TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates broadly to a gaming apparatus, more particularly to a gaming apparatus with a single-instance computation.

BACKGROUND

In the gaming industry, it is typical for gaming machines/apparatuses to utilise multiple winning combinations such as having multiple symbols with different/multiple odds weightages. Different or various winning combinations or payouts are computed depending on one or more combinations of, for example, symbols/events in lines or patterns/ways in accordance with designated game rules. Computation of such one or more combinations typically increase computation load on a gaming apparatus.

Furthermore, with development of games, combinations of e.g. symbols or events for a win payout have increasingly become more complex or complicated. For example, a winning combination may include a substitute symbol or a scatter symbol. A combination may take into account symbols/events of an alternate space/line and/or in different patterns and/or in different linkages, and in addition, also take into account possible substitute symbols/events. As such, computation load is further increased due to the need to determine different possible permutations available from such symbols/events and/or linkages etc.

To further exacerbate the problem, the heavy computation load is further increased when different odds weightages are taken into account, e.g. for different symbols/events.

In addition to computation load, for a user/player at a gaming apparatus, possible combinations have become complicated such that a user may typically become confused as to how one or more winning outcomes/payouts are computed/determined. Such scenarios lead to another problem of a user/player becoming detached or less interested in gaming apparatuses where the user may be reduced to simply accepting the computational results or winning payouts that are awarded without being aware or being able to self-determine whether or not the computational results or winning payouts are accurate.

It is also recognized that computation errors do occur at gaming apparatuses but these may increasingly not be detectable by a user/player due to the complexity involved.

In view of the above, there exists a need for a gaming apparatus with single instance computation that seeks to address at least one of the above problems.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a gaming apparatus, the gaming apparatus comprising a player input module arranged to accept a player input; a random number generator arranged for output of a randomization event; a processing module configured to implement a game process, the processing module further configured to instruct the output of the randomization event in order to select a single indicia as a game output result; wherein upon selection of the single indicia as the game output result, the processing module is configured to implement a single-instance computation process to directly retrieve award information associated with the game output result and compute a player award based on the directly retrieved award information.

The gaming apparatus may further comprise the processing module being configured to implement the single-instance computation process to compute the player award based on a multiplication operation of the directly retrieved award information and the player input.

The single indicia may be a game symbol. The single indicia may be selected from a plurality of indicia.

One of the plurality of indicia may be associated with an award information that provides a largest award value as compared to other award information associated with a remainder of the plurality of indicia.

The plurality of indicia may be two indicia.

One of the plurality of indicia may be associated with an award information that provides a zero award value.

The award information may be a predetermined award information, said award information may be stored in a same database as the selected single indicia.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be better understood and readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from the following written description, by way of example only, and in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a schematic front view diagram of a front panel of a gaming apparatus/machine in an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 1 B is a schematic front view diagram of the gaming apparatus/machine with the front panel opened in part from the gaming machine in the exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a gaming machine/apparatus in an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic flowchart illustrating a gaming process implementing a single-instance computation process in an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment with a game process that comprises a big win and a small win.

FIG. 5 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment with a game process that comprises a win and a no-win.

FIG. 6 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment with a game process that comprises a win and a no-win implemented with a reel-spin game.

FIG. 7 is an example graphical display of an award information table for a reel- spin game in an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8A is an example graphical display of a reel-spin game with a win outcome in an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8B is an example graphical display of a reel-spin game with a no-win outcome in the exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating another exemplary embodiment with a game process that comprises a win and a no-win implemented with a card game.

FIG. 10 is an example graphical display of a card game with a no-win outcome in an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment with a game process that comprises a win and a no-win implemented with a wheel-spin game.

FIG. 12 is an example graphical display of a wheel-spin game with a no-win outcome in an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a plurality of gaming apparati in a network in an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 14 shows a schematic drawing of a game system according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a schematic drawing of a computer system suitable for implementing an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a schematic drawing of a wireless communication device suitable for implementing an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an exemplary embodiment, a gaming apparatus may be provided that changes its state based on a randomization event that results in selection of a single indicia as a game output result. A processing module of the gaming apparatus may be configured to implement a game process and to instruct the output of a randomization event in order to select a single indicia as a game output result. Upon selection of the single indicia as the game output result, the processing module may be configured to implement a single-instance computation process to directly retrieve award information associated with the game output result and compute a player award based on the directly retrieved award information.

Thus, according to the above exemplary embodiment, the processing module may reduce computation load in that there is no further computation that is based on a position of the indicia with regard to a combination(s) of multiple indicia and/or to a pattern(s) of multiple indicia. The processing module may also reduce computation load in that there is no further computation based on any possible substitution(s) of the single indicia. In addition, computation load is optimized due to a direct retrieval of award information that is associated with the single indicia, without mixing of awards, and a relatively simpler computation of the player award due to the single indicia, i.e. as compared to computation of different award/odds information from pattern(s) and/or combination(s).

In the exemplary embodiment, the single-instance computation process to compute the player award may be based on a multiplication operation of the directly retrieved award information and the player input. In the exemplary embodiment, the single indicia is, for example but is not limited to, a game symbol.

In the exemplary embodiment, the single indicia is selected from a plurality of indicia. One of the plurality of indicia may be associated with an award information that provides a largest award value as compared to other award information associated with a remainder of the plurality of indicia. For example, for an example implementation with game symbols, one of the game symbols may be associated with a largest award value. The other game symbols may be associated with smaller award values or even zero award values.

In the exemplary embodiment, the plurality of indicia may be two indicia. For example, for an example implementation with game symbols, there may be only two game symbols to select from.

In the exemplary embodiment, one of the plurality of indicia may be associated with an award information that provides a zero award value.

In the exemplary embodiment, the award information may be a predetermined award information. The award information may be stored in a same database as the selected single indicia. Alternatively, the award information may be stored in a different location or different database as the indicia.

In exemplary embodiments herein, a RNG (Random Number Generator) may be used for output of one or more randomization events or RNG processes. A RNG may provide randomly generated numbers from which, for example, the outcomes of games are based upon. For example, the randomly generated numbers may be matched to a list of pre determined numbers to determine whether the randomly generated numbers are a match. For example, if there is a match, a successful outcome is provided. For example, a match or successful outcome may relate to selection of a single indicia with a relatively large/big award as compared to award information of other indicia available at a gaming apparatus. The RNG is preferably independent of external factors. The RNG may generate random numbers without any input or preferably, with a preceding/previous random number as an input to generate a subsequent random number. In an example implementation, the RNG may be in the form of a crystal oscillator that instructs a number generator processor to periodically generate new random numbers. If there is a seed (or preceding/previous random number) available, the number generator may use that seed as an input for the number generation.

FIG. 1A is a schematic front view diagram of a front panel of a gaming apparatus/machine in an exemplary embodiment. The gaming machine 100 comprises a front panel 101 that in turn comprises a top screen 102, a main screen 104, a player transactions panel 106 and a player interaction panel 108. The gaming machine 100 may optionally comprise a printer outlet 110, a tower light 112 and a poster display portion 114. The gaming machine 100 allows a player to play one or more games installed or network- implemented by the gaming machine 100.

In the exemplary embodiment, the top screen 102 may be used to display game celebrations, promotional/advertising information or other information that is typically not primarily related to progression of the games of the gaming machine. The main screen 104 is used to display the games of the gaming machine 100, for the player’s attention. Typically, the main screen 104 is the screen that the player focuses on for playing the games.

In the exemplary embodiment, the player transactions panel 106 is provided for the player to transact with the gaming machine 100. The term “transactions” is taken to mean extraction of remaining credits/points that the player possesses or insertion of credits/points that the player possesses, for example, in a magnetic identification card or a radio frequency identification (RFID) card or any stored-value card. The term should not be limited to monetary transactions. The player transactions panel 106 comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD) information screen 116 and a card insert slot 118. The card insert slot 118 is used for receiving, in the case of a card insert slot, an identification card containing the credits/points and/or identification belonging to the player. The credits/points may be extracted from the card into the gaming machine 100 for playing the games installed in the gaming machine 100. Upon the player deciding to end play at the gaming machine 100, the player transactions panel 106 may store the latest/updated credits/points information in the stored- value card. For exemplary embodiments relating to using player identification cards, the player transactions panel 106 may retrieve credits/points information of the player from an external server or database based on player identification. The retrieved information may then be used at the gaming machine 100 for playing the games. For such embodiments, upon the player deciding to end play at the gaming machine 100, the player transactions panel 106 may transmit the latest/updated credits/points information to be stored on the external server or database based on the player identification. It will be appreciated that the card insert slot 118 may be in other forms depending on the type of identification card used by the player. For example, if the player is using a RFID card, the transactions module 118 may be a RFID reader/writer. The LCD information screen 116 is used to display e.g. the credits/points information contained in the card.

The player interaction panel 108 comprises push buttons e.g. 120 provided to allow the player to actuate the buttons e.g. 120 for interacting with the games being played on the gaming machine 100. For example, the player may use the buttons e.g. 120 to make player selections being displayed on the main screen 104. For example, the player may use the buttons e.g. 120 to make a player input. In an alternative embodiment, the push buttons e.g. 120 may be replaced by a touch-sensitive screen that corresponds to the display on the main screen 104 to allow the player to interact with the games using touch commands. This may be in the form of a touch sensitive membrane with switch panels each corresponding to a display position of a display on the main screen 104.

