Patent ID: 8172663

Claim:
A method for use with a gaming machine that constrains wagers to a single amount on each play of a first game without a choice of other wagering options, the method comprising: determining whether a game play button of a gaming machine has been actuated by a player; initiating a play of the first game in response to determining that the game play button has been actuated, wherein the play of the first game comprises activating a plurality of pay lines at a cost to the player of the single amount, and wherein each pay line of the plurality of pay lines defines a symbol arrangement for determining winning combinations of symbols; determining whether the play of the first game results in a first game award outcome, wherein the first game award outcome comprises a first predefined combination of symbols associated with at least one of the pay lines; in response to determining that the play of the first game resulted in the first game award outcome, determining a value of a prize to be paid independently of an apportionment of the single amount associated with the at least one of the pay lines; in response to determining that the play of the first game resulted in the first game award outcome, informing the player that they are entitled to a play of a second game; initiating a play of the second game in response to determining that said game play button has been actuated after said step of informing; determining whether the play of the second game results in a second game award outcome, wherein the second game award outcome comprises a second predefined combination of symbols associated with at least one of the pay lines; allowing the player to select at least one of the second predefined combination of symbols; and awarding the player only one of a plurality of prizes based on the at least one of the second predefined combination of symbols selected by the player.