A Gaming System and Method of Gaming

Abstract

A triggering method for a win outcome on a gaming device comprises determining an amount of credit on commencement of game play. A number of symbols displayed in the game 5 is adjusted as a function of the amount bet, to thereby effect the probability of a win outcome being generated. 5 20 26 25 39 76 15 O ct 2 02 6 A B S T R A C T 2 0 2 6 2 5 3 9 7 6 1 5 O c t 2 0 2 6 5

Description

5 Related Application This application is a divisional application of Australian application no. 2024205111, which in turn is a divisional application of Australian application no. 10  2022211912, which in turn is a divisional application of Australian application no. 2020203796, which in turn is a divisional application of Australian application no. 2018204451, which in turn, is a divisional of 2016202511, which in turn, is a divisional of 2013200813, which in 15 turn, is a divisional of 2011265544, the disclosure all of which is incorporated herein by reference. Most of the disclosure of these applications is also included herein, however, reference may be made to the specifications of application nos. 2018204451, 2016202511, 2013200813 as 20 filed and 2011265544 as accepted to gain further understanding of the invention claimed herein. Field of the Invention 25        The present invention relates to a gaming system, a gaming controller, and a prize triggering method. Background of the Invention 30        It is known to provide a gaming system which comprises a game controller arranged to randomly display several symbols from a predetermined set of symbols and to determine a game outcome such as a game win based on the displayed symbols. Such gaming systems may commonly be 35  implemented as a stepper machine provided with reels with each reel carrying several symbols of the set, or a video machine wherein selected symbols are displayed on virtual 2026253976   15 Oct 2026 reels on a graphical display device. Win outcomes can occur based on symbols appearing in one or more horizontal lines, diagonal lines, or any other predetermined way. 5       Many venues employ jackpot controllers for awarding jackpots to one or more gaming machines participating in the jackpot. Typically, a portion of turnover received during game play, from each gaming machine, is forwarded to a jackpot controller as a contribution. That is, part 10 of each wager goes towards the jackpot. The technique can be implemented within a single gaming machine or may be extended to a so called wide area jackpot where multiple gaming machines (from one or more different venues) contribute to a single jackpot pool. 15 One way of awarding a jackpot is a so called “symbol driven” jackpot, where a predetermined symbol pattern or win outcome triggers the jackpot. 20        There is a need for an alternative technique for determining prizes for win outcomes to a player. Summary of the Invention 25        In a first aspect there is provided a gaming system comprising: a credit mechanism configured to receive credit input by a player for contribution to a credit balance; a display configured to display a plurality of 30 standard symbol positions, one or more additional symbol positions, and a symbol for each of the standard symbol positions and the one or more additional symbol positions; a player interface operable to receive a game input from a player, the input comprising an amount bet and game 35 play instructions; a betting module configured to determine the amount bet and the game play instructions on commencement of a 2026253976   15 Oct 2026 game input by the player using the player interface, the bet subtracted from the credit balance; a symbol selector configured to select symbols for display in each of the plurality of standard symbol 5 positions and, based on the amount wagered, is further configured to select symbols for display in the additional symbol position(s) to increase the probability of a win outcome being generated; and an outcome determiner configured to determine an 10 outcome of the game based on the arrangement of symbols displayed in the plurality of symbol positions. A second aspect provides a triggering method for a win outcome on a gaming device that includes a game 15 controller, a credit mechanism, and a player interface, said method comprising: receiving, by the credit mechanism, credit input by a player for contribution to a credit balance; displaying, by the player interface, a number of 20 symbol positions in a reel window of the player interface; receiving, by the game controller, a bet and game play instructions for commencement of game play input by the player using the player interface, the bet subtracted from the credit balance; 25        increasing, by the game controller, the number of symbol positions for display in the reel window as a function of the amount bet when the amount bet meets or exceeds a predetermined value to increase the probability of a win outcome being generated; and 30        displaying, by the player interface, the increased number of symbol positions. A third aspect provides non-transitory computer readable medium having a set of instructions for execution 35 on a processor, said set of instructions configured to execute a triggering method for a win outcome on a gaming device having a game controller, a credit mechanism, and a 2026253976   15 Oct 2026 player interface, the triggering method comprising: receiving, by the credit mechanism, credit input by a player for contribution to a credit balance; displaying, by the player interface, a number of symbol 5 positions in a reel window of the player interface; receiving, by the game controller, a bet and game play instructions for commencement of game play input by the player using the player interface, the bet subtracted from the credit balance; and 10        increasing, by the game controller, the number of symbol positions for display in the reel window as a function of the amount bet when the amount bet meets or exceeds a predetermined value to increase the probability of a win outcome being generated; and 15        displaying, by the player interface, the increased number of symbol positions. In an embodiment, the method comprises the further step of satisfying a trigger condition when a specific symbol combination is displayed. 20 In an embodiment, the method comprises causing a feature game to commence, a prize to be awarded, or multiplying a prize for a winning outcome when the trigger condition is satisfied. 25 In an embodiment, the number of symbols displayed is increased by a particular amount when the amount of credit bet exceeds or meets a specific value. The particular amount may, for example, correspond to the amount bet. 30 In an embodiment, the game is a reel game and the number of the symbols displayed is dependent on an amount bet per pay line selected in the reel game. 35        In another aspect there is provided a jackpot triggering method for symbol jackpots, the method comprising: 2026253976   15 Oct 2026 determining an amount of credit to wager on the game on commencement of game play on a gaming device, wherein the game comprises a computer implemented game controller displaying a predefined plurality of symbols in respective 5 initial display positions on a display of the gaming device, a winning outcome being defined by predetermined combinations of symbols displayed in the respective initial display positions; and setting, by the game controller, a plurality of 10 additional display positions to be displayed in the game in addition to the initial display positions, such that the total number of display positions displayed is proportional to the amount of credit wagered on the game, wherein wagering additional credit on play of the game 15 thereby affect the probability of a win outcome being generated as a result of an increased number of total display positions, wherein the plurality of additional display positions are randomly positioned adjacent to one of the plurality of initial display positions, and wherein 20 respective additional display positions are only active if they are adjacent an active initial display position. In an embodiment, a correct symbol combination invokes an additional game that provides the player with 25 an opportunity to win the jackpot. Alternatively or additionally, a correct symbol combination may cause the jackpot to be awarded to the player. There may be provided a plurality of jackpots, each 30 jackpot requiring a different symbol combination in order to be awarded to the player. In another aspect, the present invention provides a controller arranged to control play of a game on a gaming 35 device, the controller comprising: a betting module operable to determine an amount of credit wagered on the game on commencement of game play of 2026253976   15 Oct 2026 the game on the gaming device, wherein the game comprises the game controller displaying a predefined plurality of symbols in respective initial display positions on a display of the gaming device, a winning outcome being 5 defined by predetermined combinations of symbols displayed in the respective display positions; and a display module operable to set a plurality of additional display positions to be displayed in the game in addition to the initial display positions, such that 10  the total number of display positions is proportional to the amount of credit wagered on the game, wherein wagering additional credit on play of the game thereby affects the probability of a win outcome being generated as a result of an increased total number of display positions, wherein 15  the plurality of additional display positions are randomly positioned adjacent to one of the plurality of initial display positions and wherein respective additional display positions are only active if they are adjacent an active initial display position. 