A bill validator 122 may be provided for a player to use paper money to buy points for playing the games of the gaming machine 100. This is similar to, for example, using paper money at a vending machine to buy drinks/food.

It will be appreciated that although a card-in (using the card insert slot 118) and bill-in (using the bill validator 122) has been discussed above, the gaming machine is not limited as such and may comprise mechanisms to allow coin-in, key-in, ticket-in etc. for playing the games in the gaming machine.

It will be appreciated that the main screen 104 may be in the form of a touch- sensitive screen that may complement or replace the player interaction panel 108. The touch-sensitive screen may be a capacitive-type sensing screen, pressure-type sensing screen or the like. That is, the main screen 104 may be a touch-sensitive screen that allows the player to interact with the gaming machine 100 using touch commands. For example, the player may use touch commands to make a player input.

In the exemplary embodiment, the printer outlet 110 may be provided for the gaming machine 100 to output information in printed form to the player. For example, the gaming machine 100 may print a sticker for the player. The gaming machine 100 may also print a receipt or record of the points transaction for the player. The tower light 112 may be provided to light up during game celebrations. This may attract the attention of spectators or the player. The tower light 112 may also be used for highlighting technical issues, requesting assistance or service etc. The poster display portion 114 may be provided for e.g. game information to be displayed.

In the exemplary embodiment, the front panel 101 may be opened or detached in whole or in part from the gaming machine 100 body to allow, for example, maintenance on the circuits or components encased in the gaming machine 100.

FIG. 1 B is a schematic front view diagram of the gaming apparatus/machine with the front panel opened in part from the gaming machine in the exemplary embodiment. As shown, the front panel 101 is opened from the gaming machine 100, and opened in part containing the main screen 104 and the player transactions panel 106, to reveal the internal portion of the gaming machine 100.

The gaming machine 100 comprises a power supply unit 124 for powering the various components of the gaming machine 100. The power supply unit 124 is coupled to a main board circuits cage 126. The main board circuits cage 126 is used to contain and protect a game processing module 128. The game processing module 128 implements the games on the gaming machine and also implements game functions such as, but not limited to, points/awards calculations. The game processing module 128 also drives visual contents, for example of the games, on the main screen 104 and, for example, audio content from the gaming machine 100. Speakers (not shown) are provided to output audio. Thus, the game processing module 128 may be a processor or a processing module/unit of the gaming machine 100. In the exemplary embodiment, the game processing module 128 is coupled to a random number generator 130 and a storage device 132. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the storage device 132 may be external to the gaming machine 100. In such an instance, the connection between the game processing module 128 and the storage device 132 may be by wired and/or wireless connections.

In the exemplary embodiment, the storage device 132 is arranged to store one or more game process instructions and/or a plurality of game indicia and/or one or more award information associated with the plurality of game indicia. The storage device 132 may also store game win display data. The storage device 132 is also arranged to store a credits database/meter for containing, but is not limited to, a player deposit of player credits for playing at the gaming apparatus. The storage device 132 is also arranged to store a game points database/meter for containing one or more game points win values associated with game output results or game winnings at the gaming apparatus. The credits database may also contain credits converted from a value of the game points database. The credits database may also contain one or more game credits win values associated with game output results or game winnings at the gaming apparatus.

Selection of a game indicia from the plurality of game indicia is associated with an instruction set for instructing the game processing module 128 to perform a further action, for changing the state of the gaming machine 100. Upon selection of a single game indicia as a game output result, an instruction is sent to the game processing module 128 to directly retrieve award information associated with the game output result and compute a player award based on the directly retrieved award information.

In addition, the game processing module 128 is coupled to a player input module 134. The player input module 134 is coupled to one or more input actuators or members such as buttons e.g. 120 of a player interaction panel 108, or a touch screen input member of the main screen 104 etc.

The modules 128, 130, 132, 134 may be in the form of printed circuit boards comprising application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC) that may perform specific functions with inputs from components coupled to these modules. In the exemplary embodiment, the game processing module 128 facilitates implementation of one or more main/side/feature games of the gaming machine 100 and facilitates the display of the one or more games on a display means/member of the gaming machine 100 such as the main screen 104. The game processing module 128 is configured to generate/operate a game display area showing the game in play. The generation/operation may be graphical such as a game display area generated/operated based on computer code or may be mechanical such as controlling mechanically rotatable reels, depending on implementation.

In the exemplary embodiment, the player input module 134 is arranged to accept a player input for a game of the gaming machine 100. For example, the player input may be a player points input for playing a game. Thus, when the player input is a player points input, there is a value being input by the player, termed as player input value. The player input value may be deducted from a credits database/meter. Upon receipt of the player input, the game processing module 128 is arranged to instruct the random number generator 130 to perform various functions, such as but not limited to obtaining/outputting a randomization event. The game processing module 128 is arranged to utilize the randomization event in order to select a single indicia as a game output result. Upon selection of the single indicia as the game output result, the processing module is configured to implement a single-instance computation process to directly retrieve award information associated with the game output result and compute a player award based on the directly retrieved award information.

If the player award comprises a non-zero value, a game points or game credits win amount is an example of an award value associated with a game output result for the player. It may be provided that the player award may comprise a zero value, or a no- win.

The gaming machine 100 may optionally further comprise an interface circuit board 138 coupled to the game processing module 128, and a bill validator module 140 coupled to the game processing module 128. The bill validator module 140 comprises circuitry for implementing bill validation and counting. In the exemplary embodiment, if a printer outlet 110 is provided, a printer 142 is also comprised in the gaming machine 100 for performing the printing functions. It will be appreciated that the gaming machine 100 may further comprise other components that are not described here for clarity of illustration of the exemplary embodiments.

The interface circuit board 138 may be optionally provided to communicate with a game control server (not shown) that may e.g. monitor the results of the games of the gaming machine 100, for example for logging results of main and/or side games of the gaming machine 100.

In such an exemplary embodiment, a main or side/feature game win that is awarded may trigger the game processing module 128 to instruct or inform the interface circuit board 138 that a favourable result has been obtained. The game control server may be informed via the interface circuit board 138.

In some exemplary embodiments, the game control server (not shown) may e.g. communicate with the gaming machine 100, for example for informing of a winning instance of pool prize corresponding to a multiplied game win at the gaming machine 100. The communication with the game control server may be over a wired or wireless network.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a gaming machine/apparatus in an exemplary embodiment. The gaming apparatus 200 comprises a game processing module 202. The processing module 202 is coupled to a player input module 204 for accepting a player input to play a turn of a game, such as a main game, implemented on the gaming apparatus 200. The processing module 202 is further coupled to a random number generator 206 and a display member 208. The processing module 202 is also coupled to a storage device 210.

The storage device 210 stores one or more credits databases, and/or one or more game points databases, and/or game win display data, and/or a plurality of game indicia, and/or one or more award information associated with the plurality of game indicia, and/or one or more game process instructions (e.g. for a main game). A credits database/meter may contain, but is not limited to, a player deposit of player credits for playing at the gaming apparatus 200. A game points database/meter may contain one or more game points win values (i.e. in terms of game points) associated with game output results or game winnings at the gaming apparatus 200. In some exemplary embodiments, the credits database may also contain credits converted from a value of the game points database. In some exemplary embodiments, the credits database may also contain one or more game credits win values (i.e. in terms of credits) associated with game output results or game winnings at the gaming apparatus.

In the exemplary embodiment, the processing module 202 is configured to access one or more game process instructions to implement a game process. The processing module 202 is arranged to instruct the random number generator 206 to output a randomization event. For example, a randomization event may comprise the random number generator 206 generating one or more random numbers. The processing module 202 is arranged to instruct the display member 208 to visually display a value of the credits database, and/or a value of a game points database, and/or a player input, and/or game win display data. The player input may be a pre-determined input for playing a next turn of a main game and/or a next turn of a side/feature game at the gaming apparatus 200.

In the exemplary embodiment, the processing module 202 is arranged to provide a game output result based on the randomization event. The processing module 202 may, based on the randomization event, select a single game indicia from the plurality of game indicia, the selection being the game output result. For example, the processing module 202 may use one or more random numbers generated by the random number generator 206 to randomly select a game symbol (as an indicia) from a plurality of game symbols stored in the storage device 210. It will be appreciated that any form of randomly selecting a game indicia from the plurality of game indicia may be used. For example, the plurality of game indicia may each be designated fixed numbers that may be matched using the generated one or more random numbers. As another example, the plurality of game indicia may each be designated an odd or even number that may be matched using the generated one or more random numbers. The exemplary embodiment is not limited to the above examples and other forms of randomly selecting a game indicia from the plurality of game indicia may additionally or alternatively be used. The game output result may be a game output result of a main game or a feature game. In the exemplary embodiment, upon selection of the single game indicia as the game output result, the processing module 202 is configured to implement a single-instance computation process to directly retrieve award information associated with the game output result and compute a player award based on the directly retrieved award information. For example, upon selection of a game symbol from the plurality of game symbols as the game output result, the processing module 202 may retrieve award information such as odds information that is directly attached/tagged to the selected single game symbol and provide a player award. For example, the player award is based on the odds information and the player input received at the player input module 204. The single-instance computation process may comprise a single or single-step multiplication of the odds information and the value of the player input to arrive at or to derive the player award or win value. In the exemplary embodiment, the player award may be in the form of a game points win value or a game credits win value. In the exemplary embodiment, the processing module 202 is further configured to display the win value as game win display data.

