AU2018200388A1

AU2018200388A1 - A method of gaming, a gaming system and a game controller

Info

Publication number: AU2018200388A1
Application number: AU2018200388A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Gregory Leigh Plowman
Original assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2007-01-09
Filing date: 2018-01-17
Publication date: 2018-02-08
Also published as: AU2015255191A1

Abstract

Abstract A method of gaming in a gaming machine having a display and a game controller, the display having a plurality of display positions. The method comprises conducting, via the game controller, a play round comprising selecting, via the game controller, a first set of symbols from a plurality of available symbols that includes at least one special symbol, displaying the selected first set of symbols at a respective display positions, and determining, via the game controller, a game outcome based on the first set of symbols and any special symbols that are selected and displayed. The method comprises conducting, via the game controller, one or more further play rounds until an end condition is met. Each further play round comprises determining, via the game controller, if two or more special symbols are displayed at respective first display positions from the previous round, and if so retaining the two or more special symbols for the further round, if two or more special symbols are displayed at the respective first display positions, selecting, via the game controller, new and different display positions at random for each of the two or more retained special symbols based upon a first set of predetermined displacement rules, selecting, via the game controller, a further set of symbols from a plurality of available display symbols, displaying the selected further set of symbols at respective display positions, and determining, via the game controller, a further game outcome based on the further set of symbols and the two or more retained special symbols, determining, via the gaming controller, if any two or more of the retained special symbols have been randomly moved to a same display position, combining, via the gaming controller, the two or more special symbols when the same display position is randomly selected for the at least two special symbols, and moving, via the gaming controller, the combined symbol in subsequent further rounds based on a second set of predetermined displacement rules. 9880480_1 (GHKatters) P62710.AU.5 17/01/18 1050 MEMORY SYMBOL SELECTOR - SYMBOL SPECIAL SYMBOL Display CONTROLLER NEW POSITION DT SELECTOR 4 DISPLACEMENT 104 56 ,, 1044 L* GAME OUTCOME INSTRUCTIONS Figure 6 7102636_1 (GHMatters) P62710.AU.4 NICK 10/11/15

Description

The present invention relates to a method of gaming, a gaming system and a game controller.

Background to the Invention

Australian patent no. 755879 discloses a wild symbol which progressively moves to each of a predetermined number of display locations. The wild symbol follows a predetermined path after a single spinning of the reels. Game outcomes are determined for each position on the path.

Australian patent no. 762889 discloses holding a special symbol in the position where it occurs for at least one further game while at least the reel carrying the special symbol is re-spun.

It is also known from Australian patent no. 750731 to randomly locate a wild symbol, in the case of Australian patent no.

750731 by a sprite designating a symbol to be treated as a special symbol.

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While these games provide some enjoyment, there is a need for an alternative gaming system.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect there is disclosed a method of gaming in a gaming machine having a display and a game controller, the display having a plurality of display positions, the method comprising:

conducting, via the game controller, a play round comprising:

selecting, via the game controller, a first set of symbols from a plurality of available symbols that includes at least one special symbol, displaying the selected first set of symbols at a respective display positions, and determining, via the game controller, a game outcome based on the first set of symbols and any special symbols that are selected and displayed; and conducting, via the game controller, one or more further play rounds until an end condition is met, each further play round comprising:

determining, via the game controller, if two or more special symbols are displayed at respective first display positions from the previous round, and if so retaining the two or more special symbols for the further round, if two or more special symbols are displayed at the respective first display positions, selecting, via the game controller, new and different display positions at random for each of the two or more retained special symbols based upon a first set of predetermined displacement rules, selecting, via the game controller, a further set of symbols from a plurality of available display symbols, displaying the selected further set of symbols 35 at respective display positions, and determining, via the game controller, a further game outcome based on the further set of symbols and the

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2018200388 17 Jan 2018 two or more retained special symbols, determining, via the gaming controller, if any two or more of the retained special symbols have been randomly moved to a same display position;

combining, via the gaming controller, the two or more special symbols when the same display position is randomly selected for the at least two special symbols; and moving, via the gaming controller, the combined symbol in subsequent further rounds based on a second set of predetermined displacement rules.

In an embodiment, selecting a new display position for each of the two or more special symbols is performed by selecting a displacement at random from a set of possible displacements relative to the previously displayed position of the respective special symbol.

In an embodiment, the set of possible displacements are one display position in each direction of left, right, up and down.

In an embodiment, the set of possible displacements are comprised of a first displacement of two display positions in one of the directions left, right, up or down and a second displacement of one display position in a direction transverse to the first displacement.

In an embodiment, the display positions define a rectangular display area and the left side is treated as contiguous with the right side and the bottom is treated as contiguous with the top such that all displacements result in the moved symbol moving to a display position within the display area.

In an embodiment, the end condition is that a predetermined number of play rounds have occurred.

In an embodiment, there is more than one end condition and the game ends if any of the end conditions is met.

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In an embodiment, at each display position associated with a special symbol only the special symbol is displayed

In an embodiment, at each display position associated with a special symbol, the special symbol is displayed in conjunction with another symbol selected for that display position.

In an embodiment, the symbols belong to a plurality of reels in 10 a spinning reel game.

