Expanded Primary Payout Indicator Gaming Machine And Method

Abstract

An expanded primary payout indicator gaming machine and method are disclosed. A gaming machine contains a game with a set of special outcomes. Upon achieving one of the special outcomes, at least one indicator indicates a predetermined award associated with the special outcome.

1 . A gaming machine comprising: 
 a central processing unit operatively coupled to a set of player-operated controls;    a memory configured to store a wagering game program operable by the central processing unit in accordance with the player-operated controls;    a display controlled by the central processing unit to display a normal game outcome and at least one indicator controlled by the central processing unit to display a special game outcome.    
   
   
       2 . The gaming machine of  claim 1  wherein the display comprises mechanical reels.  
   
   
       3 . The gaming machine of  claim 1  wherein the display comprises a video display.  
   
   
       4 . The gaming machine of  claim 1  wherein the at least one indicator comprises a wheel and a pointer, of which at least one is moveable.  
   
   
       5 . The gaming machine of  claim 1  wherein the at least one indicator is mechanical.  
   
   
       6 . The gaming machine of  claim 1  wherein the at least one indicator is represented on a video display.  
   
   
       7 . The gaming machine of  claim 1  wherein the at least one indicator is implemented using lights.  
   
   
       8 . The gaming machine of  claim 1  further comprising a pay table.  
   
   
       9 . The gaming machine of  claim 8  wherein the special game outcome is identified on the pay table.  
   
   
       10 . The gaming machine of  claim 8  wherein the special game outcome is not displayed on the pay table.  
   
   
       11 . A method of operating a gaming machine, the method including the steps of: 
 accepting a wager from a player;    initiating play of a game;    obtaining one of a set of possible outcomes of the game, the set of possible outcomes including a subset of winning outcomes, the subset of winning outcomes further including a subset of special outcomes; and    upon obtaining one of the special outcomes, activating at least one indicator to indicate a predetermined award associated with the obtained outcome.    
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11  further including the step of displaying at least one of the special outcomes on a pay table.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 11  further including the step of activating the at least one indicator for no player-discernable reason.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 11  further including the step of using a multi-function symbol to indicate that the at least one indicator is activatable.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 11  further including the step of using a predetermined sequence to indicate the predetermined award.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 11  further including the step of using a dynamic sequence to indicate the predetermined award.