In some exemplary embodiments, the processing module 202 may be configured to accumulate a game points win value into the game points database or a game credits win value into the credits database. In some exemplary embodiments, the value of the game points database is convertible to a value that may be accumulated into the credits database. In some exemplary embodiments, the final values accumulated in both the credits database and the game points database are visually displayed to the player.

FIG. 3 is a schematic flowchart 300 illustrating a gaming process implementing a single-instance computation process in an exemplary embodiment.

In the exemplary embodiment, the gaming process of the flowchart 300 is implemented on a gaming apparatus/machine substantially similar to the gaming apparatus 100 of FIGs. 1A and 1 B and the gaming apparatus 200 of FIG. 2.

At the gaming apparatus, a credits database is provided to contain a player deposit of player credits for playing at the gaming apparatus. A game points database is provided to contain a game points win value associated with a game output result. A game output result may also be associated with a game credits win value (in addition to or instead of a game points win value). Such game credits are also stored in the credits database. In general, a game output result may be associated with a win value that is game points, game credits or both points and credits.

In the exemplary embodiment, a user/player deposits an amount of player credits that is stored in the credits database and provides an input to play a game of the gaming apparatus. In some exemplary embodiments, the input may be deducted from the credits database or from the game points database or from both. In addition, in some exemplary embodiments, game points may be convertible to game credits.

At step 302, a player input is received. In the exemplary embodiment, the player input is received at a player input module of the gaming apparatus.

At step 304, a game process/play is executed. In the exemplary embodiment, a processing module of the gaming apparatus implements the game process. The processing module may retrieve one or more game process instructions to execute the game process.

At step 306, a game output result is provided. In the exemplary embodiment, the game output result is provided based on a selection of a single indicia from a plurality of indicia. In the exemplary embodiment, the processing module instructs a random number generator of the gaming apparatus to output a randomization event in order to select the single indicia as the game output result. The game output result may be for each turn of the game process.

At step 308, a player award is computed using a single-instance computation process and a directly retrieved award information. In the exemplary embodiment, the processing module implements a single-instance computation process to compute the player award. The processing module directly retrieves an award information associated with the game output result, i.e. the single indicia. The processing module performs the single instance computation process to compute the player award based on the directly retrieved award information.

For example, in the exemplary embodiment, the game indicia may be game symbols. In the exemplary embodiment, a single game symbol is selected from a plurality of game symbols. An award information, e.g. odds information, attached/tagged/associated with the selected game symbol is retrieved. The processing module may then perform the single instance computation process to compute the player award based on the odds information attached/tagged/associated with the selected game symbol.

In another exemplary embodiment, there may be provided a game that comprises two game symbols. One of the two game symbols may represent a bigger win or award as compared to the other of the game symbols. For example, the latter of the two game symbols may represent a smaller win or award as compared to the former. Alternatively, the latter of the two game symbols may represent a no-win or zero award.

In the exemplary embodiment, a game process is implemented. In the exemplary embodiment, each turn of the game provides a single symbol as a game output result or outcome.

In the exemplary embodiment, each symbol is associated or is tagged or carries a respective award information. A processing module of a gaming apparatus is configured to directly retrieve such award information in that there is no configuration or allowance for award mixing. A processing module of a gaming apparatus is also configured to implement a single-instance computation process in that there is no configuration or allowance for combinations or multiple combinations (such as in the form of line combinations or number of ways/hands, or patterns etc.). In the exemplary embodiment, there is only a one-step multiplication of the directly retrieved award information or odds with a player input to compute a player award.

Table 1 below exemplarily illustrates a game symbol that represents a bigger win or award as compared to the other of the game symbols. The game symbol, symbol A, is shown with its carried odds information.

Table 1 : Game symbol representing a bigger win or award as compared to the other of the game symbols In the exemplary embodiment, a so-called big win is awarded to a player when the game outcome or game output result is the symbol, e.g. symbol A, that carries the highest odds (if the other symbol represents a smaller win or award as compared to symbol A), or that carries the only odds (if the other symbol represents a no-win or zero award).

As an example only, in the exemplary embodiment, if a player inputs 1 game credit as the player input for the game and the game outcome or game output result is this symbol A, the processing module of the gaming apparatus directly retrieves the award information (i.e. 5) without configuration or allowance to mix award information. The processing module then implements a single-instance computation process to multiply the award information with the player input to compute a player award. In this example, the player is awarded 5 credits. As the game output result is a single symbol, the computation process has no configuration or allowance for combinations or multiple combinations (such as in the form of line combinations or number of ways/hands, or patterns etc.).

As another example, if the player inputs 3 credits as the player input for the game and the game outcome is this symbol A, the player is awarded 15 credits, based on the directly retrieved award information (i.e. 5) and the single-instance computation process.

Table 2 below exemplarily illustrates a game symbol that represents a small win or award as compared to symbol A or the other of the game symbols that represents a bigger win or award. The game symbol, symbol B, is shown with its carried odds information.

Table 2: Game symbol representing a small win or award as compared to the other of the game symbols

In the exemplary embodiment, a so-called small win is awarded to a player when the game outcome or game output result is the symbol, e.g. symbol B, that carries the smallest odds (if the other symbol represents a bigger win or award as compared to symbol B).

As an example only, in the exemplary embodiment, if a player inputs 1 game credit as the player input for the game and the game outcome or game output result is this symbol B, the processing module of the gaming apparatus directly retrieves the award information (i.e. 2) without configuration or allowance to mix award information. The processing module then implements a single-instance computation process to multiply the award information with the player input to compute a player award. In this example, the player is awarded 2 credits. As the game output result is a single symbol, the computation process has no configuration or allowance for combinations or multiple combinations (such as in the form of line combinations or number of ways/hands, or patterns etc.).

As another example, if the player inputs 3 credits as the player input for the game and the game outcome is this symbol B, the player is awarded 6 credits, based on the directly retrieved award information (i.e. 2) and the single-instance computation process.

In other exemplary embodiments, the game symbol B may carry no odds, i.e. instead of the relatively smallest odds. In such exemplary embodiments, if a player inputs any amount of game credits as the player input for the game and the game outcome or game output result is this symbol B (with zero or no odds), the processing module of the gaming apparatus directly retrieves the award information (i.e. 0) without configuration or allowance to mix award information. The processing module then implements a single-instance computation process to multiply the award information with the player input to compute a player award. In such exemplary embodiments, the player is not awarded any credits. As the game output result is a single symbol, the computation process has no configuration or allowance for combinations or multiple combinations (such as in the form of line combinations or number of ways/hands, or patterns etc.).

FIG. 4 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment with a game process that comprises a big win and a small win. With reference to Tables 1 and 2 above, a game symbol A represents a bigger win or award as compared to a game symbol B. In the exemplary embodiment, the game symbol B represents a small win or award.

In the exemplary embodiment, the game process is implemented on a gaming apparatus/machine substantially similar to the gaming apparatus 100 of FIGs. 1A and 1 B and the gaming apparatus 200 of FIG. 2. At step 402, a player input is received and a game process is implemented. A game outcome or game output result is provided. A single symbol is randomly selected from symbols A and B as the game outcome or game output result.

At step 404, a processing module determines if the game output result is symbol A.

If symbol A is selected as the game output result of step 404, at step 406, the processing module directly retrieves the award information associated with the game output result or symbol A without configuration or allowance to mix award information. The processing module then implements a single-instance computation process to multiply the award information with the player input to compute a player award. As symbol A represents a big win, a big win is awarded as a player award to the player.

If symbol A is not selected as the game output result of step 404, at step 408, the processing module determines that the game output result is symbol B.

At step 410, the processing module directly retrieves the award information associated with the game output result or symbol B without configuration or allowance to mix award information. The processing module then implements a single-instance computation process to multiply the award information with the player input to compute a player award. As symbol B represents a small win, a small win is awarded as a player award to the player.

In the exemplary embodiment, the game process loops to step 402 to await receipt of a next player input.

At the description of Table 2, it is mentioned that in other exemplary embodiments, the game symbol B may carry no odds, i.e. instead of the relatively smallest odds.

FIG. 5 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment with a game process that comprises a win and a no-win. With reference to Table 1 , a game symbol A represents a bigger win or award as compared to a game symbol B. In the exemplary embodiment, the game symbol B represents a no-win or odds information of a multiplier of zero. In the exemplary embodiment, the game process is implemented on a gaming apparatus/machine substantially similar to the gaming apparatus 100 of FIGs. 1A and 1 B and the gaming apparatus 200 of FIG. 2.

At step 502, a player input is received and a game process is implemented. A game outcome or game output result is provided. A single symbol is randomly selected from symbols A and B as the game outcome or game output result.

At step 504, a processing module determines if the game output result is symbol A.

If symbol A is selected as the game output result of step 504, at step 506, the processing module directly retrieves the award information associated with the game output result or symbol A without configuration or allowance to mix award information. The processing module then implements a single-instance computation process to multiply the award information with the player input to compute a player award. As symbol A represents a big win, a big win is awarded as a player award to the player.