20 In an embodiment, the controller further comprises a trigger module arranged to invoke a trigger condition upon determining that a specific symbol combination is displayed on the gaming device. 25 In an embodiment, the controller is arranged to cause a feature game to commence, a prize to be awarded, or multiplying a prize for a winning outcome when the trigger condition is invoked. 30 In an embodiment, the number of symbols displayed is increased by a particular value when the amount of credit bet exceeds or meets a specific value. 35        In an embodiment, the particular value corresponds to the amount bet. 2026253976   15 Oct 2026 In an embodiment, the game is a reel-type game and the number of symbols displayed is dependent on an amount bet per pay line selected in the reel-type game. 5        In another aspect the present invention provides a gaming system comprising: a display operable to display a predefined plurality of initial symbol positions and optionally one or more additional symbol positions; 10        a betting module arranged to determine an amount wagered on a game on commencement of the game; a symbol selector arranged to select symbols for display in the plurality of initial symbol positions, a winning outcome being defined by predetermined 15 combinations of symbols displayed in the respective initial display positions and, dependent on the amount wagered, further arranged to select and display symbols in the additional symbol position(s); and an outcome determiner arranged to determine an 20 outcome of the game based on the displayed symbols, wherein the plurality of additional display positions displayed in the game in addition to the initial display positions is set such that the total number of display positions is proportional to the amount of credit wagered 25 on the game, wherein wagering additional credit on play of the game thereby affects the probability of a win outcome being generated as a result of an increased total number of display positions, wherein the plurality of additional display positions are randomly positioned adjacent to one 30 of the plurality of initial display positions, and wherein respective additional display positions are only active if they are adjacent an active initial display position. In an embodiment, the symbol selected displays are 35 single in the additional symbol position(s) when the amount bet meets or exceeds a designated threshold. 2026253976   15 Oct 2026 In an embodiment, the system is arranged such that when a particular number or combination of symbols are displayed in the standard and / or additional symbol positions, a trigger condition is satisfied. The trigger 5 condition may, for example, cause the gaming system to instruct play of a feature game, trigger a win outcome, or multiply a prize awarded for a winning outcome. The win outcome, may, for example, be the awarding of a jackpot prize. The jackpot prize may be funded from a jackpot 10 prize pool funded from contribution made by the gaming device and other gaming devices participating in the jackpot event. In an embodiment, the plurality of standard symbols 15 are displayed in a format having an array of rows and columns and whereby the or each additional symbol position is associated with one of the rows or columns. In an embodiment, the system is arranged such that 20 standard symbol positions define at least one player selectable play line used to determine a game outcome, and such that symbols displayed in the additional symbol position(s) can also form part of a play line dependent on their location. 25 In an embodiment, the row or column with which the or each additional symbol position is associated is randomly determined. 30        In another aspect, the present invention provides a gaming system comprising: a plurality of gaming devices which may participate in a jackpot by making jackpot contributions; and a jackpot controller arranged to: 35        for each of the plurality of gaming devices, determine the amount of credit wagered on the game on commencement of game play of the game on the gaming 2026253976   15 Oct 2026 device, wherein the game comprises a computer implemented game controller displaying a predefined plurality of symbols in respective initial display positions on a display of the gaming device, a winning outcome being 5 defined by predetermined combinations of symbols displayed in the respective initial display positions, and set the plurality of additional display positions to be displayed in the game in addition to the initial display positions, such that the total number of display positions displayed 10  is proportional to the amount of credit wagered on the game, wherein wagering additional credit on play of the game thereby affects the probability of a win outcome being generated as a result of an increased total number of display positions, wherein the plurality of additional 15  display positions are randomly positioned adjacent to one of the plurality of initial display positions, and wherein respective additional display positions are only active if they are adjacent an active initial display position. 20       Another aspect provides a triggering method for a win outcome on a gaming device that includes: 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 collector, a 25 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 via the credit input mechanism 30 is added, 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 of a game, and a game controller comprising a processor and memory storing (i) game program 35 code, and (ii) symbol data, and wherein the game controller is operable to assign prize values to combinations of symbols as required during play of the 2026253976   15 Oct 2026 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, said method comprising: 5        determining an amount of credit to wager on the game on commencement of game play on the gaming device, wherein the game comprises displaying a predefined plurality of symbols, selected from the symbol data using the random number generator, in respective initial display positions 10 on the display, a winning outcome being defined by predetermined combinations of symbols displayed in the respective initial display positions; setting a plurality of additional display positions to be displayed in the game in addition to the initial 15 display positions, such that the total number of display positions displayed is proportional to the amount of credit wagered on the game, wherein wagering additional credit on play of the game thereby affects the probability of a win outcome being generated as a result of an 20 increased number of total display positions, wherein the plurality of additional display positions are randomly positioned adjacent to one of the plurality of initial display positions, and wherein respective additional display positions are only active if they are adjacent an 25 active initial display position. Another aspect provides a jackpot triggering method for symbol jackpots, in a gaming device that includes: a display, a credit input mechanism operable to establish 30 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 the established 35 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, a random number 2026253976   15 Oct 2026 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 of a game, and a game controller comprising a processor and memory storing (i) game program code, and (ii) symbol data, 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 the method comprising: determining an amount of credit to wager on the game on commencement of game play on the gaming device, wherein the game comprises displaying a predefined plurality of symbols, selected from the symbol data using the random number generator, in respective initial display positions on the display, a winning outcome being defined by predetermined combinations of symbols displayed in the respective initial display positions; and setting a plurality of additional display positions to be displayed in the game in addition to the initial display positions, such that the total number of display positions displayed is proportional to the amount of credit wagered on the game, wherein wagering additional credit on play of the game thereby affects the probability of a win outcome being generated as a result of an increased number of total display positions, wherein the plurality of additional display positions are randomly positioned adjacent to one of the plurality of initial display positions, and wherein respective additional display positions are only active if they are adjacent an active initial display position. Another aspect provides a gaming system comprising: a display operable to display a predefined plurality of initial symbol positions and optionally one or more additional symbol positions; 2026253976   15 Oct 2026 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 collector, a card reader and a ticket reader; 5       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 via the credit input mechanism is added and a win meter; 10        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 of a game; and 15       a game controller comprising a processor and memory storing (i) game program code, and (ii) symbol data defining reels, and wherein the game controller is operable to assign prize values to combinations of symbols as required during play of the game, 20 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: determine an amount wagered on a game on commencement of the game; 25        select symbols, from the symbol data using the random number generator, for display in the plurality of initial symbol positions, a winning outcome being defined by predetermined combinations of symbols displayed in the respective initial display positions, and, dependent on 30 the amount wagered, further arranged to select and display symbols in the additional symbol position(s); and determine an outcome of the game based on the displayed symbols, 2026253976   15 Oct 2026 wherein the plurality of additional display positions displayed in the game in addition to the initial display positions is set such that the total number of display positions is proportional to the amount of credit wagered 5 on the game, wherein wagering additional credit on play of the game thereby affects the probability of a win outcome being generated as a result of an increased number of total display positions, wherein the plurality of additional display positions are randomly positioned 10 adjacent to one of the plurality of initial display positions, and wherein respective additional display positions are only active if they are adjacent an active initial display position. 