Patent ID: 12205440

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and apparatuses for providing and/or operating user-configurable slot type concatenation games. Rather than typical slot type games where specific matching combinations of symbols along paylines through a row-by-column grid or matrix indicate the outcome of the game, the slot type concatenation game of the present disclosure may concatenate value symbols (such as numerals) along a payline to form a numerical outcome. Non-value symbols (such as non-numerals) may be omitted and/or ignored. Further, the payline may be indicated by the presence of a trigger symbol, which may allow the payline to change between different plays of the slot type concatenation game. Further, the slot type concatenation game is user-configurable. The user-configurable slot type concatenation game of the present disclosure allows users to indicate the number of the symbol reels that may include value symbols that will be concatenated along a payline defined by the trigger symbol. The user-configurable slot type concatenation game of the present disclosure allows users to indicate the denomination set that is used to configure the symbol reels with value symbols, such as from one or more value symbol tables. Such user-configurability greatly extends the number of possible outcomes of play of the user-configurable slot type concatenation game.

In various implementations, user-configurable slot type concatenation games may include one or more trigger reels and a number of symbol reels. One or more user interface mechanisms may receive an indication of a number of the symbol reels and an indication of a denomination set. One or more of the symbol reels may be configured with value symbols and/or nonvalue symbols according to the indication of the denomination set, such as by obtaining the value symbols and/or the nonvalue symbols from one or more tables. Upon determining that a trigger symbol is present in determined outcomes of the trigger reels, a game outcome may be determined from determined outcomes of the symbols reels by concatenating the value symbols on the indicated number of the symbol reels along a payline indicated by the trigger symbol.

In this way, the technique for providing the user-configurable slot type concatenation game discussed herein may provide unconventional technical solutions for implementing slot type concatenation games with different numbers of reels and/or different sets of value symbols, without requiring multiple game machines and/or storage of multiple games by game machines and/or storage that supports game machines. These techniques may greatly expand the game capabilities of the slot type concatenation game and/or the functions related to the slot type concatenation game, and may also improve the operation of the devices and/or systems that implement the slot type concatenation game by reducing duplicate hardware (such as may be the case with implementations that require multiple game machines) and/or software (such as may be the case with implementations that require storage of multiple games by game machines), eliminating more resource-consumptive solutions to the above issues, and so on. Such capabilities may greatly extend the useful life of the slot type concatenation game and/or greatly delay the time when the game machine involved in the slot type concatenation game may be replaced.

FIG.1illustrates several different models of EGMs which may be networked to various gaming related servers. Shown is a system100in a gaming environment including one or more server computers102(e.g., slot servers of a casino) that are in communication, via a communications network, with one or more gaming devices104A-104X (EGMs, slots, video poker, bingo machines, etc.) that can implement one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The gaming devices104A-104X 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 devices104A-104X 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 devices104A-104X and the server computers102, and among the gaming devices104A-104X, may be direct or indirect using one or more communication protocols. As an example, gaming devices104A-104X and the server computers102can communicate over one or more communication networks, such as over the Internet through a website 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 devices104A-104X to communicate with one another and/or the server computers102using a variety of communication-based technologies, such as radio frequency (RF) (e.g., wireless fidelity (WiFi®) and Bluetooth®), cable TV, satellite links and the like.

In some implementation, server computers102may not be necessary and/or preferred. For example, in one or more implementations, a stand-alone gaming device such as gaming device104A, gaming device104B or any of the other gaming devices104C-104X 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 computers102described herein.

The server computers102may include a central determination gaming system server106, a ticket-in-ticket-out (TITO) system server108, a player tracking system server110, a progressive system server112, and/or a casino management system server114. Gaming devices104A-104X 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 server106and then transmitted over the network to any of a group of remote terminals or remote gaming devices104A-104X that utilize the game outcomes and display the results to the players.

Gaming device104A 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 device104A often includes a main door which provides access to the interior of the cabinet. Gaming device104A typically includes a button area or button deck120accessible by a player that is configured with input switches or buttons122, an access channel for a bill validator124, and/or an access channel for a ticket-out printer126.

InFIG.1, gaming device104A is shown as a Relm XL™ model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. As shown, gaming device104A is a reel machine having a gaming display area118comprising a number (typically 3 or 5) of mechanical reels130with various symbols displayed on them. The mechanical reels130are independently spun and stopped to show a set of symbols within the gaming display area118which may be used to determine an outcome to the game.

In many configurations, the gaming device104A may have a main display128(e.g., video display monitor) mounted to, or above, the gaming display area118. The main display128can be a high-resolution liquid crystal display (LCD), plasma, light emitting diode (LED), or organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel which may be flat or curved as shown, a cathode ray tube, or other conventional electronically controlled video monitor.

In some implementations, the bill validator124may also function as a “ticket-in” reader that allows the player to use a casino issued credit ticket to load credits onto the gaming device104A (e.g., in a cashless ticket (“TITO”) system). In such cashless implementations, the gaming device104A may also include a “ticket-out” printer126for 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 printer126on the gaming device104A. The gaming device104A 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 device, total amount of money deposited, total amount of money withdrawn, total amount of winnings on gaming device104A.

In some implementations, a player tracking card reader144, a transceiver for wireless communication with a mobile device (e.g., a player's smartphone), a keypad146, and/or an illuminated display148for reading, receiving, entering, and/or displaying player tracking information is provided in gaming device104A. In such implementations, a game controller within the gaming device104A can communicate with the player tracking system server110to send and receive player tracking information.

Gaming device104A may also include a bonus topper wheel134. When bonus play is triggered (e.g., by a player achieving a particular outcome or set of outcomes in the primary game), bonus topper wheel134is operative to spin and stop with indicator arrow136indicating the outcome of the bonus game. Bonus topper wheel134is typically used to play a bonus game, but it could also be incorporated into play of the base or primary game.

A candle138may be mounted on the top of gaming device104A and may be activated by a player (e.g., using a switch or one of buttons122) to indicate to operations staff that gaming device104A has experienced a malfunction or the player requires service. The candle138is 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 panels152which 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 implementations, the information panel(s)152may be implemented as an additional video display.

Gaming devices104A have traditionally also included a handle132typically mounted to the side of main cabinet116which may be used to initiate game play.

Many or all the above described components can be controlled by circuitry (e.g., a game controller) housed inside the main cabinet116of the gaming device104A, the details of which are shown inFIG.2A.

An alternative example gaming device104B illustrated inFIG.1is the Arc™ model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Note that where possible, reference numerals identifying similar features of the gaming device104A implementation are also identified in the gaming device104B implementation using the same reference numbers. Gaming device104B does not include physical reels and instead shows game play functions on main display128. An optional topper screen140may 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 implementations, the optional topper screen140may also or alternatively be used to display progressive jackpot prizes available to a player during play of gaming device104B.

Example gaming device104B includes a main cabinet116including a main door which opens to provide access to the interior of the gaming device104B. The main or service door is typically used by service personnel to refill the ticket-out printer126and collect bills and tickets inserted into the bill validator124. The main or service door may also be accessed to reset the machine, verify and/or upgrade the software, and for general maintenance operations.

Another example gaming device104C shown is the Helix™ model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Gaming device104C includes a main display128A that is in a landscape orientation. Although not illustrated by the front view provided, the main display128A may have a curvature radius from top to bottom, or alternatively from side to side. In some implementations, main display128A is a flat panel display. Main display128A is typically used for primary game play while secondary display128B 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 implementations, example gaming device104C may also include speakers142to 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 devices104A-104C 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 Class2or Class3, etc.