If symbol A is not selected as the game output result of step 504, at step 508, the processing module determines that the game output result is symbol B. The processing module directly retrieves the award information associated with the game output result or symbol B without configuration or allowance to mix award information. The processing module then implements a single-instance computation process to multiply the award information with the player input to compute a player award. As symbol B represents a no- win, a player award of zero is awarded to the player. As such, there is no award to the player.

In the exemplary embodiment, the game process loops to step 502 to await receipt of a next player input.

The game processes as exemplarily illustrated with FIGs. 4 and 5 may be used to implement different forms of games.

As one example, the game processes may be used to implement a reel-spin game. In one such exemplary embodiment, there may be provided two indicia or game symbols to select from. For example, symbol A carries a non-zero odds value information while symbol B carries a zero odds value information. As such, in this example, a selection of symbol B represents a no-win. It will be appreciated that in other examples, more than two indicia may be provided to select from.

FIG. 6 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment with a game process that comprises a win and a no-win implemented with a reel-spin game.

In the exemplary embodiment, the game process is implemented on a gaming apparatus/machine substantially similar to the gaming apparatus 100 of FIGs. 1A and 1 B and the gaming apparatus 200 of FIG. 2.

At step 602, a player input is received and a game process is implemented. The player input may be an amount of player credits that is deducted from a credits database that contains a deposit of credits of the player. The player input may be displayed graphically on the gaming apparatus. A processing module of the gaming apparatus retrieves/accesses one or more game process instructions to implement the game process of a reel-spin game.

At step 604, a game outcome or game output result is provided. The processing module of the gaming apparatus instructs a random number generator to output a randomization event in order to select a single symbol that is randomly selected from symbols A and B as the game outcome or game output result. For example, a reel is graphically shown to spin and to stop to display the single symbol that is randomly selected from symbols A and B as the game outcome or game output result.

At step 606, the processing module determines if the game output result is symbol A.

If symbol A is selected as the game output result of step 606, at step 608, the processing module directly retrieves the award information associated with the game output result or symbol A without configuration or allowance to mix award information. The processing module then implements a single-instance computation process to multiply the award information with the player input to compute a player award. As symbol A represents a win (with non-zero value), a win (with non-zero value) is awarded/credited as a player award to the player. In the exemplary embodiment, the player award may be in the form of game points and may be displayed as a game win data for the current turn of the reel-spin game.

If symbol A is not selected as the game output result of step 606, at step 610, the processing module determines that the game output result is symbol B. The processing module directly retrieves the award information associated with the game output result or symbol B without configuration or allowance to mix award information. The processing module then implements a single-instance computation process to multiply the award information with the player input to compute a player award. As symbol B represents a no- win, a player award of zero is awarded to the player. As such, there is no award to the player and a no-win is computed.

In the exemplary embodiment, the game process loops to step 602 to await receipt of a next player input for a next turn of the reel-spin game. In the exemplary embodiment, upon completion of the current turn of the reel-spin game, the game points awarded (for symbol A) may be accumulated in a game points database and the current game win data on display may be cleared.

It will be appreciated that although the game symbol B represents a no-win, the above exemplary embodiment may instead comprise the game symbol B representing a smaller win or being associated with a smaller award information as compared to the award information associated with game symbol A.

FIG. 7 is an example graphical display of an award information table for a reel-spin game in an exemplary embodiment.

The graphical display 700 may be shown on a screen 702. The graphical display 700 comprises a game rules display area 704 and an award information table area 706. The game rules display area 704 may contain one or more game rules relating to the reel-spin game. For example, game rules may recite that all game wins are displayed or shown as game credits; and/or any machine malfunction may void all game plays and game awards.

The award information table area 706 comprises an award table for symbol A. There is shown/displayed an occurrence frequency 708 of symbol A for the reel-spin game. There is also shown/displayed an award information 710 associated with the game symbol A. The award information 710 provides an award of two (2) game credits for an input of one (1) player credits. For example, the occurrence frequency of “1” indicates that when symbol A appears or occurs, the award information 710 is used to compute a player award.

In the exemplary embodiment, the award information table area 706 may further comprise other game rules. For example, such game rules may recite that a turn of the game is a win if the reel stops at/on game symbol A. For example, such game rules may explain or specify in text the award information 710, e.g. a winning amount is double (or multiplier of two) of the player input amount. For example, such game rules may specify that no game credits are awarded if the reel stops at/on game symbol B (i.e. no-win or multiplier of zero).

FIG. 8A is an example graphical display of a reel-spin game with a win outcome in an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 8B is an example graphical display of a reel-spin game with a no-win outcome in the exemplary embodiment.

In the exemplary embodiment, a screen 800 displays various information. For example, a credits display 802 is provided to display a value of a credits database. A player input display 804 is provided to display a player input for a current turn of the reel-spin game. A game win data display 806 is provided to display a player award for the current turn of the reel-spin game.

The screen 800 also displays a game process area 808. Elements relating to the game process are displayed in the game process area 808. The game process area 808 comprises a reel display 810.

In the exemplary embodiment, only one reel window is provided at the reel display 810 for showing a game output result. In the exemplary embodiment, the game process comprises a graphical display of a reel that spins and stops within the reel window of the reel display 810. A processing module is configured to instruct an output of a randomization event in order to select a single game symbol from symbols A and B as a game output result. The selected game symbol is displayed as the outcome or game output result at the reel display 810. As such, in the exemplary embodiment, a reel strip contains a series of two symbols, game symbols A and B, that may be selected randomly.

In the exemplary embodiment, the processing module, upon selection of a game symbol as the game output result, is configured to implement a single-instance computation process to directly retrieve award information associated with the game output result and to compute a player award based on the directly retrieved award information.

In FIG. 8A, the game symbol A has been selected at random. In the exemplary embodiment, symbol A represents a win as the award information associated with symbol A provides a non-zero award value (or non-zero multiplier). The player award may be displayed as game win data at the game win data display 806.

In FIG. 8B, the game symbol B has been selected at random. In the exemplary embodiment, symbol B represents a no-win as the award information associated with symbol B provides a zero award value (or zero multiplier). The zero value may be displayed as a zero game win data at the game win data display 806.

For a next turn of the reel-spin game, the player input for the next turn may be displayed at the player input display 804. The game win data display 806 may be reset to zero for the next turn of the reel-spin game. The amount of the player award may be added to the credits database together with the reset of the game win data display 806. With the player input indicated for the next turn of the reel-spin game, the credits display 802 may then be decremented according to the player input. In other exemplary embodiments with game points as awards, the player award may be accumulated into a game points database.

It will be appreciated that although the game symbol B represents a no-win, the above exemplary embodiment may instead comprise the game symbol B representing a smaller win or being associated with a smaller award information as compared to the award information associated with game symbol A.

FIG. 9 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating another exemplary embodiment with a game process that comprises a win and a no-win implemented with a card game. In the exemplary embodiment, the game process is implemented on a gaming apparatus/machine substantially similar to the gaming apparatus 100 of FIGs. 1A and 1 B and the gaming apparatus 200 of FIG. 2.

At step 902, a game process is implemented. A processing module of the gaming apparatus retrieves/accesses one or more game process instructions to implement the game process of a card game. For example, a deck of cards is graphically shown to be shuffled and placed ready for a turn of the card game.

At step 904, a player input is received, e.g. for a card draw from the deck of cards from step 902. The player input may be an amount of player credits that is deducted from a credits database that contains a deposit of credits of the player. The player input may be displayed graphically on the gaming apparatus.

At step 906, a game outcome or game output result is provided. The processing module of the gaming apparatus instructs a random number generator to output a randomization event in order to select a single symbol that is randomly selected from symbols A and B as the game outcome or game output result. For example, a card is graphically shown to be randomly drawn from the deck of cards of step 902 and is displayed as the game outcome or game output result.

At step 908, the processing module determines if the game output result is symbol A.

If symbol A is selected as the game output result of step 908, at step 910, the processing module directly retrieves the award information associated with the game output result or symbol A without configuration or allowance to mix award information. The processing module then implements a single-instance computation process to multiply the award information with the player input to compute a player award. As symbol A represents a win (with non-zero value), a win (with non-zero value) is awarded/credited as a player award to the player. In the exemplary embodiment, the player award may be in the form of game points and may be displayed as a game win data for the current turn of the card game. If symbol A is not selected as the game output result of step 908, at step 912, the processing module determines that the game output result is symbol B. The processing module directly retrieves the award information associated with the game output result or symbol B without configuration or allowance to mix award information. The processing module then implements a single-instance computation process to multiply the award information with the player input to compute a player award. As symbol B represents a no- win, a player award of zero is awarded to the player. As such, there is no award to the player and a no-win is computed.

In the exemplary embodiment, the game process loops to step 904 to await receipt of a next player input for a next turn of the card game. In the exemplary embodiment, upon completion of the current turn of the card game, the game points awarded (for symbol A) may be accumulated in a game points database and the current game win data on display may be cleared.

It will be appreciated that although the game symbol B represents a no-win, the above exemplary embodiment may instead comprise the game symbol B representing a smaller win or being associated with a smaller award information as compared to the award information associated with game symbol A.

FIG. 10 is an example graphical display of a card game with a no-win outcome in an exemplary embodiment.

