A method of gaming, a gaming system and a game controller
The gaming system dynamically selects reel strip sets based on player inputs, enhancing game variety and engagement, and simplifies compliance with regulatory requirements.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- AU · AU
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ARISTOCRAT TECH AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-06-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-09
AI Technical Summary
Existing gaming systems lack the ability to dynamically adjust reel strip sets based on player input, limiting the variety of game outcomes and player engagement.
A gaming system that dynamically selects reel strip sets based on player inputs, such as wager amount and volatility selection, using a game controller to adjust probabilities and select reel strips with unique characteristics like reel weightings and volatility, and displays symbols for winning outcomes.
Enhances player engagement by providing a wider range of game outcomes and allows for tailored game experiences, simplifying compliance with varying regulatory requirements across jurisdictions.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
initiate a play of the wagering game in response 30 to receiving a credit wager; receive a volatility selection from a player; adjust a relative probability of each reel strip set being selected based at least on the volatility selection and the reel weighting of each reel strip set; 35 select a reel strip set from the plurality of reels strip sets, the reel strip set selected dependent on a reel weighting associated with the reel strip set; 2024204541 18 Jun 2026 select symbols from the reel strip set; cause the symbols to be displayed in symbol display positions on the display; evaluate the symbols for a winning outcome; 5 update a meter stored in the memory in accordance with the evaluation; and present the winning outcome at the display. In a third aspect, the invention provides a non-transitory 10 computer-readable storage medium for dynamically providing reel strips in an electronic gaming system, the non- transitory computer-readable storage media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon, wherein, when executed by at least one processor, the 15 computer-executable instructions cause the processor to: store in a memory of the gaming system a plurality of reel strip sets, each reel strip set of the plurality of reel strip sets including a unique characteristic comprising a reel weighting and a relative 20 volatility of a reel strip; receive an input comprising a wager amount and a volatility selection; initiate a play of a wagering game; adjust a relative probability of each reel strip 25 set being selected based at least on the volatility selection and the reel weighting of each reel strip set; select a reel strip set from the plurality of reel strip sets, the reel strip set selected dependent on the reel weighting associated with the reel strip set; 30 select symbols from the reel strip set; cause the symbols to be displayed in symbol display positions on a display of the gaming system; evaluate the symbols for a winning outcome; update a meter stored in the memory in accordance 35 with the evaluation; and present the winning outcome. 2024204541 18 Jun 2026 In an embodiment, the unique characteristic further comprises a group of stacked symbols that is different from groups of stacked symbols of corresponding reels in other reel strip sets. 5 In an embodiment, the unique characteristic further comprises a rating assigned to each reel strip set associated with a prospect of achieving a winning outcome from the reel strip set such that some reel strip sets are 10 higher rated than other reel sets, wherein the computerexecutable instructions cause the processor to receive a wager and adjust a relative probability of each reel strip set being selected based on an amount of the wager and the ratings. 15 In an embodiment, higher rated reel strip sets have a relatively higher frequency of winning outcomes. In an embodiment, winning outcomes for higher rated reel 20 strip sets have a relatively higher value. According to another aspect there is provided a method of dynamically providing reel strips in an electronic gaming system, the gaming system including 25 a display configured to display a wagering game, a credit input mechanism operable to establish credits on the gaming machine, the credit input mechanism including at least one of a card reader, a ticket reader, a bill acceptor, and a coin input mechanism configured to 30 establish a credit balance that is increasable and decreasable based on wagering activity, meters configured for monitoring credits established via the credit input mechanism and changes to the established credits due to play of the gaming machine, 35 the meters including a credit meter to which credit input via the credit input mechanism is added and a win meter, a random number generator; 2024204541 18 Jun 2026 a game play mechanism including a plurality of buttons configured for operation by a player to input a wager from the established credits and to initiate a play of a game, and a game controller comprising a processor and memory storing (i) game program code, and (ii) symbol data defining a plurality of reel strip sets, each reel strip set of the plurality of reel strip sets including a unique characteristic including a reel weighting associated with a relative probability of each reel strip set being selected and a relative volatility of a reel strip, and wherein the game controller is operable to assign prize values to combinations of symbols as required during play of the game, the game controller executing the game program code stored in the memory and responsive to initiation of the play of the game with the game play mechanism to execute game play, said method comprising: receiving via the game play mechanism at least one input including a wager amount and a volatility selection; initiating, by the game controller, a play of the wagering game; adjusting, by the game controller, a relative probability of each reel strip set