Gaming machine

Abstract

A gaming machine of the type that displays an array of randomly arranged symbols and pays winnings upon the occurrence of certain winning combinations of symbols appearing in any portions of the array that occur in a bet. The gaming machine being configured such that when two or more predetermined symbols appear in the array adjacent each other they are displayed as a single oversized symbol.

What we claim is:  
     
         1 . A gaming machine comprising: 
 a display for presenting an array of symbols selected randomly from a set of symbols; and    means adapted to pay winnings on any winning combination appearing in a portion of the array carrying a bet such that when two or more predetermined symbols from the set appear in the array adjacent each other, the symbols are displayed as a single oversized symbol.    
     
     
         2 . A gaming machine according to  claim 1  wherein the predetermined symbols are wildcards which substitute for any of the other symbols in order to form any of the winning combinations.  
     
     
         3 . A gaming machine according to  claim 2  wherein the oversize symbol has an associated bonus that is awarded in addition to the winnings from any winning combination in the array.  
     
     
         4 . A gaming machine according to  claim 3  wherein the bonus associated with the oversize symbol is selected from the group consisting of extra credits to be added to the credits normally awarded for the winning combination incorporating the oversized symbol, multiplying the credits normally awarded for the 20 winning combinations incorporating the oversized symbol, a set number of free games whereby the machine operates without requiring the placement of wager, and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         5 . A method of operation for a gaming machine having a display for presenting an array of symbols randomly selected from a set of symbols, the method comprising the steps of: 
 forming an array of randomly selected symbols and paying winnings on any winning combinations appearing in a portion of the array carrying a bet; and    upon two or more pre-determined symbols from the set appearing in the array adjacent each other, presenting the symbols as a single oversized symbol.    
     
     
         6 . A method of operating a gaming machine according to  claim 5  wherein the predetermined symbols are wildcards which substitute for any of the other symbols in order to form any of the winning combinations.  
     
     
         7 . A method of operating a gaming machine according to  claim 6  wherein the oversize symbol has an associated bonus that is awarded in addition to the winnings from any winning combination in the array.  
     
     
         8 . A method of operating a gaming machine according to  claim 7  wherein the bonus associated with the oversize symbol is selected from the group consisting of extra credits to be added to the credits normally awarded for the winning combination incorporating the oversized symbol, multiplying the credits normally awarded for the winning combinations incorporating the oversized symbol, a set number of free games whereby the machine operates without requiring the placement of wager, and combinations thereof.