In the exemplary embodiment, a screen 1000 displays various information. For example, a credits display 1002 is provided to display a value of a credits database. A player input display 1004 is provided to display a player input for a current turn of the card game. A game win data display 1006 is provided to display a player award for the current turn of the card game.

The screen 1000 also displays a game process area 1008. Elements relating to the game process are displayed in the game process area 1008. The game process area 1008 comprises a deck display 1010 and a game output result area 1012. In the exemplary embodiment, the deck display 1010 graphically shows a deck of cards that are covered. In the exemplary embodiment, the game process comprises a graphical display of the deck of cards being shuffled and disposed at the deck display 1010. Compare step 902 of FIG. 9.

In the exemplary embodiment, the deck of cards is provided such that each card contains a single symbol, i.e. either symbol A or symbol B. In the exemplary embodiment, symbol A represents a win as the award information associated with symbol A provides a non-zero award value (or non-zero multiplier), while symbol B represents a no-win as the award information associated with symbol B provides a zero award value (or zero multiplier).

The game output result area 1012 graphically shows a card that has been selected from the deck of cards. Compare step 906 of FIG. 9. In the exemplary embodiment, after the card has been selected from the deck of cards, the selected card may be graphically shown to be revealed to the player. Compare step 908 of FIG. 9. That is, a processing module is configured to instruct an output of a randomization event in order to select a single game symbol from symbols A and B as a game output result. The selected game symbol is displayed as the outcome or game output result at the game output result area 1012.

In the exemplary embodiment, the processing module, upon selection of a game symbol as the game output result, is configured to implement a single-instance computation process to directly retrieve award information associated with the game output result and to compute a player award based on the directly retrieved award information.

In FIG. 10, the game symbol B has been selected at random. In the exemplary embodiment, symbol B represents a no-win as the award information associated with symbol B provides a zero award value (or zero multiplier). The zero value may be displayed as a zero game win data at the game win data display 1006.

On the other hand, if the game symbol A has been selected at random instead, in the exemplary embodiment, symbol A represents a win as the award information associated with symbol A provides a non-zero award value (or non-zero multiplier). The player award may be displayed as game win data at the game win data display 1006. For a next turn of the card game, the player input for the next turn may be displayed at the player input display 1004. The game win data display 1006 may be reset to zero for the next turn of the card game. The amount of the player award may be added to the credits database together with the reset of the game win data display 1006. With the player input indicated for the next turn of the card game, the credits display 1002 may then be decremented according to the player input. In other exemplary embodiments with game points as awards, the player award may be accumulated into a game points database. The player may then be allowed to play the next turn of the card game, i.e. another card is selected at random from the deck of cards at the deck display 1010.

It will be appreciated that although the game symbol B represents a no-win, the above exemplary embodiment may instead comprise the game symbol B representing a smaller win or being associated with a smaller award information as compared to the award information associated with game symbol A.

FIG. 11 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment with a game process that comprises a win and a no-win implemented with a wheel-spin game.

In the exemplary embodiment, the game process is implemented on a gaming apparatus/machine substantially similar to the gaming apparatus 100 of FIGs. 1A and 1 B and the gaming apparatus 200 of FIG. 2.

At step 1102, a player input is received and a game process is implemented. The player input may be an amount of player credits that is deducted from a credits database that contains a deposit of credits of the player. The player input may be displayed graphically on the gaming apparatus. A processing module of the gaming apparatus retrieves/accesses one or more game process instructions to implement the game process of a wheel-spin game.

In the exemplary embodiment, the wheel is provided such that there are a plurality of slots disposed along the circumference of the wheel. Each slot on the wheel contains a single symbol, i.e. either symbol A or symbol B. In the exemplary embodiment, symbol A represents a win as the award information associated with symbol A provides a non-zero award value (or non-zero multiplier), while symbol B represents a no-win as the award information associated with symbol B provides a zero award value (or zero multiplier).

At step 1104, a game outcome or game output result is provided. The processing module of the gaming apparatus instructs a random number generator to output a randomization event in order to select a single symbol that is randomly selected from symbols A and B as the game outcome or game output result. For example, the wheel is graphically shown to spin and to stop at a stopper/pointer to display a selected slot of the wheel. At the selected slot, the single symbol that is randomly selected from symbols A and B is provided as the game outcome or game output result.

At step 1106, the processing module determines if the game output result is symbol A.

If symbol A is selected as the game output result of step 1106, at step 1108, the processing module directly retrieves the award information associated with the game output result or symbol A without configuration or allowance to mix award information. The processing module then implements a single-instance computation process to multiply the award information with the player input to compute a player award. As symbol A represents a win (with non-zero value), a win (with non-zero value) is awarded/credited as a player award to the player. In the exemplary embodiment, the player award may be in the form of game points and may be displayed as a game win data for the current turn of the wheel-spin game.

If symbol A is not selected as the game output result of step 1106, at step 1110, the processing module determines that the game output result is symbol B. The processing module directly retrieves the award information associated with the game output result or symbol B without configuration or allowance to mix award information. The processing module then implements a single-instance computation process to multiply the award information with the player input to compute a player award. As symbol B represents a no- win, a player award of zero is awarded to the player. As such, there is no award to the player and a no-win is computed. In the exemplary embodiment, the game process loops to step 1102 to await receipt of a next player input for a next turn of the wheel-spin game. In the exemplary embodiment, upon completion of the current turn of the wheel-spin game, the game points awarded (for symbol A) may be accumulated in a game points database and the current game win data on display may be cleared.

It will be appreciated that although the game symbol B represents a no-win, the above exemplary embodiment may instead comprise the game symbol B representing a smaller win or being associated with a smaller award information as compared to the award information associated with game symbol A.

FIG. 12 is an example graphical display of a wheel-spin game with a no-win outcome in an exemplary embodiment.

In the exemplary embodiment, a screen 1200 displays various information. For example, a credits display 1202 is provided to display a value of a credits database. A player input display 1204 is provided to display a player input for a current turn of the wheel-spin game. A game win data display 1206 is provided to display a player award for the current turn of the wheel-spin game.

The screen 1200 also displays a game process area 1208. Elements relating to the game process are displayed in the game process area 1208. The game process area 1208 comprises a graphical wheel 1210 and a game output result pointer/stopper 1212.

The wheel 1210 comprises a plurality of slots e.g. 1214. Each slot e.g. 1214 contains a single symbol, i.e. either symbol A or symbol B. In the exemplary embodiment, symbol A represents a win as the award information associated with symbol A provides a non-zero award value (or non-zero multiplier), while symbol B represents a no-win as the award information associated with symbol B provides a zero award value (or zero multiplier).

In the exemplary embodiment, the game process comprises a graphical display of the wheel 1210 being spun and the spinning stopped with a slot e.g. 1214 disposed at the game output result pointer/stopper 1212. Compare step 1104 of FIG. 11. The slot e.g. 1214 disposed at the game output result pointer/stopper 1212 is a random selection by a processing module and is graphically revealed at the game output result pointer/stopper 1212. Compare step 1106 of FIG. 11. That is, the processing module is configured to instruct an output of a randomization event in order to select a single game symbol from symbols A and B as a game output result. The selected game symbol is displayed as the outcome or game output result at the game output result pointer/stopper 1212.

In the exemplary embodiment, the processing module, upon selection of a game symbol as the game output result, is configured to implement a single-instance computation process to directly retrieve award information associated with the game output result and to compute a player award based on the directly retrieved award information.

In FIG. 12, the game symbol B has been selected at random. In the exemplary embodiment, symbol B represents a no-win as the award information associated with symbol B provides a zero award value (or zero multiplier). The zero value may be displayed as a zero game win data at the game win data display 1206.

On the other hand, if the game symbol A has been selected at random instead, in the exemplary embodiment, symbol A represents a win as the award information associated with symbol A provides a non-zero award value (or non-zero multiplier). The player award may be displayed as game win data at the game win data display 1206.

For a next turn of the wheel-spin game, the player input for the next turn may be displayed at the player input display 1204. The game win data display 1206 may be reset to zero for the next turn of the wheel-spin game. The amount of the player award may be added to the credits database together with the reset of the game win data display 1206. With the player input indicated for the next turn of the wheel-spin game, the credits display 1202 may then be decremented according to the player input. In other exemplary embodiments with game points as awards, the player award may be accumulated into a game points database. The player may then be allowed to play the next turn of the wheel-spin game, i.e. the wheel 1210 is spun until the spinning stops for a slot e.g. 1214 to be revealed at the game output result pointer/stopper 1212. It will be appreciated that although the game symbol B represents a no-win, the above exemplary embodiment may instead comprise the game symbol B representing a smaller win or being associated with a smaller award information as compared to the award information associated with game symbol A.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a plurality of gaming apparati in a network in an exemplary embodiment. The network 1302 comprises a plurality of gaming apparati e.g. 1304, 1306 network-linked to a network server 1308. The network links or communication links may be wired or wireless. The gaming apparati e.g. 1304, 1306 may each function substantially similarly to the gaming apparati as described with reference to any of FIGs. 1A, 1 B and 2. The network server 1308 implements server functions for the gaming apparati e.g. 1304, 1306. For example, the network server 1308 carries out logging functions for the games performed at the gaming apparati e.g. 1304, 1306.

The network 1302 further comprises a storage server 1310 connected to the network server 1308. The storage server 1310 is coupled via a communication link to the network server 1308.

