Game with sequential bonus event opportunity

Abstract

A game is disclosed having two parts or events. A first part of the game, which may be referred to as a main or first game, comprises displaying a set of symbols. The outcome of the first game is dependent upon the symbols displayed. The second part of the game may be referred to as a bonus opportunity or event, or a secondary game. If the outcome of the main game is a winning outcome, then one or more symbols used to play the main game are automatically removed and replaced to generate a new combination or set of symbols. The outcome of the bonus event is dependent upon the new set of displayed symbols. The game may be implemented as a wager type game to provide the player an award or winnings for a winning outcome of the main game or the bonus event(s).

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of playing a game having a bonus opportunity comprising: 
 playing a main game comprising:    displaying a plurality of original symbols, said symbols associated with one or more first paylines;    determining if two or more symbols of the plurality of original symbols associated with the one or more of the first paylines comprise a predetermined main game winning combination of symbols;    if a predetermined main game winning combination of symbols is displayed, declaring the outcome of said main game a winning outcome; and    if a predetermined main game winning combination of symbols is displayed, initiating play of a bonus event comprising: 
 replacing one or more of the original symbols utilized to play said main game such that the displayed symbols comprise original symbols and replacement symbols, said original and replacement symbols associated with one or more second paylines;  
 determining if one or more of the original symbols and replacement symbols associated with the one or more second paylines comprise a predetermined bonus event winning combination of symbols; and  
 if a predetermined bonus event winning combination of symbols is received, declaring the outcome of said bonus event a winning outcome.  
   
     
     
         2 . The method in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said first and second paylines are the same.  
     
     
         3 . The method in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said step of declaring the outcome of said main game a winning outcome comprises awarding a winning.  
     
     
         4 . The method in accordance with  claim 3  wherein said winning comprises credits or money.  
     
     
         5 . The method in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said step of declaring the outcome of said bonus event a winning outcome comprises awarding a winning.  
     
     
         6 . The method in accordance with  claim 1  further comprising the step of initiating a second bonus event if said outcome of said bonus event is a winning outcome, said second bonus event including the step of replacing one or more of the original symbols or replacement symbols.  
     
     
         7 . The method in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said step of replacing one or more symbols comprises replacing each symbol associated with a predetermined main game winning combination of symbols.