15       Another aspect provides a gaming system comprising: a plurality of gaming devices which may participate in a jackpot by making jackpot contributions, each gaming device comprising a display, a credit input mechanism operable to establish credits on the gaming machine, the 20 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 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, 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 30 of a game, and a game controller comprising a processor and memory storing (i) game program code, and (ii) symbol data, 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 35 game program code stored in the memory and responsive to initiation of the play of the game with the game play mechanism; and 2026253976   15 Oct 2026 a jackpot controller arranged to: for each of the plurality of gaming devices, determine an amount of credit to wager on the game on commencement of game play on the gaming device, wherein the game comprises 5 displaying a predefined plurality of symbols in respective initial display positions on a display of the gaming device, a winning outcome being defined by predetermined combinations of symbols displayed in the respective initial display positions; and set a plurality of 10 additional display positions to be displayed in the game in addition to the initial display positions, such that the total number of display positions displayed is proportional to the amount of credit wagered on the game, wherein wagering additional credit on play of the game 15 thereby affects the probability of a win outcome being generated as a result of an increased number of total display positions, wherein the plurality of additional display positions are randomly positioned adjacent to one of the plurality of initial display positions, and wherein 20 respective additional display positions are only active if they are adjacent an active initial display position. Another aspect provides a triggering method for a win outcome on a gaming device that includes: a display, a 25 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 collector, a card reader and a ticket reader, meters configured for monitoring credits established via the credit input 30 mechanism and changes to 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, a random number generator, a game play mechanism including a plurality of buttons configured for operation 35 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 2026253976   15 Oct 2026 code, and (ii) symbol data, 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 5 stored in the memory and responsive to initiation of the play of the game with the game play mechanism, said method comprising: determining an amount of credit to wager on the game on commencement of game play on the gaming device, wherein 10 the game comprises displaying a predefined plurality of symbols, selected from the symbol data using the random number generator, in respective initial display positions on the display, a winning outcome being defined by predetermined combinations of symbols displayed in the 15 respective initial display positions; further determining whether an additional credit is wagered on the game, and, in response to receiving the additional credit, setting a plurality of additional display positions to be displayed in the game in addition 20 to the initial display positions, such that the total number of display positions displayed is proportional to the total amount of credit wagered on the game, wherein wagering additional credit on play of the game thereby affects the probability of a win outcome being generated 25 as a result of an increased number of total display positions, wherein the plurality of additional display positions are randomly positioned adjacent to one of the plurality of initial display positions, and wherein respective additional display positions are only active if 30 they are adjacent an active initial display position. Another aspect provides a jackpot triggering method for symbol jackpots, in a gaming device that includes: a display, a credit input mechanism operable to establish 35 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 2026253976   15 Oct 2026 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 via the 5 credit input mechanism is added, 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 of a game, and a game controller comprising a processor 10 and memory storing (i) game program code, and (ii) symbol data, 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 15 initiation of the play of the game with the game play mechanism the method comprising: determining an amount of credit to wager on the game on commencement of game play on the gaming device, wherein the game comprises displaying a predefined plurality of 20 symbols, selected from the symbol data using the random number generator, in respective initial display positions on the display, a winning outcome being defined by predetermined combinations of symbols displayed in the respective initial display positions; and 25       further determining whether an additional credit is wagered on the game, and, in response to receiving the additional credit, setting a plurality of additional display positions to be displayed in the game in addition to the initial display positions, such that the total 30 number of display positions displayed is proportional to the total amount of credit wagered on the game, wherein wagering additional credit on play of the game thereby affects the probability of a win outcome being generated as a result of an increased number of total display 35 positions, wherein the plurality of additional display positions are randomly positioned adjacent to one of the plurality of initial display positions, and wherein 2026253976   15 Oct 2026 respective additional display positions are only active if they are adjacent an active initial display position. Another aspect provides a gaming system comprising: 5       a display operable to display a predefined plurality of initial symbol positions and optionally one or more additional symbol positions; a credit input mechanism operable to establish credits on the gaming machine, the credit input mechanism 10 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, the 15 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 20 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 reels, and wherein the game controller is 25 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: 30        determine an amount wagered on a game on commencement of the game; select symbols, from the symbol data using the random number generator, for display in the plurality of initial 2026253976   15 Oct 2026 symbol positions, a winning outcome being defined by predetermined combinations of symbols displayed in the respective initial display positions, and, determine whether an additional credit is wagered on the game, and, 5 in response to receiving the additional credit, select and display symbols in the additional symbol position(s); and determine an outcome of the game based on the displayed symbols, wherein the plurality of additional 10 display positions displayed in the game in addition to the initial display positions is set such that the total number of display positions is proportional to the total amount of credit wagered on the game, wherein wagering additional credit on play of the game thereby affects the 15 probability of a win outcome being generated as a result of an increased number of total display positions, wherein the plurality of additional display positions are randomly positioned adjacent to one of the plurality of initial display positions, and wherein respective additional 20 display positions are only active if they are adjacent an active initial display position. Another aspect provides a gaming system comprising: a plurality of gaming devices which may participate 25 in a jackpot by making jackpot contributions, each gaming device 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 collector, a card reader and a ticket 30 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 via the credit input mechanism is added, a random number 2026253976   15 Oct 2026 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 of a game, and a game controller comprising a processor 5 and memory storing (i) game program code, and (ii) symbol data, 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 10 initiation of the play of the game with the game play mechanism; and a jackpot controller arranged to: for each of the plurality of gaming devices, determine an amount of credit to wager on the game on commencement of 15 game play on the gaming device, wherein the game comprises displaying a predefined plurality of symbols in respective initial display positions on a display of the gaming device, a winning outcome being defined by predetermined combinations of symbols displayed in the respective 20 initial display positions; further determine whether an additional credit is wagered on the game, and, in response to receiving the additional credit, set a plurality of additional display positions to be displayed in the game in addition to the initial display positions, such that 25 the total number of display positions displayed is proportional to the total amount of credit wagered on the game, wherein wagering additional credit on play of the game thereby affects the probability of a win outcome being generated as a result of an increased number of 30 total display positions, wherein the plurality of additional display positions are randomly positioned adjacent to one of the plurality of initial display positions, and wherein respective additional display positions are only active if they are adjacent an active 35 initial display position. 