Wms Gaming, Inc.

Brandon C Estes

Peter R Anderson

Shridhar P Joshi

William Hoefferle

Christian P Gyrling

Michael W Mastropietro

Eric Michael Pryzby

A gaming machine includes manufacturer-limited parameter values or parameter value combinations selectable by an operator during gaming machine set-up. The parameter values preferably include different maximum pay lines associated with different denominations and are limited to those which have been determined by the manufacturer to provide optimum game play. The different maximum pay lines may be associated with different math models having substantially the same payback percentage values. Subsequent operator selection of the parameter values during gaming machine setup allows the gaming machine having a single game theme or a gaming machine having multiple game themes to be configured with different maximum pay lines for each single game theme. Thus, the player can play a single theme wagering game with a first maximum pay line value and with a second maximum pay line value where the second maximum pay line value differs from the first maximum pay line value.

Gaming machine having manufacturer-limited gaming parameter values selectable by an operator during gaming machine set-up

The invention provides a gaming machine having manufacturer-limited parameter values or parameter value combinations selectable by an operator during gaming machine set-up. The parameter values preferably include different maximum pay lines associated with different denominations and are limited to those which have been determined by the manufacturer to provide optimum game play. The different maximum pay lines may be associated with different math models having substantially the same payback percentage values. Subsequent operator selection of the parameter values during gaming machine therefore setup allows the gaming machine having a single game theme or a gaming machine having multiple game themes to be configured with different maximum pay lines for each single game theme. As a result, the player can play a single theme wagering game with a first maximum pay line value and with a second maximum pay line value where the second maximum pay line value differs from the first maximum pay line value.

A chance game feature for a gaming machine is controlled by a processor in response to a wager. The feature comprises a matrix, a plurality of moving targets, and an object. The matrix defines an entrance end, an exit end, and a plurality of paths extending between the entrance end and the exit end. The moving targets are proximate the exit end. The object traverses one of the paths and is received by one of the targets. The receiving target is randomly selected from among the plurality of targets prior to the object traversing the one of the paths. A position of the receiving target when the object reaches the exit end is calculated, and one of the paths that lead to the position of the receiving target is randomly selected. A payout is awarded based on the receiving target.

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Chicago, IL, United States of America

Brandon C Estes