Patent Publication Number: US-2021183199-A1

Title: Symbol frame with prize

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Electronic gaming machines (“EGMs”) or gaming devices provide a variety of wagering games such as slot games, video poker games, video blackjack games, roulette games, video bingo games, keno games and other types of games that are frequently offered at casinos and other locations. Play on EGMs typically involves a player establishing a credit balance by inputting money, or another form of monetary credit, and placing a monetary wager (from the credit balance) on one or more outcomes of an instance (or single play) of a primary or base game. In many games, a player may qualify for secondary games or bonus rounds by attaining a certain winning combination or triggering event in the base game. Secondary games provide an opportunity to win additional game instances, credits, awards, jackpots, progressives, etc. Awards from any winning outcomes are typically added back to the credit balance and can be provided to the player upon completion of a gaming session or when the player wants to “cash out.” 
     “Slot” type games are often displayed to the player in the form of various symbols arrayed in a row-by-column grid or matrix. Specific matching combinations of symbols along predetermined paths (or paylines) through the matrix indicate the outcome of the game. The display typically highlights winning combinations/outcomes for ready identification by the player. Matching combinations and their corresponding awards are usually shown in a “pay-table” which is available to the player for reference. Often, the player may vary his/her wager to include differing numbers of paylines and/or the amount bet on each line. By varying the wager, the player may sometimes alter the frequency or number of winning combinations, frequency or number of secondary games, and/or the amount awarded. 
     Typical games use a random number generator (RNG) to randomly determine the outcome of each game. The game is designed to return a certain percentage of the amount wagered back to the player over the course of many plays or instances of the game, which is generally referred to as return to player (RTP). The RTP and randomness of the RNG ensure the fairness of the games and are highly regulated. Upon initiation of play, the RNG randomly determines a game outcome and symbols are then selected which correspond to that outcome. Notably, some games may include an element of skill on the part of the player and are therefore not entirely random. 
     SUMMARY 
     One innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure may be implemented in an apparatus. The apparatus may include an interface system, a display system and a control system. In some examples, the apparatus may be a gaming device. The interface system may include at least one network interface and at least one user interface. 
     The control system may include one or more general purpose single- or multi-chip processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or combinations thereof. According to some examples, the control system may be configured for receiving, via the interface system, user input for initiation of an instance of a wagering game. The wagering game may be a slot game. The control system may be configured for determining a game outcome and corresponding display symbols for the instance of the wagering game. 
     In some examples, determining the game outcome may involve determining whether a game outcome presentation will involve displaying a prize-on frame in one or more predetermined display symbol locations and determining a game outcome award. The control system may be configured for controlling the display system to display the game outcome. Displaying the game outcome may involve displaying the display symbols at a plurality of display symbol locations on a display device of the display system. The plurality of display symbol locations may, for example, be arranged in a plurality of display symbol rows and display symbol columns. For game instances in which it is determined that the game outcome presentation will involve displaying a prize-on frame in one or more predetermined display symbol locations, displaying the game outcome may involve displaying the prize-on frame around one or more of the display symbols in the one or more predetermined display symbol locations. The control system may be configured for controlling the display system to present award effects corresponding to a game outcome award determination. 
     According to some implementations, the game outcome presentation may involve displaying a prize-on frame in a predetermined display symbol location. Determining the game outcome award may involve determining whether a display symbol presented in the predetermined display symbol location is part of a winning combination of display symbols. If it is determined that the display symbol presented in the predetermined display symbol location is part of the winning combination of display symbols and if the prize-on frame indicates a credit value, determining the game outcome award may involve awarding a credit value corresponding to the credit value indicated on the prize-on frame. If it is determined that the display symbol presented in the predetermined display symbol location is part of the winning combination of display symbols and if the prize-on frame indicates a progressive jackpot, determining the game outcome award may involve awarding a credit value corresponding to a current credit value of the progressive jackpot. 
     In some instances, if the control system determined that no prize-on frame would be presented for an instance of the wagering game immediately prior to a current instance of the wagering game and the control system determines that a prize-on frame will be displayed during the current instance of the wagering game, the control system may be configured to determine that the prize-on frame can only be displayed in a predetermined initial display symbol location. The predetermined initial display symbol location may, for example, be a predetermined display symbol column. The predetermined initial display symbol location may, for example, be a predetermined display symbol row of the predetermined display symbol column. 
     If the control system determines that a prize-on frame will be presented in the predetermined initial display symbol location, in some implementations the control system may be configured to determine that a prize-on frame may be displayed in a next instance of the wagering game that is immediately after the current instance of the wagering game. According to some such implementations, the control system may be configured to determine that the prize-on frame that is displayed in the next instance of the wagering game may be displayed in a predetermined secondary display symbol location. In some examples, the predetermined secondary display symbol location may be adjacent to the predetermined initial display symbol location. According to some examples, the prize-on frame that is displayed in the next instance of the wagering game may match the prize-on frame that is displayed in the current instance of the wagering game. 
     In some implementations, a display symbol may be randomly selected for a display symbol location in which a prize-on frame is displayed. In some examples, determinations of the game outcome and corresponding display symbols for the instance of the wagering game may be based on one or more random numbers output from a random number generator (RNG). According to some such examples, determining the game outcome and corresponding display symbols for the instance of the wagering game may involve making one or more RNG calls to a game processing backend system. 
     Still other innovative aspects of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a gaming method. The method may involve receiving, via an interface system, user input for initiation of an instance of a slot game. The method may involve determining, via a control system, a game outcome and corresponding display symbols for the instance of the slot game. Determining the game outcome may involve determining whether a game outcome presentation will involve displaying a prize-on frame in one or more predetermined display symbol locations and determining a game outcome award. 
     The method may involve controlling, via the control system, a display system to display the game outcome. Displaying the game outcome may involve displaying the display symbols at a plurality of display symbol locations on a display device of the display system. The plurality of display symbol locations may be arranged in a plurality of display symbol rows and display symbol columns. For game instances in which it is determined that the game outcome presentation will involve displaying a prize-on frame in one or more predetermined display symbol locations, displaying the game outcome may involve displaying the prize-on frame around one or more of the display symbols in the one or more predetermined display symbol locations. The method may involve controlling, via the control system, the display system to present award effects corresponding to a game outcome award determination. 
     In some examples, the game outcome presentation may involve displaying a prize-on frame in a predetermined display symbol location and determining the game outcome award may involve determining whether a display symbol presented in the predetermined display symbol location is part of a winning combination of display symbols. If it is determined that the display symbol presented in the predetermined display symbol location is part of the winning combination of display symbols and if the prize-on frame indicates a credit value, determining the game outcome award may involve awarding a credit value corresponding to the credit value indicated on the prize-on frame. If it is determined that the display symbol presented in the predetermined display symbol location is part of the winning combination of display symbols and if the prize-on frame indicates a progressive jackpot, determining the game outcome award may involve awarding a credit value corresponding to a current credit value of the progressive jackpot. 
     If it was determined that no prize-on frame would be presented for an instance of the wagering game immediately prior to a current instance of the wagering game and the control system determines that a prize-on frame will be displayed during the current instance of the wagering game, in some implementations it may be determined that the prize-on frame can only be displayed in a predetermined initial display symbol location. 
     Some or all of the operations, functions and/or methods described herein may be performed by one or more devices according to instructions (e.g., software) stored on one or more non-transitory media. Such non-transitory media may include memory devices such as those described herein, including but not limited to random access memory (RAM) devices, read-only memory (ROM) devices, etc. Accordingly, some innovative aspects of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in one or more non-transitory media having software stored thereon. 
     For example, the software may include instructions for controlling one or more devices to perform a gaming method. In some examples, the method may involve receiving, via an interface system, user input for initiation of an instance of a slot game. The method may involve determining, via a control system, a game outcome and corresponding display symbols for the instance of the slot game. Determining the game outcome may involve determining whether a game outcome presentation will involve displaying a prize-on frame in one or more predetermined display symbol locations and determining a game outcome award. 
     The method may involve controlling, via the control system, a display system to display the game outcome. Displaying the game outcome may involve displaying the display symbols at a plurality of display symbol locations on a display device of the display system. The plurality of display symbol locations may be arranged in a plurality of display symbol rows and display symbol columns. For game instances in which it is determined that the game outcome presentation will involve displaying a prize-on frame in one or more predetermined display symbol locations, displaying the game outcome may involve displaying the prize-on frame around one or more of the display symbols in the one or more predetermined display symbol locations. The method may involve controlling, via the control system, the display system to present award effects corresponding to a game outcome award determination. 
     In some examples, the game outcome presentation may involve displaying a prize-on frame in a predetermined display symbol location and determining the game outcome award may involve determining whether a display symbol presented in the predetermined display symbol location is part of a winning combination of display symbols. If it is determined that the display symbol presented in the predetermined display symbol location is part of the winning combination of display symbols and if the prize-on frame indicates a credit value, determining the game outcome award may involve awarding a credit value corresponding to the credit value indicated on the prize-on frame. If it is determined that the display symbol presented in the predetermined display symbol location is part of the winning combination of display symbols and if the prize-on frame indicates a progressive jackpot, determining the game outcome award may involve awarding a credit value corresponding to a current credit value of the progressive jackpot. 
     If it was determined that no prize-on frame would be presented for an instance of the wagering game immediately prior to a current instance of the wagering game and the control system determines that a prize-on frame will be displayed during the current instance of the wagering game, in some implementations it may be determined that the prize-on frame can only be displayed in a predetermined initial display symbol location. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an example diagram showing several EGMs networked with various gaming-related servers. 
         FIG. 2A  is a block diagram showing various functional elements of an example EGM. 
         FIG. 2B  depicts a casino gaming environment according to one example. 
         FIG. 2C  is a diagram that shows examples of components of a system for providing online gaming according to some aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates, in block diagram form, an embodiment of a game processing architecture that implements a game processing pipeline for the play of a game in accordance with various embodiments described herein. 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram that shows blocks of an apparatus according to one example. 
         FIG. 5  is a flow diagram that shows blocks of a method according to one example. 
         FIG. 6  shows an example of a display that may be presented according to one implementation of the method of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  shows an example of a display that may be presented after the display of  FIG. 6  according to some examples. 
         FIG. 8  shows an example of a display that may be presented after the display of  FIG. 7  according to some examples. 
         FIG. 9A  shows an example of a display that may be presented after the display of  FIG. 8  according to some examples. 
         FIG. 9B  shows an example of a display that may be presented after the display of  FIG. 9A  according to some examples. 
         FIG. 10A  shows an example of a display that may be presented after the display of  FIGS. 9A and 9B  according to some examples. 
         FIG. 10B  shows an example of a display that may be presented after the display of  FIG. 10A  according to some examples. 
         FIG. 10C  shows an example of a display that may be presented after the display of  FIG. 10B  according to some examples. 
         FIG. 11  shows an example of a display that may be presented after the display of  FIG. 10C  according to some examples. 
         FIG. 12  shows an example of a display that may be presented after the display of  FIG. 11  according to some examples. 
         FIG. 13  shows an example of a display that may be presented after the display of  FIG. 12  according to some examples. 
         FIG. 14  shows another example of a display that may be presented according to one implementation of the method of  FIG. 5 . 
     
    
    
     The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the present disclosure, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, certain embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Some implementations may involve providing a slot game in which the game outcome presentation may involve displaying a prize-on frame in one or more display symbol locations. In some examples, the display symbol locations in which a prize-on frame may be displayed are predetermined display symbol locations, such as locations of one or more particular slot reels. Each of the prize-on frames may be displayed around a display symbol that is selected to be displayed in the display symbol location corresponding to a prize-on frame. If a display symbol corresponding to a prize-on frame is part of a winning combination, a prize indicated on the prize-on frame may be awarded. The prize may, for example, be a particular credit value that is indicated on the prize-on frame, the current value of a particular jackpot that is indicated on the prize-on frame, etc. 
     Some disclosed implementations may provide potential advantages. One potential advantage is that when a prize-on frame is presented around a particular display symbol, a player&#39;s excitement may be enhanced because the player will realize that an additional award may be won if the display symbol is part of a winning combination of display symbols. Another potential advantage is that when a prize-on frame is presented around a particular display symbol, a player can clearly determine what additional award may be won and why the award may be won. This may be more satisfying to a player than obtaining an award for no apparent reason. 
     Another potential advantage is that in some implementations the possibility that a prize-on frame will be displayed in a particular display symbol location is de-coupled from the possibility that any particular display symbol will be presented in the same display symbol location. This is a potential advantage over previously-deployed games in which a framed symbol was merely one display symbol that could potentially be selected. One associated potential advantage is that in some disclosed implementations, most or all display symbols that could potentially be selected during a game instance could potentially be displayed in the same display symbol location as a prize-on frame. This potential advantage adds variety to the player&#39;s experience of the game. 
     Moreover, there is at least one associated potential technical advantage, in that the number of possible game outcomes that can be presented using the same number of display symbol locations may be greater than those of previously-disclosed games. For example, suppose that in one embodiment of the present disclosure ten different types of prize-on frame could potentially be presented, but only in one display symbol location. As compared to previously-deployed games that use the same numbers of display symbol locations and display symbols, such implementations would increase by a factor of ten the number of possible game outcome presentations. In other words, some disclosed locations have potential advantages in terms of both increased player excitement and a more efficient use of display space. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates several different models of EGMs which may be networked to various gaming related servers. Shown is a system  100  in a gaming environment including one or more server computers  102  (e.g., slot servers of a casino) that are in communication, via a communications network, with one or more gaming devices  104 A- 104 X (EGMs, slots, video poker, bingo machines, etc.) that can implement one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The gaming devices  104 A- 104 X may alternatively be portable and/or remote gaming devices such as, but not limited to, a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop, or a game console. Gaming devices  104 A- 104 X utilize specialized software and/or hardware to form non-generic, particular machines or apparatuses that comply with regulatory requirements regarding devices used for wagering or games of chance that provide monetary awards. 
     Communication between the gaming devices  104 A- 104 X and the server computers  102 , and among the gaming devices  104 A- 104 X, may be direct or indirect using one or more communication protocols. As an example, gaming devices  104 A- 104 X and the server computers  102  can communicate over one or more communication networks, such as over the Internet through a web site maintained by a computer on a remote server or over an online data network including commercial online service providers, Internet service providers, private networks (e.g., local area networks and enterprise networks), and the like (e.g., wide area networks). The communication networks could allow gaming devices  104 A- 104 X to communicate with one another and/or the server computers  102  using a variety of communication-based technologies, such as radio frequency (RF) (e.g., wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi®) and Bluetooth®), cable TV, satellite links and the like. 
     In some embodiments, server computers  102  may not be necessary and/or preferred. For example, in one or more embodiments, a stand-alone gaming device such as gaming device  104 A, gaming device  104 B or any of the other gaming devices  104 C- 104 X can implement one or more aspects of the present disclosure. However, it is typical to find multiple EGMs connected to networks implemented with one or more of the different server computers  102  described herein. 
     The server computers  102  may include a central determination gaming system server  106 , a ticket-in-ticket-out (TITO) system server  108 , a player tracking system server  110 , a progressive system server  112 , and/or a casino management system server  114 . Gaming devices  104 A- 104 X may include features to enable operation of any or all servers for use by the player and/or operator (e.g., the casino, resort, gaming establishment, tavern, pub, etc.). For example, game outcomes may be generated on a central determination gaming system server  106  and then transmitted over the network to any of a group of remote terminals or remote gaming devices  104 A- 104 X that utilize the game outcomes and display the results to the players. 
     Gaming device  104 A is often of a cabinet construction which may be aligned in rows or banks of similar devices for placement and operation on a casino floor. The gaming device  104 A often includes a main door  154  which provides access to the interior of the cabinet. Gaming device  104 A typically includes a button area or button deck  120  accessible by a player that is configured with input switches or buttons  122 , an access channel for a bill validator  124 , and/or an access channel for a ticket-out printer  126 . 
     In  FIG. 1 , gaming device  104 A is shown as a Relm XL™ model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. As shown, gaming device  104 A is a reel machine having a gaming display area  118  comprising a number (typically 3 or 5) of mechanical reels  130  with various symbols displayed on them. The reels  130  are independently spun and stopped to show a set of symbols within the gaming display area  118  which may be used to determine an outcome to the game. 
     In many configurations, the gaming machine  104 A may have a main display  128  (e.g., video display monitor) mounted to, or above, the gaming display area  118 . The main display  128  can be a high-resolution LCD, plasma, LED, or OLED panel which may be flat or curved as shown, a cathode ray tube, or other conventional electronically controlled video monitor. 
     In some embodiments, the bill validator  124  may also function as a “ticket-in” reader that allows the player to use a casino issued credit ticket to load credits onto the gaming device  104 A (e.g., in a cashless ticket (“TITO”) system). In such cashless embodiments, the gaming device  104 A may also include a “ticket-out” printer  126  for outputting a credit ticket when a “cash out” button is pressed. Cashless TITO systems are used to generate and track unique bar-codes or other indicators printed on tickets to allow players to avoid the use of bills and coins by loading credits using a ticket reader and cashing out credits using a ticket-out printer  126  on the gaming device  104 A. The gaming machine  104 A can have hardware meters for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring the player credit balance. In addition, there can be additional meters that record the total amount of money wagered on the gaming machine, total amount of money deposited, total amount of money withdrawn, total amount of winnings on gaming device  104 A. 
     In some embodiments, a player tracking card reader  144 , a transceiver for wireless communication with a mobile device (e.g., a player&#39;s smartphone), a keypad  146 , and/or an illuminated display  148  for reading, receiving, entering, and/or displaying player tracking information is provided in EGM  104 A. In such embodiments, a game controller within the gaming device  104 A can communicate with the player tracking system server  110  to send and receive player tracking information. 
     Gaming device  104 A may also include a bonus topper wheel  134 . When bonus play is triggered (e.g., by a player achieving a particular outcome or set of outcomes in the primary game), bonus topper wheel  134  is operative to spin and stop with indicator arrow  136  indicating the outcome of the bonus game. Bonus topper wheel  134  is typically used to play a bonus game, but it could also be incorporated into play of the base or primary game. 
     A candle  138  may be mounted on the top of gaming device  104 A and may be activated by a player (e.g., using a switch or one of buttons  122 ) to indicate to operations staff that gaming device  104 A has experienced a malfunction or the player requires service. The candle  138  is also often used to indicate a jackpot has been won and to alert staff that a hand payout of an award may be needed. 
     There may also be one or more information panels  152  which may be a back-lit, silkscreened glass panel with lettering to indicate general game information including, for example, a game denomination (e.g., $0.25 or $1), pay lines, pay tables, and/or various game related graphics. In some embodiments, the information panel(s)  152  may be implemented as an additional video display. 
     Gaming devices  104 A have traditionally also included a handle  132  typically mounted to the side of main cabinet  116  which may be used to initiate game play. 
     Many or all the above described components can be controlled by circuitry (e.g., a gaming controller) housed inside the main cabinet  116  of the gaming device  104 A, the details of which are shown in  FIG. 2A . 
     An alternative example gaming device  104 B illustrated in  FIG. 1  is the Arc model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Note that where possible, reference numerals identifying similar features of the gaming device  104 A embodiment are also identified in the gaming device  104 B embodiment using the same reference numbers. Gaming device  104 B does not include physical reels and instead shows game play functions on main display  128 . An optional topper screen  140  may be used as a secondary game display for bonus play, to show game features or attraction activities while a game is not in play, or any other information or media desired by the game designer or operator. In some embodiments, topper screen  140  may also or alternatively be used to display progressive jackpot prizes available to a player during play of gaming device  104 B. 
     Example gaming device  104 B includes a main cabinet  116  including a main door  154  which opens to provide access to the interior of the gaming device  104 B. The main or service door  154  is typically used by service personnel to refill the ticket-out printer  126  and collect bills and tickets inserted into the bill validator  124 . The main or service door  154  may also be accessed to reset the machine, verify and/or upgrade the software, and for general maintenance operations. 
     Another example gaming device  104 C shown is the Helix™ model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Gaming device  104 C includes a main display  128 A that is in a landscape orientation. Although not illustrated by the front view provided, the landscape display  128 A may have a curvature radius from top to bottom, or alternatively from side to side. In some embodiments, display  128 A is a flat panel display. Main display  128 A is typically used for primary game play while secondary display  128 B is typically used for bonus game play, to show game features or attraction activities while the game is not in play or any other information or media desired by the game designer or operator. In some embodiments, example gaming device  104 C may also include speakers  142  to output various audio such as game sound, background music, etc. 
     Many different types of games, including mechanical slot games, video slot games, video poker, video black jack, video pachinko, keno, bingo, and lottery, may be provided with or implemented within the depicted gaming devices  104 A- 104 C and other similar gaming devices. Each gaming device may also be operable to provide many different games. Games may be differentiated according to themes, sounds, graphics, type of game (e.g., slot game vs. card game vs. game with aspects of skill), denomination, number of paylines, maximum jackpot, progressive or non-progressive, bonus games, and may be deployed for operation in Class  2  or Class  3 , etc. 
       FIG. 2A  is a block diagram depicting examples of internal electronic components of a gaming device  200  connected to various external systems. All or parts of the example gaming device  200  shown could be used to implement any one of the example gaming devices  104 A-X depicted in  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 2A , gaming device  200  includes a topper display  216  or another form of a top box (e.g., a topper wheel, a topper screen, etc.) that sits above cabinet  218 . Cabinet  218  or topper display  216  may also house a number of other components which may be used to add features to a game being played on gaming device  200 , including speakers  220 , a ticket printer  222  which prints bar-coded tickets or other media or mechanisms for storing or indicating a player&#39;s credit value, a ticket reader  224  which reads bar-coded tickets or other media or mechanisms for storing or indicating a player&#39;s credit value, and a player tracking interface  232 . Player tracking interface  232  may include a keypad  226  for entering information, a player tracking display  228  for displaying information (e.g., an illuminated or video display), a card reader  230  for receiving data and/or communicating information to and from media or a device such as a smart phone enabling player tracking.  FIG. 2A  also depicts utilizing a ticket printer  222  to print tickets for a TITO system server  108 . Gaming device  200  may further include a bill validator  234 , player-input buttons  236  for player input, cabinet security sensors  238  to detect unauthorized opening of the cabinet  218 , a primary game display  240 , and a secondary game display  242 , each coupled to and operable under the control of game controller  202 . 
     The games available for play on the gaming device  200  are controlled by a game controller  202  that includes one or more processors  204 . Processor  204  represents a general-purpose processor, a specialized processor intended to perform certain functional tasks, or a combination thereof. As an example, processor  204  can be a central processing unit (CPU) that has one or more multi-core processing units and memory mediums (e.g., cache memory) that function as buffers and/or temporary storage for data. Alternatively, processor  204  can be a specialized processor, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), graphics processing unit (GPU), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), digital signal processor (DSP), or another type of hardware accelerator. In another example, processor  204  is a system on chip (SoC) that combines and integrates one or more general-purpose processors and/or one or more specialized processors. Although  FIG. 2A  illustrates that game controller  202  includes a single processor  204 , game controller  202  is not limited to this representation and instead can include multiple processors  204  (e.g., two or more processors). 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates that processor  204  is operatively coupled to memory  208 . Memory  208  is defined herein as including volatile and nonvolatile memory and other types of non-transitory data storage components. Volatile memory is memory that do not retain data values upon loss of power. Nonvolatile memory is memory that do retain data upon a loss of power. Examples of memory  208  include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk drives, solid-state drives, USB flash drives, memory cards accessed via a memory card reader, floppy disks accessed via an associated floppy disk drive, optical discs accessed via an optical disc drive, magnetic tapes accessed via an appropriate tape drive, and/or other memory components, or a combination of any two or more of these memory components. In addition, examples of RAM include static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), magnetic random access memory (MRAM), and other such devices. Examples of ROM include a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or other like memory device. Even though  FIG. 2A  illustrates that game controller  202  includes a single memory  208 , game controller  208  could include multiple memories  208  for storing program instructions and/or data. 
     Memory  208  can store one or more game programs  206  that provide program instructions and/or data for carrying out various embodiments (e.g., game mechanics) described herein. Stated another way, game program  206  represents an executable program stored in any portion or component of memory  208 . In one or more embodiments, game program  206  is embodied in the form of source code that includes human-readable statements written in a programming language or machine code that contains numerical instructions recognizable by a suitable execution system, such as a processor  204  in a game controller or other system. Examples of executable programs include: (1) a compiled program that can be translated into machine code in a format that can be loaded into a random access portion of memory  208  and run by processor  204 ; (2) source code that may be expressed in proper format such as object code that is capable of being loaded into a random access portion of memory  208  and executed by processor  204 ; and (3) source code that may be interpreted by another executable program to generate instructions in a random access portion of memory  208  to be executed by processor  204 . 
     Alternatively, game programs  206  can be setup to generate one or more game instances based on instructions and/or data that gaming device  200  exchange with one or more remote gaming devices, such as a central determination gaming system server  106  (not shown in  FIG. 2A  but shown in  FIG. 1 ). For purpose of this disclosure, the term “game instance” refers to a play or a round of a game that gaming device  200  presents (e.g., via a user interface (UI)) to a player. The game instance is communicated to gaming device  200  via the network  214  and then displayed on gaming device  200 . For example, gaming device  200  may execute game program  206  as video streaming software that allows the game to be displayed on gaming device  200 . When a game is stored on gaming device  200 , it may be loaded from memory  208  (e.g., from a read only memory (ROM)) or from the central determination gaming system server  106  to memory  208 . 
     Gaming devices, such as gaming device  200 , are highly regulated to ensure fairness and, in many cases, gaming device  200  is operable to award monetary awards (e.g., typically dispensed in the form of a redeemable voucher). Therefore, to satisfy security and regulatory requirements in a gaming environment, hardware and software architectures are implemented in gaming devices  200  that differ significantly from those of general-purpose computers. Adapting general purpose computers to function as gaming devices  200  is not simple or straightforward because of: (1) the regulatory requirements for gaming devices  200 , (2) the harsh environment in which gaming devices  200  operate, (3) security requirements, (4) fault tolerance requirements, and (5) the requirement for additional special purpose componentry enabling functionality of an EGM. These differences require substantial engineering effort with respect to game design implementation, game mechanics, hardware components, and software. 
     One regulatory requirement for games running on gaming device  200  generally involves complying with a certain level of randomness. Typically, gaming jurisdictions mandate that gaming devices  200  satisfy a minimum level of randomness without specifying how a gaming device  200  should achieve this level of randomness. To comply,  FIG. 2A  illustrates that gaming device  200  includes an RNG  212  that utilizes hardware and/or software to generate RNG outcomes that lack any pattern. The RNG operations are often specialized and non-generic in order to comply with regulatory and gaming requirements. For example, in a reel game, game program  206  can initiate multiple RNG calls to RNG  212  to generate RNG outcomes, where each RNG call and RNG outcome corresponds to an outcome for a reel. In another example, gaming device  200  can be a Class II gaming device where RNG  212  generates RNG outcomes for creating Bingo cards. In one or more embodiments, RNG  212  could be one of a set of RNGs operating on gaming device  200 . Game developers could vary the degree of true randomness for each RNG (e.g., pseudorandom) and utilize specific RNGs depending on game requirements. 
     Another regulatory requirement for running games on gaming device  200  includes ensuring a certain level of RTP. Similar to the randomness requirement discussed above, numerous gaming jurisdictions also mandate that gaming device  200  provides a minimum level of RTP (e.g., RTP of at least 75%).  FIG. 2A  illustrates that gaming device  200  includes an RNG conversion engine  210  that translates the RNG outcome from RNG  212  to a game outcome presented to a player. To meet a designated RTP, a game developer can setup the RNG conversion engine  210  to utilize one or more lookup tables to translate the RNG outcome to a symbol element, stop position on a reel strip layout, and/or randomly chosen aspect of a game feature. As an example, the lookup tables can regulate a prize payout amount for each RNG outcome and how often the gaming device  200  pays out the prize payout amounts. The RNG conversion engine  210  could utilize one lookup table to map the RNG outcome to a game outcome displayed to a player and a second lookup table as a pay table for determining the prize payout amount for each game outcome. The mapping between the RNG outcome to the game outcome controls the frequency in hitting certain prize payout amounts. 
       FIG. 2A  also depicts that gaming device  200  is connected over network  214  to player tracking system server  110 . Player tracking system server  110  may be, for example, an OASIS® system manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Player tracking system server  110  is used to track play (e.g. amount wagered, games played, time of play and/or other quantitative or qualitative measures) for individual players so that an operator may reward players in a loyalty program. The player may use the player tracking interface  232  to access his/her account information, activate free play, and/or request various information. Player tracking or loyalty programs seek to reward players for their play and help build brand loyalty to the gaming establishment. The rewards typically correspond to the player&#39;s level of patronage (e.g., to the player&#39;s playing frequency and/or total amount of game plays at a given casino). Player tracking rewards may be complimentary and/or discounted meals, lodging, entertainment and/or additional play. Player tracking information may be combined with other information that is now readily obtainable by a casino management system. 
     When a player wishes to play the gaming device  200 , he/she can insert cash or a ticket voucher through a coin acceptor (not shown) or bill validator  234  to establish a credit balance on the gamine machine. The credit balance is used by the player to place wagers on instances of the game and to receive credit awards based on the outcome of winning instances. The credit balance is decreased by the amount of each wager and increased upon a win. The player can add additional credits to the balance at any time. The player may also optionally insert a loyalty club card into the card reader  230 . During the game, the player views with one or more UIs, the game outcome on one or more of the primary game display  240  and secondary game display  242 . Other game and prize information may also be displayed. 
     For each game instance, a player may make selections, which may affect play of the game. For example, the player may vary the total amount wagered by selecting the amount bet per line and the number of lines played. In many games, the player is asked to initiate or select options during course of game play (such as spinning a wheel to begin a bonus round or select various items during a feature game). The player may make these selections using the player-input buttons  236 , the primary game display  240  which may be a touch screen, or using some other device which enables a player to input information into the gaming device  200 . 
     During certain game events, the gaming device  200  may display visual and auditory effects that can be perceived by the player. These effects add to the excitement of a game, which makes a player more likely to enjoy the playing experience. Auditory effects include various sounds that are projected by the speakers  220 . Visual effects include flashing lights, strobing lights or other patterns displayed from lights on the gaming device  200  or from lights behind the information panel  152  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     When the player is done, he/she cashes out the credit balance (typically by pressing a cash out button to receive a ticket from the ticket printer  222 ). The ticket may be “cashed-in” for money or inserted into another machine to establish a credit balance for play. 
     Although  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrates specific embodiments of a gaming device (e.g., gaming devices  104 A- 104 X and  200 ), the disclosure is not limited to those embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . For example, not all gaming devices suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure necessarily include top wheels, top boxes, information panels, cashless ticket systems, and/or player tracking systems. Further, some suitable gaming devices have only a single game display that includes only a mechanical set of reels and/or a video display, while others are designed for bar counters or table tops and have displays that face upwards. Additionally, or alternatively, gaming devices  104 A- 104 X and  200  can include credit transceivers that wirelessly communicate (e.g., Bluetooth or other near-field communication technology) with one or more mobile devices to perform credit transactions. As an example, bill validator  234  could contain or be coupled to the credit transceiver that output credits from and/or load credits onto the gaming device  104 A by communicating with a player&#39;s smartphone (e.g., a digital wallet interface). Gaming devices  104 A- 104 X and  200  may also include other processors that are not separately shown. Using  FIG. 2A  as an example, gaming device  200  could include display controllers (not shown in  FIG. 2A ) configured to receive video input signals or instructions to display images on game displays  240  and  242 . Alternatively, such display controllers may be integrated into the game controller  202 . The use and discussion of  FIGS. 1 and 2A  are examples to facilitate ease of description and explanation. 
       FIG. 2B  depicts a casino gaming environment according to one example. In this example, the casino  251  includes banks  252  of EGMs  104 . In this example, each bank  252  of EGMs  104  includes a corresponding gaming signage system  254 . According to this implementation, the casino  251  also includes mobile gaming devices  256 , which are also configured to present wagering games in this example. The mobile gaming devices  256  may, for example, include tablet devices, cellular phones, smart phones and/or other handheld devices. In this example, the mobile gaming devices  256  are configured for communication with one or more other devices in the casino  251 , including but not limited to one or more of the server computers  102 , via wireless access points  258 . 
     According to some examples, the mobile gaming devices  256  may be configured for stand-alone determination of game outcomes. However, in some alternative implementations the mobile gaming devices  256  may be configured to receive game outcomes from another device, such as the central determination gaming system server  106 , one of the EGMs  104 , etc. 
     Some mobile gaming devices  256  may be configured to accept monetary credits from a credit or debit card, via a wireless interface (e.g., via a wireless payment app), via tickets, via a patron casino account, etc. However, some mobile gaming devices  256  may not be configured to accept monetary credits via a credit or debit card. Some mobile gaming devices  256  may include a ticket reader and/or a ticket printer whereas some mobile gaming devices  256  may not, depending on the particular implementation. 
     In some implementations, the casino  251  may include one or more kiosks  260  that are configured to facilitate monetary transactions involving the mobile gaming devices  256 , which may include cash out and/or cash in transactions. The kiosks  260  may be configured for wired and/or wireless communication with the mobile gaming devices  256 . The kiosks  260  may be configured to accept monetary credits from casino patrons  262  and/or to dispense monetary credits to casino patrons  262  via cash, a credit or debit card, via a wireless interface (e.g., via a wireless payment app), via tickets, etc. According to some examples, the kiosks  260  may be configured to accept monetary credits from a casino patron and to provide a corresponding amount of monetary credits to a mobile gaming device  256  for wagering purposes, e.g., via a wireless link such as a near-field communications link. In some such examples, when a casino patron  262  is ready to cash out, the casino patron  262  may select a cash out option provided by a mobile gaming device  256 , which may include a real button or a virtual button (e.g., a button provided via a graphical user interface) in some instances. In some such examples, the mobile gaming device  256  may send a “cash out” signal to a kiosk  260  via a wireless link in response to receiving a “cash out” indication from a casino patron. The kiosk  260  may provide monetary credits to the patron  262  corresponding to the “cash out” signal, which may be in the form of cash, a credit ticket, a credit transmitted to a financial account corresponding to the casino patron, etc. 
     In some implementations, a cash-in process and/or a cash-out process may be facilitated by the TITO system server  108 . For example, the TITO system server  108  may control, or at least authorize, ticket-in and ticket-out transactions that involve a mobile gaming device  256  and/or a kiosk  260 . 
     Some mobile gaming devices  256  may be configured for receiving and/or transmitting player loyalty information. For example, some mobile gaming devices  256  may be configured for wireless communication with the player tracking system server  110 . Some mobile gaming devices  256  may be configured for receiving and/or transmitting player loyalty information via wireless communication with a patron&#39;s player loyalty card, a patron&#39;s smartphone, etc. 
     According to some implementations, a mobile gaming device  256  may be configured to provide safeguards that prevent the mobile gaming device  256  from being used by an unauthorized person. For example, some mobile gaming devices  256  may include one or more biometric sensors and may be configured to receive input via the biometric sensor(s) to verify the identity of an authorized patron. Some mobile gaming devices  256  may be configured to function only within a predetermined or configurable area, such as a casino gaming area. 
       FIG. 2C  is a diagram that shows examples of components of a system for providing online gaming according to some aspects of the present disclosure. As with other figures presented in this disclosure, the numbers, types and arrangements of gaming devices shown in  FIG. 2C  are merely shown by way of example. In this example, various gaming devices, including but not limited to end user devices (EUDs)  264   a ,  264   b  and  264   c  are capable of communication via one or more networks  417 . The networks  417  may, for example, include one or more cellular telephone networks, the Internet, etc. In this example, the EUDs  264   a  and  264   b  are mobile devices: according to this example the EUD  264   a  is a tablet device and the EUD  264   b  is a smart phone. In this implementation, the EUD  264   c  is a laptop computer that is located within a residence  266  at the time depicted in  FIG. 2C . Accordingly, in this example the hardware of EUDs is not specifically configured for online gaming, although each EUD is configured with software for online gaming. For example, each EUD may be configured with a web browser. Other implementations may include other types of EUD, some of which may be specifically configured for online gaming. 
     In this example, a gaming data center  276  includes various devices that are configured to provide online wagering games via the networks  417 . The gaming data center  276  is capable of communication with the networks  417  via the gateway  272 . In this example, switches  278  and routers  280  are configured to provide network connectivity for devices of the gaming data center  276 , including storage devices  282   a , servers  284   a  and one or more workstations  570   a . The servers  284   a  may, for example, be configured to provide access to a library of games for online game play. In some examples, code for executing at least some of the games may initially be stored on one or more of the storage devices  282   a . The code may be subsequently loaded onto a server  284   a  after selection by a player via an EUD and communication of that selection from the EUD via the networks  417 . The server  284   a  onto which code for the selected game has been loaded may provide the game according to selections made by a player and indicated via the player&#39;s EUD. In other examples, code for executing at least some of the games may initially be stored on one or more of the servers  284   a . Although only one gaming data center  276  is shown in  FIG. 2C , some implementations may include multiple gaming data centers  276 . 
     In this example, a financial institution data center  270  is also configured for communication via the networks  417 . Here, the financial institution data center  270  includes servers  284   b , storage devices  282   b , and one or more workstations  286   b . According to this example, the financial institution data center  270  is configured to maintain financial accounts, such as checking accounts, savings accounts, loan accounts, etc. In some implementations one or more of the authorized users  274   a - 274   c  may maintain at least one financial account with the financial institution that is serviced via the financial institution data center  270 . 
     According to some implementations, the gaming data center  276  may be configured to provide online wagering games in which money may be won or lost. According to some such implementations, one or more of the servers  284   a  may be configured to monitor player credit balances, which may be expressed in game credits, in currency units, or in any other appropriate manner. In some implementations, the server(s)  284   a  may be configured to obtain financial credits from and/or provide financial credits to one or more financial institutions, according to a player&#39;s “cash in” selections, wagering game results and a player&#39;s “cash out” instructions. According to some such implementations, the server(s)  284   a  may be configured to electronically credit or debit the account of a player that is maintained by a financial institution, e.g., an account that is maintained via the financial institution data center  270 . The server(s)  284   a  may, in some examples, be configured to maintain an audit record of such transactions. 
     In some alternative implementations, the gaming data center  276  may be configured to provide online wagering games for which credits may not be exchanged for cash or the equivalent. In some such examples, players may purchase game credits for online game play, but may not “cash out” for monetary credit after a gaming session. Moreover, although the financial institution data center  270  and the gaming data center  276  include their own servers and storage devices in this example, in some examples the financial institution data center  270  and/or the gaming data center  276  may use offsite “cloud-based” servers and/or storage devices. In some alternative examples, the financial institution data center  270  and/or the gaming data center  276  may rely entirely on cloud-based servers. 
     One or more types of devices in the gaming data center  276  (or elsewhere) may be capable of executing middleware, e.g., for data management and/or device communication. Authentication information, player tracking information, etc., including but not limited to information obtained by EUDs  264  and/or other information regarding authorized users of EUDs  264  (including but not limited to the authorized users  274   a - 274   c ), may be stored on storage devices  282  and/or servers  284 . Other game-related information and/or software, such as information and/or software relating to leaderboards, players currently playing a game, game themes, game-related promotions, game competitions, etc., also may be stored on storage devices  282  and/or servers  284 . In some implementations, some such game-related software may be available as “apps” and may be downloadable (e.g., from the gaming data center  276 ) by authorized users. 
     In some examples, authorized users and/or entities (such as representatives of gaming regulatory authorities) may obtain gaming-related information via the gaming data center  276 . One or more other devices (such EUDs  264  or devices of the gaming data center  276 ) may act as intermediaries for such data feeds. Such devices may, for example, be capable of applying data filtering algorithms, executing data summary and/or analysis software, etc. In some implementations, data filtering, summary and/or analysis software may be available as “apps” and downloadable by authorized users. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates, in block diagram form, an embodiment of a game processing architecture  300  that implements a game processing pipeline for the play of a game in accordance with various embodiments described herein. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the gaming processing pipeline starts with having a UI system  302  receive one or more player inputs for the game instance. Based on the player input(s), the UI system  302  generates and sends one or more RNG calls to a game processing backend system  314 . Game processing backend system  314  then processes the RNG calls with RNG engine  316  to generate one or more RNG outcomes. The RNG outcomes are then sent to the RNG conversion engine  320  to generate one or more game outcomes for the UI system  302  to display to a player. The game processing architecture  300  can implement the game processing pipeline using a gaming device, such as gaming devices  104 A- 104 X and  200  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2A , respectively. Alternatively, portions of the gaming processing architecture  300  can implement the game processing pipeline using a gaming device and one or more remote gaming devices, such as central determination gaming system server  106  shown in  FIG. 1 . In some such examples, the game processing pipeline may include a gaming device and one or more servers  284   a  of the gaming data center  276  shown in  FIG. 2C . According to some such implementations, the gaming device may be a mobile device such as described above with reference to  FIG. 2B  or an EUD as described above with reference to  FIG. 2C . 
     The UI system  302  includes one or more UIs that a player can interact with. The UI system  302  could include one or more game play UIs  304 , one or more bonus game play UIs  304 , and one or more multiplayer UIs  306 , where each UI type includes one or more mechanical UIs and/or graphical UIs (GUIs). In other words, game play UI  304 , bonus game play UI  304 , and the multiplayer UI  304  may utilize a variety of UI elements, such as mechanical UI elements (e.g., physical “spin” button or mechanical reels) and/or GUI elements (e.g., virtual reels shown on a video display or a virtual button deck) to receive player inputs and/or present game play to a player. Using  FIG. 3  as an example, the different UI elements are shown as game play UI elements  306 A- 306 N and bonus game play UI elements  310 A- 310 N. 
     The game play UI  304  represents a UI that a player typically interfaces with for a base game. During a game instance of a base game, the game play UI elements  306 A- 306 N (e.g., GUI elements depicting one or more virtual reels) are shown and/or made available to a user. In a subsequent game instance, the UI system  302  could transition out of the base game to one or more bonus games. The bonus game play UI  308  represents a UI that utilizes bonus game play UI elements  310 A- 310 N for a player to interact with and/or view during a bonus game. In one or more embodiments, at least some of the game play UI element  306 A- 306 N are similar to the bonus game play UI elements  310 A- 310 N. In other embodiments, the game play UI element  306 A- 306 N can differ from to the bonus game play UI elements  310 A- 310 N. 
       FIG. 3  also illustrates that UI system  302  could include a multiplayer UI  312  purposed for game play that differ or is separate from the typical base game. For example, multiplayer UI  302  could be set up to receive player inputs and/or presents game play information relating to a tournament mode. When a gaming device transitions from a primary game mode that presents the base game to a tournament mode, a single gaming device is linked and synchronized to other gaming devices to generate a tournament outcome. For example, multiple RNG engines  316  corresponding to each gaming device could be collectively linked to determine a tournament outcome. To enhance a player&#39;s gaming experience, tournament mode can modify and synchronize sound, music, reel spin speed, and/or other operations of the gaming devices according to the tournament game play. After tournament game play ends, operators can switch back the gaming device from tournament mode to a primary game mode to present the base game. Although  FIG. 3  does not explicitly depict that multiplayer UI  312  includes UI elements, multiplayer UI  312  could also include one or more multiplayer UI elements. 
     Based on the player inputs, the UI system  302  could generate RNG calls to a game processing backend system  314 . As an example, the UI system  302  could use one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) to generate the RNG calls. To process the RNG calls, the RNG engine  316  could utilize gaming RNG  318  and/or non-gaming RNGs  319 A- 319 N. Gaming RNG  318  corresponds to RNG  212  shown in  FIG. 2 . As previously discussed with reference to  FIG. 2 , gaming RNG  318  often performs specialized and non-generic operations that comply with regulatory and/or game requirements. For example, because of regulation requirements, gaming RNG  318  could be a cryptographic random or pseudorandom number generator (PRNG) (e.g., Fortuna PRNG) that securely produces random numbers for one or more game features. To generate random numbers, gaming RNG  318  could collect random data from various sources of entropy, such as from an operating system (OS). Alternatively, non-gaming RNGs  319 A- 319 N may not be cryptographically secure and/or be computational less expensive. Non-gaming RNGS  319 A- 319 N can, thus, be used to generate outcomes for non-gaming purposes. As an example, non-gaming RNGs  319 A- 319 N can generate random numbers for such as generating random messages that appear on the gaming device. The RNG conversion engine  320  processes each RNG outcome from RNG engine  316  and converts the RNG outcome to a UI outcome that is feedback to the UI system  302 . With reference to  FIG. 2 , RNG conversion engine  320  corresponds to RNG conversion engine  210  used for game play. As previously described, RNG conversion engine  320  translates the RNG outcome from the RNG  212  to a game outcome presented to a player. RNG conversion engine  320  utilizes one or more lookup tables  322 A- 322 N to regulate a prize payout amount for each RNG outcome and how often the gaming device pays out the derived prize payout amounts. In one example, the RNG conversion engine  320  could utilize one lookup table to map the RNG outcome to a game outcome displayed to a player and a second lookup table as a pay table for determining the prize payout amount for each game outcome. In this example, the mapping between the RNG outcome to the game outcome controls the frequency in hitting certain prize payout amounts. Different lookup tables could be utilized depending on the different game modes, for example, a base game versus a bonus game. 
     After generating the UI outcome, the game processing backend system  314  sends the UI outcome to the UI system  302 . Examples of UI outcomes are symbols to display on a video reel or reel stops for a mechanical reel. In one example, if the UI outcome is for a base game, the UI system  302  updates one or more game play UI elements  306 A- 306 N, such as symbols, for the game play UI  304 . In another example, if the UI outcome is for a bonus game, the UI system could update one or more bonus game play UI elements  310 A- 310 N (e.g., symbols) for the bonus game play UI  308 . In response to the updating the appropriate UI, the player may subsequently provide additional player inputs to initiate a subsequent game instance that progresses through the game processing pipeline. 
       FIG. 3  shows examples of lookup tables  322 A . . .  322 N, which are also called weighted tables. In general, a weighted table can be implemented as any data structure that assigns probabilities to different options, in order for one of the different options to be selected using a random number. Different options are represented in different entries of a weighted table. The probabilities for different options can be reflected in threshold values (e.g., 1&lt;RND&lt;=40 for option 1, 40&lt;RND&lt;=70 for option 2, 70&lt;RND&lt;=90 for option 3, and 90&lt;RND&lt;=100 for option 4, given four options and a random number RAID where 0&lt;RND&lt;=100). The threshold values can represent percentages or, more generally, sub-ranges within the range for a random number. In some example implementations, the threshold values for a weighted table are represented as count values for the respective entries of the weighted table. For example, the following table shows count values for the four options described above: 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Example Weighted Table 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 count value 
                 entry 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 40 
                 &lt;value a1, value a2, . . .&gt; 
               
               
                   
                 30 
                 &lt;value b1, value b2, . . .&gt; 
               
               
                   
                 20 
                 &lt;value c1, value c2, . . .&gt; 
               
               
                   
                 10 
                 &lt;value d1, value d2, . . .&gt; 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The sum total of the count values indicates the range of the options. Control logic can use a random number, generated between 1 and the sum total of the count values, to select one of the entries in the weighted table by comparing the random number to successive running totals. In the example shown in Table 1, if the random number is 40 or less, the first entry is selected. Otherwise, if the random number is between 41 and 70, the second entry is selected. Otherwise, if the random number is between 71 and 90, the third entry is selected. Otherwise, the last entry is selected. 
     The threshold values for a weighted table can be fixed and pre-determined. Or, the threshold values for a weighted table can vary dynamically (e.g., depending on bet level). Or, a weighted table can be dynamically selected (e.g., depending on bet level) from among multiple available weighted tables. Different parameters or choices during game play can use different weighted tables. Or, different combinations of parameters or choices can be combined in entries of a given weighted table. 
     According to some examples, the example game processing architecture  300  shown in  FIG. 3  can be used to process game play instructions and generate outcomes as shown and described herein. In response to user input received via an interface system for initiation of an instance of a wagering game (e.g., an indication of user input from a “play” button), the game play UI  304  may make one or more RNG calls to the game processing backend system  314  for determining a game outcome and corresponding display symbols for the instance of the wagering game. According to some examples, the wagering game may be a slot game. 
     In some instances, the one or more RNG calls may include an RNG call to determine whether a game outcome presentation will involve displaying a prize-on frame in one or more display symbol locations, which may in some instances be predetermined display symbol locations. In some such examples, there may be at least one RNG call involving whether a prize-on frame will be presented in one or more display symbol locations that is separate from the RNG call(s) for determining the game outcome and corresponding display symbols for the instance of the wagering game. According to some implementations, the one or more RNG calls for determining the game outcome and corresponding display symbols for the instance of the wagering game may include an RNG call to determine whether a display symbol presented in a display symbol location in which a prize-on frame will be presented is part of a winning combination of display symbols. According to some examples, the one or more RNG calls may include an RNG call to determine a game outcome award that involves a prize-on frame. 
     In response, the backend system  314  may perform various operations. Using a gaming RNG  318 , the RNG engine  316  may generate one or more random numbers, which may be passed to the RNG conversion engine  320 . The RNG conversion engine  320  may use the one or more random numbers (along with one or more of the lookup tables  322 A- 322 N) to determine symbol stop positions for the active reels. The RNG conversion engine  320  may use one or more other random numbers (along with one or more of the lookup tables  322 A- 322 N) to determine whether a game outcome presentation will involve displaying a prize-on frame in one or more predetermined display symbol locations. The backend system  314  may also determine the outcome of the process (e.g., calculating whether any win conditions exist on pay lines, whether a display symbol presented in a display symbol location in which a prize-on frame will be presented is part of a winning combination of display symbols, a corresponding award, etc.). 
     In some instances, the RNG conversion engine  320 , using one or more of the random number(s) and one or more of the lookup tables  322 A . . .  322 N, may select a UI outcome for a game outcome presentation in which a prize-on frame will be displayed in one or more predetermined display symbol locations. According to some such examples, the RNG conversion engine  320  may determine that the UI outcome for a slot game includes a display symbol corresponding with a prize-on frame is part of a winning combination of display symbols. In some such examples, the RNG conversion engine  320  may determine that the UI outcome for a slot game includes a presentation of a game outcome award that involves a prize-on frame. 
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram that shows blocks of an apparatus according to one example. According to some examples, the apparatus  450  may be, or may include, a gaming device. In some examples, the apparatus  450  may be an EGM such as those described above with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2A . However, in alternative examples, the apparatus  450  may be a mobile device such as described above with reference to  FIG. 2B  or an EUD as described above with reference to  FIG. 2C . 
     In this example, the apparatus  450  includes a display system  452  and a control system  454  that is configured to communicate with the display system  452 . In this example, the control system  454  is configured to communicate with the display system  452  via wired communication, e.g., via electrical signals. In alternative implementations, the control system  454  may be configured to communicate with the display system  452  via wireless communication. Accordingly, at least a portion of the control system  454  may be coupled to the display system  452 . As used herein, the term “coupled to” has a meaning that could include being physically coupled for wired communication or being configured for wireless communication. 
     The control system  454  may include one or more general purpose single- or multi-chip processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or combinations thereof. Although the interface system  456  is shown as being separate from the control system  454 , in some implementations the interface system  456  may be part of the control system  454 . In some implementations, the interface system  456  may include the entire control system  454 . The control system  454  also may include (and/or be configured for communication with) one or more memory devices, such as one or more random access memory (RAM) devices, read-only memory (ROM) devices and/or other types of non-transitory media. In some implementations, at least a portion of the control system  454  may be implemented as a register. Accordingly, the apparatus  450  may have a memory system that includes one or more memory devices, though the memory system is not shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     The control system  454  may be capable of performing, at least in part, the methods disclosed herein. In some examples, the control system  454  may be capable of performing at least some of the methods described herein according to instructions (e.g., software) stored on one or more non-transitory media. For example, the control system  454  may be configured for controlling the display system  452  and/or for receiving and processing data from at least a portion of the display system  452 , e.g., as described below. 
     The display system  452  may include, one or more liquid crystal displays (LCDs), plasma displays, light-emitting diode (LED) displays, microLED displays or organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays. According to some implementations, the display system  452  may include at least one flexible display, such as a flexible OLED. Although shown as separate components in  FIG. 4 , the display system  452  may, in some examples, include at least a portion of the control system  454 . For example, the display system  452  may include one or more processors, microprocessors, programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic, etc. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 4 , the apparatus  450  includes an interface system  456 . In some examples, the interface system may include a wireless interface system. In some implementations, the interface system  456  may include a network interface, an interface between the control system  454  and the display system  452 , an interface between the control system  454  and a memory system and/or an interface between the control system  454  and an external device interface (e.g., a port or an applications processor). In some examples, the interface system  456  may include one or more user interfaces, such as a touch screen, one or more buttons, a gesture recognition system, a voice recognition system, etc. 
     According to some implementations, the apparatus  450  may be a single device, whereas in other implementations the apparatus  450  may be a system that includes more than one device. Accordingly, the terms “apparatus” and “system” may sometimes be used interchangeably herein. In other examples, the apparatus  450  may be a component of another device. For example, in some implementations at least a portion of the display system  452  and/or the control system  454  may be included in more than one apparatus. For example, in some implementations at least part of the control system  454  may reside in a server, such as a central determination server or a gaming data center server. Some implementations of the apparatus  450  may not include a display system. In some such implementations, the control system  454  may be configured for controlling the display system of another device. 
       FIG. 5  is a flow diagram that shows blocks of a method according to one example. In some examples method  500  may be performed, at least in part, by an apparatus such as that described above with reference to  FIG. 4 . In some examples, the method  500  may be performed, at least in part, by a control system (e.g., the control system  454  of  FIG. 4 ) according to software stored upon one or more non-transitory storage media. According to some examples the method  500  may be performed, at least in part, by a server, such as a central determination server or a gaming data center server. 
     As with other methods described herein, the number and sequence of blocks shown in  FIG. 5  are merely examples. Similar disclosed methods may include more or fewer blocks. Moreover, at least some of the blocks may occur in a different sequence than the sequence that is shown in a flow diagram. 
     According to this example, block  502  involves receiving, via an interface system, user input for initiation of an instance of a slot game. For example, the user input may be received by the control system  454  of  FIG. 4 , via a user interface of the interface system  456 . Block  502  may, for example, involve receiving an indication that a user has pressed a “play” button of a gaming device, receiving an indication that the user has touched an area of a touch screen that corresponds to a displayed image of a “play” button, etc. In some such implementations, block  502  (or a preceding block of method  500 ) may involve verifying that there is sufficient credit for at least one instance of a game. According to some such implementations, the gaming device may include apparatus for receiving monetary credit. 
     According to this implementation, block  504  involves determining, via a control system, a game outcome and corresponding display symbols for the instance of the wagering game. In this example, block  504  involves determining a game outcome award. In some such examples, block  504  may involve determining the slot game outcome and corresponding display symbols via a control system of a gaming device. According to some such examples, both the UI system  302  and the game processing backend system  314  that are described above with reference to  FIG. 3  may reside in a single gaming device. 
     In other examples, the determination of block  504  may be made, at least in part, by a server. According to some such examples, the server may determine both the slot game outcome and the corresponding display symbols. According to some such examples, both the UI system  302  and the game processing backend system  314  may reside in a single device, such as a single server. 
     In some examples, one device (e.g., a server) may determine at least a portion of the slot game outcome (e.g., a particular number of credits to be awarded, a particular number of configurable symbols that will be presented, etc.) and another device (e.g., a local gaming device on which a game is being presented) may determine the display symbols corresponding to the outcome obtained from the server. In some such examples, the UI system  302  may reside in one device and the game processing backend system  314  may reside in another device. According to some alternative examples, one server may implement at least a portion of the UI system  302  and another server may implement the game processing backend system  314 . 
     According to some examples, determining the game outcome involves determining whether a game outcome presentation will involve displaying a prize-on frame in one or more display symbol locations. The prize-on frame(s) may, in some instances, include letters, numbers and/or symbols that indicate one or more types of jackpots, specific credit amounts to be awarded, multiplier symbols, wild symbols or other reel modification symbols, etc. For example, in some instances the prize-on frame may include a wild symbol which, when the frame surrounds a symbol part of a winning combination of symbols, replaces each of the symbols in the winning combination of symbols with a wild symbol. These new wild symbols may then create additional winning combinations of symbols. In some instances the player may be receive a first award for the first winning symbol combination, and then may be receive a second award for any subsequent winning symbol combinations created with the new wild symbols. 
     The one or more display symbol locations may, in some examples, be one or more predetermined display symbol locations. The predetermined display symbol location may, in some examples, be one of the display symbol locations of a predetermined display symbol column and/or one of the display symbol locations of a predetermined display symbol row. According to some such implementations, a prize-on frame will only be displayed in a predetermined display symbol column and/or a predetermined display symbol row. However, in alternative examples a prize-on frame may be displayed in any display symbol location. 
     For example, block  504  may involve making one or more RNG calls to determine whether a game outcome presentation will involve displaying a prize-on frame in one or more display symbol locations, which may in some instances be one or more predetermined display symbol locations. In some such examples, there may be at least one RNG call involving whether a prize-on frame will be presented in one or more display symbol locations that is separate from the RNG call(s) for determining the game outcome and corresponding display symbols for the instance of the wagering game. In other words, in some implementations determining whether a prize-on frame will be presented in one or more display symbol locations may involve one or more processes that are separate from the process(es) for determining the game outcome and corresponding display symbols. 
     In some implementations, if the control system determined that no prize-on frame would be presented for an instance of the wagering game and then, during an instance of the wagering game immediately after that instance of the wagering game the control system had determined that a prize-on frame would be presented, the prize-on frame will be displayed again in at least one additional subsequent game instance. Some examples are described below with reference to  FIG. 6  et seq. In some such examples, the prize-on frame will first be presented in a first predetermined display symbol location. 
     According to some such examples, during the next instance of the wagering game, the same prize-on frame will then be presented in a second predetermined display symbol location. In some such examples, if a prize-on frame is first presented in a first predetermined display symbol location, it is predetermined that the same prize-on frame will be presented in the second predetermined display symbol location during the next instance of the wagering game. According to some such implementations, the same prize-on frame will first be presented in a first predetermined display symbol location and will subsequently be presented in a predetermined sequence of display symbol locations. Accordingly, no RNG call is required to determine the type or placement of the prize-on frame in such instances. However, one or more RNG calls may nonetheless be made to determine whether another prize-on frame will be displayed in another display symbol location, such as a first predetermined display symbol location. 
     In some implementations, the same prize-on frame may be presented in the same display symbol location during multiple instances of the wagering game. According to some such examples, the same prize-on frame may be presented in the first display symbol location during multiple instances of the wagering game. In other such examples, the same prize-on frame will first be presented in a first predetermined a display symbol location and will subsequently be presented in another display symbol location during multiple instances of the wagering game. 
     According to some such implementations, the same prize-on frame will first be presented in a first predetermined display symbol location and will subsequently be presented in a predetermined sequence of display symbol locations. However, in some implementations, after being presented in the predetermined sequence of display symbol locations the prize-on frame may be presented in the same display symbol location during multiple instances of the wagering game. In some such examples, the prize-on frame may be presented in the same display symbol location until a display symbol presented in the same display symbol location is part of a winning combination of display symbols. 
     According to some such implementations, a first prize-on frame may be presented in a first display symbol location during multiple instances of the wagering game while a second prize-on frame is presented in a predetermined sequence of display symbol locations. In some such examples, the predetermined sequence of display symbol locations may include the first display symbol location. 
     According to some such examples, if it is determined that the first prize-on frame and the second prize-on frame will be presented in the same display symbol location, a single prize-on frame will be presented in that display symbol location. The single prize-on frame may, for example, indicate the value of the first prize-on frame or the value of the second prize-on frame. According to some such implementations, the single prize-on frame may indicate the higher of the two values. According to some such examples, if it is determined that the first prize-on frame and the second prize-on frame will be presented in the same display symbol location, a new prize-on frame may be presented at that location. The new prize-on frame may have a value different from that of the first prize-on frame or the second prize-on frame. For example, the new prize-on frame may have a value that is a multiple of the value of the first prize-on frame or the value of the second prize-on frame. In another example, the new prize-on frame may have a value that is a sum of the value of the first prize-on frame and the value of the second prize-on frame. In another example, the new prize-on frame may have a value that is the product of the value of the first prize-on frame and the value of the second prize-on frame. For example, if the value of the first prize-on frame were 50 and the value of the second prize-on frame were 100, the new prize-on frame may have a value of 5,000. 
     In some examples wherein it is determined that a prize-on frame will be presented in a display symbol location, determining the game outcome award may involve determining whether a display symbol presented in the same display symbol location is part of a winning combination of display symbols. According to some such examples, the value or other indication of the prize-on frame will affect an award that is based on the winning combination of display symbols. In some such examples, the prize-on frame may indicate a credit value. Determining the game outcome award may involve awarding a credit value corresponding to the credit value indicated on the prize-on frame. In other such examples, the prize-on frame may indicate a progressive jackpot. Determining the game outcome award may involve awarding a credit value corresponding to a current credit value of the progressive jackpot. In other instances, the prize-on frame may indicate a multiplier symbol, such as “2×,” “3×,” etc. In some examples, determining the game outcome award may involve awarding a credit value corresponding to a multiple of a credit value that would otherwise have been awarded for the winning combination of display symbols. According to some examples, a prize award may be aligned with a changing payline. According to some such examples, the payline may change with each reel spin. 
     According to some implementations, the value of at least one type of prize-on frame may depend, at least in part, on a current wager level. In some such implementations, the user interface system may be configured for receiving an indication of a wager amount. According to some such implementations, in response to receiving the indication of the determined wager amount, a control system (e.g., a control system of a gaming device) may be configured to determine a corresponding increase in a value of at least one prize-on frame. In some such implementations, in response to receiving the indication of the determined wager amount, the control system may be configured to determine that at least one jackpot will become available. The availability of the jackpot may correspond with the availability of a prize-on frame indicating the jackpot. According to some such implementations, the control system may be configured to control the display system to provide an indication that the at least one jackpot has become available and/or that a prize-on frame indicating the jackpot has become available. 
     In this example, block  506  involves controlling, via the control system, a display system to display the game outcome. According to this example, displaying the game outcome involves displaying the display symbols at a plurality of display symbol locations on a display device of the display system. In this implementation, the plurality of display symbol locations are arranged in a plurality of display symbol rows and display symbol columns. However, in other examples, the display symbol locations may be arranged in other ways, e.g., along curves, in lines that radiate from one or more central areas, etc. 
     In this example, for game instances in which it is determined that the game outcome presentation will involve displaying a prize-on frame in one or more predetermined display symbol locations, block  506  involves displaying the prize-on frame around one or more of the display symbols in the one or more predetermined display symbol locations. Various examples are described below with reference to  FIG. 6  et seq. 
     According to this implementation, block  508  involves controlling, via the control system, the display system to present award effects corresponding to a game outcome award determination. In this example, the game outcome award determination corresponds to the game outcome award that is determined in block  504 . 
     In some implementations of method  500 , the prize-on frame may indicate one or more free games, such as “2 Free Games,” “3 Free Games,” etc. According to some such implementations, if a winning combination of display symbols includes a display symbol presented at the same display symbol location as a prize-on frame that indicates one or more free games, block  508  (or a subsequent block of method  500 ) may involve presenting a visual and/or audio indication that a player has won the one or more free games, presenting the one or more free games, etc. 
       FIG. 6  shows an example of a display that may be presented according to one implementation of the method of  FIG. 5 . As with other implementations provided herein, the particular types of elements and the particular arrangement of elements shown in  FIG. 6  are merely examples. 
     In this example, the display  600  is an example of a GUI that may be used to present instances of an Aztec-themed wagering game. In some instances, the display  600  may be used to present an online wagering game, e.g., on an end user device (EUD) such as one of the EUDs  264   a ,  264   b  or  264   c  shown in  FIG. 2C  and described above. However, in alternative implementations the display  600  may be used to present a casino-based wagering game, e.g., on a gaming device such as one of the gaming devices  104 A- 104 X that are shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     According to this example, displaying the game outcome shown in  FIG. 6  involves displaying display symbols at a plurality of display symbol locations. In this implementation, the plurality of display symbol locations are arranged in a plurality of display symbol rows and display symbol columns. In the particular game outcome shown in  FIG. 6 , it was determined in block  504  that the game outcome presentation would not involve displaying a prize-on frame in one or more predetermined display symbol locations. 
     In this example, a prize-on frame can only be presented in one of the display symbol locations of the column  605 . The display symbol locations of the column  605  are examples of the “predetermined display symbol locations” that are disclosed herein. In other implementations, a prize-on frame may be presented in other display symbol locations, such as one or more other display symbol rows or display symbol columns. In still other examples, a prize-on frame may be presented in any display symbol location. 
       FIG. 7  shows an example of a display that may be presented after the display of  FIG. 6  according to some examples. According to this example, the display  700  is an example of a game outcome presentation that may be displayed during the next game instance after the game instance that is represented in  FIG. 6 . In this instance, it was determined in block  504  that the game outcome presentation would include a prize-on frame displayed in a predetermined display symbol location. 
     The game instance that is depicted in  FIG. 7  is an example in which a control system (such as the control system  454  shown in  FIG. 4 ) determined that no prize-on frame would be presented for an instance of the wagering game immediately prior to a current instance of the wagering game and in which the control system determines that a prize-on frame will be displayed during the current instance of the wagering game. According to this example, the control system is configured to determine that the prize-on frame can only be displayed in a predetermined initial display symbol location. In this example, the predetermined initial display symbol location is column  605 , row  705 . According to some such examples, if no prize-on frame was presented for the instance of the wagering game that was immediately prior to the current instance of the wagering game, column  605 , row  705  is the only display symbol location in which a prize-on frame could be presented. In other words, column  605 , row  705  is the only predetermined initial display symbol location in such examples. In other examples, a prize-on frame could initially be presented in any row of column  605 , including row  707  and row  709 . According to other implementations, a prize-on frame could initially be presented in any row of any column. 
     According to this example, the prize-on frame  710  indicates a credit value in the prize area  715 . In this implementation, if a game outcome includes a winning combination of symbols that includes a symbol in the same position as the prize-on frame  710  (which is the symbol  720  in this example) a credit value of 100,000 will be awarded. In this particular instance, no winning combination of symbols included the symbol  720 . 
     According to some such examples, if a control system has determined that a prize-on frame will be presented in a predetermined initial display symbol location during a current instance of a wagering game, the control system may be configured to determine that a prize-on frame will be displayed in a next instance of the wagering game that is immediately after the current instance of the wagering game. In some such examples, there is a predetermined outcome to the process of determining whether the game outcome presentation will involve displaying a prize-on frame: according to some such examples, it may be predetermined that the same prize-on frame will be presented in as part of the game outcome of the next game instance. In other words, according to some such examples the process of determining whether the game outcome presentation will involve displaying the same prize-on frame will not involve an RNG call. This is another potential technical advantage. According to some such implementations, the prize-on frame that is displayed in the next instance of the wagering game may be displayed in a predetermined secondary display symbol location. The predetermined secondary display symbol location may or may not be adjacent to the predetermined initial display symbol location, depending on the particular implementation. According to some such implementations, the prize-on frame that is displayed in the next instance of the wagering game will match the prize-on frame that was displayed in the previous instance of the wagering game. 
       FIG. 8  shows an example of a display that may be presented after the display of  FIG. 7  according to some examples. According to this example, the display  800  is an example of a GUI that may be presented for the next game instance after the game instance depicted in  FIG. 7 . 
     According to this example, because a prize-on frame was presented in a predetermined initial display symbol location in the game outcome indicated in  FIG. 7 , in the next instance of the wagering game the same prize-on frame ( 710 ) shown in  FIG. 7  will be displayed in a predetermined secondary display symbol location. In this example, the predetermined secondary display symbol location is column  605 , row  707 , which is adjacent to the initial display symbol location. According to some such implementations, a series of images that depict the prize-on frame  710  being raised from column  605 , row  705  to column  605 , row  707  may be presented. In some such implementations, corresponding sounds, which may include clinking sounds corresponding to movement of the chains  825 , may be presented. 
     However, the process of determining whether the game outcome presentation will involve displaying one or more other prize-on frames may nonetheless involve one or more RNG calls. In this example, the process of determining whether the game outcome presentation will involve displaying a prize-on frame in the display symbol location of column  605 , row  705  involved one or more RNG calls. In this particular instance, it was determined in block  504  that no prize-on frame would be presented in the display symbol location of column  605 , row  705 . 
     In this implementation, even though it was predetermined that the same prize-on frame  710  would be displayed in the predetermined secondary display symbol location, block  504  nonetheless included a process of randomly determining (e.g., via one or more RNG calls) the game outcome and corresponding display symbols for the instance of the wagering game that is shown in  FIG. 8 . Accordingly, the prize-on frame  710  is now in the same display symbol location as a different symbol, the display symbol  820 . In this particular instance, there was a game outcome award of 24,000 credits. However, no winning combination of symbols included the symbol  820 , so the credit shown on the prize-on frame  710  was not included in this award. 
     According to some such examples, if a control system has determined that a prize-on frame will be presented in a predetermined secondary display symbol location during a current instance of a wagering game, the control system may be configured to determine that a prize-on frame will be displayed in a next instance of the wagering game that is immediately after the current instance of the wagering game. In some such examples, it may be predetermined that a prize-on frame will be presented in as part of the game outcome of the next game instance. In other words, according to some such examples the process of determining whether the game outcome presentation will involve displaying the same prize-on frame will not involve an RNG call. This is another potential technical advantage. According to some such implementations, the prize-on frame that is displayed in the next instance of the wagering game may be displayed in a predetermined tertiary display symbol location. The predetermined tertiary display symbol location may or may not be adjacent to the predetermined secondary display symbol location, depending on the particular implementation. 
       FIG. 9A  shows an example of a display that may be presented after the display of  FIG. 8  according to some examples. According to this example, the display  900  is an example of a GUI that may be presented for the next game instance after the game instance depicted in  FIG. 8 . According to this instance, the prize-on frame  710  is displayed in the predetermined tertiary display symbol location of column  605 , row  709 , which is adjacent to the secondary display symbol location. According to some such implementations, a series of images that depict the prize-on frame  710  being raised to column  605 , row  709  may be presented. In some such implementations, corresponding sounds, which may include clinking sounds corresponding to movement of the chains  825 , may be presented. 
     However, in this example the process of determining whether the game outcome presentation will involve displaying one or more other prize-on frames involves one or more random processes, which may be implemented via one or more RNG calls. In this example, the process of determining whether the game outcome presentation will involve displaying a prize-on frame in the display symbol location of column  605 , row  705  involved one or more RNG calls. In this particular instance, it was determined in block  504  that the prize-on frame  915  would be presented in the display symbol location of column  605 , row  705 . According to this example, the display symbol location of column  605 , row  705  would be considered a predetermined initial display symbol location for the prize-on frame  915 . 
     In this example, the prize-on frame  710  is displayed in the same display symbol location as the display symbol  920 . In this particular instance, there is a winning combination of symbols that includes the display symbol  920 . 
       FIG. 9B  shows an example of a display that may be presented after the display of  FIG. 9A  according to some examples. According to this implementation, the display  925  is an example of a GUI that may be presented in block  508  of  FIG. 5 . Because there is a winning combination of symbols that includes the display symbol  920  in this instance, banner  930  indicates that the 100,000 credits that are indicated on the prize-on frame  710  will be awarded. According to this example, a subsequent display will indicate the additional 100,000 credits in the “Total Win” field. 
     As noted elsewhere herein, in some implementations prize-on frames may be presented in display symbol locations other than the rows of column  605 . In some such implementations, prize-on frames may be presented in the display symbol locations of one or more other columns, such as the column  610 . In some such implementations, credit or jackpot awards may be indicated on the prize-on frames that are presented in one column and multiplier symbols may be indicated on the prize-on frames that are presented in another column. 
     According to one such example, credit or jackpot awards may be indicated on the prize-on frames that are presented in column  605  and multiplier symbols may be indicated on the prize-on frames that are presented in column  610 . For example, if a multiplier symbol of  2 X were indicated on a prize-on frame presented in the display symbol location  935 , which includes another instance of the winning combination of symbols including the display symbol  920 , the 100,000 credit award would have been doubled to 200,000. 
       FIG. 10A  shows an example of a display that may be presented after the display of  FIGS. 9A and 9B  according to some examples. According to this example, the display  1000  is an example of a GUI that may be presented for the next game instance after the game instance depicted in  FIGS. 9A and 9B . According to this instance, the prize-on frame  710  is no longer being presented. According to this example, the display symbol location of column  605 , row  707  would be considered a predetermined secondary display symbol location for the prize-on frame  915 . According to this example, the display symbol location of column  605 , row  705  would be considered a predetermined initial display symbol location for the prize-on frame  1005 . 
       FIG. 10B  shows an example of a display that may be presented after the display of  FIG. 10A  according to some examples. According to this implementation, the display  1005  is another example of a GUI that may be presented in block  508  of  FIG. 5 . Because there is a winning combination of symbols that includes the display symbol  1010  in this instance, banner  1030  indicates that the 140,000 credits that are indicated on the prize-on frame  1005  will be awarded. According to this example, the “Total Win” field is in the process of displaying a sequence of images that shows a progression of credit values that will culminate in the total win amount that will eventually be displayed. 
       FIG. 10C  shows an example of a display that may be presented after the display of  FIG. 10B  according to some examples. According to this implementation, the display  1005  is another example of a GUI that may be presented in block  508  of  FIG. 5 . According to this example, the “Total Win” field indicates the 140,000 credits awarded due to the effect of the prize-on frame  1005  on the winning combination of symbols included the display symbol  1010 , plus an additional 8,000 credits that were awarded during this game instance, e.g. as an award for the winning combination of symbols. 
       FIG. 11  shows an example of a display that may be presented after the display of  FIG. 10C  according to some examples. According to this example, the display  1100  is an example of a GUI that may be presented for the next game instance after the game instance depicted in  FIGS. 10A-10C . According to this instance, the prize-on frame  915  is displayed in the predetermined tertiary display symbol location of column  605 , row  709 . According to some such implementations, a series of images that depict the prize-on frame  915  being raised to column  605 , row  709  may be presented. In some such implementations, corresponding sounds, which may include clinking sounds corresponding to movement of the chains  825 , may be presented. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 11 , the display symbol location of column  605 , row  707  would be considered a predetermined secondary display symbol location for the prize-on frame  1005 . In this instance, the game outcome did not include a prize-on frame in the predetermined initial display symbol location of column  605 , row  705 . According to this example, this particular game instance did not include a winning combination of symbols that included the symbol within the prize-on frame  915  or the symbol within the prize-on frame  1005 . 
       FIG. 12  shows an example of a display that may be presented after the display of  FIG. 11  according to some examples. According to this example, the display  1200  is an example of a GUI that may be presented for the next game instance after the game instance depicted in  FIG. 11 . According to this instance, the prize-on frame  1005  is displayed in the predetermined tertiary display symbol location of column  605 , row  709 . According to some such implementations, a series of images that depict the prize-on frame  1005  being raised to column  605 , row  709  may be presented. In some such implementations, corresponding sounds, which may include clinking sounds corresponding to movement of the chains  825 , may be presented. 
     In this instance, the game outcome did not include a prize-on frame in the predetermined initial display symbol location of column  605 , row  705 . In the example shown in  FIG. 12 , this particular game instance did not include a winning combination of symbols that included the symbol within the prize-on frame  1005 . 
       FIG. 13  shows an example of a display that may be presented after the display of  FIG. 12  according to some examples. According to this example, the display  1200  is an example of a GUI that may be presented for the next game instance after the game instance depicted in  FIG. 12 . In this instance, the game outcome did not include a prize-on frame in the predetermined initial display symbol location of column  605 , row  705 . 
       FIG. 14  shows another example of a display that may be presented according to one implementation of the method of  FIG. 5 . In this example, prize-on frames are displayed in all of the rows of column  605 . In this example, the prize-on frame  1405  indicates a progressive jackpot, which is the mini jackpot in this example. If the display symbol  1420  were part of a winning combination of display symbols, the current value of the mini jackpot would be awarded in some examples. 
     According to this example, the prize-on frames  1410  and  1415  indicate credit awards. In this example, the prize-on frame  1410  is in a predetermined secondary display symbol location and the prize-on frame  1415  is in a predetermined initial display symbol location. 
     According to some implementations, a prize-on frame may remain in the same display symbol location for more than one instance of a game. For example, the prize-on frame  1410  may remain in the predetermined secondary display symbol location for more than one instance of a game. In some such examples, the prize-on frame may be presented in the same display symbol location until a display symbol presented in the same display symbol location is part of a winning combination of display symbols. 
     According to some such implementations, one prize-on frame may remain in the same display symbol location for more than one instance of a game while one or more other prize-on frames are presented in a sequence of display symbol locations. According to some such implementations, a first prize-on frame may be presented in a first display symbol location during multiple instances of the wagering game while a second prize-on frame is presented in a predetermined sequence of display symbol locations. In some such examples, the predetermined sequence of display symbol locations may include the first display symbol location. 
     For example, in the next game instance after the one depicted in  FIG. 14 , the prize-on frame  1415  may advance to the predetermined secondary display symbol location of column  605 , row  707 . In some such implementations, the prize-on frame  1410 , or some representation of the prize-on frame  1410 , also may be displayed in the same position. According to some such examples, a prize-on frame that indicates both 140K credits and 80K credits may be displayed in the same position. In other implementations, the larger of the two credit values will be displayed when two prize-on frames are occupying the same display symbol location. In some examples, in a subsequent game instance the prize-on frame  1415  may advance to the predetermined tertiary display symbol location of column  605 , row  709 . According to some such implementations, the prize-on frame  1410  will continue to be displayed in column  605 , row  707 . In some such implementations, the prize-on frame  1410  will once again have an indicated value of 80K credits. 
     While specific examples have been described with respect to the figures, it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, although some examples are described as embodiments of base games, the concepts disclosed herein can also be applied to other types of games, such as feature games or bonus games, e.g., free spins of a slot game. Similarly, although some examples are described as embodiments of feature games or bonus games, e.g., free spins of a slot game, the concepts disclosed herein can also be applied to other types of games, such as base games. Any variation and derivation from the above description and figures are included in the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims.