Gaming apparatus and method including a multiplier feature and bonus features

Patent 6869360 Issued on March 22, 2005. Estimated Expiration Date:

September 20, 2021. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

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Inventors

Assignee

Konami Gaming, Inc.

Application

No. 09960179 filed on 09/20/2001

US Classes:

463/25, Credit/debit monitoring or manipulation (e.g., game entry, betting, prize level, etc.)463/20Lot-to-lot combination (e.g., slot machine, etc.)

Examiners

Primary: Hotaling, II, John M.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Foreign Patent References

000449433 EP 10/01/1991
2 062 922 GB 05/01/1981
2 090 690 GB 07/01/1982
2 183 882 GB 12/01/1985
2 170 636 GB 02/01/1986

International Classes

A63F013/00
G07F017/34
G07F017/34
G07F017/34
G07F017/34
G07F017/34

Abstract

A device and method are set forth for a video slot machine where a player makes a wager to enable one or more pay lines for a game matrix. Game symbols are randomly selected and assigned into the matrix to define winning and losing game symbols combinations for each activated pay line. An active border at least partially surrounding the matrix is displayed and configured to randomly select and display game multipliers, pay line multipliers, free plays and a bonus condition to be fulfilled by the selection of one or more game symbols. A scatter bonus is also provided.