being selected based at least on the volatility selection and the reel weighting of each reel strip set; selecting, via the game controller, a reel strip set from the plurality of reel strip sets, the reel strip set selected dependent on the reel weighting associated with the reel strip set; selecting, via the game controller using the random number generator, symbols from the selected reel strip set; controlling the display by the game controller to display the symbols in symbol display positions on the display of the gaming system; 2024204541 18 Jun 2026 evaluating, via the game controller, the symbols for a winning outcome; making an award of credits to the win meter or credit meter based on prize values in accordance with the 5 evaluating; and presenting the winning outcome. According to another aspect there is provided an electronic gaming system with dynamically provided reel 10 strips, the electronic gaming system comprising: a display; a credit input mechanism operable to establish credits on the gaming machine, the credit input mechanism including at least one of a coin input chute, a bill 15 collector, a card reader and a ticket reader; meters configured for monitoring credits established via the credit input mechanism and changes to the established credits due to play of the gaming machine, the meters including a credit meter to which credit input 20 via the credit input mechanism is added and a win meter; a random number generator; a game play mechanism including a plurality of buttons configured for operation by a player to input a wager from the established credits and to initiate a play 25 of a game; and a game controller comprising a processor and memory storing (i) game program code, and (ii) symbol data defining a plurality of reel strip sets, each reel strip set of the plurality of reel strip sets including a unique 30 characteristic including a reel weighting and a relative volatility of a reel strip; and wherein the game controller is operable to assign prize values to combinations of symbols as required during play of the game, 35 the game controller executing the game program code stored in the memory and responsive to initiation of the play of the game with the game play mechanism to: 2024204541 18 Jun 2026 adjust, via the credit input mechanism, a credit balance based on received credit inputs and wagering activity in a wagering game; initiate a play of the wagering game in response 5 to receiving a credit wager; receive, via the game play mechanism, a volatility selection from a player; adjust a relative probability of each reel strip set being selected based at least on the volatility 10 selection and the reel weighting of each reel strip set; select a reel strip set from the plurality of reel strip sets, the reel strip set selected dependent on a reel weighting associated with the reel strip set; select, using the random number generator, 15 symbols from the reel strip set; control the display to cause the symbols to be displayed in symbol display positions on the display; evaluate the symbols for a winning outcome; making an award of credits to the win meter or 20 credit meter based on prize values in accordance with the evaluation; and present the winning outcome at the display. An embodiment provides a method of dynamically providing 25 reel strips in an electronic gaming machine, the gaming machine including a display configured to display a wagering game, a credit input mechanism operable to establish credits on the gaming machine, the credit input mechanism 30 including at least one of a card reader, a ticket reader, a bill acceptor, and a coin input mechanism configured to establish a credit balance that is increasable and decreasable based on wagering activity, meters configured for monitoring credits 35 established via the credit input mechanism and changes to the established credits due to play of the gaming machine, the meters including a credit meter to which credit input 2024204541 18 Jun 2026 via the credit input mechanism is added and a win meter, a random number generator; a game play mechanism including a plurality of buttons configured for operation by a player to input a 5 wager from the established credits and to initiate a play of a game, and a game controller comprising a processor and memory storing (i) game program code, and (ii) symbol data defining a plurality of reel strip sets, each reel strip 10 set of the plurality of reel strip sets including a unique characteristic including a reel weighting associated with a relative probability of each reel strip set being selected and a relative volatility of a reel strip, and wherein the game controller is operable to assign prize 15 values to combinations of symbols as required during play of the game, the game controller executing the game program code stored in the memory and responsive to initiation of the play of the game with the game play mechanism to 20 execute game play, said method comprising: receiving via the game play mechanism at least one input including a wager amount and a volatility selection; initiating, by the game controller, a play of the 25 wagering game; adjusting, by the game controller, a relative probability of each reel strip set being selected based at least on the volatility selection and the reel weighting of each reel strip set; 30 selecting, via the game controller, a reel strip set from the plurality of reel strip sets, the reel strip set selected dependent on the reel weighting associated with the reel strip set; selecting, via the game controller using the 35 random number generator, symbols from the selected reel strip set; controlling the display by the game controller to 2024204541 18 Jun 2026 display the symbols in symbol display positions on the display of the gaming machine; evaluating, via the game controller, the symbols for a winning outcome; 5 making an award of credits to the win meter or credit meter based on prize values in accordance with the evaluating; and presenting the winning outcome. 