FIG.2Ais a block diagram depicting exemplary internal electronic components of a gaming device200connected to various external systems. All or parts of the gaming device200shown could be used to implement any one of the example gaming devices104A-X depicted inFIG.1. As shown inFIG.2A, gaming device200includes a topper display216or another form of a top box (e.g., a topper wheel, a topper screen, etc.) that sits above cabinet218. Cabinet218or topper display216may also house a number of other components which may be used to add features to a game being played on gaming device200, including speakers220, a ticket printer222which prints bar-coded tickets or other media or mechanisms for storing or indicating a player's credit value, a ticket reader224which reads bar-coded tickets or other media or mechanisms for storing or indicating a player's credit value, and a player tracking interface232. Player tracking interface232may include a keypad226for entering information, a player tracking display228for displaying information (e.g., an illuminated or video display), a card reader230for receiving data and/or communicating information to and from media or a device such as a smart phone enabling player tracking.FIG.2also depicts utilizing a ticket printer222to print tickets for a TITO system server108. Gaming device200may further include a bill validator234, player-input buttons236for player input, cabinet security sensors238to detect unauthorized opening of the cabinet218, a primary game display240, and a secondary game display242, each coupled to and operable under the control of game controller202.

The games available for play on the gaming device200are controlled by a game controller202that includes one or more processors204. Processor204represents a general-purpose processor, a specialized processor intended to perform certain functional tasks, or a combination thereof. As an example, processor204can 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, processor204can 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, processor204is a system on chip (SoC) that combines and integrates one or more general-purpose processors and/or one or more specialized processors. AlthoughFIG.2Aillustrates that game controller202includes a single processor204, game controller202is not limited to this representation and instead can include multiple processors204(e.g., two or more processors).

FIG.2Aillustrates that processor204is operatively coupled to memory208. Memory208is 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 memory208include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk drives, solid-state drives, universal serial bus (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 thoughFIG.2Aillustrates that game controller202includes a single memory208, game controller202could include multiple memories208for storing program instructions and/or data.

Memory208can store one or more game programs206that provide program instructions and/or data for carrying out various implementations (e.g., game mechanics) described herein. Stated another way, game program206represents an executable program stored in any portion or component of memory208. In one or more implementations, game program206is 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 processor204in 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 memory208and run by processor204; (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 memory208and executed by processor204; and (3) source code that may be interpreted by another executable program to generate instructions in a random access portion of memory208to be executed by processor204.

Alternatively, game programs206can be set up to generate one or more game instances based on instructions and/or data that gaming device200exchanges with one or more remote gaming devices, such as a central determination gaming system server106(not shown inFIG.2Abut shown inFIG.1). For purpose of this disclosure, the term “game instance” refers to a play or a round of a game that gaming device200presents (e.g., via a user interface (UI)) to a player. The game instance is communicated to gaming device200via the network214and then displayed on gaming device200. For example, gaming device200may execute game program206as video streaming software that allows the game to be displayed on gaming device200. When a game is stored on gaming device200, it may be loaded from memory208(e.g., from a read only memory (ROM)) or from the central determination gaming system server106to memory208.

Gaming devices, such as gaming device200, are highly regulated to ensure fairness and, in many cases, gaming device200is 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 devices200that differ significantly from those of general-purpose computers. Adapting general purpose computers to function as gaming devices200is not simple or straightforward because of: (1) the regulatory requirements for gaming devices200, (2) the harsh environment in which gaming devices200operate, (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 device200generally involves complying with a certain level of randomness. Typically, gaming jurisdictions mandate that gaming devices200satisfy a minimum level of randomness without specifying how a gaming device200should achieve this level of randomness. To comply,FIG.2Aillustrates that gaming device200could include an RNG212that 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 slot game, game program206can initiate multiple RNG calls to RNG212to generate RNG outcomes, where each RNG call and RNG outcome corresponds to an outcome for a reel. In another example, gaming device200can be a Class II gaming device where RNG212generates RNG outcomes for creating Bingo cards. In one or more implementations, RNG212could be one of a set of RNGs operating on gaming device200. More generally, an output of the RNG212can be the basis on which game outcomes are determined by the game controller202. Game developers could vary the degree of true randomness for each RNG (e.g., pseudorandom) and utilize specific RNGs depending on game requirements. The output of the RNG212can include a random number or pseudorandom number (either is generally referred to as a “random number”).

InFIG.2A, RNG212and hardware RNG244are shown in dashed lines to illustrate that RNG212, hardware RNG244, or both can be included in gaming device200. In one implementation, instead of including RNG212, gaming device200could include a hardware RNG244that generates RNG outcomes. Analogous to RNG212, hardware RNG244performs specialized and non-generic operations in order to comply with regulatory and gaming requirements. For example, because of regulation requirements, hardware RNG244could be a random number generator that securely produces random numbers for cryptography use. The gaming device200then uses the secure random numbers to generate game outcomes for one or more game features. In another implementation, the gaming device200could include both hardware RNG244and RNG212. RNG212may utilize the RNG outcomes from hardware RNG244as one of many sources of entropy for generating secure random numbers for the game features.

Another regulatory requirement for running games on gaming device200includes ensuring a certain level of RTP. Similar to the randomness requirement discussed above, numerous gaming jurisdictions also mandate that gaming device200provides a minimum level of RTP (e.g., RTP of at least 75%). A game can use one or more lookup tables (also called weighted tables) as part of a technical solution that satisfies regulatory requirements for randomness and RTP. In particular, a lookup table can integrate game features (e.g., trigger events for special modes or bonus games; newly introduced game elements such as extra reels, new symbols, or new cards; stop positions for dynamic game elements such as spinning reels, spinning wheels, or shifting reels; or card selections from a deck) with random numbers generated by one or more RNGs, so as to achieve a given level of volatility for a target level of RTP. (In general, volatility refers to the frequency or probability of an event such as a special mode, payout, etc. For example, for a target level of RTP, a higher-volatility game may have a lower payout most of the time with an occasional bonus having a very high payout, while a lower-volatility game has a steadier payout with more frequent bonuses of smaller amounts.) Configuring a lookup table can involve engineering decisions with respect to how RNG outcomes are mapped to game outcomes for a given game feature, while still satisfying regulatory requirements for RTP. Configuring a lookup table can also involve engineering decisions about whether different game features are combined in a given entry of the lookup table or split between different entries (for the respective game features), while still satisfying regulatory requirements for RTP and allowing for varying levels of game volatility.

FIG.2Aillustrates that gaming device200includes an RNG conversion engine210that translates the RNG outcome from RNG212to a game outcome presented to a player. To meet a designated RTP, a game developer can set up the RNG conversion engine210to 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 device200pays out the prize payout amounts. The RNG conversion engine210could 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.2Aalso depicts that gaming device200is connected over network214to player tracking system server110. Player tracking system server110may be, for example, an OASIS® system manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Player tracking system server110is 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 interface232to 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's level of patronage (e.g., to the player'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 device200, he/she can insert cash or a ticket voucher through a coin acceptor (not shown) or bill validator234to establish a credit balance on the gaming device. 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 reader230. During the game, the player views with one or more UIs, the game outcome on one or more of the primary game display240and secondary game display242. 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 buttons236, the primary game display240which may be a touch screen, or using some other device which enables a player to input information into the gaming device200.

During certain game events, the gaming device200may 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 speakers220. Visual effects include flashing lights, strobing lights or other patterns displayed from lights on the gaming device200or from lights behind the information panel152(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 printer222). The ticket may be “cashed-in” for money or inserted into another machine to establish a credit balance for play.

Additionally, or alternatively, gaming devices104A-104X and200can include or be coupled to one or more wireless transmitters, receivers, and/or transceivers (not shown inFIGS.1and2A) that communicate (e.g., Bluetooth® or other near-field communication technology) with one or more mobile devices to perform a variety of wireless operations in a casino environment. Examples of wireless operations in a casino environment include detecting the presence of mobile devices, performing credit, points, comps, or other marketing or hard currency transfers, establishing wagering sessions, and/or providing a personalized casino-based experience using a mobile application. In one implementation, to perform these wireless operations, a wireless transmitter or transceiver initiates a secure wireless connection between a gaming device104A-104X and200and a mobile device. After establishing a secure wireless connection between the gaming device104A-104X and200and the mobile device, the wireless transmitter or transceiver does not send and/or receive application data to and/or from the mobile device. Rather, the mobile device communicates with gaming devices104A-104X and200using another wireless connection (e.g., WiFi® or cellular network). In another implementation, a wireless transceiver establishes a secure connection to directly communicate with the mobile device. The mobile device and gaming device104A-104X and200sends and receives data utilizing the wireless transceiver instead of utilizing an external network. For example, the mobile device would perform digital wallet transactions by directly communicating with the wireless transceiver. In one or more implementations, a wireless transmitter could broadcast data received by one or more mobile devices without establishing a pairing connection with the mobile devices.

AlthoughFIGS.1and2Aillustrate specific implementations of a gaming device (e.g., gaming devices104A-104X and200), the disclosure is not limited to those implementations shown inFIGS.1and2. For example, not all gaming devices suitable for implementing implementations 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 tabletops and have displays that face upwards. Gaming devices104A-104X and200may also include other processors that are not separately shown. UsingFIG.2Aas an example, gaming device200could include display controllers (not shown inFIG.2A) configured to receive video input signals or instructions to display images on game displays240and242. Alternatively, such display controllers may be integrated into the game controller202. The use and discussion ofFIGS.1and2are examples to facilitate ease of description and explanation.

FIG.2Bdepicts a casino gaming environment according to one example. In this example, the casino251includes banks252of EGMs104. In this example, each bank252of EGMs104includes a corresponding gaming signage system254(also shown inFIG.2A). According to this implementation, the casino251also includes mobile gaming devices256, which are also configured to present wagering games in this example. The mobile gaming devices256may, for example, include tablet devices, cellular phones, smart phones and/or other handheld devices. In this example, the mobile gaming devices256are configured for communication with one or more other devices in the casino251, including but not limited to one or more of the server computers102, via wireless access points258.

According to some examples, the mobile gaming devices256may be configured for stand-alone determination of game outcomes. However, in some alternative implementations the mobile gaming devices256may be configured to receive game outcomes from another device, such as the central determination gaming system server106, one of the EGMs104, etc.

Some mobile gaming devices256may 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 devices256may not be configured to accept monetary credits via a credit or debit card. Some mobile gaming devices256may include a ticket reader and/or a ticket printer whereas some mobile gaming devices256may not, depending on the particular implementation.

In some implementations, the casino251may include one or more kiosks260that are configured to facilitate monetary transactions involving the mobile gaming devices256, which may include cash out and/or cash in transactions. The kiosks260may be configured for wired and/or wireless communication with the mobile gaming devices256. The kiosks260may be configured to accept monetary credits from casino patrons262and/or to dispense monetary credits to casino patrons262via 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 kiosks260may be configured to accept monetary credits from a casino patron and to provide a corresponding amount of monetary credits to a mobile gaming device256for wagering purposes, e.g., via a wireless link such as a near-field communications link. In some such examples, when a casino patron262is ready to cash out, the casino patron262may select a cash out option provided by a mobile gaming device256, 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 device256may send a “cash out” signal to a kiosk260via a wireless link in response to receiving a “cash out” indication from a casino patron. The kiosk260may provide monetary credits to the casino patron262corresponding 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 server108. For example, the TITO system server108may control, or at least authorize, ticket-in and ticket-out transactions that involve a mobile gaming device256and/or a kiosk260.

Some mobile gaming devices256may be configured for receiving and/or transmitting player loyalty information. For example, some mobile gaming devices256may be configured for wireless communication with the player tracking system server110. Some mobile gaming devices256may be configured for receiving and/or transmitting player loyalty information via wireless communication with a patron's player loyalty card, a patron's smartphone, etc.

According to some implementations, a mobile gaming device256may be configured to provide safeguards that prevent the mobile gaming device256from being used by an unauthorized person. For example, some mobile gaming devices256may 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 devices256may be configured to function only within a predetermined or configurable area, such as a casino gaming area.

FIG.2Cis 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 inFIG.2Care merely shown by way of example. In this example, various gaming devices, including but not limited to end user devices (EUDs)264a,264band264care capable of communication via one or more networks417. The networks417may, for example, include one or more cellular telephone networks, the Internet, etc. In this example, the EUDs264aand264bare mobile devices: according to this example the EUD264ais a tablet device and the EUD264bis a smart phone. In this implementation, the EUD264cis a laptop computer that is located within a residence266at the time depicted inFIG.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 center276includes various devices that are configured to provide online wagering games via the networks417. The gaming data center276is capable of communication with the networks417via the gateway272. In this example, switches278and routers280are configured to provide network connectivity for devices of the gaming data center276, including storage devices282a, servers284aand one or more workstations570a. The servers284amay, 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 devices282a. The code may be subsequently loaded onto a server284aafter selection by a player via an EUD and communication of that selection from the EUD via the networks417. The server284aonto 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's EUD. In other examples, code for executing at least some of the games may initially be stored on one or more of the servers284a. Although only one gaming data center276is shown inFIG.2C, some implementations may include multiple gaming data centers276.

In this example, a financial institution data center270is also configured for communication via the networks417. Here, the financial institution data center270includes servers284b, storage devices282b, and one or more workstations286b. According to this example, the financial institution data center270is configured to maintain financial accounts, such as checking accounts, savings accounts, loan accounts, etc. In some implementations one or more of the authorized users274a-274cmay maintain at least one financial account with the financial institution that is serviced via the financial institution data center270.

According to some implementations, the gaming data center276may 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 servers284amay 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)284amay be configured to obtain financial credits from and/or provide financial credits to one or more financial institutions, according to a player's “cash in” selections, wagering game results and a player's “cash out” instructions. According to some such implementations, the server(s)284amay 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 center270. The server(s)284amay, in some examples, be configured to maintain an audit record of such transactions.

In some alternative implementations, the gaming data center276may 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 center270and the gaming data center276include their own servers and storage devices in this example, in some examples the financial institution data center270and/or the gaming data center276may use offsite “cloud-based” servers and/or storage devices. In some alternative examples, the financial institution data center270and/or the gaming data center276may rely entirely on cloud-based servers.

One or more types of devices in the gaming data center276(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 EUDs264and/or other information regarding authorized users of EUDs264(including but not limited to the authorized users274a-274c), may be stored on storage devices282and/or servers284. 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 devices282and/or servers284. In some implementations, some such game-related software may be available as “apps” and may be downloadable (e.g., from the gaming data center276) 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 center276. One or more other devices (such EUDs264or devices of the gaming data center276) 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.3illustrates, in block diagram form, an implementation of a game processing architecture300that implements a game processing pipeline for the play of a game in accordance with various implementations described herein. As shown inFIG.3, the gaming processing pipeline starts with having a UI system302receive one or more player inputs for the game instance. Based on the player input(s), the UI system302generates and sends one or more RNG calls to a game processing backend system314. Game processing backend system314then processes the RNG calls with RNG engine316to generate one or more RNG outcomes. The RNG outcomes are then sent to the RNG conversion engine320to generate one or more game outcomes for the UI system302to display to a player. The game processing architecture300can implement the game processing pipeline using a gaming device, such as gaming devices104A-104X and200shown inFIGS.1and2, respectively. Alternatively, portions of the gaming processing architecture300can implement the game processing pipeline using a gaming device and one or more remote gaming devices, such as central determination gaming system server106shown inFIG.1.

