Patent Publication Number: US-11024112-B2

Title: System and method for slot machine game associated with financial market indicators

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/963,088, filed on Dec. 21, 2007, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an example system for wagering based on financial market indicators in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  illustrates one embodiment of a slot machine used with the system of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a flowchart depicting one example method for wagering based on financial market indicators; 
       FIG. 4  illustrates another embodiment of a slot machine used with the system of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a flowchart depicting another example method for wagering based on financial market indicators; 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a client that provides a slot machine game that comprises one or more stop buttons associated with financial market indicators, according to certain embodiments; 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a client that provides a slot machine game in which one or more stop buttons correspond to reels that spin independently of financial market indicators, according to certain embodiments; 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a method for a slot machine game that is associated with financial market indicators and that includes one or more stop buttons, according to certain embodiments; 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a client that provides wagering opportunities associated with moving market indicators, according to certain embodiments; 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a client that provides a slot machine game that is generally associated with market line wagers, according to certain embodiments; and 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a flowchart for managing a slot machine game associated with market line wagers, according to certain embodiments. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     The following sections I-X provide a guide to interpreting the present application. 
     I. Terms 
     The term “product” means any machine, manufacture and/or composition of matter, unless expressly specified otherwise. 
     The term “process” means any process, algorithm, method or the like, unless expressly specified otherwise. 
     Each process (whether called a method, algorithm or otherwise) inherently includes one or more steps, and therefore all references to a “step” or “steps” of a process have an inherent antecedent basis in the mere recitation of the term ‘process’ or a like term. Accordingly, any reference in a claim to a ‘step’ or ‘steps’ of a process has sufficient antecedent basis. 
     The term “invention” and the like mean “the one or more inventions disclosed in this application”, unless expressly specified otherwise. 
     The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “some embodiments”, “certain embodiments”, “one embodiment”, “another embodiment” and the like mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the disclosed invention(s)”, unless expressly specified otherwise. 
     The term “variation” of an invention means an embodiment of the invention, unless expressly specified otherwise. 
     A reference to “another embodiment” in describing an embodiment does not imply that the referenced embodiment is mutually exclusive with another embodiment (e.g., an embodiment described before the referenced embodiment), unless expressly specified otherwise. 
     The terms “including”, “comprising” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. 
     The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise. 
     The term “plurality” means “two or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise. 
     The term “herein” means “in the present application, including anything which may be incorporated by reference”, unless expressly specified otherwise. 
     The phrase “at least one of”, when such phrase modifies a plurality of things (such as an enumerated list of things) means any combination of one or more of those things, unless expressly specified otherwise. For example, the phrase “at least one of a widget, a car and a wheel” means either (i) a widget, (ii) a car, (iii) a wheel, (iv) a widget and a car, (v) a widget and a wheel, (vi) a car and a wheel, or (vii) a widget, a car and a wheel. The phrase “at least one of” when such phrase modifies a plurality of things does not mean “one of each of” the plurality of things. 
     Numerical terms such as “one”, “two”, etc. when used as cardinal numbers to indicate quantity of something (e.g., one widget, two widgets), mean the quantity indicated by that numerical term, but do not mean at least the quantity indicated by that numerical term. For example, the phrase “one widget” does not mean “at least one widget”, and therefore the phrase “one widget” does not cover, e.g., two widgets. 
     The phrase “based on” does not mean “based only on”, unless expressly specified otherwise. In other words, the phrase “based on” describes both “based only on” and “based at least on”. The phrase “based at least on” is equivalent to the phrase “based at least in part on”. 
     The term “represent” and like terms are not exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. For example, the term “represents” do not mean “represents only”, unless expressly specified otherwise. In other words, the phrase “the data represents a credit card number” describes both “the data represents only a credit card number” and “the data represents a credit card number and the data also represents something else”. 
     The term “whereby” is used herein only to precede a clause or other set of words that express only the intended result, objective or consequence of something that is previously and explicitly recited. Thus, when the term “whereby” is used in a claim, the clause or other words that the term “whereby” modifies do not establish specific further limitations of the claim or otherwise restricts the meaning or scope of the claim. 
     The term “e.g.” and like terms mean “for example”, and thus does not limit the term or phrase it explains. For example, in the sentence “the computer sends data (e.g., instructions, a data structure) over the Internet”, the term “e.g.” explains that “instructions” are an example of “data” that the computer may send over the Internet, and also explains that “a data structure” is an example of “data” that the computer may send over the Internet. However, both “instructions” and “a data structure” are merely examples of “data”, and other things besides “instructions” and “a data structure” can be “data”. 
     The term “respective” and like terms mean “taken individually”. Thus if two or more things have “respective” characteristics, then each such thing has its own characteristic, and these characteristics can be different from each other but need not be. 
     For example, the phrase “each of two machines has a respective function” means that the first such machine has a function and the second such machine has a function as well. The function of the first machine may or may not be the same as the function of the second machine. 
     The term “i.e.” and like terms mean “that is”, and thus limits the term or phrase it explains. For example, in the sentence “the computer sends data (i.e., instructions) over the Internet”, the term “i.e.” explains that “instructions” are the “data” that the computer sends over the Internet. 
     Any given numerical range shall include whole and fractions of numbers within the range. For example, the range “1 to 10” shall be interpreted to specifically include whole numbers between 1 and 10 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, . . . 9) and non-whole numbers (e.g., 1.1, 1.2, . . . 1.9). 
     Where two or more terms or phrases are synonymous (e.g., because of an explicit statement that the terms or phrases are synonymous), instances of one such term/phrase does not mean instances of another such term/phrase must have a different meaning. For example, where a statement renders the meaning of “including” to be synonymous with “including but not limited to”, the mere usage of the phrase “including but not limited to” does not mean that the term “including” means something other than “including but not limited to”. 
     The term “facilitating” and like terms may include any action or set of actions which help to bring about a result. Throughout this disclosure, examples of facilitation may be given. Such examples should be interpreted as non-limiting examples only. 
     II. Determining 
     The term “determining” and grammatical variants thereof (e.g., to determine a price, determining a value, determine an object which meets a certain criterion) is used in an extremely broad sense. The term “determining” encompasses a wide variety of actions and therefore “determining” can include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (e.g., looking up in a table, a database or another data structure), ascertaining and the like. Also, “determining” can include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory) and the like. Also, “determining” can include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like. 
     The term “determining” does not imply certainty or absolute precision, and therefore “determining” can include estimating, extrapolating, predicting, guessing and the like. 
     The term “determining” does not imply that mathematical processing must be performed, and does not imply that numerical methods must be used, and does not imply that an algorithm or process is used. 
     The term “determining” does not imply that any particular device must be used. For example, a computer need not necessarily perform the determining. 
     III. Forms of Sentences 
     Where a limitation of a first claim would cover one of a feature as well as more than one of a feature (e.g., a limitation such as “at least one widget” covers one widget as well as more than one widget), and where in a second claim that depends on the first claim, the second claim uses a definite article “the” to refer to the limitation (e.g., “the widget”), this does not imply that the first claim covers only one of the feature, and this does not imply that the second claim covers only one of the feature (e.g., “the widget” can cover both one widget and more than one widget). 
     When an ordinal number (such as “first”, “second”, “third” and so on) is used as an adjective before a term, that ordinal number is used (unless expressly specified otherwise) merely to indicate a particular feature, such as to distinguish that particular feature from another feature that is described by the same term or by a similar term. For example, a “first widget” may be so named merely to distinguish it from, e.g., a “second widget”. Thus, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers “first” and “second” before the term “widget” does not indicate any other relationship between the two widgets, and likewise does not indicate any other characteristics of either or both widgets. For example, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers “first” and “second” before the term “widget” (1) does not indicate that either widget comes before or after any other in order or location; (2) does not indicate that either widget occurs or acts before or after any other in time; and (3) does not indicate that either widget ranks above or below any other, as in importance or quality. In addition, the mere usage of ordinal numbers does not define a numerical limit to the features identified with the ordinal numbers. For example, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers “first” and “second” before the term “widget” does not indicate that there must be no more than two widgets. 
     When a single device, article or other product is described herein, more than one device/article (whether or not they cooperate) may alternatively be used in place of the single device/article that is described. Accordingly, the functionality that is described as being possessed by a device may alternatively be possessed by more than one device/article (whether or not they cooperate). 
     Similarly, where more than one device, article or other product is described herein (whether or not they cooperate), a single device/article may alternatively be used in place of the more than one device or article that is described. For example, a plurality of computer-based devices may be substituted with a single computer-based device. Accordingly, the various functionality that is described as being possessed by more than one device or article may alternatively be possessed by a single device/article. 
     The functionality and/or the features of a single device that is described may be alternatively embodied by one or more other devices which are described but are not explicitly described as having such functionality/features. Thus, other embodiments need not include the described device itself, but rather can include the one or more other devices which would, in those other embodiments, have such functionality/features. 
     IV. Disclosed Examples and Terminology Are Not Limiting 
     Neither the Title (set forth at the beginning of the first page of the present application) nor the Abstract (set forth at the end of the present application) is to be taken as limiting in any way as the scope of the disclosed invention(s). An Abstract has been included in this application merely because an Abstract of not more than 150 words is required under 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b). 
     The title of the present application and headings of sections provided in the present application are for convenience only, and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any way. 
     Numerous embodiments are described in the present application, and are presented for illustrative purposes only. The described embodiments are not, and are not intended to be, limiting in any sense. The presently disclosed invention(s) are widely applicable to numerous embodiments, as is readily apparent from the disclosure. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the disclosed invention(s) may be practiced with various modifications and alterations, such as structural, logical, software, and electrical modifications. Although particular features of the disclosed invention(s) may be described with reference to one or more particular embodiments and/or drawings, it should be understood that such features are not limited to usage in the one or more particular embodiments or drawings with reference to which they are described, unless expressly specified otherwise. 
     No embodiment of method steps or product elements described in the present application constitutes the invention claimed herein, or is essential to the invention claimed herein, or is coextensive with the invention claimed herein, except where it is either expressly stated to be so in this specification or expressly recited in a claim. 
     The preambles of the claims that follow recite purposes, benefits and possible uses of the claimed invention only and do not limit the claimed invention. 
     The present disclosure is not a literal description of all embodiments of the invention(s). Also, the present disclosure is not a listing of features of the invention(s) which must be present in all embodiments. 
     Devices that are described as in communication with each other need not be in continuous communication with each other, unless expressly specified otherwise. On the contrary, such devices need only transmit to each other as necessary or desirable, and may actually refrain from exchanging data most of the time. For example, a machine in communication with another machine via the Internet may not transmit data to the other machine for long period of time (e.g. weeks at a time). In addition, devices that are in communication with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries. 
     A description of an embodiment with several components or features does not imply that all or even any of such components/features are required. On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present invention(s). Unless otherwise specified explicitly, no component/feature is essential or required. 
     Although process steps, algorithms or the like may be described or claimed in a particular sequential order, such processes may be configured to work in different orders. In other words, any sequence or order of steps that may be explicitly described or claimed does not necessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in that order. The steps of processes described herein may be performed in any order possible. Further, some steps may be performed simultaneously despite being described or implied as occurring non-simultaneously (e.g., because one step is described after the other step). Moreover, the illustration of a process by its depiction in a drawing does not imply that the illustrated process is exclusive of other variations and modifications thereto, does not imply that the illustrated process or any of its steps are necessary to the invention(s), and does not imply that the illustrated process is preferred. 
     Although a process may be described as including a plurality of steps, that does not imply that all or any of the steps are preferred, essential or required. Various other embodiments within the scope of the described invention(s) include other processes that omit some or all of the described steps. Unless otherwise specified explicitly, no step is essential or required. 
     Although a process may be described singly or without reference to other products or methods, in an embodiment the process may interact with other products or methods. For example, such interaction may include linking one business model to another business model. Such interaction may be provided to enhance the flexibility or desirability of the process. 
     Although a product may be described as including a plurality of components, aspects, qualities, characteristics and/or features, that does not indicate that any or all of the plurality are preferred, essential or required. Various other embodiments within the scope of the described invention(s) include other products that omit some or all of the described plurality. 
     An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. Likewise, an enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that any or all of the items are comprehensive of any category, unless expressly specified otherwise. For example, the enumerated list “a computer, a laptop, a PDA” does not imply that any or all of the three items of that list are mutually exclusive and does not imply that any or all of the three items of that list are comprehensive of any category. 
     An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that any or all of the items are equivalent to each other or readily substituted for each other. 
     All embodiments are illustrative, and do not imply that the invention or any embodiments were made or performed, as the case may be. 
