symbol on the reels. If the answer is no, the prizes are evaluated. If the answer is yes, this symbol remains in position until the completion of the feature and is counted as a replicated Star at the next spin. At step750, the prizes are evaluated and at step755the number of feature games available is decremented. At step760it is determined whether the number of feature games available reaches zero. At step720, the reels are spun again. By now there will be a replicated Star symbol on the reels determined at Step725. Accordingly, at step730, the game involves randomly selecting a position adjacent to the last replicated Star. At step735the Star is replicated by being displayed at the selected position. The Star remains in this position until completion of the feature. It is determined whether there is a new Star symbol on the reels at step740, and the symbol will remain in that position until the feature ends and is counted as a replicated Star at the next spin. The prizes are again evaluated at step750. The process continues until the number of feature games is exhausted and thus, the end condition is met.

EXAMPLE 2

A five by three spinning reel game is being played at 1 credit per line and five lines. The game pays prizes in a left to right pattern only. Three scattered coin symbols appear on the reels and trigger a series of five feature games. The feature is available for all bets.

During the feature games, the rules of the game define that at the commencement of the feature games a “Star” symbol appears on a reel and acquires the function of substituting for all other symbols except coin. Once the “Star” is located, the prizes are evaluated and paid. The symbol then remains in that position for all remaining games in this feature sequence. Another “Star” symbol will appear on the reels and will randomly locate adjacent to the existing Star. Adjacent is defined as being above or below or left or right of the existing symbol.

Please note that the meaning of the word “above” includes moving from the top line to the bottom line on the same reel. Similarly, the word “below” includes moving from the bottom line to the top line on the same reel. Similarly the word “left” includes moving from reel one to reel five and “right” includes moving from reel five to reel one.

If the replicating star locates at a position already occupied by a star, then two stars are shown at that location and the prize is doubled. Similarly if further stars replicate to a position already occupied by a star.

In the first free game, a Star symbol831is displayed on reel two810bin the centre position820bas illustrated inFIG. 8A. The symbols appearing in the window are evaluated for prizes according to the bet options placed by the player and using the Star as a substitute.

This outcome pays3 scattered coins3*Aces on the centre line (Star substitutes for the Ace)

In the second free game, the Star831remains in the location and an additional star832appears and is located adjacent to the original Star. The movement is random but can only be above or below on reel two or sideways on reel one or reel three. The outcome is shown inFIG. 8B.

The outcome pays3 scattered coins3*Ace on the centre line (Star substitutes for Ace)

In the third free game, the Stars831,832remain available in the original positions and an additional star833appears and is located adjacent to the last Star created. The new location is random but can only move up or down on reel one or sideways onto reel five or reel two. The outcome is shown inFIG. 8C.

The outcome pays3 scattered coins3*Ace on the centre line (Star substitutes for Ace)3*9 on the fourth payline (top left hand corner to middle bottom, then up to top right hand corner. (Star substitutes for 9)

In the fourth free game, the Star symbols831,832,833remain in their positions and an additional star symbol appears. The additional star is located by random but can only move above (to the bottom position) or below on reel one or sideways onto reel five or reel two. The outcome is shown inFIG. 8D.

The outcome pays3 scattered coins3*Ace on the centre line3*9 on fourth payline. (Star substitutes for 9)

In the fifth free game, the Star symbols831,832,833,834remain in their positions and an additional star symbol835appears. The additional star is located by random but can only move above (to the bottom position) or below on reel five or sideways onto reel one or reel four. The outcome is shown inFIG. 8E.

The outcome pays3 scattered coins3*Ace on the centre line3*9 on fourth payline. (Star substitutes for 9)

Five feature games are now complete and the game returns to normal play.

EXAMPLE 3

No Spin Between Replication and Prize Evaluation at the Conclusion

A five by three spinning reel game is being played at 1 credit per line and five lines. The game pays prizes in a left to right pattern only. Three scattered coin symbols appear on the reels and trigger a series of feature games. Feature games conclude when the special symbol “falls off the edge”. At the conclusion of the games, the prize is evaluated.

During the feature games, the rules of the game define that at the commencement of the feature games a “Penguin” symbol appears on a reel and acquires the function of substituting for all other symbols except coin. Once the “Penguin” is located, another penguin symbol locates randomly adjacent to the existing Penguin. Adjacent is defined as being above or below or left or right of the existing symbol.

If the penguin locates above the reels or below the reels or to either side of the reels (i.e. outside of the display area), then the penguin has “fallen off the edge” and the feature ceases as a second condition is met.

If the replicating penguin locates at a position already occupied by a penguin, then two penguins are shown at that location and the prize is doubled. Similarly if further penguins replicate to a position already occupied by a penguin.

In the first free game, a Penguin symbol931appears on reel two in the centre position. The symbols appearing in the window are shown inFIG. 9A.

In the second free game, the Penguin931remains in the location and an additional Penguin932appears and is located adjacent to the original Penguin. The movement is random but can only be above or below on reel two or sideways on reel one or reel three. The outcome is shown inFIG. 9B

In the third free game, the Penguin931,932remains available in the original positions and an additional Penguin933appears and is located adjacent to the last Penguin created. The new location is random but can only move up or down on reel one or sideways onto reel two. If the penguin moves sideways to the left of reel1, the penguin will fall off the reels and the game will conclude. The outcome is shown inFIG. 9C.

