Patent ID: 8870643

Claim:
A gaming system comprising: at least one display device; at least one input device; at least one processor; and at least one memory device that stores a plurality of instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to operate with the at least one display device and the at least one input device to: (a) for a random generation of a first plurality of symbols: (i) display the first plurality of symbols at a plurality of symbol display areas; (ii) determine whether the displayed first plurality of symbols form any winning symbol combinations; (iii) display any awards associated with any displayed winning symbol combinations; and (iv) if a designated triggering event occurred, designate one of the symbol display areas as an award modification symbol display area for a random generation of a second plurality of symbols; and (b) for the random generation of the second plurality of symbols: (i) display the second plurality of symbols at the plurality of symbol display areas; (ii) determine whether any winning symbol combinations are displayed; and (iii) if a winning symbol combination is displayed: (A) determine an award associated with said displayed winning symbol combination; (B) if one of the symbols of said displayed winning symbol combination is displayed at an award modification symbol display area, modify said determined award; and (C) display said modified award.