Patent ID: 7780511
Filing Date: 2010-08-24
Classification: G07F

Abstract:
1. A gaming machine for playing a wagering game, comprising: a wager-input device; and at least one display for displaying a basic game and a bonus game of the wagering game, the basic game having at least one bonus game triggering event, the bonus game having a first stage having one or more player-selectable elements and a second stage having one or more player-selectable elements, the second stage further including a plurality of outcomes, at least one of the player-selectable elements of the second stage masking a large bonus payout associated with the bonus game, a probability of winning the large bonus payout associated with the bonus game during the second stage increasing in response to an occurrence of a predetermined event during the first stage, a number of the one or more player-selectable elements in the second stage being reduced in response to the occurrence of the predetermined event during the first stage, wherein the large bonus payout remains fixed during the bonus game and wherein the predetermined event is the selection of a certain player-selectable element from the one or more player-selectable elements during the first stage of the bonus game, and wherein at least one of the one or more player-selectable elements of the first stage differs from at least one of the one or more player-selectable elements of the second stage.