2026253976   15 Oct 2026 Brief Description of the Drawings Features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of 5 embodiments thereof, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of core components of a gaming system in accordance with an 10 embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention with the gaming system implemented in the form 15 of a stand alone gaming machine; Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of operative components of the gaming machine shown in Figure 2; 20        Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of components of a memory of the gaming machine shown in Figure 2; Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a gaming system in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present 25 invention with the gaming system implemented over a network; Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of functional components of a gaming system in accordance with an 30 embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a flow diagram illustrating operation of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 35 Figures 8a through 8e are representations of example displays generated by a gaming system in accordance with 2026253976   15 Oct 2026 various embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Description of an Embodiment 5         In an embodiment a method and system is provided for affecting the probability of a win outcome which in turn affects the probability of a prize, such as a jackpot, being awarded. The embodiment determines the amount of credit bet by a player on commencement of game play. The 10 number of symbols displayed in the game is set depending on the credit bet, to thereby affect the probability of a win outcome being awarded. The gaming system may be provided in a number of 15 different forms. In a first form, a stand alone gaming machine is provided wherein all or most components required for implementing the game are present in a player operable 20 gaming machine. In a second form, a distributed architecture is provided wherein some of the components required for implementing the game are present in a player operable 25 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 wherein part of the game is executed on a player operable gaming machine and part of 30 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 operable gaming machine is used only to display audible and / or visible gaming information to 35 the player and receive gaming inputs from the player. However, it will be understood that other 2026253976   15 Oct 2026 arrangements are 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. 5 For example, the gaming system may operate in stand alone gaming machine 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. 10 Irrespective of the form, the gaming system comprises 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 15 arranged to enable manual interaction between a player and the gaming system and for this purpose includes the input / output components required for the player to enter instructions and play the game. 20       Components of the player interface may vary from embodiment to embodiment but will typically include a credit mechanism 52 to enable a player to input credits and receive payouts, one or more displays 54 and a game play mechanism 56 that enables a player to input game play 25 instructions. 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 30 with game play rules and outputs game play outcomes to the display. Typically, the game play instructions 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 35  accordance with game play rules and may include: a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic device or other computational device, a general purpose computer 2026253976   15 Oct 2026 (e.g. a PC) or a server. A gaming system in the form of a stand alone gaming machine 10 is illustrated in Figure 2. The gaming machine 5  10 includes a console 12 having a display 14 on which is displayed representations of a game 16 that can be played by a player.  A mid-trim 20 of the gaming machine 10 houses a bank of buttons 22 for enabling a player to interact with the gaming machine, in particular during 10 game play. The mid-trim 20 also houses a credit input mechanism 24 which in this example includes a coin input 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 15 card. A player marketing module may be provided 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 device may be in the form of a card, flash drive or any other portable storage 20 medium capable of being read by the reading device. 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 25 artwork and / or information may be provided on a front panel 29 of the console 12. A coin tray 30 is mounted beneath the front panel 29 for dispensing cash payouts from the gaming machine 10. 30        The display 14 shown in Figure 2 is in the form of a video display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, the display 14 may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, any other suitable video display unit, or the visible portion of an 35 electromechanical device. The top box 26 may also include a display, for example a video display unit, which may be of the same type as the display 14, or of a different 2026253976   15 Oct 2026 type. Figure 3 shows a block diagram of operative components of a typical gaming machine which may be the 5 same as or different to the gaming machine of Figure 2. The gaming machine 100 includes a game controller 101 having a processor 102. Instructions and data to control operation of the processor 102 are stored in a memory 103, 10 which is in data communication with the processor 102. Typically, the gaming machine 100 will include both volatile and non-volatile 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 20 gaming 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 25 generates 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. 30        In the example shown in Figure 3, a player interface 120 includes peripheral devices that communicate with the game controller 101 comprise one or more displays 106, a touch screen and / or buttons 107, a card and / or ticket reader 108, a printer 109, a bill acceptor and / or coin 35 input mechanism 110 and a coin output mechanism 111. Additional hardware may be included as part of the gaming machine 100, or hardware may be omitted as required for 2026253976   15 Oct 2026 the specific implementation. In addition, the gaming machine 100 may include a communications interface, for example a network card 112. 5 The network card may, for example, send status information, accounting information or other information to a central controller, server or database and receive data or commands from the central controller, server or database. 10 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 15 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 20 the processor 102 using protected code from the EPROM 103B or elsewhere. It is also possible for the operative components of the gaming machine 100 to be distributed, for example 25 input / output devices 106,107,108,109,110,111 to be provided remotely from the game controller 101. Figure 5 shows a gaming system 200 in accordance with an alternative embodiment. The gaming system 200 includes 30 a network 201, which for example may be an Ethernet network.  Gaming machines 202, shown arranged in three banks 203 of 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 35 the gaming machines 10,100 shown in Figures 2 and 3, or may have simplified functionality depending on the requirements for implementing game play. While banks 203 2026253976   15 Oct 2026 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 5 network 201. The displays 204 may, for example, 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 10 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 15 part of the 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 20 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 carry out the accounting in respect of the Jackpot game.  A loyalty program server 212 may also be provided. 25 In a thin client embodiment, game server 205 implements 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 30 embodiment, the game server 205 provides the game controller.  The gaming machine will receive player instructions, pass 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 35 gaming machines could be computer terminals, e.g. PCs running software that provides a player interface operable using standard computer input and output components. 