In the exemplary embodiment, the storage server 1310 stores one or more game process instructions. Such instructions may instruct the gaming apparati e.g. 1304, 1306 to perform an action, for changing the state of the gaming apparati e.g. 1304, 1306. The storage server 1310 also stores a plurality of game indicia, and/or one or more award information associated with the plurality of game indicia, and/or game win display data. In some exemplary embodiments, the storage server 1310 may store a credits database/meter each for the gaming apparati e.g. 1304, 1306. In some exemplary embodiments, the storage server 1310 may also store a game points database/meter each for the gaming apparati e.g. 1304, 1306. The gaming apparati e.g. 1304, 1306 may retrieve the one or more game process instructions, and/or the plurality of game indicia, and/or the one or more award information associated with the plurality of game indicia, and/or the game win display data, and/or the credits database and/or the game points database, from the storage server 1310.

In the exemplary embodiment, there may be provided an instruction set for instructing the gaming apparati e.g. 1304, 1306 to perform a further action, for changing the state of the gaming apparati e.g. 1304, 1306. For example, an instruction may be sent to the gaming apparati e.g. 1304, 1306 to instruct an output of a randomization event in order to select a single indicia as a game output result. For example, upon selection of the single indicia as the game output result, an instruction may be sent to the gaming apparati e.g. 1304, 1306 to implement a single-instance computation process to directly retrieve award information associated with the game output result and compute a player award based on the directly retrieved award information.

In the exemplary embodiment, the storage server 1310 may additionally also function as a pool server. In such a function, the storage server 1310 accumulates a pool of prizes for awarding of prizes for players at the gaming apparati e.g. 1304, 1306 who have a related extended event awarded. For example, a player may have a Magnification extended event that may have a pool prize awarded. The accumulation of the pool may be based on points collected from the gaming apparati e.g. 1304, 1306 or prizes contributed by sponsors. When a Magnification extended event is executed at the respective gaming apparatus e.g. 1304, 1306, a portion, or the whole, of the prizes stored in the pool server 1310 is discharged to the respective gaming apparatus e.g. 1304, 1306. For example, 50% of the prizes may be awarded to the respective gaming apparatus.

Thus, additional entertainment may be provided to the players at the gaming apparati e.g. 1304, 1306 via additional prizes awarded by the pool server 1310, regardless of the progress or results of the main games being played at the gaming apparati e.g. 1304, 1306.

In the exemplary embodiment, the prizes may include, but are not limited to, gaming points, loyalty points, bonus points, bonus items etc. Awarding of the prizes may be via a number of methods. For example, in one method, the network server 1308 transmits the ID numbers of the gaming apparati e.g. 1304, 1306 that have players winning their side games to an operator and the operator presents the respective prizes to the players at the respective gaming apparati e.g. 1304, 1306. Alternatively, bonus points may be respectively awarded electronically by the network server 1308 to the players at the gaming apparati e.g. 1304, 1306.

In the above exemplary embodiment, the one or more game process instructions, and/or the plurality of game indicia, and/or the one or more award information associated with the plurality of game indicia are described as being stored in a storage server 1310 accessible by the gaming apparati e.g. 1304, 1306. It will be appreciated that the described exemplary embodiments are not limited as such and the one or more game process instructions, and/or the plurality of game indicia, and/or the one or more award information associated with the plurality of game indicia may be stored stand-alone, for example in a storage device 132 of a gaming machine 100 described with reference to FIG. 1 B.

In the above exemplary embodiments, the gaming apparati are described as being in the form of arcade machines. However, it will be appreciated that the gaming apparati may include other electronic devices.

FIG. 14 shows a schematic drawing of a game system 1400 according to an exemplary embodiment. The system 1400 comprises a plurality of gaming apparati 1402, 1404, 1406, each coupled to a game network server or unit 1408. The gaming apparati 1402, 1404, 1406 and the game unit 1408 communicate via respective network interfaces provided on the gaming apparati and the game unit. The gaming apparati 1402, 1404, 1406 may be implemented in a variety of different ways. For example, one or more of the gaming apparati 1402 are implemented as physical gaming machines such as arcade gaming machines, slot machines, electronic gaming tables or the like. One or more other gaming apparati 1404 are implemented as virtual gaming machines on desktop or tablet computing devices. One or more other gaming apparati 1406 are implemented as virtual gaming machines on portable handheld devices such as mobile phones, Personnel Digital Assistants (PDAs) or the like. The virtual gaming machines 1404, 1406 may be implemented via Wi-Fi, the Internet, interactive TV or other service networks. The coupling between the game unit 1408 and the respective gaming apparati 1402, 1404, 1406 may be implemented in a variety of different ways, including via Wi-Fi, the Internet, or via other wired or wireless networks.

The game unit 1408 comprises a database 1410 for storing data for conducting one or more main games and other information such as information identifying the respective gaming apparati 1402, 1404, 1406. The database 1410 also stores one or more game process instructions. Such instructions may instruct the gaming apparati 1402, 1404, 1406 to perform an action, for changing the state of the gaming apparati 1402, 1404, 1406. The database 1410 also stores a plurality of game indicia, and/or one or more award information associated with the plurality of game indicia, and/or game win display data. In some exemplary embodiments, the database 1410 may store a credits database/meter each for the gaming apparati 1402, 1404, 1406. In some exemplary embodiments, the database 1410 may also store a game points database/meter each for the gaming apparati 1402, 1404, 1406. The gaming apparati 1402, 1404, 1406 may retrieve the one or more game process instructions, and/or the plurality of game indicia, and/or the one or more award information associated with the plurality of game indicia, and/or the game win display data, and/or the credits database and/or the game points database, from the database 1410.

Further, the game unit 1408 comprises a processor unit/module 1412 coupled to the database 1410. The processor module 1412 is capable of awarding prizes to players on the respective gaming apparati 1402, 1404, 1406, e.g. based on the information stored in the database 1410. The processor module 1412 is coupled to a pool database 1414 comprising a prize pool.

In the exemplary embodiment, the processing module 1412 is also configured to provide an instruction set for instructing each gaming apparati 1402, 1404, 1406 to perform a further action, for changing the state of each of the gaming apparati 1402, 1404, 1406. For example, an instruction may be sent to each gaming apparati 1402, 1404, 1406 to instruct an output of a randomization event in order to select a single indicia as a game output result. For example, upon selection of the single indicia as the game output result, an instruction may be sent to each gaming apparati 1402, 1404, 1406 to implement a single-instance computation process to directly retrieve award information associated with the game output result and compute a player award based on the directly retrieved award information.

The processor module 1412 is capable of instructing play of games at the plurality of gaming apparati 1402, 1404, 1406. In addition, the processor module 1412 is capable of awarding a portion, or a whole, of the prize pool from the pool database 1414 to players at respective gaming apparati 1402, 1404, 1406.

The processor module 1412 awards the pool prizes based on results of e.g. extended game events and independent of the main games implemented on the respective gaming apparati 1402, 1404, 1406. It will be appreciated that the game system 1400 thus provides a distributed gaming environment with a centralized game database for awarding prizes to players on the respective gaming apparati 1402, 1404, 1406.

In the above exemplary embodiment, the one or more game process instructions, and/or the plurality of game indicia, and/or the one or more award information associated with the plurality of game indicia for instructing the gaming apparati 1402, 1404, 1406 are described as being stored in a database 1410 of a game unit 1408 and is accessible by the gaming apparati 1402, 1404, 1406. It will be appreciated that the described exemplary embodiments are not limited as such and the one or more game process instructions, and/or the plurality of game indicia, and/or the one or more award information associated with the plurality of game indicia for instructing the gaming apparati 1402, 1404, 1406 may be stored stand-alone within each gaming apparatus, for example in a storage device 132 of a gaming machine 100 described with reference to FIG. 1 B.

In the described exemplary embodiments, a processing module is configured to implement a game process whereby the processing module is further configured to instruct an output of a randomization event in order to select a single indicia as a game output result. Therefore, with the presentation of a single indicia as the game output result, there is a distinctly great reduction in the complexity of a game. In addition, as a result of the reduced complexity, a player may immediately view and understand the game output result and its consequential award. There is no longer a need for a player to become confused over different possible combinations, or substitutions, of indicia. Thus, player interest and enjoyment in games may be enhanced. In addition, errors in award computation may be relatively easier to detect by a player.

Furthermore, with the presentation of a single indicia as the game output result, there is a distinctly large reduction in computation load for the processing module. There is no further computation of a game output result that is based on a position of the indicia with regard to a combination(s) of multiple indicia and/or to a pattern(s) of multiple indicia. In addition, computation load is further reduced for the processing module in that there is no further computation based on any possible substitution(s) of the single indicia.

Further, in the described exemplary embodiments, upon selection of the single indicia as the game output result, the processing module is configured to implement a single- instance computation process to directly retrieve award information associated with the game output result and compute a player award based on the directly retrieved award information. Such a computation process removes any configuration or allowance for award mixing. Thus, the player award is relatively less complex to a player since the player award is based on the directly retrieved award information that is associated with the selected single indicia. For example, in an example implementation with game symbols and directly- carried odds values, complexity of a winning award for the player is greatly reduced because there is no complicated combination of various symbols for the winning payout computation. The winning award is relatively simple, i.e. based on the odds carried by the selected symbol when the symbol is selected in a game as the game output result.