In a second aspect there is disclosed a game controller for a gaming machine having a display, the display having a plurality of display positions, the game controller arranged to:

conduct a play round by:

selecting a first set of symbols from a plurality of available symbols that includes at least one special symbol, causing the display of the selected first set 20 of symbols at respective display positions, and determining a game outcome based on the first set of symbols and any special symbols that are selected and displayed; and conduct one or more further play rounds until an end 25 condition is met, wherein conducting each further play round comprises :

determining if two or more special symbols are displayed at respective first display positions from the previous round, and if so retain the two or more special symbols for the further round, if two or more special symbols are displayed at the respective first display positions, selecting a new and different display positions at random for each of the two or more retained special symbols based upon a first set of predetermined displacement rules, selecting a further set of symbols from a plurality of available display symbols,

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2018200388 17 Jan 2018 displaying the selected further set of symbols at respective display positions, and determining a further game outcome based on the further set of symbols and the two or more retained special symbols, determining if any two or more of the retained special symbols have been randomly moved to a same display position;

combining the two or more special symbols when 10 the same display position is randomly selected for the at least two special symbols; and moving the combined symbol in subsequent further rounds based on a second set of predetermined displacement rules .

In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to select a new position for each of the two or more special symbols by selecting a displacement at random from a set of possible displacements relative to the previous display position of the

0 respective special symbol.

In an embodiment, the set of possible displacements are comprised of first displacement of two display positions in one of the directions left, right, up or down and a second displacement of one display position in a direction transverse to the first displacement.

In an embodiment, the end condition is that a predetermined

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2018200388 17 Jan 2018 number of play rounds have occurred.

In an embodiment, at each display position associated with a special symbol only the special symbol is caused to be displayed.

In an embodiment, at each display position associated with a special symbol, the special symbol is caused to be displayed in conjunction with another symbol selected for that display position.

In an embodiment, the symbols belong to a plurality of reels in a spinning reel game.

In a third aspect there is disclosed a gaming system comprising:

a display having a plurality of display positions;

0 and a game controller arranged to: conduct a play round by:

selecting a first set of symbols from a plurality of available symbols that includes at least one special symbol, causing the display of the selected first set of symbols at respective display positions, and determining a game outcome based on the first set of symbols and any special symbols that are selected and displayed; and conduct one or more further play rounds until an end condition is met, wherein conducting each further play round comprises :

determining if two or more special symbols are 35 displayed at respective first display positions from the previous round, and if so retain the two or more special symbols for the further round,

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2018200388 17 Jan 2018 if two or more special symbols are displayed at the respective first display positions, selecting a new and different display positions at random for each of the two or more retained special symbols based upon a first set of predetermined displacement rules, selecting a further set of symbols from a plurality of available display symbols, displaying the selected further set of symbols at respective display positions, and 10 determining a further game outcome based on the further set of symbols and the two or more retained special symbols, determining if any two or more of the retained special symbols have been randomly moved to a same display position;

combining the two or more special symbols when the same display position is randomly selected for the at least two special symbols; and moving the combined symbol in subsequent 20 further rounds based on a second set of predetermined displacement rules .

In an embodiment, the game controller is arranged to select a new position for each of the two or more special symbols by selecting a displacement at random from a set of possible displacements relative to the previous display position of the respective special symbol.

In an embodiment, the set of possible displacements are comprised of first displacement of two display positions in one of the directions left, right, up or down and a second displacement of one display position in a direction transverse to the first displacement. The first and second displacements may be reversed in some embodiments.

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In a fourth aspect, the invention provides computer readable program code, which when executed by a computer causes the computer to implement the above method.

In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a computer readable medium comprising the above computer program code.

In a sixth aspect, the invention provides a data signal comprising the above computer program code.

Brief Description of the Drawings

An embodiment of the invention will now be described in relation to the following drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a block diagram of the core components of a gaming system;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a gaming machine; Figure 3 is a block diagram of the functional

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2018200388 17 Jan 2018 components of a gaming machine;

Figure 4 is a block diagram representing the structure of a memory;

Figure 5 is a diagram schematic of a networked gaming system;

Figure 6 is a further block diagram of the gaming system;

Figures 7A to 7G show exemplary displays of a first example;

Figure 8 is a flowchart of the first example; and

Figures 9A to 9G show exemplary displays of a second example.

Detailed Description

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a gaming system arranged to implement a game where at least one special symbol is retained for one or more play rounds but is displayed at a randomly determined new display position after each play round.

The gaming system can take a number of different forms.

In a first form, a stand alone gaming machine is provided wherein all or most components required for implementing the game are present in a player operable gaming machine.

In a second form, a distributed architecture is provided wherein some of the components required for implementing the game are present in a player operable gaming machine and some of the components required for implementing the game are located remotely relative to the gaming machine. For example, a thick client architecture may be used wherein part of the game is executed on a player operable gaming machine and part of the game is executed remotely, such as by a gaming server; or a thin client architecture may be used wherein most of the game is executed remotely such as by a gaming server and a player operable gaming machine is used only to display audible and/or visible gaming information to the player and receive gaming

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2018200388 17 Jan 2018 inputs from the player.

However, it will be understood that other arrangements are envisaged. For example, an architecture may be provided wherein a gaming machine is networked to a gaming server and the respective functions of the gaming machine and the gaming server are selectively modifiable. For example, the gaming system may operate in stand alone gaming machine mode, thick client mode or thin client mode depending on the game being played, operating conditions, and so on. Other variations will be apparent to persons skilled in the art.

Irrespective of the form, the gaming system comprises several core components. At the broadest level, the core components are a player interface 50 and a game controller 60 as illustrated in Figure 1. The player interface is arranged to enable manual interaction between a player and the gaming system and for this purpose includes the input/output components required for the player to enter instructions and play the game.

Components of the player interface may vary from embodiment to embodiment but will typically include a credit mechanism 52 to enable a player to input credits and receive payouts, one or more displays 54 and a game play mechanism 56 that enables a player to input game play instructions.

The game controller 60 is in data communication with the player interface and typically includes a processor 62 that processes the game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and outputs game play outcomes to the display. Typically, the game play instructions are stored as program code in a memory 64 but can also be hardwired. Herein the term processor is used to refer generically to any device that can process game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and may include:

a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic device or other computational device, a general purpose computer (e.g. a PC) or a server.