2026253976   15 Oct 2026 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 5 licensing server 209 to monitor the use of licenses 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. 10       The gaming network 200 may communicate with other gaming 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. 15        Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in accordance with known techniques, functionality at the server side of the network may be distributed over a plurality of different computers.  For example, elements may be run as a single “engine” on one server or a 20 separate server may be provided. For example, the game server 205 could run a random generator engine. Alternatively, a separate random number generator server could be provided. Further, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a plurality of games servers could be 25 provided to run different games or a single game server may run a plurality of different games as required by the terminals. Embodiments may be implemented in relation to a 30 spinning reel type game. Gaming systems for implementing games that involve a display of spinning reels as part of the display of the outcome of a game have either a video display or a mechanical display, these later machines most usually being “stepper” machines which have a separate 35 motor for each reel. However, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention can be implemented in respect of other forms of games, including; card games; 2026253976   15 Oct 2026 ball draw games; dice games; and pin and ball games. In some implementations the game controllers of such gaming machines select symbols by employing a stop 5 determining function that randomly determines the stop position for each reel.  For example, if there are five reels, each having twenty symbols, the stop determining function might determine that the stop positions are positions: 3, 13, 7, 9 and 17. The spinning of the reels 10 is then controlled so that each symbol comes to a stop in the same row, typically a predetermined row in a “window” visible to the player on the display that corresponds to a player playing a single win line. When a reel stops, the symbols will be in one of a plurality of possible symbol 15 positions for that reel relative to the stop position. Spinning reel type games typically allow a player to select how many win lines of a plurality of win lines they will play in each game - i.e. a minimum of one win line up 20 to the maximum number of win lines allowed by the game. Persons, skilled in the art, will appreciate that in other embodiments, the player may select a number of reels to play. Each win line is formed by a set of symbol positions consisting of one symbol position from each reel. That 25 is, a predetermined symbol position of each reel is assigned to a win line.  The symbol positions that constitute each of the win lines are usually advertised to the player by markings on the display or diagrams showing the symbol positions that correspond to each win line. 30 Some of the win lines will be horizontal or diagonal lines but others may be non-linear combinations of symbols. Typically, the win lines will be constituted by symbol positions in the visible window. A game outcome is determined based on the symbols on the win lines and a 35 prize table that specifies awards. In some gaming machines, the prizes (awards payable 2026253976   15 Oct 2026 to a player) may include a so-called “jackpot”. The jackpot is a prize that is won at a random time throughout game play. Many venues employ jackpot controllers for awarding jackpots to one of or more of a plurality of 5 gaming machines participating in the jackpot. Typically, a portion of turnover on each gaming machine is forwarded to a jackpot controller as a contribution. That is, part of each wager from each gaming machine is forwarded to a central jackpot controller, and contributes to the 10 jackpot. The technique can be implemented within a single gaming machine or may be extended to a so-called wide area jackpot where multiple gaming machines (from one or more different venues) contribute to a single jackpot pool. One common way of awarding a jackpot is a so called “symbol 15 driven” jackpot, where a predetermined symbol pattern or win outcome triggers the jackpot. There may also be provided a number of different symbol driven jackpots. For example, three different 20 “levels” of symbol driven jackpot may be offered, such as a mini jackpot (typically in the order of a hundred dollars), a midi jackpot (typically in the order of a thousand dollars) and a maxi jackpot (typically in the order of tens of thousands of dollars). Each symbol driven 25 jackpot is denoted by a different symbol. For example, one type of symbol may be associated with a mini jackpot (say, a “Jackpot1” symbol), another type of symbol may be associated with a midi jackpot (say, a “Jackpot2” symbol), and yet be associated with a maxi jackpot (say, a 30 “Jackpot3” symbol). In this manner, a player can instantly recognise which type of jackpot they have won, if the correct combination of jackpot symbols appears at the conclusion of game play. 35        Win outcomes (such as the awarding of a jackpot) are controlled by the game controller 60, which is shown in more detail in Figure 6. It will be apparent that the 2026253976   15 Oct 2026 processor 62 implements a number of modules, namely random number generator module 621, symbol selector module 622, outcome determiner module 623, award determiner module 624, sequence monitoring module 625, display controller 5 module 626, jackpot controller 627, betting module 628 and trigger module 629, each of which may utilise data stored in memory 64.  Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that not all modules need be implemented by processor 62. For example, the random number generator module 621 could 10 be implemented by a separate circuit or by a random number generator server. In the illustrated embodiment, the award determiner module 624 determines when a player is entitled to an 15 award. The award, in some instances, may be triggered by a so-called “symbol jackpot”. That is, when a predetermined arrangement of symbols is displayed on the display, the player is awarded a jackpot prize. The jackpot prize may be an internal jackpot particular to a single gaming 20 machine or may be extended to a so called wide area jackpot where multiple gaming machines (from one or more different venues) contribute to a single jackpot pool. Where a jackpot is a wide area jackpot, it will be understood that the jackpot controller 627 may reside 25 outside any individual gaming machine. During each game of a sequence, the symbol selector 622 selects the symbols to appear based on symbol data 641 which specifies the available symbols. The symbols are 30 selected by the symbol selector using a random number obtained from the random number generator 621. The outcome determiner module 623 determines the game outcomes and their associated prizes based on the number of pay lines the player is playing and the symbol combinations. 35 This data may be stored as game / prize data 642 and / or sequence data 643.  Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that the game outcomes and their associated 2026253976   15 Oct 2026 prizes are displayed on the display 54 or under control of the display controller 626. An award determiner 624 is employed to keep track of 5 the total award which is stored as total data 644. Where a jackpot is awarded, the award determiner 624 may interface with a jackpot controller 627, so that when a jackpot is won, the jackpot award can be determined and communicated to the player, based on data received from the jackpot 10 controller 627. The jackpot controller 627 may be internal to a single gaming machine, or may be an external device arranged to interface with a plurality of gaming machines (as previously described). 15        Referring now to an embodiment in which a win outcome is influenced, the method steps carried out by a gaming machine (such as gaming device 120) is described in more detail, with reference to the method 700, summarised in Figure 7. In Figure 7, the prize awarded is a jackpot 20 prize. However, it will be understood that the embodiment described with reference to Figure 7 may apply equally to any win outcome. On commencement of game play 710, a player bets an 25 amount of credits. The amount of credit bet (determined by the betting module 628) is utilised to determine the size of the reel window 720. That is, the larger the number of credits wagered by the player, the larger the reel window (i.e. the greater the number of symbol positions appearing 30 in the reel window). On the conclusion of game play, if a symbol jackpot has been achieved (i.e. if the correct number and / or pattern of symbols appears in the reel window), a jackpot trigger message is sent to the trigger module 629 of the jackpot controller (step 730) where it 35 is compared 740 to the current value of the jackpot trigger (stored in memory). From the comparison, it is determined 750 whether to award a jackpot. If no jackpot 2026253976   15 Oct 2026 is awarded the game awaits further input from a user (such as the initiation of a new game). If a jackpot is to be awarded, the award is made 760 and the jackpot resets before the next contribution is processed. 5 Referring now to step 720 in more detail, the reel window is increased according to a player’s wager or bet amount. The bet amount may be the amount of credits bet per pay line, or the total bet amount (i.e. the number of 10 credits bet per line multiplied by the number of pay lines selected). The manner in which the reel window is increased finds particular application in gaming machines that utilise Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd’s (a private Australian company) “Reel Power” technology. 15 Reel power is a methodology whereby a player may purchase a “reel” rather than a row. This allows a player to achieve a win by (potentially) any combination of symbols in a reel window. For example, in a regular 5 by 3 window, by purchasing one reel (i.e. 3 elements), the player can 20 form 3 possible paying “lines”. If a player purchases two reels, the player can form 3x3=9 pay line combinations, thereby further increasing their probability of forming a winning combination. If a player purchases three reels, the player can form 3x3x3=27 pay line combinations, 25 increasing their probability of a win outcome once again. The same is true for the purchase of 4 reels, which can form 81 pay line combinations, and 5 reels, which can form 243 pay line combinations. Pay line combinations can also be referred to as “ways” or “win lines”. 30 Applying the present embodiment to a Reel Power enabled gaming machine, it can be seen that increasing the reel window size (ie. the addition of additional symbols) increases the chance of a player winning a prize. The 35 prize may be a jackpot prize, or a non jackpot prize. The winning of a jackpot prize is best illustrated by an example, with the aid of Figures 8a and 8b. In the example 2026253976   15 Oct 2026 of Figures 8a and 8b, both examples are directed to an example where a jackpot is won by a player. However, it will be understood that the prize awarded may not be a jackpot, but may be some other prize. 5 Referring to Figure 8a, the display 54 is arranged to display a reel window 800 including five virtual reels as designated by reference numerals 802a through 802e. Each virtual reel includes three standard symbol positions 804. 10 In this example, players select columns of standard symbol positions to be included in their pay line combinations (i.e. such that symbols ultimately appearing in those selected symbol positions will be taken into account in determining game outcomes, as previously described). For a 15 bet of one (1) credit per way, the reel window remains at the regular 5 by 3 reel window size (i.e. a normal “243 way” play) with 3, 9, 27, 81 and 243 way options. However, when the player’s bet increases to two (2) credits per way, the reel window is increased by the addition of two 20 additional “spaces” for a symbol to appear (as shown in Figure 8b), effectively increasing the play to a “432 way” reel window with 3, 12, 36, 144 and 432 way options. Correspondingly, when a player increases their bet to 25 three (3) credits (not shown), the reel window grows to provide three additional spaces, providing a potential total of 576 ways, thereby further increasing the probability that a player can win a prize. 30        Referring specifically to Figure 8a, a player is betting one credit, three ways. The reel spin is initiated by the player pressing the bet button rather than the “way” button. The prize (in this example a symbol prize jackpot) is won where three (3) or more SCAT symbols 35 appear at any location on the screen. As the player receives only two SCAT symbols, no prize is won. 2026253976   15 Oct 2026 If however (referring to Figure 8b) the player chooses “3 ways” and presses the “bet 2” button, game play is initiated and reel window is enlarged to provide two additional “symbol” spaces. That is, at the conclusion of 5 game play the screen appears as shown in Figure 8b. As can be seen in Figure 8b, two additional symbols, denoted by 810 and 820, appear. In the example of Figure 8b, symbols 810 and 820 are jackpot SCAT symbols. Therefore, as the requirement for a jackpot is three SCAT symbols, the 10 player wins the jackpot. Referring now to Figures 8c and 8d, a further example embodiment is shown. According to this example, the one or more additional symbol positions are randomly 15 associated with a particular row or column. The additional symbol positions only become active (i.e. capable of displaying a symbol) if an amount bet by the player meets or exceeds a particular threshold. 20        Referring to Figure 8c, the player has elected to play the first column only (the centre line symbol positions are always selected). The dotted line shows the resulting three pay lines that will be used in determining the game outcome. 25 The additional symbol positions are not displayed until after the player has placed their bet (e.g. by selecting a reel spin button), so that the player is unable to establish whether the additional symbol 30 positions will constitute part of a selected pay-line. After the player has placed their bet, the symbol selector module 622 selects symbols to display in the standard and additional (if active) symbol positions. According to Figure 8D, the player has elected to bet twenty (20) 35 credits per pay line, which corresponds to two additional symbol positions. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art, however, that other betting functions 2026253976   15 Oct 2026 could equally be used for determining the number of additional symbol positions to display apply (e.g. the number of additional symbols may be a function of the total amount bet, etc.). 5 With the aid of the RNG 621, the two additional symbol positions 810, 820 are positioned on top of reels 802a and 802e (although it will be appreciated that the additional symbol positions could be located either above 10 or below the reels and equally on alternative ends of the rows). In the illustrated example, since the additional symbol 810 falls atop a player selected column, the displayed symbol can be used in determining a game outcome, whereas the second additional symbol 820 can not. 15 In another embodiment, additional symbol spaces can be used to form new pay lines. The player may, for example, be required to place an “ante-bet” (i.e. a bet over and above their standard bet) upon commencement of a 20 game, which allows extra pay lines which include the additional symbol spaces to be awarded. Additional or alternative requirements may include that the additional symbol spaces are located in a particular position (e.g. atop a selected reel, etc). If the requirements are met, 25 the corresponding additional pay lines are used in determining a game outcome. According to such an embodiment, the player is rewarded for selecting more columns since there is a greater likelihood that the additional symbols will be used to constitute winning pay 30 lines. For example, according to the display representation shown in Figure 8e, the player has selected to play the first three reels.  Thus, additional symbol positions 810 and 820 can both be used to form pay lines with already selected symbols, affectively increasing the 35 number of player selected pay lines from 27 to 48 (i.e. 4x3x4x1x1=48). If the player was to have purchased all reels, the number of resulting pay lines would equal 432 2026253976   15 Oct 2026 (i.e.4x3x4x3x3=432), thereby greatly increasing the player’s chance at achieving a winning outcome. It will be understood that many variations may be 5 made on the embodiment disclosed herein. For example, the symbols may not necessarily award the Jackpot, but may merely provide the player with a “chance” to win the jackpot, or the extra symbols may be utilised to form other winning combinations (not related to the winning of 10 a jackpot). In an embodiment where the additional symbols can result in a jackpot win outcome, there may be provided a plurality of symbol jackpots, each with a different value 15 and each requiring a different symbol combination to be displayed for a win. For example, three different levels of symbol driven jackpot may be offered, such as a mini jackpot (typically in the order of a hundred dollars), a midi jackpot (typically in the order of a thousand 20 dollars) and a maxi jackpot (typically in the order of tens of thousands of dollars). Each symbol driven jackpot is denoted by a different symbol. For example, one type of symbol may be associated with a mini jackpot (say, a “Jackpot1” symbol), another type of symbol may be 25 associated with a midi jackpot (say, a “Jackpot2” symbol), and yet be associated with a maxi jackpot (say, a “Jackpot3” symbol). In this manner, a player can instantly recognise which type of jackpot they have won, if the correct combination of jackpot symbols appears at the 30 conclusion of game play. In such a scenario, the additional symbols could display one or more of the three Jackpot symbols (or a combination thereof). While the example given herein refers to a jackpot 35 win outcome, it will be understood that the additional symbols may be utilised to form any suitable winning combination (jackpot or non jackpot). Indeed, the 2026253976   15 Oct 2026 embodiment of the border invention disclosed herein may be utilised on a gaming machine where no jackpot is available. 5        It will be understood that while the embodiment described herein finds use with Aristocrat’s “reel power” technology, other embodiments may be utilised in a conventional gaming machine. The embodiment and the broader invention described herein is not limited to one 10 particular type of gaming machine. Such variations and modifications are within the purview of a person skilled in the art. In the claims which follow and in the preceding 15  description of the invention, except where the context 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, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but 20 not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not 25 constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Claims

