Gaming machine

Abstract

This invention is directed to a gaming machine that displays an array of randomly selected symbols and pays winnings on any winning symbol combinations appearing on paylines carrying a bet wherein groups of symbols are sequentially positioned in the array until the array is complete.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A gaming machine comprising: 
 means adapted to display an array of symbols selected randomly from a set of symbols; and    means adapted to pay winnings on any predetermined winning combinations appearing in a portion of the array carrying a bet;    wherein the randomly selected symbols are divided into groups of at least one symbol such that the groups are sequentially positioned to complete the array.    
     
     
         2 . A gaming machine according to  claim 1  wherein the groups have at least two adjacent symbols.  
     
     
         3 . A gaming machine according to  claim 1  wherein the number and configuration of to the symbols in each of the groups is randomly selected and the groups are sequentially positioned in the incomplete array until the array is mostly complete, whereafter predetermined wildcards symbols are positioned in the remaining portions to complete the array.  
     
     
         4 . A gaming machine according to  claim 3  wherein at least one position in the array is designated as having an associated bonus wherein the associated bonus is awarded in any winning combinations which include a symbol situated on any of the designated positions.  
     
     
         5 . A gaming machine according  claim 4  wherein the bonuses associated with the designated positions include at least one of: 
 a set number of extra credits to be added to the winnings normally awarded for the winning combination covering the designated position;  
 doubling, tripling or otherwise multiplying the winnings normally awarded for the winning combinations covering the designated position; and  
 a set number of free games whereby the machine operates without requiring the placement of wager.  
 
     
     
         6 . A gaming machine according to  claim 5  wherein at least one of the groups consists entirely of wildcards.  
     
     
         7 . A gaming machine according to  claim 6  wherein the wildcards multiply the winnings associated with any of the winning combinations in which they appear by a factor greater than one.  
     
     
         8 . A gaming machine according to  claim 1  wherein the symbols are displayed on simulated three dimensional objects.  
     
     
         9 . A gaming machine according to  claim 8  wherein the three dimensional objects are rectangular prisms wherein symbols are shown on every face.  
     
     
         10 . A method for operating a gaming comprising: 
 displaying an array of symbols selected randomly from a set of symbols; and    paying winnings on any predetermined winning combinations appearing in a portion of the array carrying a bet;    wherein the randomly selected symbols are divided into groups of at least one symbol such that the groups are sequentially positioned to complete the array.    
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 10  wherein the groups have at least two adjacent symbols.  
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 10  wherein the number and configuration of to the symbols in each of the groups is randomly selected and the groups are sequentially positioned in the incomplete array until the array is mostly complete, whereafter predetermined wildcards symbols are positioned in the remaining portions to complete the array.  
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 12  wherein at least one position in the array is designated as having an associated bonus wherein the associated bonus is awarded in any winning combinations which include a symbol situated on any of the designated positions.  
     
     
         14 . A method according  claim 13  wherein the bonuses associated with the designated positions include at least one of: 
 a set number of extra credits to be added to the winnings normally awarded for the winning combination covering the designated position;  
 doubling, tripling or otherwise multiplying the winnings normally awarded for the winning combinations covering the designated position; and  
 a set number of free games whereby the machine operates without requiring the placement of wager.  
 
     
     
         15 . A method according to  claim 14  wherein at least one of the groups consists entirely of wildcards.  
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 15  wherein the wildcards multiply the winnings associated with any of the winning combinations in which they appear by a factor greater than one.  
     
     
         17 . A method according to  claim 10  wherein the symbols are displayed on simulated three dimensional objects.  
     
     
         18 . A method according to  claim 17  wherein the three dimensional objects are rectangular prisms wherein symbols are shown on every face.