US2009298571A1PendingUtilityA1

System and method for gaming

57
Assignee: REYNOLDS CHRISTOPHERPriority: May 30, 2008Filed: Jun 1, 2009Published: Dec 3, 2009
Est. expiryMay 30, 2028(~1.9 yrs left)· nominal 20-yr term from priority
Inventors:Christopher ReynoldsScott Sims
G07F 17/3267G07F 17/32G07F 17/3244
57
PatentIndex Score
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Cited by
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References
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Claims

Abstract

A method of gaming comprises providing an additional game that operates independently of a main game. The outcome of the additional game operates to vary a subset of symbols in the main game responsive to a variance criterion being met, to thereby affect the game outcome in the main game.

Claims

exact text as granted — not AI-modified
1 . A method of gaming comprising:
 providing an additional game that operates independently of a main game,   wherein the outcome of the additional game operates to vary a sub-set of symbols in the main game responsive to a variance criterion being met, to thereby affect the game outcome in the main game.   
     
     
         2 . A method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein on the game outcome being varied, the game outcome is checked against prize data to determine whether a prize is due to a player. 
     
     
         3 . A method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the variance criterion is that a symbol displayed in the additional game is also displayed in the main game. 
     
     
         4 . A method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the variance criterion is that an amount wagered in the main game meets or exceeds a specified wager amount. 
     
     
         5 . A method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the variance criterion is that an ante bet has been wagered in the main game to thereby activate the additional game. 
     
     
         6 . A method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the outcome of the additional game is at least one symbol that operates to transform like symbols displayed in the main game to another symbol. 
     
     
         7 . A method in accordance with  claim 6 , wherein like symbols are transformed into a substitute or “WILD” symbol. 
     
     
         8 . A method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the symbol(s) displayed in the additional game is/are randomly selected from a subset of symbols displayable in the main game. 
     
     
         9 . A method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the total number of each type of symbol available for selection in the additional game is a function of a bet amount selected in the main game. 
     
     
         10 . A method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the additional game is played either at the conclusion of the main game, prior to commencement of the main game, or during the main game. 
     
     
         11 . A method in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the symbol(s) in the additional game are displayed in a reel format. 
     
     
         12 . A game controller for a gaming system, the game controller arranged to:
 provide an additional game in addition to a main game, the additional game operating independently of the main game,   wherein the outcome of the additional game operates to vary a sub-set of symbols in the main game, to thereby affect the probability of a prize being awarded.   
     
     
         13 . A game controller in accordance with  claim 12 , wherein the variance criterion is that a symbol displayed in the additional game is also displayed in the main game. 
     
     
         14 . A game controller in accordance with  claim 12 , wherein the variance criterion is that an amount wagered in the main game meets or exceeds a specified wager amount. 
     
     
         15 . A game controller in accordance with  claim 12 , wherein the variance criterion is that an ante bet has been wagered in the main game to thereby activate the additional game. 
     
     
         16 . A game controller in accordance with  claim 12 , wherein the outcome of the additional game is at least one symbol that operates to transform like symbols displayed in the main game to another symbol. 
     
     
         17 . A game controller in accordance with  claim 16 , wherein like symbols are transformed into a substitute or “WILD” symbol. 
     
     
         18 . A game controller as claimed in  claim 12 , further comprising a symbol selector arranged to randomly select symbols for displaying in the additional game, from a subset of symbols displayable in the main game. 
     
     
         19 . A game controller in accordance with  claim 12 , wherein the total number of each type of symbol available for selection by the symbol selector is a function of a bet amount selected in the main game. 
     
     
         20 . A game controller in accordance with  claim 12 , wherein the additional game is played either at the conclusion of the main game, prior to commencement of the main game, or during the main game. 
     
     
         21 . A game controller in accordance with  claim 12 , further comprising a display module arranged to display the symbol(s) in the additional game in a reel format. 
     
     
         22 . A game controller in accordance with  claim 21 , wherein the display module is operable to cause a representation of the main game and the additional game to be displayed on a gaming machine. 
     
     
         23 . A gaming system comprising:
 a module arranged to control play of a main game and an additional game operating independently of the main game, such that an outcome of the additional game operates to vary a sub-set of symbols in the main game responsive to a predetermined criterion being met, to thereby affect the probability of a prize being awarded; and a display module operable to display a representation of the main game and additional game on a gaming machine.   
     
     
         24 . A method in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising executing a computer program code by a processor. 
     
     
         25 . A method in accordance with  claim 24 , further comprising storing in a computer readable medium said computer program code. 
     
     
         26 . A method in accordance with  claim 24 , further comprising transmitting or receiving said computer program code.

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