     V. Computing 
     It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the various processes described herein may be implemented by, e.g., appropriately programmed general purpose computers, special purpose computers and computing devices. One or more such computers or computing devices may be referred to as a computer system. The computer system may comprise a plurality of server computers and client computers. 
     Typically a processor (e.g., one or more microprocessors, one or more microcontrollers, one or more digital signal processors) will receive instructions (e.g., from a memory or like device), and execute those instructions, thereby performing one or more processes defined by those instructions. Instructions may be embodied in, e.g., one or more computer programs, one or more scripts. 
     A “processor” means one or more microprocessors, central processing units (CPUs), computing devices, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, or like devices or any combination thereof, regardless of the architecture (e.g., chip-level multiprocessing/multi-core, RISC, CISC, Microprocessor without Interlocked Pipeline Stages, pipelining configuration, simultaneous multithreading). 
     Thus a description of a process is likewise a description of an apparatus for performing the process. The apparatus that performs the process can include, e.g., a processor and those input devices and output devices that are appropriate to perform the process. 
     Further, programs that implement such methods (as well as other types of data) may be stored and transmitted using a variety of media (e.g., computer readable media) in a number of manners. In some embodiments, hard-wired circuitry or custom hardware may be used in place of, or in combination with, some or all of the software instructions that can implement the processes of various embodiments. Thus, various combinations of hardware and software may be used instead of software only. 
     The term “computer-readable medium” refers to any medium, a plurality of the same, or a combination of different media, which participate in providing data (e.g., instructions, data structures) which may be read by a computer, a processor or a like device. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memory. Volatile media include dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes the main memory. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a system bus coupled to the processor. Transmission media may include or convey acoustic waves, light waves and electromagnetic emissions, such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computer can read. 
     Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying data (e.g. sequences of instructions) to a processor. For example, data may be (i) delivered from RAM to a processor; (ii) carried over a wireless transmission medium; (iii) formatted and/or transmitted according to numerous formats, standards or protocols, such as Ethernet (or IEEE 802.3), SAP, ATP, Bluetooth™, and TCP/IP, TDMA, CDMA, and 3G; and/or (iv) encrypted to ensure privacy or prevent fraud in any of a variety of ways well known in the art. 
     Thus a description of a process is likewise a description of a computer-readable medium storing a program for performing the process. The computer-readable medium can store (in any appropriate format) those program elements which are appropriate to perform the method. 
     Just as the description of various steps in a process does not indicate that all the described steps are required, embodiments of an apparatus include a computer/computing device operable to perform some (but not necessarily all) of the described process. 
     Likewise, just as the description of various steps in a process does not indicate that all the described steps are required, embodiments of a computer-readable medium storing a program or data structure include a computer-readable medium storing a program that, when executed, can cause a processor to perform some (but not necessarily all) of the described process. 
     A computer system may also include one or more input/output devices. Such input/output devices may include monitors, keyboards, mice, and/or any other desired devices. 
     Some computer systems may include transmission medium, which may be referred to as a communication network, that couples various internal components of the computer system. Such a communication network may also be referred to in some implementations as a computer bus. Some computer systems may include a specialized input/output device configured to connect to an external communication network. Such a device may be referred to as a network interface. The external communication network may include a LAN and/or the Internet. In some implementations, an edge routing device may operate between a LAN and another network like the Internet. Such a device may include a firewall and/or any other desired security mechanism. 
     Where databases are described, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that (i) alternative database structures to those described may be readily employed, and (ii) other memory structures besides databases may be readily employed. Any illustrations or descriptions of any sample databases presented herein are illustrative arrangements for stored representations of information. Any number of other arrangements may be employed besides those suggested by, e.g., tables illustrated in drawings or elsewhere. Similarly, any illustrated entries of the databases represent exemplary information only; one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the number and content of the entries can be different from those described herein. Further, despite any depiction of the databases as tables, other formats (including relational databases, object-based models and/or distributed databases) could be used to store and manipulate the data types described herein. Likewise, object methods or behaviors of a database can be used to implement various processes, such as the described herein. In addition, the databases may, in a known manner, be stored locally or remotely from a device which accesses data in such a database. 
     Various embodiments can be configured to work in a network environment including a computer that is in communication (e.g., via a communications network) with one or more devices. The computer may communicate with the devices directly or indirectly, via any wired or wireless medium (e.g. the Internet, LAN, WAN or Ethernet, Token Ring, a telephone line, a cable line, a radio channel, an optical communications line, commercial on-line service providers, bulletin board systems, a satellite communications link, a combination of any of the above). Each of the devices may themselves comprise computers or other computing devices, such as those based on the Intel® Pentium®, Core, or Centrino™ processor, that are adapted to communicate with the computer. Any number and type of devices may be in communication with the computer. 
     In an embodiment, a server computer or centralized authority may not be necessary or desirable. For example, the present invention may, in an embodiment, be practiced on one or more devices without a central authority. In such an embodiment, any functions described herein as performed by the server computer or data described as stored on the server computer may instead be performed by or stored on one or more such devices. 
     Where a process is described, in an embodiment the process may operate without any user intervention. In another embodiment, the process includes some human intervention (e.g., a step is performed by or with the assistance of a human). 
     VI. Continuing Applications 
     The present disclosure provides, to one of ordinary skill in the art, an enabling description of several embodiments and/or inventions. Some of these embodiments and/or inventions may not be claimed in the present application, but may nevertheless be claimed in one or more continuing applications that claim the benefit of priority of the present application. 
     Applicants intend to file additional applications to pursue patents for subject matter that has been disclosed and enabled but not claimed in the present application. 
     VII. 35 U.S.C. § 112, Paragraph 6 
     In a claim, a limitation of the claim which includes the phrase “means for” or the phrase “step for” means that 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6, applies to that limitation. 
     In a claim, a limitation of the claim which does not include the phrase “means for” or the phrase “step for” means that 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6 does not apply to that limitation, regardless of whether that limitation recites a function without recitation of structure, material or acts for performing that function. For example, in a claim, the mere use of the phrase “step of” or the phrase “steps of” in referring to one or more steps of the claim or of another claim does not mean that 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6, applies to that step(s). 
     With respect to a means or a step for performing a specified function in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6, the corresponding structure, material or acts described in the specification, and equivalents thereof, may perform additional functions as well as the specified function. 
     Computers, processors, computing devices and like products are structures that can perform a wide variety of functions. Such products can be operable to perform a specified function by executing one or more programs, such as a program stored in a memory device of that product or in a memory device which that product accesses. Unless expressly specified otherwise, such a program need not be based on any particular algorithm, such as any particular algorithm that might be disclosed in the present application. It is well known to one of ordinary skill in the art that a specified function may be implemented via different algorithms, and any of a number of different algorithms would be a mere design choice for carrying out the specified function. 
     Therefore, with respect to a means or a step for performing a specified function in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6, structure corresponding to a specified function includes any product programmed to perform the specified function. Such structure includes programmed products which perform the function, regardless of whether such product is programmed with (i) a disclosed algorithm for performing the function, (ii) an algorithm that is similar to a disclosed algorithm, or (iii) a different algorithm for performing the function. 
     Where there is recited a means for performing a function hat is a method, one structure for performing this method includes a computing device (e.g., a general purpose computer) that is programmed and/or configured with appropriate hardware to perform that function. 
     Also includes a computing device (e.g., a general purpose computer) that is programmed and/or configured with appropriate hardware to perform that function via other algorithms as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     VIII. Disclaimer 
     Numerous references to a particular embodiment does not indicate a disclaimer or disavowal of additional, different embodiments, and similarly references to the description of embodiments which all include a particular feature does not indicate a disclaimer or disavowal of embodiments which do not include that particular feature. A clear disclaimer or disavowal in the present application shall be prefaced by the phrase “does not include” or by the phrase “cannot perform”. 
     IX. Incorporation By Reference 
     Any patent, patent application or other document referred to herein is incorporated by reference into this patent application as part of the present disclosure, but only for purposes of written description in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 1 and enablement in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 1, and should in no way be used to limit, define, or otherwise construe any term of the present application where the present application, without such incorporation by reference, would not have failed to provide an ascertainable meaning, but rather would have allowed an ascertainable meaning for such term to be provided. Thus, the person of ordinary skill in the art need not have been in any way limited by any embodiments provided in the reference 
     Any incorporation by reference does not, in and of itself, imply any endorsement of, ratification of or acquiescence in any statements, opinions, arguments or characterizations contained in any incorporated patent, patent application or other document, unless explicitly specified otherwise in this patent application. 
     X. Prosecution History 
     In interpreting the present application (which includes the claims), one of ordinary skill in the art shall refer to the prosecution history of the present application, but not to the prosecution history of any other patent or patent application, regardless of whether there are other patent applications that are considered related to the present application, and regardless of whether there are other patent applications that share a claim of priority with the present application. 
     XI. Sample Embodiments 
     Some embodiments of this invention relate generally to gaming systems and methods and, more particularly, to systems and methods for wagering based on one or more financial market indicators. 
     The rules for playing slot machines can be relatively simple. Generally, a player deposits money and spins the reels. In a physical casino, the player may spin the reels by either pushing a button or yanking on a lever. Reels may spin in any orientation, vertically, horizontally, diagonally, etc. Reels may include virtual or physical embodiments. In an online casino, the player may use a mouse or any suitable computer key to click on the button or lever. A slot machine may have one or more horizontal lines, or paylines, across the window of the slot machine. Such lines, in other embodiments, may be vertical, diagonal, or distributed in a non-line environment, but nonetheless referred to as a line. If a certain combination of symbols falls on a horizontal line when the reels stop, the player may be a winner. Payouts vary by machine and by the number of lines the player chooses to play. 
     In some slot machines, the combination of symbols that line up on the reels of a slot machine is determined by a Random Number Generator (RNG). This may include a computer program inside the machine that is used to generate a sequence of numbers in milliseconds. Each random number it generates corresponds to a reel combination. Even when a slot machine is not being used, some RNGs keep doing their job of generating numbers. Whatever random number was generated, the split second the player pulled the handle (or hit the “bet one” or “max bet” button) may result in the corresponding reel combinations that appear on the screen. The RNG may not be affected by how much was bet, whether the player pulled the handle or hit the spin button, whether it is the player&#39;s first play or last, whether the player is winning or losing, or whether the player is playing with or without a slot card. It just continually generates random numbers. If the player happens to be the lucky player that plays the split second the RNG generates a number corresponding to a jackpot reel combination, the player may be a winner. 
     In one embodiment, a system comprises a memory operable to store a wager regarding a slot machine game. The system may further comprise a processor coupled to the memory and operable to cause a user interface to display a value of a first financial market indicator. The processor may be further operable to update the displayed value of the first financial market indicator at a predetermined rate. The processor may be further operable to receive a first stop command at a first time. In response to receiving the first stop command, the processor may be further operable to determine a first digit from the displayed value of the first financial market indicator at the first time. The processor may be further operable to determine a second digit from a value of a second financial market indicator. The processor may be further operable to determine an outcome of the wager based at least in part on the determined first digit and the determined second digit. 
     In another embodiment, a system comprises a memory operable to store an over-under wager associated with a financial market indicator, wherein the over-under wager defines a market line. The system may further comprise a processor coupled to the memory and operable to receive a slot game bet. The processor may be further operable to cause at least one slot reel to stop spinning such that at least one digit is visible on the at least one slot reel. The processor may be further operable to compare the at least one digit with the market line defined by the over-under wager. The processor may be further operable to determine an outcome of the slot game bet based at least in part on the comparison. 
     According to certain embodiments, a system comprises a memory operable to store a wager regarding a slot machine game. The system may further comprise a processor coupled to the memory and operable to cause a user interface to display a value of a first financial market indicator, wherein the displayed value is updated at a predetermined rate. The processor may be further operable to cause the user interface to display a reel that is spinning. The processor may be further operable to receive a first stop command at a first time. In response to receiving the first stop command, the processor may be further operable to determine a first digit from the displayed value of the first financial market indicator at the first time, stop the displayed reel from spinning, and determine a second digit that is visible on the stopped reel, wherein the determined second digit is displayed at a payline. The processor may be further operable to determine an outcome of the wager based at least in part on the determined first digit and the determined second digit. 
     In some embodiments, a method for wagering is provided. An example method starts by receiving a bet indicating the value of a multi-digit number. The method continues by determining a first value based at least in part upon the value of a digit of a first financial market indicator, and by determining a second value based at least in part upon the value of a digit of a second financial market indicator. The method proceeds by determining a winning number based at least in part upon the first value and the second value. The method concludes by comparing the winning number against the value of the multi-digit number indicated by the bet, and by determining an outcome of the bet based at least in part upon the comparison. 