1. A triggering method for a win outcome on a gaming5 device that includes: a display, a credit input mechanism operable to establish credits on the gaming machine, thecredit input mechanism including at least one of a coininput chute, a bill collector, a card reader and a ticketreader, meters configured for monitoring credits10  established via the credit input mechanism and changes tothe established credits due to play of the gaming machine,the meters including a credit meter to which credit inputvia the credit input mechanism is added, a random numbergenerator, a game play mechanism including a plurality of15  buttons configured for operation by a player to input awager from the established credits and to initiate a playof a game, and a game controller comprising a processorand memory storing (i) game program code, and (ii) symboldata, and wherein the game controller is operable to20 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 playmechanism, said method comprising:25        determining an amount of credit to wager on the gameon commencement of game play on the gaming device, whereinthe game comprises displaying a predefined plurality ofsymbols, selected from the symbol data using the random number generator, in respective initial display positions30 on the display, a winning outcome being defined by predetermined combinations of symbols displayed in the respective initial display positions;further determining whether an additional credit is wagered on the game, and, in response to receiving the35 additional credit, setting a plurality of additionaldisplay positions to be displayed in the game in addition to the initial display positions, such that the total2026253976   15 Oct 2026number of display positions displayed is proportional to the total amount of credit wagered on the game, whereinwagering additional credit on play of the game therebyaffects the probability of a win outcome being generated5 as a result of an increased number of total display positions, wherein the plurality of additional displaypositions are randomly positioned adjacent to one of the plurality of initial display positions, and wherein respective additional display positions are only active if10 they are adjacent an active initial display position.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising satisfying a trigger condition when a specific symbol combination is displayed.