10 An embodiment provides an electronic gaming machine with dynamically provided reel strips, the electronic gaming machine comprising: a display; a credit input mechanism operable to establish 15 credits on the gaming machine, the credit input mechanism including at least one of a coin input chute, a bill collector, a card reader and a ticket reader; meters configured for monitoring credits established via the credit input mechanism and changes to 20 the established credits due to play of the gaming machine, the meters including a credit meter to which credit input via the credit input mechanism is added and a win meter; a random number generator; a game play mechanism including a plurality of 25 buttons configured for operation by a player to input a wager from the established credits and to initiate a play of a game; and a game controller comprising a processor and memory storing (i) game program code, and (ii) symbol data 30 defining a plurality of reel strip sets, each reel strip set of the plurality of reel strip sets including a unique characteristic including a reel weighting and a relative volatility of a reel strip; and wherein the game controller is operable to assign prize values to 35 combinations of symbols as required during play of the game, the game controller executing the game program 2024204541 18 Jun 2026 code stored in the memory and responsive to initiation of the play of the game with the game play mechanism to: adjust, via the credit input mechanism, a credit balance based on received credit inputs and wagering 5 activity in a wagering game; initiate a play of the wagering game in response to receiving a credit wager; receive, via the game play mechanism, a volatility selection from a player; 10 adjust a relative probability of each reel strip set being selected based at least on the volatility selection and the reel weighting of each reel strip set; select a reel strip set from the plurality of reel strip sets, the reel strip set selected dependent on 15 a reel weighting associated with the reel strip set; select, using the random number generator, symbols from the reel strip set; control the display to cause the symbols to be displayed in symbol display positions on the display; 20 evaluate the symbols for a winning outcome; making an award of credits to the win meter or credit meter based on prize values in accordance with the evaluation; and present the winning outcome at the display. 25 Brief Description of Drawings An exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in 30 which: Figure 1 is a block diagram of the core components of a gaming system; 35 Figure 2 is a perspective view of a standalone gaming machine; 2024204541 18 Jun 2026 Figure 3 is a block diagram of the functional components of a gaming machine; Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the functional 5 components of a memory; Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a network gaming system; 10 Figure 6 is a further block diagram of a gaming system; Figure 7 is a flow chart of an embodiment; and Figures 8A - 8D illustrate exemplary reel strips of an 15 embodiment. Detailed Description Referring to the drawings, there is shown a gaming system 20 having a game controller having components that enable the implementation of a game wherein reel strips are provided dynamically. In an embodiment, a set reel strips are randomly chosen by a reel selector of the game controller from a set of possible reel strips after play of the game 25 is initiated but before symbols are selected. In an embodiment, weightings are assigned to each set of reel strips. In an embodiment, a player input may result in the weightings being adjusted by the game controller. An effect of an embodiment of the invention is that a wider 30 range of game outcomes can be generated by a gaming system than in a conventional arrangement where the reels are fixed. General construction of gaming system 35 The gaming system can take a number of different forms. In a first form, a standalone gaming machine is provided 2024204541 18 Jun 2026 wherein all or most components required for implementing the game are present in a player operable gaming machine. In a second form, a distributed architecture is provided 5 wherein some of the components required for implementing the game are present in a player operable gaming machine and some of the components required for implementing the game are located remotely relative to the gaming machine. For example, a “thick client” architecture may be used 10 wherein part of the game is executed on a player operable gaming machine and part of the game is executed remotely, such as by a gaming server; or a “thin client” architecture may be used wherein most of the game is executed remotely such as by a gaming server and a player 15 operable gaming machine is used only to display audible and / or visible gaming information to the player and receive gaming inputs from the player. However, it will be understood that other arrangements are 20 envisaged. For example, an architecture may be provided wherein a gaming machine is networked to a gaming server and the respective functions of the gaming machine and the gaming server are selectively modifiable. For example, the gaming system may operate in standalone gaming machine 25 mode, “thick client” mode or “thin client” mode depending on the game being played, operating conditions, and so on. Other variations will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. 30 Irrespective of the form, the gaming system has several core components. At the broadest level, the core components are a player interface 50 and a game controller 60 as illustrated in Figure 1. The player interface is arranged to enable manual interaction between a player and 35 the gaming system and for this purpose includes the input / output components required for the player to enter instructions to play the game and observe the game 2024204541 18 Jun 2026 outcomes. Components of the player interface may vary from embodiment to embodiment but will typically include a 5 credit mechanism 52 to enable a player to input credits and receive payouts, one or more displays 54, a game play mechanism 56 including one or more input devices that enable a player to input game play instructions (e.g. to place a wager), and one or more speakers 58. 10 The game controller 60 is in data communication with the player interface and typically includes a processor 62 that processes the game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and outputs game play outcomes to the 15 display. Typically, the game play rules are stored as program code in a memory 64 but can also be hardwired. Herein the term “processor” is used to refer generically to any device that can process game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and may include: a 20 microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic device or other computational device, a general purpose computer (e.g. a PC) or a server. That is a processor may be provided by any suitable logic circuitry for receiving inputs, processing them in accordance with instructions 25 stored in memory and generating outputs (for example on the display). Such processors are sometimes also referred to as central processing units (CPUs). Most processors are general purpose units, however, it is also know to provide a specific purpose processor using an application specific 30 integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). A gaming system in the form of a standalone gaming machine 10 is illustrated in Figure 2. The gaming machine 10 35 includes a console 12 having a display 14 on which are displayed representations of a game 16 that can be played by a player. A mid-trim 20 of the gaming machine 10 2024204541 18 Jun 2026 houses a bank of buttons 22 for enabling a player to interact with the gaming machine, in particular during game play. The mid-trim 20 also houses a credit input mechanism 24 which in this example includes a coin input 5 chute 24A and a bill collector 24B. Other credit input mechanisms may also be employed, for example, a card reader for reading a smart card, debit card or credit card. Other gaming machines may configure for ticket in such that they have a ticket reader for reading tickets 10 having a value and crediting the player based on the face value of the ticker. A player marketing module (not shown) having a reading device may also be provided for the purpose of reading a player tracking device, for example as part of a loyalty program. The player tracking 15 device may be in the form of a card, flash drive or any other portable storage medium capable of being read by the reading device. In some embodiments, the player marketing module may provide an additional credit mechanism, either by transferring credits to the gaming machine from credits 20 stored on the player tracking device or by transferring credits from a player account in data communication with the player marketing module that is accessed in response to insertion of the player tracking device. 25 A top box 26 may carry artwork 28, including for example pay tables and details of bonus awards and other information or images relating to the game. Further artwork and / or information may be provided on a front panel 29 of the console 12. A coin tray 30 is mounted 30 beneath the front panel 29 for dispensing cash payouts from the gaming machine 10. The display 14 shown in Figure 2 is in the form of a liquid crystal display. The display 14 may any other 35 suitable video display unit, such as an OLED display. The top box 26 may also include a display, which may be of the same type as the display 14, or of a different type. 2024204541 18 Jun 2026 Figure 3 shows a block diagram of operative components of a typical gaming machine which may be the same as or different to the gaming machine of Figure 2. 5 The gaming machine 100 includes a game controller 101 having a processor 102 mounted on a circuit board. Instructions and data to control operation of the processor 102 are stored in a memory 103, which is in data 10 communication with the processor 102. Typically, the gaming machine 100 will include both volatile and nonvolatile memory and more than one of each type of memory, with such memories being collectively represented by the memory 103. 15 The gaming machine has hardware meters 104 for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring player credit, an input / output (I / O) interface 105 for communicating with peripheral devices of the gaming 20 machine 100. The input / output interface 105 and / or the peripheral devices may be intelligent devices with their own memory for storing associated instructions and data for use with the input / output interface or the peripheral devices. A random number generator module 113 generates 25 random numbers for use by the processor 102. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the reference to random numbers includes pseudo-random numbers. In the example shown in Figure 3, a player interface 120 30 includes peripheral devices that communicate with the game controller 101 including one or more displays 106, a touch screen and / or buttons 107 (which provide a game play mechanism), a card and / or ticket reader 108, a printer 109, a bill acceptor and / or coin input mechanism 110 and a 35 coin output mechanism 111. Additional hardware may be included as part of the gaming machine 100, or hardware may be omitted as required for the specific 2024204541 18 Jun 2026 implementation. For example, while buttons or touch screens are typically used in gaming machines to allow a player to place a wager and initiate a play of a game any input device that enables the player to input game play 5 instructions may be used. For example, in some gaming machines a mechanical handle is used to initiate a play of the game. Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that a touch screen can be used to emulate other input devices, for example, a touch screen can display virtual 10 buttons which a player can “press” by touching the screen where they are displayed. In addition, the gaming machine 100 may include a communications interface, for example a network card 112. 15 The network card may, for example, send status information, accounting information or other information to a bonus controller, central controller, server or database and receive data or commands from the bonus controller, central controller, server or database. In 20 embodiments employing a player marketing module, communications over a network may be via player marketing module - i.e. the player marketing module may be in data communication with one or more of the above devices and communicate with it on behalf of the gaming machine. 25 Figure 4 shows a block diagram of the main components of an exemplary memory 103. The memory 103 includes RAM 103A, EPROM 103B and a mass storage device 103C. The RAM 103A typically temporarily holds program files for 30 execution by the processor 102 and related data. The EPROM 103B may be a boot ROM device and / or may contain some system or game related code. The mass storage device 103C is typically used to store game programs, the integrity of which may be verified and / or authenticated by 35 the processor 102 using protected code from the EPROM 103B or elsewhere. 2024204541 18 Jun 2026 It is also possible for the operative components of the gaming machine 100 to be distributed, for example input / output devices 106,107,108,109,110,111 to be provided remotely from the game controller 101. 5 Figure 5 shows a gaming system 200 in accordance with an alternative embodiment. The gaming system 200 includes a network 201, which for example may be an Ethernet network. Gaming machines 202, shown arranged in three banks 203 of 10 two gaming machines 202 in Figure 5, are connected to the network 201. The gaming machines 202 provide a player operable interface and may be the same as the gaming machines 10,100 shown in Figures 2 and 3, or may have simplified functionality depending on the requirements for 15 implementing game play. While banks 203 of two gaming machines are illustrated in Figure 5, banks of one, three or more gaming machines are also envisaged. One or more displays 204 may also be connected to the 20 network 201. For example, the displays 204 may be associated with one or more banks 203 of gaming machines. The displays 204 may be used to display representations associated with game play on the gaming machines 202, and / or used to display other representations, for example 25 promotional or informational material. In a thick client embodiment, game server 205 implements part of the game played by a player using a gaming machine 202 and the gaming machine 202 implements part of the 30 game. With this embodiment, as both the game server and the gaming device implement part of the game, they collectively provide a game controller. A database management server 206 may manage storage of game programs and associated data for downloading or access by the 35 gaming devices 202 in a database 206A. Typically, if the gaming system enables players to participate in a Jackpot game, a Jackpot server 207 will be provided to perform 2024204541 18 Jun 2026 accounting functions for the Jackpot game. A loyalty program server 212 may also be provided. In a thin client embodiment, game server 205 implements 5 most or all of the game played by a player using a gaming machine 202 and the gaming machine 202 essentially provides only the player interface. With this embodiment, the game server 205 provides the game controller. The gaming machine will receive player instructions, pass 10 these to the game server which will process them and return game play outcomes to the gaming machine for display. In a thin client embodiment, the gaming machines could be computer terminals, e.g. PCs running software that provides a player interface operable using standard 15 computer input and output components. Other client / server configurations are possible, and further details of a client / server architecture can be found in WO 2006 / 052213 and PCT / SE2006 / 000559, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 20 Servers are also typically provided to assist in the administration of the gaming network 200, including for example a gaming floor management server 208, and a licensing server 209 to monitor the use of licenses 25 relating to particular games. An administrator terminal 210 is provided to allow an administrator to run the network 201 and the devices connected to the network. The gaming system 200 may communicate with other gaming 30 systems, other local networks, for example a corporate network, and / or a wide area network such as the Internet, for example through a firewall 211. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in 35 accordance with known techniques, functionality at the server side of the network may be distributed over a plurality of different computers. For example, elements 2024204541 18 Jun 2026 may be run as a single “engine” on one server or a separate server may be provided. For example, the game server 205 could run a random generator engine. Alternatively, a separate random number generator server 5 could be provided. Further, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a plurality of game servers could be provided to run different games or a single game server may run a plurality of different games as required by the terminals. 10 Further detail of gaming system The player operates the game play mechanism 56 to specify a wager which will be evaluated for this play of the game 15 and initiates a play of the game. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a player’s wager can be varied from game to game dependent on player selections. In most spinning reel games, it is typical for the player’s wager to be made up of a selection as to how the game outcome 20 will be evaluated by specifying what parts of the game outcome will qualify for winning outcomes and a multiplier that will apply to each winning outcome. For example, a player’s wager may be based on how many lines they play in each game - e.g. a minimum of one line up to the maximum 25 number of lines allowed by the game (noting that not all permutations of win lines may be available for selection) and an amount per line - e.g. one, two or five credits. Winning outcomes on an activated win line may be evaluated based on a pay table that specifies the amount awarded for 30 a one credit per line wager multiplied by the amount wagered per line. Such win lines are typically formed by a combination of symbol display positions, one from each reel, the symbol 35 display positions being located relative to one another such that they form a line. 2024204541 18 Jun 2026 In many games, the gaming machine may award winning outcomes which are not strictly limited to the lines they have selected, for example, “scatter” pays are awarded independently of a player’s selection of pay lines. 5 Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in other embodiments, the player may select a number of reels to play and an amount to wager. Games of this type are marketed under the trade name “Reel Power” by Aristocrat 10 Leisure Industries Pty Ltd and are also known as “ways” to win games. The selection of the reel means that each displayed symbol of the reel can be substituted for a symbol at one or more designated display positions. In other words, all symbols displayed at symbol display 15 positions corresponding to a selected reel can be used to form symbol combinations with symbols displayed at a designated, symbol display positions of the other reels. For example, if there are five reels and three symbol display positions for each reel such that the symbol 20 display positions comprise three rows of five symbol display positions, the symbols displayed in the centre row are used for non-selected reels. As a result, the total number of ways to win is determined by multiplying the number of active display positions of each reels, the 25 active display positions being all display positions of each selected reel and the designated display position of the non-selected reels. As a result for five reels and fifteen display positions there are 243 ways to win. 30 In the embodiment described below, the display positions of the symbol display are arranged in a rectangular matrix comprising a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows. However, other arrangements are known in the gaming industry and could be employed in embodiments of the 35 invention. For example, in some arrangements there are more symbols in some columns than others, such as 3-4-3-4 3 arrangement of seventeen display positions corresponding 2024204541 18 Jun 2026 to respective ones of five reels. In such arrangements, the columns of four symbols can be arranged so that they are off-set or staggered relative to the columns having three symbols so that the middle two symbols in the 5 columns of four symbols share boundaries with two symbols of each neighbouring reel. In Figure 6, the processor 62 of game controller 60 is shown implementing a number of modules based on program 10 code and data stored in memory 64. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that various of the modules could be implemented in some other way, for example by a dedicated circuit. 15 Referring to Figure 6, there is shown an embodiment where the components of the gaming system are used to update the reel strips in a base game each time there is a play of a game on the gaming system. Memory 64 of gaming system 1 has reel data 641 which defines a number of sets of reel 20 strips 641A and weightings 641B associated with their relative probability of being selected. In response to the initiation of play of a game, and before the reels are used to select symbols, the reel 25 selector 624 uses the reel weightings 641B assigned to specific reel strips 641A together with a value obtained from random number generator 621 in order to select the set of reel strips 641A of the plurality of sets of reel strips stored in memory 64 to be used in this play of a 30 game. In some embodiments, the game controller may adjust the reel weightings 641B based on a player input such as an amount wagered or a volatility selection made by the 35 player. In one embodiment, the reel weighting data 641B specifies 2024204541 18 Jun 2026 a plurality of different sets of reel weightings and the reel selector 624 accesses the set or reel weightings for the present game based on the received wager or the received volatility request. For example, in one 5 embodiment different sets of reel weightings are stored in the reel data 641 in association with different ones of a plurality of possible wagers. In one embodiment, the characteristic that makes the sets 10 of reel strips different is that they each have different groups of stacked symbols as shown in the example described below in relation to Figure 8. In another example, each of the reel strips has a different characteristic in the form of different volatilities. 15 In another embodiment, the different sets of reel strips have a different characteristic in the form of different probabilities of delivering win outcomes. In one example, higher rated sets of reel strips have a higher probability 20 of delivering winning outcomes either in terms of frequency of wins and / or value of winning outcomes. In the embodiment, once the reels strips have been selected, the symbol selector 622A selects symbols for 25 display at symbol display positions from the dynamically selected reel strips. As will be appreciated from the above discussion, the selected reel strips specify a sequence of symbols for each reel. In an embodiment, the symbol selector 622A selects the symbols for display by 30 selecting a stopping position in the sequence. In one example, three symbols of each of five reels are displayed such that symbols are displayed at fifteen symbol display positions on display 54. It is known to use a probability table stored in memory 64 to vary the odds of a particular 35 stop position being selected. Other techniques can be used to control the odds of particular outcomes occurring to thereby control the return to player of the game. 2024204541 18 Jun 2026 Once the symbols are selected, they are evaluated by the outcome evaluator 623 by comparing the symbol selected at symbol display positions on display 54 with pay table 643. 5 Both the selected symbols and any winning outcomes are displayed on display 54 under control of display controller 625. Any wins are added to a win meter of meters 643 stored in memory 64. Assuming this ends the game, e.g. a feature is not triggered or the player does 10 not choose a gamble feature, the value on the win meter can be transferred to the credit meter either by the player initiating a new play of the game or electing to cash out. In some embodiments, certain win types (e.g. jackpot prize wins) may be added directly to the credit 15 meter. While the above embodiment has been described an embodiment which implements dynamic stacks (where each of the reel sets are identical except for the stacked symbol, 20 and a weighted table is used to select the reel set to be used for each spin, in other embodiments the symbols on the strips of each reel set are completely different (for example different length stacks, different symbol patterns). This has several applications including: 25 • Enabling the implementation of games where the quantum of a player’s wager affects the reels strips - a higher wager will increase the chance that a “higher” rated reel set will be selected for play 30 (e.g. higher frequency of wins, higher value of wins, or both); and • Enabling the control of volatility - the appropriate reel set will be chosen based on the player’s 35 preference (higher value wins less frequently or lower value wins more frequently). 2024204541 18 Jun 2026 An advantage of certain embodiments of the invention is that it can simplify compliance work by allowing different reel sets to be deployed in different combinations to produce different RTPs, as appropriate for different 5 jurisdictions. As indicated above, the probability of selecting certain reel strips can be controlled by adjusting the individual weightings of the weighting table. In other embodiments 10 the game controller may be configured to dynamically adjust the individual weightings based on a targeted overall weighting (for example driven by desired RTP or volatility). 15 In some embodiments, an eligibility criteria may be applied in order for the player to be eligible for the dynamic reel strips, for example that the player has made a certain sized wager, made an ante bet, selected all win lines, played sufficient games, or the player is a member 20 of a loyalty program. A play of a game may result in one or more wins. Typically, a win will result in some form of award being made such as an award of credits added to the win meter. 25 Such an award may never actually be physically received by a player. For example, many gaming systems provide a player with a double or nothing gamble feature, where the player can double or forfeit their credits before commencing another play of the game or cashing out. 30 Further, as credits are fungible, once credits have been added to the credit meter it is not possible to distinguish between credits which exist because the player has input cash or the like and credits resulting from an award. 35 Referring to Figure 7, there is shown a method 700 of an embodiment. The method 700 involves receiving 710 a wager, 2024204541 18 Jun 2026 randomly selecting 720 a set of reel strips, selecting 730 symbols using the selected reel strips, evaluating 740 the selected symbols, and making any awards by updating 750 a meter (typically a win meter but in some instances, a 5 credit meter may be updated directly.) Further aspects of the method will be apparent from the above description of the system. It will be appreciated that at least part of the method will be implemented 10 electronically, for example, digitally by a processor executing program code such as in the above description of a game controller. In this respect, in the above description certain steps are described as being carried out by a processor of a gaming system, it will be 15 appreciated that such steps will often require a number of sub-steps to be carried out for the steps to be implemented electronically, for example due to hardware or programming limitations. For example, to carry out a step such as evaluating, determining or selecting, a processor 20 may need to compute several values and compare those values. Example 25 Referring to Figures 8A to 8D there are shown four sets of reel strips 801, 802, 803, 804. Each set of reel strips 801, 802, 803, 804 has five reels R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5. Each set of reel strips has a stack of symbols 811, 812, 813, 814. 30 Referring to Figure 8A, it will be apparent that reel set A 801 has a stack 811 of “PIC1” symbols. Referring to Figure 8B, reel set B 802 has a stack 812 of “PIC2” symbols. Referring to Figure 8C, reel set C 803 has a 35 stack 813 of “PIC3” symbols. Referring to Figure 8D, reel set D has a stack 814 of “PIC4” symbols. 2024204541 18 Jun 2026 A weighting table defines the relative probabilities of selecting the reel sets. Reel set A 801, has a weighting of 1. Reel set B 802, has a weighting of 2. Reel set C 803, has a weighting of 3. Reel set D 804, has a 5 weighting of 4. Accordingly, it is more likely that reel set D 804 will be selected than any of the other reel sets 801, 802 and 803. As indicated above, the method may be embodied in program 10 code. The program code could be supplied in a number of ways, for example on a tangible computer readable storage medium, such as a disc or a memory device, e.g. an EEPROM, (for example, that could replace part of memory 103) or as a data signal (for example, by transmitting it from a 15 server). Further different parts of the program code can be executed by different devices, for example in a client server relationship. Persons skilled in the art, will appreciate that program code provides a series of instructions executable by the processor. 20 It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, in particular it will be apparent that certain features of 25 embodiments of the invention can be employed to form further embodiments. It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission 30 that the prior art forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art in any country. In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context 35 requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, 2024204541 18 Jun 2026 i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.
Claims
1. A method of dynamically providing reel strips in an electronic gaming machine, the gaming machine including5 a display configured to display a wagering game,a credit input mechanism operable to establish credits on the gaming machine, the credit input mechanism including at least one of a card reader, a ticket reader,a bill acceptor, and a coin input mechanism configured to10 establish a credit balance that is increasable and decreasable based on wagering activity,meters configured for monitoring credits established via the credit input mechanism and changes to the established credits due to play of the gaming machine, 15 the meters including a credit meter to which credit input via the credit input mechanism is added and a win meter,a random number generator;a game play mechanism including a plurality of buttons configured for operation by a player to input a20 wager from the established credits and to initiate a play of a game, anda game controller comprising a processor and memory storing (i) game program code, and (ii) symbol data defining a plurality of reel strip sets, each reel strip25 set of the plurality of reel strip sets including a unique characteristic including a reel weighting associated with a relative probability of each reel strip set being selected and a relative volatility of a reel strip, and wherein the game controller is operable to assign prize30 values to combinations of symbols as required during play of the game,the game controller executing the game program code stored in the memory and responsive to initiation ofthe play of the game with the game play mechanism to35 execute game play, said method comprising:receiving via the game play mechanism at least one input including a wager amount and a volatility2024204541 18 Jun 2026selection;initiating, by the game controller, a play of the wagering game;adjusting, by the game controller, a relative5 probability of each reel strip set being selected based at least on the volatility selection and the reel weightingof each reel strip set;selecting, via the game controller, a reel strip set from the plurality of reel strip sets, the reel strip 10 set selected dependent on the reel weighting associated with the reel strip set;selecting, via the game controller using therandom number generator, symbols from the selected reelstrip set;15 controlling the display by the game controller todisplay the symbols in symbol display positions on the display of the gaming machine;evaluating, via the game controller, the symbols for a winning outcome;20 making an award of credits to the win meter orcredit meter based on prize values in accordance with the evaluating; andpresenting the winning outcome.25 2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the uniquecharacteristic further includes a group of stacked symbols that is different from groups of stacked symbols of corresponding reels in other reel strip sets of theplurality of reel strip sets.
303. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the unique characteristic further includes a rating assigned to each reel strip set associated with a probability of achieving the winning outcome from the reel strip set such that some 35 reel strip sets are higher rated than other reel strip sets, said method further comprising receiving a wager and adjusting a relative probability of each reel strip set2024204541 18 Jun 2026selected based on an amount of the wager and the ratings.
4. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein higher ratedreel strip sets have a relatively higher frequency of5 winning outcomes.
5. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein winning outcomes for higher rated reel strip sets have a relatively higher value.
106. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein higher rated reel strip sets have a relatively higher value of winning outcomes.15 7. An electronic gaming machine with dynamically providedreel strips, the electronic gaming machine comprising:a display;a credit input mechanism operable to establish credits on the gaming machine, the credit input mechanism 20 including at least one of a coin input chute, a bill collector, a card reader and a ticket reader;meters configured for monitoring credits established via the credit input mechanism and changes to the established credits due to play of the gaming machine, 25 the meters including a credit meter to which credit input via the credit input mechanism is added and a win meter;a random number generator;a game play mechanism including a plurality of buttons configured for operation by a player to input a 30 wager from the established credits and to initiate a play of a game; anda game controller comprising a processor and memory storing (i) game program code, and (ii) symbol data defining a plurality of reel strip sets, each reel strip35 set of the plurality of reel strip sets including a unique characteristic including a reel weighting and a relative volatility of a reel strip; and wherein the game2024204541 18 Jun 2026controller is operable to assign prize values to combinations of symbols as required during play of the game,the game controller executing the game program5 code stored in the memory and responsive to initiation of the play of the game with the game play mechanism to:adjust, via the credit input mechanism, a credit balance based on received credit inputs and wageringactivity in a wagering game;10 initiate a play of the wagering game in responseto receiving a credit wager;receive, via the game play mechanism, a volatility selection from a player;adjust a relative probability of each reel strip15 set being selected based at least on the volatility selection and the reel weighting of each reel strip set;select a reel strip set from the plurality of reel strip sets, the reel strip set selected dependent on a reel weighting associated with the reel strip set;20 select, using the random number generator,symbols from the reel strip set;control the display to cause the symbols to be displayed in symbol display positions on the display;evaluate the symbols for a winning outcome;25 making an award of credits to the win meter orcredit meter based on prize values in accordance with the evaluation; andpresent the winning outcome at the display.30