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A gaming system in the form of a stand alone gaming machine 10 is illustrated in Figure 2. The gaming machine 10 includes a console 12 having a display 14 on which is displayed representations of a game 16 that can be played by a player. A mid-trim 20 of the gaming machine 10 houses a bank of buttons 22 for enabling a player to interact with the gaming machine, in particular during gameplay. The mid-trim 20 also houses a credit input mechanism 24 which in this example includes a coin input chute 24A and a bill collector 24B. Other credit input mechanisms may also be employed, for example, a card reader for reading a smart card, debit card or credit card. A reading device may also be provided for the purpose of reading a player tracking device, for example as part of a loyalty program. The player tracking device may be in the form of a card, flash drive or any other portable storage medium capable of being read by the reading device.

A top box 26 may carry artwork 28, including for example pay tables and details of bonus awards and other information or images relating to the game. Further artwork and/or information may be provided on a front panel 29 of the console 12. A coin tray 30 is mounted beneath the front panel 29 for dispensing cash payouts from the gaming machine 10.

The display 14 shown in Figure 2 is in the form of a video display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, the display 14 may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, any other suitable video display unit, or the visible portion of an electromechanical device. The top box 26 may also include a display, for example a video display unit, which may be of the same type as the display 14, or of a different type.

Figure 3 shows a block diagram of operative components of a typical gaming machine which may be the same as or different to the gaming machine of Figure 2.

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The gaming machine 100 includes a game controller 101 having a processor 102. Instructions and data to control operation of the processor 102 are stored in a memory 103, which is in data communication with the processor 102. Typically, the gaming machine 100 will include both volatile and non-volatile memory and more than one of each type of memory, with such memories being collectively represented by the memory 103.

The gaming machine has hardware meters 104 for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring player credit, an input/output (I/O) interface 105 for communicating with peripheral devices of the gaming machine 100. The input/output interface 105 and/or the peripheral devices may be intelligent devices with their own memory for storing associated instructions and data for use with the input/output interface or the peripheral devices. A random number generator module 113 generates random numbers for use by the processor 102. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the reference to random numbers includes pseudo-random numbers.

In the example shown in Figure 3, a player interface 120 includes peripheral devices that communicate with the game controller 101 comprise one or more displays 106, a touch screen and/or buttons 107, a card and/or ticket reader 108, a printer 109, a bill acceptor and/or coin input mechanism 110 and a coin output mechanism 111. Additional hardware may be included as part of the gaming machine 100, or hardware may be omitted as required for the specific implementation.

In addition, the gaming machine 100 may include a communications interface, for example a network card 112. The network card may, for example, send status information, accounting information or other information to a central controller, server or database and receive data or commands from the central controller, server or database.

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Figure 4 shows a block diagram of the main components of an exemplary memory 103. The memory 103 includes RAM 103A, EPROM 103B and a mass storage device 103C. The RAM 103A typically temporarily holds program files for execution by the processor

102 and related data. The EPROM 103B may be a boot ROM device and/or may contain some system or game related code. The mass storage device 103C is typically used to store game programs, the integrity of which may be verified and/or authenticated by the processor 102 using protected code from the EPROM 103B or elsewhere.

It is also possible for the operative components of the gaming machine 100 to be distributed, for example input/output devices 106,107,108,109,110,111 to be provided remotely from the game controller 101.

Figure 5 shows a gaming system 200 in accordance with an alternative embodiment. The gaming system 200 includes a network 201, which for example may be an Ethernet network.

Gaming machines 202, shown arranged in three banks 203 of two gaming machines 202 in Figure 5, are connected to the network 201. The gaming machines 202 provide a player operable interface and may be the same as the gaming machines 10,100 shown in Figures 2 and 3, or may have simplified functionality depending on the requirements for implementing game play. While banks 203 of two gaming machines are illustrated in Figure 5, banks of one, three or more gaming machines are also envisaged.

One or more displays 204 may also be connected to the network

201. The displays 204 may, for example, be associated with one or more banks 203 of gaming machines. The displays 204 may be used to display representations associated with game play on the gaming machines 202, and/or used to display other representations, for example promotional or informational

5 material.

In a thick client embodiment, game server 205 implements part of

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2018200388 17 Jan 2018 the game played by a player using a gaming machine 202 and the gaming machine 202 implements part of the game. With this embodiment, as both the game server and the gaming device implement part of the game, they collectively provide a game controller. A database management server 206 may manage storage of game programs and associated data for downloading or access by the gaming devices 202 in a database 206A. Typically, if the gaming system enables players to participate in a Jackpot game, a Jackpot server 207 will be provided to carry out accounting functions for the Jackpot game. A loyalty system 212 may also be provided.

In a thin client embodiment, game server 205 implements most or all of the game played by a player using a gaming machine 202 and the gaming machine 202 essentially provides only the player interface. With this embodiment, the game server 205 provides the game controller. The gaming machine will receive player instructions, pass these to the game server which will process them and return game play outcomes to the gaming machine for display. In a thin client embodiment, the gaming machines could be computer terminals, e.g. PCs running software that provides a player interface operable using standard computer input and output components .

Servers are also typically provided to assist in the administration of the gaming network 200, including for example a gaming floor management server 208, and a licensing server 209 to monitor the use of licenses relating to particular games. An administrator terminal 210 is provided to allow an administrator to run the network 201 and the devices connected to the network.

The gaming network 200 may communicate with other gaming systems, other local networks, for example a corporate network, and/or a wide area network such as the Internet, for example through a firewall 211.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in accordance

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2018200388 17 Jan 2018 with known techniques, functionality at the server side of the network may be distributed over a plurality of different computers. For example, elements may be run as a single engine on one server or a separate server may be provided.

For example, the game server 205 could run a random generator engine. Alternatively, a separate random number generator server could be provided. Further, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a plurality of games servers could be provided to run different games or a single game server may run a plurality of different games as required by the terminals.

Gaming systems for implementing games that involve a display of spinning reels as part of the display of the outcome of a game have either a video display or a mechanical display, these later machines most usually being stepper machines which have a separate motor for each reel.

The game controllers of such gaming machines have a stop determining function that determines the stop position for each reel. For example, if there are five reels, each having twenty symbols, the stop determining function might determine that the stop positions are positions: 3, 13, 7, 9 and 17. The spinning of the reels is then controlled so that each symbol comes to a stop in the same row, typically a predetermined row in a window visible to the player on the display that which corresponds to a player playing a single win line. When a reel stops, the symbols will be in one of a plurality of possible symbol positions for that reel relative to the stop position.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to gaming systems that allow a player to select how many win lines of a plurality of win lines they will play in each game - i.e. a minimum of one win line up to the maximum number of win lines allowed by the game. Each win line is formed by a set of symbol positions consisting of one symbol position from each reel. That is, a predetermined symbol position of each reel is assigned to a win line. The symbol positions that constitute each of the win

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2018200388 17 Jan 2018 lines are usually advertised to the player by markings on the display or diagrams showing the symbol positions that correspond to each win line. Some of the win lines will be horizontal or diagonal lines but others may be other combinations of symbols.

Typically, the win lines will be constituted by symbol positions in the visible window.

Persons, skilled in the art, will appreciate that in other embodiments, the player may obtain a win entitlement by select a number of reels to play. Such games are marketed under the trade name Reel Power by Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd. The selection of the reel means that each symbol of the reel can be substituted for a symbol at one or more designated display positions. In other words, all symbol positions of a selected reel can be used to form symbol combinations with designated, displayed symbol positions of other reels.

In other embodiments a player may purchase access to particular pay tables - e.g. a first bet amount entitles the player to wins including cherries and a second amount entitles them to wins including plums .

The game controller of the embodiment is shown in more detail in Figure 6. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the game controller 60 and/or individual modules 1010-1050 of the game controller can be implemented by a processor executing appropriate program code stored in memory 64. In other embodiments, some modules may be provided by dedicated circuits, for example.

The game controller incorporates a symbol selector 1010 that selects symbols to appear on the display 54. Symbol selector 1010 includes a special symbol controller for controlling display of the special symbol during subsequent play rounds once it has appeared. In the embodiment, the special symbol controller 1020 of symbol selector 1010 is configured to determine based on a predetermined symbol combination occurring

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2018200388 17 Jan 2018 (specified by condition data 1042) that a special symbol should be displayed 54. In an alternative, the special symbol may be on one or more of the reels and accordingly would be part of symbol data specifying the makeup of each reel. In this embodiment, the start condition is that the special symbol appears on the display as a result of the normal selection process of symbols by the symbol selector 1010 under control of the random number generator 1050.

Once a special symbol either occurs or is displayed in response to a start condition being met, the special symbol is retained for one or more further play rounds until an end condition, specified by condition data 1042, is met. During each subsequent play round, the special symbol is displayed in a new position by being moved at random under control of the new position selector 1025. In an embodiment, the new position selector 1025 obtains a value from random number generator 1050 that is used to select a displacement from a set of displacements defined by displacement data 1046.

In some embodiments there may be more than one special symbol.

In this case, the special symbol controller controls retainment and displacement of all special symbols.

Between each displacement of the special symbol (which will typically be a wild symbol that can substitute for all or some of the other symbols), a new set of normal symbols are obtained, for example by spinning the reels again. Other special symbols provide some form of additional play characteristic, for example a multiplier.

The outcome generator 1030 generates outcomes based on prize data 1045 and game instructions 1044 after each play round.

The above gaming system will normally be used to implement the game as a feature game. During the feature game, a set of games are played, described herein as play rounds, in which when a

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2018200388 17 Jan 2018 special symbol appears it is used to evaluate prizes and then the reels are spun and the symbol is retained in the window for use in the next game. The special symbol moves to a randomly selected new location, typically by a displacement selected at random from the location from which it last appeared.

The game is intended to be of particular interest in a game where the order of symbols is important in pay patterns.

As described above, the special symbol may be located on the reels and become active when it stops in the window. In this embodiment, there can be more than one special symbol on the reel and thus the number of special symbols can accumulate during the feature.

In another embodiment, the feature commences when a start condition is met, for example based on a specific symbol combination occurring on the reels, a special symbol is placed on the reel in a display location defined by the rules.

Additional special symbols may also be added based on other factors defined in the rules of the game. The initial display location may, for example, be predetermined, selected at random, selected at random from a subset of the available display positions, or selected by the player.

A special symbol may be displayed such that the symbol shown on the reel strip underneath it is not visible (in embodiments where the special symbol is displayed independently of the reels). In an alternative embodiment, the special symbol is located in a place in the window such that the symbol shown on the reel strip is also visible, for example next to the symbol or as a transparent overlay. In one example, the special symbol may be larger than normal symbols and float over a display position.

In a further alternative, the special symbol may only be visible in conjunction with the symbol underneath when it appears in

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2018200388 17 Jan 2018 combination with certain symbols, for example, a scatter symbol where it is advantageous to keep both the wild and scatter symbols available for prize evaluations.

As described above, in the embodiment the special symbol is wild for some or all symbols. However, in alternative embodiments the special symbol may take another function for example as a multiplier or may act as a multiplier if more than one special symbol appears in the same display position. In a further alternative the special symbol may be a Jackpot symbol.

Where the random selection of a new display position of the retained special symbol is made by a displacement, this may be restricted to a set of possible displacements. For example, all displacements correspond to positions adjacent to the current position, or the displacements define a dance step such as two positions up and one across, etc. Further, the displacements may be allowed to wrap around the reels by moving adjacently up from a position from the top of the set of symbols to the bottom of the reels and similarly from right to left or left to right.

The held special symbols can be displayed in a number of different styles, for example:

walking, dancing, jumping or sliding the symbol from one position to the next prior to the reels spinning;

• walking, dancing, jumping or sliding the symbol from one position to the next as the reels are spinning;

• walking, dancing, jumping or sliding the symbol from one position to the next after the reels spin; or • visually disappearing as the reels are spun and then reappearing as the reels stop spinning.

It is possible to have more than one special symbol appearing in the window at the same time. If more than one special symbol appears in the same display position, the display position shows all of the special symbols. This can be visually depicted as

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2018200388 17 Jan 2018 the symbol changing to have all symbols in a new graphic or flashing between the various symbols.

Depending on the embodiment, where more than one special symbol 5 appears in the same display position, the subsequent moves can be individual moves for each symbol or, alternatively, the combined symbol can now move as one symbol.

It is also possible for a special symbol to replicate as it is 10 moved, and for it to be moved in multiple directions. For instance, in one embodiment, a special symbol of a Star can appear at Feature Game 1 and then at Feature Game 2, the Star is moved while being replicated as one star above the last position and one star below the last position.

The player's eligibility for the feature can be determined in accordance with any one of a number of known rules including but not limited to:

being available to all players for all bets;

being available only for certain bet types; or different levels of feature being available for different bets. For example, standard bets may be entitled to one special symbol and feature bets may be entitled to additional special symbols.

The feature can commence in accordance with any one of a number of known rules including but not limited to:

when a special symbol, or a combination of symbols appears in the window;

0 when a time elapses;

when a system event occurs;

when an underlying random event occurs, for example, in the course of a game;

when a turnover has elapsed.

Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that the method of the embodiment could be embodied in program code. The program

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2018200388 17 Jan 2018 code could be supplied in a number of ways, for example on a computer readable medium, such as a disc or a memory (for example, that could replace part of memory 103) or as a data signal (for example, by downloading it from a server).

Example 1

A three by five spinning reel game (five reels 740a-740e with three positions 750a-750c visible in the window for each reel) is being played at 1 credit per line and five lines. The game pays prizes in a left to right pattern only. Three scattered coin symbols appear on the reels and trigger a series of eight feature games.

During the feature games, the rules of the game define that the Man special symbol and the Woman special symbol each acquire the function of substituting for other symbols. During the feature, once a Man or Woman special symbol appears, the special symbol will remain in the window for all remaining games in this feature sequence but will randomly move location. The location of the displacement is defined as moving up or down on the same reel, or moving left to right on the same row.

Please note that in this example the adjacent move includes a

5 wrap i.e. the meaning of the word up includes moving from the top line to the bottom line on the same reel. Similarly, the word down includes moving from the bottom line to the top line on the same reel. Similarly the word left includes moving from reel one to reel five and right includes moving from reel five to reel one.

The displacement selector randomly selects to which position the special symbol is to move.

More than one Man and one Woman can appear and be retained in each feature sequence. The rules of the game define that if a Man and Woman occupy the same position, the visual display

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2018200388 17 Jan 2018 will show the Man and Woman dancing together and the prize will be multiplied by ten. Similarly if two Man or two Woman symbols occupy the same position.

In the first free game, neither a Man nor a Woman symbol appears on the reels. The symbols appearing on the reels are evaluated and prizes paid.

In the second free game, a Man symbol 710 appears on reel two 10 740b in the centre position 750b. The symbols appearing in the window are evaluated for prizes according to the bet options placed by the player and using the Man as a substitute as shown in Figure 7A.

This outcome pays 3 * Aces on the centre line (Man substitutes for the Ace)

In the third free game, the Man 710 remains available in the window but moves location. The displacement is random but can only move up or down on reel two or sideways onto reel one or reel three. The reels also spin and all other symbols are replaced. The outcome is shown in Figure 7B.

The outcome pays 3* Queen on the centre line (Man substitutes for Queen)

In the fourth free game, the Man 710 remains available in the window but moves location. The displacement is random but can only move up or down on reel one or sideways onto reel five or reel two. The reels also spin and all other symbols are replaced. The outcome is shown in Figure 7C.

The outcome pays 4* jack on the fourth payline (top left hand corner to middle bottom, then up to top right hand corner. (Man substitutes for Jack)

And 2* 9 on top line (Man substitutes for 9)

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In the fifth free game, the Man 710 remains available in the window but moves location. The displacement is random but can only move up (to the bottom position) or down on reel one or sideways onto reel five or reel two. The reels also spin and all other symbols are replaced. On this outcome, a Woman 720 symbol appears on reel four. The outcome is shown in Figure 7D.

The outcome pays 3* 9 on top line. (Man substitutes for 9)

And 3 * dog on the centre line. The Woman does not complete a prize winning combination.

In the sixth free game, the Man 710 remains available in the window but moves location. The displacement is random but can only move up (to the bottom position) or down on reel two or sideways onto reel one or reel three. The Woman 720 can move up or down (to the top position on reel four) or sideways onto reel three or five. The reels also spin and all other symbols are replaced. The outcome is shown in Figure 7E.

The outcome pays 5* Jacks on fifth payline. (Man and Woman both substitute for Jack) fifth payline runs from reel one bottom position to reel three top position and down to bottom position on reel five.

In the seventh free game, the Man 710 remains available in the window but moves location. The displacement is random but can only move up (to the bottom position) or down on reel three or sideways onto reel two or reel four. The Woman 720 can move up or down or sideways onto reel three or five. The reels also spin and all other symbols are replaced. The outcome is shown in Figure 7F

The outcome pays 4* Aces on bottom payline. (Man and Woman both substitute for Ace).

In the eighth free game, the Man 710 remains available in the window but moves location. The displacement is random but can

9880480_l (GHMatters) P62710.AU.5 17/01/18

2018200388 17 Jan 2018 only move up or down on reel three or sideways onto reel two or reel four. The Woman 720 can move up or down or sideways onto reel three or five. The reels also spin and all other symbols are replaced. The outcome is shown in Figure 7G.

The outcome pays 3* Queens on fourth payline. (Woman substitutes for Queen).

The Man does not complete a winning combination.

Eight feature games are now complete, the end condition is met and the game returns to normal play.

The process of Example 1 is illustrated in the flow chart of Figure 8. At step 800, the reels are spun in a standard game.

At step 805, it is determined whether there is a trigger (start condition) for the special feature. If no, the standard game continues, if yes, the feature game is started at step 810. At step 815, it is determined what the end condition will in this case is the number of feature games that are available in this game. At step 820, the reels are spun. At step 825, it is determined whether there is a Man symbol on the reels, as in this embodiment the Man symbol is one of the set of symbols available on at least one reel. If the answer is yes, the position is noted if the answer is no, it is determined 835 whether there is a Woman symbol on the reels. If the answer is yes, the position is noted at step 840 and prizes are evaluated at step 845. If there are any Man or Woman symbols, these are used as substitutes otherwise the prize evaluation occurs in accordance with the other normal rules. At step 850, the number of feature games that are available is decremented and at step

855 it is determined whether the number of feature games available has reached zero 855. If the answer is no, the process proceeds to step 860, and the reels are spun, at steps 865 and 870, new positions are determined for the man and woman if this is applicable. The process then continues from step 825 until it is determined at step 855 that the number of feature games has reached zero. That is, that the end condition is met.

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Example 2

This is another five reel 940a-940e by three row 950a-950c game where the rules are the same as Example 1 but a Man 910 and

Woman 920 symbol are placed on the display at the start of the game.

In the first free game, a Man symbol 910 is placed on reel two, centre position and a Woman symbol 920 is placed on the reel four, centre position. The symbols overlay other symbols such that the underlying symbols, except for scatters, cannot be seen and cannot be used to evaluate prizes. The symbols appearing on the reels are evaluated and prizes paid. The outcome is shown in Figure 9A.

The prizes paid are

4* Aces on the centre line (Man and Woman substitute for Ace)

2*9 on the fifth payline (Man substitutes for 9)

In the second free game, the Man 910 symbol randomly relocates. The relocation can be above or below the centre position on reel two or to the centre position on reel one or reel three. The displacement of the Woman 920 symbol is independent of the displacement of the Man 910. The Woman can move up or down on reel four or sideways to reels three or five on the centre position. The symbols appearing in the window are evaluated for prizes using the Man and Woman as a substitute.

This outcome pays :

3 * Aces on the centre line (Man substitutes for the Ace)

In the third free game, the Man 910 remains available in the window but moves location. The displacement is random but can only move up or down on reel one or sideways onto reel five or reel two. Similarly for the relocation of the Woman 920. The reels also spin and all other symbols are replaced. The outcome is shown in Figure 9B.

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The outcome pays :

3* Queen on the centre line (Man substitutes for Queen)

3*9 on fifth payline (Man and woman substitute for 9)

In the fourth free game, the Man 910 remains available in the window but moves location. The displacement is random but can only move up or down on reel two or sideways onto reel one or reel three. Similarly, the Woman 920 symbol must relocate. The reels also spin and all other symbols are replaced. The outcome is shown in Figure 9D.

Note that in this outcome, the Man and Woman symbols are now in the same position.

The outcome pays on top line 2* 9 prize time ten. (Man and 15 woman at the same location pay ten times the prize and substitutes for 9)

In the fifth free game, the Man 910 remains available in the window but moves location. The displacement is random but can only move up (to the bottom position) or down on reel two or sideways onto reel three or reel one. Similarly the Woman 920 relocates. The reels also spin and all other symbols are replaced. The outcome is show in Figure 9E.

5 The outcome pays :

3* 9 on top line. (Man substitutes for 9) * dog on the centre line. (Woman substitutes for dog)

3* Queen on fifth payline (Man and Woman substitute for Queen) 2*9 on fourth payline (Woman substitutes for 9)

In the sixth free game, the Man 910 remains available in the window but moves location. The displacement is random but can only move up (to the bottom position) or down on reel three or sideways onto reel two or reel four. Similarly the Woman 920 relocates. The reels also spin and all other symbols are replaced. The outcome is shown in Figure 9F.

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The outcome pays :

3* Jacks on bottom payline. (Man and Woman both substitute for Jack)

In the seventh free game, the Man 910 remains available in the window but moves location. The displacement is random but can only move up or down on reel three or sideways onto reel two or reel four. Similarly, the Woman 920 relocates. The reels also spin and all other symbols are replaced. The outcome is shown in Figure 9G.

The outcome pays :

4* Aces on bottom payline. (Man and Woman both substitute for Ace) .

2*9 on fifth payline

In the eighth free game, the Man 910 remains available in the window but moves location. The displacement is random but can only move up or down on reel two or sideways onto reel one or reel three. Similarly, the Woman 920 relocates. The reels also spin and all other symbols are replaced. The outcome is shown in Figure 9H.

The outcome pays :

3* Queens on fifth payline. (Man substitutes for Queen).

Eight feature games are now complete and the game returns to normal play.

In one variation of Example 2, the Man and Woman symbols may move together after they appear in the same display position (see Figure 9D). When they move together this may be different to the initial way they moved, for example, they may move in a two by one or one by two display position dance step.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that various variations may be made to the invention without departing from

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2018200388 17 Jan 2018 the scope of the invention described herein.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word comprise or variations such as comprises or comprising is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

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Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1/10

2018200388 17 Jan 2018

Figure 1

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1. A method of gaming in a gaming machine having a display and a game controller, the display having a plurality of

2/10

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2 5 spinning reel game.

21. A gaming system comprising:

a display having a plurality of display positions;

and

30 a game controller arranged to:

conduct a play round by:

selecting a first set of symbols from a plurality of available symbols that includes at least one special symbol,

35 causing the display of the selected first set of symbols at respective display positions, and determining a game outcome based on the first

9880480_l (GHMatters) P62710.AU.5 17/01/18

2018200388 17 Jan 2018 set of symbols and any special symbols that are selected and displayed; and conduct one or more further play rounds until an end condition is met, wherein conducting each further play round

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein selecting a new display position for each of the two or more special symbols

10 is performed by selecting a displacement at random from a set of possible displacements relative to the previously displayed position of the respective special symbol.

3/10

100

2018200388 17 Jan 2018

Figure 3

120

RAM 103A EPROM 103B Mass storage device 103C

103

Figure 4

7102636_1 (GHMatters) P62710.AU.4 NICK 10/11/15

3 0 spinning reel game.

29. Computer readable program code, which when executed by a computer causes the computer to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 10.

30 . A computer readable medium comprising the computer program code of claim 29.

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3. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the set of

15 possible displacements are one display position in each direction of left, right, up and down.

4/10 ^200

2018200388 17 Jan 2018

Figure 5

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4. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the set of possible displacements are comprised of a first displacement of

20 two display positions in one of the directions left, right, up or down and a second displacement of one display position in a direction transverse to the first displacement.

5/10

2018200388 17 Jan 2018

1010 64

Figure 6

1041

1042

1043

1046

1044

1045

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5 24. A gaming system as claimed in claim 22, wherein the set of possible displacements are comprised of a first displacement of two display positions in one of the directions left, right, up or down and a second displacement of one display position in a direction transverse to the first displacement.

10 The first and second displacements may be reversed in some embodiments .

25. A gaming system as claimed in claim 22, wherein the display positions define a rectangular display area and the left

15 side is treated as contiguous with the right side and the bottom is treated as contiguous with the top such that all displacements result in the moved symbol moving to a display position within the display area.

20 26. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 21 to

25, wherein the end condition is that a predetermined number of play rounds have occurred.

27. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 21 to

25 25, wherein there is more than one end condition and the game ends if any of the end conditions is met.

28. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 27, wherein the symbols belong to a plurality of reels in a

5 comprises:

determining if two or more special symbols are displayed at respective first display positions from the previous round, and if so retain the two or more special symbols for the further round,

10 if two or more special symbols are displayed at the respective first display positions, selecting a new and different display positions at random for each of the two or more retained special symbols based upon a first set of predetermined displacement rules,

15 selecting a further set of symbols from a plurality of available display symbols, displaying the selected further set of symbols at respective display positions, and determining a further game outcome based on the

20 further set of symbols and the two or more retained special symbols, determining if any two or more of the retained special symbols have been randomly moved to a same display position;

25 combining the two or more special symbols when the same display position is randomly selected for the at least two special symbols; and moving the combined symbol in subsequent further rounds based on a second set of predetermined

30 displacement rules.

22. A gaming system as claimed in claim 21, wherein the game controller is arranged to select a new position for each of the two or more special symbols by selecting a displacement at

35 random from a set of possible displacements relative to the previous display position of the respective special symbol.

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23. A gaming system as claimed in claim 22, wherein the set of possible displacements are one display position in each direction of left, right, up and down.

5 16. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the end condition is that a predetermined number of play rounds have occurred.

17. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 11 10 to 15, wherein there is more than one end condition and the game ends if any of the end conditions is met.

18. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein at each display position associated with a

15 special symbol only the special symbol is caused to be displayed

19. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein at each display position associated with a special symbol, the special symbol is caused to be displayed in

20 conjunction with another symbol selected for that display position.

20. A game controller as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein the symbols belong to a plurality of reels in a

5 at respective display positions, and determining a further game outcome based on the further set of symbols and the two or more retained special symbols, determining if any two or more of the retained

10 special symbols have been randomly moved to a same display position;

combining the two or more special symbols when the same display position is randomly selected for the at least two special symbols; and

15 moving the combined symbol in subsequent further rounds based on a second set of predetermined displacement rules .

12. A game controller as claimed in claim 11, arranged to

20 select a new position for each of the two or more special symbols by selecting a displacement at random from a set of possible displacements relative to the previous display position of the respective special symbol.

25 13. A game controller as claimed in claim 12, wherein the set of possible displacements are one display position in each direction of left, right, up and down.

14 . A game controller as claimed in claim 12, wherein the

30 set of possible displacements are comprised of a first displacement of two display positions in one of the directions left, right, up or down and a second displacement of one display position in a direction transverse to the first displacement.

35 15. A game controller as claimed in claim 12, wherein the display positions define a rectangular display area and the left side is treated as contiguous with the right side and the bottom

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2018200388 17 Jan 2018 is treated as contiguous with the top such that all displacements result in the moved symbol moving to a display position within the display area.

5. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the display

25 positions define a rectangular display area and the left side is treated as contiguous with the right side and the bottom is treated as contiguous with the top such that all displacements result in the moved symbol moving to a display position within the display area.

5 display positions, the method comprising:

conducting, via the game controller, a play round comprising:

selecting, via the game controller, a first set of symbols from a plurality of available symbols that

10 includes at least one special symbol, displaying the selected first set of symbols at a respective display positions, and determining, via the game controller, a game outcome based on the first set of symbols and any special

15 symbols that are selected and displayed; and conducting, via the game controller, one or more further play rounds until an end condition is met, each further play round comprising:

determining, via the game controller, if two

20 or more special symbols are displayed at respective first display positions from the previous round, and if so retaining the two or more special symbols for the further round, if two or more special symbols are displayed at the respective first display positions, selecting, via the game

25 controller, new and different display positions at random for each of the two or more retained special symbols based upon a first set of predetermined displacement rules, selecting, via the game controller, a further set of symbols from a plurality of available display symbols,

30 displaying the selected further set of symbols at respective display positions, and determining, via the game controller, a further game outcome based on the further set of symbols and the two or more retained special symbols,

35 determining, via the gaming controller, if any two or more of the retained special symbols have been randomly moved to a same display position;

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2018200388 17 Jan 2018 combining, via the gaming controller, the two or more special symbols when the same display position is randomly selected for the at least two special symbols; and moving, via the gaming controller, the combined 5 symbol in subsequent further rounds based on a second set of predetermined displacement rules .

6/10

2018200388 17 Jan 2018

740a

740b

740c

740d

740e

Queen King 10 King Jack Ace Man _v Ace Queen 10 Dog Jack \ 9 9 9

710

Figure 7A

740a

740b

740c

740d

740e

King 10 Ace 9 King Man _x Queen Queen Jack 10 ⁹ \ Jack 10 King Dog

710

Figure 7B

740a

740b

740c

740d

740e

Man \ 9 King Ace 10 Dog \ Jack Queen Jack Dog Queen \ 10 Jack 9 Ace

710

Figure 7C

740a

740b

740c

740d

740e

6. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the end condition is that a predetermined number of play rounds have occurred.

35 7. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein there is more than one end condition and the game ends if any of the end conditions is met.

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7/10

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740e

740a

740b

740c

740d

Queen Dog / Man Ace Queen Ace Jack / Dog , Woman Kng Jack 10 / King / King Jack

710

720

Figure 7E

740e

740a

740b

740c

740d

Jack King 10 Jack Dog Queen 9 Queen 10 Queen Ace Ace / Man / Woman King

710

720

Figure 7F

740e

740a

740b

740c

740d

Queen 9 Jack Ace 9 10 Queen 10 10 Dog King Ace z Woman /Man King

720

710

Figure 7G

750a

750b

750c

750a

750b

750c

750a

750b

750c

7102636_1 (GHMatters) P62710.AU.4 NICK 10/11/15

8/10

2018200388 17 Jan 2018

Figure 8

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8. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at each display position associated with a special symbol only the special symbol is displayed

9 9 Man_x Ace 10 Dog Woman_x ^Dog \ King 9 Queen 10 \ Jack ^x K Dog Ace

920

910

950a

950b

950c

Figure 9E

7102636_1 (GHMatters) P62710.AU.4 NICK 10/11/15

9 /Man Woman x King Ace 10 Dog / Jack \ , Queen Jack Dog Queen / 10 \ Jack 9 Ace

910

920

-950a

-950b

-950c

Figure 9D

940e

940a

940b

940c

940d

9/10

2018200388 17 Jan 2018

940e

940a

940b

940c

940d

King Queen Kng 10 9 Ace Man _x Ace / Woman 10 9 Jack \ Dog / 9 Jack

910

920

Figure 9A

-950a

-950b

-950c

940e

940a

940b

940c

940d

Queen King 10 , Woman Jack Man_x Ace Ace / Queen 10 Dog \ Jack 9 , f 9 9

910

920

-950a

-950b

-950c

Figure 9B

940e

940a

940b

940c

940d

Kng 10 Woman \ 9 King Queen Man \ Queen \ Jack 10 9 Jack \ 10 ' . King Dog

910

920

-950a

-950b

-950c

Figure 9C

940e

940a

940b

940c

940d

9 Man \ 9 Ace 10 Dog Dog \ Dog King 9 Queen 10 \ Jack / Woman Ace

710

720

Figure 7D

750a

750b

750c

750a

750b

750c

750a

750b

750c

750a

750b

750c

7102636_1 (GHMatters) P62710.AU.4 NICK 10/11/15

9. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at each display position associated with a special symbol, the special symbol is displayed in conjunction with another symbol selected for that display position.

10. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the symbols belong to a plurality of reels in a spinning reel game.

15 11. A game controller for a gaming machine having a display, the display having a plurality of display positions, the game controller arranged to:

conduct a play round by:

selecting a first set of symbols from a

20 plurality of available symbols that includes at least one special symbol, causing the display of the selected first set of symbols at respective display positions, and determining a game outcome based on the first

25 set of symbols and any special symbols that are selected and displayed; and conduct one or more further play rounds until an end condition is met, wherein conducting each further play round comprises :

30 determining if two or more special symbols are displayed at respective first display positions from the previous round, and if so retain the two or more special symbols for the further round, if two or more special symbols are displayed at

35 the respective first display positions, selecting a new and different display positions at random for each of the two or more retained special symbols based upon a first set of

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2018200388 17 Jan 2018 predetermined displacement rules, selecting a further set of symbols from a plurality of available display symbols, displaying the selected further set of symbols

10/10

2018200388 17 Jan 2018

940e

940a

940b

940c

940d

Queen Dog 10 Ace Queen Ace Jack Queen 10 Kng Jack Woman _K Man_K King Jack

920

910

Figure 9F

950a

950b •950c

940e

940a

940b

940c

940d

Jack Kng 10 Jack Dog Queen 9 Queen 10 Queen Woman \ Man _x Ace Ace Kng

920

910

950a

950b •950c

Figure 9G

940e

940a

940b

940c

940d

Queen 9 Queen Ace 9 Woman \ Queen 10 10 Dog Man \ \ Ace Kng Jack Kng

910

920

950a

950b

950c

Figure 9H

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