In the described exemplary embodiments, with an example implementation of having only two game symbols to select from, a relatively simple game may be provided with only one symbol being selected, the selected symbol carrying an odds weightage/value. In such an implementation, one of the game symbols is associated with an award information that provides a largest award value as compared to the other award information associated with the other game symbol (i.e. a remainder of the plurality of two game symbols). The other award information associated with the other game symbol may be a smaller odds value/weightage or zero odds value. Such an implementation effectively provides a constant so-called 50-50 chance to a player to obtain a favourable player award with every turn of game play.

Different exemplary embodiments can be implemented in the context of data structure, program modules, program and computer instructions executed in a computer implemented environment. A general purpose computing environment is briefly disclosed herein. One or more exemplary embodiments may be embodied in one or more computer systems, such as is schematically illustrated in FIG. 15.

One or more exemplary embodiments may be implemented as software, such as a computer program being executed within a computer system 1500, and instructing the computer system 1500 to conduct a method of an exemplary embodiment.

The computer system 1500 comprises a computer unit 1502, input modules such as a keyboard 1504 and a pointing device 1506 and a plurality of output devices such as a display 1508, and printer 1510. A user can interact with the computer unit 1502 using the above devices. The pointing device can be implemented with a mouse, track ball, pen device or any similar device. One or more other input devices (not shown) such as a joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, touch sensitive screen or the like can also be connected to the computer unit 1502. Such input devices may function as player input devices/modules arranged to accept a player input. The display 1508 may include a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), field emission display (FED), plasma display or any other device that produces an image that is viewable by the user.

The computer unit 1502 can be connected to a computer network 1512 via a suitable transceiver device 1514, to enable access to e.g. the Internet or other network systems such as Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN) or a personal network. The network 1512 can comprise a server, a router, a network personal computer, a peer device or other common network node, a wireless telephone or wireless personal digital assistant. Networking environments may be found in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks and home computer systems etc. The transceiver device 1514 can be a modem/router unit located within or external to the computer unit 1502, and may be any type of modem/router such as a cable modem or a satellite modem.

It will be appreciated that network connections shown are exemplary and other ways of establishing a communications link between computers can be used. The existence of any of various protocols, such as TCP/IP, Frame Relay, Ethernet, FTP, HTTP and the like, is presumed, and the computer unit 1502 can be operated in a client-server configuration to permit a user to retrieve web pages from a web-based server. Furthermore, any of various web browsers can be used to display and manipulate data on web pages.

The computer unit 1502 in the example comprises a processor 1518, a Random Access Memory (RAM) 1520 and a Read Only Memory (ROM) 1522. The ROM 1522 can be a system memory storing basic input/ output system (BIOS) information. The RAM 1520 can store one or more program modules such as operating systems, application programs and program data.

The processor 1518 may function as a processing module to, amongst others, implement a game process; instruct an output of a randomization event in order to select a single indicia as a game output result; upon selection of the single indicia as the game output result, implement a single-instance computation process to directly retrieve award information associated with the game output result and compute a player award based on the directly retrieved award information.

The processor 1518 may also perform as, or instruct functions, of a random number generator to output a randomization event.

The RAM 1520 may store one or more game process instructions and/or a plurality of game indicia and/or one or more award information associated with the plurality of game indicia and/or game win display data for instructing the processor 1518 to perform an action, for changing the state of the computer system 1500. The RAM 1520 may store a credits database/meter and/or a game points database/meter.

The computer unit 1502 further comprises a number of Input/Output (I/O) interface units, for example I/O interface unit 1524 to the display 1508, and I/O interface unit 1526 to the keyboard 1504. The components of the computer unit 1502 typically communicate and interface/couple connectedly via an interconnected system bus 1528 and in a manner known to the person skilled in the relevant art. The bus 1528 can be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures.

It will be appreciated that other devices can also be connected to the system bus 1528. For example, a universal serial bus (USB) interface can be used for coupling a video or digital camera to the system bus 1528. An IEEE 1394 interface may be used to couple additional devices to the computer unit 1502. Other manufacturer interfaces are also possible such as FireWire developed by Apple Computer and i.Link developed by Sony. Coupling of devices to the system bus 1528 can also be via a parallel port, a game port, a PCI board or any other interface used to couple an input device to a computer. It will also be appreciated that, while the components are not shown in the figure, sound/audio can be recorded and reproduced with a microphone and a speaker. A sound card may be used to couple a microphone and a speaker to the system bus 1528. It will be appreciated that several peripheral devices can be coupled to the system bus 1528 via alternative interfaces simultaneously. An application program can be supplied to the user of the computer system 1500 being encoded/stored on a data storage medium such as a CD-ROM or flash memory carrier. The application program can be read using a corresponding data storage medium drive of a data storage device 1530. The data storage medium is not limited to being portable and can include instances of being embedded in the computer unit 1502. The data storage device 1530 can comprise a hard disk interface unit and/or a removable memory interface unit (both not shown in detail) respectively coupling a hard disk drive and/or a removable memory drive to the system bus 1528. This can enable reading/writing of data. Examples of removable memory drives include magnetic disk drives and optical disk drives. The drives and their associated computer-readable media, such as a floppy disk provide nonvolatile storage of computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the computer unit 1502. It will be appreciated that the computer unit 1502 may include several of such drives. Furthermore, the computer unit 1502 may include drives for interfacing with other types of computer readable media.

The application program is read and controlled in its execution by the processor 1518. Intermediate storage of program data may be accomplished using RAM 1520. The method(s) of the exemplary embodiments can be implemented as computer readable instructions, computer executable components, or software modules. One or more software modules may alternatively be used. These can include an executable program, a data link library, a configuration file, a database, a graphical image, a binary data file, a text data file, an object file, a source code file, or the like. When one or more computer processors execute one or more of the software modules, the software modules interact to cause one or more computer systems to perform according to the teachings herein.

The operation of the computer unit 1502 can be controlled by a variety of different program modules. Examples of program modules are routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, libraries, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The exemplary embodiments may also be practiced with other computer system configurations, including handheld devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, personal digital assistants, mobile telephones and the like. Furthermore, the exemplary embodiments may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a wireless or wired communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Further to the above, different exemplary embodiments can be implemented in the context of data structure, program modules, program and computer instructions executed in a communication device. An exemplary communication device is briefly disclosed herein. One or more exemplary embodiments may be embodied in one or more communication devices e.g. 1600, such as is schematically illustrated in FIG. 16.

One or more exemplary embodiments may be implemented as software, such as a computer program being executed within a communication device 1600, and instructing the communication device 1600 to conduct a method of an exemplary embodiment.

The communication device 1600 comprises a processor module 1602, an input module such as a touchscreen interface or a keypad 1604 and an output module such as a display 1606 on a touchscreen.

The processor module 1602 is coupled to a first communication unit 1608 for communication with a cellular network 1610. The first communication unit 1608 can include, but is not limited to, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card loading bay. The cellular network 1610 can, for example, be a 3G or 4G network.

The processor module 1602 is further coupled to a second communication unit 1612 for connection to a network 1614. For example, the second communication unit 1612 can enable access to e.g. the Internet or other network systems such as Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN) or a personal network. The network 1614 can comprise a server, a router, a network personal computer, a peer device or other common network node, a wireless telephone or wireless personal digital assistant. Networking environments may be found in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks and home computer systems etc. The second communication unit 1612 can include, but is not limited to, a wireless network card or an ethernet network cable port. The second communication unit 1612 can also be a modem/router unit and may be any type of modem/router such as a cable-type modem or a satellite-type modem.

It will be appreciated that network connections shown are exemplary and other ways of establishing a communications link between computers can be used. The existence of any of various protocols, such as TCP/IP, Frame Relay, Ethernet, FTP, HTTP and the like, is presumed, and the communication device 1600 can be operated in a client-server configuration to permit a user to retrieve web pages from a web-based server. Furthermore, any of various web browsers can be used to display and manipulate data on web pages.

The processor module 1602 in the example includes a processor 1616, a Random Access Memory (RAM) 1618 and a Read Only Memory (ROM) 1620. The ROM 1620 can be a system memory storing basic input/ output system (BIOS) information. The RAM 1618 can store one or more program modules such as operating systems, application programs and program data.

The processor 1616 may function as a processing module to, amongst others, implement a game process; instruct an output of a randomization event in order to select a single indicia as a game output result; upon selection of the single indicia as the game output result, implement a single-instance computation process to directly retrieve award information associated with the game output result and compute a player award based on the directly retrieved award information.

The processor 1616 may also perform as, or instruct functions, of a random number generator to output a randomization event.

The RAM 1618 may store one or more game process instructions and/or a plurality of game indicia and/or one or more award information associated with the plurality of game indicia and/or game win display data for instructing the processor 1616 to perform an action, for changing the state of the communication device 1600. The RAM 1618 may store a credits database/meter and/or a game points database/meter. The processor module 1602 also includes a number of Input/Output (I/O) interfaces, for example I/O interface 1622 to the display 1606, and I/O interface 1624 to the keypad 1604.

The components of the processor module 1602 typically communicate and interface/couple connectedly via an interconnected bus 1626 and in a manner known to the person skilled in the relevant art. The bus 1626 can be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures.

