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

"The present invention provides a gaming machine with an enhanced game play scheme. When a player makes a wager for base game play plus additional coin-in per game, they have an opportunity for enhanced game play. This results in increased player excitement and coin-in revenue per game played. The additional coin-in per game may lead to more frequent bonus game play, a bigger value payout average for bonuses, a lower threshold for a bonus triggering event, a winning symbol combination paying a higher value payout, a guaranteed value payout in the event of a non-winning outcome, or activate game features or special reel symbol(s) to yield a higher value payout."

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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