AU2012202169A1 - Method of gaming, a gaming system and a game controller - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A method of gaming in a gaming system comprises selecting a set of symbols for play of a first game, the symbols 5 being displayed to a player in a set of display positions, selecting one or more of the display positions to associate with an additional bonus symbol for play of a second game, wherein outcomes of the first game are independent of outcomes of the second game, activating a 10 bonus feature based on an outcome of the second game when a number of display positions associated with bonus symbols is at least a bonus threshold, and determining an outcome of the first game based at least on the selected symbols. 3293012_1 (GHMatters) P77301.AU.1 13/04/12 INSTRUCTIONS R SYMBOL SELECTOR SYMBOL Display FEATURE 625 BONUS SYMBOL Game Play BONUSSYMBOL Mechanism ADDITIONAL DATA BONUS SYMBOL 644 DETERMINER PRIZE DATA Figure 6 32930121 (GHMatters) P77301.AU.1 13/04/12

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Standard Patent Applicant: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Invention Title: METHOD OF GAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM AND A GAME CONTROLLER The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to me/us: -2 Title A METHOD OF GAMING, A GAMING SYSTEM AND A GAME CONTROLLER 5 Related Application This application is a divisional application of Australian application no. 2009201744, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 10 Field The present invention relates to a method of gaming, a gaming system and a game controller. 15 Background to the Invention Gaming systems are known comprising a game controller arranged to randomly display several symbols from a 20 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 implemented as a video machine with selected symbols are displayed in virtual display positions corresponding for example to playing 25 cards, on a video display. Commonly bonus symbols can appear during such games which signify that the player has been awarded a free game or other similar bonus. 30 There is a need for alternative or enhanced methods and systems for awarding free games and other bonuses to add to player enjoyment. 35 Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method of gaming in a gaming system comprising: 32930121 (GHMatters) P77301.AU.1 13/04/12 -3 selecting a set of symbols for play of a first game, the symbols being displayed to a player in a set of display positions; selecting one or more of the display positions to 5 associate with an additional bonus symbol for play of a second game, wherein outcomes of the first game are independent of outcomes of the second game; activating a bonus feature based on an outcome of the second game when a number of display positions 10 associated with bonus symbols is at least a bonus threshold; and determining an outcome of the first game based at least on the selected symbols. In one embodiment the symbols selected play of the first 15 game are symbols of playing cards for an initial deal of poker. In an embodiment the player may replace one or more cards in subsequent deals and the method comprises determining in respect of each replaced card whether to provide a bonus symbol at its corresponding display 20 position. In one embodiment the bonus threshold is three. In one embodiment the step of activating the bonus feature 25 comprises awarding at least one free game round. In one embodiment the step of determining the game round outcome is also based on the bonus feature. In an embodiment the step of determining the game round outcome 30 comprises increasing prize amounts if the bonus feature is activated. In one embodiment a plurality of additional bonus symbols may be provided at each display position. In an embodiment 35 each bonus symbol surrounds the selected symbol at the display position. According to a second aspect of the invention there is 3293012_1 (GHMatters) P77301.AU.1 13/04/12 provided a gaming system comprising: a display for symbols to be displayed in a set of display positions to a player; a symbol selector for selecting a set of symbols 5 for play of a first game, the symbols being displayed to a player at the set of display positions; an additional bonus symbol provider for selecting one or more of the display positions to associate with an additional bonus symbol for play of a second game, wherein 10 outcomes of the first game are independent of outcomes of the second game; a bonus feature activator for activating a bonus feature based on an outcome of the second game when a number of display positions associated with bonus symbols 15 is at least a bonus threshold; and an outcome determiner for determining a game round outcome based at least on the selected symbols. In one embodiment the symbol selector is adapted to display symbols of playing cards for an initial deal of 20 poker. In an embodiment the player may replace one or more cards in subsequent deals and the additional bonus symbol provider is adapted to determine in respect of each replaced card whether to provide an additional bonus symbol at its corresponding display position. 25 In one embodiment the bonus threshold is three. In one embodiment the step bonus feature activator is adapted to award at least one free game round. 30 In one embodiment the game round outcome determiner is adapted to determined the game round outcome also on the basis of the bonus feature. In an embodiment the game round outcome determiner is adapted to increase prize 35 amounts if the bonus feature is activated. In one embodiment the additional bonus symbol provider is adapted to provide a plurality of additional bonus symbols 3293012_1 (GHMatters) P77301.AU.1 13/04/12 -5 associated with a display position. In an embodiment the additional bonus symbol provider is adapted to provide each bonus symbol such that it surrounds the selected symbol at the display position. 