The UI system302includes one or more UIs that a player can interact with. The UI system302could include one or more game play UIs304, one or more bonus game play UIs308, and one or more multiplayer UIs312, where each UI type includes one or more mechanical UIs and/or graphical UIs (GUIs). In other words, game play UI304, bonus game play UI308, and the multiplayer UI312may 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. UsingFIG.3as an example, the different UI elements are shown as game play UI elements306A-306N and bonus game play UI elements310A-310N.

The game play UI304represents a UI that a player typically interfaces with for a base game. During a game instance of a base game, the game play UI elements306A-306N (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 system302could transition out of the base game to one or more bonus games. The bonus game play UI308represents a UI that utilizes bonus game play UI elements310A-310N for a player to interact with and/or view during a bonus game. In one or more implementations, at least some of the game play UI element306A-306N are similar to the bonus game play UI elements310A-310N. In other implementations, the game play UI element306A-306N can differ from the bonus game play UI elements310A-310N.

FIG.3also illustrates that UI system302could include a multiplayer UI312purposed for game play that differs or is separate from the typical base game. For example, multiplayer UI312could 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 engines316corresponding to each gaming device could be collectively linked to determine a tournament outcome. To enhance a player'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. AlthoughFIG.3does not explicitly depict that multiplayer UI312includes UI elements, multiplayer UI312could also include one or more multiplayer UI elements.

Based on the player inputs, the UI system302could generate RNG calls to a game processing backend system314. As an example, the UI system302could use one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) to generate the RNG calls. To process the RNG calls, the RNG engine316could utilize gaming RNG318and/or non-gaming RNGs319A-319N. Gaming RNG318could corresponds to RNG212or hardware RNG244shown inFIG.2A. As previously discussed with reference toFIG.2A, gaming RNG318often performs specialized and non-generic operations that comply with regulatory and/or game requirements. For example, because of regulation requirements, gaming RNG318could correspond to RNG212by being a cryptographic RNG or pseudorandom number generator (PRNG) (e.g., Fortuna PRNG) that securely produces random numbers for one or more game features. To securely generate random numbers, gaming RNG318could collect random data from various sources of entropy, such as from an operating system (OS) and/or a hardware RNG (e.g., hardware RNG244shown inFIG.2A). Alternatively, non-gaming RNGs319A-319N may not be cryptographically secure and/or be computationally less expensive. Non-gaming RNGs319A-319N can, thus, be used to generate outcomes for non-gaming purposes. As an example, non-gaming RNGs319A-319N can generate random numbers for generating random messages that appear on the gaming device.

The RNG conversion engine320processes each RNG outcome from RNG engine316and converts the RNG outcome to a UI outcome that is feedback to the UI system302. With reference toFIG.2A, RNG conversion engine320corresponds to RNG conversion engine210used for game play. As previously described, RNG conversion engine320translates the RNG outcome from the RNG212to a game outcome presented to a player. RNG conversion engine320utilizes one or more lookup tables322A-322N 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 engine320could 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 and 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 system314sends the UI outcome to the UI system302. 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 system302updates one or more game play UI elements306A-306N, such as symbols, for the game play UI304. In another example, if the UI outcome is for a bonus game, the UI system could update one or more bonus game play UI elements310A-310N (e.g., symbols) for the bonus game play UI308. In response to 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.4depicts a flow chart illustrating a method400for providing and/or operating a user-configurable slot type concatenation game. The method400may be performed by and/or using one or more of the gaming devices104A-104X,200and/or the gaming data center276ofFIGS.1-2Cand/or using the game processing architecture300ofFIG.3.

At operation401, one or more electronic devices (such as one or more of the gaming devices104A-104X,200and/or the gaming data center276ofFIGS.1-2Cand/or using the game processing architecture300ofFIG.3) may receive an indication of a number of reels from a player using one or more user interface mechanisms. One such example interface is shown inFIG.11. The indication of the number of reels may indicate a number of reels out a possible number of reels. Such user interface mechanisms may include, but are not limited to, one or more buttons, touch screens, and so on. The indication of the number of reels may be for a user-configurable slot type concatenation game. The slot type concatenation game may include one or more trigger reels, symbol reels, and/or other grid or matrix of symbols for which one or more symbol outcomes may be determined. The symbols may include value symbols (such as numerals) and nonvalue symbols (such as symbols other than numerals). The trigger reel and/or the symbol reels may be mechanical reels, virtual reels presented on a display, and so on.

At operation402, the electronic device may receive an indication of a denomination set via one or more user interface mechanisms. The indication of the denomination set may indicate a particular denomination set out of a number of possible denomination sets. For example, the indication of the denomination set may be a first denomination set or a second denomination set where the first denomination set is a set of lower denominations (or values) with respect to the second denomination set and the second denomination set is a set of higher denominations (or values) with respect to the first denomination set. The user interface mechanisms used to receive the indication of the denomination set may be the same user interface mechanisms used to receive the indication of the number of reels, different user interface mechanisms than those used to receive the indication of the number of reels, and/or a combination thereof. One such example interface is shown inFIG.12.

For example, a slot type concatenation game may include a number of symbol reels, such as four, and a number of denomination sets, such as a lower denomination set and a higher denomination set. The indication of the number of reels may include one, two, three, or four of the symbol reels and the indication of the denomination set may include the lower denomination set or the higher denomination set.

By way of illustration, the indication of the number of reels may correspond to a bet level. One or more first or minimum bet levels may indicate a first number of symbol reels, such as one or two. One or more second bet levels may indicate a second number of symbol reels that is greater than the first number, such as a bet level that indicates three of the symbol reels and a maximum bet level that includes all of the symbol reels.

The electronic device may configure the number of the reels (such as the symbol reels) and/or one or more additional reels using value symbols according to the indicated denomination set. The value symbols may be obtained from one or more tables or other data structures that may be stored in one or more non-transitory storage media. Such tables may be constructed such that the configuration of the number of the reels and/or one or more additional reels using such maintains particular probabilities of particular game outcomes. The configuration of the number of reels may be determined using a RNG, and be designed to return a certain percentage of the amount wagered back to the player over the course of many plays or instances of the slot type concatenation game, which is generally referred to as “RTP.”

By way of illustration, a slot type concatenation game may include a lower denomination set and a higher denomination set. Indication of the lower denomination set may configure the symbol reels using value symbols selected from the set of the numerals 0-5 and indication of the higher denomination set may include the set of the numerals 00 and 0-9. Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. One such configuration may include more trigger symbols or a higher likelihood of landing a trigger symbol on the one or more trigger reels for the higher denomination set as compared to the lower denomination set.

Configuration of the number of the reels may also include configuring one or more trigger reels. Configuration of a trigger reel may include configuring the trigger reel with one or more trigger symbols and/or one or more non-trigger symbols. Examples of trigger symbols may include a $ symbol, any other currency indicator, and/or any other symbol that is selected as a trigger symbol. The proportion of trigger symbols to non-trigger symbols and/or the position of trigger symbols and/or non-trigger symbols on the trigger reel may be chosen to maintain particular probabilities of particular game outcomes.

The presence of a trigger symbol in a trigger reel outcome may indicate one or more paylines. For example, the position of symbols on one or more symbol reels may correspond to the position of a trigger symbol on a trigger reel. These corresponding positions may indicate one or more paylines. For example, the trigger reel and symbol reels may define one or more rows and columns and presence of a trigger symbol on the trigger reel may indicate a payline corresponding to the symbols on the symbol reels on such rows or columns, such as across, up and down, diagonally, and so on. Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In some examples, the symbol reels may include one or more nonvalue symbols prior to configuration using the value symbols. Alternatively, in other examples, configuration of the symbol reels using the value symbols may also configure the symbol reels using nonvalue symbols. Such nonvalue symbols may be obtained from the same tables or other data structures used to obtain the value symbols, different tables or other data structures than those used to obtain the value symbols, and/or a combination thereof.

In various examples, the symbol reels may be physical reels or virtual reels that may be configurable (such as physical reels that include display elements that can be configured to display different symbols, virtual reels that can be displayed as including different symbols, and so on) to display different symbols at different positions based upon the configuration discussed above. In other examples, the symbol reels may be physical reels or virtual reels that include a fixed set of symbols at fixed positions. In such other examples, configuration of such fixed physical and/or virtual reels may include configuring stopping possible positions for the reels that only include the configured symbols and not the non-configured symbols. Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

At operation403, the electronic device may receive an indication to spin the reels and/otherwise initiate play of the slot type concatenation game. The user interface mechanisms used to receive the indication to spin the reels and/otherwise initiate play of the slot type concatenation game may be the same user interface mechanisms used to receive the indication of the number of reels and/or receive the indication of the denomination set, different user interface mechanisms than those used to receive the indication of the number of reels and/or receive the indication of the denomination set, and/or a combination thereof.

Although the method400illustrates operations401through403as separate, linearly performed operations, it is understood that this is an example. In other implementations, other configurations or sequences are possible and contemplated. For example, in some implementations, receipt of an indication to spin the reels and/or otherwise initiate play of the slot type concatenation game without indications of the number of reels and/or the denomination set may be interpreted as indicating a default number of the reels and/or the denomination set (such as corresponding to minimum values for these indications, maximum values for these indications, mid-range values for these indications, and so on). Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

At operation404, the electronic device may determine the outcome of the reels. This may involve determining the outcome of one or more symbol reels, one or more trigger reels, and so on. For example, the outcome of the one or more symbol reels and/or the one or more trigger reels may be determined using a RNG to randomly determine the outcome of the symbol reels and/or the trigger reel so as to achieve a given level of volatility for a target level of RTP, such as using game processing backend system314which utilizes RNG conversion engine320. The RTP and randomness of the RNG ensure the fairness of games and are highly regulated. Upon initiation of play, the RNG may randomly determine one or more symbol reel and/or trigger reel stop positions and symbols may then be displayed which correspond to those stop positions. Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In various examples, the outcome of the trigger reel may be determined separately from the outcome of the symbol reels. For example, the two or more outcomes may be determined separately using the RNG in order to achieve a given level of volatility for a target level of RTP in a way that neither of the two outcomes are dependent upon each other. In other examples, the two outcomes may be determined separately using the RNG in order to achieve a given level of volatility for a target level of RTP in a way that a second of the two outcomes is determined dependent upon the first of the two outcomes. In still other example, the two outcomes may be the result of a single determination that includes the symbol reel outcome and the trigger outcome and is determined using the RNG in order to achieve a given level of volatility for a target level of RTP. Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In various configurations, the outcome of each reel, including the one or more trigger reel and the symbol reel is determined by a separate RNG call.

The electronic device may present the outcome of the symbol reels and the trigger reel. For example, the outcome of the symbol reels and the trigger reel may include determining a position at which to stop the symbol reels and the trigger reel and presenting that outcome may include physically and/or virtually spinning the symbol reels and the trigger reel and stopping the symbol reels and the trigger reel at the determined position. In some examples, the symbol reels and the trigger reel may all spin and stop simultaneously. In other examples, various of the symbol reels and the trigger reel may spin and stop at different times.

In some examples, the indicated number of symbol reels may be less than the possible number of symbol reels and the electronic device may present the outcome of the indicated number of symbol reels along with the outcome of one or more non-indicated symbol reels. This may enable a player to know what the outcome would have been had the non-indicated symbol reels also been indicated. The electronic device may present an indication that such non-indicated symbol reels are inactive. For example, the non-indicated symbol reels may be grayed out. Alternatively, the indicated symbol reels may be illuminated whereas the non-indicated symbol reels may not be illuminated. Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In other examples, the indicated number of symbol reels may be less than the possible number of symbol reels and the electronic device may not present the outcome of the indicated number of symbol reels along with the outcome of one or more non-indicated symbol reels. By way of illustration, the non-indicated symbol reels may be presented as blank. By way of another illustration, the non-indicated symbol reels may be presented but may be configured to only include nonvalue symbols instead of value symbols and nonvalue symbols. Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

At operation405, the electronic device may determine whether one or more trigger symbols are present in the outcome of the trigger reel. The electronic device may determine that the slot type concatenation game is a not a winner when a trigger symbol is not present, the other symbols being ignored. If the electronic device determines that a trigger symbol is not present, the flow may proceed to operation406and end. Otherwise, the flow may proceed to operation407. In various configurations, an award amount may be determined based on the symbols displayed by the reels forming winning outcomes based on one or more paytables for the game. For example, the game may use paylines to evaluate symbols for winning combinations. The game may alternatively, or additionally, use ReelPower determinations to determine an award amount.

At operation407, the electronic device may determine a game outcome. In some examples, the electronic device may determine whether the slot type concatenation game is a winner or not based on the presence of value symbols other than just 0 or 00 in the symbol reel outcomes of the number of the symbol reels along a payline indicated by the trigger symbol present on the trigger reel (the other symbols being ignored). In various examples, the electronic device may determine the game outcome by concatenating a number of value symbols present in the symbol reel outcomes of the number of the symbol reels along a payline indicated by the trigger symbol present on the trigger reel.

In some examples, the symbol reel outcomes of the number of the symbol reels along the payline may all include value symbols and the electronic device may determine the game outcome by concatenating all of those value symbols. The electronic device may concatenate the value symbols in order from closest in proximity to the trigger symbol to the value symbol furthest from the trigger symbol. Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

By way of illustration, slot type games conventionally compare symbols on symbol reels along a payline to a symbol table correlating groups of symbols to monetary and/or other awards. As the present application concatenates value symbols and ignores non-value symbols along the payline, the conventional technique may not be useful and/or may not be computationally efficient.

Instead, the present application may concatenate the value symbols along the payline by determining the number of value symbol digits along the payline, multiply the value symbol digits by increasing powers of ten corresponding to the digit number from left to right (such as 10{circumflex over ( )}0 for the first nonzero value symbol digit, 10{circumflex over ( )}1 for the second, 10{circumflex over ( )}2 for the third, and so on and then sum the products of the individually multiplies value symbol digits. For example, a result of 77D7 may result in 7*10{circumflex over ( )}2+7*10{circumflex over ( )}1+7*10{circumflex over ( )}0, or 700+70+7, or 777. In some examples, zero value symbols may not be multiplied by a power of ten corresponding to their digit position and instead the powers of ten by which the other non-zero value symbol digits may be increased accordingly (such as 10{circumflex over ( )}1 for the first nonzero value symbol digit, 10{circumflex over ( )}2 for the second, 10{circumflex over ( )}3 for the third, and so on when the first value symbol digit is zero; 10{circumflex over ( )}2 for the first nonzero value symbol digit, 10{circumflex over ( )}3 for the second, 10{circumflex over ( )}4 for the third, and so on when the first value symbol digit is double zero; and so on). This unconventional technical solution to concatenating the value symbols along the payline may improve the operation of a computer and/or other processing unit and/or similar device that concatenates the value symbols along the payline by simplifying the operations performed to concatenate the value symbols along the payline, avoid storage of a symbol table, and so on.

In other examples, the symbol reel outcomes of the number of the symbol reels along the payline may all include a number of value symbols and a number of nonvalue symbols. In such examples, the electronic device may determine the game outcome by omitting the nonvalue symbols and concatenating the value symbols that remain. The electronic device may concatenate the value symbols in order from closest in proximity to the trigger symbol to the value symbol furthest from the trigger symbol. Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In various examples, the electronic device may evaluate other factors beyond the presence of value symbols in a payline indicated by the presence of a trigger symbol on the trigger reel in determining the game outcome. For example, the electronic device may additionally and/or alternatively determine the game outcome using the mechanics of another kind of slot type game based upon nonvalue symbols and/or a combination of nonvalue symbols and value symbols, such as nonvalue symbols and/or a combination of nonvalue symbols and value symbols present along a payline indicated by the presence of a trigger symbol on the trigger reel. Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In some examples, the electronic device may generate a modified game outcome in response to the presence of one or more nonvalue symbols, such as nonvalue symbols present along a payline indicated by the presence of a trigger symbol on the trigger reel. Such nonvalue symbols may correspond to a multiplier and/or other enhancer and/or modifier that may be used to multiply and/or otherwise enhance and/or modify an award corresponding to the game outcome. In some examples, such nonvalue symbols may be standalone nonvalue symbols. In other examples, such nonvalue symbols may be combinations of nonvalue symbols, such as letters and/or groups of letters that may be concatenated to form a combination of nonvalue symbols corresponding to a multiplier and/or other enhancer and/or modifier. By way of illustration, nonvalue symbols “mult” and “iply” may be concatenated to form a combination of nonvalue symbols corresponding to a multiplier. Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Alternatively and/or additionally, the electronic device may perform other actions in response to the presence of one or more nonvalue symbols, such as nonvalue symbols present along a payline indicated by the presence of a trigger symbol on the trigger reel and/or nonvalue symbols otherwise present in the outcome of one or more symbol reels whether or not a trigger symbol is evaluated to be present. Such nonvalue symbols may correspond to a nonvalue symbol corresponding to a respin, game credit, free game, bonus game, progressive jackpot, and so on. In some examples, such nonvalue symbols may be standalone nonvalue symbols. In other examples, such nonvalue symbols may be combinations of nonvalue symbols, such as letters and/or groups of letters that may be concatenated to form a combination of nonvalue symbols corresponding to a respin, game credit, free game, bonus game, progressive jackpot, and so on. By way of illustration, nonvalue symbols “free” and “game” may be concatenated to form a combination of nonvalue symbols corresponding to a free game. By way of illustration, nonvalue symbols “gr,” “an,” and “d” may be concatenated to form a combination of nonvalue symbols corresponding to a progressive jackpot. Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Alternatively and/or additionally, the game outcome (and/or the outcome of the reels and/or one or more other outcomes) may correspond to results of one or more bingo games. By way of illustration, receipt of player input to initiate a slot type game, indicate a number of reels, indicate a denomination set, and/or spin one or more reels may enter the player in the bingo game. The result of the bingo game may be determined and the game outcome (and/or the outcome of the reels and/or one or more other outcomes) may be selected and/or presented that corresponds to the result of the bingo game (such as one or more facades or slot type game screens that have an outcome matching that of the result of the bingo game). Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

At operation408, the electronic device may determine whether or not to respin and/or otherwise replay the slot type concatenation game. If so, the flow may proceed to operation409where the electronic device respins and/or otherwise replays the slot type concatenation game before the flow proceeds to operation404. Otherwise, the flow may proceed to operation410.

The electronic device may determine to respin and/or otherwise replay the slot type concatenation game in response to the presence of a respin symbol present in the payline and/or otherwise present on one or more of the reels. Such a respin symbol may be one or more of a value symbol, a nonvalue symbol, and so on. Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

For example, the electronic device may interpret a 0 or a 00 along a payline indicated by a trigger symbol as a respin symbol. In some such examples, the electronic device may interpret a 0 or a 00 along a payline indicated by a trigger symbol as a respin symbol when no other value symbols are present along the payline. In various examples where the value symbols used to configure the symbol reels include 0 when a first denomination set is indicated and 0 and 00 when a second denomination set is indicated, interpretation of 0 and 00 as respin symbols may mean that indication of the second denomination set provides greater probability of the electronic device determining to respin that indication of the first denomination set. Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

At operation410, the electronic device may present the game outcome. For example, the electronic device may indicate whether or not the game is a winner, an amount won, a current credit amount, and so on.

In this way, the technique for providing the user-configurable slot type concatenation game discussed herein may provide unconventional technical solutions to the technical problem of how to implement slot type concatenation games with different numbers of reels and/or different sets of value symbols without requiring multiple game machines and/or storage of multiple games by game machines and/or storage that supports game machines. These techniques may greatly expand the game capabilities of the slot type concatenation game and/or the functions performable related to the slot type concatenation game and may also improve the operation of the devices and/or systems that implement the slot type concatenation game by reducing duplicate hardware (such as over implementations that require multiple game machines) and/or software (such as over implementations that require storage of multiple games by game machines and/or storage that supports game machines), eliminating more resource consumptive solutions to the above issues, and so on. Such capabilities may greatly extend the useful life of the slot type concatenation game and/or greatly delay the time when the game machine involved in the slot type concatenation game may be replaced.

Although the example method400is illustrated and described as including particular operations performed in a particular order, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, various orders of the same, similar, and/or different operations may be performed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

For example, the method400illustrates and describes the operation407of determining a game outcome being performed after a trigger symbol is determined to be present in the outcome of the trigger reel in operation405. However, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, determination of whether or not a trigger symbol is present may be part of determining a game outcome. In various other implementations, a game outcome may be determined whether or not a trigger symbol is determined to be present. Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

By way of another example, the method400is illustrated and described as including operations401through403. However, it is understood that this is an example. In other implementations, receipt of an indication to spin the reels and/or otherwise initiate play of the slot type concatenation game without indications of the number of reels and/or the denomination set may be interpreted as indicating a default number of the reels and/or the denomination set (such as corresponding to minimum values for these indications, maximum values for these indications, mid-range values for these indications, and so on). Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In still another example, the method400is illustrated and described as including operations408and409. However, it is understood that this is an example. In other implementations, such operations may be omitted, performed at different times, and so on. Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In yet another example, the method400is illustrated and described as including operations that are performed in a particular order. However, it is understood that this is an example. In some implementations, the order of these operations may be performed in any other order. By way of illustration, in a number of implementations, operation401may be performed after operation402is performed. Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In still another example, the operation405is illustrated and described as determining whether or not a trigger symbol is present in the outcome of the trigger reel. However, it is understood that this is an example. In some implementations, multiple trigger symbols may be present on the trigger reel and may be present in the outcome of the trigger reel. This may create multiple awards, one for each trigger symbol. Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG.5Adepicts an example of play500of an example user-configurable slot type concatenation game. This example user-configurable slot type concatenation game may be provided by and/or operated using the method ofFIG.4. As illustrated, the example user-configurable slot type concatenation game may include a number of virtual reels presented on a display518, such as a virtual trigger reel530and a number of virtual symbol reels (such as a first virtual symbol reel531A, a second virtual symbol reel531B, a third virtual symbol reel531C, and a fourth virtual symbol reel531D). The example user-configurable slot type concatenation game may also include a number of touch areas configured on the display518, such as a Bet×1 touch area534A (or minimum bet touch area), a Bet×2 touch area534B, a Bet×3 touch area534C, a Bet×4 touch area534D, a Bet×5 touch area534E (or a maximum bet touch area), a first denomination set (or a lower denomination set) touch area535A, and a second denomination set (or higher denomination set) touch area535B.

Although the example user-configurable slot type concatenation game is illustrated and described as including virtual reels displayed on the display518and touch areas configured on the display518, it is understood that this is an example. In other implementations, physical reels may be used instead of the virtual reels and/or one or more buttons and/or other input mechanisms may be used instead of the touch areas configured on the display518. Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

A player may indicate a number of the virtual symbol reels and select one of the Bet×1 touch area534A, the Bet×2 touch area534B, the Bet×3 touch area534C, the Bet×4 touch area534D, and the Bet×5 touch area534E. The player may also indicate a denomination set by selecting one of the first touch area535A and the second denomination touch area535B. In this example, the player indicating the number of the virtual symbol reels and the denomination set may also indicate to spin the reels and/or otherwise initiate play of the slot type concatenation game. However, in other examples, the player may use another input mechanism to indicate to spin the reels and/otherwise initiate play of the slot type concatenation game.

The play500of the example user-configurable slot type concatenation game illustrates the trigger reel531and the virtual symbol reels after the player has selected the Bet×5 touch area534E and the second denomination touch area535B. In response, the virtual symbol reels were configured with value symbols according to the second set (such as using one or more tables of value symbols), and outcomes of the virtual trigger reel530and symbol reels were determined. As illustrated, the virtual symbol reels may include value symbols of 0-9 or 00 because the player selected the second denomination touch area535B. As also illustrated, all of the virtual symbol reels may be active because the player selected the Bet×5 touch area534E.

A game outcome for the play500of the example user-configurable slot type concatenation game may be determined by determining whether or not a trigger symbol is present on the virtual trigger reel530and concatenating value symbols along a payline indicated by that trigger symbol. As illustrated, the symbol532is a trigger symbol $. In this example, paylines correspond to the row occupied by a trigger symbol. However, in other examples, other paylines are possible (such as columns occupied by a trigger symbol, diagonals occupied by a trigger symbol, and so on). As the symbol532is a trigger symbol $ that occupies the middle row, symbol532indicates a payline corresponding to the middle row. The middle row includes a symbol533A on the first virtual symbol reel531A, a symbol533B on the second virtual symbol reel531B, a symbol533C on the third virtual symbol reel531C, and a symbol533D on the fourth virtual symbol reel531D. The symbol533A is a nonvalue symbol and the symbols533B-533D are all value symbols. As such, the game outcome for the play500of the example user-configurable slot type concatenation game may be determined by concatenating the symbols533B-533D while omitting the symbol533A.

FIG.5Bdepicts the example play500of the example user-configurable slot type concatenation game ofFIG.5Aafter the game outcome536is presented on the display518. As illustrated, the game outcome536is an award of $777.

FIG.6depicts a subsequent play600of the example user-configurable slot type concatenation game ofFIG.5A. The play600of the example user-configurable slot type concatenation game illustrates the trigger reel531and the virtual symbol reels after the player has selected the Bet×5 touch area534E and the first denomination touch area535A. In response, the virtual symbol reels were configured with value symbols according to the first denomination set (such as using one or more tables of value symbols), and outcomes of the virtual trigger reel530and symbol reels were determined. As illustrated, the virtual symbol reels may include value symbols of 0-5 because the player selected the first denomination touch area535A. As also illustrated, all of the virtual symbol reels may be active because the player selected the Bet×5 touch area534E.

A game outcome for the play600of the example user-configurable slot type concatenation game may be determined by determining whether or not a trigger symbol is present on the virtual trigger reel530and concatenating value symbols along a payline indicated by that trigger symbol. As illustrated, the symbol632is a trigger symbol $. As the symbol632is a trigger symbol $ that occupies the bottom row, symbol632indicates a payline corresponding to the bottom row. The bottom row includes a symbol633A on the first virtual symbol reel531A, a symbol633B on the second virtual symbol reel531B, a symbol633C on the third virtual symbol reel531C, and a symbol633D on the fourth virtual symbol reel531D. The symbol633C is a nonvalue symbol and the symbols633A-633B and633D are all value symbols. As such, the game outcome for the play600of the example user-configurable slot type concatenation game may be determined by concatenating the symbols633A-633B and633D while omitting the symbol633C.

FIG.7depicts a first alternative example of play700of the example user-configurable slot type concatenation game ofFIG.5A. The play700of the example user-configurable slot type concatenation game illustrates the trigger reel531and the virtual symbol reels after the player has selected either the Bet×3 touch area534C or the Bet×4 touch area534D and the second denomination touch area535B. In response, the virtual symbol reels were configured with value symbols according to the second denomination set (such as using one or more tables of value symbols), and outcomes of the virtual trigger reel530and symbol reels were determined. As illustrated, the virtual symbol reels may include value symbols of 0-9 or 00 because the player selected the second denomination touch area535B. As also illustrated, the second virtual symbol reel531B, the third virtual symbol reel531C, and the fourth virtual symbol reel531D may be active because the player selected either the Bet×3 touch area534C or the Bet×4 touch area534D.

The first virtual symbol reel531A is illustrated as blank because the first virtual symbol reel531A is inactive. However, it is understood that this is an example. In other examples, inactive virtual symbol reels may be configured to only include nonvalue symbols instead of value symbols and nonvalue symbols. Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In still other examples, the outcomes of inactive virtual symbol reels may be presented along with the outcomes of active virtual symbol reels to enable a player to know what the outcome would have been had the non-indicated virtual symbol reels also been indicated. In yet other examples, inactive virtual reels may be indicated by other mechanisms other than blanking. By way of illustration, inactive virtual symbol reels may be grayed out. By way of another illustration, active virtual symbol reels may be illuminated whereas inactive virtual symbol reels may not be illuminated. Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

A game outcome for the play700of the example user-configurable slot type concatenation game may be determined. As illustrated, the symbol532is a trigger symbol $. As the symbol532is a trigger symbol $ that occupies the middle row, symbol532indicates a payline corresponding to the middle row. The middle row includes a symbol533B on the second virtual symbol reel531B, a symbol533C on the third virtual symbol reel531C, and a symbol533D on the fourth virtual symbol reel531D. The symbols533B-533D are all value symbols. As such, the game outcome for the play700of the example user-configurable slot type concatenation game may be determined by concatenating the symbols533B-533D. This game outcome yields an award of $777, just like the play500ofFIGS.5A and5B.

FIG.8depicts a second alternative example of play800of the example user-configurable slot type concatenation game ofFIG.5A. The play800of the example user-configurable slot type concatenation game illustrates the trigger reel531and the virtual symbol reels after the player has selected either the Bet×1 touch area534A or the Bet×2 touch area534B and the second denomination touch area535B. In response, the virtual symbol reels were configured with value symbols according to the second set (such as using one or more tables of value symbols), and outcomes of the virtual trigger reel530and symbol reels were determined. As illustrated, the virtual symbol reels may include value symbols of 0-9 or 00 because the player selected the second denomination touch area535B. As also illustrated, the third virtual symbol reel531C, and the fourth virtual symbol reel531D may be active because the player selected either the Bet×1 touch area534A or the Bet×2 touch area534B.

The first virtual symbol reel531A and the second virtual symbol reel531B are illustrated as blank because the first virtual symbol reel531A and the second virtual symbol reel531B are inactive. However, it is understood that this is an example. In other examples, inactive virtual symbol reels may be configured to only include nonvalue symbols instead of value symbols and nonvalue symbols. Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

A game outcome for the play800of the example user-configurable slot type concatenation game may be determined. As illustrated, the symbol532is a trigger symbol $. As the symbol532is a trigger symbol $ that occupies the middle row, symbol532indicates a payline corresponding to the middle row. The middle row includes a symbol533C on the third virtual symbol reel531C and a symbol533D on the fourth virtual symbol reel531D. The symbols533C-533D are both value symbols. As such, the game outcome for the play800of the example user-configurable slot type concatenation game may be determined by concatenating the symbols533C-533D. This game outcome yields an award of $77, less than the play500ofFIGS.5A and5Band the play700ofFIG.7.

AlthoughFIGS.5A-8are illustrated and described as selecting all of the virtual symbol reels when a Bet×5 touch area534E is selected, selecting the second through fourth virtual symbol reels531B-531D when either the Bet×3 touch area534C or the Bet×4 touch area534D are selected, and selecting the third and fourth virtual symbol reels531C-531D when either the Bet×1 touch area534A or the Bet×2 touch area534B are selected, it is understood that this is an example. In other examples, other configurations of virtual symbol reels may be selected using the user interface mechanisms shown and described and/or other user interface mechanisms.

For example,FIG.9depicts an alternative900to the second alternative example of play of the example user-configurable slot type concatenation game ofFIG.5Aillustrated inFIG.8. In this alternative900, selection of the Bet×1 touch area534A only selects the third virtual symbol reel531C. This causes the middle row to only include the symbol533C, yielding an award of $7, less than the play500ofFIG.5A, the play700ofFIG.7, and the play800ofFIG.8.

FIG.10depicts a third alternative example of play1000of the example user-configurable slot type concatenation game ofFIG.5A. In this play1000, the middle row of the virtual trigger reel530includes a nonvalue symbol that is not a trigger symbol. This means that the symbols533A-533D are ignored, along with all other symbols as the top row and bottom row of the virtual trigger reel530also include nonvalue symbols that are not trigger symbols. As such, determination of the game outcome yields no award in the play1000.

AlthoughFIGS.5A-10illustrate particular configurations, it is understood that these are examples. In other implementations, other implementations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

For example,FIGS.5A-10illustrate configurations where the value symbols 0 and 00 may only be configured on the fourth virtual symbol reel531D. However, it is understood that this is an example. In other implementations, the value symbols 0 and 00 may only be configured on other virtual symbol reels. Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

By way of another example,FIGS.5A-10illustrate configurations where a sequence of progressively higher bets unlocks a particular sequence of the virtual symbol reels. However, it is understood that this is an example. In other implementations, the player may be able to select particular virtual symbol reels to activate and/or inactivate. In still other implementations, other patterns of bets may unlock other sequences of the virtual symbol reels. Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In various implementations, a system may include at least one user interface mechanism that receives an indication of a number of symbol reels, the symbol reels including nonvalue symbols, and an indication of a denomination set; at least one non-transitory storage medium storing instructions; and at least one processor. The at least one processor may execute the instructions to configure the symbol reels using value symbols from a value symbol table according to the indication of the denomination set, determine an outcome of the number of the symbol reels, and determine a game outcome by concatenating a number of the value symbols present in the outcome of the number of the symbol reels along a payline indicated by a trigger symbol present on a trigger reel.

In some examples, the at least one processor may omit a number of the nonvalue symbols present in the outcome of the number of the symbol reels along the payline from the game outcome. In various examples, the at least one processor may present the outcome of the number of the symbol reels along with an outcome of at least one additional symbol reel. In a number of examples, the at least one processor may present an indication that the outcome of the at least one additional symbol reel is inactive. In some examples, the at least one processor may present the outcome of the number of the symbol reels along with at least one blank symbol reel.

In various examples, the at least one processor may modify the game outcome according to at least one of the nonvalue symbols present in the outcome of the number of the symbol reels along the payline. In some such examples, the at least one of the nonvalue symbols may correspond to a multiplier.

In various such examples, the at least one processor may generate a modified game outcome by concatenating a first of the nonvalue symbols and a second of the nonvalue symbols present in the outcome of the number of the symbol reels along the payline. In a number of such examples, the modified game outcome may correspond to a game credit. In various such examples, the modified game outcome may correspond to a progressive jackpot.

In some implementations, a system may include symbol reels operable to iterate through a sequence of possible symbol reel outcomes and stop at a final symbol reel outcome, the symbol reels including nonvalue symbols; a trigger reel operable to iterate through a sequence of possible trigger reel outcomes and stop at a final trigger reel outcome; at least one user interface mechanism that receives an indication of a number of the symbol reels and an indication of a denomination set; and at least one processor. The at least one processor may configure the symbol reels with value symbols according to the indication of the denomination set, determine an outcome of the number of the symbol reels, and determine a game outcome by concatenating a number of the value symbols present in the outcome of the number of the symbol reels along a payline indicated by a trigger symbol present on a trigger reel.

In various examples, the indication of the number of the symbol reels may select at least one particular symbol reel from the symbol reels. In some examples, the indication of the denomination set may specify at least a lower denomination set or a higher denomination set. In various such examples, the higher denomination set may correspond to a larger set of value symbols than the lower denomination set. In a number of examples, the game outcome may be a first game outcome, the outcome of the number of the symbol reels may be a first outcome of the number of the symbol reels, the number of the symbol reels may be a first number of the symbol reels, the payline may be a first payline, the trigger symbol may be a first trigger symbol, and the at least one processor may determine a second game outcome by concatenating a number of the nonvalue symbols present in a second outcome of a second number of the symbol reels along a second payline indicated by a second trigger symbol present on the trigger reel.

In a number of implementations, a system may include at least one non-transitory storage medium storing instructions and at least one processor. The at least one processor may execute the instructions to receive an indication of a number of symbol reels, the symbol reels including nonvalue symbols; receive an indication of a denomination set; when the indication of the denomination set indicates a first denomination set, configure the symbol reels with first value symbols that include a first respin value; when the indication of the denomination set indicates a second denomination set, configure the symbol reels with second value symbols that include a second respin value; determine a first outcome of the number of the symbol reels; determine a first game outcome by concatenating a first number of the first value symbols or the second value symbols present in the first outcome of the number of the symbol reels along a first payline indicated by a first trigger symbol present on a trigger reel; determine to respin at least when the first game outcome includes the first respin value or the second respin value; and upon determining to respin, determine a second outcome of the number of the symbol reels and determine a second game outcome by concatenating a second number of the first value symbols or the second value symbols present in the second outcome of the number of the symbol reels along a second payline indicated by a second trigger symbol present on the trigger reel.

In various examples, the second value symbols may include the first respin value. In some examples the second value symbols may include the first value symbols. In a number of examples, the at least one processor may determine to respin when the first game outcome includes none of the first value symbols or the second value symbols other than the first respin value or the second respin value. In various examples, the at least one processor may only configure one of the symbol reels with the first respin value or the second respin value.

While the disclosure has 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 spirit of the disclosure. Any variation and derivation from the above description and figures are included in the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims.