Novel wager gaming machines, gaming servers, and power consumption control methods for intelligently controlling power consumed by a wager gaming machine in a manner that does not discourage or prevent use of the gaming machine are described. A component of a gaming machine, for example, a ticket printer, is powered down when it has been determined that, based on usage pattern data, the component is not likely to be used. Usage pattern data are derived from raw activity usage data for a machine and its components. Components that are not powered based on the usage pattern data can be powered upon detecting an action implying that a user will be using the machine, for example, a card read or bill insert. A power controller processes signals conveying rules based on the usage pattern data and may also process a signal conveying a user-initiated action if there is one, to form a command to power up or turn off one or more gaming machine components.