Gaming devices, systems, and methods for reusing wild symbols

A method comprises initiating a gaming session for a grid-based game, tracking a number of consecutive losing plays of the grid-based game during the gaming session, and providing a player of the grid-based game with an option to reuse a wild symbol that appears in one play of the number of consecutive losing plays in a next play when the number of consecutive losing plays exceeds a threshold. The method further comprises receiving first input from the player to reuse the wild symbol in the next play, generating, in response to the first input, a sequence of symbols comprising the wild symbol, and causing a display to display the sequence of symbols populated in the array of cells.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure is generally directed to gaming devices, systems, and methods for reusing wild symbols, for example, in a grid-based game.

Gaming machines typically offer a number of built-in game play features that contribute to the overall player experience. Any type of game play feature that presents the player with an additional opportunity to win is often viewed as desirable and can lead to increased play of the gaming machine.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In certain embodiments, a method comprises initiating a gaming session for a grid-based game arranged as an array of cells to be populated with symbols for plays of the grid-based game, tracking a number of consecutive losing plays of the grid-based game during the gaming session, and providing a player of the grid-based game with an option to reuse a wild symbol that appears in one play of the number of consecutive losing plays in a next play when the number of consecutive losing plays exceeds a threshold. The method may further comprise receiving first input from the player to reuse the wild symbol in the next play, generating, in response to the first input, a sequence of symbols comprising the wild symbol, and causing a display to display the sequence of symbols populated in the array of cells.

In certain embodiments, a device comprises one processor and memory comprising instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to initiate a gaming session for a grid-based game, the grid-based game being arranged as an array of cells to be populated with symbols, determine, during the gaming session, that a losing play of the grid-based game comprises a wild symbol, and store, in the memory, a pointer indicating a first cell position of where the wild symbol appeared in the array of cells for the losing play. The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to determine that a number of consecutive losing plays exceeds a threshold, provide, in response to determining that the number of consecutive losing plays exceeds a threshold, a player of the grid-based game with an option to reuse the wild symbol in a next play, receive player input from the player indicating a desire to reuse the wild symbol in the next play, determine, based on the pointer, a second cell position of where the wild symbol appears in the array of cells for the next play, generate, based on the player input, a sequence of symbols comprising the wild symbol, and cause a display to display the sequence of symbols populated in the array of cells with the wild symbol in the second cell position in the array of cells.

In certain embodiments, a gaming device comprises a display, a processor, and memory comprising instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to track a number of losing plays of a grid-based game during a gaming session, where the grid-based game being arranged as an array of cells to be populated with symbols for plays of the grid-based game, generate a prompt for a player of the grid-based game to reuse a wild symbol, that appears in one play of the number of losing plays, in a next play when the number of losing plays exceeds a threshold, receive input from the player to reuse the wild symbol in the next play, generate, in response to the input, a sequence of symbols comprising the wild symbol, and cause the display to display the sequence of symbols populated to the array of cells with the wild symbol appearing in a cell position in the array of cells that matches a cell position of where the wild symbol appeared in the one play.

Additional features and advantages are described herein and will be apparent from the following Description and the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in connection with gaming systems having one or multiple gaming devices that are capable of providing reusable wild symbol operations in a grid-based game. The reusable wild symbol operations allow a player of the gaming device to reuse particular would symbol that occurred for a previous play (e.g., a losing play) of the grid-based game. The gaming devices may comprise a computational device, such as a slot machine or Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM). While embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in connection with the example of a slot machine, or EGM implementing reusable wild symbol operations, it should be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure are not so limited. For instance, other types of computational devices, such as portable user devices, smartphones, tablets, laptops, Personal Computers (PCs), wearable devices, etc. may be used to implement game enhancement features as part of a game as described herein. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may apply to games other than slot games. For instance, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used in connection with any type of grid-based game such as bingo, keno, slots, matching games, table games, etc.

In at least one embodiment, when a player loses a specified number of bets (e.g., three bets) of the same bet level in a row, the player is able to activate a feature, for example, by pressing a button on the screen that becomes active. Activating the feature will take any predetermined symbol(s) (e.g., wilds or wild symbols) that have landed in the specified number of losing spins and apply those predetermined symbol(s) to the same positions (or different positions) for the next spin. In at least one embodiment where the predetermined symbol(s) include wilds, the player may choose to hold the wilds. For example, if the player loses three plays in a row, the player could hold the wilds for up to a specific number of losses (e.g., up to then losses in a row) and then use all or some of the wilds stored from the losses. However, if the player experiences a win between any losses, the feature for reusing a wild is inactivated until the player again experiences the specified number of losses in a row (e.g., three losses in a row) to reactivate the feature.

Among other things, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a player with more ways to win a game, the ability to alter the chances of winning in a game, the ability to alter the payout amount for a winning game outcome, and add excitement to the overall game-playing experience of games.

FIGS.1A and1Bshow an illustrative computational device100that may be used to implement a grid-based game in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure. A computational device100may include a portable or non-portable device used for executing a gaming application or multiple different gaming applications without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Non-limiting examples of a computational device include an EGM, a Video Gaming Machine (VGM), a mobile communication device (e.g., a smartphone, laptop, tablet, wearable device, etc.), a personal computer (PC), etc. An EGM or VGM-type of computational device100is shown inFIG.1Ain accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

The illustrative computational device100ofFIG.1Ais shown to include a support structure, housing or cabinet,102which provides support for a plurality of displays, inputs, controls and other features of a conventional gaming machine. In the illustrated embodiment, a player plays the computational device100while sitting, however, the computational device100is alternatively configured so that a player can operate it while standing or sitting. The illustrated computational device100is positioned on the floor but can be positioned alternatively (i) on a base or stand, (ii) as a pub-style table-top game (e.g., where the participant computational devices are located remotely from the shared wheel as discussed below), (iii) as a stand-alone computational device on the floor of a casino with other stand-alone computational devices, or (iv) in any other suitable manner. The computational device100can be constructed with varying cabinet and display configurations.

In one embodiment, a computational device100is configured to randomly generate awards and/or other game outcomes based on probability data. Since a computational device100generates outcomes randomly or based upon a probability calculation, there is no certainty that the computational device100will provide the player with any specific award or other game outcome.

In some embodiments, a computational device100may employ a predetermined or finite set or pool of awards, progressive awards, prizes or other game outcomes. As each award or other game outcome is provided to the player, the computational device100removes the provided award or other game outcome from the predetermined set or pool. Once removed from the set or pool, the specific provided award or other game outcome cannot be provided to the player again. The computational device100provides players with all of the available awards or other game outcomes over the course of the play cycle and may guarantee a designated number of actual wins and losses.

The computational device100may include one or more displays112. An illustrative display112may include a credit display that displays a player's current number of credits, cash, account balance or the equivalent. Another illustrative display112may include a bet display that displays a player's amount wagered.

The computational device100is also shown to include at least one payment acceptor. Illustrative payment acceptors may include, without limitation, a coin slot124, where the player inserts coins or tokens, and a ticket, note, or bill acceptor128, where the player inserts a bar-coded ticket, note, or cash. In one embodiment, a player-tracking card, credit card, debit card, or data card reader/validator132is also provided for accepting any of those or other types of cards as a form of payment toward playing a game on the computational device100.

