Symbol alignment scheme for multiline gaming machines

Abstract

A method and apparatus for a gaming machine is disclosed. A slot machine processor and a video monitor screen are provided on which symbols may be provided in a grid for use in a video slot game. The player makes a wager to play the underlying game, with a predetermined initial set of symbols being available for the play of the game. Preferably the symbols are displayed in rows and columns and a first array of symbols from the initial symbol set are displayed in an initial position in the grid. Additional symbols from the remaining initial symbol set are then displayed in the grid, the symbols being displayed according to a specific method and predetermined criterium. Symbols combinations are then analyzed by the processor, and any winning combinations are paid according to a predetermined paytable.

1 . A method of playing a video wagering game comprising:
 a player placing a wager on the video wagering game;   providing the player with multiple spaces in which symbols will be displayed;   providing a first number of symbols into a first set of adjacent spaces;   providing at least a first symbol of a second set of symbols into a second set of adjacent spaces, the at least first symbol of the second set of symbols first positioned adjacent a first symbol of the first number of symbols;   wherein a) if the at least first symbol of the second set of symbols has a predetermined relationship with the adjacent first symbol of the first number of symbols, no more symbols are provided into the second set of symbols and a first symbol of a third set of symbols is provided, and   b) if there is no predetermined relationship, providing at least a second symbol of a second set of symbols into the second set of adjacent spaces, the at least second symbol of the second set of symbols being positioned adjacent a first symbol of the first number of symbols, and the at least first symbol of the second set of symbols being positioned adjacent a second symbol of the first number of symbols; and if step b) is performed such that:
 i) if either the at least first symbol of the second set of symbols has a predetermined relationship with the adjacent second symbol of the first number of symbols or an at least second symbol of the second number of symbols has a predetermined relationship with the first symbol of the first number of symbols, no more symbols are provided into the first set of symbols and the second set of symbols and at least a first symbol of a third set of symbols is provided; and 
 ii) if neither the at least first symbol of the second set of symbols has a predetermined relationship with the adjacent second symbol of the first number of symbols nor an at least second symbol of the second number of symbols has a predetermined relationship with the first symbol of the first number of symbols, providing at least a third symbol of the second set of symbols into the second set of adjacent spaces, the at least third symbol of the second set of symbols being positioned adjacent the first symbol of the first number of symbols, the at least second symbol of the second set of symbols positioned adjacent the second symbol of the first number of symbols and the at least first symbol of the second set of symbols being positioned adjacent a third symbol of the first number of symbols; 
   
     wherein c) if the at least first symbol of the second set of symbols has a predetermined relationship with the adjacent third symbol of the first number of symbols, the at least second symbol of the second set of symbols has a predetermined relationship with the second symbol of the first set of symbols, or the at least third symbol of the second set of symbols has a predetermined relationship with the first symbol of the first set of symbols, no more symbols are provided into the second set of symbols and a first symbol of a third set of symbols is provided,
 completing at least a first payline including the at least first symbol of the first number of symbols; and 
 providing awards for all paylines that have at least one predetermined combination of winning symbols in the payline. 
 
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein at least three adjacent paylines are completed with at least three symbols provided in at least one payline. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein at least three adjacent linear paylines are completed with at least three symbols provided in at least one linear payline. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein at least three adjacent linear paylines are completed with at least four symbols provided in at least one linear payline. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein at least three adjacent linear paylines are completed with five symbols provided in at least one linear payline. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 3  wherein a maximum, predetermined number of symbols is available in each set of symbols after the first set, whether or not a predetermined relationship is achieved between adjacent symbols in a payline. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 4  wherein a maximum, predetermined number of symbols is available in each set of symbols after the first set, whether or not a predetermined relationship is achieved between adjacent symbols in a payline. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 5  wherein a maximum, predetermined number of symbols is available in each set of symbols after the first set, whether or not a predetermined relationship is achieved between adjacent symbols in a payline. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 6  wherein all sets of numbers of symbols are displayed above individual columns after a first column before all numbers of symbols are provided to those individual columns. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 7  wherein all sets of numbers of symbols are displayed above individual columns after a first column before all numbers of symbols are provided to those individual columns. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 8  wherein all sets of numbers of symbols are displayed above individual columns after a first column before all numbers of symbols are provided to those individual columns. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 9  wherein a 3 row×5 column matrix of spaces is provided for symbols. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 10  wherein a 3 row×5 column matrix of spaces is provided for symbols. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 11  wherein a 3 row×5 column matrix of spaces is provided for symbols. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 12  wherein only three symbols are provided into a first column and at least 3-5 symbols are available for each remaining four columns. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 13  wherein only three symbols are provided into a first column and at least 3-5 symbols are available for each remaining four columns. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 14  wherein only three symbols are provided into a first column and at least 3-5 symbols are available for each remaining four columns. 
   
   
       18 . A gaming apparatus comprising a housing, a video display monitor and a processor containing software enabling execution of the method of  claim 1  on the video display monitor. 
   
   
       19 . A gaming apparatus comprising a housing, a video display monitor and a processor containing software enabling execution of the method of  claim 10  on the video display monitor. 
   
   
       20 . A gaming apparatus comprising a housing, a video display monitor and a processor containing software enabling execution of the method of  claim 17  on the video display monitor.