Gaming device and method

Abstract

A gaming device and a method of gaming, the gaming device being an apparatus which combines features of slot and pinball machines. Winning a bonus round while initially playing in the slot machine mode allows a player to increase his/her winnings while playing in the pinball machine mode. Accumulating points while initially playing in the pinball machine mode allows a player to increase his/her winnings while playing in the slot machine mode.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A gaming apparatus comprising: 
 walls forming a housing, said housing having an upper section and a lower section;    a first gaming device disposed in said upper section of said housing;    a second gaming device disposed in said lower section of said housing;    means for permitting a player to initiate play on a selected one of said first gaming device and said second gaming device; and    means for automatically switching from a selected one of said first gaming device and said second gaming device to a non-selected one of said first gaming device and said second gaming device.    
     
     
         2 . A gaming apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said first gaming device is a slot machine.  
     
     
         3 . A gaming apparatus as recited in  claim 2 , wherein said second gaming device is a pinball machine.  
     
     
         4 . A gaming apparatus as recited in  claim 3 , wherein said means for permitting is a push button.  
     
     
         5 . A gaming apparatus as recited in  claim 3 , wherein said means for permitting is a handle.  
     
     
         6 . A method of gaming comprising the steps of; 
 initiating play by making at least one wager with a specific outcome to be determined by the chance arrangement of icons in a slot machine game;    activating said slot machine game to achieve said chance arrangement of said icons;    continuing play in a pinball-type game if said chance arrangement of icons conforms to a pre-determined pattern; and    determining winnings on said one wager by accumulating points in said pinball-type game.    
     
     
         7 . A method of gaming as recited in  claim 6 , wherein said one wager is of at least a pre-determined value.  
     
     
         8 . A method of gaming as recited in  claim 7 , wherein said slot machine game automatically switches to said pinball-type game.  
     
     
         9 . A method of gaming as recited in  claim 7 , including the step of continuing play in said slot machine game if said chance arrangement of icons does not conform to said pre-determined pattern.  
     
     
         10 . A method of gaming comprising the steps of: 
 initiating play by making at least one wager with a specific outcome to be determined by the accumulation of points in a pinball-type game;    activating said pin-ball type game to achieve said accumulation of points;    continuing play by the arrangement of icons in a slot machine game if said accumulation of points is of a pre-determined amount; and    determining winnings on said one wager by the arrangement of said icons.    
     
     
         11 . A method of gaming as recited in  claim 10 , wherein said one wager is of at least a pre-determined value.  
     
     
         12 . A method of gaming as recited in  claim 10 , wherein said pin ball-type game automatically switches to said slot machine game.  
     
     
         13 . A method of gaming as recited in  claim 10 , including the step of continuing play in said pin ball-type game if said accumulation of points is less than said pre-determined amount.