In one embodiment, a player inserts an identification card into card reader132of computational device100. The identification card can be a smart card having a programmed microchip or a magnetic strip coded with a player's identification, credit totals, and other relevant information. In one embodiment, money may be transferred to computational device100through an electronic fund transfer and card reader132using the player's credit, debit, or smart card. When a player funds the computational device100, a processor of the computational device100may determine the amount of funds entered and the corresponding amount is shown on the credit or other suitable display112as described above.

In one embodiment, after appropriate funding of computational device100, the player presses an input device108to initiate game play. The input devices108may include various types of buttons, levers, gesture inputs, cameras, etc., that enable a player to start any game play or sequence of events. In one embodiment, upon appropriate funding, computational device100begins game play automatically. In another embodiment, the player needs to actuate or activate one of the play buttons to initiate play of computational device100. Other non-limiting types of input devices108may include a “bet one” button, a “max bet” button, or any other type of button known to be included in an EGM, VGM, or the like. It should further be appreciated that the input devices108may correspond to a physical button, a virtual button on a touch-screen of a game, an input element on a Graphical User Interface (GUI), or a combination thereof. In other words, the input devices108do not need to correspond to a physical button. In some embodiments, the player places a bet by pushing a “bet one” button (e.g., betting an amount equal to one credit for the next play). The player may increase the player's wager by one credit each time the player pushes “bet one” button. When the player pushes the “bet one” button, the number of credits shown in the credit display decreases by one, and the number of credits shown in the bet display increases by one. A “max bet” button can also be provided, which enables the player to bet the maximum wager (e.g., max lines, max wager per line, and re-spin operation). The computational device100may include other suitable wager buttons, such as a “repeat bet” button (e.g., repeating the bet made from the immediately previous play of the computational device100for the next play of the computational device100), one or more “select paylines” buttons, a “select re-spin operation” button, and one or more “select wager per payline” buttons.

Another type of input device108that may be provided on the computational device100is a physical cash out button, a virtual cash out button, a selectable GUI element, or the like. The player presses a cash out button and cashes-out to receive a cash payment or other suitable form of payment corresponding to the number of remaining credits. The player can receive coins or tokens in a coin payout tray or a ticket or credit slip, which are redeemable by a cashier or funded to the player's electronically-recordable identification card.

The computational device100may also include one or more display screens104and one or more sound generating devices136. The combination of outputs provided on a display screen104and sound generating device136may contribute to the game play experience and, in some embodiments, may provide the player with information regarding a status of a game play event or sequence of events.

In one embodiment, the sound generating device136may include at least one speaker or other type of transducer for generating audible sounds, playing music, etc. In one embodiment, a computational device100provides dynamic sounds coupled with attractive multimedia images displayed on the display screen104to provide an audio-visual representation or to otherwise display full-motion video with sound to attract players to the computational device100. During idle periods, the computational device100displays a sequence of audio and/or visual attraction messages to attract potential players to the computational device100.

In one embodiment, a base or primary grid-based game includes a slot game with one or more paylines120. As will be discussed in further detail herein, the grid-based game provided by the computational device100may support one or multiple paylines120, which may extend across the display screen104vertically, horizontally, diagonally, at adjusted angles, etc. In some embodiments, such as for a slot game, a payline120intersects a plurality of reels116, such as three to five reels. Each reel116of the display screen104may be used to display different sets of symbols in connection with game play activity provided by the computational device100. In some embodiments, each reel116may operate independent of all other reels and the symbols displayed by a reel116at the end of a given spin may depend upon random numbers generated by the computational device100. The positions of symbols on each reel116and in the combination of reels116may form an array of cells in a presentation order rendered to the display screen104of the computational device100.

The reels116may be provided in video form with simulated reels being displayed via the display screen104. A reel116may be used to display any number of symbols such as bells, hearts, fruits, numbers, letters, bars or other images and symbols, which may correspond to a theme associated with a game provided by the computational device100. With a slot game, the computational device100may be configured to award prizes, awards, or other game play opportunities when the reels116stop spinning and a predetermined symbol combination lands across an active payline120(e.g., a payline120that is currently being wagered and is subject to evaluation for a win after the reels116have stopped spinning).

In at least one embodiment, each reel116is a mechanical reel that includes one or more mechanisms that mechanically cause each reel116to spin.

FIG.1Billustrates another example of a computational device100in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure. This particular example of computational device100may correspond to a portable computational device100such as a mobile smartphone, tablet, wearable, etc. The computational device100may be owned by a user of the device100rather than being owned by a casino operator.

The computational device100again includes a display screen104, a plurality of input devices108, and at least one speaker136. In some embodiments, the display screen104may correspond to a touch-sensitive display screen, meaning that the display screen104is simultaneously capable of displaying information (e.g., in connection with game play activity) and receiving a user input. In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive display screen104may provide game features similar to a cabinet-style computational device100without requiring all of the dedicated buttons provided by a cabinet-style computational device100.

With reference now toFIG.2, additional details of the components that may be included in a computational device100will be described in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure. The computational device100is shown to include a processor204, memory208, a network interface212, and a user interface216. In some embodiments, the processor204may correspond to one or many microprocessors, Central Processing Units (CPUs), microcontrollers, Integrated Circuit (IC) chips, or the like. The processor204may be configured to execute one or more instruction sets stored in memory208. In some embodiments, the instruction sets stored in memory208, when executed by the processor204, may enable the computational device100to provide game play functionality.

The nature of the network interface212may depend upon whether the network interface212is provided in cabinet-style computational device100or a mobile computational device100. Examples of a suitable network interface212include, without limitation, an Ethernet port, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, an RS-232 port, an RS-485 port, a network interface controller (NIC), an antenna, a driver circuit, a modulator/demodulator, etc. The network interface212may include one or multiple different network interfaces depending upon whether the computational device100is connecting to a single communication network or multiple different types of communication networks. For instance, the computational device100may be provided with both a wired network interface212and a wireless network interface212without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The user interface216may include a combination of the user input and user outputs described in connection withFIGS.1A and1B. For instance, the user interface216may include the display screen104, the input devices108, the speakers136, or any other component that is capable of enabling user interaction with the computational device100. The user interface216may also include one or more drivers for the various hardware components that enable user interaction with the computational device100.

The memory208may include one or multiple computer memory devices that are volatile or non-volatile. The memory208may be configured to store instruction sets that enable player interaction with the computational device100and that enable game play at the computational device100. Examples of instruction sets that may be stored in the memory208include a game instruction set220, a credit meter224, and a wild symbol instruction set228. In addition to the instruction sets, the memory208may also include a random number generator232that is used by the game instruction set220, for example, to provide game outputs (e.g., partially random or completely random sequences of symbols).

In some embodiments, the game instruction set220, when executed by the processor204, may enable the computational device100to facilitate one or more games of chance or skill and produce interactions between the player and the game of chance or skill. In some embodiments, the game instruction set220may include subroutines that present one or more graphics to the player via the user interface216, subroutines that calculate whether a particular wager has resulted in a win or loss during the game of chance or skill, subroutines for determining payouts for the player in the event of a win, subroutines for exchanging communications with another device, such as a server, subroutines for determining random wild symbol appearances during game play, and any other subroutine useful in connection with facilitating game play at the computational device100.

In some embodiments, the game instruction set220may include instructions that initiate a reel spin at the various reels116in connection with game play. In some embodiments, the random number generator232is used to determine a final position of the reels116after the spin is completed. The game instruction set220may also be configured to present symbols via the display screen104when the reels116correspond to video reels or the like. The game instruction set220may also be configured to evaluate a position of symbols relative to one or more paylines120, relative to predetermined symbol areas, or cells in an array of cells, and any other evaluation desired to facilitate game play.

