Patent ID: 7871323

Claim:
A method of operating a gaming system, said method comprising: (a) at a first point in time, causing at least one processor of a wagering game device to execute a plurality of instructions to: (i) determine a current time; and (ii) determine a reference time, wherein, at the first point in time, the determined reference time is different than the determined current time; (b) at a second, different point in time, causing the at least one processor to execute the plurality of instructions to: (i) determine that the second point in time has a predetermined relationship to the determined reference time; and (ii) in response to the determination that the second point in time has the predetermined relationship to the determined reference time: (x) initiate a first play of a bonus game, said initiation of the first play of the bonus game occurring independent from any outcome generated during any play of any other game and said first play of the bonus game having a first average expected payout which is based, at least in part, on the second point in time having the predetermined relationship to the determined reference time; (y) cause at least one display device to display the first play of the bonus game, said first play of the bonus game being displayed distinct and independent from any outcome generated during any play of any game other than the first play of the bonus game; and (z) determine an outcome for the first play of the bonus game, said outcome being determined independent from any outcome generated during any play of any game other than the first play of the bonus game; and (c) at a third, different point in time, causing the at least one processor to execute the plurality of instructions to: (i) determine that a triggering event has occurred, the triggering event occurring independent of the third point in time; and (ii) in response to the occurrence of the triggering event, cause the at least one display device to display a second, different play of the bonus game, said second, different play of the bonus game having a second, different average expected payout.