Gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme

Abstract

A gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme is provided where, in response to receipt of a second wager to select an option, a player is provided with enhanced game play. Enhanced game play may include (1) providing more frequent bonus game play, (2) providing a larger bonus game value payout, (3) providing more frequent bonus game play and providing a larger bonus game value payout, (4) providing a larger game value payout, (5) providing a guaranteed value payout for a non-winning outcome, (6) providing game features (7) providing a larger game value payout based on a partial game outcome, (8) providing an extra wild symbol capable of repositioning, and (9) providing a possibility of an additional reel movement to reposition an extra reel symbol or (10) providing a possibility of an extra pay line to include an extra reel symbol to increase a value payout.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 428,516 filed May 1, 2003 and entitled “Gaming Machine With Interactive Pop-Up Windows,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE [0002] This invention is directed to gaming machines, and more particularly, to a gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme. BACKGROUND [0003] Gaming machines providing base games such as electronically driven video slots, video poker, video blackjack, video keno, video bingo, video pachinko, video lottery, and mechanically driven reel slots, etc., are well known in the gaming industry. Generally gaming machines are configured to operate as “stand-alone” units (that may or may not be coupled to a backroom computer) where the outcome of game play is “locally determined”, or as part of a server-based gaming network where the outcome of game play may be either locally determined or “centrally determined...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] In general, the present invention provides a gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme where, in response to a first wager for base game play plus additional coin-in per game (a second wager), a player has an opportunity for enhanced game play. In other words, for additional coin-in per game, an existing aspect of game play is enhanced. Therefore, depending on the gaming machine configuration, the additional coin-in per game may result in one of a number enhanced game play schemes that increase player excitement while at the same time, increase coin-in revenue per game played.

[0009] In one embodiment, the additional coin-in per game may result in more frequent bonus game play via lowering a threshold for a bonus triggering event to occur.

[0010] In another embodiment, the additional coin-in per game may result in an enhanced or “supersized” bonus game to be awarded to the player when bonus game play is triggered. Enhanced bonus game play results in an higher value payout average than standard bonus game play.

Problems solved by technology

There is a visual limit, however, to the maximum number of pay lines that can be offered per wagering game.

Although this scheme does result in an increased coin-in revenue amount per game, the player must always select to play the maximum number of pay lines; a costly proposition for the player just to have a possible chance to participate in bonus game play.

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