The credit meter224may correspond to an instruction set within the computational device100that facilitates a tracking of wager activity at the computational device100. In some embodiments, the credit meter224may be used to store or log information related to various player activities and events that occur at the computational device100. The types of information that may be maintained in the credit meter224include, without limitation, player information, available credit information, wager amount information, and other types of information that may or may not need to be recorded for purposes of accounting for wagers placed at the computational device100and payouts made for a player during a game of chance or skill played at the computational device100.

In some embodiments, the credit meter224may be configured to track coin in activity, coin out activity, coin drop activity, jackpot paid activity, credits applied activity, external bonus payout activity, voucher in activity, voucher out activity, timing of events that occur at the computational device100, and the like. In some embodiments, certain portions of the credit meter224may be updated in response to outcomes of a game of chance or skill played at the computational device100.

The wild symbol instruction set228may correspond to a subroutine that is called by the game instruction set220during game play. In some embodiments, the wild symbol instruction set228may be called by the game instruction set220when the game instruction set determines that a wild symbol operation is available and/or that a particular symbol in the array of cells is a wild symbol. In general, a wild symbol or wild may be any symbol that is beneficial to the player. For example, a wild symbol may be a symbol that results in a payout, an increased payout, or other improved game outcome. In at least one example, a wild symbol may be a symbol that “fills in” for any other symbol in the game. In some examples, a wild symbol refers to a symbol that is used with any other symbol to create one or more winning combinations of symbols. In at least one example, a wild symbol may be replaced with a number of different symbols in a single evaluation of a play of the game to benefit the player or improve the outcome of the game. In some embodiments, the wild symbol instruction set228is configured, when executed by the processor204, to track a number of consecutive losing plays or spins of the grid-based game, generate and store a pointer to all or some of the wild symbols that appears in the losing plays, and provide a player with an option to reuse one or more of the wild symbols that appeared in the losing plays in an additional play or spin. The option may be provided after a number of consecutive losing plays or spins exceeds a threshold (e.g., three losing plays). The additional play or spin may be the next play or spin that immediately follows the play in which the player was provided with the option to reuse the one or more wild symbols. The option to reuse the one or more wild symbols may be presented to the player on the user interface216for the additional play and for each subsequent losing play until the player achieves a winning combination of symbols.

The wild symbol instruction set228may further receive player input that confirms the player would like to reuse the one or more wild symbols in the additional play or spin. The wild symbol instruction set228may access or retrieve a respective pointer for each wild symbol to be reused and determine a cell position of where each wild symbol will appear in array of cells of the grid-based game for the additional play based on the respective pointer. In at least one embodiment for the additional play, a reused wild symbol appears in a same cell position within the array of cells as where that wild symbol appeared for a previous losing play. In this case, the pointer of the reused wild symbol points to the cell position where that wild symbol appeared for the previous losing play.

In at least one embodiment for the additional play, the reused wild symbol appears in a different cell position within the array of cells compared to where that wild symbol appeared in a previous losing play. The different cell position may be automatically selected based on the respective pointer, selected based on input by the player, or a combination thereof. For example, the processor204may execute the wild symbol instructions228to determine multiple possible cell positions, where one of the multiple possible cell positions is selected as the different cell position by the player or automatically selected as the different cell position by the processor204. In this case, the each possible cell position may be determined by the processor204to have little to no effect on the odds of the player achieving a winning combination of symbols in the additional play. In one example, the processor204executes the wild symbol instructions228to, before proceeding with the additional play, display a wild symbol to be reused and the possible cell positions of where the reused wild symbol can appear in the additional play. The player may then be provided with the option to select one of the possible cell positions for the reused wild symbol in the additional play by, for example, “dragging and dropping” the reusable wild symbol on one of the possible cell positions or otherwise indicating the player's preference for where the reused wild symbol will appear in the additional play. A pointer for the different cell position may be stored to continue to provide the player with the option to reuse that wild symbol in the different cell position for each play after the additional play until the player achieves a winning combination of symbols. Upon achieving a winning combination of symbols, the pointer(s) for the reusable wild symbol(s) is/are) discarded (e.g., erased from memory) and the threshold for the number of consecutive losing plays is reset.

Whether the cell position of the reused wild symbol for the additional play is selected to be the same as or different from the reused wild symbol's cell position in a previous losing play, the wild symbol instruction set228may inform the game instruction set220to lock the reused wild symbol in the selected cell position for the additional play. The game instruction set220can then implement the additional play (e.g., a re-spin operation with random symbols other than the reused wild symbol) while maintaining the reused wild symbol in the selected cell position. The cooperation of the game instruction set220and wild symbol instruction set228may increase the desirability of the overall gaming experience and that gives a player the sense of control over the grid-based game that may increase their desire to continue playing the grid-based game.

While shown as separate instruction sets, it should be appreciated that the wild symbol instruction set228may correspond to a subroutine of the game instruction set220without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Additional details and functional capabilities of the wild symbol instruction set228working in cooperation with the game instruction set220will be described in connection withFIGS.3-6.

The computational device100is further shown to include a ticket issuance device236, a ticket acceptance device240, a cash in device244, and a cash out device238. The ticket issuance device236may be configured to receive physical tickets, vouchers, or player loyalty cards. In some embodiments, the ticket issuance device236and ticket acceptance device240may operate in concert with the ticket acceptor128. In such an embodiment, the ticket acceptor128may correspond to the physical components that receive and issue a ticket or voucher whereas the ticket issuance device236and the ticket acceptance device240correspond to the drivers and/or firmware components that control operation of the ticket acceptor128. It should also be appreciated that the card reader132may be in communication with the ticket issuance device236and the ticket acceptance device140and may have functionality driven by one or both of these devices. For instance, the card reader132may correspond to the physical hardware components that receive information from a player loyalty card (or player loyalty application running on a mobile communication device, etc.) and that information may be processed by the ticket acceptance device240when receiving player credits from cards read by the card reader132. The ticket issuance device236may provide the card reader132with information for applying wager credits back to a player card when a player is done with a game play session and wishes to transfer credits from the credit meter224back onto their card. Thus, the ticket issuance device236and ticket acceptance device240may also operate as a driver and/or firmware component for the card reader132.

Similarly, the cash in device244and cash out device248may include or operate in concert with the coin slot124and any coin delivery mechanisms. The cash in device244and cash out device248may include hardware, drivers, or firmware that facilitate receiving or distributing cash, tokens, bills, etc. In some embodiments, the cash in device244may be configured to determine an amount of cash (e.g., in coins, bills, etc.), an amount or number of tokens, etc., input at the coin slot124and convert the values into credits for playing games with the game instruction set220. The cash out device248may correspond to hardware and software configured to output coins, tokens, bills, etc. if a player decides to cash out or convert playing credits back into cash, tokens, bills, etc.

With reference now toFIGS.3to6, various operations of the game instruction set220and the wild symbol instruction set228will be described in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG.3illustrates a first layout of symbols318rendered to an array of cells304of a grid-based game in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The array of cells304may be presented, or otherwise rendered, with the display screen104. In some embodiments, the game instruction set220may control which symbols318are presented within a particular cell312in the array of cells304. The illustrative array of cells304is shown to include five columns116a,116b,116c,116d,116eof cells312and five rows308a,308b,308c,308d,308eof cells312. AlthoughFIG.3illustrates a 5×5 array of cells304, it should be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in an array of cells304having a variety of sizes. For instance, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used in an array of cells304that are 3×3, 3×5, 5×3, 7×3, 10×5, 10×10, etc. The example layout of the array of cells304should not be construed as limiting embodiments of the present disclosure.

As can be seen inFIG.3, each cell312in the array of cells304may be populated with a single symbol318. In other words, after the game instruction set220has applied the random number generator232to determine symbol318placement throughout the array of cells304, there is a 1:1 correlation of symbols318to cells312. Each column116a,116b,116c,116d,116emay also be referred to as a reel116, particularly in the event that the game instruction set220provides a slot game. If a slot game is implemented, then the reels116(e.g., in video form) are spun (e.g., virtually) and their final position after the spin is determined, at least in part, with assistance of the random number generator232. In some embodiments, a symbol318may correspond to an absence of a symbol or a blank symbol. This blank symbol may correspond to a symbol in a cell312having no value.

In some embodiments, payouts or other predetermined game outcomes (e.g., bonus spin opportunities, prize wins, cash wins, re-spin bonus plays, etc.) may be determined based on a symbol combination that falls on a payline120that was subject to a wager prior to the spin. In some embodiments, a plurality of the paylines120may be selected for “play” prior to a spin, meaning that any payline120selected for “play” will be evaluated for a predetermined symbol combination, or sequence of symbols318. Examples of a sequence of symbols318may include, but are in no way limited to, at least one of the sequence [A; 1; F; 6; K] associated with the first row308a, the sequence [B; 2; G; 7; L] associated with the second row308b, the sequence [C; 3; H; 8; M] associated with the third row308c, the sequence [D; 4; I; 9; N] associated with the fourth row308d, the sequence [E; 5; J; 10; O] associated with the fifth row308e, and/or reverse sequences of the same.

Additionally or alternatively, the sequence of symbols318may include, but are in no way limited to, a sequence of symbols318in an order along one or more of the vertical lines of cells312associated with the columns116a-116e(e.g., the sequence [A; B; C; D; E], the sequence [1; 2; 3; 4; 5], etc., and/or reverse sequences of the same). In some embodiments, the sequence of symbols318may include, but are in no way limited to, a sequence of symbols318in an order along one or more of the cells312having a payline120running therethrough (e.g., the first diagonal payline sequence [A; 2; H; 9; O], the second diagonal payline sequence [E; 4; H; 7; K], the first vertical payline sequence [A; B; C; D; E], the first horizontal payline sequence [C; 3; H; 8; M], etc., and/or reverse sequences of the same). In one embodiment, the sequence of symbols may comprise all sequences of symbols associated with each row308a-308eand/or column116a-116e.

A selected pay line120may also correspond to the payline120that is evaluated after symbols318have been subjected to a wild symbol operation by the wild symbol instruction set228. In some embodiments, however, it may be possible to switch or select more paylines120for evaluation after a spin has completed, but before a subsequent play operation (e.g., an additional play, a re-spin, etc.) has been performed. The addition of more paylines120after the original spin but prior to the subsequent play operation may require the user to provide more credits to the game instruction set220as part of enabling evaluation over more paylines120. Although shown having four different linear paylines120(e.g., horizontal, vertical, diagonal, etc.), one or more paylines120may be associated with cells312in any shape the array of cells304. In one embodiment, a payline120may run through a single row308a-308eof the array of cells304(e.g., first row308a, etc.). In some embodiments, a pay line120may run through one or more columns116a-116ein the array of cells304. In any event, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the position and/or shape of the paylines120shown inFIGS.3-5B.

Referring now toFIGS.4A-4H, an illustrative game play sequence that can be performed by the game instruction set220and the wild symbol instruction set228will be described in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments,FIGS.4A-4Hillustrate various presentations that are caused to be rendered by a display screen104of a computational device100.

In the example ofFIG.4A, a wild symbol is shown to have landed in a cell position312for a first play400aof the grid-based game. Specifically, the wild symbol is shown to have landed in the cell position312that resides at the intersection of the third row308cand the third column116c. The original play, or spin, and placement of symbols318throughout the array of cells304may have been determined by the game instruction set220working in cooperation with the random number generator232. Stated another way, each cell312in the array of cells304is populated with a respective discrete symbol318that is rendered by the display screen104of the computational device100. The symbols318may be randomly assigned to each cell312in the array of cells304in accordance with output of the random number generator232.

The cell positions of symbols318in the array of cells304may be evaluated by the game instruction set220to determine if a predetermined game outcome has occurred (e.g., a wager has resulted in a win or prize). For instance, the game instruction set220may determine if a sequence of symbols318along a payline120corresponds to a winning game outcome. The sequence of symbols318may correspond to an order of symbols318in a particular sequence as defined by the rules of the game. In one embodiment, a winning outcome for a sequence of symbols318may require at least one of a first symbol to appear in the first column116aof a payline120, a second symbol to appear in the second column116bof the same payline120, a third symbol to appear in the third column116cof the same payline120, a fourth symbol to appear in the fourth column116dof the same payline120, and a fifth symbol to appear in the fifth column116eof the same payline. Depending on the rules of the game, these symbols318may be required to be the same, for example, forming a match between two or more cells312in the sequence of symbols318.

InFIG.4A, the game instruction set220and/or the wild symbol instruction set228in conjunction with the random number generator232randomly generated a wild symbol1associated with a particular symbol318in the cell312at the intersection of the third row308cand the third column116c. In some embodiments, the wild symbol1may be made available in response to a previous game play, a wager amount, a historical game play, etc. The placement and position, or cell312, associated with the wild symbol1in the array of cells304may be randomly determined for the first play400a(e.g., via the game instruction set220and/or the wild symbol instruction set228being executed by the processor204in conjunction with the random number generator232). As noted above, the wild symbol1may correspond to a symbol that can be used with any other symbol to achieve a winning pay line120. In one embodiment, the wild symbol1may correspond to a bonus symbol type, a high-probability winning symbol type (e.g., cherries, diamonds, multipliers, etc.), and/or some other symbol that may increase the player's chances of winning on a subsequent play where the wild symbol1appears in a particular cell312in the array of cells304.

The play400ainFIG.4Amay correspond to a losing play in that the sequences of symbols along the pay lines120do not correspond with a predetermined game outcome that awards the player based on a wager applied to the pay lines120(i.e., the play400adoes not include a winning combination of symbols along any pay line120). In at least one embodiment and in response to determining that the play400ais a losing play, the processor204executes the wild symbol instructions228to begin tracking or counting a number of consecutive losing plays (with play400abeing the first play counted) and to store a pointer to the cell position that contains the wild symbol1in play400a. The pointer may be stored to the memory208as a set of coordinates that identifies the cell position of the wild symbol1(e.g., column116cand row308c) in the array of cells304or some other indicator that identifies the cell position of the wild symbol1(e.g., a cell identifier that is specific to that cell).

FIG.4Billustrates a play400b, which may be subsequent to (e.g., immediately subsequent to) play400ainFIG.4A. Play400bgenerates sequences of symbols318in the same or similar manner as that discussed above for play400a. InFIG.4B, however, wild symbol2lands in a cell position that corresponds to column116eand row308ain the array of cells304.

The play400bmay again correspond to a losing play in that the sequences of symbols along the pay lines120do not correspond with a predetermined game outcome that awards the player based on a wager applied to the pay lines120(i.e., the play400bdoes not include a winning combination of symbols along any pay line120). In response to determining that the play400bis a losing play, the processor204executes the wild symbol instructions228to increment the number consecutive losing plays by one (now with plays400aand400bbeing counted) and to store a pointer to the cell position that contains the wild symbol2in play400b. The pointer may be stored to the memory208as a set of coordinates that identifies the cell position of the wild symbol2(e.g., column116eand row308a) in the array of cells304or some other indicator that identifies the cell position of the wild symbol2(e.g., a cell identifier that is specific to that cell). Now, the memory208may contain two pointers, a pointer for wild symbol1and a pointer for wild symbol2.

FIG.4Cillustrates a play400c, which may be subsequent to (e.g., immediately subsequent to) play400binFIG.4B. Play400cgenerates sequences of symbols318in the same or similar manner as that discussed above for plays400aand400b. InFIG.4C, however, wild symbol3lands in a cell position that corresponds to column116aand row308ein the array of cells304.

The play400cmay again correspond to a losing play in that the sequences of symbols along the pay lines120do not correspond with a predetermined game outcome that awards the player based on a wager applied to the pay lines120(i.e., the play400cdoes not include a winning combination of symbols along any pay line120). In response to determining that the play400cis a losing play, the processor204executes the wild symbol instructions228to increment the number consecutive losing plays by one (now with plays400a,400b, and400cbeing counted as consecutive losing plays) and to store a pointer to the cell position that contains the wild symbol3in play400c. The pointer may be stored to the memory208as a set of coordinates that identifies the cell position of the wild symbol3(e.g., column116eand row308a) in the array of cells304or some other indicator that identifies the cell position of the wild symbol3(e.g., a cell identifier that is specific to that cell). Now, the memory208may contain three pointers, a pointer for wild symbol, a pointer for wild symbol2, and a pointer for wild symbol3. Here, it should be appreciated that wild symbols1,2, and3may correspond to a same type of wild symbol or different types of wild symbol depending on the type of grid-based game being played.

After each play400a,400b, and400c, the number of consecutive losing plays may be evaluated against a threshold number of losing plays to determine whether to provide the player with the option to reuse one or more of the wild symbols1,2, and3in an additional play.FIGS.4D and4Eillustrate details for an example additional play400d.

FIG.4Dillustrates an initial state of an additional play400dwhere a mostly blank array of cells304are rendered on the display104in response to the processor204determining that the number consecutive losing plays meets or exceeds a threshold number. In the example ofFIGS.4A to4D, the threshold number of losing plays is three (e.g., plays400a,400b, and400c). Upon determining that the threshold number of consecutive losing plays is met or exceeds the threshold, the processor204may cause the display104to display or highlight an interactive feature402, which may include a touch sensitive portion of the display104, a mechanical button on the computational device100, or other device capable of providing the player with the option to reuse wild symbols1,2, and/or3that landed in plays400a,400b, and400cin play400d. In conjunction with providing the interactive feature402, the processor204may access the pointers stored for wild symbols1,2, and3and display each wild symbol in a cell position that is based on a respective pointer. In the example ofFIG.4D, each wild symbol1,2, and3appears in a same cell position as where that wild symbol landed in a respective losing play. For example, wild symbol1appears in a cell position that corresponds to column116cand row308c, which is the same cell position from losing play400a.

As noted above, the player may indicate the desire to reuse wild symbols1,2, and3for the play400dby selecting the interactive feature402.FIG.4Eillustrates the sequences of symbols318generated for play400din response to the player indicating the desire to reuse wild symbols1,2, and3shown inFIG.4D. Other than the wild symbols1,2, and3, the sequences of symbols318may for play400dmay be randomly generated based on output of the random number generator232. The additional play400dmay correspond to a winning play in that at least one combination of symbols along a pay line120corresponds to a predetermined game outcome that awards the player based on a wager applied to the pay line120. InFIG.4E, the winning combination of symbols may correspond to the diagonal pay line that includes the three wild symbols and two ‘7’ symbols. In response to determining that400dresults in a winning combination of symbols, the pointers for wild symbols1,2, and3may be erased from the memory208and the counter for counting the number of consecutive losing plays may be reset.

As shown, the play400dgenerated a wild symbol4that landed at column116cand row308ain the array of cells304. In the event that the play400dis a losing play (as in plays400a,400b, and400c), the wild symbol instruction set228may cause the processor204to store a pointer for the wild symbol4in the same manner as that described above with respect to pointers for wild symbols1,2, and3. In another additional play (e.g., a play that immediately follows the play400d), the system may again provide the player with the option to reuse wild symbols1,2,3, and/or4in the same manner as that described with reference toFIG.4D. This process of storing pointers and providing the player with an option to reuse one or more wild symbols may occur until a play results in a winning combination of symbols.

Here, it should be appreciated thatFIGS.4D and4Erelate to a scenario where the cell position of each wild symbol in play400dis maintained in a same cell position as in previous losing plays400a,400b, and400c. However, as discussed in more detail below with reference toFIGS.4F and4G, example embodiments are not limited thereto.

However,FIGS.4F and4Gillustrate an example where a cell position of one or more of the wild symbols1,2, or3for play400dis different compared to the cell position where that wild symbol appeared in a losing play400a,400b, or400c.

With reference toFIG.4F, wild symbols1,2, and/or3may be movable in at least one of the eight different directions shown for wild symbol1. For example, as shown for wild symbol1, a wild symbol may be rendered to the display screen104along with an identifying mark404. Shown as crosshairs, or a “plus” symbol, the identifying mark404may indicate to a player that the wild symbol can be moved, or slid, to another cell312in the array of cells304. In one embodiment, a player may interact with the identifying mark404(e.g., by selecting the wild symbol for movement by touching, or clicking, on the identifying mark404) to move the wild symbol to another cell312. The identifying mark404may be represented as a highlight, an underscore, an animated region of the cell312housing the wild symbol, an animated icon, any other icon, etc., and/or combinations thereof.

In response to the player interacting with the wild symbol and/or the identifying mark404associated with the wild symbol (e.g., by touching, clicking, etc., at an input device108or other user interface), the arrows inFIG.4Fmay be displayed by the display104to show movement (e.g., sliding, etc.) options for the wild symbol. These movement options for the wild symbol are shown by the movement direction arrows408extending outwardly and away from the wild symbol in the array of cells304. Depending on the rules of the game, the movement direction arrow408may define available movement options and/or movement restrictions for the wild symbol. For instance, in one set of rules, the wild symbol may only be moved from the cell312in which it first appeared along a column116a-116eor along a row308a-308eto another cell312in the same column116a-116eor in the same row308a-308e, respectively. In some embodiments, the wild symbol may only be moved from the cell312in which it first appeared along a payline120to another cell312running through the same pay line120.

In some embodiments, the array of cells304may only include a single row308cof cells312making up the array of cells304. In this example, the movement direction arrows408may indicate that movement of the wild symbol is only available along a horizontal direction to a cell312that runs along a line in the horizontal direction. Alternatively, the array of cells304may only include a single column116cof cells312making up the array of cells304. In this alternative example, the movement direction arrows408may indicate that movement of the wild symbol is only available along a vertical direction to a cell312that runs along a line in the vertical direction.

In at least one embodiment, possible wild symbol positions are shown on the array of cells304, where each possible wild symbol position indicates a cell position to which the player is allowed to move a particular wild symbol. These possible wild symbol positions may be generated differently for each wild symbol and displayed in response to selection of feature402and/or selection of a particular wild symbol for movement.FIG.4Fillustrates possible positions for wild symbol1. Each possible wild symbol position may be generated according to rules and/or game outcomes for the grid-based game. In at least on example, each possible wild symbol position may be determined (e.g., predetermined) to have a known effect on the probability of the player achieving a winning combination of symbols in play400d. The known effect may include no effect on the probability of winning, an increase in probability of winning, and/or decrease in probability of winning.

In at least one embodiment, movement of a wild symbol from its initial cell position may come at a cost to the player, for example, in the event that moving the wild symbol increases a win probability for the player for play400d. For example, the player may be informed that moving wild symbol1to one of the possible wild symbol positions inFIG.4Fmay require the player to wager additional credits from the player's account for the play400d. The additional cost may be related to (e.g., proportional to) the increased win probability associated with moving the wild symbol to a particular possible wild symbol position.

FIG.4Gillustrates an example sequence of symbols318for the additional play400donce the wild symbol1has been moved to one of the possible wild positions inFIG.4F. Other than the wild symbols1,2, and3inFIG.4G, the sequences of symbols318may for play400dmay be randomly generated based on output of the random number generator232. The additional play400dmay correspond to a winning play in that at least one combination of symbols along a pay line120corresponds to a predetermined game outcome that awards the player based on a wager applied to the pay line120. InFIG.4G, the winning combination of symbols may correspond to the pay line at column116ethat includes wild symbols1and2and symbols ‘B,’ ‘C,’ and ‘E.’ In response to determining that400dresults in a winning combination of symbols, the pointers for wild symbols1,2, and3may be erased from the memory208and the counter for counting the number of consecutive losing plays may be reset.

As shown, the play400dinFIG.4Ggenerated a wild symbol4that landed at column116cand row308ain the array of cells304. In the event that the play400dis a losing play (as in plays400a,400b, and400c), the wild symbol instruction set228may cause the processor204to store a pointer for the wild symbol4in the same manner as that described above with respect to pointers for wild symbols1,2, and3. In another additional play (e.g., a play that immediately follows the play400d), the system may again provide the player with the option to reuse wild symbols1,2,3, and/or4in the same manner as that described with reference toFIG.4D. This process of storing pointers and providing the player with an option to reuse one or more wild symbols may occur until a play results in a winning combination of symbols.

FIG.4Hillustrates an example pop-up window presented to the player upon moving a wild symbol to a new cell position as inFIG.4F. When a player has dragged and dropped (e.g., released) the wild symbol1to a selected and available cell312in the array of cells304, a pop-up window412may be presented to the player as shown inFIG.5A. The pop-up window412may include a “yes” icon420and “no” icon424that are user-selectable icons. As can be appreciated, the desire of a player to initiate a subsequent play with the wild symbol1maintained in the player-selected cell312may be determined based on the player's response to the pop-up window412. More specifically, if the player selects the “yes” icon420, then the game instruction set220may call the wild symbol instruction set228whereas if the player selects the “no” icon424, then the game instruction set220may continue operating without calling the wild symbol instruction set228. In some embodiments, the pop-up window412may include a subsequent play information area416. The subsequent play information area416may include information associated with the additional play400dshould the wild symbol1be maintained in the new cell position. This information may include subsequent play information comprising odds of obtaining a winning sequence of symbols318in the additional play400dbased on the position of the wild symbol in the sequence of symbols. In some embodiments, if a player selects the “no” icon424, the player may be presented with the option of repositioning, or sliding, the wild symbol to a new cell location for the additional play400d. The pop-up window412, or at least a portion thereof, may be presented to the player as the player moves the wild symbol and hovers over the cells312in the array of cells304. In this manner, the player may be able to observe the information rendered to the subsequent play information area416and determine any benefits of moving from one position to another before committing to a particular cell312.

FIG.5is a flow diagram depicting a method of an example process for enabling a player to reuse a wild symbol according to at least one embodiment. The methods described herein may be run as a set of instructions on a computational device100and/or some other server in communication with the computational device100. In some embodiments, the set of instructions may be part of an application installed on the computational device100.

Operation504includes initiating a gaming session for a grid-based game. For example, a player initiates the gaming session for the grid-based game on a computational device100(e.g., a gaming machine, a mobile phone, a laptop, and/or the like). The game session may be initiated by the player through various elements of the computational device100, such as input on the user interface216, input to the ticket acceptance device240, and/or input to the cash in device244. Operation504enables the player to begin playing the grid-based game. The grid-based game may be arranged as an array of cells304configured to be populated with symbols318for plays of the grid-based game. In at least one example embodiment, the grid-based game is a slot game running on the computational device100.

Operation508includes randomly generating and displaying a sequence of symbols318that populate the array of cells304. The sequence of symbols318may be randomly generated based on output of the random number generator232and displayed. The populated array of cells304may be displayed on a display screen104. Operation508may occur in response to player input on the computational device100to initiate a play of the grid-based game, which may include the player placing wagers on pay lines120and triggering the play with input on the user interface216.

Operation512includes determining whether the play from operation508is a losing play. If not, the method proceeds to operations544and548to reset a counter (e.g., within the processor204) tracking a number of consecutive losing plays and to prompt the player to proceed with a next play. If the player decides to proceed with the next play (e.g., by providing input on the user interface216), the method returns to operation508to randomly generate and display another sequence of symbols for the next play. If the player does not decide to proceed with the next play, the method proceeds to operation552to end the gaming session, meaning that the player is finished playing the game, which may reset all counters and erase all stored pointers from memory. Alternatively, ending the gaming session in operation552may include maintaining all counters and all stored pointers to enable the player to restart the gaming session initiated in operation504at a later time. If the play from operation508is a losing play, the method proceeds to operation516.

Operation516includes incrementing the counter that is tracking the number of consecutive losing plays. For example, operation516increments the counter by one to count the play in operation508as a losing play.

Operation520includes determining whether the losing play from operation508includes a new wild symbol or new wild symbols. If not, the method proceeds to operation528or to operation548. As noted above, a wild symbol is a symbol that is useable with any other symbol to create one or more winning combinations of symbols for a play of the grid-based game. A new wild symbol determined to exist in operation520may be a wild symbol that does not yet have a pointer stored for that wild symbol. In other words, iterating through the operations inFIG.5may result in multiple wild symbols available for reuse in a next play of the grid-based game. In this case, operation520identifies any wild symbols that have not already been designated as re-useable by a previous iteration of the method inFIG.5. Whether the method proceeds to operation528or548depends on whether there are any pointers stored from a previous iteration of the method inFIG.5. If stored pointers do not exist, the method proceeds to operation548to prompt the player to proceed with the next play. If stored pointers exist, the method proceeds to operation528.

If the determination in operation520is ‘yes,’ the method proceeds to operation524. Operation524includes storing a pointer or pointers that indicates a cell position or cell positions of where the new wild symbol(s) appeared in the array of cells304as a result of the play in operation508. The pointer may include the column/row coordinates of a cell312in the array of cells304or cell identifier unique to each cell312. The pointer may be stored in memory208and be used to determine the cell position(s) of the new wild symbol(s) in the next play of the grid-based game in operation540.

Operation528includes determining whether a number of consecutive losing plays is greater than or equal to a threshold number of losing plays. If not, the method proceeds to operation548. If so, the method proceeds to operation532. The threshold number of losing plays may be a design parameter set based on empirical evidence and/or preference. In at least one example, the threshold number of losing plays is three. In another example, the threshold number of losing plays may be adjusted upward or downward by the player at a cost or benefit to the player depending on whether the adjustment increases the probability of winning on the next play (which may trigger an additional cost for the player in the form of more credits, for example) or decreases the probably of winning on the next play (which may trigger some benefit for the player, such as adding a multiplier for the next play).

Operation532includes providing the player with an option to reuse a wild symbol or wild symbols that have stored pointers. The option to reuse the wild symbol(s) in the next play may be presented to the player as inFIG.4Das a feature402. In at least one embodiment and in a case where there are multiple re-usable wild symbols, the option includes providing the player with a choice of which and/or how many wild symbols to reuse. The choice may require that the player select a minimum and/or maximum number of re-useable wild symbols and may come at a cost or a benefit to the player in the same manner as that described above for operation528. For example, the player may be prompted to forfeit more credits to select more than a nominal number of reusable wild symbols for inclusion in the sequence of symbols in the next play.

Operation536includes determining whether the player opted to reuse the wild symbol(s) presented in operation532. If not, the method proceeds to prompt the player to proceed with the next play in operation548. In this case, any pointer stored in operation524is maintained in memory208for the next iteration of the method so that the wild symbols associated with these pointers are available for re-presentation to the player in a subsequent play for the player to select whether to reuse any wild symbols. If the determination in operation536is ‘yes,’ then the method proceeds to540. The determination in operation536may be aided by player input, for example, on the user interface216that indicates whether the player wishes to re-use a wild symbol from a losing play. In addition, operation536may provide the player with the ability to select which and/or how many wild symbols to reuse or select which and/or how many wild symbols to “save” for future plays.

Operation540includes determining, based on the pointer and/or player input, the cell position(s) of where the wild symbol(s) selected for reuse in operation536appears in the next play. The method then proceeds with prompting the player to proceed with the next play in operation548. As discussed above, in at least one embodiment the cell position of a reused wild symbol in the next play may be the same cell position as where that wild symbol appeared in a losing play. In this case, operation540may determine the cell position based on only the pointer (and not the player input). In another embodiment, the cell position of a reused wild symbol in the next play is different than the cell position of where that reused wild symbol appeared in the losing play. In this case, operation540may determine the cell position based on the pointer, the player input, or both. For example, the pointer may be useful for showing the player the cell position of the reused wild symbol in the losing play and for generating one or more possible wild symbol positions (seeFIG.4F), while the player input from the player may be used to select one of the possible wild symbol positions for the next play.

FIG.6is a flow diagram depicting a method of an example process for enabling a player to reuse a wild symbol according to at least one embodiment. The methods described herein may be run as a set of instructions on a computational device100and/or some other server in communication with the computational device100. In some embodiments, the set of instructions may be part of an application installed on the computational device100. One or more operations in the method ofFIG.6may overlap with one or more operations inFIG.5.

Operation604includes initiating a gaming session for a grid-based game arranged as an array of cells304configured to be populated with symbols318for plays of the grid-based game.

Operation608includes tracking a number of consecutive losing plays of the grid-based game during the gaming session. Losing plays may be plays that do not produce at least one winning combination of symbols along at least one pay line120.

Operation612includes providing a player of the grid-based game with an option to reuse a wild symbol that appears in one play of the number of consecutive losing plays in a next play when the number of consecutive losing plays exceeds a threshold. For example, the option is provided to the player in the way of a prompt on the user interface216for the user to select whether to reuse the wild symbol by providing input to an input device (e.g., a part of the user interface216).

Operation616includes receiving first input from the player to reuse the wild symbol in the next play. For example, the player provides the first input to the input device mentioned above to indicate that the player wishes to reuse the wild symbol in the next play (or other future play).

Operation620includes generating, in response to the first input from the player, a sequence of symbols comprising the wild symbol for the next play. Some or all symbols in the sequence of symbols other than the wild symbol may be randomly generated for the next play based on output of the random number generator232.

Operation624includes causing a display to display the sequence of symbols populated in the array of cells304for the next play. For example, each symbol in the sequence of symbols populates one cell in the array of cells304on the user interface216.

Here, it should be appreciated that the method inFIG.6may include storing a pointer that indicates a first cell position of where the wild symbol appears in the array of cells304for the one play of the losing plays, and determining, based on the pointer, a second cell position of where the wild symbol appears in the array of cells for the next play. Storing the pointer may occur between operations as part of operation608in accordance with operations described with reference toFIG.5(e.g., operation608may encompass or include operations512to528). Determining the second cell position may occur as part of operations616and/or620(see also, operation540).

In at least one implementation of the method ofFIG.6, the first cell position and the second cell position correspond to a same cell position in the array of cells304. In at least one other implementation, the first cell position and the second cell position correspond to different cell positions in the array of cells304. For example, as discussed above with reference to operation540, the second cell position of where the wild symbol appears may be based on second input by the player and/or the pointer.

Although not explicitly shown inFIG.6, it should be appreciated that the method may include providing the player with the option to again reuse the wild symbol in an additional play subsequent to the next play when the next play results in a losing combination of symbols. For example, the player is continuously provided with the option to reuse the wild symbol (and potentially other wild symbols that appear in losing plays) until a winning play occurs (e.g., at least one winning combination of symbols appears along at least one pay line120). Upon encountering a winning play, the method may include resetting the counter that is tracking the number of consecutive losing plays.

FIGS.5and6are discussed with respect to tracking a number of consecutive losing plays and providing an option to a player to reuse a wild symbol from at least one of these losing plays when the number of consecutive losing plays exceeds a threshold. However, example embodiments may additionally or alternatively track a number of winning plays and a number of losing plays over a specified period of time and provide the player with the same option to reuse a wild symbol if one or more conditions are met over the specified period of time. For example, the option to reuse a wild symbol may be provided when a ratio of a number of losing plays to a number of winning plays exceeds a threshold ratio over the specified period of time, a total number losing plays exceeds a threshold over the specified period of time, a total number of winning plays is below a threshold over the specified period of time, and/or the like.

The present disclosure contemplates a variety of different gaming systems each having one or more of a plurality of different features, attributes, or characteristics. A “gaming system” as used herein refers to various configurations of: (a) one or more central servers, central controllers, or remote hosts; (b) one or more electronic gaming machines such as those located on a casino floor; and/or (c) one or more personal gaming devices, such as desktop computers, laptop computers, tablet computers or computing devices, personal digital assistants, mobile phones, and other mobile computing devices. Moreover, an EGM as used herein refers to any suitable electronic gaming machine which enables a player to play a game (including but not limited to a game of chance, a game of skill, and/or a game of partial skill) to potentially win one or more awards, wherein the EGM comprises, but is not limited to: a slot machine, a video poker machine, a video lottery terminal, a terminal associated with an electronic table game, a video keno machine, a video bingo machine located on a casino floor, a sports betting terminal, or a kiosk, such as a sports betting kiosk.

In various embodiments, the gaming system of the present disclosure includes: (a) one or more electronic gaming machines in combination with one or more central servers, central controllers, or remote hosts; (b) one or more personal gaming devices in combination with one or more central servers, central controllers, or remote hosts; (c) one or more personal gaming devices in combination with one or more electronic gaming machines; (d) one or more personal gaming devices, one or more electronic gaming machines, and one or more central servers, central controllers, or remote hosts in combination with one another; (e) a single electronic gaming machine; (f) a plurality of electronic gaming machines in combination with one another; (g) a single personal gaming device; (h) a plurality of personal gaming devices in combination with one another; (i) a single central server, central controller, or remote host; and/or (j) a plurality of central servers, central controllers, or remote hosts in combination with one another.

For brevity and clarity and unless specifically stated otherwise, “EGM” as used herein represents one EGM or a plurality of EGMs, “personal gaming device” as used herein represents one personal gaming device or a plurality of personal gaming devices, and “central server, central controller, or remote host” as used herein represents one central server, central controller, or remote host or a plurality of central servers, central controllers, or remote hosts.

As noted above, in various embodiments, the gaming system includes an EGM (or personal gaming device) in combination with a central server, central controller, or remote host. In such embodiments, the EGM (or personal gaming device) is configured to communicate with the central server, central controller, or remote host through a data network or remote communication link. In certain such embodiments, the EGM (or personal gaming device) is configured to communicate with another EGM (or personal gaming device) through the same data network or remote communication link or through a different data network or remote communication link. For example, the gaming system includes a plurality of EGMs that are each configured to communicate with a central server, central controller, or remote host through a data network.

In certain embodiments in which the gaming system includes an EGM (or personal gaming device) in combination with a central server, central controller, or remote host, the central server, central controller, or remote host is any suitable computing device (such as a server) that includes at least one processor and at least one memory device or data storage device. As further described herein, the EGM (or personal gaming device) includes at least one EGM (or personal gaming device) processor configured to transmit and receive data or signals representing events, messages, commands, or any other suitable information between the EGM (or personal gaming device) and the central server, central controller, or remote host. The at least one processor of that EGM (or personal gaming device) is configured to execute the events, messages, or commands represented by such data or signals in conjunction with the operation of the EGM (or personal gaming device). Moreover, the at least one processor of the central server, central controller, or remote host is configured to transmit and receive data or signals representing events, messages, commands, or any other suitable information between the central server, central controller, or remote host and the EGM (or personal gaming device). The at least one processor of the central server, central controller, or remote host is configured to execute the events, messages, or commands represented by such data or signals in conjunction with the operation of the central server, central controller, or remote host. One, more than one, or each of the functions of the central server, central controller, or remote host may be performed by the at least one processor of the EGM (or personal gaming device). Further, one, more than one, or each of the functions of the at least one processor of the EGM (or personal gaming device) may be performed by the at least one processor of the central server, central controller, or remote host.

In certain such embodiments, computerized instructions for controlling any games (such as any primary or base games and/or any secondary or bonus games) displayed by the EGM (or personal gaming device) are executed by the central server, central controller, or remote host. In such “thin client” embodiments, the central server, central controller, or remote host remotely controls any games (or other suitable interfaces) displayed by the EGM (or personal gaming device), and the EGM (or personal gaming device) is utilized to display such games (or suitable interfaces) and to receive one or more inputs or commands. In other such embodiments, computerized instructions for controlling any games displayed by the EGM (or personal gaming device) are communicated from the central server, central controller, or remote host to the EGM (or personal gaming device) and are stored in at least one memory device of the EGM (or personal gaming device). In such “thick client” embodiments, the at least one processor of the EGM (or personal gaming device) executes the computerized instructions to control any games (or other suitable interfaces) displayed by the EGM (or personal gaming device).

In various embodiments in which the gaming system includes a plurality of EGMs (or personal gaming devices), one or more of the EGMs (or personal gaming devices) are thin client EGMs (or personal gaming devices) and one or more of the EGMs (or personal gaming devices) are thick client EGMs (or personal gaming devices). In other embodiments in which the gaming system includes one or more EGMs (or personal gaming devices), certain functions of one or more of the EGMs (or personal gaming devices) are implemented in a thin client environment, and certain other functions of one or more of the EGMs (or personal gaming devices) are implemented in a thick client environment. In one such embodiment in which the gaming system includes an EGM (or personal gaming device) and a central server, central controller, or remote host, computerized instructions for controlling any primary or base games displayed by the EGM (or personal gaming device) are communicated from the central server, central controller, or remote host to the EGM (or personal gaming device) in a thick client configuration, and computerized instructions for controlling any secondary or bonus games or other functions displayed by the EGM (or personal gaming device) are executed by the central server, central controller, or remote host in a thin client configuration.

In certain embodiments in which the gaming system includes: (a) an EGM (or personal gaming device) configured to communicate with a central server, central controller, or remote host through a data network; and/or (b) a plurality of EGMs (or personal gaming devices) configured to communicate with one another through a communication network, the communication network may include a local area network (LAN) in which the EGMs (or personal gaming devices) are located substantially proximate to one another and/or the central server, central controller, or remote host. In one example, the EGMs (or personal gaming devices) and the central server, central controller, or remote host are located in a gaming establishment or a portion of a gaming establishment.

In other embodiments in which the gaming system includes: (a) an EGM (or personal gaming device) configured to communicate with a central server, central controller, or remote host through a data network; and/or (b) a plurality of EGMs (or personal gaming devices) configured to communicate with one another through a communication network, the communication network may include a wide area network (WAN) in which one or more of the EGMs (or personal gaming devices) are not necessarily located substantially proximate to another one of the EGMs (or personal gaming devices) and/or the central server, central controller, or remote host. For example, one or more of the EGMs (or personal gaming devices) are located: (a) in an area of a gaming establishment different from an area of the gaming establishment in which the central server, central controller, or remote host is located; or (b) in a gaming establishment different from the gaming establishment in which the central server, central controller, or remote host is located. In another example, the central server, central controller, or remote host is not located within a gaming establishment in which the EGMs (or personal gaming devices) are located. In certain embodiments in which the communication network includes a WAN, the gaming system includes a central server, central controller, or remote host and an EGM (or personal gaming device) each located in a different gaming establishment in a same geographic area, such as a same city or a same state. Gaming systems in which the communication network includes a WAN are substantially identical to gaming systems in which the communication network includes a LAN, though the quantity of EGMs (or personal gaming devices) in such gaming systems may vary relative to one another.

In further embodiments in which the gaming system includes: (a) an EGM (or personal gaming device) configured to communicate with a central server, central controller, or remote host through a data network; and/or (b) a plurality of EGMs (or personal gaming devices) configured to communicate with one another through a communication network, the communication network may include an internet (such as the Internet) or an intranet. In certain such embodiments, an Internet browser of the EGM (or personal gaming device) is usable to access an Internet game page from any location where an Internet connection is available. In one such embodiment, after the EGM (or personal gaming device) accesses the Internet game page, the central server, central controller, or remote host identifies a player before enabling that player to place any wagers on any plays of any wagering games. In one example, the central server, central controller, or remote host identifies the player by requiring a player account of the player to be logged into via an input of a unique player name and password combination assigned to the player. The central server, central controller, or remote host may, however, identify the player in any other suitable manner, such as by validating a player tracking identification number associated with the player; by reading a player tracking card or other smart card inserted into a card reader; by validating a unique player identification number associated with the player by the central server, central controller, or remote host; or by identifying the EGM (or personal gaming device), such as by identifying the MAC address or the IP address of the Internet facilitator. In various embodiments, once the central server, central controller, or remote host identifies the player, the central server, central controller, or remote host enables placement of one or more wagers on one or more plays of one or more primary or base games and/or one or more secondary or bonus games, and displays those plays via the Internet browser of the EGM (or personal gaming device). Examples of implementations of Internet-based gaming are further described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,764,566, entitled “Internet Remote Game Server,” and U.S. Pat. No. 8,147,334, entitled “Universal Game Server.”