In the fourth free game, the Penguin symbols931,932,933remain in their positions and an additional Penguin symbol934appears. The additional Penguin is located by random but can only move below on reel one or sideways onto reel two. If the penguin moves left or up, the penguin falls off the reels and the game concludes. The outcome is shown inFIG. 9D.

In the fifth free game, the Penguin symbols931,932,933,934remain in their positions and an additional Penguin symbol935appears. The additional Penguin is located by random but can only move below on reel2or sideways onto reel1or reel3. The outcome is shown inFIG. 9E.

In the sixth free game, the Penguin symbols931,932,933,934,935remain in their positions and an additional Penguin symbol936appears. The additional Penguin is located by random but can only move up and down on reel two or sideways onto reel one or reel three. The outcome is shown inFIG. 9F.

In the seventh free game, the Penguin symbols931,932,933,934,935,936remain in their positions and an additional Penguin symbol940appears. The additional Penguin is located by random but can only move above on reel2or sideways onto reel1or reel3. The outcome is shown inFIG. 9E. The Penguin940has moved outside the display area and the feature is now complete.

The prizes are now evaluated and paid as follows:—3*Ace on the centre line with prizes doubles (two penguins on reel two)5*9 on the bottom line3*9 on fourth payline with prizes doubled2*9 on fifth payline with prizes doubled.

EXAMPLE 4

A five by three spinning reel game is being played at 1 credit per line and five lines. The game pays prizes in a left to right pattern only. A player places a special bet which entitles the player to commence a feature game.

During the feature game, the rules of the game define that WILD symbols appearing on a reel1060a,1060b,1060c,1060d,1060eare treated as special symbols, and the WILD symbol and associated wild function are replicatable to other display positions.

At the commencement of the feature game, a player is required to press an “infect” button which causes all symbols displayed at positions adjacent the WILD symbol above, below, left or right to receive a WILD symbol, but only if replacement with a WILD symbol would result in a win outcome.

In the present example, the symbols initially appearing in the window are shown inFIG. 10A. A WILD symbol1062is displayed on the centre line of reel two1060b.

The WILD symbol1062then replicates to the centre line of reel one, the centre line of reel three and the bottom line of reel two such that a WILD symbol1064is added to the symbols originally at those positions, as shown inFIG. 10B. A WILD symbol is not replicated to the top line of reel two because no improvement would occur.

The prizes are evaluated and paid as follows:—3*King on the centre line3*Jack on the centre line3*10 on the bottom line

EXAMPLE 5

A five by three spinning reel game is being played at 1 credit per line and five lines. The game pays prizes in a left to right pattern only.

During the feature game, the rules of the game define that “bee” symbols appearing on a reel1100a,1100b,1100c,1100d,1100eare treated as special symbols having associated wild and doubling functions which are replicatable to other display positions. However, with this embodiment, the “bee” symbol itself does not provide a wild or doubling function; the wild and doubling functions only affect game outcomes when replicated to other display positions.

At the commencement of the feature game, a player is required to press an “infect” button which causes all symbols displayed at positions adjacent a displayed “bee” symbol above, below, diagonal, left or right to be replaced with a WILD doubling symbol.

In the present example, the symbols initially appearing in the window are shown inFIG. 11A. A “bee” symbol1110is displayed on the centre line of reel four1100d.

The “bee” symbol1110then replicates the wild and doubling functions to the top line of reel three, the centre line of reel three, the bottom line of reel three, the top line of reel four, the bottom line of reel four, the top line of reel five, the centre line of reel five and the bottom line of reel five such that a wild doubling symbol1120replaces the symbols originally at those positions, as shown inFIG. 11B.

The prizes are evaluated and paid as follows:—3*King on the centre line with the prize doubled.

EXAMPLE 6

A five by three spinning reel game is being played at 1 credit per line and five lines. The game pays prizes in a left to right pattern only.

During the feature game, the rules of the game define that a symbol appearing on a reel1200a,1200b,1200c,1200d,1200eand tagged as “infected” is treated as a special symbol and a function associated with the tagged symbol is replicatable to other display positions. The rules of the game also define that only symbols which are tagged as susceptible of “infection” may receive the function. In this example, the function associated with an “infected” symbol and which is replicated to other symbols is a doubling function.

At the commencement of the feature game, one or more symbols which are susceptible of “infection” disposed adjacent an “infected” symbol are randomly selected to receive the function associated with the “infected” symbol, and the newly “infected” symbol in turn randomly “infects” at least one adjacently disposed symbol susceptible of infection, and so on.

In the present example, the symbols initially appearing in the window are shown inFIG. 12A. An “infected” symbol1210is displayed on the centre line of reel one1200a, and symbols susceptible of infection1220are displayed on the centre and bottom lines of reel two1200b, on the centre line of reel three1200c, and on the top and bottom lines of reel four1200d.

