AU2012203762A1 - A gaming system and a method of gaming - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a symbol 5 selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions, a win criterion selector arranged to facilitate selection by a player of at least one win criterion from a plurality of win criteria, and an outcome evaluator arranged to 10 determine whether the selected symbols correspond to a winning outcome. The system also comprises a prize allocator arranged to allocate a prize to a player when a winning outcome exists and to allocate a different prize to the player when the selected symbols satisfy the 15 selected win criterion. A corresponding method is also disclosed. 3461855 1 (GHMatters) P76831.AU.2 27/06/2012 74 .-- 72 69: Fig. 3

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Standard Patent Applicant: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Invention Title: A GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to us: - 2 A GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING Field of the Invention 5 The present invention relates to a gaming system and to a method of gaming. Background of the Invention 10 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. In some arrangements, a win outcome is 15 defined on the basis of occurrence of symbols along defined win lines which may be preselected or selected by a player prior to display of symbols by the gaming system. Such gaming systems may commonly be implemented as a 20 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 graphical display device. 25 However, while such gaming systems provide users with enjoyment, a need exists for alternative gaming systems in order to maintain or increase player enjoyment. Summary of the Invention 30 In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming system comprising: a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions; 35 a win criterion selector arranged to facilitate selection by a player of at least one win criterion from a plurality of win criteria; 34618551 (GHMatters) P76831.AU.2 27/06/2012 -3 an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether the selected symbols correspond to a winning outcome, wherein the winning outcome is defined by a winning combination of symbols displayed at the plurality of 5 display positions; and a prize allocator arranged to allocate a first prize to a player in response to the winning combination of symbols being selected and to allocate a second prize to the player in response to the winning combination of 10 symbols also satisfying the selected win criterion. In one embodiment, the win criterion is a specific win line. 15 In one embodiment, the win criterion is a win combination selectable from a plurality of win combinations. The win combination may be a scatter combination or a defined symbol combination. 20 In one embodiment, the prize allocator is arranged to allocate an increased prize to the player when the selected symbol combination coincides with the selected win criterion. 25 In one embodiment, the prize is a monetary prize and the prize allocator is arranged to allocate an increased monetary value prize to the player when the selected symbols satisfy the selected win criterion. 30 In one embodiment, the prize is at least one free game and the prize allocator is arranged to allocate an increased number of free games to the player when the selected symbols satisfy the selected win criterion. 3461855_1 (GHMatters) P76831.AU.2 27/06/2012 - 4 The increased prize may be double the prize awarded to a player when the selected symbols do not satisfy the selected win criterion. 5 The gaming system may be arranged to operate in normal game mode wherein at least one base game is implemented and special game mode wherein at least one feature game is implemented. 10 In one embodiment, the prize allocator is arranged to allocate an increased prize to the player in respect of a winning outcome occurring during normal game mode and/or special game mode. 15 The gaming system may be arranged to commence special game mode when a specific game outcome occurs. With this embodiment, the prize allocator may be arranged to modify a condition associated with special game mode, such as the number of free games implemented during special game mode, 20 when the specific game outcome satisfies the selected win criterion. In addition or alternatively, the gaming system may be arranged to commence special game mode on the basis of a 25 game event occurring during a game such as display of a particular symbol, in response to player input, based on the amount or type of bet placed, or when a special game is purchased by a player. 30 In an embodiment wherein the win criterion is a selected win line or a scatter combination, display positions corresponding to the specific win line may be highlighted relative to display positions which do not correspond to the specific win line. The display positions may be 35 highlighted by increasing the intensity of display positions associated with the win line relative to display positions not associated with the specific win line, by 3461855_1 (GHMatters) P76831.AU.2 27/06/2012 - 5 displaying display positions associated with the specific win line in a different colour relative to display positions not associated with the specific win line, or by causing the displaying display positions associated with 5 the specific win line to flash. The gaming system may be implemented as a stand alone gaming machine or across a network. 10 In one embodiment, one or more of the symbol selector, win criterion selector, prize allocator and the outcome evaluator is constituted, at least in part, by a processor executing program code stored in a memory. 15 In one embodiment, the gaming system comprises a game play mechanism operable to place a wager and the outcome evaluator evaluates the outcome based on the wager. In accordance with a second aspect of the present 20 invention, there is provided a method of gaming comprising: selecting, using a processor, a plurality of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions; facilitating, using a processor, selection by a 25 player of a win criterion from a plurality of win criteria; determining, using a processor, whether the selected symbols correspond to a winning outcome, wherein the winning outcome is defined by a winning combination of 30 symbols displayed at the plurality of display positions; and allocating, using a processor a first prize to a player in response to the winning combination of symbols being selected, and allocating a second prize to the 3461855_1 (GHMatters) P76831.AU.2 27/06/2012 -6 player in response to the winning combination of symbols also satisfying the selected win criterion. In accordance with a third aspect of the present 5 invention, there is provided a computer program arranged when loaded into a computer to instruct the computer to operate in accordance with a gaming system comprising: a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions; 10 a win criterion selector arranged to facilitate selection by a player of at least one win criterion from a plurality of win criteria; an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether the selected symbols correspond to a winning outcome, 15 wherein the winning outcome is defined by a winning combination of symbols displayed at the plurality of display positions; and a prize allocator arranged to allocate a first prize to a player in response to the winning combination of 20 symbols being selected, and to allocate a second prize to the player in response to the winning combination of symbols also satisfying the selected win criterion. In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present 25 invention, there is provided a computer readable medium having computer readable program code embodied therein for causing a computer to operate in accordance with a gaming system comprising: a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of 30 symbols for display at a plurality of display positions; a win criterion selector arranged to facilitate selection by a player of at least one win criterion from a plurality of win criteria; 3461855_1 (GHMatters) P76831.AU.2 27/06/2012 - 7 an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether the selected symbols correspond to a winning outcome, wherein the winning outcome is defined by a winning combination of symbols displayed at the plurality of 5 display positions; and a prize allocator arranged to allocate a first prize to a player in response to the winning combination of symbols being selected and to allocate a second prize to the player in response to the winning combination of 10 symbols also satisfying the selected win criterion. In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data signal having computer readable program code embodied therein for causing a 15 computer to operate in accordance with a gaming system comprising: a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions; a win criterion selector arranged to facilitate 20 selection by a player of at least one win criterion from a plurality of win criteria; an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether the selected symbols correspond to a winning outcome, wherein the winning outcome is defined by a winning 25 combination of symbols displayed at the plurality of display positions; and a prize allocator arranged to allocate a first prize to a player in response to the winning combination of symbols being selected, and to allocate a second prize to 30 the player in response to the winning combination of symbols also satisfying the selected win criterion. 3461855_1 (GHMatters) P76831.AU.2 27/06/2012 -8 Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, 5 in which: Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of core components of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of functional 10 components of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention with the gaming system implemented in the form 15 of a stand alone gaming machine; Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of operative components of the gaming machine shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram of components of a memory of the gaming machine shown in Figure 3; 20 Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a gaming system in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention with the gaming system implemented over a network; Figure 7 is a flow diagram illustrating game play of 25 a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 8 is a diagrammatic representation of an example screen displayed by a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention during 30 implementation of a game. Description of an Embodiment of the Invention The present gaming system operates such that at least 35 during a portion of a game implemented by the gaming system, a player is provided with an option to select a win criterion from a plurality of available win criteria. 3461855_1 (GHMatters) P76831.AU,2 27/06/2012 - 9 If the displayed symbol combination coincides with the selected special win criterion, a different prize is allocated to a player. The criterion may be a win line, a win combination such as a defined symbol combination or a 5 defined symbol pattern, or any other suitable win criterion. Referring to the drawings, there is shown a schematic block diagram of a gaming system 10 arranged to implement 10 a probabilistic game of the type wherein several symbols from a set of symbols are randomly displayed, and a game outcome is determined on the basis of the displayed symbols. The system may have a single mode of operation or may be of the type including multiple game modes such 15 as operable in normal game mode wherein a base game is implemented and special game mode wherein a feature game is implemented. With some such probabilistic games, the set of symbols 20 used during normal game mode include standard symbols and function symbols, and the game outcome is determined on the basis of the displayed standard symbols and the function associated with any displayed function symbol. For example, standard symbols may resemble fruit such as 25 apples, pears and bananas with a win outcome being determined when a predetermined number of the same fruit appear on a display along a win line, or are displayed according to defined outcome patterns such as scattered, and so on. The function associated with a function symbol 30 may be for example a wild function wherein display of the function symbol is treated during consideration of the game outcome as any of the standard symbols. A function symbol may be represented as the word "WILD", a star, or by any other suitable word or symbol. Other functions are 35 also envisaged such as scatter functions, multiplier functions, repeat win functions, jackpot functions and feature commencement functions. 3461855_1 (GHMatters) P26831.AU.2 27/06/2012 - 10 Referring to Figure 1, a schematic diagram of core components of a gaming system 10 in accordance with the present embodiment is shown. The core components comprise 5 a player interface 30 and a game controller 32. The player interface 30 is arranged to enable interaction between a player and the gaming system and for this purpose includes input/output components required for the player to enter instructions and play the game. 10 Components of the player interface 30 may vary but will typically include a credit mechanism 34 to enable a player to input credits and receive payouts, one or more displays 36 which may comprise a touch screen, and a game play 15 mechanism 38 arranged to enable a player to input game play instructions. The game controller 32 is in data communication with the player interface 30 and typically includes a processor 40 20 arranged to process game play instructions and output game player outcomes to the display 36. Typically, the game play instructions are stored as program code in a memory 42 that can also be hardwired. It will be understood that in this specification the term "processor" is used to 25 refer generically to any device that can process game play instructions and may include a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic device or other computational device such as a personal computer or a server. 30 A functional diagram illustrating operative components of the game controller 32 is shown in Figure 2. The memory 42 is arranged to store symbols data 14 35 indicative of a plurality of symbols, in the present example associated with a plurality of reels, win lines data 15 indicative of available win lines, function data 3461055_1 (GHMatters) P26831.AU.2 27/06/2012 - 11 16 indicative of one or more functions allocatable to the symbols, and game instruction data 18 indicative of game instructions usable by the gaming machine 10 to control operation of the game. 5 The game controller 32 includes a symbol selector 20 which is arranged to select several symbols from the available symbols 15 for display to a player in a plurality of display positions, in this example by spinning reels 10 containing the symbols and stopping the reels so as to display at least one symbol on each reel. In this example, the selection carried out by the symbol selector 20 is made using a random number generator 22. 15 During special game mode, a feature game is implemented which for example may be of a type wherein a player is provided with several free games. It will be appreciated that the random number generator 22 20 may be of a type which is arranged to generate pseudo random numbers based on a seed number, and that in this specification the term "random" will be understood accordingly to mean truly random or pseudo random. 25 With this embodiment, the game controller 32 also comprises a trigger determiner 24 arranged to determine whether a trigger condition exists and to instruct a feature implementer 25 to implement special game mode when a trigger condition has been detected. Such a trigger 30 condition may be display of a particular symbol or combination of symbols. The game controller 32 also includes a criterion selector 26 which facilitates selection by a player of a special 35 win criterion from the available win criteria stored in the memory 42. For example, the criterion selector 26 3461855_1 (GHMatters) P76831.AU.2 27/06/2012 - 12 may facilitate selection of a special win wine from a plurality of win lines. In this example, the game controller 32 also comprises a 5 function allocator 27 arranged to select and allocate one or more functions to one or more symbols. Such functions include a wild function, a scatter function, or any other function which may be applied to a symbol or to the game. 10 The game controller 32 also comprises an outcome evaluator 28 which in accordance with the game instructions 18 determines game outcomes based on the symbols selected for display to the player by the symbol selector 20 and on the special win criterion selected by a player. 15 The game controller 32 also comprises a prize allocator 29 arranged to allocate a prize to a player when a winning outcome exists, the type of prize being dependent on the winning outcome and whether the winning outcome coincides 20 with a selected win criterion. In the embodiments described below, the symbol selector 20, the trigger determiner 24, feature implementer 25, the criterion selector 26, the function allocator 27, and the 25 outcome evaluator 28, and the prize allocator 29 are at least partly implemented using the processor 40 and associated software, although it will be understood that other implementations are envisaged. 30 The gaming system 10 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. 35 In a second form, a distributed architecture is provided wherein some of the components required for implementing 3461855_1 (GHMatters) P76831.AU.2 27/06/2012 - 13 the game are present in a player operable gaming device and some of the components required for implementing the game are located remotely relative to the gaming device. For example, a "thick client" architecture may be used 5 wherein part of the game is executed on a player operable gaming terminal 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 10 operable gaming terminal 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 15 envisaged. For example, an architecture may be provided wherein a gaming device is networked to a gaming server and the respective functions of the gaming device and the gaming server are selectively modifiable. For example, the gaming system may operate in stand alone gaming 20 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. 25 A gaming system in the form of a stand alone gaming machine 50 is illustrated in Figure 3. The gaming machine 50 includes a console 52 having a display 54 on which is displayed representations of a game 56 that can be played by a player. A mid-trim 60 of the gaming machine 50 30 houses a bank of buttons 62 for enabling a player to interact with the gaming machine, in particular during gameplay. The mid-trim 60 also houses a credit input mechanism 64 which in this example includes a coin input chute 64A and a bill collector 64B. Other credit input 35 mechanisms may also be employed, for example, a card reader for reading a smart card, debit card or credit card. 34618551 (GHMatters) P76831.AU.2 27/06/2012 - 14 A top box 66 may carry artwork 68, including for example pay tables and details of bonus awards and other information or images relating to the game. Further 5 artwork and/or information may be provided on a front panel 69 of the console 52. A coin tray 70 is mounted beneath the front panel 69 for dispensing cash payouts from the gaming machine 50. 10 The display 54 is in the form of a video display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, the display 54 may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, or any other suitable video display unit. The top box 66 may also include a display, 15 for example a video display unit, which may be of the same type as the display 54, or of a different type. The display 54 may comprise a touch screen usable by a player to interact with the gaming machine, in particular during game play. 20 The display 54 in this example is arranged to display representations of several reels, each reel of which has several associated symbols. Typically 3, 4 or 5 reels are provided. During operation of the game, the reels first 25 appear to rotate then stop with typically three symbols visible on each reel. Game outcomes are determined on the basis of the visible symbols together with any special functions associated with the symbols. 30 A player marketing module (PMM) 72 having a display 74 is connected to the gaming machine 50. The main purpose of the PMM 72 is to allow the player to interact with a player loyalty system. The PMM has a magnetic card reader for the purpose of reading a player tracking device, for 35 example as part of a loyalty program. However other reading devices may be employed and the player tracking device may be in the form of a card, flash drive or any 34618551 (GHMatters) P76831.AU.2 27/06/2012 - 15 other portable storage medium capable of being read by the reading device. In this example, the PMM 62 is a Sentinel III device produced by Aristocrat Technologies Pty Ltd. 5 Figure 4 shows a block diagram of operative components of a gaming device 100 which may be the same as or different to the gaming machine shown in Figure 3. The gaming device 100 includes a game controller 101 10 having a processor 102. Instructions and data to control operation of the processor 102 in accordance with the present invention are stored in a memory 103 which is in data communication with the processor 102. 15 Typically, the gaming device 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. 20 Figure 5 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 25 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 30 or elsewhere. The gaming device has hardware meters 104 for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring player credit, an input/output (I/O) interface 105 for 35 communicating with a player interface 120 of the gaming device 100, the player interface 120 having several peripheral devices. The input/output interface 105 and/or 3461855 1 (GHMatters) P76831.AU.2 27/06/2012 - 16 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 5 generates random numbers for use by the processor 102. In the example shown in Figure 4, the peripheral devices that communicate with the game controller 101 comprise one or more displays 106, a touch screen and/or bank of 10 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 15 implementation. In addition, the gaming device 100 may include a communications interface, for example a network card 112. The network card may, for example, send status 20 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. 25 It is also possible for the operative components of the gaming device 100 to be distributed, for example input/output devices 106,107,108,109,110,111 may be provided remotely from the game controller 101. 30 Figure 6 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, a LAN or a WAN. In this example, three banks 203 of two gaming devices 202 are connected to the network 201. The 35 gaming devices 202 provide a player operable interface and may be the same as the gaming machines 40,100 shown in Figures 3 and 4, or may have simplified functionality 3461855_1 (GHMatters} P76831.AU.2 27/06/2012 - 17 depending on the requirements for implementing game play. While banks 203 of two gaming devices are illustrated in Figure 6, banks of one, three or more gaming devices are also envisaged. 5 One or more displays 204 may also be connected to the network 201. The displays 204 may, for example, be associated with one or more banks 203 of gaming devices. The displays 204 may be used to display representations 10 associated with game play on the gaming devices 202, and/or used to display other representations, for example promotional or informational material. In a thick client embodiment, a game server 205 implements 15 part of the game played by a player using a gaming device 202 and the gaming device 202 implements part of the game. With this embodiment, as both the game server 205 and the gaming device 202 implement part of the game, they collectively provide a game controller. A database 20 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 monitor and 25 carry out the Jackpot game. In a variation of the above thick client embodiment, the gaming device 202 is a gaming machine arranged to implement the game, with the game server 205 functioning 30 merely to serve data indicative of a game to the gaming machine 202 for implementation. With this implementation, a data signal containing a computer program usable by the gaming machine to implement 35 the gaming system may be transferred from the game server to the client terminal, for example in response to a request by the gaming machine. 3461855_1 (GHMatters) P76831.AU,2 27/06/2012 - 18 In a thin client embodiment, the game server 205 implements most or all of the game played by a player using a gaming terminal 202 and the gaming terminal 202 5 essentially provides only the player interface. With this embodiment, the game server 205 provides the game controller. The gaming terminal will receive player instructions, and pass the instructions to the game server which will process them and return game play outcomes to 10 the gaming terminal for display. In a thin client embodiment, the gaming terminal could be computer terminals, e.g. PCs running software that provides a player interface operable using standard computer input and output components. 15 Servers are also typically provided to assist in the administration of the gaming system 200, including for example a gaming floor management server 208 and a licensing server 209 to monitor the use of licenses 20 relating to particular games. An administrator terminal 210 is provided to allow an administrator to monitor the network 201 and the devices connected to the network. The gaming system 200 may communicate with other gaming 25 systems, other local networks such as a corporate network, and/or a wide area network such as the Internet, for example through a firewall 211. A loyalty program server 212 may also be provided. 30 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 35 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 number generator engine. 3461855_1 (GHMatters) P76831.AU.2 27/06/2012 - 19 Alternatively, a separate random number generator server could be provided. Examples of specific implementations of the gaming system 5 will now be described. In this example, the gaming system is operable in normal game mode and special game mode and the gaming system comprises five reels, each of which has an associated set 10 of symbols. The reels comprise standard symbols and optionally one or more function symbols and win outcomes are determined on the basis of the symbols visible at the display positions 15 when the reels stop rotating. Typically, a player will purchase or otherwise obtain win entitlements such as several win lines which are used in the game to determine win outcomes. If the displayed 20 symbols on the reels have symbols associated with a winning combination such as disposed on a win line, the player wins a prize. The gaming system may be arranged to commence special game 25 mode when a predetermined game outcome occurs, and special game mode may comprise one or more free games. Special game mode may commence automatically on the basis of a game event occurring during a game such as display of a particular symbol, based on game outcomes determined by 30 the gaming system, or may be prompted by a player pressing a button on the gaming system 10, 40, 100 after the player has identified that a game outcome corresponding to special game mode requirements has occurred. 35 The gaming system 10, 40, 100 may also be arranged so as to determine eligibility for special game mode, for 3461855_1 (GHMatters) P76831.AU.2 27/06/2012 - 20 example based on the amount or type of bet placed, based on certain time periods and so on. Special game mode may also be arranged to commence when a 5 special game is purchased by a player. A specific example will now be described in relation to flow diagram 250 shown in Figure 7 which illustrates steps 252 to 266 of a method of gaming implemented by the gaming 10 system according to the present embodiment. In this example, five virtual reels are provided and, as such, representations of the reels are displayed on a graphical display device 44. 15 During implementation of a game, a player is provided with an opportunity to select a win criterion, in this example a win line 254 from a plurality of available win lines. The reels are spun 254 and subsequently stopped to display 20 a symbol at each display position. If a trigger condition does not exist 258 to cause commencement of special game mode, the outcome generator 28 determines 262 whether the symbols displayed at the display positions correspond to a winning outcome and whether the winning outcome coincides 25 with the selected win line. If a winning outcome exists and the winning outcome coincides with the selected win line, the prize associated with the winning outcome is changed, for example, the prize associated with the winning outcome is increased, such as doubled. 30 If a trigger condition exists 258, special game mode commences which causes implementation of a special feature. 35 In one embodiment, the system may be arranged such that if the trigger condition is a combination of symbols which coincide with a selected special win line, the prize 34618551 (GHMatters) P76831.AU.2 27/06/2012 - 21 associated with a winning outcome achieved during the feature game is changed, such as doubled. It will be understood that the prize awarded to a player 5 may be a monetary prize, may be in the form of a number of free games which may be feature games, or may be in any other suitable form. For example, in the above example wherein a combination of symbols triggers special game mode and the combination of displayed symbols coincides 10 with the special win line, the number of free games awarded to a player may be increased, such as doubled. In Figure 8, an example display 54 including a plurality of selected symbols 302 is shown diagrammatically. The 15 display 54 includes a win line indicator 304 for each available win line. By highlighting a win line indicator 304, an indication can be provided to a player as to the win line which has been selected. In the example shown in Figure 8, win line 6 has been selected by a player as a 20 special win line and the display positions 306 corresponding to the special win line are highlighted relative to display positions 308 which do not correspond to the special win line. 25 In the present example, after selection of symbols has occurred a win outcome including 4 ACE symbols (3xACE symbols plus a WILD symbol) exists. This outcome also coincides with the selected special win line, and as a consequence the prize associated with 4xACE symbols is 30 doubled and awarded to the player. In addition or alternatively, the gaming system may be arranged such that if the selected symbols trigger special game mode, occurrence of the triggering combination on the 35 special win line has the effect of modifying one or more prizes awarded to a player during special game mode. For example, if the combination 3xACE symbols plus WILD symbol 3461855_1 (GHMatters) P26831.AU.2 27/06/2012 - 22 shown in Figure 8 causes special game mode to commence, and the combination coincides with a special win line, the number of free games during special mode may be increased, such as doubled, or a prize associated with any win during 5 special game mode may be increased, such as doubled. As an alternative to the present example wherein a player selects a win criterion in the form of a special win line, it will be understood that other variations are possible. 10 For example, the win criterion may be a defined symbol combination such as 4 ACE symbols, and a prize allocated to the player increased when a win combination including 4 ACES is achieved. 15 In the claims of this application and in the description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the words "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive 20 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. It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication 25 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. 30 Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. 3461855_1 (GHMatters) P76831.AU.2 27/06/2012

Claims (45)

1. A gaming system comprising: a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of 5 symbols for display at a plurality of display positions; a win criterion selector arranged to facilitate selection by a player of at least one win criterion from a plurality of win criteria; an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether 10 the selected symbols correspond to a winning outcome, wherein the winning outcome is defined by a winning combination of symbols displayed at the plurality of display positions; and a prize allocator arranged to allocate a first prize 15 to a player in response to the winning combination of symbols being selected and to allocate a second prize to the player in response to the winning combination of symbols also satisfying the selected win criterion. 20

2. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the win criterion is a specific win line.

3. A gaming system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the specific win line is selectable from a plurality of win 25 lines.

4. A gaming system as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein display positions corresponding to the specific win line are highlighted relative to display positions 30 which do not correspond to the specific win line.

5. A gaming system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the display positions are highlighted by increasing the intensity of display positions associated with the 35 specific win line relative to display positions not 3461855_1 (GHMatters) P26831.AU.2 27/06/2012 - 24 associated with the specific win line, by displaying display positions associated with the specific win line in a different colour relative to display positions not associated with the specific win line, or by causing the 5 displaying display positions associated with the specific win line to flash.

6. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the win criterion is a win combination. 10

7. A gaming system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the win combination is a scatter combination or a defined symbol combination. 15

8. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the prize allocator is arranged to allocate an increased prize to the player when the selected symbols satisfy the selected win criterion. 20

9. A gaming system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the prize is a monetary prize and the prize allocator is arranged to allocate an increased monetary value prize to the player when the selected symbols satisfy the selected win criterion. 25

10. A gaming system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the prize is at least one free game and the prize allocator is arranged to allocate an increased number of free games to the player when the selected symbols satisfy the selected 30 win criterion.

11. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the increased prize is double the prize awarded to a player when the selected symbols do not 35 satisfy the selected win criterion.

12. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gaming system is arranged to 3461855_1 (GHMatters) P76831.AU.2 27/06/2012 - 25 operate in normal game mode wherein at least one base game is implemented and special game mode wherein at least one feature game is implemented. 5

13. A gaming system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the prize allocator is arranged to allocate an increased prize to the player when a selected win criterion is satisfied during normal game mode and/or special game mode. 10

14. A gaming system as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the gaming system is arranged to commence special game mode when a specific game outcome occurs.

15. A gaming system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the 15 prize allocator is arranged to modify a condition associated with special game mode when the specific game outcome satisfies the selected win criterion.

16. A gaming system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the 20 prize allocator is arranged to modify the number of free games implemented during special game mode when the specific game outcome satisfies the selected win criterion. 25

17. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the gaming system is arranged to commence special game mode on the basis of a game event occurring during a game. 30

18. A gaming system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the gaming system is arranged to commence special game mode in response to display of a particular symbol, in response to player input, based on the amount or type of bet placed, or when a special game is purchased by a player. 35

19. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more of the symbol 3461655_1 (GHMatters) P76831.AU.2 27/06/2012 - 26 selector, win criterion selector, prize allocator and the outcome evaluator is constituted, at least in part, by a processor executing program code stored in a memory. 5

20. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gaming system comprises a game play mechanism operable to place a wager and the outcome evaluator evaluates the outcome based on the wager. 10

21. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gaming system comprises a gaming machine. 15

22. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising a gaming terminal and a gaming server in networked communication with the gaming terminal. 20

23. A method of gaming comprising: selecting, using a processor, a plurality of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions; facilitating, using a processor, selection by a player of a win criterion from a plurality of win 25 criteria; determining, using a processor whether the selected symbols correspond to a winning outcome, wherein the winning outcome is defined by a winning combination of symbols displayed at the plurality of display positions; 30 and allocating, using a processor a first prize to a player in response to the winning combination of symbols being selected, and allocating a second prize to the player in response to the winning combination of symbols 35 also satisfying the selected win criterion. 3461655_1 (GHMatters) P76831.AU.2 27/06/2012 - 27

24. A method as claimed in claim 23, wherein the win criterion is a specific win line. 5

25. A method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the specific win line is selectable from a plurality of win lines.

26. A method as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 25, comprising highlighting display positions corresponding to 10 the specific win line relative to display positions which do not correspond to the specific win line.

27. A method as claimed in claim 26, comprising highlighting display positions by increasing the intensity 15 of display positions associated with the specific win line relative to display positions not associated with the specific win line, by displaying display positions associated with the specific win line in a different colour relative to display positions not associated with 20 the specific win line, or by causing the displaying display positions associated with the specific win line to flash.

28. A method as claimed in claim 23, wherein the win 25 criterion is a win combination.

29. A method as claimed in claim 28, wherein the win combination is a scatter combination or a defined symbol combination. 30

30. A method as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 29, comprising allocating an increased prize to the player when the selected symbol combination coincides with the selected win criterion. 35

31. A method as claimed in claim 30, wherein the prize is a monetary prize and the method comprises allocating an 3461855_1 (GHMatters) P26831.AU.2 27/06/2012 - 28 increased monetary value prize to the player when the selected symbol combination coincides with the selected win criterion. 5

32. A method as claimed in claim 30, wherein the prize is at least one free game and the method comprises allocating an increased number of free games to the player when the selected symbol combination coincides with the selected win criterion. 10

33. A method as claimed in any one of claims 30 to 32, comprising doubling the prize awarded to a player when the selected symbol combination coincides with the selected win criterion. 15

34. A method as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 33, comprising enabling operation in normal game mode wherein at least one base game is implemented and special game mode wherein at least one feature game is implemented. 20

35. A method as claimed in claim 34, comprising allocating an increased prize to the player in respect of a winning outcome occurring during normal game mode and/or special game mode. 25

36. A method as claimed in claim 34 or claim 35, comprising commencing special game mode when a specific game outcome occurs. 30

37. A method as claimed in claim 36, comprising modifying a condition associated with special game mode when the specific game outcome coincides with the selected win criteria. 35

38. A method as claimed in claim 37, comprising modifying the number of free games implemented during special game 3461855_1 (GHMatters) P76831.AU.2 27/06/2012 - 29 mode when the specific game outcome coincides with the selected win criteria.

39. A method as claimed in any one of claims 34 to 38, 5 comprising commencing special game mode on the basis of a game event occurring during a game such as display of a particular symbol, in response to player input, based on the amount or type of bet placed, or when a special game is purchased by a player. 10

40. A method as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 39, comprising providing a processor and a memory, and executing code stored in the memory so as to implement one or more o f the symbol selector, win criterion selector, 15 prize allocator and the outcome evaluator.

41. A method as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 40, comprising providing a game play mechanism operable to place a wager and the outcome evaluator evaluates the 20 outcome based on the wager.

42. A computer program arranged when loaded into a computer to instruct the computer to operate in accordance with a gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 25 22.

43. A computer readable medium having computer readable program code embodied therein for causing a computer to operate in accordance with a gaming system as claimed in 30 any one of claims 1 to 22.

44. A data signal having computer readable program code embodied therein for causing a computer to operate in accordance with a gaming system as claimed in any one of 35 claims 1 to 22. 3461855_1 (GHMatters) P76831.AU.2 27/06/2012 - 30

45. A gaming system or a method of gaming substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to one or more of the accompanying drawings. 3461855_1 (GHMatters) P76831.AU.2 27/06/2012