Patent ID: 6012982
Filing Date: 2000-01-11
Classification: G07F

Abstract:
A method of operating a system of linked gaming machines comprising:generating and displaying one or more combinations of symbols in a first group of combinations by one or more of said linked gaming machines, a linked gaming machine which displays any of said combinations in said first group of combinations providing an award to a player;generating and displaying one or more combinations of symbols in a second group of combinations by one or more of said linked gaming machines, said second group of combinations being different from said first group of combinations;polling said linked gaming machines to receive information from all of said linked gaming machines regarding said generating one or more combinations of symbols in said second group of combinations by any of said linked gaming machines;displaying to players of said linked gaming machines an accumulated bonus status based on said generating one or more combinations of symbols in said second group of combinations by any of said linked gaming machines;generating and displaying a first combination of symbols within said second group of combinations by a first one of said linked gaming machines;determining whether said information together with said generating said first combination meets a bonus award criterion; andproviding a bonus award, if said information together with said generating said first combination meets said bonus award criterion, by said first one of said linked gaming machines.