     In other embodiments, another example method for wagering may be provided. The method starts by receiving a bet regarding a spin of the reels of a slot machine. The method continues by determining a first symbol for a first reel of the slot machine based at least in part upon a first value and a second value. The first value is associated with a value of a digit of a first financial market indicator at a first point in time, and the second value is associated with the value of a digit of a second financial market indicator at the first point in time. The method continues by determining a second symbol for a second reel of the slot machine, and by determining a third symbol for a third reel of the slot machine. The method concludes by determining an outcome of the bet based at least in part upon the first symbol, the second symbol, and the third symbol. 
     Various embodiments may benefit from numerous advantages. It should be noted that one or more embodiments may benefit from some, none, or all of the advantages discussed below. One advantage is that a gaming system may provide bettors with gaming based upon the value of financial market indicators. Thus, a bettor may place a bet, such as a bet regarding the spin of the reels of a slot machine, in which the inputs for the game are determined based on the value of financial market indicators rather than the numbers generated by a Random Number Generator. Another advantage is that when financial market indicators are unavailable, such as on the weekends and holidays when financial markets are typically closed, the system determines inputs for the game based on some other type of non-random but unpredictable event. 
     Another advantage is that, in some embodiments, the system may provide a slot machine game in which financial market indicators are associated with one or more stop controls (e.g., buttons, etc.). By allowing a user to use stop buttons, the system may give the user the perception that the user&#39;s skill or reaction time may affect the outcome of the game. In some embodiments, this perception may be illusory such as, for example, where the values of financial market indicators are updated at a rate that is faster than the typical human reaction time. Nevertheless, this perception may enhance the user&#39;s enjoyment of the game. 
     Another advantage is that, in some embodiments, the system may provide wagers on moving market lines. For example, the system may provide a fixed-odds wager that a financial market indicator will be above or below a defined market line after a configurable period of time. While a user that has placed such a wager waits for the outcome of the wager, the system may permit the user to play a slot machine game that is based at least in part on the defined market line. Thus, the system may increase the wagering opportunities available to a user. 
     Other advantages may be apparent to one skilled in the art from the description and the appended claims. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a system  10  that includes clients  20  coupled to a controller  40  using communication network  30 . Controller  40  is further coupled to one or more data sources  60  using communication network  50 . In general, system  10  provides for wagering based at least in part upon event information  64 , such as market indicators  28 . 
     Clients  20  are various users of system  10  that may place a bet  22  comprising bet parameters  24  and that may receive bet results  26 . Clients  20  may also refer to the devices used by various users of system  10 . Examples of these devices include a computer, a personal digital assistant, a mobile phone, a kiosk or point of sale terminal, a Microsoft Surface, or any other device that can interoperate with the elements of system  10  to perform the functions described herein. In a particular embodiment, clients  20  comprise physical slot machines. In other embodiments, clients  20  comprise devices, such as those described above, that can display a virtual slot machine to a user.  FIG. 2  illustrates one example of such a slot machine  20 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , slot machine  20 , whether physical or virtual, includes any suitable number of reels  102 , paylines  104 , and symbols  106 . Each reel  102  comprises a cylindrical spinning piece, or virtual display thereof, around which a plurality of symbols  106  are displayed. Each payline  104  comprises a payline  104  (e.g., horizontal, vertical, diagonal, or other) in the visible playing section of the slot machine  20 . Each symbol  106  comprises a graphic, picture, alphanumeric character, image, and/or icon that is displayed on reel  102 . Symbols  106  may comprise, for example, blanks, cherries, bananas, oranges, diamonds, bells, lemons, numbers, bars, double bars, or any other recognizable images. The more reels  102  that are associated with slot machine  20 , the more permutations or possible combinations of symbols  106  are able to appear on the one or more paylines  104 . The particular slot machine  20  illustrated in  FIG. 2  is only one type of slot machine  20 . The look and feel of slot machine  20  could change based on any number of factors associated with system  10 , such as the type of data that is used to create the inputs for slot machine  20 . For example, if financial information  64  is used, then the look and feel of slot machine  20  (e.g., symbols  106 , buttons, display, etc.) may be customized for financial markets. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1 , communication networks  30  and  50  may comprise any suitable number and combination of local area networks, wide area networks (e.g., the Internet), wireless networks, and/or any other type of network that transfers data between controller  40  and the other elements of system  10 , such as clients  20  and data sources  60 . Although illustrated as two separate networks, all or a portion of networks  30  and  50  may be common to one another. Moreover, all or a portion of communication networks  30  and  50  may be a proprietary network. The transfer of data on network  30  may include the transfer of bets  22  and bet results  26 . The transfer of data on network  50  may include a transfer of event data requests  62 , such as financial market requests  62 , and event information  64 , such as financial market information  64 . 
     Controller  40  comprises a processor  42  coupled to a memory  44 . Processor  42  may comprise any suitable processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or other microprocessor, and may include any suitable number of processors working together. Memory  44  may comprise any suitable combination of volatile and/or non-volatile memory that stores bets  22 , bet parameters  24 , bet results  26 , event data requests  62 , event information  64 , gaming rules  66 , input values  68 , input symbols  70  (used interchangeably with symbols  106 ), payouts  72 , and/or wagering system software application  80 . Processor  42  may execute application  80  to process bets  22  based at least in part upon event information  64 . Although the description detailed below discusses controller  40  performing particular functions, it should be understood that some or all of the functions described as being performed by controller  40  may be performed by clients  20 . Functions described may be performed in alternative forms and/or not performed at all in various embodiments. 
     Data sources  60  comprise any suitable source of real-time or substantially real-time event information  64 . For example, data sources  60  may comprise a source of financial market information  64 , such as market centers, market data vendors, news services, and the like. Financial market information  64  may comprise information regarding the value, price, volume, and/or any other suitable indicator of a financial market index or any other suitable financial instrument (e.g., stocks, bonds, futures contracts, derivatives, etc.), referred to generally as a market indicator  28 , during or at the end of a predetermined period of time or after one or more relevant transactions. The indicators, for example, may indicate a current value of a financial instrument, a range of values of a financial instrument, a rate of change of a value of a financial instrument, a direction of change of value of a financial instrument, a volume of trades of a financial instrument, a measure of liquidity of a financial instrument, a spread of a financial instrument, a bid and/or offer value for a financial instrument, and/or any other information about a financial instrument. For example, market indicator  28  may comprise the value of a certain financial market index, foreign or domestic, such as the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), the NASDAQ, the Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE), the S&amp;P 500, the New York Stock Exchange, or any other suitable financial market index. In another example, market indicator  28  may comprise the value of a particular stock, bond, futures contract, or any other suitable financial instrument. Market indicator  28  may be rounded, such as to the nearest whole point (e.g., market indicator  28  of 9,314.62 may be rounded up to 9,315), and/or include any suitable number of decimal places to provide an appropriate level of granularity. Therefore, each market indicator  28  may comprise a plurality of numerical digits associated with the value of a corresponding financial market index or other financial instrument. As described in greater detail below, controller  40  may determine the outcome of bets  22  based at least in part upon the value of one or more digits that comprise a particular market indicator  28 . In some implementations, the values of an indicator may be based on historic data. In some implementations, the values of the indicators may be delayed from a current value (e.g., based on a reporting delay, a communication delay, etc.). 
     Although the description of system  10  is detailed with reference to financial markets, it should be understood that system  10  provides for the contingency whereby financial markets (and therefore market indicators  28 ) are unavailable at a given point in time. For example, financial markets may be closed at various times of the day, on weekends, or during holidays so that market indicators  28  are unavailable at these times. In those instances, controller  40  may use event information  64  or any other information from other sources  60  to create inputs for the games, such as a slot machine game. The event information  64  may comprise any suitable numerical data that is not randomly generated but that is also not predictable. For example, the event information  64  may be related to the weather in one or more locations at a particular time; the U.S. national debt at a particular time; power consumption of a city at a particular time; the number of television shows tuned in to a particular channel or program at a particular time (e.g., television ratings); the power output of a facility at a particular time; horse race, dog race, jai alai, or other sporting event results at a particular time; or any other substantially changing numerical data that is related to non-random events. In some embodiments, numerical data for a particular time (e.g., the U.S. national debt for a particular time of a particular day) can be extrapolated or interpolated from available data points. 
     Slot Machine Game 
     In operation, controller  40  may receive bet  22  comprising bet parameters  24 . In one embodiment, bet  22  comprises a wager regarding a spin of reels  102  of slot machine  20 . In another embodiment, bet  22  comprises a wager regarding a “lottery” number. Bet parameters  24  of bet  22  comprise one or more of the identity of client  20  that originated bet  22 ; the amount of bet  22 ; the time bet  22  was placed; the type of bet  22  (e.g., slot machine bet, lottery bet, or other type bet); a period of time used to determine the appropriate financial market information  64 ; a particular digit of a particular market indicator  28  (e.g., first digit, last digit, nth digit); and/or information that identifies one or more financial instruments used to determine the appropriate financial market information  64 . In the embodiment where the type of bet  22  comprises a lottery bet  22 , bet parameters  24  may further include a multi-digit lottery number. Rather than individual digits, some embodiments may refer to other elements of an indicator, such as a several digits, a direction of movement, etc. An element of an indicator may include any current information and/or historic information about the indicator. 
     Controller  40  processes bet  22  based at least in part upon financial market information  64 . For example, suppose bet  22  specifies the DJIA, the S&amp;P 500, and the NASDAQ as financial market indices to be used to determine the outcome of bet  22 . Suppose further that bet  22  specifies that market indicators  28  for these financial market indices should be captured ten seconds after bet  22  is placed, as represented, for example, by a timestamp associated with bet  22  (other bets  22  could indicate that the particular market indicator  28  that is used coincide in time with the timestamp communicated with the particular bet  22 ). In this example, controller  40  generates a financial market request  62  for the appropriate financial market information  64 . In response to financial market request  62 , controller  40  receives the following market indicators  28  representing the value of the DJIA, the S&amp;P 500, and the NASDAQ ten seconds after bet  22  was placed: DJIA—10,155; S&amp;P 500-1112; and NASDAQ—1959. Suppose further that bet parameters  24  of bet  22  specified the use of the last digit of each of these market indicators  28  to determine input values  68 . Controller  40  therefore determines a first input value  68  of “5” (e.g., the last digit of the market indicator  28  associated with the DJIA); a second input value  68  of “2” (e.g., the last digit of the market indicator  28  associated with the S&amp;P 500); and a third input value  68  of “9” (e.g., the last digit of the market indicator  28  associated with the NASDAQ). 
     In other examples, input values  68  may be determined based on other digits of market indicator  28  or by applying any suitable mathematical formula that uses one or more digits of one or more market indicators  28  as operands. In still other examples, a second input value  68  may be based at least in part upon a second digit of a first market indicator  28  (e.g., first input value  68  is the n th  digit of DJIA and second input value  68  is the m th  digit of DJIA). 
     Controller  40  determines the outcome of bet  22  based upon the first input value  68 , the second input value  68 , and the third input value  68 . For example, suppose that bet  22  comprises a slot machine type bet  22 . In this example, controller  40  maps the particular input values  68  to appropriate input symbols  70  for slot machine  20 , according to rules  66 . In particular, controller  40  maps the first input value  68  to a first input symbol  70  for a first reel  102  of slot machine  20 . Controller  40  maps the second input value  68  to a second input symbol  70  for a second reel  102  of slot machine  20 . Controller  40  maps the third input value  68  to a third input symbol  70  for a third reel  102  of slot machine  20 . The first reel  102 , the second reel  102 , and the third reel  102  may be arranged in any suitable order in the slot machine  20 , so that the ordering of the particular market indicators  28  when applied to reels  102  of slot machine  20  may comprise one of “529,” “592,” “259,” “295,” “952,” or “925” based upon rules  66  and/or bet parameters  24 . 
     Rules  66  may specify a mapping of numeric digits to particular input symbols  70 . For example, rules  66  may specify the following mapping:
         “0”=Blank   “1”=Cherry   “2”=Banana   “3”=Orange   “4”=Diamond   “5”=Bell   “6”=Lemon   “7”=Seven   “8”=Bar   “9”=Double Bar       

     Of course, controller  40  may use any suitable mapping of numeric digits to input symbols  70 , and the mapping provided above is only an example of one such mapping. Moreover, particular embodiments of system  10  use bonus symbols  70  to create a jackpot. For example, from time to time, any of the numeric digits from “0” to “9” could result in a bonus symbol  70 , such as a “$,” “+,” “#,” “£,” “¥,” etc. If one or more of reels  102  results in bonus symbol  70 , then the user wins an enhanced payout  72 . For example, if one reel  102  results in a bonus symbol  70 , the user may win a higher payout  72  than normal. If two reels  102  result in a bonus symbol  70 , the user may win a still higher payout  72 . If all three reels  102  result in a bonus symbol  70 , the user may win a jackpot payout  72 . The occurrence of bonus symbol  70  for any given reel  102  could be based upon predetermined odds. For example, the odds of receiving a bonus symbol  70  for any given reel  102  may be 100-1. The odds of receiving a bonus symbol  70  for two reels  102  would therefore be 1000-1. The odds of receiving a bonus symbol  70  for all three reels  102  would therefore be 1,000,000-1. The respective payouts  72  for each of these results could then be predicated upon the predetermined odds, taking into account a predetermined house advantage. In other embodiments, the successive outcomes of each reel may not be independent so that the odds may not be calculated in such a fashion (e.g., all the outputs of all the reels may be determined by some function of inputs rather than independently). In such embodiments, for example, the odds of the most unlikely outcome could be significantly different than they appear from the number of possible outcomes. 
     Using the mapping set forth above, controller  40  therefore determines that the spin of reels  102  of slot machine  20  associated with bet  22  resulted in a combination of “Bell,” “Banana,” and “Double Bar” at payline  104 . Controller  40  applies rules  66  to determine bet results  26 . That is, controller  40  applies rules  66  to determine whether this combination of symbols  70  results in a “win,” a “loss,” or a “tie”. Controller  40  also applies rules  66  to determine a particular payout  72  based upon the resulting combination of symbols  70  and the amount of bet  22 . In this regard, rules  66  include the winning combinations of symbols  70 , the payout odds associated therewith, and any other factors used to determine bet result  26  and/or payout  72 . Controller  40  communicates bet results  26  and any other data used to display the appropriate symbols  70  on reels  102  of slot machine  20 . 
     Controller  40  may also determine the outcome of bet  22  based upon the first input value  68 , the second input value  68 , and the third input value  68  if bet  22  comprises a lottery type bet  22 . In this example, suppose bet parameters  24  associated with bet  22  specified a multi-digit lottery number of “529” and specified that this number was to be formed using the last digit of the DJIA, S&amp;P 500, and NASDAQ, in that order, ten seconds after bet  22  was placed. Based upon the market indicators  28  described above, controller  40  determines a winning number of “529.” In other examples, the winning number may be determined by applying any suitable mathematical formula that uses one or more determined input values  68  (or market indicators  28 ) as the operands. 
     Controller  40  may compare the multi-digit lottery number of “529” specified by bet parameters  24  with the winning number “529” determined according to financial market information  64  to determine the outcome of lottery type bet  22 . In this example, controller  40  determines that bet  22  “wins.” Controller  40  determines an appropriate payout  72  for the winning bet  22  based at least in part upon the amount of bet  22  and/or the payout odds associated with bet  22  as specified by rules  66 . For example, with respect to a three-digit lottery type bet  22 , rules  66  may specify payout odds of 500-1. Therefore, if the amount of bet  22  was $1, then payout  72  would comprise $500.00. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a flowchart  110  depicting one example method for wagering based on market indicators  28 . At step  112 , controller  40  receives bet  22  from client  20 . Bet  22  may specify particular financial instruments and a predetermined period of time to be used to determine one or more market indicators  28 . For example, bet  22  may specify to capture market indicators  28  for the DJIA, the S&amp;P 500, and the NASDAQ ten seconds after bet  22  is placed. Bet  22  may further specify additional bet parameters  24 . Controller  40  communicates appropriate financial market requests  62  at step  114  and receives appropriate financial market information  64  at step  116 . In other embodiments, controller  40  may simply capture the appropriate financial market information  64  without issuing any requests  62 . In still other embodiments when market indicators  28  are unavailable, controller  40  captures other event information  64  for use in later steps of the method. 
     Execution proceeds to step  118  where controller  40  determines input values  68  based upon the financial market information  64  received at step  116 . Controller  40  may determine any suitable number of input values  68  from any suitable number and combination of market indicators  28  using any suitable techniques described in greater detail above with regard to  FIG. 1 . From here, execution proceeds along path  120  if bet  22  is a slot machine type bet  22 , and along path  122  if bet  22  is a lottery type bet  22 . In other embodiments, the ordering may be based on some other indicator or any other desired thing. For example, in some embodiments, the ordering may be based on the value of the indicators, a value range of another indicator, the direction the indicators last moved, and/or any other desired thing. 
     Proceeding along path  120 , controller  40  maps input values  68  determined at step  118  to input symbols  70  at step  124 . Controller  40  determines the arrangement of input symbols  70  on the one or more paylines  104  of slot machine  20  at step  126 . This arrangement may be based at least in part upon bet parameters  24 . For example, bet parameters  24  may dictate that market indicators  28  for the DJIA, the S&amp;P 500, and the NASDAQ should be used in that specific order. 
     Proceeding along path  122 , controller  40  determines the winning number, at step  130 , based at least in part upon the particular input values  68  determined at step  118 . Controller  40  compares the winning number determined at step  130  to the lottery number specified by bet  22 , at step  132 . 
     Whether execution proceeded along path  120  or path  122 , execution now proceeds to step  134  where controller  40  determines one or more outcomes of bet  22  and payouts  72 . Controller  40  communicates bet results  136  to client  20  at step  136 . Execution terminates at step  138 . 
     Slot Machine Game With Symbol Matrix 
       FIG. 4  illustrates another embodiment of a slot machine that may be used in system  10 . As with the slot machine  20  of  FIG. 2 , slot machine  200  includes any suitable number of reels  102 , paylines  104 , and symbols  106 . Slot machine  200  further includes a symbol matrix  210 . Symbol matrix  210  comprises an n-dimensional array of symbols  106 . As illustrated, symbol matrix  210  is a two-dimensional array having rows  212  of symbols  106  that intersect with columns  214  of symbols  106 . Rows  212  and columns  214  are associated with input values  68 . As described above, input values  68  may be determined according to the values of one or more digits of one or more market indicators  28  at various points in time. Each symbol  106  associated with a particular reel  102  may be determined according to an intersection of rows  212  and columns  214  based at least in part on input values  68 . Slot machine  200  further includes a timer  230 , input selections  232 , and betting windows  234 . 
     In operation, controller  40  receives bet  22  comprising bet parameters  24 . In one embodiment, bet  22  comprises a bet regarding a spin of the reels  102  of slot machine  200 . Alternatively, or in addition, bet  22  comprises a bet regarding a lottery number selected in betting windows  234 . Bet parameters  24  associated with bet  22  comprise one or more of the identity of the particular client  20  that originated bet  22 ; the amount of bet  22 ; the time bet  22  was placed; the type of bet  22  (e.g., slot machine bet, lottery bet, or other type bet); one or more periods of time used to determine the appropriate financial market information  64 ; a particular digit of market indicator  28  (e.g., first digit, last digit, nth digit); and information that identifies one or more financial instruments used to determine the appropriate financial market information  64  (e.g., from input selections  232 ). In the embodiment where the type of bet  22  comprises a lottery bet  22 , bet parameters  24  may further comprise multiple symbols  106  that are selected in betting windows  234 . This bet  22  is therefore a bet on the predicted composition of symbols  106  associated with reels  102  of slot machine  200 . 
     Controller  40  processes the received bet  22  based at least in part upon financial market information  64 . For example, suppose bet  22  specifies the FTSE and the DJIA as market indicators  28  to be used to determine the outcome of bet  22 . Suppose further that bet  22  specifies that these market indicators  28  should be captured ten seconds, twenty seconds, and thirty seconds after the bet  22  is placed, as represented, for example, by a timestamp associated with bet  22 . In this example, controller  40  generates a financial market request  62  for the appropriate financial market information  64 . In response to the financial market request  62 , controller  40  may receive the following market indicators  28  representing the value of the FTSE and the DJIA at the appropriate time intervals specified in the bet: 
     After ten seconds: FTSE—4,460.10
         DJIA—10319.20       

     After twenty seconds: FTSE—4,460.17
         DJIA—10319.26       

     After thirty seconds: FTSE—4,460.05
         DJIA—10,319.07       

     Suppose further that bet parameters  24  of the received bet  22  specified the use of the last digit of each of these market indicators  28  to determine input values  68  for each time interval of bet  22 . For the first time interval of ten seconds after bet  22  is placed, controller  40  therefore determines a first input value  68  of “0” (e.g., the last digit of the market indicator  28  associated with the FTSE), and a second input value  68  of “0” (e.g., the last digit of the market indicator  28  associated with the DJIA). Controller  40  then determines that the intersection of “0” and “0” in the symbol matrix  210  corresponds to the symbol  106  of “BAR”. Controller  40  therefore associates the symbol  106  of “BAR” with the first reel  102  of slot machine  200 . 
     For the second time interval of twenty seconds after the bet  22  is placed, controller  20  determines a first input value  68  of “7” (e.g., the last digit of the market indicator  28  associated with the FTSE), and a second input value  68  of “6” (e.g., the last digit of the market indicator  28  associated with the DJIA). Controller  40  then determines that the intersection of “7” and “6” in the symbol matrix  210  corresponds to the symbol  106  of “£”. Controller  40  therefore associates the symbol  106  of “£” with the second reel  102  of slot machine  200 . 
     For the third time interval of thirty seconds after bet  22  is placed, controller  20  determines a first input value  68  of “5” (e.g., the last digit of the market indicator  28  associated with the FTSE), and a second input value  68  of “7” (e.g., the last digit of the market indicator  28  associated with the DJIA). Controller  40  then determines that the intersection of “5” and “7” in the symbol matrix  210  corresponds to the symbol  106  of a “Cherry.” Controller  40  therefore associates the symbol  106  of a cherry with the third reel  102  of slot machine  200 . 
     Controller  40  therefore determines that the spin of reels  102  of slot machine  200  associated with bet  22  resulted in a combination of “BAR,” “£,” and “Cherry” at payline  104 . Controller  40  applies rules  66  to determine bet results  26  based on this combination of symbols  106 . That is, controller  40  applies rules  66  to determine whether this combination of symbols  106  results in a “win,” a “loss,” or a “tie”. Controller  40  also applies rules  66  to determine a particular payout  72  based upon the resulting combination of symbols  106  and the amount of bet  22 . In this regard, rules  66  include the winning combinations of symbols  106 , the payout odds associated therewith, and any other factors used to determine a bet result  26  and/or payout  72 . Controller  40  communicates bet results  26  and any other data used to display the appropriate symbols  106  on reels  102  of slot machine  200  (e.g., as symbols  106 ). 
     In other examples, the particular input values  68  may be determined based on other digits of market indicators  28  or by applying any suitable mathematical formula that uses one or more digits of one or more market indicators  28  as operands. In still other examples, the symbols  106  for different reels  102  of slot machine  200  may be derived from different market indicators  28 . In particular, referring back to the example above, the symbol  106  for the second reel  102  of slot machine  200  may be derived from the value of a digit of market indicators  28  besides the FTSE and the DJIA. Moreover, the symbol  106  for the second reel  102  of slot machine  200  may be derived from the value of a digit of one or the other of the FTSE and the DJIA in combination with the value of a digit of a market indicator  28  besides the FTSE and the DJIA. In this regard, any suitable combinations of market indicators  28 , functions/mappings, and/or digits associated therewith can be used to derive the symbols  106  of the different reels  102  of slot machine  200 . 
     In one embodiment, the symbols  106  of symbol matrix  210  may change until bet  22  is placed, at which time they become fixed. Alternatively, or in addition, the symbols  106  may change in between the various time intervals and become fixed at the expiration of each of the time intervals. For example, symbols  106  in symbol matrix  210  may be constantly changing until bet  22  is placed and the first time interval expires, such as ten seconds after bet  22  is placed. At this point in time, symbols  106  become fixed so that a particular symbol  106  may be determined for the first reel  102  of slot machine  200 . Once the symbol  106  for the first reel  102  is determined, symbols  106  in symbol matrix  210  may continue to change until the expiration of the second time interval, such as twenty seconds after bet  22  is placed. At this point in time, symbols  106  in symbol matrix  210  become fixed once again so that a particular symbol  106  may be determined for the second reel  102  of slot machine  200 . Once the symbol  106  for the second reel  102  is determined, symbols  106  in symbol matrix  210  may again continue to change until the expiration of the third time interval, such as thirty seconds after bet  22  is placed. At this point in time, symbols  106  in symbol matrix  210  become fixed once again so that a particular symbol  106  may be determined for the third reel  102  of slot machine  200 . 
