Patent ID: 6860811
Filing Date: 2005-03-01
Classification: G07F

Abstract:
1. A method for operating a gaming machine under control of a processor operable in a bonus mode, the method comprising the steps of: setting up under control of the processor a bonus game by defining a plurality of selection elements; assigning various bonus game outcomes to the selection elements; selecting one or more of the selection elements in the bonus mode and, after each selection, associating an end-bonus penalty to the selection element if subsequently selected thereby increasing an apparent probability of obtaining an end-bonus penalty in the bonus game after each selection; determining under control of the processor a value of the selection elements selected in the bonus game; ending the bonus game upon selection of a selection element associated with the end-bonus penalty; and ending the bonus game, prior to selection of an end-bonus penalty, upon a user-initiated collection request and awarding a bonus credit based on the value of the selection elements selected.