As shown inFIG. 12B, the “infected” symbol1210then replicates to the centre line of reel two such that the symbol originally displayed at the centre line of reel two now becomes infected and capable of infecting other symbols. The “infected” symbol1210on the centre line of reel two1200bthen replicates to the centre line of reel three such that the symbol originally displayed at the centre line of reel three now becomes infected and capable of infecting other symbols. The “infected” symbol1210on the centre line of reel three1200cthen replicates to the top and bottom lines of reel four such that the symbols originally displayed at the top and bottom lines of reel four now become infected and capable of infecting other symbols.

Since reel five1200edoes not have any symbols which are susceptible of infection, the feature game is complete.

The prizes are evaluated and paid as follows:—4*King on the centre line with the prize multiplied by 8 (2*2*2).

EXAMPLE 7

A five by three spinning reel game is being played at 1 credit per line and five lines. The game pays prizes in a left to right pattern only.

During the feature game, the rules of the game define that a symbol appearing on a reel1300a,1300b,1300c,1300d,1200eand tagged as “infected” is treated as a special symbol and the tagged symbol is replicatable to all display positions disposed above, below, left or right of the “infected” symbol.

In the present example, the symbols initially appearing in the window are shown inFIG. 13A. A first “infected” symbol1310is displayed on the bottom line of reel two1300band a second “infected” symbol1312is displayed on the centre line of reel three1300c.

As shown inFIG. 13B, the first “infected” symbol1310then replicates such that the symbols originally displayed above, and to the left and right of the first “infected” symbol1310are replaced with the first “infected” symbol1310. Similarly, the second “infected” symbol1312then replicates such that the symbols originally displayed above, below, and to the left and right of the second “infected” symbol1312are replaced with the second “infected” symbol1312.

The prizes are evaluated and paid as follows:—5*PIC1 on the centre line3*PIC1 on the bottom line.

EXAMPLE 8

A five by three spinning reel game is being played at 1 credit per line and five lines. The game pays prizes in a left to right pattern only.

During the feature game, the rules of the game define that a symbol appearing on a reel1400a,1400b,1400c,1400d,1400eand tagged as “infected” is treated as a special symbol and a function associated with the tagged symbol is replicatable at random to one display position disposed above, below, diagonal, left or right of the “infected” symbol. In the present example, two functions are associated with an “infected” symbol, a WILD function and a SCATTER function, with the replicated function being randomly selected.

In the present example, the symbols initially appearing in the window are shown inFIG. 14A. A first “infected” symbol1410is displayed on the top line of reel two1400b, a second “infected” symbol1412is displayed on the top line of reel three1400c, a third “infected” symbol1414is displayed on the bottom line of reel three1400c, and a fourth “infected” symbol1416is displayed on the top line of reel four1400d.

The prizes are evaluated and paid as follows:—3*Q on the centre line.

As shown inFIG. 14B, the first “infected” symbol1410then replicates such that the symbol originally displayed diagonally of the first “infected” symbol1410on the centre line of reel one1400ais replaced with a SCATTER symbol, the second “infected” symbol1412then replicates such that the symbol originally displayed below the second “infected” symbol1412on the centre line of reel three1400cis replaced with a SCATTER symbol, the third “infected” symbol1414then replicates such that the symbol originally displayed to the left of the third “infected” symbol1414on the bottom line of reel two1400bis replaced with a SCATTER symbol, and the fourth “infected” symbol1416then replicates such that the second infected symbol1412originally displayed to the left of the fourth “infected” symbol1414is replaced with a WILD symbol.

The prizes are evaluated and paid as follows:—3*K on the top line

Also, 3*SCATTER triggers a feature.

EXAMPLE 9

A five by three spinning reel game is being played at 1 credit per line and five lines. The game pays prizes in a left to right pattern only.

During the feature game, the rules of the game define that at least one symbol appearing on reel one1500aand tagged as “infected” is treated as a special symbol and a function associated with the tagged symbol is replicatable to one display position disposed to the right of the “infected” symbol selected at random. The function associated with the newly “infected” symbol in turn is replicatable to one display position disposed to the right of the newly “infected” symbol selected at random. The number of symbols which are “infected” may be randomly selected and in this example 4 symbols are to be “infected”.

In the present example, the symbols initially appearing in the window are shown inFIG. 15A. An “infected” symbol1510is displayed on the centre line of reel one1500a. The function associated with the “infected” symbol1510and which is replicated to other symbols is a doubling function.

As shown inFIG. 15B, the “infected” symbol1510replicates such that a symbol displayed on the bottom line of reel two1500bacquires the function associated with the “infected” symbol1510and itself becomes an “infectious” symbol1512. The newly infected symbol1512replicates such that a symbol displayed on the centre line of reel three1500cacquires the function associated with the “infected” symbol1512and itself becomes an “infectious” symbol1514. The newly infected symbol1514replicates such that a symbol displayed on the bottom line of reel four1500dacquires the function associated with the “infected” symbol1514and itself becomes an “infectious” symbol1516.

The prizes are evaluated and paid as follows:—3*Q on the centre line with the prize multiplied by 4 (2*2).2*9 on the bottom line with the prize multiplied by 2.

Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.