     Controller  40  may also determine the outcome of a lottery type bet  22 . In this example, suppose bet parameters  24  associated with a particular lottery type bet  22  predicted the composition of symbols  106  to be “2,” “4,” and “9” as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Based upon the market indicators  28  described above, and the resulting symbols  106  that appear on payline  104  (e.g., “BAR,” “£,” and “Cherry”), controller  40  would determine that none of the symbols  106  of the lottery type bet  22  match the symbols  106  appearing in the payline  104 . Therefore, controller  40  would determine the lottery type bet  22  to be a “loss.” In particular embodiments, the controller  40  could determine the result of bet  22  (e.g., a “win,” “loss,” or “tie”) and payout  72  associated therewith based on the number and type of symbols  106  from bet  22  that match the symbols  106  ultimately appearing in payline  104  of slot machine  200 . Payout  72  could further be determined based on the amount of bet  22  and/or the payout odds associated with such a bet  22  as specified by rules  66 . In other embodiments, the symbols to appear on the payline may be determined after the payout is determined from a set of symbols that would provide the payout. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a flowchart  300  depicting one example method for wagering based on multiple market indicators  28 . At step  302 , controller  40  receives bet  22  from client  20 . Bet  22  may specify particular bet parameters  24 . Controller  40  communicates appropriate financial market requests  62  at step  304  and receives appropriate financial market information  64  at step  306 . In other embodiments, controller  40  may simply capture the appropriate financial market information  64  without issuing any requests  62 . In still other embodiments when market indicators  28  are unavailable, controller  40  captures other event information  64  for use in later steps of the method. 
     Execution may proceed to step  308  where controller  40  determines the input values  68  based upon the financial market information  64  received at step  306 . Controller  40  may determine any suitable number of input values  68  from any suitable number and combination of market indicators  28  using any suitable techniques described in greater detail above with regard to  FIG. 4 . At step  310 , controller  40  maps input values  68  determined at step  308  to a symbol  106  using matrix  210 . Controller  40  arranges the symbol  106  determined at step  310  onto a particular reel  102  at payline  104  at step  312 . 
     If another period of time associated with timer  230  is applicable, as determined at step  314 , controller  40  repeats any suitable number and combination of steps  304 - 312  to determine and arrange another symbol  106  on another reel  102  at payline  104 . In some embodiments, one or more of steps  304 - 308  are performed only once to determine the appropriate input values  68  used to determine the symbols  106  used in steps  310 - 312 . If another period of time is not applicable, as determined at step  314 , execution proceeds to step  316  where controller  40  determines the outcome and payout of the bet  22  on payline  104 . If a lottery type bet  22  was also placed, execution proceeds to step  318  where controller  40  determines the outcome and payout of the lottery bet  22 . The bet results are communicated to the client  20  at step  320  and execution terminates at step  322 . 
     Slot Machine Game With Stop Buttons 
     In some embodiments, client  20  may provide a slot machine game that comprises one or more stop buttons  402  associated with market indicators  28 .  FIG. 6  illustrates client  20  that is operable to provide a game that includes stop buttons  402 . In particular, client  20  may comprise one or more indicator frames  404 , one or more input frames  406 , and one or more stop buttons  402 . 
     Indicator frame  404  generally displays a value of market indicator  28 . Client  20  may update the value of market indicator  28  displayed in indicator frame  404  in real time or substantially real time. Thus, as the value of a particular market indicator  28  fluctuates due to changing market conditions, client  20  may update indicator frame  404  to display the current value of market indicator  28 . The value of market indicator  28  displayed in indicator frame  404  may be updated at any suitable rate (e.g., one hundred times per second, twenty times per second, etc.). Client  20  may update the value in indicator frame  404  at a rate that is faster or slower than the typical human reaction time. For example, if the typical human reaction time is 0.2 seconds, client  20  may update the value of market indicator  28  in indicator frame  404  at a rate of ten times per second. 
     In some embodiments, client  20  displays a respective indicator frame  404  for each of a plurality of market indicators  28 . Each indicator frame  404  may display the value of a respective market indicator  28 . In a given indicator frame  404 , the value of market indicator  28  may be rounded to any suitable number of digits. For example, the value of a particular market indicator  28  may be rounded to the ones place, the second decimal place, the fourth decimal place, and/or to any suitable level of granularity. According to certain embodiments, as market conditions change, digits at the more granular levels (e.g., the fourth decimal place) of market indicator  28  may change more frequently than digits at the less granular levels (e.g., the tens place). 
     In some embodiments, a particular decimal or integral place of market indicator  28  in indicator frame  404  may be designated as input value  68 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the fourth decimal place in indicator frame  404  is designated as input value  68 . It should be understood, however, that any suitable digit of market indicator  28  (e.g., the tens place, the first decimal place, etc.) may be designated as input value  68 . 
     Client  20  may display one or more input frames  406 . In some embodiments, each input frame  406  corresponds to a respective indicator frame  404 . Input frame  406  generally displays input value  68  from the particular market indicator  28  in the corresponding indicator frame  404 . As explained above, client  20  may update the value of market indicator  28  in indicator frame  404  in real time or substantially real time. As market indicator  28  in indicator frame  404  changes, client  20  may update input frame  406  to display the current input value  68 . 
     An example illustrates certain embodiments. In this example, indicator frame  404  displays the current value of the DJIA, which is updated ten times per second. At 10:32:27.3 a.m., indicator frame  404  displays the current value of the DJIA, which is 13,824.8233. In this example, input value  68  is the fourth decimal place of the DJIA. Accordingly, input frame  406  associated with the first indicator frame  404  displays the digit “3”. At 10:32:27.4, client  20  updates indicator frame  404  to display the current value of the DJIA, which has changed to 13,824.8736. In conjunction with updating the value of the DJIA in indicator frame  404 , client  20  updates input frame  406  to display the digit “6”—the new input value  68  (i.e., digit in the fourth decimal place). Thus, in conjunction with updating market indicator  28  displayed in indicator frame  404 , client  20  may update input value  68  displayed in input frame  406 . 
     The components displayed by client  20  may be physical and/or virtual. In some embodiments, client  20  comprises one or more display panels. A display panel of client  20  may be an electronic display and/or a mechanical display such as, for example, a split-flap display. The display panel may be a touch screen, an LCD display, cathode ray tube (CRT) display, plasma display, and/or any suitable display device. The display panel of client  20  is generally operable to display any suitable information associated with a slot machine game. 
     According to certain embodiments, client  20  comprises one or more stop controls  402 . In the illustrated embodiment, the stop controls include stop buttons  402 . In some embodiments, each stop button  402  corresponds to a respective input frame  406 . In other embodiments, client  20  comprises one stop button  402  for all input frames  406 . Stop button  402  may be actuated by a user of client  20 . Upon detecting the actuation of stop button  402 , client  20  may “freeze” input value  68  displayed in input frame  406 . In other words, the actuation of stop button  402  may stop client  20  from further updating the displayed input value  68 . Thus, at the moment stop button  402  is actuated, the particular input value  68  that is displayed in input frame  406  may be frozen. In other embodiments, some amount of delay may occur before the symbols are frozen. System  10  may then use the frozen input value  68  to determine the outcome of bet  22 . In conjunction with freezing input value  68  in input frame  406 , client  20  may freeze the value of market indicator  28  in indicator frame  404  at the moment stop button  402  is actuated. 
     Stop control  402  may be any suitable input device. In some embodiments, stop control  402  may be a portion of a touch screen display of client  20 . Such a display may interpret gestures to determine a stop request. In other embodiments, stop control  402  may be a switch, push button, key, keyboard, keypad, mouse, remote control, and/or any suitable input device. In yet other embodiments, stop control  402  may be a microphone and/or sensor that detects audible signals such as, for example, voice commands. Stop control  402  may be any suitable input device that may be activated by a user to “freeze” input value  68  in input frame  406 . 
     According to certain embodiments, client  20  may display an indicator table  408  to a user. Indicator table  408  may comprise a plurality of market indicators  28 . In conjunction with submitting bet  22 , a user may select one or more market indicators  28  from indicator table  408 . Client  20  may display the selected financial market indicator(s)  28  in indicator frame(s)  404 . Thus, a user may select the particular financial market indicator(s)  28  for a given game. 
     In operation, client  20  receives bet  22  from a user. In some embodiments, client  20  displays indicator table  408  that comprises a plurality of market indicators  28 . The user then selects a plurality of market indicators  28  from indicator table  408 . Client  20  displays the current value of the first selected market indicator  28  in a first indicator frame  404 , the current value of the second selected market indicator  28  in a second indicator frame  404 , and so forth. 
     Client  20  may update, in real time or substantially real time, the values of market indicators  28  in the respective indicator frames  404 . A respective decimal or integral place of each indicator frame  404  may be designated as input value  68 . For each indicator frame  404 , client  20  displays the current input value  68  in a respective input frame  406 . As client  20  updates the values of market indicators  28  in indicator frames  404 , client  20  updates input values  68  in the corresponding input frames  406 . 
     Client  20  may update market indicators  28  and input values  68  according to any suitable rate. In some embodiments, client  20  updates market indicators  28  and input values  68  at a rate that is faster than the typical human reaction time. 
     After placing bet  22  and selecting market indicators  28 , the user may view the changing input values  68  in input frames  406 . The user may freeze input value  68  in a given input frame  406  by actuating stop button  402  corresponding to the given input frame  406 . Upon detecting actuation of stop button  402 , client  20  may stop the corresponding input value  68  from further changing. By choosing when to depress stop button  402  for each input frame  406 , the user may try to obtain a particular combination of digits in input frames  406 . 
     After the user has actuated the respective stop button  402  for each input frame  406 , client  20  may determine a payout. The payout may be based at least in part on the combination of digits that are frozen in input frames  406 . In some embodiments, the user may receive a first payout if the user stopped input values  68  such that all input frames  406  display the same digit. The user may receive a second payout if the user stopped input values  68  such that two or more input frames  406  (but less than all input frames  406 ) of client  20  display the same digit. The user may receive a third payout if the displayed digits in input frames  406  represent a “straight.” The user may receive a fourth payout if each of the displayed digits in input frames  406  is an even digit or an odd digit. Rules  66  associated with client  20  may specify any suitable payout associated with any suitable combination of digits. 
     An example illustrates certain embodiments. A user submits bet  22  to client  20 , which comprises three indicator frames  404 . Client  20  prompts the user to select three market indicators  28  from indicator table  408 . In this example, the user selects the DJIA, the S&amp;P 500, and the FTSE. Client  20  then displays the DJIA in the first indicator frame  404 , the S&amp;P 500 in the second indicator frame  404 , and the FTSE in the third indicator frame  404 . 
     In this example, client  20  updates the values of market indicators  28  in indicator frames  404  at a rate of ten times per second. The fourth decimal place of each market indicator  28  is designated as a respective input value  68 . Client  20  displays input value  68  in input frame  406  associated with indicator frame  404 . In conjunction with updating market indicators  28  in indicator frames  404 , client  20  updates input values  68  in input frames  406 . Thus, in the present example, client  20  displays to user input values  68  that (i) are changing at a predetermined rate (i.e., ten times per second) and (ii) are from the selected market indicators  28 . 
     In the present example, client  20  provides a high payout if the user freezes input frames  406  such that each input value  68  is the same. Client  20  provides a medium payout if the user freezes input frames  406  such that two input values  68  are the same. In this example, the user actuates the first stop button  402  when the value of the DJIA that is displayed in the first indicator frame  404  is 13,824.8736. Accordingly, input frame  406  associated with the DJIA is frozen with a value of six (i.e., the digit in the fourth decimal place). 
     In this example, the user then actuates the second stop button  402  when the value of the S&amp;P 500 that is displayed in the second indicator frame  404  is 1,484.2379. Accordingly, input frame  406  associated with the S&amp;P 500 is frozen with a value of nine (i.e., the digit in the fourth decimal place). The user then actuates the third stop button  402  when the value of the FTSE that is displayed in the third indicator frame  404  is 6,289.2746. Accordingly, input frame  406  associated with the FTSE is frozen with a value of six (i.e., the digit in the fourth decimal place). 
     Thus, in this example, the game ends with client  20  displaying the following combination of input values  68 : six-nine-six. In this example, because two input values  68  are the same (i.e., two sixes), client  20  provides a medium payout to the user. 
     In the foregoing example, the DJIA, S&amp;P 500, and FTSE are the selected market indicators  28 . It should be understood, however, that client  20  may display any suitable number and combination of market indicators  28 . 
     In the foregoing example, input value  68  is the fourth decimal place of market indicator  28 . It should be understood, however, that input value  68  may be any suitable decimal or integral place of market indicator  28 . It should be further understood that input value  68  for a first market indicator  28  may be associated with a different decimal or integral place than input value  68  for a second market indicator  28 . 
     In some embodiments, each time a reel is determined to be a winning reel, a player may be offered a chance to continue playing an additional reel for a higher payout chance. Some embodiments may have a maximum number of reels. Other embodiments may continue offering additional reels until a player loses. Each additional reel may have a higher payout than a previous reel. Each time a player chooses to play another reel, the player may risk losing some or all winnings won from prior reels for the chance of winning the higher payout. 
     In some embodiments, client  20  may further comprise a surrender button  410  and a wild frame  412 . According to certain embodiments, a user may actuate surrender button  410  to surrender the game prior to actuating all stop buttons  402 . By surrendering the game, the user may be refunded a portion of bet  22 . In some embodiments, in which additional reels are offered for play after winning earlier reels, a surrender button may be pressed to end play and accept currently accumulated winnings 
     As an example, suppose client  20  comprises three input frames  406 . Client  20  may be associated with a payout table that specifies a first payout for three-of-a-kind and a second payout for two-of-a-kind. In this example, the user actuates the first stop button  402  such that the first input frame  406  displays a “3”. The user then actuates the second stop button  402  such that the second input frame  406  displays a “7”. At this point, the user knows that the result will not be three-of-a-kind. Prior to actuating the third stop button  402 , the user may choose to surrender the game and forego the chance of obtaining two-of-a-kind. In some embodiments, if the user surrenders the game, the user may be refunded a portion of bet  22 . 
     According to certain embodiments, client  20  displays a wild frame  412 . Wild frame  412  may comprise a digit that is designated as wild. The wild digit may be considered to have whatever value is most favorable to the user. In some embodiments, at the start of the game, the user may select which digit is to be the wild digit. 
     An example illustrates certain embodiments. Assume that client  20  displays three input frames  406 . At the start of a game, the user selects “2” as the wild digit. The user then plays the game. By actuating the respective stop buttons  402 , the user freezes input frames  406  such that the following combination is displayed: two-five-five. Because wild frame  412  designates “2” as wild, client  20  determines that the user has obtained a three-of-a-kind. Client  20  then provides an appropriate payout. 
     In some embodiments, client  20  may comprise a single stop button  402  for all input frames  406 . Thus, all of the input frames  406  may be frozen at the particular moment that the user actuates the single stop button  402 . In other embodiments, client  20  may not comprise stop button  402 . Client  20  may be configured to stop (freeze) each input frame  406  a predetermined amount of time after the user submits bet  22  and/or pulls a lever. For example, client  20  may be configured to freeze each input frame  406  three seconds, five seconds, and/or any suitable amount of time after the user submits bet  22 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates client  20  that provides a slot machine game in which one or more stop buttons  402  correspond to reels  102  that spin independently of market indicators  28 , according to certain embodiments. Client  20  may comprise a plurality of reels  102 , and each reel  102  may comprise a plurality of digits. For example, a particular reel  102  may comprise digits “0” through “9”. In response to bet  22 , a start command, or actuation of a lever, the reels  102  of client  20  may begin to spin. 
     In some embodiments, each reel  102  may be associated with a respective indicator frame  404 . Each indicator frame  404  may display a corresponding market indicator  28 . Client  20  is operable to update market indicator  28  in indicator frame  404  in real time or substantially real time. In some embodiments, a particular decimal or integral place of market indicator  28  in indicator frame  404  may be designated as input value  68 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the fourth decimal place in indicator frame  404  is designated as input value  68 . It should be understood, however, that any suitable digit of market indicator  28  (e.g., the tens place, the first decimal place, etc.) may be designated as input value  68 . 
     In some embodiments, reels  102  of client  20  may spin independently of market indicators  28  in indicator frames  404 . Thus, the particular digit on reel  102  that is displayed at payline  104  may or may not be the same as input value  68  from the corresponding market indicator  28 . 
     In some embodiments, each reel  102  of client  20  may correspond to a respective stop button  402 . When a user actuates a particular stop button  402 , client  20  may (i) stop the corresponding reel  102  and (ii) freeze the value of market indicator  28  in the corresponding indicator frame  404 . To freeze the value of market indicator  28 , client  20  may stop updating the displayed value of market indicator  28 . When stop button  402  is actuated and reel  102  is stopped, the digit on reel  102  that is positioned at payline  104  may be referred to as stop value  414 . System  10  may compare stop value  414  of a particular reel  102  with input value  68  from the corresponding market indicator  28 , which has been frozen. In some embodiments, if stop value  414  from the stopped reel  102  is the same as input value  68  from market indicator  28 , then reel  102  may be considered a winning reel  102 . According to certain embodiments, the payout for bet  22  may be based at least in part on the number of winning reels  102 . 
     An example illustrates certain embodiments. Client  20  displays three reels  102 . Each reel  102  comprises the digits “0” through “9”. At the start of the game, the user selects three market indicators  28  from indicator table  408 . In this example, the user selects the DJIA, the S&amp;P 500, and the NASDAQ. Accordingly, client  20  displays the current value of the DJIA in the first indicator frame  404 , the current value of the S&amp;P 500 in the second indicator frame  404 , and the current value of the NASDAQ in the third indicator frame  404 . Client  20  may update the displayed values of market indicators  28  in real time or substantially real time. In this example, the fourth decimal place of each market indicator  28  is designated as input value  68 . 
     In this example, after selecting the three market indicators  28 , the user inputs a start command that causes reels  102  to start spinning. As reels  102  are spinning, client  20  updates indicator frames  404  at any suitable rate (e.g., ten times per second, twenty times per second, etc.). 
     While reels  102  are spinning, the user actuates stop button  402  associated with the first reel  102  (i.e., the particular reel  102  associated with the DJIA). Upon detecting the actuation of stop button  402 , client  20  (i) stops the first reel  102  and (ii) freezes the current value of the DJIA displayed in the first indicator frame  404 . In this example, the first reel  102  is stopped such that stop value  414  (i.e., digit displayed at payline  104 ) is four. In this example, at the moment the user actuates stop button  402 , client  20  freezes the current value of the DJIA in indicator frame  404 , which is 12,873.5124. Accordingly, input value  68  from the first indicator frame  404  is four (i.e., digit in the fourth decimal place). Because input value  68  and stop value  414  are the same, client  20  determines that the first reel  102  is a winning reel  102 . 
     The user then actuates stop button  402  associated with the second reel  102  (i.e., the particular reel  102  associated with the S&amp;P 500). Upon detecting the actuation of stop button  402 , client  20  (i) stops the second reel  102  and (ii) freezes the current value of the S&amp;P 500 displayed in the second indicator frame  404 . In this example, the second reel  102  is stopped such that stop value  414  is eight. In this example, at the moment the user actuates stop button  402 , client  20  freezes the current value of the S&amp;P 500 in indicator frame  404 , which is 1,427.2465. Accordingly, input value  68  from the second indicator frame  404  is five (i.e., digit in the fourth decimal place). Because stop value  414  from the second reel  102  (i.e., eight) is not the same as input value  68  from the second indicator frame  404  (i.e., five), client  20  determines that the second reel  102  is not a winning reel  102 . 
     The user then actuates stop button  402  associated with the third reel  102  (i.e., the particular reel  102  associated with the NASDAQ). Upon detecting the actuation of stop button  402 , client  20  (i) stops the third reel  102  and (ii) freezes the current value of the NASDAQ displayed in the third indicator frame  404 . In this example, the third reel  102  is stopped such that stop value  414  is seven. In this example, at the moment the user actuates stop button  402 , client  20  freezes the current value of the NASDAQ in indicator frame  404 , which is 2,572.1027. Accordingly, input value  68  from the third indicator frame  404  is seven (i.e., the digit in the fourth decimal place). Because stop value  414  from the third reel  102  is the same as input value  68  from the third indicator frame  404 , client  20  determines that the third reel  102  is a winning reel  102 . Thus, in this example, client  20  determines that the first and third reels  102  are winning reels  102 . Client  20  may provide an appropriate payout according to any suitable payout table associated with client  20 . 
     In the foregoing example, the DJIA, S&amp;P 500, and NASDAQ are the selected market indicators  28 . It should be understood, however, that client  20  may display any suitable number and combination of market indicators  28 . 
     In the foregoing example, input value  68  is the fourth decimal place of market indicator  28 . It should be understood, however, that input value  68  may be any suitable decimal or integral place of market indicator  28 . It should be further understood that input value  68  for a first market indicator  28  may be associated with a different decimal or integral place than input value  68  for a second market indicator  28 . It should also be understood that an indicator need not include a typical decimal number, but rather may include a binary number, a symbol, a direction of movement of prices, etc. 
     In the foregoing example, client  20  comprises a respective stop button  402  for each reel  102 . In other embodiments, client  20  may comprise a single stop button  402 . In some embodiments, a first actuation of a particular stop button  402  may stop the first reel  102 , a subsequent actuation of the particular stop button  402  may stop the second reel  102 , and so forth. In other embodiments, a single actuation of a single stop button  402  may stop all reels  102 . 
     In some embodiments, system  10  may provide various advantages. In particular, system  10  may provide a slot machine game that is associated with one or more market indicators  28 . In some embodiments, the slot machine game includes one or more stop buttons  402 . By allowing a user to use stop buttons  402 , system  10  may give a user the perception that the user&#39;s skill or reaction time may affect the outcome of the game. In some embodiments, this perception may be illusory such as, for example, where client  20  updates the value of market indicators  28  at a rate that is faster than typical human reaction time. Nevertheless, this perception may enhance the user&#39;s enjoyment of the game. 
     In some embodiments, possible collusion and/or attempts to influence a market indicator may be monitored and/or prevented. For example, financial transactions associated with a player may be prevented during play, if a player wins a large enough amount of money, the financial trades which that player made may be examined to determine if any trades were made that might have affected the outcome of a game. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a flowchart  500  for a slot machine game that is associated with market indicators  28  and that includes one or more stop buttons  402 , according to certain embodiments. The method begins at step  502  where client  20  receives bet  22  regarding a slot machine game. In some embodiments, bet  22  specifies the decimal or integral place of each market indicator  28  that will be used to determine input values  68 . 
     At step  504 , client  20  prompts the user to select one or more market indicators  28  from indicator table  408 . At step  506 , client  20  displays the selected market indicators  28  in respective indicator frames  404 . In particular, client  20  may display in a first indicator frame  404  the current value of the first selected market indicator  28 . Client  20  may display in a second indicator frame  404  the current value of the second selected market indicator  28 , and client  20  may display in a third indicator frame  404  the current value of the third selected market indicator  28 . 
     In conjunction with displaying the selected market indicators  28 , client  20  may display input values  68  in respective input frames  406 . For a particular input frame  406 , client  20  may determine input value  68  from a particular decimal or integral place of the corresponding market indicator  28 . 
     At step  508 , client  20  may update, in real time or substantially real time, market indicators  28  displayed in the respective indicator frames  404  and input values  68  displayed in the respective input frames  406 . In particular, client  20  may update market indicator  28  in indicator frame  404  in response to changing market conditions as reported by data sources  60 . Client  20  may update market indicator  28  according to any suitable rate (e.g., twenty times per second, five times per second, etc.). Thus, as market activity causes the value of market indicator  28  to change, client  20  may display to the user the changing value of market indicator  28  in indicator frame  404 . 
     In conjunction with updating market indicator  28  in indicator frame  404 , client  20  may update input value  68  in the corresponding input frame  406 . Input value  68  may be determined from a predetermined decimal or integral place of market indicator  28 . Thus, as the value of market indicator  28  in indicator frame  404  changes, client  20  may update the corresponding input frame  406  to display the current digit from the predetermined decimal or integral place of market indicator  28 . 
     At step  510 , client  20  detects, at a first point in time, actuation of a first stop button  402  associated with the first input frame  406 . In some embodiments, actuation of stop button  402  causes client  20  to receive a stop command. At step  512 , client  20  freezes input value  68  in the first input fame. Thus, input value  68  may be frozen upon actuation of the first stop button  402  at the first point in time. 
     At step  514 , client  20  detects, at a second point in time, actuation of a second stop button  402  associated with the second input frame  406 . At step  516 , client  20  freezes input value  68  in the second input frame  406 . At step  518 , client  20  detects, at a third point in time, actuation of a third stop button  402  associated with the third input frame  406 . At step  520 , client  20  freezes input value  68  in the third input frame  406 . 
     At step  522 , client  20  determines a payout for the received bet  22  based at least in part on the combination of the frozen input value  68  from the first input frame  406 , the frozen input value  68  from the second input frame  406 , and the frozen input value  68  from the third input frame  406 . In some embodiments, rules  66  associated with client  20  may specify a respective payout for different combinations of input values  68  such as, for example, three-of-a-kind, two-of-a-kind, straight, all even digits, all odd digits, and/or any suitable type of combination. At step  524 , client  20  issues the determined payout to the user. The method then ends. 
     It should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the present invention contemplates using methods with additional steps, fewer steps, different steps, or steps in different sequential order so long as the steps remain appropriate for wagering based on financial market indicators. 
     Slot Machine Game Associated With Market Line Wager 
       FIG. 9  illustrates client  20  that provides wagering opportunities associated with moving market indicator  28 , according to certain embodiments. Client  20  may provide an opportunity for a user to wager on whether a selected market indicator  28  will be above or below defined market levels after a configurable time period  606 . This type of wager may be referred to as a market line wager  602 . The associated time period  606  can be variable. For example, market line wager  602  may be that market indicator  28  will be above or below a particular market line after five minutes, ten minutes, at the close of trading, and/or after any suitable time period  606 . Thus, market line wager  602  may be an over-under wager associated with a defined market line. 
     In the illustrated example, client  20  offers eight propositions associated with a particular market indicator  28 —namely, the FTSE. Proposition may refer to an opportunity to bet on some attribute or event associated with and/or derived from market indicator  28 . In some embodiments, the eight available propositions are based on an opportunity to wager that the FTSE will close above or below four separately defined levels. A list allows a user to access any given exchange in order to place market line wager  602  associated with a given market indicator  28 . 
     In an example embodiment, client  20  displays a high line, the current market line, and a low line for the FTSE. The high line is a constantly moving market level—about 1% of the market value above the current market level in this example. Note that in more volatile markets (or based on particular needs), such high and low lines may be ± any suitable percentage level of the current market line. The high line in this example is at 4404. The higher and lower betting opportunities may represent constant fixed odds prices. The higher odds may be odds against the current levels (a short position) and the lower odds may be odds for (supporting) current levels (a long position or “odds-on”). Thus, in an example arrangement, a set of propositions ( 604   a  and  604   b ) reflect the short and long positions for the high line. Proposition  604   a  includes odds of 5/1, while proposition  604   b  includes odds of 1/12. In some embodiments, the odds and/or level of lines may change based on conditions of the market. 
     In some embodiments, after a bet on a market line is placed, on offsetting purchase of a financial instrument may be made. For example, if a bet is placed that an index fund will decrease in value by 50% in the next day at 12/1 odds, a purchase of an inverse exchange traded fund that is leveraged at a 12 to 1 ratio may be made. Accordingly, if the bet wins, the ETF may be sold and the proceeds used to pay the winnings of the bet. If the bet loses, the ETF may be kept or sold and added to assets of a operator of a machine. 
     The current market line is moving constantly as a reflection of the actual level of market indicator  28 . This is in relation to the higher or lower betting opportunities, which may remain at static fixed odds prices (approximately 10/11 in this example). The current market line is 4354 and includes a set of propositions ( 604   c  and  604   d ), which represent higher and lower positions that are both accompanied by 10/11 odds. Additionally, another set of propositions ( 604   e  and  604   f ) may be provided at derivations of the current market line. These two propositions may be offered at levels of 4361 and 4348, respectively. Thus, a second current market level (in this case where customers can bet at even money) is provided and offers an opportunity to bet on whether market indicator  28  will expire above or below a market spread. In this example, a thirteen point spread straddles the current market middle line and offers yet another betting opportunity for a user. 
     In some embodiments, client  20  may display a low line. This represents a constantly moving market level that will be about 1% (in this example) of the market value below the current market. The higher and lower betting opportunities reflect constant fixed odds prices in this example. The higher odds will be (long) odds-on and the lower odds will be (short) odds-against. Thus, a set of propositions ( 604   g  and  604   h ) are again provided, reflecting the higher and lower propositions, respectively. The odds are 1/12 and 5/1 respectively for propositions  604   g  and  604   h . Other expiries may also be accommodated and inclusive of intraday markets, weekend markets, and monthly and/or quarterly expirations. 
     The high line and low line, in addition to reflecting market movements, may move over time. The spread between the high line and the market line may grow more narrow (or closer) as the expiry draws near. This is also true for the higher evens proposition  604   e  and the lower evens proposition  604   f . Thus, such lines may be floating: not only in the sense of market movements, but also as time progresses they will move and narrow. For example, with five minutes left to go for a wager, these lines may be quite narrow. Thus, the high line generally comes down (while odds remain relatively consistent) and the low line generally goes up during the course of the trading day. Note also that over time, as the expiration of time period  606  nears, certain propositions may be eliminated because of practical constraints. Markets generally move in whole number increments. Therefore, spreads that are too narrow will eliminate certain propositions (e.g.  604   b  and  604   g ), as time period  606  expires. This offers some constraint on such a scenario, whereby (for example) the high line and the low line cannot be any closer than five or ten ticks apart. 
     The propositions with 1/12 and 5/1 odds (propositions  604   b ,  604   g ,  604   a , and  604   h ) reflect odds calculations that are determined based on their corresponding lines (i.e. 4404 and 4306). Thus, in an example market line wager  602 , consider the case where a user bets S 100  that the FTSE will be above the high line (provided as 4404) when time period  606  expires. This proposition provides 5/1 odds (identified as proposition  604   a ). When time period  606  expires, assume the FTSE is at 4425. The user&#39;s market line wager  602  is a winning bet  22 . Settlement would then ensue where the user would collect S 500  from the winning bet  22  plus his original stake, which would yield S 600  total. Using the same parameters, consider a second user that opts to wager on the lower proposition. The lower proposition offers 1/12 odds (identified as proposition  604   b ). If market indicator  28  is above such a prediction when time period  606  expires, the second user would lose the  100  that he wagered. If, on the other hand, the FTSE is at 4390 when time period  606  expires, the second user would be rewarded with S 100 / 12  (the odds offered) plus his original stake. This would yield a return of approximately S 108 . 33  for the winning bet  22 . 
     As described above, the price that is being offered to a user, reflecting where the middle of the market is, can be provided by a communications feed from data sources  60 . This feed could reflect daily market conditions and effectively encompass news flow and other financial parameters that could potentially affect the market. Other embodiments, described more fully below, offer an owner or operator of system  10  considerable flexibility in setting market lines and odds. 
     In some embodiments, processor  42  is operable to establish a number of odds for a user in the context of a number of wagering opportunities. Processor  42  may transmit the established odds to client  20 , which may display the established odds to a user. In one embodiment, processor determines the odds for a particular proposition based at least in part on three factors: underlying market level, volatilities, and time. Volatility represents a measure of uncertainty exhibited by the market over a given time period  606 . Markets generally follow log-normal distribution, which reflects an abstraction or theory that allows a person to reasonably approximate market movements. In this sense, the mathematics used to calculate odds could be similar to that of options pricing. In other scenarios, odds calculations may be based on exposure for an owner/operator of system  10 . Note that a number of control parameters are provided to an administrator of system  10 . For example, the volatility factor may be manipulated in response to breaking news that would most likely affect market levels. This judgment may be made by an administrator and reflect his or her own judgment and/or expertise in market theories. In other scenarios, such news items would automatically be priced into the financial market. 
     In an alternative embodiment, processor  42  determines odds for a particular proposition based on the following formula: odds=(prize value/risk value)*factor. Therefore, odds could be variable based (at least in part) on the prize value and the risk value. In still other embodiments, processor  42  may use or consider any number of influential factors to vary odds that are offered to users. Any number of news items, statistical data, or events, may affect or influence a given market. These factors may be taken into consideration by processor  42  and/or an administrator in setting odds. Such factors may include market news or commentary, job data, interest rate information, commodity prices, consumer spending, consumer confidence, unemployment information, economic growth, capital spending, gross domestic product (GDP) data, bond prices, or any other piece of information or data that may have an influential effect on a given market line. For example, a decrease in interest rates generally spawns an increase in the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) for that trading day. Processor  42  may calculate odds in a systematic manner (as described herein) and then factor in this information such that the odds are generally shifted to accommodate for the probability of gains in that day&#39;s market performance. In other embodiments, such information is built into the market line in a manner that is suitable to an administrator and, therefore, such manipulations are unnecessary. 
     In an example scenario, consider that the S&amp;P 500 rarely performs poorly in an election year in the United States. Only twice in the history of the U.S. stock markets has the S&amp;P 500 provided a negative return for investors during an election year. Thus, during an election year, control parameters may be implemented to reflect the conclusion that, over the course of the year, the S&amp;P 500 is most likely to rise. Similarly, markets tend to decline in times of war or during patterns of interest rate increases. In the event of a major war or in the event that such a pattern of systematic interest rate increases is identified, an administrator could again manipulate the odds (as he or she sees fit) to reflect this probable downward trend. 
     Note that in other scenarios, the market line may be static or fixed over a given time period  606 , whereby the odds may be varied in order to tempt a user or to solicit additional betting. For example, if the FTSE shoots up 300 points to a level of 5000 in morning trading, the odds can be varied significantly (e.g. 50/1 or 100/1) in order to entice people to bet that the FTSE will close below the original market line. This is an unlikely occurrence. Other unlikely occurrences (involving the appreciation or depreciation of corresponding markets) may be readily appreciated and are, thus, clearly within the scope of the teachings of system  10 . 
     While a user that placed market line wager  602  waits for time period  606  to expire (so that the outcome of market line wager  602  may be determined), system  10  may offer to the user other betting opportunities such as, for example, a slot machine game.  FIG. 10  illustrates client  20  that provides a slot machine game that is generally associated with market line wagers  602 , according to certain embodiments. In particular, client  20  may display propositions associated with a high line, a current market line, and a low line. In some embodiments, client  20  displays time period  606  associated with propositions (e.g., five minutes, ten minutes, end-of-day). The outcome of market line wager  602  may depend on the value of market indicator  28  when time period  606  expires. As explained above, a user may place market line wager  602  by selecting at least one of the displayed propositions. For example, a user may place a market line wager  602  by selecting the high line arrow for “Bet 5/1 Higher”. Client  20  may then display the value of high line from the moment the user made the selection. User may then wait until time period  606  expires. When time period  606  expires in this example, if market indicator  28  is greater than the value of high line (from when the user made the selection), then market line wager  602  is a winning wager. 
     In some embodiments, while the user waits for time period  606  associated with market line wager  602  to expire (so the outcome of market line wager  602  may be determined), client  20  may provide a slot machine game that is associated with market line wager  602 . In particular, client  20  may display one or more reels  102 . Client  20  may submit a slot bet  22  in order to spin reels  102 . The reels  102  may come to a stop such that one or more symbols  106  or characters are displayed. The outcome of the slot bet  22  may be based at least in part on the displayed symbols  106  on reels  102  and the value of market line associated with market line wager  602 . 
     An example illustrates various embodiments. Assume client  20  displays a high line, a current market line, and a low line associated with the FTSE. Client  20  displays a plurality of propositions. Each proposition represents an opportunity to wager that, when time period  606  expires, market indicator  28  will be above or below the corresponding market line. For example, client  20  may display a first proposition with 5/1 odds that market indicator  28  will be higher than the high line when time period  606  expires. Client  20  may further display a second proposition with 1/12 odds that market indicator  28  will be lower than the high line when time period  606  expires. In this example, a user selects the first proposition (i.e., the 5/1 proposition that market indicator  28  will be higher than the high line when time period  606  expires). When the user selects the first proposition, the value of the high line is 4404. Accordingly, the market line wager  602  of user is that market indicator  28  will be above 4404 when time period  606  expires. 
     In this example, while the user waits for time period  606  to expire, the user plays a slot machine game offered by client  20 . In this example, client  20  displays four reels  102 . In association with reels  102 , client  20  displays the value of high line as of the moment the user placed market line wager  602 . In this example, each reel  102  comprises the digits “0” through “9” and each reel  102  corresponds to a respective digit of the displayed value of high line. To play the slot machine game, the user places a slot bet  22  and spins reels  102 . In this example, reels  102  come to a stop after a configurable period of time and/or after user actuates one or more stop buttons  402 . The stopping point for each reel  102  may be determined randomly (e.g., by a random number generator) or according to non-random, unpredictable events (e.g., the values of respective market indicators  28 , as explained above with respect to  FIGS. 1-8 ). When reels  102  come to a stop, each reel  102  displays a respective digit at payline  104 . In this example, the first reel  102  comes to a stop such that the digit “5” is displayed, the second reel  102  comes to a stop such that the digit “1” is displayed, the third reel  102  comes to a stop such that the digit “8” is displayed, and the fourth reel  102  comes to a stop such that the digit “9” is displayed. Thus, the displayed digits form the number “5189”. 
     In this example, client  20  determines whether a slot bet  22  is a winning bet  22  according to the following rules:
         1) If market line wager  602  is that market indicator  28  will finish higher than the value of the selected market line, then the slot bet  22  is a winning bet  22  if the number formed by the displayed digits of reels  102  is higher than the value of the selected market line.   2) If market line wager  602  is that market indicator  28  will finish lower than the value of the selected market line, then the slot bet  22  is a winning bet  22  if the number formed by the displayed digits of reels  102  is lower than the value of the selected market line.
 
In this example, market line wager  602  of user is that market indicator  28  will be higher than 4404 when time period  606  expires. Thus, according to the first rule, client  20  determines that the slot bet  22  is a winning bet  22  because the number from reels  102  (i.e., 5189) is higher than 4404.
       

     Processor  42  may determine payout  72  for the slot bet  22  according to any suitable rules. In particular, payout  72  may based at least in part on the value of the selected market line, the probabilities associated with various reel  102  combinations, one or more takeout criteria, and/or any suitable criteria. In some embodiments, if market indicator  28  equals the selected market line when time period  606  expires, then the outcome of slot bet  22  may be a push or may be in favor of the user or of “the house.” 
     In the foregoing example, client  20  displays a respective reel  102  for each digit from the selected market line. In other embodiments, client  20  may display a single reel  102 . For example, client  20  may display a single reel  102 —actual or virtual—that comprises the numbers “0” to “9999”. In such embodiments, the outcome of a slot bet  22  may be based at least in part on the number displayed by the single reel  102  when it comes to a stop. For example, if market line wager  602  is that market indicator  28  will be higher than 4404 when time period  606  expires, then a slot bet  22  may be a winning bet  22  if the single wheel stops and displays a number that is higher than 4404. 
     In the foregoing example, the rules for determining the outcome of a slot bet  22  correspond to the type of proposition selected for market line wager  602 . For example, if market line wager  602  is that market indicator  28  will be higher than a particular market line when time period  606  expires, then the slot bet  22  is a winning bet if the number from reel(s)  102  is higher than the particular market line. In other embodiments, however, the rules for determining the outcome of a slot bet  22  may inversely related to the type of proposition selected for market line wager  602 . For example, if market line wager  602  is that market indicator  28  will be higher than a particular market line when time period  606  expires, then the slot bet  22  is a winning bet  22  if the number from reel(s)  102  is lower than the particular market line. 
     According to certain embodiments, client  20  may provide a slot machine game in which digits from reels  102  are summed or multiplied to determine outcome of a slot bet  22 . For example, assume market line wager  602  is that market indicator  28  will be higher than 4404 when time period  606  expires. In this example, client  20  may display four reels  102  wherein each reel  102  comprises the numbers “0” to “2500”. While a user waits for the outcome of market line wager  602  to be determined, the user may submit a slot bet  22  and spin the four reels  102  displayed by client  20 . In this example, the four reels  102  come to a stop such that the first reel  102  displays the number “2268”, the second reel  102  displays the number “782”, the third reels  102  displays the number “1072”, and the fourth reel  102  displays the number “173”. Thus, the sum of the displayed numbers is 4295 (i.e., 2268+782+1072+173). 
     In this example, client  20  determines whether a slot bet  22  is a winning bet  22  according to the following rules:
         1) If market line wager  602  is that market indicator  28  will finish higher than the value of the selected market line, then the slot bet  22  is a winning bet  22  if the sum of the displayed numbers from reels  102  is higher than the value of the selected market line.   2) If market line wager  602  is that market indicator  28  will finish lower than the value of the selected market line, then the slot bet  22  is a winning bet  22  if the displayed numbers from reels  102  is lower than the value of the selected market line.
 
In this example, market line wager  602  is that market indicator  28  will be higher than 4404 when time period  606  expires. Thus, according to the first rule, client  20  determines that the slot bet  22  is a losing bet  22  because the sum of the displayed numbers from reels  102  (i.e., 4295) is not higher than 4404.
       

     In the foregoing examples, reels  102  comprise digits. In other embodiments, reels  102  may comprise symbols  106 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . In some embodiments, client  20  may map symbols  106  from reels  102  to digits (or vice versa) according to any suitable symbol/digit matrix to determine whether a slot bet  22  is a winning bet  22 . 
     In the foregoing example, propositions and the slot machine game are associated with the FTSE. It should be understood, however, that propositions and the slot machine game may be associated with any suitable type and combination of market indicator  28 . 
     Although the foregoing examples illustrate particular functions being performed by client  20 , it should be understood that some or all or the functions performed by client  20  may be performed by processor  42 . It should be further understood that some or all or the functions performed by processor  42  may be performed by client  20 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a flowchart  700  for managing a slot machine game associated with market line wager  602 , according to certain embodiments. The method begins at step  702  where client  20  displays one or more market lines and one or more propositions associated with the displayed market lines. A particular proposition may indicate odds that market indicator  28  will be above or below a corresponding market line when a configurable time period  606  expires. In some embodiments, the indicated odds are fixed odds and the displayed market lines are constantly moving based at least in part on changing market conditions. 
     At step  704 , client  20  receives market line wager  602  associated with a displayed value of a particular market line. At step  706 , client  20  displays a plurality of reels  102 . In some embodiments, the perimeter of each reel  102  comprises a plurality of digits. Each reel  102  may correspond to a respective digit of the displayed value of the particular market line. At step  708 , client  20  receives a slot bet  22  associated with market line wager  602 . In some embodiments, in response to receiving the slot bet  22 , client  20  causes reels  102  to begin spinning. At step  710 , client  20  causes the displayed reels  102  to stop spinning such that each stopped reel  102  displays a respective digit. At step  712 , client  20  determines whether the number formed by the stopped reels  102  is higher or lower than the market line corresponding to market line wager  602 . 
     If client  20  determines at step  712  that the number formed by the stopped reels  102  is higher than the particular market line corresponding to market line wager  602 , then at step  714  client  20  determines whether market line wager  602  is that market indicator  28  will be higher or lower than the particular market line. If client  20  determines at step  714  that market line wager  602  is that market indicator  28  will be higher than the particular market line, then at step  716  client  20  may issue payout  72  for the winning slot bet  22 . If, however, client  20  determines at step  714  that market line wager  602  is that market indicator  28  will be lower than the particular market line, then at step  718  client  20  may display that the slot bet  22  is a losing bet  22 . 
     If client  20  determines at step  712  that the number formed by the stopped reels  102  is lower than the particular market line corresponding to market line wager  602 , then at step  720  client  20  determines whether market line wager  602  is that market indicator  28  will be higher or lower than the particular market line. If client  20  determines at step  720  that market line wager  602  is that market indicator  28  will be lower than the particular market line, then at step  716  client  20  may issue payout  72  for winning slot bet  22 . If, however, client  20  determines at step  720  that market line wager  602  is that market indicator  28  will be higher than the particular market line, then at step  718  client  20  may display that the slot bet  22  is a losing bet  22 . At step  722 , client  20  determines outcome of market line wager  602  based at least in part on the value of market indicator  28  when time period  606  expires. The method then ends. 
     Although embodiments of the invention and their advantages are described in detail, a person skilled in the art could make various alterations, additions, and omissions without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     Although some embodiments have been described with respect to slot machine implementations, it will be readily understood that other embodiments could include versions of any other game of skill and/or chance involving one or more players (e.g., card type games, roulette type games, games involving competition between multiple players, etc.) 
     Some aspects include a system comprising a memory having stored thereon a plurality of instructions configured to cause the system to cause a user interface to display a value of a first financial market indicator, receive a first stop command at a first time, in response to receiving the first stop command, determine a first element from the value of the first financial market indicator at the first time, determine a second element from a value of a second financial market indicator, and determine an outcome of a wager based at least in part on the determined first element and the determined second element. 
     In some embodiments, the value of the first financial market indicator is displayed in associated with a first stop control, and the first stop command is received in response to an actuation of the first stop control. In some embodiments, the plurality of instructions are further configured to cause the system to cause the user interface to display the value of the second financial market indicator, and receive a second stop command at a second time. In some implementations, the determination of the second element is in response to receiving the second stop command; and the second element is determined from the value of the second financial market indicator at the second time. In some implementations, the value of the first financial market indicator is displayed in association with a first stop control, the first stop command is received in response to an actuation of the first stop control, the value of the second financial market indicator is displayed in association with a second stop control, and the second stop command is received in response to an actuation of the second stop control. 
     In some embodiments, the first financial market indicator is associated with at least one of: the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the NASDAQ, the Financial Times Stock Exchange, and the S&amp;P 500. In some embodiments, the value of the first financial market indicator comprises a plurality of numerical digits, and determining the first element comprises identifying a digit from a predetermined decimal place of the displayed value of the first financial market indicator at the first time. In some embodiments, the wager identifies a wild element, and if the determined first element matches the wild element, then the determined first element is considered to match the determined second element. 
     In some embodiments, the plurality of instructions are further configured to cause the system to receive a surrender command prior to determining the outcome of the wager, and in response to receiving the surrender command, refund at least a portion of the wager. In some embodiments, the wager is a winning wager if the determined first element matches the determined second element. In some embodiments, the displayed value of the first financial market indicator is updated at a predetermined rate. In some embodiments, the plurality of instructions are further configured to cause the system to cause the user interface to display a spinning reel, and stop the reel after receiving the first stop command. In some embodiments, the reel is caused to stop such that the second element is visible on the reel. 
     Some aspects include a method of wagering. In some embodiments, the method includes placing a wager on an electronic gaming machine, and operating a first stop control at a first time to cause the electronic gaming machine to determine a first gaming element based on a value of a first financial market indicator associated with the first time, wherein the first element is used to determine at least part of an outcome of the wager. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic gaming machine includes a slot machine. In some embodiments, the electronic gaming machine is configured to display a value of the first market indicator that is updated at a predetermined rate. In some embodiments, the electronic gaming machine is further configured to display a value of a second market indicator that is updated at a predetermined rate, and wherein the method further comprises operating a second stop control at a second time to cause the electronic gaming machine to determine a second gaming element based on a value of a second market indicator associated with the second time, wherein the second element is used to determine at least part of the outcome of the wager. In some implementations, the wager is a winning wager if the determined first element matches the determined second element. 
     In some embodiments, the first financial market indicator is associated with at least one of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the NASDAQ, the Financial Times Stock Exchange, and the S&amp;P 500. In some embodiments, the value of the first financial market indicator comprises a plurality of numerical digits; and wherein determining the first gaming element comprises identifying a digit from a predetermined decimal place of the displayed value of the first financial market indicator at the first time. In some embodiments, the wager identifies a wild element. Some embodiments further comprise entering a surrender command prior to an end of a wager event. In some embodiments, the wager involves the first market indicator and a second market indicator, and the wager is a winning wager if the determined first gaming element matches a determined second gaming element for the second market indicator. 
     Some aspects include a method of operating a gaming machine. In some embodiments, the method includes providing a representation of a market indicator and a possible future value of the market indicator associated with a future time, receiving a wager placed on the market indicator, the wager corresponding to a comparison between the possible value and the future value, and determining an outcome of the wager based on the possible future value and an actual value of the financial indicator at the future time. 
     Some embodiments further comprise determining an odds of the wager based at least in part on a distance of the future time from a time the wager is received. Some embodiments further comprise determining an odds of the wager based at least in part on a market trend associated with the market indicator. In some embodiments, the market indicator is associated with at least one of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the NASDAQ, the Financial Times Stock Exchange, and the S&amp;P 500. 
     In some embodiments, a distance between the market indicator and the possible future value decreases as a future time becomes closer to a current time. In some embodiments, the comparison identifies that the actual value of the market indicator will be at least one of equal to, greater than, and less than the future value at the future time. In some embodiments, the possible future value includes at least one of a first high line and a first low line. Some implementations further comprise providing a representation of a second possible future value associated with the future time, the second possible future value comprising at least one of a second low line and a second high line.