153. The method according to claim 2, further comprising causing a feature game to commence, a prize to be awarded,or multiplying a prize for a winning outcome when thetrigger condition is satisfied.

204. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the number of symbol positions displayed isincreased by a particular amount when the amount of creditbet exceeds or meets predetermined specific value.

255. The method according to claim 4, wherein the particularamount corresponds to the amount bet.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,30 wherein the game is a reel game and the number of symbol positions displayed is dependent on an amount bet per payline selected in the reel game.

7. A jackpot triggering method for symbol jackpots, in a35 gaming device that includes: a display, a credit input mechanism operable to establish credits on the gaming machine, the credit input mechanism including at least one2026253976   15 Oct 2026of a coin input chute, a bill collector, a card reader anda ticket reader, meters configured for monitoring credits established via the credit input mechanism and changes tothe established credits due to play of the gaming machine,5 the meters including a credit meter to which credit inputvia the credit input mechanism is added, a random numbergenerator, a game play mechanism including a plurality ofbuttons configured for operation by a player to input awager from the established credits and to initiate a play10 of a game, and a game controller comprising a processorand memory storing (i) game program code, and (ii) symboldata, 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 15 game program code stored in the memory and responsive toinitiation of the play of the game with the game playmechanism the method comprising:determining an amount of credit to wager on the gameon commencement of game play on the gaming device, wherein 20 the game comprises displaying a predefined plurality of symbols, selected from the symbol data using the random number generator, in respective initial display positions on the display, a winning outcome being defined by predetermined combinations of symbols displayed in the25 respective initial display positions; andfurther determining whether an additional credit is wagered on the game, and, in response to receiving theadditional credit, setting a plurality of additional display positions to be displayed in the game in addition30 to the initial display positions, such that the total number of display positions displayed is proportional to the total amount of credit wagered on the game, whereinwagering additional credit on play of the game therebyaffects the probability of a win outcome being generated 35 as a result of an increased number of total display positions, wherein the plurality of additional displaypositions are randomly positioned adjacent to one of the2026253976   15 Oct 2026plurality of initial display positions, and whereinrespective additional display positions are only active if they are adjacent an active initial display position.5  8. A method as claimed in claim 7, wherein a correctsymbol combination causes the jackpot to be awarded to the player.

9. A method as claimed in claim 7, wherein a correct10 symbol combination invokes an additional game that provides the player with an opportunity to win the jackpot.

10. A method as claimed in claim 7, wherein a plurality of 15 jackpots are available, each jackpot requiring a different symbol combination.

11. A gaming system comprising:a display operable to display a predefined plurality20 of initial symbol positions and optionally one or more additional symbol positions;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 bill25 collector, a card reader and a ticket reader;meters configured for monitoring credits establishedvia the credit input mechanism and changes to theestablished credits due to play of the gaming machine, the meters including a credit meter to which credit input via30 the credit input mechanism is added and a win meter;a random number generator;a game play mechanism including a plurality ofbuttons configured for operation by a player to input a wager from the established credits and to initiate a play 35 of a game; and2026253976   15 Oct 2026a game controller comprising a processor and memory storing (i) game program code, and (ii) symbol data defining reels, and wherein the game controller isoperable to assign prize values to combinations of symbols5 as required during play of the game, the game controller executing the game program code storedin the memory and responsive to initiation of the play ofthe game with the game play mechanism to:determine an amount wagered on a game on commencement10 of the game;select symbols, from the symbol data using the randomnumber generator, for display in the plurality of initialsymbol positions, a winning outcome being defined bypredetermined combinations of symbols displayed in the15 respective initial display positions, and, determinewhether an additional credit is wagered on the game, and,in response to receiving the additional credit, select and display symbols in the additional symbol position(s); and20        determine an outcome of the game based on thedisplayed symbols, wherein the plurality of additionaldisplay positions displayed in the game in addition to theinitial display positions is set such that the total number of display positions is proportional to the total25 amount of credit wagered on the game, wherein wagering additional credit on play of the game thereby affects theprobability of a win outcome being generated as a resultof an increased number of total display positions, whereinthe plurality of additional display positions are randomly30 positioned adjacent to one of the plurality of initial display positions, and wherein respective additional display positions are only active if they are adjacent an active initial display position.2026253976   15 Oct 202612. A gaming system as claimed in claim 11, wherein asymbol is displayed in the additional symbol position(s)when the amount bet meets or exceeds a designated5 threshold.

13. A gaming system as claimed in claim 11, wherein thesystem is arranged such that when a particular number or combination of symbols are displayed in the standard10 and / or additional symbol positions, a trigger condition is satisfied.

14. A gaming system as claimed in claim 11, wherein theplurality of standard symbols are displayed in a format15 having an array of rows and columns and whereby the oreach additional symbol position is associated with one of the rows or columns.

15. A gaming system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the 20 trigger condition causes a feature game to commence, triggers a win outcome, or multiplies a prize awarded for a winning outcome.

16. A gaming system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the25 win outcome is the awarding of a jackpot prize.

17. A gaming system as claimed in claim 14, wherein thesystem is arranged such that standard symbol positionsdefine at least one player selectable payline used to30  determine a game outcome, and such that symbols displayedin the additional symbol position(s) can also form part of a payline dependent on their location.

18. A gaming system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the35 row or column with which the, or each, additional symbol position is associated is randomly determined.2026253976   15 Oct 202619. A gaming system comprising:a plurality of gaming devices which may participate in a jackpot by making jackpot contributions, each gaming device comprising a display, a credit input mechanism5 operable to establish 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 ticketreader, meters configured for monitoring credits established via the credit input mechanism and changes to10 the established credits due to play of the gaming machine, the meters including a credit meter to which credit inputvia the credit input mechanism is added, a random number generator, a game play mechanism including a plurality ofbuttons configured for operation by a player to input a15 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, and wherein the game controller is operable to assign prize values to combinations of symbols as required20 during play of the game, the game controller executing the game program code stored in the memory and responsive toinitiation of the play of the game with the game playmechanism; anda jackpot controller arranged to:25 for each of the plurality of gaming devices, determine an amount of credit to wager on the game on commencement ofgame play on the gaming device, wherein the game comprisesdisplaying a predefined plurality of symbols in respectiveinitial display positions on a display of the gaming30 device, a winning outcome being defined by predetermined combinations of symbols displayed in the respective initial display positions; further determine whether an additional credit is wagered on the game, and, in response to receiving the additional credit, set a plurality of35 additional display positions to be displayed in the game in addition to the initial display positions, such that the total number of display positions displayed is2026253976   15 Oct 2026proportional to the total amount of credit wagered on thegame, wherein wagering additional credit on play of thegame thereby affects the probability of a win outcomebeing generated as a result of an increased number of5 total display positions, wherein the plurality of additional display positions are randomly positionedadjacent to one of the plurality of initial display positions, and wherein respective additional display positions are only active if they are adjacent an active10 initial display position.

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