It will be appreciated that other devices can also be connected to the system bus 1626. For example, a universal serial bus (USB) interface can be used for coupling an accessory of the communication device, such as a card reader, to the system bus 1626.

The application program is typically supplied to the user of the communication device 1600 encoded on a data storage medium such as a flash memory module or memory card/stick and read utilising a corresponding memory reader-writer of a data storage device 1628. The data storage medium is not limited to being portable and can include instances of being embedded in the communication device 1600.

The application program is read and controlled in its execution by the processor 1616. Intermediate storage of program data may be accomplished using RAM 1618. The method(s) of the exemplary embodiments can be implemented as computer readable instructions, computer executable components, or software modules. One or more software modules may alternatively be used. These can include an executable program, a data link library, a configuration file, a database, a graphical image, a binary data file, a text data file, an object file, a source code file, or the like. When one or more processor modules execute one or more of the software modules, the software modules interact to cause one or more processor modules to perform according to the teachings herein.

The operation of the communication device 1600 can be controlled by a variety of different program modules. Examples of program modules are routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, libraries, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The exemplary embodiments may also be practiced with other computer system configurations, including handheld devices, multiprocessor systems/servers, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, personal digital assistants, mobile telephones and the like. Furthermore, the exemplary embodiments may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a wireless or wired communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

The terms "coupled" or "connected" as used in this description are intended to cover both directly connected or connected through one or more intermediate means, unless otherwise stated.

The description herein may be, in certain portions, explicitly or implicitly described as algorithms and/or functional operations that operate on data within a computer memory or an electronic circuit. These algorithmic descriptions and/or functional operations are usually used by those skilled in the information/data processing arts for efficient description. An algorithm is generally relating to a self-consistent sequence of steps leading to a desired result. The algorithmic steps can include physical manipulations of physical quantities, such as electrical, magnetic or optical signals capable of being stored, transmitted, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated.

Further, unless specifically stated otherwise, and would ordinarily be apparent from the following, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that throughout the present specification, discussions utilizing terms such as “scanning”, “calculating”, “determining”, “replacing”, “generating”, “initializing”, “outputting”, and the like, refer to action and processes of an instructing processor/computer system, or similar electronic circuit/device/component, that manipulates/processes and transforms data represented as physical quantities within the described system into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the system or other information storage, transmission or display devices etc. The description also discloses relevant device/apparatus for performing the steps of the described methods. Such apparatus may be specifically constructed for the purposes of the methods, or may comprise a general purpose computer/processor or other device selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in a storage member. The algorithms and displays described herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. It is understood that general purpose devices/machines may be used in accordance with the teachings herein. Alternatively, the construction of a specialized device/apparatus to perform the method steps may be desired.

In addition, it is submitted that the description also implicitly covers a computer program, in that it would be clear that the steps of the methods described herein may be put into effect by computer code. It will be appreciated that a large variety of programming languages and coding can be used to implement the teachings of the description herein. Moreover, the computer program if applicable is not limited to any particular control flow and can use different control flows without departing from the scope of the invention.

Furthermore, one or more of the steps of the computer program if applicable may be performed in parallel and/or sequentially. Such a computer program if applicable may be stored on any computer readable medium. The computer readable medium may include storage devices such as magnetic or optical disks, memory chips, or other storage devices suitable for interfacing with a suitable reader/general purpose computer. In such instances, the computer readable storage medium is non-transitory. Such storage medium also covers all computer-readable media e.g. medium that stores data only for short periods of time and/or only in the presence of power, such as register memory, processor cache and Random Access Memory (RAM) and the like. The computer readable medium may even include a wired medium such as exemplified in the Internet system, or wireless medium such as exemplified in bluetooth technology. The computer program when loaded and executed on a suitable reader effectively results in an apparatus that can implement the steps of the described methods.

The exemplary embodiments may also be implemented as hardware modules. A module is a functional hardware unit designed for use with other components or modules. For example, a module may be implemented using digital or discrete electronic components, or it can form a portion of an entire electronic circuit such as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). A person skilled in the art will understand that the exemplary embodiments can also be implemented as a combination of hardware and software modules.

Additionally, when describing some embodiments, the disclosure may have disclosed a method and/or process as a particular sequence of steps. However, unless otherwise required, it will be appreciated the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps disclosed. Other sequences of steps may be possible. The particular order of the steps disclosed herein should not be construed as undue limitations. Unless otherwise required, a method and/or process disclosed herein should not be limited to the steps being carried out in the order written. The sequence of steps may be varied and still remain within the scope of the disclosure.

Further, in the description herein, the word “substantially” whenever used is understood to include, but not restricted to, "entirely" or “completely” and the like. In addition, terms such as "comprising", "comprise", and the like whenever used, are intended to be non restricting descriptive language in that they broadly include elements/components recited after such terms, in addition to other components not explicitly recited. For an example, when “comprising” is used, reference to a “one” feature is also intended to be a reference to “at least one” of that feature. Terms such as “consisting”, “consist”, and the like, may, in the appropriate context, be considered as a subset of terms such as "comprising", "comprise", and the like. Therefore, in embodiments disclosed herein using the terms such as "comprising", "comprise", and the like, it will be appreciated that these embodiments provide teaching for corresponding embodiments using terms such as “consisting”, “consist”, and the like. Further, terms such as "about", "approximately" and the like whenever used, typically means a reasonable variation, for example a variation of +/- 5% of the disclosed value, or a variance of 4% of the disclosed value, or a variance of 3% of the disclosed value, a variance of 2% of the disclosed value or a variance of 1% of the disclosed value.

Furthermore, in the description herein, certain values may be disclosed in a range. The values showing the end points of a range are intended to illustrate a preferred range. Whenever a range has been described, it is intended that the range covers and teaches all possible sub-ranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. That is, the end points of a range should not be interpreted as inflexible limitations. For example, a description of a range of 1% to 5% is intended to have specifically disclosed sub-ranges 1% to 2%, 1% to 3%, 1% to 4%, 2% to 3% etc., as well as individually, values within that range such as 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5%. The intention of the above specific disclosure is applicable to any depth/breadth of a range.

In the exemplary embodiments, the example implementations illustrate game processes relating to a reel-spin game, a card game and a wheel-spin game. However, it will be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments are not limited as such and may be applicable to all other game types, such as jackpot games etc.

In the exemplary embodiments, the example implementations use game symbols as indicia. However, it will be appreciated that indicia is/are not limited to game symbols. For example, other indicia such as flashing lights or audio may also be possible.

In the exemplary embodiments, each award information associated with each indicia may be stored in a same database as the plurality of indicia. However, in other exemplary embodiments, the each award information associated with each indicia may be stored in a different database as the plurality of indicia.

In the exemplary embodiments, the plurality of indicia may preferably be two indicia. However, in other exemplary embodiments, any other number of indicia may also be provided for the plurality of indicia.

In the exemplary embodiments, the single-instance computation process to compute the player award may be based on a multiplication operation of the directly retrieved award information and the player input. However, it will be appreciated that instead of a multiplication operation, other forms of operations may be possible as long as there is a mathematical manipulation of the award information with the player input.

In the exemplary embodiments, the award information comprise information relating to providing awards to players. That is, although it is described that award information may primarily relate to odds value information, award value etc., award information may also comprise other information. In the exemplary embodiments, the single-instance computation process to compute the player award is taken to mean that there is no further step of mixing information other than information relating to the single selected indicia, and there is no further mathematical computation etc. after the one step of computing a player award using a directly retrieved award information (for example, one step of multiplication only without further computation steps).

In the exemplary embodiments, the terms “game” and “process” such as a game and a game process may be used interchangeably. It is appreciated that a game process is broader and comprises a game. A game process may comprise other elements such as displaying of different animation, awarding of game credits or game points or both, outputting of audio etc. In many instances, however, references to a game and a game process may be the same. For example, references to a game output result of a game and a game output result of a game process may be the same.

In the exemplary embodiments, game credits, game points or a combination of both game credits and game points may be awarded from a game output result. It will be appreciated that an award of game credits may be termed a game credits win value and an award of game points may be termed a game points win value.

In the described exemplary embodiments, the terms “meter” and “database” are used interchangeably. The various functions of the respective meters/database should be interpreted as they are described. For example, a credits database may contain credits converted from a game points database as well as a player’s deposit of credits. For example, a game points database may contain game points win values of game output results from a game.

It will be appreciated that the gaming apparatus/machine described in the exemplary embodiments are not limited to the forms as illustrated in the description. The exemplary embodiments may also be implemented with gaming machines such as slot machines or electronic gaming machines (EGMs). Furthermore, it will be appreciated that in the exemplary embodiments, the accumulated value in the credits database, the game points database or both may be used to redeem non-credit and non-monetary prizes for a player. In addition, in the exemplary embodiments, the accumulated value in the credits database may be returned to the player or player account and may be used to play future games. However, in some exemplary embodiments, such credits of the player account may not be able to be exchanged into cash, money or credits. That is, such exemplary embodiments may be implemented for non-gambling purposes.

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that other variations and/or modifications may be made to the specific embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as broadly described. For example, in the description herein, features of different exemplary embodiments may be mixed, combined, interchanged, incorporated, adopted, modified, included etc. or the like across different exemplary embodiments. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive.