Patent ID: 7553231
Filing Date: 2009-06-30
Classification: G07F

Abstract:
1. A gaming device operable under the control of a processor, said gaming device comprising: a game controlled by the processor and operable upon a wager by a player; an input device; and a display device for displaying a plurality of symbol positions; wherein the processor is programmed to operate with the display device and the input device to: (a) generate and display one of a plurality of symbols of said game in each of said plurality of symbol positions, the plurality of symbols including at least one designated symbol, (b) determine if a winning combination of said symbols is displayed in a plurality of associated symbol positions, (c) provide an award to the player for said winning combination of said symbols if said winning combination of said symbols is displayed in said plurality of associated symbol positions, (d) determine if a triggering event occurs, wherein said triggering event occurs if one of the designated symbols is displayed in one of said plurality of associated symbol positions and said winning combination of said symbols is displayed in said plurality of associated symbol positions, and (e) if the triggering event occurs, (i) lock the display of said designated symbol in the symbol position displaying said designated symbol, (ii) replace at least one of the symbols in the winning combination of said symbols with a random symbol from said plurality of symbols, and (iii) repeat (b) through (e) unless said designated symbol is displayed in each of said symbol positions, in which case repeat (b) through (c).