5 In an embodiment, the gaming system comprises a game play mechanism operable by a player to make a wager and initiate a play of the game. 10 In an embodiment, the gaming system comprises a processor arranged to execute code stored in a memory to implement the symbol selector, additional symbol provider, bonus feature activator and outcome determiner. 15 According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a game controller comprising: a symbol selector for selecting a set of symbols for play of a first game, the symbols being displayed to a player at a set of display positions; 20 an additional bonus symbol provider for selecting one or more of the display positions to associate with an additional bonus symbol for play of a second game, wherein outcomes of the first game are independent of outcomes of the second game; 25 a bonus feature activator for activating a bonus feature based on an outcome of the second game when a number of display positions associated with bonus symbols is at least a bonus threshold; and an outcome determiner for determining a game 30 round outcome based at least on the selected symbols. In one embodiment the symbol selector is adapted to select symbols of playing cards for an initial deal of poker. In an embodiment the player may replace one or more cards in 35 subsequent deals and the additional bonus symbol provider is adapted to determine in respect of each replaced card whether to provide an additional bonus symbol at its corresponding display position. 3293012_1 (GHMatters) P77301.AU.1 13/04/12 - 6 In one embodiment the bonus threshold is three. In one embodiment the step bonus feature activator is 5 adapted to award at least one free game round. In one embodiment the game round outcome determiner is adapted to determined the game round outcome also on the basis of the bonus feature. 10 In an embodiment the game round outcome determiner is adapted to increase prize amounts if the bonus feature is activated. 15 In one embodiment the additional bonus symbol provider is adapted to provide a plurality of additional bonus symbols associated with a display position. In an embodiment the additional bonus symbol provider is adapted to provide each bonus symbol such that it surrounds the selected 20 symbol at the display position. In one embodiment at least one of the symbol selector, the additional bonus symbol provider, the bonus feature 25 activator and the outcome determiner is implemented at least in part, by a processor executing code stored in a memory. According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is 30 provided a gaming system comprising: means for displaying symbols in a set of display positions; means for selecting a set of symbols for play of a first game, the symbols being displayed to a player at the set of display positions; 35 means for selecting one or more of the display positions to associate with an additional bonus symbol for play of a second game, wherein outcomes of the first game are independent of outcomes of the second game; 3293012_1 (GHMattere) P27301.AU.1 13/04/12 - 7 means for activating a bonus feature based on an outcome of the second game when a number of display positions associated with bonus symbols is at least a bonus threshold; and 5 means for determining an outcome of the first game based at least on the selected symbols. According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided an electronic gaming machine comprising: 10 a display for displaying a first game including displaying symbols in a set of display positions to a player and a second game; at least one input device operable to initiate a play of the first and second games; 15 a game controller comprising a processor and a memory storing computer readable instructions, the processor executing the program code to implement the first and second games, in which the game controller selects a set of symbols for play of a first game, the 20 symbols being displayed to a player in a set of display positions, the game controller selects one or more of the display positions to associate with an additional bonus symbol for play of a second game, wherein outcomes of the first game are independent of outcomes of the second game, 25 the game controller activates a bonus feature based on an outcome of the second game when a number of display positions associated with bonus symbols is at least a bonus threshold, and the game controller determines an outcome of the first game based at least on the selected 30 symbols. According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided computer program code when executed by a computer causes the computer to implement any of the embodiments of 35 the method of gaming of the first aspect of the invention. According to a seventh aspect of the invention there is provided a computer readable medium comprising the program 3293012_1 (GHMatters) P77301.AU.1 13/04/12 - 8 code of the sixth aspect of the invention. According to an eighth aspect of the invention there is provided a data signal comprising the computer program 5 code of the sixth aspect of the invention. Brief Description of Drawings Figure 1 is a block diagram of the core components of a 10 gaming system. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a stand alone single player gaming machine; 15 Figure 3 is a block diagram of the functional components of a gaming machine; Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the functional components of a memory; 20 Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a network gaming system; Figure 6 is a further block diagram of the multiplayer 25 gaming system of the current invention; Figure 7 shows a flow diagram for the method of an embodiment of the invention; and 30 Figure 8A and 8B is a display as viewed during stages of a game according to an embodiment of the invention. Detailed Description 35 Referring to the drawings, there is shown a gaming system having a game controller arranged to implement a game, such as a card game, in which additional bonus symbols may be awarded which may result in activation of a bonus 3293012_1 (GHMatters) P77301.AU.1 13/04/12 -9 feature independently of the outcome of the rest of the game. In one embodiment the bonus feature is an additional prize. 5 The gaming system may take a number of different forms. In a first form of the single player component of the invention, a stand alone gaming machine is provided wherein all or most components required for implementing the game are present in a player operable gaming machine. 10 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 gaming machine and some of the components required for implementing the 15 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 the game is executed remotely, such as by a gaming server; or a "thin client" 20 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 the player and receive gaming inputs from the player. 25 However, it will be understood that other 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 30 gaming server are selectively modifiable. 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 35 skilled in the art. Irrespective of the form, the gaming system comprises several core components. At the broadest level, the core 3293012_1 (GHMatters) P77301.AU.1 13/04/12 - 10 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 the gaming system and for this purpose includes the 5 input/output components required for the player to enter instructions and play the game. Components of the player interface may vary from embodiment to embodiment but will typically include a 10 credit mechanism 52 to enable a player to input credits and receive payouts, one or more displays 54, a game play mechanism 56 comprising one or more input devices that enable a player to input game play instructions (e.g. to place bets), and one or more speakers 58. 15 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 20 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 accordance with game play rules and may include: a 25 microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic device or other computational device, a general purpose computer (e.g. a PC) or a server. A gaming system in the form of a stand alone gaming 30 machine 10 is illustrated in Figure 2. The gaming machine 10 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 houses a bank of buttons 22 for enabling a player to 35 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 chute 24A and a bill collector 24B. Other credit input 3293012_1 (GHMatters) P77301.AU.1 13/04/12 - 11 mechanisms may also be employed, for example, a card reader for reading a smart card, debit card or credit card. A player marketing module (not shown) having a reading device may also be provided for the purpose of 5 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 medium capable of being read by the reading device. 10 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 15 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 video display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen 20 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 electromechanical device. The top box 26 may also include a display, for example a video display unit, which may be 25 of the same type as the display 14, or of a different type. Figure 3 shows a block diagram of operative components of a typical gaming machine which may be the same as or 30 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, 35 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 3293012_1 (GHMatters) P?7301.AU.1 13/04/12 - 12 represented by the memory 103. The gaming machine has hardware meters 104 for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring 5 player credit, an input/output (I/0) interface 105 for communicating with peripheral devices of the 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 10 for use with the input/output interface or the peripheral devices. A random number generator module 113 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. 15 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 20 108, a printer 109, a bill acceptor and/or coin 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 the specific implementation. For example, while buttons or 25 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 instructions may be used. For example, in some gaming machines a mechanical handle is used to initiate a 30 play of the game. In addition, the gaming machine 100 may include a communications interface, for example a network card 112. The network card may, for example, send status 35 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. 3293012_1 (GHMatters) P77301.AU.1 13/04/12 - 13 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 5 103A typically temporarily holds program files for 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 10 integrity of which may be verified and/or authenticated by the processor 102 using protected code from the EPROM 103B or elsewhere. It is also possible for the operative components of the 15 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. Figure 5 shows a gaming system 200 in accordance with an 20 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 two gaming machines 202 in Figure 5, are connected to the network 201. The gaming machines 202 provide a player 25 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 implementing game play. While banks 203 of two gaming machines are illustrated in Figure 5, banks of one, three 30 or more gaming machines are also envisaged. One or more displays 204 may also be connected to the network 201. For example, the displays 204 may be associated with one or more banks 203 of gaming machines. 35 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 promotional or informational material. 3293012_1 (GHMatters) P77301.AU.1 13/04/12 - 14 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 5 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 10 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 accounting functions for the Jackpot game. A loyalty program server 212 may also be provided. 15 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 embodiment, 20 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 gaming machines 25 could be computer terminals, e.g. PCs running software that provides a player interface operable using standard computer input and output components. Servers are also typically provided to assist in the 30 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 relating to particular games. An administrator terminal 210 is provided to allow an administrator to run the 35 network 201 and the devices connected to the network. The gaming system 200 may communicate with other gaming systems, other local networks, for example a corporate 32930121 (GHMatters) P77301.AU.1 13/04/12 - 15 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 5 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 separate server may be provided. For example, the game 10 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 provided to run different games or a single game server 15 may run a plurality of different games as required by the terminals. Embodiments of the current invention relate to systems that implement a game of video poker, where card symbols 20 are presented face down or face up in a plurality, typically five, of display positions on the display. The game controller of one embodiment is shown in more detail in Figure 6. Game controller 60 incorporates 25 processor 62 and memory 64, and is operably connected with display 54 and game play mechanism 56. Processor 62 incorporates random number generator 650 connected to symbol selector 610 and additional bonus symbol provider 620. Symbol selector 610 and bonus symbol activator 625 30 provide data to outcome determiner 630. Memory 64 comprises game instructions 644, symbol sets 641 from which symbols are selected, symbol data 642 of the selected symbols, bonus symbol set 643 from which the bonus symbols are selected, bonus symbol data 644 35 recording the identity and position of all selected and distributed bonus symbols, prize data 645 containing the prizes for various winning combinations of the selected symbols and meter data 646 containing the aggregate prize 3293012_1 (GHMatters) P77301.AU.1 13/04/12 - 16 outcomes determined by outcome determiner 630 as well as the player's credit balance. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that one or 5 more of these components could be provided in other ways, for example by a dedicated circuit. In an example of a game to which the invention is applied, with reference to Figure 7, play is started by the player 10 providing game credit, and in step 1201 the game symbols are selected from symbol set 641 by symbol selector 610 using random number generator 650. In one embodiment, the symbol set 641 may define a deck of cards. The selected symbols are stored a symbol data 642. In a typical 15 embodiment, each card is selected (or drawn) independently, each card has an equal probability of being selected, and cards are removed from further draws once selected. 20 In addition, it is determined whether one or more additional bonus symbols are to be provided by additional bonus symbol provider 620 using random number generator 650 and the display positions at which they are to be provided. In one embodiment, all bonus symbols are the 25 same. In another embodiment, there are a variety of different bonus symbols specified by bonus symbol set 643. In one embodiment, the bonus symbol provider 620 determines whether a bonus symbol should be provided independently for each display position; and the odds of a 30 bonus symbol being selected for any position are adjusted to give a desired probability of certain numbers of bonus symbols being selected. In another embodiment, the trial conducted by random number generator is to determine the number of bonus symbols to be displayed across the display 35 positions. In some embodiments more than one bonus symbol may be associated with a display position. These steps are exemplified in detail in example 1 below. 3293012_1 (GHMatters) P77301.AU.1 13/04/12 - 17 In step 1202 bonus feature activator 625 determines whether the number of additional bonus symbols provided is greater than the bonus threshold, and if so, records in step 1203 that the bonus feature is activated in this case 5 the award of a bonus game on the next round. Another example is the award of a bonus multiplier. In this example, step 1202 is shown as occurring after the game symbol selection in step 1201, but in many examples of multi-step game rounds such as draw poker, the 10 distribution of bonus symbols will occur in parallel with the steps of the game round. In one exemplary embodiment, the bonus feature may be activated after the initial deal of draw poker, or if it has not been activated, the player's decision to draw a card which can result in the 15 award of the bonus feature. That is, in one embodiment, for each card that is redrawn a determination may be made by additional bonus symbol provider 620, using random number generator 650, whether a further bonus symbol should be selected at the display position corresponding 20 to the card which is replaced. In step 1204, the game round outcome is determined, on the basis of the selected symbols and optionally activation of the bonus feature. In step 1205 and 1206, the player is given a free game for the next game round if the bonus feature was awarded. 25 Example 1 A detailed example of an embodiment of the invention will now be described. 30 Referring now to figure 8A, a display during a round of video poker is shown. The 5 display positions 810a to 810e are shown each with card symbols displayed. These cards are selected from a symbol. At this point the "cards" are 35 not necessarily fixed, or held in the hand. In figure 8B is shown the display a short time later, where two additional bonus symbols can be seen in the upper right corner provided on two of the display positions, 810b and 3293012_1 (GHMatters) P77301.AU.1 13/04/12 - 18 810e. The additional bonus symbols have been provided according to a random selection made using random number generator 650. In this embodiment the bonus symbols can appear on any display position, regardless of whether or 5 not the cards are finally selected to be in the player's hand. The bonus threshold is three, so one more additional bonus symbol is required before the bonus feature, a free game round, is activated. An anticipatory sound or visual effect is presented to the player to alert them to the 10 fact that if in the next game round step another additional bonus symbol appears, they will activate the bonus feature. The already provided bonus symbols stay in their display positions for the remainder of the game round. In this example, the player decides to replace four 15 cards. In figure 8C is shown the final hand with the replaced cards, in the instance where the player is successful in activating the bonus feature. Note that in this example two of the bonus symbols are retained from the previous round and another random selection has 20 determined that display position 810c will also receive an additional bonus symbol. That is, the game controller ahs determined whether or not to add bonus symbols at positions 810c and 810d. The total number of additional bonus symbols being three, equal to the bonus threshold, a 25 triumphant sound or visual effect communicates the activation of the bonus feature to the player, being a free game round for the next round. Outcome determiner 630 also awards a prize for three Aces in the current game round and updates prize data 645, which in some 30 embodiments may be increased by the fact of the bonus game having been awarded. It will thus be appreciated that in this example, the player's decision to replace cards to improve the poker hand does not have a negative effect on the player's position in respect of activating the bonus 35 feature. In other embodiments, the replacement of a card could result in the removal of a bonus symbol from that position (which may then be replaced by another bonus symbol if it is determined that a bonus symbol should 3293012_1 (GHMatters) P27301.AU.1 13/04/12 - 19 appear). In embodiments, where bonus symbols are retained independently of the cards, it may a fresh determination may be made for all replaced cards (such that there may be more than one bonus symbol at a position) or only for 5 those where the bonus symbol has not been previously selected. An advantage of this embodiment, it combines the popularity of a video poker card game with an additional 10 game. An advantage of certain embodiments resides in the concept of the bonus threshold, which means that bonus symbols can appear more frequently and increase player excitement and 15 anticipation since the bonus feature is not activated unless the threshold number of symbols appear during the round. An advantage of certain embodiments, is that the player 20 can purse the best poker hand without having a negative effect on activation of the bonus feature. The application of the invention to poker is not restricted to any particular temporal coincidence of the 25 steps of the poker had and the possible appearance of bonus symbols. While in some embodiments the appearance of the symbols is timed to occur gradually to increase player anticipation, in other embodiments the bonus symbols can appear together at the conclusion of the game round. 30 The invention is also not restricted to any particular form of the bonus symbol, which is intended to encompass other symbolic indicators such as colour change, dynamic flashing effects, or border effects associated with a 35 specific display position. Any visual indicator that informs the player that a display position has been provided with an analogous benefit is thus an additional bonus symbol within the scope of the invention. One 3293012_1 (GHMatters) P77301.AU.1 13/04/12 - 20 particularly, advantageous bonus symbol is to provide a border around the basic symbol, for example a border of fire, indicating a "hot" position. 5 As is known in the art, the alteration of odds by virtue of the benefits of the bonus feature activation can be compensated by removing a fraction of a prize on the determination of each game round outcome, or by credit provided by "ante bet" to made by the player before play 10 commences. In some embodiments, an eligibility criteria may be applied, for example that the player has made a certain sized wager, made an ante bet, selected all win lines, 15 played sufficient games, or the player is a member of a loyalty program. The bonus symbols may only be available at certain stages of a game, for example in response to a trigger event such 20 as a symbol combination in the game, occurrence of a specific symbol in the game, purchased, be caused by another connected system, based on turnover etc. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the method 25 of the embodiment could be embodied in program code. The program code could be supplied in a number of ways, for example on a computer readable medium, such as a disc or a memory (for example, that could replace part of memory 103) or as a data signal (for example, by downloading it 30 from a server). Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that many variations may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, that 35 additional embodiments may be formed by combining features from the above embodiments and examples. In the claims which follow and in the preceding 3293012_1 (GHMatters) P77301.AU.1 13/04/12 - 21 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, 5 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. It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication 10 is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. 15 3293012_1 (GHMattere) P77301.AU.1 13/04/12

Claims (36)

1. A method of gaming in a gaming system comprising: selecting a set of symbols for play of a first 5 game, the symbols being displayed to a player in a set of display positions; selecting one or more of the display positions to associate with an additional bonus symbol for play of a second game, wherein outcomes of the first game are 10 independent of outcomes of the second game; activating a bonus feature based on an outcome of the second game when a number of display positions associated with bonus symbols is at least a bonus threshold; and 15 determining an outcome of the first game based at least on the selected symbols.

2. A method of gaming as claimed in claim 1 wherein the symbols selected for play of the first game are 20 symbols of playing cards for an initial deal of poker.

3. A method of gaming as claimed in claim 2 wherein the player may replace one or more cards in subsequent deals and the method comprises determining in respect of 25 each replaced card whether to provide a bonus symbol at its corresponding display position.

4. A method of gaming as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the bonus threshold is three. 30

5. A method of gaming as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the step of activating the bonus feature comprises awarding at least one free game round. 35

6. A method of gaming as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the step of determining the game round outcome is also based on the bonus feature. 3293012_1 (GHMatters) P77301.AU.1 13/04/12 - 23

7. A method of gaming as claimed in claim 6 wherein the step of determining the game round outcome comprises increasing prize amounts if the bonus feature is activated. 5

8. A method of gaming as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein a plurality of additional bonus symbols may be provided at each display position. 10

9. A method of gaming as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein each bonus symbol surrounds the selected symbol at the display position.

10. A gaming system comprising: 15 a display for symbols to be displayed in a set of display positions to a player; a symbol selector for selecting a set of symbols for play of a first game, the symbols being displayed to a player at the set of display positions; 20 an additional bonus symbol provider for selecting one or more of the display positions to associate with an additional bonus symbol for play of a second game, wherein outcomes of the first game are independent of outcomes of the second game; 25 a bonus feature activator for activating a bonus feature based on an outcome of the second game when a number of display positions associated with bonus symbols is at least a bonus threshold; and an outcome determiner for determining a game 30 round outcome based at least on the selected symbols.

11. A gaming system as claimed in claim 10 wherein the symbol selector is adapted to select symbols of playing cards for an initial deal of poker. 35

12. A gaming system as claimed in claim 11 wherein the player may replace one or more cards in subsequent deals and the additional bonus symbol provider is adapted 3293012_1 (GHMattero) P77301.AU.1 13/04/12 - 24 to determine in respect of each replaced card whether to provide an additional bonus symbol at its corresponding display position. 5

13. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12 wherein the bonus threshold is three.

14. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13 wherein the bonus feature activator is adapted to 10 award at least one free game round.

15. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 14 wherein the game round outcome determiner is adapted to determine the game round outcome also on the 15 basis of the bonus feature.

16. A gaming system as claimed in claim 15 wherein the game round outcome determiner is adapted to increase prize amounts if the bonus feature is activated. 20

17. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12 wherein the additional bonus symbol provider is adapted to provide a plurality of additional bonus symbols associated with a display position. 25

18. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 17 wherein the additional bonus symbol provider is adapted to provide each bonus symbol such that it surrounds the selected symbol at the display position. 30

19. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 18, comprising a game play mechanism operable by a player to make a wager and initiate a play of the game. 35

20. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 19, comprising a processor arranged to execute code stored in a memory to implement the symbol selector, additional symbol provider, bonus feature activator and 32930121 (GHMatters) P77301.AU.1 13/04/12 - 25 outcome determiner.

21. A game controller comprising a symbol selector for selecting a set of symbols 5 for play of a first game, the symbols being displayed to a player at a set of display positions; an additional bonus symbol provider for selecting one or more of the display positions to associate with an additional bonus symbol for play of a second game, wherein 10 outcomes of the first game are independent of outcomes of the second game; a bonus feature activator for activating a bonus feature based on an outcome of the second game when a number of display positions associated with bonus symbols 15 is at least a bonus threshold; and an outcome determiner for determining a game round outcome based at least on the selected symbols.

22. A game controller as claimed in claim 21 wherein 20 the symbol selector is adapted to select symbols of playing cards for an initial deal of poker.

23. A game controller as claimed in claim 22 wherein the player may replace one or more cards in subsequent 25 deals and the additional bonus symbol provider is adapted to determine in respect of each replaced card whether to provide an additional bonus symbol at its corresponding display position. 30

24. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 23 wherein the bonus threshold is three.

25. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 24 wherein the bonus feature activator is adapted to 35 award at least one free game round.

26. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 25 wherein the game round outcome determiner is 3293012_1 (GHMatters) P77301.AU.1 13/04/12 - 26 adapted to determined the game round outcome also on the basis of the bonus feature.

27. A game controller as claimed in claim 26 wherein 5 the game round outcome determiner is adapted to increase prize amounts if the bonus feature is activated.

28. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 27 wherein the additional bonus symbol provider is 10 adapted to provide a plurality of additional bonus symbols associated with a display position.

29. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 28 wherein the additional bonus symbol 15 provider is adapted to provide each bonus symbol such that it surrounds the selected symbol at the display position.

30. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 29 wherein at least one of the symbol selector, the 20 additional bonus symbol provider, the bonus feature activator and the outcome determiner is implemented at least in part, by a processor executing code stored in a memory. 25

31. A gaming system comprising: means for displaying symbols in a set of display positions; means for selecting a set of symbols for play of a first game, the symbols being displayed to a player at 30 the set of display positions; means for selecting one or more of the display positions to associate with an additional bonus symbol for play of a second game, wherein outcomes of the first game are independent of outcomes of the second game; 35 means for activating a bonus feature based on an outcome of the second game when a number of display positions associated with bonus symbols is at least a bonus threshold; and 3293012_1 (GHMatters) P77301.AU.1 13/04/12 - 27 means for determining an outcome of the first game based at least on the selected symbols.

32. An electronic gaming machine comprising: 5 a display for displaying a first game including displaying symbols in a set of display positions to a player and a second game; at least one input device operable to initiate a play of the first and second games; 10 a game controller comprising a processor and a memory storing computer readable instructions, the processor executing the program code to implement the first and second games, in which the game controller selects a set of symbols for play of a first game, the 15 symbols being displayed to a player in a set of display positions, the game controller selects one or more of the display positions to associate with an additional bonus symbol for play of a second game, wherein outcomes of the first game are independent of outcomes of the second game, 20 the game controller activates a bonus feature based on an outcome of the second game when a number of display positions associated with bonus symbols is at least a bonus threshold, and the game controller determines an outcome of the first game based at least on the selected 25 symbols.

33. Computer program code which when executed by a computer causes computer causes the computer to implement the method of gaming of any one of claims 1 to 9. 30

34. A computer readable medium comprising the program code of claim 33.

35. A data signal comprising the computer program 35 code of claim 33.

36. Receiving or transmitting the computer program code of claim 33. 3293012_1 (GHMatters) P77301.AU.1 13/04/12