AU2020244446A1 - Gaming device with dynamically changing reel strips - Google Patents

Abstract

A gaming device comprises a display, a processor, and a memory storing (i) a trigger data structure defining a first triggering combination of symbols, (ii) a reel strip data structure defining a plurality of reel strips and defining an association between each reel strip and five columns of symbol positions, wherein individual ones of the plurality of reel strips are associated with the first and second columns of symbol positions respectively and at least two different reel strips of the plurality of reel strips are associated with the third column, the at least two different reel strips comprising a default reel strip and a guaranteed win reel strip having a symbol arrangement that guarantees evaluation of the selected symbols will result in at least one prize award in conjunction with the first triggering combination of symbols, and (iii) instructions. When the instructions are executed by the processor, they cause the processor to conduct a random symbol selection process to populate the plurality of columns of symbol positions with symbols. The symbol selection process comprises selecting symbols from the individual ones of the plurality of reel strips associated with the first and second columns, a triggered process comprising, upon the selected symbols for the first column and second column including the first triggering combination, selecting symbols for the third column from the guaranteed win reel strip, and a default process for when the triggered process is not conducted comprising selecting symbols for the third column by selecting symbols for the third column from the default reel strip. When the instructions are executed by the processor, they also cause the processor to control the display to display the selected symbols at the respective symbol positions, evaluate the selected symbols to determine whether to make one or more prize awards including by, where the guaranteed win reel strip is used, determining the at least one prize award based on at least the selected symbols for the third column, and increment a win meter by each made prize award. 500 510 Initiate base game 520 Select symbols 525 Display symbols 530 Evaluate symbols based on pay lines 40 Reel strip changed? Y Evaluate cash on reel symbols N ~ from 3 dto 5 thcolumns 555 Update win meter 560 557 Feature trigger? Conduct free games ~N y580 END FIG. 5

Description

510 Initiate base game

520

Select symbols

525

Display symbols

530 Evaluate symbols based on pay lines

40

Reel strip changed? Y Evaluate cash on reel symbols from 3 dto 5 thcolumns

N ~

555 Update win meter

560

557

Feature trigger? Conduct free games

~N

y580 END

FIG. 5

GAMING DEVICE WITH DYNAMICALLY CHANGING REEL STRIPS FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a gaming device, a method of operating a gaming device and a gaming system.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Electronic gaming machines ("EGMs") or gaming devices provide a variety of wagering games such as slot games, video poker games, video blackjack games, roulette games, video bingo games, keno games and other types of games that are frequently offered at casinos and other locations. Play on EGMs typically involves a player establishing a credit balance by inputting money, or another form of monetary credit, and placing a monetary wager (from the credit balance) on one or more outcomes of an instance (or single play) of a primary or base game. In many games, a player may qualify for secondary games or bonus rounds by attaining a certain winning combination or triggering event in the base game. Secondary games provide an opportunity to win additional game instances, credits, awards, jackpots, progressives, etc. Awards from any winning outcomes are typically added back to the credit balance and can be provided to the player upon completion of a gaming session or when the player wants to "cash out."

[0003] "Slot" type games are often displayed to the player in the form of various symbols arrayed in a row-by-column grid or matrix. Specific matching combinations of symbols along predetermined paths (or paylines) through the matrix indicate the outcome of the game. The display typically highlights winning combinations/outcomes for ready identification by the player. Matching combinations and their corresponding awards are usually shown in a "pay-table" which is available to the player for reference. Often, the player may vary his/her wager to include differing numbers of paylines and/or the amount bet on each line. By varying the wager, the player may sometimes alter the frequency or number of winning combinations, frequency or number of secondary games, and/or the amount awarded.

[0004] Typical games use a random number generator (RNG) to randomly determine the outcome of each game. The game is designed to return a certain percentage of the amount wagered back to the player (RTP = return to player) over the course of many plays or instances of the game. The RTP and randomness of the RNG are critical to ensuring the fairness of the games and are therefore highly regulated. Upon initiation of play, the RNG randomly determines a game outcome and symbols are then selected which correspond to that outcome. Notably, some games may include an element of skill on the part of the player and are therefore not entirely random.

SUMMARY

[0005] There are disclosed a gaming device, a method of operating a gaming device and a gaming system where a reel strip for at least one of the reels is dynamically selected depending on the outcome of symbol selection on other reels. In an example, the third reel strip is changed from a default reel strip to a guaranteed win reel strip if symbols selected from the first and second reel strips include one of a plurality of triggering combinations of symbols. In an example, the third to fifth reel strips have configurable symbols (e.g. cash on reels symbols) and each triggering combination of symbols corresponds the configurable symbols being configured differently.

[0006] A described embodiment provides a gaming device comprising a display, a processor, and a memory storing (i) a trigger data structure defining a first triggering combination of symbols, (ii) a reel strip data structure defining a plurality of reel strips and defining an association between each reel strip and five columns of symbol positions, wherein individual ones of the plurality of reel strips are associated with the first and second columns of symbol positions respectively and at least two different reel strips of the plurality of reel strips are associated with the third column, the at least two different reel strips comprising a default reel strip and a guaranteed win reel strip having a symbol arrangement that guarantees evaluation of the selected symbols will result in at least one prize award in conjunction with the first triggering combination of symbols, and (iii) instructions. When the instructions are executed by the processor, they cause the processor to conduct a random symbol selection process to populate the plurality of columns of symbol positions with symbols. The symbol selection process comprises selecting symbols from the individual ones of the plurality of reel strips associated with the first and second columns, a triggered process comprising, upon the selected symbols for the first column and second column including the first triggering combination, selecting symbols for the third column from the guaranteed win reel strip, and a default process for when the triggered process is not conducted comprising selecting symbols for the third column by selecting symbols for the third column from the default reel strip. When the instructions are executed by the processor, they also cause the processor to control the display to display the selected symbols at the respective symbol positions, evaluate the selected symbols to determine whether to make one or more prize awards including by, where the guaranteed win reel strip is used, determining the at least one prize award based on at least the selected symbols for the third column, and increment a win meter by each made prize award.

[0007] Another described embodiment provides a method of operating a gaming device comprising a display and a memory storing (i) a trigger data structure defining a first triggering combination of symbols, and (ii) a reel strip data structure defining a plurality of reel strips and defining an association between each reel strip and five columns of symbol positions, wherein individual ones of the plurality of reel strips are associated with the first and second columns of symbol positions respectively and at least two different reel strips of the plurality of reel strips are associated with the third column, the at least two different reel strips comprising a default reel strip and a guaranteed win reel strip having a symbol arrangement that guarantees evaluation of the selected symbols will result in at least one prize award in conjunction with the first triggering combination of symbols. The method comprises conducting a random symbol selection process to populate the plurality of columns of symbol positions with symbols, the symbol selection process comprising selecting symbols from the individual ones of the plurality of reel strips associated with the first and second columns, a triggered process comprising, upon the selected symbols for the first column and second column including the first triggering combination, selecting symbols for the third column from the guaranteed win reel strip, and a default process for when the triggered process is not conducted comprising selecting symbols for the third column by selecting symbols for the third column from the default reel strip. The method also comprises controlling the display to display the selected symbols at the respective symbol positions, evaluating the selected symbols to determine whether to make one or more prize awards including by, where the guaranteed win reel strip is used, determining the at least one prize award based on at least the selected symbols for the third column, and incrementing a win meter by each made prize award.

[0008] Another described embodiment provides a system comprising one or more processors, and at least one memory storing (i) a trigger data structure defining a first triggering combination of symbols, (ii) a reel strip data structure defining a plurality of reel strips and defining an association between each reel strip and five columns of symbol positions, wherein individual ones of the plurality of reel strips are associated with the first and second columns of symbol positions respectively and at least two different reel strips of the plurality of reel strips are associated with the third column, the at least two different reel strips comprising a default reel strip and a guaranteed win reel strip having a symbol arrangement that guarantees evaluation of the selected symbols will result in at least one prize award in conjunction with the first triggering combination of symbols, and (iii) instructions. When executed by the one or more processors, the instructions cause the one or more processors to conduct a random symbol selection process to populate the plurality of columns of symbol positions with symbols, the symbol selection process comprising selecting symbols from the individual ones of the plurality of reel strips associated with the first and second columns, a triggered process comprising, upon the selected symbols for the first column and second column including the first triggering combination, selecting symbols for the third column from the guaranteed win reel strip, and a default process for when the triggered process is not conducted comprising selecting symbols for the third column by selecting symbols for the third column from the default reel strip. When executed by the one or more processors, the instructions also cause the one or more processors to control a display to display the selected symbols at the respective symbol positions, evaluate the selected symbols to determine whether to make one or more prize awards including by, where the guaranteed win reel strip is used, determining the at least one prize award based on at least the selected symbols for the third column, and increment a win meter by each made prize award.

[0009] Another described embodiment provides a gaming device comprising a display, a processor, and a memory storing (i) a trigger data structure defining a plurality of triggering combinations of symbols comprising at least a first triggering combination of symbols and a second triggering combination of symbols, (ii) a reel strip data structure defining a plurality of reel strips and defining an association between each reel strip and one of a plurality of columns of symbol positions, the plurality of reel strips including default reel strips associated with each of the plurality of columns, and (iii) instructions. When the instructions are executed by the processor, they cause the processor to conduct a random symbol selection process to populate the plurality of columns of symbol positions with symbols, the symbol selection process comprising selecting symbols from first and second default reel strips for the first and second columns, a triggered process comprising upon the selected symbols for the first column and second column including the first triggering combination, selecting symbols for the third to fifth columns from reel strips wherein at least the third reel strip is changed relative to the default third to fifth reel strips to provide an increased chance of a winning outcome in in conjunction with the first triggering combination of symbols, and upon the selected symbols for the first column and second column including the second triggering combination, selecting symbols for the third to fifth columns from reel strips wherein at least the third reel strip is changed relative to the default third to fifth reel strips to provide an increased chance of a winning outcome in in conjunction with the second triggering combination of symbols, and a default process for when the triggered process is not conducted comprising selecting symbols for the third to fifth columns by selecting symbols from the third to fifth default reel strips. When executed by the one or more processors, the instructions also cause the processor to control the display to display the selected symbols at the respective symbol positions, evaluate the selected symbols to determine whether to make one or more prize awards, and increment a win meter by each made prize award.

[0010] Another described embodiment provides a method of operating a gaming device comprising a display, and a memory storing (i) a trigger data structure defining a plurality of triggering combinations of symbols comprising at least a first triggering combination of symbols and a second triggering combination of symbols, and (ii) reel strip data structure defining a plurality of reel strips and defining an association between each reel strip and one of a plurality of columns of symbol positions, the plurality of reel strips including default reel strips associated with each of the plurality of columns. The method comprises conducting a random symbol selection process to populate the plurality of columns of symbol positions with symbols, the symbol selection process comprising selecting symbols from first and second default reel strips for the first and second columns, a triggered process comprising upon the selected symbols for the first column and second column including the first triggering combination, selecting symbols for the third to fifth columns from reel strips wherein at least the third reel strip is changed relative to the default third to fifth reel strips to provide an increased chance of a winning outcome in in conjunction with the first triggering combination of symbols, and upon the selected symbols for the first column and second column including the second triggering combination, selecting symbols for the third to fifth columns from reel strips wherein at least the third reel strip is changed relative to the default third to fifth reel strips to provide an increased chance of a winning outcome in in conjunction with the second triggering combination of symbols, and a default process for when the triggered process is not conducted comprising selecting symbols for the third to fifth columns by selecting symbols from the third to fifth default reel strips. The method also comprises controlling the display to display the selected symbols at the respective symbol positions, evaluating the selected symbols to determine whether to make one or more prize awards, and incrementing a win meter by each made prize award.

[0011] Another described embodiment provides gaming system comprising one or more processors, and at least one memory storing (i) a trigger data structure defining a plurality of triggering combinations of symbols comprising at least a first triggering combination of symbols and a second triggering combination of symbols, (ii) a reel strip data structure defining a plurality of reel strips and defining an association between each reel strip and one of a plurality of columns of symbol positions, the plurality of reel strips including default reel strips associated with each of the plurality of columns, and (iii) instructions. When the instructions are executed by the one or more processors, they cause the one or more processors to conduct a random symbol selection process to populate the plurality of columns of symbol positions with symbols, the symbol selection process comprising selecting symbols from first and second default reel strips for the first and second columns, a triggered process comprising upon the selected symbols for the first column and second column including the first triggering combination, selecting symbols for the third to fifth columns from reel strips wherein at least the third reel strip is changed relative to the default third to fifth reel strips to provide an increased chance of a winning outcome in in conjunction with the first triggering combination of symbols, and upon the selected symbols for the first column and second column including the second triggering combination, selecting symbols for the third to fifth columns from reel strips wherein at least the third reel strip is changed relative to the default third to fifth reel strips to provide an increased chance of a winning outcome in in conjunction with the second triggering combination of symbols, and a default process for when the triggered process is not conducted comprising selecting symbols for the third to fifth columns by selecting symbols from the third to fifth default reel strips. When the instructions are executed by the one or more processors, they also cause the one or more processors to control a display to display the selected symbols at the respective symbol positions, evaluate the selected symbols to determine whether to make one or more prize awards, and increment a win meter by each made prize award.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing several EGMs networked with various gaming related servers.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing various functional elements of an exemplary EGM.

[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates an example reel strip layout.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a symbol selection method.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method of operating a gaming device.

[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates an example reel strip layout.

[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates an example reel strip layout.

[0019] FIGs. 8 to 11 are example screen displays.

[0020] FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing detail of the method of operating a gaming device of FIG. 5.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a flow chart of a modified symbol selection method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates several different models of EGMs which may be networked to various gaming related servers. The present invention can be configured to work as a system 100 in a gaming environment including one or more server computers 102 (e.g., slot servers of a casino) that are in communication, via a communications network, with one or more gaming devices 104A-104X (EGMs, slots, video poker, bingo machines, etc.). The gaming devices 104A-104X may alternatively be portable and/or remote gaming devices such as, but not limited to, a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop, or a game console.

[0023] Communication between the gaming devices 104A-104X and the server computers 102, and among the gaming devices 104A-104X, may be direct or indirect, such as over the Internet through a website maintained by a computer on a remote server or over an online data network including commercial online service providers, Internet service providers, private networks, and the like. In other embodiments, the gaming devices 104A-104X may communicate with one another and/or the server computers 102 over RF, cable TV, satellite links and the like.

[0024] In some embodiments, server computers 102 may not be necessary and/or preferred. For example, the present invention may, in one or more embodiments, be practiced on a stand-alone gaming device such as gaming device 104A, gaming device 104B or any of the other gaming devices 104C-104X. However, it is typical to find multiple EGMs connected to networks implemented with one or more of the different server computers 102 described herein.

[0025] The server computers 102 may include a central determination gaming system server 106, a ticket-in-ticket-out (TITO) system server 108, a player tracking system server 110, a progressive system server 112, and/or a casino management system server 114. Gaming devices 104A-104X may include features to enable operation of any or all servers for use by the player and/or operator (e.g., the casino, resort, gaming establishment, tavern, pub, etc.). For example, game outcomes may be generated on a central determination gaming system server 106 and then transmitted over the network to any of a group of remote terminals or remote gaming devices 104A-104X that utilize the game outcomes and display the results to the players.

[0026] Gaming device 104A is often of a cabinet construction which may be aligned in rows or banks of similar devices for placement and operation on a casino floor. The gaming device 104A often includes a main door 116 which provides access to the interior of the cabinet. Gaming device 104A typically includes a button area or button deck 120 accessible by a player that is configured with input switches or buttons 122, an access channel for a bill validator 124, and/or an access channel for a ticket printer 126.

[0027] In FIG. 1, gaming device 104A is shown as a Relm XLTM model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat®Technologies, Inc. As shown, gaming device 104A is a reel machine having a gaming display area 118 comprising a number (typically 3 or 5) of mechanical reels 130 with various symbols displayed on them. The reels 130 are independently spun and stopped to show a set of symbols within the gaming display area 118 which may be used to determine an outcome to the game. In embodiments where the reels are mechanical, mechanisms can be employed to implement greater functionality. For example, the boundaries of the gaming display area boundaries of the gaming display area 118 may be defined by one or more mechanical shutters controllable by a processor. The mechanical shutters may be controlled to open and close, to correspondingly reveal and conceal more or fewer symbol positions from the mechanical reels 130. For example, a top boundary of the gaming display area 118 may be raised by moving a corresponding mechanical shutter upwards to reveal an additional row of symbol positions on stopped mechanical reels. Further, a transparent or translucent display panel may be overlaid on the gaming display area 118 and controlled to override or supplement what is displayed on one or more of the mechanical reel(s).

[0028] In many configurations, the gaming machine 104A may have a main display 128 (e.g., video display monitor) mounted to, or above, the gaming display area 118. The main display 128 can be a high-resolution LCD, plasma, LED, or OLED panel which may be flat or curved as shown, a cathode ray tube, or other conventional electronically controlled video monitor.

[0029] In some embodiments, the bill validator 124 may also function as a "ticket-in" reader that allows the player to use a casino issued credit ticket to load credits onto the gaming device 104A (e.g., in a cashless ticket ("TITO") system). In such cashless embodiments, the gaming device 104A may also include a "ticket-out" printer 126 for outputting a credit ticket when a "cash out" button is pressed. Cashless TITO systems are well known in the art and are used to generate and track unique bar-codes or other indicators printed on tickets to allow players to avoid the use of bills and coins by loading credits using a ticket reader and cashing out credits using a ticket-out printer 126 on the gaming device 104A. In some embodiments a ticket reader can be used which is only capable of reading tickets. In some embodiments, a different form of token can be used to store a cash value, such as a magnetic stripe card.

[0030] In some embodiments, a player tracking card reader 144, a transceiver for wireless communication with a player's smartphone, a keypad 146, and/or an illuminated display 148 for reading, receiving, entering, and/or displaying player tracking information is provided in EGM 104A. In such embodiments, a game controller within the gaming device 104A can communicate with the player tracking server system 110 to send and receive player tracking information.

[0031] Gaming device 104A may also include a bonus topper wheel 134. When bonus play is triggered (e.g., by a player achieving a particular outcome or set of outcomes in the primary game), bonus topper wheel 134 is operative to spin and stop with indicator arrow 136 indicating the outcome of the bonus game. Bonus topper wheel 134 is typically used to play a bonus game, but it could also be incorporated into play of the base or primary game.

[0032] A candle 138 may be mounted on the top of gaming device 104A and may be activated by a player (e.g., using a switch or one of buttons 122) to indicate to operations staff that gaming device 104A has experienced a malfunction or the player requires service. The candle 138 is also often used to indicate a jackpot has been won and to alert staff that a hand payout of an award may be needed.

[0033] There may also be one or more information panels 152 which may be a back-lit, silkscreened glass panel with lettering to indicate general game information including, for example, a game denomination (e.g., $0.25 or $1), pay lines, pay tables, and/or various game related graphics. In some embodiments, the information panel(s) 152 may be implemented as an additional video display.

[0034] Gaming devices 104A have traditionally also included a handle 132 typically mounted to the side of main cabinet 116 which may be used to initiate game play.

[0035] Many or all the above described components can be controlled by circuitry (e.g., a gaming controller) housed inside the main cabinet 116 of the gaming device 104A, the details of which are shown in FIG. 2.

[0036] Note that not all gaming devices suitable for implementing embodiments of the present invention necessarily include top wheels, top boxes, information panels, cashless ticket systems, and/or player tracking systems. Further, some suitable gaming devices have only a single game display that includes only a mechanical set of reels and/or a video display, while others are designed for bar counters or table tops and have displays that face upwards.

[0037] An alternative example gaming device 104B illustrated in FIG. 1 is the ArcTM model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Note that where possible, reference numerals identifying similar features of the gaming device 104A embodiment are also identified in the gaming device 104B embodiment using the same reference numbers. Gaming device 104B does not include physical reels and instead shows game play functions on main display 128. An optional topper screen 140 may be used as a secondary game display for bonus play, to show game features or attraction activities while a game is not in play, or any other information or media desired by the game designer or operator. In some embodiments, topper screen 140 may also or alternatively be used to display progressive jackpot prizes available to a player during play of gaming device 104B.

[0038] Example gaming device 104B includes a main cabinet 116 including a main door 118 which opens to provide access to the interior of the gaming device 104B. The main or service door 118 is typically used by service personnel to refill the ticket-out printer 126 and collect bills and tickets inserted into the bill validator 124. The door 118 may also be accessed to reset the machine, verify and/or upgrade the software, and for general maintenance operations.

[0039] Another example gaming device 104C shown is the HelixTM model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Gaming device 104C includes a main display 128A that is in a landscape orientation. Although not illustrated by the front view provided, the landscape display 128A may have a curvature radius from top to bottom, or alternatively from side to side. In some embodiments, display 128A is a flat panel display. Main display 128A is typically used for primary game play while secondary display 128B is typically used for bonus game play, to show game features or attraction activities while the game is not in play or any other information or media desired by the game designer or operator.

[0040] Many different types of games, including mechanical slot games, video slot games, video poker, video blackjack, video pachinko, keno, bingo, and lottery, may be provided with or implemented within the depicted gaming devices 104A-104C and other similar gaming devices. Each gaming device may also be operable to provide many different games. Games may be differentiated according to themes, sounds, graphics, type of game (e.g., slot game vs. card game vs. game with aspects of skill), denomination, number of paylines, maximum jackpot, progressive or non-progressive, bonus games, and may be deployed for operation in Class 2 or Class 3, etc.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting exemplary internal electronic components of a gaming device 200 connected to various external systems. All or parts of the example gaming device 200 shown could be used to implement any one of the example gaming devices 104A-X depicted in FIG. 1. The games available for play on the gaming device 200 are controlled by a game controller 202 that includes one or more processors 204 and a game that may be stored as game software or a program 206 in a memory 208 coupled to the processor 204. The memory 208 may include one or more mass storage devices or media that are housed within gaming device 200. Within the mass storage devices and/or memory 208, one or more databases 210 may be provided for use by the program 206. A random number generator (RNG) 212 that can be implemented in hardware and/or software is typically used to generate random numbers that are used in the operation of game play to ensure that game play outcomes are random and meet regulations for a game of chance. In some embodiments, the random number generator 212 is a pseudo-random number generator.

[0042] Alternatively, a game instance (i.e. a play or round of the game) may be generated on a remote gaming device such as a central determination gaming system server 106 (not shown in FIG. 2 but see FIG. 1). The game instance is communicated to gaming device 200 via the network 214 and then displayed on gaming device 200. Gaming device 200 may execute game software, such as but not limited to video streaming software that allows the game to be displayed on gaming device 200. When a game is stored on gaming device 200, it may be loaded from a memory 208 (e.g., from a read only memory (ROM)) or from the central determination gaming system server 106 to memory 208. The memory 208 may include RAM, ROM or another form of storage media that stores instructions for execution by the processor 204.

[0043] The gaming device 200 may include a topper display 216 or another form of a top box (e.g., a topper wheel, a topper screen, etc.) which sits above main cabinet 218. The gaming cabinet 218 or topper display 216 may also house a number of other components which may be used to add features to a game being played on gaming device 200, including speakers 220, a ticket printer 222 which prints bar-coded tickets or other media or mechanisms for storing or indicating a player's credit value, a ticket reader 224 which reads bar coded tickets or other media or mechanisms for storing or indicating a player's credit value, and a player tracking interface 232. The player tracking interface 232 may include a keypad 226 for entering information, a player tracking display 228 for displaying information (e.g., an illuminated or video display), a card reader 230 for receiving data and/or communicating information to and from media or a device such as a smart phone enabling player tracking. Ticket printer 222 may be used to print tickets for a TITO system server 108. The gaming device 200 may further include a bill validator 234, buttons 236 for player input, cabinet security sensors 238 to detect unauthorized opening of the cabinet 218, a primary game display 240, and a secondary game display 242, each coupled to and operable under the control of game controller 202.

[0044] Gaming device 200 may be connected over network 214 to player tracking system server 110. Player tracking system server 110 may be, for example, an OASIS© system manufactured by Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. Player tracking system server 110 is used to track play (e.g. amount wagered, games played, time of play and/or other quantitative or qualitative measures) for individual players so that an operator may reward players in a loyalty program. The player may use the player tracking interface 232 to access his/her account information, activate free play, and/or request various information. Player tracking or loyalty programs seek to reward players for their play and help build brand loyalty to the gaming establishment. The rewards typically correspond to the player's level of patronage (e.g., to the player's playing frequency and/or total amount of game plays at a given casino). Player tracking rewards may be complimentary and/or discounted meals, lodging, entertainment and/or additional play. Player tracking information may be combined with other information that is now readily obtainable by a casino management system.

[0045] Gaming devices, such as gaming devices 104A-104X, 200, are highly regulated to ensure fairness and, in many cases, gaming devices 104A 104X, 200 are operable to award monetary awards (e.g., typically dispensed in the form of a redeemable voucher). Therefore, to satisfy security and regulatory requirements in a gaming environment, hardware and software architectures are implemented in gaming devices 104A-104X, 200 that differ significantly from those of general-purpose computers. Adapting general purpose computers to function as gaming devices 200 is not simple or straightforward because of: 1) the regulatory requirements for gaming devices 200, 2) the harsh environment in which gaming devices 200 operate, 3) security requirements, 4) fault tolerance requirements, and 5) the requirement for additional special purpose componentry enabling functionality of an EGM. These differences require substantial engineering effort with respect to game design implementation, hardware components and software.

[0046] When a player wishes to play the gaming device 200, he/she can insert cash or a ticket voucher through a coin acceptor (not shown) or bill validator 234 to establish a credit balance on the gamine machine. The credit balance is used by the player to place wagers on instances of the game and to receive credit awards based on the outcome of winning instances. The credit balance is decreased by the amount of each wager and increased upon a win. The player can add additional credits to the balance at any time. The player may also optionally insert a loyalty club card into the card reader 230. During the game, the player views the game outcome on the game displays 240, 242. Other game and prize information may also be displayed.

[0047] When the player is done, he/she cashes out the credit balance (typically by pressing a cash out button to receive a ticket from the ticket printer

222). The ticket may be "cashed-in" for money or inserted into another machine to establish a credit balance for play.

[0048] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method 500 of operating a gaming device 200. At step 510, the processor 204 initiates a base game, for example, in response to input of a play instruction by the player pressing a button. At step 520, the processor 204 selects symbols for display in a plurality of columns of symbol positions. In an example, such as that shown in FIG. 8, there are five columns of symbol positions 811-815 each having three symbol positions and the processor 204 controls the display to animate the reel strips as spinning through the symbol positions (as captured in FIG. 8) during the selection process before stopping the reel strips from left to right as this is consistent with the order of evaluation of the reel strips for winning combinations.

[0049] FIGs. 3 and 4 illustrate an example symbol selection process. Specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a set 300 of five reel strips 341, 342, 343, 344, 345 of a plurality of reel strips stored in a reel strip data structure in memory 208. In the example, each reel strip has thirty reel strip positions 301 330. Each reel strip position of each reel has a symbol. For example, a "Wild" symbol 331 occupies the twenty-eighth reel strip position 328 of the fourth reel 344. The example reel strips of FIG.3 are a default set of reel strips. Each of the first reel strip 341 and second reel strip 342 have Pic1, Pic2, Pic3 and Pic4 symbols. In an example, these symbols can form triggering symbol combinations, specifically, Pic1-Pic1, Pic2-Pic2, Pic3-Pic-3, and Pic4-Pic4 which are stored in a triggering symbol data structure in memory 208. An advantage of each triggering symbol combination being formed from a single symbol is that it is easy for the player to understand when a triggering combination is formed, however, in other examples, triggering symbol combinations can be formed of different symbols, for example, two symbols having related characteristics such as different male and female symbols, salt and pepper symbols and knife and fork symbols. In the example of FIG. 3, the third to fifth reel strips also have Pic1, Pic2, Pic3 and Pic4 symbols in order to enable prizes to be awarded even when a triggering combination isn't selected, for example if a Pic1 symbol lands or reel 1 in conjunction with one of Wild symbols 354,355. Each of the third to fifth reel strips 643-645 have configurable symbols - i.e. the "COR" symbols. COR stands for

"Cash on Reels" as in this example each configurable symbol is configured with a prize value by processor 204 when the symbols are selected as described below.

[0050] Other reels strips to those illustrated in Figure 3 can be used, for example, reel strips where two or more wild symbols are placed at consecutive reel strip positions of a reel strip. In other examples, the reel strips could have between 30 and 100 reel strip positions. The actual lengths of the game reel strips depend on factors such as the number of wild symbols (in general, the more wilds there are, the longer the reel strip needs to be to maintain the target RTP), and volatility (in general, the higher the prize value is, the longer the reel strip needs to be to lower the hit rate to maintain the target RTP).

[0051] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method 400 carried out by the processor 204 to select symbols from reel strips. At step 410, the processor 204 starts the process of selecting symbols with a counter (n) set at zero as symbols have not yet been selected from any reel strips.

[0052] At step 415, prior to selecting symbols, the processor 204 assigns assignable prizes to each configurable symbol of each of the third to fifth reel strips. In this example, this enables the prizes to be seen during at least part of the virtual spinning of the third to fifth reel strips. In an example, a symbol configuring data structure in memory 208 stores a plurality of weighted tables each comprising a plurality of assignable prizes - i.e. prizes that can be assigned to individual cash on reel symbols. In an example, there are separate default weighted prize tables for each of the third to fifth reel strips. In an example, each weighted table incorporates a plurality of assignable prizes and different weightings are assigned to each prize in order to control their relative probability of being selected.

[0053] In an example, the values of the assignable prizes depend on an amount wagered, for example they correspond to a base amount multiplied by bet multiplier. In an example, the assignable prizes may be credit amounts, e.g. 100, 200, or 400 credits or otherwise defined prizes such a bonus or jackpot prizes.

[0054] The instructions in memory 208 cause processor 204 to conduct an iterative loop starting with the third reel strip in which the processor 204 randomly selects one of the prizes using a value obtained from random number generator and assigns it to the next configurable symbol in reel strip order until all configurable symbols of a reel strip have been assigned a prize. Processor 204 then iterates to the fourth reel strip and conducts a further iterative loop using the default weighted table of prizes associated with the fourth reel strip and then proceeds to carry out the same process for the fifth reel strip. In some examples, there are more than one category of configurable symbols on one or more of the reel strips, for example the fifth reel strip and prizes are assigned from different weighted tables to the two different categories of configurable symbols. In one example, one weighted table has bonus and/or jackpot prizes and is used to assign prizes to a category of configurable symbols having a number designed to limit the number of bonus and/or jackpot prizes. In some examples, the jackpot prizes may have progressive values that vary over time. In an example, only the weighted table of assignable prizes associated with the fifth reel strip has bonus or jackpot prizes.

[0055] In an alternative example, prizes are randomly selected by the processor 204 from a table of prizes without replacement to enable control of the number of instances of one or more prizes.

[0056] At step 420, the processor 204 increments the counter. In the first iteration, the counter is set to 1 to reflect that symbols are to be selected from a first reel strip.

[0057] At step 421, the processor 204 determines whether symbols have been selected for the first reel by testing whether n=2 and if not, processor 204 proceeds to step 424.

[0058] At step 424, the processor 204 determines whether symbols have been selected for the first two reels by testing whether n=3 and if not, processor 204 proceeds to step 430.

[0059] At step 430, the processor obtains a randomly generated number from a true or pseudo random number generator 212. At step 440 the processor maps the generated number to one of the reel positions of the nth reel strip. In the first iteration, this is the first reel strip. To map the generated number to one of the reel positions, the possible values that can be returned from the RNG 212 are divided into ranges and associated with specific ones of the reel positions in memory 208. In one example, these ranges are stored as a look-up table. In one example, the ranges are each the same size so that each of the reel strip positions has the same chance of been selected. In other examples, the ranges may be arranged to weight the relative chances of selecting specific reel strip positions. The reel strips may be of different lengths.

[0060] At step 450, the processor 204 maps symbols of the nth reel strip to and nth column of symbol display positions based on the mapped reel position and a reference position. In an example, the reference position is the bottom position of the symbol positions of each column of symbol positions. In this example, the selected reel position (and hence the symbol at this position) is mapped to the bottom symbol position of the column. In an example, there are two other symbol positions in the column of symbol positions and hence symbols at two neighbouring reel strip positions are also mapped to the symbol positions of the column. Referring to the example reel strips of Figure 3, if the value returned by the RNG 212 is mapped to reel position 313, then for the first reel strip 321, "Pic 1" symbol 353 is mapped to a bottom symbol position, "Pic@" symbol 352 is mapped to a middle symbol position, and another "Pic 2" symbol 351 is mapped to a top symbol position.

[0061] At step 460, the processor 460 determines whether symbols have been selected for all of the reel strips, and if not the processor 204 reverts to step 420.

[0062] When it is determined at step 421, that n=2 processor 204 proceeds to step 422 and determines whether the symbols selected for the first column corresponds to one of the defined triggering symbol combinations in trigger data structure in memory 208. In this example, Pic1-Pic1, Pic2-Pic2, Pic3 Pic-3, and Pic4-Pic4. That is, processor 204 determines whether the symbols selected for the first column include one of Pic1, Pic2, Pic3 or Pic4. If one of these symbols are included, the processor 204 proceeds to step 423 and updates the cash on reel symbols on the third to fifth reel strips based on the potential trigger by repeating the process described in relation to step 415.

[0063] In this respect, in an example, the symbol configuring data structure stores a plurality of different weighted tables for each of the third to fifth reel strips (in additions to the default tables) which are linked to respective triggering symbol combinations. In an example, the symbols in the triggering combinations have pay table entries that define a relative ranking of the symbols from highest to lowest based on the size of prizes that can be awarded in relation to winning combinations of symbols incorporating the symbols. In this example, the symbols are ranked from highest to lowest in the order Pic1, Pic2, Pic3, and Pic4. In an example, the tables of assignable prize values are configured to be aligned with this relative ranking such that the assignable prizes from the tables associated with Pic1 are (or tend to be) higher than the prizes from the tables associated with Pic2 which, in turn, are (or tend to be) higher than the prizes from the tables associated with Pic3, which, in turn, are (or tend to be) higher than the prizes from the tables associated with Pic4. In this way, the player experience in respect of the configurable symbols is consistent with the prize values associated with the specific symbols in the triggering symbol combinations.

[0064] In this respect, Tables 1 and 2 show examples of prize tables that illustrate how a ranking can apply. Table 1 and Table 2 show cash on reel values and probability values corresponding to a ranking from highest to lowest in the order Pic1, Pic2, Pic3, and Pic4.

[0065] Table 1 shows an example where the same cash on reel values are obtainable for each Pic symbol but the relative weightings are arranged such that there is an increased probability of receiving a higher prize for a higher ranked symbol.

[0066] COR value Probability PIC1 500k 0.4 200k 0.3 100k 0.2 40k 0.1 PIC2 500k 0.25 200k 0.25 100k 0.25 40k 0.25 PIC3 500k 0.1 200k 0.2 100k 0.3 40k 0.4 PIC4 500k 0.05 200k 0.15 100k 0.3 40k 0.5

Table 1

[0067] Table 2 shows an alternative example, where different cash on reel values are obtainable for each Pic symbol such that the available prizes depend on the ranking of the symbols.

[0068] COR Probability value PIC1 500k 0.1 200k 0.2 100k 0.3 40k 0.4 PIC2 30k 0.2 20k 0.3 15k 0.5 PIC3 10k 0.3 5k 0.7 PIC4 4k 0.2 2k 0.8 Table 2

[0069] In other examples, there may be partial overlap in the available prizes for respective symbols.

[0070] When it is determined that n=3 at step 424, processor 204 proceeds to step 425 to determine whether the symbols selected for the first two columns correspond to one of the defined triggering symbol combinations in trigger data structure in memory 208. In this example, Pic1-Pic1, Pic2-Pic2, Pic3 Pic-3, and Pic4-Pic4. If there is no triggering combination, the processor 204 continues with the default symbol selection process using the default reel strips of FIG.3 and iterates through steps 430, 440 and 450 until it is determined at step 460 that symbols have been selected from all n reel strips and mapped to all n columns of symbol positions after which the symbol selection process ends 470. The process can be varied such that different numbers of symbols may be mapped to different numbers of symbol positions. It will also be appreciated that the process can readily be adapted for different numbers of reel strips.

[0071] If instead, processor 204 determines at step 425 that there is a triggering symbol combination, processor 204 proceeds to step 426 and changes the reel strip to be used for the third column of symbol positions. FIG. 6 shows an example of a third reel strip. In this example, the third reel strip only has Wild symbols and configurable symbols, as a result the third reel strip is a guaranteed prize strip as it will result in at least one prize being awarded as described below. If the processor 204 changes the third reel strip at step 426, the processor 204 configures the configurable symbols for the third reel strip at step 427 using the process described in relation to step 415 above.

[0072] In another example, a modified process is used where processor 204 only assigns prizes to configurable symbols after they have been selected for display at step 450. In an example, the configurable symbols may only reveal the prizes after they land, for example, a question mark symbol may land and then be animated to reveal the prize.

[0073] In other examples, each of the third to fifth reel strips may be changed. For example, when the Pic1-Pic1 triggering combination occurs, the fourth and fifth reels may have additional instances of the Pic1 symbol relative to the default reel strips to increase the probability of winning combinations occurring that feature the Pic1 symbol. In this example, the fourth and fifth reel strips set at step 426 are linked to the triggering symbol combination. The composition of the reel strips associated with the other triggering symbol combinations may be similar - i.e. configured to increase the probability of winning outcomes corresponding to the triggering combination.

[0074] In other examples, the third to fifth reels strips may not guarantee a winning outcome but may instead be configured to have a higher probability of a winning outcome occurring than the default reel strips.

[0075] In other examples, the third reel strip could additionally have Pic symbols, e.g. Pic1 for the Pic1-Pic1 trigger combination, or could have Pic symbols instead of Wild symbols.

[0076] After the symbols of all reel strips have been mapped to symbol positions, the processor 204 controls display 240 to display them at the symbol positions at step 525. An example of controlling the display where a triggering symbol combination lands is shown in FIGs. 8 to 11.

[0077] FIG. 8 shows that the reel strips are initially spun relative to the columns of symbol positions 811-815 as indicated by the fact that the symbols are offset relative to the symbol positions.

[0078] FIG. 9 shows that part of a triggering combination of symbols in the form of an Egyptian queen symbol 921 has been selected for the first column. The reel strips corresponding to the third to fifth columns 813-815 have changed to incorporate prize values on the cash on reel symbols that correspond to the potential triggering combination as explained in relation to steps 421 to 423 above. The second to fifth reel strips continue to spin. The change to the third to fifth reel strips is indicated visually to the player by changing a background colour of the cash on reel symbols to the same background colour as the triggering symbol (e.g. green).

[0079] FIG. 10 shows the first and second reel strips having come to a stop with a triggering combination of symbols in the form of a pair of Egyptian queen symbols 921,922. The reel strips corresponding to the third to fifth columns 813-815 have continue to spin. The third reel strip has been changed and the occurrence of the triggering combination is indicated visually to the player by adding a border 930 around the symbol positions of the third to fifth columns 813-815.

[0080] FIG. 10 shows an example where the third to fifth columns 813-815 are populated by symbols because the corresponding reel strips have come to a stop. In this case the symbol positions are populated by a wild symbol 940 and eight cash on reel symbols 941-948.

[0081] Referring again to FIG. 5, at step 530, processor 204 evaluates the selected symbols (e.g. as displayed in FIG. 10) based on a set of defined paylines. In an example, each available wager results in a player playing all available paylines. In doing so, processor 204 evaluates the symbols from the leftmost column 811 to the right most column 815 to find uninterrupted sequences of three or more of the same symbol (or a wild symbol that can substitute for any symbol except cash on reel symbols and scatter symbols) along a payline. In this example, symbols 921,922 of the triggering combination combine with wild symbol 930 to form a three-of-a kind winning combination and the processor 204 will make an award in respect of this winning combination based on a value for the award defined in the pay table in memory 208. In this example, the configuration of the set of pay lines ensures that a wild symbol in the third column will always result in a winning combination when selected on combination with a triggering combination of symbols.

[0082] At step 540, processor 204 determines whether the reel strips have changed for this game instance and if so proceeds to step 550 and conducts an additional evaluation relative to game instances where the reel strips are not changed. In this example, the additional evaluation is the step 550 of evaluating the cash on reel symbols from left to right beginning on the third reel. That is, if there are one or more cash on reel symbols in the third column 813, processor 204 will make an award of the prize(s) on the cash on reel symbol(s) and also proceed to evaluate whether there are any cash on reel symbols in the fourth column 814. If there are no cash on reel symbols in the third column, the processor does not proceed to the fourth column. Similarly, processor 204 only proceeds to the fifth column if there are cash on reel symbols in both the third and fourth columns. In the example of FIG. 10, there are cash on reel symbols in both the third and fourth columns 814, 815 and hence the prizes of all eight cash on reel symbols 941-948 are awarded.

[0083] In the example of FIGs. 8 to 10, the third reel strip consists solely of Wild and cash on reel symbols and accordingly is a guaranteed win reel strip because irrespective of whether the symbols selected for the third column are all wild symbols, all cash on reel symbols or a combination thereof, a winning outcome will always occur based on the evaluations performed by processor 204 in steps 530 and 550.

[0084] At step 555, processor 204 updates a win meter in memory 208 to reflect each winning outcome.

[0085] At step 560 processor 204 determines whether a trigger condition has been met for triggering a feature game in the form of series of free games. In an example, the trigger condition is the occurrence of a feature triggering combination of symbols in the form of 3 or more "Scat" symbols in the base game. In an example, the feature can only be triggered in case where the third to fifth reels are not changed. The number of free games conducted depends on whether there are 3, 4, or 5 Scat symbols in the triggering combination.

[0086] If the feature game is triggered, processor 204 proceeds to step 570 and conducts a series of free games illustrated by FIGs. 11 and 12.

[0087] At step 571, the processor sets a number of free games to be carried out based on the triggering combination by initializing a counter to X, the awarded number of free games.

[0088] At step 572, the processor 204 selects symbols using a free game process 1300 which is a modification to the process shown in FIG. 4. In an example, the feature game is characterized by ensuring that a triggering combination of symbols will occur in each free game, thus ensuring that the third to fifth reel strips will change in each free game. To achieve this, firstly processor 204 employs a free games first reel strip 741 shown in FIG. 7 having a symbol from each triggering combination (here Pic1, Pic2, Pic3 and Pic4) at every third symbol position of the reel strip 741 so that one (and only one) of the symbols will be selected each time processor 204 iterates through the symbol selection process when n=1. Secondly, after step 420, processor 204 determines at step 1310 whether n=2 and if it is proceeds to step 1320 of mapping symbols of the first reel strip to the second column 812 of symbol positions using the same mapping used for the first column 811 of symbol positions (i.e. the mapping resulting from steps 430-450). As a result, the first and second columns are populated by the same symbol and will include one (and only one) triggering combination of symbols. In an example, the first and duplicate first reel strips spin to a stop in unison.

[0089] At step 1330, processor 204 determines whether n=3 and if so proceed to step 1340 of setting the third to fifth reel strips based on the identity of the triggering combination. At step 1350, the processor 204 configures the configurable symbols using the process outlined above before proceeding to step 430 as outline in relation to FIG. 4.

[0090] In further variations to the above, there may be different numbers of columns of symbol positions, for example 3, 4 or 6 columns of symbol positions and there may be different number of symbol positions in each column, for example, 4 or 5 symbol positions. EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0091] An example embodiment provides a gaming device comprising: a display; a processor; and a memory storing (i) a trigger data structure defining a first triggering combination of symbols, (ii) a reel strip data structure defining a plurality of reel strips and defining an association between each reel strip and one of a plurality of columns of symbol positions comprising at least a first, second and third column of symbol positions, wherein individual ones of the plurality of reel strips are associated with the first and second columns respectively and at least two different reel strips of the plurality of reel strips are associated with the third column, the at least two different reel strips comprising a default reel strip and a guaranteed win reel strip having a symbol arrangement that guarantees evaluation of the selected symbols will result in at least one prize award in conjunction with the first triggering combination of symbols, and (iii) instructions which when executed by the processor cause the processor to: conduct a random symbol selection process to populate the plurality of columns of symbol positions with symbols, the symbol selection process comprising selecting symbols from the individual ones of the plurality of reel strips associated with the first and second columns, a triggered process comprising, upon the selected symbols for the first column and second column including the first triggering combination, selecting symbols for the third column from the guaranteed win reel strip, and a default process for when the triggered process is not conducted comprising selecting symbols for the third column by selecting symbols for the third column from the default reel strip; control the display to display the selected symbols at the respective symbol positions; evaluate the selected symbols to determine whether to make one or more prize awards including by, where the guaranteed win reel strip us used, determining the at least one prize award based on at least the selected symbols for the third column; and increment a win meter by each made prize award.

[0092] In an embodiment, the plurality of columns of symbol positions comprise fourth and fifth columns of symbol positions.

[0093] In an embodiment, individual ones of the plurality of reel strips are associated with the fourth and fifth columns, and the selection process comprises selecting symbols from the individual ones of the plurality of reel strips associated with the first and second columns.

[0094] While the invention has been described with respect to the figures, it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Any variation and derivation from the above description and figures are included in the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

Claims (35)

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A gaming device comprising: a display; a processor; and a memory storing (i) a trigger data structure defining a first triggering combination of symbols, (ii) a reel strip data structure defining a plurality of reel strips and defining an association between each reel strip and five columns of symbol positions, wherein individual ones of the plurality of reel strips are associated with the first and second columns of symbol positions respectively and at least two different reel strips of the plurality of reel strips are associated with the third column, the at least two different reel strips comprising a default reel strip and a guaranteed win reel strip having a symbol arrangement that guarantees evaluation of the selected symbols will result in at least one prize award in conjunction with the first triggering combination of symbols, and (iii) instructions which when executed by the processor cause the processor to: conduct a random symbol selection process to populate the plurality of columns of symbol positions with symbols, the symbol selection process comprising selecting symbols from the individual ones of the plurality of reel strips associated with the first and second columns, a triggered process comprising, upon the selected symbols for the first column and second column including the first triggering combination, selecting symbols for the third column from the guaranteed win reel strip, and a default process for when the triggered process is not conducted comprising selecting symbols for the third column by selecting symbols for the third column from the default reel strip; control the display to display the selected symbols at the respective symbol positions; evaluate the selected symbols to determine whether to make one or more prize awards including by, where the guaranteed win reel strip is used, determining the at least one prize award based on at least the selected symbols for the third column; and increment a win meter by each made prize award.

2. The gaming device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the trigger data structure defines a plurality triggering combinations of symbols including the first triggering combination of symbols, and each triggering combinations of symbols is different.

3. The gaming device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plurality of reel strips includes a plurality of different guaranteed win reel strips associated with the third column and associated with respective ones of the triggering combinations of symbols, and wherein the triggered process comprises upon the selected symbols for the first column and second column including one of the triggering combinations of symbols, selecting symbols for the third column from the guaranteed win reel strip associated with the respective triggering combination of symbols.

4. The gaming device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reel strip associated with the first column is configured so that only one of the plurality of triggering combinations can occur when the symbols are selected from the individual ones of the plurality of reel strips associated with the first and second columns.

5. The gaming device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of the reel strips associated with the third to fifth columns comprise configurable symbols, and wherein the memory comprises a symbol configuring data structure comprising at least one weighted table comprising a plurality of assignable prizes and defining relative probabilities of assigning individual ones of the assignable prizes, and wherein when the instructions are executed by the processor, they cause the processor to randomly assign a prize of the plurality of prizes to at least each configurable symbol selected for one of the columns of symbol positions using the at least one weighted table.

6. The gaming device as claimed in claim 5 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the symbol configuring data structure comprises a plurality of weighted tables each associated with a respective one of the triggering combinations of symbols, and wherein at least upon symbols being selected for the third column using the triggered process, the processor assigns prizes to at least each selected configurable symbol using the at least one weighted table associated with the triggering combination.

7. The gaming device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the guaranteed reel strip associated with the third column consists of configurable symbols and wild symbols.

8. The gaming device as claimed in claim 5 or claim 7, wherein when the instructions are executed by the processor, they cause the processor to, upon symbols being selected for the third column using the triggered process, evaluate any selected configurable symbols from left to right from the third column when determining whether to make one or more prize awards based on configurable symbols.

9. The gaming device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein evaluating the selected symbols comprises evaluating the selected symbols from left to right based on a set of defined win lines.

10. The gaming device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the trigger data structure defines a feature trigger, and wherein upon the selected symbols comprising the feature trigger, the processor initiates a series of free games, wherein in each of the free games, symbols are selected for the first column are duplicated to neighbouring positions of the second column from a reel strip configured to ensure one of a plurality triggering combinations of symbols is selected in each free game.

11. A method of operating a gaming device comprising a display and a memory storing (i) a trigger data structure defining a first triggering combination of symbols, and (ii) a reel strip data structure defining a plurality of reel strips and defining an association between each reel strip and five columns of symbol positions, wherein individual ones of the plurality of reel strips are associated with the first and second columns of symbol positions respectively and at least two different reel strips of the plurality of reel strips are associated with the third column, the at least two different reel strips comprising a default reel strip and a guaranteed win reel strip having a symbol arrangement that guarantees evaluation of the selected symbols will result in at least one prize award in conjunction with the first triggering combination of symbols, the method comprising: conducting a random symbol selection process to populate the plurality of columns of symbol positions with symbols, the symbol selection process comprising selecting symbols from the individual ones of the plurality of reel strips associated with the first and second columns, a triggered process comprising, upon the selected symbols for the first column and second column including the first triggering combination, selecting symbols for the third column from the guaranteed win reel strip, and a default process for when the triggered process is not conducted comprising selecting symbols for the third column by selecting symbols for the third column from the default reel strip; controlling the display to display the selected symbols at the respective symbol positions; evaluating the selected symbols to determine whether to make one or more prize awards including by, where the guaranteed win reel strip is used, determining the at least one prize award based on at least the selected symbols for the third column; and incrementing a win meter by each made prize award.

12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the trigger data structure defines a plurality triggering combinations of symbols including the first triggering combination of symbols, and each triggering combinations of symbols is different.

13. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the plurality of reel strips includes a plurality of different guaranteed win reel strips associated with the third column and associated with respective ones of the triggering combinations of symbols, and wherein the triggered process comprises upon the selected symbols for the first column and second column including one of the triggering combinations of symbols, selecting symbols for the third column from the guaranteed win reel strip associated with the respective triggering combination of symbols.

14. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the reel strip associated with the first column is configured so that only one of the plurality of triggering combinations can occur when the symbols are selected from the individual ones of the plurality of reel strips associated with the first and second columns.

15. The method as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein each of the reel strips associated with the third to fifth columns comprise configurable symbols, and wherein the memory comprises a symbol configuring data structure comprising at least one weighted table comprising a plurality of assignable prizes and defining relative probabilities of assigning individual ones of the assignable prizes, and wherein the method comprises randomly assigning a prize of the plurality of prizes to at least each configurable symbol selected for one of the columns of symbol positions using the at least one weighted table.

16. The method as claimed in claim 15 when dependent on claim 12, wherein the symbol configuring data structure comprises a plurality of weighted tables each associated with a respective one of the triggering combinations of symbols, and wherein at least upon symbols being selected for the third column using the triggered process, the method comprises assigning prizes to at least each selected configurable symbol using the at least one weighted table associated with the triggering combination.

17. The gaming device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the guaranteed reel strip associated with the third column consists of configurable symbols and wild symbols.

18. The method as claimed in claim 15 or claim 17, wherein the method comprises, upon symbols being selected for the third column using the triggered process, evaluating any selected configurable symbols from left to right from the third column when determining whether to make one or more prize awards based on configurable symbols.

19. The method as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 81, wherein evaluating the selected symbols comprises evaluating the selected symbols from left to right based on a set of defined win lines.

20. A system comprising: one or more processors; and at least one memory storing (i) a trigger data structure defining a first triggering combination of symbols, (ii) a reel strip data structure defining a plurality of reel strips and defining an association between each reel strip and five columns of symbol positions, wherein individual ones of the plurality of reel strips are associated with the first and second columns of symbol positions respectively and at least two different reel strips of the plurality of reel strips are associated with the third column, the at least two different reel strips comprising a default reel strip and a guaranteed win reel strip having a symbol arrangement that guarantees evaluation of the selected symbols will result in at least one prize award in conjunction with the first triggering combination of symbols, and (iii) instructions which when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: conduct a random symbol selection process to populate the plurality of columns of symbol positions with symbols, the symbol selection process comprising selecting symbols from the individual ones of the plurality of reel strips associated with the first and second columns, a triggered process comprising, upon the selected symbols for the first column and second column including the first triggering combination, selecting symbols for the third column from the guaranteed win reel strip, and a default process for when the triggered process is not conducted comprising selecting symbols for the third column by selecting symbols for the third column from the default reel strip; control a display to display the selected symbols at the respective symbol positions; evaluate the selected symbols to determine whether to make one or more prize awards including by, where the guaranteed win reel strip is used, determining the at least one prize award based on at least the selected symbols for the third column; and increment a win meter by each made prize award.

21. A gaming device comprising: a display; a processor; and a memory storing (i) a trigger data structure defining a plurality of triggering combinations of symbols comprising at least a first triggering combination of symbols and a second triggering combination of symbols, (ii) a reel strip data structure defining a plurality of reel strips and defining an association between each reel strip and one of a plurality of columns of symbol positions, the plurality of reel strips including default reel strips associated with each of the plurality of columns, and (iii) instructions which when executed by the processor cause the processor to: conduct a random symbol selection process to populate the plurality of columns of symbol positions with symbols, the symbol selection process comprising selecting symbols from first and second default reel strips for the first and second columns, a triggered process comprising upon the selected symbols for the first column and second column including the first triggering combination, selecting symbols for the third to fifth columns from reel strips wherein at least the third reel strip is changed relative to the default third to fifth reel strips to provide an increased chance of a winning outcome in in conjunction with the first triggering combination of symbols, and upon the selected symbols for the first column and second column including the second triggering combination, selecting symbols for the third to fifth columns from reel strips wherein at least the third reel strip is changed relative to the default third to fifth reel strips to provide an increased chance of a winning outcome in in conjunction with the second triggering combination of symbols, and a default process for when the triggered process is not conducted comprising selecting symbols for the third to fifth columns by selecting symbols from the third to fifth default reel strips; control the display to display the selected symbols at the respective symbol positions; evaluate the selected symbols to determine whether to make one or more prize awards; and increment a win meter by each made prize award.

22. The gaming device as claimed in claim 21, wherein the trigger data structure comprises a third triggering combination of symbols, and wherein the triggered process comprises, upon the selected symbols for the first column and second column including the third triggering combination, selecting symbols for the third to fifth columns from reel strips wherein at least the third reel strip is changed relative to the default third to fifth reel strips to provide an increased chance of a winning outcome in in conjunction with the third triggering combination of symbols.

23. The gaming device as claimed in claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the trigger data structure comprises a fourth triggering combination of symbols and wherein the triggered process comprises, upon the selected symbols for the first column and second column including the fourth triggering combination, selecting symbols for the third to fifth columns from reel strips wherein at least the third reel strip is changed relative to the default third to fifth reel strips to provide an increased chance of a winning outcome in in conjunction with the fourth triggering combination of symbols.

24. The gaming device as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the reel strip associated with the first column is configured so that only one of the plurality of triggering combinations can occur when the symbols are selected from the individual ones of the plurality of reel strips associated with the first and second columns.

25. The gaming device as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein each of the reel strips associated with the third to fifth columns comprise configurable symbols, and wherein the memory comprises a symbol configuring data structure comprising a plurality of weighted tables each associated with a respective one of the triggering combinations of symbols, each weighted table comprising a plurality of assignable prizes and defining relative probabilities of assigning individual ones of the assignable prizes, and wherein at least upon symbols being selected for the using the triggered process, the processor assigns prizes to at least each selected configurable symbol using the at least one weighted table associated with the triggering combination.

26. The gaming device as claimed in claim 25, wherein when the instructions are executed by the processor, they cause the processor to, upon symbols being selected for the third column using the triggered process, evaluate any selected configurable symbols from left to right from the third column when determining whether to make one or more prize awards based on configurable symbols.

27. The gaming device as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein evaluating the selected symbols comprises evaluating the selected symbols from left to right based on a set of defined win lines.

28. A method of operating a gaming device comprising a display, and a memory storing (i) a trigger data structure defining a plurality of triggering combinations of symbols comprising at least a first triggering combination of symbols and a second triggering combination of symbols, and (ii) reel strip data structure defining a plurality of reel strips and defining an association between each reel strip and one of a plurality of columns of symbol positions, the plurality of reel strips including default reel strips associated with each of the plurality of columns, the method comprising: conducting a random symbol selection process to populate the plurality of columns of symbol positions with symbols, the symbol selection process comprising selecting symbols from first and second default reel strips for the first and second columns, a triggered process comprising upon the selected symbols for the first column and second column including the first triggering combination, selecting symbols for the third to fifth columns from reel strips wherein at least the third reel strip is changed relative to the default third to fifth reel strips to provide an increased chance of a winning outcome in in conjunction with the first triggering combination of symbols, and upon the selected symbols for the first column and second column including the second triggering combination, selecting symbols for the third to fifth columns from reel strips wherein at least the third reel strip is changed relative to the default third to fifth reel strips to provide an increased chance of a winning outcome in in conjunction with the second triggering combination of symbols, and a default process for when the triggered process is not conducted comprising selecting symbols for the third to fifth columns by selecting symbols from the third to fifth default reel strips; controlling the display to display the selected symbols at the respective symbol positions; evaluating the selected symbols to determine whether to make one or more prize awards; and incrementing a win meter by each made prize award.

29. The method as claimed in claim 28, wherein the trigger data structure comprises a third triggering combination of symbols, and wherein the triggered process comprises, upon the selected symbols for the first column and second column including the third triggering combination, selecting symbols for the third to fifth columns from reel strips wherein at least the third reel strip is changed relative to the default third to fifth reel strips to provide an increased chance of a winning outcome in in conjunction with the third triggering combination of symbols.

30. The method as claimed in claim 28 or claim 29, wherein the trigger data structure comprises a fourth triggering combination of symbols and wherein the triggered process comprises, upon the selected symbols for the first column and second column including the fourth triggering combination, selecting symbols for the third to fifth columns from reel strips wherein at least the third reel strip is changed relative to the default third to fifth reel strips to provide an increased chance of a winning outcome in in conjunction with the fourth triggering combination of symbols.

31. The method as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein the reel strip associated with the first column is configured so that only one of the plurality of triggering combinations can occur when the symbols are selected from the individual ones of the plurality of reel strips associated with the first and second columns.

32. The method as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 31, wherein each of the reel strips associated with the third to fifth columns comprise configurable symbols, and wherein the memory comprises a symbol configuring data structure comprising a plurality of weighted tables each associated with a respective one of the triggering combinations of symbols, each weighted table comprising a plurality of assignable prizes and defining relative probabilities of assigning individual ones of the assignable prizes, and wherein at least upon symbols being selected for the third column using the triggered process, the method comprises assigning prizes to at least each selected configurable symbol using the at least one weighted table associated with the triggering combination.

33. The method as claimed in claim 32, comprising, upon symbols being selected for the third column using the triggered process, evaluating any selected configurable symbols from left to right from the third column when determining whether to make one or more prize awards based on configurable symbols.

34. The gaming device as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 33, wherein evaluating the selected symbols comprises evaluating the selected symbols from left to right based on a set of defined win lines.

35. A gaming system comprising: one or more processors; and at least one memory storing (i) a trigger data structure defining a plurality of triggering combinations of symbols comprising at least a first triggering combination of symbols and a second triggering combination of symbols, (ii) a reel strip data structure defining a plurality of reel strips and defining an association between each reel strip and one of a plurality of columns of symbol positions, the plurality of reel strips including default reel strips associated with each of the plurality of columns, and (iii) instructions which when executed by the one or more processors cause the one or more processors to: conduct a random symbol selection process to populate the plurality of columns of symbol positions with symbols, the symbol selection process comprising selecting symbols from first and second default reel strips for the first and second columns, a triggered process comprising upon the selected symbols for the first column and second column including the first triggering combination, selecting symbols for the third to fifth columns from reel strips wherein at least the third reel strip is changed relative to the default third to fifth reel strips to provide an increased chance of a winning outcome in in conjunction with the first triggering combination of symbols, and upon the selected symbols for the first column and second column including the second triggering combination, selecting symbols for the third to fifth columns from reel strips wherein at least the third reel strip is changed relative to the default third to fifth reel strips to provide an increased chance of a winning outcome in in conjunction with the second triggering combination of symbols, and a default process for when the triggered process is not conducted comprising selecting symbols for the third to fifth columns by selecting symbols from the third to fifth default reel strips; control a display to display the selected symbols at the respective symbol positions; evaluate the selected symbols to determine whether to make one or more prize awards; and increment a win meter by each made prize award.

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