US20090247258A1

US20090247258A1 - Gaming system and a method of gaming

Info

Publication number: US20090247258A1
Application number: US12/366,492
Authority: US
Inventors: Lonnie Lynn Anderson; Scott Stewart; Linn Anthony McKay; John Andrew Wootress, JR.
Original assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2008-02-05
Filing date: 2009-02-05
Publication date: 2009-10-01
Also published as: AU2009200409A1

Abstract

A method of gaming comprises selecting a first set of symbols resulting from a reel spin of a first game for use in a second game. The first set of symbols is selected according to a selection rule which specifies symbol positions within a reel window from which the symbols are selected.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/026,332 having a filing date of Feb. 5, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[Not Applicable]

MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE

[Not Applicable]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a gaming system, game controller and a method of gaming.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known to provide a gaming system which comprises a game controller arranged to randomly display several symbols from a predetermined set of symbols and to determine a game outcome such as a game win based on the displayed symbols. Such gaming systems may commonly be implemented as a stepper machine provided with reels with each reel carrying several symbols of the set, or a video machine wherein selected symbols are displayed on virtual reels on a video display. Win outcomes call occur based on symbols appealing in one or more horizontal lines, diagonal lines, or any other predetermined way.
While such gaming systems provide users with enjoyment, the need exists for alternative gaming systems in order to maintain or increase player enjoyment.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect, the present invention provides a method of gaming comprising the steps of:
selecting a first set of symbols resulting from a reel spin of a first game for use in a second game, the first set of symbols being selected according to a selection rule specifying symbol positions within a reel window from which the symbols are selected.
In an embodiment the method comprises the further step of, in the second game, matching the first set of symbols against a second set of symbols and making an award responsive to determining that a match condition has been met.
In an embodiment symbols from the first set are eligible for constituting an award winning symbol combination in the first game.
In an embodiment the selection rule specifies win lines from which the symbols are selected in the first game.
In an embodiment each symbol position in the reel window carries at least one of a standard symbol for determining a first game outcome and an additional symbol available for selection in the first set.
In an embodiment the method comprises the further step of making a second award responsive to determining a specified symbol combination along any one or more of the win lines in the first game.
In an embodiment the number of win lines is dependent on an amount wagered in the first game.
In an embodiment the method comprises repeating the step of selecting a first symbol set from a subsequent reel spin of the first game, responsive to a re-spin criteria being met.
In an embodiment the re-spin criteria is that the match condition has not been met.
In an embodiment the re-spin criteria includes receiving an additional wager from a player of the gaming device.
In an embodiment matches from a previous reel-spin remain matched.
In an embodiment the second game is Keno and wherein the second set of symbols are selected by a player of the gaming device.
In an embodiment the second game is Bingo and wherein the second set of symbols is determined by a game controller of the gaming device.
In an embodiment the method comprises the further step of providing at least one further set of symbols in a further display area of the gaming device and matching the selected symbols against symbols displayed in the further display area.
In an embodiment the reels are mechanical stepper reels driven by a stepper motor and whereby the stepper motor is driven to control the plurality of symbols appearing in the reel window.
In accordance with a second aspect the present invention provides a game controller, including a:
symbol selector arranged to select a first set of symbols resulting from a reel spin of a first game for use in a second game, the first set of symbols being selected according to a selection rule specifying symbol positions within a reel window of a gaming device from which the symbols are selected.
In an embodiment the game controller further comprises:
a determination module arranged to determine whether symbols from the first symbol set match any of a second set of symbols; and
an award module arranged to make an award responsive to determining that a match condition has been met.
In an embodiment symbols from the first set are eligible for constituting an award winning symbol combination in the first game.
In an embodiment the selection rule specifies win lines from which the symbols are selected in the first game.
In an embodiment the award module is further arranged to make a second award responsive to determining a winning symbol combination along any one or more specified win lines in the first game.
In an embodiment the second game is Keno and the gaming device comprises an input module for allowing players to select the second set of symbols.
In an embodiment the second game is Bingo and the game controller further comprises a second symbol selector module arranged to determine the second set of symbols.
In an embodiment the reels are mechanical stepper reels driven by a stepper motor and the stepper motor is driven to control the plurality of symbols appearing in the reel window.
In accordance with a third aspect the present invention provides a gaming system comprising:
a game controller as claimed in any one of the preceding claims; and
at least one display arranged to display the reel window and a game card showing the second symbol set.
In accordance with a fourth aspect, the present invention provides computer program code which when executed by a processor implements any one of the above methods.
In accordance with a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a computer readable medium providing a computer program in accordance with the fourth aspect.
In accordance with a sixth embodiment a data signal comprising the program code of the fourth aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments thereof, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of core components of a gaming system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a gaming machine arranged to implement the gaming system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of operative components of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram representing the structure of a memory of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a networked gaming system;

FIG. 6 is a further schematic block diagram of the gaming system;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a screen shot illustration an example operation of game play; and

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of the example operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment a game controller of a gaming device includes a symbol selector arranged to select a first set of symbols resulting from a reel spin of a first game for use in a second game. The first set of symbols is selected according to a selection rule which specifies symbol positions with a reel window of a gaming device from which the symbols are selected. The selection rule may, for example, specify symbol positions within the reel window from which the first set of symbols are to be selected.

General Construction of Gaming System

The gaming system can take a number of different forms. In a first form, a stand alone gaming machine is provided wherein all or most components required for implementing the game are present in a player operable gaming machine.
In a second form, a distributed architecture is provided wherein some of the components required for implementing the game are present in a player operable gaming machine and some of the components required for implementing the game are located remotely relative to the gaming machine. For example, a “thick client” architecture may be used wherein part of the game is executed on a player operable gaming machine and part of the game is executed remotely, such as by a gaming server; or a “thin client” architecture may be used wherein most of the game is executed remotely such as by a gaming server and a player operable gaming machine is used only to display audible and/or visible gaming information to the player and receive gaming inputs from the player.
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 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 skilled in the art.
Irrespective of the form, the gaming system comprises several core components. At the broadest level, the core components are a player interface 50 and a game controller 60 as illustrated in FIG. 1. The player interface is arranged to enable manual interaction between a player and the gaming system and for this purpose includes the input/output components required for the player to enter instructions and play the game.
Components of the player interface may vary from embodiment to embodiment but will typically include a credit mechanism 52 to enable a player to input credits and receive payouts, one or more displays 54, a game play mechanism 56 that enables a player to input game play instructions (e.g. to place bets), and one or more speakers 58.
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 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 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 machine 10 is illustrated in FIG. 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 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 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 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.
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 beneath the front panel 29 for dispensing cash payouts from the gaming machine 10.
The display 14 shown in FIG. 2 is in the form of a video display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, the display 14 may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, any other suitable video display unit, or the visible portion of an electromechanical device. The top box 26 may also include a display, for example a video display unit, which may be of the same type as the display 14, or of a different type.
FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of operative components of a typical gaming machine which may be the same as or different to the gaming machine of FIG. 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, which is in data communication with the processor 102. Typically, the gaming machine 100 will include both volatile and non-volatile memory and more than one of each type of memory, with such memories being collectively represented by the memory 103.
The gaming machine has hardware meters 104 for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring player credit, an input/output (I/O) interface 105 for communicating with peripheral devices of the gaming machine 100. The input/output interface 105 and/or the peripheral devices may be intelligent devices with their own memory for storing associated instructions and data for use with the input/output interface or the peripheral devices. A random number generator module 113 generates random numbers for use by the processor 102. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the reference to random numbers includes pseudo-random numbers.
In the example shown in FIG. 3, a player interface 120 includes peripheral devices that communicate with the game controller 101 comprise one or more displays 106, a touch screen and/or buttons 107, a card and/or ticket reader 108, a printer 109, a bill acceptor and/or coin 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.
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 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.
FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the main components of an exemplary memory 103. The memory 103 includes RAM 103A, EPROM 103B and a mass storage device 103C. The RAM 103A typically temporarily holds program files for execution by the processor 102 and related data. The EPROM 103B may be a boot ROM device and/or may contain some system or game related code. The mass storage device 103C is typically used to store game programs, the integrity of which may be verified and/or authenticated by the processor 102 using protected code from the EPROM 103B or elsewhere.
It is also possible for the operative components of the gaming machine 100 to be distributed, for example input/ output devices 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111 to be provided remotely from the game controller 101.
FIG. 5 shows a gaming system 200 in accordance with an alternative embodiment. The gaming system 200 includes a network 201, which for example may be an Ethernet network. Gaming machines 202, shown arranged in three banks 203 of two gaming machines 202 in FIG. 5, are connected to the network 201. The gaming machines 202 provide a player operable interface and may be the same as the gaming machines 10,100 shown in FIGS. 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 FIG. 5, banks of one, three 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. 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.
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 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 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.
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, 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 game servers could be provided to run different games or a single game server may run a plurality of different games as required by the terminals.
Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that the method of the preferred 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 from a server).

Further Detail of the Gaming System

The game controller 60 of an embodiment is shown in more detail in FIG. 6. For simplicity, only those modules needed to carry out embodiments of the invention are illustrated in FIG. 6. Other standard and/or non-standard modules may also be implemented for carrying out operation of normal and feature game play functionality.
Referring to FIG. 6, the game controller 60 includes a processor 62 which is arranged to control game play and to determine game outcomes. It will be apparent that the processor 62 implements a number of modules, namely a random number generator module 621, first symbol selector module 622, second symbol selector module 623, determination module 624, award module 626 and display controller module 628, based on program code stored in memory 64. A rule store 642 is also implemented in memory 64 for storing symbol selection rules to be utilised during game play. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that not all modules need be implemented by processor 62. Other implementations are envisaged. For example, the functional modules of FIG. 6 may be implemented in hardware of separate units, or a combination of hardware and software as separate units. Any practical implementation of these functional units may be employed.
A method 700 of playing an embodiment of the game of the invention is summarized illustrated in FIG. 7. At step 702, the first symbol selector module 622 selects a first set of symbols from a plurality of symbols resulting from a reel spin of a first game to be used in a second game implemented by the game controller 60. Specifically, the first set of symbols are selected from positions within a reel window based on one or more symbol selection rules which specify the symbol positions from which the symbols are selected.
In an embodiment, the second game is in the form of a match game, whereby symbols from the first symbol set are matched against a second set of symbols appearing on a game card. The second set of symbols may either be manually selected by a player of the gaming device, or automatically determined by the second symbol selector module 623. At step 704, a second game outcome is determined. According to the illustrated embodiment this involves the determination module 624 determining whether symbols from the first symbol set match symbols appearing on the game card. At step 706 a prize is awarded responsive to determining that a match condition has been met.
An example of game play according to an embodiment will now be described with reference to the screen display 800 depicted in FIG. 8 and flow diagram 900 of FIG. 9. In this example embodiment, the invention is implemented as a variation of Keno, played as a spinning reel-type game having five reels (numbered “1” to “5”). In the illustrated example, the reels are stepper reels controlled by a stepper motor. The symbols displayed on the stepper reels are representations of a set of keno numbers ranging from 1 to 80. The 80 numbers are randomly distributed over the five reels (i.e. such that each reel holds 16 different numbers). The reels 804 are controlled by the stepper motor to stop at predetermined positions, to thereby display a plurality of numbers in a reel window 805. In the illustrated embodiment the reel window 805 comprises a 3×5 grid (i.e. having 15 available symbol positions), although it will be understood by the persons skilled in the art that the grid may comprise more or less symbol positions depending on the desired implementation. It will be appreciated that the symbols displayed on the stepper reels 804 may comprise of both numbers and/or symbols and there may be different ranges (i.e. not limited to 1 to 80).
At step 902 of the example implementation, a player selects a first set of numbers to be “marked” on the game card 802. The numbers are selected from a range of numbers corresponding to those carried on the stepper reels (i.e. 1 to 80). In the illustrated embodiment, the player has selected the numbers “1”, “10”, “14”, “17” and “80”, for marking on the game card 802 (as shown in bold in FIG. 8). The display 800 may implement a touch screen and selection of the numbers by the player may be made by touching the desired numbers on the touch screen. Alternatively, appropriately arranged buttons, a keypad, or any other suitable input means may be provided for entry of the desired numbers.
Once the desired numbers have been marked on the game card 802, the player places a wager to initiate game play (step 904). The wager determines a payout amount that the player will receive, should a match condition be met.
Responsive to receiving the wager, the stepper motor causes the stepper reels 804 to rotate and come to a stop at selected stop positions. The stop positions may be randomly determined by the RNG 621. For example, a stop determining function might determine that the stop positions are positions: 3, 13, 7, 9 and 16, with the resultant numbers shown in the 3×5 reel window 805 of FIG. 8. In other stepper reel gaming devices, outcomes can be selected and mapped to stop positions such that the outcome can be selected rather than the stop positions and different weightings assigned to different outcomes. Further detail as to the operation of such a stepper reel gaming device can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,448,419 to Telneas, which is incorporated herein by reference.
The symbol selector module 622 selects numbers displayed in the reel window 805 for matching against the player selected numbers (i.e. a first set of numbers), according to a selection rule (step 906). At step 908, the determination module 624 determines whether the first set of numbers selected from the reel window 805 (which can be readily determined from the corresponding stop positions) match any of the player selected numbers on the game card 802 (i.e. the second set of numbers).
According to the embodiment described herein, the selection rule specifies win lines in the reel window 805 which are also used for determining outcomes of the first game (in other words, symbols selected for use in the second game may also be eligible for constituting an award winning symbol combination in the first game). Each win line is formed by a set of numbered positions consisting of one symbol/number position from each reel. That is, a predetermined symbol position of each reel is assigned to a win line. The position that constitutes each of the win lines may be advertised to the player by markings on the display or diagrams showing the positions that correspond to each win line. Some of the win lines will be horizontal or diagonal lines but others may be non-linear combinations. Typically, the win lines will be constituted by positions in the reel window 805.
The selection rule may, for example, specify how many win lines of a plurality of win lines are to be played—i.e. a minimum of one win line up to the maximum number of win lines allowed by the game (e.g. all win lines). The win lines may correspond to win lines implemented by a standard reel-type game.
In an embodiment, the number and/or type of win lines specified by the selection rule depends on an amount wagered in the first game. In other words, the amount wagered will effectively determine the probability of achieving a match condition in the second game (i.e. the more win lines selected, the greater the likelihood of selecting matching symbols). In the illustrated embodiment, the wager placed by the player causes five win lines to be selected (as indicated by the broken lines in window 805).
At step 910, the award module 626 determines whether a match condition has been met in the second game. This step involves determining whether there are any matches between the player selected numbers (i.e. the numbers marked on the game card 802) and the numbers selected by the selector module 622. If there are matches, the number of matches is determined and a look-up table, stored in memory 54, is referenced to determine an appropriate prize. An example of a partial look-up pay-out table is shown below in Table 1.

	TABLE 1

	Number of matches	Prize

	1	1 unit
	2	2 units
	3	4 units
	4	10 units
	. . .	. . .

For example, in FIG. 8, four (out of five) spots have been matched and therefore a pay-out of ten units is awarded to the player. If the player is satisfied with the award (step 912), then the prize is awarded at step 914.
If, however, there are no matches, or the player is not satisfied with the determined award, at step 916 the player is given the option to re-spin the reels 804 and the method returns to step 904. The matching symbols (numbers in this example) from the first reel-spin may be persistently displayed for the further reel-spin (i.e. the matched symbols from the first reel-spin remain matched). Any unmatched symbols can then be matched in the second reel-spin. In an alternative embodiment, the matched symbols from the first reel-spin are deselected. Furthermore, a re-spin may be awarded as a prize in the game and the player may use the re-spin prize at any time.
In an alternative embodiment to that described above, the selection rule may specify the total number of symbols to be selected from the reel window. Again, the number of selected symbols may depend on an amount wagered by the player. The symbols may be selected from random positions of the reel window 805, utilising the RNG 801.
In a further alternative embodiment, rather than implementing a Keno-type game, the invention includes a variation of the game Bingo. In this case, the reels 804 display a set of coloured and/or numbered Bingo Balls. The game card, or cards, display a set of Bingo Balls which may be randomly selected by the second symbol selector module 623, from the same set of balls carried on the reels. The balls displayed on the card are set prior to initiating the reel spin. Match conditions may comprise completing Bingo patterns on the game cards using a similar matching procedure to that outlined above. The patterns may comprise standard patterns used in a standard Bingo game. For example, the patterns may comprise a particular win line of the game card, cover all patterns or some other recognised Bingo pattern. An award is provided in a similar manner to that outlined above with reference to FIG. 8, responsive to determining that a match condition has been met.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the symbols utilized in game play may comprise symbols other than keno numbers or bingo balls. The symbols may be any symbols. A set of symbols may, for example, include standard symbols and function symbols. For example, standard symbols may resemble fruit such as apples, pears, bananas with a match outcome being determined when a predetermined number of selected fruit symbols match those provided on the game card. The function associated with the function symbol may be a “wild” function such as a multiplier function, repeat win function, jackpot function and other functions known to persons skilled in the art. Furthermore, as mentioned above, a prize may additionally be awarded for achieving a particular symbol combination along one of the win lines in the first game.
In an embodiment, the second game may only be initiated upon a winning combination being determined in the first game. In other words, the second game may be carried out as a type of bonus or feature game. In one such example, depending on the actual symbol combination constituting an award in the first game, a specified number of free spins may be awarded in the second game. Furthermore, according to such an embodiment each symbol position within the reel window may be arranged to carry both a standard symbol for determining the first game outcomes and an additional bonus symbol which is available for selection in the first set. For example, each symbol position may show an ordinary reel symbol such as a type of fruit and an additional symbol in the form of a Keno or Bingo ball (as previously described). Winning combinations of the ordinary fruit symbols would then constitute an award in the first game, while selected Keno or Bingo balls would be used for matching against symbols appearing on the game card for determining a second game outcome.
Although the aforementioned embodiment described the reels in the form of stepper reels, it will be understood that the reels could equally be implemented as virtual reels generated by a video display and whereby symbols are selected based on symbol data stored in memory 64 which specifies available symbols.
The aforementioned embodiments provide an alternative type of game play to that provided by traditional match games, such as Keno or Bingo. By selecting symbols resulting from a reel spin of a first game for use in a second game, a new and exciting variation of a match game may be implemented which may provide players with a heightened sense of excitement and different opportunities for carrying-out game play.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.
It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication 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.
In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. A method of gaming, comprising the steps of:

selecting a first set of symbols resulting from a reel spin of a first game for use in a second game, the first set of symbols being selected according to a selection rule specifying symbol positions within a reel window from which the symbols are selected.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising the further step of, in the second game, matching the first set of symbols against a second set of symbols and making an award responsive to determining that a match condition has been met.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein symbols from the first set are eligible for constituting an award winning symbol combination in the first game.

4. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein each symbol position in the reel window carries at least one of a standard symbol for determining a first game outcome and an additional symbol available for selection in the first set.

5. A method of gaming as claimed in claim 1, wherein the selection rule specifies win lines from which the symbols are selected in the first game.

6. A method of gaming as claimed in claim 5, comprising the further step of making a second award responsive to determining a specified symbol combination along any one or more of the win lines in the first game.

7. A method of gaining as claimed in claim 5, wherein the number of win lines is dependent on an amount wagered in the first game.

8. A method of gaming as claimed in claim 1, comprising repeating the step of selecting a first symbol set from a subsequent reel spin of the first game, responsive to a re-spin criteria being met.

9. A method of gaming as claimed in claim 8, wherein the re-spin criteria is that the match condition has not been met.

10. A method of gaming as claimed in claim 8, wherein the re-spin criteria includes receiving an additional wager from a player of the gaming device.

11. A method of gaming as claimed in claim 2, wherein matches from a previous reel-spin remain matched.

12. A method of gaming as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second game is Keno and wherein the second set of symbols is selected by a player of the gaming device.

13. A method of gaming as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second game is Bingo and wherein the second set of symbols is determined by a game controller of the gaming device.

14. A method of gaming as claimed in claim 1, comprising the further step of providing at least one further set of symbols in a further display area of the gaming device and matching the selected symbols against symbols displayed in the further display area.

15. A method of gaming as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reels are mechanical stepper reels driven by a stepper motor and whereby the stepper motor is driven to control the plurality of symbols appearing in the reel window.

16. A game controller, including a:

symbol selector arranged to select a first set of symbols resulting from a reel spin of a first game for use in a second game, the first set of symbols being selected according to a selection rule specifying symbol positions within a reel window of a gaming device from which the symbols are selected.

17. A game controller as claimed in claim 16, further comprising:

a determination module arranged to determine whether symbols from the first symbol set match any of a second set of symbols; and

an award module arranged to make an award responsive to determining that a match condition has been met.

18. A game controller as claimed in claim 16, wherein symbols from the first set are eligible for constituting an award winning symbol combination in the first game.

19. A game controller as claimed in claim 16, wherein the selection rule specifies win lines from which the symbols are selected in the first game.

20. A game controller as claimed in claim 17, wherein the award module is further arranged to make a second award responsive to determining a winning symbol combination along any one or more specified win lines in the first game.

21. A game controller as claimed in claim 16, wherein the second game is Keno and wherein the gaming device comprises an input module for allowing players to select the second set of symbols.

22. A game controller as claimed in claim 16, wherein the second game is Bingo and wherein the game controller further comprises a second symbol selector module arranged to determine the second set of symbols.

23. A game controller as claimed in claim 16, wherein the reels are mechanical stepper reels driven by a stepper motor and whereby the stepper motor is driven to control the plurality of symbols appearing in the reel window.

24. A gaming system comprising:

a game controller as claimed in claim 16, including at least one display arranged to display the reel window and a game card displaying the second symbol set.

25. A method according to claim 1 and further including a computer program code.

26. A computer readable medium comprising said program code of claim 25.

27. Data signal comprising said computer program code of claim 25.